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ARRM Cares Award Winners

Winner Example #1
It was your usual fire drill. The usual complaining, "Why do we have to do this all the time? There is not real fire!" The guys hate going outside and standing at the meeting place. Sometimes the consumers even refuse to participate. Every month staff tells them itÕs required, and they need to practice in the event there is a real fire.

Standing by the garage waiting for the all clear, the consumers noticed the fire truck coming down the road. Out in the country you can see for quite a ways. The lights were flashing as they came closer and closer. "Look, a fire truck!" one called out in excitement, "I wonder where they are going?" Every ones eyes were trained on the gravel road that runs past the house. As they made the turn up the driveway, the consumer exclaimed, "They aren't coming here are they? There is not fire, did you call them?" It was one of those Kodak moments.

Eyes were wide as the fire truck pulled up and the crew got out. They were all dressed in their fire gear, boots, helmets, and all. The air was filled with excitement as the firemen and women stood greeting the guys, shaking hands, and laughing with them. Then it was time for the guys to get the chance to see the inside of a fire truck. They had the opportunity that few will ever have. The chance to go for a ride around the circle drive with the lights and sirens filled the consumers with heartfelt excitement. That on its own was more then the average person could hope for, but not too much for our friends at the local Fire Department. They had taken time out of their busy jobs to share a little time with our consumers. They took the time to answer questions, demonstrate how to make it to safety, and who to call and proper fire procedures. In the house they went over what to do in the event of a fire.

Then one of the firefighters stood as a model as they explained each part of the outfit they wear into a fire, what it does, and how it protects them. This from a group of people who volunteer to protect our homes and families with no compensation, and this all made possible by Staff Jane Doe. Jane had the idea to make it possible for the consumers to experience something many will never have the chance to. Not only did the consumers gain a life long memory, but the firefighters also met some great men that day. Jane is an excellent staff and advocate for the consumers she works with. She brought the consumers and community together that day, and forever changed the idea of a "boring fire drill". Jane may not have saved anyone from a burning building, but her innovative idea may just give these consumers a better understanding of the importance of fire safety.

Winner Example #2
Staff Jill Doe is a superstar in the Our Group Home family. Initially, Jill came aboard as a Part-Time Counselor to support a new residential program. She was an integral part of the team in terms of supporting four women who had never lived in residential facilities. Although, hired at a very young age - only 19 - and with little experience, she quickly learned Counselor skills and demonstrated a great deal of initiative and genuine care for the residents.

Early on, Jill discovered that one of her non-verbal residents enjoyed horseback riding. She was able to convert the womanÕs passion for riding into a program that helped develop communication skills. The first step was for her to understand and communicate commands for the horse to follow. In a natural progression, the next step was to begin learning and vocalizing words at home. Before long she was able to communicate her own name and items around the home. A testament to her dedication was demonstrated this year when this client spoke her first full sentence.

Another resident has complex medical condition that affects much of her cognitive ability. Jill has tirelessly coordinated numerous complicated and involved medical appointments, many of which were more then 150 miles away. As an advocate for her resident, she has taken the initiative to fully understand the medical concerns and diagnosis in order to clearly relay the information to family and team members.

Jill is also a facilitator of fun for the program. Nearly every month each of ladies invites one or two guests and family members for a small party to celebrate that month's holiday. Jill also helped the women organize last year's much anticipated annual Oktoberfest party. Family members and guests enjoyed great food and entertainment that was provided by a DJ and strolling accordion player. She is currently helping the ladies coordinate a block party that will be held this spring/summer. In addition, Jill has taken the ladies on excursions to see the holiday light displays and even a very special weekend camping trip to Jellystone.

Jill has also developed into a comprehensive and proficient leader. When the residence lost its supervisor last year, Jill willingly stepped up to take on the duties. She learned the position very quickly and was able to fill her role and the supervisor's successfully and simultaneously. Jill was the primary link in the chain that held the program together until a new supervisor was hired. Jill's exceptional communication skills with the residents, her capacity to build effective and trusting relationships with residents and family members, and strong leadership ability have set the bar high. Her initiative and actions have served as catalyst for other team members and programs. She inspires all individuals to have opportunities to enjoy life, strive to reach their full potential, and be accepted members of the community.

Winner Example #3
Staff Joan Doe has worked for our agency for the past 4 years. She works at the site affectionately named The Golden Girls. The women living there are elderly and range in age from 84 to 97. Joan and her team exemplify the meaning of assuring dignity and pride for the communityÕs elderly.

Each of the Golden Girls women is faced with significant health and mobility challenges. On more than one occasion one or the other has become ill and required hospitalization. Whenever one of the women has needed treatment in a hospital one would find Joan or one of her staff at their side each and every day providing comfort. When it came time for them to go back home, it was not uncommon for the hospital to infer that their care would simply be too much for a group home and suggest transfer to a nursing home. Some people would follow such suggestion without further thought. Joan and her team however, wouldn't have it; they are determined that the women of The Golden Girls will each spend their final years in their own home.

She demonstrates kindness and love in all of her interactions and relationships with the people she serves. Joan has led and taught her team of staff to do the same and to provide a level of service that is unsurpassed. Joan learned that a few years earlier the four women had taken a trip to Florida and that they each had a desire to visit again. The needs of each of the women had increased significantly since that trip. Considering a trip to Florida with these women was something most would find completely overwhelming. Joan however, didnÕt balk at the idea and began planning the adventure. Low and behold, after months of planning the Golden Girls, along with Joan and staff, boarded a plane from Minneapolis to Florida.

While in Florida, Joan checked in and reported that at the very time of her call she and the gals were sitting on the beach, beneath a palm tree sipping beverages while listening to the sounds of the ocean. Because of Joan and her dedication and commitment to those four women the Golden Girls were able to realize their dreams and had a time of their lives.

The Golden Girls recently moved to a new home. Joan made the move to the new home a true delight. Prior to the move she sat down with each of the woman and helped them discover a theme for their bedrooms. They each chose a theme including their favorite colors. Joan and her staff painted and decorated each of their rooms with their favorite color, wallpaper borders, and themed accessories. She made sure that each room reflected their own personality. The result was beautiful.

One of the gals, Diane recently passed away. Her diagnosis suggested death should have come more than 2 years ago but the care and support she received from Joan and her team was inspiring. Diane died at home and Joan and her team made sure that her last years and last days were filled with happiness, dignity and joy.

Winner Example #4
Staff Jennifer Doe is a gift to the men who live at Our Group Home in so many ways. She has a special talent for helping the men at Our Group Home fulfill their dreams and rind joy in their life.

One gentleman always turned down activities of any sort. He would agree initially but when the day arrived he would refuse. We spent many an hour planning meetings with his team trying to figure out how to get him out of his room and reconnected with the world. It was Jennifer who found the way.

She learned that his refusals were based on fear, and the more time he had to prepare for a new event, the more chances he had of succeeding. So she would remind him a week ahead, 2 days ahead a day ahead. She would write it on the calendar and draw pictures. She would discuss it in the morning and in the evening, and when he would call her from work 15 times in one day to say, "I am not going!" she would always process his fears with him. As a result, his life has really changed.

Now he cannot wait for the next Project Soar newsletter to come out, he loves classes and groups, an he seems much happier and more joyful. He really loves craft classes where he makes gifts for his mom, which helps to mend a damaged relationship, and brings smiles to his family and increased self-esteem to him.

Jennifer has also signed up another man for driving classes after he announced to everyone that he wanted to learn to drive. She found a rock-climbing class for another one of the guys. She has one guy on a waiting list for horseback riding classes and another man took piano lessons at MacPhail. She spent a lot of time with one man when he was deeply depressed, trying to figure out if there were any activities that would bring healing and joy back to him. He wanted to swim, but because he has predatory issues with children, he could not join the Y. So she found him a water aerobics class filled with only little old ladies! They loved him and he had a great time. It really seemed to help in his recovery from his depression.

Jessica's crowning achievement is the exercise competition. In a household of couch potatoes, we spent years doing everything imaginable to encourage the men to exercise. They refused. Parents complained. Nurses wrote memos. Meetings were held. But to no avail. Then Jennifer came up with the idea of a competition. Whoever completed 1000 minutes of exercise got to pick out three prizes. She handpicked the prizes for maximum appeal. She made a lovely huge thermometer chart, which hung in the hallway to show the progress. It had unbelievable results. Every guy in the house began to exercise. They lost weight, gained strength, had more energy, and seemed happier. Thanks to Jennifer for all you do! You are a model of how staff should be in this field!