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Sucess Stories
Madison Timmins Leads By Example
Posted on April 26, 2010.61122.original.standalone.prod_affiliate.7.jpg)
Madison Timmins is an extraordinary young man. As a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 292, he will be awarded the rank of Eagle Scout this spring. Along with earning 30 merit badges, he has served as a Chaplain Aide and Program Manager. Madison also completed his Eagle Scout community service project for the MOA Parks & Rec. Dept. To prevent costly damage,he strengthened 21 permanent tire barriers which protect the fence surrounding the baseball fields. He has volunteered and taken part in several other scout community service projects. In addition to many church service projects shoveling driveways and raking leaves, Madison has participated in JROTC all through high school and has been involved in their various service projects. He understands patriotism and is honored to wear his Air Force JROTC uniform. Madison is a senior at Eagle River High School and enjoys working in the horticulture program at King Career Center. Madison is a good example to all who associate with him. He has overcome his special needs challenges by keeping a sense of humor, having positive energy and maintaining the determination needed to overcome obstacles. At school he is a hard worker, completing all expectations in a timely manner with enthusiasm. Madison would like to be a master gardener and run his own greenhouse. By growing bright flowers and plants, he will contribute to the beautification and enhancement of our community.
Ban the 'R' word Campaign
Posted on June 2009I wanted to relate a story to you that Sean's teacher told me today. For those of you who haven’t seen Sean in a while, he is now in 10th grade at Chugiak High School. Today there was a school assembily and one of the speakers was from Special Olympics Alaska. She gave a very moving speech on the "Ban the ’R’ word Campaign." She explained that it is hurtful to call special needs people "retarded." After her speech there was a basektball shooting contest and Sean's teacher decided to let him enter. In front of the whole assembly, in line with the other regular ed students, Sean made the shot and continued making shots to the wild cheers of the students in the stands! They were all shouting Sean’s name and cheering for him! When he didn’t make it to the final shootout, the crowd booed!! What a touching finish to the speech on "Ban the ’R’ Word!!"
In addition, Sean got lots of compliments at his regular phys ed class and now the student body government would like to do something to support Special Olympics at our school.
Representatives from Special Olympics stopped by after the assembly to congratulate Sean and to see what they could do to help. The end of that meeting was a pledge to get as many as possible involved in Special Olympics. We are looking for athletes to partner our kids in Spcial Olympics events. By the way, I have a state champion bowler in my room too!
Sami's Story
Posted in 2007Although new clients are finding their way to FOCUS on a regular basis, many, such as 12-year old Samantha (Sami) McLaughlin, have been working with FOCUS most of their lives.
Sami began working with FOCUS when she was 12 months old. Her doctor suggested an infant learning prgram for her because she was unable to sit up by herself as a result of cerebral palsy.
"It was an awesome experience because they even incorporated my other daughter who was 3 years old at the time, so she didn't feel left out," said Darline McLaughlin, Sami's mother. "Making her a part of the therapy made her feel less separated from her sister. It made her more comfortable with her and gave her a greater understanding of what Sami was dealing with."
McLaughlin said that FOCUS's early work with her daughter went a long way toward helping her pick up skills she might not have otherwise learned. It also proved that the doctors who predicted she would never walk were wrong.
"Now she can walk, run, jump, throw balls and can do things that typical children can do. She is no longer wheelchair bound," McLaughlin said. "It helped her physically and emotionally. Sami didn't want to be the kid in the wheelchair. She wanted to be the kid running and playing with other kids."
With time, Sami progressed to take advantage of FOCUS's in-home respite care services.
"It's great. I have nothing bad to say because these people are trained in CPR and first aid and always come prepared," McLaughlin said. "I feel a lot more confident leaving with them there."
Sami had three years of therapy with FOCUS prior to entering the Anchorage School District's special education program. FOCUS helped to coordinate the transition for the family.
with permission —Mary M. Rall
for the Alaska Star
"Madison"
Posted on June 2009Karen Timmins says that accessing services including respite care and mini-grants through FOCUS have made a huge difference in the quality of their family life and their ability to work with Madison. They have anger management and behavioral support services. Because of Madison´s behaviors she needs one on one supervision attained by skilled and experienced in-home providers she has chosen. The limited free time this offers the parents is necessary to maintain the continuity of their family life while also giving Madison the supervision she requires. Thank you FOCUS for your support and services.
"John"
Posted on June 2009We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to you and your company for the help you have provided our family. We want you to know that we are extremely pleased with the quality of service your company provides.
"John" has been a foster child in our home for almost a year, during that time FOCUS Inc. has been there. Having a local agency that provides community services has been invaluable. The knowledgeable staff of the Early Intervention, Infant Learning Program have provided accurate assessments, assistance with funding, guidance with developmental activities, and pertinent outside referrals. FOCUS staff attend to family wishes and requests, they strive to anticipate family and consumer needs. During home visits they are always friendly, helpful and conduct themselves in a professional manner.
"John's" progresses directly reflect the continued dedication of your staff. We look forward to working with the commendable individuals of FOCUS, Inc. in the years to come.
Kim M. Simpson
