Intern Spotlight: Alaina Hasenmiller
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When I received an Arizona State University email suggesting I take a Service Learning class, I didn't look at it as much more than an interesting, easy way to fulfill an elective credit. The class required you to find an organization that was making a positive impact on the community and complete a number of service hours with them. That is how I became involved with Mosaic.
Mosaic is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a life of possibilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. I was immediately drawn in by this mission and requested to not only work in the office as a community relations representative, but also work in their Kindervention program to get an overall idea of what the organization was doing for adults and children in our community.
Kindervention is a specialized program that works directly with children to reach their developmental milestones in an inclusive classroom setting. Each week, I had the opportunity to observe children, 18 months to 4 years, learn and grow through a variety of fun filled activities using developmental strategies. What was most impressive about the program was it was completely free to the children and their families! Not only did children receive therapy, but parents were asked to volunteer to learn techniques to help in the progress of their child. This is just one example of how Mosaic works to go above and beyond to impact the community.
One of my first major office projects was to put together an inclusion kickball game. The idea was simple; to bring people of all different abilities together to play a game of kickball. Mosaic challenged Arizona Mentor, another disability organization to an inclusive game of kickball. The turnout was greater than I had expected. The field and dugouts were filled with individuals served by the organizations, employees, friends and volunteers all playing together to break down barriers in the community. Participants were given the opportunity to have fun and make new friends of all kinds. Mosaic's inclusion events really make a difference.
At Mosaic's annual Family Fun Day, I witnessed the joy and excitement the event brought to the individuals Mosaic serves. The day was filled with games, activities, entertainment and tons of food. The Peoria Rotary Club participated in preparing all the food. It was great to see another organization get involved, because each of the volunteers had the chance to share their experience. It was clear that even for those who did not have relatives join us at the event, they felt that they were in the presence of family. It was all thanks to the knowledge and care the Mosaic staff has for the people they serve.
What I realized in my time here is that Mosaic is much more than just a service provider. They fulfill needs for financial help, resources, friendship and most importantly they make hopes and dreams come true. The semester has ended and summer has begun. My wonderful experiences at Mosaic have inspired me to continue my internship. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this incredible organization.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Dave Schleinz
Part of the definition of a mosaic is: "being made up of diverse elements", and that is very true of Mosaic. Different people are the "elements" all working together for a common goal, which is to help those who are challenged in many ways and anyone else they come across.
I have been in my position since the beginning of July 2010 and one thing I have learned is that the people connected with this organization are diverse, intelligent and most of all caring. From day one, I felt part of the team.
Thank you to all the friends I have made here at Mosaic. You have enriched my life.
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