Sean to the Rescue!

Thank you to Amy DeBurgh, Director of Volunteers and Guest Services, for writing today's blog.

Sean Krause is a graduate of Shepherds College and is a participant in the Shepherds Ministries Catalyst program.  I spoke with his mom recently, and she relayed an amazing story to me about him.  

Sean’s mom, Leona, and his dad, David, recently gave in to Sean’s long-time request to get an iPhone. Shortly after this purchase, he was sent back to his home and his job at Shepherds, with little or no instruction on how to use it.  He had already picked up bits and pieces of information about an iPhone, from people around him who have one.  One of Sean’s responsibilities for Shepherds Ministries is to travel on the Gospel Team with Al Pick, our Midwest field representative, visiting churches and sharing with them the Gospel using many Scripture verses.  While on the road, Sean learned how to use the Map app on his iPhone.  This would be very useful, as it turns out, to save his dad in a dangerous health emergency.

While visiting his parents over Thanksgiving, Sean decided to go play some touch football with some guys from church.  He and his dad were on their way to the game when it became evident that something wasn’t right.  After they had been gone about half an hour, Sean’s mom received a phone call from him.  “Dad pulled over, mom.  Dad, talk to my mom!”  Sean’s father was unresponsive.  He is diabetic and his blood sugar had bottomed out.  When his mom asked Sean where they were, he looked around and told her the location.  She was unsure about that information.  Sean had been learning more about using his phone, and he was able to send their location to her phone from his.  Sean and his dad indeed were where he said they were.  She sped to the location and called 911.  Sean’s awareness of his surroundings and his growing independence and confidence in using technology served to keep his father from possibly slipping into a coma.  His father made a quick recovery and was able to drive everyone home from the hospital that day.  He had taken measures to regulate his blood sugar, but it didn’t take effect as soon as he had hoped.

Sean’s mom and dad praise God for Shepherds College and the Catalyst program.  They can’t say enough about the amazing ways they see Sean growing in confidence, ability and independence.  Leona said, “Every time he comes home to visit, he knows more and does more for himself.  I never should have doubted him.”

The In-Crowd

Thank you to Amy DeBurgh, Director of Volunteers & Guest Services, for writing today's blog.

I have never really cared about being a part of the in-crowd... until now.  About once a week, usually on a  Friday, a gang of ladies from the Catalyst program comes into my office. They are a lot of fun.  I am so amused by them.  We talk about their upcoming weekend plans and make each other laugh.  It’s that Friday feeling that everyone recognizes; the energy and smell of coming freedom.  They, like I am, are anticipating a few days off and they have a feeling the potential for friendship wackiness is high.  I get caught up in their enjoyment, and feel very welcomed there. 

These ladies are so terrific.  They have a gift that most adults don’t have.  It’s the ability to cut out the formalities and just enjoy life and each other.  It’s a fun thing to get pulled into.  All of a sudden, I have instantaneous, accepting friends.  Not just any kind of friendship is being built here.  It’s a convicting one.  Questions are thrown to me and answers are expected.  If we’re honest, we’ll admit that sometimes we catch and throw the fast-pitch “How are you?” and we don’t really take time to give or get the answer.  That kind of indifference is missing from these ladies.  They ask.  They look at me.  They wait for the answer.  They respond.  And I think I want to be more like that.

Hurts, joys, thoughts about God, triumphant achievements, perturbations, are all readily available.  My girls can’t be fake.  Honesty defines them.  How refreshing.  A conversation about the Lord is just a word away.  It’s a safe and fun place to be me.  I can tell they feel that way about each other too.  They share in the benefits of adulthood employment, independence and freedom while maintaining the childlike faith that Christ puts immeasurable value on.

In a manner of speaking, I guess I kind of feel like part of the in-crowd now. It’s a really good in-crowd that accepts everyone.  What a special thing. 

Remembering Jasmine

Thank you to Cindy Weitzell, Independent Support Coordinator for the Catalyst Program, for writing today’s blog.

 

Jasmine came into the lives of the residents and staff at just four months old. She quickly became Shepherds dog. As I walked the halls, people would say “Jasmine!” and forget I was there… but that’s okay. I would have it no other way. They would bend down and pet her, and she returned love to many.

Jasmine truly became a therapy dog on Shepherds campus. She helped Nancy get up and walk again, she laid with Eddie when he was dying of cancer, and she became a pillow to those who had lost a loved one.   

It was the little things Jasmine did that brought a smile and joy into the lives of many. She liked to take a walk with the residents or chase a ball and bringing it back to them. She would do tricks for them. Jasmine loved to sit in their laps and be hugged or petted and, in return, she would give a wet kiss. While I worked in the cottages, she would play with the guys or sleep on their beds. 

She even played bocce, chasing the balls down the court! During the cold winter months she could be seen running alongside our snowshoe athletes and cross-country skiers. Jasmine became our mascot for Special Olympics as she traveled with us and nosed her way into the lives of others at the events.

In the Catalyst program, she would show up at any given home, and I could walk away knowing she would be well cared for by the clients.

The students in college found Jasmine to be a great comfort as many had left their dog at home to go to college. During those stressful days early in the school year, she became a stress relief as she let them pet and hold her.

The last few years of her life she had some health issues such as pneumonia and a herniated disk. I thought I would lose her. But God had other plans, her life as a therapy dog was not over. Residents, clients, staff, students prayed, and God restored her life that she might continue to give to others.

On Monday, November 18^th, Jasmine had a stroke and passed on. She gave 11 years of her life to serve others. Jasmine’s wagging tail, wet kisses and the sparkle of love in her eyes will not be forgotten by her friends at Shepherds.

Catalyst for Independence

Thank you to Bill Stevens, Director of Development Activities, for writing today’s blog.

When Shepherds Home and School opened its doors in 1964, thirty-six young people with intellectual disabilities became residents and students.    Gradually Shepherds grew, the young people became teenagers, and there were individuals accepted for residency who were already in their teens.  One such young man, John, came from Ohio to live at Shepherds.  John quickly became quite an asset as he was able to take on a number of jobs on the campus.  John only lived a couple of years at Shepherds and became the first graduate.  He moved back home to work in his parent’s family bookstore.  He subsequently became quite independent and was employed by K-Mart where he worked for many years.

As Shepherds grew, it also became evident that residency and schooling for children were no longer being sought by parents.  The federal and state programs for funding special education for children with intellectual disabilities allowed parents the opportunity to keep their children at home.  Shepherds transitioned to an all-adult facility in the mid-1980s, and a large number of those first thirty-six children who came to Shepherds in 1964, plus others added in the on-going years, now made up a large adult population of residents.  They, of course, in addition to the individuals added as teens and adults, swelled the total number of those being blessed by the compassionate Christian care provided by the dedicated staff of Shepherds Ministries. Some of these individuals were able to become more independent and become part of a growing work force of residents and clients.  Their work involved contract workshops, kitchen help, housekeeping, grounds keeping, greenhouse, and various opportunities to work off campus in local businesses.  These individuals set the pattern for what was yet to come.

Dr. William Amstutz became President and CEO of Shepherds Ministries in 1998.  He had a vision that became a plan with the able assistance of some new staff and administration members.  This plan, undergirded with the Appropriate independence™ philosophy, became the Catalyst Program.  The inception and implementation of the Catalyst program was the outgrowth of the seed of possible independent living for individuals with intellectual disabilities proved out by such individuals as John.  Soon a number of residents entered the Catalyst Program and became clients who lived semi-independent lives in group homes, apartments and mobile homes off campus but in the local community mostly within walking or bike riding distance from Shepherds campus.   

I had the privilege to learn first-hand how the Catalyst Program changes and enhances lives. 

Butch came to live at Shepherds in 1975 and eventually became an important part of the Catalyst Program.

  

 

This fall, Butch left Shepherds after 37 years and moved to his own mobile home in Maranatha Village near Sebring, Florida.  As a ministry representative of Shepherds, I am privileged to travel the southeast USA presenting Shepherds to churches and individuals as a worthy consideration for their stewardship dollars.  Many of our supporters live in the Sebring area, and I am able to visit with them a couple of times every year to update them on the ministry.  On one recent visit, Butch invited me to stay overnight with him in his new “digs.”  

 I gladly accepted his invitation and was greatly impressed.  Butch has a two bedroom mobile, with a large combination living room and dining room, and a sun room or “Blessings” room where he has all his medals won in Special Olympics, and various other diplomas and awards, framed and hanging on his wall. 

His kitchen is very large and has all the modern conveniences.  Butch cooks his own meals and is an immaculate housekeeper.  

He recently joined Maranatha Baptist Church and serves as a volunteer in a number of capacities including yard work for the elderly residents of Maranatha Village.  Butch never charges for his work because he wants to just be a servant of the Lord and help others.  Butch also is the caretaker and groundskeeper for the shuffle board, bocce ball, and horseshoe pits.  Another work opportunity for Butch is being a member of the Maranatha Village Security patrol which watches over the grounds at night.   

Butch and I attended church together and many people commented on how much they have already come to appreciate him.  We stayed up late that night and I introduced him to “Duck Dynasty” on the A&E cable network.  It instantly became his new favorite show.  After a good night’s rest, I awoke to hear Butch already in the kitchen at 6:30 AM preparing our breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast.  Butch commented to me several times, “Bill, you are my first overnight guest and the very first person I have cooked for in my new home!”  I could truly say as I left after breakfast that I would look forward to my next visit and his hospitality once again. Words cannot express how I felt about my experience and how I feel about Butch’s new life away from Shepherds.  He truly is living independently, serving the Lord, and able to work in various capacities for His glory.  

If you are interested in the Catalyst Program for yourself or a loved one, please contact Tracy Lackey at 262-878-5620 ext. 4352.