Building and Maintaining Relationships
New Directions, Inc. recognizes that unpaid relationships are fundamental in a fulfilling life and have positive impacts to the physical and mental health of a person. As such, we assist and encourage people to build and maintain personal relationships. When people we serve are connected to a community, they are recognized for their strengths and can make positive contributions.
We talk about people's strengths and where those strengths would be appreciated. We talk about about people's interests and how they can connect with others over those interests. We talk about how we can bring community into the lives of the people we serve. As a guide, we use Dr. Angela Amado's Workbook, "Friends: Connecting People with Disabilities and Community Members" published by the University of Minnesota's Research and Training Center on Community Living.
We have helped people connect through various different groups and organizations. Here are just some examples:
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various churches and church groups
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pickle ball groups
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puzzle meet ups
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drum circles
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sports teams
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music cafés
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VFW socials
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anime groups
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walking and hiking groups
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Boy Scouts
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Community Education classes
What is it about your work that energizes and inspires you?
I love seeing someone we serve reach a goal that for most of his/her life was only a dream. I enjoy the creativity it may take to assist an individual to make their dreams a reality. These things have kept me inspired to work at New Directions for over 30 years.
What's your favorite tradition?
My favorite tradition is the airing my grievances at my birthday celebration at the Loring Pasta Bar with my daughter.
What is one of the things on your bucket list?
Skydiving!!
Karen Holt
Director of Corporate Compliance
Contact Karen About...
Residential Openings
