Sarah Ray never shied away from a challenge. She leaped at the opportunity to open her own business at the age of twenty-one. This was not an impulse; this was her drive. Sarah combined her drive with public service and created Sarah’s Foster Care, Inc. She dedicated her career and life advocating for individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health issues so they can live a successful and dignified life. Sarah weathered the many storms of business ownership. Clients’ lives can be difficult and can compound onto the normal business stresses. This has driven many people from the industry. Sarah remained steadfast. Sarah learned from her extended family’s business how to make payroll, stay afloat, and she excelled at day-to-day operations as she strove to work with customers. One aspect about her family was service. Their companies gave time and revenue back to the communities in which they operated. This is Sarah’s core value. As the business grew and skills were honed, Sarah had time to be more involved with the greater community. Thirteen years ago, she and one other founded Treasure Valley Mental Health Support Group. Sarah has sat on many boards dedicated to improving the community. A few of the board seats she held are: Malheur County Disabilities Board, Peer Wellness Addiction Recovery Board (former), active member of the Ontario Chamber, SEIU 503 Chief Steward for Adult Foster Homes where she was the Bargaining Delegate for the Adult Foster Homes (ADH) Contract negotiation , and serves on the CAPE Council. Legislation is key to shaping the future for Mental Health and Disabilities Communities. At 28, Sarah was instrumental in writing, lobbying and pushing a bill that supported the Developmental Disabilities Community through the Oregon Legislation. This strengthened the rights for individual choice in the services they can receive. Business, service, and social responsibility defined a life chosen, not by random circumstance, but by determination and grit. Sarah has the experience and diplomacy to advocate for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities ADH and workers who support them. Her goals are to negotiate better contracts, fight for provider rights, and advocate for individuals. She embodies the spirit of service we seek to follow. Sarah is the perfect fit to fill SEIU 503 Board role to safeguard dignity and basic human rights of individuals who reside in ADH and the people who care for them.