I Am Not Staff
I AM MOM Gloria first heard about California MENTOR’s Family Home Agency program when her son Michael was in Afghanistan. She learned about another Michael who was looking to live in a family home setting. After speaking with a member of the MENTOR team, Gloria and her husband became very interested in getting to know Michael better. “Michael came to our house for a tour and we both decided he was a good match with our family,” stated Gloria. Together with the family, Michael has been able to receive a tremendous amount of support with his health issues. Prior to moving in with Gloria, Michael’s doctors were planing to amputate both of his legs. Being in a home environment with a family has provided Michael with the care that he needed to heal. Now the family enjoys spending quality time together and being active in the community. Taking trips to Laguna and eating out, watching movies, eating ice cream and popcorn are just a few of the things they love to do.
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Gloria feels that being a Mentor has brought a great deal to her life. It has taught her how to take care of her consumers and also provided her with knowledge she is able to use with her family. Being a Mentor has even influenced other members of the family. Gloria’s daughter is now interested in becoming a special education teacher. One of the most amazing things Gloria has found about being a Mentor is that it has enabled her to work with Michael and watch his independence grow. Gloria does not see her consumers as adults with disabilities, but as people with abilities. She has seen their independence grow, their health and quality of life improve, and witnessed them learn that they can achieve anything. Michael thought he could not do things on his own, for example, to use the restroom independently ,but he has learned he can. He was also able to stop smoking after being a smoker for over 16 years. Gloria feels that being a Mentor is easy and comes naturally to her. She loves to go the extra mile because it is so rewarding to see the smiles and the
happiness in the consumer’s eyes. She knows they have learned from her and are grateful. “To see that I am not ‘staff’, but I am ‘mom’, and I am never alone.” Gloria loves to share her experience with others and assure them to not be afraid. “You can do it, you can be a Mentor and you can get to know your client.” Having been a Mentor since