1 From: M 0
Sent: Friday, March 28, 2025 1:28 PM
To: Web-City Clerk
Subject: Access Central Coast Funding Case
*** EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please use caution when opening links or attachments.*** Mia P. Lopez
Santa Maria, CA, 93454]
3/28/25
Dear Council,
My name is Mia Lopez, and I am a 23-year-old disabled woman who has faced immense challenges navigating essential services. I am writing to you today with deep urgency and conviction to emphasize the critical, life-saving role that Access Central Coast (ACC) plays in the lives of individuals like me.
Without this nonprofit, I—and many others—would not have the resources, guidance, or even the ability to advocate for our basic needs.
One of the most defining moments in my life was when I struggled to communicate with my psychiatrist while working on my disability case. Without ACC’s intervention, my psychiatrist would not have followed through on the necessary documentation for my Social Security case. Nicole Fleeman, my advocate at ACC, personally ensured that my case moved forward. Because of her, I was able to access the life-saving resources I so desperately needed.
ACC is not just a nonprofit; it is a lifeline. This organization bridges the communication gap between individuals with disabilities and the essential services they rely on—whether it be housing, medical care, dental care, mental health support, or even In-Home Support Services (IHSS). People like me, who struggle with processing disorders and autism, often face overwhelming barriers when trying to access
2 these services. Miscommunication can lead to delays or complete denials of support. But ACC steps in, acting as a mediator, ensuring that both individuals with disabilities and service providers can work together effectively.
Many do not realize how exhausting and overburdened public service workers are. These workers often do not have the time or resources to fully accommodate the specific needs of disabled individuals. ACC cuts through bureaucratic inefficiencies, providing transparency and efficiency in a way that no other organization has been able to do for me. Their work does not just support individuals like myself—it also alleviates the strain on public service systems, allowing them to function more smoothly and effectively.
The impact of ACC and Nicole Fleeman on my life is immeasurable. Without them, I would not be here today. They treated me as a human being, not just another case number. I cannot emphasize enough how rare this is. Too often, individuals with disabilities are overlooked, dismissed, or caught in a system that fails to accommodate their needs. ACC fills this gap in a way that no other organization does.
I urge you, on behalf of myself and countless others who rely on Access Central Coast, to ensure that this vital nonprofit continues to receive the support and funding it needs. Organizations like ACC are not optional; they are essential. Their work saves lives, empowers individuals, and creates lasting change.
Please, support ACC and allow them to continue making the world a better, more just place for those who need it most.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Mia Lopez