November Success Stories: Meet Harmony and Miata!

Nov 28, 2023

Success Stories: Meet Harmony and Miata!

This month we're feature two exciting stories submitted by IPMG Employee-Owners! Meet Miata and Harmony.

Meet Miata

Case Manager Theresa Shotts submitted Miata's story, writing: "Miata is the first person with Angelman Syndrome to complete the Chicago Marathon. Her mother supported her in completing the necessary forms and establishing a companion runner."

Participating in the Chicago Marathon as a disabled person with a companion runner can be an incredibly empowering and inclusive experience. It highlights the spirit of determination, teamwork, and support. Together, the individual and their companion overcome physical challenges, demonstrating that the marathon is not just about the finish line but also about the journey of resilience and unity. This unique partnership and Miata's experience exemplifies the marathon's ethos of inclusivity and determination for all. Congrats, Miata!

Meet Harmony

Harmony's story was submitted by Case Manager Jennifer Carter, who wrote: 

"Harmony has had great success in the last couple of years. For the first time in her life, she moved into her own apartment. She learned the skills necessary to be on her own with the support of staff. This past summer, she moved into a 2-bedroom home with a roommate so that she would have someone to socialize with when she is at home. Harmony attends the Transitional Vocational Training Program at Tradewinds where she is learning job skills to help her to prepare to get a job. She earned the Scott van Til award after being nominated by Tradewinds for excelling in their programs. Harmony was a participant in the Youth Ambassador Program where she served as an advocate for individuals with disabilities. She presented what she learned from this program to the Board of Directors at Tradewinds. She continues to be involved with this program. 

Harmony has been dating her boyfriend for about a year. They have plans to move in with each other next summer. Harmony has significantly increased her independent living skills, budgeting skills, and self-advocacy skills. She says that she is happy in all aspects of her life. Harmony tries to spread her happiness and joy to others by making them cards and artwork."

Congrats, Harmony!