November 2021 Issue
Letter from the CEO
Hello Fellow MACers,

We continue to make great progress with The MAC. We are still on track to be open next summer in terms of the construction schedule. All of our Committees and workgroups continue making great progress in terms of the MAC Care model and service delivery. 

Also, I am pleased to introduce you to the mascot of The MAC and the newest member of the Morgan’s Wonderland family: Happy the MACapillar! Happy is such an appropriate name for The MAC mascot, as it is meant to underscore what we’re all about. We are quite eager for Happy to get started in our journey of inclusion. You will see Happy roaming the halls of The MAC soon, spreading happiness and joy to all MACers and MAC members. I can’t wait for you all to meet Happy!

Ad Astra,
MAC Fact
Meet The MAC's mascot, Happy the MACapillar!
Happy is the younger brother of Joy, the butterfly mascot for Morgan's Wonderland. Happy loves to learn about science, math, and social studies. He is so excited about his journey of Inclusion and to follow in his sister's footsteps!
Crystal's Letter
Hello MACers!
I want to express my deepest gratitude to The Morgan’s Wonderland family for this amazing opportunity. My first involvement with The MAC began in 2018 when community organizations came together to discuss a vision. I remember sitting there feeling excited, encouraged, and overwhelmed all at once. Having a younger sibling with a special need, living in Corpus Christi, I know firsthand how impactful The MAC could be for a community. I began attending MAC Navigation Committee meetings, providing input and support in building the framework and workflows for the Navigation department. Having worked closely with The MAC team, I knew The MAC was moving in a positive direction, and the future was bright. When approached with this opportunity to join the team, I was in complete shock and remember calling my mother in tears. Jana has been a vital individual in my professional and personal growth. After meeting with The MAC team and discussing the opportunity further, I knew it was one I had to take. It felt right in my heart and soul, and I was eager to get started. The belief and trust The MAC has in me is overwhelming. I want my fellow MACers to know I am here for each of you. I am dedicated to the cause of building something bigger than all of us for the benefit of those we serve. I will work to ensure a collaborative culture each day and am committed to listening and supporting everyone as we walk through this amazing journey together.  

Sincerely, 
Crystal Calvillo
Navigation Supervisor
MACer Spotlight
The mission of Guide Dogs of Texas (GDTX) is to increase days of freedom, mobility, and independence for Texans age 17 and up impacted by blindness through days of guided sight provided by a professionally bred, raised, trained, and personally matched certified guide dog. We are committed to personalized service and lifelong dedication to our clients and their guide dogs.

This fall, students enrolled in Texas A&M-San Antonio's Transition University for Career Advancement, and Successful Adulthood (TU CASA) program learned the basics of animal care thanks to a partnership with Guide Dogs of Texas. TU CASA is designed for students with intellectual disabilities to receive a "true university experience" while gaining the skills and knowledge needed to transition to independent adult lives.

Dr. Carol Ann Tonn, the GDTX Development Director, shared, "The core of the TU CASA program is the intersectionality and advancement for those with learning disabilities," Tonn explained.

By becoming a partner of The MAC, GDTX is continuing their advancement and looking forward to strengthening bonds with community partners and others who serve those with vision loss. Forging new partnerships as we work together to empower people with disabilities and make our community a place of inclusion for all. 

"These shared values with the GDTX mission make The MAC a great match. We look forward to our larger goals in 2022 and expanding our 'pawprint' in the community," Tonn shared.
MAC Updates
Construction at The MAC continues with fast progress. The interior framing of the core and shell of the building has begun.

Stay tuned as we continue to share our construction photos with you as we make progress.
Tell Me Something Good!
A huge CONGRATULATIONS to our fellow MACer, TEAMabilty, on winning the Impact San Antonio in the focus area of Health and Wellness for Expanding Services: Moving to The MAC. This grant will be used to fund dismantling, moving, and reinstalling the current track system to The MAC, a second track system in the therapy gym, and two training module motors.

What an amazing achievement. Way to go, TEAMability!
Community First Health Plans Celebrates Seniors
On National Senior Citizens Day, Community First Health Plans hosted a special, free, family-friendly event designed to honor local senior citizens within our community. Seniors and their families were invited to enjoy a celebratory morning filled with fun activities, including bingo, a live mariachi band, giveaways, refreshments, and health screenings.
The event also served as an opportunity for seniors to learn about Community First’s newest health plan, Medicare Advantage Alamo Plan, specially designed for seniors in Bexar County, ages 65+. Community First is excited to now provide the same level of outstanding, quality health care coverage to seniors. It has been providing families, children, expecting mothers, and individuals with special needs in our service area for over 25 years.
And don’t forget to check out our schedule of events to find out where you can find us next.
Did You Know?
#DYK - Leslie Neely, UTSA Associate Professor of Educational Psychology, a fellow MACer and Co-Chair of the Autism Committee was on the latest episode of BlueSprig's Podcast - ABA Unfiltered - Preparing the Next Generation of BCBAs.
November Calendar
November 11, 2021
Therapy Home Committee Meeting
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Morgan's Wonderland Camp

 November 17, 2021
MAC Navigation Committee Meeting
1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at Morgan's Wonderland Event Center

November 17, 2021
Medical Home Committee Meeting
4 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Virtual/East Campus Boardroom

November 17 , 2021
Autism Committee Meeting
5 - 6 p.m. at Morgan's Wonderland Event Center

November 30, 2021
Client & Caregiver Committee
1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at Morgan's Wonderland Camp
December 18, 2021
Snowball 5K/1K
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021- 7 p.m.
12th Annual Gala
Celebrating a World of Inclusion
Celebrate a World of Inclusion! Morgan's Inclusion Initiative Annual Gala is back this year with a chance for you to support our mission all around the world with a virtual gala on KSAT12. All benefits will go to Morgan's Inclusion Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit that improves the quality of life for individuals of all ages and abilities through initiatives that produce fully-inclusive, Ultra-Accessible™ experiences.
Word of the Month
Build your MAC terminology with new words and definitions every month. MAC Navigation Committee has created all terminology through collaboration, deliberation, and consensus.

MAC Ambassador
[mack am·bas·sa·dor]

A volunteer who is tasked with disseminating the culture and values of The MAC by greeting MAC Members at the door, guiding them to check-in, and assist with directing them through The MAC. Ambassadors provides verbal instructions, walk visitors and MAC member to their destinations, provides wheelchair assistance, along with support to MACers and other duties.
MI2 Corner
Dr. Brent Fields Named New President/Chief Executive Officer of Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative  
Dr. Brent Fields, with more than 30 years of senior management experience with large non-profit organizations to his credit, has been named president/chief executive officer of Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative, the umbrella organization that coordinates planning, fundraising, and communications for the Morgan’s Wonderland “family” of Ultra-Accessible™, fully-inclusive endeavors designed with individuals with special needs in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment.

Dr. Fields earned his bachelor’s degree from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark., his master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, and his doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. He also achieved certification in non-profit studies at the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service at the LBJ School of Public Affairs in Austin.

With a proven leader like Dr. Fields, we can continue the tremendous growth we’ve experienced over the past decade and pursue even more ventures that benefit those with and without special needs on a statewide, national and international level,” said Gordon Hartman, founder of Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative. “He will blend his exemplary expertise and experience with our terrific team to achieve our mission of inclusion.”
MACnificent Minute
Submit Your Content!
We would love for all the MACers to submit content for the monthly newsletter. Tell us about updates, events for the calendar, a Tell Me Something Good, or a one-minute video for the MACnificent Minute. Please submit all content by the 20th of the month.