Touring Jelly Belly in Fairfield, hitting the theaters for the new Jurassic Park movie at Century Theaters at Hilltop in Richmond, and spending time with friends preparing tasty meals were among the highlights at Visions this summer as the community began to reopen with the waning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

“Consumers say they love being back and that it feels like things are getting back to normal,” staff member, Kim Randall, said.

 

Kim said the best part of being back in-person for summer was just spending time together and getting back to some of the flagship programs Visions participants know and love, like the “Kindness Project.” The project is a chance for the Visions team to serve as ambassadors, giving back to the dozens of seniors who visit the medical facility for care.

 

“We give bags of mint and water, granola bars, maybe a piece of fruit,” Kim began. “Each consumer gives them a bag when it's their turn to distribute the bags; the seniors can’t believe that we do this for free!”

 

During Thursday “Cooking for One” class, the team picks up food pantry boxes and practices meal prep that can be performed at home.

 

“Today we had a stir-fry and sweet potatoes; we cut up vegetables and made infused water with lemon, everyone has a job,” Kim said proudly.

 

Other highlights included a trip to East Bay Vivarium off Fifth Street in Berkeley that sells reptiles, including pythons and turtles. Aside from trips to new and interesting destinations, Visions introduced a new morning group session in which consumers focused on understanding new vocabulary words. Practicing new vocabulary and public speaking are critical for consumers who want to attain opportunities in the community because these skills are transferable when they are being interviewed by potential employers.

 

“We have a word chart and they will explain what the words mean to them. Words like equality, adversity, and peace. We wanted to see if they knew what the words meant and what they meant to them,” Kim said.

 

Visions also wants to recognize its new staff, as well as consumers who’ve demonstrated outstanding service or progress in their contributions to the community. They include Raven for working with Marla. Together, they made a beautiful flower on canvas with different colored rose petals that they then signed and installed on the wall at Marla house. Chris also was highlighted for outstanding participation in “Cooking for One” with the help he’s given to Ms. Tina, who leads the activity. Lastly, Jeremiah was celebrated for doing his best to keep the kitchen and dining areas nice and tidy by sweeping. New staff members welcomed aboard included Mrs. Alberta, who everyone was eager to meet.

 

Special events coming up in the months of October and November that will be fun and engaging include a painting/coloring contest; “Pizza in the Park” behind the old PG&E building in Richmond where folks will feed the ducks and participate in a scavenger hunt. Visions is also planning to see the movie “Till” about Mamie Till-Mobley’s empowering activism for justice for her son, Emmett Till. The woman who made allegations against Till ultimately confessed to lying, making up the entire story,  and participating in a state cover-up decades later in 2017.

 

“Stay tuned for more from Visions,” Ms. Gwen said, “as the team ramps up with a menu of choices and possible events for the fall season!”

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