3 minute read
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT JANUS, INC.!
March is Disability Awareness Month
BY JERRY D. JAMISON DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Doorways
Abby began attending Janus in the summer of 2021 after she exited the transition program at Noblesville schools. When Abby first started attending Janus, she was very shy and needed a lot of encouragement to engage in conversations. Abby was also nervous to start riding Hamilton County Express to get to and from Janus, but her confidence has grown exponentially in the last two years, and she has shown great leadership qualities. She has become more independent and will take the initiative in leading conversations and group activities. Abby enjoys participating in a variety of activities like painting, sewing, cooking, and gardening. Abby is a great example of why the Doorways program is very important in the lives of the participants as her time at Janus has offered her the opportunity to participate in meaningful activities while creating and maintaining friendships.
Work Experience/Art Program
Tim has been part of Janus since 1984. He is a kind, sweet soul who loves to work and cares deeply for his peers and staff. I have known Tim for just seven months, but during that time I have come to know him as a talented, precise, and passionate worker. He comes in to work on glass and the other production side of the work floor. He likes routine, along with his soft drinks and candy. Tim loves to paint and create, just as much as he does working on Linnea’s glass. When I am blessed to have Tim in my group, we work together to come up with a birdhouse design, and then he takes his time to be exact with his brushstrokes and coloring. Just a few days ago, he came up with his own gourd design as a gift for a relative, complete with blue and white colors with crosses. He has a big heart to share, and I cannot wait to see how he continues to impact us at Janus as well as his community.
Community Employment
Kelsey is a 30-year-old woman whose personality can best be described as bright and sunny. She loves her family and all things Disney, and she loves to keep busy. That’s why she wanted to find a job in addition to the job she already had working twice a month at the Janus Capabilities Café in Noblesville, and her work at Janus Developmental Services twice a week. Kelsey was open to working anywhere but expressed a desire to work someplace where she could put her excellent organizational skills to good use. She was very excited when she learned that a new Goodwill store was opening close to her home and couldn’t wait to apply there. After she submitted her application, she waited patiently to hear whether she’d been hired. When she finally heard the news, she fell to her knees with tears of joy. She then walked around Janus to let everyone know that she got a new job and each and every person was ecstatic for her. This was Kelsey’s FIRST time accepting a job in the community and she had been looking forward to this opportunity for years. Kelsey feels the best part of her job is seeing the many treasures that await the customers every day! Way to go, Kelsey!
