Special Gifts

This blog post is written by Robin Moses,

the director of the Madonna Workshop. 

Some view personal disabilities as a hindrance, but at the Madonna Workshop we see individuals with special gifts. Each person has talents that benefit not only himself but also others. 

No one at our shop views their challenges as a way of disqualifying themselves from living a self-sufficient and full life.

They teach us in so many ways to have patience and to appreciate the little things which we might otherwise take for granted. Many days, they teach us that the only real disability in life is a bad attitude.

When I meet with families, it fills my heart with joy to hear parents say:

Acknowledged

This week we are sharing an interview with Ryan de la Garza a member of the Madonna Workshop staff. After fulfilling a variety of job roles at the Madonna School, he moved to the Workshop in 2011 to manage client programs. His care and attention to detail allow members of the Madonna Community to continue to learn and be active members of society.

You've met him before as a guest blogger focusing his attention on clients. To understand the value of the Madonna Shop and the work they do for the community, it helps to also meet the staff and hear their perspective:

Important.

“Hi! How are you today?”

It’s how he greets us every morning, each member of the Madonna Workshop staff, one by one. It’s as though his workday can’t begin until he’s asked each employee how he or she is doing. “Hi, how are you today?”

A simple gesture to be sure, but five simple words mean so much on a slow, early morning. What better way to start the day than to know that someone cares enough to inquire about your wellness? In fact, until Maurice makes his rounds of “Hellos” and “How are yous,” it’s as though our workdays can’t begin either.

Maurice embodies a genuine kindness which extends far beyond his daily greetings and those of the Workshop staff; his thoughtful actions reach our highly valued client base at Madonna via sharing, teamwork, and above all, friendship.

As with any workplace, keeping employees engaged and occupied is an important facet of our daily routine. In order to adhere to this principle,

Special Olympics with Coach V

Diane Vaiskunas, Coach V. as she is called by students and teachers alike, has been a fixture at Madonna School for 34 years. Since first working with Madonna students as a YMCA swimming instructor, her energy and devotion have never slowed down. Coach V. now directs all Special Olympics activities at Madonna.

To Coach V., Special Olympics means more than just physical exercise. She describes practice and games as social events that build team spirit and offer learning experiences that are useful well beyond the court. Special Olympics, coach says, gives students “something to be proud of no matter the level of skill.” Participants get a ribbon whether or not they finish first and, most importantly, they have a lot of fun competing. 

One of Coach V.’s favorite experiences with the Madonna students

The Impact of Camp

I'm lying awake at camp                                        

"What is camp?" I asked in our first year at a parents meeting at Madonna.

Several folks piped up to explain it is a camp where the kids and teachers stay overnight at the 4-H grounds near Louisville, NE. The kids participate in all kinds of nature and outdoor activities.

The first year camp was available to my son, we thought he may not like the overnight aspect but when the time came, we went for it.  We listened to him share his experience. He felt safe and comfortable because he knows all the campers as they all attend his school.

Coach V. asked me three years ago if I would consider being a parent volunteer. They needed adult males to stay with a group of young lads. I agreed.

Which brings me to tonight, or rather early morning, as I cannot sleep. I lie awake thinking of so many awesome events I’ve witnessed today. Even on my third camp with Madonna, I am emotionally awake at what has transpired around me today.