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ARRM Cares Winning Entries

ARRM Cares Award Winners

Mary David is a veteran of more than 35 years in the field of developmental disabilities, and she’s been at Opportunity Partners for the past decade. Mary has a passion for helping people who face huge challenges with confusing bureaucracies or medical crises compounded by a challenging health care system. She has spoken with lawmakers about services for people with disabilities, and serves as an advocacy mentor teaching her peers how to work with legislators for change.

Perhaps most noteworthy has been Mary’s commitment to an older gentleman who has faced two hip replacements, heart valve complications, and mobility limitations. Her positive attitude and gentle coaching were essential in giving him hope he could recover. Mary has been at the center of his emotional support system while he faced these changes, and she helped him feel safe as he clung to his dream of independence. Throughout the months he spent recovering in nursing homes, Mary kept his hopes high and encouraged him to keep improving. 

Mary’s impact on this individual was clear when he attended Opportunity Partners’ annual Thanksgiving dinner. This was his first outing after leaving the nursing home, and the joy on his face was a testament to Mary’s steadfast support. Mary also encouraged him to perform at Opportunity Partners’ annual talent show. He dressed as his long-time idol, Dean Martin, and crooned “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime,” in full wig and tuxedo.  His involvement was organized with Mary’s help, and his amazing transformation was made possible with Mary’s unwavering support.

Madalyn Rowell has been one of Dakota Communities’ outstanding employees since 2007. For almost a year, she has focused much of her work on a young woman named Andrea, learning her unique style, observing how she reacts to various situations and just paying attention and listening.
At one time, Andrea was having difficulty with her day program. She was frustrated because she was having a hard time in the busy, noisy environment of a large work center. Being bi-polar and suffering from anxiety, this environment would cause Andrea to become agitated and aggressive. Many times, for Andrea’s safety and that of others, her aggressive behaviors resulted in the use of restraining methods. Andrea needed a different approach.

With the advice and encouragement of her team, friends, and family, Andrea agreed to try a “Day Services at Home” plan. Instead of going to a work center every day, Andrea would spend one-on-one time with Madalyn at home, working on things she enjoyed and developing personalized skills.   
Madalyn created an hour-by-hour support plan just right for Andrea, including fun activities that Andrea enjoys: learning sign language, square dancing, and creating beautiful crafts and artwork. 
Today, Andrea’s aggressive behaviors have nearly disappeared -- she’s gone from several incidents a month to almost none. But most noticeably, thanks to Madalyn’s coordination and structured support, Andrea tells jokes, smiles, and laughs more often. Madalyn’s customized plan and ongoing presence have changed Andrea’s life.

The best of the best” is how most people describe Lynn Brandt. For 26 years, Lynn has been a rock for a young man named Daniel. She has played a vital role in helping him become the loving, vibrant, intelligent person he is today.

When Daniel came to Habilitative Services, he was a medically fragile five-year-old. Lynn was reluctant to work with him because another little boy she worked with had recently passed away, and she didn’t think she could take losing another child. But after working with Daniel for only a few days, she couldn’t say no.

Back then, the doctors didn’t have much faith that Daniel would thrive, much less survive. They said he wouldn’t live very long, and if he did, he would never be able to sit up. But Lynn saw past Daniel’s medical issues, and realized that constantly providing him with new experiences was critical to his survival. When he has an interest in something, Lynn’s first question is, “How can I make this possible for Daniel?”

Family is Daniel’s number one priority, and Lynn makes sure he sees them—especially his two brothers—as much as possible. This may seem like an easy task, but it literally takes a van full of medical equipment for him to go anywhere overnight. This past summer, Lynn arranged an extended camping trip for Daniel and his brothers, which was a dream come true for them. She also encourages Daniel’s hobby of playing in a band with his brothers, and makes sure that he has all the musical instruments and equipment he needs.

Daniel still has numerous medical issues, but no one would ever know that because Lynn helps Daniel live his life to the fullest.

When DeAnna Lucas first came to work for Volunteers of America, her plan was to stay a few months. Twenty-two years later, she still makes a positive impact on the lives of the people she supports.

Affectionately referred to as Nana, she helped one young man adjust to the changes that took place when his mother was diagnosed with lung cancer, and also helped him accept the death of his father. After his father passed away, DeAnna gathered pictures of his dad and had them printed onto sweatshirts and t-shirts so this young man would feel that his father was nearby.

She leads the way when the people she supports want to have dinner parties. DeAnna helps them plan the menu, shop, and prepare the food. Besides to helping with the party invitations, she also suggests ways they can entertain their guests with conversation and activities.         

DeAnna’s creativity shines during the holiday season. She helps the people she supports write annual Christmas letters, bake Christmas cookies, and make personalized gifts like fleece quilts, photo mugs, and picture frames.

She also tries to make mundane tasks around the house fun. When one consumer was having difficulty sweeping and mopping the floor, DeAnna strapped “mopping slippers” onto her feet, and played loud rock and roll music. Needless to say, housework has never been the same! Deanna’s employer, co-workers and the people she supports are thankful that she is a member of their team.

Dianne Sanden has been Linda's primary caregiver at CCRI for 13 years. During that time, Dianne has enriched Linda's life in countless ways, like arranging a trip Branson, Missouri, so Linda could see one of her favorite bands, The Beach Boys.       

This past summer, Linda's busy schedule was interrupted when she was unexpectedly hospitalized with pneumonia. For nearly two weeks, Dianne sat by Linda's hospital bed as a variety of doctors and specialists expressed concern that Linda was nearing the end of her life. Dianne helped the nurses by providing information about Linda's medical history and communicating on her behalf. When Linda had no appetite, Dianne encouraged her to eat. Dianne's presence gave Linda's family peace of mind when they were unable to be with Linda.           

When Linda was finally released from the hospital and returned to CCRI's care, Dianne coordinated with hospice staff, Linda's primary doctors, and the pharmacy to fine-tune Linda's new daily routine. Dianne stepped up as a leader by providing extra training to Linda's other caregivers. Once Linda and her team adjusted to her new way of life, Dianne raised the bar again, insisting that Linda could achieve more.

Today, although Linda's life isn't the same, with Dianne's encouragement she's still fighting for independence: going out for coffee, attending potlucks, shopping, and visiting friends. When Linda was no longer able to work, a big milestone was celebrating her retirement, and Dianne made it all possible. Even though there have been many changes, Dianne continues to make sure that Linda's life is an exceptional one.

As a program coordinator at Mount Olivet Rolling Acres for over three years, Beckylynn Brooks has proven persistence is the key to success. She has made a difference in the lives of Shaun, Michael, and Doug who at one time had major behavioral and physical issues, but no longer do—thanks in part to Becklynn.

Shaun was an adult in crisis. When his destructive behaviors threatened to prevent him from living a normal life, Beckylynn stepped in and helped turn Shaun’s behaviors around. She figured out what worked best for him, and made sure other staff used the same techniques—like giving Shaun plenty of space, listening to soft music, and using his communication book.          

Michael, another resident in the group home, was extremely timid: he was scared of loud noises, hid during family gatherings, and was generally angry and depressed. Beckylynn used a picture boards, chore chart and a reward program to help Michael change these behaviors. Since then, Michael has reduced his psychotropic medications so he’s less sedated and can enjoy community outings.
Doug had a serious hip injury and surgery, and Beckylynn diligently helped him recover. His physical therapy requirements are very demanding, and Beckylynn has been right there every step of the way—motivating Doug to complete the exercises as prescribed.