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Standing with Our Entire Community

by Information & Resources

June 8th, 2020

To All Support, Inc. Staff, Families, Individuals in Service, Providers, and Partners:

For over thirty years Support, Inc. has defended our constituents from labels of “otherness” and “less than”.  We have collectively advocated for their rights to the same life and choices as all Americans. So, we deeply respect, honor, and support the Black community’s demands for a long over-due justice and an equal place in our country.

Support, Inc. will not tolerate the wholesale mistreatment of classes of people through systemic bias and racism. We fully support the reform of all institutions and systems that perpetuate discrimination and attitudinal bias in any form; and, recognize that it is diversity that has enriched this country throughout its inception, and must be held as the highest priority for our society.

We will also look inward to ensure we are supporting our staff, providers, and families in the most appropriate way during these trying times.  While also seeking opportunities to strengthen our own awareness, to embrace new or improved practices, and do our part to support the Black community.  As these develop, we will share our journey. 

This will be a work in progress and ask that we collectively join together to make a meaningful difference. 

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LIFE Club Events This Week!

by Information & Resources

Join us for some upcoming virtual events! Check out our new Pop Culture Group on Fridays.

Please follow the links imbedded in this message to participate.

Tuesday, June 16

LIFE Club:  What Makes the Perfect Sandwich?

When:  Tuesday, June 16 from 5:00pm-6:30pm

What: Join us for an evening of friendship, discussion, and learning! These interactive groups will focus on developing skills and confidence for social situations in a way that is fun and informative! LIFE Club is open to all. It is time for another ‘cooking’ lesson. Join us as we discuss what makes the perfect sandwich. We will assemble our sandwiches and then eat together at the end. Come ready to discuss and make your favorite sandwich!

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89924525638 at 5:00pm to participate. Contact christopher.sharkey@supportinc.com or gwen.bonilla@supportinc.com for any questions. Everyone is welcome!

Wednesday, June 17

Moving and Grooving:  Tai Chi

When:  Wednesday, June 17 from 12:00pm-1:00pm

What:  We will join together to discuss life’s stressors while improving the physical health of our bodies to create a healthy lifestyle by learning helpful social and exercise habits. Thisgroupwill incorporate a different movement activity every session. This week will have a tai chi theme! There will be a tutorial and visuals for this fun and meditation based exercise. This is a great opportunity to be active during a virtual time. Adaptable for all abilities!

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85277454478  at 12:00pm to participate. Everyone is welcome! Contact meredith.kane@supportinc.com for any questions.

Thursday, June 18

Touching Stories

When:  Thursday, June 18 from 11:00am-12:00pm

What: Touching Stories is a unique therapy model, specifically designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, that pairs the social and emotional learning of story with sensory integration activities in a way that is educational, engaging, and simply, a lot of fun! We have adapted our Touching Stories for at home use. Gwen will first lead participants in a scavenger hunt for the sensory items needed for the stories (all items are common items found in every home) and then will tell the sensory-based stories to the group. Please see the attached list for scavenger hunt items. If you are curious to learn more, please watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcjzvevJ9_w&t=67s.

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86143640216 at 11:00am to participate. Everyone is welcome! Contact gwen.bonilla@supportinc.com for any questions. Everyone is welcome!

Friday, June 19

Pop Culture Group

When:  Friday, June 19 from 12:00pm-1:00pm

What:  Pop Culture Group is an opportunity for clients to come together and connect over their common interests and explore new ideas at the same time. Come explore different styles of music and comedy for the next six weeks as we discuss, sing, dance, and laugh. This week we are strengthening our funny bone and focusing on comedy. There will be an opportunity to show us your talents after we learn about the skills it takes to perform.

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88042448634 at 12:00pm to participate. Everyone is welcome! Contact meredith.kane@supportinc.com for any questions. All are welcome!

Items needed for Thursday, June 18

We’ll do two stories:

Stone Soup Scavenger Hunt!

Draw or cut out pictures of

  1. A potato
  2. A tomato
  3. An onion
  4. A zucchini

Find the following items:

  1. A large cooking pot
  2. A flat, round rock (about the size of your hand)
  3. Black pepper
  4. A shirt with a pocket (put the potato picture in the pocket)
  5. A folded blanket or towel (put the tomato picture within the folds)
  6. A pair of pants with a pocket (put the picture of the onion in the pocket)
  7. A boot (put the picture of the zucchini in the boot)
  8. A large spoon
  9. A plate (preferably plastic or metal)
  10. An apple (or something that smells like apple)

Lay the items out in order.  Position the client so that (s)he is sitting at a table

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LIFE Club Events This Week!

by Information & Resources

Join us for some upcoming virtual events! Please follow the links included in the descriptions to participate.

Tuesday, June 9th

LIFE Club:  Dance Party or Game Night

When:  Tuesday, June 9th from 5:00pm-6:30pm

What: Join us for an evening of friendship, discussion, and learning! These interactive groups will focus on developing skills and confidence for social situations in a way that is fun and informative! LIFE Club is open to all. Last week we asked for your thoughts, and we heard you loud and clear! There will be the option of a dance party, playing games, or both! We will take the time to hear everyone’s choice and end the night in a fun way!

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/95856274486 at 5:00pm to participate. Contact christopher.sharkey@supportinc.com or gwen.bonilla@supportinc.com for any questions. Everyone is welcome!

Wednesday, June 10th

Moving and Grooving:  Disco Dance Party

When:  Wednesday, June 10th from 12:00pm-1:00pm

What:  We will join together to discuss life’s stressors while improving the physical health of our bodies to create a healthy lifestyle by learning helpful social and exercise habits. Thisgroupwill incorporate a different movement activity every session. This week is all about disco! Learn how funky dance moves can be a fun form of exercise. This is a great opportunity to be active during a virtual time. Adaptable for all abilities!

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85277454478 at 12:00pm to participate. Everyone is welcome! Contact Meredith at meredith.kane@supportinc.com for any questions.

Thursday, June 11th

Touching Stories

When:  Thursday, June 11th from 11:00am-12:00pm

What: Touching Stories is a unique therapy model, specifically designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, that pairs the social and emotional learning of story with sensory integration activities in a way that is educational, engaging, and simply, a lot of fun! We have adapted our Touching Stories for at home use. Gwen will first lead participants in a scavenger hunt for the sensory items needed for the stories (all items are common items found in every home) and then will tell the sensory-based stories to the group. Please see the attached list for scavenger hunt items. If you are curious to learn more, please watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcjzvevJ9_w&t=67s.

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/91755803139 at 11:00am to participate. Everyone is welcome! Contact gwen.bonilla@supportinc.com for any questions.

Everyone is welcome!

Items Needed for LIFE Club on Tuesday 6/9/2020

-Petroleum jelly

-Cotton balls (5)

-Party balloons

Items Needed for the Scavenger Hunts on Thursday, June 10

We’ll do two stories:

Stone Cutter’s Scavenger Hunt!

  1. Yoga mat or towel

*Make sure to wear comfy clothes.

Six Blind Men and the Elephant Scavenger Hunt!

Find the following items:

  1. A spice tea bag, cinnamon, or something that smells like cinnamon
  2. A Hairbrush
  3. A piece of rope (or string)
  4.  A hand-held fan or a piece of cardboard
  5. A bucket or small plastic trash can
  6. A picture of an elephant (from a book, magazine or printed froma google image search)

Lay the items out in order.  Position the client so that (s)he is sitting within reach of a wall

2983124

LIFE Club Events This Week!

by Information & Resources

Join us for some upcoming virtual events! Please follow the links included in the descriptions to participate.

Tuesday, May 18

LIFE Club:  Dance Party or Game Night

When:  Tuesday, May 18 from 5:00pm-6:30pm

What: Join us for an evening of friendship, discussion, and learning! These interactive groups will focus on developing skills and confidence for social situations in a way that is fun and informative! LIFE Club is open to all. Last week we asked for your thoughts, and we heard you loud and clear! There will be the option of a dance party, playing games, or both! We will take the time to hear everyone’s choice and end the night in a fun way!

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/95856274486 at 5:00pm to participate. Contact christopher.sharkey@supportinc.com or gwen.bonilla@supportinc.com for any questions. Everyone is welcome!

Wednesday, May 19

Moving and Grooving:  Disco Dance Party

When:  Wednesday, May 19 from 12:00pm-1:00pm

What:  We will join together to discuss life’s stressors while improving the physical health of our bodies to create a healthy lifestyle by learning helpful social and exercise habits. Thisgroupwill incorporate a different movement activity every session. This week is all about disco! Learn how funky dance moves can be a fun form of exercise. This is a great opportunity to be active during a virtual time. Adaptable for all abilities!

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/642887012 at 12:00pm to participate. Everyone is welcome! Contact ashley.treiber@supportinc.com for any questions.

Thursday, May 20

Touching Stories

When:  Thursday, May 20 from 11:00am-12:00pm

What: Touching Stories is a unique therapy model, specifically designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, that pairs the social and emotional learning of story with sensory integration activities in a way that is educational, engaging, and simply, a lot of fun! We have adapted our Touching Stories for at home use. Gwen will first lead participants in a scavenger hunt for the sensory items needed for the stories (all items are common items found in every home) and then will tell the sensory-based stories to the group. Please see the attached list for scavenger hunt items. If you are curious to learn more, please watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcjzvevJ9_w&t=67s.

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/91755803139 at 11:00am to participate. Everyone is welcome! Contact gwen.bonilla@supportinc.com for any questions.

Everyone is welcome!

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Customer Appreciation Parade

by Information & Resources

BIG News: We have our Customer Appreciation Parade coming up next week, with 10 routes along the Front Range!

With the recent circumstances regarding COVID-19, we know how difficult these times can be. We miss the people we serve and hope you all are doing well.

We want to thank everyone and show our appreciation. We thank you for your diligence in staying safe and taking care of yourself. We thank you for continuing to maintain social distancing standards. And most of all, we thank you for trusting us with your residential services. It is an honor and a privilege to care for the people we serve.

For route details, please contact your coordinator—we’re so excited to deliver gift bags and to see you from a safe distance!!

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LIFE Club Events This Week!

by Information & Resources



Join us for some upcoming virtual events! Please contact the clinicians below to participate in any and all of the groups. They will provide additional information and instructions.

Tuesday, May 12

LIFE Club:  Finding Your Inner Betty Crocker

When:  Tuesday, May 12 from 5:00pm-6:30pm

What: Join us for an evening of friendship, discussion, and learning! These interactive groups will focus on developing skills and confidence for social situations in a way that is fun and informative! LIFE Club is open to all. This week we will be making our favorite snacks! This is a great opportunity work on social skills while having fun in the kitchen. We will provide a recipe with common ingredients! Please contact gwen.bonilla@supportinc.com for more information!

Instructions:  In order to participate, please contact gwen.bonilla@supportinc.com by Tuesday, May 12 at 4:30pm. A link will be sent via email. Please follow the link at 5:00pm to participate. Everyone is welcome!

Wednesday, May 13

Moving and Grooving

When:  Wednesday, May 13 from 12:00pm-1:00pm

What:  We will join together to discuss life’s stressors while improving the physical health of our bodies to create a healthy lifestyle by learning helpful social and exercise habits. Thisgroupwill incorporate a different movement activity every session. We will focus on stretching, mindfulness and inner and outer strength. This is a great opportunity to be active during a virtual time. Adaptable for all abilities!

Instructions:  In order to participate, please contact ashley.treiber@supportinc.com by Wednesday, May 13 at 10:00am. A link will be sent via email. Please follow the link at 12:00pm to participate. Everyone is welcome!

Thursday, May 14

Touching Stories

When:  Thursday, May 14 from 11:00am-12:00pm

What: Touching Stories is a unique therapy model, specifically designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, that pairs the social and emotional learning of story with sensory integration activities in a way that is educational, engaging, and simply, a lot of fun! We have adapted our Touching Stories for at home use. Gwen will first lead participants in a scavenger hunt for the sensory items needed for the stories (all items are common items found in every home) and then will tell the sensory-based stories to the group.

Instructions:  In order to participate, please contact gwen.bonilla@supportinc.com by Thursday, May 14 at 10:00am. A link will be sent via email. Please follow the link at 11:00am to participate. Everyone is welcome!

Scavenger Hunt Items for Touching Stories:

We’ll do three stories:

The Monster on Grandma’s Bed Scavenger Hunt:

Mixing Bowl

Wooden (or other large) Spoon

Pillow

A piece of dark fabric (towel, blanket, sheet, etc) big enough to go over your head

Something furry (stuffed animal, etc)

Flashlight

Piece of dark paper or cardboard

A small blanket

Rapunzel:

An herb or spice that smells fresh (basil, dill, mint, etc)

A LONG piece of yarn, string, or rope (REALLY LONG if possible)

Something with a smooth, flat surface — a dinner plate, a picture frame, or a mirror would work

A small piece of silky fabric (a necktie, a silly handkerchief, etc.)

Scissors

The Stonecutter:

(no scavenger hunt for this story)



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Happy Mother’s Day

by Information & Resources

With the holiday weekend approaching, we want to take a moment to thank our Family Care Givers that so often care for their loved ones without a second thought. The strong Mothers we serve have been committed since day one, and we thank you for the care you continue to provide during these tumultuous times. The bond a child shares with their Mom remains unmatched, regardless of age and time. We see you, we appreciate you and we will continue to be here for you when you need additional support.

Happy Mother’s Day and take care.

Mother’s Day Card from Support

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Quarantine Fatigue: Tips to Battle the Blues

by COVID-19

Quarantine fatigue has been described as the restlessness we feel from staying home so often. We’re itching to get out and for life to return to normal.

While we continue to practice social distancing, please remember to go easy on yourself. Rather than denying how we feel, often times it is best to acknowledge the things outside of our control so we can focus on the things we are able to control. It’s okay to feel sad, tired, bored and depressed. Allow yourself some time to identify these feelings before turning to coping mechanisms.

This is your weekly reminder to allow yourself some grace. It’s totally normal to not feel normal right now, and the least we can do is be kind to ourselves and one another.

Should you need some ideas of things to do at home, please refer to the list below. We continue to support our individuals in services and will be here if you need anything.

  1. Garden
  2. Play board games/sports/video games
  3. Have a scavenger hunt
  4. Learn to cook a new recipe
  5. Schedule virtual hangouts with friends and family
  6. Watch backyard movies
  7. Camp in your living room
  8. Listen to a new podcast
  9. Tour a museum or zoo online
  10. Follow up on those New Years Resolutions

PPD

Provider Pay Day For May: Important Information and Updates

by Information & Resources

We know that routines like Host Home Provider pay day can be confusing with all of the current shutdowns. In an effort to honor the government requests for social distancing as well as our client’s fragile health, we will be mailing Host Home checks this month. Repeat, we are not handing checks out to any HHP, nor will anyone be able to pick them up at any office. HHP checks will be placed in the mail on Friday, April 24th. The intent is that Host Homes will receive the checks on or before May 1st. Providers may cash the checks as early as April 30th but remember the bank will reject any checks presented before April 30th.

We are aware that some HHP paychecks may be incorrect due to early check printing. We want to assure you that we will issue (and mail) corrections immediately when notified for any under payments and that we will reduce next month’s payments for any over payments.

We also want to let you know that we are mailing client personal needs funds (both cash and checks) along with bus passes too.

One final reminder, we are not sending bus passes this month because we mailed the passes to providers with the last pay day.  We do not intend to send bus passes until the Access-A-Ride services are up and running for a full month.

We will be available if you have any questions. And thank you for bearing with us while we navigate new routines and solutions together.