Applewood Lane - Lebanon ISL

12/20/2025

At nineteen, I was fresh into my role as an intellectual disability support worker. I was supporting a fellow who had a big dream. He had been saving his money bit by bit to go away on a sports vacation. He was a sports enthusiast, just like me, and we were a good pair to head off together for a week of swimming and games.

When we got there, everything felt like a delight. We settled into our little lodge and joined in on the activities. One morning we noticed there was a badminton tournament. We both loved a bit of badminton and thought a doubles tournament would be perfect. As it turned out, there was an odd number of players, so it was switched to singles. I wondered if he would be comfortable playing on his own, but he was keen to give it a go, so we did.

This is the part that stayed with me. Some of the other players arrived with multiple rackets, matching gear, and a level of skill that suggested they played very regularly. As the games went on, I could hear the person I was supporting, being exactly who he was, getting into a few spirited and funny rule debates on the court. At the end of the session, the coach gathered everyone together and gave an award to the person with the most points. Then, to my surprise, he also gave an award to the person I was supporting. He was the only player who had scored points against everyone. Those debated points had clearly paid off. As we were leaving, I overheard someone tell the coach that it was kind of him to include him. The coach replied, “There’s nothing kind about it. He has every right to be here like anyone else.”

And that is the heart of it. Inclusion is not a favor. It is a birthright.

…

ID: Image shows a man playing badminton. Text reads: Is inclusion a right or a favor?

09/12/2024

Good evening my fellow DSPs!! On day 5 of DSP recognition week, I would like to take the time to give tribute to my friends and other DSPs around the world, past, present and future. 🥰

In the Summer of 1979, I was a young teenager working my 1st official summer job as a DSP at a summer camp for the disabled. Of course, we didn't have the distinguished title back then. LOL I didn't have a clue where my life was headed or what kind of work I wanted to do as an adult. As a young teenager, I was still exploring the world. Little did I know how much influence that 1st day of work and the subsequent following years of working those summers would play such a vital role in my life. I didn't PLAN on being a DSP all my life but my HEART chose being a DSP.💓

Thinking back over the past years, I realize that at the same time I began MY 1st official day of work, 45yrs ago, other DSPs around the world were continuing thiers...starting and/or finishing their shifts. Some were on day infinity and burned out. Some were just starting their career paths as DSPs. Some were dreaming of the coming weekend where they could start an autumn vacation.
People around the world were being supported by DSPs. They depended on supports anywhere from waking up for work, ADL, or full supports. They had aspirations of "having a meaningful day" or "making new friends".

Throughout the years, DSPs around the world have continued to serve through countless local and national emergencies and tragedies (9/11, fires, earthquakes, tornados, active shooters, COVID, etc). And DSPs went above and beyond. Everyone at some point, scared for their lives and livelihood, yet DSPs continued to provide support to those who needed it, sometimes RISKING their own lives. While tragedies would bring whole communities to a shocked standstill, DSPs were still doing their thing.

At the beginning of that 1st day of work, I had no idea what a DSP was, but I know there were people stepping up. Because I am in the field continuing the work of those before me. As DSPs we can look at the history of supports, starting with the exodus from institution life and realize this field has come a LONG way.

Since the genesis of DSP work, people have been there come hell or high water. Come plagues or political warfare, DSPs have been there.

DSPs yesterday, today, tomorrow, and two weeks from now.....
You are SEEN. YOU MATTER! 😍👏 Ruth

09/11/2024

Good Afternoon, my fellow DSPs! Here we are, Day 4 of DSP Recognition Week! I have a pretty simple message for everyone today: I see you and I hear you. OUR struggles are real.
We're ALL in this 'playground' together. Some days you might feel like it's 'purgatory' for lack of a better word.🧟 We're expected to carry a candle lit at both ends. On one end, Administrative expectations. Staying current on training requirements, Data Collection, FORMS for everything you can imagine and let's not forget DOCUMENTATION! 🤪🥴 On the other hand, the people we support.....Meds, Hygiene, Meals, Community support, etc barely scratch the surface of the things we are expected to do. Shift hours; sometimes we choose, sometimes we don't. Neverending changes, LOL....We just NEVER seem to be done. But WE DO IT🤩💪👏, sometimes even with a smile on our faces. 😁 But as the old adage goes - It's a tough job. Somebody's gotta do it and YOU ALL ROCK!🦸
I see you. I hear you. Your struggles are my struggles and they are REAL. You're doing a GREAT job! Even when you don't feel like it, NEVER forget that. You are ENOUGH, just as you are. You're not alone. Your voice matters. YOU MATTER! RUTH❣️

09/10/2024

Good afternoon again, my fellow DSPs! Rolling through day 3 of DSP Recognition Week 2024. I was thinking about some of my earlier experiences as a DSP.🤔

I was getting to know the two ladies I supported as a host home provider (eventually for over 20yrs) while out on our 1st grocery shopping expedition. I was quickly learning one of the ladies was not a fan of being told "no" (despite the dr. orders) based on her loud aggressive reaction. 😲 Being new to the experience where reasoning was obviously NOT working and uncomfortable with everyone staring wide-eyed at her spectacular display of emotion, I began to see the humor in my predicament (an infant in one arm and an individual who could not see on the other arm and an unskilled DSP. 🙂‍↔️😄) and began laughing at myself and my lack of knowledge. (What else is a person to do 🤷?) For whatever reason it worked and she got up off the floor stating "Oh, Heck!", with a disgusted tone of voice and to my amazement, we got through the rest of the shopping experience (with minimal outbursts) by using laughter and being silly to redirect away from the "no" items. Therefore we avoided injuries to herself as well as others. We turned that into a routine of sorts, for a while, so we both had something to make us comfortable during an uncomfortable part of daily living. It wasn't about having a dignified, orderly, quick, checklist approach while shopping or even worse, scheduling shopping time without her for convenience or sparing my own discomfort, it was about having compassion for someone who ate sweet snacks and candy for 60yrs of her life and did not understand why she was being told "no". As a DSP, I had to learn how to support her and teach her coping skills. Laughter and being silly gave her something else to focus on besides the pain of losing her comfort food. And later, we developed skills on learning how to make substitutions and offer better choices so that her shopping experiences were not dreaded or horrible. It's amazing how patience, compassion, persistence, fun and laughter can turn many of these situations around. 😁🤣😂

So what am I getting at? I think it's pretty amazing how we can have a job, some of us even a CAREER, where we are encouraging people to find out ways they can adapt and overcome life's curveballs so they too can have a purposeful and meaningful life. We get to watch them grow and blossom as we encourage people to learn new life skills, teach them how to adapt and support them in finding out things they enjoy. Music, hobbies, jobs, advocacy, favorite and least favorite foods, cooking, self care, interdependence, belonging to a community, etc. And that's the tip of the iceberg. They PAY us for that. This isn't for everyone of course, but it could be. Never forget that we don't have to be a "hero," we just have to be HUMAN. We are the best role models when we are being ourselves. We're teaching self confidence and comfort. Even if being ourselves is laughing and being a little "weird" or silly.

So I am telling you today, you are not alone in your experiences. You ARE doing great things, no matter how big or small they feel. You are MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Your feelings are valid. Your opinion matters. YOU MATTER! 🥰🥳🙂‍↕️❣️

Thank You for ALL that you do! RUTH

12/16/2021

10/07/2021

The new skate park is now open to the public!!!We still have some clean up to do around the area but the park is ready to be played on.

10/07/2021

Each year the Lebanon Fire Department conducts life safety inspections on all commercial properties in the City. These inspections check for blocked exits, extension cords being used improperly, missing or damaged fire extinguishers, and electrical hazards, among other life safety issues.

Practicing the same type on inspection at your home can reduce the chance of a fire breaking out and possibly save your life.

Here are some tips for a safe fall and winter season:

💥 Make sure all doorways are kept clear. It is not uncommon to find doors blocked by things we have “put away or in storage."

💥 Inspect windows to make sure they open easily and that everyone in the home knows how to open them. The Department has found windows painted and even nailed shut.

💥 Keep cardboard, plastic items, clothing, and other flammable items away from heat sources such as your gas furnace and water heaters, and fireplace.

💥 Have a charged fire extinguisher on every level of your home and teach adults in the home how to properly use them.

💥 Replace missing or damaged outlet covers. Children can be very curious and touch exposed wiring.

💥 Do not use extension cords for a permanent power source. They are intended for temporary use only.

💥 Ensure your address can be seen from the road. Use 4” or taller numbers on your home and make sure they do not blend into the color of the exterior.

Remember – Smoke Alarms Save Lives:
Smoke alarms detect and alert people to a fire in the early stages. Smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death in a fire.

💥 Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half.

💥 Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.

💥 Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

💥 Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

For free smoke or CO alarms within the City of Lebanon, contact the Lebanon Fire Department at 417-532-2104 to schedule an appointment. While supplies last, members of the Department will install these detectors in your home at no cost to you.

10/02/2021

JOB OPENINGS-DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
APPLEWOOD LANE - LEBANON ISL’S and GROUP HOME
We are seeking motivated and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSP) who want to make a difference in people’s lives. This role is essential to provide day-to-day support to individuals with intellectual disabilities in a group home setting and/or ISL (Individual Supported Living). Our goal is to see that each individual has the support necessary to find joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.
YOUR ROLE WITH APPLEWOOD:
• As a DSP you will assist, instruct, and increase independence in everyday living skills which include, household chores, meal preparation, recreational activities,
learning activities, physical fitness activities, individual’s chosen inclusionary and community activities, money management, and self-control.
• Provide an opportunity for growth by working on their individual goals and plans (ISP’s) and collect data.
• Provide supports and transportation to medical appointments, recreational activities, and church and/or community events
• Monitor individuals for changes in general health, appearance, behavior and patterns of activities, and notify team leaders and medical professionals of any changes.
• Support individuals with ADL’s (personal care and hygiene tasks)
• Recognize and respond to all emergencies, implement existing protocols and emergency procedures as needed including but not limited to COVID-19, behavioral, fire, natural disasters, evacuation, and medical.
• You may also work with individuals on improving communication, socialization, and fine-and-gross motor skills, and give guidance on building meaningful relationships.
• Enter data as needed in our electronic records system
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
• Have good time management skills and dependable
• Good writing & communication skills,
• Basic computer and organizational skills
• Bring creative new ideas to enhance the individuals learning
• Someone who can think outside the box
• A passion and dedication to help others
• A desire to gain experience in the field and eagerness to learn
• Flexible and adaptable
• High school diploma or GED (or in process of obtaining)
• Valid driver’s license with safe driving record
• Reliable transportation and current auto insurance
• And 18 yrs or older Employment is conditional upon the receipt of appropriate background checks. Upon offer of employment, you must grant permission for Applewood to verify accuracy, legitimacy, and results in regards to the following conditions of employment:
• BACKGROUND CHECK that includes criminal history and abuse / neglect
• Motor vehicle DRIVING RECORD check
• EDUCATION CERTIFICATION verification (if applicable)
• Medication Certification and CPR training provided
Applewood offers our team members on-going training and development to empower and optimize their strengths through training to ensure they are equipped and feel competent to serve our people. Excellent benefits after 1 year full-time employment including Paid time off and sick time Starting Wage $10.30/Hour plus mileage for client transportation
Flexible shifts and multiple full-time and part-time openings. Must be able to work weekends.
INTERESTED APPLICANTS CAN:
PICK UP AN APPLICATION AT
APPLEWOOD GROUP HOME
18811 HWY 32
LEBANON, MO 66536
or Call 417-650-5712 Ruth - ISL's
or 417-532-2774 Patricia - Group Home

10/02/2021

Experts believe that for every case of adult abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported. If you suspect abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of the elderly, go to health.mo.gov/abuse to make a report online 24/7, or call the Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline toll-free 1.800.392.0210 7am-8pm.

10/02/2021

Hallmark is putting autism front and center in its signature holiday movie lineup with a film starring an actor on the spectrum and an actress with well-known ties to the autism community.

10/02/2021

Share Memories and Support the Family.

10/02/2021

JOB OPENINGS-DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
APPLEWOOD LANE - LEBANON ISL’S
We are seeking motivated and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSP) who want to make a difference in people’s lives. This role is essential to provide day-to-day support to individuals with intellectual disabilities in a group home setting and/or ISL (Individual Supported Living). Our goal is to see that each individual has the support necessary to find joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.
YOUR ROLE WITH APPLEWOOD:
• As a DSP you will assist, instruct, and increase independence in everyday living skills which include, household chores, meal preparation, recreational activities,
learning activities, physical fitness activities, individual’s chosen inclusionary and community activities, money management, and self-control.
• Provide an opportunity for growth by working on their individual goals and plans (ISP’s) and collect data.
• Provide supports and transportation to medical appointments, recreational activities, and church and/or community events
• Monitor individuals for changes in general health, appearance, behavior and patterns of activities, and notify team leaders and medical professionals of any changes.
• Support individuals with ADL’s as needed (personal care and hygiene tasks)
• Recognize and respond to all emergencies, implement existing protocols and emergency procedures as needed including but not limited to COVID-19, behavioral, fire, natural disasters, evacuation, and medical.
• You may also work with individuals on improving communication, socialization, and fine-and-gross motor skills, and give guidance on building meaningful relationships.
• Enter data as needed in our electronic records system
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO:
• Have good time management skills and dependable
• Good writing & communication skills,
• Basic computer and organizational skills
• Bring creative new ideas to enhance the individuals learning
• Can think outside the box
• Have a passion and dedication to help others
• Have a desire to gain experience in the field and eagerness to learn
• Are flexible and adaptable
• Have a High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license with safe driving record
• Has reliable transportation and current auto insurance
• And 18 yrs or older Employment is conditional upon the receipt of appropriate background checks. Upon offer of employment, you must grant permission for Applewood to verify accuracy, legitimacy, and results in regards to the following conditions of employment:
• BACKGROUND CHECK that includes criminal history and abuse / neglect
• Motor vehicle DRIVING RECORD check
• EDUCATION CERTIFICATION verification (if applicable)
• Medication Certification, CPR and other DSP training provided
Applewood offers our team members on-going training and development to empower and optimize their strengths through training to ensure they are equipped and feel competent to serve our people. Excellent benefits after 1 year full-time employment including Paid time off and sick time Starting Wage $10.30/Hour plus mileage for client transportation
Flexible shifts and multiple full-time and part-time openings. Must be able to work evenings and weekends.
INTERESTED APPLICANTS CAN:
PICK UP AN APPLICATION AT
APPLEWOOD GROUP HOME
18811 HWY 32
LEBANON, MO 66536
Or call 650-5712 Ruth