2014 DAC Achievement Award Nomination Form

2014 DAC Achievement Award
Nomination Form
Nominee
Information
Name:                   Oasis Adult Day
Address:

Phone:
Email:

Nominator
Information
Name:                   Kathy Eide
Address:

Phone:
Email:

Nomination Category (please select one):
D Individual
[jJ Organization
D City of Fresno Employee or Department
Nominated for:
[jJ Improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities
D Advocacy for issues pertaining to individuals with disabilities
D Volunteerism that has a positive impact on individuals with disabilities
D Development of new programs or services impacting individuals with
disabilities
[jJ Customer service to individuals with disabilities that is above and
beyond the standard
[jJ Innovation or Entrepreneurship by an individual with a disability or that
has a positive impact on individuals with disabilities

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August 12, 2014

Nomination Statement

Rosalynn Carter said it best when she said .. .

"There are only four kinds of people in the world
       Those who have been caregivers
       Those who are currently caregivers
       Those who will be caregivers
       And ... those who will need caregivers"

It wasn't so long ago that your parents were leading you by the hand ... helping you to dress and
eat, caring for you, watching out for you, making sure you were able to spend quality time in a
safe and stimulating environment. Where have the years gone? In the blink of an eye, a lifetime
has passed and now it's your turn to make sure that your parents and/or other relatives are able
to spend their time in a place where they are safe, secure and stimulated. Where they can learn
and relearn social and technical skills, all while being cared for in an atmosphere of love and
security.

Equally important as your loved one being cared for, is you , the caregiver, being given time to
take care of yourself. Caring for a loved one in the early stages of Alzheimer's or other mild
cognitive impairment, while juggling your own life, is challenging and has been proven to be
unbelievably stressful. Alzheimer's is a scary word.

Welcome to Valley Caregiver Resource Center's Oasis Adult Day Program, where their
caregivers provide all the tools necessary to enhance the quality of life for those with early
stages of Alzheimer's or other mild cognitive impairments. Those at Oasis provide a secure
environment for their clients and a voice for those whose disabilities prevent them from doing
so. A stimulating setting and an attentive staff that truly envelops their clients with love and
caring each day, is what those 'students' at the Oasis will discover. Nowhere else but at Oasis,
will you find such a fresh approach to learning, customized cognitive stimulating activities, and
an experience, uniquely designed and developed for the clients and caregivers alike.

The development of this program is unparalled and deserving of recognition by the City of
Fresno. Fresno's Oasis staff works tirelessly to provide the most innovative concepts and
programs, often times emulated by other programs throughout the State of California. They truly
led by example for other Alzheimer's programs. Good programs and good news spreads and
there is no program more deserving of the inspirational City of Fresno Disability Advisory
Commission 2014 ACHIEVEMENT AWARD than the champions at Fresno's own Oasis Adult
Day Program.

Sincerely,

y(~~
Kathy Edie

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  Subject: Achievement award
    From: Sharon Gonzales <                             >
     Date: Thu, Jul 31, 201410:58 am
      To:
  Attach: 0088989.jpg
          dfdf.jpg

  My dad has been attending the OASIS program now for the past several years. He just LOVES it
  there! At home, he is very quiet and reserved but when I walk in to OASIS, he is the life of the
  party! A realjokester! I think he feels very comfortable there as everyone is suffering from the
' same illness. He loves playing games and talking about current events. He has 3 daughters at home
  so doesn't always get a word in edgewise LOL. He comes alive here though. OASIS also puts on
  so many special events. They invite the families several times during the year to special events
  such as July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas ... etc They usually will have a band playing and the
  seniors there just LOVE to dance. I was especially touched recently when I went to the July 4 BBQ
  and a 92 year old woman, who was so hunched over and bent, she was out there, all by herself
  dancing up a storm! She was dancing as if she was on stage. She was precious! Then there was this
~ couple in the picture. Bless their hearts! He is 100 years old and she is going to be 102 !! I just
· don't know what my dad or my family would do without OASIS. Each and everyone of them here
: are angels! They are so caring and compassionate and not only do they offer a very much needed
: place for these special individuals to go but it also gives the family (caretaker) a much needed
: break because as you can imagine, it is very hard on the whole family. When my dad is at home,
~ all he does is sleep but OASIS offers him the happiest moments of his day.

  Sincerely,
  Sharon Gonzales

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https://email15.secureserver.net/view_print_multi.php?uidArray=3924IINBOX&aEmlPart=O 8/11/2014

To whom it may concern,
I would like to nominate The Oasis for the 2014 Achievement Awards. I cannot say
enough about this wonderful group. They are a GODSEND to my husband and
I. He goes 5 hours a day, 5 days a week and loves it! It has made such a difference
In his life, and mine. He never smiled much before attending this group, and now
He is smiling in EVERY picture, as you can see. He has become the Ambassador of
Good will, trying to be helpful to other members and make them feel good!

And it gives ME 5 hours a day to myself to do the things I need to do but
Can't do when he is home. It also is such a relief for me to have this time\
To myself to take care of me and get some peace! I have observed the
People in the group during the day and they are all so happy! They do
Trivia and play games, all of which are great for stimulating the brain ,
And giving them the physical exercise they need. Weekends are a
Horror! All my husband does all weekend is sleep. He is bored to
Death! He has no interest in doing ANYTHING!

The group also has wonderful get togethers that include the spouse, such as
Holiday parties, bringing in someone to play guitar,etc. to which these
People love to dance!! What a difference this group makes in their lives!

The people who work in this group are absolutely the most caring, loving,
Attentive people you could ever hope to find!!!

My husband is 85, and I don't think he would have made it this far without
The OASIS!!!

I talk to a lot of the other wives, and they all feel the same way!!

GOD BLESS THE OASIS!!!!!!!!!

August 4, 2014

To Whom It May Concern:

We would like to nominate OASIS Adult Day Center for the City of Fresno 2014 Disability
Advisory Commission Achievement Awards.

OASIS is a wonderful social program that provided a place for our 92 year old Mother,
Alberta, to do something meaningful during the day. The staff was extremely helpful during
any activity or game that Mom played to make sure she was included even though she
couldn't see due to Macular Degeneration. Mom enjoyed the caring, friendly staff and
commented many times about how kind they were. She looked forward to attending OASIS
(she called "The Club"!) because of the activities and hot lunches they provided. We felt
confident that they provided a safe, and comfortable environment and Mom had the
opportunity to socialize and make new friends.

This program also allowed US the opportunity to take a break, run errands and have some
time to reconnect with each other.

We retired in 2011 and shortly after, Mom came to live with us. She was still able to be by
herself, so the two of us could occasionally go to lunch and see a movie, or take care of
shopping and errands. She could still see pretty well, but her Macular Degeneration was
progressing rapidly.

In December 2012, Mom had a stroke. Due to the stroke, increasing blindness and
dementia, we were unable to leave her by herself- she needed 24/7 care. We were retired
and unable to go anywhere without Mom and it was very difficult for us.

While Mom was getting in-home care and physical therapy for her stroke, one of the nurses
from Interim Health Care approached us to ask how we were doing. We talked awhile and
she asked if we would like for her to have someone from Valley Caregivers Resource Center
call to let us know of available options for respite care, to give us a break now and then and
we told her yes, please!

Shortly after, Sue Vang of Valley Caregivers Resource Center called and asked if we would
like her to come out and talk to us about caregiving options. She told us that there was a
place that provided respite care for caregivers and it was called OASIS. She gave us the
number to David Reed at OASIS and we called and made an appointment. David explained
that OASIS day care could provide respite by providing a place where Mom could be taken
for a couple of hours or the entire day Monday through Friday - whatever we were
comfortable with. The programs included social activities, meals and constant supervision.
                                              1

We were told that financial assistance for OASIS may be available through private
donations and a grant through the Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging. Ultimately, we
were able to afford to have Mom to attend with the help of grants from both OASIS and
Valley Caregiver Resource Center.

We discovered that OASIS has an excellent trained, caring, friendly staff and this made the
transition from home to twice weekly attendance easy for Mom. As a result of our positive
experience, we have referred some of our friends to OASIS because they are taking care of
their loved ones and could benefit from respite care.

We will be eternally grateful to David Reed and his wonderful staff at OASIS for the love
and care they gave to our Mother. OASIS is truly as its name implies, "a shelter serving as a
place of safety or sanctuary".

Sincerely,

Don and Diane Moyer
               .

                                              2

My family and I take great honor in nominating OASIS forThe City of
Fresno Disability Advisory Commission's 2014 Achievement Award.
OASIS is a program without equal. When first searching for a daily
placement for my husband, I had the chance to visit a few other
providers and was more than pleased when I arrived at the OASIS
facility. Without OASIS in our family's day-to-day living, my husband's
quality of life might be much different. OASIS has provided a level of
care and understanding of his disease that I and our private caregiver
were not always able to give. The fact that they accept him for who
he is today, without the knowledge of who he was, is priceless. The
activities are appropriate for his level of understanding, which
sometimes changes during the day. The staff is always aware of his
needs and mine and are competent and caring. I have worked with the
staff on his Rx needs and find them to be very knowledgable and
professional. The program has allowed me to contiue to work with a
peace of mind that he is in a good place. The weight on my shoulders
is lifted when we walk through the doors and I leave him in the skilled
hands of OASIS staff. I am forever indebted to them. We have used the
weekend respite program on several occasions and, as usual, that also
is run smoothly. Please accept our nomination for this very worthy
organization.

Thank you,
Karen Ellis

August 4, 2014

Re: Nomination

My Joe was a devoted husband and a loving dad; steadfast and not easily swayed, he held
to his convictions and displayed a level of care for others that caused him to be the one
that many turned to for advice or encouragement. Joe was a loyal man; quiet, a great
listener, intelligent and so witty-he was even known as the "answer man". He was a
'jack of all trades.' He fixed and attended to all the needs of our home and even serviced
our vehicles. Joe was always ready and willing to lend a hand to others. His mechanical
capabilities and expertise were instrumental in landing him jobs as a maintenance
mechanic. He set a goal upon entering this field, to become the plant supervisor. He
achieved and surpassed his goal during his tenure at a local plastics firm. He also served
as an aircraft mechanic for the Air National Guard.

My Joe's behavior changed to the point of alarm and necessitated medical intervention­
a CAT scan revealed early onset Dementia. I was employed at the time and continued
with my job to help meet expenses. Leaving Joe at home alone while I went to work
became a source of fear and guilt-the "what-ifs" began to weigh me down. Thus began
a search for help and intervention. God answered my prayers. Upon learning of the
various services available for Alzheimers/Dementia victims, "Oasis" rang a bell. Years
ago I'd contacted Oasis regarding help for my dad who had Alzheimers-who'd have
guessed that years later I'd be contacting them on behalf of my hubby. An appointment
was made to visit the Pals and Oasis programs. After much prayer, I took a step of faith.
My Joe began attending the M/W/F Pals program. This proved to be the best choice made
for my Joe and for me. Joe was happier and I at peace knowing he was not at home
alone. I was encouraged that he was engaged in activities he enjoyed. He even served as a
teacher's assistant with another participant of PALS. As Joe's condition progressed and
abilities decreased, it became necessary to move him to the Oasis program. I cannot
express the gratitude in my heart for how this program made life possible. My Joe was
cared for by a team that genuinely rendered tender loving and professional care.

I lost my job due to cutbacks and felt as ifl'd lost a loved one. I didn't realize at that time
the blessing that had actually taken place. While working, I'd rush to drop Joe off, and
then barrel to work, always arriving just in the nick of time. The stress had become so
intense that it seemed as if life was closing in on me. How precious and blessed to have
had six hours, Monday through Friday, to take care of the mounting responsibilities at
home, run errands, attend Bible study, and time to get together with a support group. The
Oasis staff was instrumental in the peace I experienced, knowing that my Joe was well
cared for, loved, and busied with engaging activities along with all the other participants.
If not for OasisNCRC outreach, I would not have been able to cope with the continued
decline of my hubby and insurmountable responsibilities incurred. As full-time caregiver
my health was key in meeting the growing needs of my loved one. Oasis made it
possible-were it not for that 6 hour window of respite, I would not have been able to
care for my precious Joe as long as I have.
It is with sincere gratitude that I recommend OasisNCRC for Disability Advisory
Commission 2014 award for; rendering Godly care; engaging activities and serving our
loved ones that are afflicted with Dementia/Alzheimers; for a staff that are wonderful and
loyal friends and have come alongside us in the midst of our journey as 24/7 caregivers.

Sincerely,

Irene Lozano