Love Notes

 Hello Angels' Place Friends: It was Holy Thursday when Chief Programs Officer Shelly Phenix called to let me know one of our residents was sick. The phone call was grave. He had an upset stomach, vomited, and aspirated some of the content. Given this new issue, combined with his underlying health issues, the outcome did not look good.  Though I was traveling for the Easter weekend, it was comforting to know that several other Angel's Place staff members were at the hospital ICU with the resident and his family. On Good Friday, I was reminded of the sixth station of the Stations of the Cross: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.  By offering her veil to Jesus, Veronica eased Jesus' suffering. Her gesture is remembered as a symbol of kindness and courage in the face of adversity. It seemed to me in that moment that this is exactly what our caregivers were doing...what they do every day. And it is especially noteworthy when they do it while our residents are most vulnerable - ...

 Change isn’t easy for any of us. It can be especially taxing on the people we serve. For many individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities, predictability is key to feeling secure and comfortable. A routine offers a sense of control over their environment, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety or stress. Consistent routines also support the development of essential life skills, encourage positive behaviors, and make it easier to manage daily responsibilities. And yet, change is inevitable and sometimes necessary.  As we commemorate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, it is worthwhile to share some of the ways we plan for transitions. When change is necessary, we do so with the residents in mind. Change is sometimes necessary Recently, six new residents moved into an Angels’ Place home. Soon, six more will join us. Before they move in, we are deliberate with the assimilation. Change is necessary. With their families, we lean into building ...

 Happy Belated Thanksgiving! We are grateful for all you make possible - every day - at Angels' Place. For some, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are the starter's pistol bang to start spending.  There is some dispute about how the tradition started. Some believe it originated as a pagan custom of feasting, partying, and gift-giving during what is now December. Others believe it is embedded in Christianity through the gifts of the Magi to Jesus. Others believe it was influenced by the life of Nikolaos of Myra, a 4th-century saint who was famed for his fondness of giving people gifts. Regardless of the origin, I've come to appreciate that it is not about the exchange of physical packages, but more about the intended expression of love. In that spirit, we share with you some of the gifts of the women and men of Angels' Place. The Gift of Affection For many of our residents, especially those who have restricted or limited vocal skills, a hug is a primary form o...

Dear Friends of Angels' Place, Our Christmas wishes are that you have time to enjoy your family and that you might have time to reflect on the first Christmas in the context of things you experience today. You might think about the three journeys at the heart of the Christmas story: Mary and Joseph traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem; the three kings traveling from the East; Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to Egypt to avoid the wrath of Herod. As we think about these journeys, we are grateful for the many journeys you share with our residents. The journeys of Bob, Dan, Diana, and Tara - individuals who moved into an Angels Place home for the first time in the last year. There, they will be cared for, well fed, and lead enriching lives. Because you walk the journey with them, their initial trepidation turns into comfort; their guardian's fear turns into confidence. The journeys of our aging residents who often suffer with challenges that co-occur with intellectual and developmenta...