Back when I was beginning my sophomore year of college, yah about 13 years ago. Ouch. I was on the hunt for a part time job. I stumbled across Mainstream Living's ad in the Iowa State Daily. It was an ad for a worker to spend time with individuals with disabilities helping them achieve their daily living skills. I quickly applied because I had always liked and interacted with individuals with special needs and thought this might be right up my alley.
I got the job and spent Monday-Friday afternoons visiting different clients helping them with their laundry, taking them to bowling practice, grocery shopping, helping prepare their meals and I LOVED it. There are some days now when I wish I could go back to hands on work but afterall I've got bills to pay. Not that I make much more money now but direct support professionals basically make minimum wage unfortunately.
I encourage you to think about those in your community with special needs and how you can make a difference. I love what I do and there is no day the same. I have learned more from my clients then I have ever taught them. Here are some ideas on how you can give back to those with developmental disabilities in March and throughout the year!
1. Volunteer to be a buddy or mentor at a local community service provider. Many individuals are without family and they thrive on 1-1 time.
2. Donate bedding, towels, personal care supplies and clothing to a local community service provider. Many of our folks with disabilities are on very tight budgets and cannot afford much.
3. Attend a fundraiser for one of your local community service providers. Many of them have galas, dinners, auctions where they raise money for services. In times like this Medicaid funding is very tight and extras like dental services must be paid for out of pocket by individuals in service.
4. Volunteer your time at a local day service provider and teach a class on a hobby or do an arts and crafts activity.
5. Make sure you refrain from using the "R" word.
6. Go to the website Invisible Kansans if you live in Kansas and write your local representative. Let them know you are against KanCare and how it will impact those with disabilities!
7. If you have kids, expose them to individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities.
8. Volunteer to be a Guardian for an individual with special needs or developmental disabilities. Kansas has the KS Guardianship program and they are always looking for guardians.
9. Gather a group of friends/family and volunteer your time to help plant flowers or do yard word at a local group home.
10. Use people first language- instead of saying "a disabled person", say "a person with a disability."
11. Come with me on May 21 @ 5:30pm to Mosaic in Kansas City where they will be giving a tour of their program and Kansas City Service Center. I've been on the Community Advisory Board for Mosaic for the last year and they are using small groups to inform the community about who they are, what they do and how you can help! Let me know if you'd like to come!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Where I come from......
Be sure to tune into Oprah's OWN Network on Sunday night to catch her tidbit about where I grew up! She'll be featuring Fairfield, Iowa. You may recall I wrote about her visit earlier on my blog. I can hear my sister and brother laughing but I'm proud of where I come from. Thanks Mom and Dad! I was able to grow up in Middle America, the Heartland but amongst some of the most open minded and liberal people. We were exposed to things that kids growing up in other rural America towns weren't. Check it out on OWN and better yet check out Fairfield in person. It's a pretty cool little place.
2nd Annual Greater Kansas City Myasthenia Gravis Walk Run and Roll Update
This week we passed the 1 month mark! I am almost in shock that the 2nd Annual Greater Kansas City Myasthenia Gravis Walk Run and Roll is going to be over and done with in less than a month! Time flies when you are having fun!
We have surpassed where we were last year at this time. We currently have almost 90 people registered and over $9000 in sponsorships, over $2000 in donations and then are awaiting a $2500 matching from Grainger. It's very exciting to see our progress!
Yet at the same time we are not stopping! If you haven't registered yet, now is the time! You have until April 13th to register and still get a t-shirt! Please click here to register. An email blast is going out this afternoon to all of last years participants to remind them to register if they haven't already! Our goal is to reach 400 participants and $35,000! A hefty goal but I think we can do it! Online donations can be made here.
Lastly, THANK YOU for your generosity and support. This event is not possible without the great support of family and friends like you! There are no words for the love and support I feel at this time. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by some of the greatest people in the world. You participation and your support goes to help those living with Myasthenia Gravis in Kansas and Missouri to gain services and support. You never know who has been impacted by this disease and it truly is a journey as we plan and learn about each person's story.
And, be ready to celebrate around 4pm on April 21st- the keg will be tapped and waiting!!
We have surpassed where we were last year at this time. We currently have almost 90 people registered and over $9000 in sponsorships, over $2000 in donations and then are awaiting a $2500 matching from Grainger. It's very exciting to see our progress!
Yet at the same time we are not stopping! If you haven't registered yet, now is the time! You have until April 13th to register and still get a t-shirt! Please click here to register. An email blast is going out this afternoon to all of last years participants to remind them to register if they haven't already! Our goal is to reach 400 participants and $35,000! A hefty goal but I think we can do it! Online donations can be made here.
Lastly, THANK YOU for your generosity and support. This event is not possible without the great support of family and friends like you! There are no words for the love and support I feel at this time. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by some of the greatest people in the world. You participation and your support goes to help those living with Myasthenia Gravis in Kansas and Missouri to gain services and support. You never know who has been impacted by this disease and it truly is a journey as we plan and learn about each person's story.
And, be ready to celebrate around 4pm on April 21st- the keg will be tapped and waiting!!
Friday Food for Thought
Two weeks ago when I was on my deathbed, my bathroom sink clogged. I'd like to share that I successfully fixed this problem while thinking I was dying at the same time. Whew.
Last week I celebrated 5 years in my house.
I am 32 years old. This week was the first time I have ever discovered spoiled milk in my refrigerator. Yuck. Disgusting. Gag. I will never forget that smell.
Dream big.
I have to say this year was the most fun St. Patrick's Day I've had in a long time. People watching in Westport where I decided it is not ok for an adult to wear a tutu and drinking wine from a juice box is really fun. Thanks Lyndsey and MA for hosting such festive parties!
I need 9 more blue wine bottles. Who wants to drink them with me?
I like 1 rainy day but seriously 4 makes me want to crawl in my bed with movies and books. Please come back Mr. Sun.
We all need somebody to believe in us more then we believe in ourselves.
On the same day I was celebrating living in my house for 5 years, the blind in my office came flying off the window as I went to open it. Hmmmmm. Wonder what that was supposed to signify?
Taste Restaurant in Old Overland Park closed this month. That makes me sad. I loved that place. Lots of good memories.
Two mornings in a row I peered back the shower curtain and a spider was in my shower. Perhaps time for pest control.
I learned yesterday that a sorority sister a in a pledge class a few years behind me killed herself. Such a shame; a young life taken too soon. She had gone on to get her medical degree and was in her medical residency. It makes you stop and think. Greet everyone you meet with a smile. You never know what battle they are facing and chances are it is bigger than yours. You are never too busy for a friend. I regret that I didn't take the time to get to know Stephanie well however my thoughts and prayers are with her family.
It's been a long week and I'm capping it off with the some friends over to drink some blue bottles of wine! Cheers!
Last week I celebrated 5 years in my house.
I am 32 years old. This week was the first time I have ever discovered spoiled milk in my refrigerator. Yuck. Disgusting. Gag. I will never forget that smell.
Dream big.
I have to say this year was the most fun St. Patrick's Day I've had in a long time. People watching in Westport where I decided it is not ok for an adult to wear a tutu and drinking wine from a juice box is really fun. Thanks Lyndsey and MA for hosting such festive parties!
I need 9 more blue wine bottles. Who wants to drink them with me?
I like 1 rainy day but seriously 4 makes me want to crawl in my bed with movies and books. Please come back Mr. Sun.
We all need somebody to believe in us more then we believe in ourselves.
On the same day I was celebrating living in my house for 5 years, the blind in my office came flying off the window as I went to open it. Hmmmmm. Wonder what that was supposed to signify?
Taste Restaurant in Old Overland Park closed this month. That makes me sad. I loved that place. Lots of good memories.
Two mornings in a row I peered back the shower curtain and a spider was in my shower. Perhaps time for pest control.
I learned yesterday that a sorority sister a in a pledge class a few years behind me killed herself. Such a shame; a young life taken too soon. She had gone on to get her medical degree and was in her medical residency. It makes you stop and think. Greet everyone you meet with a smile. You never know what battle they are facing and chances are it is bigger than yours. You are never too busy for a friend. I regret that I didn't take the time to get to know Stephanie well however my thoughts and prayers are with her family.
It's been a long week and I'm capping it off with the some friends over to drink some blue bottles of wine! Cheers!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Friday Food for Thought
So I was in Target this week looking at scarves. Apparently the 80s have returned?
After consistenly getting a Turkey Wrap everytime I have visited Jason's Deli since 2001, today I got the Chicago Club. Think I'll go back to the Turkey Wrap.
How about the Cyclones dancing??
About 5 years ago I bought a kelly green "lucky to be a Cyclone" t-shirt- looks like I'll get to finally wear it tomorrow!
Did you hear about the 85 year old lady in North Dakota who wrote a raving review of the Olive Garden? Sad. Somebody needs to take that lady out for some real Italian. Seriously.
I was thinking today it's funny how when I first moved to KC I hated BBQ.
Too bad Freddy Hoiberg is married.
It's the time of year to clean up the yard. I love my house but that is the most dreaded task of all. Is it rude that I feel like chucking sticks and branches back over my fence? They aren't from my trees and I get to be the one to pick them all up. Don't worry MOM, I won't do that!!!
Everyday when I check to see who has registered for the 2nd Annual Greater KC Myasthenia Gravis, Walk, Run and Roll, I smile. So heartwarming to see who has registered to participate. Yes, I probably said that last year.
I saw this on pinterest, Keep Calm, Carry on, Drink Wine.
I have 6 blue wine bottles taking a bath in my sink. Next step is to get the labels off and start decorating my wine tree. Oh yah, and drink 2 more blue bottles of wine!
I can't stand micro-management.
I love that it's the time of year for patio happy hours.
I have an important doctors appointment next week to discuss a possible new course of treatment. There are lots of unknowns at this point but know God has a plan. Send up a prayer!
TGIF! Happy St. Patricks Day and Go Cyclones!!
After consistenly getting a Turkey Wrap everytime I have visited Jason's Deli since 2001, today I got the Chicago Club. Think I'll go back to the Turkey Wrap.
How about the Cyclones dancing??
About 5 years ago I bought a kelly green "lucky to be a Cyclone" t-shirt- looks like I'll get to finally wear it tomorrow!
Did you hear about the 85 year old lady in North Dakota who wrote a raving review of the Olive Garden? Sad. Somebody needs to take that lady out for some real Italian. Seriously.
I was thinking today it's funny how when I first moved to KC I hated BBQ.
Too bad Freddy Hoiberg is married.
It's the time of year to clean up the yard. I love my house but that is the most dreaded task of all. Is it rude that I feel like chucking sticks and branches back over my fence? They aren't from my trees and I get to be the one to pick them all up. Don't worry MOM, I won't do that!!!
Everyday when I check to see who has registered for the 2nd Annual Greater KC Myasthenia Gravis, Walk, Run and Roll, I smile. So heartwarming to see who has registered to participate. Yes, I probably said that last year.
I saw this on pinterest, Keep Calm, Carry on, Drink Wine.
I have 6 blue wine bottles taking a bath in my sink. Next step is to get the labels off and start decorating my wine tree. Oh yah, and drink 2 more blue bottles of wine!
I can't stand micro-management.
I love that it's the time of year for patio happy hours.
I have an important doctors appointment next week to discuss a possible new course of treatment. There are lots of unknowns at this point but know God has a plan. Send up a prayer!
TGIF! Happy St. Patricks Day and Go Cyclones!!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Vino Vince
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Friday Food for Thought
Yes, on Sunday, slowly coming back to the land of the living.....
Look up instead of down.
Thank you BEARY much Baylor. hee hee
You know Allison is sick when she goes a day without a diet coke.
We've got 50 people registered for the MGA Walk, Run and Roll. Are you registered? If not, click here.
It's frustrating when you are dealing with people who always want to be the victim. Take control of your own life.
The winner of the Rosehill Landscaping give away had over 2000 votes! Wow! Thanks for all who supported me.
I love how all week all you heard was how KU and Mizzou were going to be in the championship game of the Big 12 Tourney. Anything can happen folks. Count their chickens before they hatch, much, KU?
Iowa State = proof that anything can happen. What in the world was that game on Thursday? Choked.
My sweet brother sent me a computer he no longer uses. Thank you! Cheers to no more freezing in the middle of things.
I'm still trying to find my groove on Pinterest.
I wish my gumball tree in the back yard would die. Makes me dizzy to see all the gumballs that need picked up.
I love my bed but I have spent more time in bed in 5 days then I have in probably a month. Ready to break free!
Happy "dancing" this week, Cyclones! Make us proud!
Look up instead of down.
Thank you BEARY much Baylor. hee hee
You know Allison is sick when she goes a day without a diet coke.
We've got 50 people registered for the MGA Walk, Run and Roll. Are you registered? If not, click here.
It's frustrating when you are dealing with people who always want to be the victim. Take control of your own life.
The winner of the Rosehill Landscaping give away had over 2000 votes! Wow! Thanks for all who supported me.
I love how all week all you heard was how KU and Mizzou were going to be in the championship game of the Big 12 Tourney. Anything can happen folks. Count their chickens before they hatch, much, KU?
Iowa State = proof that anything can happen. What in the world was that game on Thursday? Choked.
My sweet brother sent me a computer he no longer uses. Thank you! Cheers to no more freezing in the middle of things.
I'm still trying to find my groove on Pinterest.
I wish my gumball tree in the back yard would die. Makes me dizzy to see all the gumballs that need picked up.
I love my bed but I have spent more time in bed in 5 days then I have in probably a month. Ready to break free!
Happy "dancing" this week, Cyclones! Make us proud!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Thankful for
SICK DAYS. I haven't been this sick in a long time but have been battling influenza this week. YUCK doesn't even begin to cut it. And a little bit angry to since I had taken off Monday for a treatment which cleans my immune system. Nothing like coming down with this bug on Tuesday night. To anybody I have been around, I apologize. I learned that the flu shot did not cover this strand of flu that is going around. I'm also very bitter about missing the first night of the Big 12 Tourney! I have been looking forward to this night with friends for weeks! I'm blessed with so many great friends who come to my rescue in times like this and bring diet cherry lime-aids, send get well messages and cover work tasks. On a lighter note, my friend and fellow MG patient, Rai, made this video for his wife. I think it's very cool. If you don't like needles you might need to cover your eyes. Check it out. Until then wash your hands, drink lots of water and try to stay away from the bug.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
On a Mission
I think most people know some of my yard work shenanigans, learning the true use of Round Up, locking myself IN the backyard and having to climb the fence not only once but TWICE, animal interactions, the stories go on...
Anyway, I learned that Rosehill Gardens, my landscaping company is giving away $5000 in FREE landscaping to the person whose entry gets the most "likes" on Facebook. Please help me out in my pursuit to win this contest by "liking" my comment. If you click the link here then you must click to "like" what I wrote. The person with the comment with the most "likes" wins the $5000 in landscaping!
Anyway, I learned that Rosehill Gardens, my landscaping company is giving away $5000 in FREE landscaping to the person whose entry gets the most "likes" on Facebook. Please help me out in my pursuit to win this contest by "liking" my comment. If you click the link here then you must click to "like" what I wrote. The person with the comment with the most "likes" wins the $5000 in landscaping!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Friday Food for Thought
The possibility of Snooki being pregnant is as scary as the possibility of Rick Santorum being president.
I love the smell of the organic section at the grocery store. No idea why.
Why did Channel 13 change their name to 41 Action News?
I was in two high schools this week. Either kids these days are getting bigger or I'm just getting shorter.
Somedays I am overcome with gratitude on how generous people are in giving to the 2nd Annual Greater Kansas City Myasthenia Gravis Walk, Run and Roll. Thank you!
73 degrees on March 1st. Yes, please!
Proud of my baby brother who took his bar exam this week. Wish I could have been in Seattle to buy him a cocktail or two. Or three or four.
I know by experience now that the Sangria at Mi Ranchito comes in small size or regular size. Well lets just say when they say regular size they really mean a fish bowl.
Why do restaurants bring you soup spoons that are bigger than your mouth?
The Monday night special at Friends Sushi in Midtown = fantastic. $3.99 rolls. You can't go wrong!
The best years aren't behind you, they are ahead of you.
After 5 trips to the dentist and prothodonist in the last 2 weeks I'd like to declare my mouth is finally heeled. Knock on wood.
My parents have informed me that bingo is just as popular at their resort in St. Martin as it was in Aruba. I am not sure why this amuses me so. Is there some kind of Bingo cult that I never knew about?
I've had my iPhone for almost 2 months. I'd like to say thanks to my dear friend Mary for finally showing me last week how to turn on the RINGER. I could not figure out why the phone would never ring when somebody was calling me. I apologize, I haven't been ignoring you friends, just never heard the phone ring. Yes, this 32 going on 80 year old finally has a RINGER on her phone.
TGIF and cheers to a great weekend!
I love the smell of the organic section at the grocery store. No idea why.
Why did Channel 13 change their name to 41 Action News?
I was in two high schools this week. Either kids these days are getting bigger or I'm just getting shorter.
Somedays I am overcome with gratitude on how generous people are in giving to the 2nd Annual Greater Kansas City Myasthenia Gravis Walk, Run and Roll. Thank you!
73 degrees on March 1st. Yes, please!
Proud of my baby brother who took his bar exam this week. Wish I could have been in Seattle to buy him a cocktail or two. Or three or four.
I know by experience now that the Sangria at Mi Ranchito comes in small size or regular size. Well lets just say when they say regular size they really mean a fish bowl.
Why do restaurants bring you soup spoons that are bigger than your mouth?
The Monday night special at Friends Sushi in Midtown = fantastic. $3.99 rolls. You can't go wrong!
The best years aren't behind you, they are ahead of you.
After 5 trips to the dentist and prothodonist in the last 2 weeks I'd like to declare my mouth is finally heeled. Knock on wood.
My parents have informed me that bingo is just as popular at their resort in St. Martin as it was in Aruba. I am not sure why this amuses me so. Is there some kind of Bingo cult that I never knew about?
I've had my iPhone for almost 2 months. I'd like to say thanks to my dear friend Mary for finally showing me last week how to turn on the RINGER. I could not figure out why the phone would never ring when somebody was calling me. I apologize, I haven't been ignoring you friends, just never heard the phone ring. Yes, this 32 going on 80 year old finally has a RINGER on her phone.
TGIF and cheers to a great weekend!
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