This month's blog is provided by NorthStar.....

Using the "Community Connecting Tools" really enhance our ability to work with individuals and staff on day to day basis.  After our meeting with a Amanda in February, we at NorthStar have put into practice the tool of the month using community connecting tools.

Every individual that we support and their staff meet on a monthly basis.  At these Focus meetings we review community connecting tool(s) and how it is working.  When people we support focus on tool each month (with support from their staff), they feel in control of their success!

We started off with "Who am I…My Places".  It was very beneficial for all staff to see where each person feels comfortable, where each person is already a member and where we can continue to build connections.  This tool reminded staff that many of our individuals already have connections that can be strengthened. 

The second tool that we introduced was "The Relationship Circle".  This was very fun for our individuals; they liked to put down the people in their lives that are important.  Looking at each person and selecting where they would fit on the Relationship Circle was an exercise that took some thought and was a good expression of where the individual sees their Family & Friends.                                

We had a specific success story using the Relationship circle.  Lauren, is very active in the Special Olympics.  She participates in many sporting events throughout the year.  After using the Relationship Circle we found that she was very comfortable with several friends and her coaches.  Lauren and staff decided that this was the perfect opportunity for her to be out in the community and participate without staff at her side.   This was a very big step for Lauren and created a sense of independence that she did not already have.

Another success story happened just this past weekend.  Lupe, another individual, attends church on Sundays.  She goes to church and does not usually participate much.  Her staff is very diligent in trying to get Lupe to be part of the community rather than just being in the community.  The church had a parade in town and Lupe asked to be in the parade.  It was her choice to become PART of her community and to participate.  This was very exciting for Lupe as well as her staff.