A Trip To Ned To See The Fall Colors

Today’s post and photos come from Keysha Torres, who works at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

“On Saturday, September 28th, we as a house took a day trip up to Nederland for a picnic and to look at all the leaves change colors. We started by stopping at the store and picking some healthy lunch options for the day before making our way up. We took our time driving and had all our windows down so everyone could enjoy the views and nice warm weather that day. When we got up to Nederland we drove around until we found the best spot to have our picnic. We also at that time took bets on what everyone thought the temperature of the water would be like. The guesses ranged from freezing to slightly chilled. Everyone ate their lunch and did tons of talking and some story telling. They all seemed to be enjoying the day, even if there were a TON of flies everywhere. Before we left staff members treaded into the water to see who exactly had won the bet about how cold it was. FYI, freezing won. We gathered up some water in an empty bottle we had and let everyone else wet their hands, head, or feet, which ever they chose so they could all decide how could it was. Freezing still won. We made our way slowly down again still enjoying the day, when we all got home everyone couldn't stop talking about how much fun they had up in Nederland and how they would all love to do it again real soon.” FYI, freezing won. We gathered up some water in an empty bottle we had and let everyone else wet their hands, head, or feet, which ever they chose so they could all decide how could it was. Freezing still won. We made our way slowly down again still enjoying the day, when we all got home everyone couldn't stop talking about how much fun they had up in Nederland and how they would all love to do it again real soon."

Home-in-the-Country

We spent some time yesterday afternoon catching up with Donna and Gerald, who are celebrating their first full week living in the recently completed Santa Fe Home, located in eastern Broomfield County.

Looking Eastward at the Santa Fe Home

They have fondly named it their “Home-in-the-Country.” Although both Donna and Gerald miss living at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome, they agreed that the wide-open space surrounding their new rural home, the horses, goats and peace-and-quiet win hands down over noisy Iris Avenue in Boulder.

When we asked what they liked most about their new home, the couple couldn’t quite agree on what they loved more; the peace-and-quiet of rural living, or looking westward to enjoy the mountain views and sunsets. When we asked Donna and Gerald if there was anything that they didn’t love about their move, they agreed that they could do without their commutes to their jobs and classes that they enjoy participating in with Imagine!’s CORE/Labor Source program.

Gerald relaxing and enjoying the view

Donna showing us around outside

Who can’t relate to that sentiment?

Donna Talks About Her Husband Gerald

This blog post came to us during a visit to the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder. Donna is describing her husband Gerald, who are both SmartHome residents.

I would say that Gerald may be hard to understand, and sometimes people ask me what he is saying because I can understand him and make out what he has said. He really has a light in his eyes when he’s excited, he lights up all over. He may not talk much, but when he has something to say he’ll say it, and it’s worth taking the time to understand all of what he said.

Deep down inside he has really got it together.  He has a fantastic memory.  He’s sort of like a seeing eye dog for me, he knows where things are if I leave them somewhere. 

Donna and Gerald on their anniversary last month.

 

See Jessica's New York Yankees Hair Style

This blog post came to us during a phone call from Jessica, who receives support services from Imagine!.  The photo came to us in an email from Jessica following the phone call.

On Friday I went to Peaceful Valley Ranch. We went with Joan Handley’s group, “Just for the Fun of it.” We stayed Friday and Saturday night. I bought two key chains I got in downtown Estes Park. One says Jessica and the other says Nicole. I saw a deer, elk, got to feed horses out of my hand, and I got to pet the horses too. I went on a hayride Saturday. I got two more keychains at Peaceful Valley. One says “I Love Jesus” and the other is a U.S. flag. I got a red jacket too. 

Before the hayride we made some smores. There were chipmunks and squirrels too and they came right up to me. 

NOTE:  In case you didn't know, Jessica is a very dedicated fan of the New York Yankees. She is pictured below sporting a new hair style, with the Yankees' logo styled into her hair.  

Shelly's Art Studio Up And Running

This blog post was sent to us today by Chris DiRosa, the Site Supervisor at the Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont. Shelly is one of the residents at the home.

Shelly's home art studio is officially up and running! Shelly now has the opportunity to paint to her hearts content and add a new flare of color to her home. Shelly worked diligently the past few months to purchase and stock her supplies and personally selected a number of adaptive art tools online to accomplish this goal. Shelly is absolutely thrilled by this new creative addition and is choosing to paint as often as she can! 

We will keep you up-to-date as new and exciting pieces of art reach completion!! 

Host Home Provider Tim Granger Loves His Job

This blog post came to us in an email from Tim Granger, who is a Host Home Provider for Imagine!. The email was in response to Tim being recognized by a coworker in our monthly employee newsletter for being such a good Host Home Provider. Thank you Tim, for giving us permission to use your email for this blog.

“When I started at the PCA (Gorham then Caledonia), (a Personal Care Alternative home) I was absolutely amazed that I was being paid to do this work. Sure there were tough days but this job has made such a difference in my life! Words, I'm afraid, would do it no justice.  And later when I became an HHP (Host Home Provider), again I was honored to continue my work with the same guys I had worked with at Caledonia PCA. 

 It's always a pleasure and an honor. I'm not sure if they realize that the impact they make in my life is just as, if not more, significant than the impact I make in theirs!" 

Below is what some of Tim's coworkers had to say about him in the July Imagine!ws newsletter.

Imagine!'s Host Home Team would like to take a minute to spotlight one of our remarkable providers, Tim Granger.  Tim has been a Host Home Provider since 2007, and his experience and abilities working with clients who receive behavioral supports has given a stable and nurturing environment for two of our consumers here at Innovations. 

Tim has an uncanny ability to remain calm under pressure and during behavioral crises. He is able to diffuse tense situations quickly while remaining professional, and assuring the safety of both the consumers in his home.  He is caring, compassionate, and tirelessly works at advocating for both guys in his home. 

Thank you Tim, for all your hard work in making a great quality of life for all the consumers who come into your home, and more importantly, the two guys you have made a part of your family.  We truly appreciate it.

 


 

Jessie Irvin Gets New Legs!

This blog post came to us from Jessie Irvin. Jessie receives support services from Imagine! and is also a valued volunteer for our Dayspring department. Just a couple of weeks ago she got prosthetic legs, and offered to share her story with us. Thanks Jessie.

Jessie Irvin Gets New Legs 

Yes!  On August 14, 2014, I got my prosthetic legs. I was born without femurs, but I walked from the time I was three until I was 21. When I was two years old, they were going to do prosthetics for me, but they would have had to cut my feet off, and one my parents wasn’t sold on that idea. So, I had it in the back of my mind all my life that someday I may get prosthetics. The reason the doctors wanted to perform the surgery when I was two is because I was so young I wouldn’t have remembered the surgery and I would not have the phantom limb situation, but I think that now that my feet have stopped growing they don’t have to remove them for the prosthetics. It was recently that I decided to get them. I was tired of being short and not being able to reach things, like getting my own glass of water. 

The first time I had the prosthetics on, Texas, my cat, jetted away. But the next time I had them on, he used them as a scratching post, so he sure got accustomed to them quickly. 

I asked my doctor if I could roller blade, and he said as long as I’d done it before I could do it again. I told the doctor I’d been roller blading for as long as I can recall. My provider nearly hit the floor when she heard that one. She had no clue that I had roller bladed, so it was pretty funny. I grew up roller blading so it was no big deal to me. Although now that I think about it, I’m not sure if I want to attempt it, because it’s farther to fall if I’m using the prosthetic legs. 

I do want to learn to ride a bike however. I will need prosthetics that can bend at the knee for that though. They want me to get used to getting my balance first. Recently, when I was wearing my new legs, I was at the Dollar tree and when I came in I knocked over a pile of baskets. I’m still getting accustomed to having longer legs. I’m still learning how to navigate with them. Trying to open the door is a challenge, I’m just not used to my legs being that long. 

I am able to get in and out of bed with them, and I’m starting to be able to stand better on them. I can take about four or five steps, but my biggest fear in having the prosthetics is falling. It’s normal, people fall, but I have to learn to get back up without hurting myself. My arms are getting stronger because I have to hold myself up. I can’t rely on my back yet, for strength. 

Getting on and off the couch is getting better. I’m learning how to use a walker to some degree. 

I use a walker as I’m not quite ready for crutches yet. I will keep you updated on my progress. It is nice being able to get my own glass of water!