From the President One story in this issue of Promise tells of a more-than-80-year relationship a donor has had with the organization. It started when she was only 15 as a summer worker on our Bethphage campus and continues today. More than 80 years! That loyalty to our mission speaks to the life-changing nature of our work. After her days as a summer worker were over, her heart remained with the people we support throughout her life. Mosaic’s life-changing work is visible as well in the stories of Cassie, Brian and Althea, whom you will read about. All three came to Mosaic (Althea to our Living Innovations subsidiary) under different circumstances, but they’ve all found more whole, complete and satisfying lives because they’re a part of the organization. When you see those results in people’s lives, it is no surprise when you read about the award-winning Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), whose stories we share. Each was honored as the DSP of the Year in their home state. They are the ones who bring our mission to life for people, and their recognition is well-deserved. Finally, we’re sharing a pictorial of some of the amazing things people we support do in their lives. While serving people is our primary mission, we’re also an advocacy organization. March was National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and it gave us the opportunity to highlight all that people can do with the right supports. I’m happy to share this issue of our magazine with you. I’m also happy to share this work. Thank you for being a partner in our mission to love and serve. Linda Timmons, President and Chief Executive Officer Publisher: Renee Coughlin Senior Vice President and President of The Mosaic Foundation Editor: Sherry L. Bale Communications Professional Contributing Writer: Randall Donner Senior Communications Professional Promise shares stories and insights about the ministry of Mosaic. Copyright ©2024, Mosaic. Mosaic is a 501(c)(3) organization. 4980 South 118th Street, Omaha, NE 68137 [email protected] | 877.366.7242 Mosaic is an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of Lutheran Services in America. Mosaic will not discriminate in matters of employment or service delivery on the basis of race, creed, age, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status or veteran status. The Mosaic Foundation Board of Directors Michelle Bolton King, Chairperson, Iowa Benjamin Morrow, Vice Chairperson, Iowa Gary Freeman, Secretary, Nebraska The Rev. Keith Hohly, Ex-Officio, Kansas Dan Friedlund, Nebraska Brando Guerrero, California Ade Monareh, New Hampshire Monica Balters, Nebraska Beth Nelson Chase, Illinois Mosaic Board of Directors The Rev. Keith Hohly, Chairperson, Kansas Patricia Nimtz, First Vice Chairperson, Illinois Monica Holle, Second Vice Chairperson, Nebraska Peter Enko, Secretary, Kansas Jodi Benjamin, Nebraska Dr. Weadé James, Virginia Robert Graulich, Connecticut On the Cover Marti Cramer, served by Mosaic in Central Nebraska, is the newest member of the team at Barista’s Daily Grind in Kearney. In addition to serving up specialty brewed coffee, Marti enjoys caring for the coffee shop’s flower beds throughout the summer. Read more about the importance of inclusion on page 8. Follow@mosaicpossible: Mark Nicholson, Kansas Sarah Meek, Virginia Karen Peppmuller, Nebraska Dr. Micah Prochaska, Illinois Dr. Joe Savage Jr., Delaware Michelle Thompson, Virginia Dr. Adam Wells, Nebraska Elizabeth Willis, Iowa In This Issue Cassie’s Future Is Full of Possibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Long TermSupport Helps Brian Thrive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Taking Charge of Her Life, Althea Excels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 FromSummer Workers to Charitable Gift Donors The Carlson Sisters’ Lifelong Support of Mosaic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Inclusion Inspires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
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