May 2019Volume 15, Issue 5

The Arc of Omaha & Career Solutions, Inc.

Gazette

Ollie Webb Center, Inc. • 1941 South 42nd Street • Suite 122 • Omaha, NE 68105 • 402.346.5220

Inside this issue:

14th Annual Ollie’s Dream Gala................1

Omaha Gives!..................................................1

2019 Arc Membership .................................2

Weather Policy................................................2

Sibshops ...........................................................3

Parent to Parent .............................................4

PRISM.................................................................5

Next Chapter Book Club .............................6

Ultimate Life....................................................7

STARS Basketball Photos.............................8

Best Buddies....................................................9

Social Recreation ........................................ 10

Art of Imagination Audition Notice ..... 11

The Art of Imagination ............................. 12

Continuing Education............................... 13

Pre-Employment Summer Program .... 14

Independent Living................................... 15

Staff Directory.............................................. 16

Mission Statement

To enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities

and their families through support, programs and advocacy.

14th Annual

Ollie’s Dream Gala

A wine tasting event to benefit the programs

of Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

Join us for this fun evening of wine tasting, hors d’oeurves, live music, silent and live auction.

For more information contactLori Beck at Ollie Webb Center, Inc. at 402.346.5220

www.olliewebbinc.org

6:30 to 10:00 p.m.Hilton Omaha • 1001 Cass Street

(across from the CHI Health Center)

Saturday, June 1, 2019 • 6:30 P.M.

SAVE THE DATE! We are excited to be a part of our city’s giving holiday - Omaha Gives! on May 22, 2019!

Omaha's 7th annual 24-hour charitable challenge is set for

May 22. The giving begins at midnight with a minimum

$10 donation. Hourly drawings and prizes make your

donations go further. So start gathering your circles and

get ready for another great big give-together! Learn more or donate at Omahagives.org

OLLIE'S BULLETIN BOARD

Page 2

“Time and money spent in helping people to do more for

themselves is far better than mere giving.” ~ Henry Ford

The Arc of Omaha 2019 Membership FormYour membership will be valid from January 1 through December 31, 2019

Thank you for your past support! Please consider once again being a part of our team!

Name (s) ___________________________________________________________________________(As you wish it to appear when we publicly recognize our members.)

Address ____________________________________________________________________________

City/State______________________________________________________ Zip _________________

Phone _________________________ E-mail *_ ____________________________________________

*May we send our monthly newsletter to your email address: ____Yes ____No

Each Single Membership is entitled to one (1) vote. Each family membership is entitled to two (2) votes.Please circle: Single $25 Family $40 Contributing $75 Sustaining $100 Corporate $150

❒ I would like to sponsor an additional single membership for a person who is unable to pay, for an additional $25

Total amount enclosed: $______________ Your contribution is tax deductible.

Please make your check payable to Ollie Webb Center, Inc. Mail this form and your check to:Ollie Webb Center, Inc., 1941 South 42nd Street, Suite 122, Omaha, NE 68105

You are doing more than mere giving when you become a member of The Arc of Omaha. You are supporting efforts to help individuals with developmental disabilities and their families lead lives of greater independence, productivity, integration, inclusion and self-determination. By joining now, your membership will be valid for the calendar year 2019. Membership options are outlined below.

The privileges of membership in The Arc of Omaha include:

Use of the Ollie Webb Center, Inc. pass to the Henry Doorly Zoo, discounts to many activities and events for individuals of all ages sponsored by The Arc of Omaha, support from The Arc of Nebraska and The Arc of the United States, including representation at local, state and national policy forums and publications sharing important information on a variety of topics, and the satisfaction of supporting a local agency that informs the public of the needs, rights and abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities.

2019 Arc of Omaha Membership Drive!

The Arc of Omaha has a free Family Zoo Pass available for use by its 2019 members. It allows two adults and four children to visit the Henry Doorly Zoo. Please note the following rules for its use:

1. The pass can be used anytime the zoo is open.

2. Families may use the pass as often as they like, as long as it is available.

3. Families using the pass must sign it out, giving their name, address, phone number, date of use and date returned. If a family misuses the pass, it is possible that the pass may not be available for them to use again.

4. When families arrive at the zoo, they must present the pass and check in at the Visitors Center.

Call 402.346.5220 to reserve the Family Zoo Pass.

Zoo Pass Available to 2019 Arc Members!

DON’T FORGET!

to renew your Arc of Omaha membership for 2019.

Weather Policy

The following weather conditions may cause us to close our office and/or cancel/reschedule events.

• Tornado warnings

• Extreme heat of 90+ degrees and humidity

• Severe thunderstorms and/or lightning

If the weather is questionable, our services will be canceled.

If Omaha Public Schools cancel their day/evening activities and/or staff

deem it unsafe for travel our services will be canceled.

Note: If you are not sure if an evening/weekend event will be held or canceled,

call 402.346.5220 ext. 31

for event updates.

Most decisions will be posted by 3:00 p.m. for evening activities, and 8:00

a.m. for daytime activities.

Page 3

FAMILY SERVICES

Sibshops

S I SS B SHO P9 sessions $90 • 5 sessions $50

1 session $12.50Non-Members cost: 9 sessions $125

5 sessions $60 • 1 session $15

All ages (6-13) will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

(includes snack).Participants split in age groups

(6-8 and 9-13)

Next Meeting Date:

May 21, 2019

What are Sibshops? For the adults who plan them and the agencies that sponsor them, Sibshops are best described as opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with special health and developmental needs to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context.

Sibshops seek to provide siblings with opportunities for peer support. As Sibshops are designed (primarily) for school-aged children, peer support is provided within a lively, recreational context that emphasizes a kids’-eye-view.

Please also let us know if you have a child who has “aged out” of Sibshops (14 or older). They may be eligible to participate as supportive mentors/volunteers during the program.

For RSVP’s and more information, please email jstocking@olliewebbinc.org or call 402-342-4418 ext. 10.

Sibshops will be held at

UNO’s Community Engagement Center

on Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Sibshops is an award-winning nationally-affiliated program for youth ages six to thirteen years and

is uniquely designed to provide high-energy activities for brothers and sisters of children with developmental

disabilities. Sibshops is a place where siblings may obtain peer support and education within a recreational context

while having fun, and allows sibs to connect with each other about similar experiences.

FAMILY SERVICES

Parent to ParentFor Children, Teens & Adults with Disabilities and their Families

Page 4Cheri Albin, Program Coordinator • calbin@olliewebbinc.org

Parent to Parent Omaha is a parent-to-parent support program for families of newly-diagnosed children with

developmental disabilities. The program offers information and emotional support through parent-to-parent matches

and socialization activities designed both for parents and their children. The program also offers parent-to-parent

matches for families of adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities.

With Support provided by the Small Boat Bass Club

You are invited to fish with members of the Small Boat Bass Club at two privately owned, well stocked lakes in a park-like setting just outside of Omaha near Two

Rivers State Park. The Small Boat Bass Club will provide fishing helpers and fishing equipment to catch the big one! Lunch will be provided for everyone thanks to the SBBC

and their many sponsors. Please bring chairs and remember your sunscreen.

Special Note: Maps, schedule for the day and directions to the site location will be emailed one week prior to the event to those that have RSVP’d.

Hooked on FishingSunday, June 23, 2019, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

This event is by reservation only—Reservations are limited to 150, immediate family members only

please.

To register go to:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hooked-on-fishing-tickets-60765165245

FAMILY SERVICES

PRISMPARENT RESOURCE and INFORMATION SUPPORT MEETINGS

Page 5

PRISM (Parent Resource Information and Support Meetings) provide informational and support programs

for families of individuals with developmental disabilities. Family-friendly meetings offer educational programs,

disability-related information and the opportunity to network with other parents and children with disabilities.

Childcare and transportation assistance is often available.

Blaine Villafuerte, Employment Services Manager • bvillafuerte@olliewebbinc.org

SMOOTH & STEADY TRANSITIONS

If you have a student in middle school, high school, or a transition program, this training is for you! The recommended age to begin transition planning is age 14 (legally the formal process is to begin at age 16 at the latest).

Transition should concentrate on student development, student-focused planning, interagency collaboration, family involvement, and program systems and services designed to support youth and adults with disabilities. This training will describe the five effective elements of a successful transition from school to adult life, focusing on a customer and participant driven approach to obtaining needed supports and services.

Since planning for the future of a student with disabilities can arouse fear of the unknown, a parent may tend to delay addressing these issues, and instead focus only on the present. It is our belief, however, that working through these fears and thinking about the child's best future interest will ensure a meaningful outcome. ~National Association of Special Education Teachers

The key to a successful transition is being informed and planning early!

Each attendee will leave with a checklist to help navigate the transition process. Transition workbooks to assist individuals with disabilities along their path to adulthood will also be available.

Thursday, May 2, 2019 Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center • 6001 Dodge Street

RSVP at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prism-smooth-and-steady-

transitions-tickets-59732335022

Presenter: Laurie Ackermann, Executive Director of Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

Laurie Ackermann has over 30 years of experience and expertise in the field of developmental disabilities and has successfully served as Executive Director of Ollie Webb Center, Inc. and its program agencies Career Solutions, Inc. and The Arc of Omaha since 2001. She has a long-standing and proven record in non-profit administration and management as well as an extensive background in program design and development. Laurie has served on numerous boards and committees, particularly in the field of developmental disabilities and holds both a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Certificate in Management from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

This educational event will provide

information addressing support and

services after high school and beyond.

UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center • 6001 Dodge Street

RSVP at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prism-smooth-and-steady-

transitions-tickets-59732335022

Rescheduled

Neext Chapter Book ClubNext Chapter Book Club

Book Clubs meets once a week for an hour as a small group at a local coffee shop to read and discuss a book. All

reading levels can participate!  Members enjoy social connections and the delight of expanding their literacy.

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HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Next Chapter Book Club

Tara Waln-Lewellyn, Program Coordinator • twaln-lewellyn@olliewebbinc.org

Friends, food, books and fun. These things can all be found at the 14 Next Chapter Book Clubs sponsored by the Ollie Webb Center that meet across the Omaha Metro.

“It gave me the opportunity to meet new people,” said Jordon, who has been a book club member since 2017. “People in book club are fun to be around.”

He said that they like to joke around and have fun. He enjoys the books as well, and he said Pinocchio has been his favorite, because it had so much action.

“It’s exciting to find out what’s coming next,” he said.

The first two Next Chapter Book Clubs began in June of 2002 in Columbus, Ohio, to give adults with developmental or intellec-tual disabilities an opportunity for literacy learning, social connectedness, and community inclusion. There are now over 185 clubs that meet throughout the United States, Canada, Spain, The United Kingdom, and Germany. Ollie Webb Center, Inc. brought the first Next Chapter Book Clubs to the Omaha Metro in June 2011.

Tara Waln-Lewellyn, Personal Development Coordinator at OWCI overseeing the Next Chapter Book Club program, said that no particular reading level is required to be part of a club, and some members are non-readers.

“Anyone can join,” she said, “regardless of their reading level.”

Rachel, another book club member, said that she feels she can always ask for help if she gets stuck. She said she enjoys the team reading approach of the club. Members take turns reading aloud, and all of the reading takes place during the club meetings.

BOOK CLUB MEMBERS ENJOY READING, FOOD, AND FUN WITH FRIENDS(Written by OWCI’s Journalism Class: Alan Friedman, Kevin Sieczkowski, and Deb Gibson)

“Some of my new friends are pretty nice, and they’re good to read with,” she said.

Clubs meet weekly at public places, such as Panera and McCal-lister’s Deli, across the metro. Each club consists of five to eight members, who are adults with Intellectual disabilities, and two or three facilitators. The role of the facilitators is to support the members in the clubs’ purposes of literacy learning, social connectedness and community inclusion. Each club is different and has its own personality, said Waln-Lewellyn, who is also a facilitator of one of the clubs. Members decide how each meeting will go – how much time they will spend socializing, reading and talking. Some clubs even choose to have movie nights.

Members choose the books they will read from a library of 90 titles, Waln-Lewellyn said. The library includes classics like Treasure Island, Frankenstein and Huckleberry Finn, Charlotte’s Web and Pinocchio, as well as newer titles such as Because of Winn Dixie and Harry Potter.

Those interested in joining a Next Chapter Book Club can contact Tara Waln-Lewellyn at twaln-lewellyn@olliewebbinc.org. She said that currently there are several openings, and new clubs will be added if the demand is there. Ultimately, she hopes to have 20 clubs. The cost for joining a club is a one-time $30 registration fee. After that initial fee, the clubs are free. Waln-Lewellyn said that she often steers people to book club when cost is an issue, and it is a popular choice.

“When people join, they tend to stay,” she said.

That’s Next Chapter Book Club at the Ollie Webb Center. Have a great month. We’ll see you for our next story.

– The Journalism Class

Page 7

Ultimate

Tara Waln-Lewellyn, Program Coordinator • twaln-lewellyn@olliewebbinc.org

HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Ultimate Life Program

The Ultimate Life program is a fee-based companion recreation program for adults aged 18 and older with

developmental disabilities. This program offers opportunities for adults to participate in small, planned group activities

or one-on-one outings of their choice in the community. Trained staff accompany participants and transportation to and

from the activities is part of the program. APPLY NOW! Registration fee is $30.

Frequently Asked Questions About OWCI’s

Ultimate Life Program

Who is eligible to participate in Ultimate Life?

Anyone with an intellectual or developmental disability over the age of 18 who does not require more than one to three group support is eligible to participate. Individual outings are also available.

How much does it cost to join Ultimate Life?

There is a $30.00 registration fee to join Ultimate Life.

What costs are involved with Ultimate Life?

There are three separate costs involved with Ultimate Life: the actual fee for the event, an hourly charge for the staff, and mileage. Our trained staff pick you up and drop you off at your residence. Prices vary per event. For example, the cash needed for an event (food and entrance fees) is $25.00, which is brought to the event. If the event is three hours long, it is a $15.00 staff fee (based on a 1 to 3 ratio), and mileage to and from the event is based from your residence to and from the event location. A statement is issued at the end of the month for the combined staff and mileage fees.

How do I know when events are offered?

Every month, the Program Coordinator sends out the event calendar via email or regular mail. Participants review the offer-ings and R.S.V.P. via email or phone. We offer between 8 and 10 events a month. Are there waiting lists for events?

We strive to not have waiting lists for events. Often with our most popular events, we have plenty of staff available to support participants. The Program Coordinator also assists with activities when there is a high demand for a specific event.

How often do I have to participate in events?

You can participate in as many events as often as you want! Some individuals participate weekly while others join us a few times a year.

What are the benefits of participating in Ultimate Life?

Ultimate Life gives you a break from your typical day. Our exciting events appeal to all interests and our participants look forward to the activities and seeing their friends. While at our events, you are out in the community, doing activities that personally interest you. You also have the opportunity to meet other participants and make lasting friendships.

Page 8

STARS BASKETBALL PHOTOS

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MENTORING SERVICESBest Buddies

Alexa Edwards, Program Coordinator • aedwards@olliewebbinc.org

Best Buddies is a peer mentoring program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through this

program, adults with disabilities are matched to Creighton college students and participate in social and recreational

activities, enabling these individuals to experience friendships with peers.

Best Buddies 2nd Annual Spring Fling!

Close to 100 college peer buddies and adult buddies were at the 2nd Annual Spring Fling event at Creighton University, making for a wonderful, fun, and enjoyable night! Buddy pairs showcased their friendships by walking together down the "Grand March," a lit walkway leading to the dance floor. Pizza, desserts, and drinks were available throughout the night, in addition to a DJ playing music and taking song requests. A great time was had by all!

May's Best Buddies' Highlight is of Troy and Steve. This is their first year paired together as buddies, although each have been in the club for two years. Both attended the Annual Spring Fling Dance event at Creighton University and lit up the dance floor!

Best Buddy Membership

Creighton University’s Best Buddies fosters one-to-one friendships between adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. For adults interested in applying to be in Best Buddies, the 2019-2020 application cycle will re-open in August when Creighton's academic year resumes after the summer. For more information or a Membership Applica-tion, please email Alexa Edwards, Ollie Webb Center’s Mentoring Program Coordinator at aedwards@olliewebbinc.org.

May’s Best Buddy Highlight!

RESERVATION FORM Name:_____________________________________________________ Phone #: (_____)________________

Address:___________________________________________________ Zip: ___________________________ Date of Birth:______________________________ Allergies: _____________________________________ Emergency Contact ________________________ Emergency Phone: _____________________________

I allow the use of images for public relations purposes and release and discharge Ollie Webb Center, Inc. and its employees and volunteers from any liability as a

result of my participation and/or my child’s participation. *Signature: _______________________________________

PLEASE CIRCLE THE EVENT(S) THAT CORRESPONDS WITH PAYMENT

Movie and Lunch Club (May 25).................................................................................. $15 Arc members/$20 non-members

Total Enclosed: $____________ Please make checks payable to: Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

Return to: Ollie Webb Center, Inc., 1941 South 42nd Street, Suite 122, Omaha, NE 68105555505555500

The Social Recreation Program offers small- and large-group activities in which youth and adults with disabilities can

enjoy leisure time, build friendships and access the community.

Page 10

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Start time between 12:15 - 12:30 p.m. Please email aedwards@olliewebbinc.org the week of the

film to find out an exact time for arrivals and which film we will be seeing.

Westwood 8 Theater

2809 S 125th Ave # 297 Omaha, NE 68144

Pick-up typically between 2:00 - 2:15 p.m.

Lunch is included.

Cost: $15/Arc member • $20/non-memberIncludes hot dog, popcorn, beverage and admission

for participant only

Movie and Lunch Club

SOCIAL RECREATION

Alexa Edwards, Program Coordinator • aedwards@olliewebbinc.org

For other upcoming social and recreational opportunities, please check out our Best Buddies and Ultimate Life programs!

Spend the afternoon socializing, eating lunch and watching a movie with friends.

RSVP to Alexa Edwards at aedwards@olliewebbinc.org

THIS IS A PRE-PAYMENT EVENT

ONLY!

Page 11

for our upcoming production of

Morozkoa Russian Folktale

will take place at

St. Matthews Lutheran Church1725 South 60th Street

on

Thursday, May 9 • 6-9 p.m.

Auditions

• Please bring an acting resume and photo, if available.

• Auditionees should attempt to deliver a short memorized monologue.

• Auditionees may present a short dance or movement piece rather than a monologue.

• Please wear comfortable clothing.The production will

take place

November 1-3, 2019

For information, contact Jim Hoggatt at 402.342.4418 x 30 or jhoggatt@olliewebbinc.org

Page 12Jim Hoggatt, Artistic Director • jhoggatt@olliewebbinc.org

THE ART OF IMAGINATION

The Art of Imagination classes are focused on the visual and performing arts. Classes offer artistic opportunities in

traditional art forms such as painting, writing, drawing and photography and more. Theater classes include

improvisation, playwriting, scripted pieces and radio drama culminating in rehearsals and public performances.

Broadcasting Class – The Return of the Ollie Webb Radio Players!

The summer 2019 semester of Ollie Webb Center, Inc.’s (OWCI) Continuing Education program begins anew Monday, June 3rd! Innovative and diverse courses will be offered that are designed to teach and strengthen skills that participants can use in vocational endeavors. OWCI classes range from visual and performing arts courses, including Musical Theatre and Community Murals to Career Planning courses like Animal Behavior and Job Readiness through Volunteering to Personal Growth classes focusing on health, nutrition, and fitness.

Along with some courses that are offered regularly, there will be many new and exciting course offerings as well as a return of some older favorites that have been off the schedule for a few semesters. One popular course that will be returning for the summer 2019 semester will be Broadcasting. In the Broadcasting class, participants learn how to improve their writing skills, vocal techniques, computer software knowledge, and audio editing proficiency. Class participants will work as a team to create podcasts featuring stories and anecdotes about everyday life, Omaha happenings and history, and community events.

The Broadcasting class follows a tried and true process similar to that used in professional podcast development. The first part of the process is always a group brainstorming session. The group meets and everyone shares ideas for an overall theme for the podcast. Some examples of unique podcast themes from past semesters have included: Omaha ghost stories, local restaurants, television, conspiracy theories, and the life of the real Ollie Webb.

Once a theme is decided upon, everyone begins their research. Ideas for stories based on the podcast’s theme are offered by all involved. An outline and then a script is produced. Participants are involved in the recording of each podcast, exploring their community, and interviewing guests for the podcast.

Class participants also create many of the podcast’s sound effects. Once everything is recorded, the editing process begins. Every second is analyzed. Discussion, and sometimes even debate, ensues as the group puts the final product together which is then uploaded and ready for all to listen to.

This course was designed to promote greater knowledge in the creation of podcasts and on-line broadcasting but also to instill a sense of accomplishment and self-realization of what one can create as a valued member of a team.

Page 13

CONTINUING EDUCATION

The Continuing Education program extends the learning experience beyond high school. Classes are offered in a variety

formats and settings and focus on independent living, money management, social and employment-related skills.

Courses provide a person-centered approach that focuses on increased independence as opposed to the maintenance of

skills. A five day-a-week program is available and follows a typical college schedule.

David Ackermann, Education Services Coordinator • dackermann@olliewebbinc.org

This month Ollie Webb Center, Inc.’s (OWCI) Continuing Education program is excited to spotlight our Journalism class who created the article on Page 6 of this edition of the Gazette.

The course is taught by OWCI instructor, Deb Gibson. Deb was a former reporter with the Kearney Hub and brings a wealth of expertise and journalism knowledge when teaching individuals in her class. She explained that the goal of the class is to really explore what journalism is and what sets it apart from other forms of writing like literature or poetry. The class discussed the concept of what a feature story is and practiced interviewing one another. Participants discussed multiple ideas of what to write a story on, and learned that not every idea will interest audiences and/or be part of a publication. The idea the class agreed on which eventually did become a feature in this month’s Gazette was an article they created about Ollie Webb’s own, Next Chapter Book Club.

Alan, a class participant and Next Chapter Book Club member thought it would be a great idea to write an

STOP THE PRESSES!

article that shines a spotlight on the individuals at OWCI. The class then created surveys for their peers, inquiring if they could provide good information for the article. Next, they took that information and created an outline. The class discussed the interview process and what they had learned from interviewing one another and then came up with a series of questions to ask their peers that are also book club members. Alan and his classmate, Kevin, conducted the interviews, complied the information, completed follow-up interviews, finalized their research and information, and wrote their own article for this month’s Gazette.

Deb Gibson along with Next Chapter Book Club Coordinator, Tara Waln-Lewellyn, were excited to see the group coming up with their own ideas for a feature story in this publication and helping them experience the joy of having something they created go to print. The overall goal is to have participants continue to grow in their writing and interviewing skills as they pursue other opportunities and start planning for future careers.

Page 9Page 14

Ollie Webb Center, Inc. Pre-Employment Transition Summer Program

The mission of OWCI is: To enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and

their families through support, programs and advocacy.

What is the Pre-Employment Transition

Summer Program?

A collaboration between Nebraska VR and Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

This free program provides career exploration activities and workplace readiness training for youth and young adults with varying disabilities ages 14-21, who reside in Omaha and the surrounding areas.

Program participants will learn about how to obtain and retain employment, complete interest and career inventories, explore jobs and volunteer opportunities, set career goals, develop résumés, and prepare for interviews.

In addition to classroom instruction at OWCI, program participants will enjoy guest speakers, visit work-sites in the fields of animal science and agriculture; business and communication; and education, health, and technology, and enhance vocational skills.

Who Should Participate?

Individuals aged 14 to 21 who are enrolled in their school district’s transition program in the Omaha metropolitan area.

When and Where?May 27 to August 2, 2019

from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

1941 South 42nd Street • Suite 122Omaha, Nebraska 68105

How to Register:

Enrollment is limited.

Contact Aimee Addison, OWCI Intake & QA Program Coordinator at 402.346.5220 ext. 19 or email aaddison@olliewebbinc.org to register.

Page 14

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Page 15Lisa McMichael, Independent Living Services Manager • lmcmichael@olliewebbinc.org

Independent living services provide instruction for individuals who live in their own home (apartment or house) or

in their family’s home. Education, training and support is provided to maintain or increase independent living skills,

such as money management, health and safety, interpersonal relations, community awareness, recreational skills,

nutrition, hygiene and leisure.

Living the Dream

Rebecca (Becky), an individual in services with Ollie Webb Center, Inc. (OWCI) has had a life-long dream to live independently in her own apartment; a goal she has been working towards with the help of OWCI’s staff. Becky has been receiving services from the OWCI since August 2018 and has been working on developing the independent living skills that have helped her achieve this dream. Becky summed it up this way: “I want to be a role model for anyone who wants to live on their own. I want them to know they can do it!” Becky’s apartment complex has provided her with numerous opportunities for inclusive fun, from line dancing and Bingo to coffee and crafts with some of her neighbors!

Becky enjoys working with Clarissa, an OWCI staff, on scheduling her appointments as well as creating shopping and chore lists. According to Becky, her staff help her learn how to make a daily and weekly calendar which she uses to keep her week on track and then crosses items off her calendar as she completes them. Becky said, “I am really happy with my staff and how they teach me all the things I want to learn how to do for myself. My staff have helped me a lot!” Independent Living staff have also shared resources and information to help Becky and her guardian navigate through other community services and options that are available to them.

When Becky isn’t working with her staff or engaging in fun and exciting activities at her apartment complex, she loves to travel. Last year she visited Branson Missouri, and this year she is planning to visit South Dakota with family. Becky’s “To Do List” for the future includes vacations to Washington, D.C. and the White House, Las Vegas, Paris, Hawaii, Colorado Springs, and Italy. Becky has come a long way in her ability to do things for herself and is eager to learn more. Reach for the stars Becky!

Page 16

The Arc of Omaha & Career Solutions, Inc.1941 South 42nd StreetSuite 122Omaha, NE 68105-2942

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Ext. Ext.

David Ackermann Education Services Coordinator 13

Aimee Addison Health & Wellness Services Coordinator 19

Dave Brown Independent Living Services Coordinator 20

Alexa Edwards Mentoring Services Coordinator 31

Jim Hoggatt Artistic Director 30

Administrative Office Staff402.346.5220

Ext.Laurie Ackermann Executive Director 17

Lisa Dougherty Human Resource Manager 22

Megan Hillebrandt Accounting Associate 21

Jenny Koley Receptionist 11

Robin McArthur Operations Director 12

Jordan Stocking Executive Assistant 10

Sue Wymore Controller 26

If you have received this newsletter via e-mail in error and/or wish to unsubscribe and no longer receive this newsletter, please send an e-mail to info@olliewebbinc.org with “unsubscribe” in the subject line. You may also contact us to unsubscribe by sending a letter to: Ollie Webb Center, Inc. • 1941 South 42nd Street, Suite 122 • Omaha, NE 68105

For more information about Ollie Webb Center, Inc. activities and programs, you can pull up our website on your smart phone QR app!

It’s Free!STAFF DIRECTORY

Program Support Staff402.346.5220 or 402.342.4418

Craig Kneifl Employment Services Coordinator 18

Lisa McMichael Independent Living Services Manager 24

Blaine Villafuerte Employment Services Manager 28

Tara Waln-Lewellyn Personal Development Services Coordinator 33

Cheri Albin Family Services Coordinator 14