Mt Carmel Volunteers Invade Alpha

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In early February Alpha was invaded by over 60 students from Our Lady of Mt Carmel Middle School.  The 6th, 7th and 8th graders came to Alpha during Catholic Schools Week for a day of service.  They split into groups and spent the morning washing cars, planting vegetables in the gardens, going for a walk with participants, and creating Valentine banners and cards to be used for the Alpha Valentine’s Day celebration.  They jumped right into each of the projects and weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty or wet!  Alpha participants joined most of the groups and worked alongside them.  At the end of the day a few of the students expressed that it had been fun to meet some new people and shared stories about whom they had met.

Prior to coming for their service day, the students were visited by a few Alpha staff for a (dis)Ability Awareness day at school. As a part of this day they had the opportunity to try a few different activities like vision impairing goggles and wheelchairs.  However, more importantly, they also got to have an open, honest discussion about disabilities and how they are viewed in society as well as hearing from Jessica Simon, Alpha’s outreach assistant and self-advocate.  Jessica shared her life story about growing up with Down syndrome and the successful life she is leading.  For more information on Jessica, check out the “Ask Jessica” blog every Tuesday!

The student-made Valentines were handed out last week on Valentine’s Day and were a huge hit.  Smiles abounded as each participant received the handmade cards.  The banners were hung in the lobby and gave Alpha an extra sparkle of love!  A huge thank you goes out to the OLMCS students for all of their hard work and their continued involvement at Alpha for the past few years.  We look forward to continuing to work together to build an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ask Jessica – Dreams

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 Money Penny:  You are a very positive and well spoken woman and it seem as if you have much love and support in your life. Can you tell us what has been the driving force that has allowed you to acheive your dreams. And, what dream do you have that you have not yet acheived?

Jessica: My dream is to stop all budget cuts against me and all my friends. I went to a meeting last Saturday and I spoke up and gave a speech. I feel extremely frustrated and upset over how we are being treated like this and I want things to go back to normal with no more budget problems. The cuts need to go away from us and I will do everything I can to make that happen. I even want to talk with Jerry Brown and tell him my feelings of how much this budget crisis is hurting me and all my friends. I will make sure that I write letters to end this crisis because this has gone too far. We want our community to stand by us and help us fight for what we believe in to stop this budget that is making our lives terrible. We all want this to end so we can be happy and lead a normal life with no more cuts to the things we all need to have a functional life.

My staff helps me to understand what it all means and to get a better understanding. Also my family has always helped me. The reason why I want to do all of this stuff I am doing with Alpha is because my parents have fought for me and advocated and now I want to do the same thing and help my community and my friends. I want the cuts to stay away from all of us and I feel that all the people in my life really understand that it means a lot to me that I advocate for people and push myself to be that kind of person who can live a positive life.

Have a question for Jessica?? Leave a reply below and she’ll answer your questions next week. Look for a new post every Tuesday!

Best Part of Alpha…

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Our most recent newsletter included an article from the perspective of Alpha staff and board members on what makes Alpha so great. Here are just a few excerpts from their responses:

“When I moved to Santa Barbara in 2006 I was not sure what my next venture in life was going to be. I came to Alpha for an interview with a friend’s encouragement. I had no idea I would be still here . . . Almost five years later. I believe I was placed in this position to work on some of my weaker points – patience, tolerance, compassion and unconditional love. Alpha has been a gift to me on this journey through life.” – Martha Murray, Direct Support Professional

“My participation at Alpha has provided me an opportunity to see proud, joyful, confident individuals excelling without fear of judgment or failure”. – Kathy Mills, Board Member

“Working at Alpha I have come to realize that everyone has a purpose in this world. When we segregated people with disabilities, we took something important out of the world. At Alpha, I am always reminded about what is really important.” – Julie Badella, Director of Programs

Zach

“The best part of working at Alpha is when Zach comes up in the afternoon for a spell in the massage chair and quizzes me on electrical questions for rooms I have never been in but should like to imagine. Like what does the light fixture in the dining room of house number 604 look like. Then when we are done with that we can Google cereal commercial ads for Honey Nut Cheerios from 1974 – the old ones are the best.” -Cory Woodruff, Director of Finance and Development

“The best part of working at Alpha is the nice staff. They truly love what they are doing and they truly care for the participants. It has been a very humbling and rewarding experience.” -Irene Moeller, Administrative Assistant

Gabe

“Once in a while something might not be right in my day and all of a sudden, out of nowhere comes Gabe singing at the top of his lungs. There is nothing better than a happy Gabe, whether singing, or just coming to say “hello, hello, hello.” Always, Wednesday is fun day, and Gabe wants to make sure we are all having fun! If we are wearing black on fun day that’s even better. Gabe makes my day, but I am certain I am not the only one who feels this way. Thanks Gabe!” -Theresa Laurabee, Family and Advocacy Support Staff

“My first time at Alpha, I unknowingly walked into a contagious atmosphere of peace and happiness. All of the smiling faces were infectious. I had found a little refuge in the middle of the world where there is no judgment.” – Heather Bennett, Board Member

Maria and Dennis at AlphaFest 2011

“The best part of working at Alpha is working on the Alphafest play! Creating costumes for the participants, then watching them get into their characters and have a great time, being so confident and having so much fun. I really feel proud to be a part of Alpha when we have Alphafest.” -Tina Kerrigan, Direct Support Professional

“One of the best parts of working at Alpha are the (dis)Ability Awareness days at several local schools. Its so great to see how involved and compassionate the kids are.” -Jennifer Griffin, Resource Coordinator, Children and Family Services

“I really enjoy my morning hugs from Michael. He always makes me smile & starts my day off right! I like the day to day operations, because everyday is an adventure & never the same. It makes me feel good to see when a participant is really enjoying an activity & is on fire with laughter! We do have some really great staff, too!” -Renee Allen, Direct Support Professional

“The best part of working at Alpha is the little day to day experiences that lift you up, tire you out, give you a new perspective or confuse the hell out of you. It’s living among people who give you a hug for no reason, tell you exactly what they think, and laugh at your not very funny jokes. It’s watching ”Sarah” horseback ride for the first time, Chris laughing when he gets a Wii bowling strike, David singing to Motown and ”Nicole” teaching friends the signs for 1-10. It’s the glow in the gut feeling when parent after parent tells you how much Alpha means to them and their child. It’s Maria getting off the bus with a big smile every day even though, after their introductory tour, her mother thought Maria would not stick it out. It’s the day to day hard work, not by me, but by the participants…when it really comes down to it that is exactly the best part of working at Alpha – it is the participants.” -Marge Anderson, Assistant Program Manager

What makes Alpha great in your opinion? Leave your responses below: “The best part of Alpha is…”

Kim – Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Valentines means a lot of things to people. You don’t have to have a boyfriend or a close friend. It’s just something that is nice to give out. Because Valentines is like a memory of friendship. Not love in the same way. But it is confusing because it is love the same way. But love is about the heart beats. Some people’s heart beats slow, some people’s hearts don’t; some people in love have a hard time with their hearts! We share love with people no matter whom it is or who it’s not. Some people like to give out the sugar candies with the message. That’s what I got from my first date! He gave me a candy that said; “Hi You Are Cute”. He didn’t have words. So be careful what you give out because there is always a possible surprise on the end because you never know which direction they are going. Some people are into those fancy little romance heats. I remember that one commercial where they say; “Open your heart”. That heart is safer to buy. Some people like to stay in the background to get ideas and pick up words. Sometimes you see them writing down tips, not many tips. Some like the old fashion type like drawing art, a simple heart. I am going to try to do a heart painting with acrylic. I haven’t decided which way to go first. I’m going to make two hearts because I love to paint color. I’m going to stretch my talent a little bit further than I have now. Some people celebrate Valentines Day. If I’m in a classroom I celebrate. Once some of my friends got in trouble on Valentines Day. Usually because they have had too much soda or coffee. That’s when they throw Valentine cards at each other. Some people have birthdays on Valentine’s Day, some people have honeymoons on Valentine’s Day and some just share the love. I try not to do too much because I know Valentines will come around again. We still share the Valentines and remember the person who has passed away, no matter whose family it was.

Save your heart,

Kimmy

Mariana – Las actividades preferidas de Óscar

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Una de las actividades favoritas de Oscar es montar a caballo, y tal vez al describir como la parálisis cerebral le ha afectado a Oscar sería difícil pensar que él puede montar un caballo de tamaño normal, pero gracias al maravilloso programa de terapia con caballos en Santa Inez (Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program) Oscar tiene ya más de 6 años asistiendo una vez por semana. Al principio sólo lo subían a él al caballo y lo rodeaba un grupo de personas y lo tenían que detener ya que él no tiene control de su cabeza y tronco; y después una terapista física que es voluntaria del programa obtuvo el entrenamiento necesario para poder montar con él y entonces fue mucho más fácil para mantener a Oscar por más y más tiempo en el caballo. El equipo de personas en este programa es increible y los beneficios para Oscar han sido muchos, le ha ayudado mucho social y recreacionalmente también para sus huesos y músculos. En Diciembre nos invitaron a participar con el programa en el desfile de Navidad de Solvang y lo hicimos con mucho gusto ya que es una forma de que Oscar SEA PARTE DE LA COMUNIDAD y también de que la comunidad conosca de la existencia de programas que ayudan a personas con necesidades especiales.

A Oscar también le gusta mucho ir a la alberca en Verano lo llevamos nosotros y una vez por mes durante el año escolar su clase va al Centro Acuático en Lompoc ahí tienen una área con agua como a unos 90 grados y es muy relajante para los músculos sobre todo en el caso de Oscar que tiene un tipo de parálisis con el que sus músculos de ponen rígidos

Y para mi, esta oportunidad de estar escribiendo en el blog es precisamente para compartir todo lo que nos ha ayudado a nosotros como padres y lo que hemos encontrado para ayudarle a nuestro hijo a tener una mejor calidad de vida; así que cualquier pregunta es bien venidad y recuerden que como Centro de Recursos Familiares Alpha tiene mucha información para las familias de personas con necesidades especiales.

Ask Jessica – Alpha

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Alpha Rocks: If you could have any job in the world what would it be? Why?

Jessica:  The dream job that I want is working at Alpha Resource Center because I have a gift of public speaking and advocating for people and our community. I am a born leader and I take this job with determination and pride. Being a paid staff for Alpha is special and it is rewarding to be working with a team that helps people like me to have a successful life. It helps me to understand that it is not all about me; it is about helping other people and my community and making sure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect and making them feel that they belong with us. And it is important to make sure that we know that they have special place in our lives and in our hearts. I would like to keep going to Sacramento and advocating for myself and other people and standing up against this nasty budget crisis situation so we can all have a peaceful life. I also want to talk to local political people and speak up and talk to the schools about respect and not teasing people. Because I love working for Alpha, I would like to get more hours to do this heartfelt job that I love doing.

Have a question for Jessica?? Leave a reply below and she’ll answer your questions next week. Look for a new post every Tuesday!

Open House was a success!

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Friday’s Open House at Alpha was a wonderful success.  We had over 60 guests come to our facility to learn about all of the programs Alpha has to offer.  Guided tours were provided for guests that were interested while others chose to explore on their own.  After checking in, guests were able to stop by a number of tables in the lobby to hear about various programs and events that happen at Alpha every year.  Then they were able to walk through the various social centers to see typical daily activities in progress.  These activities included art classes in the art sudio, cooking in the kitchen, and dance classes.  Guests could take a break for some entertainment by the Alpha Band or visit the Snoezlen room which is a dark room filled with various spinning lights, water features and wall projections.  This room can be very calming or very stimulating for people with different needs.  To increase the fun for guests taking self-guided tours, they were given a scavenger hunt to complete by visiting various social centers and tables throughout their tour.  Some social centers even hid the clues to make it more challenging!  We were thrilled to have so many new guests come experience the magic that makes Alpha so special! If you missed the open house, but are interested in  taking a tour of Alpha, please contact us at (805) 683-2145 to inquire about upcoming tour dates.

Mommy, Mylie has Down syndrome? (Mia)

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It’s been exactly one year this weekend that my son, Ty, finally learned about Down syndrome and I think it is a precious story to share, so here we go:

“Mommy, Mylie has Down syndrome?” Ty asks me as I am having a conversation with a representative from SELPA at the Valentine’s Day party last year. I did not know he was behind me listening, as we were at a huge party for people with special needs and their families. It was a fabulous party with hundreds of people and Ty had been running around with friends, dancing, playing at all the wonderful creative booths and I had not thought about where he was. Not that talking about Down syndrome was a secret or anything, but Tyler and I had decided early on that we would approach the subject with Ty when it happened naturally. We were not going to label Mylie nor try to explain to a then 4 year old brother what it all meant. We felt strongly that we wanted Ty to grow up loving Myie for the unique beautiful little sister that she is.

 

So, as he was pulling on my blouse with wide eyes wanting to know what that word meant and why his sister had it, I figured well… this was as natural and as a good time as any.

“She does, sweetie.” I respond.

“Well… what is it” he asks, and by now he is looking worried.

“Nothing really, Ty, it just means she has an extra chromosome. That’s all.” I say non-chalantly.

“Uhm.. well… does she need one of mine?” he continues.

Knowing my son and knowing he is worried about this I say, “You don’t need to worry, Ty. Down syndrome is nothing to worry about. She is fine. She doesn’t need anything nor does she have to give away anything. She is created perfectly!”

And he knew I meant it. His face lit up, he got distracted by something or someone and ran off. And I just sat back and realized this moment was one I would remember always as witnessing the love and devotion that my son has for his sister. In a heartbeat he was willing to give up a chromosome, not even knowing what that meant or how it would take place. I have to admit, this will be one of the greatest memories of my lifetime – seeing that kind of love in my children.

We have had great talks about Down syndrome since that day. We have explained in a little more detail what it means to have DS and the special needs Mylie has. He is 8 now and is able to wrap his mind and heart around the concept. He has grown up around people with special needs for half his life now and it is all normal to him. For the Alpha play last October, Ty clapped and whistled loudly. He was so proud of the Alpha actors and all their achievements. He knows in his heart of hearts that all people are created equal, all are created perfectly and uniquely.

… and this, my friends, is something to celebrate. This weekend of February 4th as we celebrate with our community of people with special needs and their families for Valentine’s Day, I will be celebrating what love really means.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Paul & Belle

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So . . .I just saw the newly released 3D version of Walt Disney’s ‘Beauty And The Beast’. Anybody seen it yet? The animations, voices, story, etc. are the same as the 1991 version of the story. The difference is that it is ALL IN 3D. This movie really comes right at ya – if you know what I mean. This is one of my favorite movies and I was really excited to see it in 3D. I really liked it a lot. It was really fun to see Mrs. Pots, her son Chip and Lumiere (the Candle) again on the big screen. It had been awhile since I had seen it. I really loved that they were larger than life. I really liked it when the Beast comes right at you! It was great

Paul and Belle at Disneyland!

and electrifying. It was fun seeing Belle too. Belle and Beast are the best! This is the first animated 3D film I have seen. I saw Tron Legacy in 3D which was really good but I liked the animation done in 3D much better. Of course, I am an animation buff so it does make sense that I like it better. Sometime ago I saw the stage production of Beauly and the Beast at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles. My Mom gave me the tickets as a Christmas gift. It was a really fun day. My Mom, my sister and I made a day of it. I will always remember seeing the “Be Our Guest” song performed. It was really spectacular on stage with the costumes and dancing. I really, really like live performances. Of course, being an actor I really have a connection to the stage. I enjoy the stage when I am on it and off it! Maybe someday Gavin, our playwright will do a version of Beauty and the Beast. I would LOVE to play Beast. Of course I would need just the right Belle! I’ll have to speak to Gavin about it. In the meantime, for all of you asking – “welcome foolish mortals to the haunted mansion” – yes I am working on my New Year’s Resolution. But more on that later.

Gotta Run

Paul

Ask Jessica – Favorite Things

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Dave:  What is your favorite thing to do with your boyfriend?
What is your favorite thing to do with your friends?
What is your favorite thing to do with your family?

Jessica: My favorite thing to do with my boyfriend is our monthly sleepover at my apartment and his place because we like having our alone time together and being with each other in our pajamas. I get all excited when we get to do this together and watch DVDs. My favorite things to do with my friends is going to the movies and watching DVDs. I also like hanging out downtown and in Goleta at the Calle Real Center. I also like bowling and going to sporting events, Best Buddies, Young Life, Alpha, and Special Olympics, and going to parties, especially dance parties with the Parks and Recreation program. My favorite things to do with my family is going to family dinners, going bowling, going to the tennis club, and going to the beach in the summer time and just having lots of fun.

Have a question for Jessica?? Leave a reply below and she’ll answer your questions next week. Look for a new post every Tuesday!