ARRM News and Public Relations

Countdown to the conference: Meet ARRM Cares winner Elexis Luttrell

The ARRM Cares ceremony is Thursday, May 19, 2011 in the late afternoon--at 3:45 p.m. rather than during the lunch hour. (Attendees will be treated to dessert.) KARE-11 anchor Rena Sarigianopoulos will once again emcee the event. As in previous years, ARRM Cares winners and nominees must register for the conference.

Nominee: Elexis Luttrell
Nominator: Katie Conner
Agency: Life By Design, Inc.          

Elexis is a lead direct support employee at an SLS for three men. Her title does not begin to describe the value she brings to the lives of the men living there. She consistently goes above and beyond, whether advocating for the consumers’ independence, finding creative ways to meet their needs, or just making everyday life a little more fun! Her commitment to the consumers and their self-determination is commendable.

Recently, Elexis was instrumental in addressing changing health needs of one of the men, Dick, who was experiencing a rapid decrease in mobility. Elexis recognized the change and used her creativity to encourage and support him in meeting several specialists to figure out the problem. Dick needed surgery. He had a bone spur pressing on his spinal cord; a bad fall could result in him being unable to walk. Dick had to use a wheelchair until the surgery. Dick is a proud and independent man and this was difficult for him to accept. Elexis used humor and kindness to make his needed supports seem less intrusive. She was with him every step of the way, from the appointments, to the hospital stay, to ensuring support after surgery. She even passed on going to the ARRM conference as she juggled her schedule to support him! Her commitment interrupted the rapid decrease in Dick’s mobility and will help maintain his quality of life. Dick is so thankful to have gained back mobility and independence.

Elexis’ focus on self-determination led Fred to his dream job, working with cars. At age 39 he had almost given up. For many reasons, including intense supervision and programming needs, his dream seemed unattainable. But Elexis didn’t give up. Elexis recognized that Fred could possibly work at the auto shop that repaired the house van. She assisted Fred in meeting with the owner to discuss the shop’s current needs and how well Fred could fulfill many of those needs. By the end of the meeting, Fred was offered a chance to work a few hours a week to see if it could work out; it has! Fred has been working for several months now and the fit is great; they’ve even increased his hours! For the first time Fred and his team believe that he might actually be able to work independently with natural supports; something that had not even been considered in the past.  Elexis also supports John who had been at a state facility before moving into the SLS. With Elexis’ encouragement and support, John is expressing himself positively and learning to work through emotions in ways that help him at home and in his community. He is now participating in sports, independently attending classes, and has meaningful relationships with his family and girlfriend.         

I could go on and on, speaking to her commitment to the men she supports. So, I’ll sum it up with Elexis Rocks! The men at SLS 8 feel lucky to have her support!

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Countdown to the conference: Meet ARRM Cares winner, Lisa Lee

The conference is only six weeks away, and every week, we'll highlight one ARRM Cares winner. Don't forget: The ARRM Cares ceremony is Thursday, May 19, 2011 in the late afternoon--at 3:45 p.m. rather than during the lunch hour. (Attendees will be treated to dessert.) KARE11 anchor Rena Sarigianopoulos will once again emcee the event. As in previous years, ARRM Cares winners and nominees must register for the conference.

Nominee: Lisa Lee   
Nominator: Stephanie Burt 
Agency: Dungarvin Minnesota       

Lisa has been working at Dungarvin as an Independent Living Skills (ILS) staff for almost a year. In that time, Lisa has primarily worked with Hmong individuals in the community providing them the necessary services to maintain their independence and be an active member of their community. Lisa provides a vital service to the individuals she serves, as well as to the community these individuals live in.           

Lisa’s ability to translate Hmong/English is an imperative aspect of her job. Her understanding of  cultural, linguistic, and traditional Hmong gender differences as well as local Hmong community resources makes her a unique addition to the Dungarvin team. She is able to navigate the Hmong and English speaking community on behalf of the individuals she serves with empathy, clarity, respect, and professionalism.  Lisa often explains the diversity and traditional cultural boundaries of the Hmong culture to co-workers, supervisors, medical staff, and team members and how that diversity effects the individuals she serves as well as how others can provide better, more complete assistance to Hmong individuals.       

Lisa uses natural teaching opportunities to assist Hmong-only speaking individuals in learning how to better advocate for themselves and understand the English language and American culture. Lisa often advocates on behalf of and with the permission of the individuals she serves in order to provide better services, care, understanding, and assists them in navigating complex medical situations.         

Lisa personalizes the services she provides by way of assisting the individuals she serves in maintaining a connection to the Hmong community in this area. She assists them in finding Hmong specialty stores and cultural community activities and resources. She is very adaptable in finding new and creative ways to assist the Hmong individuals she serves, for example, instead of assisting an individual to a grocery store, Lisa locates local Hmong markets.        

Lisa translates in detail cultural differences to the individuals she serves, as well as to individuals who provide services. She is an integral piece of the ILS and Dungarvin team in providing care and assistance to a portion of our population that is often overlooked.

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Six professional caregivers to be honored for their work with people with disabilities

SOUTH SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) will honor six outstanding direct support professionals (DSPs) from around the state during its ARRM Cares Awards Ceremony, Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the Crown Plaza Saint Paul Riverfront Hotel, from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. They are:

• Deb Grant (MBW Company, Inc.) New Ulm, MN
• Lisa Lee (Dungarvin, MN) Mendota Heights, MN
• Elexis Luttrell (Life By Design, Inc.) Fridley, MN
• Sarah VanMeveren (Habilitative Services, Inc.) Lakefield, MN
• Melvina Rockymore (Wingspan Life Resources, Inc.) Saint Paul, MN
• Kyann Washburn (Home and Community Options) Winona, MN

The ARRM Cares Award program was started in 1996 to recognize DSPs who provide exemplary services to people with disabilities. Recipients of this award have demonstrated that they are committed to providing innovative, professional services to persons with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Each year, six outstanding Minnesotans are selected from a field of over 150 nominees.

“Year after year, our selection committee is bowled over by the inspiring stories of support these DSPs provide to people with disabilities,” said ARRM CEO, Bruce Nelson. “That’s why at ARRM, we believe that every person nominated is a winner.”

The 2011 ARRM Cares Award will be presented by ARRM President Devin Nelson (Habilitative Services, Inc.), and the ceremony will be emceed by Rena Sarigianopoulos, co-anchor of KARE-11's weekend broadcast. 

ARRM is a statewide association of private disability providers that support people with developmental and physical disabilities, autism, brain injuries and mental illness in their pursuit of meaningful lives.

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Countdown to the conference: Meet ARRM Cares winner, Deb Grant

The conference is only six weeks away, and every week, we'll highlight one ARRM Cares winner. Don't forget: The ARRM Cares ceremony is Thursday, May 19, 2011 in the late afternoon--at 3:45 p.m. rather than during the lunch hour. (Attendees will be treated to dessert.) KARE11 anchor Rena Sarigianopoulos will once again emcee the event. As in previous years, ARRM Cares winners and nominees must register for the conference.

 
Winner: Deb Grant
Nominator: Becky Apitz      
Agency: MBW Company    

Teaching, as defined in the dictionary, is a way of imparting knowledge to others. Knowing what and how to teach requires good listening skills, the ability to create an enthusiastic environment where learning is valued, and the vision to develop creative ways to teach Lisa, Laura, Kathy, and members of the team.     

Deb Grant is a highly skilled staff person who works at a home supporting three young women with many capabilities. However, it is her innate gift to listen and to teach that amazes all who work with her. In her calm, quiet, and extremely humble manner, Deb supports Lisa, Laura and Kathy by doing with, not for.           

A few years ago, Deb supported the ladies to perform in a People First theatre presentation, shadowing Lisa as the main character and assisting with her lines as needed. The play Words that Hurt focused on people’s differing capabilities and addressed the hurtful impact of teasing and name calling. The women shared with Deb their desire to continue to change the way their neighbors, community, and schools think about individuals with differing capabilities.    Deb supported the women to develop a presentation for the classroom. Twice per year, Dr. Spurgin (a professor at Marin Luther College in New Ulm) invites the women and Deb to teach his class of future educators.  The ladies have developed a great relationship with Professor Spurgin. He values their ability to tell their stories and share their dreams and how some have become reality. In a thank you note, Dr. Spurgin wrote: “I can see a real positive in the ladies’ presentations. I also appreciate all you say about looking at abilities and not focusing on disabilities.” The experience of becoming teachers has enriched the lives of these young women giving them an added sense of pride and dignity.    

Deb also supports the ladies to take part in many other community service projects. For example, they host an annual National Night Out neighborhood party. They make and send invitations, plan the menu, and ensure fun activities for the children. The ladies have become a very valued part of their community in their efforts to make the neighborhood an enjoyable and safe place to live.    

Deb is always listening and teaching. She organizes, plans, ensures staff support, and does whatever it takes to see it through. She leads her team with compassion, empowerment, high expectations and vision. Deb knows how to listen beyond the words and she is responsive to what she hears. Laura, Kathy, Lisa, Deb and the entire team work each day to make a world where differences are valued. Peter Senge could have been describing Deb when he said, “To listen fully means to pay close attention to what is being said beneath the words. You listen not only to the ‘music’, but to the essence of the person speaking. You listen not only for what someone knows, but for what he or she is.”

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Wingspan staff "Spread their wings to welcome Senator Dan Hall"

Saturday, February 26th, Wingspan hosted Senator Dan Hall for a site visit in Bloomington. Below is a story and photo re-capping the visit.

Great job Wingspan!

 

February 26 at 2 pm Sheridan stood still awaiting Senator Dan Hall’s arrival. He is the Senator for Bloomington in which Sheridan is located.

Two staff, including myself, were helping a resident in on the ramp when Senator Dan Hall walked up our driveway smiling and offering a hand at the same time.

Andy, from Portland Place, couldn’t wait to get in and get settled so she could give her letter to the Senator. Lisa from York Lane came with Christine Lasley; Gary and Tim from Oliver came with Andy Potter. One special staff came too. His name is Travis Burton, our very own Senate candidate.

Renita, Linda and Dot were great hostesses. Dot came out a couple times to join in on the laughter and fun. Linda sat and enjoyed a one-on-one with the Senator informing him she is an artist and sells paintings. She showed him her photo albums and they laughed. She offered the Senator an autographed painting and he accepted it with the most humble look. Renita introduced the Senator to her boyfriend, Richard, who took plenty of pictures of the two of them. She shared her stories with the Senator about finding her beloved brother and aunt in California. She showed him photos of a Pow Wow and invited him to come to the one coming up this August.

Lisa from York Lane took pictures with the Senator and boy was she an angel; her smile lit up the room. She was so warm and light hearted; it was such a joy to have her there to help represent the ladies of Wingspan.  Gary and Tim charmed all the ladies with their jokes and gut busting comments. Gary told everyone when I snuck him an extra piece of cake, “Do not tell the Senator” all the while pointing at the Senator. Everyone laughed and laughed. The Senator loved his cake and took the time to give us a little of himself in a small speech. He told us he grew up poor and with an alcoholic father and lived in the projects. He has eight children, one of whom works with people with disabilities. Senator Dan Hall also stated he helps to look out for a nephew who happens to be paraplegic.

The Senator took single pictures and pictures with three or four people. He took group pictures, standing up pictures, and sitting down pictures. In closing I asked him if when he was in session he could please remember our faces and to be our voice.

Thanks to my co-workers who were able to make it and support Sheridan on a very important day for all of us.

Thanks also to the staff at Sheridan. The staff came up with a great saying for the cake, “Spreading Our Wings to Welcome Senator Dan Hall.” They carefully budgeted and made a little look like a lot, decorated, made sure the ladies looked their best and were  great hostesses. Many thanks to them for being who they are and doing what they do. A huge shout out goes to those who helped make this happen!” 

 

Countdown to the conference: Check out this St. Paul 'Gangster Tour' auction item

 

We're counting down to the conference, which is a mere six weeks away! Each week, we'll preview an exciting aution item; you can bid on this one (and many others) at ARRM's Auction Extravaganza May 18 at 5:00 p.m. (the online donation form is here).

Private St. Paul Gangster Tour (valued of $1,344 including tip)

Explore the sites of nightclubs, kidnappings, and gun battles associated with the 1930's gangsters like John Dillinger, Ma Barker and Babyface Nelson. See where the gangsters lived it up as they planned and executed some of the most notorious crimes ever perpetrated in the upper Midwest. Your guide takes you past the most infamous gangster hideouts and the famous nightclubs where many gangsters spent time socializing with the public.

This two-hour tour for 25 to 56 people will be on a private motorcoach bus with restroom. Meet and park at the Wabasha Caves at 215 Wabasha Street, South Saint Paul, MN 55107. Wheelchair accessible bus available on request for up to two wheelchairs on either a 47 or a 56 passenger bus; you must subtract 7 seats per wheel chair.

--Donated by Dakota Communities

Does this state aspire to help, or to deny?

Luther Granquist's powerful commentary in the Star Tribune. http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=119027989

Rep. Lyndon Carlson meets with Hammer advocates at Welcome Place

Representative Carlson met with Hammer advocates on March 29th. Below is an article about that visit that appeared in Minn Local this week.

http://www.mnsun.com/articles/2011/03/30/news_by_readers/doc4d92213bf2859841915620.txt