“THE KOKUA SPIRIT”“Kokua’s Mission is to provide citizens with disabilities the support they need to lead full and meaningful lives.” www.kokuaservices.com

December 10, 2010 Volume 6, Number 12

FUN THINGS TO DO:Kokua Holiday Party Thursday, December 16 11:30am to 2pm at the Lacey Community Center

Fantasy Lights: Nov 25-Jan 2, 2011 daily 5:30-9:00pm, Spanaway Park off Exit 127. Info:253-798-3330 $13 per car/van

Polar Express Train Ride: Steam train rides based on the book and film. Tickets $28. Nov 26-Dec 19, Fri – Sun, 4 & 7pm, Chehalis Railroad. Info: 360-748-4514

Ethnic Celebration FREE Saturday, Jan 22 10am-7pm St Martin’s Marcus Pavilion Music & dance performances; food & craft vendors.

Sing-Along Messiah FREE Come to sing, come to listen. December 20, 7:30 pm Washington Center 512 Washington St SE, Olympia. More info: www.washingtoncenter.org or 360-753-8586

HAPPY HOLIDAYSFROM KOKUA!

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT KOKUA? After months of waiting for this day, Jenny D was able to go to Seattle to the King 5 News Station. She received a tour of the newsroom and met several of the familiar faces that thousands see when they tune in for their daily news. She met Lori Matsukawa, Jessie James and several more of the news and weather crew members. Jenny hopes to go back in a few years and do the tour again. She never seems to tire of meeting the crew, and after three tours (this being her fourth), she remains a loyal King 5 fan. Below are pictures of Jenny with Lori Matsukawa and Jessie James.

Jenny currently is planning a trip to go with Laurie H to see Chubby Checker live in San Jose, California. She also got an early Christmas present from her brothers – a 50” flat screen TV! Bobby C is continuing to adjust to his new home. He is getting ready to go to see Fantasy Lights in Spanaway, and also to the Kokua Christmas party. Mathew L got to spend four days with his family during the Thanksgiving holiday. He is looking forward to spending more time with them for Christmas. Ben C was lucky enough to celebrate Thanksgiving twice. On Thanksgiving, Ben and staff ate dinner with the Clearfield guys. Thank you to the Clearfield guys for inviting us over and to Sarah and Amber for cooking all the good food. Then on Friday, Ben spent time with his family eating another holiday meal! Ben is very excited about having his computer so he can play games and watch “Star Tours” on YouTube. We all want to welcome John W and Angelisa A. Thanks for stepping up to work graveyard. I know how hard it can be to work that shift. Amanda B is doing well. She had Thanksgiving with her mom, Aunt Cindy and her older brother Aaron. She had a good time and her mom said she ate a lot of good food. She visited with family and family friends. She also got to enjoy some leftovers the next day! Amanda has been going for walks to a pond by her house, and has a good time meeting new people and their pets. She is looking forward to the Holidays and wishes everyone a “Happy and Safe Holiday”. Some might not have heard yet, but Carpenter Rd House no longer has the Nisson Sentra. It was in an accident and is

Contact us to have your newsletter delivered by e-mail. (360)705- 4665 or e-mail: sally@kokuaservices.comEMPLOYEE APPRECIATION AWARDSThis month’s Employee Appreciation Awards are presented to:Becky Pickett, your client advocacy goes above and beyond expectations and your coordinating work is always followed through with flying colors! Thank you for your conviction and dedication.

Lilie Lawler, you are creative and imaginative and use those aspects to see solutions for challenging situations. You and your team are pulling together an amazing environment for clients.

51st - 104, your organized teamwork has created a warm and supportive environment for clients. Thank you so much for your kindness.

Ken Oster, we can’t thank you enough for your amazing heart. Your sincerity and genuine outlook has created an amazing support system for clients.

NEW FACES AT KOKUAA Big Welcome to these new Kokua Employees:

Nouhoum Sidibe will be working at 31st and Chambers. He was born in Mali (West

beyond repair. We’re very glad no one was hurt in the accident.Happy Holidays to All From Amanda and the Carpenter Rd Team! Continued on pg 2

What’s Happening at Kokua – continued from pg 1

Doreen L, Cecilia C and Frieda B had Thanksgiving together at their home, and enjoyed their shared dinner. Doreen spent the Thanksgiving weekend with her family and had a great time. Doreen and Cecilia are planning to attend “The Nutcracker” presentation performed by the Tacoma Ballet on December 18 at the Pantages Theater. They are looking forward to seeing this wonderful holiday spectacle! Frieda met her new volunteer friend Paula and is excited to get to know her. Laurie H enjoyed spending Thanksgiving with her family and gallivanting to Disneyland on their annual trip. She was welcomed back with many smiles and a “snowy surprise”! Kim R enjoyed a Thanksgiving day out as well and has been keeping busy with beautifying her home with creative winter/Christmas art decorations. Chris R still enjoys spending Sundays with her family and giggling at her videos. She watched the new Harry Potter movie. The ladies recently went to Animal Services for a volunteer orientation and they will soon be starting to volunteer as dog walkers. They are all looking forward to Santa meetings, Christmas tree lightings, shopping trips and the annual Kokua Christmas party. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Bill M! The guys at the 31st house are in the Holiday Spirit! The house is decorated and everyone is looking forward to the Kokua Holiday Party on the 16th. The guys have been going on van rides in the evenings to look at Christmas lights. Kevin R and Derek E have been going to basketball practice on Monday and Tuesday nights and report that it’s “so awesome”! Good luck this season, guys! Becky C has a job at Curves. She works Saturdays and is very excited about her new job. Keith W’s parents are coming home after a long trip to California. He has missed them and will be glad to see them. He will go to Seattle on Christmas Eve to visit with his sister, niece, nephew and his parents.Michael C’s dad and brother came over for a visit and they had pizza and just chatted. Paul J will be spending Christmas Eve with his family. Joe L went on a day outing with Kevin. The Clearfield guys will do a gift exchange and have dinner together on Christmas day. From everyone at the Clearfield House, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Be safe and enjoy everything that you have in life! Jeff D, Charlie B and Rodney O had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. It was more of a magical moment. The process of getting there (dinner) was fantastic! Jeff was excited all morning and couldn’t wait for his Thanksgiving Dinner to be ready. Charlie, with his good sense of smell, knew when the turkey was done! And Rodney – well, he pretty much was in the kitchen all morning. The guys dressed up for the occasion, and all that cooking was well worth it at the end! Charlie stayed over night with his parents and said he had a great time. Rodney enjoyed the evening with his family too, eating and watching the football game. Jeff got the time off from work to enjoy his hard-earned vacation. He recently got a Health Rider and is very excited to start getting healthy and fit!. Good job, Jeff!! All the guys are looking forward to Christmas and are excited about the coming Kokua Holiday Party. Christmas

Africa), speaks 3 languages: French, Bambara and English, and loves to play and watch soccer games.

Sasha Torwick was born in Des Moines, WA, and raised in Methow Valley. She enjoys outdoor activities including horseback riding/ training, hiking, ranch work, hunting, fishing, riding Harleys with her husband, and traveling. She likes reading, listening to the radio, learning new academic and life related information. She is interested in psychology and women’s studies and her goal is to attain a Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree. She will be working at the 22nd house.

Welcome to Kokua – we’re glad you’re here!

BEYOND FRUGAL  Anyone who knows Sally, Diane and me (Chris) knows how very frugal we are.  We use every rebate, coupon and cheap purchasing trick known to humankind to stretch every penny.  We are beyond frugal in the way we approach our stewardship of the agency's resources.  Discussing office supplies is not the most inspiring topic, however, it is important to note that Kokua's supply budget provides for the needs of 130 employees and 34 volunteers who work in service of the 56 individuals Kokua supports.  Most of you know that Kokua's state funding took a 3.4% hit in 2010. We redoubled our efforts at economy and managed to stay in the black. The really sad news is that we have been told to anticipate another cut of 3.4% to 6.7% to come in January 2011. This time, however, there is no fat to cut.  We will be very challenged to maintain our quality of service and we will have to implement cutbacks which are very unpalatable in order to ride out this wave of

is definitely here at 54thB! The Bowling Olympics saw some medal winners from Kokua. Missy S, Bill C, Jeff D and Kevin R all had a great time bowling and show off their medals below.

**********************************************VOLUNTEER PROGRAM NEWS!By: Breezie O’Neill, Volunteer & Internship Coordinator

L.E.A.D. Kokua’s newest program LEAD (Literacy and Education for Adults with Disabilities) is up and running. There are currently 6 tutors registered and their training will take place in January. The tutors will be working with adults with disabilities on literacy, math, and life skills. We are truly grateful for the generosity of The Evergreen State College. They have championed this project from the very beginning. There have been many wonderful supporters for this program, but an especially big thanks goes out to Leora, Ellen, Wendy, and the entire team at The Center for Community-Based Learning and Action. We are also eternally grateful for the guidance of Brown University. They showed us how it’s done and our community came together to do it! Each tutor will be paired with one learner. The learning goals will be completely directed by the learner. Our vision is to expand the program to serve the greater community. We hope to give a college experience to more people and support greater independence through literacy and education. If you would like to know more about this project, or if you have any ideas please contact me at ext. 120!

Volunteer of the Month Congratulations to Brittany Dalberg! Brittany is one of those people you can count on. She came to Kokua with an open mind willing to help wherever she is needed. We are so thankful for her support. Currently, she is working with Valerie to do med disposals and has been working with the office staff to do data entry. Thank you Brittany for your generously sharing your time and talents!

Welcome New Volunteers!Jan Zahir was born in Washington. She enjoys reading, hiking, and beading. Jan will be helping us in the office and with the holiday party.

Delisa Reaid was born in Houston, Texas. She likes to snowboard, surf, practice yoga, craft, read, and listen to music. She is a “Be a Buddy” volunteer.

Crystal Halla was born in Olympia. She is our youngest volunteer. She enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and sign language.

funding reductions.  This is why we are asking the community for help.  Any dollar we don't have to spend on office supplies is a dollar we can spend on client service.  We are asking community members to keep us in mind when they do their weekly grocery shopping or when they make a trip to COSTCO.  If you are financially able to "sponsor" our work by picking up any of the following items, we will have a donation box in the front office.  Maybe you know someone with a business that is downsizing or has items taking up space that will probably not be put to use?  These are the items we use most often:Three ring binders (1 to 3 inches)Black Bic pensXerox (copy) paperManila foldersToilet paperPaper towelsBusiness envelopesDry erase markersTall kitchen trash bagsScotch tapeLiquid hand soap

Cookbooks Make Great Holiday Gifts  Are you puzzling over your holiday gift list?  Are you weary of the consumer craziness and looking for something more meaningful?  Kokua's "Love in the Soup" cookbook is jam packed with yummy recipes all designed with healthy eating in mind.  All of the proceeds from cookbook sales will benefit individuals with developmental disabilities.    Buying a cookbook (or two, or three!) is easy.  You can order them from our website and they will arrive by mail.  If you live in the local area and would like them delivered to your home, call Chris at 705-4665, ext. 101 and we will arrange delivery at your convenience. If you like visiting holiday fairs, you can catch up with us at one of the following events!

Brittany Dalberg was born in Seattle. She likes hiking, biking, art, and cartooning. She recently moved here from Alaska and is enjoying the Pacific Northwest.

Kellie Clinton was born in Concord, MA. She likes to do crafts, make baskets, go antiquing, and eat foreign foods. She is a “Be a Buddy” volunteer.

Anthony Cisneros was born in California. She enjoys classic cars, computers, video games, and skateboarding. Anthony is also a “Be a Buddy” volunteer.

Amanda Allen was born in Ketchikan, Alaska. She loves going for walks, going to the movies, and reading. She is also learning how to cook. Continued on pg 4

Volunteer News, Continued from pg 3Meet and Greet Here at Kokua I am blessed to witness many wonderful moments. However, I don’t think anything quite tops watching a new “Be a Buddy” volunteer meeting their perfect match for the first time. That is what happened today. A wonderful volunteer, Amanda, is one of the most enthusiastic individuals I have ever met. From the very beginning it was clear that her goal as a volunteer is to simply make someone’s day a little brighter. Her warm personality and love of shopping, crafts, baking, and music made her the perfect match for Sue. For several weeks we tried to schedule a time for them to meet. Due to busy holiday schedules and bad weather, the date kept getting pushed back. Rather than give up or become discouraged, Amanda took the initiative to write Sue a card explaining how much she wanted to be her buddy. In the card she told Sue about herself and her hobbies. Sometimes the simplest acts of kindness are the most meaningful. I think about how much it would mean to me for a stranger to send me a card letting me know they want to be my friend. It is moving to meet volunteers who give that gift to our clients. It’s a gift that comes straight from the heart. When I came early for the meet and greet, Sue showed me the card and expressed her excitement for meeting Amanda. It was clear how much it meant to her. The meet and greet went very well. Both Sue and Amanda learned about how much they have in common and made plans to bake in the future. I truly felt like I was watching the first moments of a long and meaningful relationship. It was such an honor to be there and is certainly experience I will never forget. Quote of the MonthNo one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.  Thank you.  ~Author UnknownThank you volunteers for spending an amazing 160 hours of your time in November supporting Kokua.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF A KIND WORD OR ACTION? By Sally Lewis

Some months ago a friend sent me a small book with

  This year Kokua will be selling our "Love in the Soup" cookbook at two local holiday fairs.  On December 4th, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. we will have a booth at the Olympia Waldorf School Winter Faire.  The school is located at 8126 Normandy Drive SE, off of Rich Road.  This fair features unique, handmade gifts and great activities for young children.  On December 11th Kokua will have a booth at The Alternative Giving Fair from 10a.m. to 3p.m. at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia Street in downtown Olympia.  This fair provides the opportunity for you to make a gift to a nonprofit organization on behalf of someone on your gift list.   Please come down and see us!  We would be glad to mail a cookbook for you and, if you wish, you may include a handwritten note. Such a deal!ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE HOURS? Temporary and fill-in hours are available. We can train you to work at more than one house. Contact Client Services Coordinators for more information. Call 705-4665Allen G ext 103Sean B ext 118Melissa K ext 123Theo P ext 106CONGRATULATIONS,JOHN!

John W was recently sworn in as a new Democratic Precinct Committee Officer. He is shown here with Thurston County Commissioner Cathy Wolfe at the ceremony.

photographs of babies and kittens she had found, saying it reminded her of me and she knew I had to have it. The pictures were very cute and amusing. I set it on the coffee table in my home. A few weeks later, after a very stressful and draining day, I picked up the book and thumbed through it again. I found myself chuckling again over the photos, feeling much better about things. I keep that book there on the table now, and whenever I need cheering up I look through it and think of the kindness of the friend that sent this to me. Over time, I’ve come to understand that some gifts are more special than originally perceived. The kindness and sentiment behind a small gift can make it huge. A kind word or action can make changes in our world. There is no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple that goes on without end. Everyone knows somebody who would benefit from a kind word or action. It’s always important to give encouragement to family and friends. But giving encouragement and kindness to someone you may not know and will probably never see again, is a very special act. This holiday season is a difficult one for many this year. If every person could perform one kind act or offer a kind word to another person every day – what kind of positive changes could we make in this world? I encourage everyone to give it a try! Have a great holiday!

KOKUA KUDOS“Everyone appreciates being appreciated. Try to catch people red-handed in the act of doing something right – and praise them for it.” Kudos and thank you to Yolanda W for your emergency taxi service. From Mike C and Jill S To Becky P: You have done an awesome job in advocating for your clients and doing all of the work, phone calls and coordinating in helping Marcie W get into a different apartment. Way to go! From Rose H Carlos A, we enjoy having you on the team at Clearfield – you’re a great staff! From Lisa S Kudos to Carlos A and Amber Z – you two did a wonderful job of rearranging the house. From Rosie R Thank you Kevin P for making it possible for our guys to get to go to the music on Saturday. Thanks to all who have filled in shifts here at Clearfield. We greatly appreciate you Amber Z, Lavenia M, Ann B, Garrett L and Carlos A – you guys are awesome! Kudos to Lynn R for all your hard work and flexibility over the past month. You are awesome! From Hana G Thank you John for staying and working extra hours when I was sick. Thanks also Kevin P for helping out for a couple hours. Thanks to Emily T for always helping out and having my back! Thanks Jordan F for supporting Ben in all he does. Angelisa A thank you for coming up with great ideas to help support Ben these long winter months. From Amy G Kudos to all Angela staff for doing such a good job working together as a team to keep the house clean and organized. We have received many compliments. From Mareen D Thank you Tina D for switching shifts with me. Also, thanks to Melanie for lending a hand to pick up a client at the hospital –your willingness is greatly appreciated. From Jessie M To the Angela Team – YOU ROCK! From Tina D Kudos to Wendy Y for always being there for us. From Bill M and Ann T Kudos to all the staff at 51st – you are an awesome team. Thanks a bunch for all your work. To Lilie for always being a positive team member/leader and for never forgetting to bring

RECRUIT NEW EMPLOYEES FOR KOKUA AND EARN $$ Kokua is still giving out bonuses for referrals. Here’s how it works.Refer (or give an application to) people who would make great Kokua team members. Have them notify the Kokua interviewer that you’ve referred them. A referral form will be completed at hire. A referral form must be completed and in the new employee’s file for you to receive the bonus. If your referral is hired and completes the 90 day probation period, you will receive a $50.00 cash bonus. If your referral remains a Kokua employee for a year, you will receive a $100.00 cash bonus. KOKUA COOKSA big part of holiday celebrations is sharing special foods and sweet treats with friends and family. Many of us, however, need (or want) to limit our sugar intake. Following is a recipe for a sugar free treat.Sugar Free Chocolate Fudge2 pkg (8 oz ea) low fat cream cheese, softened2 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted & cooled1 c Splenda, or other artificial sweetener equal to 1 c sugar1 tsp vanilla extract½ c chopped pecans Beat cream cheese, chocolate, sweetener & vanilla until smooth. Stir in pecans. Pour into 8” square pan lined with foil. Cover and refrigerate. Cut into 16 squares, serve chilled. Yield: 16 servings

your great sense of humor to work! Kudos to the staff at Carpenter Rd for doing an excellent job of adjusting to not having a car. Your creativity and ability to do many projects with Amanda is wonderful. Keep up the good work! Also, Kudos to everyone at Kokua for all that you do to help us and the clients. Let’s hope 2011 brings us all good fortune! From Carpenter House Team and Evelyn B Kudos to Sheila R – thank you for decorating the 54thA house – it looks great and the clients love it. Also, thanks to Lavenia, Jane, Pam, Nicky, Taiwo, Melissa B and Melissa K for filling in at our house. You are all so appreciated for all that you do! A huge THANK YOU from 54thA staff – you are totally awesome! You all Rock! From Bea R Kudos to Hana G, Jessica J and Ethan W for allowing me to have my weekends back. From Eric M Thanks to Amber Z, Rosie R, Arthur S, Simon D, Jill S and Kristen M for helping me when my car was down. Also thanks to Diane L and Chris R for helping me. From Ann B A big thank you to Jane, Taiwo and Nathan for all the fill-in they’ve been doing at 54B – you are great and a big part of the guy’s lives; to Sheila for your great communication with me and always looking out for the best interest of the guys; to Ethan, Alex and Clay for being willing to work all those crazy extra hours to help make a more positive and meaningful life for the guys. You’re greatly appreciated! A big thank you to Sue K –she has been so inspiring and helpful and has been my mentor. She goes that extra mile to help out the guys at 54thB. Her advice has guided me through the process of being a Team Leader. I couldn’t have done it without her. From Yolanda W Thank you to Nicky and Amanda for working my shift during the snow days. From Dominique G