Good News Friday!

Did you know that Imagine! has a Host Home program?

Staff members from Imagine!’s Innovations department work very carefully to ensure that Host Home providers and consumers are well matched. A wide variety of criteria are used to find the best fit. Maybe one person would prefer to live in a mountain home with plenty of peace and solitude, while another person would prefer to live in an apartment in the middle of town where they have easy access to friends and fun events. The process of carefully matching consumers and providers means that the consumer has the opportunity to live the kind of life he or she would like, and is able to access the community in more successful and meaningful ways.

The results that come from using this model have been impressive. Many Host Home Providers have been together with consumers for more than 15 years.

So today I’d like to highlight a few of Imagine!’s Host Home Providers, and thank them for their service.

 

Iva and Roy Richter

 

 

Mark S. moved in with Roy and Iva about four and one-half years ago to their home in Loveland, Colorado. Ray and Iva’s compassionate medical care, family oriented home life, and genuine fun loving approach toward being host home providers has lead to success for all involved.

You will often find Mark, Iva, and Roy cracking jokes, out fishing, bowling, or just hanging out in the community with friends. The Richters also bring consistency, responsibility, and great skill to what they do.

 

Andrea Legleiter and Derek Voth

 

Andrea Legleiter and Derek Voth have been providing services to Innovations’ consumers for seven years. Currently, Andrea, Derek, their consumer Nicholas, and their foster child Jason currently reside in Westminster. Andrea and Derek consistently provide thorough care and advocacy to both Nicky and Jason. Andrea and Derek’s quick attention to detail saved Nicky’s life this fall when they took immediate action and administered the Heimlich Maneuver when Nicky was choking.

Andrea and Derek’s energetic care also translates during their leisure time as well. Together Andrea, Derek, Nicholas, and Jason (pictured above) fill their summers with camping trips and swimming in the pool in their backyard, but in the winter months you can find all of them having a good time while chanting in unison at the TV. Andrea and Derek are both from Kansas, and are proud fans of the Jayhawks basketball team. Their enthusiasm for the Jayhawks has also been adopted by Nicholas and Jason as they too enjoy watching games with Andrea and Derek at their home or out over dinner wherever the game’s on. Andrea says, “They proudly wear their Jayhawk gear and chant 'rock chalk Jayhawk' when we win!” Andrea and Derek are successful at creating a family atmosphere for both Nicholas and Jason, and Andrea admits that the Jayhawks have a little something to do with that. “Most all of our extended family members are also proud Jayhawk fans, and this has helped the boys to have a sense of belonging in our not-so-traditional family,” she said.

Kathy and Chris Wallace

 

Imagine! consumers Chris and Bruce have lived with Kathy and Chris Wallace for many years. Kathy uses her great sense of humor to maintain an upbeat residential environment. She has an uncanny ability to sense concerns before they arise and skillfully assists her consumers to advocate for themselves when necessary. Chris and Bruce both continue to thrive in their host home thanks to the unwavering support provided by Kathy and her husband.

Bruce said, "I have lived with Kathy and Chris for eight years. There's an assortment of things I like about my host home, it's hard to choose just one. I really like living there in general. Kathy and Chris are funny and we laugh a lot together."

Chris said, "Kathy and Chris always help me when I need it."

Thanks to all of Imagine!’s Host Home Providers.