Mosaic invites area residents to “Open your heart. Open your home” through Mosaic at Home program

For over 100 years, Mosaic has supported people with disabilities and other challenges to live a full life at home and in their communities. Mosaic is a whole-person healthcare organization reaching across 10 states and providing support to more than 3,700 people.

Mosaic has had a footprint in Allamakee and Winneshiek counties for 34 years. In 1986, Martin Luther Homes was established in Waukon supporting eight people. In 2003, Martin Luther Homes and Bethpage, both of which were dedicated to supporting those with disabilities, merged their Lutheran-based organizations; renaming themselves: Mosaic.

Today, Mosaic in Northern Iowa manages over 200 employees and approximately 40 independent contractors providing support to 130 people across northeast and north central Iowa.  Mosaic’s services in northeast Iowa currently employ more than 50 people and 11 independent contractors who provide support to 36 individuals through traditional group homes and the organization’s Mosaic at Home program.

The Mosaic at Home program is a unique service model that promotes whole-person service in a natural family living environment. The Mosaic at Home service, often referred to as host homes, utilizes independent contractors as caregivers to provide individualized services and support in their own home.  While sharing their home, the Mosaic at Home caregiver integrates the person supported into the life of the household and the greater community. Support is designed around the specific needs and desires of each person.

The success of Mosaic at Home lies in the matching process. The matching of the caregiver and person supported is based on the interests, values, lifestyle and personality of the caregiver and the person supported. A variety of criteria is applied to find the best match, resulting in long-term placements.

Mosaic independent contractors represent a variety of demographics. Some are past employees of Mosaic or other service providers, some have had personal experience with people with disabilities, others are new to this work but are looking to be self-employed while making a positive difference in their community.  The common quality is they have all answered their own call to serve others and open their home.

For those who have a desire to serve others and make a life-long connection, while sharing their home with someone with a disability, Mosaic extends an invitation to attend one of its “Mosaic at Home” informational meetings.

To learn more about the program and how to make a difference in the lives of people within the local community, contact Sammi Scholtes, Community Relations Manager for Mosaic in Northern Iowa at samantha.scholtes@mosaicinfo.org or 563-568-3992, ext. 61407.