WINTER 2024 MosaicInfo.org Celebrating Direct Support Professionals 14 MOSAIC AT HOME® IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE 8
From the President Each of us have milestone moments in our lives. I had a couple of milestones this year—I turned 60 and I began a doctoral program! We use the year “milestone,” because it marks something significant. That word certainly can describe some events at Mosaic in 2024. I know you’ll enjoy reading the three success stories about people we support at Mosaic. People we serve often mark milestones—new accomplishments, new experiences and new skills—all that help them live the life they want to lead. The stories about Kyle, Mark and Steven share how they’re achieving their milestones and pursuing their dreams with a little help fromMosaic. There’s also a story about significant milestones in the life of our organization. Mosaic expanded the impact of our mission by acquiring two other provider organizations in 2024. In Arizona, our subsidiary Soreo grew to serve more than 500 additional people with in-home supports. In Maine, our subsidiary Living Innovations grew to serve more than 260 more people with shared living and other community supports. That story also shares the “Why?” behind those moves. The dramatic growth of our Mosaic at Home Shared Living service is the topic of another story. This, too, is a milestone for our organization and for people supported. In that story, you’ll see the positive outcomes people experience in shared living. There’s much more you’ll find useful in these pages. Thank you for taking the time to learnmore about Mosaic and for being a dedicated partner in our mission to love and serve others. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Linda Timmons, President and Chief Executive Officer Publisher: Renee Coughlin Chief Advancement Officer 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 Benjamin Morrow, Chairperson, Iowa Beth Nelson Chase, Vice Chairperson, Illinois Monica Balters, Secretary, Nebraska The Rev. Keith Hohly, Ex-Officio, Kansas Janet Byars, Nebraska Gary Freeman, Nebraska Dan Friedlund, Nebraska Brando Guerrero, California Ade Monareh, New Hampshire Mary Sersland, Arizona Mosaic Board of Directors The Rev. Keith Hohly, Chairperson, Kansas Peter Enko, First Vice Chairperson, Kansas Monica Holle, Second Vice Chairperson, Nebraska Sarah Meek, Secretary, Virginia Jodi Benjamin, Nebraska Lakelyn Eichenberger, Nebraska Robert Graulich, Connecticut Dr. Weadé James, Virginia On the Cover Steven Strennen has become more independent in choosing and doing the things he wants to do with Mosaic at Home. Read more about Steven’s actionpacked life on page 2. Follow@mosaicpossible: Mercy Ndosi-Shoo, Nebraska Patricia Nimtz, Illinois Karen Peppmuller, Nebraska Dr. Micah Prochaska, Illinois Dr. Joe Savage, Jr., Delaware Kathy Sheng, Virginia The Rev. Rachel Thorson Mithelman, Iowa Dr. Adam Wells, Nebraska Elizabeth Willis, Iowa In This Issue Steven’s Life is Action-Packed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 “An Amazing Gift,” Kyle Teaches Humanity and Compassion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Once Institutionalized, Mark is NowUsing His Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Mosaic at Home Continues to ShowPositive Outcomes for People Served . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mosaic’s Strategic Growth is a Vision for the Future. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Martin Luther Home Founded in 1925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 NewBoardMembers Bring Multiple Skills toMosaic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Direct Support Professionals Are the Backbone of Mosaic’sWorkforce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The 2024 Partners in Possibilities Award Recipients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Meet our newest board members on page 12.
Steven’s Life is Action-Packed By Sherry Bale When staffing shortages forced another provider to suddenly close the group home serving Steven Strennen, his mother Leanne Carpenter turned to Mosaic for support. Leanne said she called Mosaic “in a panic.” The staff, who already knew Steven from supporting him previously, recommended an emergency placement with former Mosaic direct care professional Cody Matula, who had become an experienced Mosaic at Home® shared living provider. “I knew Cody and his husband Jonny and their wonderful background,” said Mosaic Independent Contract (i.e., “Provider”) Program Supervisor Roxane Beisch, “they were already successfully supporting a gentleman who was doing very well and continues to have a good quality of life in their home today.” After getting to know Cody and Jonny and seeing howwell Steven interacted with them, Leanne gave the okay for Steven to move into the Matulas’ house. “He knew if he didn’t like our home, he had other options. But once he settled in, we discovered we had a lot in common,” said Cody. Steven, now 33, has been with the Matulas more than two years. While Steven started out being shy and not talking much to others, Leanne said he’s become “much more verbal,” and she credits part of that to Cody and Jonny. “During one of Steven’s Mosaic support teammeetings, we began chatting around the table,” recalled Mosaic is a nonprofit, whole-person healthcare organization whose purpose is to love and serve those with diverse needs. Mosaic’s mission statement—“Embracing God’s call, we relentlessly pursue opportunities that empower people.”—reflects our commitment to build personalized services around the specific needs, goals and desires of each and every person we support. The following pages about Steve, Kyle and Mark illustrate there is never a “cookie-cutter” approach in howwe serve others—and what they can do with the right supports. 2 | Promise
Leanne. “Then suddenly, Steve said, ‘well, let’s talk about [my] goals, shall we?” While it made all of us laugh together, it dawned on me he was picking up figures of speech and common phrases he was hearing in Cody’s and Jonny’s home.” As Steven has become more independent in choosing and doing the things he wants to do, his life is now action-packed with a busy schedule of participating in sports year-round— bowling, softball, baseball and track and field to name a few—and he often watches professional games with Cody. Steven also likes the food industry: He works at the local Palmer’s Deli bussing tables, doing dishes (he’s even learned to use the restaurant’s industrial dishwasher), taking out trash and performing general cleaning. “I like Palmer’s Deli, because it’s a good pace for me. One day, I even got a tip from a customer!” he proudly exclaimed. According to Cody, Steven’s activities do not stop there. “When he wants to—which is almost all of the time—Steven goes on vacations with us. We recently returned from a vacation in the Ozarks with almost 30 of our blended family members, and he learned all of their names by the time we left! We’ve also taken him to Minnesota where he visited the Vikings football Museum, and he wanted to go to Chicago for his birthday.” “What I want for Steven is for him to be happy,” said Leanne. “He needed a purpose in life, and I believe he’s found one by doing things he loves and making other people happy as well. He’s just the light of my life—he’s such a joy.” Cody, Steven and Jonny enjoy hiking together.
“An Amazing Gift,” Kyle Teaches Humanity and Compassion By Sherry Bale As she speaks, Laura Kelly lovingly brings her older brother Kyle Simonson, 62, into the conversation by reiterating key information and posing questions to him. He sits closely by her side, and their love for each other is palpable. Kyle may not be verbal, but he clearly communicates he’s happy through his exuberant smile, buoyant, happy clapping and his wonderful sounds of joy. According to Laura, Kyle has always been that way. “I’m 39 years old, and in all those years of being his sister, he’s always been happy. He’s so easy going, kind and sweet. You could be having the worst day, but his million dollar smile melts your heart and changes all that.” Before Laura and their sister Jennifer Halupnick were born, Kyle suffered a brain injury as a toddler. Their parents rushed him to the hospital with a high fever, and sadly, he coded overnight and lost oxygen to his brain. When he awakened, Kyle could no longer walk or talk. “The only time I sawmy dad cry was when he talked about Kyle being fully capable—walking and talking before his brain injury—and how afterward, Kyle could no longer speak and needed to relearn how to walk,” recounted Jennifer. Their father died 11 years ago. “The day before dad died,” said Laura, “he asked me to ‘take care of my buddy.’” While Kyle lived in a group home, Laura wanted him to live in a place where “he would have more life opportunities and experiences,” she said. “I started calling around the metro area to find a residence where we could easily pick him up and take him places. When she called Mosaic, a staff member asked her if she had ever considered being a paid Mosaic at Home shared living provider for Kyle. “I had no idea it was even an option,” Laura said. “I then knew in my heart this is the direction we should go, he could move into a home where people loved him, and he could be an integral part of his family. “I thought it would be hard to make the transition happen, but the people at Mosaic made it so smooth, and they were so supportive in making the change come true for all of us,” Laura added. 4 | Promise
Since then, Laura and her family have taken Kyle on many trips. “We wanted him to see the mountains, so we went to Denver. I also wanted him to experience the ocean, so we went to Gulf Shores in Alabama. Watching Kyle’s joy in feeling the sand in-between his toes and walking in the water for the first time was so amazing, it brought tears to my eyes. I never knew if he would be able to have these experiences, and then I knew he would have them and many more,” she said. Kyle also has become an integral part of his community in more ways than one. “Kyle attends my children’s basketball and baseball games,” Laura said. “The baseball coach gave him two medals when the teamwon the championship. Seeing those little boys sharing fist-pumps with him afterward and the way they included him is something I never could have taught them—it was Kyle who did.” Kyle’s “favorites,” according to Laura, are firetrucks and anything having to do with them. “As the local fire department also knows Kyle, they drove one of their trucks to our house while we were celebrating his birthday last April! They ran the sirens, gave Kyle a fire helmet to try on and took him up on the truck. He was overjoyed! “Kyle is truly a blessing,” Jennifer said. “He teaches everyone in our family and others so much about humanity and compassion— especially to my kids. To me, as a mom, it’s important for them to care for and understand the needs of others. That opportunity didn’t present itself before Kyle became a bigger part of our lives. He’s an amazing gift.” The local fire department recently visited Kyle’s home to help celebrate his birthday with sirens and a firetruck tour. Visit MosaicPossible.org to read more about the growing importance of family caregivers. Promise | 5
Once Institutionalized, Mark is Now Using His Voice By Sherry Bale “While I was only four years old when he left, I have many precious memories of things we did together,” said Mark Cunnane’s sister Louise Martin. “Being small, I didn’t even second-guess that on Saturdays, our family would go to visit Mark. That’s just what we did.” Born with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Mark, now 68, was seven years old when his parents had to move him to an institution. “Mark was probably one of many people whose lives consisted of being sedated and placed in a corner,” Louise added. As awareness grew about IDD and how to better help people who have them, the state closed the institution—and others—and moved people to group homes. “It was wonderful for him,” Louise said. That was 30 years ago. The home was run by the state, and Mosaic took it over more than six years ago. When she first met Mark, Mosaic Area Manager Allison Leue said, “Mark’s history showed he had stopped speaking around the age of 40 for ‘unknown reasons,’ and he also showed extreme behaviors to the point he didn’t want us to take him to any doctor appointments, which he really needed.” “One of the biggest things Mosaic did for him was to wean him off of many medications,” said Louise. “Unfortunately, the medications did damage to his teeth, and he’s cross-eyed because of them. I’m sure there are other physical things adversely affected that can’t be seen. Emotionally, however, as he came off of the medicines, he wanted to partake in a lot more activities [such as going to a doctor] whereas he didn’t before.” “Mark had a best friend for more than 50 years who was also in the same institution, and they were both transferred at the same time to the group home,” said Allison. “They were always together and helped each other. When his friend passed five years ago, we were concerned it would set Mark back. But, he actually blossomed; we think he may have held back on opportunities to protect his friend. “For example, two years ago, I was about to give himmedicine his doctor wanted him to take for physical reasons,” Allison said. “He said ‘no’ to me, which made me more happy than I can describe! It was such a powerful 6 | Promise
moment for him to finally have the voice to say ‘no’ or ‘yes.’ Little by little, he started to use small phrases such as ‘I want more’ or ‘I don’t want that.’” Mosaic’s April Johnson, who was Mark’s direct support professional at the time, said, “I always communicated with Mark whether he was engaged or not to let him know ‘Someone is listening to you, I see you, and you are recognized.’” “He also began to show and tell us about things he liked to do,” said April. “He likes to go out to eat, watch TV—especially game shows and soap operas—and go to movies. He’s also accomplished things such as picking up his dirty clothes and placing them in a laundry room hamper and taking his plate to the sink after he’s done eating.” “In the past two years, Mark is game to go anywhere,” said Allison. “He feels more empowered now that he’s using his voice. He’s a really good guy. He’s very kind, smart, he’s very sweet and importantly, he’s well-loved,” Allison said. “He also shows his appreciation when you’re working with him or making sure he’s comfortable in the way he wants to spend his day.” “He’s pretty smart in knowing how to make things go his way,” Louise said. “There are parts of him and his personality that just make me laugh; I love that he can figure his way around to do what he wants.” Louise then added, “I think the older we get, the more we see we’re all really the same.” Because of his increased communication, Mark was able to express his recently discovered love of coffee. He now starts his days with a cup of coffee and a high-five. Promise | 7
Mosaic at Home Continues to Show Positive Outcomes for People Served By Sherry Bale Mosaic at Home— one of Mosaic’s 24/7 residential services— continues to demonstrate it improves the quality of life for those served. When contracted with Mosaic at Home, a provider shares their home with a person who has intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) or other diverse needs with the goal of helping the person supported become an active member of the household and their community. Because Mosaic at Home is a highly personalized service, matching the individual to a provider of their choice is a key component. Sixty-five percent of people Mosaic serves who are in a 24/7 residential service are now supported through Mosaic at Home shared living—a tremendous growth since Mosaic was ahead of the service industry curve by offering home and community based services since the 1980s. “Mosaic uses The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) Personal Outcome Measures® (POMs), considered the IDD service industry’s only valid and reliable tool to measure quality of life. This important tool is a person-centered, discovery process that determines what people with IDD want out of life,” according to Mosaic Mission Support Associate Vice President Ione Johnson. “Importantly, what we learn when talking to people about their personal outcomes feeds directly into their individual service plan.” If you’re interested in Mosaic at Home for someone with IDD, visit MosaicAtHome.org to learn more. 8 | Promise
Personal Outcome Measures Personal Outcome Measures cover areas such as choice, health, safety, social capital, relationships, rights, goals, dreams and employment. Recent data proves those supported through Mosaic at Home achieve an impressive 18 of these 22 POMs. An important CQL study showed when people with IDD are able to choose where and with whom to live, participate in their communities and experience continuity and security, they are less likely to visit the ER. Those served through Mosaic at Home are more likely to have these three outcomes present. While all three of these outcomes contributed to fewer ER visits, “People with IDD who chose where and with whom to live in the community had a 74% decrease in emergency room visits compared to people with IDD who did not choose where and with whom to live.”* Mosaic President and CEO Linda Timmons sums it up best: “All of those little positive changes in someone’s life are important. They help people thrive.” *Friedman, C. (2021). Choosing Home: The Impact of Choosing Where to Live on People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities’ Emergency Department Utilization. People choose where and with whom they live. People participate in the life of the community. People experience continuity and security. Promise | 9
Mosaic’s Strategic Growth is a Vision for the Future By Randall Donner This past summer, Mosaic announced the acquisition of Prileo, an in-home supports provider, by Soreo, our subsidiary in Arizona. Then in the fall, Mosaic announced the acquisition of Momentum, a disability services provider in Maine, by Living Innovations, our subsidiary in Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Growth is part of Mosaic’s strategic plan for a successful future. Occasionally, though, people ask, “Why?” Why does Mosaic acquire other provider organizations? Here’s the answer. Mosaic is an organization grounded in the call to love and serve people. Mosaic is driven by the belief that people want and deserve quality services, and Mosaic’s person-centered approach works well in helping people achieve their own goals and dreams. When other organizations become part of Mosaic, it is not about growing for growth’s sake, but instead it is about expanding the mission to serve more people. Organizations seek to become part of Mosaic for a variety of reasons: • They are looking for a trusted partner • They need additional resources and expertise • Their leadership is retiring • They need support with changing regulations and uncertain funding Mosaic is strategic in its growth plan— organizations must have a good reputation in the community, have integrity and be in a financial position that strengthens the Mosaic network. Mosaic already provides services to approximately 5,000 people, and that is the first priority always. Recently, when sharing news about an acquisition with staff and why some happen while others don’t, Mosaic President and CEO Linda Timmons said this: “Mosaic has a strong reputation for responding to the needs of people and communities. When you align our mission and vision with our growth plan, there are opportunities that are a great fit, and there are some that are not. While saying ‘no’ to a growth opportunity is challenging, saying ‘yes’ to the right opportunity positions Mosaic to grow in ways that are enhancing our mission.” The bottom line behind growth at Mosaic is strengthening the services already offered, so Mosaic is sustainable for the long-term future. 10 | Promise
Martin Luther Home Founded in 1925 Mosaic to Celebrate Next Year The annual Home Day on the Mosaic in Beatrice campus planned for October 5, 2025 will mark the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of Martin Luther Home. The Beatrice campus was formerly a Martin Luther Home site. Martin Luther Home joined with Bethphage to create Mosaic in 2003, and its founding is a significant moment to remember and celebrate. We’re seeking historical items to display with the celebration. Anyone with memorabilia fromMartin Luther Home is welcome to contribute those items for the October 5 event. If interested, please send a note to [email protected]. Mark your calendar and watch for more information in the newyear about the upcoming celebration. Even as we look forward to the future, we continue to look back on our history with gratitude for those who laid the foundation that allows us to continue our mission. How Mosaic serves has evolved through the years. But our purpose has not changed: we are called to love and serve our neighbor. Promise | 11
New Board Members Bring Multiple Skills to Mosaic By Sherry Bale Mosaic has elected six new board members—four to the Mosaic Board of Directors and two to The Mosaic Foundation Board of Directors this year—who will each serve three-year terms. “We are extremely grateful for the new Board members’ strong, varying skills and talents,” said Mosaic CEO and President Linda Timmons. “Among many of our strategic objectives to position Mosaic for the future, they will help steer the organization’s expansion to support more people with diverse needs in more communities.” New Mosaic Foundation Board Directors Janet Byars Janet, who possesses an abundance of community involvement and board experience, has a family legacy with Mosaic and Martin Luther Home— one of Mosaic’s two founding ministries. “My grandfather served on the Martin Luther Home board during the ’40s and ’50s, my father and mother worked there in the ’70s and ’80s, respectively in donor development and direct support,” said Janet. “My husband worked for MLH in government relations. By serving on the Mosaic Foundation board, I hope to continue our family’s legacy of supporting individuals with IDD and pass that legacy on to future generations.” Mary Sersland Mary is a former special education teacher with more than 33 years of experience teaching skills to students with various disabilities. Her son is supported by Mosaic, and she grew up with a brother with IDD. Mary has participated in her local Mosaic’s fundraisers—including as a speaker—as well as serving on LifeWorks’ foundation board and board of directors. “Mosaic has done so much for my son and my family,” said Mary. “I will help the foundation board by bringing that unique perspective of what families want for their loved ones’ lives and howMosaic positively impacts those it supports.” Would you or someone you know make a great addition as a future board member? Apply here: bit.ly/MosaicBODApp 12 | Promise
New Mosaic Board Directors Kathy Sheng Kathy Sheng has held executive positions at various financial institutions and has served as co-chair on the advisory council at ChildServe, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with diverse needs. A member of her family receives services fromMosaic. “I bring both a family perspective and a business perspective to my board service,” Kathy stated. “I have witnessed many families in need of essential services, such as those offered by Mosaic, often struggling to access them. I am committed to helping Mosaic expand its reach and assist even more people.” Mercy Ndosi-Shoo Mercy, who has Lutheran ministry board experience, was born and grew up in Tanzania, where she witnessed first-hand the cultural shame placed on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). “I saw how people with IDD—including my nephew—were isolated and lacked proper care, and I don’t want to see that happen to another child,” Mercy said. “I visit my home regularly, and for many years, I’ve volunteered for Mosaic’s international partner Building a Caring Community; they have done a wonderful job of educating my country on how to better include and help people with IDD and their families.” Lakelyn Eichenberger Lakelyn, who is a caregiver advocate and holds a Ph.D in gerontology, has extensive knowledge of aging issues and family caregiving. “Being involved with Mosaic is a tradition in my family. My Uncle Jay was supported by Martin Luther Home before it united with Bethphage Mission to become Mosaic. In high school, I volunteered for two summers at Mosaic in Axtell’s day camp. My parents and grandparents continue to be philanthropically involved,” said Lakelyn. “We grew up learning people of all abilities have equal value and worth.” The Rev. Rachel Thorson Mithelman Pastor Rachel’s life has been dedicated to serving others and bringing awareness to those with diverse needs. She has served in the parish ministry for more than 37 years, and is currently a board member of the Des Moines Area Religious Council and Calvin Community, an independent and assisted living organization for older adults. “I am in awe of Mosaic’s incredible quality of work that’s motivated by a love for others,” said Pastor Rachel, “which is how all of us are called to live our lives.” Promise | 13
Direct Support Professionals Are the Backbone of Mosaic’s Workforce By Randall Donner The second week of September is National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. It’s a time Mosaic celebrates and honors Direct Support Professionals and all they do to support the approximately 5,000 people served in more than 750 communities across Mosaic’s multi-state network. The role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the activities of daily life and be part of their communities is vital. Without them, Mosaic would not be able to fulfill its mission to relentlessly pursue opportunities that empower people. This year, Mosaic’s theme for National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week was “Direct Support: it’s a work of heart,” with this expanded message: Direct Support Professionals have A voice that encourages A face that smiles An ear that listens And a hand that helps All wrapped up in a heart to serve. 14 | Promise
DSPs work in a variety of situations. Some work in group home settings or on one of Mosaic’s two campuses. Some are shared living home providers through Mosaic at Home. Others help with day services or in-home support as needed. DSPs respond to the day-in-day-out needs to support people in the way they choose to live on their own terms. While rewarding, the work of a Direct Support Professional can also be physically demanding and emotionally draining. Mosaic serves many people who have a higher degree of independence as well as others who have limited mobility and need more assistance with routine activities such as dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, using the restroom or bathing. Direct Support Professionals describe their work not as a job, but instead as a calling. They love what they do, because they love the people they support. Join Mosaic Allied Voices TODAY Mosaic advocates for disability rights as well as higher pay for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) at national, state and regional levels; their compensation is dependent on government funding which varies from state to state. According to Cheryl Wicks, Mosaic’s Vice President of External Affairs, “Provider organizations across the nation are experiencing staffing crises like none before. States and the federal government must remedy the decades of chronic underfunding so wages for DSPs can increase, and people with disabilities have the support they need.” You, too, can help advocate for those with disabilities and the DSPs they rely on by joining the more than 3,100 volunteers who are part of Mosaic Allied Voices. Participation is easy. Volunteers receive public policy alerts with prewritten templates to use when either calling or emailing local government officials. Visit MosaicAlliedVoices.org to become an advocate. Scan or visit mymosaic.info/WorkofHeart to view a short video in which DSPs share why, for them, it’s a “Work of Heart.” Promise | 15
The 2024 Partners in Possibilities Award Recipients By Sherry Bale Each year, Mosaic’s national “Partners in Possibilities” Awards recognize those who demonstrate excellence in promoting sustainable fundraising and building long-term community relationships to support the nonprofit’s purpose “to love and serve.” This year’s award ceremony in Omaha, Nebraska was emceed by Mosaic Vice President of Church Relations and International Programs Pastor Twila Schock, who was joined by Mosaic colleagues President and CEO Linda Timmons, Mosaic Board Chair Rev. Keith Hohly and Chief Advancement Officer and Mosaic Foundation President Renee Coughlin. Ambassador of the Year: Tonya Bagwell The Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes a volunteer who has demonstrated strong service in developing local community partnerships and donor relationships that advance Mosaic’s mission to relentlessly pursue opportunities that empower people. A Mosaic in Rockford supporter for years, Tonya Bagwell volunteers for Mosaic mission events to increase positive awareness of the nonprofit’s work. For the last annual Partners in Possibilities fundraiser in Rockford, she planned the event in its entirety as its Volunteer Manager. Aside from her steadfast volunteering, Tonya is an advocate for Rejoicing Spirits, an all-inclusive ministry facilitated through Mosaic’s Church Relations. According to Mosaic in Rockford’s Community Relations Manager Jamie Bejot, when pastors were transitioning at the local church where Rejoicing Spirits took place, Tonya ensured the services continued as scheduled. In addition, she is an ongoing Mosaic donor. “Tonya does everything out of love for people we support, wanting each of them to live their best lives,” Jamie said. Renee Coughlin, Keith Hohly, Tonya Bagwell and Linda Timmons 16 | Promise
The Spirit of Generosity Award: The Armstrong McDonald Foundation The Spirit of Generosity Award honors an individual or family who exemplifies generous contribution of service, time and support that inspires others to greater commitment and involvement. This year, the award was bestowed upon the Armstrong McDonald Foundation Board of Trustees. Now located and incorporated in Arizona, the Armstrong McDonald Foundation was originally incorporated in Nebraska in 1986 by Future H. McDonald and her son, James M. McDonald, III. Since 1990, the Foundation has donated 48 grants for a variety of Mosaic location needs in Nebraska and Arizona, such as facility renovations, funding for special education, recreation and therapy and monies for non-reimbursable medical expenses incurred by those Mosaic serves. Armstrong McDonald Foundation trustees Laurie Bouchard—who is the daughter of Future H. and J.M. McDonald, Jr.—and her husband Mike Bouchard traveled from Arizona to accept the award. Renee said, “The Armstrong McDonald Foundation’s lifetime giving to Mosaic is $1.6 million, for which we’ll always be grateful.” Church Partner of the Year: Ascension Lutheran Church This award honors a church partner who consistently provides support to its local Mosaic location by furthering and strengthening community partnerships and fundraising. A long-time supporter of Mosaic in Colorado Springs, the Ascension Lutheran Church congregation first made a gift in 1983 to Martin Luther Home—before it joined with Bethphage Mission to become Mosaic in 2003—and they have given ever since. Renee said, “Ascension Lutheran Church was one of the first congregations to sign up for a multi-year giving society pledge and each year they faithfully renew their giving.” The church aids Mosaic in Colorado Springs in many other ways, such as sponsoring a table at their Partners in Possibilities event each year, offering its building to Mosaic’s day services and being an integral part in expanding Mosaic’s occupational therapy program both in Colorado Springs and Mosaic in Denver. Above all that, when a beloved woman served by Mosaic in Colorado Springs passed away and had no family to arrange her memorial service, Ascension stepped in not only to provide the space, its Pastor Daniel Smith also presided over the ceremony. “This meant the world to all of us,” said Emily Plotkin, who was the Mosaic in Colorado Springs community relations manager at the time. Renee Coughlin, John Hayes, Paul Just, Linda Timmons and Keith Hohly Renee Coughlin, Michael Bouchard, Linda Timmons, Keith Hohly and Laurie Bouchard Promise | 17
4980 South 118th Street Omaha, NE 68137
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