Mosaic in Rockford Newsletter - 2016 Winter

winter 2016 a publication of Mosaic in Rockford | www.mosaicinrockford

March is National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month I MAY HAVE A DISABILITY BUT I AM NOT DISABLED 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.

“People with disabilities are valuable.�

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.

You will be given a tour of our mission through stories told by the people we serve, their families and our staff members. To attend an upcoming tour contact Brook Genna at brook.genna@ mosaicinfo.org.

Mosaic is a nonprofit providing a life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities. To learn more visit www.mosaicinrockford.org

People with intellectual disabilities are proven reliable workers.

You can help by hiring a person 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 community; giving time or money to an organization supporting people with disabilities; or even just teaching your children that all people have something to contribute.

Mosaic is a nonprofit organization a life of possibilities people with disabilities and their families in our community.

Mosaic in Rockford 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.

Art for the 2016 National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Rockford 1 Heart of the Forest

From the Executive Director FORWARD IN FAITH IN THE NEXT CENTURY OF SERVICE by Carla Saelens Host Home Services in Rockford One person.

One family.

One community at a time.

Host homes provide a Hear what the Executive nurturing Director of Mosaic says about recent news with the and supportRockford Community. ive family -style living option for people with disabilities. Unlike a traditional group home environment, the maximum number of people served through the host home model is two, allowing for more personal attention and a more flexible lifestyle. Host Homes match a person who has a disability with someone who provides the assistance needed for daily living. The provider works as an independent contractor, receiving full support from Mosaic to ensure a successful and satisfying experience. Host Homes in Illinois provide services to people with intellectual disabilities in family-like or roommate settings while be able to offer the least restrictive, most natural living environment and help people achieve the highest degree of life satisfaction and personal goals.

A Host Home is able to work on a 1:1 basis and can offer support with: • Social skills • Money/budget management • Personal hygiene tasks • Home economic and time management skills • Semi-independent living skills Many Host Home providers are former Mosaic employees. Sometimes, a Host Home provider is a family member or friend of the family to the person receiving services. Mosaic trains the provider, offers ongoing support and monitoring, and gives 24-hour access to emergency supports and respite when needed. Currently Mosaic in Rockford has three Host Home Providers supporting four individuals in service with Mosaic. We are looking to open up two more by the end of the year.

If you are interested in more information on Mosaic’s Host Home policies and openings please contact the Mosaic Office at 815.387.8390 x61521 Becky Durick or becky.durick@ 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.

Mark your Calendar

Group Home Tours February 25 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. at our 2nd Ave Group Home

Agents of Change meetings February 24 from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at the Mosaic Office

Annual Blood Drive April 13 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at our Office Parking Lot – 5/3 Bank building off Alpine.

March 9 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. at our 2nd Ave Group Home

March 23, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at the Mosaic Office

Parent Meeting April 20 from 1 – 2 p.m. at the Mosaic Office

March 30 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. at our 2nd Ave Group Home

Rockford 2 Heart of the Forest

Donor and Gift News MOSAIC ROCKFORD 2016 WISH LIST The people in service commonly need the following items preferably in good used condition. We greatly appreciate any and all donations. Contact brook. genna@mosaicinfo.org or call 815.387.8390 x 61516.

Julie Ohlsen was kind enough to donate her Mobile DJ services to our Winter Wonderland Dance this year.

She is a local DJ with a heart for giving back. If you are someone you know who is in need of Mobile DJ services please contact her!

Employment Opportunities: We’re looking for businesses or organizations interested in employing people served by Mosaic, either in the business within the community or providing contract work (collating, light assembly, etc.) for those in our day services program.

Health/Medical Equipment: Donate medical supplies and equipment of all types, from standers and wheelchairs to Hoyer® lifts and hospital beds.

Decorate and Repair Provide: furnishings or offer to help decorate one of the homes the people we serve reside in.

Donate items such as living room furniture, dining room sets, outdoor furniture, kitchen utensils, small kitchen appliances, etc. Gather a group of friends and help with maintenance needs for one of our group homes.

Connect with Mosaic in Rockford! mosaicinrockford.org mosaicinfo.org/blog donate.mosaicinfo.org/rockford facebook.com/mosaicinrockford twitter.com/mosaicpossible

Read Mosaic’s 20152016 Policy Priorities Mosaic’s public policy priorities are positions on issues impacting people with intellectual disabilities that guide Mosaic’s advocacy efforts on current and developing issues at the federal and state levels. You can read them by clicking the link below. Please contact Mosaic’s governmental affairs office with any questions by emailing Mark at mark.matulka@mosaicinfo.org or calling 877.266.7242. www.mosaicinfo.org/publicpolicy

Mosaic Heart of the Forw Executive Director Resource Development Manager

carla.saelens@mosaicinfo.org brook.genna@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.

Rockford 3 Heart of the Forest

1111 S. Alpine Rd., Ste. 401 Rockford IL, 61108-3940

Return Service Requested

A life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Volunteer Corner VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT I enjoying volunteering with Mosaic, and helping people with intellectual disabilities because growing up two of the neighbor boys were intellectually disabled. They were teased by the other kids, but my sister and I would always include them and play with them. This enabled me to see how big their hearts are, and helped me learn to look past disabilities and see people for who they are.

What is your name?

Linda Kayser How did you get started volunteering at Mosaic in Rockford?

I started going to Bethphage in Axtell, Nebraska when I was in high school with our youth group. I was able to go three summers for a week at a time.

Once I found out there was a local partner in Rockford I knew I had to get involved.

Why are you so motivated to help people with intellectual disabilities?

Individuals with intellectual disabilities have a different set of strengths. One of the most meaningful donations is time.

Even an hour with the people in service with Mosaic can make a huge impact.

Open Volunteer Positions

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

On location Photographer, Administrative Assistant, Mentor/ Buddy, Creative Assistant, Social Media Guru

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

When I’m not volunteering I enjoy reading, hiking, boating, kayaking, or spending time with friends and family.

For more information on specific positions and hours of position contact: Brook Genna at 815.387.8390 x61516 or brook. genna@mosaicinfo.org.

What do you want to say to people about individuals with intellectual disabilities? How can others get involved?

Rockford 4 Heart of the Forest