Mosaic in Colorado Springs | Fall 2016

#MosaicNews Issue 2 | Q3 | August 2016

a publication of mosaic in colorado springs | www.mosaicincoloradosprings.org

Meaningful Life WE ARE EXPLORERS This summer was Mosaic’s first at creating an agenda for a 100 percent community based day program, and the experiences have been amazing.

We applied for a scholarship to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and received tickets to go all summer long. On July 25, we took a group up to Denver for IDD Awareness Day at the Rockies.

The team must have known we were coming because they won.

Also, thank you to a wonderful donor who made it possible for us to go to the Denver Zoo, to the May Bug Museum regularly, and helped us repair the wheelchair lifts on some of our vehicles to ‘aid in our voyage.’ We’ve done so much and the impact has been palpable. People are trying new things.

for the first time – ducks and water running in the background – and his smile was unforgettable.

The fishing group had a blast catching trout and the gardeners can’t wait every week to get back out and see how things have grown and what needs to be tended.

Eddie Nartea and Conor Eckoldt fishing

One individual we serve transitioned from on-site to community based. He suffers from self-harming behaviors, but in the first few months of this program, his tendency toward selfharm has reduced significantly.

Executive Director Cheryl Wicks often remarks that her favorite memory so far is of him sitting on a bridge over a creek in his wheelchair. He saw frogs

It’s been a great summer and we are looking forward to the next season!

Alicia Lee-France and Derek Griffith at a Rockies game

Tammy Bowman gardening

Mandie Bottema at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Rose Medina and Tammy Bowman at Rockies game

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From the Executive Director FORWARD IN FAITH by Cheryl Wicks This year we have given new life to our day program by transitioning our facility-based day program into a community-based day program. As Cheryl Wicks of April 1, we Executive Director Mosaic in Colorado Springs are supporting more than 60 people in our day program, focusing on community connections, volunteering, employment and various recreational activities.

This transition would not have been possible without community networks and partnerships. A great example is

with Sterling Chase (Grand Master Chae) who is president of DuMyon Martial Arts. He was introduced to our mission at a Discover the Possibilities and his connection was immediate.

Grand Master Chae has been teaching a weekly martial class to a group of people we support since 2014.

I am extremely proud of our Direct Support Associates, especially during this transition. I see renewed engagement and creative ideas for community activities and places to volunteer. One person voiced that she wanted to swim more and we made that happen for her. Another person’s love of animals inspired us to network with Teller County Regional Animal Shelter to make it a regular volunteer site.

When we decided to transition to a personalized, community-based day program, we needed locations in our community to provide personal hygiene assistance during the day, as well as an alternate drop-off location for those using public transportation.

DuMyon Martial Arts was at the top of our list. I am pleased to share that we have enhanced our partnership with Grand Master Chae because of this process.

Seeing the genuine happiness on the faces of those we serve and our employees fills my heart with joy.

Thank you to our employees and to our community partnerships for making this transition a success!

Kathy McEwan plating main course

Rose Medina with Chef Michael Cotton

Best Wishes, Cheryl Wicks, Executive Director

Giving a Voice WE ARE CHEFS It’s back! “Chef’s Night”, which gives the individuals we serve a kitchen of their own, will again be held regularly throughout the year. This event brings together people who love to cook with a professional chef, as well as donors and volunteers. Thank you to Chef Michael Cotton who donated his time for the luncheon on May 20. Chef’s events are great opportunities for people in service to be the stars of their own “restaurant” for lunch or dinner.

#MosaicNews is published by Mosaic in Colorado Springs | 888 W. Garden of the Gods Rd., Ste. 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80907-9437 | www.mosaicincoloradosprings.org Executive Director

cheryl.wicks@mosaicinfo.org

Community Relations Manager

emily.plotkin@mosaicinfo.org

Mission Embracing God’s call to serve in the world, Mosaic advocates for people with intellectual disabilities and provides opportunities for them to enjoy a full life.

Integrity at Mosaic If you have a concern, call our national Confidential Reporting Hotline at 800.443.4899, or email integrity@mosaicinfo.org

Relationships Mosaic is an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of Lutheran Services in America.

Non-discrimination 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.

To be added or removed from the mailing list or to receive information via email, please contact Mosaic at the address given. ©2016 Mosaic. All rights reserved. Mosaic is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

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We are advocates As an active member of Alliance Colorado, Mosaic showed our support at the Capitol for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Awareness Day Resolution on Wednesday, February 17.

Emily Plotkin with Alliance staff

Mosaic self-advocates Suzie Caddell and Tiffany Gosier watched from the gallery as the resolution passed the Senate and then the House of Representatives in record time with a show of unanimous, bipartisan support.

After declaring February 17 as Colorado’s IDD Awareness Day, legislators and advocates moved across the

street to the Denver Art Museum for Alliance’s Awareness Day luncheon.

Mosaic in Denver was honored with a substantial speaking role. Executive Director Stephen Shaughnessy introduced Kate Ireland (Mosaic Direct Support Associate), who was recognized for her devotion to the people we serve with intellectual disabilities.

Other speakers included Sen. Kent Lambert of El Paso County; Lori Freyta, Board member at North Metro CCB; and Karie Valdez, self-advocate from Blue Peaks CCB. Alliance, an association dedicated to strengthening community services and supports for people with IDDs through political advocacy, has 45 Community Centered Board (CCB) and Service Provider agency members across Colorado.

We are royalty

Mosaic crew on the steps of the state Capitol

Have you included Mosaic in your estate planning?

NIGHT TO SHINE’ TIM TEBOW PROM Check us out! Some of the people we serve had an opportunity to strut their stuff on the red carpet at the “Night to Shine” prom, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and Pikes Peak Christian Church. Dressing up and going out to dance and be admired, people had a great time having a night on the town in their community.

There are ways to increase your income now or in the future and save money on taxes.

With a planned gift, you can also ensure that Mosaic’s mission of providing a life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities continues long into the future.

Contact Jaime Corsar at 877.366.7242 or jaime.corsar@mosaicinfo.org to discuss how planned giving can help you.

Suzanne Caddell with Mosaic staff

Alicia Lee-France with friend

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We are donors CREATING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH EMPLOYEE GIVING Tim Grove, a direct service associate with Mosaic in Colorado Springs, has been taking a group of people to Taekwondo classes (through DuMyon Martial Arts) for more than a year.

Recently, there was an event in

Tim advocated for the people we serve taking Taekwondo to have the opportunity to go to the competition.

Together, we decided to use funds from our Employee Giving Campaign to pay for tickets so they could attend.

Grand Master Chae, who founded the DuMyon Martial Arts program and is a strong advocate for Mosaic, met our group at the gates to ensure everyone had the best possible experience.

Tammy Bowman, Eddie Nartea, Conor Eckoldt, Brian Stevenson at Hanmadang

Colorado Springs at the World Event Center called a Hanmadang (Han-meh-don). A Hanmadang is a set of competitions and demonstrations of Taekwondo mastery. People came from all over the world to view and participate in the events.

There were two types of competition at the event – Forms and Spin Kicks.

Forms are a series of traditional Taekwondo moves judged by a panel of masters on accuracy. Spin Kick competitions consist of a contestant spinning and breaking wood boards as fast as they can for a set amount of time. Some can do as many as 50–60 kicks a minute. Everyone left excited to continue their study of Taekwondo, and a few people want to participate in next year’s Forms competition!

Thank you to Master Chae and Tim for organizing and advocating for this group, and to all Mosaic staff who cast their vote to help make this experience happen

Have a business? Offer a service?

If you offer a reduced rate or special offer for Mosaic’s people and staff, advertise HERE!

Upcoming Events Mosaic in Colorado Springs 888 W. Garden of the Gods Rd., Ste. 100 Presentations at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

FREE lunch served from noon to 12:30 September 12 October 3 November 7 December 5 Learn how Mosaic helps create a life of possibility for people with intellectual disabilities in our community. You will hear stories told by the people who know Mosaic best—the people we serve, their families and volunteers.

These one-hour presentations open our doors in an attempt to share our mission, vision, and passion for those being served. To RSVP, contact Emily Plotkin at emily.plotkin@mosaicinfo.org.

August 30 | 5:30 p.m.

Table Captain Kick-off September 11–17 DSP Appreciation Week October 25 | 8 a.m.

Partners in Possibilities Annual Fundraiser

Conor, Eddie, and Tammy at weekly Taekwondo practice

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We are dreamers MOSAIC WINS CHARITY SPOTLIGHT AT SKY SOX After this opportunity was brought to our attention by a volunteer, we applied for the opportunity to be featured in this year’s Charity Spotlight at the Sky Sox – and won! On Sunday, July 24, Harvey Frazier, a resident of our host home program, threw a great honorary first pitch of the game. The game was originally scheduled to be on a $2 Tuesday in April, but had to be rescheduled due to weather. Harvey was still thrilled to get his baseball and poster signed by most of the team in April, and came back swinging in July.

He loves baseball and is an excellent dancer. Harvey was practicing his

moves in front of staff and at home weeks before the game. He was considering doing a dance on the mound, but on the day of the event, chose to focus on his pitch. Well done, Harvey!

As the winners of a coveted Charity Spotlight slot, Mosaic was also given a five-minute interview during the game on 1300 AM ‘The Animal’ – the Sky Sox radio station, free parking, four free tickets, and a booth to display our program materials. Thank you to Tricia Metzger of the Sky Sox marketing department who helped coordinate this opportunity for us and for Harvey.

Volunteer Opportunities Ambassadors: One of our most crucial volunteer positions, ambassadors help spread the word about Mosaic by educating the community about our services and inviting their networks to attend our regularly scheduled lunch and learn events.

Two-five hours per month.

Maintenance Driver: Drive vehicles to and from the auto repair garage for regular maintenance. Requires valid driver’s license; two-three hours per month.

Community Action Team Member: The CAT committee helps connect the people in Mosaic’s customized employment program with opportunities to work or intern in the community. One-two hours per month.

For more volunteer opportunities, email Emily Plotkin at emily.plotkin@mosaicinfo.org

Harvey throwing the honorary first pitch

Sox the Fox with Harvey Frazier

Connect with Mosaic in Colorado Springs! mosaicincoloradosprings.org

facebook.com/mosaicincoloradosprings

mosaicinfo.org/blog

twitter.com/mosaicpossible

donate.mosaicinfo.org/colorado-springs

linkedin.com/company/mosaic

Euphoria Massage & Energetics is pleased to offer the employees of Mosaic 20% off of massage and Reiki sessions. With all that you do for others, isn’t it only right to take good care of yourself?

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We are creators

We are partners

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE 2016

Ginny Mills, Founder and Executive Director of Mello Memories, was inspired to help her community through the use of miniature horses.

She began Mello Memories in December 2008 with the vision of bringing joy and laughter, as well as physical and psychological support, to those in nursing and assisted living facilities. Ginny and her staff partnered with Mosaic to bring their miniature horses on-site to meet the people we serve. What a great way to celebrate our transition to a 100 percent community based day program.

March was National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness (NIDDA) Month, and Mosaic in Colorado Springs celebrated in style.

On Saturday, March 12, we participated in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

With more than 70 people in service, staff members, advocates, friends, donors, family members, and volunteers in the procession, Mosaic was one of the best represented organizations or businesses in the parade, and we took home the gold. Mosaic in Colorado Springs won the highest honor for our float “Mosaic Sham-ROCKS!” as the Pot O’Gold Best Overall Float.

This event would not have been possible without the support of Thrivent Financial, Tina Swonger of ReMAX, and James Swonger of JTFuturequest. Tina and James worked tirelessly, cutting decals out of plywood and building the frame for the trailer, as well as supplying the trailer and hauling the float during the parade.

Day Program participants, staff, and volunteers helped paint and glitter shamrocks, music notes, and banners, as well as assemble the float the day before the parade. We could not have done this without all of you, thank you for your dedication to Mosaic and the people we serve.

Frank Reineke and Moose

Cheryl Wicks, Amanda Thomas, and Carrie Richards

Tina and James Swonger

Crew from Mello Memories

Tina Rodriguez and Jennifer Costa

Rose Medina

Mello Memories staff member and Susie Cupler

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Caring Community PEOPLE WHO MAKE US GREAT We know we can count on Tim to always look out for what’s right with the people we serve. He puts their needs above his own and is incredibly

Tim Grove: Direct Support Associate

dependable. Tim joined the Taekwondo class with the people we serve and learns alongside them. He takes people fishing and hiking. He teaches them to grow vegetables in the garden, and makes salads with their harvest alongside people in service.

Tim is described by one of his supervisors, Cat Reineke, as “someone I see as a true Christian. He so willingly gives all to others. I am honored to know him and be able to work with him.”

Tim – we are so grateful to be celebrat-

above and beyond speaking out for the rights of people with disabilities in the community. As a member of Mosaic’s sustainable fundraising team, Shelly helps organize annual fundraisers, cultivate relationships with donors and volunteers, and has been our Ambassador Manager, training new volunteers and coordinating team building activities, for the past two years. Shelly and her husband Dallas are also Multi-Year Giving Society Members, and their son Austin, who suffered a traumatic brain injury at a young age, is an Ambassador and

people we serve. ($500) The people we serve with intellectual disabilities are at higher risk for abuse than other populations. Many want to be in a healthy relationship but are unsure how to go about setting boundaries in a romantic partnership.

Funding for sign language courses for our staff. (Contact with funding questions.)

A number of people in our day program are non-verbal, or close to it. Sign language is

advocate of Mosaic’s services. Thank you Shelly (and the whole Shepard family) for all you do to support our mission in the community.

ing your sixth year with Mosaic this month. We love you!

Shelly Shepard has been an Ambassador for Mosaic since December 2013. She is devoted to the cause of equal opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities. As an avid volunteer for both Mosaic and Special Olympics, Shelly has gone

Wish List Funding for relationship education for the

Debra Hayes: Host Home Residential Services, Day Program

Shelly Shepard: Ambassador Manager, DREAM Team member, Donor

supplements. Debbie has brought joy to so many people at Mosaic in Colorado Springs. She loves to hug and kiss, smile and laugh – her laughter is infectious. Her previous host home provider is now her guardian, and her current provider has had a relationship with her for years.

Recently, Debbie was a bridesmaid in her daughter’s wedding. Debbie, we love you and are so thrilled to see the family you’ve created here.

Two years ago, Debbie was living in a group home. She was happy, but she did not get to do very much outside of the house. Since transitioning to a host home, the change in her life has been incredible. Over the past two years, Debbie has lost more than 100 pounds.

She still uses a walker but almost never has to use her wheelchair anymore, and she is so much healthier.

She was taking around 15 medications and now takes only six, most of them

another way for these individuals to communicate their wants, needs, and goals.

Sponsors for our annual fundraising event on October 25. ($500 and $1,000 levels) As a nonprofit organization we are consistently striving to fill the gap between what the state has decided our services should cost, and what we know the people in our programs deserve. The cost of maintaining high quality, individualized services is about $160,000 more per year than Medicaid can provide. Help us ensure our most crucial fundraising effort of the year is a success by sponsoring our annual Partners in Possibilities event!

For more information, contact Emily Plotkin at 719.377.2087 or emily.plotkin@mosaicinfo.org

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888 W. Garden of the Gods Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80907-9437

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A life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Meaningful Life WE ARE OLYMPIANS Congratulations to the Special Olympics Tennis Team and all the Mosaic athletes! Rose Medina, an individual we serve in Supported Independent Living and Day Program, won second place in the Skills Division.

Dee Drummond had a great time playing doubles and Alicia Lee-France always has a blast participating in the softball tournament. Thank you to Shelly Shepard, who is not only a great advocate for us, but who manages the tennis team each year for Special Olympics as well – GO Fireballs!

Dee Drummond playing doubles.

Emily Plotkin and Alicia Lee-France after the softball game

Rose Medina receiving medal in skills

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