A Breath of Kindness

" A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away." Dinah Craik 1866

I am up early this morning and reflecting on “Just” People, Inc. in general, and John and Paul in particular. The theme of friendship is uppermost in my mind.

For most of us, life is a series of choices as we grow up. Some choices we make are made wisely and some are not. Regardless of whether they are wise or not, we are in control most of the time of what we do.  Even more important, most of us have a quality of life that allows us to experience pure exhilaration whether it’s hitting a golf ball in the sweet spot, or finishing a really great book. We get to experience total freedom in choosing where we will go, or what we will do every day. But most important, we get to choose where we will live, and who we will have as friends.

Due to recent decisions made by some officials that I believe lack true insight, John and Paul’s world could be turned upside down. At “Just” People, Inc. and in their apartment complex, John and Paul are safe, well-cared for, but more importantly, they have a quality of life they have never experienced before. Now this is all in danger of being taken away.

During their younger years their parents took wonderful care of them, but their family made almost all of their choices. As I have mentioned before, people were always considerate of the boys, but in truth they had few real friends. This is often the norm for adults who are developmentally challenged. Life is a series of meeting necessities and polite interactions. At “Just” People, Inc. they have real friends, experience quality choices, and are in control of what they do! They work hard and are so productive and joy is evident every time I see them. For John and Paul “Just” People, Inc. provides so much more than simply meeting their physical needs. It is an extension of their family and provides them with an environment where they have friends in the truest sense of the word. This life that they love is now in jeopardy of being taken away through no fault of their own.

 Think about it.......what if you had to leave your favorite  golf group, your local church, not be able to meet your best friends for  breakfast on a Saturday morning, or go to the home where you have lived for years? Life is just life and happens as it happens, the good and bad. It is the moments with our friends and families that give us all the strength, along with prayer, to enjoy life when it is good, and get through life when it is not. Someone recently sent $25.00 to me for John and Paul and said, “Darla, I am giving up eating out one time a month so I can send you this each month.” That is all it takes…. One dinner out a month.  If 100 angels would do that each month, John and Paul would be safe. That is my goal. Once it happens, the rest of my life will be to help “Just” People, Inc. in general.   For all parents of children like John and Paul, the greatest worry in the dead  of night is ---what will happen to their child when they are gone? Helping “Just” People, Inc. means the joy can go on after family is gone. That is my hope and prayer for John and Paul.

I am so very grateful for all of you---my friends.  I am well aware of the many blessings I have due to the friendships that I have been blessed with in my life. I pray that John and Paul will be able to stay in the home that has provided them with an opportunity to experience true friendships. 

Darla

My dear friend, Susan.... John and Paul's mother

"Just" People and the Thrift Shop

"Just" People, Inc. established a thrift shop in order to meet the needs of their organization, their clients, and the community. Clients of "Just" People work in the Thrift Shop. They respond to telephone calls to pick up items, and they help with sales within the Thrift Shop. Items from the Thrift Shop are sometimes used to help furnish apartments of residents of "Just" People, Inc. as well as the main complex in Norcross. "Just" People, Inc. does not waste anything. They shop carefully and maximize everything. The residents help by volunteering at the Thrift Shop.  It is another example of their great team work!

Why the Need for Angels

      First, thanks to everyone who contributed for March! We did not get all that we needed, but Becky Dowling, of Just People, Inc. knows I am speaking to several groups, so more will come.
     I want to share with you some facts that highlight why Just People, Inc. is so important. In Parade magazine Sunday, an article addressed the growing population of autistic adults without resources. In the next 15 years, 500,000 autistic children will graduate out of school systems in the United States and into the unknown. Programs and funding for them are scarce. The price of many programs and therapies is why the cost of raising an autistic child, according to a Harvard study, can add up to 3.2 million dollars over his/her lifetime. It can cost $70,000 a year for staff-supported housing and most have a long waiting list. Today, 1 in 110 people are autistic and the numbers rise 10% to 17% a year. Advocates say autistic and developmentally challenged individiuals like John and Paul are hard workers, have excellent attitudes, but we must help them have safe living arrangements and help them have the best quality of life. Just People, Inc. helps to do this.

      At Just People they define home as:

"A place you live with family or friends, a place you feel safe, loved and accepted no matter what." There is a constant reminder to Be Proud of Who You Are! 

We appreciate your past donations to try and keep John and Paul stay in this home that they love. You are all angels!  

April donations may be made to "Just People, Inc." and mailed to :

Darla Stahl

200 St. Raymond Place

Kathleen, Ga 31047

I will forward them to Just People and make certain it is earmarked for John and Paul.  Remember, all donations are tax deductible. Thanks again for your support!

Drama Night at Just People, Inc.

Darla, Terry Stahl, Paul Croxwell

      Last Sunday we were in the audience as Just People's 2010-2011 Drama Club presented "A Tribute to Theater and Music."  The cast, crew, and staff have been rehearsing on Saturdays for a year! Their hard work certainly paid off. It was a wonderful show. Selections from "High School Musical," "The Lion King," "Grease", and "Footloose" were just some of the highlights.  We were excited because Paul was able to meet us and share the evening with us. Congratulations to Becky Dowling and all of the participants.  This is their second annual performance.  Mark your calendar and plan to be there next year.  You don't want to miss it!

"High School Musical"

"Grease"

"Footloose"

"Lion King"

A Tour of Just People, Inc.

     Just People, Inc. is a private not for profit agency.  They provide a wide variety of support services to adults with developmental disabilities including Downs, Autism, Aspergers, MMR and Learning Disabilities, people with mental illnesses and head injuries. Just People, Inc. provides many services including independent living, supported employment, social programs, sports programs, community living, and the day program.  

     The Day Program was developed to provide people who do not work or live with their family, a place to go during the day. They are able to be among friends, learn skills to help them move forward, and to have the opportunity to go out into the community. The main office, which is also home to the Day Program, is located at 1420 Oakbrook Drive, Norcross, GA 30093. Recently I visited this facility. It is a has a wonderful, warm atmosphere and is a showcase for the spirit of Just People!

Accomplishments are celebrated!

And always the reminder to: