Ronald, The Activist

“I always say, ‘as long as you got your health, you got everything,’” says Ronald Baugh. The 61 year-old has much more than just his health, Ronald, who receives supports from Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. in Pompton Lakes, N.J., leads a full life. His life even includes political activism.

Recently, Ronald attended a Pompton Lakes City Council meeting. When Pompton Lakes’ Mayor John E. Murrin asked those assembled for comments or concerns, Ronald stood and told the mayor that police officers should be around more when citizens need them. The mayor attempted to clarify Ronald’s comment by asking, “you feel we need a larger police force?” Ronald explained that in his opinion there are plenty of police, they just don’t seem to be around enough when citizens need them.

The following day, Mayor Murrin stopped by the group home to speak with Ronald about his concerns. Later that week, Mayor Murrin attended a lunch at the group home where he got to know the housemates better and had a chance to address their concerns about the city. Several weeks later, Ronald and two of his housemates accompanied the mayor as he placed campaign signs.

Ronald saves time in his life for the other things that are important to him as well. “I enjoy activities such as bowling, canteen dances, movies, arts and crafts, helping cook dinner and cleaning up,” he says. Ronald has been involved in the Special Olympics for many years. He participates in Bocci ball, bowling and track and field. He was nominated for a New Jersey Association of Community Providers STAR Award, given annually to a person with developmental disabilities who has overcome obstacles.

Ronald also works at ARC, a workshop for people with developmental disabilities, in Hackensack, N.J., where he has been an excellent worker for fifteen years and has many job duties. “I have made a lot of friends there,” says Ronald. He has made a lot of friends at Camp Jaycee in Pennsylvania as well. Ronald has been going there for two weeks each summer since 1975.

Most of all, Ronald loves his Lord. “I go to church at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran, I am a member of the church and the Men’s Club,” he says. He was confirmed at St. Paul’s this year, along with several housemates. Ronald is busy everyday of the week. That’s the way he likes it, his full life is a testament to choice and inclusion.