Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is pleased to have an amazing and long-term employee such as Joann Benson. For more than 30 years, she has provided outstanding and compassionate care to TMI clients in Community Living Services. We asked Joann a little about her history with TMI and what it has meant to her. Here is what she had to say: Who are the clients you have provided services to over the years? I supported Irma Alvarado in Supported Living for 21 years, until she passed away on August 3, 2007. I then became the legal guardian to her 14 year old son, Alexander, who also has an intellectual disability. He is now 23 and still lives with me as my roommate. Alexander attends College to Career, and is the Water Boy for the Santana High School football team. I am very proud of him!
For the last several years I have also supported Blaise, Esther, Sandy, and June with the Supported Living program. It gives me so much joy doing fun activities with them that we all enjoy.
What has working at TMI all these years meant to you? I have thoroughly enjoyed working at TMI, I consider all the people that I support to be my friends. There’s a lot of laughter, and joke telling in our time together. I’m so thankful that TMI has given me the opportunity to work for such an awesome group of people. TMI would like to take this opportunity to give a very special thank you to Joann for all she has done for our clients over the years. Your kind heart and willingness to always lend a hand gives meaning to what we do here at TMI. Thank you for all you do each and every day to make a difference in the lives of our clients. They love you. Congratulations on 30 years with us!
An estimated 1 in 6 people are born with a developmental disability. Just like you, they are born with hopes, dreams and the drive to contribute to society. Since 1981 Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) has transformed thousands of lives by providing assistance to children and adults with developmental disabilities, giving them the ability to realize their hopes and dreams.