August 29, 2006
It is truly astounding to see what someone with so many disabilities can do when they are provided with the proper support and motivation to succeed in life, much the same as a bridge can stand strong when properly supported with joists and anchors. Humans too need to be supported, but with people who understand their needs and goals, which are what Harmony Home provides me with on a daily basis. Something we all know is true comes to mind, "without a great support, everything falls." I am truly fortunate to have the best support I have ever seen in that the Harmony Home staff and group, are my support system that keeps me walking tall every day. And for me being paralyzed on half of my body, that is not an easy task by any means. It is a full time job that they handle effortlessly. I know all the things I can't do, but they remind me of all the things I can do. That is something I have come to learn that you cannot put a price tag on.
So, in closing, I say thank you to all of Harmony Home. You truly are what is holding this bridge up and I know it must be difficult. So thank you very much for all you do each and every day!!! What separated Harmony Home from everyone is that "they truly care if you succeed or not and that makes all the difference in the world."
~Juan
I have been with you guys since I turned 30 and I love you guys. I would be lost without you. I look forward to seeing you everyday. I don't know what I would do without you. You make me feel like I can do anything with your help. I know I'm only one of the people you help, but I think this program is great. I know that sometimes I can be a witch, but you accept me for who I am and I thank you for that! I am very cocky. The doctors said I would not be able to do anything, but you guys make it possible so I can do things.
~Kim
My name is Joseph and I have been living in my apartment for 10 years with supported living. Harmony Home has cool people to hang out with. They help me pay my bills and clean my apartment. Without supported living life would be weird and boring. And I really want to thank Harmony Home throughout the years. And it feels great to be a man, and you can call me Superman.
~Joseph
When I was 21 years old, I started working with Harmony Home. I had never lived independently before. With your help, I was able to find an apartment and also a roommate. I was not working, so you helped me find Futures Explored so I was able to get a job. Then I learned how to cook and I also do my banking and shopping with my instructor's help and support.
When I was 27 years old, I met Cheryl through a friend. She and I dated for awhile. We got married in 1994. I love her and I love being married. We are good for each other. I have learned how to treat my wife a lot better from counseling, which you helped me find. I do almost everything on my own these days. I still need help with doctors and dentists and some other things, but I am still learning and probably will learn a lot more. I go bowling, to sporting events, car shows and the county fair with my friends. Cheryl and I have traveled to Hawaii, Monterey, Los Angeles, Oklahoma and Texas. We both like to spend time with our families.
We live in a great apartment in Lafayette. You helped us find this apartment. We both love our community and do not ever want to leave. We have been married for 15 years. We have had lots of great anniversaries. We go to Art and Wine Festivals in Lafayette and Walnut Creek every year.
We both appreciate the support and teaching that Harmony Home has given to us for so many years. We would not have been as independent without you guys.
Dan and Mary rock!
We love you all.
~John & Cheryl
My name is Leslie. I have been with Harmony Home for 15 years. They have helped me set up my apartment and taught me how to live on my own. An Instructor comes to my apartment weekly, and shows me how to do different tasks so I can live independently. They assist me with learning things like grocery shopping, comparing prices, cleaning my apartment and doing laundry. My Instructor helps me pay my bills and helps me call the bank to get my balance.
I like being with Harmony Home. They make me laugh too. I also like the holiday parties they have for us. Everyone at Harmony Home is nice.
~Leslie
My name is John W. In the time period of almost six years that I have been with Harmony Home, I have learned several important adult responsibilities, such as: good housekeeping, money management, healthy cooking skills, special olympic participation, weight loss management, honesty, further socializing with others and many more. If there are parents out there who would like their sons or daughters to learn all or part of these important skills, then I would highly recommend the Harmony Home adult learning, living skills program.
Thank you.
~John W.
My name is Regina Woodlife. I am president of the Mt. Diablo Chapter of People First. This year, our chapter won the "Nicky Award" for "Best Chapter of the Year."
I would like to thank my fellow officers for all their hard work in achieving this award. Their dedication and teamwork made this award possible. I would like to thank my officers, specifically my vice-president, Heidi; my secretary, Stephanie; our treasurer, Bruce; and Dave, our sergeant-at-arms. I would also like to thank all of our members for their help and dedication to the Five Principles.
Thank you to all members of the Board of People First of California, especially Kecia Weller, who nominated us for this award.
I thank God for this award and my sister Mary for her love and support.
~Regina Woodliff
Artwork by Jason
Artwork by Aaron
Art by James
Cross-stitched blankets by Barbara M.
Crocheted blanket by Cathy Smith
Crocheted baby blanket by Barbara J.
David Patterson
Regina Woodliff
Advocate Recognition Award