Shannon Miller

1. How did you get involved with Mosaic and what type of volunteer work do you do for Mosaic?
I began organizing service events for my singles group in January 2010.  I found Mosaic and we did several service projects fixing up group homes, then we started hosting Birthday Bashes. I also serve on the Church Relations Council.

2. What inspired you to create an adult bible study group at your church?
I had been volunteering with the special needs ministry at my church for several years but we did not serve adults at that time. I have been a counselor at a camp for adults with special needs and through my interactions, God had shown me that adults with intellectual disabilities can absolutely have faith in God and grow in that faith. In the spring of 2011, I had been thinking a lot about 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, and was sure that God saw everyone, even people with "disabilities" as part of the body of Christ. But I kept seeing adults with special needs around our church who just came with their parents and went home. After a specific interaction with one of those adults, I found myself wondering where they were supposed to go to grow in their faith and learn about God. God showed me pretty clearly that they did need a place, and that I was going to provide it!

3. How do you see this bible study benefiting the people who participate in it?
I think I've gotten just as much out of it as they have -- if not more! It is amazing to see the purity of their faith and how much they understand and share God's love. I am blessed every week! They definitely are benefiting from the group - it gives them a place to belong, where they are not  judged or stared at. Also, I think it gives them a place to be honest. We've talked many times about why God makes everyone different and why we can't all be good at everything. We don't shy away from the tough questions or only talk about the parts of the Bible that make us feel good. It's a place where they can say "My life is hard" and everyone gets that.

4. Describe a positive outcome from the adult bible study that you have seen or experienced.
I've seen several of the people in our Bible study go through real change. And that includes those of us who are leading it! One lady in particular stands out to me. When I first met her, my first impression was that she was very harsh and a little bit rude. I remember early on when we were having a discussion and she did not seem to be paying attention. She was going through her bag and did not contribute to the conversation. However, when I asked if anyone had questions, she asked several well-thought-out questions about real-life scenarios. I was pleasantly surprised to realize that she had been paying attention, and was taking the information to heart! Since then, I've seen a slow, steady change in her demeanor. She is still very blunt (which I love!), but now her kindness and gentleness shine through. She is one of the most loving people I know. She is happier and has expressed the desire to be baptized. There have been many factors in bringing about this change, but I think the weekly discussions and friendships she's made have definitely contributed!

5. Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your adult bible study?
My desire is that Bible studies like mine would be started all over the place. These adults need a place to go and learn about how much God loves them and what He wants for their lives! I would be happy to talk to anyone who thinks they might want to start something like this - please feel free to contact me at a22shannon@gmail.com.

Tracey Eubanks, volunteer

Tracey Eubanks

1. What type of volunteer work do you do for Mosaic? I have the honor of sitting on the Business Advisory Committee for the Document Destruction initiative run through Mosaic's Vocational Center.

2. What do you personally get out of volunteering for Mosaic? The opportunity to help, in a very small way, a group of amazing individuals who are my neighbors.

3. What have you enjoyed most about being a Mosaic volunteer? The interaction with clients and seeing Mosaic continue to grow and be innovative.

4. Describe a positive interaction that you have had while volunteering for Mosaic.
A client named Phillip lives very near me and for years I have seen him around the town. Because of Mosaic. I now know Phillip and see him benefit from Mosaic's program.

5. Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your time at Mosaic? I am honored to be involved and know Mosaic will continue to provide great service to this wonderful group of people.

	Kris Schuster, volunteer

Kris Schuster

What type of volunteer work do you do for Mosaic?

Three years ago, a friend of mine, Pamela Spadaro, asked for my opinions and experience with silent auctions because of my experience with past Gala's for other organizations. Since then I've had the pleasure of assisting with the silent auction for Mosaic's Heart & Soul Gala which includes soliciting donations, designing beautiful gift baskets and setting up the display vignettes before the event.

I've recently shared my other passion with Mosaic, rescuing retired racing greyhounds, by bringing a group of friends to visit the clients in the Vocational Center. It was a match made in heaven, as the smiles on the faces of clients would melt your heart and the truly amazing part was the joy greyhound owners felt in doing these visits.

At one of my properties I manage, the Plaza at Preston Center, we have "Santa Linden" out for a visits in December and provide photos for families taken by John Hudson Photography. In 2010, Santa and our photographer made a surprise visit to the Vocational Center with a hardy HO HO HO and we witnessed the true Christmas spirit in the laughter and joy of the Mosaic clients. Several volunteers joined me in the fun bringing their greyhounds to mix and mingle, and baked goodies to share. We made this happen again in 2011 and I think we may have started a tradition.

Lastly, for the past two years I've collected donations for the Christmas in July H.U.G.S. Drive. Seeing the faces of the Mosaic staff when I showed up last year with a Suburban packed full of items for the residences was pure joy to my heart. I am so thankful to the loyal vendors that I work with and the Venture Team who've always pulled together to for this event.

What do you personally get out of volunteering for Mosaic?

"For it is in giving that we receive" -- the smiles tell the story.

What have you enjoyed most about being a Mosaic volunteer?

What I've enjoyed most about being a volunteer is how positive and professional Mosaic staff is at every turn. They truly serve everyone when they open their arms to welcome you into their family. They have made me feel appreciated, needed, and respect my opinion. As a volunteer, you could not ask for more.

Describe a positive interaction that you have had while volunteering for Mosaic.

I really think the first question answers this, especially with Santa and the greyhounds.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your time at Mosaic?

This is a very special organization and I'm honored to be part of the family.

Mazie Petree

What type of volunteer work do you do for Mosaic?
I come two days a week, about 3 hours each day. While I am there, I work on life skills and social skills with about 12 people. I'm giving the individuals positive attention while reinforcing skills.

What do you personally get out of volunteering for Mosaic?
It gives me great pleasure to get to know the people at Mosaic. By giving to them I receive more than I can ever give.

What have you enjoyed most about being a Mosaic volunteer?
How the Mosaic staff have helped me feel welcomed and needed. They have been informative and given support when it was needed.

Describe a positive interaction that you have had while volunteering for Mosaic.
There has been many, one is what I do with them after lunch. I like to get them up and moving by walking with our ribbons or we have a parachute that we exercise with. These two activities do several things. They bring smiles, interaction with each other, and helps digest lunch before going back to work.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your time at Mosaic?
I am so glad I found Mosaic. It is filling a void in my life. I used to work with this population and I needed this more then Mosaic needed my volunteering. I want to thank you!

Jeff and Nancy Brown

Volunteer Kristin Bienvenu

Kristin Bienvenu

1. What type of volunteer work do you do for Mosaic?
I actually do any type of work they ask me to do...I assist the clients with art projects, help the nurses update the client's charts, help with corporate projects, and work the various events that Mosaic sponsors throughout the year. I love working with everyone at Mosaic because they all love what they do, they treat each and every person like they are an integral part of the team, and they always have smiles on their faces. No one is working here to become a millionaire...they are here because they want to make a difference in their client's lives.

2. What do you personally get out of volunteering for Mosaic?
I love being able to help an organization that really advocates for people with intellectual disabilities. My grandmother had a brother with Down Syndrome, my Uncle Bob; I like to think she and Bob are looking down on me and are happy I have chosen to work with such a great organization!

3. What have you enjoyed most about being a Mosaic volunteer?
Being around such wonderfully positive people who all have such a great sense of altruism. And I enjoy being able to personally see the difference that we, the volunteers, can make in the client's life. I love getting to know the clients and I get excited to see them when I go to the office each week.

4. Describe a positive interaction that you have had while volunteering for Mosaic.
Every interaction I have had at Mosaic has been positive, whether it is with the staff members or with the clients. I have really enjoyed creating greeting cards with the clients and encouraging them in their abilities. I loved working at the Heart and Soul Gala as well, and look forward to working there again next year.

5. Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your time at Mosaic?
I absolutely love that Mosaic started a document destruction company in Dallas and that they employee their clients. I am able to see the sense of purpose it creates in each individual. They take a certain pride in having a job and earning money. I have volunteered for other organizations throughout my life, but working with Mosaic is the first time I have worked with individuals with intellectual disabilities. I am hoping to be a long time volunteer at Mosaic! Thank you for this opportunity!