Peaceful Transitions | Anticipating and Managing Change
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 new routines — so when the women or men move in, they feel secure in managing their new daily activities.
In other cases, we are changing the layouts of homes and enrichment facilities, furniture, vehicles and other assets of resident life. Change is necessary. We work to manage these changes in the best possible ways; always for the benefit of the residents.
Routine supports life skills
As long as there has been an Angels’ Place, there has also been Sr. JoAnn Ciampa. She has been a loving force in the residents’ lives. As she retires, we are fortunate that Karen MacDonald is her successor. Before Sr. JoAnn retired, Karen was engaged with the residents in the office and at special events. As she assumed the new leadership role for Enrichment, she has continued the routines set by Sr. JoAnn and the volunteers — and is now rolling in new activities.
Planning for transitions
You will note several organizational changes in the roster adjoining this column.
Our organizational by-laws prescribe board members terms and plan for transitions. Recently Mary Joliat and Kevin Cassidy joined the board. They have been engaged with us for years — Mary’s brother-in-law was a resident and Kevin’s brother still is. The board members whose terms have expired — Schuyler Hamill, Paul Widlak, and Bill Girardot — continue to be engaged on important board subcommittees. Their presence provides important continuity.
Shannon White-Schellenberger recently replaced Lauren Paton as Chief Operating Officer (Lauren desired a better work/life balance for herself and her family); Shelly Johnson replaces Shannon as Chief Program Officer. Shannon and Shelly have worked with our residents for years. We are grateful for the consistency, professionalism, and stability they bring to our residents and their families.
We also continue to anticipate future inevitable change and are cultivating the next generation of leaders.
You are an important constant
While the residents don’t have the chance to physically experience many of our supporters often, they do feel the impact of your predictable presence.
Your constant physical, financial, and spiritual support provides security and comfort. You support the development of essential life skills. You encourage positive behaviors. You make it easier to manage daily responsibilities.
On behalf of the women and men of Angels’ Place and their families, thank you for all you do.