Growing Up Is All About Experience!

Jacob is a typical high school student – he loves sports, music and school dances. Like most high school students, he wanted a summer job to earn some money of his own and to get some work experience for the future. In this tough economy, many young people are having a hard time finding work, particularly students like Jacob who have total blindness.

Judy Wolfe, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor at the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI), knew Jacob needed some assistance in finding a summer job. Judy referred him to the Job Training Project at The Iris Network. "Summer jobs are so important in helping us all learn what we like and don't like in the work world. I wanted Jacob to have the same chance to work and learn as his peers," Judy said. Susan Anderson, Job Training Project Coordinator made many business contacts on Jacob's behalf and located a great opportunity at the Residence Inn – Portland Waterfront.

Judy Judkins, General Manager of the 179 room hotel said, "We are brand new in the Portland area and the company has a real commitment to be part of the local community. The Iris Network is a great organization for us to partner with." Judy interviewed and hired Jacob for a part time position in the laundry room and with the hotel sold out every night all summer, there was a lot of laundry to do!

With total blindness, Jacob sought help from The Iris Network and the DBVI to travel safely around the hotel and to learn to fold towels to the exact hotel requirements. "The bath towels were the hardest," reported Jacob. "They are very large and needed to be folded in thirds."

Because the hotel staff was so busy, Jacob received on-going help from his Job Coach, Jessica Harmon of Superior Employment Associates, to supplement his training. Jessica states, "Jacob did a great job and worked hard to keep up with the workload and fold towels correctly."

Steve Kelly, Vision Rehabilitation Therapist at The Iris Network, also stepped in to help. "Jacob was able to incorporate some adaptive techniques with the skills learned from the job coach, and he ultimately learned the various folding styles," said Steve.

According to Louise Shaw, Executive Housekeeper, Jacob brought something else to the workplace. "Jacob has a great attitude and his friendliness really brightened things up for all of us!"

Now in the middle of his junior year, Jacob is looking ahead to more work experiences and big decisions for his future. Jacob remarks, "I am a people person, and hotels are a great place to meet lots of different kinds of people. Maybe I can work my way up into a Front Desk Clerk position," he said.

The Lucky Winners Are.... Jim Phipps, Executive Director at The Iris Network, and Tricia Sciani from Day's Jewelers were on hand on December 16th to draw the lucky winners of the raffle of the five gem stones. The winners are Geraldine Otey, Sheila Thibodeau, Lauren Myers, Rosemary Hood and Gisele Brosseau. Congratulations to all! Proceeds of the raffle to benefit The Iris Network. Our sincere thanks to Tricia and everyone at Day's Jewelers!

Sullivan Rules

The last quarter of 2010 was an eventful time for The Iris Network with our benefit dinner and White Cane Awareness Walk taking center stage.

The Marriott Hotel in South Portland was the venue for the dinner and performance, one Friday night in October. The Iris Network partnered with Maine Handicapped Skiing for this very special event.

Actor, author and entertainer Tom Sullivan was the headliner for the evening's activities. Before a crowd of nearly 200, Tom entertained all with his inspiring 90-minute, one-man show.

Following Tom's performance, guests made their way to the ballroom for the dinner and silent auction, featuring numerous items – along with one display of spectacular gemstones. Valued at approximately $8,000 by Day's Jewelers, guests steadily purchased tickets for the December 16th raffle of the stones!

Wrapping up the night, our Development Director Michael Barndollar announced the winners of the silent auction items and then brought Tom Sullivan up for one last time. Tom graciously acknowledged several distinguished guests in the room, and thanked all for allowing him to participate in the fun this special night. He then surprised the crowd with a special auction announcement. As a gift, Tom offered to waive his standard keynote speaker's fee ($25,000) and offered it up to the highest bidder, with the proceeds going to benefit The Iris Network!

Saturday morning came early for the staff and volunteers of The Iris Network as all converged at the Maine State Pier on Portland's waterfront. It was non-stop activity with people setting up tents, tables, booth displays, music, and concessions for what turned out to be a record turnout for the 15^th Annual White Cane Awareness Walk.

Just before 10a.m. our Grand Marshal, Tom Sullivan arrived and was escorted to the tent to say a few words and kick off the Walk, which was met with a loud cheer from the gathered crowd. As we all set off, it was impressive to see the line of walkers stretched from the pier all the way to Commercial Street!

Next year's walk is already in the planning stages and we have some interesting improvements and a couple exciting additions designed to inform, entertain and reward all who participate – so start thinking now about putting together your own team of Iris Walkers for next year's event -- and raise some money to support our important services.

Sincere thanks to all financial supporters, prize donors
and to all our participants. Thanks for your support!

Tenants Donate Quilt to the Salvation Army

In addition to a safe and comfortable home environment, Iris Park Apartments offers a variety of recreation and leisure time activities, fostering independence and self-confidence.

As part of the vast range of activities, a knitting group was formed. They meet twice a month, under the guidance of volunteer Jean Robinson. Tenants have been working on a quilt and are quite pleased with the end results. They are happy to report that the quilt is being donated to the Salvation Army with the next one going to the Ronald McDonald House in Portland.