moments winter 2017
a publication of Mosaic in Connecticut | www.mosaicinconnecticut.org
Meaningful Life ROCKING WITH MARY photos by Holly Coomb Mary is a person with a big smile and a sunny disposition. She has received services from Mosaic for more than 20 years. “Mary is 82 going on 19,” said Holly Coomb, the assistant direct support manager at one of Mosaic’s assisted living homes in New London County. “She’s a party lady, and always young at heart!” Bret Michaels is a musician and songwriter, and reality TV star. He is the lead vocalist of the popular glam metal band Poison and a successful solo performer. A few years ago, Mary became hooked on a reality TV show starring Bret Michaels. She would not miss an episode. One day, she proclaimed that
shoulder!” Holly said. Then Mary was invited to go backstage to meet Bret in person after the concert.
Mary is lavished with attention from rock stars.
he was her boyfriend. She has been faithfully attending his concerts ever since. At a concert last fall at the Twin Rivers Event Center in Rhode Island, Mary was fortunate to be sitting up close. “Bret Michaels saw Mary rocking it out – she actually gave herself a sore
It was a long wait and at one point Mary sighed and said, “I’m tired. I want Michaels.” A funny thing began to happen, however. Little by little, Mary was pushed to the front of the line by good-hearted concert attendees. When the band’s drummer came out to visit, he spent quite a bit of time with Mary, apparently smitten with her vivacious personality. “Mary is a magnet,” Holly said. “Everyone who meets Mary instantly loves her.” The wait was well worth the effort. Bret Michaels gave Mary the positivity she deserved, as a long-time loyal fan. He signed her Bret Michaels CD, her Bret Michaels banner, and her Bret Michaels coaster, and even posed for photos with Mary. Mary listened to the CD all the way home and carried it everywhere she went during the week. She seems content letting the music sustain her until the next Bret Michaels concert comes to town! Music is important to many people, and may be especially beneficial to those who have disabilities. Mosaic thanks the George A. and Grace L. Long Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee for a grant supporting our Music Therapy Program.
Mary meets her favorite rocker Bret Michaels. Connecticut 1 Mosaic Moments
Letter from the ED By Andrea Ferrucci
Dear Friends,
This winter season, filled with holidays, gifts and gatherings, reminds us all to share our blessings with others throughout the year. Here at Mosaic, we celebrate both the everyday lives and the special times with our extended Mosaic family. And we are very grateful for the people behind the scenes who support our work with a generous outpouring of time and resources.
This issue of Mosaic Moments gives you another glimpse into the lives of the individuals we support and the ways we celebrate. Being involved in our local community is important to all of us. It affords us the opportunity to share and experience life together.
Thank you.
When you see the smiles in our photos, it’s important to recognize the people behind the scenes of these moments. For many years, the Bethany Lutheran Church in Cromwell has provided its large spaces to Mosaic individuals. It’s where we have our big Halloween party each year and where Dream Catchers, Mosaic’s self-advocacy group, holds their monthly meetings. And it’s not too soon to thank the local business community for supporting our main fundraiser, the Laugh Out Loud comedy event, coming on March 31. Donations have been pouring in and our dessert baskets, games and raffle prizes are going to be exciting and plentiful. It promises to be an evening filled with smiles and generosity, as we work together to build Mosaic’s Essentials of Life Fund (ELF). The ELF provides the individuals in our service with essential adaptive equipment, meaningful activities and services that are not covered by other sources.
Andrea Ferrucci Executive Director If you would like to receive this newsletter via email or would like to be removed from the mailing list, please email karen.hoke@mosaicinfo.org.
2016 Mosaic Awards Congratulations to the following employees who had a great year at Mosaic in Connecticut! Outstanding Service - Seth Hauslaib Outstanding Achievement - Allison Leue Outstanding Teamwork - Rhode Island Drive Outstanding Manager - Lena Darcy Outstanding Employee - Deborah Satterwhite Congratulations to Judy Cutler, sister of a person that Mosaic supports, our Outstanding Advocate for 2016.
Mosaic Moments is published by Mosaic in Connecticut | 100 Sebethe Dr., Ste. A2 Cromwell, CT 06416-1037 | 860.632.2814 | www.mosaicinconnecticut.org Executive Director Resource Development Manager
andrea.ferrucci@mosaicinfo.org karen.hoke@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.
Announcements • Please share Mosaic in Connecticut by passing on this newsletter. How about leaving your copy in your salon, church, doctor or dentist office? • Laugh Out Loud is almost here! Join us on March 31 for an evening of fun and laughter. Take a chance on a balloon prize or door prize, enjoy a gourmet pasta dinner, and let three top comedians tickle your funny bone at the Farmington Marriott. This event raises money for Mosaic’s Essentials of Life Fund (ELF), which supplies adaptive equipment and services that are not covered by other funding sources. For more information or to purchase tickets or contribute a game of chance prize please email karen.hoke@mosaicinfo.org or call 860.632.2814 x123. • Are you a Thrivent member? Call us to talk about how you can support Mosaic today. • Please like us on Facebook and keep up with Mosaic at facebook.com/ mosaicinconnecticut! • Would you like to work for Mosaic? Mosaic is the recognized leader in making a positive difference in people’s lives, and Mosaic in Connecticut won a Top Workplace Award for the last three consecutive years! Visit www.mosaiccareers.org. • Join our Family and Guardians Circle! To find out more, call 860.632.2814 x123.
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. ©2017 Mosaic. All rights reserved. Mosaic is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Connecticut 2 Mosaic Moments
Caring Community OPENING DOORS For as long as Russell can remember, he’s been asking for doors. Not just any doors, but special electronic doors that allow people who use wheelchairs to enter and exit with the push of a button.
Jason Tighe, the manager of the home where Russell lives, described his understanding of the situation: “Think of how you would feel if you had to get dressed and loaded into a van every time someone in your home has an appointment. Russell has logged in a lot of time sitting in a van – hours that he would prefer to use relaxing in his own living room, playing his video games.”
Russell hears the news.
Russell has consistently advocated for these doors for a number of years, for himself and everyone else who lives in his house and uses wheelchairs, said Nancy Vito, Mosaic’s director of programs. “It’s not just a convenience factor, but is a safety factor. Without electronic doors, people like Russell cannot stay home alone.”
It wasn’t until a special anonymous donor stepped up and specifically chose to fund the electronic doors and other essential adaptive equipment that Russell’s greatest wish could finally be fulfilled. Executive Director Andrea Ferrucci was so excited to share the good news with Russell and his housemates that she quickly arranged a little party. Staff decorated the soon to be modified doorways with crepe paper and balloons and gathered together to spring the surprise when Russell and the others arrived home from their day programs.
At first, Russell was overcome with emotion. Then he let everyone know exactly how he was feeling: “This is the best gift anyone could ever give me! I have been waiting a long time for this. For me and for everyone here.” “We’ve all been waiting for this day, for a long, long time!” exclaimed Malinda Santiago, Area Coordinator. She knows that Mosaic typically uses donations on the most immediate needs that benefit the greatest number of people across the state. “We always need things like eyeglasses, dentures, walkers and therapies, for example.” At the same time, during this season of good tidings, Mosaic learned that the Harold and Rebecca Gross Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee awarded a grant that will help purchase medical supplies and electronic doors for another residence. Now two Mosaic homes in Connecticut will be able to provide more independence for people receiving residential services, many of whom use wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment. Russell summed it all up: “Never give up asking for what you want most in life. You made my dream come true.”
© 2016 Mosaic Mosaic is an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of Lutheran Services in America. 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. Language Assistance Services Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1.877.366.7242 ATENÇÃO: Sefala português, encontram-se disponíveis serviços linguísticos, grátis. Ligue para 1-877-366-7242.
The Connecticut team presents Russell with his doors.
Connecticut 3 Mosaic Moments
Holiday Spirit Photo Album photos by Andy Hoke It’s been a busy and fun season at Mosaic! Just to name a few: The people Mosaic serves went to the Big E, visited a petting zoo, went apple and pumpkin picking, attended “The Nutcracker,” and participated in the Special Olympics. One woman hosted an English tea party, and another visited a doll museum. One Mosaic home hosted a masquerade party, another hosted a holiday party, and another enjoyed a morning of music therapy!
Photos from the 2016 Halloween party
Dream Catchers Corner DREA
RS HE
Mosaic Dream Catchers held a CATC holiday party in M December and talked a lot about what we are thankful for. The group also made beautiful centerpieces for the Starlight Ball. We have some great advocates who are reviewing and revising the participant handbook. We did a special project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr, and our own understanding of advocacy. Two Dream Catchers attended the Life Conference in Delaware, where they participated in conversations about legislation, family issues, and social media.
Photos from the 19th Annual Starlight Ball Connecticut 4 Mosaic Moments