Protected Tomorrows January 2020 Newsletter

In this Issue:

President's Message

Parent University 2nd Webinar: Building The Dream Team - February 13th, 2020

App Matches Clients With Special Needs to Caregivers

Google Invests In Affordable Housing Project

School Becomes Model For How Peer Groups Can Help Students In Special Education

This is Where We Will Be...

President's Message:

Dear Clients and Friends,

Here we are in 2020!!!!! For me, it is just so hard to believe how fast the time has gone. Protected Tomorrows and its affiliated companies are 30 years old this year! My sister, Marcia, who inspired me to do this left us 25 years ago. I miss Marcia so much, but I still feel her presence at my side as we continue to help families plan for their future. I know that Marcia and my parents are still cheering for us. My parents and their dedication to my sister taught me that every single person can make a difference. Over the years, I have had a great team working by my side, and I'm proud of their dedication as well. Hopefully, you will share in our 30th Anniversary celebrations though out 2020.

This issue is inspiring as I see the growth and new ideas that are occurring. Technology, new ways to teach inclusivity, and creative solutions to residential needs are just a few. Sometimes when we are in the middle of looking for solutions, it seems progress is slow. But when we look back 30 years, we DO see growth and creativity. The gap between needs and wants are starting to get smaller. Protected Tomorrows will continue to keep you informed, as well as attempt to find new and better ways to serve you.

Please do not hesitate to email me directly if you have comments, ideas, and feedback. I look forward to hearing from you.

Happy New Year! Let us make it a great year together.

Warmest regards,

Mary Anne Ehlert,

Founder & President

Parent University 2nd Webinar: Building The Dream Team - February 13th, 2020!

Powered by Protected Tomorrows and presented by Mary Anne Ehlert, President and Founder of Protected Tomorrows, we are proud to offer you our second in a series of educational webinars:

"Building The Dream Team "

February 13th, 2020

7:00pm - 8:00pm CST

In this webinar, we will talk about the team that you comprise and how important it is to ensure your child's future success! We will focus on the importance of picking the right people for the right job. We will start on how to build the team - making it easier for your future caregiver and educating your trustee. We will give you the tools so that everything is mapped out for your future "Dream Team". Mary Anne Ehlert will host this free online Zoom webinar on February 13th, 2020 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm CST.

Click here to register!

App Matches Clients With Special Needs to Caregivers

by Catherine Roberts, Star Tribune/TNS

Twins Melissa Danielsen and Melanie Fountaine grew up in northern Minnesota helping to take care of their older brother Josh, who had developmental disabilities and health issues - and the experiences had a profound influence on their trajectories.

When Josh died a decade ago of brain disease, both had built adult lives. Danielsen had a business and marketing career, Fountaine was a school counselor. In the grieving process, the two decided they wanted to take what they had learned from Josh and help other families navigate the disability landscape, which can prove complicated and difficult. Click here to read more.

Google Invests In Affordable Housing Project

By George Avalos | Bay Area News Group

Google has invested $5.3 million in a large affordable housing project near downtown San Jose that will set aside units for people with developmental disabilities, the search giant and the project's developer said Tuesday.

Kelsey Ayer Station, a 115-unit project being planned for a site at 447 N. First St. near a light rail stop, has landed an investment that's part of Google's $250 million affordable housing fund.

"The Kelsey creates and advocates for housing where people with and without disabilities live, play, and serve together," said Micaela Connery, chief executive officer of The Kelsey, a housing non-profit. "With a $5.3 million investment from Google, we're building our first community, Kelsey Ayer Station."

The project will include 89 affordable units and 26 residences at market rates. The 115 units also will set aside 28 units for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All the units will be offered as rental housing. Click here to read more.

School Becomes Model For How Peer Groups Can Help Students In Special Ed

by Erin Golden, Star Tribune/TNS

I n one corner of Edina's South View Middle School, each day starts with a lesson in friendship.

There are no specific directions or assignments. But there are board games, time for conversation, and most important, an opportunity for kids who would once have lived very separate lives at school to get to know each other.

South View's Peer Insights program pairs students in special education with their general-education peers, opening lines of connection that extend throughout the school day - and beyond. The middle schoolerssit side by side in the classroom and the lunch table, come together for special events like a dance marathon or the homecoming parade, and hang out on the weekend.

Little by little, the program is transforming the culture of the school - and the way individual students think about themselves, their peers and the bigger world outside of South View. It's become one of the most in-demand activities for students across the school, and has captured the attention of other school districts and recognition from Special Olympics Minnesota. And more than a few students are now imagining careers as special education teachers or classroom paraprofessionals. Click here to read more.