Don't forget that this year, the ARRM Cares ceremony is Thursday, May 19, 2011 in the late afternoon (at 3:45 p.m. rather than during the lunch hour). KARE-11 anchor Rena Sarigianopoulos will once again emcee the event, and as in previous years, ARRM Cares winners and nominees must register for the conference.
Winner: Sarah VanMeveren
Nominators: Sue Sandbo, Irene Hancock and Valerie Jeppesen
Agency: Habilitative Services, Inc.
Sarah VanMeveren has an attitude that is unstoppable. Her commitment to the individuals is unwavering and her support for her team is unquestionable. Sarah finds satisfaction in knowing she is helping the individuals she supports to get out, see life, and be like everyone else.
Sarah supports one lady who has many physical challenges. She might not be able to physically perform tasks on her own, but Sarah has made sure she is involved in every aspect of her life. Sarah often uses the hand over hand technique when performing even the smallest tasks. When making meatloaf, Sarah has the individual’s hands in the mixture, stirring it, squishing it so she can have input and pride in her work. When doing dishes Sarah will put the pan in front of her on her lap tray and support her washing the pan with hand over hand guidance. She does this with almost every task, from folding her clothes to drying the dishes.
For various reasons from finances to medical, vacations are a difficult thing for many of the individuals Sarah supports. Not for Sarah, if there is a will there is definitely a way! Sarah along with the individuals she supports and some great coworkers, take the individuals on an annual camping trip. Every year it is different, from tent camping to bringing her own camper so an individual is able to come. She makes it work for everyone’s needs.
Sarah has a deep commitment to everyone she supports. A new individual moved in and she had some serious inappropriate actions. Sarah has helped her by being consistent, and learning her personality. This individual, due to her diagnosis, loves to argue and Sarah has taught her she can’t argue with someone who won’t argue back. This individual has come so far with Sarah’s support. Many months ago she would never have admitted she had changed now she will admit she is happier and loves life all because of Sarah’s commitment to her.
Sarah watched an individual with dementia go through the entire process and eventually pass away. Sarah is now supporting another individual, Val, with the same diagnosis and she has taken everything she learned and helps support not only this individual, but their family. She makes sure Val is not embarrassed when she forgets something or how to complete a task. Her passion to support Val through this process is remarkable. Val’s parents call her our angel. Val’s mom stated once when talking about Sarah, “From our view point as parents we would wish for every child with disabilities to have the kind of caregiver Val has. We don’t worry someone might take advantage of her knowing that her best interest is first and foremost.”
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