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 Spotlight: Linda Geiszler

Linda Geiszler has been an instrumental member of our Board since 2004. As past Board Chair and a current member of the Personnel Committee, she brings a great deal of expertise and insight to the LifeROOTS Board of Directors, and continues to make a tremendous difference in helping us to reach our goals of providing outstanding programs and services to those with disabilities.

An established leader in the local business community, Ms. Geiszler is the Human Resources Director at QinetiQ North America. She formerly held the position of Manager, Staffing & Organization Development at Lockheed Martin KAPL, and was the Human Resource Manager at GE Power Systems. Ms. Geiszler, who received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wittenberg University, is a true leader in the community and in her profession – and we remain honored to have her on our Board.

Ron and Ted's Excellent Adventure

LifeROOTS Summer Newsletter 2012

 The Key Role of a Board Member in 

a Not-For-Profit Organization

 ... and How You Can Make a Difference at LifeROOTS

As the new fiscal year arrives, it is important to recognize the crucial role the Board of Directors plays in the operation of LifeROOTS. We are fortunate to be working with so many outstanding individuals as part of our Board – and 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.

LifeROOTS is looking for Board Members who:

• Love someone who has been diagnosed or struggles with a disability anytime within their lifetime.
• Anyone who would like to lead their community to a more active position in supporting the community.
• Anyone who has a financial education
• Anyone who has experience working with children or adults with special needs.
• Anyone who has skills and access to legislatures or decision makers.
• Anyone who would like to reduce government funding for very needed non for profit services.
• Anyone who is able to use their relationships, skills and abilities to communicate about the services we provide.

Why would you become a LifeROOTS Board Member?

• You would meet and build a trust with other community members who are active in improving their community.
• You would create an opportunity to support the community that supports you.
• Through your hard work you will reduce the need for government support.
• You will have fun meeting employees, clients and friends of our organization at our yearly Explora event.
• You would receive a tax deductible documentation toward all of your financial or in kind donations.
• You will know that your hard work and commitment has improved the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Your dedication has created services and opportunities that have empowered lives and shaped their futures.

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.

LifeROOTS and SupplyOne Celebrate 5 Year Anniversary

We are thrilled to have recently marked a very special anniversary here at LifeROOTS – where we have just celebrated 5 years of providing business services to one of our key business partners: SupplyOne. Over the past five years, LifeROOTS has provided packaging and shipping services to this commercial organization – resulting in the successful (and cost-effective) completion of countless assembly jobs for SupplyOne. Over the years, this partnership has helped to enrich the lives of many of our LifeROOTS clients by helping them to secure meaningful, productive jobs within the community – and, in addition, has resulted in permanent intermittent employment for three individuals with disabilities.

As we continue to move forward and help “empower the lives” and “shape the futures” of our LifeROOTS clients through programs such as our business partnership program that provides jobs to those with disabilities, we offer our special thanks to employees, the Job Coaches and, most of all, everyone at SupplyOne – for the tremendous role that SupplyOne has played in the success of our Business Partnership Program.

We look forward to marking many more years, and important anniversaries, of working with both SupplyOne, and our many other business partners, to help those with disabilities thrive in the workplace.

LifeROOTS Launches New Pie Fundraiser, With Proceeds Going to Update Technology for LifeROOTS Clients

 

LifeROOTS is pleased to announce our latest, and most delicious, fundraiser yet!

We will be selling gift cards for pies at the Village Inn -- giving people the chance to order from a wide selection of pies, including: Cherry, French Silk, Coconut Cream, Lemon Meringue, Lemon Supreme, Country Apple, Pumpkin(seasonal), Strawberry Rhubarb and Triple Berry.

Consider purchasing one of these special pies -- great for anytime, and perfect for the holidays!

Pie gift cards can be purchased beginning on September 14th at our special event at Explora, located at 1701 Mountain Road NW., from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. After that, they can also be purchased at the Menaul office through the receptionist and at both Centers. The pie fundraiser continues through December 31.

Pricing: 1 pie card - $15.00 or 2 pie card - $25.00.

Help us make our pie fundraiser our most successful fundraiser ever ... and enjoy a delicious pie in the process!

Client Spotlight: Jesus

Jesus is a LifeROOTS client who, as a young child, was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor -- a type of kidney cancer that occurs in children. The disease, which is the most common form of childhood kidney cancer, occurs in 1 in 200,000 to 250,000 children, and usually attacks when the child is less than 3 years old, and rarely occurs after age 8.

Jesus lives with his parents Ana and Jesús -- who are good parents dealing with a very difficult situation, and who work every day to provide the strength, discipline, love and dedication needed. The family is of very limited resources, and have found great support through LifeROOTS in order to help Jesus, and the whole family, through this difficult time. Working closely with both Jesus and the family, the LifeROOTS team participated in support, information, and coordination of services with other institutions -- ensuring that Jesus not only received the services that LifeROOTS provides to help him overcome any obstacles and reach his full potential, but ensuring that Jesus, and the family, were able to navigate the complex health system during this very trying time for them, and that Jesus received the best possible medical care from a wide variety of health care providers and specialists.

Today we are very happy to say that Jesus is in remission and in very good health. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Jesus and his family and watch the strides he made each day -- and are so happy that LifeROOTS could play a role in helping a family through a difficult time -- and helping a very special little boy by providing the services, and a team of caring professionals, that helped to bring a smile to his face.

LifeROOTS Partners with Diaper Bank of New Mexico

One in three families in America struggles to afford diapers for their children – and with assistance programs not covering diapers, low-income families often have great difficulty finding a way to secure diapers for their families.  In addition to children’s diaper needs, diapers and incontinence products are desperately needed by the elderly and those with disabilities throughout the region.  In fact, according to information from the Diaper Bank of New Mexico, “a disabled person who cannot afford incontinence supplies cannot work, cannot live independently. And the parents of a disabled child may never be relieved of the expense of diapering a child - even when the child is 8 or 13 or 22.”

To help ensure that diaper needs are met for our area’s low income families, the elderly and those families caring for someone with a disability, we have partnered with The Diaper Bank of New Mexico.  We are collecting diapers to help in this great effort  – and are happy to be part of this community effort involving numerous other not-for-profit organizations all working together to help families in need throughout New Mexico. 

For more information on how to contribute to diaper bank and to arrange a drop off at our offices, call us at 505-255-5501.  For more information about the Diaper Bank of New Mexico and the great work they are doing in spearheading this important initiative,
visit www.diaperbankofnm.weebly.com.

LifeROOTS Fundraising with @Pay

Its now easier than ever to make a donation to LifeROOTS. LifeROOTS is now using @Pay emails to inform supporters and raise money for important issues.

@Pay is now the best way to send donations – straight from within an email. In just two clicks—the first to make a selection, and the second to confirm the payment - you can help fund specific programs; $20 could send a child to the educational play group for 1 week, 80 could buy one equestrian therapy session for a child, and $150 could fund a pool therapy class of 6 toddlers for 2 weeks. Different options are presented on a monthly basis.

@Pay is a natural evolution for the Albuquerque-based consulting firm Clover Leaf Solutions, Inc. From its inception, Clover Leaf’s purpose has been to improve real-world conditions by automating complex systems. Since 2005, Clover Leaf has been developing technology for clients that is both effective and easy to use. Clover Leaf expanded its technology in 2011 to benefit charitable organizations.

If you would to be added to our email list, please email KathleenC@liferootsnm.org with your request to receive updates.

LifeWORKS Now Offering “Broom Clean” Services

 

LifeROOTS is pleased to announce the launch of our latest division of our LifeWORKS program – specialized “Broom Cleaning” services guaranteed to get recently renovated or construction spaces in broom-clean condition before handing the space back to the owners.

Our new “Broom Clean” services offer experienced, professional and courteous custodial workers helping to get a property in broom clean condition, which includes the removal of all debris and trash; cleaning  of construction dust from all surfaces; mopping and vacuuming; and disinfecting all surfaces, fixtures and appliances.  Our workers, LifeROOTS clients with disabilities involved in our LifeWORKS program, specialize in post-renovation/post-construction clean up – providing a great way for contractors to get a property “broom clean” quickly and cost-effectively .. .while helping to provide a great opportunity to those with disabilities.

For more information about LifeWORKS and our new “Broom Clean” Services, call us at 505-255-5501, or visit us online at www.LifeWORKSnm.org.

LifeROOTS Launches Bilingual “Inclusion Playgroups”

 

Parents of 2 and 3 year olds looking for a fun, stimulating learning environment for both typical and special needs children have an exciting new option when it comes to pre-school programs.  LifeROOTS has introduced a new bilingual “Inclusion Playgroup” licensed program specifically designed to integrate typical children and children with developmental delays -- providing an opportunity for them to play together, interact and practice school skills in a classroom-like setting. 

The LifeROOTS Inclusion Playgroups were designed to provide a setting for typical children and those with developmental delays to engage in a number of fun -- and educational -- activities together, including sensory activities and circle time.  The program also offers a special indoor gross motor area and outdoor play area.  Snack time is also provided.  Inclusion Playgroups are led by bilingual teachers with expertise in early childhood education of 2 and 3 year olds, as well as experience in special education.

The Inclusion Playgroup program is available at no cost for eligible children enrolled in the Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program; for children not enrolled in the FIT Program, there is a $10 cost per session. For more information, call 505-255-5501. 

In Memory of Roberta Ortega, Adult Learner,

LifeROOTS, 1961-2012

We are greatly saddened by the recent passing of LifeROOTS Adult Learner Roberta Elaine Ortega.  Roberta touched many lives here at LifeROOTS and was an inspiration to all those who knew her.  Following is a tribute to Roberta written by Brian Onarheim – a friend of Roberta’s from Literacy class at LifeROOTS. 

Roberta Ortega passed away on August 2nd, 2012.  We all enjoyed the time she spent with us in literacy. The Roberta we knew had a big heart and a great way of helping others when they were feeling down.  She always knew how to give everyone in class a good laugh. Roberta had a warm smile and she loved to bring joy to the adult learners.

She encouraged us to be happy and not to take things too seriously.

She was secure with herself enough to freely share life experiences, which were interesting. Roberta made me feel like a real person. She believed in me especially when I was going through challenging times. Her kind and generous support made the difference in my life when overcoming obstacles.
Roberta was involved with self- advocacy.  She was a strong advocate for me and others. She was always busy typing letters to politicians in class and this inspired me to do the same. 

I had the opportunity to hear Roberta advocate at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe and local presentations in Albuquerque. This was a wonderful experience because it encouraged me to get involved. Seeing the beauty in her made me see the beauty in myself and I became determined to share my life experiences with others as well. With her support I then believed I had value and was an important part of the community. 

We had many good times together in literacy. Everyone will miss Roberta’s jokes and her playfulness.  She would like to tease in a caring manner like calling Bob “Kenny Rogers” or “Sponge Bob Square Pants.” Roberta had nicknames for people -  for instance, she called Carol “Princess” or Max “Grandpa.” She liked to call Richard, “The Teach”; Chris, “George Clooney” and Mia, “My Beautiful Angel”

Roberta still feels very much alive in us so much we still are expecting her to walk through the literacy door any moment. Her spirit lives on in us now.  I know I will never forget her because the love she showed me had a strong impact on how I see the world today.

Brian Onarheim
Adult Learner, LifeROOTS, Inc.

Changes to disabilities waiver could devastate workforce

As seen in New Mexico Business Weekly by Kathleen Cates, Guest Opinion

Date: Friday, August 3, 2012

Kathleen Cates

On October 1, if nothing is done to prevent it, proposed changes to the developmental disabilities waiver will go into effect in New Mexico.

These proposed changes and cuts to the DD waiver will significantly and negatively impact the many individuals with disabilities in our community who have made tremendous strides in reaching their full potential through programs that have helped them enhance their quality of life and enabled them to become active, productive members of the community and workforce.

For months, controversy surrounding these proposed cuts to the DD waiver has spurred health care providers and consumers to voice concern and outrage about the negative impact these cuts will have on a vulnerable population.

Through public forums and public comments, those of us concerned about the issue have worked diligently to try to stop these changes from going into effect on October 1. Final opportunities to voice opposition to these proposed DD waiver changes are coming in August. A public hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. August 6 at the Toney Anaya Building, 2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe.

Proposed changes to the DD waiver will have a far-reaching effect that will extend not only to the many families in our area caring for those with disabilities, but also will impact our entire community and local workforce. Families forced to deal with reduced services and cuts in therapy for their children will be searching for ways to continue to help their loved ones thrive through the specialized care that has assisted so many disabled individuals throughout New Mexico.

Cuts to the DD waiver, and a reduction in services for their children, will leave many of today’s working parents scrambling to find the funding and time to supplement this reduction in state services, while still trying desperately to balance the daily demands of caring for a family member with a disability and holding down their jobs in today’s tumultuous economy.