SUPPORTED EDUCATION PROMOTION & GRADUATION CEREMONY

Clients achievements recognized on plaques Supported Ed and Triple R Employment Services Mgr,

Theresa Wick addresses the crowd

Deputy Director of Az Department of Health Services, Recovery, Rehabilitation, Renewal

Dr. Laura Nelson addresses the guests and graduates

Alesta pictured with Triple R President/CEO, Wayne Hochstrasser

I would like to extend a sincere and gracious welcome to the visitors, graduates, students, staff and teachers here today.

I was born in the Midwestern town of Mansfield, Ohio but grew up all over the country. Three years ago I relocated to Phoenix, AZ from Atlanta, GA to care for my aging mother. I willingly shared the last of her golden years before she passed on. With no prior experience in this area of duty, I can admit to having some very overwhelming moments. In spite of it all, LOVE covered all of my needs.

My first responsibility was to connect with the local mental health facility in compliance with the doctor who released me from Atlanta.

The next major step I made was to apply my time, skills, and interests to a worthy cause. I volunteered at the Desert West Parks and Recreation Facility with the City of Phoenix. There I was able to establish and develop a new club for the elderly called "Crochet Circle of Friends."

In essence, I busied myself. I was determined to persevere in performing my goals at home, my goals with my treatment team and my personal goals. I never missed an appointment and I never missed an opportunity to maintain stable mental health.

Is this a success story? Well, you decide! I declare that I am still a work in progress.

I'd like to acknowledge the people especially helpful in this journey: my mother Ardythe, who gave me the best wisdom and guidance ever; my son Austin, who gives me a listening ear and timely support always; Tommy, my case manager at Choices AZ at West McDowell Clinic, who encourages me, when I am frustrated, with her special words of wisdom; Dr. Villalobos, my doctor, who has always shown faith in me and makes sure that I am mentally and physically fit; Theresa Wick, SSED Program Director of Triple R, who ahs supported and directed me concerning my efforts to return to college; Mike, Matt, Victoria, Tanya, and Alice, Triple R education Support Specialists, who have given me specialized support in my efforts to prepare for college; Greg, my counselor, who has delved into my whole being and in addition has assisted me in my efforts to prepare this speech; and last but not least, Magellan, who has developed such a wide and varied program designed to empower the mentally impaired and who has attracted such beautiful and giving people to work with us on all levels of accomplishment.

I would like to congratulate the graduates who are being commended today and my fellow students and peers. You have come a lo-o-n-g way! There is no limit to what you can achieve! Don't hesitate to utilize all your resources in developing your future goals. No fear! Persevere! Keep on doing what you are doing!

I would like to leave these final words with you today.

…Now that I'm free to live, I can walk confidently throughout this portion of the universe---expanding my horizon with each step; exploring the beauty that surrounds me with exuberant intensity' and enjoying the now moment filled with the intricate delicacies dished up by Life….

…Now that I'm free to live, I can freely share my zeal for freedom without fear.

I can share the wealth of this vast realm of loveliness.

I can soak up the ambiance of raw creativity enveloping every creature I encounter-permeating my entire core, lifting me to the height of heights. Thank You.