Glenloch Team

May 11, 2016

Dear Desmond Coates, Varney David, Odibu Edrah, Sheldon Foster, Eric McKinley, Labrent Murray, Oluwafemi Okitika, Stephen Skinner, Anthony Smith, Nicholas Smith, Terrence Townsend, Thomas Wright, John Zaza, Isidore Kieh,
Late last August, Philadelphia news stations reported on a story about a young man with autism and intellectual disability who was not receiving the support and care he needed At best the person in the story was severely neglected, at worst a crime had been committed. Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral and ID Services sought a provider to change this person’s life. Needless to say, it would not be easy. Other providers backed out, only SPIN stepped forward. We could do it because we had an ace Direct Support Professional team backing us up. So last August, after the hospital released him from 4 point restraints, we began a journey with a young man named Ken. This interesting, adventurous road trip has already had many bumps and hairpin turns in the road to go along with moments of happy, smooth sailing. 

The ace team of six men all bravely signed on to be deployed where their strengths and skills were needed for Ken. Each DSP brought their best to Ken; Desmond whistled and sang Motown and Stevie Wonder while he worked, Brent cooked his delicious healthy feasts and taught Ken new skills, Femi and Varney explored home and leisure activities of interest, Sheldon toured the town’s pizzerias and local parks, Nick developed routines and provided undivided attention (even during Ken’s favorite song, Hakuna Matata), and John and Odi ensured that Ken got a good night’s sleep; staying next to him as he slept on the couch so he felt safe during his first week at Glenloch Street. Everyone on the team was committed to Ken and his road to success. According to Director, Jen Williams, “To say that it has been a trying time for both Ken and his team is an understatement.” In fact when he first moved in to his home Ken destroyed all the new furniture, ripped the carpeting and pulled out all the plumbing under his sink. He threw himself shoulder first into walls. Will and our Real Property team, also became Ken’s friends, and they diligently and swiftly repaired and replaced all items damaged by Ken safely securing the TV, windows and household furnishings while reinforcing the walls. 

Soon, Ken’s new team was recruited.  Terrence, Tony and Thomas reported to duty and began getting to know Ken. With every transition there were more bumps along the road, but the team remained aligned and focused on Ken and the road ahead. Tony thought about quitting after a particularly hellatious first day, but the team rallied around him and convinced him to stick with it. He’s happy he did. Steve and Eric are the newest recruited team members, but have already brought their infectious optimism, coming off their successes supporting Joan at Wesleyan. 
Ken and his direct support team are supported by a team of other professionals and managers that include Sharina Blackshear, Michele Blackson, Katelyn Bodine, Frank Brown, Nicole Burns, Annemarie Clarke, Michele Davis, Denise DeGuzman, Jen Dragon, Jamie Garrity, Patrick McMenamin, Cindy O’Neill, Aundre Sterling, Stacy Wendowski, Will Wetzel, Jen Williams and Julie Worley. 

Through team changes, medication changes and changes of season, Ken’s team met, debriefed and drafted updated “roadmaps” to keep Ken safe and thriving along the journey. 

Today, about eight months after beginning to receive individualized, intensive 24/7 services through this incredible team, Ken’s life has improved significantly. He goes out into his community where he shops in small stores, runs around the track at a local school on weekends, plays basketball, and enjoys walks and going for a run at the local park. At home he loves to eat chicken and rice, yogurt and fresh fruits and veggies and pancakes, eggs and sausage for breakfast. His staff are teaching Ken to assist in the kitchen by getting items out of the cabinets. Ken is down to a good, healthy weight thanks to the team’s good cooking and sticking to no sugar added to everything.  Ken is finally sleeping a few hours a night, sometimes in his bed, other times with his head resting near his staff on the sofa. He loves to sing and knows the words to Hakuna Matata. He loves music and dancing with staff and has a collection of items that he enjoys playing with. Sometimes he hurls them at the staff he loves and this incredible team keeps coming back to give Ken the stability and continuity he needs. 

So what’s the burning question when we’re on a road trip: Are we there yet? Are we there yet? No - this is still the beginning of Ken’s journey to a life of possibilities. The Glenloch team has filled their tank for the road trip of their lives.  Their extraordinary teamwork and efforts have already taken Ken from misery to joyful. He shows his joy and thanks his support team by smiling all the time. Ken is secure in knowing this team is there to care for him on the road ahead. Are we there yet? No, but this team is here day in and out. Ken is home and thanks to this amazing team we are on target on the journey to provide Ken the life that he deserves, a “Life of Possibilities”! On behalf of SPIN’s Corporate Board, the management team and Ken, congratulations to the fabulous Glenloch team for being awarded SPIN’s Team of the Quarter for the winter of 2016! We admire and deeply appreciate each of you and all that you do!

Warmest Regards,

Kathleen Brown McHale
President & CEO