TCRC Tri-Line Newsletter - Winter 2008 - Tri-Counties Regional ...

A Community Works Together
by Dan Van Keuren, Service Provider II, Oxnard
Residing on her own in South Oxnard, Pat Briden enjoys her independence.
Her mobile home offers privacy and a great place to
create arts and crafts. Pat is known for her wonderful crocheted
blankets and scarves and
regularly receives ribbons from
the Ventura County Fair. The
SAGE Supported Living Agency
and Lynn Anderson RN from
Arc Ventura County, help her
out at home when she is not
attending the Oceanview Day
Program in Port Hueneme.
Pat with weekly volunteer, Jack Levy When Pat transitioned to a
four point walker last spring, the five steps leading up to her home
went from a challenge to a hazard. It became evident that a ramp
was necessary. According to contractors, the steps and front porch
would have to be demolished. The cost of the project was estimated
to be between $10,000 - $15,000!
The three of us met at Pat’s home and it was determined that Pat
qualified for assistance through Rebuilding Together. Mrs. Prince
contacted a licensed contractor. She secured funds for the construction
materials through a grant from the Changing Life Foundation.
She also coordinated a volunteer work force from Calvary
Christian Church in Westlake Village.
On July 5th, 20 volunteers demolished the steps and porch and built
a twenty-four foot ramp. The volunteers also made some minor
repairs to Pat’s mobile home. Some of Pat’s neighbors came over
and requested assistance with their home - - and some neighbors’s
homes were repaired that day. A few volunteers even mentioned
coming back in the future to paint Pat’s home, all free of charge.
Thanks to collaboration and some outstanding volunteers, Pat now
can enjoy safe access to and from her home.
With primary income from Social Security, Pat could not afford the
ramp that would enable her to continue her independent lifestyle.
After appealing to a variety of community organizations including
the Area Agency on Aging, the Action Foundation and Habitat for
Humanity, I got a lead on another agency. I called Frances Prince of
Rebuilding Together and was relieved to hear “of course, I think we
can be of help”.
Pat using her ramp
Special appreciation to Lynn Anderson, RN consultant for ARC of
Ventura County, Cindy Armstrong, Director of Oceanview, all the
staff of the SAGE SLS Program, and Pat’s Service Coordinator, Dan
Van Keuren. Their persistence and collaboration led to action which
enhanced the quality of Pat’s life.
One Mom’s Positive Message continued from pg 1
by Heather Wennergren, Media Coordinator
parents the positive realities of nurturing a child with a
developmental disability is an important part of my work”.
Kerri emphasizes the possibilities, rather than the potential
disadvantages of living with a child with a developmental
disability.
Recalling the first moments she learned of Miah’s disability,
Kerri reflects upon thoughts clouded by fears about the
experiences that her daughter might have, or might not be
able to have. Having now enjoyed four years with Miah, Kerri
asks herself “what the heck was I thinking? I have hopes for
Miah to do many things. She may live on her own some day,
have the power to make her own choices, make her own
mistakes - - and learn from them.” Kerri describes the impact
that Miah has had on her family, “Miah has changed all of our
lives. We all see the world very differently now. We enjoy our
time together each day and have hope for our future.”
The opportunity to observe Kerri and Miah provides a ‘reality check’ for many parents in terms
of positive approaches to intervention. Miah has been part of Early Start services through TCRC
and now participates in Special Day Preschool, a language based program offered through the
public school system.
Miah lives with her mom Kerri, dad Jacob, and two sisters, Mckenna age 8 and Morgan age 11.
Kudos to Kerri on her enduring effort to raise awareness of the abilities of every child as she provides inspiration and guidance to families.
WINTER 2008 tri-line | 3