Jeanette Taylor...A Tireless Heart
Joycelyn Baer
As the Tin Woodsman is given his symbolic heart by the Wizard of Oz he is wisely advised, "A heart is not judged by how much you love but by how much you are loved by others." When you think about the "heart" of Hillcroft, you can look no further than to Jeanette Taylor, the last surviving member of the three founding families – the Satryan's, the King's and the Taylor's. She has given her heart to Hillcroft and, in return, has earned the respect, gratitude and love of this organization.
Jeanette was only 32 in 1952 when these families first met on the Taylor's front porch to start a local movement on behalf of children with mental retardation. The group had regular meetings two times a week and were tireless in their efforts in making their plans become a reality. "Louise (Satryan) and Chalmers (King) were the leaders," notes Jeanette. "The rest of us took their directive to make things happen. We all had young children, plus the ones who were handicapped. I don't know how we did it but somehow we did. We would get one program done and think we could relax but Louise kept pushing."
The initial organization grew to around 25 members who came from all walks of life. "The thing that amazed me was we never had a fuss," states Jeanette. "We all banded together and, when there was a project to do, there was always someone there who knew how to do it – plumbers, carpenters." When asked about the highlight of those formative years, Jeanette shines when talking about the money making activities.
"What I remember most are the things we did to raise money," cites Jeanette. "We had a bazaar in a downtown hotel and bridge club parties at the Masonic Temple." Jeanette's sorority, Sigma Pi Gamma, donated a $1,000 a month for two years. "That was a lot of money back then," recalls Jeanette. "And to this day, I don't know how they came up with it. That's what kept us going." But, in Jeanette's opinion, their real success was founded in the care and giving of the Muncie community and to what she described as a "small town thing."
Throughout the years, Jeanette logged countless volunteer hours as the organization's secretary and serving on the Board of Directors. Her son Monte, the Taylor's driving force behind the start of the organization, worked in the Cannon Industries sheltered workshop for 18 years until he was forced to retire due to his health. After a career with Marhoefer's Packing Company, her husband, Bob, began a new career at Hillcroft where he remained for seven years. Jeanette's focus then turned to caregiver as both became terminally ill. "I had not been in Hillcroft for about 10-15 years," Jeanette recalls. "I guess God decided I needed a vacation after I took care of my men for so long."
Fortunately for Hillcroft, Jeanette's absence did not last. This past year she participated in the making of a video telling Hillcroft's story of which she is most proud. She has been a fixture at every Hillcroft Thanksgiving celebration – a 30-year tradition, having missed only one, and is contributing to the Icicles for Isanogel fundraising event by making a wreath. At a vivacious 87 years, Jeanette continues to give to this agency. Just like the Wizard, Jeanette so wisely advises, "It's all about connections and heart."
The Heart of Hillcroft
by Clint Bolser, CEO
Hillcroft Services, Inc. has 287 employees which include 30 summer staff at Camp Isanogel and 21 Teaching Artists through VSA arts of Indiana. Of these staff, 232 or 81% are direct care, individual employees working with 4,214 children and adults we served this past year. These numbers are astounding to me. When I sit down and think about the important role each and every staff member plays in the lives of the people we serve it becomes overwhelming. I can not say "thank you" enough for the commitment and dedication our staff have to the mission of our organization.
Obviously, with Hillcroft being a community service agency, our focus is people, whether it is the individuals we serve or the employees that we hire. I truly admire the work of each and every person that is a part of the Hillcroft family. I know our employees do not come to work at Hillcroft because of the prestige of the job or the amount of money they make. They do come to work at Hillcroft because the employees believe in our mission, our values and, most importantly, they believe in the people they serve.
I say this often, but I truly feel that human life is often taken for granted. When I think about 287 staff working on behalf of Hillcroft's mission of "making extraordinary differences in People's lives" many powerful things happen. I personally hear and observe those powerful things everyday. The people we serve and our staff are very special to me.
Thank you for your continued support. You are truly the heart and soul of Hillcroft.
Hillcroft Culture
by Troy Edrington
I usually use this space for a lighthearted, off-the-wall perspective on Hillcroft behind the scenes. Today, I feel it is time to share another perspective. There was a day that people with disabilities were destined for a short life. Thankfully, that day has passed as we see our clients leading full, long lives. With this we see that we are currently serving an aging population and, unfortunately, death is an all too common part of life at Hillcroft. You really cannot appreciate the nature of the Hillcroft team until you see the genuine mourning of one in our care at a funeral or in the hallways the morning after a shocking report. Those in our care are much more than our clients. They are our friends, our family, our loved ones. We do everything we can to assist these individuals in living a long, healthy, fun and meaningful life. This cannot be effectively done without opening your heart to those in our care.
Change Can Be Good...Sometimes Very Good
by Sandy Penrod
In 1975 my husband had a job that enabled me to be a stay-at-home mom. But by the beginning of 1976, I was in the process of a divorce and faced with the prospect of raising my 7 year-old daughter on my own. I hadn't worked in almost eight years and, to be honest, I was more comfortable in the home setting than a work environment. I was receiving public assistance and, against my will, enrolled in the IMPACT work program. When I was sent to the Delaware County Association for Retarded Citizens to interview for a clerical position, I did everything I could possibly think of to sabotage my chances of getting this job. When I was hired I literally cried. These were not happy tears – I didn't want to work – not yet anyway.
This past September marked my 31-year anniversary. During this period, our agency name has changed three times, there have been five CEO's, I have had four different supervisors and my job evolved to Administrative Manager. I have seen Hillcroft go from an agency providing a handful of services for 90 clients with 40 staff to providing a multitude of services for several hundred clients with over 250 staff. We have progressed from paper and pencil to computers, and instead of operating on instinct, we have a policy and procedure in place for every situation. I remarried, raised my daughter, nurtured my grandchildren, and made wonderful friends. I also shared the happiest moments of my life and shed many tears with my "family" at Hillcroft. I have seen a child learn to walk when doctors said he wouldn't and adult clients go from undesirable situations to become independent, thriving members of our community.
Years ago Hillcroft transformed my life. This isn't just a "job" – it's part of my family and home. Hillcroft not only changes the lives of the clients we serve, it also changes the hearts of those involved.
Cecil Nelson...Well, in Other Words
by Janet Milazzo
The eyebrow goes up, a wry smile starts to emerge from his scruffy mug, and you just brace yourself because something off color, politically incorrect and probably pretty funny is about to spring forth just after those patented words come out, "Well, in other words…"
Cecil, by anyone's standards, and by his own admission is an ornery old rascal. He is as much a part of Hillcroft Services as the bricks on the front of the Streeter building. After spending much of his youth at the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center, Cecil came to Hillcroft's Cannon Industries in 1973, and he has participated in Supported Living Services since 1994. Cecil no longer works in the workshop these days, having "retired" in November of 2005, but he feels like he has done his share in the past 30 plus years.
Cecil spent a number of years participating as an adult in a scout troop. He has also been a fixture around Muncie as he has been seen riding his bicycle, motor scooter and, finally, his three-wheel bicycle all over town. The only downfall to his "man-about-town" nature is that he has attracted the front bumper of a number of cars. Cecil has suffered a number of injuries from several serious accidents over the years. His legs, he will gladly share, are full of metal. His posture is slumped and staggered well beyond his years, but he still gets around.
Cecil, still a relatively young man at 52, saw his life take a harsh turn earlier this year when he was diagnosed with advanced cancer. This was a very difficult time for him, but a time when all of his Hillcroft family rallied to his side and held him up through the initial shock of the news. Cecil continues with his treatment and has shown some signs that the treatments are working.
"Well, in other words, I suppose you could say I been around the block a few times. I've seen a lot of people come and go. Some that needed to go, and others I hated to see go. You never know. I may be the next to go," Cecil stated with a raised eyebrow and that wry little half smile.
Don Hillenburg...A Wish Comes True
by Rita Mohler
Have you ever had a wish? Not the kind where you blow out the birthday candles or toss a coin into a fountain, but a deep desire that gives you the opportunity to answer the question -- if I could have anything at all in the world—what would it be? Don Hillenberg's lifelong wish was to take an airplane ride, and this past September his wish came true. Not only did Don have the opportunity to ride in a plane, but he got to pilot it for about 20 minutes.
Don has been a part of the Hillcroft family for 25 years. He has been involved in Cannon Industries, Adult Daily Living and our Supported Living programs. "Don is a very polite, happy person," said Whitney Henry, Residential Assistant. "He is very smart, a great cook, can read very well and has a great memory." Whitney has worked with Don for more than seven years and states, "Don is a pleasure to be with and has a beautiful smile." Recently, Hillcroft has had the opportunity to grant "wishes" to their terminally ill clients. When Don became ill Hillcroft offered to grant him a wish. Don's wish was to do two things: to fly on a plane and go to Sea World. Plans were made for him and two others to go to Florida; however, Don became too ill to travel and the trip had to be cancelled.
Not to be deterred, Evelyn Wyatt, Supported Living Program Supervisor, remembered that a staff member's husband owned and flew his own airplane. According to Michele Dickey, Behavior Management Clerk, Evelyn approached her with an alternative plan and asked if her husband, Bruce, might be able to fulfill Don's wish. Michele's response was a definite yes. "Bruce was thrilled to do it and he said the weather looked great for the next day," said Michele. The word went out that it was a go and the staff made sure everything was ready.
Don was greeted by Michele at the Delaware County Airport. He was able to watch as Bruce landed the plane after a trip from Indianapolis. Bruce had Don sit in the co-pilot seat and Whitney climbed in the back. The flight lasted about an hour and covered not only Delaware County, but surrounding areas including Ohio. At some point, Bruce asked Don if he wanted to actually fly the plane and Don did not hesitate. The plane dipped a couple of times which scared Whitney, but Don was able to level the plane out. He was thrilled and could not stop smiling when they landed. Michele was able to get a couple of pictures of Don and later gave him a copy along with a set of wings.
Whitney thanked Don for asking her to go with him. "You always take me places, this time I got to take you on a plane ride!" he replied. Don also wanted Whitney to tell everyone he flew the plane because he did not think anyone would believe him.
"Bruce will ask me once a week how Don is doing," notes Michele. "We are excited and blessed to be able to make someone's dream come true. It isn't often that we are given that opportunity."
As for Don, he's still floating on a cloud.
2007 Masters Golf Outing
On the morning of August 7, teams of four registered for the 2007 Hillcroft Masters golf outing in anticipation of some great golf and fun prizes. At 8:00 am golfers took off in their carts for 18 holes of golf at the Players Club in Muncie.
The temperature quickly heated up and so did the golfers' scores. After a delicious lunch provided by Pete's Duck Inn, the winners were announced. The team from the Ball State Federal Credit Union wound up on top, winning for the second time in the three years of Hillcroft's Masters Golf Tournament history. There were prizes and gift certificates given away at the Players Club Pavillion after the winners were announced. Everybody was a winner at the tournament this year!
We would like to thank all of the teams who participated, all of the businesses who donated and all of the support from our staff and clients. You all worked hard to make this year's golf outing such a success. We look forward to next year's outing!
To see photos from the golf tournament, please click here.
Hillcroft Gives Thanks to Community Supporters
On November 16, Hillcroft carried out a 30-year tradition of saying "thank you" to some of our community supporters. A Thanksgiving meal catered by L Boe's was served to approximately 600 people at the Oneeighty Building at Union Chapel.
Hillcroft's clients and staff were invited to show support for those who supported us throughout 2007.
Below are this year's winners:
- Volunteer of the Year: Ben Bennet
Community Partnership: Barker and Muncie Rentals (Dave Barker)
Community Service: Best Buddies through BSU
Industrial Award: Color Box
Community Employment: Dunn EZ (Gregg Quinn)
Development Award: Mutual Federal Savings Bank.
We can never thank our community supporters enough!
