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Bethesda Success Stories|
Bethesda: The Right Team for the Miller Twins
The 81 year-old twins, who live in Central Illinois, are St. Louis Cardinals fans in the middle of Cubs' country.
Still, that doesn’t stop them from cheering for their team. They travel to St. Louis to root for their Cardinals often, normally returning with new T-shirts, hats or jackets.
Ronald, The Activist
With support from Bethesda, Ronald has becaome an advocate for change.
The 61 year-old has much more than just his health, Ronald leads a life with a touch of political activism.
Ryan's Story
Through Bethesda's Community Job Placement program, Ryan succeeds in his community.
Being in the community is important to Ryan Heuer. Working at Lake Mills Cleaners and Dryers gives Ryan the opportunity to interact with customers and co-workers.
Independent and Loving Life
Lydia enjoys a life of independence that once seemed impossible.
Through Lydia's love for the Lord, she made a "miracle" happen.
Not Just Horsing Around
Through physical activity and a healthy diet, Missy has lost over 30 pounds
For Missy Chanay, who has Prader-Willi Syndrome, which leads to compulsive eating and an obsession with food, riding horses isn’t just fun, it’s also a great workout.
Only the Beginning
Adam Ginsterbum celebrates his high school graduation
Adam Ginsterbum is a generous, polite and well-spoken young man who also happens to live with a developmental disability. Bethesda's Day Services held a going-away party for Ginsterbum in honor of his graduation from Watertown (Wis.) High School in June 2006.
Humane Society is the Purrfect Job
Bethesda's Job Placement Program makes the most of individual's interests and abilities
Tonya Pennington just loves animals . . . cat's in particular. That's why one of her favorite things to do is volunteer at the local Humane Society. Thanks to the Community Services Individual Job Placement Program, she's had many chances to spend time with all kinds of animals.
A Man Who Really Loves His Job
He's a one-man "welcoming committee"
Gerald Puska isn't the kind of man who likes to sit around. That's why he's an active participant in the Day Services Program in Watertown, Wis. Gerald participates in the program five days a week to work, have fun, learn new things, and meet new people. He's come a long way from the days when he couldn't leave his room or get out of bed.
A Vote of Confidence on Election Day
On that day, in that booth, all of us as Americans are equal
On Bethesda's Watertown, Wis., Campus, six individuals exercised their right to vote in the recent presidential election. Each person researched his/her vote, and the sense of accomplishment was clear as ballots were carefully fed into the counting machine.
New Year Holds New Hope in Dominican Republic
Improving the plight of people with developmental disabilities and planting the first LCMS church in the Dominican Republic
"We have a great opportunity for outreach by helping schools and working with people with developmental disabilities. There are spiritual needs everywhere. Other needs are tremendous," said Dr. Jorge Groh, World Mission's regional mission director for Latin America.
All in a Day's Work
Achieving feelings of pride and workmanship...developing and maintaining new skills...all while earning a paycheck!
People who receive services at Bethesda have certain skills that are unique to them. Recently, they have begun using those skills in jobs subcontracted to Bethesda by local businesses.
Team Bethesda - As Good as Gold at the Special Olympics
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt" - Special Olympics oath
In 2004, Bethesda athletes from across the country took the Special Olympics oath and accepted the athletic challenge of events from 10-pin bowling to equestrian.
An American Dream Come True: A Blueprint for Success
New home owners: proud, accomplished and independent
Ken Larson, Dick Servatius and John Zidlicky, three individuals who use Bethesda's services in Aurora, Ill., buy and move into their very own home.
A Fitness Program that Fits Bethesda
Overcoming the challenges of maintaining a proper physical fitness plan
In the fall of 2003, individuals supported by Bethesda in Fort Wayne, Ind. found the perfect place to work out: the newly opened Spiece Fieldhouse, an accessible health club staffed by knowledgeable trainers with experience creating fitness programs for people with disabilities.
Making his 'Mark' at Bethesda
Mark Iverson gives tours of his home, Bethesda's Watertown, Wis. Campus
Mark Iverson was diagnosed with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome at age four and has lived and received services at Bethesda almost his entire life. One of his recent goals was to act as a tour guide at Bethesda's Watertown, Wis. Campus. Mark has achieved this goal with inspirational success.
Supporting Independence, Celebrating Success
Chris Rios builds an independent life for himself, including a career
Chris Rios grew tired of doing janitorial work during the several years that passed since he graduated from high school. He felt ready to accomplish something new. So, Chris thought about quitting his job at Houston's new Enron Field and going to college.
Confirmands Find Fullness of Life in Christ
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10
What's it like for someone at Bethesda to receive religious support? Read about seven men who use Bethesda's services who reached a significant milestone in the development of their spiritual lives by being confirmed in the Lutheran faith.
Not Only Invited, But Involved
Including people with developmental disabilities in the life of the church
Are you wondering if there are congregations that will welcome your loved one into their midst? That answer is an emphatic "Yes!" Learn about how some of the people Bethesda supports participate in the life of their church.
Bethesda Spreads God's Love Throughout the World
Providing support in the Dominican Republic
In part of a continuing effort, Bethesda visits the Dominican Republic and uses professional expertise to help countries throughout the world provide the best possible services to people with developmental disabilities.
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