Don: Leading a healthy, independent and productive life
When Don arrived at the food shelf in Mora, there were already several individuals waiting in the warm hallway for the pantry to open. The cramped pantry space was piled high with cans and boxes of nonperishable food. New food donations were stacked in boxes by the door together with day-old bakery items from the nearby grocery store. Don removed his winter jacket and quickly began putting away new food donations and organizing bakery items on the food pantry shelves. He moved agilely for his 83 years and didn’t rest until the job was done.
Don has an intellectual disability. Since leaving the State Mental Hospital at Cambridge and moving to a Mora group home in 1970, he and his wife Kathy, who also has special needs, have lived mainly independent lives. They’ve just needed a little extra help. That’s why Don and his wife are participants in the Volunteers of America-Minnesota (VOA) Services for Persons with Special Needs “SILS” (Semi-Independent Living Services) program which provides participants who live independently with the level of support they need to live productive and healthy lives in their own residential setting. The SILS program has provided Don and his wife with supportive services such as help going through mail and paying bills, help with grocery shopping, accompanied them to medical appointments, and guided them in volunteer work, exercise and similar activities. Don and his wife recently moved from a Mora apartment building to an assisted living facility because of his wife’s medical condition.
Don has always enjoyed lots of activity. He has volunteered at the Mora Food Pantry twice a week for the last five years and also helps out at the local senior center where he sets up tables and chairs, and makes coffee. Previously, Don worked for 30 years at the area’s sheltered workshop for individuals with disabilities and didn’t retire until the age of 73.
A diligent worker, Don grew up in a town a few miles away from Mora and talks about how, as a child, he used to help his grandfather who was a blacksmith. He also worked for local farmers helping to feed the pigs and milk the cows. Throughout his youth and most of his adult life, Don has mowed lawns all over town, never accepting money for his services. “Something I cherish about Don is that he doesn’t see his volunteer contributions as work,” reports Kathy Johnsen, SILS Program Supervisor. “He simply sees things that need to be done and does them, willingly and selflessly without getting anything in return. I think we could all learn something from him.” In good weather, Don can be seen riding his three-wheel bike or walking all over Mora. While he’s a little bit shy with strangers, Don knows nearly everyone in town and loves to joke with them. With a sparkle in his eye and a slight grin on his face, he’ll tell you his favorite activities are garage sales, fishing and Wii Bowling.
Don has been able to lead healthy, independent and productive life with the support of VOA’s SILS program. “I’m glad [the VOA SILS staff] come and get me and help me,” states Don. “I’m very happy with that.”