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The Open Door | Friday, March 3, 2017
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The Value of Moments

When I heard about Lexie Ham's passing last night, I just couldn't believe it. Images of her all dressed up with her corsage at the Annual Dinner, her sweet little voice and clips from her film just kept coming to mind as I thought, I'm so glad we at ADEC had the opportunity to honor her and tell her how special she is to us while she could enjoy it.

There's a certain value in taking time to not only enjoy the moments of your own life, but to enrich the moments for others. This happens at ADEC every day as staff  members work one-on-one with the people we serve to make sure they always have access to choice and possibility. Today, I'm so grateful for this work and the depth of life that is lived at this agency.

As always, let us know if you have any stories to share or suggestions for future features. This is your Open Door.  


Whitney Craig, Communications Specialist
craigw@adecinc.com | 574-848-2441

Sign up today for ADEC's 45th annual Walk, Run or Ride-A-Bike


Registration is now open for ADEC's biggest fundraising event of the year! This year's event promises to be like none other with new long routes, special activities and cool prizes. Click here to learn more and sign up today.

65 Videos for 65 Years
Aleigha and Margaret
Meet sisters-in-law, Aleigha and Margaret, Day Service Team Managers at ADEC. Learn how a passion for ADEC clients blossomed into a great friendship, and then how they became relatives.
The Kroll Family
Meet the Kroll family - ADEC board member Tom, his wife Sharon and their son Michael. Learn how they got their son Michael involved in ADEC's services and how it's impacted their lives.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Erin Smoker, ADEC day services client, on the death of her father on February 23. To view his obituary, click here.

We want to celebrate your life events and accomplishment and stand with you during the tough times. Please e-mail Whitney Craig with any weddings, births, deaths, serious illnesses or personal successes you would like to share with fellow ADEC staff members.
We are sorry to share Alexis Ham died Thursday, March 2. She won ADEC's annual Dare to Dream Award in 2016. We remember her vibrant personality as we look back on this video. Lexie was a joyful ray of sunshine who impacted each program she participated in at ADEC. She will be so missed.

To read Lexie's obituary, please click here. We send our thoughts and prayers to Lexie's family, friends, roommates and dedicated staff members.

Update on DSP wage increase advocacy efforts

The House of Representatives has approved a budget that will result in higher pay for Direct Support Professional pay! (Here is some background about how ADEC CEO Donna Belusar has been asking local lawmakers to increase DSP pay.) You can take a moment to celebrate that victory, but then we need to get back to work. Only half the battle has been won. Now it’s the Senate’s turn to look at the budget and determine where Indiana’s money should go for the next several years.
 
You can make a difference. If you are passionate about making sure DSPs are paid what they are worth, reach out to your local Senator and tell him or her what we already know: That direct support professionals make a difference every day in the lives of people with disabilities.
 
Here’s how:

  • Use this “Find Your Legislator” tool. Enter your address and find your State Senator.

  • Write a letter, call the phone number or send an email to the State Senator that represents your district.

  • Not sure what to say? Check out these “Talking Points” from The Arc of Indiana or contact Michelle Sokol at sokolm@adecinc.com for tips.

ADEC welcomed five energetic new staff members last week. Please give each person a warm welcome when you see him or her around.

From L to R:

Carrie Muir | DSP, ADEC Day Services at Bristol
Alan Fodrey | DSP, Mackey Group Home
Tina Harris | DSP, Park Side Group Home
Eddy Mugenzi | DSP, Lutz Group Home
Kara Toland | DSP, Supported Living

February Winners

Pay It Forward continues as a way for ADEC employees to recognize their coworkers for the positive contributions they make each day. Be sure to continue to submit nominations via the employee website and check back in the next month to see who won the drawing. Each winner chooses from a selection of $25 gift cards.
 

Michelle Jones | Nominated by Viv Blakeslee
Tina Lowe | Nominated by Margaret Cook
Hallie Pease | Nominated by Carissa Bickel

Movin' on up at ADEC

Congratulations to the following staff members who have recently received promotions. Way to go!

Shondale Donald received a promotion from DSP at Foster Group Home to Group Home Manager at Goshen Men's.

Meghan Thornton received a promotion from Group Home Manager to Q-Tech Manager at Bridlewood Group Home.

Arnita Vaughn received a promotion from DSP to Med Flex at Park Side Group Home.

ADEC proudly advocates for and serves people with developmental and
cognitive disabilities so they live lives full of choice and possibility.

Special Thanks to the The Open Door team: Crystal Slabaugh, Michelle Sokol and Rod Tackett.

Copyright © 2014 ADEC, All rights reserved.

19670 State Road 120 | P.O. Box 398 | Bristol, IN 46507 | 574-848-7451






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ADEC · P.O. Box 398, 19670 S.R. 120 · Bristol, IN 46507 · USA