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Woman finds happy home at Mosaic

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Melanie Johnson (center) with mom Deb Ruda (right) and Mosaic staff member Rhea Metschke.

"I thought that was the only place there was for her," Deb Ruda said of her daughter, Melanie Johnson, who had lived at the Beatrice State Developmental Center for more than 23 years. But now, after four months of living in Mosaic community-based housing in Fremont, Ruda could not be more pleased. "I can see what she does every day. I feel like I am a lot more involved in her life."

Johnson's move from BSDC had been planned before the State of Nebraska moved medically fragile residents to area hospitals. Ruda said that because of her daughter's medical needs--Johnson is fed with a g-tube, breathes through a trach opening, and is prone to seizures--she was told that 24-hour nursing care was needed. At her Mosaic residence, Johnson health is monitored closely.

Read the full story.


Mosaic announces expansion plans in Nebraska


Mosaic announced plans to build 11 new homes for 66 people to move from the state-run Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC) to community programs in Nebraska.

BSDC is threatened with a loss of federal funds due to decertification and part of the strategy to regain certification includes having fewer residents at the facility. A recent decision by state officials also moved medically fragile residents from BSDC to hospitals in several Nebraska communities.

Mosaic's partnership was hailed by John Wyvill, director of the Nebraska Division of Developmental Disabilities.

"Mosaic has stepped up to help develop these critical residential community services," he said.

Linda Timmons, Mosaic President and CEO, called the expansion "good for people with disabilities and good for the State of Nebraska."

Read the full press release announcing the Nebraska expanded services.



Meaningful Days at Mosaic

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Every day in communities across America, Mosaic is helping people do the things that bring meaning and joy to their lives. Whether it is helping  people find productive, enjoyable work, learn a new hobby, or pursue a myriad  of other dreams, Mosaic staff members work in partnership with people who  have disabilities to achieve their goals.

Read more and watch the video here.


Giving Back to His Community

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Paul Kerber had worked in a variety of office settings for over 12 years and had developed skills essential to that environment. Kerber found the world of business to be very hectic, impersonal and more times than not, overwhelming. Find out how Kerber has learned giving back to the community is his new passion.

Read the full story here.




Study Shows Disparity in DSP Wages Between Public, Private Employers


On Feb. 17, ANCOR released the results of a national study that clearly illustrates the growing need for increased federal funding for low-wage workers who provide supports to people with disabilities. The "2008 Direct Support Professionals Wage Study," which was conducted in partnership between ANCOR and the Mosaic Collaborative for Disabilities Public Policy and Practice, imparts a sobering view of a national healthcare workforce in crisis.

Read more about the issue and download the study here.



Charitable IRA Rollover Giving Opportunity Extended


As part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, signed into law Oct. 3, 2008, Congress extended the IRA charitable rollover giving incentive through 2009. This allows taxpayers over age 70 1/2 to make tax-free distributions from their traditional IRAs directly to charity in 2008 and 2009. Learn more about this opportunity here.




Become an Advocate

Mosaic's Governmental Affairs Office has launched a new volunteer-based initiative called Mosaic Allied Voices (MAV). This effort is designed to assist our agencies in partnering with an organized group of community-based volunteers who will serve as advocates for and with individuals who have disabilities. Read more and become an advocate.


Mosaic is Standing Strong, Looking Ahead

Listen to a message from Mosaic CEO, Linda Timmons
View Timmon's message


Mosaic's Mission

In partnership with people who have disabilities, Mosaic provides supports and advocates that all may realize God's gift of wholeness of life.


The Mosaic Great Wall Challenge

On May 16, 2009 Raul Saldivar ran 26.2 miles on the 5,164 steps of the Great Wall in Tianjin Province, China as part of the Great Wall Marathon®.

Be a Part of Something Great

So far Saldivar has raised over $8,500. Mosaic asks you to be a part of the journey by designating a gift in honor of Raul Saldivar and the Mosaic Great Wall Challenge.  Learn more and hear Raul talk about the challenge.


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Learn about Mosaic's History

Mosaic's video, "Called To Answer In Extraordinary Ways," is  available for viewing online. Featuring many historical photos and the recollections of people involved throughout our history, the video shows the extraordinary dedication that made Mosaic into a premiere ministry. View the video here.