What’s Outside the Box? Growth and Opportunities for People with IDD
The thing that I have always enjoyed about my job at Milestone HCQU West is our team’s ability to look “outside the box” and to have a work culture that supports that concept. Each person that we meet and each team that we help support are unique. You cannot use a cookie cutter approach when working with people. You must explore who that person is and what the team might need to support the person to be the healthiest, most successful version of themselves.
Untapped Potential
There are so many people who receive services within our system and have amazing talent. It isn’t something as a system we are always the greatest at exploring. However, when people are given access to things that they enjoy and are passionate about, it opens a whole new meaningful world for them. When you see a person’s face light up with something they have accomplished, it is something indescribable.
When the Covid-19 pandemic first began, we started a photography contest. I was astonished by the talent some of the people we support have in this area. The pictures were so professional and phenomenal. They were truly artists in their ability to capture a moment in time; we even had several pieces printed and displayed in our office. I wonder if any of these people in our community ever consider becoming professional photographers.
Entrepreneur Series
One of the events our organization has been hosting lately is an entrepreneur series focusing on successful businesses of people with an intellectual/developmental disability or Autism. We have had the great opportunity to host several amazingly talented people. Have you heard of these businesses?
The series kicked off with Grace from Candidly Kind. Grace and her mother are a fantastic duo. Grace creates the artwork and designs for all the apparel she sells. She is a dynamic person, full of love and creativity. She teaches us that kindness is the way to make this world a better place.
This fall we hosted Purely Patrick. Patrick sells purely delectable treats all layered neatly in a reusable drinking bottle. He has a vast array of offerings from drinks, cookies, soups, and even treats for that favorite dog in your life.
Poppin Joe’s Gourmet Kettle Korn makes some sensational flavors of everyone’s favorite treat. Joe and his sister shared the success of his popcorn business including the adventures along the way.
On April 24th, 2025, we will host Sean from Seanese. Sean produces his own cool apparel that celebrates everyone’s uniqueness with his fun designs. We hope you can join us. Register by e-mailing jshotts@MilestonePA.org.
The thing about each of these people is that someone took the time to find out what they found inspiring. They supported the person to think “outside of the box” and go after their dream. And you know what, their world and ours is better because of it!
