Water Their Spirits and Watch Them Grow

May 1, 2019 By Melinda Olivas Leave a Comment

Water Their Spirits and Watch Them Grow

By: Felicia Juarez

When we plant a garden, we are careful to ensure that our garden is given the necessary “ingredients” to thrive. We make sure seeds are planted in the right place with good soil, have appropriate sunlight, fertilizer, water, etc. and the same should be true for our children.

Children need a safe, nurturing environment that has food, water, education, positive recognition, and encouragement to learn and become successful. Other “supplements” that may be necessary are special education, therapy, and educational supplies. Most people naturally assume that all those things are automatically provided, but in reality, some or all are missing in a child’s life. Currently, New Mexico ranks 50th in the Nation for Child Poverty and 1st in the Nation for Child Hunger (2019 Center for American Progress). Those rankings translate to our kids not having the clothes, shoes, or even diapers that are essential for everyday life. Sadly, this also means that most kids do not know where or when their next meal will be. This is NOT ACCEPTABLE! New Mexico was ranked as the worst state to be a child according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation based out of Baltimore. This foundation was established in 1948 and is devoted to developing a brighter future for millions of children at risk of poor educational, economic, social and health outcomes.

Tobosa’s Children Services Department is taking as many steps as possible to notch away at this problem in our community. Little Steps is not a place where we only watch over children; it is a childcare center where we do exactly that, provide care to children. We take our time and put forth the effort to promote an educational and safe environment for all our “littles” Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Little Steps ensures the children receive five daily meals: breakfast, morning & noon snack, lunch, and late afternoon snack. We do not want our littles to go home hungry, and we know children learn better when their tummies are full and can concentrate on what is being taught instead of those growling stomachs! All snacks that we serve follow Federal Nutritional Guidelines to ensure healthy food intake.

Another area that Little Steps is passionate about is ensuring that our children leave the center having learned something that helps them with everyday routines or accentuates what they have been learning at Head Start, Pre-K or Elementary school. We know that children learn best through experiential play and class lessons that are interactive and fun and that is what we aim to do. Our After School Program makes it a priority to set aside time for children to complete homework and read every day.

Little Steps is always exploring different ways to continue to be helpful to the families we support. We are the only center in the Roswell area, that provides pick up services from seven elementary schools as well as pick up AND drop off (mornings) to both Head Starts. Transportation is a significant challenge among working families, especially for single parents who are the sole provider and lack the flexibility to leave work to pick up their children. Families who are unable to work might not be able to provide for their children adequately, and Little Steps is here to assist in any way possible.

More About Us

Our center supports between 65-75 children at any given moment. We are continuously striving to increase those numbers and the quality of services provided in ways that will benefit our community. Our kids enjoy participating and volunteering in community events and programs that help to feed the homeless and needy families and bring smiles and friendships to the elderly who reside in nursing homes. We are a non-profit agency doing what we can to keep our community great while we nurture children into healthy, caring, educated, and empowered young girls and boys!

Our Littles delivering Flowers & Smiles!

Little Steps welcomes the community to come by and see what we do firsthand, and we are always grateful for volunteers and donations such as educational items, toys, books, jackets, etc. Please visit littlestepscenter.org or trytobosa.org for more information or to make a monetary contribution to help us continue our mission.

Support Us

If you would like to speak with a Director, please contact Michelle Pruitt (575) 623-6402, mpruitt@lospasitos.org or Felicia Juarez (575) 624-1025, fjuarez@lospasitos.org. Our CEO, Rosy RubioShe welcomes any inquiries you may have. You can reach her at (575) 624-1025, rrubio@trytobosa.org.

Questions, Decisions, Living Life!

April 3, 2019 By Melinda Olivas 1 Comment

Questions, Decisions, Living Life!

By: Monica Patterson

As I mentioned in a previous post, I live in a house with two gentlemen. I’ve been here for a little over a year after living in a home with 24/7 support. My housemates are sometimes a challenge for me because of their moods and the challenges they are facing. Sometimes we just don’t mesh! I usually handle this challenge by doing things on my own like staying in my room, listening to music or watching TV. Hey, but this is a part of living with housemates in an independent setting. I’m sure they struggle with me as well.

What, where, who, when, why, how? Sign post. — Signpost!

I am coming up on my 37th birthday this month. I will be celebrating with my family, some of my staff, and friends over the weekend. My birthday has made me think about serious things and the future. I’m struggling to plan for the future because I don’t know what I want. Do I want to live alone? Do I want to stay where I am? I cannot visualize where I will be in five years or even in ten years. Is that normal for someone my age? Who else struggles with these thoughts?

In the meantime, I am working on money management and continuing with my blog. I’m also starting to learn how to drive, so I can get my driver’s license, and ultimately buy my own car. As far as my job goes, I will be participating in planning meetings for our Self-Advocacy Annual Conference in June at the Eagle’s Lodge in Roswell. Please stay tuned for more information on the conference.

I’m excited to have been asked to help a young gentleman out of Las Cruces with guardianship. I will be visiting with him sometime to share my experience with him. I feel pretty proud to share my story and that I could possibly help others through this struggle. This will be a great opportunity for me and will let my followers know what the outcome is.

I’m enjoying the spring, dreading the hot summer months, and am already looking forward to the fall weather. Everyone enjoy your seasons!

Until next time!!!

Follow my life’s journey on my Facebook page: In the Know With Mo!

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Diss-ability

March 25, 2019 By Melinda Olivas 2 Comments

Diss-ability

By: Jacob Dicello

Have you ever briefly met someone and had a perception of who they were based on very little interaction? Then months, or even years, later you got to know them better and you realized that your notion of who you perceived them to be was the exact opposite of who they really are. That has undoubtedly happened to all of us. However, I am embarrassed to say that it happened to me in regards to a whole population of people.

I used to work with a healthcare agency that did monthly health and wellness presentations for the individuals of Tobosa Developmental Services at their Day-hab program. For about an hour a month, I interacted with the Day-hab group and, without merit, I developed a perception of Tobosa and, more importantly, the individuals we support. (I say “we support” because I was fortunate enough to gain employment with Tobosa a few months ago.) My perception, before I started, was that Tobosa was a glorified babysitting agency. I feel terrible for even saying that. Babysitting.

I don’t feel terrible for my perception of Tobosa’s services, because this accomplished and talented group certainly didn’t and doesn’t need my validation. I feel terrible because the perception I had of the individuals we support was so wrong. Tobosa does NOT babysit anyone. We support individuals with Developmental disabilities. SUPPORT is the keyword.

What bothers me now is how many people there are who may have the same perception I had. The individuals that we support are people first, who happen to have a disability. I have disabilities, but I do not expect people to see me as my disability. If I could, I would climb to the top of a mountain and scream out a clarification about who these individuals truly. I would do that to try to change all of the unfounded perceptions that people may have. I do not climb mountains and do not have a voice that can carry that far. But I do have this blog post: Let’s change that misperception!

Toby completing the Pecos Valley Stampede 5K

DeDe conquering new slopes at Ski Apache

Nothing but smiles as Randy keeps Chevron stocked and organized.

I want to end today’s post with the first thing that Jessica Dunn, (Director of Program Support Services at Tobosa), told me on the first day of training. “Our goal is to teach the individuals the life skills they need so that they no longer need our services. We will consider our job a success when we no longer have one.”

Come see what our Tobosa family is all about and help continue our mission!
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Welcome Monica!

January 18, 2019 By Melinda Olivas 8 Comments

Monica is a new contributor to our Tobosa blog. We’re excited to have her writing for us!

Who is Monica?

I was born on April 7, 1982, in Roswell, NM to my parents, Kraig and Eileen. I was the apple of their eye up until I was five years old. At that time, I went through a difficult time because my parents divorced and I remained with my dad, Kraig. My grandmother, Barbara, helped my dad in raising me. My grandparents lived across the street from us, so it was easy for my grandmother to have a big presence in my life.

Monica Patterson - with family as a child — Monica Patterson – with family as a child

I have a baby brother, Kraig, Jr. that is 17 years younger than me and a half-sister, Kelley, that is in her mid-twenties.

I graduated from Roswell High School in 2001 and shortly thereafter I started attending Tobosa Developmental Services. I have been with Tobosa for sixteen years. When I first came to Tobosa, I was not happy being here. I was an angry young girl and I made them know that I was not happy here. I was like a “Tasmanian devil” and hell on wheels. I expressed myself very strongly to my staff, my dad, my grandmother, and anybody that I came into contact with.

Monica - as a child — Monica – as a child

I had staff support 24/7 with one-on-one and sometimes two-on-one. That gives you an idea of how out of control my life was. I think it had to do a lot with my medication.

I believe that when I came to Tobosa it was a life-changing moment. They worked with me and helped me to regulate my medications and they put up with my challenging behaviors. No one at Tobosa gave up on me. My grandmother also did not give up on me. Although sometimes, I thought my grandmother was too much involved with my life.

Gradually, I started to recognize what would trigger me and I would work through my feelings and emotions so that I could interact with my peers and my staff in a positive manner. With this newly gained knowledge, I was able to start accomplishing some of my goals. For example, I am now living independently with two gentlemen. Talk about coming a long way.

I am employed with People First and have been for about five years. My job duties are to advocate for myself and for other individuals with developmental disabilities. With People First, I have advocated with the Know Your Right Campaign, participated in the annual retreat, helped with the Southeast Regional Office Appreciation Celebration for the past three years, and I visit the legislative session in Santa Fe to visit with area legislators and others to advocate for the Developmentally Disabled (DD) population.

I think my biggest accomplishment in my life has been to obtain my own guardianship. My grandmother and my dad were my legal guardians and pretty much made every decision for me whether I liked it or not. They dictated where I lived, how much I smoked, what I wore, who I dated, etc. I know they did it out of love and caring, but I felt smothered all the time. So one day, I visited with my behavior support consultant and she encouraged me to pursue the possibility of me becoming my own guardian.

It was a long process, like about two or three years. But without giving up, even though I wanted to several times, I finally succeeded and the judge granted me guardianship. My dad continues to be my medical power of attorney but I now have control over the majority of my life’s decisions.

Celebrate Giving Tuesday With Tobosa

November 10, 2018 By Melinda Olivas

Giving Tuesday

“Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, Giving Tuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources.”

This year on November 27, 2018, Tobosa is joining the Giving Tuesday movement to encourage giving both worldwide and locally.

Gary and Terri Finch graciously donated the old Primm Drug building to Los Pasitos Early Intervention, and we are truly grateful! With the gift of this new facility, Los Pasitos will be able to increase our exceptional quality of service to the children of our wonderful community. However, before we can begin, we need to do some much-needed restoration and furnishing. That’s where you come in!

All fundraising proceeds and donations from this past year and many coming up in the future are going towards this exciting project. We want to give our amazing Los Pasitos team the best opportunity to continue their mission to help children reach their full potential, one tiny step at a time!

Please show your support by contributing this year on #GivingTuesday to help us reach our goal. No amount is too small, especially when it comes from the heart!

#GivingTuesday

To find out more about #GivingTuesday, please visit www.givingtuesday.org

Los Pasitos Early Intervention Program – Bizzell Family Success Story

My name is Kim Bizzell. The Los Pasitos Early Intervention program has changed my family for the better. When we first started working with the Los Pasitos program over three years ago, we were all strangers. Now we are like family. We have worked with the same team ever since we started with Los Pasitos. I consider us very blessed to have had this talented team help my kids over the years.

Tuf

The Los Pasitos team started seeing my son Tuf when he was 18 months old. At first, he would not speak or communicate and showed severe delays. This team never gave up on him, never got frustrated with him, and always kept trying to help him. At two years old, Tuf was diagnosed with Autism. The team wasn’t just there for Tuf. They were there for me. They helped me help my son open up and start learning, and they were there for me for support.

The Los Pasitos team and I worked together to help Tuf start learning in the ways that work for him. He started speaking, and now my son and I can communicate. Tuf is now enrolled at a local school and he is doing very well. If Los Pasitos hadn’t paved the path for Tuf, the road to success would have been much more difficult, and he probably wouldn’t be where he is now.

Tye

My son Tye started in the Los Pasitos program when he was ten months old. He worked with the team there until he turned three. At first, Tye had problems crawling and with his balance. Within a few months of our team working with him though, not only was he crawling but he was walking. The improvements he made over a short period with the help of Los Pasitos were just incredible.

Tryp

My youngest son Tryp, also started with Los Pasitos around ten months and is still in the program. Tryp had a very rough start when he was born. He was severely ill and almost didn’t survive his first year. He had already been in the hospital four times before he was eight months old. When our team started working with him, he had severe delays. He refused to sit up, do tummy time, or anything physically active. All he would do was lay on his back. Over the past few months, not only has Tryp learned to sit up on his own with no assistance, but he can now scoot himself across the floor to get what he wants. We’re excited to see him make progress towards walking.

My family and I are grateful for all the hard work and dedication we have received from our Los Pasitos Early Intervention team.

40 Years of Excellence With Tobosa

October 26, 2018 By Rosy Rubio Leave a Comment

If you do not know about Tobosa, this is my opportunity to introduce you to what we do and who we are. I’m excited to share with you some inside information about Tobosa’s forty years of operations.

Fundamentally, Tobosa is here to provide critical and essential services to people of all ages who need help in learning everyday tasks and work skills. Throughout the last forty years, continuing today, services to our clients are Tobosa’s primary focus.

The last forty years have not always been easy. There have been challenges from things like lack of funding, lack of workforce, changes in expectations, to changes in standards and service. All of these things have caused struggles and stress in our day to day operations. Yet we persevere because our work is important.

What makes our work fulfilling is to see and hear about the progress and successes being made by the adults, children, and families we serve. I know some of you may think, “this is what we hear from all non-profits.” We invite you to make the time to see and experience the smiles and joys that we see in the individuals we support daily. We want you to be able to fully appreciate what we have witnessed and really understand why we do what we do.

Our History

Tobosa began serving clients in September 1978, birthed from the grassroots efforts of parents who wanted a better life for their children than they could expect during that time. The newly formed charter members of the Board of Directors hired an Executive Director who unfortunately vanished. And I mean literally vanished after leaving for Christmas Break, and never returned. This left the charter Board members with a major dilemma. However, led by Baudelio (Bobby) Ramirez, the Board was able to recruit a new Executive Director and move forward. Bobby remained active on the Board of Directors until his death in 2006.

I don’t like to say this, but when we first started, we had very little to offer, but then we found Joe H. Madrid. Joe was hired to be our new Executive Director in April 1979 and was expected to arrive on May 1, 1979. We eagerly prepared for his arrival but he never showed up that day. We didn’t have cell phones back then, so we decided he had also vanished. Imagine our surprise when he actually came in the next day. The joke was on us! He came in like a Tasmanian Devil and cleared the deck of all driftwood. If I am still here, it’s because I was “damn good”. My t-shirt said so the day he arrived.

Before joining us, Joe spent ten years in the Midwest learning about new services for people with a variety of special needs. He brought that experience and knowledge to Tobosa to establish the future vision and the foundation of the corporation. The staff all bought into his vision, hit the road running, and haven’t stopped.

For thirty-seven years, Joe was our fearless leader. When he retired in 2015, I was selected to take the helm and lead the corporation’s operations into the future. Through those years and continuing today, I have seen many volunteer Board members and staff members who have left the corporation but their thoughts and actions continue to influence Tobosa’s direction. Many of our current staff members have made a tremendous difference, by working with us for a significant number of years. We rely on our experienced staff to be the core leaders of our services and community.

A Success Story

Let’s return to my favorite topic: the progress and successes experienced by the individuals of all ages that we support. One of my favorite stories is about Domingo Romero. I met Domingo at the Special Olympics in Albuquerque many years ago. He saw the Tobosa group and came over and introduced himself. He wanted to know more about us. We visited with Domingo and shared some information about our programming with him. Shortly thereafter, Joe Madrid received a call from someone saying “Joe, come pick me up.” It was Domingo! Joe asked him for additional information: where he was, what was going on in his life, why he wanted to come to Tobosa. He just stated, “ ‘Cause I liked what I saw in Albuquerque at the Special Olympics.”

Young Mingo Romero. — **Young Mingo Romero**

After that call, we began the process to bring Domingo to Tobosa. From the time we picked him up in Las Vegas, NM from his aunt’s house, I have watched “Mingo” go through the various phases of life. From him living independently in his younger years, to today, in his golden years, needing 24/7 staff support.

One of my favorite memories of Mingo was when he worked hard and earned the very first “Bob Thomas Award” for making the biggest strides toward independence. It was a really big deal.

We went to Santa Fe to a fancy dinner where the award was presented. Mingo dressed up in his finest clothes and looked very handsome. He knew about the award so he dressed as best as he could. He was so very proud that he had the biggest smile on his face. That smile lit him up for days and still lights him up now.

He still comes in to see me and proudly reminds me about the time we went to pick up his award. I am so happy that I was able to share that special moment with him. It still brings tears to my eyes.

**Mingo Romero wins the first Bob Thomas Award.**

Today, I find Mingo has grown much older (like me) and is showing the signs of old age. Even so, he still proudly holds his head up and copes with the challenges that old age has presented him. I admire his continuing strength of character when I see him in pain, but still saying “hello” as best he can. We all love that man.

Rosy and Mingo — **Rosy Rubio and Domingo “Mingo” Romero**

The Future

I come to the end of this blog post with hope that I have given you more perspective on Tobosa. What we experience day to day is very special. I also hope I’ve given you insight into the kinds of relationships that we build with the individuals we support. I invite you to join us at our 40th Anniversary Gala where we will celebrate Tobosa, the individuals, the staff, and the successes we have been fortunate enough to be a part of in the past forty years. We’re also excited for you to join us in looking forward to what we will do in the future, together.

Rosy Rubio, CEO

Join Us at our Gala!

Making a difference for Joey and more

October 4, 2017 By Jessica Dunn Leave a Comment

Attending meetings and trainings have become just an everyday thing for me. It is part of my daily tasks and responsibilities. In August, I was reminded about the importance of our work at Tobosa. We attended a meeting for a Tobosa family centered around how we support individuals with making daily choices. During this meeting/presentation, I was truly inspired and it reminded of the small gratifications that we don’t get to see everyday.

This meeting started with the typical introduction from our Executive Director, Rosy Rubio. We were meeting to discuss the federal mandated CMS Final Rule and how that will have an impact on our agency and the individuals within our services. You can learn more about the CMS Final Rule and get updates in regards to it on www.actnm.org. There were several videos shown regarding the meaning and purpose of Direct Support Professionals (our staff who provide direct support to individuals challenged by developmental disabilities). These videos were followed up by a brief discussion on Person Centered Planning and what that means.

Person Centered Planning is the basis and foundation that Tobosa is set on. We strive daily to make sure our programs and services are geared toward individuals and their needs and wants. When we began discussing this topic in the meeting, Rosy made as in invitation for the crowd to share was her testimony about how she believes that our employees can learn so much from the individuals we support, especially when we sit back and let them make daily choices. I was overwhelmed with joy as Joey, a man receiving supported living services through Tobosa, shared his experience. Joey raised his hand and was called on. It was as if he was moved by his own excitement. He chose to come to the front of the room and address the whole group. Joey who just a year and a half ago, was very shy and did not speak out often, stood and addressed the whole group. He talked about getting to live in a house of his own and getting to live with two other gentlemen that were his friends. Joey also informed the group that he makes his own lunch everyday and enjoys doing so. He gets to pick out what goes in his lunch and then he puts it all in his lunch cooler. Joey went on to share that he also enjoys cooking his own breakfast and that he gets to go and do what he wants to throughout the day. Joey exclaimed these things with such certainty and excitement that it really made me think of all of the things that I take for granted in my own life.

Picture of Joey sings the national anthem. — Joey sings the national anthem at the 39th annual awards ceremony.

After speaking with our group on the daily choices they make in regards to the services they receive from Tobosa, I can say we are right on track with the CMS Final Rule regulations. It is very apparent that the individuals within our service are happy with their autonomy. As I think about the daily choices they make with great enthusiasm, I consider the choices I take for granted. For this reason, I am pledging that I will make my time here at Tobosa count. I will continue to advocate for them and their daily choices. I pledge that I will think outside of the box to create opportunities for them and their daily choices. I will also give to them what I can to make sure governing systems do not interfere with their programming, services, activities, and projects. Make this pledge with me.

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“Team Poe” goes above and beyond

March 29, 2017 By Patty Burns 1 Comment

The staff at Tobosa assist individuals who are challenged by developmental disabilities. Staff assist them to live in their homes and in the community as independently as possible. These individuals have goals and dreams which staff assist them to reach and fulfill.

In Tobosa’s supportive living program, each individual lives in a home, with one or more housemates. They are supported by staff at home with their daily living skills. The staff support them in the community to access community resources and work and attend community events. Staff also encourage and assist the individuals to advocate for themselves and others. In each house, staff work as a team to make sure the individual’s needs are met.

team-poe — Team Poe from left to right: Evette, Emily, Erika, Gracie, Catherine

The “Poe” team is responsible for the individuals living on Poe street. The staff are Erika Leyva, Catherine Brady, Evette Cereceres, and Gracie Raigoza. This year, Tobosa recognized the Poe team with the Team Recognition Award at the overall staff meeting. I would like to extend the recognition to the four awesome ladies by posting a few more words about their accomplishments, including the transition of Emily Harmon into the program.

A photo of emily smiling — Emily smiling for the camera

These ladies took on the positions at the Poe house knowing that Emily faced extreme challenges and that her transition would be difficult. They were primarily responsible for assisting Emily to adjust to living without her mom and dad whom she lived with for 35 years. Staff had to assist her to become independent with her daily living skills. They would assist Emily out in the community to interact with new people and adjust to a whole new schedule. Staff was also responsible for Emily’s health and safety. Emily had a routine that she did daily with her parents, but because of Tobosa’s and the State of NM’s regulations, staff would have to assist Emily with changes in her routine.

The first achievements with Emily was gaining her trust. Because of her deafness, communication was difficult at first. Staff learned simple sign language and with time, they put together their own ways of communicating. After that, they helped Emily accomplish other achievements like sitting down at the dinner table through the entire meal and letting us assist her with her medication. I was shocked when I first saw her drink a glass of water out of a cup. To keep her hydrated, her parents had to use a syringe and dilute the water with root beer first.

We’ve seen other major accomplishments from Emily as well. I see her with staff out in the community attending community functions with less agitation all while acquiring friends. When she lived with her parents, she slept in their room. Once she was in the program, she wouldn’t stay or sleep in her room without staff. Now she will sleep a few hours alone in her room. These accomplishments may seem small, but to Emily’s team they are major and rewarding accomplishments on the way toward independence.

I am fortunate to be the Team Lead for this team. I have watched these ladies go above and beyond to make Emily secure with her new independent lifestyle. Even though there is still challenges with Emily, each of these ladies still have the patience of saints. When I listen to them share ideas and experiences to assist Emily, I like how each of them are open to try each other’s ideas. They are not afraid to admit when they are wrong and own up to their mistakes. I feel that because of the communication between each of them, Emily’s health and safety is in great hands. To me the bond between these ladies is the main reason for Emily’s success.

Come Join Our Team!

The success of our individuals would not be possible without our amazing employees. Don’t miss the opportunity to become part of the Tobosa family and support our individuals to live meaningful lives. You’re just one click away!

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Domingo’s Success Story – Part 1

December 16, 2016 By Steve Kane 7 Comments

As I stare at the computer screen, a familiar voice echoes down the halls of Tobosa. I say to myself, with a smile on my face, “Domingo is here.” He is here to work, having been employed through Tobosa for the past ten years, to sweep and mop our floors, to empty our trash bins and to make the office shine. His work is done without complaint and always with a smile on his face. He takes great pride in accomplishing each task and loves to be told what a hard worker he is. I wonder? Does he know how much more he does than just clean our office? Does he have any idea the joy he brings to others with his presence and how many lives he has touched as a member of our Tobosa family? As I ask myself these questions, I begin to reminisce about the first time that I met Domingo.

domingo-picture — Domingo at the Valentine’s day dance.

It was July of 2000. I had just started working with Tobosa and one of my first assignments was at ‘the Farm.’ “‘The Farm?’” I asked, unsure of exactly what they meant. “Yes, ‘the Farm,’” I was told. “You can’t miss it,” I heard next. I arrived at ‘the Farm’ and quickly understood how it had earned its name. The two-story home where I would be working was set on an acre of land and, I would come to find out, even had grapes growing in the backyard, grapes that my soon-to-be new friend, Domingo, grew.

As I began learning more about the folks I would be working with, I was told that Domingo had many challenges including Developmental Disabilities. I learned that a Developmental Disability is a condition which causes him to have difficulty in certain areas of his life. One of the areas Domingo has difficulty with is his mobility. I would learn that Domingo shuffles his feet which makes him prone to falls. He also has some difficulty with his speech. He has difficulty pronouncing certain words which makes it difficult for him to be understood by unfamiliar listeners. Next, I was told that Domingo has difficulty learning tasks and requires a lot of reminders from those he works with to get his job done.

Domingo’s staff continued to list challenge after challenge. Neurogenic bladder, skin breakdowns, depression, asthma, heart disease. I thought to myself, how can this man even function with all of these challenges? How am I ever going to be able to work with him?

I must make a lousy poker player because the staff training me could tell I was terrified. I was assured that I would be fine, that Domingo was “easy” and that I had nothing to worry about. I was hesitant, still not sure of what I was getting into, but I decided that I had to at least give it a try.

Domingo quickly took me under his wing and taught me more in that afternoon than I could have ever imagined. He was so open and willing to share his story with me, a practical stranger in his home. Domingo took me on a tour of his home and shared the things that were most precious and important to him. He wanted me to see pictures of his Uncle Joe and the paintings that Uncle Joe had created. He wanted me to see his room and know that he had cleaned it all by himself. He wanted me to see the grapes which grew in the backyard, how he watered them and that soon they would be ready to eat. Each of these moments, filled with questions from me and proud answers from Domingo, helped me to learn about Domingo. These moments told me more about Domingo and eradicated any labels one could generate at first glance.

Domingo continued to share stories with me and one of the earliest stories that Domingo shared with me was how he learned about Tobosa and decided to join us. The story begins in 1983 as a young Domingo, still living in Las Vegas, New Mexico, decided to try his luck at Special Olympics. Domingo had always been athletic, often playing basketball with his friends after school and wanted to give Special Olympic track and field a chance. One afternoon, while competing in the Special Olympics, Domingo noticed a banner next to a group of athletes. Written on that banner was a word, a word he had never seen before but one that would change his life. Written across the banner was the word Tobosa. Domingo was curious and decided to give the banner a closer look. He asked the folks next to the banner what the words meant and they explained to him that Tobosa was in Roswell, NM. Domingo spent the rest of that day meeting others from Tobosa and learning what Tobosa was all about. He decided he wanted to be a part of Tobosa and set out to make that happen. He talked with his foster sister and she helped him learn more about the organization. She even helped him write a letter to Mr. Joe Madrid, the CEO of Tobosa, expressing his desire to join. In June, his wish became a reality and with the help of his sister, Domingo packed his belongings into her car and they drove the nearly three hours from Las Vegas to Roswell. They unloaded his things and said their tearful goodbyes. It was hard on Domingo. His family is so important to him, but he had his heart set and this was something he had to do. With that, Domingo closed one chapter of his life and began a new chapter, this time surrounded by new family members, his Tobosa family.

I didn’t realize until much later, that this would be the start of a sixteen year friendship between Domingo and I. A friendship in which I would learn so much more about Domingo through the stories he would share. So many stories, like the time Domingo made a rocking chair for his foster mother or the first time he rode in an airplane.

So many stories, stories which will be shared… in part two of Domingo’s success story.