COURAGE Newsletter

Continue to be...

COURAGEOUS and RELENTLESS. Making Every Day Count!

COMING TOGETHER FOR A PURPOSE! Read More on pg. 6

We LEARN Together.

We COOK Together.

We WORK Together.

Read More on pg. 2

JOIN US TO CONTINUE TO UNLOCK POTENTIAL Learn how to make every day count on page 5

My Possibilities’ mission is to courageously and relentlessly pursue the full, untapped possibilities of our Hugely Important People, Making Every Day Count!

www.MyPossibilities.org /mypossibilities

/mptxorg

@mptexas

© 2015 My Possibilities. All rights reserved. Information contained in this material is confidential and proprietary to My Possibilities.

1631 Dorchester Drive Plano, TX 75075 Tel: 469-241-9100 www.MyPossibilities.org

MY POSSIBILITIES

WINTER 2015

COURAGE

C

BE STRONG & COURAGEOUS Courage defined by Michael Thomas, My Possibilities Executive Director

on improving their programs. It is unbelievable what we have been able to accomplish, and we owe it in great part to these courageous individuals that call MP their working home.

This edition of the My Possibilities newsletter focuses on courage. It is a part of the mission statement of My Possibilities, constantly reminding every staff member that we must be brave in our pursuit to provide the best possible education to our HIPsters.

I’m sure they would each echo me in saying, “It isn’t easy.” In fact, it is challenging at every turn.

2015 has been, without a doubt, our organization’s greatest year in essentially every possible way. We have served more students this year, we have logged more hours in job training, more HIPsters obtained work in the community, we earned more medals in Special Olympics competitions, and so much more.

And, you guessed it, we have so much more we want to accomplish in 2016.

At My Possibilities we have embed into our culture an attitude of excellence. Simply maintaining the status quo doesn’t appeal to our team, and, frankly, it doesn’t appeal to our students either. Outside of teaching in the classroom, writing monthly lesson plans, developing quarterly updates for families, writing daily notes for every individual, and updating HIPster goals on a daily basis, you can find our staff in team meetings and working

Our dreams are only realized through the continued and growing support from our community. Now more than ever, donors and corporations have stepped up to support the long term growth of our organization. In 2015, friends such as Alliance Data, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Berry Family Services and the AMP Foundation have boldly displayed their support for the growth of My Possibilities. It is our goal not only to serve our HIPsters in

We courageously and relentlessly pursue the full, untapped possibilities of our Hugely Important People, making every day count!

the best life-long educational program in the United States, but to provide this service to a larger number of deserving individuals.

We will rely heavily on the continued support of YOU and many others in North Texas.

We cannot thank you enough.

So as our staff courageously serve the HIPSters on a daily basis, I ask that you think about how you could courageously support the HIPsters and My Possibilities.

Our HIPsters are here because they also show courage. They come to MP every day seeking to improve their skills so they can become completely integrated in their communities, whether that be in living, work, or play. Thank you for being a part of their dream, and more importantly, a part of the solution.

Michael Thomas, Executive Director

director@mptx.org | 469-241-9100

On September 14th, twohundred people packed the Plano Courtyard Theater to enjoy an unforgettable musical experience. For many HIPsters, this was their first time performing in front of such a large audience. The night began with our very own MP Culinary Team serving HIPster Handmade hors d’oeurves while our friends at Peticolas Brewing Company served their seasonal collection of craft beers. Art pieces created by our HIPsters were displayed throughout the atrium and were available to purchase.

The showcase was hosted by Trigg Watson, Dallas-based magician who recently starred on the hit T.V. series, Penn & Teller’s “Fool Us”. Our HIPsters (Hugely Important People) in the CREATE Program had both

solo and group performances as they revealed to the crowd their tremendous talent. The showcase also featured a very special piano performance by a HIPster named Collin who played his own piece that was dedicated to a dear friend who had passed way. The night ended with Nashville-based singer/songwriter Gabe Dixon singing several of his hit songs and he even had the entire crowd singing along with him.

We are pleased to announce that this event will be an annual tradition, and next year it will be held on June 24th at Plano Courtyard Theater.

More information regarding the event will be released at a later date!

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Revealing Possibilities Showcase!

CREATING MUSIC FOR THE SOUL Revealing Possibilities Showcase hosted by My Possibilities Arts Program CREATE Revealing Possibilities was our way to give HIPsters a public platform to share their skills in art and music with the community.

They continue to surprise us every day, and we wanted to show the world what they are capable of!

SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 24, 2016

Plano Courtyard Theater 2

My Possibilities COURAGE Edition / Winter 2015

The My Possibilities CREATE Program provides adults with disabilities an atmosphere to both express themselves and find that their creativity has a place in the world.

The My Possibilities Culinary Program focuses on instruction of independent living kitchen skills and development of job translatable skills to those HIPsters that have demonstrated a natural aptitude and interest for the Culinary Arts and My Possibilities Culinary Catering.

WITH THE GUIDANCE AND INSTRUCTION OF OUR RESIDENT CHEF, OUR FOOD IS 100% HIPSTER HANDMADE.

If you’ve been following us on Facebook, you may have seen recent posts featuring our MP Culinary Team. Our Culinary Instructors, Diana Zamora and Dirk Ruthrauff, have embarked on a journey of catering events with food that is completely prepared by our HIPsters from start to finish.

The commercial kitchen at My Possibilities allows Diana and Dirk the unique opportunity to teach our HIPsters practical home cooking skills.

“If you are going to live on your own, you need to learn how to cook,” says Justin, a member of the current MP Culinary team.

Each day brings a new ingredient, a new recipe, a new technique, or a new piece of equipment in the kitchen.

Diana & Dirk have no doubt that our HIPsters can prepare meals just as delicious as any other household chef. All it takes is some time, dedication, trust, love, and, ultimately, courage.

Students with a passion for culinary arts and who want to work in the food industry have joined the MP Culinary team where they take time to not only prepare food for events, but create the menu, learn about ingredients, and then serve what they’ve made at the events for which they have been hired.

WE LEARN, WE COOK,

WE WORK TOGETHER

In just the last few months since launching this endeavor, the culinary team has catered for events as large as three-hundred attendees for reputable organizations like United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Alliance Data, Threads of Hope, and Social Venture Partners Dallas.

If you’d like to serve HIPster Handmade food at your next event, please contact the MP Catering Team at 469-241-9100 or culinary@mptx.org.

My Possibilities COURAGE Edition / Winter 2015

3

February 4, 1982 was just another day to most. Hall & Oates blared on radios across the country and Ronald Reagan served as the President of our country. But to John and I, the world became brighter as we welcomed our first son, Michael, into our arms. Michael – not yet nicknamed “Big Mike” – was a healthy, full-term baby who would change our lives forever, in both expected and unexpected ways.

One night at fifteen months old, Mike was not feeling well and began running a low grade fever. I was worried, but after multiple calls to the pediatrician was told that it was likely just the flu – just watch him.

However, during the night Mike seized and quit breathing.

As I drove to the emergency room in Plano, John resuscitated Mike and continued to breathe for him on our way to get help. Upon arrival at the hospital, Mike was still not breathing on his own, but the doctor stood perplexed as Mike lacked a fever or elevated count of white blood cells. A spinal tap ultimately revealed a grim diagnosis – a milky fluid that indicated meningitis. As the situation progressed, this revelation warranted a transfer from Plano to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas where Mike would receive the best care and the greatest chance at survival.

Even though he was receiving the best critical care from reputable staff around the clock, Mike eventually slipped into a coma and his future became even more uncertain.

The only option that we were left with was to debate the use of a test medication to treat meningitis. This treatment eventually begun, and after five days Mike began to rouse from the coma. While this was good news, doctors soon realized that he did not have vision, hearing, movement, or what little language he had already developed. At this point, John was working during the day and spending evenings at the hospital, while I never left the hospital once during Mike’s stay.

After a two week stay at Children’s Medical Center and upon completion of his treatment, doctors determined there was nothing left to be done and that Mike would be released from their care. The prognosis for Mike’s future was bleak, and our family was urged to look into custodial care.

John and I were left devastated and unsure how to proceed, however we knew that custodial care was never an option worth considering.

“The doctors may have given up on Mike’s progress, but we would not.”

Once John and I were home with Mike we began to see various medical professionals in order to come up with a plan of action for further treatment. I quickly came to realize that I would be unable to both take care of Mike and work my full-time job at a CPA firm; so soon after being released from the hospital, I was forced to resign from my job. Not only did I assume the tremendous responsibility of seeking help for Mike, but our family now had lost one salary, all while having very sad hearts. This quickly became a very difficult, trying time for us, but with the help of an amazing pediatrician and neurologist, we were forced to trust in the bright side of it all.

Slowly and miraculously over the next few months, Mike began to make strides for the better. First he regained his hearing, and then gradually his vision came back.

His physical abilities made a ten-month gain in only two months. First came a few noises and then some sounds. At eighteen months his vision came back, which also meant that he was able to enter the Southern Collin County Infant Stimulation Program (SCIIP). The progress continued, though Mike was considerably delayed from his peers.

4

My Possibilities COURAGE Edition / Winter 2015

Slowly but surely John and I got into a routine – I went back to my accounting career, working evening hours so that I could be with Mike during the day.

Once able, Mike was integrated back into a normal setting and joined his peers in preschool so that he could develop socially. Mike eventually entered public school classes where he remained for the next eighteen years, until he turned twenty-two years old. Throughout this time, John and I did nothing but advocate for an inclusionary environment for Mike.

I got him involved in cub scouts so that he could continue to develop socially. John took on the physical and athletic aspects of Mike’s development, and Mike grew to love sports. Even today he is on teams for basketball, bocce ball, and bowling.

He integrated seamlessly with the staff and HIPsters at My Possibilities, and Big Mike soon became the Mentor Leader for males in the program. Anyone who was familiar with the halls of MP was no stranger to Big Mike. He thrived as someone others could look up to and was a recognized, respected leader among his peers. As time went on Big Mike would gradually gain more responsibility, and he always did so with a smile on his face. He began to help staff at the front desk during transition times, specifically with transportation and making sure the HIPsters found their DARTs, taxis, or caretakers that would get them home safely. Anyone that has experienced this time of the day at My Possibilities knows that it can be chaotic at times, but Big Mike never loses his composure. When given a task he can be trusted to complete it.

With an innate ability to enjoy people and be a true friend, Mike slowly began to earn his nickname – BIG MIKE.

Our entire family is beyond proud of the person that Big Mike has become.

I find comfort in the fact that Mike has absolutely found his place in the world where he is very happy, respected, and helpful, thriving and growing everyday.

However, this would never have been the case if My Possibilities did not exist.

The program has grown hugely, but the need is still great.

Through the support of generous families, contributors, and benefactors, My Possibilities has been able to provide a much-needed service to a population that does not have many options out in the community and Metroplex. I am thankful to the existence of My Possibilities on a daily basis. Mike, who had a very bleak future when we left Chidren’s Medical Center, has blown away that prediction with an amazing, involved life experience.

As Mike grew older he began to work, first as a cart pusher at a local discount store, then as a truck un-loader at a local department store. Mike was dependable, but now he yearned for something different.

With an open heart and curious mind, Mike, John, and I took a trip to My Possibilities (MP), and after a tour of the facility Mike decided to give it a try.

who was elated at the recognition that he received in the presence of his family and friends. Not only did he receive this award and much deserved recognition, but Big Mike was also given the opportunity to join the staff at My Possibilities; yet another responsibility that Big Mike courageously accepted without the blink of an eye.

In September at My Possibilities’ Appreciation Luncheon, Big Mike was honored with an award that had never been given out before –

“HIPstar of the Year.”

This represented a HIPster who persistently went above and beyond what was asked of them, and no one captures the essence of this more than Big Mike,

We never gave up on him and only wish that the predictors of his bleak future could see who he is today.

My Possibilities needs your annual gift this year more than ever.

Your monthly gift of $500 covers the funding gap of 1 HIPster per a month.

HELP SUPPORT THE

Your monthly gift of $50 will provide a student the opportunity to receive monthly speech or music therapy.

CONTINUED

EDUCATION FOR NEARLY

400

HIPsters in 2016.

Your monthly gift of $20 will provide community-based job training for 1 HIPster.

While we continue to celebrate our accomplishments and dream about our future, we hope you’ll join us in making a year-end contribution to My Possibilities.

Your support will help propel us into new and greater possibilities in 2016.

My Possibilities COURAGE Edition / Winter 2015

5

THANK YOU FOR

MAKING EVERY DAY COUNT

Community Ball

HIPster Golf Classic

North Texas Giving Day

The turn out at the Community Ball presented by Alliance Data this year was tremendous with more than 200 HIPsters in attendance, 800 guests from the community present, and the enlisted help of over 100 volunteers.

The HIPster Golf Classic presented

by Berry Family Services found a new home this year at Gleneagles Country Club. Not only did attending players enjoy themselves immensely, but a few HIPsters even received a lesson from golf pro and Director of Golf at Gleneagles Country Club, Tim Brown.

It is with a happy heart that we are able to share that with 430 individual donors, we were able to exceed our goal to continue providing a quality education to our adults with cognitive disabilities. We cannot say thank you enough times to adequately express our gratitude for your support of My Possibilities and our HIPsters.

SAVE THE DATE:

SAVE THE DATE:

SAVE THE DATE:

Frisco, TX

Plano, TX

MyPossibilitiesGivingDay.org

With the help of our generous community, we were able to reach our fundraising goal for the event!

Saturday, April 30, 2016 Embassy Suites

Monday, August 29, 2016 Gleneagles Country Club

image. This includes tracking personal fitness and dietary goals, team building through participation in exercise and athletics, and maintaining appropriate fitness hygiene.

In this edition, we’d like to feature an outstanding story of commitment and courage shared by a mother of one of our HIPsters named Maranda.

“Maranda started out at about 260 pounds, and she weighed 179 at her last weigh-in at the doctor. All I know is that The Sound Mind Sound Body initiative, something someone at MP also known as our health and wellness said really resonated with program, was created to empower our Maranda and she wanted to HIPsters to develop healthy lifestyle eat “lighter”.

SOUND BODY & SOUL

choices and activities to improve self6

My Possibilities COURAGE Edition / Winter 2015

Thursday, September 15, 2016

She felt good about working out in the gym, taking walks with Nick, and eating less. Messages to HIPsters about healthy eating and exercise from MP staff will always be received better than if they come from family, I think, where there’s too much “relationship” that gets in the way and feelings get hurt.

So I’m grateful that something got through to Maranda. In addition to the weight loss, Maranda has been able to stop one of her stronger diabetes medications completely…

Thank you My Possibilities for your health initiatives that have helped Maranda in such a profound way.”

A smile that keeps giving.

MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT

Please join us in providing over 350 HIPsters a quality, lifelong education!

The support of our local community helps us provide opportunities to keep our Hugely Important People engaged, challenged and exposed to new opportunities around them, and when given that opportunity, they flourish.

Tripp, MP Instructor & Debbie, HIPster , sharing a smile.

These opportunities would never be available to our HIPsters without our special supporters like you!

Thank you for continuing to be

COURAGEOUS & RELENTLESS with your support this year!

VOLUNTEER

Become a part of the My Possibilities family.

Your time is extremely valuable and we’re beyond grateful for any that you’re able to lend. Please join our volunteer family of over four hundred by calling us at 469-241-9100 or email volunteer@mptx.org.

www.MyPossibilities.org

My Possibilities COURAGE Edition / Winter 2015

7