Give & Take - 2004
JOLIET- Einstein had it right when he said, "It is every man's obligation to put back into
the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it."
Many people selfishly take what they need, but most people in today's society overlook giving back. Some of the people working at Trinity Services exemplify Einstein's thinking and are a great example
of giving back. It started more than fifty years ago when what was then Trinity School first opened its doors to people with developmental disabilities and continues today through the generosity of its staff.
Especially moving is the story of Christina Carlin and her family. Chrissy was diagnosed with a developmental disability at an early age and came to Trinity in 1990. During her time at Trinity, many
staff members had the privilege of knowing Chrissy.
"She made you appreciate the simple things in life," said Sally Ritchey, director of the Trinity Living Centers. "Chrissy loved activities like taking a car ride to McDonald's or going to the park,
just as long as someone was spending time with her," continued Ritchey.
Chrissy also enjoyed playing games with staff members. She would jingle keys or spoons to hear the noise and then toss them to the staff member. Her face would light up with joy when you interacted with her, said
Tamara Chaffin, a Trinity staff member.
After years in the care of Trinity, Chrissy's degenerative heart condition worsened, causing her to be admitted to the hospital with heart failure. She endured the hospital stay, but her parents took her home
after she was released into hospice care. This did not stop the support from the people at Trinity. While at home, many Trinity employees would still come to visit Chrissy and her family. "She was so self-determined
that you wanted to be by her because it gave you more strength," said Toni Lloyd, a Trinity staff member who visited Chrissy often.
"You couldn't stay away from Chrissy and her contagious smile," said Terri Plachy, one of Trinity's nurses.
The staff members who visited Chrissy were not required to do so since she was unable to continue in any Trinity programs when she moved back home.
Trinity staff members went to visit with Chrissy before and after their shifts while she was in hospice care for six months. They would spend at least three days a week with her for five to six hours at a time.
"We all enjoyed going to see Chrissy and her family, it was like visiting friends," said Manoj Purohit, a Trinity staff member.
This extra time and effort spent with Chrissy did not go unnoticed. "So many people have been good to us, especially the staff at Trinity Services," said Jean Carlin, Chrissy?s mother.
The visitations not only helped Chrissy, but they also lessened the burden on her parents, said Ritchy. The respite visits to her home also provided Chrissy?s parents with the moral support and much needed
time to complete their daily activities.
Sadly, Chrissy passed away last year at the age of 33, but Trinity employees continue to keep in close contact with her parents. Darlene Purler, a staff member who worked closely with her said, "Chrissy and
her family will always be a part of the Trinity family".