Mosaic in Delaware Newsletter April 2016

muse spring 2016

a publication of Mosaic in Delaware | www.mosaicindelaware.org

Meaningful Life PAUL AND TIGGER RIDING IN STYLE by Joel Cooper with Eileen Christ Last summer, Paul, who lives in the Twin Willows home of Mosaic in Delaware, along with four other people, started taking horseback riding lessons at The Center for Therapeutic and Educational Riding, Inc. The course was funded by donors who support Mosaic in Delaware. During

Paul was paired with Tigger and they have become great friends. When Paul was asked what he thought about his lessons he happily said, “I love love love it!”

Paul enjoyed his lessons so much he decided to save up his money and take a second course over the winter months “Paul and his classmates learned how to where he learned to groom, feed and interact with the horses.” ride Tigger. During each lesson, Paul displayed significant improvement in the first six weeks of lessons, Paul and his riding skills and eagerly awaits his classmates, learned to how to learning new techniques. After riding properly groom, feed and interact with Tigger for the first time, Paul was told horses. Participants learned about the it was time to step off his horse to lifestyle of a horse, what foods they which he said, “Already?” should eat and how to exercise them.

Each participant was assigned a horse to take care of for the entire course.

Paul created a memory book of his experiences, which is filled with

photos, crafts and his achievements.

The Mosaic staff have enjoyed watching Paul’s improvement and the joy it has brought him. They hope that Paul will be able to continue taking lessons so he can maintain his relationship with Tigger and further develop his riding skills.

Mosaic would like to thank the donors who attended our Partners in Possibilities Fundraising Luncheons for helping make this story possible.

To learn more about The Center for Therapeutic Riding please go to thecenterfortherapeuticriding.com.

To give riding lessons to Paul and others at Mosaic please visit donate.mosaicinfo.org/delaware, or call 302.456.5995.

Paul and his horse Tigger

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Giving A Voice SARETTA TEACHES PEOPLE FIRST LANGUAGE by Angi McCloskey Saretta receives support from Mosaic and serves as an Ambassador for the organization. Saretta gets upset when people use words like “retarded,” “handicapped” or “deaf and dumb” when referring to people with intellectual disabilities. “I saw this video online, people with disabilities where in the video and people had all these comments saying ‘look at the retard, and they are deaf and stupid because of being handicapped’. That makes me so mad, it is disrespectful,” said Saretta.

Saretta took her concerns to the airways by visiting Shannan Harris, producer of a Delaware TV program called, “Window on Wilmington.”

Saretta and Community Relations Manager, Angi McCloskey did a segment at the end of February which aired throughout the month of March.

The program airs on WITN Channel 22 in Delaware and nationwide on the

ION Network. Saretta turned her concerns into a teaching opportunity to educate others about People First Language.

People First Language emphasizes the person first. A disability is just one part of who a person is. It does not use words like retarded or disabled. When speaking about people Mosaic supports we do not refer to people as “resident” or “client” but rather as “people” or “persons who receive support.”

Saretta said she has learned a lot about teaching people in the community, in particular that it takes patience. “Not everyone understands but you have to think, how would you feel if that was you or your sister with a disability, you wouldn’t want to be disrespectful.”

Watch the interview online at www.mosaicinfo.org/ saretta-window-wilmington.

Connect with Mosaic in Delaware! mosaicindelaware.org mosaicinfo.org/blog donate.mosaicinfo.org/delaware facebook.com/mosaicindelaware twitter.com/mosaicinde

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.

Angi and Saretta in front of WITN Channel 22 Mosaic Muse is published by Mosaic in Delaware | 261 Chapman Rd., Ste. 201 Newark, DE 19702-5428 | 302.456.5995 | www.mosaicindelaware.org Executive Director Community Relations Manager & Editor

shavonne.brathwaite@mosaicinfo.org angela.mccloskey@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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Quality Service Award

Mosaic Welcomes New Executive Director

The Mosaic in Delaware Quality Service Award was recently presented to Direct Support Manager David Oruko. David exemplifies the Mosaic mission, vision and values. He has been successful as the temporary manager at the Wynthorpe I home while simultaneously managing his own home, the Chaddwyck house. He was chosen for the award because of his ability to make quick ethical choices while following all laws and regulations, keeping our individuals safe. His experiences and knowledge is shared while he teaches staff as a trainer during New Hire Orientation, just one of the many roles David volunteers for at Mosaic.

Mosaic in Delaware is happy to welcome Shavonne Brathwaite who took the reigns as the Executive Shavonne Brathwaite Director on February 15. “I feel like I have been called to do this work. Service is now and has always been in my heart for as long as I can remember.”

David displays the value of connection in the way he communicates with parents, volunteers, interns and community members. One parent has noted that David is transparent, honest and consistent in his communication.

He embraces the Mosaic sustainability model, encouraging people to attend Discover the Possibility Tours. He collaborates with the community to arrange activities for the individuals to enjoy.

David’s ability to empower others is the reason he was selected to receive this honor, congratulations David!

Sue and Shavonne present David with the Quality Service Award.

Shavonne’s career of service to people with disabilities started in 2001 as a direct support professional (DSP) at a local Delaware agency. Eventually she moved into the role of Assistant House Manager and eventually became House Manager. After a move to an agency in West Chester, Pennsylvania she had the opportunity to serve as a Program Director for five years. This journey led her to working for Catholic Charities in several different capacities including immigration and refugee resettlement, contract management and rapid rehousing for homeless individuals.

Shavonne is proud to talk about her family, which includes her husband, Rene, and four children: Kylie age 15, Faith age 11, Blake age 2 and Sadie who is 8 months old. “I have a wonderful support system and value family”. Shavonne goes on to say, “My mother Cynthia lives with us after having a traumatic brain injury leaving her with very limited speech as well as some other limitations. My fight to find good day services and other supports for my Mom is what lead me to Mosaic.”

the staff, meeting with families and donors and attending advocacy meetings in the state. “I hope to ensure that Mosaic in Delaware is true to the mission and that we are actually “living our mission.” I would love to see Mosaic as the leading provider of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the state of Delaware.”

Shavonne looks forward to using this section of our Mosaic Muse newsletter to keep Mosaic constituents informed of agency accomplishments, challenges, and upcoming events. To meet Shavonne and hear more of her story please attend our next Discover the Possibility Tour at our office.

Dates and times can be found at www.mosaicindelaware.org or by calling 302.456.5995.

Upcoming Events Mosaic in Delaware 261 Chapman Rd. Ste. 201 Newark, DE 19702 May 10 | 6 p.m. Mosaic Office May 17 | 12 p.m. Mosaic Office 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.

Annual Rejoicing Spirits Picnic May 21 | 2–5 p.m.

Grace Lutheran Church-Hockessin This event is free and open to all ages!

Shavonne has spent her first month visiting the homes, getting to know

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261 Chapman Rd., Ste. 201 Newark, DE 19702-5428

Return Service Requested

A life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Caring Community BREAKING THE BARRIERS WITH DROP IN SUPPORTS by Joel Cooper Seth enjoys attending University of Delaware sporting events, competing in Special Seth with his Special Olympics, and Olympics Medals seeing the latest movies. He is able to be an active member of the local community because of the services he receives through Mosaic’s Drop in Support Program.

Initially, Seth was unsure about having help from a Direct Support Professional (DSP), but after spending time building a trusting relationship,

he soon became comfortable and enjoyed having company.

Instead of relying on a friend to help him complete errands and household tasks, Seth sets a schedule with his DSP so he doesn’t miss out on the things he enjoys. Seth says, “I am happy with Mosaic, because I can now play for The Newark Dragons [a local basketball team].”

His connections with Mosaic also helped Seth obtain essential dental services. With the help of Program Coordinator, Tracy Martin, Mosaic advocated for the financial support to pay for his dental work. Seth’s smile is now brighter than ever. His regained confidence has inspired him to jump back into the job market.

The goal of the Drop in Support Program is to provide mentoring to people who are living in their own home 15–20 hours per week. Services are designed with opportunities for choices and participation in the community. Support is geared to assist individuals in becoming more independent in activities of daily living, vocational skills, community mobility, and leisure activities. Services may include grocery shopping, cooking, transportation, and advocacy for additional services.

To learn more about Mosaic’s Drop in Support program or to share a job opportunity with Seth, contact the Mosaic in Delaware office at 302.456.5995.

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