Balance Newsletter - Summer 2019

Dedicated to Improving the Quality of Life for Persons With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilites.

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Supported LivingBalance has been supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in Ozaukee County since 1991. One of the many programs Balance runs is its Supported Living Program, a flexible partnership that enables a person needing support to live in their own home with assistance from an entity that provides individualized assistance. Many individuals with developmental disabilities wish to live in their own homes or apartments in the community and do not require assistance around the clock.

Community Supported Living enables people to live in their own home, not a place that belongs to an agency. The importance of that point cannot be overstated. Home is at the center of our lives. It is home base for our relationships with friends and family. We choose who we live with, who we invite into our home, and how we spend our time. We choose what we do within our home, how we create our place with our own particular mix of decorations, colors, pictures, and cherished items.

This program provides customized support to people in a wide range of needs for assistance within the individual’s home a few hours each week as needed with numerous supports and activities. Adam is one of Balance’s many Supported Living success stories.

Adam’s story began almost four years ago in an apartment life in which Adam was fully dependent on his support staff for daily assistance.

Lisa Schaefgen, Coordinator of Supported Living, began working with Adam. Sessions included teaching him that it was his apartment, to take pride in his home and helped him to learn independence through a long slow process. These lessons and skills included:

· Recognize interdependence and community participation are a part of everyone’s life

· Everyday living skills and home management

· Personal hygiene assistance, money management

· Meal planning, grocery shopping

· Medication management and medical appointments

· Self advocacy, personal responsibility and support for informed decision making and risk taking while always endeavoring to ensure safety and security (story continued on page 2...)

Balanced Life

In this Issue:2 Family and Guardian Coffee

3 Balance Partnerships

4 A Sweet Week for Balance Participants

5 Thank You Patrice Sprague

6 Meet Our New Staff!

7 Social Skills Children’s Program

8 Jordan’s Update

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Adam now cleans, makes his own grocery lists, does his laundry and takes out the garbage. He has learned to self-regulate and takes care of things as needed without complete support and prompting by others.

Adam’s family have been closely involved and have seen wonderful growth and changes and are delighted with his tremendous progress. They have also reported a huge difference in Adam. He is happier, polite, independent, and much more assured and confident.

Adam’s short term goals are to be more proactive in some of his daily chores including getting the mail. His long term goal is to live in a condo and not an apartment building. Adam now has a job at a nursing home with food service program, delivering meals, and cleaning. His overall socialization and community connectedness have increased dramatically.

Balance’s Supported Living Program is an alternative to more intensive living arrangements such as group homes and adult family homes. Most individuals in this program work in the community and pay their own rent and living expenses. Balance provides staff assistance as needed and empowers individuals to make important decisions about where and how they live within their own community. Balance’s mission is to teach and mentor clients, offering a unique balance between support and independence.

Currently 15-18 clients are involved in the program and there are openings for new clients. For further information, please contact lschaefgen@balanceinc.org.

Family and Guardian CoffeeEach month Balance hosts an informal drop-in coffee to provide families an opportunity to gather and catch up on the latest news and notes. These conversations are open to parents, families and guardians of any Balance participant.

Program and staff updates are shared, educational information is provided, management team and Board of Director questions and feedback are given, as well as it is a relaxed environment to get to know other Balance families. We hope to hold these gatherings monthly and while the morning sessions have been most popular, we will be scheduling a late afternoon session periodically.

The next coffees will be held Wednesday, June 12 and August 14 from 8:30 to 9:30 am in the Balance offices on the 2nd floor.

Thanks to a wonderful Balance donor grant, Pace participants have had the opportunity to develop a unique partnership with Gallery 224 in Port Washington. Gallery 224 is an exhibition space overlooking Lake Michigan and has provided the local community with the presence of art since 2011.

The gallery is committed to creating a place where people come not only to view art, but to think about art as a way to express an idea. Pace participants have been able to attend and experience two distinctive sessions each quarter as the Gallery show exhibits change. The goal has been to create an experience where art is personal, relevant and engaging.

The exhibits showcase how art can be a therapeutic outlet for many people from all walks of life. It offers potential for transformation, self-reflection, confidence and personal growth through the process of observing and creating art.

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Gallery 224 Art Partnership

Gathering on the Green Music PartnershipThrough the tremendous support and generosity of Gathering on the Green, Balance participants across all ages have received the gift of music.

Local musicians have been matched with our Children’s Social Skills Program, Pace Day Program and our Adult Family Home residents. A specially selected and talented musician has been paired with each group and the magic begins! A very special thank you to Traci Cain, Rob Kos and all the wonderful and extraordinary musicians who have blessed us with their time and talents.

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A Sweet Week for Balance ParticipantsIt was a “sweet” ending to March for our PACE participants. Ten participants worked with several staff and exhibited their talents by building an entry into the 10th Annual International PEEPS Art Exhibition at the Racine Art Museum. With the requirement being using Peeps as the medium, our participants had a lot of fun over several days creating a Pokemon look-a-like entitled “Peep-achu”! The group assembled the piece by utilizing toothpicks and threading Peeps together to create their masterpiece. The Peep-achu was then placed inside a diorama they made to come up with the awesome marshmallow sculpture. And the recently announced results are that the Balance team won Honorable Mention and brought home a $25 prize for their awesome efforts!!

The exhibition was open through April 28 at the Racine Art Museum. Speaking of construction, the detours on the way to drop off theirPeep-achu gave the participants a great deal of amusement as their driver apparently missed a few turns and took them on an adventurous ride getting back on route to drop off this priceless work of art. The group had a lot of laughs and fun at the expense of the staff driver.

In addition to dropping off their wonderful artwork, the group had lunch and took the opportunity to visit the Jelly Belly factory in Racine. They loved seeing the Jelly Bellies first hand on a little train tour of the factory. Our PACE participant Heather happily stated, “I loved being around all the kids and riding the train around the factory - CHOO CHOO!” After the tour the group was able to enjoy some tasty sample packs of Jelly Belly jellybeans, and from what we understand, a few discounted purchases were made as well.

Overall, the trip was a wonderful opportunity for PACE participants to take a road trip out of Ozaukee County and see southeastern Wisconsin. The group was quite enthusiastic pointing out and asking about landmarks and sights along the way. A good time was had by all!

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!Volunteers are the lifeblood of Balance adult and children’s programs. These programs are possible only with the commitment and support

of many volunteers and strong community partners. In addition to enjoying time with some exceptional individuals, it provides the support that helps them participate in a wide variety of recreation

activities. It also becomes an opportunity to make new friends, as well as to experience the significance of giving back to the community.

Please encourage all your families, friends and community groups to spread the word on the need for Balance volunteers.

To apply to be a volunteer please visit our website at www.balanceinc.org.

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We want to congratulate and thank Patrice Sprague for 22 wonderful years! Patrice began working for Balance in 1997 and has seen a lot of changes.

Through the years Patrice has touched the lives of many of our clients. Patrice is known to others to be dedicated, kind, trustworthy, and attentive. She a great model of who we are as an organization. Thank you for all of your hard work!

If you know of anyone like Patrice that is looking to join our company, please have them contact Human Resources.

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We would love to stay in touch with you via email. Sign up today to get updates on what’s happening at Balance and discover how your support helps individuals with developmental disabilities thrive in our community. We’ll also soon start sending this newsletter through email and we don’t want you to miss it! Follow these simple steps to join our email list:

1. Visit our website at www.balanceinc.org

2. Go to the “Contact” tab

3. Fill out the form!

Employee Spotlight: Patrice Sprague

THANK YOU FOR

EVERYTHING, PATRICE!

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Kaila is excited to join the Balance team as Office Manager. She describes her background as “all about customer service” based on her love of working with people. Kaila managed a local coffee house for 12 years. After life changes, she moved back to Grafton, met her husband Tom and it was kismet.

Kaila was working on her Associate Degree in Human Services when they welcomed their son Thomas in May 2018. Outside of work Kaila enjoys time with family and friends. They love to fish in the summer and hibernate in the winter. Kaila’s grandmother taught her how to crochet and she loves cooking and drawing. Her number one thing on her bucket list is to write a children’s book.

Kaila is honored to be part of the Balance family.

Welcome Kaila Wodsedalek

Scott Karcher began as our newest team member March 26, 2019, in the role of Coordinator of Day and Children’s Programming. Scott brings over 30 years of experience with health care and retail organizations focused on management, strategic planning, program development and process improvement. Five years ago, Scott made the transition into the non-profit arena as a Community Resource Coordinator in the field of Youth Alcohol and Drug (AODA) Education and Early Intervention.

Scott has a B.S. in Marketing from Miami University and as he states, “the only true Miami - in Ohio!” Additionally, he has completed post-graduation coursework in Health Care Management and AODA Counseling at Cardinal Stritch University and MATC.

Scott is honored to have the opportunity to utilize his past experience with Balance to assist youth and adults with developmental disabilities through individual interaction and youth program development.

Scott is married with two sons – whose families include two beautiful granddaughters. When not working or spending time with his family, you will find Scott enjoying golf, fishing and his favorite hobby - wildlife photography.

Welcome Scott Karcher

Like us on Facebook! Search “Balance, Inc.” on Facebook and click the “Like” button. Get updates about Balance programs and events as well as connect with other Balance families!

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In January 2019, Balance introduced another new pilot program. The Children’s Social Skills Program is primarily funded by the Ozaukee County Department of Human Services and by private pay. It ran every Tuesday during the school year through May 21st from 3: 45 pm to 5:45 pm. This program is offered to children in between ages of five and seventeen with developmental disabilities. Each child is paired with a staff member for the social skills session. Balance just received word from Ozaukee County that we will be able to continue this special program in fall 2019.

Upon arrival after the school day at Balance, each participant enjoys a snack and social time. Each week brings a new, engaging hands on learning experience. Sessions include visits from music and art therapists, Willow Brooke Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, the Library, and the Balloon Lady, Gems of Hope, science projects, dance and movement and much more.

We are always looking for volunteers, new guests and programming resources to enrich our children’s hands on learning opportunities. If you have ideas or talents you would like to share, or for more information, please contact Gene Bauman, Director of Day Programming and Children’s Services at ebaumann@balanceinc.org.

Social Skills Children’s Program a Success!

1. Health and Safety -Lockable portable medication cart -Lockable wall mounted medication station -Projector screen for teaching 2. New Music Room -Drums -Various instruments -Musical sensory toys -Computer notepads and musical apps -Ribbon Streamers3. New Art Room -Art supplies -Acrylic paints -Crayola Crayons -Paper -Crayola watercolors -Play Dough

4. New Computer Room -4 work stations and 1 main teaching station -5 computers -5 desk chairs -Mouse, keyboard, microphone for dictating -Headphones -Mouse Pads5. New Sensory Room -3 weighted blankets - Crib/lap size -2 light weight cotton blankets -Couch cover (couch 55-1/2w x 31- 1/2d x 32h) -2 bed pillows, poly or cotton -2 waterproof pillow covers

Balance Wish List

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Jordan’s UpdateAs all of you, we are excited that summer has arrived. The warmer weather not only makes us feel better but allows for so many more opportunities for us to provide activities out in the Community. Also, with summer here we have two major initiatives that we are focused on.

Adopt a Home Program

Maintenance of the inside and outside of our homes is a priority. We are looking for groups or individuals to select a home to support. Volunteer groups can make a major impact in doing yard cleanup, outside planting, outdoor and indoor painting. Groups can adopt a home and make it their project on an ongoing basis. We have already been fortunate to have our friends with Port Washington State Bank tackle some major outdoor work at several of our homes. They pitched in with staff and some parents of residents and made a big difference. The other opportunity is to financially support the professional maintenance of the homes.

We have hired a professional handyman service who will address all of the maintenance items that require some mechanical skill. Each house will have a fund designated for these purposes that individuals and organizations can contribute to. A complete assessment report is being done on each home and work is being prioritized. The home maintenance funds will then be used to do everything from minor repairs to electrical and plumbing needs to large projects like roof repair. The parents and guardians of the 5th Avenue home have already started a fund for that house. Our goal is to have our homes be ones that all of us are proud of and that are showcases for how we would want those we care for to live.

If you would like more information, want to participate or have contacts with organization that would be helpful please contact Kären Cohen at kcohen@balanceinc.org or me at jluhr@balanceinc.org.

Staffing Needs

Like every organization we are in need of filling critical positions for our Direct Care Work. If you know individuals who would be interested in working with those with Developmental Disabilities please tell them about Balance. Otherwise, getting the word that Balance is looking for good people and has a great mission will be helpful. We look forward to our warmer weather and continuing to enhance the lives and enrich those who live with us and participate in our day program.

Thank You As Always, Jordan Luhr

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