ARRM News and Public Relations

Learn how Linda made a difference in one client's life, right to the end

For the past 20 years, Linda Bakke has worked for REM South Central Services with a man named Tim.

Tim struggled with health issues for many years, but last year, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. The day Tim got his diagnosis, Linda was at his side. She was there to comfort Tim and his family as they processed the terrible news. Tim was in the hospital for a long time, and Linda was always with him, making sure hospital staff understood his unique needs.

When Tim came home from the hospital, Linda arranged the staff schedule so Tim was as comfortable as possible. She stayed on top of all his doctor’s appointments and kept the entire team up-to-date about his health.

Linda also worked to make Tim’s home accessible. She saw to the building of a ramp and wider doorways, which not only helped Tim, it helped his family, too. Tim’s sister who has Multiple Sclerosis and uses a wheelchair was able visit him more often.

Linda did all this while making sure the other three guys who live in the home weren’t left out.

Right around Christmas, Tim’s health took a turn for the worse. To make sure he was able to enjoy his last holiday, Linda decorated Tim’s house and put his chair right next to the Christmas tree so he could see the lights and decorations.

During his last days, Tim was too weak to leave the house. So to make sure he had constant contact with his family, Linda hosted family gatherings on numerous occasions. When Tim passed away the night of Dec. 29th, Linda was at his side once again. She and his family told “Tim stories”  well into the morning.

Linda touched Tim’s life in so many positive ways  -- right to the end.

The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) will honor six exemplary winners of the ARRM Cares Award Thursday, May 24, 2012, during a ceremony at the Crown Plaza Saint Paul Riverfront Hotel. The ceremony takes place from 3:45 - 4:35 pm, and the master of ceremonies is KARE 11's Rena Sarigianopoulos.

###

How Nicky helped Eric say goodbye to his dad

Eric is a young man served by CCRI who has a hard time adapting to change. When things don’t go as planned, he becomes physically aggressive.

Not too long ago, Eric’s father was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Everyone except Eric knew his dad was dying. To help Eric cope, his team decided he should read a book called “Gentle Willow.” The book mirrored what Eric was seeing when he went home to visit his family.

Nicky Besette had worked with Eric for more than six years and she had a great rapport with him. So she took charge of helping Eric understand his dad’s illness. She read the “Gentle Willow” book with Eric when he asked her, and helped him see that his father was like the willow tree going through physical changes. She also helped Eric see that he was like one of the main characters -- the squirrel. The squirrel couldn’t make the tree better, and Eric couldn’t fix the cancer his father had.

The day came for Eric to say goodbye to his dad. Nicky knew this would be one of the hardest days of his life. But Eric surprised everyone by telling his father, “It’s okay, dad. You can go to heaven now.”

Eric’s dad passed away that night.

Eric is still trying to cope with the loss of his dad, but Nicky is there to help him. Even though he was one of the last to be told, Eric probably has the greatest acceptance of his dad’s passing–thanks to Nicky.

The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) will honor six exemplary winners of the ARRM Cares Award Thursday, May 24, 2012, during a ceremony at the Crown Plaza Saint Paul Riverfront Hotel. The ceremony takes place from 3:45 - 4:35 pm, and the master of ceremonies is KARE 11's Rena Sarigianopoulos.

###

Focusing on peoples' abilities is second nature to Patti Maness

Finding out what motivates others is one of Patti Maness’ greatest strengths. For the past 13 years, Patti has worked for Volunteers of America, doing whatever she can to help people with disabilities discover what makes them special.

One consumer loves woodworking, so Patti worked with him to create a bud vase that was auctioned off at a fundraiser. Another consumer loves stringing beads. So Patti helped him make his mother a necklace for Mother’s Day. His mom still wears that necklace proudly.

Patti also makes sure the people she works with are active members of the community. This year she arranged to have two consumers volunteer for the spring and fall neighborhood clean-up, unloading odds and ends from cars and trucks. They loved this experience -- and spending the day with Patti. Patti also helped plan a celebration for a person who has been getting services from Volunteers of America for 25 years. She invited aunts, uncles, and other family members to help him mark this huge milestone.

During the past year, Patti supported one consumer through 36 tough medical appointments. At one point the consumer was admitted to the hospital. The consumer had to undergo a complete change in diet, so Patti trained other staff on how to provide good nourishment while preventing this person from choking.

Patti is admired by consumers, co-workers and supervisors. She is a strong advocate for disability rights, and is a wonderful asset to Volunteers of America.

The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) will honor six exemplary winners of the ARRM Cares Award Thursday, May 24, 2012, during a ceremony at the Crown Plaza Saint Paul Riverfront Hotel. The ceremony takes place from 3:45 - 4:35 pm, and the master of ceremonies is KARE 11's Rena Sarigianopoulos.

###

Kay Woitas makes peoples' dreams come true

Last year, Kay Woitas demonstrated incredible leadership qualities. She supported a beloved man named Danny through numerous strokes, therapies, hospitalizations and finally his heartbreaking passing. Kay created a memorable funeral service that captured Danny’s colorful life. He volunteered at the local fire department and senior center, so she asked Danny’s friends there to be a part of the Kay Wceremony.

Shortly after Danny died, a new client moved into the home. Still in a cloud of grief, Kay stepped up to the huge challenge transitioning him from a home serving people with intellectual disabilities to a home for people with mental illness and brain injuries.

At the same time, another client began a rapid medical decline. With Kay's persistence, the client was able to get appropriate testing and medical care.

Despite all this turmoil, Kay made sure that an 82 year old man named Bill wasn’t forgotten. Bill loves trains, and Kay wanted to make sure Bill’s dreams were nurtured. So Kay asked the owner of a local hobby shop called “Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store” if he would build Bill his very own model train platform. The catch? It had to be something that Bill could run all by himself. Thanks to Kay's creative idea and Choo Choo Bob’s help, the staff at REM Ramsey Congress say they’ve never seen Bill happier.

Kay’s work ethic and passion for peoples’ success is an inspiration to everyone. Her tenacity and drive help the people she supports live memorable and meaningful lives.

The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) will honor six exemplary winners of the ARRM Cares Award Thursday, May 24, 2012, during a ceremony at the Crown Plaza Saint Paul Riverfront Hotel. The ceremony takes place from 3:45 - 4:35 pm, and the master of ceremonies is KARE 11's Rena Sarigianopoulos.

###

How the gentle giant helped Mark find a better quality of life

Dakota Communities employee Tom Mohrland is a man of few words. Know as the “Gentle Giant,” Tom earned his nickname by having patience, a big heart, and an unwavering drive to enrich the lives of people with disabilities.

Tom is a great cook. Sixteen years ago, he and a co-worker planned a simple barbeque for the people living at Kennelly house. This event has blossomed into the Annual Chili Party, a much-loved gathering for friends and family members. It’s also a great opportunity for legislators to see the wonderful services their constituents with disabilities receive.

In 1995, Tom helped create a volunteer program for the students at St. Thomas High School. The program helps students create positive, lasting friendships with people with disabilities.

But one of the greatest impacts Tom has had during his 21 years at Dakota Communities comes from his relationship with Mark. Mark suffers from a variety of diagnoses that challenge him every day. He needed a role model and a friend to take a journey with him to a better quality of life.

So Tom encouraged Mark to become his partner in the Woodwinds Hospital “Ways to Wellness” program. Tom changed his own diet and exercise habits and fostered a relationship where he was doing something “with” Mark, not something “to” Mark. This relationship helped lift the cloud of depression and self-doubt Mark had before he met Tom.

The end result? Mark has lost 100 pounds and has a renewed passion for life.

Even though Tom gives people so many opportunities to accomplish their dreams, he rarely takes credit for his work. Instead, he accepts compliments humbly -- with a quiet, unassuming shrug of his shoulders.

The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) will honor the six exemplary winners of the ARRM Cares Award Thursday, May 24, 2012, during a ceremony at the Crown Plaza Saint Paul Riverfront Hotel. The ceremony takes place from 3:45 - 4:35 pm, and the master of ceremonies is KARE 11's Rena Sarigianopoulos.

###

Kellie Beaver tackles challenges that others avoid

This story is first in a series highlighting the winners of the 2012 ARRM Cares Awards.

Picture this: A year ago, a man with a disability meets with a team from Volunteers of America to see if he should move into Milaca North House.

This man has a terrible reputation. He’s mean, rude, aggressive and uses foul language. During the interview, he rolls his wheelchair over the visiting team’s feet. He has AIDS, is 40 pounds underweight, wears soiled clothes, and is angry 24 hours a day!

But despite his bad attitude, Kellie Beaver encourages her supervisor to take him in. She thinks he needs their services.

Twelve months later, a transformation has taken place. This man is kind, clean, jokes with others and attends church. He's wheeling around people rather than into them. He has also gained 30 pounds: his doctor says it’s been years since he’s been this healthy. And his family says they can’t believe the transformation.

What made the difference? Ninety percent of it was Kellie. She likes taking on challenges most people avoid.

She is firm but kind. And just as important, Kellie showed this man that he is worth something. She helped him understand that people can be friends -- not just targets of his rage. She also helped him see that life is good.

Kellie leads by example. Her strong work ethic, amazing results and clear way of communicating motivates the entire team. She takes the medically fragile people who live at Milaca North House to dozens of medical appointments every month, and makes sure they receive the highest quality care.

Kellie comes to work not just to do a good job. She comes to uplift peoples’ lives!

The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) will honor six exemplary winners of the ARRM Cares Award Thursday, May 24, 2012, during a ceremony at the Crown Plaza Saint Paul Riverfront Hotel. The ceremony takes place from 3:45 - 4:35 pm, and the master of ceremonies is KARE 11's Rena Sarigianopoulos.

###

Six outstanding caregivers to be honored for their work

SOUTH SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Whether it’s helping people reach personal goals or survive tough times, one thing the six recipients of the 2012 ARRM Cares Award have in common is that they are passionate about making sure the people they support live truly meaningful lives. On Thursday, May 24, 2012, the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) will honor these six exemplary direct support professionals (DSPs) during a moving ceremony at the Crown Plaza Saint Paul Riverfront Hotel.

The ARRM Cares Award program was started in 1996 to recognize exemplary DSPs. Recipients of this award are chosen based on their ability to provide innovative, professional services to people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Each year, six outstanding Minnesotans are selected from a field of about 150 nominees.

“This year’s stories demonstrate the unflagging dedication DSPs have to the people they support,” said ARRM’s CEO Bruce Nelson. “They have helped people with disabilities lose weight, survive crushing grief and recover from life-threatening illnesses. They are not only caregivers; they are mentors, advocates, and companions. It’s hard not to be affected emotionally by their stories of devotion and respect.”

The 2012 winners are:

• Linda Bakke , REM South Central Services
• Kellie Beaver, Volunteers of America
• Nicky Besette, CCRI, Inc.
• Patricia Maness, Volunteers of America
• Tom Mohrland, Dakota Communities, Inc.
• Kay Woitas, REM Ramsey Congress

The hour-long ceremony begins at 3:45 p.m., and the master of ceremonies for the event is Rena Sarigianopoulos, weekend anchor and reporter for KARE 11.

###

Technology conference for disability advocates and providers to be held March 20 & 21

SOUTH SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM), a nonprofit association dedicated to the advancement of people with disabilities, will hold its premier Technology Showcase March 20 and 21, 2012 at the Radisson Hotel Roseville. The focus of the conference will be to demonstrate how technology is being used to deliver innovative, person-centered supports to people with disabilities.

ARRM’s Technology Showcase will bring together people who care about maintaining quality services: Minnesota providers, case managers, county and state staff, self-advocates, guardians, and family members. Conference attendees will learn about the latest technology solutions, and will get a glimpse of what disability services may look like in the future.

Showcase organizers expect that the sessions will provide an engaging, thought-provoking and interactive forum for discussing how organizations can include technology in their strategic planning by providing a process to “get on top of the technology wave.” Speakers will also provide specific best practices for implementing technology to improve the quality of services and supports. For more information, visit www.arrm.org, or follow the conversation on Twitter at #ARRMtech.

###

Snapshots of grassroots advocacy

ARRM members have been busy spreading the message about ARRM's Blueprint for Reform to their legislators. Check out a few of the photos!

Rep. Sarah Anderson (43A) meets with a residents at a Hammer home.

A group from Mary T. Inc. meet with newly elected Senator Kari Dziedzic (59).

A couple of folks from Mary T. Inc. meet with Rep. Sandra Peterson (45A)

Staff members from Wingspan rally at ARRM's Day at the Capitol.

Gov. Dayton, legislators address hundreds of disability advocates at March 1 rally

Minnesotans with disabilities, their family members and their caregivers gathered in the State Capitol Rotunda Thursday, March 1 at 10:30 a.m. to urge lawmakers to make people with disabilities a priority this session.

The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM), a statewide association of private disability providers that support people with developmental and physical disabilities, organized the rally. Speakers included Gov. Dayton, Rep. Joe Schomacker, Rep. Jim Abeler, Rep. Steve Gottwalt, Sen. Sean Nienow, Sen. David Hann, Rep. Larry Hosch, Rep. Erin Murphy, and Kevin Lindsey, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Energized rally attendees filled all three levels of the Capitol Rotunda, and ARRM estimates that between 800 and 1,000 people attended. The rally began at 10:30 a.m., with Gov. Dayton's speech taking place at the halfway mark. Although he didn't make any promises, Gov. Dayton said that his administration is evaluating the 10 percent congregate rate cut and the 20 percent PCA cut for families.

Immediately following the rally, disability advocates dispersed to meet with 138 of Minnesota's 201 state legislators. After enduring several years of continued cuts to disability services, they asked lawmakers to adopt ARRM’s cost-saving reforms, which preserve core services for Minnesota’s most vulnerable citizens and save the state money in the long term.

Advocates also asked legislators to buy back the 10 percent congregate rate cut and bed de-licensing provisions passed during the 2011 special session.