Tuesday, March 3, 2015

The importance of thoughtful ambassadors




When passion for an injustice, a cause or a principle burns in our belly what do we do with it?  

Like any fire, our passion must be tended very carefully.  Locked within us, it may eventually starve and wither away, forgotten.  Overfed, it pours from us in a way far too intense, something that people back away from.  For those of us at Heritage Christian, our passion can overshadow the very intention of the people we are here to support.  It takes thoughtful balance to ensure the voices of the people we serve are heard.

When our thoughtful passion aligns with the most important needs of the people who use our services, it defines our advocacy.  When we have listened closely enough, their stories and what they want for their lives shape us as ambassadors, allowing us to speak in a way that excites others.  We fuel others with opportunities and solutions.  We have a clear way to move forward.

Heritage Christian ambassadors aim to be faithful and positive.  We speak always of the person first.  We work diligently to eliminate the barriers to access and opportunity that are often caused by a perception of disability, and we instead focus on similarities.  

We need a mighty force of diverse ambassadors.  Ambassadors who represent our passion for better outcomes for those we walk along side.  Ambassadors who find ways to stretch and serve the many in need of the right support.  Ambassadors who improve access by welcoming others into new opportunities.

This week challenge yourself.  Who can you welcome in?  Make an introduction. Model person first language. Share a story that connects us through similarities. Highlight a powerful support relationship.  

Lead as an ambassador, share your story, focus your advocacy – and watch the impact you'll have. 

Monday, February 2, 2015

An Opportunity for Renewal


By: Marisa Geitner, president & C.E.O. of Heritage Christian Services

Welcome 2015 -- and welcome to an opportunity for renewal!  Why?  Because there is no more important time to serve and this kind of work requires renewal.

If you, like me, struggle to find your inner 'umph' from time to time, let me remind you the need for support continues to grow, not only among those with developmental disabilities but among all- our youth and elders alike.

The support each person wants continues to broaden.  Parents are no longer accepting the short comings of school age educational plans, adults no longer accepting "one size fits all" program solutions and elders demanding respectful care in their home rather than placement into a home.

The systems that must be established to ensure that care industries achieve better individual outcome with better health and lifestyle options, must also be rebuilt in a manner that allows us to serve the number in need- not just the number who have made it inside the front door. 

We have to look forward and plan for solutions that will serve us well for years to come.  That’s why we are collaborating differently and working actively with our Health Care providers to break down redundant systems and achieve better support for those with chronic care needs.

I am reminded of a Maya Angelou quote that I keep nearby, "Strong women and strong men... protect the children, tend the ailing, care for the aged, and in fact, reassure the entire world."

When faced with a challenge, it sometimes comes down to two questions- "If not us, then who?" "If not now, then when?" 

Then we take a deep breath and take a step.