Congratulations to Jim Eccleston!
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When it came time to nominate one of the DSPs from our agency for this year's award, it was an immediate and unanimous decision. There was no question in anyone's mind that an individual who exhibits great leadership, a high level of commitment, generosity, creativity, ambition, and always has such a positive attitude would be Jim Eccleston.
With Jim's vision, belief, dedication, and hard work on his own time he began a client self advocacy group which they named "Dream Catchers". This active group of 22 individuals which Mosaic serves meet once a month at our office in the evening with Jim being the Advocate Advisor for the group. The mission of the Dream Catchers is to educate and support people with developmental disabilities within Connecticut. The Dream Catchers encourage individuals to be self-reliant through eduations, support of peers, sharing resources and tools, presentaitons and the development of leadership skills. Members serve as role models by becoming involved in community projects and being productive members of the community. As an independent self-advocacy group, the members make the decisions, set their goals and run their meetings.
The
initial purpose of the group is to stand up for the rights of
individuals with disabilities, and to help pass laws, and stop
discrimination, but what we found is something even more wonderful.
He has given these individuals a chance to make new friends, gain
self-confidence, a sense of accomplishment, learn leadership skills
and teamwork, build good social behaviors, and that their voice
matters.
Since
the initiation of the Dream Catchers more individuals are interested
in joining. The current members initiate communications with each
other to discuss ideas, plans, and goals for the group. Jim has
brought such a worthwhile endeavor to the people of Mosaic and to all
that live with disabilities.
In spite
of managing two group homes, he continues to go above and beyond the
call of duty to help individuals realize and achieve their dreams. On
his own time he organized a deep sea fishing trip so a client could
catch "a big fish" as it turns out he ended up hooking
thirteen! What a memory he created for him!
With
Jim's polite and friendly demeanor all people he touches are friends
for life. Jim never sees the disability in a person, but only the
ability.
Jim is one of nine finalists for DSP of the Year out
of 266 nominations from 44 states!
