Mosaic in Omaha 2016 Winter Newsletter

times winter 2016

a publication of Mosaic in Omaha | www.mosaicinomaha.org

Meaningful Life SPREADING HOPE Several of those in service gave back to the community during the Holiday Season by ringing bells for the Salvation Army. Damon joined the youth group from St. Michael Lutheran church to ring and had smiles from ear to ear! Richard and staff rang bells on one of the coldest days. Not one person entered or left

Thrivent Choice

Richard and Jamila Eaves volunteer their time.

“Damon joined the youth group and had smiles from ear to ear!”

Hy-Vee without a “Merry Christmas” or “God bless you” from Richard. He is so inspiring!

If you’re an eligible Thrivent Financial member and have Choice Dollars® available to direct, please keep Mosaic in mind. For more info or to direct Choice Dollars, call 800.847.4836 and say “Thrivent Choice.” Or go here: http://bit.ly/XJrPZN.

Damon gathers with other volunteers from the community.

Damon Cox volunteers for the Salvation Army.

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From the Executive Director

Connect with Mosaic in Omaha!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! by Jan Blosser I want to thank each of you for caring so much for the Mosaic’s mission that you were moved to take action. Your selfless acts during the last year have Jan Blosser made a huge Executive Director Mosaic in Omaha difference in the lives of those we support. Here are just some examples of the impact you have made: One of the individuals in service has a very hard time around the holidays.

He does not have any family and gets very lonely and feels left out. He does not know how to handle these feelings so he will act out as a way to release his tension. This year many people came to together to make sure he knew he was cared about. There was a card writing campaign, ensuring he received multiple cards throughout the holiday. He volunteered to be a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, helping others and making everyone feel involved in their community. He attended a church service with one of his favorite staff on Christmas Eve. The biggest event over the holidays for

him was receiving beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts, things he really wanted for Christmas but could not afford, made possible by a generous donor. He had an amazing Christmas, he felt connected and cared about. He had one of his best Christmas’s ever, all thanks to people caring enough to take action.

We were able to offer an art program with Why Arts. This provided the people Mosaic supports with an opportunity to learn different skills from a trained artist.

We were able to install a ramp and lift in a home so a person we had supported for many years was able to the leave a long term care facility and come “home”.

We were able to purchase grills and patio furniture so the people we support can gather outside when the weather is nice.

The list goes on and on, none of this would be possible without you caring enough about Mosaic to take action, to do something to make a difference. I know we have thanked each of you individually, let me thank all of you collectively. We could not provide the support to those we serve without you.

Thank you!

Jan Blosser, Executive Director

Mosaic Times is published by Mosaic in Omaha | 10011 J St. Omaha, NE 68127-1116 | 402.896.9988 | www.mosaicinomaha.org Executive Director Resource Development Manager

jan.blosser@mosaicinfo.org kelli.joseph@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

mosaicinomaha.org mosaicinfo.org/blog donate.mosaicinfo.org/omaha facebook.com/mosaicinomaha twitter.com/mosaicpossible

Upcoming Events Mosaic in Omaha 10011 J St. | Omaha, NE March 9 | 9:00 a.m.

March 9 | 11:30 a.m.

Join us on the second Wednesday of the month for a light breakfast or lunch, and learn how Mosaic helps create a life of possibility for adults with intellectual disabilities in our community. You will hear stories told by the people who know Mosaic best—the people we serve, their families and volunteers.

We are also available to bring the stories to your place of employment, a church group, a civic group, or a group of friends.

For more information or to reserve your spot, contact kelli.joseph@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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Did you know?

Caring Community

Giving a Voice

MOSAIC IN OMAHA

GIVING TUESDAY

MOSAIC ALLIED VOICES

Did you know that the Mosaic in Omaha agency serves 240 people with intellectual disabilities? 21 individuals in service are competitively employed in the community, and 49 individuals are living a successful and full life in our host home program.

Tuesday, December 1 was designated as a global day for giving back. Mosaic in Omaha received a total of $1,760 through online donations for Giving Tuesday. These dollars were dedicated towards helping those in service enjoy the Christmas holiday. Gifts were used to purchase presents for those in

Did you know you could join a group of more than 1,100 people across the United States to visit elected officials, make phone calls, send emails, or write letters to promote positive public policy for people with disabilities? It is easy! Simply go to www.mosaicalliedvoices.org and sign up to receive keep you informed of issues in Nebraska and in Congress that may require action.

Caring Community COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS We are currently working with two students who are doing their practicum with Mosaic. Mark, a UNO student working on his bachelor’s degree in social work, is working with us on Personal Outcome Measures for those in service. Kristen is a student at Metro Community College and is working towards an associates degree in general human services. Both students have been an asset to Mosaic and we are thankful for their partnership.

Thank you to Target who donated a $75 gift certificate to be used for refreshments and paper goods for our monthly Discover the Possibilities tours!

We continue to partner with the St. Michael Lutheran Church Confirmation Group. They have worked side by side with those in service on a community garden, hosted Halloween dances for Mosaic, sent Christmas cards to those in service, and hosted a movie night. Our partnership continues to grow and we are currently working on a possible joint service project.

service who would not be receiving a gift. Smiling faces and happy hearts were a result of these gifts! Thank you to all who contributed.

Community Action Team We are seeking community leaders to join our Community Action Team. This group will assist Mosaic in inviting people to our Discover the Possibilities

events, helping us identify employment and volunteer opportunities for those in service, and assist in growing our volunteer and donor database. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact kelli.joseph@mosaicinfo.org

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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10011 J St. Omaha, NE 68127-1116

Return Service Requested

A life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities.

March is National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month March is National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. People with disabilities are valuable, contributing members of our community who have much to offer and a desire to participate.

I may have a disability,

but I am not disabled.

Thank you for your support of this message!

I may have a disability,

People with developmental disabilities have proven to be reliable workers and excellent volunteers, capable of meeting or exceeding expectations and standards. Thanks to organizations like Mosaic, people with disabilities are leading richer, more fulfilling lives. canhave help byahiring a person I You may disability , with a

disability; inviting people with disabilities to participate in your civic organization or community activity; contacting your legislator and asking them to support citizens with disabilities in your not community; giving but I am disabled . time or Thank you for your support of this message! money to an organization supporting people with disabilities; or even just

teaching your children that all people have something to contribute.

Mosaic in Omaha invites you to attend a free, one-hour event called Discover the Possibilities to learn about people with disabilities living and working in your community. You will be given a tour of our mission through stories

“I may have a disability but I am not disabled� told by the people we serve, their families and our staff members. To attend an upcoming tour contact Kelli Joseph at kelli.joseph@mosaicinfo.org.

I may have a disability,

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