My Possibilities Thanks North Texas – 1st Anniversary
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By Pamela Ferrell, My Possibilities Founder and Board Member
“When are you coming to My Possibilities? You know you should!” That’s how Shara Harrington responds to just about everyone that tours our facility. Shara is one of our HIPsters (Hugely Important People) that loves to share her opinion on how much fun it is to be part of My Possibilities.
Scott Bouma graduated from the Notre Dame School of Dallas on Wednesday. Notre Dame is a school that serves students 3-21 with developmental disabilities. On Thursday, Scott and his parents were at My Possibilities completing the admission meeting. After touring with his parents, we asked Scott what he thought of My Possibilities, “I love My Possibilities. Everyone likes me here.”
On June 9, 2008 – one year ago – My Possibilities opened as the first full day full year nonprofit, program for adults with cognitive disabilities in Collin County. The program focuses on increase each adult’s self sufficiency. On that first day, we had 13 HIPsters; one year later My Possibilities will have over 40 adults enrolled in the program.
The HIPsters have revealed their different abilities: some mopping the floors, others folding napkins, all of them washing and drying towels. They take turns vacuuming the carpets, leading group discussions, setting the table, using the computer, and making copies. A few have even learned to use the DART ParaTransit as transportation to the facility.
Our community continues to step up with new activities to help the HIPsters gain more self sufficiency. UT-Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders continues their collaboration with the graduate program in speech-language pathology this summer. The students conduct group speech and language therapy with the HIPsters. Licensed speech language pathologist and UT-Dallas Clinical Faculty member, Diane Garst, supervises the clinical experience and shared that “The staff and HIPsters at My Possibilities have been a great support and I am extremely excited about how the relationship benefits both groups. The HIPsters practice communication skills individually and in groups, while our graduate students develop clinical skills. The graduate students continue to talk about their experiences throughout the week, and the HIPsters look forward to the sessions.”
This summer, UNT is creating My Possibilities University at our Plano location under the direction of Dr. Bertina Combes, Associate Professor of Special Education. Classes in American History and American Pop Culture will presented to HIPsters by UNT students. “Anita Kliewer, the course instructor and I are developing several activities that we believe will enhance the lives of the HIPsters as well as provide our UNT students with greater knowledge about the transition process for older youth and young adults.”
In addition, collaboration with Crull Fitness has increased our HIPsters physical fitness and the association with Cottonwood Estates has improved their social skills. Volunteer groups such as Chase Oaks Church, Team Networking and Freedom Church, and many other businesses contribute in many ways help the program continue. Individual volunteers and a great staff provide our HIPsters with a first class program.
Our 1st Anniversary is to be shared with the North Texas community. Thank you for all your support for these great adults. For more information about My Possibilities go to www.mypossibilities.org
