Community Resource Directory

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY

Hope for

Sharon Kowalski?

   Sharon Kowalski can "clearly and consistently communicate her needs and wishes. ..and understands the communications of others," according to physicians affiliated with the Miller-Dwan Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota. Kowalski was injured in an automobile accident in 1983; she has been confined to a nursing home since 1985, where she has not been allowed to see visitors of her choice, following a decision made by Donald Kowalski, her father and legal guardian.

   Karen Thompson, Kowalski's significant other, has been pursuing legal action for proper medical care for Kowalski and for the right to visit and help care for her. District Court judge Robert Campbell has stated that he will order Kowalski moved to the Miller-Dwan rehabilitation unit for intensive communication rehabilitation. Her visitation there will be determined by himself in consultation with the professionals working with Kowalski, based on Kowalski's own wishes. Thompson and her attorneys were elated about the contents of the medical evaluation. Thompson's book, Why Cant Sharon Kowalski Come Home?, published last Sept. offers documentaron that Kowalski wants to see Thompson and her other friends We too are elated by the evaluation and the judge's decision.

    The eviciton of Dignity groups from Roman Catholic churches across the United States continues, ostensibly as the consequence of the publication of a Vatican document in late 1986 that decfared homosexuality to be an "intrinsic" disorder. We appreciate that the Gabriel Richard Student Center continúes to offer Dignity Ann Arbor the use of its resources.   

   Voters in the Fifth Ward who would like to ascertain the stance of city council primary candidates Verna Spayth and Edward Surovell on lesbian and gay male concerns are urged to contact them. Spayth may be reached at 747-9365, Surovell at 761-6330. Please vote on Monday. February 20!

   Community Services include a Holline: crisis intervention, peer counseling, referral. Education: workshops and conferences on lesbian and gay male concerns, with an emphasis on how people in the "helping professions" and teaching professions" can work positively with lesbian and gay male clients, patients, students. Speakers Bureau: phone for information. Human & Civil Rights: information and referral to help people under discrimination because ot their actual or presumed sexual orientation or because of their presumed "cross-gender" characteristics; lobbying for human and civil rights. Gay Liberation, c/o 4117 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, Ml 48109, 763-4186; hotline: 662-1977.