January sure passed by quickly, didn’t it? It was a fast start to a new year and yet, with so many things going on here at Kokua and in the world as a whole, it still feels like a whole lot more than just a month. Sometimes it can feel hard to be fully present when there is so much going in our lives and our world. It has become harder to leave things at the doorstep and harder to push through. Compassion is heavily needed right now, for ourselves and for others. Being a human is hard and being in the “humanities” can at times make it harder. (While at other times it brings more joy and fulfillment because the rewards are so much greater). However, to avoid the burnout and fatigue that inevitably come along with intense caring for others, we have got to take care of ourselves too, and make sure our own needs are being met.
As we face some trying times, let us remember that for 35 years, KOKUA has been striving to support, encourage, and empower those we care for, and those we employ have always been and continue to be, a vital part of this mission and this effort
If you are struggling to remain fully present and centered, it helps to take it one day at a time and focus on the things that you can do. Focus on the things within your control.
What are the top 3 things you can check off your list before your shift is over? What can you do to take care of yourself today? What can you do to show grace and kindness to yourself and others?
In this February, the month of love, make sure that you are caring for you too!
Inspiring nclusion
We know that everyone deserves a place at the table and a voice in the conversation, and that the world will be all the better for it.
So in these difficult times, let’s try to keep our heads high and our hearts full
Together we can continue the fight for inclusion and acceptance. For those we support and for one another. Together we can do so much. Love is bigger than hatred, and though the climb just became way more intensethere are still so many people in the world who want to do good.
Carry on Kokua. There is strength in numbers.
This month we have been busy playing musical houses! Tracie has been coordinating many moves from Kendra to Sawyer (finally!), another apartment for the twins since the other one fell through, and a few single person households that we finally got approved. People are excited for changes and new spaces!
Thank you to everyone who helped make these moves possible!
Here’s a little about the History behind, Black history Month!
Shannon the cat is geared up and ready to move again soon!
What started out as Negro History Week in 1926 has evolved into a month-long celebration. Now, Black History Month is celebrated each February as a way to remember the accomplishments and contributions of the Black community In 1976, eight years after the Civil Rights Movement concluded, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month as an important time to honor the accomplishments of Black Americans.
President Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday fell on February 12, was already honored in large part because of the Emancipation Proclamation he issued in 1863. The second influential figure was abolitionist Frederick Douglass, whose birthday was celebrated on February 14. After escaping from slavery, he became a prominent leader in the abolitionist movement
BE AN ALLY. EDUCATE THOSE WE SUPPORT ABOUT INCLUSION AND ACCEPTANCE. SEEK CHANGE.
February is Heart Health Month!
It is heart health month and at left are some ways that you can improve heart health. Below find some easy, heart healthy snacks. In what ways can you add a little more activity to your days? What can you eat that’s just a little healthier?
If you would like to grow some veggies at home this spring and summer, fill out an application for a garden bed. They are available based on qualifying need: https://www.goodgrub.org/grubgarden-project
For clients: Please talk to Tracie in Finance about this as Landlords have to approve bed installation!
B is for BOUNDARIES!
Boundaries are how we define our relationships with others and also help us know how to interact with different people and in different settings. i.e: you probably would act differently around a boss than a best friend...this is a professional boundary. There are other types including, physical boundaries, personal boundaries, time boundaries, etc.,
You might think that sharing a lot about your personal life, with someone you support, is a great way to help them get to know you; after all you know all about them! In actuality, this can blur the lines between support staff and clients. Having healthy boundaries, where you establish yourself as care staff and do not become overly-involved is better for you as the staff, and for the person you support.
Boundaries also help us define how we would like to be treated by others and many of them are unspoken social norms. Often- individuals we support, may not always be aware of these, “norms,” or how to interact with others, in every situation. In addition, they may not have the skills, (yet), to communicate what they need to, in a positive way. This is why defining our own boundaries and what we are okay with, helps the people we support to continue to learn about positive social interactions. Changes won’t be immediate, and it will take time, but consistent reiteration of boundaries helps to continue the teaching process and build necessary life skills. Consistent boundaries, across care staff and team members are also paramount!
Ex: What if Joe is supposed to try to limit sugar in his diet, due to his diabetes. He has one staff that just gives in every time he requests a treat, without even trying to educate him about healthier choices. Everyone else is trying to help Joe learn to make healthier choices. Who do you think, is going to have an easier time with Joe? How is that fair to Joe or the other team members? It’s not.
Consistency among team members in the boundaries we set and the care we provide, helps to limit challenging scenarios, helps the client continue to grow and learn, and keeps staff from over-stepping their limits and being seen as more than a care staff.
Please know the care plans! (PCSP, IISP, PBSP)-
Not only do they check off boxes and provide a plan of support, they also provide the information so
everyone can be on the same page! Same page = Continuity of care!
STAFF SHOUT-OUTS AND RESOURCES!
Shout-out to Myriah for pulling so many extra Siskiyou shifts to help out the team!
Shout-out to Bri J. (and Kendra Team) for the awesome job packing, preparing, and organizing things, etc., for the move to Sawyer! Everything was ready to go and it went so smoothly thanks to the team’s hard work!
Shout-out to YOU! Yes, YOU! You are working so hard and trying your best for the clients each and every day! I see you and you deserve a high five! Keep on keepin’ on, and keep being awesome!
Shout-out to Alvin for being willing to cross train at so many sites and for being flexible to fill in!
Shout-out to Barbara @ Shadberry for being so attentive to the ladies and always working hard for them.
Shout-out to Tracie for all her awesome work with all the apartment finding and moves of clients recently! She has been super busy making it all happen and she rocks!
Shout-out to De’Andre for her very thoroughly written PBSPs! They have everything you need to be prepared to support clients, down to exact things you can say in the moment! Plus, she’s also available to discuss any questions you may have! Kudos!
