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WELCOME!
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Out and About: News from Outcomes. Our hope is to provide you with information that is practical, articles that are interesting, and resources that can make a difference for you. If you have questions about anything you see here, feel free to contact us so that we can discuss it. We look forward to further developing our relationship with you and finding more ways to serve our community.
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Jeremy Band and Transition Advocacy Program 
Jeremy came to Outcomes' Transition Advocacy Program for job development, with special focus on improving his job interview skills. The Transition Advocacy Program is designed to support adults with disabilities seeking a more independent lifestyle through greater success in employment, education and community integration. Support is based solely on individual needs and goals and is intended for individuals who are not eligible for other public funding sources, but still need supports after graduation. This unique program allows individuals to choose what types of supports they receive, unlike many other funding sources that offer more limited services.
Since the spring, Jeremy has been working with Sarah Bretz, Intake Coordinator, toward his goal of finding paid long-term employment in his field. Jeremy, who is diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, holds a Master's Degree in Library Science from University of Maryland.
"The services and personnel of TLC Outcomes have been a major asset to me in my pursuit for a career. They've helped me rewrite and update my resume and cover letter to look better to prospective employers, trained me in proper interview techniques, and helped me search for jobs suitable to my personal skills. Thanks to TLC, I have a fulfilling paying job and look forward to more in the future," Jeremy stated. Jeremy currently works at a paid internship in Washington, DC.
To learn more about Transition Advocacy Services, call or email Sarah Bretz at 240.813.6903. |
 Caregiver Support Group
On August 4, five parents attended the first Outcomes Parent Support Group meeting. The 90 minute meeting, led by Nick Heynen, Outcomes DDA Team Coordinator, brought together families of children receiving both long and short term services from Outcomes.
Caregivers' and parents' common experiences and hopes made the initial connection easy. All caregivers were dealing with more than one person with disabilities living in the home and were motivated to learn about employment opportunities.
Topics for future meetings:
- Time management expert providing strategies to better utilize and organize our time
- Guest employer will discuss their approach to hiring and employing people with disabilities
- How to be an effective advocate in a job situation
- Long-term care for children in the event of the loss of a parent
- Finding time and avenues for self care
- Frustrations, fears and anxiety related to having a child with a disability
- Multigenerational issues - having a child with a disability and an aging parent in the house
Meetings will be held monthly at The Outcomes Service office and are open to all caregivers of Outcomes service clients. If you are interested in more in information call or email Stephanie Tice at 301.294.9205.
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Maggie's Extraordinary Trip to Boston
This summer 31 year old Outcomes consumer Maggie accomplished something she never dreamed possible. Alone, she traveled to Boston to participate in the Williams Syndrome Association convention and met up with her friends. Williams Syndrome is a genetic condition which causes medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as highly social personalities with strong verbal abilities.
Case Manager Reka Darcozi helped Maggie register for the conference and encouraged Maggie every step of the way -- helping Maggie pack, facilitating payment, and providing rides to and from the train station. Maggie has never traveled alone and is somewhat reluctant to engage in new experiences. Her desire to visit old friends from Berkshire Music Academy (South Hadley, Ma.) and participate in this event, motivated Maggie to overcome every obstacle and she had a wonderful time.
"I learned I can be independent," said Maggie, "It was hard but it was good at the same time because I got to see my friends." |
Campers Meet a New Friend
Campers in TLC's Summer Programs at The Katherine Thomas School had a furry new friend visit this summer. Outcomes Employment Specialist Reka Daroczi and her 6 year old ferret Beckett volunteered for TLC's on-site field trip program. For most campers, meeting Beckett was their first exposure to a ferret. Beckett lavished in the attention, while campers had an opportunity to pet Beckett and walk him on a leash. Beckett is one of three ferrets and two cats Reka and her husband Chris have rescued over the past few years.
Reka has been with The Outcomes Service for almost two years."Finding people with the knowledge and compassion that Reka has is rare. I am honored to have her as a member of our staff." states Nick Heynen, DDA Team Coordinator.
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