Tanisha Fuller-Felix, Executive Director

Letter from the Executive Director

This year has been filled with challenges. We have been challenged with federal cuts, changes in regulations and increasing demands -- all of these have an organizational impact. Many organizations struggle in times like these, but the dedicated staff members at Mosaic in South Central Texas possess a can-do attitude. Even with potential rate cuts, our team spirit and positive approach allow us to press forward because our desire to support people with intellectual and development disabilities is strong.  

Knowing that each employee is mission-driven allows the team to bond and work toward a common goal. Employees know that even though they have a specific job function or belong to a specific department, they are unified with other team members to accomplish the overall objective of service to all.

A recent example of that team work is Mosaic's Employee Campaign. The campaign is held annually during the month of May and staff are able to make contributions through a regular payroll deduction or one-time gift. The funds given by employees are designated for agency needs above and beyond the budgeted items. More than 91 percent of our local employees made a gift through the employee campaign. We're thankful for our wonderful staff, this is an amazing demonstration of dedication to our mission.

With the current change in the economy, we are very fortunate to have an organization that looks at opportunity. Mosaic is broaching new and innovative ways to both decrease our cost and raise more funds, allowing us to give more to people we support.

One way you can support Mosaic is to be a volunteer. Please consider volunteering for our Advisory Committee. The commitment is one meeting every quarter. You would have the opportunity to make a difference in lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are seeking people who believe in our mission. I encourage you to give us a call or view our updates on Facebook to learn more about getting involved. Help us create a life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Please join us for a silent auction fundraiser

Join us at Houlihan's Restaurant on September 16 from 6 - 9 p.m. for a silent auction fundraiser benefiting Mosaic in South Central Texas.

The evening is free to attend and refreshments and appetizers will be served. There will be silent auction packages for people of all ages and interests, so make sure you attend this exciting fundraising event!

For more information, view the flier (pdf) or contact us.

Walk a Mile in My Shoes

More Information

	Nice and cool in the pool, Randy Holden smiles for the camera.

Adaptive PE Classes at Texas Lutheran University

Spring is always an exciting time for the people supported by Mosaic in Seguin. Every year they attend an Adaptive PE class at Texas Lutheran University (TLU). This year's class was as fun and exciting as past years, and ended the semester with a dip in the TLU pool.

The group attended PE every Wednesday for the entire spring semester. They work individually with a TLU student, engaging in several different physical activities. This class is a great benefit for both the students and individuals. It gives the TLU students firsthand experience with modifying activities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while helping the individuals stay active and learn new methods of exercising.

Betsye Macke, an individual who attends Inclusions, has been attending the TLU Adaptive PE class for the last ten years. "My partner this year was Cody and he was gorgeous," said Macke. "He also showed me how to play basketball and how to use bean bags to strengthen our arms."

The last class was held on April 20 at the TLU pool. All the individuals were given the option to get into the pool for their workout. Each student was required to develop a lesson plan designed for water aquatics. With the assistance of a life guard, the students were able to help even those with physical disabilities get into the pool for their workout.

It was very exciting to see all levels of individuals with different physical abilities enjoying themselves in the water, said Jennifer Caruso, QMRP for Mosaic.

The Adaptive TLU PE class has been a long-running partnership and Mosaic looks forward to many more years of spring fun.

• Jason Arrisola enjoys his time in the pool at TLU Adaptive PE class.
• Flora Riley listens to TLU students give instructions for the days workout.

Desiree Villegas is pulled over by Renan Fidalgo during the Employee Campaign video shoot.

Employee Campaign 2011

The Employee Campaign is always a fun time in the agency as it brings everyone together in the spirit of giving. Our corporate slogan for 2011 campaign is THX 2 U. Leading up to the campaign this year we had a lot of fun putting together a video highlighting our commitment to serving our individuals in service. We had an opportunity to dress up and play Hollywood roles as we starred in a police chase scene that ends up in with one employee pulled over by a police officer who finds out the employee driving our individuals is "licensed to serve" and doing her job quite well! No tickets were issued, just good services and smiles!

Though many laughs were had, the true winners are the people we serve, who often do not have the money for special things they need or even the very necessities we often take for granted.

It is with employee campaign funds that we can help to enrich the lives of so many people. Thanks to all who contribute and all who work tirelessly to make dreams come true every day. THX 2 U, the Mosaic in South Central Texas Dream Team!

Donation dollars put to good use

Every day we are reaching out to our community members asking for their support. Regardless of the type of support we receive, we are grateful for all of it. We especially appreciate those who provide us with monetary donations, which we in turn can utilize anywhere in our program. We recently used $2,800 to renovate a bathroom at Cedar House, one of our ICF-MR homes in Seguin. The renovation consisted of installing a new walk-in shower with grab bars and all new fixtures. We were able to re-tile the entire bathroom to give a more updated look. We also had a new ramp and sidewalk installed leading from the master bedroom to the driveway to enhance safety skills for the ladies residing in the home. As we continue to reach out, we ask that you help us in spreading the word about the need for continued donations. Because of donation dollars, this renovation was made possible to better the lives of the people we support. If you would like to help create a life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities, make a gift now.

Flash your flair

Direct Support Associates, also knowns as DSAs, are the heartbeat of our program. They are in the forefront of our services and know first-hand what it takes to support someone with disabilities. To acknowledge their dedication and hard work, we have created unique buttons (or flair) to recognize a job well done. Some of the flair says "I'm an Advocate" or "Team Player."

Our goal is to catch our DSAs doing great work and thanking them. At the end of the year, we will judge who has the most flair and reward them with an ultimate prize of appreciation.

	Haynette Miller received the 2011 DSP of the Year Award.

ANCOR honors DSP of the Year Award

Each year, thousands of Direct Support Associates are nominated for ANCOR's Direct Support Professional of the year. Last year, Jackie Thomas, Direct Support Manager for San Antonio, was nominated but lost in the final round of nominations. This year, Haynette Miller, Direct Support Manager for Seguin, was nominated. On April 18, ANCOR announced Haynette won the nomination for DSP of The Year for Texas. Congratulations Haynette!

Free resources for vacation bible school or Sunday school

Children's educational materials are available for free to churches from Mosaic. There is a four-week lesson plan along with a 20-Day Awareness activity guide that features Duncan the Duck and would be a great platform for children's programming.

Materials include coloring books, coin banks, an animated story on DVD and Bible study lesson plans, all of which feature Mosaic's children's mascot, Duncan. Learn how you can receive these educational materials for free.

Contact us when looking for temple talks, guest speakers or children's programs, as well as further information about admissions, volunteering, and giving opportunities.

Become a voice for people with disabilities

When decisions are being made about important issues like services, homes and health care, people with intellectual disabilities should have a right to express their opinions. Too often, they have no chance to speak. You can level the playing field.

Become a Mosaic Allied Voices volunteer.

Just go here and sign up with your contact information. When issues that impact people with intellectual disabilities are identified, you will receive an email alert asking you to contact your elected official. We promise you will only be contacted when there are critical issues that need immediate attention.

You can be the voice of a person who would otherwise be silenced. Help them be heard.

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