The Advocate of the first quarter of fiscal year 2004 is Ivah Villalobos. Ivah Villalobos has worked in several capacities within the Center. As a job coach she advocated for equal work opportunities for persons who have a diagnosis of mental illness. She educated prospective employers about the positive aspects of giving individuals with disabilities a chance to experience dignity and self esteem through work. In her current responsibility she works within the school systems to eliminate the stigma that often is attached to a child or adolescent who has special needs. Ivah speaks out on behalf of people who have a diagnosis of mental illness, mental retardation or substance dependence to change the community perception about those disorders and pave the way for positive integration and inclusion for people with disabilities in all aspects of community life. | 
