by Mike Markowitz, Dad of Sarah and member of The Price Center Board of Directors

A few noshes before the main course...

Teamwork makes the dream work and, as a result, we use the word "Teamwork" a lot around here. Unfortunately, like most words that get used a lot, over time it can start to feel like blah, blah.

So let me tell you what it actually looks like. Recently one of our individuals returned to their program after a few days away. Something was off. They weren't themselves — quieter, withdrawn, not the person we'd come to know. When we had a chance to talk, we learned they'd been to a funeral. They were grieving, and we didn't know.

We wish we had. Not because we could have prevented the grief — nobody can do that — but because we might have been better prepared to help when this person returned. A kind word at the door. A quieter morning. Someone ready to sit with them. Instead, we were catching up to something that had already happened.

Of course we know that death and funerals don't announce themselves. But vacations do. Camp does. Planned medical appointments and treatments do. And when we know in advance that your loved one will be away from their progra — even just a week's notice — it helps us in ways that go beyond the schedule. It lets us plan staffing, adjust activities, and make sure that when they walk back through our door, we're ready for them.

There's also a practical reality that's important to mention, not to guilt anyone, but because transparency is part of teamwork too: The Department of Developmental Services pays us based on attendance. A week's absence translates to roughly $1,000 in lost revenue — revenue that funds the programs and staff your family counts on. We're not saying don't take your loved one on vacation. Please do. Just loop us in when you can.

The same goes for anything that's affecting your loved one's life — a move, a medical issue, an emotional rough patch, a change at home. We're not asking to know everything. We're asking to know enough to help. That's what teams do.

The staff at The Price Center is really good at this work. We're even better at it when we do it together.

I'm at The Price Center regularly -- most Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings where I enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in The Kindness Café -- and I get to see our amazing team work with your loved ones. It is a real treat. Stop by and let me know your thoughts or better still, let me know when you're coming so I can make sure I'm there to greet you.

Please accept my invitation to come by The Kindness Café. The coffee's good and the atmosphere is even better.

mmarkowitz@thepricecenter.org