CHOICE, unlimited

CHOICE
, unlimited
In
Action
Mayor Ness Visits CHOICE, unlimited
On April 25, 2012 CHOICE, unlimited was privileged as Mayor Don Ness visited
our agency to learn about the services we offer to our community. Mayor Ness met
with staff who shared information about the variety of employment programs and
opportunities we offer the people we serve. We informed Mayor Ness that we
currently employ 115 staff , serve
an average of 170 people each year,
and work cooperatively with 65
employers in the Duluth and
Superior area. Although
employment-related services is our
main focus, we highlighted our
commitment to finding meaningful
activities for people to be involved
in when they are not working
including volunteering in their
Annie, Lisa ,Mayor Ness, Kristie & Georgette pose for a
community, health and wellness
picture following a visit by the Mayor.
activities, and involvement in our
ARTS program including the outreach work done by our BOLD-choice Theatre
company. We were excited to meet with Mayor Ness and sincerely appreciate the
time he took out of his demanding schedule to meet with us! Thank you Mayor
Ness!!
Welcome CARF Survey Team!
CHOICE, unlimited is looking forward to its CARF (Commission on Accreditation of
Rehabilitation Facilities) review which is scheduled for May 7th through May 9th. CARF
is an independent, not-for-profit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the
quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation
process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. CARF establishes
consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality
of their programs and services. CHOICE, unlimited was given a
three year accreditation in 2009 which represents the highest
level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization
and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the
standards established by CARF. We are excited to meet with
our Survey Team in May and look forward to their feedback.
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1
CHOICE, unlimited
Quarterly Newsletter
Volume 17, Issue 1
Spring 2012
In This Issue
Mayor Don Ness visits
CHOICE, unlimited
1
Welcome CARF
Survey Team
Policy Updates
2
‘Looking Your Best’
Class
Sun Safety
3
Meet our Intern
Quarterly Highlights
4
ARTS Update
5
Temple Grandin Visits
Duluth
6
Finding Success with
Autism Spectrum
Disorders
Employer Recognition
7
Massage Therapy
Comic
PAGE 1
CHOICE, unlimited Policy Revisions
The following policies were recently revised. If you are interested in receiving a copy of any of the revised
policies, please contact Kristie Buchman at 218-724-5869 or [email protected]
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Emergency Policies
Notice of Privacy Practices
Incident Reporting Policy
Medication Administration Policy
Vulnerable Adult Policy
Emergency Use of Controlled Measures Policy
Policy on Rights, Health, and Safety
“Looking Your Best” Class 2012
CHOICE, unlimited offered a women’s and a men’s “Looking Your Best” class which began after the new year.
Six women and six men participated in each class facilitated by Katie Krikorian, Vocational Specialist from
CHOICE, unlimited. Topics included the importance of looking your best in public and at work. Students’
questions about achieving their desired appearance were also answered.
Younkers at Miller Hill Mall was extremely generous by allowing the classes to
take place at their store. Younkers provided the women’s class with hair
consultations, make-up demonstration and application, and clothing education.
Carrie Peterlin, the salon’s manager, was very generous arranging time and
providing three hair stylists, Keely Lofold, Lauren Mostrom, and Meghan Burnham
who gave students advice on hair color, cuts, and styling options. Katrina Roberts,
a skin care specialist from the cosmetic’s department, gave each student make-up
advice and applied a full spectrum of make-up products to each person. Ellie
Erickson, the manager for the women’s clothing department, presented the latest
fashion styles and ideas for putting together a variety of outfits using only a few
different pieces of clothing. All of Younkers’
professionals gave good advice for looking your
best for a job interview. Cindy Hollis, an employee
of CHOICE, unlimited, and Lana Steck, an intern
from UMD working with our agency, also
volunteered their time and talents to teach lessons
on appearance, posture and manners.
The Men’s “Looking Your Best” class is
currently in session. They recently visited
Keith Gagnon’s barber shop, Union
Tanya, Roxanne and Dominique pose Harbor Hair Shop on London Road. Keith
after their makeovers at Younkers. gave an entertaining and educational
presentation on grooming for men and
provided some free “touch-ups” and a full hair cut to one individual. All
the men appeared to enjoy the experience in the barber shop with Keith as
he talked to everyone while cutting hair. This week the men will go to
Younkers to learn about men’s clothing and get fashion tips from the
men’s clothing department manager, Dick Nelson. Next week Braden
Sorenson of CHOICE, unlimited will present on the importance “what to
do "and “what not to do” when making the best impression.
Katie and Roxanne get hair care
advice at Younkers.
Shawn looks on as Keith, owner of Union
Harbor Hair Shop, gives Pat styling advice.
CHOICE, unlimited is very grateful to Keith Gagnon of Union Harbor and Bryan Brown, Younkers store manager,
and his employees for volunteering their time, space and expertise to help people learn about looking their best!
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1
PAGE 2
Sun Safety
With summer weather just around the corner, it’s hard to resist spending
as much time outside as possible. While you’re outside enjoying the
weather, it’s important to remember to be sun safe.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the USA, with melanoma
being the most dangerous and third most common type of skin cancer.
Between 65-90% of melanoma cases are caused by exposure to ultraviolet
radiation (UV), which is found mostly in sunlight. However UV rays are present in all summer
weather, not only when there is sunshine. UV rays are most hazardous between the hours of
10:00am-4:00pm in Minnesota.
How to protect yourself from UV radiation:
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Seek shade often, especially between the hours of 10:00am-4:00pm.
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Wear clothing that protects exposed skin.
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Wear a hat that protects your head, face, ears and neck.
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Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
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Use sunscreen with a minimum sun protective factor (SPF) of 15, preferably 30 SPF.
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Avoid indoor tanning (tanning bed lights also produce UV rays).
Remember: “A tan does not indicate good health. A tan is a response to injury because skin cells
signal that they have been hurt by UV rays by producing more pigment.” Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
Contributed by Lana Steck, Health
Education Intern
Meet Our Intern from UMD — Lana Steck
I am studying Health Education at UMD and will be graduating this May. I have been involved
in sports and health my whole life and have a real passion for the health field. I’m originally
from Canada but came to Duluth after accepting a scholarship to play for the UMD women’s
hockey team. I’ve had a great experience in Duluth, and I’m so glad that I chose to come here.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my internship experience with CHOICE, unlimited and I feel
fortunate to have accomplished the following projects:
•Newsletter Articles
I have written a variety of articles for CHOICE, unlimited’s newsletters including: Winter
Weather, Food Safety, Heart Health, Sun Safety, and Sun Burn First Aid.
•Sleep Better Program
This program was designed to encourage healthy sleeping behaviors in the employees at CHOICE, unlimited
through educational materials and an interactive presentation.
•Health and Wellness Challenge
This program aimed at improving exercise routines to improve health and reduce weight of three individuals
served by CHOICE, unlimited. In doing so I created individualized workout routines . I participated in the
workouts with the participants and provided their job coaches with information about the workout and proper
exercising techniques.
•Looking your Best Class “Proper Posture”
This involved delivering a presentation to participants about how to have proper posture and why it is important
for our health.
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1
PAGE 3
QUARTERLY
Highlights
Volunteer of the Quarter
Employees of the Quarter
Collin is our featured volunteer of the quarter! He volunteers at a
variety of sites in our community. At Animal Allies, he enjoys
walking up to six dogs per visit, brushing and grooming the dogs,
playing with the puppies and kittens, and picking up trash along
the trails. During the summer, Collin helps keep our community
clean by picking up trash and recyclable items throughout the
local parks. Collin also volunteers at the Lincoln Park Center,
where he helps with watering plants, spraying and wiping off
lunch tables and breaking down boxes. On Fridays, Collin travels
to the Cloquet/Carlton area to volunteer at the Work Force
Center (WFC), Fond du Lac College and Interfaith Care. At the
WFC, Collin is responsible for shredding and bagging paper. At
the Fond du lac College, Collin helps by pushing in the chairs in
the student lunchroom and wiping off tables. At Interfaith Care,
Collin prepares boxes for recycling .
Brianna and Alex are both the employees of the quarter! Brianna
and Alex work together at Madill Dance Studio. The ladies have
both been employed there as custodial staff since late January
and have truly helped make the place look beautiful. They are in
charge of cleaning five different dance studios, the dancer’s
changing area, the front entry way, as well as other assorted
tasks. Alex states that her favorite task is cleaning all of the
mirrors, and Brianna enjoys vacuuming the front entry way.
Thank you Collin for being so committed to giving back to
your community!
They have perfected their work tasks and created a fun routine to
get the large job done. Over their lunch hour when the studios are
not being used the ladies enjoy turning up the radio and creating
their own dance routine. They both have truly become part of the
Madill family and are invited as guests to all of the dance
performances and recitals. Alex and Brianna truly enjoy their
work and are proud of the great job they do at Madill Dance
Studio.
Congratulations Brianna and Alex!
Employer of the Quarter
CHOICE, unlimited would like to recognize Madill Dance Studio as the Employer
of the Quarter. Madill is located on Superior Street in West Duluth. It is the largest
dance school in the area offering classes for aspiring dancers of all ages. For
children, the center offers classes in Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Street, Lyrical, Modern,
Musical Theater, Ballet, Pointe, Pre Pointe, Music (piano and guitar), and Vocal/
Singing. Their offerings are rounded out by adult classes in hip hop/jazz, ballroom
dancing, belly dancing, and Zumba. Husband and wife co-owners/instructors
Jennifer Madill Hagen and Dustin Hagen strive to make Madill Performing Arts
Center a challenging, fun and imaginative experience where students learn, create and explore, not memorize.
The school is dedicated to maintaining the highest standard of dance training in all disciplines of dance. The ultimate goal of Madill
is to foster talented, enthusiastic kids and adults who enjoy and strive to improve their dance technique and performance ability.
Thank you Madill Dance Studio for your support!
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1
PAGE 4
Spring ARTS Program Update
Spring is here and the ARTS Program is blooming with new classes, projects and community involvement! We are proud to
share that the ARTS Program now offers classes every day of the week, making it easier to accommodate different interests
and schedules.
Mondays continue to be dedicated to the Movement and Dance Classes. Tuesdays are BOLD-choice Theatre
rehearsals (which are going great!). Wednesday afternoons host the Theatre Arts Class and on Friday our Creative Writing
Class meets. Thursday mornings have long been dedicated to the Visual Arts Class, but now we are excited to offer a new
class for individuals served by CHOICE, unlimited and community members to participate in. Brady Sorenson, the ARTS
Program Assistant and BOLD-choice Theatre’s Technical Director, created a Music Appreciation and Participation Class
that is held Thursday afternoons. Brady is an experienced musician and is passionate about sharing his love for the art form.
The class seeks to engage in the discussion of music history, including various genres and artists. In addition, the students
will be working on rhythm, making their own rhythmic instruments, participating in a drum circle and potentially creating a
song by the end of the session.
The ARTS Program has a mission to give the people CHOICE, unlimited serves creative
outlets and platforms for self-expression, personal growth, and an opportunity to educate
the public to the incredible possibilities all individuals possess. This spring the Visual
Arts Class has taken that notion of sharing with the “public” to a global level! CHOICE,
unlimited’s Visual Arts Class students are participating in the Global Art Project for
Peace. The Global Art Project is an
International Art Exchange for Peace.
Participants create a work of art in any
medium, expressing their vision of global
peace and goodwill. The art is displayed
locally in each participant’s community.
Global Art Project then organizes an
international exchange by matching
participants—group-to-group and individual
-to-individual. The exchange occurs April
CHOICE, unlimited’s Global Art Display
23-30 biennially, resulting in thousands of
people sending messages of Peace
Marshall displaying his art project .
around the world at one time—
visions of unity simultaneously
encircle the Earth. The art is sent as a gift of global friendship and exhibited in
the receiving community. CHOICE, unlimited is exchanging their artwork with
the Recharge Art Group through the Box Hill Art Centre in Box Hill, Victoria,
AUSTRALIA! CHOICE, unlimited will be displaying the art pieces sent to us
by the Recharge Centre this May. Artwork created by the artists in CHOICE,
unlimited’s Visual Arts Class will be on display in the beautiful gallery space at
the Recharge Centre as well. CHOICE, unlimited is proud and excited to share
in the mission of the Global Art Project: to joyously create a culture of peace
through art. The Project spreads world peace by promoting tolerance and nonBen and his art project.
violence. The Global Art Project is an expression of the idea: We Are All One.
The Creative Writing Class is in its second session this year. The first session was a fantastic success and the student’s
twelve weeks of hard work culminated in a public reading at Beaner’s Central Concert Coffeehouse. The five writers bravely
read from selections they had worked on during the session. A nice crowd of friends, family and regular patrons had an
opportunity to listen to these writers express their creativity in a unique and studied manner.
Congratulations to all the artists that had the opportunity to share their talents with their local (and global) community this
season! The ARTS Program hopes to continue its presence in Duluth this summer at the Park Point Art Fair. Please look for
more information as details arise.
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1
PAGE 5
Temple Grandin Visits Duluth
“In an ideal world the scientist should find a method to prevent the most severe forms of
autism but allow the milder forms to survive. After all, the really social people did not invent
the first stone spear. It was probably invented by an Aspie who chipped away at rocks while
the other people socialized around the campfire. Without autism traits we might still be living
in caves.” -Dr. Temple Grandin
In early February, Duluthians had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Temple Grandin to the St.
Scholastica Mitchell Auditorium stage. Dr. Grandin is considered a philosophical leader of the
autism advocacy and animal welfare movements. She is a doctor of animal science and a
professor at Colorado State University. She was also the subject of an HBO film in 2010
entitled Temple Grandin.
Grandin spoke to a packed auditorium of diverse individuals including students, community members, educators, parents, and
children alike who gathered to hear her message of encouragement and insight. Grandin was diagnosed with autism in the late
1940s at the age of two. At that point, little was known about autism; there were several misconceptions, and many individuals
went undiagnosed. Today, 1 in 88 children in America is diagnosed with some form of autism, according to the Autism Society.
Grandin met the Duluth audience at many levels of awareness, beginning with basics, describing how different people have
different kinds of minds. Some are visual thinkers, others are mathematical thinkers. Grandin herself is a visual thinker, and so
her process of learning is very literal. It wasn’t until her educators realized this, that they could teach her in a way that was
effective. Throughout her presentation, she encouraged parents to help their children identify the things they are truly good at.
“If your child is only interested in playing video games,” Grandin said, “then encourage him to make a career out of developing
new video games.” History shows Grandin’s suggestions to be quite practical and successful. Grandin suggests working with
children from a young age, encouraging speech, socialization, turn-taking, and manners. Forming autism support groups for
families to work together, can also be very beneficial for children and parents. Families Together is one such organization which
recognizes that “people with disabilities need involved family members to advocate and support them to live, work, and fully
participate in their community.” Support groups and community involvement start with education. Families need to know they
have resources and support, and communities need to recognize that a person with a disability has a wealth of ability. Grandin’s
Duluth visit jump-started this year’s Autism Awareness activities.
April is nationally recognized as Autism Awareness Month aimed at educating the public about autism and issues within the
autism community. Duluth families and businesses participated by switching their traditional outdoor lights with blue bulbs to
“shed some light on autism”. Community members were interviewed on the local news stations reminding the public that
individuals with autism are people with skills, working and contributing to our community. Early in the month, community
members held a march near Enger Tower, organized by the local Autism Association of Northern Minnesota, to bring attention
to the increasing cases of the spectrum disorder. Activities continued throughout the month, ending with a theatrical production
at Teatro Zuccone in downtown Duluth. Autistic License, written by Stacey Dinner-Levin and presented by Illusion Theater, is
based on the author’s experience of raising a child with autism. According to the Zeitgeist Arts website, Autistic License offers
“a look at the complicated world of living with autism... with a glimpse of the joys, terrors, rewards and struggles of raising a
child in a world that has far too many opinions on what is “normal”.”
To learn more about Autism Awareness activities and the most recognized symbol of the autism community- the Autism
Awareness Puzzle Ribbon- visit http://www.autism-society.org.
Finding Success With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Many individuals with autism spectrum disorders find success in the work world based on their strengths. In her
lecture, Temple Grandin talked about people pursuing their passions and the things they are truly good at. Some
common traits for individuals with autism, such as intense focus on interests or need for structure, can be turned into
vocational assets. Autistic traits have also been the foundation for countless inventions, incredible discoveries and
unprecedented creative music and art. Dr. Hans Asperger, a pioneer in the field of autism, noted that autism
contributed a great deal in the fields of science and art. Some noted famous people who are suspected to have autism
include: Musicians Ludwig Van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Richard Strauss; Authors George Orwell,
Lewis Carroll and Hans Christian Anderson; Scientists: Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton. There
are a number of people who currently have revealed their place on the autism spectrum. These include: Actor
Matthew Laborteax, Actress Daryl Hannah, Songwriter Gary Numan, Jazz prodigy Matt Savage and American Idol
front-runner James Durbin.
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1
PAGE 6
OUR AGENCY EXTENDS SINCERE APPRECIATION TO THE FOLLOWING
BUSINESSES WHO EMPLOY PEOPLE WHO ARE SERVED BY CHOICE, UNLIMITED:
AA Roll Off
Edgewood Vista
Northwood’s Café, Silver Bay
Aero Design and Mfg Co., Inc.
Fall Inn Tavern
Old Chicago
AmericInn, Proctor
Field Logic
Old Navy
API Outsourcing
First Lutheran Church
Oneida Realty
Arby’s, Duluth
Fitger’s Brewhouse
Our Saviors Lutheran Church
B & B Market
GB Schneider & Co.
Pizza Hut - Central Entrance
Barnes & Noble Bookstore
Gizmoz
Pro Video Productions
Bayshore Health Center
Grizzly’s, Duluth
Radisson Hotel
Beaner's Central
Grizzly’s, Superior
Spirit Mountain
Boys and Girls Club, Superior
Hampton Inn
Spirit Mountain /American’s Best Inn
Cash Wise Liquor
Home Depot
St. Louis County
Champs Sports
JC Penney
St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Silver Bay
Clyde Iron Works Restaurant
JC Penney’s Hair Salon
St. Mary’s Star of the Sea
Cold Stone Creamery
Johnson’s Bakery
Target, Duluth
Culver’s, Duluth
Keyport Liquor
Target, Superior
Culver’s, Superior
Lakeview Montessori
Texas Roadhouse
Dairy Queen-Canal Park
Madill Performance Center
The Gymnastics Academy
DCC Solutions
Marriott Residence Inn
Twin Ports Dog Training Club
DECC
Minnesota Health Systems
Voyager Bus Company
Duluth Bethel
Mount Royal Pines III
Wal-Mart, Superior
Duluth Running Co.
Northwood Children’s Services
Whole Foods Co-op
CHOICE, unlimited is proud to
present a new feature for our
newsletter. Kevin loves to draw
and has volunteered to produce a
comic strip for the newsletter something he feels every good
newsletter needs!
Therapeutic Massage
Kimberly Hawkins ~ Certified Massage Therapist Since 1999
$5.00 ~15 minute chair massage appointments available
at CHOICE, unlimited every Monday from 9:30 A.M to 11:30 A.M.
& Thursdays from 2:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please call our office at
218-724-5869 and speak to Molly to book an appointment.
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1
PAGE 7
Vision
Our vision is to provide quality consumer-driven services leading to self-determination.
Mission
CHOICE, unlimited is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and
persons who are experiencing barriers to employment and community inclusion.
Values
CHOICE, unlimited values each person’s right to participate in his/her own future planning. The agency is
dedicated to finding community based employment, which emphasizes optimum matches between the
individual applicant, the employment site, and the employment specialist.
Beliefs
CHOICE, unlimited is guided by the principle of community inclusion and natural supports. All recipients of
services will receive individual guidance and support for successful community employment and community
involvement. All individuals will be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.
CHOICE, unlimited
1829 East Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55812
218-724-5869
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 961
Duluth, Minnesota