LifeROOTS Latest: Fall/Winter, 2012

Twin Dreams – And LifeROOTS:
How the Advocacy of Parents, and the Help of LifeROOTS, Helped Create a True “Success Story”

Dr. Pamela Martin vividly remembers the moment she knew she had become a parent advocate for her twin sons – born prematurely in 1976 and each facing multiple medical problems right from birth.  Standing at the front of her seven week-old son’s crib at NYU Medical Center where he was waiting for a shunt to be put in for surgery, she could just tell that he was dehydrated – and refused to let him be taken in for surgery that day.  When a doctor later came in and agreed with her for insisting on postponing the surgery, she knew how important her role as a parent advocate would be in making sure that her sons always got the right care -- and for many years to come, she continued to be an outspoken advocate for her children as together they navigated the challenges facing children with disabilities.  

Although sons Jason and Scott weren’t officially diagnosed with their disabilities until between the ages of two and three, it was clear early on that they each had delayed motor skills.  Upon moving to New Mexico when the boys were two, Pam brought her sons to “Programs for Children” at UNM – where, after diagnostic tests and guidance from “an incredible pediatric orthopedic surgeon”, it was recommended that she take the boys to LifeROOTS (which was then on the UNM campus) for services.  That move, recalls Pam, was a crucial step towards helping the boys not only receive the services they need, but truly grow and thrive during those important developmental years.

“That time was a critical period for our family,” remembers Pam, who notes that being a full-time working mother also added to the challenges of busy schedules and the need to get the boys the services they needed.  “At LifeROOTS, not only were the boys able to receive all of the therapies that they needed, but LifeROOTS provided them with a nurturing learning environment that met their early education and pre-school needs.  By providing the boys with both special services and a supportive learning environment all in one place, LifeROOTS made it possible for the boys to learn without being limited by their physical disabilities – and made all of the difference during those important early years.”

After such a good experience at LifeROOTS, though (where she still recalls the “amazing staff and the support system she built with other parents in the program”), Pam soon found that she would need to resume her role as an advocate for her sons as they entered public school at age 6.   Remembering that “public school was such a shock” and recalling many instances where she had to advocate for each of the boys in order for them to get the services they needed, she hopes that other parents have also taken on the role as advocates for their children, and offers some important insight from her many years of helping both of her sons reach their true potential.

“I really believe that more attention has to be paid to parent advocacy,” she says, further noting that although both she and her husband have Ph.Ds, they often felt at a loss and confused as they worked to get the right care for their children.  “No matter how wonderful your doctor may be, or how you think your child is getting the right care, you have to be the main case manager for your child.  You have to know your rights and, most importantly, be vigilant when it comes to looking out to make sure your child is getting everything he or she needs so that they can not only receive the best care as a child, but can go on to achieve their dreams as an adult.”

For sons Jason and Scott, their parents’ hard work and advocacy (as well as their early years at LifeROOTS) most certainly paid off – as both have gone on to not only become successful adults, but truly live their dreams.  After graduating from law school and serving as a public defender, Jason has spent the past four years as a disability attorney in New Mexico.   Scott, who graduated from college in Texas and earned two master’s degrees, went on to become a teacher in Japan – and is currently working on his first novel. Both are happily married and Jason has two children.

Having been through years of raising children faced with physical challenges, Pam now hopes to empower other parents with her story of advocacy – and success.  

“It’s important for parents of a child with a disability to remember that they can be their child’s most important advocate,” stresses Pam.  “Help is out there, and there are so many supports that you can find to help both you and your child.  Find the strength and power to do whatever you can to ensure that your child gets the help that he or she needs – and never stop fighting for your child.”

Board Member Profile: Myron Saldyt

Myron Saldyt joined the LifeROOTS Board of Directors in 2004 – bringing not only his strong leadership skills and business insight to the Board, but his expertise as an architect to LifeROOTS during an important time during the organization’s growth.  He joined the Board as a way to give back and do his part in helping others, spurred in part by being thankful for being the father of healthy twins.    

Myron, an architect with NCA Architects, played an instrumental role during the organization’s move from our previous location after 46 years – providing insight into structural issues and design planning for the new building, offering guidance during the organization’s relocation and serving as Chair of the Building Committee.  Today, he continues to play an integral role within the Board, where he serves on the Board Development Committee and in the position of Interim Treasurer.  

A longtime leader in the architectural community, Myron has been an architect at NCA Architects for more than 25 years and is a licensed architect registered in New Mexico.  We are honored to have had Myron serve on our Board for nearly a decade, and we are grateful for the continuing important role that he plays in helping us with our mission of helping to empower the lives and shape the futures of those with disabilities.

We are currently seeking to further grow our  Board as we continue to move LifeROOTS forward in working to achieve our mission of helping to “empower the lives” and “shape the futures” of those with disabilities. If you are interested in becoming a board of directors member please contact Kathleen Cates, CEO at KathleenC@LifeROOTSNM.org or call 505.255.5501.

What’s Happening in Community Services

A new contract was created between Greetings Etc., Inc. and LifeROOTS. The contract consisted of hiring a full time (40 hour) worker beginning October 11, 2012. The position (Printer’s Helper) is responsible for cutting paper, mailing duties, packaging, and bindery. Surprisingly, on 10/22/2012 the company requested an additional crew of 3 plus and a Job Coach to complete the stuffing of 22,000 informational flyers. It took the crew 3.5 days to fulfill the requirements. The owners were very pleased with the accomplished work. Hopefully, this will lead to more assignments in the future. A SPECIAL THANKS to the crew, the Menaul Day Habilitation staff for helping with transportation, and to Job Coach Raina Luna who oversaw the crew.
LifeROOTS has once again created a beautiful new line of holiday cards for the 2012/2013 season. The cards were designed, created and produced by members of the LifeROOTS program – and showcase the tremendous dedication, commitment and talent of the programs members who are all living with a disability … and who have found their passion in art.

Help Children and Adults with Disabilities...While Enjoying Delicious Pies

LifeROOTS is giving people the opportunity to help raise funds for the organization -- while enjoying delicious pies from the Village Inn this holiday season. 
The LifeROOTS pie fundraiser, which runs through December 31st, gives people the opportunity to buy special “pie cards” through LifeROOTS for pies at the Village Inn. Pie cards are priced at $15 for one pie, and $25 for two pies -- with the chance to order from a wide selection of pies.
Money raised through the LifeROOTS holiday pie fundraiser will go to fund vital technology equipment needed in both the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho centers. LifeROOTS programs currently touch the lives of more than 2,000 individuals with disabilities and their families each year.
Pie gift cards can be purchased at both the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho locations. The Albuquerque office is located at 1111 Menaul Boulevard NE, and the Rio Rancho office is located at 1009 Golf Course Road in Rio Rancho. 
For more information, contact Kathleen Cates at 505-255-5501.

A Great Way to Celebrate the True Meaning of the Upcoming Holidays 

LifeROOTS Holiday Cards are available in a package of 12 cards priced at $25, and are available as both Christmas/Hanukkah cards and New Years cards. Each card was designed and created by the loving hands, kind heart and diligent, passionate work of a person living with a disability. The cards depict a variety of winter scenes and holiday themes, and with their inspirational messages and carefully created artwork, truly reflect the meaning of what the holidays are all about – both for the person who created the card, as well as for those “paying it forward” and sending the cards to others this holiday season.
Cards are available to order online at www.liferootsnm.org. In addition, to request an order form, call 505-255-5501.

A Trip To The Library … And A Big Step Forward

For Stephanie Chavez, the thought of taking 19 month old son Moises Portillos to the library seemed like a daunting task.  In fact, according to Stephanie, the quiet library is probably the last place that she would have thought to take Moises – who, due to developmental issues, often yells and has a hard time sitting still and focusing … and who at home won’t even look at a book.
However, a trip to the library is just what Mary Becker, who has been working with Moises at LifeROOTS since he was referred in May, thought might make a great experience for Moises and the whole family.  She couldn’t have been more right – and Stephanie couldn’t be more excited about the outcome of the recent first library visit as a family.   
“When Mary brought up the idea of taking Moises to the library, it took me a few weeks to really think about whether or not it could work out,” recalls Stephanie, noting that there really aren’t too many public places that she feels comfortable taking Moises due to his yelling.  “I was nervous about bringing Moises into such a quiet environment, but at the same time I was eager to have Moises, and our whole family, experience all that the library has to offer and start helping him adapt to new situations and environments.”  
Making the decision to take a “group trip” to the library, Stephanie, Moises, Mary -- and Stephanie’s 5 year old daughter Matalena Portillos – headed to the local library … where they almost had to turn right around immediately upon entering.  Right at the front of the library entrance was a service dog – sending Moises into immediate screams, and making Stephanie question whether the library trip was going to end up a disaster.
“As soon as he saw the dog, Moises began screaming loudly,” Stephanie remembers, also recalling how her first instinct was to turn right around and head home.  “However, Mary calmly said that we should all go in, took Moises right to the back and started showing him books, communicating with him in sign language and really holding his attention.”
Before long, 45 minutes had passed – and Stephanie couldn’t believe that Moises was able to sit still, and really enjoy himself, for that long.  Stephanie recalls that she left the library “crying with happiness” that day – excited not only for what had been accomplished, but for what this small step meant for him – and the entire family.
“This trip to the library was such an important step for our family,” says Stephanie, who notes that, due to Moises, previously had to forgo taking Matalena to the library visits she loved.  “I’m excited to now not only be able to have both Matalena and Moises experience the library together moving forward,  but I am so grateful for Mary and for this experience which showed me all that is possible in the future as Moises continues to grow.” 

Mark Taylor Receives the Many Acts of Random Kindness (MARK) Award Awarded by Civitan International

Recently, Mark Taylor was granted the Rio Rancho Civitan International Award for his contributions to the community. Mark is an adult learner in the literacy program at LifeROOTS, Inc.  Although Mark is retired, he maintains a full schedule of volunteer work and other community involvement activities.
In Marks words:
I retired from work in 2006 and moved to New Mexico from New York in 2007.  I like to keep busy and have always had a sense of serving the community.  I quickly found places to volunteer.  Currently, I am volunteering with Rio Rancho Civitan International, and at the Westside Lovelace Hospital. I also volunteer with the Quality Work Environment Committee at LifeROOTs, Inc. and with the VA Spinal Cord Injury Center.  When the fall comes around I help park vehicles at the Balloon Fiesta.
Volunteering is very meaningful because it gives me a sense of pride. Serving the community has given my life a new purpose. On September 22nd 2012, I was given the Civitan International Award for Community Service.  Civitan International is a non-profit organization which aims “to build good citizenship by providing a volunteer organization of clubs dedicated to serving individual and community needs with an emphasis on helping people with developmental disabilities.”   Volunteers are known as Civitans. There are over 1,000 clubs around the world with 40,000 members. 
My Civitan club is called the City of Vision Civitan. We meet every Thursday night to discuss individual and community needs. We help individuals with special needs, families, children in schools, and single-parents. We have clothing and food drives. We sponsor reading programs and collect school supplies too.  In the past we have helped people with wheelchair ramps, as well as participate in adopt-a-highway.
I recommend everyone to get involved in their communities. I feel people have to learn to help each other in order to build a better place for us all to live.