The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Vista program celebrates graduates at The Kate
OLD SAYBROOK — In front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Vista Life Innovations’ class of 2018 graduation ceremony, graduate Jon Sturtz spoke about how proud he was about reaching this milestone in his life.
“I have been in the Discover Program for two years, nine months, 28 days, and one hour and 30 minutes,” he said, as the audience erupted in laughter.
“I have learned something new about myself and the world. I am proud to say that I have had a few mistakes, but, because of those mistakes, I have grown so much more than always doing the right thing.”
Sturtz was one of three individuals who graduated from the Vista Discover program to the Engage program. Christian Price joined Sturtz, center stage at The Kate, Friday’s ceremony. Graduate Kathy Brisbois, travelling in celebration of her 40th birthday, was absent.
Vista Life Innovations is a nationally accredited post-secondary program supporting the personal success of individuals with disabilities.
The graduation tradition dates to 1993. There are about 130 members in Vista’s Engage program, all of whom live independently along the shoreline.
To be eligible to graduate from Vista’s Discovery program, individuals must prove their independence, which includes mastering independent living skills, completion of job readiness training and “successful navigation” of the Shoreline, such as learning public transportation routes.
With family, friends and peers sitting in the audience, the accomplishments of these three shoreline residents were applauded and celebrated.
“The sentiment of accomplishment and achievement, and the success that goes along with it, doesn’t depend on the size of the graduating group. For Vista, we look to the individual,” Vista CEO Helen Bosch said. “Each individual is important, is essential and their success, individually, is what we celebrate.”
It was fitting the ceremony took place at The Kate, where Vista members have participated in stage productions.
“On this same stage, we have watched students and members perform alongside community actors and theater professionals,” Bosch said.
While Brisbois and Sturtz, 22, are currently job hunting, Price, 23, will continue his work at Old Saybrook’s Stencil Ease.
Keynote speakers included Chris Pallatto, executive director, Valley Shore YMCA in Westbrook and Doug Shaw, executive director, Soundview Family YMCA in Branford.
Working closely with Vista, these two organizations recently spearheaded a wellness initiative, in conjunction with the East Shore District Health Department and Yale-New Haven Hospital, that included teaching healthy eating habits and fitness activities.
Addressing the graduates, Pallatto gave this advice.
“Take time every day to do something healthy for yourself,” he said. “Go for a walk, ride your bike and try to eat as healthy as you can, every day. The second is, making friends is a really important part of being healthy. So, make time to see your friends. It’s just as important to be a good friend, so make sure you call, text or best of all, visit your friends in person.”
In talking about their work with Vista members, Pallatto stressed the work ethic that permeates the organization.
“Vista members are obviously exception employees,” he said. “I can’t go anywhere in the community without running into my Vista friends.”
Vista Life Innovations is at 107 Bradley Road, Madison, and 1356 Old Clinton Road, Westbrook. For information, visit vistalifeinnovations.org.