| President’s Message
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2001 will be the third year that I have served as president of the Down
Syndrome Association of Tulsa. I can not begin to communicate the blessings
that I have witnessed and been a part of while serving in this capacity.
It was and still is my calling when I accepted this responsibility to participate
in some manner that will insure new parents have the information and the
support network available to them that was so important for Shelley and
I when Ellen was born.
Many new parents have experienced the emotions that prevail when finding out their baby is diagnosed as having Down syndrome and many of you have made yourselves available as necessary. These simple acts of kindness and wivllingness to “Share Our Joy” have demonstrated the spirit in which the organization is founded. I encourage new parents to explore the opportunities of networking with other parents that are active in our organization for strength, knowledge and fellowship. Each individual will deal with the news and on-going realization that their child has Down syndrome and the associated complications in different ways. It is important that we accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. As our more seasoned parents and caregivers continue to learn and contribute we have opportunities for expanding the role our organization plays while maintaining our primary purpose. An example of this can be found in our “Year 2000 Recap” later in the newsletter. My calling is for our veteran parents that feel they have grown beyond
the value of our primary purpose to join with us in defining these expanded
services.
I am still searching for individuals interested in serving on the Board of Directors. The establishment of a Board of Directors with strong leadership would greatly enhance our abilities to realize the expanded services. If you know of a strong leader that would be a good candidate or you are interested in serving in this capacity, please let me know. We will continue to utilize the offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer as well as other volunteer committee members for conducting of day to day operations. My thanks go out to those that have been so faithful in the past and for those that have chosen to participate with me in new capacities. Please take time to notice those individuals that are serving and sharing their joy in new ways.
OUR NEXT MEETING
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OU
National Champions Football
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Newsletter
Sponsor!
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November Recap Top of Page Our November meeting was inspiring and informative. Joseph Cervantes, Kyle Graham, Amber Reese and Jennifer Vedda gave us a glimpse into adulthood. These individuals (and their parents) have a lot to be proud of. They told us about their jobs, their sports, and their leisure activities. You could tell there was a connection between them. This bond is forming for all of us now, when we attend functions together or seek out information together. Thank you to our outstanding panel. We plan to make this an annual event. December
Recap
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Year
2000 in Review
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• We had a great Easter Party at the Allen Ranch. Over 100 people
attended. We had DJs and a dance too!
January Recap Top of Page Our January meeting was a productive one. We had an overview of our financial situation, discussed plans for the year and elected new officers. Our thanks to those who have served in the past and to those newly elected. 2001 Calendar Update As you are reading this newsletter, we are busy tabulating final figures for the big sellers of calendars as well as how many we have sold. The response has again been tremendous and we have sold and sent calendars all over the U.S. We consider the money raised by the calendar an added benefit with our focus being on DS awareness and reaching families. Now, more than ever, we are getting the word out about DSAT and about Down syndrome in general. Look for our 2002 calendar profile applications soon. 2001 Event Suggestions
We Need Your Help! Top of Page We would love to have your stories for the newsletter;
Thank
You!
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Dues Paid
Caregivers for
Public Awareness
Thanks Again
Oops! We forgot to thank Bank of America for providing all snacks for childcare at the conference. Several employees also volunteered to help with the kids at the conference. Thanks to Gina Nelson for making BOA aware of our needs. In November we had a special day at Zany Brainy where they donated 10% of sales (if a person mentioned DSAT) to us. Teressa McHenry arranged for this great fundraiser. We already received a check for almost $100. Thanks to Zany Brainy and Teressa!!
Research
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Newsletter
Note
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Locked
Out!
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Many time we create unnecessary problems in our lives because we approach life from the wrong angle. Rather than smashing windows, let’s learn to ask a better set of questions! Reprinted from Perceptions, Observations On Everday Life Volume II
by Tom Harrison, Senior Minister at Asbury United Methodist Church in Tulsa,
Oklahoma.
Responsible
Choices
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Personal Care Social Behavior and Appearance
To apply to the program contact Dr. Marla G. Sanchez or Carol Struble,
MHR (918) 747-7373
Gatesway
Foundation, Inc.
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I recently visited with Steve Clark, Director of Vocational Services and toured their sheltered workshop. I was encouraged to see the persons with developmental disabilities engaged in productive work. A variety of jobs are available on a contract basis that allows every person to learn new skills while earning a paycheck. The workshops are always interested in new contracts that will assist any business. Packaging, sorting, shredding, and assembling are just some of the services offered. Staff provide training and support to every person as they learn individualized vocation skills. Other Gatesway’s Programs: Residential Services - These services are funded through Title XIX with oversight from the Oklahoma Department of health. These developmental centers offer a full range of training and assistance in basic living skills. Staff provide 24 hours per day through a wide range of programs and activities suited to the needs and interest of the people living there. Group Homes – This program serves 6 people in each home. Group homes are very home-like and comfortable living environment that allow people there to experience and learn a wide variety of skills. Staff are on duty while residents are in the home. Gatesway’s Apartment program is also funded through this program and allows people to progress to more independent living situations while still receiving assistance. In-Home Services – These services allow people to receive assistance and support while living in their own homes. Home and Community based waiver funding allows for very individualized programming that best meets the needs of the person being served. Some people receive these services while living alone or with a roommate. Staff provide minimal assistance or up to 24 hours per day of care. A DHS Case Manager helps to plan and monitor the programming. Companion Services – Services provided in a home that is shared by the person receiving services and their staff companion. This program is very unique and like the others, offers individualized services. Vocational Services – One of Gatesway’s driving principles is everyone is capable of working and everyone benefits from earning a paycheck. It is the staff’s responsibility to find the job that suits and interests every person being served. It is in keeping with this principle that Gatesway offers a variety of vocational services options. Supported Employment and Work Crews – Through this program a job coach matches the skills and desires of the person served with the requirements of a employer. Finding the right job match that leads to permanent employment is the goal. This can be achieved through one-on-one job coaching or with work crews in various business locations. Gatesway’s Mission is to encourage independence and provide opportunities
for people with developmental disabilities that will enable them to live
and work in the community and improve their quality of life.
FOR SALE
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DISCLAIMER: The Down Syndrome Association Of Tulsa does
not promote, recommend or endorse any service, professional or organization.
Decisions regarding the use of any service, professional or organization
are the sole responsibility of the family or guardian.
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| President:
Tracey Wilson (918) 288-7719 or (918) 488-4060 Top of Page Fax (918) 288-7897 E-mail Tracey Wilson Co-Vice Presidents:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Newsletter:
Calendar Coordinator
Scholoarship/Library Committee
Party Planner
New Parent Packets
Development Coordinator
Web Master
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