messenger october 2016
a publication of Mosaic in Denver | www.mosaicindenver.org
Caring Community VACATION TIME by Luisa Palacio, Host Home Provider
We sometimes reach out and ask those who know the people supported by Mosaic best to write about a meaningful event. Luisa is a Host Home Provider for Mosaic in Denver and she took the men she serves to California to enjoy a Universal Studios vacation. Here is what she had to share. California vacation was great! James and David enjoyed Universal Studios where they got to meet Sponge Bob and eat at the Krusty Krab. I loved
James at Universal Studios
seeing their happy faces while walking through all the different sections of themes. James and David experience Sea World too, where they saw a Pet Show and the Sea Lions perform. They both love to see animals, so this was a great treat for them. James was very verbal while walking through the park. David was so interested in everything around him. To see the joy in their faces was priceless.
James and David on vacation
We also got to visit the San Diego Zoo. We took a bus ride around the park to see most of the outdoor animals. David was so alert and loved looking at all the different things around him. James especially loved the ponds with fish that you could stick your hands in. The guys had a great time exploring a new place. It opened up a new experience for them. I’m glad I could be a part of that. Each vacation brings us all great memories to cherish.
David at Sea World
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Giving a Voice ONE BIG PASSIONATE FAMILY by Miranda Mickelson, Independent Contract Program Manager One of the best moments in my life was when I took my first tour of our old group home back in January 2014. I was nervous, scared, and had no idea what to expect. Then I had the privilege of meeting the eight beautiful people who lived there, and everything changed. I got to play a very unique version of the card game Uno, see proof that you never can have enough General Lee model cars, and get the warmest feeling from the brightest
getting to know them on more personal and intense levels. Not only that, but I have learned who I am as a person because of it.
allowed her the independence, comfort, and feeling of love that she had been searching for since she moved from her parents’ home.
Something that Mosaic taught me was that finding something you are passionate about at the age of 25 is a great feat. But it taught me more than that, I learned sharing that passion with your family is even greater.
My parents not only care about what Mosaic does, but they want to be a part of the change. They are now devoted to the Mission because they want to be, not because they are extremely supportive parents who want to hear about their daughter’s passions.
The Mickelson family
toothless smile. From that very first night in the group home, I knew I had fallen in love. Not only did Mosaic represent something bigger than me, but the people I met showed me what it means to be 100 percent honest and pure. I became passionate about Mosaic immediately, and getting to work with those eight people made it that much more important to me. I have had the pleasure since then of meeting so many more of the people we serve, and
I have been working for Mosaic since January 2014. My family sat by my side through the many ups and downs that I experienced as I grew in this agency. They listened to my stories, they came to our parties and barbecues, and got to meet some of the people I have dedicated my days to. Through that process, they began to fall in love with Mosaic as well. Both of my parents became Host Home Providers in December 2015 for a woman in Mosaic’s services and have completely changed her life. They have
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
My sister has always been a big part of my journey with Mosaic as well. She would come to the group home on client’s birthdays and to barbecues and parties as well. She grew to build relationships with the individuals and it got to the point where some asked about her every time they saw me. She supported me at events, and has always been a valued volunteer. She began working in the office with Mosaic at the end of June. She is now fully immersed in the day-to-day that I would come home and talk non-stop about. Knowing that you have your family’s full support in what you do is one thing. Being able to support each other because we all care about what we are doing is a completely different feeling. Sharing your passion with others is a wonderful feeling, and knowing that you have the people you love the most behind you every step of the way makes it that much greater.
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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New Employees by Ramon Muniz, Direct Support Coordinator
Meet Marshal Watson, the newest member of the Mosaic in Denver team. Marshal joins as the newest ICMP in host home services. Marshal comes to Denver from Pittsburgh where he has worked in the field for
What is your favorite outdoor activity? I enjoy hiking and photography. What is your favorite thing to photograph? Birds if I am quick enough, but I enjoy photographing any kind of animal. If you could be a cartoon character who would you be and why? Jake from “Adventure Time” because he’s got a laid-back personality, he gets to go on a lot of adventures and he can transform into anything. What got you into the field of working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Started working with MDC Goldenrod with some individuals who helped me grow into the person I am today and making me realize that I want to continue helping others grow as I grow myself.
Marshal Watson
two years and before that he lived and worked in Goshen, Indiana for three years, bringing his total years of service to five. We are lucky to have someone with passion and drive join us in our mission to serve. Marshal is also an aspiring photographer/cinematographer who would love to combine his passions to create educational videos through social stories to help people grow. I sat down with Marshal to get to know him a little better. What brought you to Denver? I had some friends out here and I wanted a change of pace and, of course, the mountains.
Who is your favorite musical act and why? Depends on my mood and the time. Right now I am listening to a lot of Sleigh Bells (not a Christmas album but a rock band) because they bring a lot of energy. What is one of your favorite memories from working with individuals with disabilities? On the way home from day program once with an individual, we created a fantasy world within our office and created a quest which brought him a lot of joy. What is your favorite thing about Mosaic so far? I don’t want to say the benefits and perks but they have been overwhelming. So I will say that everyone is very nice. Coming from the east coast, job environments don’t seem as laid back.
Donations Needed: Person and supplies to build three ramps Steam cleaner ($200) Laptop computer iPad Donations for camp memberships ($500 per person) Dresser and night stand ($200) SAD (seasonal affective disorder) lamps ($200) Two twin-S Size comforter/sheet set (men) ($50)Full-size comforter set (men) ($50) Toiletries Gift cards to local restaurants
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. Tuesday, October 11 6–7 p.m. Mosaic Office 10651 E Bethany Dr. Suite 100 | Aurora Tuesday, November 15 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Augustana Lutheran Church 5000 E. Alameda Ave. | Denver Monday, December 12 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Augustana Lutheran Church 5000 E. Alameda Ave. | Denver Please RSVP to stephanie.webb@ mosaicinfo.org or at 303.369.9711 x16.
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Nurses Knowledge FLU SHOTS by Sarah Henrich, RN Flu season is quickly approaching. With the flu comes fever, chills that shake your entire body, and muscle pain you seem to be able to feel in your bones. Suddenly your head is too heavy for your neck to support and lays like a concrete balloon on a pillow becoming damp with sweat. The tiniest movement made in a futile attempt to find a small amount of comfort is met with tiny hammers trying to break through your skull and waves of exhaustion seem to win the daily struggle to leave your bed.
It is complicated and time consuming and thousands of people put in a lot of time and effort to create a life-saving vaccination used for only a few months before the entire process is started over. This has been going on for over 60 years. Every year, influenza kills over 500,000 people globally (50,000 per year in the United States).
The good news is, the flu can be prevented.
Can you get the flu from the flu shot?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes 112 institutions in 83 different countries as National Influenza Centers (NICs). Every year, researchers from these 112 NICs work nonstop collecting and isolating strains of the influenza virus to send to 5 WHO Collaborating Centers (CCs) in Australia, Atlanta, China, England, and Japan. The CCs complete high level antigenic and genetic analysis on these strains. The results of these tests are discussed by 20 or so experts at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, a vote is counted, and recommendations are made for which strains of influenza the current year’s vaccine will protect against. Once recommendations are made, pharmaceutical companies start manufacturing virus strains in order to create vaccines. Making enough vaccine doses for the United States population takes around 6 months, and immunizations for everyone typically begin around mid-September.
The flu shot remains the most effective way to keep from getting sick. However, despite decades of scientific advances and research, many people have concerns about the flu shot. These concerns often get in the way of medical care, so it is important to address them. Common concerns include:
No. It uses an inactivated virus and can’t cause infection. If you get sick after a flu shot, you were going to get sick anyway. Once you get the flu shot, it takes around 2 weeks for your body to learn to protect itself from the flu. You can still get sick before you’re protected. Because of this, it is important to get your flu shot ASAP so your body can build up immunity before the flu season starts getting really bad. The flu shot is not 100% effective, but it does reduce your risk of getting it. Many people mistake cold symptoms and other illnesses for the flu. Do you need the flu shot if you’re healthy? Routine flu shots are recommended for anyone with a chronic illness, children 6 months to 19 years old, pregnant women, and anyone over 49 years old. Adults 20–49 years old with no medical issues can benefit from the flu shot, especially adults who spend time around people with impaired immune
systems. This includes healthcare workers, teachers, caregivers, and anyone who spends time around children, elderly people, pregnant women, or people with chronic illness. Is the flu shot the only way to prevent the flu? No. It’s just the most effective. But it is certainly not 100% effective. It is, in fact, typically around 60% effective. Other ways to prevent the flu include good hand washing and avoiding people who are sick. Do you need a flu shot every year? Yes. Every year the WHO tries to determine which strains are most likely to cause an outbreak. These strains change every year because the influenza virus mutates every year. Should you treat the flu with antibiotics? No. The flu is a virus. Antibiotics are absolutely useless for the flu. Using antibiotics when you don’t need them increases your risk of getting an antibiotic-resistant infection. Never use antibiotics if your doctor says you don’t need them. Should you get the flu shot if it’s later in the year? Yes. Flu season typically lasts October through May, with most people getting sick between December and February. Getting a flu shot at any time during flu season lowers your risk of getting the flu. Where can you get more information? Ask your doctor, talk to the Mosaic nurse, or check out the WHO or CDC websites for more information.
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Caring Community SUMMER by Kathryn Ireland, Independent Contract Program Manager Summer is almost everyone’s favorite season here at Mosaic. As the weather improves, more and more fun activities are available for clients and staff alike to participate in. A significant number of people in service here at Mosaic like to go to summer camps in mountains. For Cherryl Anderson, going to the Easter Seals camp is more than just an annual vacation, it is the one the thing she looks forward to the most every year. This summer was her 30h time attending. Due to the overwhelming demand and the popularity of this week-long wilderness excursion, even someone like Cherryl, who has gone every year for three decades, isn’t guaranteed a spot. After spending several months on the wait list, I got a call from the director of the camp saying that there was a cancellation and a spot was open if Cherryl wanted it. The only caveat was that her session started in five days. When I told Cherryl that there was a spot for her if she wanted it, her smile was so huge, it lit up the room. With the help of many of us here at Mosaic, we were able to gather all the documents and information that the camp
needed, chasing down medical records and packing lists, etc. Even though it was some extra work, we here in the management team take pride in being able to help our clients lead the most meaningful lives possible, and for Cherryl that meant camp. As we checked Cherryl in on that Sunday, it was incredible to see all the counselors, staff and even the nurses get excited to see her. Because the session took place over the Fourth of July, Cherryl got to see a fireworks show and stroll around Idaho Springs. She also went swimming, rode a horse, did lots of arts and crafts projects and attended a dance. But if you got the chance to ask her, she would tell you her favorite thing she did all week was conquer her fears and ride the zip line (twice!). These summer camps are a wonderful way to not only provide those we serve with an opportunity to spend time outdoors and in the mountains, which are often not accessible to people with mobility issues, but also to meet new people and make new friends from all across the state of Colorado.
Upcoming Events BIRTHDAYS Come one! Come all! Mosaic is buying the treats! October 12 5–7 p.m. Dairy Queen | 3701 North Tower Rd. LADIES/GUYS NIGHT Mosaic Halloween Party October 26 5–7 p.m. Mosaic office F.A.C.E.S. October 10 and November 8 6–7:30 p.m. Our Father Lutheran Church | 6335 S. Holly Street, Centennial CHRISTMAS PARTY December 13 5–7 p.m. More details to come
October 18 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Our Father Lutheran Church 6335 S Holly St Centennial, CO.
Cherryl
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Meaningful Life CITY UNDER THE STARS by Melissa Durkop, Direct Support Manager This past July, Mosaic in Denver and Community Living Alternatives Inc. (CLA), joined forces to organize and carry out their inaugural prom with huge success. Imagine an energy charged room full of the biggest smiles, the most dapper of outfits, foot tapping music and bright stars. For three very quick hours, that’s what it was like that Saturday night. But it didn’t start there.
Last year, Mosaic in Denver organized a town hall meeting for our stakeholders, an excellent opportunity for people to work together for a common cause. Dozens of great ideas were discussed; and one of those was to organize a dance. Not just a dance for Mosaic clients, but an event where all members of the ID community and supporters could come and enjoy an exciting evening. Fast forward to the spring of 2016, after months of toying with this idea, it was finally becoming a reality. A dance is a big and expensive undertaking so Mosaic reached out to Community Living Alternatives Inc. (CLA), another Denver metro PASA, and asked them to join us with this project. They quickly agreed and we were on our way to having our “City Under The Stars” dance.
We were hoping to appeal to a large audience and draw in more than 100 people served and community members. For a goal that large, we knew we had to advertise and raise funds to make our prom wish list real. Our committee was able to secure an action team with Thrivent Financial. This is an opportunity to realize an unmet need in the community. We applied for their grant that offers to support action projects, and were able to secure $250 toward our dance. Thrivent Financial members also
Chuntelle at City Under the Stars
made it a point to assist many of Mosaic and CLA’s people served to create decorations for the dance a few weeks before the big event. There was a lot of fun to be had and a lot of sparkles!
Cherryl at City Under the Stars
Our committee was also able to secure dozens of dresses, suits, shoes and accessories for the dance from members of our community, local churches and other partners. We also had volunteers to assist with many different tasks, including an amazing team of women who offered their hair,
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Anniversaries Connect with Mosaic in Denver! mosaicindenver.org mosaicinfo.org/blog facebook.com/mosaicindenver twitter.com/mosaicpossible donate.mosaicinfo.org/denver
Erika Ecklund, Human Resource Technician, 7 year anniversary
make up and nail expertise prior to the festivities. Last but not least, we had an amazing photographer, Lindsey Jones of LJ Photography, reach out to us to volunteer her services. Every person that attended the dance posed for a beautiful photo and they received a 5x7 free of charge from Mpix: Quality Prints. Mosaic and CLA would like to thank everyone that donated their time, money and energy to make this evening possible. Without you it simply wouldn’t have happened. The evening was amazing. Hours of dancing to favorite songs, posing for candid photos and new friendships formed. Tons of memories and friendships were made that we can hold onto until next summer when we do it all over again. When we began this journey, I can’t tell you how many people served said to me, “I never went to my prom.” Well, I never went to my prom either. I imagine it would have been a blast, but I don’t think it would have come close to the “City Under The Stars.”
Stephen Shaughnessy, Executive Director, 4 year Anniversary
Side notes 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.
Host Home Providers Needed We are seeking compassionate caring people with big hearts and homes to share their lives and homes with the people supported by Mosaic in Denver. If you are interested in learning more about the opportunity to become a part of our Mosaic at Home program, please contact Ramon Muniz at Ramon. Muniz@Mosaicinfo.org or at 303.369.9711 x15.
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.
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A life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities.
Caring Community FUN FOLLOW UP Remember Elmer? He loves horses. He loves anything cowboy! Remember Sara and Mike White, our Community
Elmer and Mikah saddling up
Champions who invited Elmer and martin to join them for a Rodeo in Elizabeth and an opportunity to meet their horses? Well Sara is at it again. Sara again invited her fellow friends from Mosaic who share the same love
for horses that she does, to meet a few good friends of hers. Sara introduced us to​Mikah Wysocki and Spencer Bruce from Hipshot Horsemanship, Inc. www.facebook.com/ HipshotHorsemanshipInc/?fref=ts Mikah and Spencer and a few of their friends gave Elmer his very first real horse-riding lesson. Mikah didn’t hold back either. Elmer learned the right way to brush them, how to saddle up his horse, along with learning how to mount and ride, he learned the most important thing of all-how to give them cookies when he was done riding. Creating a life of possibilities, that’s what our community champions are all about. A huge thank you to Sara, and especially Mikah for making us all feel so welcome.
Sara, Mikah, Spencer, Elmer, and Martin
Elmer prepares to ride.
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