The Executive Director`s Desk - Disability Resource Association

PROGRESSIVE EMPOWERMENT
130 Brandon Wallace Way
Festus, MO 63028
Phone: (636) 931-7696
Fax: (636) 931-4863
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FESTUS, MO
PERMIT #466
Our Mission:
“Personal Empowerment for People with
Disabilities, Seniors and Those in Need.”
A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION
PROGRESSIVE EMPOWERMENT
The Executive Director’s Desk
July 21, 2014
Craig Henning
Well summer is here and many of you are out and about enjoying the nice weather. Here at DRA
this is usually a slow time of year. Since the economy has been in such bad shape that summer
slowdown just never seems to come to DRA. In the last six months Jefferson County has lost
several large and small employers, and lay-offs are still occurring at high levels. When things like
this happen in our community people turn to DRA to help them through the crisis. This summer
instead of a slowdown, DRA experienced an increase in new referrals weekly. The DRA staff
should be commended for all of their hard work and diligence.
Join Us Online!!
Twitter@DisabilityRA
Pinterest: disabilityra
Due to our ever increasing workload, DRA has added two new Independent Living Specialist /
Case Managers. When you come into the office you will likely meet Tori and Lauren. Both of
them bring a number of skills and experience to the job. It is always great to see new staff
jumping in with both feet and these two certainly have done so. May also marked the return of
Sarah the Intern. Sarah is a Maryville University student who brings a lot of experience with
disability issues. Sarah works along with the staff and most of the people she works with have no
idea she is an Intern with her professionalism. Needless to say we all appreciate Sarah’s hard
work. Make sure you’re introduced to the new folks when you visit DRA.
Facebook:
DisabilityResourceAssociation
*NEW* LinkedIn:
Disability Resource Association
Progressive Empowerment is a quarterly publication of Disability Resource
Association. We accept disability-related and creative articles for our publications.
Here at DRA, several key programs are supported solely through private grants or
individual donations. These programs include the Ramps and Home Modification
Program, Consumer Assistance, Circuit Breaker Tax Credit preparation and EquineAssisted Activities and Therapies. Other programs, such as the Transportation
Assistance Program are primarily funded through private contributions. To provide
a consistent stream of funding for these programs, DRA developed a Planned
Giving Program that allows individuals to participate for as little as $5 per month
and businesses as little as $10 per month. A donation slip is located on Page 11.
All Contributions are tax deductible and participants can designate their
contributions to a specific program.
Editors: Pat Rimkus and Samantha DeClue
Now that the legislative session is over, well sort of over, there has been nothing but bad news
from Jefferson City. Due to an ongoing disagreement over the budget, the Governor has vetoed
multiple items. As fate would have it the increases in funding DRA fought so hard for both got
the veto budget ax. The first was an increase in the Independent Living Grant. This is the grant
used to start DRA way back in 1996. In 1999 DRA received $205,000, in 2014 DRA received
$193,000 which is a $12,000 annual net loss over a 15 year period. As everyone knows, the cost
of doing business has gone up dramatically since 1999 while the grant has shrunk. The budget
approved by the legislators included a 2% increase in the CDS / In-Home Provider rate. DRA
planned to use these funds to give the attendants a long overdue wage increase. These funds
were also vetoed despite being a recommendation in the budget the Governor proposed in
January. After much discussion and debate, DRA decided the attendants had waited long
enough and authorized the wage increase. This will create a hardship on the organization but it
was the right thing to do. The attendants have been there for consumers through bad times so it
was our turn to repay the favor. The board at DRA realizes that attendants work very hard and
the job is not exactly fun. The organization appreciates all that attendants do and the extra mile
these individuals go to meet the needs of those they serve.
Please help us to keep things going in the right direction by volunteering or making a donation.
DRA has been very lucky to have great community support and we hope you or someone you
know will feel our work is worth a donation. As always, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
PAGE 2
Interns at DRA
PAGE 11
Nancy Pope
Did you know that our newsletter is
available online?
Sean Merrell has been an intern at DRA since
January 2014. He was diagnosed with
Mucopolysaccharidoese (MPS) around the age
of 6. MPS is a rare genetic disease caused by
the body’s inability to produce specific
enzymes. Sean has participated in a Phase 3
study for people with MPS. He travelled to
New York City several times over the past year
and a half to be given a medicine to stop the
mucus from attacking his body. Sean feels like
taking the medication and participating in the
study has helped him with the symptoms. He
was one of seven in the New York portion of
the study to be given an award for his
participation. Sean says, “I feel good knowing
I’m helping people all over the world who have
MPS and possibly my future children.”
Hi! My name is Sarah and I am a Senior
Rehabilitation Services student at Maryville
University in St. Louis. I have been an intern
at DRA for the past two summers and I
absolutely love it! My favorite part of
working at DRA is getting to know the
consumers and learning about how an
Independent Living Center runs. During the
school year I am very involved on campus; I
am an officer in three student organizations,
including Maryville Student Government
and Committee On New ‘N Existing
Campus Traditions (CONNECT). I am also
involved in many other organizations. I play
Power Wheelchair Soccer and volunteer for
the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This
summer I got the opportunity to be one of
the Sponsor Liaisons at MDA Camp, which is a camp for children with forms
of Muscular Dystrophy. The Sponsor Liaison position involved welcoming all
sponsors and visitors to Summer Camp, giving them a tour and telling them
about MDA.
Would you like to receive it via email
instead of in your mailbox?
If so, please e-mail Samantha DeClue
at samanthad@
disabilityresourceassociation.org to
get yourself registered.
Hope to hear from you!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cut along dotted line and mail to DRA at 130 Brandon Wallace Way in Festus, MO 63028
YES!
I want to help DRA bring independence to all people with disabilities.
Enclosed is my tax-deductible gift of: $_________________
Name:_____________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code:__________________________________________________
Phone #:____________________________________________________________
Amount Enclosed:____________________________________________________
Specify Program______________________________________________________
For more information call DRA at 636-931-7696 or donate on our website!
PAGE 10
OUR NEWSLETTER IS EXPANDING!!! — Want to advertise your business??
Our publication is mailed four times per year to over 1,900
people, including persons with disabilities,
aides/attendants and disability related businesses.
Contact Samantha at 636-931-7696, ext. 136 for availability and pricing!
United Access
Mobility for Living, Service for Life
-New & Used Wheelchair Accessible Van Sales
-Lifts, Mobility Seating, and Driving Controls
-24 Hour Service, Rentals, and much more!
Visit us at either St. Louis location:
9389 Natural Bridge Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63134
and
10232 Rahning Road
St. Louis, MO 63127
(888)939-1010 or email:
[email protected]
Add some Joy Breaks to Your Day
Laura Richmond
PAGE 3
Adapted from the Farmer’s Almanac and Healthy Living
Recent findings on happiness and well-being suggest that we ought to
consider adding some “Joy” to our days. Rather than pursuing all-out work for
as many hours as possible, followed by break-neck fun in whatever time we
have left in the day, we would do better to pace ourselves. As such, scheduling
“joy breaks” throughout the workday can make you happier, healthier and
more productive.
Aim for two to three hours of work, followed by a fifteen-minute
joy break. Setting aside the time for this kind of break can help
clear your head, reduce your stress and fill you with delight.
Here are some ideas for joy breaks to get you started:
Daydream: Haven’t had a vacation for awhile? Pick a favorite vacation spot and
take some time to imagine how it looks, feels, smells, sounds and tastes. Who is
there with you? Is there music playing? What’s the temperature? While it’s no
substitute for the real thing, daydreaming about that adored hideaway or
beloved place at the beach can fill you with delight.
Be kind: Guess what? Performing random acts of kindness is one of the best
ways to make yourself happy. Use your break to go out of your way to give a
little help to someone. Pay a compliment to someone you don’t even know or
send a “thinking of you” email to a friend you haven’t communicated with for
awhile.
Laugh: Read the comics or a joke book. Make up a silly song and sing it to
yourself. Re-watch a scene from that movie or TV show that makes you cackle
until you snort.
Move: Dance. Go for a walk. Jump up and down. Do some stretching.
Depending on whether you need to de-stress or stay awake, do whatever feels
relaxing or energizing to you–just be sure to make it fun!
Your workplace may not be conducive for all of these ideas but you can adapt
them to suit your needs and your workplace. You can create your own list of
“go-to” joys.
Developing your list is easier than you might think. Begin by paying attention
to the little things in life that always bring you pleasure. Is it listening to a
certain song from your favorite summer growing up? Eating a certain kind of
fruit? Petting your cat or dog? Looking at photos of your loved ones? Set a
goal of coming up with ten “go-to” joys. You will have them in no time and
soon be adding more of them–along with better health and greater
productivity–from high atop cloud nine!
Money Saving Tips
Kendra Ham
PAGE 9
PAGE 4
We all have to buy groceries, so everyone knows how expensive it can get.
You can save money every month by only shopping with comp ads. Every
week Schnucks, Shop ‘n Save and sometimes Queens send their ads to my
home on Wednesdays. In Thursday’s Leader Cash Savers has their ad that I
clip and on my way home I will stop and pick up the ad for Save A Lot. When I
get home I look through all the papers to see what is on sale that week. We all
shop our local Walmart enough to know the layout of the store and I start
making my list. The beginning of the store has produce. So at the top of my
list I will write what is on sale, quantity/size and what store has the sale.
Examples: Corn on the Cob 5/$1 — Schnucks or
Boneless Pork Chops Family Pack $1.79/lb. — Shop ’n Save
On top of finding things that are on sale, you can also use a coupon for
additional savings. You can save a lot of money this way on meat and
produce. Income is tight so make every penny count. When using comp ads,
make sure that you’re using the current week’s ads only. Have your list
organized so that you can correctly tell the cashier the price you will be
paying. And always have the ads with you in case they want to verify. When I
fill my cart I separate my comp ads from the things that are not on sale so it will
be easier for the cashier. He/she may ask me what and where the deal is. It
adds a few minutes to check out, but is way worth it, especially if you can find
a coupon for the item on sale. With comp ads, you can feed a family of 5 for
under $100 per week. Besides the savings, you can still do all your shopping
in one place.
The Jefferson County Hunger Task Force is hosting a Food Drive, on
Saturday, July 26th from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. At all Jefferson County locations of:
Dierbergs, Schnucks, Shop 'n Save and Walmart . Please stop
by and make a donation to help those in need. If you have
questions, please call (636)931-7696.
Items needed are: Food, Hygiene, & Cleaning Items.
Meats (in can), Boxed Pastas, Rice, Potatoes & Cereals, Peanut
Butter & Jelly, Fruits, Vegetables, Potatoes (in can), Dessert
Mixes, Soups, Sauces, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes,
Soaps (hand & body), Shampoo, Deodorant, Feminine Products, Laundry &
Cleaning Products.
The Jefferson County Hunger Task Force is having an event to raise funds and
awareness.
Memories of Elvis - Starring Steve Davis as Elvis
When: October 4th, 2014
Doors open at 6 p.m. Performance begins at 7 p.m.
Where: Immaculate Conception Church in Arnold
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Reserved seating is available for a ticket price of $30.
Refreshments will be available, including: hot dogs, hamburgers, desserts, soda
and water.
Raffles, a 50/50, silent auction and cash bar will also be at the event.
Step back in time to the era of Elvis. Enjoy a stroll down memory lane and listen to
the groundbreaking music that made Elvis the icon he still is today.
Opening acts will include; Thomas Hickey as Buddy Holly and Anna Blair as Patsy
Cline.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call
(636) 287-3663.
All proceeds will benefit the Jefferson County Hunger
Task Force.
Don’t forget DRA ‘s fundraiser called Good Search. We earn money
for every search conducted at GoodSearch.com, as long as you
choose Disability Resource Association as the donation recipient.
Do you shop online? There are additional coupons for hundreds of
businesses and DRA will get a percentage of the purchase.
The best part is that it’s free to use!
PAGE 8
Recipes Made Simple – Watermelon Cake
New Faces At DRA
Tori Dittmann, Independent Living Specialist
Samantha DeClue, Development Assistant
Lauren Caito, Independent Living Specialist
Find the star looking like this
hidden in the publication and you could be the
quarterly star and win a $25 Walmart gift card. Find the star and mail your answer
with your name, address and phone number to Samantha DeClue at DRA. Names
with the correct answer will be placed in a drawing for a gift card per each quarterly
publication. Deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on 8/1/14. The drawing will be held
on 8/4/14. DRA staff/immediate family are not eligible.
The Star of the April 2014 issue was Derek P. It was located on the reminder finger
on Page 8. Congratulations Derek for having a good eye.
SOCIAL GROUP DATES TO REMEMBER
July - Picnicking, Fishing & Swimming at Terre Du Lac
August - To Be Announced
September - Horseback Rides, Bon Fire & Hayride in De Soto
Thank you to Variety
The Children’s Charity!!
A huge thank you to Variety The
Children’s Charity for their
continued support of our EquineAssisted Therapy Program.
WO RD S of
WISD OM
Only those
who dare to
fail greatly
can ever
achieve
greatly.
PAGE 5
FU N FACTS
Thunder is the boom
made by air when it is
heated up by lightening
and expands at supersonic speed. The same
effect happens when
you burst a paper bag,
but it’s not as loud.
We can hear thunder
from up to 12 miles
away.
Mike T.
Ingredients:
2 - 8 oz. Containers Frozen Whipped Topping
1 Large Seedless Watermelon
Assorted Berries & Mints (if desired)
Directions:
Slice two short ends off of Watermelon, so it sits flat.
Cut away rind to make a cylinder.
Transfer to cake stand.
Frost with both containers of Whipped Topping.
Top with berries and mints, if so desired.
(Serves 10.)
Featured Consumer of the Quarter
Featured Staff of the Quarter
My name is Dusty.
Once my children
were old enough to
take care of themselves, I went back to
school and then
obtained a job in the
medical field. All was
going well for me
and then I began
having seizures. I had to stop working
and needed assistance for myself.
My name is Kris Scott
and I have been a
nurse with DRA for
6 years. It is a blessing to be able to
work with so many
wonderful people. It
is truly special to
have a career
where I am able to reach out and help so
many amazing individuals. My clients fill
my heart with joy!!
Through DRA, I have a nurse that sets
up my meds and an aide that helps me
every day.
I have been married to my wonderful
husband Michael for twenty five years,
and together we have four amazing
children. We love to camp and explore
the outdoors. My favorite hobby is hiking
Missouri State Parks. I also love to bake
cupcakes, play tennis and ride bicycles.
DRA has helped me in a number of
ways and I feel blessed to have such
nice people on my support team.
PAGE 6
Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies
Pat Rimkus
Equine-assisted activities and therapy continues to be a beneficial program enhancing the lives of our participants. Equine movement provides multidimensional
movement which is variable, rhythmic and repetitive. The horse provides a dynamic
base of support making it an excellent tool for increasing trunk strength and control
balance, building overall postural strength and endurance, addressing weight
bearing and motor planning. The horse’s gait mimics the human gait so it helps the
participant improve their own gait. The movement also offers the participant an
increase in sensory stimulation which enables them to complete multiple tasks.
Therapeutic riding allows the special needs rider to improve knowledge of horsemanship, riding skills, balance, coordination, following directions and completing
multi-step obstacles. It also improves socialization, self-esteem and sense of
accomplishment. The rider gains a sense of independence while on horseback.
A sincere thanks to our Session 1 & 2 participants and their families who issued donations to assist the Program with keeping a supply of treats on hand for the horses
and obtaining specialized equipment needed to provide safe and productive lessons.
Many thanks to our AWESOME volunteers who assist with making magic happen!
Healing With Horsepower relies upon private donations, grants from foundations
and sponsorships that are all tax-deductible. Please contact Pat Rimkus, DRA’s PATH
certified therapeutic riding instructor at (636)931-7696, ext. 116 if you’d like to make
a donation or sponsor a horse or rider.
Check our website for some pictures of our 2014 participants at
www.disabilityresourceassociation.org
Many thanks to Variety The Children’s Charity. With their
generous contribution we have been able to purchase
additional shade/shelter in our arena, an outdoor restroom, and
some outstanding playground equipment which has been
heavily utilized by not only our adolescent participants but their
siblings as well.
Our equestrian
center is a
place for the
entire family to
enjoy.
PAGE 7
EAAT Participants At Their Best
Vanessa is 21 years-old with spinal fusion. She is challenged with
neurologic and muscular weakness along with speech and
intellectual delays. While acquiring a new skill of horsemanship,
Vanessa was able to strengthen core muscles and had the
tenacity to excel with her first year participation in the Program.
Her motor skills improved so much during a 5-week session, she
was able to advance to some independent riding in a round pen.
Great job Vanessa!
Anna Marie is 57 Years-old with pulmonary issues along with
orthopedic challenges that cause joint pain. Anna Marie
completed her second year with the Program with much
enthusiasm to develop horsemanship skills. She never let a left
knee replacement last fall prohibit her from her participation in
riding and continues to be extremely active. Anna Marie was
able to advance into some independent riding with our
Clydesdale Eve. Way to go Anna Marie!
Hayden is 6 years-old and challenged with Cerebral Palsy. She
participated in the Program last year and needed to utilize a
special needs saddle with a back. Hayden displayed enough core
strengthening and control this year to advance into a regular
youth saddle. Her verbalization improves each week and she has
no problems comprehending instructions and following through
to complete tasks on horseback. She is very proud of her own
accomplishments. Super job Hayden!
Ryan is 19 years-old and challenged with Autism and
Epilepsy. He has utilized the Program for 4 years. The
Program has assisted Ryan with an alternative learning
method that enables him to comprehend instructions and
follow directions. His verbalization improves each year. We
have been pleased to encounter Ryan offering verbalization
through his own thought process this year. Outstanding
job Ryan!