This one’s not about art, but it’s a big deal in the Schlueter household. Here we see the envelope containing Alex’s second paycheck from his new job. A couple/three times a week, Alex and a couple of other special needs folks do cleanup work at a local car dealer. It was set up through our friends at Plains Area Mental Health and their relationship with a local company that does lawn and cleaning work. It took a while to find the right job, but this is perfect for him — detailed and repeatable work; in a quiet setting during non-office hours; and a great job coach, with low-key fellow workers on his little — and socially distant — team.

The amount of the paycheck is about the same amount as what we pay for his food at his favorite fast-food joints, but it’s about so much more than that…he looks forward to going, he loves accomplishing things and we love keeping him as active as we can with the outside world given the pandemic world. Thanks again to the wonderful people and organizations who help our special family members — they are angels in our world….