Happy New Year! Celebrate with the Indoor Cycling For Charity Spin-a-thon.

Start the New Year off right with “Indoor Cycle For Charity” spin-a-thon at the North Rutherford YMCA Ronald Reagan Family Center in Smyrna.

Classes will take place between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Wednesday, New Years Day in 45-minute increments at the North Rutherford YMCA Ronald Reagan Family Center, 2001 Motlow College Blvd, Smyrna, TN 37167. 

There is a suggested $10 donation per person. Every participant will receive bottled water, healthy snacks and be eligible for a door prize. Those who contribute $20 or more will receive a t-shirt.

The Indoor Cycle For Charity event will hosted by guest instructors Crystal Martin, whose selected charity will be Progress Inc., which provides care to seniors and people with disabilities, and Jessie Casey Clark, whose selected charity is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, funding research for Type 1 Diabetes. Each class will feature a unique theme and heart-pumping music.

A reservation is required and can be made by calling the North Rutherford YMCA during regular business hours at (615) 220-9622. Reservations will be taken until Tuesday, Dec. 31. You do not need to be a YMCA member to participate, but non-members should plan to arrive 5 minutes early to sign in as a guest.

Event co-chairs and their selected charities are:

Jessie Casey Clark – JDRF – Classes 7 a.m. & 8 a.m. http://midtennessee.jdrf.org

Crystal Martin – Progress Inc. – Classes 9 a.m. & 10 a.m. http://progress-inc.org

Stories of Progress: Portia Streator's a Ball of Energy & Ambassador for Progress Inc.

Portia Streator has received care giving assistance for several years, and she sees Progress gives her new freedom.

I recently had the great pleasure of spending an afternoon with Portia Streator, a gregarious 28-year-old who loves kittens and all things glitter. Her life living with Cerebral Palsy has been a challenge, but it has also taught her to keep a positive attitude. Having help from caregivers at Progress, who understand her condition and treat her with respect has made the difference.

"I would recommend Progress to anybody," Portia said."They really do care about you as an individual."

 Portia, a Nashville native who now lives in LaVergne, spent her early years enduring dozens of surgeries, physical therapy and, at one point, believed there was very little she could accomplish considering her disability.

"I just kept saying, 'I can't do this. I can't do that,' and finally one day my physical therapist told me 'You need to take can't out of your vocabulary,'" Portia said. "Every since then, I've stopped using that word." 
Portia is now studying to become a paralegal.

Portia also doesn't accept excuses from those around her, but she says employing friends and others as her caregiver over the years has shown her not everyone abides by her motto.

"My mom needed some help caring for me a few years ago, so we employed some people we knew," Portia said. "They would be late. They felt like they could do whatever they wanted." 

Her mom ran into similar problems with home health agencies. Earlier this year, Portia's social worker referred the family to Progress. Though Portia was reluctant, she said the services, level of commitment and genuine concern for her needs and wants have been a refreshing change.

"The first day with my caregiver April we were out at the mall. Progress wants you to get out," she said. "A lot of these companies say the client comes first, but Progress really means it." 

Portia says her caregivers April and Rachel have become her friends, and she tells everyone she meets how happy she is with Progress.

Go to Ruby Tuesday's This Friday, Saturday or Sunday to "GiveBack"

GiveBack Program will donate 20 % of every meal purchased along with this flyer.

• 
  Ruby Tuesdays is inviting you to Clean Your Plate for Progress!
  Print the image above and present it at the locations listed below for lunch or dinner on Dec. 13, 14 or 15, and Ruby Tuesday's donates 20 percent of the proceeds to Progress. 
• 
  NASHBORO SQUARE • 2304 MURFREESBORO PIKE • 615-366-0314
  DONELSON PIKE • 520 DONELSON PIKE • 615-316-0278
• 
  Ruby Tuesday's GiveBack program will help dozens of children with disabilities attend Progress Inc.'s summer camp Camp Progress.
  
  Grab your family and friends and join us at one of the locations.
  

  *Must present this flyer to your server in order to be considered a part of the GiveBack program. Ruby Tuesday's will not accommodate coupon usage or other discounts in conjunction with our GiveBack Program.

Camp Progress #GivingTuesday Campaign Raises Funds and Awareness

Thanks for giving to Camp Progress and making a difference for youths with disabilities.

Online Day of Giving Raises Funds for Camp Progress

Progress participated in the National Day of Giving - Giving Tuesday - devoted to telling the stories and funding the projects of some of the world's most worthy causes. 

The modest first time move for Progress resulted in nearly $1,200 raised towards the exciting new summer camp Camp Progress, which is a unique six-week camp for youths ages 10-22 with intellectual disabilities. It's the only full-day camp for kids with disabilities in Nashville.

Executive Director Donna Goodaker got the word out through our e-mail campaign and several others shared the Camp Progress campaign on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Through the online campaign, we were able to let our supporters like Missy Mitchell, the parent of one of our Camp Progress campers, share why Camp Progress is so essential to youths with disabilities. Read her story here.

Thanks to all who helped make this possible. 

If you'd like to share why you gave and for more on our online giving campaign for Camp Progress,visit http://www.crowdrise.com/campprogress/fundraiser/progressinc.

A snapshot of some of the giving that took place at our Crowdrise fundraising page.

Just $10 Can Make a Difference on #GivingTuesday for Camp Progress!

Post by Progress Inc.

National Caregivers Month: Rebecca Fabry Says Her Job is all about "Love"

Cooking up Charles' favorite breakfast - fried eggs with cheese and toast - is just one aspect of what Rebecca Fabry considers to be her mission as a caregiver.  She is one of millions of caregivers across the country being honored for their compassionate care for National Caregivers Month.

It's not just a job for Rebecca, who first worked as a caregiver eight years ago, she said.
"You make doctor calls, you become friends with the family, and you really just have to love them to be there daily and learn so much about their needs and wants."

For almost two years, she has been a Progress senior care attendant, and most of that time has been spent with Charles Lane, 78.
Charles, a retired Smyrna factory worker, had a hard time welcoming Rebecca into his home, but he now considers Rebecca family.
"I realized I couldn't do everything I used to, so now I like to have company," she said. "She does real good. She's pretty close to being perfect."

Rebecca takes the kind words to heart. The joy for her is knowing that she can have a daily impact on Charles' lives. She helps Charles five days a week, and the two sometimes chat over the phone on the weekend. 

During the week, they go on walks through Charles' apartment neighborhood, chat about his old days of playing baseball and tend to his flower garden.

"It's about finding fun rituals that he can enjoy. As you lose your mobility and your memory, you still want to have something of your own. You just help them live the best life they can." 

Please share Rebecca's story by clicking the Facebook share or Twitter buttons on this page!

East Nash Dash 2013 Benefiting Progress -Coming this Saturday!

Lightning 100's airs Progress Interview Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013

Turn your dials to Lightning 100 Sunday morning, and you'll get to hear Progress Executive Director Donna Goodaker and PR/Events Manager Stephanie Toone shed light on the agency's mission and two upcoming fundraisers A Purpose to Pour and the East Nash Dash.

Donna Goodaker preparing for the interview with Nicole Cowan Buckley on Lightning 100.

There was much to share about  Progress, since this year has been a year of exciting beginnings for the provider agency for seniors and people with disabilities.

In the interview, Donna speaks about Progress' 43 years as a leader in supporting people with intellectual disabilities, and the success of the division of Senior Care that allows Progress to keep even more folks healthy, happy and safe. Our exciting soon-to-open recycled art supplies store SMART! Scrap Made Art, which will enhance Progress' mission and employ the folks we support, was also a major topic of discussion.

 SMART will hold its first fundraising soiree "APurpose to Pour" this Sunday, which will raise funds for the opening of the retail store. To purchase tickets, visit www.purposetopour.eventbrite.com.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, Progress will hold its second annual 4-miler East Nash Dash, which supports Progress daily programs. To participate, visit www.eastnashdash.org/register.

The  interview will air at 7 a.m. on WRLT Lightning 100, and will be available on SoundCloud after the interview airs, so please support Donna and Progress by listening in!

Jenny Hatch: Why Progress Strives to Keep Our Folks Living Their "Best Possible Life"

Jenny Hatch had to forge a legal battle to live independently. The Washington Post tells her story. - Washington Post

Jenny Hatch is a shining example of why the work we do at Progress really matters. The 29-year-old woman was not allowed the right to live on her own, but thanks to a recent court order, Jenny will experience the freedom of choice and independence that many of our folks have the opportunity to experience each day. Jenny Hatch's story helps us all to see the impossible is indeed possible.

"It’s not just a reminder of the ample abilities of people with disabilities, but to me, it was challenge to remember who each individual can become," Progress Executive Director Donna Goodaker said of the article about Hatch.

Click the link below to read more of her inspiring story:
Woman with Down syndrome prevails over parents on control

 

Progress Asks: Who wants to walk/run with us WEDNESDAYS to battle obesity?

Step-by-Step: Progress' new walking/running initiative to get us Lean in 2013!

 

Walk, run and just get moving to beat the odds in Tennessee!

In Tennessee, 3 in 10 people are considered obese. At best, there are only 11 states that rank lower than we do in overall health.

Progress is responding to these challenging numbers by taking part in the state's Healthier Nashville Wellness initiative. We have partnered with Governor Bill Haslam's office and launched Working for a Healthier Tennessee. This is a companion initiative dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our employees. 

We welcome ALL of Progress supporters, friends and family to join us in our new walking challenge Step-by-Step: Path to the East Nash Dash. The weekly walk/run challenge will gradually get participants to the distance of 4 miles, which is the same distance of Progress' Oct. 19 benefit run East Nash Dash at Five Points.

Every Wednesday, a team of Progress employees will begin walking/running at the Metro Parks Soccer Field track (across from our campus at 319 Ezell Pike) at 8:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

We're encouraging everyone to attempt some walking or running  three times per week. If you'd like to know more about our Step-By-Step Walk/Run program, contact Bonnie Sanders at 615-429-5014.

To sign up for the East Nash Dash, visit www.eastnashdash.org/register. 

Progress Asks: What do seniors think of Progress Inc. In-home Care?

Barbara Joyner first learned of Progress when her husband suffered from Alzhiemer's Disease last year. Since September, Ms. Joyner has seen the benefit of having a senior care attendant by her side for all the little things it's hard for her to do.

Progress Staff Honored at 2013 TNCO Awards of Excellence

Yaeden "Spud" Taylor won the title of Oustanding DSP of the year.

Progress Staff Honored at 2013 TNCO Awards of Excellence

Spud Taylor and Carolyn Huey win big at TNCO Awards on Aug. 14.

Spud Taylor and Carolyn Huey will be honored for their outstanding efforts to keep seniors and people with disabilities healthy, happy and safe. We here at Progress are honored that these two individuals can represent the dozens of other exceptional Progress employees.These two folks go above and beyond their roles as direct support professional and program manager, respectively. 

Spud's nomiantor said: 

Spud always arranges his ‘off time’ to accommodate appointments, picking his guys up early for whatever reason. He has also changed his schedule and adjusted his time off if there was another staff that needed the same time off. He arranged his studies to work around his guys to ensure their well-being and happiness instead of putting himself and his studies before the guys.

Carolyn's nominator said:

Carolyn never hesitates to pull in and work a home when needed, not just because she is without staff, but because she is very familiar with everyone on her caseload. She would rather work in the home herself than place someone in the home that’s not familiar with the service recipient’s needs.. The last couple of years Carolyn began managing homes through our senior program in Cheatham Co. She often also worked the homes, not just to get the home covered but at times the senior client would request Carolyn to work their home.

On Wednesday, the two will accept their awards at the TNCO Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Luncheon at Hotel Preston.
Please share your congratulations here in the comment section for Carolyn and Spud!

Progress Asks: Top 3 Things In-Home Care Provides

Progress Senior Care Manager Patrick Ridner has a personal connection to caring for seniors.

Progress Asks: What's the Top 3 Things In-Home Care Provides?

It's Tuesday, so once again Progress is giving you a peak into the world of senior care with our Progress Asks segment. Today, our guest blogger Progress Senior Care Manager Patrick Ridner will provide a list of some of the major aspects of in-home care through the services Progress Inc. provides.

 Patrick has a heart for the communities we serve. The Middle Tennessee native said his grandfather's passing more than a year ago, opened his eyes to the need for care at home.

"My grandfather passed away two days before I got the job here," Patrick said. "He had been in a nursing home, but if we would have known about something like Progress, he could have been cared for at home. It seems like people know they're there to die at a nursing home."

Working at Progress means he can give families an opportunity his family didn't have. He enjoys interacting with his employees that work in the homes and getting to know the people Progress supports. It's hard to know exactly when someone could utilize in-home care, but Patrick has one piece of advice

 "When a person loses a certain amount of independence, (like they need help with cooking or cleaning), our services are beneficial. That's when we can come in and make the difference."

With in-home care, caregivers can provide a personal touch and add much more to the lives of the people they support, Patrick said.

Here's the TOP 3 Thing Patrick suggests in-home care can provide:

COMPANIONSHIP: The interaction between our senior care attendants and the seniors is often the best benefit for them. We have one person that goes to her church with her senior care attendant. Another loves to go to yard sales with her caregiver. It's all about having someone there rather than being alone for the time their family can't be there.

TRANSPORTATION: Many of our folks need to make it to doctor's appointments, grocery stores and other places, but they don't drive anymore. We get them there and wait with them as long as they need us.

CARING FOR HOME: Sometimes it's difficult for seniors to make meals, do laundry and clean their homes like they once did. Our senior care attendants provide light housekeeping, prepare meals, prepare grocery lists and handle other domestic duties for the people we support.

Let us know what you think about Patrick's blog in the comment section below:

Progress Asks: Is your Elderly Loved One Depressed?

Depression in the elderly community often goes unnoticed. - Courtesy of www.caregiverstress.com .

Progress Asks: Is your Elderly Loved One Depressed?

When caring for an elderly parent or sibling, ensuring their basic needs are met is quite challenging. However, along with caring for the practical needs - feeding, clothing and personal hygiene - the emotional needs of your loved one are also important. In today's Progress Asks' segment, we look at some of the warning signs that could greatly affect the emotional and mental health of your spouse, parent or other loved one.

 According to the NIH, some of the changes and life events you may notice are:

• Adapting to a move from home to an apartment or retirement facility
• Chronic pain
• Feelings of isolation or loneliness as children move away and their spouse and close friends die
• Loss of independence (problems getting around, caring for themselves, or driving)
• Multiple illnesses
• Struggles with memory loss and problems thinking clearly

Look for the signs that an older loved one may be depressed and need help:

• Being more confused or forgetful.
• Eating less. The refrigerator may be empty or contain spoiled food.
• Not bathing or shaving as often. Visitors may notice smells of urine or stool. Clothes may be dirty and wrinkled.
• Not taking care of the home.
• Stopping medicines or not taking them correctly.
• Withdrawing from others. Not talking as much, and not answering the phone or returning phone calls.

For more information on this topic, visit our website www.progress-inc.org/senior.html to find out some of the ways we can assist you in caring for your loved one.
Source:
http://www.caregiverstress.com/illnesses-conditions/senior-depression/signs-of-depression-checklist/

Camp Progress: Moments & Milestones from Summer Camp

A great summer with some amazing kids came to an end last week!

Take a peak at how Ian, Randall and the other kids shared moments and milestones at Camp Progress.

We also had great support from the folks at West End Middle, SugarCreek Carriages, Kroger in Belle Meade,  Moe's in Belle Meade and, of course, our wonderful volunteers like Blaine from Centennial Sportsplex, Chris and Terri who all added the much needed viable activities and programs for our young people. We also thank our fearless Progress team led by Lanitta Joseph.

Want to make sure your child with an intellectual disability has a super summer next year?

Contact Meika McClendon at m.mcclendon@progress-inc.org for details on Camp Progress 2014.

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Welcome to the Morning Minute!     We're planting new gardens at Progress - both literally and figuratively! A couple of years ago, a companion at Progress spearheaded  the effort to raise money and build some beautiful  planter boxes. It was a project completed, planted, and maintained by several people whom we support  and their companions.The harvest was bountiful  and beautiful!  The following year,  circumstances had changed for many of those involved, and sadly, those boxes remained unplanted. This year, happily, they will be filled again with  tomatoes and peppers and squashes! (I also built new garden boxes at home this year. My early greens included arugula...yum!)  Did you know you can make delicious pesto  in your blender or small chopper/food  processor with 20 or so arugula leaves,  a handful of walnuts, garlic as you like it, salt,  shredded Parmesan  and olive oil?  Toss it with pasta or make a pesto, tomato,  mozzarella crostini...or any way you like to use pesto!)   We find that our plans and projects  and priorities in many areas often  times have varying schedules for fruition,  just like those garden boxes. Front and center for us right now: SMART! We are very close to securing a location for our art reuse center SMART! Scrap Made Art. We have several storage units full of amazing and inspiring donations, we have grant requests on the desks of potential funders, and we've talked it through with our Board and our Bank. We're excited!! If you know of great warehouse space, 3000-5000-sq. ft. that is affordable (by non profit standards), contact SMART! Project Manager Kelli Monday at k.monday@progress-inc.org.   BUILDING OUR BOARD    We are looking for nominations of community-minded leaders over the next 18 months to round out our board.  We are particularly hoping to recruit people who are invested in and connected to the arts and elder care communities. An attorney with anspecial interest in non-profits would also complement our board. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone you know, please e-mail me at d.goodaker@progress-inc.org ● CAMP PROGRESS We're offering our first summer day camp for children with intellectual disabilities ages 10-22 from June 3-July 12. There's still a few days left to register for this full-day camp (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), which will include music therapy, art therapy ,tennis clinic , gardening, trips to Centennial park, Sportsplex, and many others. For more information contact, Meika McClendon at m.mcclendon@progressinc or visit http://www.mnps.org/Page107013.aspx. _ Donna Goodaker Executive Director, Progress Inc. Progress Achieve: Comcast Crew Progress Ambassador/Office Manager Lanitta Joseph introduced the ACHEIVE program in January. ACHIEVE most recently recognized  the determined group of clients that refurbish more than 160 XFINITY remotes every week - that's nearly 650 every month. They work diligently and with pride. Lanitta honored them with a pizza party and keepsake certificates. Congrats, ALL! The Golden Years - Fun, Food & Fitness The Progress Senior Services Division had a wonderful first time event last month, Golden Years, a health & fitness expo! Huge thanks to HCA Healthcare and The Home Depot for there support of The Golden Years!

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Progress Asks: What FREE Resources Are There for Senior Caregivers?

Progress Asks returns to pose a question that many caregivers probably don't think about day to day, but is important to know: 

Q: What free resources are there for senior caregivers?

A:There are several resources online, such as caring.com and caregivingcafe.com  that give useful tips and other resources about staying healthy, being mindful of elderly care and providing the best care to whomever you support. 

However, for those searching for face to face-to-face opportunities. The upcoming "So your loved one has Alzheimer's...A Journey for Caregiver's," which will be held July 23 at Trevecca Community Church, is the perfect opportunity to interface with Nashville's senior caregiving community and other elder care experts. The best part of the seminar - It's FREE! Register here for this open seminar for caregiver's brought you by the Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee.

Join Us Tuesday, July 23!

Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee presents the "So your loved one has Alzheimer's...A Journey for Caregivers" conference on Tuesday, July 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Trevecca Community Church in Nashville. This seminar is FREE to all caregivers and lunch is provided at no cost. Respite care is also available at no cost.  Click here to print a brochure.

Agenda:

9:30-10 a.m.         Registration 10-10:10                 Opening Address    (Diane Gramann, LAPSW, ACSW) 10:10-10:30           Caregiver Perspective  (Genma Holmes) 10:30-11:30           Understanding Stages and  Challenges  (Mary Harkleroad, LCSW) 11:30-12:30           Lunch 12:30-1:00            Alzheimer's, Dementia and  Caregiving (Video of Dr. William Petrie) 1:00-1:45                Panel Discussion: Staying at Home Safety Driving  (Christy Horner)  Home Modifications   (Jason Biddle) In-Home Care  (Nancy Pertl)     1:45-2:30             If Home is no longer an option....  (Maribeth Farringer,    Diane Gramann, LAPSW, ACSW)

Presented by: For more information, visit us online at www.mhamt.org

Progress Asks: What Makes Your Caregiver Right For YOU?

Progress is starting a new Progress Asks series. Every Tuesday, we'll ask a question that Progress and other fellow senior care experts have answers for.

From our friends at Care In the Home www.careinthehome.com:

To remain active and independent in your own home

It sounds simple, but as our bodies age it can become a very difficult task.  The best approach to finding a good caregiver is to focus on two separate goals:

1) Satisfying the basic needs.
The skills of the caregiver must match the needs of the client at all times.  Suppose a client needs help in the morning with bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, taking medications, making breakfast and some light cleaning and laundry.  The first priority is to insure that the client receives these physical services in a safe, efficient, professional and dependable manner.  Often referred to as Activities of Daily Living (ADL), this is the physical work that allows a client to remain indepent in their own home.  At Care in the Home, our clinical case manager performs a full needs assessment before services begin and keeps a detailed care plan updated throughout the course of service.  

2) Finding the personality fit.
Once the basic physical needs met, the fine tuning comes in finding a caregiver that "clicks" with the client.  Meeting with the client and family before service begins helps our case manager get a sense of what personality traits in a caregiver would best fit with the personality of the client.  When a client and caregiver click, it is wonderful but it can take some trial and error before that fit is achieved and it may never be as perfect as we would like.  Much depends on timing and what caregivers are available when a client is searching.  Having patience and keeping an eye always on the primary goal of independence in the home is essential in this part of the process. 

In addition, it is important to realize that a search for a caregiver is actually a search for a teamof caregivers because caregivers get sick, need vacation and must live their own complex and challenging lives like anyone else.  Experiencing good service from two, three or more caregivers can develop a trust for the team of caregivers that a company employs.  A client can then feel confident that any replacement sent will be competent and wonderful in their own way.  That might actually be the best kind of perfect. 

Pick up The Tennessean TODAY: Progress Inc. Named Top 10 Workplace in Middle Tennessee

Progress is pleased to announce that it has been selected as one of The Tennessean Top Workplaces.

Progress Inc. was one of 45 Middle Tennessee companies honored by The Tennessean's Top Workplaces

Progress was named as the 9^th top midsize company in an awards ceremony on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at Hilton Nashville Downtown. Forty-five small, midsized and large companies were honored for their dynamic workplace environements.

The more than 250 employees of Progress are committed to providing quality and personalized care to adults with intellectual disabilities and seniors. The 125 employees that responded to the survey expressed their fulfillment with the value of their work, communication with their managers and the direction that the agency as a whole is going in.

The Tennessean published the complete list of Top Workplaces in today's edition. For more information about the Top Workplaces lists and WorkplaceDynamics, please visit www.topworkplaces.com and www.workplacedynamics.com.

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  About Progress Inc.Progress Inc., a non-profit organization in Nashville, Tenn., has helped Middle Tennesseans bridge the gap between limited independence and the realization of the best possible life since 1971. For more information about Progress’ developmental disabilities and senior care services, go to www.progress-inc.org or visit Progress Inc.’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Progressinc2011.

VIDEO: Thanks for Supporting Progress' Festival on the Fairway

The Festival on the Fairway was a great way to lead into the summer! We had an array of support from Pinnacle Bank, Del Mar Pharmacy, Regions Bank, Bass Tires, RJ Young and many others.
Check out the video to get a glimpse of this wonderful event, which supported the day programs offered by Progress and Rochelle Center.

For more on our great corporate and food sponsors, visit http://eepurl.com/yVDRP .