Real Life, Real Possibilities and a Lifetime of Friendship at Mosaic

By Allison Riechman-Bennett

“They are always hand and hand and attached by the hip.” – Julia Wallen, Program Supervisor

“If you ask Bootsie and Terri their favorite memory together, they will talk about their trip to Texas to see the John Wayne Museum or their recent trip to the butterfly house.” – Julia Wallen, Program Supervisor  

Mosaic is a community-focused organization located in Pittsburg, Kansas, that provides essential services to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism and seniors in need of everyday supportive care. Mosaic’s mission is meeting clients where they’re at and empowering people to live as independently and meaningfully as possible.  

Through their core values, Mosaic staff instills the importance of independence and community through their work with their clients, most often adults with Down syndrome and a variety of other developmental disabilities, as well as children for whom they provide case work. In addition to the work to become more independent with the assistance from Mosaic staff, the friendship that two Mosaic clients, Bootsie and Terri, found in each other helps a little, too.  

Bootsie and Terri are BFFs. That’s exactly what anyone who works at Mosaic will tell you. Bootsie was already a resident working with Mosaic when Terri transitioned from living at home into the group home. The two immediately hit it off. They call each other their “cupcake,” and they’ve spent very little time apart since first meeting each other.  

Julia Wallen is the program supervisor for Mosaic at Home, the program that provides everyday care for clients in their homes and became familiar with Bootsie and Terri.

“They are always hand and hand and attached by the hip,” Julia says. “Right when I stepped foot into the program, I got to know who Bootsie and Terri are from other Mosaic personnel, and their peers rave about their friendship, their dreams and all of the stories those ladies have shared.  

“When Bootsie and Terri were moving out of the group home into shared living, it was non-negotiable to keep them together. They were not going to move into separate homes, and Tammy, their former staff, was chosen by them. In their new home, I was a huge part of their transition. They wanted to choose all the decor in the house, what their bedrooms would look like, what pet fish they wanted and all of the activities they would undertake.”

Julia worked closely with Bootsie, Terri and Tammy in their transition into their shared home. When they completed their move, Julia and Tammy continued to work with them to help them live their best possible lives.  

Mosaic offers a variety of 24/7 support for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bootsie and Terri met when they both sought support through Mosaic’s Group Setting. Three or more residents live in a shared setting where support staff, someone like Tammy, for example, is present 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help residents in skill building. They work one-on-one and in a group to reinforce life skills through activities they would come into contact daily.  

Supported living is also a 24/7 service, but it allows residents the option to live on their own rather than in a group setting. They can live independently, but residing with family is also possible, all with constant access to either in-person or virtual assistance provided by Mosaic support staff.  

Mosaic at Home is a combination of the group setting and supported living model. Bootsie and Terri found that this support allowed them the community they needed and the support system they wanted through Tammy and each other. Their living space offers more personalized care with that 24-hour care system.  

Tammy provides support to Bootsie and Terri, all while also meeting Mosaic’s high standard for caretakers. Caretakers are provided training to meet the Mosiac standard, certified in CPR and medication administration, and are directly connected with the network of staff and administration in Mosaic.  

Since moving into their home together through the Mosaic at Home program, Julia has noticed some amazing progress in both Bootsie and Terri.  

“Because I have heard so much about Bootsie and Terri, sparking up a conversation with them was inviting,” Julia says. “You will always hear them asking if each other is okay, if they want to eat lunch or approach a new crowd together. I firmly believe that since living in shared living, their friendship continues to grow due to that family atmosphere the program provides. One thing that has changed, with Bootsie aging, Terri has become very protective. I have heard Terri offer Bootsie to sit down to take a break, help her out of the vehicle and assist her with walking farther distances. Something that will never change is Bootsie and Terri always involving one another and genuinely looking out for each other.”

That in-home support and emphasis on community is something that is rare in most long-term care facilities. The friendship that Bootsie and Terri share? Even rarer!  

Bootsie and Terri have lived together with the assistance of Tammy and have even traveled together across the United States. Different Mosaic providers and administration shared many tales of what the two have been up to since moving in together. One provider said that after moving in, they started dreaming together. They began to save money for dream trips to places like the Butterfly Palace in Branson and Walt Disney World in Florida.  

“Bootsie and Terri love traveling together and experiencing new things,” Julia continues. “Whether that’s going to Florida or taking a weekend trip to Branson, those ladies are on the go and stay curious. If you ask Bootsie and Terri their favorite memory together, they will talk about their trip to Texas to see the John Wayne Museum or their recent trip to the butterfly house. I believe they both cherish all the memories together and appreciate Mosaic for helping them stay together for 15-plus years.”

Mosaic is a community-focused and mission-driven organization that works daily to provide care to assist their clients with thriving in day-to-day life. Mosaic is located in downtown Pittsburg and is available to you or a loved one seeking assistance with daily living, counseling services, elder care or simply more connection within the community.  

If you or a loved one could benefit from Mosaic’s services, do not hesitate to reach out to 620.231.5590 or in person at 113 N. Broadway St., Ste A., in Pittsburg. Mosaic also welcomes volunteers for those who are interested in making lasting connections with residents.  

Volunteering options can include developing skills with residents, fundraising, and even fun social events and outings with residents. The same contact information applies; just call Pittsburg’s Mosiac location today. You might even make a BFF along the way!