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J.
Andy Leaf
received
his B.A. in Social Ecology from UC Irvine and his M.A. in Counseling
Psychology from Pepperdine University.
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| I have
been involved in, and have run my own, small-businesses all
my life. In 1996 I helped startup a nonprofit organization that
provided a variety of disability resources and small business
services for people with disabilities, The Seed Institute of
Southern California (see
article in "Why Aren't You Your Own Boss?" by Edwards with
Economy, Prima Publishing, March 03.) For the last seven years,
up until 2003, I worked with our consumers assisting them as
they started up or ran their own small enterprises. |
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| that
there was, and still is, a genuine need for such a one-stop
center that could provide accessible and reliable business resources,
disability resources and other support for entrepreneurs with
disabilities. I carry this same vision and commitment to our
new nonprofit organization, The SEED Business Network. I know
personally how important it is to have access to meaningful
employment. I have been a wheelchair user now for almost 40
years and transportation and health issues have kept me out
of traditional employment. |
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| I
have learned how to balance different areas of my life; nutritionally,
spiritually, mentally, behaviorally. This holistic approach
has allowed me to stay healthy and participate more fully in
my community. Unfortunately, opportunities for participating
in my work-community and access to disability resources were,
and continue to be, slim to none. For me, running a home-based
Micro-Enterprise was the answer for my employment dilemma. Earning
a profit or receiving a paycheck is not the only benefits for
you and your family! Being productive and having a purpose will
help you to feel better about yourself and your life." |
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