The Art of Independent Living with Mary Jo

from 2023 AHRC COMPASS Semi-Annual Report

AHRC Nassau COMPASS

Mary Jo Lowerre loves her room. It’s warm, cozy, and most importantly it’s hers.

Growing up with six siblings sparked her interest in being independent early on. She’s always valued time to pursue her own interests in her own space.

Yet, Mary Jo’s ability to live on her own was impacted about five years ago. While living in the Jericho apartments, she started experiencing seizures.

This is when AHRC suggested she consider a residence. Unlike apartment housing, an AHRC residence typically has more in-home supports which makes it able to be more responsive to the unique needs of the person.

Even though Mary Jo was considering making a move to a shared home, she remained adamant about having her own room during her life plan meeting advocating for what mattered most to her.

“She needs to be encouraged to say what she’s thinking. Sometimes she doesn’t express herself because she doesn’t expect what she wants to happen. With AHRC, if you tell them your number one goal, they will make it happen,” said Tom Lowerre, Mary Jo’s Brother.

This led her to the Woodland Gate Residence and provided the best of both worlds, a place with staff to offer support during seizures and the freedom to set her own schedule. If she wants to take a walk to the local convenience store, she’s free to do so. If Mary Jo wants to skip an outing in favor of a night in by all means.

At 70 years old, Mary Jo has settled into a comfortable routine. She attends day services five days a week, where she enjoys art projects big and small, from collages to meticulous diamond art pieces. She takes daily walks, an activity she’s started as part of a wellness plan adopted after the seizures began. For fun, she likes bowling and listening to country music. Most of all, she loves to settle down with bead stringing, a hobby she learned from her late sister Emilie “Em”.

Em and Mary Jo were remarkably close. She taught Mary Jo how to create beaded bracelets, was an important part of her care management team, and helped her navigate AHRC services.

“Some of this stuff is from my sister and some of this stuff I bought,” mentioned Mary Jo while pointing to her cabinets full of crafting materials. On the left side of her desk are her beading materials; on the right side sit two containers filled with hundreds of finished beaded bracelets. She grabs a handful and places them on the bed.

“It takes a while to make them. I only do about three to four a day,” added Mary Jo. She even made a bracelet for Shanthea “Shan” Buckle, Woodland Gate Assistant Manager. Shan, who encourages Mary Jo to submit her bracelets to the annual AHRC Flea Market.

Mary Jo said she will consider the offer, but for now, she’s content with maintaining her steady routine and perfecting the hobby she’s practiced for roughly two decades.

Create the Life You Want!

Board Of Directors

Meetings were held monthly, except for December and a summer break, consistent with the Management Plan.

Featured Presenters at OPWDD HCBS Waiver Provider Training

The Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver is the Medicaid program that provides opportunities for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive services in their own home or community.

At the OPWDD provider training on March 6, 2023, AHRC Nassau personnel Stanfort Perry/Chief Executive Office, Chris O’Connor/Chief Operations Officer, Michelle Rudoff/Advocate and Colleen

Tapia/Compass

QI Administrator shared HCBS “best practices”.

In May, we had a wonderful visit with Erik Geizer, CEO of The Arc New York, at AHRC Nassau.

We enjoyed a tour of the East Meadow Art Gallery, Brookville campus, and Wheatley Farms & Arts Center. It was great to have Erik share lunch with us and connect on meaningful topics, while celebrating the accomplishments of our collective advocacy. #thankyou

Board of Directors Physical Plant Inspections

The annual Physical Plant Inspections meeting was held virtually on February 16, 2023.

The total number of completed inspections in 2022 increased slightly from 2021. Inspections were suspended for a substantial amount of time, impacted by the presence of COVID-19 among our staff and people supported. Of the inspections completed, there were no egregious safety and health issues noted.

The committee agreed that a hybrid approach to inspections (virtual and in person) will remain in place going forward as both types of inspections have been highly beneficial and effective. Whether in-person or virtual, the Compass criterion remains an invaluable tool.