Disability services leader honored by state, reflects on decades-long work in Bloomington

Leslie Green spent much of her 22 years as the chief executive officer at Stone Belt meticulously preserving the disability service organization's history, not expecting she'd earn a place in that history herself.

Green retired in April after working at the nonprofit since 1979, first as a recreational therapist then rising to the rank of CEO.

Mayor John Hamilton marked April 1 as Leslie Green Day in Bloomington to commemorate her retirement. Last month, Green also received the Sagamore of the Wabash award, the highest honor bestowed by Indiana's governor, for her decades spent reshaping the region's disability services.

More: The Sagamore of the Wabash is one of Indiana's highest honors. But what exactly is it?

Past Sagamore of the Wabash recipients include former Indiana University President Herman B Wells, country music star Willie Nelson and former U.S. President George H.W. Bush — all of whom are considered to have greatly contributed to building upon Hoosier heritage.

From Special Olympics coach to arts steward, Green makes home at Stone Belt

When Leslie Green first moved to Bloomington in 1979, Stone Belt seemed like a stepping stone in her career. She had moved here with her husband, then a graduate student at Indiana University. Green, who had a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy fromIllinois State University, quickly sought a temporary job. When she asked around for possible employment options, residents all pointed toward Stone Belt.

Stone Belt is a nonprofit providing support for people with disabilities, but that support has evolved throughout the years. Now, the organization provides clinical services, spiritual counseling, employment networking opportunities and residential support.

But when Green started working there — over 10 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed — it was still primarily a school that taught children with disabilities.

In the late 1970s, Stone Belt, like it still does today, had several open positions. When Green approached then-director Joan Burton, she was hired on the spot.

"It just seemed like a good place to be for a couple of years," Green said. "Well, now I'm 40 more years past that. I fell in love with it within two weeks."

Like many employees of Stone Belt, Green first started in direct support. In Green's case, she hosted recreation programs, which alternated between a variety of sports, drama and art.

"I always liked the recreation (program) because I don't like to do one thing all the time," Green said.

Green's background was in rehabilitation hospitals. It was similar work with a different client base, she described, as she primarily worked with clients who were still adjusting to their disability. Quickly, she found Stone Belt clients had a different outlook.

"When I came here, mostly I'm working with people that have had a disability throughout their lives. It's not anything new for them. They seem really welcoming and friendly and happy," Green noted. "They weren't in that phase where they're still emotionally trying to adjust to who they are now. They just are who they are."

One of Green's first projects was coaching Stone Belt's Special Olympic programs. Under Green's self-described amateur tutelage, the Bloomington women's basketball team returned state champions of their division.

Several decades later,that trophy, alongside several photos of her with the team, were among the mementos displayed in her office. It is now in Stone Belt's history cabinet, which was created and maintained by Green.

Early in her Stone Belt career, Green also created an arts program, which mostly consisted of drawing, weaving and other crafts. Nearly 20 years later, new in her role as CEO, she would expand the arts program to include the creation and sale of paintings. It would later become one of Green's most beloved, long-enduring passion projects.

For those with disabilities, who historically were socially and professionally separated from the wider community, the arts broke down one of the remaining barriers. This was a way for people with disabilities to reach the public.

"All of a sudden we had this explosion of the art program, and it, of all the things I've ever done in my 42 years, is the thing that I think has most captivated the community members," Green said.

Hundreds of art pieces by Stone Belt clients have been sold, with many local artists' collections becoming sought after by the community.

"People really, really gravitated to that and it was really a way of demonstrating the gifts and talents of people with disabilities," Green said.

One of Stone Belt's primary tenets of service is that everyone has talents to share. These gifts are cornerstones with which a community such as Bloomington is built. Through art, Stone Belt clients have left their mark on Bloomington's landscape in many residents' homes and local businesses.

Several paintings adorned Green's office in Stone Belt. One of her most prized paintings, one of a mountain commemorating her 40 years at Stone Belt, greets her on the wall in her home every time she prepares for a hike.

Green reflects recognition, emphasizes advocacy in disability rights

Being awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash was a complete surprise to Green, who remembers thinking, "Do I faint now?" when being presented with the certificate. Green was recognized for her public commitment to support and advocate for the well-being of those with disabilities in southern Indiana throughout four decades.

But for the people surrounding her, this recognition was a long time coming. Bitta DeWees, Green's successor as the CEO of Stone Belt, noted their longtime friendship has been instrumental in her own growth as a leader.

"I always say, I grew up here. I had Leslie as my mentor for almost all of those years (I've worked at Stone Belt)," DeWees said. "We have had a strong relationship and connection and she's taught me a lot over those years."

One of the most impactful lessons Green passed down to DeWees was the importance of advocacy.

"Probably one of the areas she has taught me the most over the years is how to get connected and involved not just in my local community but at the state level," DeWees said.

Green said her role in advocacy grew throughout her time at Stone Belt.

"When I got into the CEO position, I felt like it became my responsibility to not only speak on their behalf, but to help them speak for themselves," Green said. "I think my most important work in my later years was doing those things and making sure that the legislators and the community at large knew more about individuals that otherwise would not have been noticed so much. That includes clients and our staff."

While the disability rights movement has had major advancements over her tenure, Green noted there's still plenty of work left to be done. People with disabilities still need more affordable housing and equal opportunities to work in their communities. Mental health services are a continued need as the number of providers dwindles down. As the needs of those with disabilities shift again over time, Green hopes Stone Belt will continue to have a role.

"Stone Belt has been good at looking at the needs and responding to those and the awareness is raised and action is taken," Green said.

Contact Rachel Smith at rksmith@heraldt.com or @RachelSmithNews on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Former Stone Belt CEO honored with Sagamore of the Wabash award