21 ISSUE 10/11 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER2025
KOKUA SPIRIT Newsletter
A bunch of new staff have come through NEO and CORE recently! Welcome to all our new faces and great job to all hustling them through, setting up files, and getting them rolling! November marks our official 2 Cent Campaign launch with OlyFed! Kokua has been selected as the organization to receive two cents for every debit card transaction made by any OlyFed cardholder throughout the month of November! There’s still time to switch your banking and be a part of the donating! Visit your local Bank today!!
What’s been going on?
A thank you to those who came out to celebrate and honor Mr. Webster. It was a lovely service, and he was justly honored His family has decided that his remaining personal items may be donated, and we will be hosting another “ no sale, sale” to try to help downsize and sort through things Stay tuned for details as this event will likely happen sometime in November
P s- *We know that there are a few clients who’s items we will be doing the same with. Please do not bring any other items by the office/C1 as we do not have the space for them. We will be in touch with the teams about next steps. *We are also waiting on family wishes for some service details for those that have not been honored.
Therap changes! A whole new MAR and a new main page interface! Make sure that you attend one of the MAR training sessions so that you will be prepared for the switch in December! Fall Ball- Friday November 14th, 5-7 pm @ St. Mark
Join us for a
SAVE THESE DATES! Leadership Retreat (rescheduled)- 12/17 Kokua Holiday Party- 12/8. Details to come soon. Stay tuned! Fall Ball- 11/14
Check out these accessible hiking guides for the parks listed below! Visit the website to read the full guides and get more details! https://waparks.org/ accessible _ adventure_guide/
Spotlighting: DANNY IBSEN
Meet Danny! He’s been with Kokua for a few months now and hard to track down because he’s USUALLY on the go during the day! i was able to meet with him recently and get to know him a little more!
Danny is a go-getter and does not like to sit still for too long! The youngest of six, he stayed close with family, particularly his older brother in Arizona, whom he hopes to visit soon. Growing up he traveled with his mom as she spoke at FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) Conferences, later writing a book about her own experience. In his younger days, Danny was a track runner in Special Olympics, and as a proud ’90s grunge guy, he still loves punk, (especially new stuff from Travis Barker), even if his BMX days are in the past. He and his grandma “collect memories” together, (as she prefers this over traditional presents) and have been on trips from Montana to Mexico, and some in between. In Olympia, he enjoys time with housemates and his friend McDaniel. This past summer he was married and celebrated a Commitment Ceremony with Angel, his longtime girlfriend. Now part of Kokua, he’s working on building more independence and is currently looking for a grocery store courtesy clerk job. Say hi if you see him in the aisles, or around town!
Celebrating One Year of Growth: Samira’s Journey at Kokua
October marked a special milestone for Samira as she celebrated her one-year anniversary with Kokua. Though she was too shy for an interview last fall, she now feels right at home and was excited to share her story with us.
Samira has found a true sense of belonging at the 59th House, where through the support of her staff she has become more settled in and confident. Though quiet and sometimes shy, she has blossomed over the past year. Once you get to know her, she’s warm, chatty, and enjoys spending time with her staff.
She especially appreciates how often she gets to go out and explore. She went on a recent day trip to Forks with Tricia, where they visited the town made famous by the Twilight movie series. Samira enjoyed seeing movie memorabilia and even posed for a photo with a figure of her vampire dream. (She’s Team Edward btw). The trip also included a scenic overlook at Ruby Beach, one of Washington’s most beautiful coastal spots.
Samira has a fifteen- year- old son and though not in contact with him, she likes to tell people about him. She’s also happily engaged to her longtime boyfriend and is looking forward to their future together.
To celebrate her recent birthday, Samira got a beautiful butterfly tattoo, which she proudly shows off alongside her other tattoos including a blue star on her neck that matches one her father got during a visit. All her tattoos feature blue and black, her favorite colors.
Looking ahead, Samira is excited about moving to a new home with her roommates and is even considering entering the workforce. While she’s still exploring her options, the fact that she’s open to the idea is a big step forward. She’s also making healthier choices cutting back on energy drinks when she can, and even switching to sugar-free versions, something she once swore she’d never do.
Samira’s journey over the past year is a testament to the supportive environment at Kokua and the 59th House. Thanks to the dedication of her team, she’s thriving growing more confident, making positive changes, and embracing new opportunities. Kudos to everyone who played a part in her transition and success!
Tailoring Diets for Individuals with IDD:
Accessible nutrition information: Use visual aids, simple language, and practical demonstrations to teach about healthy food choices, portion sizes, and label reading. Utilize the "Stoplight" method: This approach categorizes foods into "Go" (healthy fruits, veggies), "Slow" (grains, pastas), and "Whoa-Stop" (sugary treats, processed foods). This is a simple and effective tool for making daily decisions.
Limit processed foods and sugary drinks: Replace soda, juice, and sugary snacks with water or low-fat milk. Focus on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
Mealtime routines:
Establish consistent meal and snack times to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent overeating.
