EMILY'S SHANHAN'S ACHIEVEMENT COUNCIL
Inception of Emily's Achievement Council: March 3, 2007
EAC GOVERNING SCRIPTURES
Proverbs 15:22 NIV
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Matthew 6:33 NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 18:20 ESV
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
Job 16:19
Even now my witness is in heaven, my advocate on high.
Margaret Mead said:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
EAC MISSION STATEMENT
Our goal for Emily's Achievement Council is to meet once a year and address any changes to our Road Map developed from our Letter of Intent. We will develop goals for the next 6 months, 1 year and 5 years for Emily's future. Emily's Achievement Council exists so that Emily can continue to reach her goals, achieve her dreams and roll through adversity with JOY during periods of transition and adverse times this side of Heaven. Please read the "Road Map" Topics below.
Expectations of the EAC: Enjoy together the adventure God has our family on this side of Heaven. EmShan adventures are communicated by emails, sent out by the Shanahan family seeking prayer, asking for counsel and celebrating answers to prayer! Prayer is our number one priority and resource! We are not seeking a fix or monies; only God via prayer. Little is BIG; yet so very powerful. In Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV reads: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts".
As we , The Shanahan's, share our lives with the members of Emily's Achievement Council, members become familiar with typical day in Emily's life and how Emily rolls through adversity for His Glory. We stay connected to meaningful relationships verses feeling set apart and lonely.
In case something would happen to her parents, Tom and Barb, Emily's daily life would continue to move forward with excellence in our absence. Grief would not overwhelm Emily, since we had planned for a moment such as this.
Emily's quality of daily living will be enhanced as a result of the dedication of the EAC . As parents, we can be "too close" to her life and lack sound judgment.
West Carrollton School District taught us the importance of team meetings, long range planning and goal setting for Emily's bright future as an adult pursing her education, a career and living independently.
A long term goal for the EAC is to serve as a model and provide a "Road Map" for other “differently-enabled” families living with long term needs in these complicated times.
Emily turned 18 in August of 2006 and more governmental agencies have been put in place for Emily's benefit. These agencies (though important) do not address her personal needs like access to relationships (Family, Friends and Church), spiritual growth, emotional health, recreation, financial planning, pursuit of her dreams, management of her healthcare needs, private transportation, education, and career goals.
God has given us the Emily Achievement Council concept as a means of something sound, big and very foundational for Emily's exciting future. Life is relationships! Communication and Fellowship is so vital to us all. Our hope is that as you spend time with our family, your family will be blessed in the process for His Glory! John 9:1-3
"Proactive Is Attractive" by Barb Shanahan
Road Map Topics:
Spiritual needs
Emotional needs
Medical needs
Physical and Occupational Therapies
Education on durable medical equipment ,such as bath chairs, standers, ceiling lift systems
Recreational equipment, such as a Duet Bike and Water Walker
Home modifications: Ramps, Roll-In Shower Stalls
Financial stewardship through tithing and budget envelope system
Write a Letter of Intent
Family Will: Power of Attorney, Living Will and Burial Plan
Private transportation needs to have access to the community, medical appointments and relationships
Connecting families with Christ-centered counselors for emotional health: boundaries and expectations rooted in God; equipping with relationship tools
Personalized adaptations to wheelchairs for enhanced seating and mobility daily.
Time and Task Management Skills
Positioning Families to give back and serve others
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
=God's Word - The Bible: Number One Best Seller!
=Visioneering by Andy Stanley www.andystanley.com
=Circle Maker by Mark Batterson www.markbatterson.com