Journeys1

Journeys It all begins with you. STAY CONNECTED Help spread the word about being a Mentor MPEOOTNWHFTEAEORR HOW BEING A MENTOR HAS CHANGED THE LIVES OF MORE THAN THOSE THEY SERVE www.MentorsWanted.com

California MENTOR is seeking loving Call Us Today!individuals with an available bedroom 855-MENTOR2who want to make a difference in thelife of an adult with special needs.Receive ongoing support andgenerous monthly stipend. oPuArorsgRkeraafbemror!uatl Tell someone how they can make a difference and receive a generous monthly payment as a Mentor. If the person you refer becomes a certified Mentor, you receive $250!2 | MENTORSWANTED.COM | JOURNEYS

Family Home Agency Serving throughout the Golden StateIn This Issue ... t California MENTOR we build lasting relationships through our Family Home Agency (FHA) program. As the largest andLetter from Our most experienced Family Home Agency provider, serving theVice President 4 entire Golden State. We partner with nurturing caregivers,We Are With You who we call Mentors, to give Californians with intellectual andEvery Step 5 developmental disabilities (IDD) the services and supports they need in a place they can truly call home.MENTOR Embraces a In our FHA program individuals live in private homes where theyCulture of Safety 5 receive services, form relationships and participate in everyday family activities. Our FHA’s provide a comfortable and caring alternativeWhat Being A to traditional care facilities and help adults of all abilities be activeMentor is All About 6 members of their community. The individuals we serve receive the support they need and benefit from the meaningful relationships theyThe Woman She form with their Mentors and other members of their Circle of Support.Is Today 8 With the right services and supports,I Am MOM 12 individuals have the best opportunity to realize their full potential andCommunity participate in community life.Outreach 15 They learn to grow. They create independent, healthy lives, while helping make our communities rich and rewarding places to live.

Dear Readers,It is with great pleasure I welcome you to our 4th edition of Journeys magazine. We are proud tohighlight the positive impact being a Mentor has had on the individuals you will read about. Theseindividuals, many with the same backgrounds and experiences as you, took the opportunity to opentheir homes to an individual with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities through CaliforniaMENTOR’s Family Home Agency (FHA) program and their lives were never the same.A common thread we read in these stories is about the relationships developed through the processof being a Mentor. At California MENTOR we believe relationships are the key to lasting change andempowerment. You will read how the relationships these Mentors developed with the individualsthey supported helped them heal after a loss, re-energize after a struggle, or find a renewed senseof purpose when they needed it most. The fulfillment in being a Mentor comes alive through thesestories.When we open our hearts to help another in need we are often overcome with the impact thataction has on our own lives; a reality these Mentors articulate well. Sharing of themselves, their lifeexperience, their faith, their culture and even their struggles gave more back to them than they hadever expected.With California MENTOR there to offer continued encouragement, support andadvocacy, these Mentors are never alone in the process. Perhaps you recognizesomething in you or someone you know as you read about how these relationshipschanged both lives involved. At California MENTOR we seek to empower individualswith intellectual and developmental disabilities, one relationship at a time. Join us for anopportunity to develop a relationship and change a life; the rewards are limitless. Sincerely, Stacey Risotti Vice President, Operations “When we open our hearts to help another in need we are often overcome with the impact that action has on ourselves” 4 | MENTORSWANTED.COM | JOURNEYS

We Are With You Every Step ofthe WayOpening your heart and home to an adult with disabilities is no small thing; weunderstand. That’s why our experienced team provides comprehensive 24/7 supportto our Mentor families. Our support for Mentors includes case management, 24-houremergency on-call services, medication management and much more. We’re here foryou. Our highly trained team of coordinators, clinicians, supervisors and more willbe with you every step of the way. We also connect you with other Mentors and hostsupport groups so that you can share experiences and learn from your peers.MENTOR CoordinatorsEmbraces a Therapists Peer SupportThe dictionary describes Culture as the “attitude, beliefs,perceptions and values that a group of people share.” We Network offind many cultures in our everyday lives as we interact and Supportare a part of different groups of people, such as in politics,sports, work, religion, family and many others. At California Nurses* ProgramMENTOR we share a Culture of Safety. Leadership CommunityWhen people hear the term Culture of Safety most are Partnersimmediately reminded of environmental safety. We thinkof fire drills, smoke detectors, no slippery floors, sanitation, *These services are available as needed.easy access and other similar things pertaining to physicalhealth and safety. While these things are vitally important Our Matching Processin our Family Home Agency program, we believe a cultureof safety represents every facet of family living. Safety does The matching process is designednot just refer to the environment but includes emotional, to ensure that you and the personmental, physical and sexual well-being as well. who comes to live with you are comfortable so that you can live together as family would and develop a meaningful relationship. Ultimately, you will have the final say over who you choose to welcome into your home.Culture of Safety refers to an environment where it is safe to speak up; where people stop, listen, and validateconcerns and are quick to respond. This culture values, supports and empowers others. It is encouraging,positive, helping and inspiring. It is the foundation of building relationships and enhancing lives.A Culture of Safety is to be aware and vigilant of hazards, danger, risk, vulnerability, peril and threat. It shinesa light on discrimination, manipulation, prejudice, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and is intolerant of suchbehavior. California MENTOR’s Family Home Agency embraces a Culture of Safety and we seek to recruit, certifyand support Mentors who wish to play a part in sharing this culture. JOURNEYS | MENTORSWANTED.COM | 5

What being aMentor is all about part in their lives it does not help them to be independent. We celebrate the achievement of even the smallest task and that brings me joy.” The family always has a great time going out together to the movies, shopping, restaurants, sports, dancing, bowling and camping.Becoming a Mentor has deeply when individuals were “if I don’t play anbrought wonderful changes to exposed to environments where active part in theirMark and his wife. Mark had they had the potential to bedevoted 20 years to working in mistreated or neglected. He saw lives it does nota group home when he found this as an opportunity to touch help them to behimself diagnosed with multiple the life of someone who wanted independent.”sclerosis. Shortly after his new to find their individuality. Oftendiagnosis, it became difficult to this is not possible in a setting One of their favorite activities ismanage the home as a Program with six or more people living watching the San Diego PadresDirector. under the same roof. play. A few years back, the familyOne day, while reading the At times Mark has admitted that decided to get season tickets sonewspaper, Mark noticed an ad it is not easy to be a Mentor, but they could share the experiencefor California MENTOR’s Family being able to lean on his past together.Home Agency and was in awe. experience has been helpful. The household dynamic isMark has always had a heart for “Every day is different,” Mark wonderful; everyone participatesindividuals with developmental stated “and I have realizeddisabilities and it hurt him that if I don’t play an active 6 | MENTORSWANTED.COM | JOURNEYS

and helps with chores and responsibilities. What is a Mentor?Mark has found that taking the time to sit downtogether for dinner or a board game helps foster A Mentor is a person who makes a differencegood communication. This is evident in the way in the life of an adult with intellectual orthe individuals ask for help with big things like developmental disabilities by opening theircomplicated electronics, and simple things like heart and their home; providing the individualgrooming and hygiene. Mark and his wife are always they care for with the support they need tothere to help, assist and teach. This is what being a thrive. With the help of our specialized teamMentor is all about! of health and human services professionals, Mentors become trusted caregivers, friends and advocates for the individuals they care for. This special relationship between the Mentor and the individual they support is the foundation of our program’s success. Our Mentors are our greatest resource; they enable us to help individuals across the country live rich, meaningful lives in the communities they call home, regardless of the challenges they may face. JOURNEYS | MENTORSWANTED.COM | 7

k aren witnessed firsthand the struggles and hardships individuals with developmental disabilities face. She decided to become a Mentor because in her heart she desired to give an individual the opportunity for a better life.The Woman disabilities encountered. She decided to become aShe Is Today Mentor because in her heart she desired to give an individual the opportunity for a better life.Karen’s journey as a Mentor with our Family Home In 2007, Cindy began living in Karen’s home.Agency program (FHA) began 11 years ago. Karen Integrating Cindy into Karen’s family in thebecame interested in becoming a Mentor when beginning was difficult. It appeared that Cindy’sshe learned about the company and the possibility family did everything for her because of herof helping improve the quality of life for an disability and she seemed incapable of doingindividual with special needs. As a special education anything on her own. Karen hoped that one dayteacher for 21 years, Karen witnessed firsthand Cindy would see herself the way Karen saw her, anthe challenges individuals with developmental individual with so much potential to learn and grow. Karen made it her mission to teach and assist Cindy in learning several skills like personal hygiene and long needle knitting.8 | MENTORSWANTED.COM | JOURNEYS

Today, Cindy is not the same woman she waswhen she first moved in with Karen.She has seen Karen’s family grow and over the years she hasgrown as well.

It gives me fulfillment tosee Cindy achieve her goalsand to see her blossom andbecome a happier person. 10 | MENTORSWANTED.COM | JOURNEYS

Today, Cindy is not the same Karen and Cindy enjoy each Cindy was diagnosed, she hadwoman she was when she first other’s company, sight-seeing, never been in the hospital andmoved in with Karen. She has shopping, eating out, and or had surgery. Cindy’s biopsyseen Karen’s family grow and visiting family and friends. was a difficult and emotionalover the years she has grown as Karen feels that the best part experience for both of them.well. Cindy now enjoys brushing of being a Mentor has been Cindy held Karen’s hand andher hair, washing herself, and they both cried. Followingapplying lotion all on her own Cindy donates the Cindy’s surgery, she receivedwhich has given her much self- hats that she knits to radiation treatments and hadconfidence. When Cindy first breast cancer fighters, regular doctor visits for physicalcame to live with Karen, she did homeless individuals therapy. During that time, Karennot like having photos taken and other charities. advocated for Cindy so that sheof her, but now she enjoys the could receive the care that sheopportunity to take pictures. deserved. Karen also learnedIn the beginning, Cindy also how to do physical therapy onstruggled with long needle Cindy’s left arm so that it wouldknitting so Karen took her to a not swell at home.class where she learned to use awheel to knit. When Cindy made learning what Cindy’s real However, despite all of theher first hat, Karen felt so proud interests are and seeing her challenges and difficulties Karenof her. Karen later became a grow and develop into the has faced as a Mentor, her desireleader at their church crochet/ person she is now. “It gives me to help Cindy grow and becomeknitting ministry which Cindy fulfillment to see Cindy achieve a part of society and our worldenjoys attending. She has not her goals and to see her blossom has motivated her to continuemissed one class. Cindy donates and become a happier person,” in her pursuit. With the help ofthe hats that she knits to breast Karen commented. the California MENTOR team,cancer fighters, homeless Being a Mentor has not been an Karen feels she can call on themindividuals and other charities. easy journey for Karen. Cindy anytime and they will be there toCindy also enjoys attending was diagnosed with breast help her. Karen continues to gochurch with the family every cancer a couple of years ago and above and beyond for Cindy asweek. it was very difficult and scary for she is not simply an individual both Cindy and Karen. Before she serves, but she is a part of her family. JOURNEYS | MENTORSWANTED.COM | 11

II AAmMNMotOStMaffGloria first heard about Gloria feels that being a Mentor happiness in the consumer’sCalifornia MENTOR’s Family has brought a great deal to her eyes. She knows they haveHome Agency program when her life. It has taught her how to take learned from her and areson Michael was in Afghanistan. care of her consumers and also grateful. “To see that I am notShe learned about another provided her with knowledge ‘staff’, but I am ‘mom’, and IMichael who was looking to she is able to use with her am never alone.” Gloria loveslive in a family home setting. family. Being a Mentor has even to share her experience withAfter speaking with a member influenced other members of the others and assure them to notof the MENTOR team, Gloria family. Gloria’s daughter is now be afraid. “You can do it, you canand her husband became very interested in becoming a special be a Mentor and you can get tointerested in getting to know education teacher. know your client.”Michael better. “Michael came to One of the most amazing thingsour house for a tour and we both Gloria has found about being adecided he was a good match Mentor is that it has enabled herwith our family,” stated Gloria. to work with Michael and watchTogether with the family, his independence grow. GloriaMichael has been able to receive does not see the individuals asa tremendous amount of support adults with disabilities, but aswith his health issues. Prior to people with abilities. She hasmoving in with Gloria, Michael’s seen their independence grow,doctors were planing to their health and quality of lifeamputate both of his legs. Being improve, and witnessed themin a home environment with a learn that they can achievefamily has provided Michael anything. Michael thought hewith the care that he needed to could not do things on his own,heal. for example, to use the restroomNow the family enjoys spending independently ,but he hasquality time together and being learned he can. He was also ableactive in the community. Taking to stop smoking after being atrips to Laguna and eating out, smoker for over 16 years.watching movies, eating ice Gloria feels that being a Mentorcream and popcorn are just a is easy and comes naturally tofew of the things they love to do. her. She loves to go the extra mile because it is so rewarding to see the smiles and the12 | MENTORSWANTED.COM | JOURNEYS

Who Can Become a Mentor? Our Mentors represent a wide range of backgrounds and skill levels. They may be stay-at-home moms, empty nesters looking for companionship and a way to give back, retirees, or healthcare and social services professionals. Mentors may be married or single, men or women and represent a wide range of ethnicities and religions. One constant among our Mentors, however, is their commitment to care for and make a positive difference in someone’s life. How Can I Become a Mentor? If being a Mentor sounds like it might be right for you or someone you know, contact us at 855-MENTOR2 or visit our website at MentorsWanted.com. We look forward to hearing from you!to see their gratitude and R$Ee2afe5rrn0a!!nd Refer And Earn to know that they have Programlearned from me; I am not Tell someone how they can make a “staff” I am “mom” difference and receive a generous monthly payment as a Mentor. If the person you refer becomes a certified Mentor, you receive $250! To learn more about this amazing opportunity, visit us at MentorsWanted.com.

Having been a Mentor since It’s so rewarding to see their love and1999, 18 years, Gloria has to learn to love someone and to watchseen the program develop your family grow. It helps them, itand grow each year. She helps us too.has enjoyed providing reliefsupport and caring for her events where Gloria has the negative experience. She feels itconsumers, and growing her opportunity to connect with is exactly what she does for herfamily with the addition of her other Mentors has allowed her family - nothing strange - simplyconsumers. Gloria continues to share stories, create ideas automatic. An important partto be a MENTOR because she for outings and feel part of the of the process to Gloria was thebelieves in the program. “I MENTOR family. matching process. She felt thatwould continue to be there for Another support that Gloria and this allowed everyone to find themy clients because they are my Michael love is the opportunity best match for each other.sons,” Gloria stated. “If there was for Michael to attend a day “It’s so rewarding to seenot a MENTOR program I would program. The program comes to their love and to learn to lovestill be there for them because Gloria’s home to pick up Michael, someone and to watch yourwe love each other.” She feels and then drops him off once it is family grow. It helps them, itthat the California MENTOR over. This allows Michael to see helps us too. It is also helpful toteam is not only there for the his friends, develop and learn have the extra income and toconsumers, but the family as new skills, and have fun, while have someone to spend our timewell. Gloria is able to take care of with.” Gloria felt that she tookCalifornia MENTOR’s Circle of things she needs to. the time to decide if this wasSupport has been of great value Gloria says she has felt what she thought it would be ...to Gloria, her consumers and the comfortable from day one being and it was, and more.family. She works closely with a Mentor and never had athe Behavioral Consultants whoprovide her with continuoussupport, and are always lookingout for everyone’s best interest.A team of nurses also workclosely with Michael and thefamily to ensure that his healthissues are monitored andensures he stays healthy. Gloriaalso finds the skill developmentand educational classesoffered through MENTOR verybeneficial.In addition to the Circle ofSupport, California MENTORalso hosts annual events forfamilies and consumers to enjoythroughout the year. Gloriaand Michael recently attendeda 66ers Baseball game whereMichael was selected to throwthe first pitch. Having social14 | MENTORSWANTED.COM | JOURNEYS

Community OutreachStaying Connected Each year our Family Home Agency programs participate in the California MENTOR Autism Awareness Festival, held in the Inland Empire. This free family event provides the opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a variety of entertainment, as well as obtain information about services. Our San Diego team, Mentor and client had a rewarding day volunteering at Friends of Cats in El Cajon. The team was able to interact with the cats and help socialize them for adoption. Friends of Cats is a no kill shelter that has the goal of placing all healthy cats into loving homes, and providing a sanctuary for cats who are terminally ill, or considered unadaptable. Each year our Sacramento Family Home Agency Office is a proud participant in the Getty Owl Run/Walk to help create awareness for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Want to get connected with your community? Host a Coffee Talk or social event to spread the word about becoming a Mentor, and you could receive $250. Ask your local Program Recruiter for more information on getting connected! JOURNEYS | MENTORSWANTED.COM | 15

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