from Uniquely You! August 2024 Digital Issue

Pastor's Corner

TONIGHT, I FOUND MYSELF DEEPLY MOVED witnessing a beautiful scene: a mother with her 48-year-old son, who has ADHD and special needs, alongside her daughter, whose own son has autism. It immediately struck a chord with me, reflecting the relationship I share with my own mother growing up in a similar way. What a beautiful weekend retreat, so thankful and blessed to put on an event to impact the community in this way. Thankful for all who were involved and helped to participate in making this a weekend of impact and support. Thanks to the insights gained from a recent women’s retreat, thanks to the sponsorship of Uniquely You/ Special Needs Living each month because of this we were able to put on this mom’s & caregiver weekend retreat for the community again this year. I saw reflections of my younger self in their struggles; by recognizing their emotions and validating their feelings, I provided a safe space for them to express themselves without fear of judgment or rejection. This shift allowed me to foster a new dynamic where for the first time in a long time many felt heard, understood, and loved, enabling them to navigate their emotions more constructively.

Reflecting on these moments, I’ve come to understand the importance of breaking away from the busyness that often consumes us. By allowing ourselves to be present and attuned to the needs of our loved ones, we create space for healing and growth. This journey of self-healing has not only transformed my relationship with myself and my kids, but it has also impacted so many of the lives of those who were able to attend this year. This initiative, born from pain and shaped by purpose, seeks to connect and empower families within the disability community, offering support and fostering a sense of belonging, inner healing and growth along with connecting. Through Special Needs Living/Uniquely You magazine, I aim to amplify voices within the disability community, sharing stories of resilience and hope. Every interaction, every connection made through these efforts reaffirms the power of empathy and the transformative potential of community support. Whether it’s guiding the community to great local resources or providing a platform for stories of triumph, I am reminded daily of the profound ripple effect our actions can have.

Navigating the challenges of single parenthood while nurturing my three children—Jordan, Jaylin, and Jade—has been a journey of rediscovery and resilience. Embracing my core values of impact, integrity, adventure, growth, and peace has guided me through moments of doubt and uncertainty. These values now serve as my compass, ensuring that every decision and initiative undertaken through Special Needs Living/ Uniquely You reflects our shared commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment.

My journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith, community, and self-discovery. It is a journey marked by moments of profound healing and connection, where vulnerability becomes strength and empathy becomes action. As I continue to navigate this path, I am grateful for the unwavering support of mentors, friends, business connections, etc. whose wisdom and guidance have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

In closing, I am reminded of Romans 8:28, a verse that has anchored me through adversity and inspired me to turn pain into purpose. It is with this spirit of resilience and compassion that I move forward, committed to building a legacy of hope and empowerment within the disability community. Together, we have the power to rewrite our stories, embracing joy and healing as we navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination.

Thank you to all of our incredible sponsors and supporters who helped make this a memorable weekend retreat experience for these ladies!

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Teeter Organic Farms for hosting the event

Teter Organic Farm is an outreach mission of Noblesville First United Methodist Church which grows over 40 varieties of mixed vegetables on five acres. Our mission is to increase access to healthy food for the vulnerable and provide ecological education while building relationships and community.

Website: https://www.teter organicfarm.com/

The Altruist Group for providing breakfast and lunch through Purely Joy Meal Prep.

Building. Developing. Growing Together.

The ALTRUIST Group is a leading group of support professionals on a mission to provide home and community-based support services with a vision of assisting individuals with cognitive and intellectual disabilities to not just maintain, but flourish in their homes and communities. We are authorized by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to provide services and support through the Family Support Waiver (FSW) and Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver (CIH).

Website: https://altruistgroup.net/

Purely Joy—From energizing coldpressed fruit and vegetable juices, to heart-healthy entrées and delicious desserts, Purely Joy delights in offering fresh food with fulfilling portions.

Whether you visit us in our cafe or through catering your event, Purely Joy’s offerings are sure to satisfy your culinary cravings. For many, cooking every day requires too much time, effort and energy. We believe everyone deserves to eat well and providing these meals brings us pure joy. Easy and convenient, Purely Joy offers a wide range of food for people with specific dietary needs. Purely Joy was born out of the desire to glorify God by offering fresh, nourishing and homemade meal options to the community of the Indianapolis Metro Area and beyond.

Our Values: Purely Joy strives to create a welcoming hospitable environment where everyone can experience the love and care that goes into every dish. Through our commitment to quality and wholesome ingredients, our aim is to foster a spirit of community and well-being via the 4 pillars of: PERSPECTIVE/ IMPROVEMENT/ STEWARDSHIP/ INTEGRITY

Website: http://purelyjoymealprep.com

Erin Boaz—Heart Centered Reality, LLC—Leading the Core Values Workshop to allow the group to redefine the values that make up who they are today and to put a new steak in the ground on who we want to become based on the values that are the most important to us.

My mission is to empower women to reconnect to their authentic self, reignite their passion for life and diminish limiting self-talk and beliefs in order to live a balanced and heart-centered life full of energy, joy, freedom and purpose.

Website: https://www.erinboaz.com/

Resounding Joy—Lindsay Zehren—Leading many workshops, music and drum circles, leading the mindfulness moments and stretching workshops during the retreat.

Resounding Joy enhances the human experience through the therapeutic use of music. This organization is dedicated to providing therapeutic music programs and services to individuals of all ages, with a focus on improving mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Through music therapy, education, and outreach programs, Resounding Joy Inc strives to enhance the quality of life for those in need. Their team of experienced music therapists and educators are committed to creating a positive and uplifting environment where individuals can find healing and joy through the power of music.

Website: https://resoundingjoyinc.org/

Office Works—Sponsored the breakfast from the Capabilities Cafe the ladies during the last day of the event. Office Works believes that a well-curated workspace can boost productivity, spark creativity, and enhance your overall well-being.

Discover a range of curated pieces in our showroom, designed to add personality, functionality, and a touch of luxury to your workspace.

Website: http://officeworks.net

Capabilities Cafe—In 1992, the Capabilities Café was established through a partnership between the Commissioners of Hamilton County. Capabilities Café is located in the lower level of the Hamilton County Judicial Building. Through this vital

joint effort, individuals are prepared to interact with customers, handle food safely, stock vending machines, manage purchasing and inventory, prepare a variety of menu items and develop cash handling skills. The individuals served through this program collaborate with local area restaurants to expand the menu choices for the patrons of their establishment.

The catering function serves local community business for their unique needs such as, Hamilton County Leadership Academy, Master Gardeners of Hamilton County, and Noblesville Advisory Council of Disabilities.

Please contact Abbie McIntyre for your catering needs at: amcintyre@janus-inc.org | 317-773-8781 ext. 113

Uniquely You—Covered the costs of tickets for four of the moms to attend free of charge on scholarship for the whole retreat weekend. Uniquely You is a monthly magazine for the Special Needs CommunityWritten by individuals and families within the Special Needs community - Real people and real voices with personal stories that will Inspire, connect & give hope to others in the Special Needs Community!!

To share a story or view past issues visit https://linktr.ee/community.stories

Tanya Sood—For providing and making Jewlery with the moms. Along with providing lunch and dinner for the ladies during the event.

Tanya Malik Occupational Therapist, OT SERVA LLC, 990 Foxfire Circle, Carmel, IN 46032, 463-328-2637

Wood Warbler Coffee

Our mission is to raise funds and awareness for the conservation of natural habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. We purchase ethically grown, eco-friendly coffee and donate a portion of all sales proceeds to habitat conservation.

Website: http://woodwarblercoffee.com

Ruthie Just with Healing House—Emotional Polarity Technique™ is a completely different approach in Emotional Healthcare. It’s an innovative emotional healing method. Rather than relying on the limitations of traditional talk therapy or medication, it relies on the science of Forgiveness. In a practitioner and client collaboration, it engages the mind, body and spirit, setting people free from past wounds and old patterns of thinking. EPT™ has over 25 years of clinical success in adults, teenagers and children.

Website: https://healedandfree.com/