10 Things About Don Parent and St Madeleine Sophie’s Center

Empowerment for Life… Through Innovation & Education

St Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC) has always been there to help its students work through the daily challenges of finding fulfillment and happiness, and battle obstacles such as prejudice, discrimination and society’s misconceptions. SMSC is a leader in educating the public about the realities of developmental disabilities which know no social boundaries and touches every level of society. Because there is no cure for developmental disabilities, the developmentally disabled require special supports through all stages of life, from infant to senior citizen. SMSC’s programs provide work training and social experiences that encourage students to become well-rounded, contributing members of the greater community. In December, Former Board Member, Don Parents chaired SMSC’s Consumer Appreciation Celebration – a day to honor and rejoice in the talents and accomplishments of their students, sometimes known as consumers.

10 Things About Don Parent and St Madeleine Sophie’s Center

#1. I grew up and lived in San Diego my entire life with an exception of a few years in Oregon.

#2. Patience is a quality that I think everyone should have. It’s very important to have the ability to tolerate delay.

#3. I’ve learned a lot about Yellowstone National Park through TV programs and my sister that works there. It’s a beautiful part of the country that I hope to visit.

#4. At the top of my bucket list is to see my grandchildren in Pennsylvania. I plan on seeing them again sometime in the next year.

#5. One of my favorite quotes is by W.H. Auden: “Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh.”

#6. I enjoy singing Elvis songs. I can remember as a kid playing Elvis albums on the record player and singing his Christmas songs.

#7. I tend to stop and look around me and appreciate the people around me. I appreciate the things I have.

#8. Gene, my friend Ginger’s son, has thrived because of his time spent at St. Mads.

#9. Besides the obvious stuff, the beautiful grounds and campus at SMSC are uplifting, bright and vibrant. SMSC is so far from what one would think for a school for developmentally disabled. If you want to feel good about something, put yourself in a beautiful surrounding. That’s the first step.

#10. The SMSC Golf Tournament “Swing with Santa” raised funds for the annual Consumer Appreciation Day. I am on the committee and participate in the tournament each year. The celebration takes place on campus and the highlights include musical entertainment, dance performances, a bake sale, ugly sweater contest and a visit from Santa Claus.

St Madeleine Sophie’s Center
www.stmsc.org