News

Can you really change people’s behavior without punishment? The answer is “absolutely, yes!”

Unfortunately, people often think they are supposed to address undesirable behavior with punishment or unpleasant consequences. The good news is that you do not need to do this.

By Rev. Jim Fruehling, Ph.D.

These are familiar words, words that we read in all three of the Synoptic Gospels, each instance occurring immediately after Jesus teaches the disciples that He, the Son of Man, must suffer many things:

“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34, NRSV).

It all sounds so familiar, but what does self-denial look like, for us?

For many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Medicaid becomes the primary funder of their care at some point in their life. Sometimes this happens when they are transitioning out of high school, other times it happens when a parent or other guardian is no longer able to provide the bulk of their care.

Part of caring for our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities includes making sure all of their needs are met—not just their spiritual needs.

Within our efforts to serve, we talk of direct support professionals (DSPs) as the “heart of Mosaic.” As the people who provide direct care in the lives of the people we support, they bring our mission of service and advocacy to life. 

Day after day, they are consistent companions with those living with disabilities. They serve many needs. They listen, offer friendship, nurture community, instruct and guide. They often help with a person’s most intimate necessities. They give of themselves so that others might have a better, fuller life.