Prohibition Herb will be raising funds and awareness for SWCI during the month of May. The Southwest Center for Independence is an impactful and important resource for our community. To help them further their compassionate mission we are offering a variety of ways that our customers can help us support SWCI’s cause.

We will be offering a limited edition 1/8th of Super Sour Lemon for $38, with $2 from every 1/8th sold going directly to SWCI. We also have limited edition stickers for sale for $2 each, with all of the proceeds going directly to SWCI. There is also a donation jar for SWCI in our lobby where guests can choose to make a donation of any amount, large or small, any donation is appreciated! 

About SWCI: The Southwest Center for Independence is a non-profit organization in Durango that advocates for disability rights and empowers those with disabilities with resources and support so they may live an independent lifestyle. Southwest Center for Independence (SWCI) was established as a Center for Independent Living (CIL) in 1990 by the Independent Living Coordinator for the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and a small group of La Plata County residents with disabilities who were interested in the independent living movement. Southwest Center for Independence is an independent community-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We serve people with disabilities residing in Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan Counties in Southwest Colorado.
SWCI’s Mission: People with disabilities providing supports and training for the disability and elder communities to live well in southwest Colorado.
SWCI’s Vision: We envision a world where people with disabilities and those who are aging are respected and included members of their communities, making their own decisions, directing the supports and services they need to live well in the community, and giving back to the community from their strengths.
SWCI’s Philosophy:
The Independent Living (IL) philosophy is very different from the traditional rehabilitation model. The IL philosophy includes the core values discussed above. Its goals for individuals with disabilities are empowerment and self-determination. Its goals for communities are achieving equal access through reducing and removing barriers. The outcome we want is self-determination and full community participation for persons with all disabilities. The traditional, medical model focuses on what is wrong with the person with a disability, and making efforts to “fix what is broken.” In our philosophy, a person with a disability is someone identified as having one or more impairment(s) who has limited choices regarding participation in community life. These choices are limited because of community barriers, low expectations from ourselves and our communities, stigma, prejudice, and discrimination. Participation in community life includes getting an education, working, living independently, shopping, worshipping, using public transportation, and political activities. Societal barriers, not the disability itself, are the major reason many people with disabilities have problems living independently. Centers for Independent Living do not “rehabilitate” the person, but instead, focus on reducing and removing the barriers that limit our choices.