“As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has – or ever will have – something inside that’s unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.” Tobosa has taken Fred Rogers’ philosophy to heart in the development of its Meaningful Day Initiative. Through a process of mutual discovery and collaborative planning between staff at Tobosa and the individuals we support, opportunities for personal fulfillment and social connections have been created and diligently pursued – with an extraordinary payoff.

Felix has a unique way of expressing himself when he is comfortable in his surroundings, enjoying the company, and in general good spirits. Felix will take off his shoe and hand it to you, or sometimes put it back on and take it off again. After spending some time with him, we have come to appreciate this unique way of expression as one of the most endearing things about Felix and perhaps something we could expand upon.

When the team met to brainstorm on how to support Felix in having a meaningful day, everyone knew it would need to include something about shoes. The team came up with a plan to support Felix in conducting his own shoe drive and he eventually became known as “The Shoe Master.” With various community members donating shoes, Felix was able to pass on the donations to the Assurance Home Thrift Store and the Salvation Army. Out of this activity grew an opportunity to volunteer sorting shoes at the Salvation Army, where he serves a valued role for the non-profit organization on a regular basis.

Anyone who knows Kathy is familiar with her passion for two things – hats and magazines. Kathy’s team found a unique way to celebrate her love of hats and for several months staff supported her in designing and sewing her own hats. Kathy gave one hat that featured a horse on it to a youngster at Los Pasitos Learning Center who shares her interest in horses. She also hosted a “Hat Day” at Tobosa, where peers, staff, and others interested were invited to wear their favorite hats.

Kathy was also supported to conduct a magazine drive, which has been an ongoing activity for several months. Kathy sorts donated magazines weekly and periodically delivers them to doctor’s offices and nursing homes, as well as the Job Corps, which has recognized Kathy for her contributions with a certificate of appreciation.

John is the first to welcome a visitor, offer a seat, or lend a hand. His inviting demeanor and charming smile truly serve to put others at ease and feel at home. John also presents himself as a very distinguished gentleman and looks great in a suit. John’s team thought these gifts were a perfect match for the Red Coats, a group associated with the Roswell Chamber of Commerce. Since being sponsored and approved as a member, John has accompanied the Red Coats at several community events, such as the 20th anniversary of the Roswell Community Kitchen and the grand opening of Walmart Super Center.

Tory has been working at Sonic Drive-In on north Main Street for over 4 years. He is responsible for various janitorial duties inside and outside of the restaurant. He also fills the napkin dispensers and puts out the new salt and pepper shakers. Tory states that he likes doing janitorial duties at Sonic and wearing his uniform. Tory’s supervisor is pleased with his work performance and states that Tory is one of his best workers. He also gets along well with his coworkers and is building positive relationships with them. Tory is a dependable and reliable employee.

Danny has been employed at Kmart for over 5 years. He has proven himself to be a very dedicated, valued, and reliable employee. Danny’s main task is to put sensory tags on items in various departments which include the following departments: clothing, health and beauty, hardware, cosmetics, electronics, plumbing, and domestics. Danny is a very friendly and outgoing person. He is always eager to assist a customer or help out a coworker. Danny receives compliments from his coworkers on what a good job he does. Kmart management is also pleased with his job performance. Danny states that he really enjoys his job at Kmart and wants to continue his employment there.

Monica graduated from ENMU-R’s Special Services Office/Computer Skills Program in July 2004. Monica also cross-trains students from ENMU-R on data entry and a variety of other office skills. Since graduating from high school, Monica has stated that the only type of work that she wanted to do was work with computers. Recently, Monica was hired by ENMMC as a data entry clerk, which she is ecstatic about.

Red Lobster on North Main Street is a great place to visit, to enjoy a tantalizing meal of fresh seafood and delicious cheese biscuits. Part of the atmosphere also includes numerous seafaring pictures and realistic decorations such as boat oars, life preservers, which Janet is responsible for cleaning. Janet has worked behind the scenes for the last 4 years, every Monday through Friday, ensuring that everything at Red Lobster sparkles when you walk through the doors. She works on different tasks every morning before the restaurant opens, such as cleaning the blinds, chairs, woodwork, decorations, etc. Janet proudly wears her Red Lobster hat and knows she is an important part of the Red Lobster team.

Randy is a warm and caring individual. He has a very positive outlook on life. With much perseverance, he has accomplished his vision of working daytime hours at a job in the community. He has worked at Pepper’s Grill & Bar for 6 years. When asked if he enjoys his job at Pepper’s, Randy responds: “Bingo!...that works for me…don’t like to stay home…more money for me.” The management at Pepper’s has been nothing less than incredibly impressed with Randy’s work performance. They have commented several times that Randy is doing an excellent job and is a joy to work with. Randy goes above and beyond his job duties by helping his coworkers with their work once his tasks are completed. Randy is very proud of the work he does, and rightfully so.

Randy lives with his significant other. They have purchased a home together and have enjoyed redecorating their home just the way they like it.

Denise’s life long dream has always been to work with children. She was very excited when the door was opened for her to volunteer at Working Mothers Day Care. Denise would give the snacks out to the children, and make sure they had their set-ups for the lunch meal as well as do light janitorial duties. Denise quickly became very attached to the children and her coworkers just as they did with her. She has now been employed at Working Mothers Day Care for 2 years, and received an award from her employer in appreciation for her work. She loves her job and is living her dream, and she has developed close relationships with all the children and coworkers there.

 

Daniel is a very friendly and outgoing person which is just one of his many strengths. Daniel has been a salesman for the Roswell Daily Record for 3 years. He has expanded his paper route to also include the post office where you can find him selling papers during weekday mornings. Daniel enjoys selling newspapers. He is eager to ask folks if they would like to buy a paper by utilizing his one step communication device. Daniel does not communicate verbally, so he utilizes a voice output device to communicate with people. The public has been very supportive and inquisitive about Daniel and his method of communication. Daniel also shares the headlines for the day by utilizing his voice output device. He has developed many acquaintances and “regulars” who seek Daniel out to purchase their daily papers. Daniel is always quick to sell a paper and greet people with a smile. Daniel is very good at what he does and usually will “sell out” all of his papers. Daniel uses a cart for his newspapers which helps him distribute them to everyone eager to purchase. Daniel was awarded the 2004-2005 prestigious achievement award at Tobosa's annual banquet on September 17, 2005. 

 

THE GOLDEN YEARS

As we age, our needs, preferences, and life goals change. Whether a person has a developmental disability or not, during the process of growing older it remains important to have opportunities to engage in meaningful and productive activities. Just as important, individuals who are aging want to continue serving in roles valued by the community. Tobosa has applied these principles in supporting individuals who are aging or elderly to have meaningful days. Many of those individuals supported by Tobosa have become fully integrated into the membership at the Roswell Joy Center. These individuals participate daily in activities at the senior program, including music, exercise, and bingo, and serve in volunteer roles, such as serving drinks at mealtime. They have developed pleasant relationships with fellow members and enjoy spending time with others who share their interests. Tobosa also offers day habilitation activities that value and celebrate the life experiences and perspectives of individuals who are aging or elderly. Opportunities are provided for individuals to share and reflect upon personal histories and engage in lifelong learning. Several individuals in their “golden years” are supported by Tobosa to volunteer in various capacities in the community. One gentleman gives his time on a weekly basis to Los Pasitos Learning Center, where the youngsters enjoy hearing their “foster grandparent” read stories. Another gentleman serves on the Keep Roswell Beautiful Committee with others who share his interest in keeping the environment clean. Yet another volunteer helps out at the coffee bar at the Roswell Adult Center each month as well as the Habitat for Humanity project, other volunteer activities include hanging clothes at the local Salvation Army and putting together safe sex kits and hygiene bags for the homeless through Allianza. We all want and need to contribute at every age, and here at Tobosa, we support people in being vibrant and contributing members of the community even into their “golden years.”