| You know how it goes when you have kids. When they are young you are just hoping to survive. When they are older you are shuttling them between activities and have no time of your own. And then they are out on their own and you think, “now what?”
I have always been one to give back. I coached basketball and volunteered on my kids’ team’s sports boards. But after they left the nest, I felt compelled to find another organization that could utilize my expertise and talents, and I could make a difference. I have a dear friend who (full disclosure, she helps me write my newsletters) has for decades volunteered with a spectacular organization that operates residential homes for developmentally disabled adults on the Eastside. She is currently the president of the board of directors for DAHLIA Living.
Around her table last fall, where I have spent countless hours, she persuaded me to join her on DAHLIA’s board. Their mission isn’t new to me. I have attended auctions and donated my services as a “handy man” for several years, but her plea for me to do more resonated at this time in my life.
This is a special organization – which I always knew but became truly real for me when I toured all 4 homes earlier this year after officially joining the board. What blew me away? Each home has between 4 – 8 residents – 25 in total. Four of these residents have lived in one of DAHLIA’s homes for 50 years! (DAHLIA opened their first program 50 years ago this May!). Given that the average life expectancy for a developmentally disabled adult is 46 years and these residents moved in in their 20s, well…you do the math.
I loved how each resident had their own room, decorated to suit their personalities. I was able to chat with a couple of residents and was invited to see their rooms in their home because that is what it is – their home – not a facility. They have a dining room and a living room. They eat together and watch tv together. They go shopping and go on outings. Some even volunteer their own time!
The staff at each home was incredibly welcoming and answered my questions as I probed about structural and construction-related things – because that is what I know and do.
I was thrilled to contribute my talent when the admin office was recently in the midst of a “must move” situation. I negotiated terms with the landlord and found a mover within 2 weeks of the unplanned move.
If you are interested in learning more about this wonderful organization, this video will give you some history and a sense of how amazing this agency truly is. If you’d like to join me at the annual auction in September (save the date for 9/27 in Bellevue), donate to their GiveBig campaign in May celebrating their 50 years of service or if, like me, you are wanting to volunteer and make a difference, reach out and I’ll hook you up. |
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