16 denco feb newsletter

messenger winter 2016

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

Caring Community A LOT MORE THAN VOLUNTEERS by Stephen Shaughnessy Mosaic in Denver is so blessed to have wonderful friends and great volunteers.

This month, we would like to recognize Gregg and Pam Wilson.

Gregg and Pam have a long history with Mosaic in Denver. Gregg started working for Mosaic in 2000. After moving on to new opportunities, Gregg knew he could not leave one

“Mosaic cares about the people they serve.” special man, Jimmie. Gregg became his Authorized Representative. His passion for Mosaic and Jimmie did not end there, Gregg and his wife Pam became so much more to Jimmie.

They were a family.

Jimmie passed away in October, 2014.

It was very hard on Gregg and Pam. They remain very close to all Jimmie’s

friends who are served by Mosaic. We thank them for their dear friendship, support, and especially for the fun opportunities they bring to those we serve.

On December 8, 2015, Mosaic staff, volunteers and people in service were treated to a wonderful and spirited Christmas party hosted by our friends and community partners, Gregg and Pam Wilson. The festivities included, food, music, Christmas cookie creations and of course lots of laughter and conversation. Mosaic in Denver works hard to foster connections like this with our friends and community partners. We support people in service to build mutual relationships and be participating members of their community.

Gregg and Pam Wilson wholeheartedly embrace this value and have

provided friendship and community connections to many of the individuals in service for years. When asked about the event and why Mosaic is important to him and Pam, Gregg said this, “We had a great time hosting the Christmas cookie event. Over the years, we have made many friends who receive services from Mosaic, and we could not think of a better way to spend part of our holiday season than making cookies with our friends. It was great to spend time with such happy people at such a great event. We love the fact that Mosaic has many activities that occur outside of regular business or program hours, and it shows that Mosaic cares about the people they serve. We believe that Mosaic is doing great work in our community, and we are very honored to be able to help. Mosaic makes people happy, and it showed on the faces of all who attended the event.”

It was definitely a great way to kick off the holiday season at Mosaic and got people excited about Christmas.

Thank-you to everyone who attended and helped make this event possible and especially to Gregg and Pam for hosting!

If you would like to volunteer with Mosaic in Denver and the people we serve, or have an idea for a volunteer opportunity, contact Stephanie Webb at stephanie.webb@mosaicinfo.org or 303.369.9711 x16.

Gregg, Pam and Jimmy

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Anniversaries

Job Openings

Connect with Mosaic in Denver!

Direct Support Associate Needed

mosaicindenver.org

Full time or Part Time position 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.

mosaicinfo.org/blog donate.mosaicinfo.org/denver facebook.com/mosaicindenver twitter.com/mosaicpossible

Sherry Vigil, Direct Support Associate, 2 years

Donations Needed

Upcoming Trainings

FACES

Mosaic | 10651 E. Bethany Dr. Ste. 100 Aurora, CO

Join us for our Monthly FACES event for an evening of fun, food, and bible study activities.

MANDT 1 March 23 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

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

Steam Cleaner ($200) Donations for Camp Memberships ($500) per person Dresser and Night stand ($200) 3 SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) Lamps ($200 piece)

MANDT 2 April 6 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 | 6–7:30 p.m.

CPR/FA To be announced

February Birthdays Celebration

Toiletries

Come one! Come all! Mosaic is buying the treats!

Tuxes (all sizes)

Dairy Queen | 3701 Tower Rd | Aurora

Food

Feb. 16 | 5–7 p.m.

Decorations

Registration is required, call Crystal Wiley at 303.369.9711.

March 14 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Twin Comforter/sheet set (guys) ($50) Full Size Comforter set (ladies) ($50) Gift Cards to Local Restaurants Prom Dresses (all sizes) Sponsors for Summer Prom (July)

Site

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 Resource Development Manager

stephen.shaughness@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

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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Nurses Knowledge TRAUMA AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES by Sarah Henrich, Registered Nurse Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event. A traumatic event causes physical, emotional, or psychological distress or harm; it causes a moderate to severe stress reaction.

Traumatic events cause people to feel horror or helplessness; they take away a person’s feeling of safety and control.

Sexual abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse, neglect, natural or man-made disasters, catastrophic illness, loss of a loved one, humiliation, name-calling, bullying, moving to a new home, or having a significant change at home are all examples of trauma.

Trauma is a major concern when caring for someone with a developmental disability. People with developmental disabilities are more likely to be victimized or abused than the general population. Abuse against someone with a developmental disability is also far less likely to be reported and so, most of the time, no one is aware of someone’s history of abuse.

Someone with a developmental disability is also more likely to have “everyday” stresses or losses build up and become traumatic. These “everyday” stresses or losses include feeling different, not being accepted, not being able to do what others do, not being listened to, being misunderstood, failing at a task, or getting confused and overwhelmed.

How can caregivers help?

Treat everyone as if safety and control are important to them.

Many, probably most people, have experienced some form of trauma in life. Even if an individual’s history is unknown, it makes sense to treat

everyone as if a trauma may have occurred. Caregivers should always make sure an individual feels safe and in control of his or her own life.

Helping an individual feel safe may mean changing the environment (leaving a light on at night or allowing the individual to sit near a door), or helping the individual figure out what soothes them (music, a blanket, an activity, being near staff). To help an individual feel in control of his or her life, give choices. Make decisions together rather than for the individual.

Promote independence. Helping someone feel safe and in control of their own life helps someone with a past trauma, and will not hurt anyone who does not have a history of trauma.

Know the symptoms of trauma.

People with developmental disabilities generally show the same symptoms of trauma as the general population.

Common signs of trauma include: Hypervigilance: Easily startled Irritability Difficulty concentrating Difficulty relaxing Difficulty falling or staying asleep Needing to be near or in sight of exits; agitation if exits are blocked Constriction: Avoids activities, places, people, or things to keep from being reminded Can’t remember important parts of trauma Loss of interest in significant activities Feeling detached from others Narrow range of emotions; numbness Lack of a sense of future Intrusion: Flashbacks Nightmares Disturbing images/thoughts/fantasies

Physical response to internal or external triggers (sweating, shaking, lashing out, etc.)

People with developmental disabilities may show additional signs of trauma, including: Physical signs: Eating more or less than usual Sleeping more or less than usual Low energy Chronic, unexplained pain Emotional signs: Random crying; despair; hopelessness Anxiety Panic attacks Fearfulness Compulsive and obsessive behaviors Feeling out of control Irritability; anger; resentment Withdraw from normal routine/ relationships Cognitive signs: Memory lapses Difficulty making decisions Easily distracted ADHD symptoms (restlessness; agitation) Pay attention to changes.

Many people with developmental disabilities may not be able to verbalize what is bothering them.

It is especially important for caregivers to be aware of an individual’s normal behavior pattern so they can identify when something changes. An individual who normally dresses and toilets independently suddenly wearing soiled clothing and having episodes of incontinence is concerning. Caregivers should be vigilant of non-verbal signals of distress and anxiety. Non-verbal distress may be a sign of many problems, including trauma.

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Partners in Possibilities NINETEEN YEARS OF CHRISTMASES by Stephanie Webb, Community Relations Manager Christmas is the favorite time of year for many of the people we serve.

Mosaic in Denver is so grateful for the amazing friends who provide stability,

Renee, Vanessa, and Chuntelle are Angels for Christmas

smiles, and Christmas to the people served by Mosaic. Our Father Lutheran Church has been hosting a Mosaic Christmas Party at their church for 19 years.

Not only do they host the party, they provide food and bring in Santa who has a gift for every person served by Mosaic in Denver.

The congregation can’t wait to choose

names each year. Sometimes there is even a race to get the same name as the previous year. For example, one of the men in service loves watches and The Dukes of Hazard, and his reaction is priceless each year when he opens his gift. So, it’s a race for the OFLC member to pick his name every year.

Mosaic in Denver would like to thank our amazing friends at Our Father Lutheran Church for the many blessings, smiles, and memories they bring to us each year. Christmas 2015 was no exception. Thank you!

Many of the guests in attendance agree their favorite part of the event is when Santa hands out gifts. Seeing the excitement as each name is called, reminds all of the joy of Christmas.

This year’s event was a little different.

It was held on a Monday evening. After food and fellowship with volunteers, and new friends, guests enjoyed a special version of the Nativity story created with the assistance of Pastor Boos. Many people in service volunteered to play various roles including Mary, Joseph, angels, and kings. The night was very special and brought smiles to the faces of all the people in attendance.

Pauline at the Christmas Party

Timothy (right) and his brother enjoying Christmas party.

People served by Mosaic participate in the Christmas play.

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Jeremiah enjoying the Christmas Party.

Nancy and Gail (volunteers) with their friend

Christmas Party,Renee and Nancy Mickelson

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.

Becky G (Volunteer) and Santa

A huge thank you to Tom and Sarah Henrich for closing on their new dream home with Keller Williams Lonetree Office. On Thursday, January 14th Sarah and Tom closed and on Friday the 15th-WHAM- a donation for $300 arrived! Thank you to Sean Cleary, and Tom & Sarah Henrich! Amazing Community friends.

Ana Sanchez and family enjoying Christmas party.

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Giving a Voice THE ROLE OF THE DIRECT SUPPORT ASSOCIATE by Kate Ireland, Direct Support Associate

When I’m asked what I do for a living, I am often caught between the long answer and the short answer. The shortest possible answer is in the title itself: Direct Support Associate. The longer answer is that we are actively working to provide the individuals in our care with the assistance, opportunity, and resources they need to live the lives they desire. A full life of possibilities.

What does that really mean, though?

For me, I feel tasked with carrying out the three tenants of Mosaic’s mission: Meaningful Life, Giving a Voice and Caring Community. Some days, my time with people in service is spent meal planning, making lists and going grocery shopping, so that they can continue to live on their own or learn the skills needed for them to attain that goal.

For one man I work with, being able to shave his face, unassisted was his chosen POM (Personal Outcome Measure), It was how he wanted to manifest a meaningful life. Through a little ingenuity and lot of patience, I was able to assist him in attaining this goal. To me, there is nothing quite so rewarding as watching an individual we serve meet a goal that once seemed

impossible—except, perhaps selfishly, knowing that I have played a part in that success.

In my relatively short time with Mosaic, I have been particularly blessed to have played witness and participant to this and other successes including teaching skills that helped one person in service to be more independent and slogging through college-level homework assignments in order for another to graduate and go on to get their dream job, working directly with children in an elementary school.

Mosaic provides a whole host of services, both tangible and not, that help provide a meaningful life for those we serve, and it is a DSA’s privilege to be on the front lines.

New Year’s Eve Fun

by Melissa Durkop, Direct Support Manager

Once again Elmer and Joannie brought in the New Year in style. These two were happy to attend the Hills-Inc. New Year’s Eve Party at the Hampton Inn for the second year in a row. The evening started with a pizza party and connecting with old and new friends.

Once dinner was over, the real celebration began.

If you’ve ever seen Elmer on the dance floor, you know firsthand he can bust a move! Joannie and Elmer both stayed up until midnight and watched the ball drop with their friends. Joannie loved the sparkling apple cider. They can’t wait until next year so they can do it all over again.

When asked about his favorite part of the evening, Elmer said, “the music, I danced the night away”.

People served by Mosaic enjoying the New Year’s Eve Party.

Elmer poses for a photo on New Year’s Eve.

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Celebrations

Upcoming Events

AGENCY EXCELLENCE AWARD Mosaic’s Agency Excellence Award goes to…Stephen Shaughnessy at Mosaic in Denver.

We are so proud of our Executive Director, Stephen.

This award goes out to a few individuals throughout Mosaic that exhibited exceptional performance for their agency during the 2015 year.

Mosaic’s Agency Excellence Award was created to recognize exceptional performance by staff working at an agency. This award includes team and individual awards based on a nomination process that highlights exceptional performance in carrying out Mosaic’s mission, vision, and values.

Stephen is making a difference every day in the lives of those we serve.

Thank you Stephen for your hard work, dedication, and passion.

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

All events held at Augustana Lutheran Church 5000 E. Alameda Ave. in Denver unless noted.

Feb. 18 | 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 27 10:30 a.m. at 10651 E. Bethany Dr. Suite 100 | Aurora

Meaningful Life

March 15 | 11:30 a.m.

PERSONALIZED DREAMS by Miranda Mickelson, Independent Contract Manager

April 14 | 6:30 p.m.

Mosaic uses a tool called the Personal Outcome Measure (POM) to learn more about the goals of the people we serve. The information from these

Please RSVP to stephanie.webb@ mosaicinfo.org or at 303.369.9711 x16.

David found a best friend in Ron and recently shared with him that he loves to do Zumba and dance. David now has a DVD player in his room and some dancing videos that he enjoys.

Rosaland loves her day program and gets to attend a summer camp every year.

conversations is used to make sure that we are providing each person with services that match what they want out of life. The resulting goals, which range from a trip to Disneyland, to cooking every week with their host home provider, help Mosaic provide meaningful lives to the people we serve.

It is no surprise to anyone who knows her that Pauline loves music. She has a list of favorite singers, and she will gladly take the stage whenever she is asked. After a recent POM team meeting, Kesha bought a set of instruments for Pauline and the results were heartwarming. Rather than Pauline playing them by herself, her housemates joined in on the fun.

Now the three friends sing and play the instruments together. They have always been close, but it is as if the music gave them an opportunity to be closer than ever.

Four years ago, host home providers Kesha and Ron opened their home to David, Rosaland, and Pauline, who receive services from Mosaic. All have found the home to be a perfect fit.

Personalized Care. Personalized Dreams. This is what Mosaic and the host home providers we work with assure happens with each and every person!

Rosaland, Pauline and David

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 Jamie Corsar at 877.366.7242 or jamie.corsar@mosaicinfo.org to discuss how planned giving can help you.

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

Return Service Requested

A life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Meaningful Life MEANINGFUL WORK by Ramon Muniz, Independent Contract Manager Spending time with family, wrestling my poodles, slaying dragons on the PS4, singing karaoke and working a job I love. These are just a few things that make my life meaningful. Especially the last one, because my job affords me the luxury of participating in all my favorite pastimes. They say if you love your job, then it isn’t really work.

At Mosaic we ask the question, “What

makes a meaningful life for the people we serve?”

As part of our strategic plan, Mosaic is working to increase the quality of each day for the people we serve. Just as I find a lot of meaning in my life from working a job where I feel I can make a difference in the lives of others, many of the people we serve also find it meaningful to earn a paycheck at a job he or she loves.

Mosaic in Denver has committed to a more serious focus on a specific section of the Personal Outcome Measures (POM): “people choose where they work.” This incorporates work, day program and daily leisure activities.

Our meaningful day work group meets on a monthly basis to discuss progress and new ideas. We are compiling data from day services and work providers in our area in order to offer additional options. Lastly, thanks to a generous donation from Jerry and Patricia Davis, we are attempting to partner with a team of Occupational Therapists and OT students in order to better explore other options.

We have made a lot of progress but there is still work to be done.

“To put meaning in one’s life may end in madness, but life without meaning is the torture of restlessness and vague desire-It is a boat longing for the sea and yet afraid.” –Edgar Lee Masters

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