Do you have the Heart for this work?

I wonder why when we hire folks we forget to ask ...really ask: Do you have the heart for this work? We struggle daily at TPC with the daily lives of those we support being wasted.

We wonder why the staff, at times, do not seem to care if the folks they support sit and wait, wait and sit, do nothing and then more of nothing. We wonder why eight people go to the beach despite the fact that four of them have no interest in the beach. We wonder why five to seven people, who care about someone, can sit around a table once a year and make goals for that person that are feeble.

I believe it is because the work is hard, the days blend quickly and it gets easy to slush through them. I know that in the end the only thing that makes you really work hard at this is HEART. Do you carry an other's life with the respect and dignity it deserves. It is a gift and a burden that can bring great joy to you both, but the holding of life should never be taken lightly and if often heavy. There are a hundred things that can go wrong in a single day and one hundred more that can be right...focus on the right takes love and hope and a deep belief that this work is a calling to something better. Do we ask the right questions of those we hire?

Beware of the Quick Fix!

Recently there was an article about students and alternatives for special education costs. Two things struck me: One person noted: well they have been struggling with school consolidation so they decided to start with special education and secondly the kids that are really needing to be in the most restrictive and behavioral programs (residential)that cost the most would they fit this model? Not to mention that we will use a vacant "wing" to support them!

Then I thought of school busing. then I thought why our group of kids? Then I felt sad because it is a slippery slope. They make it sound good...the children will be closer to home but what is the criteria and whose kids will go and then what are we building??? I look for your thoughts and ask that we share this with parents if possible because I wonder about their thoughts. I believe the fight for the rights of children with special education is at our door step.

http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/6868794.html

Direct Support Professional Week

This week was in honor of all the employees, everywhere who care for and support people with disabilities and needs. Today at TPC there will be a cook out to honor all of the people who provide direct support. While it is very worthwhile to say thank you for your dedication and hard work it is even more critical to acknowledge the importance of the work.

When I first became a DSP I almost had to apologize for my work, people would ask "what are you really going to" do or tell me I was a saint (which we all know was not and never will be anywhere near true). I wonder if making this special week, if the efforts we make to give status to this work are partly unsuccessful because people still do not value those we work for. I hope not. In my heart I suspect we have work yet to do and that the stigma remains. But this week I can honor and thank the great DSPs who work for me. They are a great team of committed, well trained and professional folks.

Today I used my cutting board and smiled

I use the cutting board that Greg and Bruce made everyday. Today when I was cooking dinner something about that beautiful board made me smile. I was reminded of the pride and joy on Greg's face as he handed me the board. Not only is this a great part of my kitchen it was made with love and joy. I envy the happiness I see in Bruce these days and the happiness Greg finds in his work.

I always learn from the people we support. These two men starting their business has been a highlight of my year. Of course I would be remiss to not thank Fred for his belief in these fine men. Great team, great guys and wonderful cutting boards!

Speaking our truth

This week I spent two days in a leadership institute with people from all kinds of nonprofits. On the first day we had to give a one minute talk about our organization. One minute is not a lot of time. I also found it hard to figure out how to convey what we believe and do with folks in one minute. I think ultimately that is why the stories are so powerful, they tell the something that we could never put into a three point, one minute speech.

I have decided we should collect the stories and ask that some of you share those stories within this blog. My story is about a woman who lives at Spring Street. While she has struggled with life these past months, the evening of her house mate's death I stopped by to see how folks were doing. What absolutely amazed me, brought tears to my eyes, was that she was inviting into her home, she was clearly saddened by the loss but also spoke of her friend in a kind and loving way ending with her hope that he was in a better place. She requested that family and friends be told and comforted one of her other housemates. I walked away thinking how amazing life can be. There are small gifts sometimes in our work and that moment, for me, was one of them.

When we Love

Yesterday we lost a dear friend. We will grieve and miss him. It was with dignity that he left this world. As a good friend shared with me some time ago regarding his father's death. He died a good death.

I could not be more proud of the staff who supported this man in his end days. The staff, the caring managers and employees who visited, called and supported him. At the end of a long day yesterday I received a call from a person who had taken our friend to the funeral home. The staff at Market Square, where he spent his last six days could not say enough about the love and support this man enjoyed in his dying. I know this is not just in death for those we support but everyday. However to hear that from strangers only reinforced why you and this organization is such a wonderful place. Thank you