farewell class of 2016! welcome & welcome back class of 2017

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Editors: Martina Island Wayfinders Newsletter Page 1 Volume 1, Issue 1 Fall 2016 Highlights of 2016 I NSIDE T HIS I SSUE 2 Domain Highlights 4 Wayfinders After Hours/Where Are They Now? 5 Nutrition Corner/Opportunities 6 Calendar of Events/Birthdays Farewell Class of 2016! Welcome & Welcome Back Class of 2017 & 2018! On June 30 th , 2016, the Wayfinders program said farewell to the Class of 2016 with an intimate ceremony at United Japanese Community Church in Clovis, CA. Guest speakers included the Dean of Kremen Education and Human Development, Paule Beare, and the Executive Director of Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC), Heather Flores. Core staff members gave speeches about each of the students that shared individual highlights and said memorable goodbyes. The graduating class also said their goodbyes in style with speeches that they prepared and presented on their own. On August 1 st , 2016, the returning students as well as the new students move into their rooms at the Palazzo Apartments at Campus Pointe. Returning students are welcomed back by their roommates and new students are welcomed into their new rooms and get acquainted with new roommates. Wayfinders classes and activities begin right away, but time still allows for socializing between students to make new and sometimes even lifelong friends. Message from Director Shail Lopez-Ortiz, Executive Director Wayfinders Program at Fresno State Welcome to the start of another great year! This fall we accepted our largest cohort ever of 22 students, bringing our student count from 28 students in 2015 - 2016 to 38 students in 2016 - 2017! The tremendous growth has meant that our Wayfinders team has grown too. Each domain has hired additional leads and coaches to ensure quality of services provided. We are also in the process of hiring another Case Manager to work alongside Gabriel Diaz. We had a year packed with hard work, action and lots of successes. Students accessed over 140 Fresno State classes, worked at over 20 different worksites, participated in tons of activities including Special Olympics, and then were rewarded with a trip to Santa Cruz. So class of 2017 & 2018 I hope you are ready for an action packed year! The staff has been planning schedules and calendars jamming your days with creative sessions as well as fun activities and team building opportunities. We are revving to get started. Are you? As we grow we are constantly looking for ways to sustain our program. We welcome donations and corporate sponsorships in any amount to support not only current student progress but also to Continued on page 2 Below: Wayfinders Class of 2016. From left to right: Jordan Standridge, Devin Louie, Alexander Boadi, Eric Urbano, Cristina Jauregui, Andrea Halliday, Peter Economy, Jeremy Pedersen, Christian Fontana, Marcus Espino.

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Page 1: Farewell Class of 2016! Welcome & Welcome Back Class of 2017

Editors: Martina Island Wayfinders Newsletter Page 1

Volume 1, Issue 1 Fall 2016

Highlights of 2016

IN S I D E T H I S I S S U E

2 Domain Highlights

4 Wayfinders After Hours/Where Are They Now?

5 Nutrition Corner/Opportunities

6 Calendar of Events/Birthdays

Farewell Class of 2016! Welcome & Welcome Back Class of 2017 & 2018! On June 30th, 2016, the Wayfinders program said farewell to the Class of 2016 with an intimate ceremony at United Japanese Community Church in Clovis, CA. Guest speakers included the Dean of Kremen Education and Human Development, Paule Beare, and the Executive Director of Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC), Heather Flores. Core staff members gave speeches about each of the students that shared individual highlights and said memorable goodbyes. The graduating class also said their goodbyes in style with speeches that they prepared and presented on their own. On August 1st, 2016, the returning students as well as the new students move into their rooms at the Palazzo Apartments at Campus Pointe. Returning students are welcomed back by their roommates and new students are welcomed into their new rooms and get acquainted with new roommates. Wayfinders classes and activities begin right away, but time still allows for socializing between students to make new and sometimes even lifelong friends.

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Message from Director Shail Lopez-Ortiz, Executive Director Wayfinders Program at Fresno State Welcome to the start of another great year! This fall we accepted our largest cohort ever of 22 students, bringing our student count from 28 students in 2015 - 2016 to 38 students in 2016 - 2017! The tremendous growth has meant that our Wayfinders team has grown too. Each domain has hired additional leads and coaches to ensure quality of services provided. We are also in the process of hiring another Case Manager to work alongside Gabriel Diaz. We had a year packed with hard work, action and lots of successes. Students accessed over 140 Fresno State classes, worked at over 20 different worksites, participated in tons of activities including Special Olympics, and then were rewarded with a trip to Santa Cruz. So class of 2017 & 2018 I hope you are ready for an action packed year! The staff has been planning schedules and calendars jamming your days with creative sessions as well as fun activities and team building opportunities. We are revving to get started. Are you? As we grow we are constantly looking for ways to sustain our program. We welcome donations and corporate sponsorships in any amount to support not only current student progress but also to

Continued on page 2

Below: Wayfinders Class of 2016. From left to right: Jordan Standridge, Devin Louie, Alexander Boadi, Eric Urbano, Cristina Jauregui, Andrea Halliday, Peter Economy, Jeremy Pedersen, Christian Fontana, Marcus Espino.

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Editors: Martina Island Wayfinders Newsletter Page 2

Continued from page 1

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University Inclusion – Disability Research Projects Stephanie Foster, University Inclusion Coordinator Wayfinders Program at Fresno State

After the end of the Spring 2016 semester, each student was asked to begin doing research with a University Inclusion Coach on the student’s personal diagnosis. Each student has been asked to answer questions such as: the definition of your diagnosis, the definition of your diagnosis in your own words, common characteristics of that diagnosis, the characteristics that you believe apply to you, common struggles for people with that diagnosis, and what common struggles you identify with. In addition, the students have been asked to research other disability related topics such as the history of disability and disability related legislation. The purpose of this research is to help each student gain insight into his or her unique experiences as a person with a disability. This information will be used within our program as a means to lead our students toward self-advocacy and autonomy. Once the student has completed his or her research, they have been asked to present this information as a means of educating and advocating to the core staff about what they have learned and how their diagnosis manifests within themselves. Core staff and students can then work collaboratively on establishing clear-cut goals within each domain and strategies for working toward those goals. Student input during this process is extremely important, and we believe that the more knowledge that each student has, the greater the opportunity toward personal growth and independence. Some students have already begun the process of presenting information and their presentations

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establish scholarship funds for less fortunate students. Last year we purchased 25 iPads with these funds. These iPads are being used for data collection within each domain. We have been able to utilize the data not only to help us improve but also share best practices at Post Secondary Education conferences around the nation. We have presented our data at the national TASH conference and at Pac Rim, which is an international conference on disability and diversity. Welcome to our families – new and returning…..We look forward to a fantastic year!

Domain Highlights

Activities – End of the Year Trip Ryan Wilson, Activities Coordinator Wayfinders Program at Fresno State

Wayfinders students celebrated the end of another successful year by going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for the day. Each student had a great day going on the rides, playing arcade and carnival games, going to the beach and eating some delicious food. The students formed a committee and planned the end of the year event with support from the Activities Team. Students came up with several options for trips and after weighing up the pro’s and con’s agreed upon Santa Cruz, as it offered both the Boardwalk and the beach as activities they could participate on. Students devised the itinerary for the day, how they would get there, the associated costs and fundraising ideas. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents and families who very kindly made donations toward the trip. Without these generous contributions it would have been very difficult for the trip to take place. This was an awesome high to finish the year on and a very fitting way to congratulate all our students for the hard work they put into the previous year.

Left: Shari Kimball working on her disability research project

Continued on page 3

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Continued from page 2

Left: Jeremy Pedersen independently preparing a breakfast burrito

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have been well thought out and presented confidently. With the positive feedback that we have received from our current students, we are looking forward to continuing this educational opportunity with all of our incoming students, as well as future students to come!

Residential Jasmin Rocha, Residential Coordinator Wayfinders Program at Fresno State A special thank you goes out to the entire Residential Team for a successful 2015-2016 year! It is thanks to your dedication, care, and hard work that our students were able to succeed in meeting their goals. Thank you Patricia for taking the nutritional subdomain to the next level. Because of her hard work we are seeing a vast improvement in how quickly students learn, master, and maintain the skills needed to prepare meals and go grocery shopping. Thank you Me Su for a phenomenal job in organizing the coaching team to help students master their living space tasks. Last, but not least, a thank you goes to Alexis for her excellent performance in assisting to conduct and monitor student progress in budget class. Congratulations to Alma Mesillas & Melissa “Kodie” Scheidt who were promoted to full-time and will be working with students to help meet their self-care, nutritional, and self-advocacy goals. Therap continues to be our data collecting system and has allowed our domain to collect, process, and analyze data regarding a student’s performance when completing a task. We can now immediately develop support plans to assist students in meeting their goals. Recent data collection showed that 80% of the Class of 2016 independently held their debit cards and managed their daily routines, 90% independently used the bus to go grocery shopping, 90-100% had mastered chores (i.e., laundry, living area, kitchen, bedroom & bathroom), 100% were independent in writing their rent checks and participated in cooking classes to further their skills in preparing meals on the stove top, oven, and grill. As for the Class of 2017, 81% successfully followed a weekly budget for their groceries, personal items, eating out, and entertainment purchases, 62% independently used the bus to go to grocery shopping, 100% participated in cooking classes, and 75-100% had mastered chores. Lets keep up the good work Residential Team!!!

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Vocational Leslie Shirakawa, Vocational Specialist Wayfinders Program at Fresno State During Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 semesters, students were busy learning and developing job skills at 23 different on and off-campus worksites. Our Vocational Placement Coordinator secured 7 new sites that I am sure we will continue to place students at. We thank those new sites: Old Spaghetti Factory, Bitwise Industries/Edit LLC, iLoveToCreate/Duncan Ceramics, Best Western, Maya Cinemas, Break The Barriers and the Fresno State President’s Office. Congratulations to Jeremy Pedersen and Jordan Standridge for obtaining jobs as they completed Wayfinders! Jeremy is working at the Sears in Clovis, CA, along with his job at Home Goods (which he acquired in January 2015). Jordan is employed with Target in Clovis, CA and, since he did some of his work experience at REI, the store manager at REI is keeping an eye open for a vacancy in the Customer Service Associate position that Jordan can step into. Our 22 incoming students will be placed on-campus for their first semester, and our 16 returning students will be at 13 various off-campus businesses. Colton’s Social House has recently opened up in Clovis and specifically asked if we had any students that would be available to join their team. Their location, as well as others, allows for our students to easily get to and from their job site using public transportation.

Right: Jeffrey Mintz

working at Resources for Independence

Central Valley (RICV)

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Wayfinders After Hours With Gabriel Diaz Staff Member Question & Answers

Gabriel Diaz, Case Manager at Wayfinders at Fresno State. Q: Whom would you want to play you in a movie of your life? Gabe: “Denzel Washington” Q: If you could do another job for one day, what would it be? Gabe: “President of the United States” Q: Where is your favorite vacation destination? Gabe: “Greece” Q: What is your biggest fear? Gabe: “Cats” Q: If you were a super hero, what powers would you have? Gabe: “To have the same powers as Wolverine.” Q: What 3 people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Gabe: “Tony Romo, I’m a Cowboys fan, Martin Luther King Jr., and my Grandpa.” Q: If you could join any past or current music group, who would it be? Gabe: “*NSYNC” Q: What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten? Gabe: “Crickets” Q: Do you have a special talent? Gabe: “I can wiggle my ears.” Q: What is on your bucket list? Gabe: “To see the Northern Lights, travel to Australia & Dubai, and to swim with my wife at Pig Beach.”

Where Are They Now? With Marissa Erickson Previous Wayfinders Student Question & Answers Q: Where do you live now and what have you being doing since your left Wayfinders? Marissa: “After I left Wayfinders I had an apartment in Mt. View. It was too far from my hometown so I am currently living with my parents in Alameda. Since leaving Wayfinders I have started attending a 2-year film school called Inclusion Films. They are teaching me all aspects of filmmaking. I am very good with the boom mike & soundboard. I ride BART everyday to my classes. I also have 2 jobs, one with the Down Syndrome Connection in Danville working at community events & another with a production company called Futures Films. The other great news is that I have a wonderful boyfriend!” Q: What do you miss most about Wayfinders? Marissa: “I miss all the staff & living at the Palazzo apartments. I miss all the Fresno State sports teams & events that I was able to attend. I miss my old job at Colorado Grill. But I do not miss the hot weather.” Q: Do you still keep in touch with anyone past or present at Wayfinders? Marissa: “Yes-I do. I text with my old roommates & I try to see them. I am also excited that my boyfriend will start Wayfinders in the Fall. I am looking forward to coming to Wayfinders to visit him.” Q: What was the greatest thing your learned while at Wayfinders? Marissa: “I learned so much it is hard to pick one! I loved my cooking classes, hip-hop dance classes & art classes. I learned to manage my money & report my wages to SSI. I learned to believe in myself & to do things on my own.” Q: What advice would you give to our new students about to start at Wayfinders? Marissa: “I would say to try new things & work hard. It is your time to shine.” Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Marissa: “I want to live with my boyfriend & travel more. I also want to work more in the film industry.”

"I can't tell you how much fun it is working with Marissa. We've unleashed a Sound Monster! Her attention to making sure the sound levels are perfect is so impressive. Way to go Marissa!" - Sound Production Instructor Mike Sedlak

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Nutrition Corner Patricia Ybarra, Residential Assistant Wayfinders Program at Fresno State This semester’s recipe is…

Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks w/Tropical Fruit Salad

1/4 cup pineapple juice 3 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon light brown sugar 2 teaspoons cornstarch Cooking spray 8 chicken drumsticks, skinned (about 1 3/4 lb.) 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks 1 cup peeled and sliced kiwi fruit (about 3 kiwi fruit) 1 cup halved fresh strawberries 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1/2 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger Directions: 1. Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil. Cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly with a whisk. Remove from heat. 2. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Coat chicken with cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add chicken to pan; cook 8 minutes, turning occasionally. Reduce heat to medium; brush with soy sauce mixture. Cook 15 minutes or until done, turning and brushing occasionally with soy sauce mixture. 3. Combine remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper, pineapple chunks, kiwi, strawberries, cilantro, juice, and ginger in a bowl. Serve with chicken. Serve Immediately. Cooking tip: Give the drumsticks a head start on a hot grill pan; then lower the heat so the glaze won't burn.

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Opportunities There are various opportunities for students at Fresno State to get involved in this program. We are currently accepting applications for Peer Mentors! Peer Mentors are volunteers who work with the students in the Wayfinders program. They can help to improve a Wayfinders student outcomes related to:

Motivation and self-esteem Friendship Communication and assertiveness skills Problem solving and decision making Conflict resolution Coping and Adjusting Resiliency

To apply, go to http://www.fresnostate.edu/kremen/wayfinders/documents/peermentorapplication.pdf Fill out the form and email it to: [email protected] Or drop by our office in ED 151 in the Kremen School of Education & Human Development building and pick up an application. For employment, other volunteer, and internship opportunities, contact the domain coordinator/specialist of the particular domain of the Wayfinders Program. Residential Domain Jasmin Rocha [email protected] Vocational Domain Leslie Shirakawa [email protected] University Inclusion Domain Stephanie Foster [email protected] Activities Domain Ryan Wilson [email protected]

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C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S NEW STUDENT CONVOCATION & AFTER PARTY

SAVE MART CENTER AUGUST 19TH, 2016 AT 2 - 6PM COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FAIR CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FRESNO GRASS AREA SOUTH OF KENNEL BOOKSTORE AUGUST 31ST, 2016 10AM - 12PM LABOR DAY HOLIDAY – NO CLASSES, CAMPUS

CLOSED SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2016 FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL VS SACRAMENTO

STATE BULLDOG STADIUM SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2016 AT 7PM FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL VS TULSA BULLDOG STADIUM SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2016 AT 1:30PM FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL VS SAN DIEGO

STATE BULLDOG STADIUM OCTOBER 14TH, 2016 AT 7PM FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL VS AIR FORCE BULLDOG STADIUM OCTOBER 28TH, 2016 AT 7:30PM VETERAN’S DAY HOLIDAY – NO CLASSES, CAMPUS CLOSED NOVEMBER 11TH, 2016 FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL VS HAWAI’I BULLDOG STADIUM NOVEMBER 19TH, 2016 AT 1:30PM THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY NOVEMBER 23TH - NOVEMBER 25TH, 2016 TRAVEL DAY FOR WINTER BREAK DECEMBER 16TH, 2016 WINTER BREAK – WAYFINDERS OFFICE CLOSED DECEMBER 24TH – JANUARY 1ST, 2016

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S T U D E N T B I R T H D A Y S

MIKAH SLICK – AUGUST 14TH

GARRETT VEERKAMP – AUGUST 17TH

CAROLYNN MARTIN – AUGUST 28TH

JOSEPH HAGAR – AUGUST 29TH

TK VASQUEZ – SEPTEMBER 11TH

GABE ZAIDMAN - SEPTEMBER 25TH

KYLE GREGO – OCTOBER 4TH

LELAND MCCALLISTER – OCTOBER 31ST

CHRIS SILVA – OCTOBER 31ST

NATE LUMPKIN – NOVEMBER 20TH

ANDREW FIGUEROA – NOVEMBER 21ST

MATT ESTERA – NOVEMBER 22ND

AIDAN MACE – NOVEMBER 24TH

OLIVIA HUMEUMPTEWA – DECEMBER 22ND

LAUREN MCCAFFREY – DECEMBER 23RD

TJ OBI – DECEMBER 28TH

S T A F F B I R T H D A Y S STEPHANIE – AUGUST 11TH

LESLIE – AUGUST 27TH

ANTHONY – SEPTEMBER 10TH

MICAELA – SEPTEMBER 15TH

MACKENZIE – SEPTEMBER 18TH

TYLER – OCTOBER 1ST

CHRISTINE – OCTOBER 2ND

ROBBIE – OCTOBER 5TH

LINDA – OCTOBER 11TH

DANNY – OCTOBER 22ND

MARISOL – OCTOBER 22ND

YUGI – OCTOBER 29TH

SARAHI – OCTOBER 30TH

CRYSTAL Q. – NOVEMBER 3RD

BRIANA – NOVEMBER 24TH

VARTANUSH – DECEMBER 9TH