Mosaic

Bold Lives: Vanessa’s Story

Vanessa Luna's Bold Life

Mosaic helps people live a life that gives them meaning. What that looks like is different for each person we serve because each person has unique dreams and goals. But a common theme is living lives that are bold: being confident and determined to pursue what you choose. This week we’re proud to share Vanessa’s first person story of how services from Mosaic changed her life.

Hi, my name is Vanessa Luna. I am 31 years old. I receive services from Mosaic in Denver. When I was 4 years old I was diagnosed with a mild intellectual disability. The doctors told my mom that I would never be able to read or write past the second grade level.

They even told my mom to give me up to the state. My mom refused. I was put on the waiting list for services. I remained on that waiting list for over 20 years.

My mom had to care for me with no assistance from anyone. I love my mom. I could not imagine my life without her. Almost three years ago, my life changed. I began receiving services from Mosaic.

Mosaic respected my choices.

They believed, like my mom, that I could do anything I wanted to.

Mosaic helped me realize my dreams of working with children and quickly guided me in that direction. With their support, and coaching, I applied for a position working with children at a day care. I got the job!

During this time I was also attending college, yes, college, to get my Early Childhood Education degree. Mosaic’s staff helped me each week to do my homework and pass my classes. Last May I graduated with two certificates. One is in toddler and infant group leader. The other is in early childhood education.

My confidence was growing so fast. I felt like I could take on the world, so I did.

I applied at a local school districts to work in their morning program. I got that job too! With everything going so good, it was awful when my mom had a huge health scare. We spent days in the hospital with her. But Mosaic was there for me.

They helped show me how to pay my bills and they supported me emotionally. They are there for me 24/7. When my mom got out of the hospital she worked closely with Mosaic, and their lawyer, to assure if something did happen to her, that my siblings could step in.

My sister Ana and my brother Jorge have agreed to help me. Mosaic has been there for me and my family. Mosaic is part of my family now. I still have dreams. I want to be more independent. I dream to live on my own. I dream to have a family someday! My favorite thing about Mosaic and their staff is they don’t treat me as Vanessa with a disability but just as Vanessa.”

March is National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the best way to celebrate is to share stories of the bold lives of the people served by Mosaic.

Their stories are important. They put a face on some of the people who benefit from Medicaid, which is the primary funding source for services to people with disabilities. Medicaid is facing a serious threat right now as Congress considers changing it to program that would not guarantee funding for people in need. We hope you will join us in advocating for funding that helps people like Vanessa achieve their dreams and give back to the world.

Recommended Stories

The Right People, Supports and Environment Are Life-Changing
March is National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Taking Charge of Her Life, Althea Excels