Homecare Suppliers 2012

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It is good for us to occasionally take a step back and look at not only what we have accomplished since our beginnings but also to look at what is working, what is not and how we can improve. The New Year is a perfect time for this self-assessment.

Homecare Suppliers began as simply a stairlift company. We sold one stairlift in the beginning, the Summit SL350. There was a huge need for qualified dealers and installers at that time. The market was not saturated with internet dealers and there weren’t 14 different dealers in our area. Simply put, there was a need and demand. We stepped into the gap in our area as well as online. It was our online presence that set us apart. There were not very many dealers selling these units via the internet. Our sales were amazing those first years.

Then two things happened, the economy took a hit and the market became saturated with stairlift dealers. Thankfully, we had diversified. We had increased our stairlift product line, we began selling various other mobility products including ramps, lifting devices and daily living products.

During the next couple of years the economy also boomed with senior living products and CAP (Certified Aging in Place) remodelers and builders. The baby boomers caused a boom in the senior market. With the influx of retailers, including big box stores carrying aging in place items, smaller mobility companies felt the most changes. Amazon and large online dealers added to the crunch by offering some of our products at discount pricing that was so low many of us were unable to compete.

So, what then set Homecare Suppliers apart? These things alone: Customer Service and the willingness to go the extra mile. We aren’t tooting our own horn here. That is truly what has allowed us to stay in the game. We have always been a family run organization. We have always focused upon our customers and their needs, not the bottom line. We committed to being a supplier of stairlifts and home care supplies because there was and is a huge need.

The people that call us are in need, often a far greater need then just getting a simple product. They are in transition. They or someone they know are suddenly facing mobility challenges. These challenges come with many questions, more than just the price of the unit. It is there that I believe Homecare Suppliers stands apart from the big box stores, the massive internet distributors and the fly-by-night dealers that pop up overnight and then slip away when they see how competitive the market is.

We have ate, slept and lived stairlifts and mobility products. When we began our company we came from diverse backgrounds. One of us had years of experience in human resources and customer service. Another of us was a trained law enforcement officer with an inherent desire to serve and protect. Another of us was an experienced IT person with vast experience in internet marketing and web promotions. We came with qualified consultants and contractors that knew all the ins and outs of the industry. We each stepped into our rolls with a hope of making a difference.

Looking back over the last seven years, I know that we have.

So looking forward into the fullness of 2012, our eyes continue to be on standing apart from our competitors. We will never be a huge conglomerate that carries every item needed for those facing mobility challenges. Our goal was never to be a big box store. So, with eyes focused straight ahead we will continue down the path that is before us – making it possible for those with mobility challenges to live life unlimited!!

Healing For The Holidays

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Featured Guest Writer – Judy Keisling.

This year will be the 8th Christmas that I have been alone. Well, not really alone, as I have many friends and a wonderful supporting family in my life. But I will be alone in the sense that my husband is no longer with me – he passed away in 2004 after we had been married 46 years. How do you deal with that?

I had read that Christmas is the most likely time of year that people experience depression due to many causes, primarily losses and loneliness. Being a “glass half full” person for whom Christmas was the most joyful time of the year, it never occurred to me that the first Christmas after my husband’s death would be a difficult time. But as the holidays approached, seeing the lights, hearing old familiar Christmas carols, and experiencing the unique smells of cinnamon and pine brought back memories of Christmas past. And oh yes, the poinsettias – he always bought them for me every year.

So that first Christmas I just couldn’t get going. I didn’t care if my house was decorated, shopping for gifts was burdensome, I wouldn’t listen to Christmas music – it was as if I thought that the memories of Christmas’ past would be too much to bear. But being who I am, I put on a “happy” face when with my family and friends. They had not a clue to what I was feeling. After all, things would never be the same again.
And I was right – things are not the same, nor will they ever be again. But, they are different in a wonderful way.

As I sat in my living room a couple of weeks before that first Christmas day feeling sorry for myself, I suddenly realized that (trite as it may sound) this day was the first day of the rest of my life. He was gone but I was here and would be until that day when God called me home. I had a choice to make – I could sit and be miserable for the rest of my life, or I could make the most of my “new” life. It was up to me which path to follow.

I challenged myself to be a more positive person, to become someone I liked because I certainly didn’t like myself very much at that point. I got going. I decorated my house, turned on Christmas songs on the radio, baked cookies, wrapped gifts with zeal and, and hard as it was to do, even bought myself a poinsettia. Wow ! Changing the atmosphere in my home made such a difference to my mental state. I felt like the “old” me for the first time in months.

The next step was a little more challenging. I decided I needed to do something positive in my new life – something that would give me purpose. Because my husband was ill for several years before his death, much of my time had been spent with him and my activities outside the home were practically nonexistent. My church seemed like a good place to start. I went up to people I didn’t know and introduced myself – it was hard for me to do this, but I did it. I became involved in several activities and ministries at my church, looking for ways to share the talents that God had given me. And yes, we all have talents, whether it be cooking, sewing, writing, being a good listener, or something else that you like to do. You just need to let others know what you can and want to do – they will be thrilled to have a new volunteer.

Now, 8 Christmas’ later, I have a wonderful life; I feel fulfilled. I have a purpose. I’ve learned that by helping others, you help yourself. If you are suffering from depression because of a loss or loneliness, I encourage you to take a page from my book – get involved and give your life a purpose. Yes, sometimes it’s hard, but the rewards will positively change your life.

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If you know someone that is suffering from depression or who is having difficulty with the holidays or transitions in their life due to loss, Homecare Supplier’s encourages you to share not only this article but the following links with them.

National Mental Health Americahttp://www.nmha.org/go/help
Guide To Coping with Grief & Losshttp://helpguide.org/mental/grief_loss.htm
Mayo Clinic – Stress, Depression & The Holidays - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030

Supporting Our Disabled Law Enforcement

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In 2010 there were over 705,009 active Police Officers in the United States. According to the FBI, last year 56 officer were killed in the line of duty, 72 were accidently killed while on duty, and over 53,469 were reported assaulted while performing their job. Of those assaulted, 26%, approximately 13,000 sustained injuries (FBI). While many of those injured were able to return to their normal lives of active duty defending our communities, some could not and their lives were forever changed.

Out of these devastating facts, an amazing non-profit was born, Hunting For Heroes. The founders, Chris Allen and Chuck Bowles, were police officers in St. Louis, Missouri. They were also avid hunters. While working on a hunting television show with a law enforcement and police angle, they began to research organizations that were taking care of disabled law enforcement officers. Unfortunately, what they discovered was there was not a single organization that was providing services specifically to the disabled law enforcement community. They put their television show on hold and instead turned their attention to meeting the need and founded Hunting for Heroes.

Their mission statement is to provide resources, such as recreational therapy and counseling, to disabled law enforcement officers who were injured in the line of duty. Hunting for Heroes provides a hunting camp environment where disabled officers and their families can connect with other families that have suffered life-altering injuries.

Hunting For Heroes has grown exponentially in the last year. According to Chris Allen, “We have had participation from Missouri, Iowa, West Virginia and interest from 10 other states. We even have people contacting us to find out how to have chapters in their home state.” In the last year, Hunting For Heroes has hosted two events and had over 15 nominations for heroes.

As the heroes are selected, they and their families are provided with an all expenses paid trip to a hunting and game farm in California, Missouri. This includes their airfare, hunting licenses, food and lodging. The facility chosen is handicap accessible and has fishing, hunting and a children’s area – something for the entire family.

Hunting For Heroes has truly taken a stand to make a difference and help those protecting us here in the United States to live LIFE unlimited. There are some awesome ways that you can help them. They are definitely in need of financial donations. They also accept product donations that can be raffled off at fundraising events. There are many volunteer opportunities as well. Help us spread the word. You can contact Chris Allen at Hunting For Heroes
8426 Clint Drive, Suite 353,
Belton, MO 64012
E-mail: contactus@huntingforheroes.org
Telephone: 816-812-7991

To find out more about upcoming events, visit their website at http://www.huntingforheroes.com

Affecting Change Through Volunteering

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I recently read an article about two high school friends: Mack Bawden and Cameron Judd. Cameron was born with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects muscle control. His case is severe. He cannot walk, talk or use his hands for complex tasks. Cameron’s mind is unaffected. The article was the ideal example of “Living Life Unlimited.” Mack pushes Cameron in his wheelchair during their track and cross country meets. The article demonstrates how we can all make a difference. We can be an example for others; we can be an inspiration; we can be the tool that is used to take away the limitations in a person’s life.

Once I had read the article, I ripped it out and put it in a drawer. I felt the desire to write about it and share it with others, but it took my daughter to inspire me to actually do something more.

All summer, my eleven year old daughter talked about volunteering with the Special Olympics, a global organization serving people with intellectual disabilities. She had heard about it from a family friend who is a coordinator in our area. I figured that my daughter would change her mind when school and sports started. However, she did not. She reminded me every week she would be volunteering once school began. This past Tuesday was her first day volunteering. She is partnered with another 11 year old and they have begun bowling for two hours once a week. The entire drive home, she told me about it. Her excitement made me excited and proud.

Through Homecare Suppliers, we have, directly and indirectly, helped many different types of people: seniors, boomers, disabled, those that are dying, as well as caregivers. Over the last few years, I have felt the desire to do more. But, I did not want to take away from what I do at our company. We have helped with some wonderful organizations: MS, MDA, Cancer Society, Stroke Foundation, Area of Aging, and specific individuals. We have participated in events and donated. As I listened to my 11 year old daughter, I realized that her joy was not from helping the cause. It was from being a part of it. She had established a real connection. She was making a difference. This was a committment on her part, a long term committment. She is building her future around this.

Writing a check or attending an event is important. It keeps these organizations running. I have the luxury, at this point, to just step in and out of these organizations. The people living day in and day out with a disability don’t have that option. This is their future in many cases. Shouldn’t I be an example to my daughter? Shouldn’t I become faithful to helping more everyday? So, I searched for a group with whom to connect. I have filled out my volunteer form. I am just waiting to see how they want to use me.

If you are reading this, maybe you can help someone or some entity become limitless. If you already have a person or organization with whom you are linked, try to share your joy with others. Shine a light on it.

Mack began running with Cameron for Cameron. Yet in the end, the entire team began to participate with these races. Mack touched Cameron, and Cameron touched a community.

Reach out and make a personal connection. May you feel the joy and cast that light to others.

Below are several National Organizations that need volunteers:

Special Olympics

Disability Coalition of Missouri
Google: Disability Coalition for your state

MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association)
MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
American Cancer Society
American Stroke Foundation
DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
Volunteer Match

Joplin – After The Storm

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We have seen the miracles of community throughout our time serving those with disabilities, mobility issues as well as helping with the care of aging seniors. Therefore, we generally are not surprised when people come to the aid of others. However, we as a company and a community are in awe of what is happening in Joplin after the worst tornado in recorded history.

Homecare Suppliers has joined together with several businesses, churches and individuals to make a difference in the lives of those affected by this storm. This was not birthed out of one heart but out of MANY with a greater love to serve, share and make a difference in the lives of all those impacted.

The lists keeps growing daily of all those that are participating in the relief efforts for Joplin. Far and wide people are joining together to help. Here is just a glimpse of those that are making a difference. If you’d like to help, we encourage you to check out our resource list to find a way to make a difference. Some of these organizations are local – some are not.

Clothing Drive For Joplin Resident’s Facebook Page. The clothing that is collected through this community wide effort will be going to College Heights Christian Church in Joplin for distribution. The other supplies collected will be distributed to the organizations and churches that have need at the time of delivery – so we can ensure that the supplies and donated goods reach those in need in Joplin. This is predominantly for those in the Lee’s Summit, Liberty and Kansas City metropolitan area.

Lee’s Summit Drop Sites
o New Longview Apartments Office
460 SW Longview Road , Lee’s Summit, MO

o Allee & Co, CPA, LLC
1308 NE Windsor, Lee’s Summit, MO

o Jake’s Summit (In the new shopping addition by Macy’s)
880 NW Blue Parkway #H, Lee’s Summit, MO

o Homecare Suppliers/Pam Billings
Call For Directions or pick-up of bulk items – 816-525-2205

Blue Springs Drop Site
o UMB Bank (Near Woods Chapel Road and I-70)
3500 NW South Outer Rd, Blue Springs, MO

Liberty Drop Site
o St. James Catholic Church – In the orange buckets in Lobby
309 S. Stewart Road, Liberty, MO

o Suzanne Keisling
Call for Directions or pick-up of bulk items – 816-801-9040

Pick Up Locations in Kansas City area – contact Pam Billings at Homecare Suppliers 816-525-2205
Donation Bins – If you need a drop bin in your business – please contact Pam Billings as well.

Best Resource for Up-to-Date Details on Joplin
There is an awesome page on Facebook that is giving constant details with many resources and ways to aid those in Joplin. It is Joplin Tornado Recoveryhttps://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151158224954447&ref=ts#!/joplinmo?sk=notes. This also has a resource database in their notes section for EVERY state that has some sort of effort going to help Joplin after the storm!

Financial Donations
If you would like to aid in the efforts monetarily, there is of course many awesome organizations. Convoy of Hope, Heart To Heart, Samaritan’s Purse and the American Red Cross are all accepting financial donations and have people on the ground to aid in the recovery. We do caution you to make sure that you only partner with reputable organizations when giving a financial donation.

Churches and Organizations
These are some great churches and organizations that have distribution centers and men/women actively serving right now. If you feel led to go to Joplin – contact these organizations to see how you can help them. Here are just a few of the ones that we have heard have need.

o Forest Park Baptist Church c/o Joplin Tornado Victims
730 S Range Line Rd • Joplin, MO 64801
(417) 623-4606

o Solace 1601 S Main
Joplin, Mo. 64804
They are working with the Salvation Army and Soul’s Harbor Mission.

o The Bridge3405 S. Hammons Blvd
Joplin, MO 64804
(417)206.6886

o Crazy Debbie’s Fireworks 3733 North Main Street
Joplin, MO 64801

o New Creation Church1831 S. Connor Ave
Joplin, MO 64801
** Lunch: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM daily for victims and work crews.
Dinner: 5:00 PM till food is gone.
Distribution Center for bottled water, diapers, household supplies, dry goods, etc.
Work crews to help clear and clean neighborhood debris. PLEASE CALL IF YOU ARE INTHE NEIGHBORHOOD AND NEED A CLEAN UP CREW.
Pastor: Cliff Mansley
Center Manager: Joseph Hobbs
Contact: 417-782-8200

o College Heights Christian Church (this is who we are partnering with for our clothing distribution)
c/o Joplin Tornado Victims
4311 Newman Rd • Joplin • MO
(417) 624-6915
They are sending out people everyday to clean up neighborhoods. You just show up and they will dispatch you. Be ready to work!

The storm came and brought with it shock, turmoil and devestation. But, now, after the storm, is when we see community, grace, mercy, love and compassion – all of which sets us apart! Here is to Joplin - living life unlimited!