SUMMER 2024 MosaicInfo.org SISTERS’ LIFELONG SUPPORT OF MOSAIC CELEBRATING INCLUSION 7 8
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
Cassie’s Future Is Full of Possibilities By Sherry Bale When Mosaic staff members are asked to describe 42-year-old Cassie Lobdell, words such as “amazing,” “loving,” “sweet” and “happy” come to their minds. “Cassie is an absolute sweetheart, especially after overcoming so much sadness and adversity in her life,” said Mosaic Senior Community Relations Manager Vickie Harshbarger. “Cassie has an intellectual disability, and as a teenager, she began having seizures—some were so strong she would be bedridden the next day. “When she came to Mosaic, she was very bitter and had many challenges to overcome,” added Vickie. As time passed, Cassie then tragically lost her mother and brother in the same year, leaving her without any immediate family. She was understandably overwhelmed with sadness, exhibited by constant crying, loud outbursts and consistently wearing one of her mother’s necklaces. “She would showme something in her room that evoked a memory of her mother or brother,” Vickie said. “She would tell me they’re in heaven.” After a while and still with pain in her heart, Cassie started dreaming for a place where she could again feel she belonged. Nayelli Rodriguez had been on Mosaic’s staff for years and had grown close to Cassie; working at Mosaic at that time, her husband knew Cassie as well. When Nayelli was expecting a second child, she wanted a more flexible work schedule where she could continue to help those served by Mosaic to have meaningful lives. She knew Cassie wanted to live in a shared living home, known as Mosaic at Home®, where the provider gives highly personalized supports around the specific needs and desires of each person while helping her or him to become part of the family and her or his community. “I asked her Mosaic case manager if Cassie was a candidate for Mosaic at Home, and she replied ‘yes.’ While there’s always a thorough matching process between the individual served and the provider, I was able to tell Cassie about it,” said Nayelli. “She was so happy and excited, she started packing! Then I had to say, ‘no, wait, there’s a process we have to go through first!’” While Cassie was waiting for the green light to move from a 24/7 Mosaic residential group home to Mosaic 24/7 shared living service, Vickie said Cassie couldn’t contain her excitement. “While I was at our Day Services—in which Cassie participates—she asked me to follow her to what was then Nayelli’s office at the time. She closed the door with all of us inside. Then, in her broken words, she said ‘I get to live with Nayelli and [her] babies!’” The matching process began in July 2022—which included Cassie spending some weekends at the Rodriguez family house—and Cassie moved in November 2022, six weeks after Nayelli had her baby girl. “Before she arrived here,” added Nayelli, “my husband finished a full bedroom and bath for her downstairs, so she could have her own space. When she saw it, she was ecstatic! We told her she could decorate the bedroom any way she wanted.” Cassie’s decor includes little hearts on the walls, pictures of her mother, and she has artwork that reads “Love.” Since moving in, Cassie has blissfully settled in her new home and is now an integral part of the family and the community. Her health has improved markedly (she’s lost 30 pounds!); she helps around the house; joins family vacations (when they visit Nayell’s mother in another state, she also has her own room there); and goes to Mosaic Day Services, where she’s learning new hobbies and going to restaurants with her friends. “She’s become more independent. She sets her own alarm. She has a schedule of the steps to get ready in the morning and a calendar on which we add what she’s going to do each day,” Nayelli said. “Because of her support consistency, the entire time Cassie’s been here, I’ve never witnessed her having an outburst or becoming angry—and her number of seizures has dropped dramatically. “I know she’s grateful to be with us because she says ‘thank you’ for almost everything—something she really doesn’t have to say because we love her,” Nayelli added. Not only has Cassie found belonging in the Rodriguez family, that belonging has given her a newly found confidence to look at life as one full of many, many possibilities. Nayelli and Cassie at “Night to Shine” adult prom night. 2 | Promise Promise | 3
As a next step and with the money Brian saves to pay for necessary personal needs and participate in activities, Ty drove him to Baltimore to celebrate his birthday. Ruby said, “He was so happy he was going there, he gave me a big hug before he got into the car!” Because Brian clearly showed happiness during these excursions, an even more adventurous out-of-town trip was planned—this time, to Florida—based on his love of Disney characters and Dr. Seuss books. The trip mandated an almost three-hour, direct flight to Orlando, and it was Brian’s first time on a plane. “He did awesome during the ride by looking out the window and eating his snacks.” In Orlando they stayed at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, which Disney describes as “stepping into the heart of Africa.” According to Ty, their room had a view of one of the hotel’s savannas where 200 animals live—from gazelles and flamingos to giraffes and zebras. “When we first checked in, Brian went straight to the balcony to watch the wildlife. He was fully engulfed in the experience, and I could tell he really liked it. He went to our balcony many times. It was so peaceful to him,” she said. Also while in Florida, Ty took Brian to Universal Studios, where he posed for photos with Dr. Seuss characters, watched a live Grinch Christmas show, enjoyed the food and bought a Christmas Grinch plush toy, among other things. Another highlight of the trip was their visit to Medieval Times, where Brian was well entertained by the main tournament of pretend knights on real horses “battling for the throne,” and he loved the chicken that was part of what they called the “four-course feast.” Because Mosaic gives him a safe, trustworthy place to live and the encouragement to try new things and go new places, Brian continues to comfortably widen the scope of his experiences. “For Brian and others Mosaic serves,” said Ty, “we feel strongly they should be out enjoying all life has to offer—just like the rest of us get to do.” Long Term Support Helps Brian Thrive By Sherry Bale As much as Brian Brooks’ mother wanted to, she was unable to care for his significant needs and meet his care requirements. Although he was first placed in an institution for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Brian’s mother later moved him to Mosaic, because she knew he would be loved more and cared for, and his needs would be personally addressed in a smaller, group home residence staffed with round-the-clock direct support professionals. That was more than three decades ago. Now 61 years old, Brian had a history of shying away from crowds, and loud noise caused him distress. He also didn’t trust many people, so his days consisted of staying inside and not wanting to do many activities—if any at all. “When I started at Mosaic more than 13 years ago, Brian was already here,” said Direct Support Professional Ruby Mills. “He is non-verbal. But when I met him, I was pleased he could see and understand me when I talked. However, at that time, if you asked him to do something—such as to go outside with you or to put away his items where they belonged—he wouldn’t do it or was very hesitant to do so.” That being the case, a major goal for Brian has been to help him feel comfortable going places and alleviate his distress being with crowds or hearing loud noises. His support staff has been working with him toward this goal, little by little. Brian may not speak, but he certainly communicates. “Recently, when I entered his house, he immediately got up and came over to me,” said Ruby. “I said, ‘Brian, what do you need?’ He then went to the front door while still looking at me. He was telling me he wanted to go out. I told him to let me put my things down, and today we will go out. He has become very good at showing you what he wants or needs.” “Now Brian likes going everywhere in town,” she laughed. “His favorite activities are visiting the nearby park and eating at restaurants—especially Applebee’s and Olive Garden.” Another person on Brian’s support staff, Tyiesha (“Ty”) Dunson, also helped him to overcome his fear of crowds and loud noises. When taking Brian to his medical appointments, she would make other stops along the way to expose him to different surroundings. “I also took him to a Philadelphia Eagles game. Of course, a pro football game is by nature extremely loud with everyone in the stadium shouting and cheering, but surprisingly, it didn’t bother him. He was smiling the whole time, eating great food, and when the Eagles scored a touchdown, I took his hands to put them up to the sky while saying ‘yay!’ He really enjoyed himself. Managing the stress brought on by noisy crowds was once a major goal for Brain Brooks, but with the gentle encouragement of Mosaic staff, he now looks forward to new adventures such as his recent trip to Florida’s Disney World. 4 | Promise Promise | 5
Taking Charge of Her Life, Althea Excels By Joanne Malise, State Director, Living Innovations, a service of Mosaic, in Rhode Island* Althea was about to be 18—an age most teens look forward to with excitement. But the birthday would be something very different for Althea. The school and child welfare system could do nothing more for her, and she was too young to enter the adult system. Age 18 would be a life-changer for her. It was the age at which the child welfare “Subsidized Adoption” funding to her foster parents would end. It was also the age she could legally leave the home she had grown to hate, even though her younger sister would be left behind. Then the call came from the state adult services asking Living Innovations to help. It was an extremely cold November in 2010, and the State was asking if we could find a new home for Althea. Arrangements were made to meet with the state police one evening across the road from the home of the foster parents. They were very familiar with the home and were in full support of Althea leaving, except that Althea was not living in the home. She was living in a dilapidated trailer behind the home that lacked both running water and heat. The foster father stated it was Althea’s choice to live there, but we will never know whose choice it really was or all the reasons why she resided there. The police knocked on the trailer door, and it was opened by a small blond-haired, blue-eyed young woman. After confirming her identification, I asked, “Would you like to come with me to a home that is safe and warm and where you will be taken care of?” There was very little hesitation before she began throwing her few possessions into the offered trash bags. Thus began Althea’s journey into Shared Living. Fourteen years later, and at least six different Shared Living homes, Althea has matured into a woman who now can verbally express her thoughts and needs. It is very hard to break habits of a lifetime that were grown out of hunger, frustration and deprivation. She has learned to control most of her anger and how to trust others. After not seeing her sister for more than seven years, they were able to be reunited when her sister moved into another Shared Living arrangement upon her 18th birthday. Althea is an avid reader, having “consumed” the Harry Potter series numerous times! She loves reading mythology and doing crafts. Althea has tried several jobs and loves volunteering with the elderly. She is generous and loves gift buying and making crafts for others. She has made a network of friends with whom she stays in touch, and this includes her boyfriend of 10 years. Most importantly, she has learned to trust and talk through her issues. She is a woman redefined. *Living Innovations has locations across Rhode Island, Maine and New Hampshire; the nonprofit provides support to people of all ages and abilities to have a good life at home and in the community. From Summer Workers to Charitable Gift Donors The Carlson Sisters’ Lifelong Support of Mosaic By Sherry Bale The deaconess was not impressed when her summer workers arrived at Bethphage’s Axtell, Nebraska, campus in 1941. “I thought they were going to send us workers, not kids,” Sister Emma Hanson said. So the story begins in Mosaic’s The Reason We Exist: Stories of Mosaic’s Call to Serve (bit.ly/4bORtYX) about Velma Carlson, then only 15, and her sister Selma, then 16, arriving at Bethphage to the sound of Sister Emma’s utterance. Bethphage was a ministry dedicated to loving and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the Carlson sisters were there to support the staff’s good works during the summer. Sister Emma determined they were more than capable, so she asked the sisters to return the next summer and to bring their younger sister Thelma. Among the three of them, Velma said they worked at Bethphage during most of the 1940s. Today, Velma and her sister Thelma fondly look back at the experience. “We were blessed to have that opportunity. It was God leading and guiding us to help relieve the need,” Velma said. “That experience has been a mainstay in our lives and an important part of our spiritual, physical and mental growth.” In 2003, decades after Velma, Selma and Thelma were summer workers, Bethphage united with Martin Luther Home to become Mosaic. Because she knew firsthand howMosaic’s founding ministry brought to life Bethphage’s original mission of “We are called to love and serve our neighbor” through the people it supported, Velma has given the organization a generous charitable gift annuity, and Thelma also contributes to Mosaic and has a separate charitable gift annuity. “I’m so happy Bethphage’s work has continued with Mosaic,” she said. “I stopped giving to some charities, not knowing howmy donations were being handled. I know how they go directly to the people Mosaic is helping. “I don’t think any of Bethphage’s founders and staff at that time thought their ministry and their mission would result in the things Mosaic is doing now in the U.S. and internationally,” Velma added. “It’s all so wonderful!” Althea is thriving since she moved into a Shared Living Arrangement and directs her own life choices. Watch her story here : bit.ly/3UPr6LL. Now is the best time to consider a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) with Mosaic Your donation makes a visible, positive impact on the lives of the people we serve, and CGA lifelong payout rates are the highest they’ve been in 16 years. No matter how the stock market performs, Mosaic will pay you a steady, fixed income during your lifetime. To learn more about the advantages and benefits of a Mosaic CGA, visit plannedgiving.mosaicinfo.org/charitable-gift-annuities or contact Jaime Corsar at 1.877.366.7242, ext. 31106 or by email at [email protected]. The three Carlson sisters who worked at Bethphage (back row from left), Velma, Selma and Thelma, along with siblings (front row) Nathalie and John. 6 | Promise
Inclusion Inspires Meant to create awareness about the importance of including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, March was National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Mosaic honored the people we serve with our own awareness and educational campaign themed “Inclusion Inspires.” These images of people we support living their way—doing the things they love to do—are inspiring as well. Please join us in celebrating them! Bowling is one of Ryan’s favorite activities Ben finds joy while riding in a cool motorcycle sidecar Mark actively participates in Rejoicing Spirits worship Rodney enjoys painting Marti enjoys her work at a local coffee house Holly takes a class on succulents 8 | Promise Promise | 9
Lance finishes a 300-piece puzzle Luanne and Mary love a good picnic Mary paints a pumpkin decoration Steve and Mandie during a pizza-making class DeanMichael loves to play guitar Matthew eats a pizza he made Maria’s favorite song to play is “Be Thou My Vision” Jeff learned how to make bread from scratch Tyler’s first trip to the Gulf 10 | Promise Promise | 11
Michael has loved vintage cars all his life Travis loves anything with trucks, trains and fire engines— especially parades! Suzanne makes cookies (she likes to eat them, too!) Kerry laughs while playing Nerf wars Ron and Sam attend a local hockey game Mary and Candace also show their support during the hockey game See more ways inclusion inspires us all: bit.ly/4bNyqyl. 12 | Promise Promise | 13
4980 South 118th Street Omaha, NE 68137 Mosaic and Living Innovations are proud to celebrate three ANCOR award winners who represent the thousands of Direct Support Professionals who serve in our 13-state network. Thank you Arnold Bulley, Tyiesha Dunson and Sarah Scott for furthering our mission to love and serve others. Direct Support Professionals from Mosaic and Living Innovations share a passion. Through relationships based on respect, they build trust with those they support and provide opportunities to help them have a full, meaningful life. Learn more at MosaicInfo.org or LivingInnovations.com. CONGRATULATIONS! Sarah Scott, Arizona Arnold Bulley, Maine Tyiesha Dunson, Delaware
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