Resident Life

The Be Nice Challenge: Building a Positive Community Through Kindness and Respect 

We introduced a new initiative called “The Be Nice Challenge” and our resident, Frances, eagerly volunteered to be the first participant. In our team discussion, we set clear goals for her and had some fun with a creative craft activity involving all the residents. As part of the challenge, we made a deal with Frances – if she manages to be nice without any tricky behavior for a week, she’ll be treated to a spa day and a shopping spree at Walmart using her debit card.

To keep tabs on her progress, we set up a countdown tracker, and our resident assistants are there to lend a hand, reminding Frances to mark off each day and gently guiding her if she starts showing any sass. Frances is really excited about winning this challenge and can’t wait for the rewards.

But “The Be Nice Challenge” is about more than just rewards; it’s a hands-on way for Frances to enhance her interpersonal skills. We want her to learn how being kind makes a positive community. Our goal is to make sure everyone in the community feels good and has a chance to grow personally. By offering such engaging activities, we aim to enhance the overall well-being of individuals within our community and create an environment that promotes personal development, cooperation, and mutual respect. After all, as Mahatma Gandhi expressed, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” We firmly believe that these small acts of kindness will create a ripple effect, making a significant impact in our community.

Broadstep’s Bingo Bliss

We’ve initiated a new practice at Broadstep! Moving forward, we’re getting together for group bingo sessions, and it’s been a big hit so far!

Integrating bingo into our services is proving beneficial for our residents. It brings people together, exercises the mind, establishes routine, and boosts their confidence. This enjoyable and inclusive activity not only reduces stress but also empowers individuals, making a positive impact on their overall well-being and improving their healthcare journey.

 “The Color Purple” Movie Outing: Therapeutic Joy for Residents

Belwood Nature-Friendly Initiatives

On January 3rd, 2024, the residents of Belwood embraced the new year with a purposeful activity—crafting their own bird and squirrel feeders. Collecting pine cones, they skilfully coated them with peanut butter and stuck bird seeds to create these unique feeders. This hands-on activity not only strengthened community bonds but also provided a platform for imparting important values among our residents. Through these initiatives, we play an active role in cultivating virtues, nurturing compassion, and fostering a sense of connection within the Belwood community.

Broadstep’s Heartwarming Christmas Celebration of 2023

The pictures below capture the Christmas Party held on December 21, 2023, at Broadstep’s Belwood location. This year, our focus was on fostering a familial atmosphere as we celebrated Christmas together. All 130 residents were invited, and it was heartening to see over 110 residents in attendance. The event featured a delightful spread with a variety of cookies, an ice cream buffet, appetizers, and a catered meal of fried chicken and fries. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the presence of Santa and his elf, accompanied by the cheerful tunes of Christmas music.

To ensure the comfort and well-being of our residents during the winter season, each of them received a new winter coat, hat, gloves, and a scarf. Additionally, a stocking filled with candies, chocolates, a small hand sanitizer, and a gift certificate to the Dollar Tree was provided to bring some holiday cheer. Adding a touch of humor to the occasion, the staff organized an ugly sweater contest, with our DSP Jeremy emerging as the clear winner. This event was not just about material gifts but also about creating a sense of community and shared joy. This event was not merely a gathering but a testament to the belief that “Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.”

At Broadstep, our commitment to residents goes beyond the ordinary. The Christmas Party exemplifies our dedication to ensuring that every resident feels valued and included in the festivities. We take pride in fostering an environment where everyone can come together to celebrate and create lasting memories.

Festive Cookie-Making at 304 East Haven and Milford Home

The delightful pictures taken at 304 East Haven and Milford Home in Watertown, showcasing residents participating in the festive activity of making and decorating Christmas cookies, mirror the profound care we consistently provide to our residents. The genuine smiles captured in these moments convey the thoughtful and caring approach we take to ensure that every individual feels a sense of belonging. Activities like these demonstrates our dedication to creating meaningful and positive experiences for those we are privileged to serve.

Broadstep’s Festive Delight: Christmas Trees decoration by Residents

Between November 16th and November 27th, 2023, our team has been actively working to bring holiday joy to our Broadstep homes. As of today, November 27th, 2023, we are delighted that every house now features its own Christmas tree, adorned with the creative touch of both residents and staff.

In the spirit of Dr. Seuss’ timeless wisdom, “Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.” Today, we worked together to finish decorating the Christmas tree in our shared space. Residents and staff, using their creativity, added special ornaments with names, making the festive scene feel unique and enjoyable for everyone.

But that’s not all—every house got a Christmas tree and decorations. We collaborated to make them visually stunning, showcasing our teamwork and creative spirit. It’s not just about making things look pretty; it’s about making sure everyone in our community, especially those needing a little extra love, feels happy and at home.

Now, as we soak in the sparkle of lights and the festive feels, let’s take a minute to think about the love and care we poured into making our community a happy place. Our residents are more than just people we assist; they’re like family, and their happiness is at the very core of what we do. Here’s to a season filled with love, compassion, and togetherness for those we hold close and support every single day!

Thanksgiving Joy at Belwood

The Belwood staff worked hard to make delicious sweet potato pies for the upcoming holiday. We even made some extra pies for a fun activity. We compared the taste of a homemade sweet potato pie to a store-bought pumpkin pie, and everyone agreed that homemade is the way to go! Taking a little extra time and adding some love to the preparation makes a big difference when celebrating holidays with our loved ones. At Broadstep, all our Thanksgiving meals will be prepared by our kitchen staff, volunteers, and even some residents. We truly work as a team, especially during these special holidays.

Guitar Sessions at Keefe House: Resident Well-Being

At Keefe House, our residents felt uplifted during guitar sessions led by instructors Dwayne and Richard. These lessons not only brought joy but also highlighted the significance of fostering positive experiences. Such activities contribute to a sense of community, promoting overall well-being and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.

Beautiful Moments: Residents Pick, Personalize, and Pose with Teddy Bears

We ensured that every resident interested in a teddy bear could select one from the “pile o bears.” While giving out the bears, we invited residents to choose their preferred color and share the reasons behind their choice. Many recalled about having a similar bear from their childhood. We then asked them to decide on a name for their bear and explain the significance of their choice.

It was heartwarming to witness some individuals dedicating so much thought and care to name their new friend. We also captured these moments by taking pictures of residents with their beloved bears.

Last week residents from few of the houses went to the pumpkin patch. They were so excited to pick out their favorite pumpkins. As they wandered through the fields, we could hear their laughter and see their smiles. Each of them had their own idea of what a perfect pumpkin should look like.

But more than just finding pumpkins, this activity was about creating special moments together. Our goal with such activities is to ensure our residents feel a strong sense of belonging, fostering happiness and a shared connection, like one big family enjoying the beauty of each passing season together.

“Visit to ‘Sip and Purr Cafe’: Cats, Coffee, and Kindness“

October 26th, 2023, we had a special visit to the “Sip and Purr Cafe” in downtown Milwaukee. This place is not a regular cafe. It is a non-profit organization that helps kittens and cats from around the world find loving homes. We had some delicious coffee from their menu and spent time playing with and feeding about 20 cats. Our residents really enjoyed being with these furry friends.

We also had a meaningful discussion with our residents about how incredible it was that some of these cats had come all the way from Qatar, showing them a world beyond their own. We emphasized the importance of speaking softly and playing gently, not only to keep the cats comfortable but also to nurture a sense of care and understanding in our residents.

Our residents enjoyed their coffee and time with the cats, and they found out how being kind, empathetic, and sharing moments with animals can bring happiness.

On October 31st, 2023, we all celebrated with our own in-house trick or treat! Some of our staff dressed up as various characters—a police officer, a peacock, a dragon, a spooky clown, and a cat. We enjoyed a delightful breakfast of cinnamon French toast and sausage while listening to Halloween-themed songs. Following this, we started our holiday activities that continued throughout the day.

To begin, we rolled out the touch screen television and watched “Beetlejuice” and “Halloween” while snacking on caramel apples. We then came together for a delicious lunch of Polish sausages, chips, and grapes. After our lunch, our program manager and life enrichment manager walked around and did trick or treat. Every resident and staff member got a goodie bag with candy and chocolates. Additionally, our kitchen staff pleasantly surprised us by preparing an extra special treat, including more candies, chocolates, and two pairs of socks for each resident – a thoughtful touch, especially as it coincided with our first snowfall of the season.

A few residents told us about the costumes they loved as kids, and some explained why they didn’t join in Halloween because of their beliefs. Despite our differences, we all had a great time together, enjoying each other’s company and the sweet treats. Our biggest wish was to see our residents happy and feeling connected during our Halloween celebration, just as we always strive to make them feel on any special day.

                          We also enjoyed some family game time!

“Empowering Individuality: Celebrating Self-Expression at Broadstep“

On October 19th, 2023, we began a big project allowing our residents to decorate their rooms exactly how they prefer. They had their pictures taken and got to decorate their photo frames in their own unique style. We talked to them about why we thought this was a great way for them to show who they are and why it’s important to be themselves.

Everyone had a lot of fun. In the next few weeks, all of us at Broadstep will also join in on this project. At Broadstep, we are all about encouraging our residents to stay true to themselves, no matter what. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Being yourself in a world that keeps trying to make you someone else is the greatest achievement.”

“A Messy Pumpkin Fun and Movie Time“

On October 23rd, 2023, we had a messy, fun day! We opened some pumpkins and took out the seeds to cook them for a healthy snack. We talked about what we can cook with pumpkins and our favorite pumpkin treats. Then, both the residents and the staffs put their hands in the slimy seeds to activate their sensory awareness.

For a fun treat, we all had apple cider donuts and a glass of ice cold milk. Later, a few of us got together to watch the movie “The Neverending Story” in the NuMotion Clinic.

“A Day of Cinematic Joy and Music Therapy in Watertown“

Each month, the Town Cinema in Watertown sets aside a special day just for our residents and their assistants, allowing us to have the entire theater to ourselves. We visited on October 17th, 2023, and enjoyed a Disney movie screening. Some ladies from the Milford Home joined us too.

Furthermore, Music Therapy is becoming very popular in our Watertown homes. In this picture, you can see Ellen having a great time during a music therapy session with Healing Harmonies, LLC. She had a lot of fun playing the drum.

“Spooky Movie Outing“

On October 17th, we attended the recently released “Exorcist” movie, and it was terrifying! We enjoyed pizza, popcorn, and a couple of sodas during the movie. Those of our residents who could endure the spooky few hours had a great time and enjoyed the experience.

“Wednesdays Bingo Fun“

On Wednesdays, we reserve our time for a game of BINGO. Each Wednesday, we gather as a large group to enjoy this activity. Our prizes usually follow a specific theme, including topics like personal hygiene, making healthy food choices, dressing appropriately for the weather, and, of course, some sweet treats!

These pictures showcase our Bingo activity that took place on September 4th, 2023, featuring our residents.

“Tie-Dye Fun and Art Therapy Day”

On September 28th, 2023, we had so much fun making colorful tie-dye shirts! Our residents really enjoyed it, and even those who usually don’t join us had a big smile on their faces.

We used rubber bands to make cool shapes on our shirts. Everyone took their time and care to make them look awesome. It was great to see people trying something new with lots of excitement.

But this wasn’t just about tie-dyeing. We talked about how colors can show feelings, even without words. We also learned how to manage frustration and anger in a good way. Most of them liked green because it reminds them of growing, just like how they’ve grown while staying with us in our group home.

Our guys loved this art therapy and can’t wait to do more. They proudly showed their colorful tie-dye creations to their friends and the staff, showcasing their creativity and newfound skills. #TieDyeJoy #ColorfulArt #ArtTherapyFun.

Week 1 (September 11th – 15th, 2023): We started our fall celebration with a fun corn roast. We took a pleasant walk outdoors and enjoyed a calming morning yoga class on September 15th.

Week 2 (September 18th – 22nd, 2023): This week, we had a lot of fun making BLT sandwiches! Our own tomatoes were ripe, and we all worked together to pick, clean, and share them among our houses. We even cooked over 15-pound of bacon to make delicious sandwiches. And, on September 19th, we enjoyed a movie day.

“Fun Times: Broadstep Residents Enjoy Wisconsin State Fair“

Between August 4th, 2023, and August 11th, 2023, Broadstep organized a fun outing for the residents and staff members. They all went to the Wisconsin State Fair and had a great time doing various fair things! To make it feasible for everyone to participate, Broadstep paid for the entry ticket for each client and each client was provided $20 in cash to spend on food and drinks.

The staff expertly led small groups from different homes to see all sorts of cool things – like farm animals, incredible horse shows, cool cars, yummy treats, fun games, and thrilling rides. It was like stepping into a world of wonder and excitement!

And here’s the best part – Even if some folks couldn’t go to the fair, Broadstep brought the fair fun to them! They handed out tasty Cream Puffs and set up cool games like ring toss, disk toss, and basketball. It was like a tiny fair right at home. The resulting atmosphere was one of cheerful smiles and shared laughter.

All week long, happiness, laughter, and the enchantment of the fair– whether residents were out and about at the fair or taking it easy at home. This special time wasn’t only about having a good time; it was like a warm hug that made our days brighter.

Our fantastic residents and the caring team at Broadstep shared in this remarkable adventure, creating cherished memories and strong bonds. The pictures we captured, with big beaming smiles, perfectly capture the incredible fun and togetherness we all experienced.

“Surprise Frisbee Golf at Belwood: A Day of Unexpected Fun!”

Aug 2nd, 2023, brought us a wonderful surprise at Belwood – an impromptu Frisbee Golf Game! We all had so much fun taking turns tossing the disk into the special strainer target. The wind made it a bit tricky, but that only added to the excitement!

Seeing each resident enjoying the game with a big smile on their face warmed our hearts. It was truly heartwarming to witness the camaraderie between residents and assistants. After the game, we sat down for a rest, and we shared some water and snacks.

This unexpected activity taught us that sometimes the best moments happen when we least expect them. The happiness and fun displayed by our residents are the very reasons we do what we do. We eagerly await the next frisbee golf days, where we’ll create even more smiles and cherish delightful memories in our wonderful Belwood community.

Yet, the best part of it all is that no pictures can truly capture the sheer fun and joy we experienced during that activity; it was something that had to be experienced firsthand!

“Belwood’s Garden Grows: First Cucumber Harvest, More to Come!“

Happy news from Belwood! On 31st July 2023, we picked our first cucumber of the season from our community garden, and the residents are so excited!

We’ve all been working together to take care of the garden, and it’s been a lot of fun. Today’s harvest is just the start; more cucumbers are on the way! After picking the cucumber, we cut it up and everyone got to taste it. It was super tasty and made us all want more! Next, we’re excited for the tomatoes to ripen. When they do, we’re planning to make BLTs for lunch with a yummy cucumber salad.

Stay tuned for updates from #BelwoodGarden as we continue our fun gardening journey and the goodness of fresh harvests!

“Crafting Treasure Boxes at Belwood“

July 12th, 2023 was a fun day at Belwood as we gathered to make treasure boxes together! Each of us received a small wooden box and used stickers and paint to make them beautiful and unique. We had a big bucket filled with shiny crystals, and we got to choose our favorite one to keep in our box. After finishing our boxes, we took turns showing them to everyone in the room. Through this activity, we learned how to express our creativity, decorate objects, make choices, and share our creations with others.

Anger management is like steering a ship in rough waters. When anger arises, it’s like a big wave crashing against your ship, risking its stability. But instead of letting anger take control, anger management helps you stay in charge. It’s about finding ways to calm yourself, preventing anger from overwhelming your thoughts and actions. As Les Brown wisely said, “Your emotions are your ship; you are the captain. Steer them wisely and navigate towards a brighter horizon.” Like a skilled sailor, you learn to control your emotions and navigate towards a positive direction.

Today, on July 11th, 2023, we focused on managing anger and frustration at our Nash house. The men gathered for a brief conversation about what makes us mad when we can’t control it. Each person took a turn sharing a time when they were mad. Then we moved on to the boxing part of the group, grooving to some awesome 70s soul music. We had a blast learning different boxing moves and talking about how it can help us let go of anger. Everyone had a chance to box and release their anger. Later, we sat down and did a calming meditation, like reiki, to help us focus, heal, and understand ourselves better. After our minds were relaxed, we had fun joking around. Even our program manager joined in and did a little boxing with the group.
Here is a video clip of one of our clients practicing anger management with staff.

“Gathered in Joy: A Joyful July 4th Celebration of Freedom and Feasting!“

July 4th, 2023, a day of freedom and fun! Our residents came together. We cooked tasty brats, burgers, and ribs on the grill and had a wonderful feast together. With a fun kickball game, we all cheered and laughed. Each resident got a goodie bag filled with candy and journaling supplies to treasure the memories

As John Adams said, ‘Independence Day is a time to celebrate with pomp and parade.’ And that’s exactly what we did!

“A Reel Adventure: Movie Outing at Marcus Hillside Cinema – Delafield Hillside Theater!“

On June 30th, 2023, we took 42 of our residents on a fun outing to watch the movie ‘Lyle, Lyle Crocodile’ at the Marcus Hillside Movie Theater in Delafield. (The whole theater was reserved for us.) The movie is about the Primm family – who moves to New York City with their young son Josh. Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle, a singing crocodile who loves baths, caviar, and great music. Josh and Lyle become fast friends, but when evil neighbor Mr. Grumps threatens Lyle’s existence, the Primms must band together to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places.

Here is a trailer of the movie:

Everyone had a great time together watching the movie, munching on tasty popcorn and sipping on refreshing sodas. There was much chatter, laughter and camaraderie on the 60-mile trip in a rented school bus to Delafield and back. It was a memorable experience for all who participated, including the School Bus driver!

“Serenity in the Wild: Discovering the Healing Magic of a Wildlife Sanctuary Journey”

On June 7, 2023, our staff accompanied a group of 21 residents for an outing to Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bend.

The peaceful sanctuary offers an escape from daily stress, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. Being in nature and seeing wildlife improves mental health, boosting mood and decreasing anxiety and depression. It strengthens the bond with the environment and walking and hiking exercises enhance cardiovascular health and fitness. Close encounters with animals educate and uplift residents emotionally, fostering connection and empathy. The tranquil atmosphere encourages mindfulness and self-reflection, providing solace. Group trips promote social engagement, bonding, and community. The wildlife sanctuary trip contributes to residents’ holistic well-being and positive experiences.

Here are some photographs showcasing the residents’ delightful experiences at the Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary. (Important: All images have been obtained with explicit consent from the residents themselves or their guardians.)

“When we come together in a place dedicated to fun, we unleash our spirits and rediscover the childlike wonder that resides within each of us.” – Walt Disney

“The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of humankind.” – Charles Darwin