Mosaic in Denver August 2016 Newsletter

messenger august 2016

a publication of Mosaic in Denver | www.mosaicindenver.org

Caring Community COMMUNITY CHAMPION by Stephanie Webb, Community Relations Manager At Mosaic in Denver we have a special and also has her own CPA business, category of people. People who reach Sterling CPA Services www.facebook. out every day and change the lives of com/sterlingcpaservices, just voted the people supported by Mosaic. Staff Best of the Best 2016. Mike is the you say? Yes, they do, but these people owner of Sterling Home Inspections are called Community Champions. www.facebook.com/yoursterlinghome The definition or duty of a and Sterling Home Construction Community Champion at Mosaic is: a Services, Inc. www.facebook.com/ person or group who assists in the SterlingConstructionServicesInc. They mission of “Embracing God’s call to have been supporters of Mosaic in serve in the world…” A Community Denver for more than three years.

Champion is willing to bring us into They attend many of our events and their surrounding world and create enjoy spending time with the people possibilities for those supported by we support.

Mosaic. Every Community On June 4, Sara and Mike invited Champion’s role is different. Let me Martin and Elmer, both supported by tell you about two of our amazing Mosaic, to join them for a special day.

Community Champions and just one Sara and Mike live in Elizabeth, of the opportunities offered to two of Colorado, and have a passion for the guys we support. horses. It just so happens that Elmer and Martin do too. We met at their Sara and Mike White are a wonderful property in Elizabeth and met their couple who lead very busy lives. Sara horses, Frosty, Ruby, and Hickory. works full time for a financial group

Elmer was ecstatic. Martin was a little unsure at first, but with the help of Mike and Sara, they both spent an enjoyable amount of time feeding and petting them.

After a while Martin insisted we check out Sara’s car. Martin is a car enthusiast. Sara has a Mini Cooper. Martin laughed and laughed as he tried to fit into Sara’s Mini Cooper. By the way, did I mention it was a convertible? So Sara let Martin open the top. Big smiles and huge laughs followed.

Soon after, we headed to Elizabeth for the Elizabeth Day’s festivities and rodeo. Thanks to Sara and Mike, this event was free for the guys. They took time to hit some vendors, enjoy an amazing time in the firetrucks (phenomenal group of firefighters in Elizabeth), and then went to see the bull roping, horseracing, clown entertainment and the rodeo.

It was a hot day, but the day was very exciting, memorable, and fun! Thank you Sara and Mike for opening up a day in your life with these amazing guys. Sara and Mike you make a difference in the lives of those we support. Thank you!

Sara White and Elmer

If you would like to become a Community Champion and share your surrounding world with a person supported by Mosaic in Denver or learn more about other opportunities, call Stephanie Webb, Community Relations Manager, at 303.369.9711, x16.

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Giving a Voice PERSONAL OUTCOME MEASURES by Kathryn Ireland, ICPM “Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals, and charge after them in an unstoppable manner.”

- Les Brown Here at Mosaic, a critical part of our individualized approach to support is the Personal Outcome Measure®, or POM for short.

This refers both to the annual interview conducted with each client prior to their service plan meeting as well as the product of those interviews. We use these extensive interviews as a catalyst to find out the hopes, dreams and goals that the people we serve want to pursue over the coming year (and often beyond). In order to truly create that meaningful life for people, having a goal that means something is critical, no matter how big or small it may seem.

In pursuit of these goals, Mosaic has helped people to attain new skills, travel the world and even go to college; all for the betterment of self, for the betterment of all. Having moved from the direct support role into a management role, I have seen the importance of these Personal Outcome Measures® and also understand the work that

goes into making them a reality.

Previously, in this newsletter, we have highlighted vacations that three of the individuals we serve have taken as the fruition of these POMs, but many times the goals people want to work on are learning new skills in order to navigate our community and enrich their lives.

in mind to re-teach Janelle the basics of sewing. When I brought Janelle and her sewing machine to Mary’s, Janelle was worried at first, but kind of like riding a bike, her confidence increased quickly. Mary helped Janelle sew a throw pillow case. By the time they were done, Janelle was beaming with pride.

It is well known at our agency that our long-time client, Janelle, enjoys arts at crafts. She is very artistic and her watercolor paintings line the hallway at our office. When Direct Support Coordinator Ramon Muniz and I completed Janelle’s POM interview early this year, a theme emerged.

Janelle used to sew with her grandmother when she was young and even though she had a sewing machine, she wanted to re-learn how to sew, in order to feel comfortable using her machine on her own. When Ramon and I brought this idea to her residential manager Melissa, we talked about trying to find sewing classes in the metro area that could be adaptive to accommodate Janelle’s needs. However, a much better solution came up.

It is always exciting to see the final product of goal attainment, but often the journey toward that end is equally important and fulfilling.

The mother of another person served, Mary Stiny, has been sewing for most of her life and understands the needs of our clients. When I brought the idea to her, Mary was very excited about it and immediately had several projects

Mosaic Messenger is published by Mosaic in Denver | 10651 E. Bethany Dr., Ste. 100 Aurora, CO 80014-2601 | 303.369.9711 | www.mosaicindenver.org Executive Director Community Relations Manager

stephen.shaughnessy@mosaicinfo.org stephanie.webb@mosaicinfo.org

Mission Embracing God’s call to serve in the world, Mosaic advocates for people with intellectual disabilities and provides opportunities for them to enjoy a full life.

Integrity at Mosaic If you have a concern, call our national Confidential Reporting Hotline at 800.443.4899, or email integrity@mosaicinfo.org

Donations Needed: Person and supplies to build three ramps Steam cleaner ($200) Donations for camp memberships ($500) per person Dresser and nightstand ($200) 1 SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) Lamps ($200 piece) 2 Twin Size Comforter/sheet set (guys) ($50) Full Size Comforter set (men) ($50) Toiletries Gift cards to local restaurants

Relationships Mosaic is an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of Lutheran Services in America.

Non-discrimination Mosaic will not discriminate in matters of employment or service delivery on the basis of race, creed, age, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status or veteran status.

To be added or removed from the mailing list or to receive information via email, please contact Mosaic at the address given. ©2016 Mosaic. All rights reserved. Mosaic is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

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Church Partners BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH by Stephanie Webb, Community Relations Manager Church Partners are priceless. We are very fortunate to have a wonderful relationship with five amazing churches in our community. In April, we were fortunate enough to have an introductory meeting with Brigette Weier, pastor of Faith Formation, and Tory Plucheck, Faith Formation Minister of Youth and Confirmation, from Bethany Lutheran church.

Brigette and Tory were so excited to learn more about Mosaic and discover how we could partner.

Joannie, Tory (Bethnay Lutheran), and Sheri

In June, we were invited to join the Bethany congregation for “Be the Blessing” day. This is a day where they give back to many in their community.

The congregation gathered early in the morning to give back. Mosaic in Denver and three of the ladies we support were more than happy to join them. We had the opportunity to write letters to our troops, create flower boxes, and design bags for Angel Heart. This was just a few of the projects they had going. The ladies supported by Mosaic quickly made friends and enjoyed a meaningful day.

We were invited back to join them as they celebrated the wonderful accomplishments a few weeks later. During services Pastor Gary Sandberg thanked us for joining them. We had a wonderful morning with a fantastic church champion who made us feel welcome and a part of their congregation. Over

donuts and coffee, we were invited to join them in August as the congregation takes in a Rockies game.

Now the exciting news: Bethany is partnering with other local churches to bring Rejoicing Spirits to Denver.

Rejoicing Spirits is a non-shush service where all are invited.

“Rejoicing Spirits is an innovative ministry that works to enrich the faith lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and friends and other supportive community members. They provide resources, support and coaching to help congregations include people with disabilities as active and valued members. Congregations partner with people with disabilities and their support systems to explore faith using the Rejoicing Spirits ministry model.” www.rejoicingspirits.org.

We are so excited to partner with Bethany Lutheran Church! We at Mosaic in Denver thank you for the invites, the support, and for our future partnership.

They represent true community.

Job openings Direct Support Associate - one full-time or two part-time Mosaic in Denver is seeking a passionate, caring individual to join our team. Looking for a job with meaning?

Work with us! We are a faith based, nonprofit agency that provides a full life to those with intellectual disabilities.

Must have flexible schedule. Apply at www.mosaicindenver.org. Location is Aurora.

Upcoming Events 2ND ANNUAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY BBQ August 6 11 a.m.–2 p.m Augustana Lutheran Church BIRTHDAYS Come one! Come all! Mosaic is buying the treats!

August 2 5–7 p.m.

Dairy Queen | 3701 North Tower Rd. September 8 5–7 p.m.

Milk & Cake | 6345 E Hampden Ave. Denver LADIES/GUYS NIGHT August 30 5–7:30 p.m.

To be announced September 27 5–7:30 p.m.

To be announced F.A.C.E.S. September 12 6–7:30 p.m.

Our Father Lutheran Church | 6335 S. Holly Street, Centennial

Renee at Be the Blessing with Bethany Lutheran

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Congratulations Congratulations to Ramon Muniz who was recently promoted to Direct Support Coordinator. Read the interview conducted by Miranda Mickelson to learn a few fun facts about our new Direct Support Coordinator.

M: You’re a new addition to the Crayola Crayon box. Which color would you be and why?

R: I would be clear. Because who wouldn’t want a clear crayon?

M: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

Ramon and Miranda

Miranda: How many years have you worked for Mosaic in Denver? And which positions have you held?

Ramon: 6 1/2 years. I was a Direct Support Associate for one year, and have been an Independent Contract Manager for over five.

M: How pumped are you about your new promotion?

R: All of the pumps. Every. Single.

Last. Pump.

M: When is your official start date?

R: May 22, 2016 M: If you could be any box of cereal, which would you be and why?

R: Fruity Pebbles! Because it is colorful, sweet and delicious!

M: What is one thing you are hoping to achieve with the new promotion?

R: I am hoping to help our agency grow in our Supported Living Services and Host Home sections. The more growth we have in the agency, the more supports we can provide to all of the persons served.

Side note Don’t forget if you or a friend is seeking your dream home, to contact Sean Cleary, 303.875.0311, at Keller Williams Realty Park Meadows office. At the close of your home, they will donate $300 to Mosaic in Denver. Just mention that Mosaic sent you and you, too, will be making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

R: Miranda and I definitely do what we can to keep the office environment light and fun. We are always singing and dancing, as well as creating Snapchat stories to send around the office. My funniest memories come from when we need to step away from a stressful situation, and make each other laugh.

M: Which Mosaic Core Value do you identify with the most?

R: Respect, because there is a song about it, and I am able to channel my inner Aretha.

M: What is one of your favorite memories while working at Mosaic in Denver?

R: The summer after graduating collage, I spent an entire summer working at the group home with the eight clients that lived there. That was where a majority of my client interaction occurred. Working with all eight of them, and getting to see where they are all at now makes me super happy. I am the manager for two of them, and it’s great knowing I am still a part of their lives.

M: If you were a newly emerging pop star, what would the title of your debut album be?

Have you included Mosaic in your estate planning?

There are ways to increase your income now or in the future and save money on taxes.

With a planned gift, you can also ensure that Mosaic’s mission of providing a life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities continues long into the future.

Contact Jaime Corsar at 877.366.7242 or jaime.corsar@mosaicinfo.org to discuss how planned giving can help you.

R: Inner Aretha Miranda, thank you so much for assisting us in learning more about Ramon!

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Welcome to Our Newest Employees

by Melissa Durkop, Direct Support Manager

Mosaic in Denver would like to welcome two new staff members. The first is no stranger to Mosaic in Denver. Ana Sanchez, parent of a

Stephanie Webb, Ana Sanchez and Vanessa

person served, has been a part of our team in some way or another for more than years. Initially joining Denver’s sustainable fundraising team as a parent volunteer, Ana has shared and continues to share her and her family’s journey through services. Ana also chose to complete her college internship hours with our agency and worked closely with members of management on a variety of projects.

Ana has recently decided to become a family caregiver for her daughter

Vanessa, assisting her with varying programs and bringing her firsthand knowledge to the forefront.

Elizabeth Finnesgard is our second new employee to join the team.

Elizabeth was handpicked by a CES parent, Sherrie, to work with her son.

Elizabeth was his elementary school teacher for several years and did such an amazing job that Sherrie could think of no one better. Elizabeth brings years of knowledge and experience with her and has an amazingly cool, calm affect that helps her deal with the tough situations. We are so excited to have Elizabeth on our team and look forward to learning from her.

Save the Date DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL WEEK September 11–17 Join us in thanking our Direct Support Professionals & Host Home Providers for their dedication to the people we support!

MOSAIC’S PARTNERS IN POSSIBILITIES FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON October 18 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Join us for a Discover the Possibilities and learn more about our mission and services. Join us for this one-hour virtual tour and learn how you can make a difference too.

Thursday, August 11, 6–7 p.m.

Mosaic Office 10651 E Bethany Dr. Suite 100 | Aurora Elizabeth Finnesgard

Anniversaries

Tuesday, September 13 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Augustana Lutheran Church 5000 E Alameda Ave | Denver Thursday, October 13, 6–7 p.m.

Mosaic Office 10651 E Bethany Dr. Suite 100 | Aurora Please RSVP to Stephanie.Webb@ Mosaicinfo.org or at 303-369-9711, x16

Kathryn Ireland, ICPM, 2 years

Ben Rainbow, DSA, 1 year September

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Meaningful Life A FISH TALE by Dave Yoder, Direct Support Associate Let’s get one thing straight right away: I do not like fishing. It has never been one of my top 50 favorite things to do. Colorado is a wonderful place and full of great outdoor things to do.

Call me the fishing Grinch if you will, but handling slimy fish and stinky bait, and getting your fingers stabbed with hooks hasn’t been a favorite way to enjoy the outdoors for me.

Mikey

That being said, many of the people I serve love fishing. When I even mention it, they get so excited and keep reminding me of when we are going to go. So the fishing Grinch goes fishing.

When we go there is an abundance of smiles. Generally we have two to three guys on a trip. This provides a great opportunity for the guys to socialize and get to know each other. Seeing David help Martin with his bait, or Gary talking with another fisherman, or just sitting and chatting with Mikey makes each trip worth getting stuck with a hook.

I have been going fishing with clients for three summers now. But, at the beginning of this year, I discovered that several of them did not have poles and only one had a tackle box with all the stuff you need to go fishing. With the help of employee campaign funds, we were able to put together a tackle box and some poles for them to use. Mark helped shop for the tackle box. David helped put it together. Gary and Mikey picked out two poles. Thank you Mosaic in Denver employees.

The office has also purchased a state parks pass and it has been used more than a dozen times since March. Let’s face it, Colorado offers some of the most amazing opportunities for outdoor activity. You don’t even have to go far.

Denver has four state parks with reservoirs within 40 minutes and two others with trails. Getting out into the wilderness for just a little bit is something just about everyone we work with enjoys. Sitting on the shore of a lake watching the water birds and enjoying the sunshine can even make it worth putting your hand into a jar of garlic scented salmon eggs (which don’t smell like garlic at all).

Only two had fishing licenses. The state of Colorado has a lifetime, free fishing license for people with disabilities. All of the guys have their license now. The great thing about this is these are good for life. Way to go, Colorado.

The guys, and so far it has all been guys, that I work with all have different abilities and ability levels. Some can bait and cast just fine. Others have difficulty with one or both. None of them like taking the fish off the hook. So I have discovered having three guys on a trip keeps me pretty busy. Busy is good. I have had times where two fish have been hooked at the same time. A quiet

little pond can get rather noisy at times like that. Seeing the look on Martin’s face as he holds the fish he just caught is a look of pure joy that makes me happy to take the slimy fish off the hook for him.

One day last month I took Mark and David to a wonderful place called Wilderness on Wheels. This is a privately owned property situated on a stream near the top of Kanosha pass with camping sites, a stocked pond and two hiking trails, all wheel chair accessible. It is a beautiful and peaceful place. But when Mark took his pole and made a perfect cast, landing his bait in just the right spot, his shouts of “I did it!

I did it!” echoed through the valley. His smile and utter joy made this Grinch’s

Gary

heart grow three times that day. Maybe fishing isn’t so bad.

Last week Mark, David and I went to Georgetown Lake. The sun was bright.

The ever-present Georgetown breeze was light and refreshing. The view was spectacular. We did not get a single nibble. That is why it is called fishing and not catching. The guys chatted.

The guys laughed. It was a good day. It made me understand why they love fishing. I think maybe, just maybe, I could learn to love it too.

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Welcome to our newest Host Home Provider

by Ramon Muniz, Direct Support Coordinator

We all know working in nonprofit can be difficult, but once in a while we are granted a blessing beyond comparison.

The blessing I am referring to is one of our newest host home providers at Mosaic in Denver, Maryanne Hutton.

Maryanne brought us a vibrant new client with a young spirit and knack for jewelry design, but that isn’t all Maryanne has done. Just ten days after starting her initial contract, Maryanne wowed a new team at her first Mosaic meet-and-greet with her skills and charm, which led to a new client for her and Mosaic. Maryanne has put in countless hours to catch up on medical appointments, team meetings, and working out plans with the team to

support her ladies all while in the middle of buying a home and caring for her two sons. She is either a juggling master or a super hero!

Maryanne has also made time to attend our recruitment and retention meetings, offering input and a new point of view for the blooming team.

Maryanne has been a dream come true and working with her has been a pleasure. I am so happy to welcome her to our growing family and feel privileged to thank her for all she has done.

Mosaic respected my choices. They believed, like my mom, that I could do anything I wanted to. Mosaic helped me realize my dreams of working with children and quickly guided me in that direction. With their support, and coaching, I applied for a position working with children at a day care. I got the job!

During this time I was also attending college, yes, college, to get my Early Childhood Education degree. Mosaic’s staff helped me each week to do my homework and pass my classes. Last May I graduated with two certificates. One is in toddler and infant group leader. The other is in early childhood education.

out of the hospital she worked closely with Mosaic, and their lawyer, to assure if something did happen to her, that my siblings could step in. My sister Ana and my brother Jorge have agreed to help me.

Mosaic has been there for me and my family. Mosaic is part of my family now.

Maryanne Hutton

Vanessa’s story On April 20, 2016, Mosaic in Denver was invited to share our stories with the Aurora Rotary Club. Vanessa Luna, a person served by Mosaic, and her mother Ana Sanchez, jumped at the chance. Here is Vanessa’s story: “Hi, my name is Vanessa Luna. I am 31 years old. I receive services from Mosaic in Denver.

When I was 4 years old I was diagnosed with mild mental retardation. The doctors told my mom that I would never be able to read or write past the secondgrade level. They even told my mom to give me up to the state. My mom refused.

I was put on the waiting list for services. I remained on that waiting list for over 20 years. My mom had to care for me with no assistance from anyone. I love my mom. I could not imagine my life without her.

Almost two years ago, my life changed. I began receiving services from Mosaic.

My confidence was growing so fast. I felt like I could take on the world, so I did. I applied at Denver Public Schools to work in their morning program. I got that job too! With everything going so good, it was awful when my mom had a huge health scare. We spent days in the hospital with her. But Mosaic was there for me.

They helped show me how to pay my bills and they supported me emotionally. They are there for me 24/7. When my mom got

I still have dreams. I want to be more independent. I dream to live on my own.

I dream to have a family someday!

My favorite thing about Mosaic and their staff is they don’t treat me as Vanessa with a disability but just as Vanessa.”

Each time they are asked to share their story, they say yes. Thank you to Ana and Vanessa for always being available to share their story to assist Mosaic in Denver in sharing ours. They are true piece of our caring community at Mosaic. Thank you to the Aurora Rotary Club for allowing us to share.

If you would like to have us share our stories with your civic organization, church, or other group, contact Stephanie.Webb@Mosaicinfo.org or call at 303.369.9711 x16.

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10651 E. Bethany Dr., Ste. 100 Aurora, CO 80014-2601

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A life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Caring Community HABITAT FOR HUMANITY “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

H for H Melissa Durkop, DSM, AMY Habitat for Humanity Coach, Crystal Wiley, Office Manager, Miranda Mickelson, ICM

On March 17, the entire Mosaic in Denver agency leadership team took time out from our busy schedules to participate in Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat for Humanity or simply Habitat, is an international, nongovernmental, and nonprofit organization, which was founded in 1976. Habitat has been devoted to

building “simple, decent, and affordable” housing. The mission statement of Habitat for Humanity is “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.”

The purpose of this service project was twofold. First, as a team, we wanted to opportunity to give back to our community who gives us and those we serve so much. Secondly, any opportunity to take time away from the office to build relationships and strengthen our team is an opportunity worth taking. Despite a cold and snowy spring day, the Mosaic team was undaunted. Clad in green, for St. Patrick’s Day, we bundled up and put on our hard hats and protective eyewear and went to work! Alongside

some wonderful Habitat staff, Amy, Jose and Gabriel, we moved bags of concrete, loaded scaffolding on trucks, prepped for painting, painted and painted more. Our team assisted Habitat on three different homes on one site in a Denver neighborhood.

Overall, the experience was not only fun but also rewarding for the Mosaic team. It was hard and sometimes dirty work, but the satisfaction of doing it as a team in our community for the cause of Habitat made it all worthwhile.

Stephanie Webb, Community Relations Manager, said “I enjoyed watching the excitement and energy of our team during the day.” Stephanie also said her favorite moment of the day was “listening to Kate and Stephen sing while working in one of the houses.”

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