A place for precious people

Dwight King of Kokomo sends this Cheer for Bona Vista:

“Thank you, Bona Vista staff! My sister, Lisa King, is a 43-year-old, beautiful person with Down syndrome. She is also a client at the Bona Vista workshop. Upon our arrival after Lisa’s extended absence, I asked her supervisors if they could allow me to stay with her for the day. She’s had some health problems recently that I felt I needed to fill them in on.

“Laurie and Pam were happy to let me stay with her. While there, I was able to observe some of the wonderful things the staff at Bona Vista does every day: Listening intently, respectfully and privately to a man who had a personal concern; pleading with a lady who was interested in outside employment to stay with Bona Vista because she would be missed too much; answering a question a lady had about having her picture taken at Wal-Mart; staff walking by expressing their concerns for Lisa. These were only a few wonderful observations, as there were many more.

“After sharing my sister’s recent health problems, the staff said they are more than willing to accommodate her. It’s very comforting to know that my sister is in good hands when at Bona Vista. The staff members have to be God’s angels to be able to have the love and patience it takes to work with these precious people.

“I looked around and would wonder what story each person had to tell. Some are musicians, dancers, singers, and I know of one poet who should have her poems published. She could seriously be another Emily Dickinson.

“The clients were all so respectful of one another. This particular area is like a family unit. Unfortunately, one member of this family unit died recently. I expected a somber mood due to this loss. However, Laurie and Pam were able to help them bare this loss to the point of having everyone joking and laughing more than once during my visit.

“At the end of the day, Lisa and I were heading out only to be stopped by Laurie, her main supervisor, because she needed to give Lisa a hug and say she was glad to see Lisa back. I left with a warm heart due to this visit. I actually felt a tinge of sadness to be not a part of that precious family unit.

“We have a place in Kokomo that not everyone gets the privilege of visiting. I am a lucky one because I have a special sister who allows me to. If anyone has the time to volunteer, this would be a place anyone would feel rewarded for their efforts.

“Thank you so much, Bona Vista staff, for all you do for our special people. Your efforts are noticed and very much appreciated. A special thank you to Laurie Johnson for your kindness and caring so much for Lisa. She adores you.”

Combating hunger in Kokomo

Cindy Johnson of Kokomo sends this Cheer for Urban Outreach:

“I would like to thank Kokomo Urban Outreach for the Godly work they do in food pantries and outreaches in our community. Thank you so much and God bless all who contribute to combating hunger for thousands of Kokomo residents.”

Readers are rewarded

Janet Winrotte, community liaison for the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library, sends this Cheer:

“Each year the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library conducts a summer reading program for all ages; Unleash Your Creativity was a huge success in 2009! With the help of generous community donors, readers are rewarded for their efforts.

“Our thanks go to the dedicated library employees and the following list of generous community partners who make this worthwhile program happen:

“America Eagle Outfitters, Applebee’s, Arby’s (Dixon Road and Markland Avenue), Avon (Rhonda Buttice-Abney), Bed, Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Bob Evan’s Restaurant, Bodywork West, Burger King, Casey’s General Stores, Chili’s, Chipotle, Cici’s Pizza, City of Kokomo Community Arts Commission, Coca-Cola, Community Foundation of Howard County, Cone Palace, Country Catfish, Courtyard by Marriott, Creative Memories (Leigh Duckwall), Culver’s of Kokomo, Dairy Queen West, Donato’s, Don’s Books, Duke Energy, Dunkin’ Donuts, Fazolli’s, Friends of the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library, Frito-Lay, Grindstone Charley’s, Guffey Acres Corn Maze, Hacienda, Half Moon Restaurant & Brewery, Hardees, Harvey Hinklemeyers, Heart N’ Soul Beads & Jewelry, Indiana Beach, Indiana State Fair, Jimmy John’s, Kerasotes Showplace 12, Kokomo Civic Theatre, Kokomo Frozen Custard, Kokomo Park Band, Kokomo Parks & Recreation, Kokomo Skate World & Fun Center, Kroger Co., Kroger Northwest, Le Peep, Long John Silver’s/A&W; Rootbeer, Mac’s Express, Mancino’s Pizza and Grinders, Marsh Supermarkets, Maurices, MC Sports, McAlister’s Deli, McDonald’s, Meijer, Menards, Mike’s Express Car Wash, Noble Romans, Old Navy, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Pampered Chef (Hayley Johnson), Pizza Hut, Posh Salon & Day Spa, Qdoba, The Quarry Restaurant, Rabb/Kinetico Quality Water Systems, Rally’s, Red Lobster, Ruby Tuesday, Russiaville Lions Club, Sam’s Club, Sondy’s Sycamore Grille, Sonic, Steak ‘N Shake, Subway, Target, Texas Roadhouse, Waddell’s, Windmill Grill and Z92Five.

“Adult patrons were also given the opportunity to make donations to the Literacy Coalition; this year $254 was designated for this cause."

“For more information on upcoming library events, visit the library’s Web site: www.KHCPL.org, or call (765) 457-3242.”