Clark cited for her support

of people with disabilities

NU woman gets award as one of state's best direct care supporters

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- A local care giver has been recognized as one of Minnesota's best direct care supporters of people with disabilities.

Not only that, but the man for whom she provides care gave such a stirring presentation to a New Ulm High School social class, it was added to the class curriculum.

New Ulm's Tracy Clark, who works for MBW Co. in New Ulm, was presented with the 2002 ARRM (Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota) CARES Award for her work last week at the Radisson South in Bloomington.

Clark's commitment to MBW's clients was cited in a nomination letter from MBW Co. Assistant Program Director Sandy Zeidler.

Clark earned the award for her professional integrity; interdependent work; creation of innovative, pro-active approaches to services; exemplary service and skills, characteristics and traits that impacted people's lives.

When the company got a telephone call from New Ulm High School 2 1/2 years ago, asking for presentations on careers in the social studies class "The World of Work," Zeidler sent Clark and Gary Hohenstein, the man she provides care for, because they were the best the company had to offer, according to Zeidler.

Clark and Hohenstein went to New Ulm High School and gave a presentation that found kids buzzing in the hall about the "fun guy they'd met in class that day," Zeidler said.

Hohenstein presented his "dream" poster and taught five classes of 16 and 17-year-old students in his own language of gestures, pantomime and photos.

It wasn't his first teaching experience. He did the same thing in the fall of 2000 at NUHS. He also taught Direct Service professionals at Mankato Technical School, Lafayette Elementary Charter School and at MBW general staff training that year.

Because Hohenstein's presentation created such a positive impact on NUHS students and teachers, his dream poster presentation was written into the curriculum this year. He also received an invitation to return for an encore in classroom.

Clark assisted Hohenstein with his presentation, giving his cues, interpreting his language, helping with props and chauffeuring him to school.

Clark and other MBW staffers helped Hohenstein create his dream poster that reflected some of his younger years, growing up on a farm near Madelia.

The dream poster included depictions of playing softball and pool, John Deere tractors, horses, puppies, a snowmobile and his favorite -- ducks.

At NUHS, Hohenstein connected with New Ulm Eagle Scout Jordan Budenski who built wood duck houses and placed them in wooded areas.

Hohenstein took a special interest in the project because he shared an interest in ducks.

Hohenstein and Clark's appearances in the classrooms did wonders for MBW's employee recruitment efforts, to say the least.

"Gary stands with pride as he explains to others that he is a teacher now, like his sister and favorite niece," Zeidler said. "We have more and more young people coming through our doors and saying, "I'm here for an application. I know Gary."

It's been a gratifying experience for Hohenstein too. He is greeted by young people in town that call him by name, making him smile.

Clark said Hohenstein is very polite and fulfilling to work with.

"You can communicate with people if you're patient," Clark said.

Hohenstein and Clark are helping dispel some of the negative attitudes the public has about her company and people with disabilities, Zeidler said.

"If only others in our community would get to know who we are and what we're all about before discriminating and excluding us," she said.