ADAPT // AFSCME Locals 2858, 2806, 3506 // IMPRUVE
Retirees Chapter 161 // Northside Action for Justice (NA4J)
Progress Center for Independent Living
Southside Together Organizing for Power (STOP)
Mary Matthews
Poem dedicated to Mary Matthews by Mak McLaurin:
"About Mary"
There is something about Mary
That made facing tough
Situations less scary
My favorite of the gospels is Matthew
Mary had the fire of the Holy spirit too
And quite a knack for tech
There is something about Mary
Likened to the marriage of compassion, morality, brains, beauty, and intellect,
Nonetheless,
I'm still on the run from harm, retaliation, abuse
and disrespect
So Mary, don't you weep
We're not done yet
No time for the meek to sleep
Whilst evil goes unchecked
We may be disabled
But we ain't dead yet
Verily, Verily rest in peace
All Hail!
I.R.R.C.
Mary Matthews, a beloved leader of the IRRC and the Alliance Community Services sadly passed away in 2025. We miss her dearly, and will always remember her infectious humor and dedication to helping others.
Interested in joining our campaign?
BACKGROUND
Illinois is failing people with disabilities and seniors that need long-term care (LTC).
As America ages, and more of us will be living with disability, a growing network of consumer and union advocates wants Illinois to be a national leader in Humanizing Long Term Care. People with disabilities and seniors deserve dignity in facilities - including freedom to speak up about violations without fear of retaliation, and viable options to receive quality care in the community via home and community-based services rather than segregated institutions Owners of for-profit nursing homes spend millions lobbying to increase their profits while silencing residents that speak up about abuse, avoiding accountability, and understaffing.
Contact: info@allianceforcommunityservices.org
These owners already have a moral and legal obligation, in accepting huge Medicaid & Medicare payments, to ensure proper care, follow the rules, train, and supervise employees. The owners determine what is acceptable and what is not in their facilities. They should be held accountable as well. Profit-driven owners of for-profit nursing facilities are spending heavily to evade responsibility for the harms done in their institutions. They want the Illinois Senate to allow them to continue avoiding accountability for illegal retaliation. People with disabilities and seniors deserve the freedom to speak up without fear. This freedom is essential for dignity and community integration in long-term care facilities.
Senator Lakesia Collins, a former nursing home worker, and 16 co-sponsors proposed commonsense legislation (SB 3559) to protect senior citizens and people with disabilities in nursing home facilities. This policy mirrors long-standing workable housing laws that prevent landlords from retaliating against tenants.
The only opponents? People that own and operate facilities for profit.
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Alliance For Community Services