“THE KOKUA SPIRIT” “Kokua’s Mission is to provide citizens with disabilities the support they need to lead full and meaningful lives.” www.kokuaservices.com May 10, 2008 Volume 4, Number FUN THINGS TO DO: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT KOKUA? Mother’s Day May 11 Jenny D is looking forward to going to Centralia to visit her sibling this Mother’s Day Laurie H has been invited to attend a dance with her boyfriend, Roger this Friday She is really excited about going Kim R enjoyed making meatballs at the latest cooking class, and then making them at home last week! Good job, Kim! Denise H has enjoyed spending lots of time with her mother lately She also went to the movies and saw “Horton Hears a Who” with her roommate Happy Mother’s Day! To all the mothers and grandmothers in the Kokua family! From Clients and Staff at the Angela St house Joe L will be going to a Mariners game on May 16 th He’s very excited and looking forward to that Paul J, Keith W and Mike C all attended the 8th Avenue Advocates retreat They had a great time and look forward to other 8th Avenue functions Mike and Keith have been continually attending the Thursday music program at Kokua and the Sunday MEOW program They both appear to enjoy the social interaction and, of course, the music! Manuela C is continuing to work towards getting her own computer She has been meeting with her job coach about once a week to sharpen her skills Cecelia M has been working on getting her bags packed to go to Camp Cascade Beverly G is planning a trip to Everett to visit her friend Dave “The Boy” Bolman She is VERY excited and seems to enjoy sharing the news about her trip Maggie P has been winning big at the Senior Center Bingo Gary W is making final preparations for his cruise to Alaska on May 17th He still has a little shopping to before he leaves, but is pretty much ready and really looking forward to the trip While Gary is gone, roommate Jeff D will be making several day trips, among them a trip to the beach and perhaps a trip to Seattle to see the sights and some shopping Also this month, Gary got himself a new computer and is looking forward to getting hooked up to the internet Jeff and Gary still are going to the movies at least once a week – one of their favorite pastimes! Danny C and John C are planning a trip to the Point Defiance Zoo later this month Danny has also been working with Fircrest Emerging Communication on a communication system He’s been learning the system quickly and always has a smile on his face while using it Way to go, Danny! Charlie B has been doing a lot of work in his new back yard and going on lots of bike rides “It’s beautiful outside!”, he says James M had a birthday this month He was sick on his actual birthday, so we celebrated the day after with cake and ice cream Dean H has been going to Left Foot and having a great time Dean enjoys his nights of music Jesse W has been hanging out at home, feeding the squirrels, and watching his peas and potatoes growing in the garden Scott B has been enjoying playing with his Playstation He got the new Rock Band Video Game for it and like’s to jam out with it Lacey Parks will be sponsoring “Open Swim” this summer – at the River Ridge Pool It will be held June 23 through August 22, 1:00pm – 3:00pm Mondays through Saturdays The River Ridge Pool has a hydro-lift (basket-type) to lift or lower swimmers into the pool For more information, call 491-0857 21st Annual Lacey Spring Fun Fair May 17th & 18th Held at St Martin’s University Entertainment, arts, crafts, food and exhibits For more information, call 481-4393 Broadway & Beyond II A musical ensemble with a mix of Broadway songs and popular music Tickets $10-$30 May 15 – May 18, Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sunday 2pm Held at SPSCC For more information, call 5965501 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! From All of Us at Kokua Rick F is doing really well Staff is assisting him with a shopping list so that he only buys things that he needs Rick really likes the idea Contact us to have your newsletter delivered by e-mail Contact us: (360) 705- 4665 or e-mail sally@kokuaservices.com KOKUA KUDOS KOKUA MUSIC PROGRAM Get in on the fun! The May 1st music gathering in Kokua’s building C-1 was the largest ever Participants were: Danny C, Rodney O, Dean H, Keith W, Mike C, Ron C, Jeff D, Bill C, Charlie B and making his first visit to ‘music time’ was John C, who reached out and played the bongo drums and tambourine when they were offered Many thanks and kudos to all the staff members that transported clients to the session this month and interacted so encouragingly with them Staff members involved were Sara Chafe, Tony Benavente, Candice Lindley, Arthur Schafer, Bruce Walton, Jill Smith, Michelle Cole, Bart Herigstad, Wendy Yarber, and Andy Wedlund Thank you so much for your continued support of our clients’ abilities to express themselves with music! UPDATE FROM THE RESOURCE TEAM Contact the Resource Team at the Kokua Office (705-4665 ext 119 or 124) for more information about the following upcoming events: May 13th – Trip to The Museum of Flight “Everyone appreciates being appreciated Try to catch people redhanded in the act of doing something right – and praise them for it.” Kudos to the 31st Team for working so proactively to get the clients out and for being so thorough with the new “Med Log Check” procedures Also kudos to Lynn Royal for your exceptional organizational skills and your commitment to maintain a positive work environment with those you work with! You are amazing – keep up the good work! Anonymous Thanks to Lee Davis and Bruce Walton for their help in the financial office And a big thanks to Sara Gordon for her help and words of encouragement before she left for her next adventure in her new job From Rose Hahn Kudos to Franny King for taking the extra time with the clients to allow them to be successful in the kitchen I was so amazed at your patience and kindness I feel blessed to have been able to witness Kokua’s Mission being fulfilled Submitted by Valarie Potter As a new member of the Independent Living Team, I’m working with some great clients! I’ve had the chance to talk with them and get to know them Bryan C comes into the office and we go to Fred Meyer John W comes into the office to see me twice a week I’ve had the pleasure of meeting his sister, who is a really nice person From Tony Benavente I’d like to give kudos to Sean Bonneprise and Wendy Yarber for training me and answering any questions I have during training From Tony Benavente Kudos to Rolf Eidsath for his great job as our new Team Leader Also, thanks to Dawn Stewart for her hard work on the evening shift, and Andy Wedlund for filling in on our much needed open shifts From the Staff at 25th Loop Kudos to Andy Wedlund for your hard work and leadership around Danny’s communication plan Your hard work is making a positive impact on the quality of life and independence of our clients Thank you! From Hana Greer, Team Leader To Diane Lamb, thank you for all the little things that altogether are huge Thank you for your tireless and persistent efforts you give to the Resource Team Thanks to Jill Smith and Michelle Cole for consistently going above and beyond the call of your duties Kudos to Devin Giles for being the voice of friendly reminding SUPER BIG thanks to our fillin staff (especially Lynn and Lavenia) and regular staff You are all doing a fabulous job! From Melanie Smith Kudos to Andria Membreno and Amber Zawadzinski for helping us out with recent scheduling issues Also, kudos to Mary Ann Yarber for stepping up to the plate and doing such a great job as the new training coordinator From the Clearfield Team I would like to thank Darcy Dentler, Hana Greer, Andy Wedlund, Andria Membreno, and Candice Garman for filling in our empty shifts Big kudos to Choua Chhim and Bonnie Crawford for pulling extra hours and shifts Both of you are amazing You are such valued members of our Team From Crissy Thompson Thank you Judy Cline for working so incredibly hard We June 10 – Trip to the Museum of Glass and Washington State History Museum June 17 – Trip to Woodland Park Zoo July 4th – Mariner’s Baseball Also, the Resource Team would like staff to know that they have moved one of the paper shredders to the other side of the office (B-1) next to the tall forms shelf This may be more convenient for many people and will prevent interruptions in the Resource Team office when someone needs to shred something immediately KOKUA EMPLOYEES: If you’re feeling weighed down with:Family Problems,Stress, Anger,Job Concerns ,Alcohol/Drug Problems, Depression/Anxiety Parenting, Grief, or Relationship Problems, You’re covered by: Employee Assistance Service Call 493-7867 EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE AWARDS Crystal Pogue is appreciated this month for her amazing ability to continue to meet client’s needs during arduous times Regardless of the situation she is faced with, Crystal maintains a high quality of care We respect your work ethic! Franny King is appreciated for the manner in which she engages clients Franny maintains good boundaries so that those she works with can remain as independent as possible Thank you Franny! Hana Greer is recognized for her excellent leadership skills Moreover, The Mental Health office appreciates Hana’s willingness to work with them to maintain a high standard of services for clients Fantastic job! The 22nd Team is recognized for their medical charting for the past month! This is such an appreciate everything you do! From the Service Coordination Team Thanks to all who have helped me out in the last few weeks Nathan Sanchelli has taken more than one field trip to Pick-A-Part for tail light covers for our vehicles at a fraction of the price we would have to pay at the repair shop He also installed them Nathan has also helped me move heavy objects when he shows up at the office at the right time I appreciate you being there for me and for Kokua! Thanks also to Rolf Eidsath, Judy Cline, Oline Horton, Andy Wedlund, MaryAnn Yarber and David Bacon and all who have assisted in driving vehicles to and from the repair shop.If I’ve left anyone out, my apologies! I appreciate all the help I get with vehicles and moving heavy objects From Diane Lamb VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION CELEBRATION What a wonderful gathering we had May 2nd to celebrate our wonderful and selfless volunteers from 2007- 2008 Thank you all again , Pat Clark, Cat Toung Le, Kitty Center, Whitney Miller (SMU intern), Lee Davis, Don Murphy, Judy Murphy, Linda Murphy, Elisabeth Schafer, Tammy Stark, Terry Steinbrugger, Eunjoo Valente, Renuka Vallarapu, Sandy Wilson and Candi Zhao A huge thank you to MaryAnn for rearranging her busy schedule to help set-up for the party as well as helping with clean-up and Judy for helping with clean-up It was much appreciated Lee Davis will be leaving us He was offered a job and decided to take it Lee stated that if life gets in a groove and there is room to volunteer- he would come back Lee started in November of ’07 and completed the tasks he signed up for, yet stayed on to help in other areas Thus, we are fortunate to have had such a dedicated volunteer Lee- good luck on your new job! Welcome Candi Zhao Candi will work with Rose in the financial department It was wonderful that Candi came to our celebration on Friday after deciding just that day she wanted to volunteer with Kokua Glad you are here Candi! The Kokua Board of Directors would like to thank Cary Richardson for the wonderful job she did planning and hosting the “Volunteer Appreciation Celebration” gathering that was held at the Kokua office Cary has done an amazing job assisting the volunteers who so generously devote their time to Kokua 8th AVENUE ADVOCATE UPDATE There was a wonderful turnout for the April 19th 8th Avenue Advocate retreat The Advocates came together and made the fundamental decisions that will focus the group for the year In attendance was Beverly O., Barb O., Keith W., Doreen L., Cecilia C., Paul J., Mike C., Manuela C., John F., Beverly G., Melvin V., Dawn M., as well as volunteer Terry S., and support staff Candice L., and Sara A The Advocates will write a mission statement, put out a newsletter, bring in guest speakers, be involved in the legislature and promote public awareness through community events such as Super Saturday or the Wooden Boat show Lastly, the group will post social activities they can together out side the monthly meetings in the newsletter Activities range from meeting at a coffee house, to bowling, attending a movie or eating dinner out at a local restaurant If you would like to join the 8th Avenue Advocates, please call Cary at 705-4665 ext 108 or Andria at 705-4665 ext 120 The next Advocates meeting will be Saturday May 31 st from important part of the agency and your attention to detail is commended Great work 22nd team! RECRUIT NEW EMPLOYEES FOR KOKUA AND EARN $$ Kokua is still giving out bonuses for referrals Here’s how it works Talk to people you know who you think would make great Kokua team members Give them an application or Kokua’s phone number with Dominique’s extension #105 Have them tell Dominique that you’ve referred them She will complete a referral form so you can get the credit for the referral (A referral form must be completed and in the new employee’s file for you to receive the bonus.) If your referral is hired and completes the 90 day probation period, you will receive a $50.00 cash bonus If your referral remains a Kokua employee for a year, you will receive a $100.00 cash bonus We have several employees who have already received their $50.00 bonus for referred employees, and they’re on their way to receiving that $100.00 bonus! KOKUA COOKS Here’s a yummy and refreshing fruit salad The dressing could also be used as a dip for a fresh fruit tray CREAMSICLE FRUIT SALAD - pkg (1.4 oz) sugar free and fat free instant vanilla pudding mix - ½ cups low-fat milk - tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed - ½ cup fat free sour cream - c melon cubes or balls (honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, etc.) - bananas, sliced 11:00am-1:00pm at Kokua room C-1 Guest speaker Andria Abrahamson from Disability Rights of Washington (DRW) in Seattle will be accompanied by a few advocates to talk about self advocacy Andria will help build the next step for the group in moving forward with its mission The DRW is a wonderful resource Andria will talk with the group about future topics that the 8th Avenue Advocates can choose from to help them with their objectives A light lunch will be provided RSVP is required Call Cary Richardson at 705-4665, ext 108 EXTRA HELP NEEDED Kokua Employees: As many of you are aware, some teams are very short staffed right now Anyone who is interested in extra hours and is willing to get trained in other homes, please contact Judy Cline at 705-4665 ext 100 Thank you HOW TO BE HAPPY AND FEEL BETTER From a “Good Housekeeping” Magazine article by Stacy Weiner You don’t have to change much Researchers have found scientific evidence of what really boosts our moods Here are some surprising strategies to use to feel better every day Don’t strive for perfection or constant contentment If you expect to “have it all” and “do it all” and be happy all of the time, it’s going to make you miserable Instead, manage your expectations A study led by the University of Virginia looked at how everyday events (both positive and negative) affected people’s overall daily satisfaction They tracked four groups: European Americans, Asian Americans, Japanese and Koreans European Americans reported feeling happier than the other groups did, but needed double the number of positive events to help them rebound from negative ones The study authors suspect that a downside of feeling happy most of the time is that you expect that to be the “norm” and when bad things happen, it can seem catastrophic Find your balance Psychologists generally describe happiness as a sense of well-being or satisfaction with your life There is fun without meaning (like a foot massage) and meaning without fun (like a.m feedings), and happiness comes from some combo of the two If you consistently choose one and not the other, you’ll end up feeling empty or resentful Don’t try to buy happiness Money helps, especially if you start out poor and then better But a nationwide study found that those who avidly pursued possessions were less satisfied with all aspects of their lives than those who were less materialistic Switch gears Studies have shown that subjects who experience a change in their circumstances (like moving to a nicer place) and/or in their activities (like pursuing a new hobby) report more gains in well-being Something different is inherently entertaining Lose yourself in the moment If you’re in a bad mood, try to find your “flow” – something that you really enjoy – that makes you feel like time is flying by It may be doing a crossword puzzle, skiing, or weeding your garden Develop an attitude of gratitude Recognize good things - apples, cored and sliced - peaches, nectarines or pears, cored and sliced Put pudding mix, milk and orange juice concentrate in mixing bowl and beat on medium speed for minutes Mix in sour cream Mix all the fruits in a large bowl Pour orange dressing over the top and toss gently to blend Serve immediately or cover and keep in refrigerator until ready to serve Yield: 8-10 cups of fruit salad Per cup of fruit salad and dressing (if cups per recipe): 162 calories, g protein, 37 g carbohydrate, g fat, 0.4 g saturated fat, mg cholesterol, 3.5 g fiber, 35 mg sodium Calories from fat: 6% when they happen If you have trouble counting your blessings, try keeping a gratitude journal Studies have shown that people who record what they appreciate experience greater happiness, less anxiety and they sleep better, too Set aside time to connect with other people 100% of happy people had good relationships It doesn’t matter if the strong bond is with a partner, a friend or a parent – it’s just important to have at least two of these essential relationships Help yourself by helping others Helping others makes us feel capable and full of purpose and it lets us quit stressing about our own problems Even small gestures will work Choose to choose less Too much choice can cause anxiety and leads people to blame themselves if things don’t turn out as they expected Learn how to accept “goodenough” options 10 Be more forgiving Forgiving is a gift you give yourself 11 Make the best of things that happen Pick out the positives in a situation Once we start trying to this, it can become a habit 12 Get your body involved in expressing happiness Laugh out loud, jump up & down with joy, dance around You’ll feel happier QUESTIONS THAT MAKE YOU SAY – HUH? How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges? What happens if you get scared to death twice? If the #2 pencil is so popular, why is it still #2? If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting? If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular? If Superman is so smart, why does he wear underpants over his trousers? Why is it that if someone tells you there are billion stars in the universe, you believe them, but if someone tells you a wall has wet paint, you have to touch it to be sure? KOKUA COOKING CLASS April’s cooking class was great! The class was attended by Becky C., Sue W., Cecilia C., Doreen L., Kim R., and Laurie H Elisabeth taught the group to make meatballs She started things off by discussing how protein helps keep the immune system strong as well as the importance to cook hamburger thoroughly (no pink!) The kitchen was busy and the recipe was complex but everyone was very successful because they have been cooking for months now and their comfort level has grown along with their confidence Elisabeth is very consistent in the way she runs the class so everyone is at ease in the kitchen and ready to learn a new recipe TANGY MEATBALLS pound ground beef tablespoons uncooked oats egg ½ cup + tablespoons chili sauce tablespoons grape jelly In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef, oats, egg, and tablespoons chili sauce Mix well Shape to form 1-inch balls, about the size of a walnut Bake on shallow, un-greased baking pan at 400 degrees for 15 minutes Meanwhile in a large saucepan mix ½ cup chili sauce with grape jelly Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until mixture is well-blended Add cooked meatballs; continue cooking minutes or until heated through Makes 30 meatballs Good served with cooked rice Safety Tip: Ground beef often contains the dangerous bacteria E.coli Luckily, it can be destroyed by cooking, so be sure to cook meatballs very well, until no pink remains The class is a success for many reasons Elisabeth’s amazing ability to facilitate the class, staff support for the clients, Chris Rasmussen-Barsanti’s support for purchases of the needed utensils, as well as, the office staff who bring equipment from home that we only need one time We will have one more session before taking the summer off, and we will resume classes in the fall If you would like to attend next month, contact Cary at 705.4665 ext 108 We will be making Veggies and Dips, May 28th from 1P- 2p at the Lacey Community Center ... express themselves with music! UPDATE FROM THE RESOURCE TEAM Contact the Resource Team at the Kokua Office (7 05 -46 65 ext 119 or 1 24) for more information about the following upcoming events: May. .. like to join the 8th Avenue Advocates, please call Cary at 7 05 -46 65 ext 108 or Andria at 7 05 -46 65 ext 120 The next Advocates meeting will be Saturday May 31 st from important part of the agency... likes the idea Contact us to have your newsletter delivered by e-mail Contact us: (360) 7 05- 46 65 or e-mail sally@kokuaservices.com KOKUA KUDOS KOKUA MUSIC PROGRAM Get in on the fun! The May 1st