Last year, the Lutheran faith celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation; it was a reminder to us all —that we need to be “always reforming;” always looking for new ways to see the world; and always pursuing our calling in life. We are intentional about living out the Reformation through our mission at KenCrest; and I’m happy to report…
Some people say that leadership is about titles, others think some are born leaders, and that predisposes them to hold an official role. . I say we are all leaders. Nothing helps a leader more than clarity of purpose, to see what is right and inspire others along those lines. This blog is devoted to all the leaders who want to create a community where everyone is valued as gifted, and everyone belongs. In this blog I’ll tell stories, ask questions, and ask that we all lead by example, with conviction and intention. I’ll clearly share KenCrest’s purpose, and the how the agency and our amazing team members are committed to doing our part to create a better world for everyone.
Marian Baldini, President and CEO for KenCrest, and author of this weekly blog, reflects in a relevant way on timely themes of disability, advocacy, social consciousness, and the like.
I Want to Start a Movement: Dream at Every Age
At KenCrest, we strive to help our communities do their best by exploring possibilities, mobilizing our resources, and empowering dreams. To do so, we need to be ever mindful of the personal biases that may deter us from making that happen. Recently a colleague mentioned that one of the folks in a group home was ‘up in years’ now, and…
I Want To Start a Movement: Now Is the Time to Speak Up
First, let me say thank you to all of you who voted. While the data is not complete, it looks that we may have had some record turnouts on Election Day in spite of the rain! With many newly elected officials heading into office for the first time in January, now is the time to speak up, be heard, and…
Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Future
Franklin D. Roosevelt once said “nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” This coming Tuesday will commemorate the 174th Election Day in the United States. Although much has changed since 1845 (…thank goodness…), the power and opportunity to…
I Want to Start a Movement: Open Up the Conversation About Sharing a Life
I’m sure many of us have had this experience; there are some people you just can’t live with! My first experience was in college when a friend and I took jobs and shared a place at the Jersey Shore. I could tell I was getting on her nerves, and I imagine she knew the feeling was mutual; but hey—she put…
I Want to Start a Movement: Everyone Deserves to be Discovered
Growing up, the way in which movie stars were discovered, was always a topic of conversation; now we have TV series’ like The Voice where people compete to have celebrity musicians recognize their talent, and give them special attention. The reality is that we all have special gifts and talents, what if everyone got ‘discovered?’ That’s the concept behind a…
I want to start a movement: Information is Power, Learn about Downs Syndrome
When my cousin Joanne was born in1951, her parents were told her life would be short. Back then, the estimated life expectancy for a child with Downs was 12 years; Joanne passed away at age 14. In the 1950s her life expectancy wasn’t the only limiting factor; public schools could simply prevent a disabled child from attending. Joanne attended the…
I Want To Start a Movement: Replace Blame with Empathy and Discernment
How often do we find ourselves in the midst of the blame game? Whether in the media, in the workplace, or in the personal comfort of our own homes—sometimes it feels as if deflection or the lack of ownership is unavoidable. We blame others for the privation of our progression, and others blame us; frustrations circumvent over and over from…
I Want to Start a Movement: Embrace Your Right to Vote
I was 18 when the voting age changed from 21 to 18; I vividly remember conversing with my mother about how excited I was at my first opportunity to vote. I asked her for advice on how to get involved and stay informed; I also remember conversations with my grandmother, and her educating me on Susan B Anthony. Susan B.…
Celebrating DSP Week at KenCrest
The KenCrest family joined the Nation this week in recognizing and celebrating the hundreds of thousands of amazing direct support professionals (DSPs) around the world. DSPs are special people who provide support to many individuals who come to us with the hope of care, and a meaning-filled life. Although the title of this position has changed over time— from counselor,…
