Success

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Father and Son Make a Successful Team

Shane Simonson has a often-used and welcoming smile. Struggling to speak loudly enough to be heard, his staff member, Stephanie Abbott, reminds him to "take a deep breath and use your big voice."

Simonson has received services from Mosaic since 1993. Several years earlier, at age 14, he was in a car accident that left him with multiple disabilities. His father, Don Simonson, said that Shane was near death in a coma after the accident and nearly died twice in the hospital.

"I'm sure God has a plan," the father said of his son's life, which 23 years after the accident is still filled with several hours each week of speech and physical therapy.

Although he knows he could not alone provide the assistance his son needs every day, Don Simonson is a devoted father, spending hours with his son several times a week, including regular walks in the park or a mall, and weekly participation in the Spirit Matters group at Rejoice! Lutheran Church.

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Shane spends 30 hours a week at the Mosaic day center in Omaha, where he is well-liked for his easy-going nature.

"Shane is a little bit of a rock star around this place," said Terrence Wilson, Jr., one of the staff who assists Shane Simonson daily. At the day center, a staff member always works one-on-one with Shane, helping him through parts of his program that includes daily journaling and help with his speech and walking.

Because he has difficulty with balance, a staff member always walks with him and is there to remind him to sit straight when he starts leaning too far in the chair. Although a walker is available for Shane, staff prefer to walk with him, offering gentle safety reminders as they come close to padded cabinets or other objects. Someone also assists him with eating, making sure there is nothing big enough for him to choke on in his food.

When it is available, Shane participates in work that comes into the day center for clients. But whether there is work or not, staff members make sure that clients are always engaged. Often the day will include a trip to the mall, or to a park. They've gone together to the Omaha zoo and to baseball games, hold in-house parties and dances, and take monthly trips to Camp Carol Joy Holling, an outdoor recreation and education spot.

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Shane lives in a duplex operated by Mosaic in Papillion, a home he shares with three men, all of whom also had brain injuries. Their home is decorated with Husker sports items and a stationary bike in the living room. Shane's room reflects his personality, with photos of duck hunting and family.

The house residents regularly participate in recreational and social activities outside of their home, including routinely eating out and weekend visits to the YMCA, all with the help of Mosaic direct support staff.

"I feel they're wonderful," Don Simonson said of the staff members. "I couldn't do it. I can't believe they can get such great people."