Excerpts from winning nominations:

In her calm, quiet, and humble manner, MBW employee Deb Grant supports Lisa, Laura and Kathy by doing with--not for. Her innate gift to listen and to teach amazes all who work with her.

A few years ago, Deb supported these ladies in a People First theatre presentation, by shadowing Lisa as the main character and helping with her lines as needed. The play, “Words That Hurt,” focused on people’s abilities, and addressed the hurtful effects of teasing and name-calling. Thanks to this empowering experience, the ladies wanted to do more to change the way people in their community viewed those with “different abilities.”

So Deb helped the women develop a presentation for college students. Now, twice a year, Professor Spurgin at Martin Luther College in New Ulm invites the women and Deb to teach his class of future educators. He says he values their ability to tell their stories and to share how their dreams have become reality. This act of teaching others has enriched Lisa, Laura and Kathy’s lives by giving them an added sense of dignity and pride.

Deb also helps the ladies host an annual National Night Out neighborhood party, and as a result, they have become valued members of their community in their efforts to make the neighborhood an enjoyable and safe place to live.         

Lisa Lee has been working at Dungarvin for almost a year. In that time, Lisa has worked mainly with Hmong individuals, providing them with the necessary services to be active, independent members of their community.

Lisa’s ability to translate Hmong is a critical part of her job. Her understanding of cultural, linguistic, and traditional Hmong gender differences — as well as local Hmong community resources — makes her a unique and valued addition to the Dungarvin team. Lisa makes sure the people she serves maintain a connection to the Hmong community by helping them find Hmong specialty stores, cultural activities and resources. Rather than shopping at the local grocery store, Lisa tracks down local Hmong markets and takes her clients there.

Besides keeping her Hmong clients rooted in their culture, Lisa educates co-workers, supervisors, and medical staff about Hmong culture. She patiently teaches them about the traditional boundaries of the Hmong, and explains how others can provide better assistance to Dungarvin’s Hmong clients. Lisa navigates the Hmong and English-speaking communities with empathy, respect, and professionalism, and provides care and support to a segment of Minnesota’s population that is often overlooked.

Elexis Luttrell works with three men at Life By Design, advocating for their independence and making everyday life a little more fun.

Recently, Elexis played a key role in addressing the changing health needs of one of the men — Dick — who experienced a rapid decrease in his mobility. Dick needed surgery. He had a bone spur pressing on his spinal cord. A bad fall might mean Dick could lose his ability to walk. Dick had to use a wheelchair until the surgery, and since he’s a proud and independent man, this was hard for him to accept. Elexis used humor and kindness to help get him through this tough time. She was with him every step of the way: at medical appointments, during the hospital stay, and at home after the surgery. Her presence and commitment helped Dick maintain his mobility, independence, a good quality of life.

Her focus on self-determination also led Fred to his dream job, working with cars. At age 39 he had almost given up. But Elexis hadn’t given up. She helped Fred get a job at the local auto shop, and for the first time, Fred and his team think he might actually be able to work independently.  Elexis also has supported John in building good relationships with his roommates and neighbors. Thanks to Elexis, he is active in sports, attends classes, and has terrific relationships with others.

For a long time, 40 year-old Renita didn’t have a family. Her mother died years ago, and she had a brother whom she hadn’t seen in 17 years. Renita is Ojibwe, but she always denied being Native American. She told people she was Irish and Norwegian.

A few years ago Melvina Rockymore from Wingspan Life Resources came into her life. To Melvina, family is everything, so she reasoned that the lack of a family must be a heavy burden for Renita. Melvina worked carefully and gently with Renita to help her find her family, by researching Native American organizations on the Internet, and going to local pow-wows.

Eventually, they found Renita’s Aunt Renee, who lives in California. But still, Melvina was not satisfied. Renita had a brother named Howard somewhere. Melvina helped Renita set up a Facebook page to search for her brother and eventually, his best friend contacted Renita. Her brother was looking for her, too! So Renita and Melvina travelled to northern Minnesota to reunite with Howard. During the reunion, Howard gave Renita keepsakes from their mom. A few weeks later, he enrolled himself and Renita as tribal members. Today, Renita says, “We’re Ojibwe from Wisconsin.”

Renita has become a different person. With Melvina’s support, for the first time ever, Renita had a family to shop for this past Christmas.

Sarah VanMeveren from Habilitative Services has an attitude that is unstoppable. Her greatest satisfaction comes from knowing she is helping people experience their lives to the fullest.

Sarah supports one woman who has many physical challenges. Even though it’s hard for her to perform simple tasks on her own, Sarah makes sure this individual lives a meaningful life. When making meatloaf, Sarah puts the woman’s hands in the mixture, so she can feel what it’s like to stir and squish it. When it’s time to do the dishes, Sarah pus the pan on her lap, and guides her hands as she washes the dishes. With almost every task, from folding clothes to drying dishes, Sarah repeats this painstaking process.

Not too long ago, Sarah watched a client cope with dementia, and eventually pass away. Sarah is now supporting another individual, Val, with the same diagnosis. Using her past experience as a guide, Sarah makes sure Val is not embarrassed when she forgets how to finish a task.

Her passion to support Val through this journey is remarkable. Val’s parents call her “our angel.” Val’s mom says, “As parents, we would wish that every child with a disability has the kind of caregiver Val has.”

Kyann Washburn has been a primary counselor at Home and Community Options for the past three years. In that time, she has made a deep impression on the people she serves, their families, and her co-workers. 

Primary counselors are usually responsible for four or five people. Kyann’s role is unique because she works with one woman, who we’ll call Mary. Mary has many behavioral challenges, which were becoming intolerable for her roommates, and challenging to staff. To prevent Mary from being moved to a crisis program, Kyann worked with the rest of her team to plan a renovation of the home, which would allow for more privacy for Mary. Once the house was renovated and Mary settled into the new space, her behaviors successfully decreased.

Kyann also implements new and innovative programs. When Mary was unable to talk about her feelings, Kyann made special cards that allowed Mary to express herself before her frustration escalated. When Mary gets upset at work and brings these feelings home, Kyann urges Mary to write down her problems on a piece of paper, crumple it, and throw it away — along with her frustration. As a result of these efforts, it has been easier for Mary to make friends, participate in Weight Watchers and get involved in activities at the YMCA. Kyann is an exceptional person!

For more information:
Nancy Peterson,
Director of Member Services and Education
npeterson@arrm.org
651-291-1086, ext. 2