July 17, 2024 |

Mary and Paul Rodrigues: Grateful for Peace of Mind

Mary and Paul Rodrigues had successful careers in Northern California, and Mary’s daughter, Angie, had a job and coworkers she loved.

Other supports for Angie, however, were limited, and crime was on the rise in the neighborhood where she worked, so when a friend told them about Black Hills Works, making the move to Rapid City, South Dakota felt right.

Moving in 2019, Mary, Paul, and Angie quickly adapted to living in Rapid City. At that time, Mary supported Angie at home, with employment and day supports through Black Hills Works. Paul took a job at Habitat for Humanity, and then Feeding South Dakota where he served as the organization’s Western Operations Director until his recent retirement.

Grateful for the support Angie was receiving, Mary and Paul quickly became part of the Black Hills Works family. They attend nearly every Black Hills Works event, to include Suzie Cappa Art Center gatherings, the annual Gala, Flutter programs, and legacy planning learning opportunities.

They’ve enjoyed seeing Angie grow in her level of independence. She now lives in an apartment with a roommate and is working to be more independent. She’s keeping her space neat and is learning to cook. One goal is to someday have an apartment of her own, without a roommate.

Preparing for a future when they are no longer around is also foremost on their minds. They recently took a tour of some of Black Hills Works homes, looking at the range of supports offered, from 24/7 staffed group homes with individual apartments to a full care home.

“I know any future move will be based on a number of factors to include level of need and availability, and especially, Angie’s choice,” said Mary. “Still, Paul and I are so heartened to know that Angie will always be supported, as her needs change.”

The Rodrigues’s show their appreciation with annual donations through a tax-free IRA Qualified Minimum Distribution (QMD), and Mary has provided for Black Hills Works in her will, making her part of the organization’s Evergreen Society.

Their giving “why” is easy to figure out: Angie and her peers with disabilities, and a peace of mind Angie’s future.

“What would our community look like without Black Hills Works?,” remarked Paul. “People like Angie would not be involved, families and their loved ones would be isolated, and organizations like Feeding South Dakota would be without valuable volunteer support.”

“I’m truly grateful that Angie has Black Hills Works,” said Mary. “Having supported Angie her entire life, it was admittedly difficult to turn over care to someone else.  The transition was hard, but seeing Angie grow more independent, and knowing her future is secure, is such a blessing.”

Thank you, Mary and Paul, for sharing Angie with us and being part of the Black Hills Work family! You are making an incredible difference in the lives of everyone we support!

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