The Arrival of Winter’s Chill It is dawn on a cold winter morning, a sharp contrast to the days prior when temperatures soared to nearly sixty degrees. Now, water droplets—frozen mid-flight—fall from the darkened heavens above. Each one is unique and intricate, with a center surrounded by six crystalline arms. Their architecture depends on […]
Embracing the Storm: Rise, Transform and Carry on. Read More »
As the last holiday feasts are enjoyed, the parties quiet down, and the resolutions begin to take shape, we enter a new year filled with uncertainty and possible cuts to our beloved long-term services and supports. While often stressful, the holiday season brings exceptional warmth and joy to those who celebrate. At Shining Beautiful, we
New Year, New Reality: Navigating 2025 with Strength and Grace Read More »
As we gear up for the 2024 presidential election, it’s a good time to reflect on how previous battles over healthcare, particularly Medicaid, have shaped the support systems that millions of people rely on today. It feels like déjà vu—just like in 2017, there are concerns that the programs we depend on could be drastically
Medicaid: How the 2024 Presidential Election Could Reshape Disability Services Read More »
In recognition of *National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we continue exploring *creativity* in the workplace and how it can revolutionize job development for people with disabilities. The first part of this series focused on frustration and the desire for improved job development outcomes. In this segment, we zero in on a critical element necessary
How Do You Get from Here to There? Celebrating NDEAM with Creativity. Read More »
Change is inevitable, but… Change is an inevitable part of any journey, and it’s with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Abby and Elise. Abby has left us to pursue an exciting new position at a local museum, and Elise is moving on to new opportunities. While we will miss them both, we are
New Beginnings: How to Embrace Change and Strengthen Your Caregiving Team Read More »
The kitchen table in Mikelle’s cozy condo hosts countless conversations. It’s where the Shining Beautiful team gathers, supporting each other through the chaos and adventures of everyday life. Each day, the table—and sometimes the coffee table—is laden with coffee mugs, a fresh breakfast or a plate of freshly baked chocolate croissants, and the weight of
Conversations Over Coffee: Navigating a Chaotic World Read More »
It Starts By Listening to the Dream Mikelle Learned’s story is a testament to the transformative power of home ownership, particularly for individuals navigating life with disabilities. Despite facing challenges, Mikelle’s journey illuminates the possibilities that Section 8 assistance offers in achieving this dream. In 2004, Mikelle let her community and her family know she
Embracing the Beauty of Home Ownership Through Section 8 Read More »
When the New Year bell rang, I decided it was time for the Christmas tree to come down. For Mikelle, it was a bittersweet moment. Her month-long party had come to an end. She wore her disappointment stoically as she watched me take down the garland, the twinkling lights she loved, and finally, the treasured
The No New Year’s Resolution Revolution: Embracing Personal Growth Without Pressure Read More »
Routine Life Most families have a routine. We have a daily set of rituals and activities that help us wake up, move around the house and help us run around our communities, and chat with each other over coffee. Yet, we all know that when the dishwasher does work, or the car won’t start, it
Our Everything, Everywhere All At Once! Read More »
Hello Beautiful! Spring is sprouting here in the Rocky Mountain area. Daffodils and forsythia burst with bright yellows, fragrant pink and purple hyacinths delight us as we walk the neighborhood. After that wild March Madness, we hope that we can share our Springtime Strategies for coping and self-care in a world of constant change. We
Spring Time Strategies for Self-Care. Read More »
