With the opening of our first home in 2011, the mission of Protected Harbor became a reality. Our dedicated staff ensures each resident is involved in various events and learning activities, receives support, and creates a loving atmosphere enhanced with Christian care. Recently, Hurricane Milton sidetracked Ms. Janie’s 75^th birthday celebration in her hometown of Lakeland. Despite being hunkered down, both houses celebrated with Ms. Janie and had a great party.

Ms. Janie was able to celebrate with family and friends in Lakeland a few weeks later. PH1 attended the annual Halloween celebration sponsored by STARAbility. The group decided to dress up as characters representing The Wizard of Oz. They won FIRST PLACE for best group costumes! A huge THANK YOU to the donor that made the costumes possible.

Beacon of Light Enrichment Day Campers were out and about in the community. Beacon Bowlers enjoyed learning and acquiring new skills during bowling days. We continue to learn about healthy no-cook snack options. Stay tuned. Our favorite recipes will be featured in upcoming newsletters.

We visited the Gulf Coast Humane Society and learned about the animals and how they find “furever” homes and the need for volunteers. It is our desire to plant succulents as a beautification project for the breezeway between the buildings where our program is. We visited Sincerely Succulents and learned about how to water, plant, and grow various species of succulents.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week will be held from September 8–14, 2024. The week-long celebration is a nationwide effort to recognize the work of DSPs, who support people with disabilities in their communities. DSPs provide essential support that allows people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live independent lives.

Protected Harbor is blessed with amazing DSPs. They take pride in their work and bless each client daily DSPs have ears that listen, arms that hug and hold, love that’s never-ending, support that never fails, encouragement that helps individuals grown, and a heart made of gold.

During the week of September 8-14, keep our DSPs in your prayers. Give thanks for the work they do for God’s special people. Ask for God to give them strength, fulfillment, and support. While this week is a recognition week, we ask that your prayers continue throughout the year.

Meet our dedicated DSP staff: Brett and Becca Kettlewell, Pete and Cindy Garritt, Chris and Angela Bleier, Todd and Rye Diamond, and Pat and Debbie Kappenman. Each couple will be featured in an upcoming newsletter, so you can learn more about them.

Introducing Beacon of Light, Protected Harbor’s adult day training program. The program is a robust program that offers group classes chosen by the program participants based on their needs and interests. The classes are taught by trained professionals and community volunteers. Classes are held throughout the community in Lee and Collier Counties.

The curriculum emphasizes the development of skills applicable to daily life as well as enhancing social and recreational development skills based on personal interests and established person-centered goals.

Courses are divided into six categories, Education, Performing Arts, Independent Strategies, Entrepreneurship, Arts, and Wellness. Classes are designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are interested in gaining new skills and opportunities. Funding options include Florida Medicaid Waiver (iBudget), Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Private Pay, and Sponsorship (when available).

Referrals are accepted through the Florida Medicaid Home and Community Based Care (iBudget), Waiver Support Coordinators, or personal recommendations. For additional information or to schedule a tour, contact Robin Antone, Sr. Director of Community Supports, 239-572-3495 or [email protected]

Chris Nikic set a new world record by being the first person with Down Syndrome to complete a 140.6-mile Ironman. His mission is to inspire others like him to pursue their dreams and goals. His greatest achievement is showing others how shifting your focus from your disability to your abilities and pursuing your dreams with unwavering tenacity, a positive attitude, and a no-quit grit can help anyone achieve their goals and dreams.

Nik, Chris’ father shares that his greatest coaching achievement is teaching my son how to achieve the impossible by getting 1% Better Every Day.

Chris and Nik will share during the annual Homes with Heart Luncheon on March 22. Copies of 1% Better: Reaching My Full Potential and How You Can Too, will be available at the luncheon.

We are happy to introduce the newest members of our team at Protected Harbor, Brett and Becca Kettlewell. While they officially began their roles on December 1st, their dedication to our mission started long before, as they shadowed our staff at one of our homes throughout November.

Brett and Becca Kettlewell

Originally from Wisconsin and Miami, respectively, Brett and Becca have lived in southwest Florida for the past three years. Prior to joining Protected Harbor, Becca served as a mail carrier, while Brett worked in the computer programming industry. However, their shared desire for more meaningful work led them on a transformative journey.

Their path took them to an anti-sex trafficking organization, where they found purpose in providing refuge for vulnerable girls. It was during this time that they embraced a young lady as their own through adoption despite her emotional, physical, and intellectual challenges. This experience ignited their passion for supporting individuals with special needs.

Their faith and a series of serendipitous events led them to Protected Harbor, where they discovered a ministry deeply aligned with their values. Witnessing the residents’ daily routines in a peaceful and nurturing environment, they found a community that not only provided safety but also fostered a profound love for the Lord, resulting in joyful lives.

For Becca and Brett, this journey has been reciprocal. They are learning from the residents, discovering the beauty of slowing down, and appreciating life’s simple pleasures. Outside of work, the couple enjoys traveling, kayaking, and basking in the serenity of the beach.

Becca finds solace in Psalms 121, while Brett draws inspiration from Galatians 5:22-23.

Lois Thomes will emcee the annual Homes with Hearts Luncheon again this year.

For 30 years, the people of Southwest Florida have turned to Lois Thome for their news. A trusted source, Lois anchors WINK News at 5, WINK News at 6, and WINK News at 7.

Lois has garnered many awards for her work including: The Best News Anchor in Southwest Florida, was named a Woman of the Year by Gulfshore Life magazine, and was named an Outstanding Business Partner by the Florida Library Association.

We recently welcomed Tommy as a new addition to our family. His friendly personality and wide smile cannot be ignored. In fact, he has become quite famous around town, thanks to his volunteering at a local Publix Supermarket, where he has a chance to interact with hundreds of people who shop there.

Tommy lives at home with his family and recently began receiving some of Protected Harbor’s services. Amanda is his Direct Support Professional, and he enjoys spending time with her. She engages him in activities such as swimming, watching movies, visiting the library, or getting a haircut.

When not with Amanda, Tommy keeps busy doing daily chores, helping his parents with their business by retrieving the mail, going to the bank, and running errands. He also loves cuddling with his mom, Judy, especially at bedtime and in the morning. Those are special times for them both.

It’s easy to find Tommy acting silly by dancing and singing around the house; he considers this his exercise time! His all-time favorite movie is Grease, and he impersonates the main character well, especially since he has memorized all the words of the songs featured in the film!

Tommy is brimming with energy, fueled by his favorite meal at the local McDonald’s: a cheeseburger, fries, and a large Coke. The meal is usually topped off with cookies or other sweets. One of his dreams is to visit one of the Disney parks and meet all his favorite characters in person.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a time to celebrate the remarkable contributions of individuals with disabilities to the American workforce. It’s a month that highlights the importance of inclusive employment practices and policies that benefit both employers and employees. At Protected Harbor, we’re proud to share an inspiring update on one of our extraordinary individuals, Deb.

Deb, a native Floridian, is a cherished member of our community, bringing her unique personality and life experiences to the group. Her love for Florida’s beauty and climate is undeniable, except during those occasional heavy storms that sweep through the Sunshine State.

Deb’s goal is to achieve greater independence, with the help of Supported Living Services, and live in her own apartment. To prepare for this exciting chapter of her life, Deb decided to seek employment. She was thrilled to accept a position as a Demonstrator at a local warehouse club. In this role, she presents a wide range of products, from popcorn to gummy vitamins, with a friendly demeanor that aims to engage and captivate customers. Her interactions with patrons not only help sell products but also bring her closer to achieving her daily goals.

What truly brings Deb joy is the camaraderie she shares with the other ladies at Protected Harbor’s PH2 residence. Their smiles and laughter fill the air, creating an environment that feels like home. Deb also appreciates the support she receives from our dedicated staff, especially when it comes to managing her budget – a skill she’s working on improving.

When asked about her life, Deb exclaims, “I love my life, and I want to live it to the fullest.” Though she doesn’t have a specific favorite Bible verse, she finds solace and inspiration in reading all the Gospels. As an avid animal lover, she takes pleasure in birdwatching and researching the various bird species she encounters, all while dreaming of future travels and cruises. Deb also enjoys visiting weekly Farmer’s Markets and cherishes the time she spends with her family.

As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let Deb’s story serve as a testament to the power of inclusion, support, and the pursuit of independence. Together, we can continue to create a more inclusive and supportive society for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

Cindy Weiner was introduced to Protected Harbor by her neighbor and friend, Joe Gandolfo, who serves on the Protected Harbor Board. Cindy’s strong background in the media is an excellent fit for the Marketing Committee. She is a valuable addition and has served on the committee for two years.

Before retiring, Cindy ran radio stations nationwide, including Rochester, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and Kansas City. Upon retiring from broadcasting, she joined the Children’s Miracle Network. While there, she assisted in various activities, including fundraising, promotional campaigns, and marketing.

Cindy became most interested in Protected Harbor after attending a camp with some of our clients. There, everyone was excited and fully engaged. She spoke with Pat Kappenman, a Direct Support Professional with Protected Harbor. His love for the clients and the care he and other staff provided inspired her. His enthusiasm when speaking confirmed her belief that this was an organization she wanted to be involved with. Cindy is passionate about Protected Harbor because it is committed to its mission and does an outstanding job filling a community need.

When sharing about Protected Harbor, Cindy stresses the assistance she believes it also provides to families. Everyone at Protected Harbor has a commitment that is intense and deep. One must witness it themself to understand fully. Cindy is excited about the goals for future growth and the ability to assist more individuals and families with special needs.

In her spare time, Cindy likes to golf, travel with her husband, and spend time with her grandkids. Although she does not have a favorite bible verse, she feels she is a spiritual person. “That is one thing I love about Protected Harbor; they accept you as you are.”