"Choose the Pond"

A message from Cindy Bentley:
The video about my life is a gift to….
​
● People with disabilities whose voices are not being heard.

● People who are in institutions.

● People using home and community-based services.

● Children with disabilities and their families as a way to protect their future opportunities.

● People First members who are always my first priority.

● The people I love.
Love,
Cindy

Congratulations

On May 31st, a celebration was held at the Wisconsin African American Women's Center in Milwaukee. Cindy was honored with a surprise video from Governor Tony Evers and a visit by State Representative Darrin Madison, who presented her with a Citation from The Wisconsin Assembly. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson proclaimed Friday May 31, 2024 as "Cindy Bentley Day."

Photos courtesy of Daniel Ford

A Tribute to a Great Advocate

"The disability advocacy community celebrates Cindy Bentley and her wonderful achievements over the last 40 years of living in the community. For those that don't know, Cindy lived the beginning part of her life at Southern Wisconsin Center (a state run institution), and moved out into her community 40 years ago! Cindy is the executive director of People First Wisconsin, a mentor to many across the state, and a great friend of mine. She's impacted so many great lives over the last 40 years, and proven to many that it's possible for people with disabilities to live independently in their communities and accomplish so many things. She lives in her own apartment and is on so many boards across the state. Cindy had people who told her she couldn't do things, and proved them wrong time and time again and has been a shining example for thousands of advocates, and continues to be. Don't let people set expectations for you, or tell you what you can and can't do. It will only hold you back. Can you imagine if Cindy had listened when people at the institution had told her she would never amount to anything? She wouldn't have accomplished so many great things in advocacy or got the chance to go to the advocacy or advocate at the state and national level." Written by Sydney Badeau, Outreach Advocate

Click here for a link to a Tribute Video.

Click here for a video of highlights from Cindy's celebration.