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About HearthStone - FAQ |
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions It is HearthStone’s mission to help you and your family answer questions like these:
Here are some other questions that HearthStone will help you and your family answer: What about jobs? What about transportation? What about education or job training? What about finances? Where does the money come from? What about legal issues? How can we create sustainable support?
What kind of support services exist, and how do we access them?
How can we plan for the future when we're busy coping with today?
Sometimes finding friends can be pretty tough. . . . for anyone! HearthStone believes it is essential to develop natural, mutual friendships. Our organization and its family members plan regular, supervised recreational events designed to promote interaction between member families and individuals in the community. In addition, there is a HearthStone initiative to promote one-on-one facilitated friendships, not unlike organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
What about independent living in an apartment, condo or home?
How do I get the best care. . . . forever? Can we really get help from people outside of our family? Yes, it's often surprising, maybe even amazing, but there are a lot of people out there who are willing to help. Not to do it for you, but with you. We have been blessed with professional volunteers--doctors, lawyers, CPAs, etc. and lots of people who are just plain good folks ready to help out with a ride to the grocery store or a friendly "hello". How much does it cost to belong to HearthStone? Nothing. Our dues are do's. No need to bring your checkbook. Bring your time, your talent, your commitment, your energy, and enthusiasm. Donations are deductible and are always gratefully accepted, but the value of your membership in HearthStone is based on what you make of it, not what you pay for it. Recognition HearthStone and its members have been recognized by the State of Wisconsin Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services and the Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities for supporting safe, decent, affordable, and accessible housing options for Wisconsin citizens with disabilities. Individual HearthStone members, including our friend Joe Feider, have also been recognized for their efforts and inspiration.
Friends & Fun Let's go bowling. Or shopping. How about a Bucks game? Maybe a "makeover" at a beauty salon. Or just to the movies and out for pizza. There are lots of ways to share time and interests. HearthStone's parents' group is dedicated to facilitating social opportunities for member families who desire to participate. As a way to meet other families and individuals as well as to find ways to get closer to community recreational resources, HearthStone organizes several "fun" events each year. In addition, we help you look for ways to develop those "natural" friendships we all value to put extra enjoyment in our lives. We're always willing to help you think of ordinary opportunities in our community for fun and friendship.
Advocacy HearthStone and its members are also an important "voice" to the community in support of community integration, access to resources and, above all, building respect for persons' with disabilities. Our mission includes finding ways to communicate that people are more alike than they are "different." And that all people have an inalienable right to pursue their dreams unfettered by prejudice, isolation or pity. Our strength comes from a fierce pride in accomplishment that is known only by people willing to pursue their dreams despite barriers that many will never even begin to understand or appreciate.
Community Awareness HearthStone was the subject of a feature article appearing in The Sheboygan Press. The article attracted much attention to the "gap" in human services for young adults attempting to make the transition to independence. While there are many support services available, demand far exceeds supply, resulting in "waiting lists" for services such as supported employment or residential support services. Some of these waiting lists are estimated to be eight to ten years. It is also part of HearthStone's mission to further clarify the true extent of need within our communities.
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