News Post

Charter Club Celebrates Personal Development Core Value
Lori Cartwright

 

Several years ago, Vista created a set of nine Core Values that describe what is important to us as we work to impact the lives of individuals with disabilities and the broader community. For 2022, we have chosen to focus our blog series on these Core Values - telling the story of our students and members and our organization through this important and powerful lens.

April Core Value Highlight: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Vista Charter Club members at a 2019 gathering

The Vista Charter Club is a recognition program that celebrates Vista members and staff who have been a part of our community for 20 or more years. Vista CEO Helen Bosch, who is a Charter Club member herself, explains the importance of this kind of longevity: “The relationships developed by members and staff who have been with us this long are what makes Vista thrive. Their knowledge of Vista’s growth and history provide a stability that encourages new individuals in our programs and new employees.” This is a beautiful testament to this month’s featured core value of Personal Development. We spoke with two Charter Club members about their time with Vista.

Christian (on right) with fellow Charter Club member John

Christian is celebrating his 33rd year as an Engage Program member. He shared that his experiences during this time “have meant a lot – Vista helped me to be independent, get a job, and make a lot of friends.” As he reflected on his tenure in Engage, he expressed surprise at how fast the time has gone by! He works at Goodwill and lives on his own in a condo near the Westbrook campus—“but there are lots of people around me that are nice.”

Vista staff member Jill Anderson

Staff member Jill Anderson has worn many different hats during her time with Vista. “I started as a summer fill-in, and in the fall, I was asked to stay on.” Fast forward 31 years, and Jill has served in a variety of positions at Vista—including Student Support Services, Kitchen Manager, and Life Skills Instructor—and has enjoyed them all. The common thread among the positions was the chance to interact with Vista’s students and members, and to get to know their families. She describes herself as an “ambassador for Vista.” Each year, she coordinates the popular “Staff Basket” featured during the Starlight Benefit auction. Jill is semi-retired, but still fills in as a per diem employee, covering the Connect and Connect Through Art programs.

People who have a long-term involvement with Vista, like Christian and Jill, are an important reminder of what we do and why we do it! They are shining examples of how Vista fosters personal development.

More to come!