I introduced you to my new friend Gloria in a column a couple of weeks ago. I thought it was about time to introduce you to a couple more. You may already know these guys. They tend to get out in the community, and aren’t too shy about talking to people. That’s probably why I love them so much! I make friends in the checkout line at the grocery store, so I appreciate a good talker.
Enough about me. Let me tell you about my friend Austin R. He is a busy guy, so stay with me as I fill you in on all he does (at Bona Vista and out). I first met Austin years ago when my husband played slow pitch softball. Austin’s dad would bring him to every game because he knew some of the guys on the team, and he would sit in the dugout and cheer. He was part of the team, and it was awesome! My husband now plays on a different team, so I don’t see him at the ballpark, but you might!
I re-connected with Austin when I started at Bona Vista because he works in our Industries during the day. If you take a tour of our Crossing location, he will probably shout out a “Hey, Troy!” to Troy Bowers, Bona Vista Community Education Coordinator, who gives the tours. He loves meeting new people and making friends. In addition to working in the Industries, Austin is also a part of our Habilitation program. That means, he goes to goal-oriented, small-group classes to work on different skills like cooking, math, money, etc.
One day I happened to be at the Crossing when his Hab group was taking place, and they were about to play BINGO. Not normal BINGO, though. During their game, clues are given by the caller and the players have to guess what the word is. That’s how they know which space to cover. Well, I took over being the caller (because HOW FUN!), and I could barely get three words out because Austin would cut me off with the answer. He thought it was hilarious (and so did I)! He is SO smart!
He’s also a part of Bona Vista’s “Out and About” group that goes on trips or volunteers for organizations. For example, Austin is ringing bells this month for the Salvation Army with his group, and they love to visit the Kokomo Humane Society to check on the pets. He’s also a part of a new group, the Bona Vista Bistro, that works on food safety and preparation!
Are you exhausted by all that Austin does, yet? That’s just during the day! During basketball season, which we are in the midst of, if his alma mater Western Panthers have a home game (boys or girls) you can find him in the gymnasium. He’s their biggest fan! My daughter plays JV basketball for the Panthers, so Austin and I chat during the games and then always debrief the next day about how they played and when the next game is. Everyone should be so lucky as to have an Austin in their stands.
I haven’t just made friends with the people we serve, though. I believe that Bona Vista has some of the most caring and dedicated staff around. The work people do every day serving children or adults directly, running administrative tasks in offices behind the scenes, cleaning up messes or fixing things the rest of us break, going along with whatever absurd fundraiser or idea I throw at them…it takes everyone to make it successful.
I could write paragraph after paragraph about each staff person. And, maybe I will eventually. It would only take me about 10 years if I wrote about one every week. You’ve got time, right? So, let’s not delay. The person I want to tell you about is Marty Johnson. Marty has worked with Bona Vista as a Caregiver for the Developmentally Disabled for more than THIRTY YEARS! Yes, I did that in all capitals because it’s impressive. Seriously impressive. When you work directly, one-on-one with adults with disabilities every day, it can be exhausting – emotionally and physically. But, Marty loves the people we serve, and it shows! He sees them as family. And, for some of them, he is.
He has his own family, though. A wife, one son away at college and a daughter in high school (who happens to serve on our Board of Directors through the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council). He’s involved in their athletics, and they look up to him. He’s a hard worker, clearly dedicated and loyal so why shouldn’t they?!
He’s obsessive about his sports – ask him anything about the Kokomo Wildkats or Cincinatti Reds. Don’t fault him for that, though, not everyone can be a Cubs fan. We gained enough bandwagon followers during our recent World Series championship. It just wouldn’t be fair to the other teams.
If you’ve never had a tour of our facilities to see and meet the people we serve, like Austin, schedule a tour today! Come by yourself, bring your family, bring a group you’re a part of… the more the merrier! Just call Troy at 765-457-8273 to set it up.
If you’ve never been a part of a team with devoted and caring individuals, we would love to have you consider coming to work with us. You can visit our web site www.bonavista.org, click on careers and see which opportunity best fits your passion.
Until next time…keep a good view on life!
-AB