VIDEO_ Ms. Cheap talks up SmART! Supplies opening!

Ms. Cheap's appearance on NewsChannel 5's Talk of the Town Thursday, June 26 gave thousands of viewers a first look at SmART! Supplies.

SmART! Scrap Made Art Supplies - Progress' new art supplies & consignment retail store has launched with much success! We've had stellar sales in our grand opening week, and we have had a great supporter in The Tennessean's Ms. Cheap.
Please go and shop at the store, located at 4 Buchi Court, Berry Hill, Wednesday's through Saturdays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m.-5 p.m. 

All your donations and shopping helps support Progress' mission of keeping seniors and people with disabilities healthy, happy and safe.

West End Home Grants Funds for Progress Inc. Senior Transportation

West End Home Foundation has granted Progress Inc. the monies to purchase two vehicles for Customized Companion Transportation. Pictured: WEHF Board Member Luanne Waltemath, Progress Executive Director Donna Goodaker and Progress Senior Care Manager Eric Metzler.

West End Home Foundation recently awarded Progress Inc. a grant toward the agency’s efforts to provide safe, reliable customized companion transportation to seniors throughout Middle Tennessee.

The West End Foundation’s generous donation to Progress Inc. will fund two passenger vehicles, which will be used to transport seniors to their medical appointments and the pharmacy.

The need for the funding was great considering the growing need for affordable, convenient and customized transportation options for seniors. Progress began the customized companion transportation program last year as a way to extend their services to seniors, which include in-home care and respite services. The service offers individual pick up from the senior’s home to various appointments, and, unlike other transit options, the Progress staff actually waits with the senior at each appointment. The cost of four hours of service is just $75.

“We’ve been able to allow people who don’t have family or family’s not available to have an alternative,” said Progress Director of Senior Services Crystal Martin. “It’s important for us to serve more seniors with this specialized service. We are thankful that West End Home Foundation has helped us do that and believes in our mission.”

Founded in 1891, The West End Home Foundation’s mission is to enhance the health and quality of life of elderly individuals in Middle Tennessee by providing support to non-profit organizations which offer housing, support or care to senior citizens. These agency grants have helped thousands of older citizens throughout Nashville and middle Tennessee.

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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.

Nashville Zoo welcomes seniors for FREE on Monday

Nashville Zoo welcomes seniors to enjoy the sights and creatures of nature on Monday.

The Nashville Zoo & Cigna-HealthSpring are giving seniors full (and free) access to tigers, elephants and other wildlife on Monday!

Nashville Zoo's Senior Day, sponsored by Cigna-HealthSpring will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, May 19 for seniors 65 and older. In addition to free admission, Nashville Zoo will also grant the seniors who join the festivities a $5 voucher toward concessions.

The Cigna-Healthcare Silver Stars will perform at 12:30, and there will be an array of keeper talks and other exhibits for those who attend.

There will be a $5 parking fee.

To find out more, visit Ms. Cheap's blog or  www.nashvillezoo.com.

TN Employment Idol 2014 - Joel Brenner

Joel Brenner has earned his nickname "Number 1."

There's no one that leaves the dishes at Nashville Airport Marriott as squeaky clean as Joel, says his co-workers and supervisor.

There's also no one more deserving of the title Tennessee Employment Idol - video contest that highlights some of the hardworking people with intellectual disabilities working throughout the state.

For 18 years, Progress has provided job coaching, transportation and employment training to Joel.

He has excelled at his job so much so that he's been recognized by the regional and national Marriott executives with other awards.

His positive spirit, work ethic and love for his job makes Joel OUR Employment Idol.

If you agree, please like and share this wonderful video, created by Jarvis Media.

The Big Payback Paid Off for Progress Inc.!

The BigPayback - a 24-hour day of online giving - paid off for Progress!

525

$1.4 million

The power of numbers were evident on May 6. On that day, 525 small and large nonprofits supporting everything from elephants to theater raised more than $1.4 million during the BigPayback, an online day of giving sponsored by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the Kharis Foundation. Progress had the great fortune of drawing in more than $2,100 in just a matter of hours.  We are so thankful for the support given that will help us to continue to keep people with disabilities and seniors healthy, happy and safe.

In addition to the financial gain, the day gave Progress a platform to tell our story to an increased number of potential supporters. More than 1,000 people were engaged on our Facebook and Twitter pages. In those many social media moments, our friend Tim from the Nashville Airport Marriott helped tell the story of just how important it is for Bea to have a meaningful workday and bring smiles to the faces of Marriott employees and customers. Our Board President David Cannady also shared why he loves and supports Progress. 

We just can't say thank you enough to each and every one of you for making sure the Big Payback paid off for Progress.

Let's Go Out: A Day for Developmental Disability Awareness

It’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Let’s all go out on March 29 to raise awareness.
Find out more at www.thearc.org/lets-go-out.

Let’s Go Out on March 29

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is coming to an end, but there's one last huge day we can all play a role in just by "going out."

Let's Go Out Day on Saturday will help raise awareness about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What should you do? 

Simply make plans to go out somewhere in public on Saturday, March 29. Plan a day out and about with friends and family ( maybe to the  Southern Women's Show) or just enjoying activities. While enjoying your day out, raise awareness and generate some conversation about people with I/DD. 

As the Arc puts it in its statement on National Let's Go out Day:

This one-day movement will serve to harness our collective power to gain allies, foster understanding, dispel myths and encourage people without disabilities to recognize that we’re not so different after all.

This March 29, let’s all go out and start breaking down those social barriers.. This is your chance to personally help raise awareness about people with I/DD just by being yourself and participating in the things you enjoy alongside others in your community without disabilities. If you are a person with I/DD, make plans to hit the movies, the park, your local shopping center or restaurant for a day out and maybe spark some conversation in the process. Or, if you are a friend or family member of a person with I/DD, make plans to enjoy a fun activity together in public.

Spread the word using the hashtag #DDAware on social media during the month of March. And, follow us online on Facebook and Twitter and be sure to show us what you end up doing on March 29 by sharing your photos using the hashtag #DDAware.

Don't forget to RSVP to our March 29 Facebook event, and please invite your friends on Facebook as well!

Progress Staff Celebrated for 'Employment First' Efforts

We have a great team here at Progress, and we were thrilled when Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Debbie Payne took note of that in her recent OpenLine newsletter.

Susan Hutchison and Paula Daniels were two of the Progress team members commended for attending a recent training on employing people with disabilities.

Debbie gave special kudos to Progress Associate Director of Day Services Susan Hutchison, Supported Employment Coordinator Paula Daniels and Client Funds Administrator Lisa Zekany, who all attended the weeklong Incentives Counseling Initial Training Program at the end of February.

The training will help the three Progress team members guide us into broader approaches to employing people with disabilities.

"We would like to commend Progress Inc. for successfully registering three of their staff members and attending the training session," Payne wrote in OpenLine. "This demonstrates Progress’ dedication to the Employment First initiative and people they support."

We are so proud of Susan, Paula and Lisa for their commitment to improving our already valiant efforts to employ people with disabilities.

Progress is working towards providing more job training, vocational services and other employment support to people with disabilities through the "Ticket to Work" program. 

 Watch the short video below to learn more about this program.)


Please share this good news with your friends by clicking the Facebook, Twitter or Google+ icons on this page.

 

Online Registration is now OPEN for Camp Progress 2014!

Progress' Camp Progress for youths with intellectual disabilities opens June 9. Registration is open now!

Though the cold persists, parents - and especially their sons and daughters - are already thinking about warmer days. So, Progress  is inviting families to register their child online now for Camp Progress.

The secure website portal is held by the experts at Eventbrite, and allows parents to fill out information about medication and dietary needs, review camp deadlines and policies and securely and conveniently pay for registration and camp fees.

We are excited to bring Camp Progress back to even more young people with intellectual disabilities this summer. Art therapy, water play and tennis camp will return this summer. We have also learned that the wonderful folks at the Nashville Ballet will offer lessons and learning opportunities for campers this summer! Thanks to Nashville Ballet, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Metro Parks, Kroger and numerous other partners in helping us create a summer full of  “cans” instead of the “cannots.”

The 6-week camp will be held from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 9, 2014-July 18, 2014. To register visit, https://campprogressnashville.eventbrite.com . 

For more information on Camp Progress, call 615-399-3000.

Thanks for ALL the Love You Give Progress Inc. Valentine's Day and EVERYDAY

Happy Valentine's Day from Progress!

Governor Haslam Announces 1 percent Increase for DIDD Programs

Vanleasha, Mr. Harry and Shonda working on an arts & crafts project at Progress.

Gov. Bill Haslam just announced some great news for Progress Inc. and dozens of provider agencies throughout the state - a 1 percent rate increase that will assist in helping providers throughout the state that struggle to meet the costs of caring for people with intellectual disabilities. 

The governor shared the news during his State of the State address last week. The rate change would apply to the Home and Community Based Waiver, which helps statewide agencies like Progress provide day services, residential services and supported employment to people with intellectual disabilities. He also proclaimed continued support for the Family Support Program during the address, which is a lifeline for families who care for their intellectual disabled loved ones.

"Progress is thrilled and grateful that the Family Support program has been saved by Governor Haslam. This program provides essential support and respite assistance to families who ask for very little," Progress Executive Director Donna Goodaker said. "We are also gratified that in a time when government departments are still having to tighten their belts, DIDD will receive an approximate 1% increase. With the aging of people currently being served and over 7000 people waiting to receive services, any and all available funds will be well used.”
To thank Gov. Haslam for his effort to support and advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, you can write him at: 1st Floor, State Capitol Nashville, TN 37243, call him at (615) 741-2001 or e-mail him bill.haslam@tn.gov.

Celebrate Valentine's with SMART! Scrap Made Art Supplies & Urban Green Lab - Feb. 5

This fun workshop will be hosted by SMART! Scrap Made Art's Kelli Monday. Urban Green Lab and Team Green will also sponsor these two events.

Are You Looking for Affordable Home Care for Your Elderly Loved One?

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Finding affordable, dependable care for older loved ones remains an ongoing issue for many families.

NewsChannel 5's Talk of the Town's Tuwanda Coleman recently interviewed Progress Inc. Executive Director Donna Goodaker and Director of Senior Services Crystal Martin about leading the pack in customized, caring services and programs for seniors and people with disabilities.

Tell us what you think about the Progress interview in the comment section below.

Click the image above to see the short clip of this morning's Talk of the Town Extra interview.

Our Mission

Progress provides staff supports to bridge the gap between limited independence and the realization of the best possible life. Since 1971, we have provided day program services that keep our clients with intellectual disabilities engaged in the community and gainfully employed. Progress also provides round-the-clock staff at the home of those individuals through our residential services. Since 2009, Progress has provided personal, respite, sitter and transportation services to seniors.

Senior Spotlight: Transportation Ranks High on the List for Seniors

Senior Care Administrator Parthenia Fayne and Windlands reisdents Clem and Lillian.

There's no better way to find out the best way to serve senior citizens than to go straight to the source - seniors. Progress Director of Senior Services Crystal Martin and Senior Care Administrator Parthenia Fayne recently visited a group of folks who reside at Windlands East, an 

award-winning independent, senior living community in Madison.

The folks loved their scheduled activities, fully-furnished apartments and the bond they've created with their friends at Windlands. Though few had a need for our personal care, homemaker services or sitter services, some Windlands residents had many questions about how Progress could help with their transportation needs.

Since the National Center on Senior Transportation estimates that nearly 50 percent of seniors need transportation alternatives, it's no surprise that Parthenia and Crystal received several questions about how Progress can help get Windlands residents from point A to B. 

Progress' Customized Companion Transportation offers an affordable, personal form of transportation to doctor's offices and pharmacies. Seniors need transportation to doctors, specialists and other health care professionals throughout their week. Those appointments cannot always be aligned with group transportation (like a community van) or with their loved one's schedules. 

With just one-day notice, Progress staff can escort to doctor's appointments and pharmacy visits. The companion aspect of transporting seniors means we don't just drop you off - we're there the whole time!

If you'd like to schedule an appointment or find out more about Customize Companion Transportation, give us a call at (615) 399-3000 ext. 4759.

Nashville Group & Ruby Tuesday Show Their Love for Camp Progress

Cori (The Gathering), Progress Inc. Program Manager Annelise , Progress Executive Director Donna  and Rolander (The Gathering) pose with Camp Progress donation check.

The giving has continued well beyond Giving Tuesday for Camp Progress! 

Just last week, some generous folks dropped by Progress' office with a donation to Camp Progress. The men - who call themselves The Gathering - held a line dancing party at Progress and donated $150 (a portion of the proceeds from the party) to Camp Progress.

We also had some support from folks in the community through our Ruby Tuesday Give Back last month. Ruby Tuesday gave 20 percent of the proceeds from those who turned in our flyers to Camp Progress. About $140 was raised the weekend of the event.

 THANKS TO THE GATHERING AND RUBY TUESDAY. 

 Camp Progress  will offer youths ages 10-22 with intellectual disabilities a unique camp experience that nurtures their needs, opens their minds and emphasizes fun. The innovative indoor and outdoor activities focus on the “can” instead of the “cannot.” The camp takes place 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 9-July 18 at West End Middle School.

As the date of Camp Progress grows nearer, we are hoping to secure donations of volunteer time, activities and supplies of our youth participating at the camp. If you'd like an opportunity to be a part of the fun this summer, please contact Meika McClendon at m.mcclendon@progress-inc.org or  615-399-300 ext. 4714.

Seniors and Mental Health: Taking Care of Yourself & Your Mental Wellness

Talking with your loved ones and thinking positively can be keys to mental health. 

January marks National Mental Wellness Month, and Progress is honoring the month by offering tools and tips that can assist seniors in caring for their mental wellness. 

More than 6.5 million people over the age of 65 suffer from depression, according to the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation.

GMHF, a foundation dedicated to raising awareness about psychiatry and mental health disorders affecting the elderly, offers several resources on this matter, including an online toolkit.

For seniors, taking some steps to make healthy lifestyle choices can make a major difference in mental wellness.

Talking with those who have had similar experiences and feelings can be very helpful because they will understand how you feel.

Spend time with people you enjoy and avoid people who are not supportive.

Pace yourself—do not expect to do everything that you did before you had depression. Set a realistic schedule. Ask a friend or family member to take over some of the things that you need to do for a period of time.

Think positively and try to avoid blaming yourself or expecting failure. Identify areas of your life that are positive.

Identify problems in your life and list problems that you think may have triggered the depression. Work out a strategy to deal with the problems. Discuss them with family, friends, and your health care provider. Develop a step-by-step action plan—but plan realistic steps.

Identify pleasant activities and routines that you enjoyed before you became depressed. Think about those activities as well as those you would like to do. Once identified, start to return to that routine. Choose one activity each week from the pleasant activity and routine list.

Avoid making major life decisions. If you do need to make a major decision that will impact your life, ask a friend or family member for assistance.

Get exercise and spend time outdoors. Exercise and natural light can be effective natural treatments for depression.

Eat a healthy diet and limit your intake of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and salt.

Be patient—it will take time to get better.

For more information about Geriactric Mental Health, please visit http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/default.asp.