Self-Determination is now available for any regional center client who chooses it but it seems to be a slow process enrolling. If I can be of any help, please feel free to contact me. I'm pleased that there are a few current and recent Imagine employees who are developing Independent Facilitation practices and I'll be glad to connect them with those looking.

This month, the Independent Facilitator Roundtable will be tomorrow, March 2 at 11AM. The Zoom link is right here. For people interested in Self-determination, there is also a monthly zoom event to introduce individuals and families to Independent Facilitators. It's the third Friday of each month and the time is supposed to rotate but we seem stuck on 2:30-4. Let me know if you're interested and I'll send the link and confirmation of the time.

A common misconception about Person-Centered Thinking is that it is passive and subject to the moods and impulses of the person served. In truth, we are always compelled to wish more and better, richer, safer and more meaningful lives through the support we provide. That can and should include training as well service. Doing with and helping to do along with doing for.

There is a tool in the PCT-ELP toolkit called "Presence To Contribution." You can download a sample here. The tool asks the practioner to consider, for the individual, what different levels of contribution would look like. For example, a person might benefit from support learning to cook. Using the tool, the support provider might start where the individual begins simply by observing the process, and then describe that individual discussing the process while it happens. The next step might be to describe how the individual can share the task and finally do it themselves. One osso buco with paté ganache and fried okra coming right up!

In the beginning, the tool can be a reminder to support staff to be patient, in the end a reminder to get out of the way.

For this month’s staff spotlight I would like to recognize Kenia Valdez. Kenia is an exquisite human being with a heart of gold. She has served a few of our consumers with Imagine and leaves a lasting impression. One of our consumers still calls her to let her know that she misses her and asks when she will work with her again. Kenia has picked up shifts with her JUST so she could spend a day with her. Just before I had the privilege of working with Kenia, she had gone through the tragic loss of our dear friend Dean. This was a tough loss for Kenia as she has a way of forming special bonds with her clients. Not only did she lose a client, but she lost a friend. It’s always a pleasure to work a shift with Kenia because of the passion she has for working with our friends. Kenia started working with one of our newest friends Scottie G in October of 2021. If she isn’t doing an art project or baking with Scottie, then she is chasing him around the house as he runs away giggling. If Kenia stops Scottie will come up to her to get her attention and run away laughing until Kenia chases him again, both filling the house with joy and laughter. She has been there for Scott, his family, and her team by working two or more weeks straight with maybe a day in between, during one of the toughest times the team will have to endure. Her and Scotty got through these times by a shared love for Adel. So, if you ever go by the Willow house, you are sure to smell something yummy cooking or baking or hear laughter or Adel. Thanks to our employee Kenia! Thank you for all you do Kenia. It’s a pleasure being your Facilitator.