There’s no denying that grandparents are special. Something about the bond between a grandparent and a grandchild is a bit magical. Being a grandparent means being playmate and caregiver, protector and friend, teacher and student. In this way, grandparents tend to become experts in the interests and needs of their grandkids. For some grandparents, that may mean...
While Mary O’Leary knew about Human Support Services for years, it wasn’t until she attended the annual Shine Your Light Gala that she began to really understand the impact HSS has on the lives of people in our community. The moving, and often inspiring, stories shared by clients and speakers at the gala had a resounding...
As the daughter of a coal miner, Jessi Rucks moved frequently with her family when she was a child. In doing so, she was given a unique opportunity to develop exceptional interpersonal skills. Jessi came to view what some would consider a challenge – starting a new school, learning her way around a new town, changing...
In this era of meal kits and fast food, most people don’t spend time preparing elaborate dinners for friends and family. But for HSS Board Member Megan Selck, the thoughtful act of providing good food for loved ones is just one way she gives her time and talents for the benefit of others. Professionally, Megan has dedicated...
It started with a simple request. HSS staff asked local businesswoman Lisa Maurer if Community Day Services clients could take a tour of her Waterloo-based furniture painting and restoring business, Farm Girl Finds. Lisa graciously agreed. That one visit blossomed into so much more than Lisa - or HSS staff - could ever have imagined. During the tour, Lisa...
Growing up out west, Lisa Krenz was a camp counselor for two summers in Georgetown, Colo. Time spent at that Easter Seals camp for kids and adults with disabilities had a huge impact on her life. “It was the 1980s, and things were a little different in our country then,” Lisa explained. “I learned more in those...
While not all Waterloo residents may have known Stan Darter's name before he was elected mayor in April, many likely would have recognized his face. For the last 20 years, Stan has been a dedicated member of the Monroe County community - and a regular volunteer at countless events. As a Vietnam veteran and life member of...
Sasha likes to sweep. She wants - needs - to keep the space around her clean and safe. It may seem like a small thing to many, but sweeping up the dirt, rocks and leaves that sully the sidewalk is one small thing she can do to control her environment. While Sasha is safe and well cared...
If you've spent much time in Monroe County, you've probably heard the phrase "from home." This colloquialism is a favorite among those native to the area to trace lineage and make familial connections. HSS Board Member Kathy Asselmeier is "from home". Kathy was born and raised in Waterloo, graduating from Waterloo High School in 1976. She...
Darren was only 5 when he began to show signs of behavioral issues. By the age of 6, he was placed in foster care. While parental rights were removed for both Darren and his sister, they were not placed together. He moved from one family to the next - and looking back, Darren says "some were...
