From Our Clients’ Perspective
Do you like to come to your program? Why, what do you like? What don’t you like? These are the simple, to the point, questions I randomly asked clients when visiting Westview programs throughout our regions. If you are wondering if their coaches were present during interviews, the answer is No.
Short and to the point, Edger states, "I come to program all the time because I like my volunteer job at the Boys and Girls club.”
When asked the above questions, Wesley, who is non-verbal, picked up his painting on a table amongst other paintings. He then held his painting up to the wall and kept pressing it showing that he wanted it hung up. We hung it up. Wesley was proud. Wesley had participated in very few activities and often fell asleep until his program started a painting class.
Let us listen to Marie who has no problem expressing herself, "I like painting butterflies.” [on canvas – you may have seen her work displayed at Corporate], I do not like music. I bowl on Wednesday with my team. Carol takes my bag sometimes and that makes me mad. I get to buy chips next door in the machine.” Whew, that was said in one breath! However, Marie adds, "Most of all, the bathrooms are clean.” I bet you did not see that one coming. It sure caught me by surprise. Yet, aren’t clean bathrooms important to us all?
David, who was quite emphatic, stated that "I have a job at Westview”. David has participated in volunteer work at the Santa Ana Court House for over a year. I asked him if he liked working with his coach. David then leaned in to me and soberly replied, "I like my coach a lot but, I like Martin better.” You see, David met his peer Martin in program and the two have developed a strong friendship, something that neither had experienced before.
A quite serious Sandra reported "I like coming to Westview. I like arts and crafts best; I am making a hook rug to hang up.” Sandra hesitated a second and then continued, "I have a back problem and cannot stand too long. Maybe I could do word searches while the others play bocce ball. I like to figure out the words. It is fun. I just do not have any more word searches.” Sold! Sandra will have word searches to do during group bocce practice. You see Sandra advocated for herself and came up with an activity to do while her group played bocce. Sandra does participate in daily walks for exercise.
If you have any questions/comments regarding this article or would like to hear more from our clients, call me,
Linda Callaghan, at the Corporate Office (714)517-6606, or leave a message with Alee.
Keep listening to our clients. They are what we are all about. Thanks