The web site succinctly, but comprehensively, with pertinent details, presents an overview, with a resolution of part of the health care system failure to provide for those unable to physically provide for themselves, particularly for those still of work force age. Pertinent details of what is proposed and what is needed is clearly presented within the web site. Coverage of the overall proposed future facilities and special needs are shown with photographs and illustrations. Current means of contribution in the meantime are covered.
An opportunity, one of many, to start the resolution at the ground level includes and is illustrated with an inspiring array of photographs of participants literally "jumping", showing their support of the MJO Hope Foundation "cause". A picture and interview of the Founder is provided that inspired its creation ( based on his own continuing current physical limitation).
Brief work histories and commitment of the Board Members, CEO and Directors are provided as well as some of the professions volunteers.
We know the CEO and have met the Board Members and can speak of their honesty and commitment to make this a successful undertaking that will benefit many physically limited people.
Sincerely,
David and Sharon Poppler
Going to college campuses and seeing students reactions in how our efforts effect other peoples lives gives me and many others gratitude that there is a wonderful organization like MJO Hope that can really help make a difference for young people in nursing homes. Please Help support this organization as they are still early in the works but have great potential especially with their mentor program. For more information look at the MJO website.
I have long thought how I could be of service to my community. This is something that has struck a cord in me. I too have a family member who was not a senior citizen and unfortunately her disabilities left her no other alternative than to be placed in a facility with Senior Citizens that were sadly dying before her eyes daily. This was very hard for her and our family. This foundation is a God Sent. I gladly support MJO HOPE FOUNDATION! Check out the website.
I have been newly inspired by the message of MJO HOPE to help the disabled connect with the outside world through various means, I am particularly most interested in the Mentor programs, as our society is in much need of such collaborations. I am here and Ready to serve!! Count me in!!
Selene Piedra
After September 11, 2001, my brother Michael Olmeda suffered a resemblance hate crime which rendered him a quadriplegic. Because of this experience he was left with no acceptable accessible housing for his medical needs causing him to select nursing home care. In 2011 after residing in several nursing homes he witnessed a change in that population-the young.
I will always remember the day I walked down the halls of Mike's nursing home counting + talking to the many young disabled residents. The stories of their tragic disabilities with no accessible living housing caused me to realize and understand Mike's concern for these young people. Mike's continuous worry about nursing home institutionalization processes made me realize this very important topic and the effects it has on the removal of the human free will and healthy living standards in America. It was clear to me that this subject was going to be an up hill battle but throughout the years people from all walks of life are coming together to create change. How wonderful!
In 2011 THE MJO HOPE FOUNDATION was created to impact the needs of young people living in nursing homes. When Michael asked if we could tackle such a project as his sibling I jumped at the chance to heal my heart from Mike's awful experience, I never considered the impact it would have on me personally. For this I am grateful to my big brother.
As we grow and spread this important message throughout the United States this experience has opened my eyes to the need of volunteerism, compassion for one another and optimism for our united futures. Please join us in making a difference in the lives of those suffering from catastrophic disabilities by reaching out to one disabled person per day. I promise you the experience of a lifetime! You can reach us at www.mjohopefoundation.org in order to make a difference, we can always use your expertise and help!!!
PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERS: David & Sharon Poppler
We have known (CEO, MJO Hope Foundation) Terie Mathisen for over 16 years. In 2001 her adult brother was attacked and his spinal cord was severed in the process, leaving him since then, a quadriplegic.
Terie assumed the responsibility and unknown challenges for his welfare after the incident. It was these challenges that have resulted in the creation of the MJO HOPE (Foundation) and the transformation of her brother into a person that contributes to others in spite of his physical condition. Her brother’s name is Michael O. Olmeda, the Founder and Board Member of the Foundation.
The process of caring for Terie’s brother has exposed certain serious inadequacies in the health care system for cases such as her brother requiring long term care. The Foundation has brought forth solutions, implementations, and processes of creating opportunities for the community/health care industry, which are based on experience and proven results as has been implemented to date.
We have met members of the Board of the MJO HOPE Foundation. They are well qualified, and most importantly, they are individuals with integrity and commitment to the success of the Foundation.
All of the above has been incorporated and enumerated into their web site.
As a young person living in a nursing home I know the importance of MJO HOPE'S programs and their great need. Living in a nursing home with disabilities is difficult in its self but for us young it is traumatic and for the most part plain old sad. Not only are we isolated from our family and friends but if we are on long-term care like many of us are the $35.00 that is allowed for our living allowance will not meet our daily needs. That means no socializing monies or extras that most people take for granted. I hope and pray all the programs MJO HOPE plans for young people come to be . I pray for their success so they can attract people in government, corporate donors and all the good people that can assist them to make a difference in the lives of all us young people having to live in nursing homes. Thank You.
As a donor/supporter of the MJO HOPE FOUNDATION I witnessed the early stages of a life-giving idea to help the new population found in nursing homes-the young!
Since MJO HOPE's inception their message of Hope has resonated with many diverse communities. Their compassionate fun program "Disability Jumps 4 You" appeals to all students who are made aware of their disabled peers in need of change. This program's idea to jump from despair to hope makes everyone on college campuses aware of young people facing such sad circumstances in today’s modern society.
As a steadfast donor I truly have seen their remarkable slogan “Transforming Lives to Restore Dignity” work and become a reality. It has made me aware of the love and graciousness that MJO HOPE provides to residents and patients living in nursing homes.
THE MJO HOPE FOUNDATION has shown young people kindness, a sense of independence and pride. One of the biggest lesson I have learned from this experience is the importance of listening to patient’s concerns, assisting them with simple tasks such as feeding, daily hygiene, socializing, celebrating events such as holidays and birthdays and conveying concerns to the nursing staff. With this kind of constant attention and focus this new population is receiving I am sure that MJO HOPE’s program ideas can help offset the institutionalization process found in long-term care nursing homes.
MJO HOPE FOUNDATIONS goals to bring mentoring support and smart technology to young people living in nursing homes in order for their social and spiritual growth is without a doubt a promising and much needed service.
My experience with Mike (MJO) and the MJO HOPE FOUNDATION has truly been rewarding and it has given me a sense of gratitude and the understanding that one has to give in order to receive.
Having had the honor of serving on the Board of Directors of MJO Hope since its inception in 2011, I am constantly amazed at the energy and enthusiasm that the foundation has garnered for its work at providing a nurturing and caring environment for disabled young people living in nursing homes.
I have the privilege of knowing Michael Olmeda, whose story was the basis for the formation of the Foundation. I have seen first-hand how a caring and nurturing environment is essential for the wellbeing and emotional health of a disabled young person. The MJO Hope Foundation’s programs (such as the jump campaign and the mentor program) provide the resources for this important and extremely valuable work. It gives disabled young people hope and purpose and provides the means for them to live a productive and happy life where they thrive and interact with their peerage group and are not confined to the limitations of a nursing homes which are frequently ill equipped to provide for their mental and social needs.
Again, it is an honor for me to be a small part of this rewarding and valuable work. The MJO Hope Foundation will give invaluable assistance to our young disabled people to live a happy and fulfilling life.
The MJO Hope Foundation holds a special place in my heart. I have been privileged to be involved in many aspects of the foundation. I have volunteered my time with helping build the website, brainstorming about marketing ideas, T-Shirt designs, brochure designs, creating a few informative videos for the website, photography, graphics, managing some social media accounts, attending the abilities expo representing the MJO Hope Foundation and going out to colleges to share the #mjojumpchallenge and #jumpfever! It has been quite an adventure being able to share the story of how the MJO Hope Foundation came to be and seeing how genuinely compassionate people are about Mike’s story and how they get excited to support the MJO Hope Foundations endeavors. There is a real need for the programs the MJO Hope Foundation is working to provide. Each time we have attended the Ablilities Expo and shared what we are trying to accomplish through our programs and goals many people are ready to sign up to help or have family members that need the help the MJO Hope Foundation will provide. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this AMAZING Foundation and the positive impact it is going to have on the community and empowering young people living in nursing homes! I am so honored to be able to participate in such a phenomenal Foundation and it brings me immense happiness to see how far we’ve come and the future holds no bounds for what the MJO Hope Foundation and its outstanding team will be able to accomplish! Join me and many others in supporting the MJO Hope Foundation make a difference in the lives of young people living in nursing homes, their families and the community. I promise you it will be well worth it.
"A Wonderful Experience"
While visiting Mike Olmeda, I have come to realize that life can be beautiful disabled or not as long as you are well cared for and loved. I go to cheer Mike up, we end up joking and laughing, wow what a sense of humor he has. In the end I leave so aware that it was he who touched me with his kind disposition in spite of his disability and the pain that comes with it. I definitely recommend and support MJO Hope Foundation, Inc. in any future endeavors to link the young and disabled people that are institutionalized with the outside world through mentoring. I am looking forward to see all the good things to come! Bravo MJO Hope!