CRI in the Community
By Julie Caldwell & Rob Kucur
This Tuesday, December 10th, Community Resources for Independence (CRI), located at 3410 W. 12th 
Street will host an event that will showcase the talents and creativity of members of our community.
Community Resources for Independence is a community based, non-residential, non-profit organization that provides services to individuals with disabilities in order to maximize their independence and the accessibility of the communities in which they live. CRI is one of more than 500 federally funded Centers for Independent Living across the nation established by people with disabilities for people with disabilities.
Tomorrow afternoon’s event will kick off at 2pm and run through 4pm and will feature businesses, agencies and other organizations that serve the needs of our local disabled and senior community, along with featured speakers that will include local playwright and director Rob Kocur.
In addition, the event will also offer attendees a book signing by Kocur for his recent autobiography, “The Long Journey Home.” The hardback details a story involving childhood abuse, a life-changing injury, the adjustment to it, and the accomplishments after finally breaking free from his abusive environment. It is a tale concerning faith and forgiveness, and though inspirational, will probably never be seen on the Hallmark Channel.
Kocur graduated from Edinboro U. in 1985 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and in 1987 with a Master’s degree in Rehab Counseling. He was twice nominated for the Rhodes Scholarship, and was a member of two Paralympic teams for the sport of table tennis (’88 in Seoul and ’92 in Barcelona). He ran the United We Stand Theater Troupe for ten years, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing awareness to the talents of performers with disabilities. Kocur lives in Erie with his wife Julie, and his four-legged son, Cujo.
Over the course of his artistic career Kocur has created, produced, and directed numerous theatrical productions, that has earned him not only the admiration and respect of theatergoers and the local arts community, but of his peers as well.
This event is private and by invitation only, more information including details on attending can be learned by calling CRI at 1-800-530-5541.
