I started Aspen Adult Services to say YES more. I started Aspen because I had a vision of what social work was supposed to look like; that it was supposed to be run hands-on, by people who knew and loved the work and that the closer the cornerstone is to the bottom of the pyramid, the stronger the structure. My vision was to provide the best lives for our disabled neighbors AND the people who serve them! I wanted to strive for excellence for EVERYONE in our community.
I had lofty goals for my last endeavor but that dream never materialized and it took a large toll on my mental and physical health. I left as a 250-pound person who did not know how to love himself or other people the way we all deserve. I found comfort in food and screens and I slowly started to lose my edge.
I had a conversation with my mom and she reminded me that sometimes, when we are at our lowest point, all that’s left is to help others. She reminded me of all my neighbors who truly needed some love and caring.
As I struggled through that low time in my life, I remembered the joy I got when I was able to be the light in someone’s day. I started looking at opportunities around Helena and someone mentioned that the Tri-County Wolves Special Olympics’ team needed coaches. I was able to get my paperwork in and start coaching within two weeks.
I immediately fell in love with the disabled community. The admin team for the Wolves let me come and fill in the gaps and just be myself for a while. I coached track and field, bocce ball, golf and swimming, and I found myself doing whatever I could to be around my new friends. As the Spring season drew to a close, I was made aware of the need for more support staff at Helena Industries. I went over and met my dear friend, Ona, and she made me write a little essay on why I would be a good fit. I don’t remember what I wrote in those pages, but she gave me a shot and the rest is history.
When I think about our mission I often think about one of the largest, single-living organisms on Earth. The Pando Quaking Aspen Grove in Utah is a clonal grove of Aspen trees that share a single genetic heritage. It’s one tree, a single organism with a thousand offshoots. That is why I named us Aspen Adult Services. We are all one. One effort and one vision of loving kindness and service.
We are so excited about the future of Aspen, as we continue to grow from a single tree into a grove of our own. I’m asking you to make the journey with us; a journey to make our community the best it can be, a place where we all can put down roots and feel like we’re at home. We look forward to growing with you!
-Charlie McKay -