Joanne Farley has dedicated her life to giving hope and opportunity to the disabled members of her community. With unwavering commitment and her characteristic generosity, she developed an extensive network of services and integration projects, including the first special education class in the province for mentally disabled children. Founder and former director of West Island Citizen Advocacy, an organization that matches volunteer advocates with disabled persons, she also helped to establish residences for individuals with special needs. She has also served on several boards, including Friends for Mental Health and the West Island Council for Psychiatric Needs.