Marti's Journey to Success at Kaiser Permanente: Lessons from Living with Spina Bifida
- Ginger Cohen - TMI Director of Corporate Communications
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Marti, a client with the Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) Tailored Day Services program, has always been a "people person" who loves helping others. She moved to California just before the COVID-19 pandemic began and started with TMI in 2019. Her TMI Direct Support Professional, Katrina Wilkins, began assisting Marti on her journey in May 2024.
Marti had previous experience in the medical field in her home state and at Rancho Springs Hospital in Murrieta and wanted to continue on that path. When a volunteer opportunity at a service dog training center was ending, Marti took the initiative and found online that Kaiser Permanente was accepting volunteer applications. She had applied twice before and been turned down, but she was determined. This time, with the help of Katrina, she applied again and was accepted. Katrina went through the onboarding process with her to also be a volunteer.
A Dream Realized
Marti’s dream was to volunteer at Kaiser, in part because her sister is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at a San Diego location, and she hopes to one day get a full-time job working alongside her in an office administration role. Her acceptance as a volunteer greeter at the Murrieta facility has significantly boosted her self-esteem and improved her social and communication skills. She feels a sense of pride and accomplishment in her ability to help people and learn new things.
Since December 2024, Marti has been greeting patients with a smile and helping them navigate the check-in process. She is proud of her persistence and believes it’s crucial not to give up on your dreams. This is a sentiment she wants to share with others: "Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do".
Making an Impact
Marti's role as a greeter involves a number of tasks:
Helping patients check in on the kiosk, especially with appointments that don't require a receptionist.
Scanning patients' medical cards or manually entering their numbers to begin the check-in process.
Asking standard check-in questions, such as about COVID-19 or if their visit is work-related.
Notifying patients if they have a copay and helping them make payments with a credit card.
Directing patients to their destinations, such as ophthalmology, infusion, or the surgery department.
Marti's favorite part of the experience is meeting and talking to new people and seeing a smile on their faces. This opportunity not only highlights her abilities but shows how the TMI Tailored Day Services program can help our clients contribute to their communities.
"I now have more confidence in my ability to communicate with others and teach them about the kiosk," said Marti. "This has shown me that I am capable of learning new things. By helping others out at Kaiser, it makes me feel good and proud."
In addition to her volunteer work at Kaiser, Marti also volunteers at Hope Hospice, where she assists in the Volunteer Coordinator's office with filing and other tasks. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and watching her nephews play baseball. She also has a passion for arts and crafts, making homemade cards, scrapbooking, and puzzles.
A Note on Spina Bifida
Marti was born with spina bifida, a neurological birth defect, commonly known as "open spine." Her spina bifida resulted in her being a paraplegic, permanently paralyzed from the waist down and requiring a wheelchair for mobility. Marti's journey is a testament to what people with spina bifida can achieve. Her story shows that having a disability doesn't have to be a barrier to pursuing your dreams and making a positive impact. By volunteering as a greeter while in a wheelchair, Marti is not only helping patients but also challenging perceptions and demonstrating her incredible abilities. Marti's success serves as a powerful reminder that with a strong will and the right support, individuals can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Marti hopes her story encourages others to keep trying!
Thank you to Kaiser for partnering with us to transform lives! Should you be interested in having one of our clients be a volunteer or employee with your organization, please contact us today to learn more.
(Thank you to our awesome client, Marti, and our outstanding DSP, Katrina, for contributing to this story!)
Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are a part of our Tailored Day Services (TDS) program are encouraged to self-direct and participate in determining their program day. We are here to help our clients plan their day their way. With the anticipation of maximizing life satisfaction, this exciting program tailors our client’s day based on their personal choices, hopes and dreams.
Founded in 1981, Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is a nonprofit organization, serving San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties, that is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and veterans with disabilities. TMI strives to help our clients to realize their hopes and dreams by providing Employment Solutions, Community Living Services and Family Support Services. To stay connected with us, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. Together we can share acceptance and awareness, ultimately contributing to further inclusion. Please consider making a donation to assist us with transforming lives for many more years to come. We thank you in advance! Tax ID# 33-0185759
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