Delarc had the privilege of welcoming our guests from the Justice Center: Maria Lisi-Murray, Acting Executive Director; Erika Beardsley, Executive Deputy Director; and Erin Hogan, Director of Communications and Public Information, for a day of hands-on learning, creativity, and connection at THRIVE and Studio 190.
The Justice Center expressed an interest in participating in Delarc’s Vantage Point program after learning more about our approach to supporting people, particularly our commitment to a no-restraint policy, both physical and/or pharmacological. Their visit gave them the opportunity to experience our Vantage Point approach firsthand and learn more about the values and practices that guide how we support people each day.
Their day began at THRIVE with a unique opportunity to experience the environment from a different perspective. Each guest used a wheelchair during their unique Vantage Point experience. They met staff, became familiar with the space, and located important features such as fire exits. This experience offered a look at accessibility and some of the considerations that may come into play when navigating everyday spaces.
At 10 a.m., everyone gathered in the cafeteria for an Upcycled Sunflower project led by Jessica Baldi of The Funky Farmhouse. It was a fun opportunity to get creative, work with their hands, and spend time alongside the people we support.
The creativity continued at Studio 190, where the group worked collaboratively to create some of our signature Unity Blooms. Each person contributed to the artwork, making the finished pieces a reflection of creativity, teamwork, and connection.
After lunch, the group returned to THRIVE for more person-centered hands-on experiences, learning more about Delarc’s mission and Unifying Principles and how they guide the work we do each day.
The visit wrapped up with a debrief with a team of Delarc leaders and DSP’s, giving everyone an opportunity to reflect on the day, ask questions, and share their experiences.
We are grateful to the Justice Center for spending the day with us. Days like this give us the opportunity to share not only what we do at Delarc, but also the values of inclusion, accessibility, creativity, dignity, and connection that are at the heart of our work. We learned so much from our Justice Center visitors, and embraced the opportunity continue to share what we do and how we do it.
Thank you to everyone at Delarc who helped make the day welcoming, educational, and fun!
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