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.

 

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.

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.

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 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: 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. 

SMART! Appearance on NewChannel5: Repurposed Jewelry

Life Style with Denise Simons has featured Six pieces of SMART! Scrap made Art. This is a  repurposed necklace created by Sally Mills, Local Jeweler/Progress Director of Fiscal Services.

Life Style with Denise Simons will once again feature a beautiful piece of repurposed art provided by SMART! Scrap Made Art tonight! The NewsChannel5 program, which is available on Comcast Channel 250, will air a short segment  at 9 p.m. tonight on how to create the beautiful necklace above with everyday items. The show will re-air Tuesday afternoon, so check your local listings.

Progress' Director of Fiscal Services Sally Mills created the artisan jewelry above with upcycled copperwire, coins and other items.
Denise & NewsChannel 5 have been so supportive of Progress' social enterprise, which will be a retail store for recycled art supplies. SMART! will also eventually serve as a space where students and everyday people can learn how to create upcycled art pieces. SMART!'s goal is to provide a revenue stream to Progress, which supports seniors and adults with intellectual disabilities. The retail store will also provide job opportunities for individuals Progress supports.

  We're working on an exciting project that will help raise funds for this new venture. Check back here to learn more about this big news for SMART! And don't forget to check the SMART! tab on the blog to find out what you can donate to help our mission.

SMART! Featured on NewsChannel 5+ Life Style with Denise Simons TONIGHT!

Handmade coasters designed with broken glass scraps, wall tiles and grout by SMART Scrap Made Art's Kelli Monday.

SMART! Scrap Made Art  , Progress' social enterprise that will offer recycled art supplies and materials, will be featured in a series of Repurpose segments on Life Style with Denise Simons, which will air TONIGHT, Monday, April 22 and 9 p.m. on NewsChannel5+ (Comcast 250, Charter 150 and Digital 5.2) and re-air Tuesday, April 23 at 12:30 p.m.

The above stylish coasters will be featured in tonight's episode. Last week, the beautiful stepping stone crafted by Progress Executive Director Donna Goodaker was featured in the Repurpose segment last week. Life Style, hosted by Denise Simons, a local interior decorator,  is an hour show that gives insight on design ideas and features interviews with home decor and art experts every Monday night. 

Denise has been kind enough to feature items made from our stash of recycled materials from SMART! on her show over the next few weeks. Other SMART! Scrap Made Art creations will be featured for the next 4-5 Mondays, so if you miss this week's segment, please plan your DVR for the Repurpose segment of Life Style with Denise Simons over the next few weeks.

We greatly appreciate NewsChannel5+ and Denise for giving our upcycled creations a platform to be viewed by the community. 

Please Watch & DVR the segments to show your support for our social enterprise, which will open soon.

TN Scholarships for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Teresa and Meredith Schlandt of Clinton. 20-year-old Meredith is in her second year at the FUTURE program at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, fulfilling her dream to attend college. like her older brother. CREDIT: Teresa Schlandt

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A bill that aims to create college scholarships for Tennessee students with intellectual disabilities is being considered by State Legislature. Among the supporters of the legislation is Tammy Day, who runs the Next Steps program for such young adults at Vanderbilt University.
"This legislation would open the doors to many more young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities to have the opportunity to continue their formal education with their peers," Day said.
Funding for the STEP UP Scholarships would come from the state's Lottery for Education Account. Day says the cost would be recouped as the students gain employment and become taxpayers for years to come.
In all, the STEP UP Scholarships would help nearly 50 students a year with tuition, and they have several options on which school to attend. In addition to Next Steps, there's TigerLIFE at the University of Memphis and the FUTURE program at the University of Tennessee.
Read more about the future of the state's first college scholarship program for adults with intellectual disabilities here: http://bit.ly/133K56L

 

Nashville's Best Special Olympics Basketball Player

Markus in between his big game with the Nashville Knights Tuesday.

Markus Boyce has overcome a hurdle he never thought he would - a basketball goal!
He scored 8 points during Tuesday's game with the Special Olympics' Nashville Knights. The team won one out of two games thanks to Markus' efforts. That's why we've crowned him Nashville's Best Special Olympics Basketball Player.
Progress' Director of Programs Meika McClendon and his Program Manager Sarah Floyd both attended Markus' game on Tuesday, which was held at Belmont University. 
Markus great showing during the game is a huge step, because in his first season with the Knights' he never scored a point.
Practicing every Tuesday with his teammates and coach has made the difference. He proves that with perseverance anything is possible. 

Markus amongst his teammates.

He was also honored for his great work ethic at Progress last Friday through our new ACHIEVE program. Markus, like many of the folks we support, always strives do to his best. Congrats on the win, Markus! 

Share this blog post to show your support for Markus & the Knights this basketball season.

Winter Survival For Seniors: 5 Tips on Being Healthy & Safe

Progress Senior Care staff and clients have many tools on being safe during the winter.

Our friends at Mobility 101 has offered some really great tips on helping seniors and those with disabilities that have limited mobility at home. 

The cold weather conditions keep many of our clients stay in the warmth of home. The following 5 tips from the Winter Survival Guide give insight on staying safe and in sound mind until the warmer months arrive.

Winter Survival Guide: 5 tips for staying safe, and sane, throughout the season

By MSeitzer  //  Aging in Place, Independent Living, Products  //  No Comments

By Michelle Seitzer

Tip #1: Stay connected socially, and stay intellectually active. If you don’t have a computer or tablet, this may be a good time to purchase one. Besides the entertainment and educational value, technology can help you keep in touch with “the outside world” on a more regular basis. Whether you have a computer or not, you should call your family, friends and grandkids often in the winter. Read books, work on puzzles, write letters. Invite nearby neighbors over to play cards, enjoy a meal together, or just to chat. Staying busy — and connected — is also a great way for others to know that you’re safe: not hearing from you after they’ve been used to regular contact may prompt a vital check-in.

Tip #2: Keep moving. Play in the snow with your grandkids. Shovel (carefully) the walkways around your home. Bundle up and get outside on sunny days for a much-needed Vitamin D boost. Exercise indoors with a favorite fitness DVD. Find a way to stay physically active as much as possible, even though you’d probably rather curl up on the couch. You’ll avoid gaining the notorious winter weight, and you’ll better maintain your mobility even though the weather may cause you to be more isolated than usual.

Tip #3: Winterize your home. Have family members or friends help you cover drafty windows and doors and check to see that all heating systems are operational and functioning correctly. Avoid outdoor hazards by making sure you have salt for your walking paths andwheelchair ramps. Hire a neighbor to shovel or salt the paths if you cannot do so safely. Consider using flameless candles or flameless logs in your fireplace. If you choose to heat certain areas of the home with space heaters, exercise caution.

Tip #4: Eat healthy, nourishing foods and stay hydrated. Yes, it’s possible to get dehydrated in the winter, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids. (Think of how dry your skin gets when you spend some time in the cold air.) Hot beverages can be soothing and a welcome comfort in the colder months. Also, since you’re not getting as many nutrients from natural sunlight during the winter, and you’re more susceptible to colds, flus and viruses, it’s important to get those good-for-you vitamins in your food. Read this Winter Nutrition Guideto learn what you should eat, and often, in the winter months.

Tip #5: Have a readiness plan in place. If a blizzard knocks out power and blocks major roads for days on end, do you have enough food and water to survive? What if you rely on astairlift or ramp that operates on electricity? Will you be able to move around your home without it? Do you have a way to stay warm without heat? Be prepared for a power outage with a generator; our company, 101 Mobility, sells the Generac line of  products. If you live in a rural area, perhaps setting up a signal or system with your closest neighbor is also wise, so you can keep an eye on each other during a weather emergency and reach out for help if the need arises. Head to Ready.gov to create your readiness plan; you’ll also find great tips for building a disaster kit too.

Find out more about those in need of mobility support at the 101 Mobility website: http://101mobility.com/blog/

New Arts & Crafts Program @ Progress Volunteer Now!

Want to give back in a personal & rewarding way this holiday season?

Volunteer your time to make beautiful pieces of art alongside our Progress clients at Progress . The newly launched arts & crafts program at our Day Center gives our adults with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to express themselves freely and enhance their days. 

The weekly one-hour Arts & Crafts session is a blast for our folks. The crafts class take place every Friday from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

If you'd like to get involved by helping assist our folks with painting, pasting & crafting, please contact Stephanie Toone at s.toone@progress-inc.org.

A Happy Holidays Thank You from Progress Inc.

SLIDESHOW: HCA CARING COMMUNITY DAY AT PROGRESS

We cannot thank David Cannady and his crew of HCA employees enough for all their help during the HCA Caring Community Day 2012.  The annual event has helped Progress in so many ways. This year, the employees moved furniture, filed documents, helped assemble emergency kits that will be used at the homes of our clients, gardened and spent time decorating pumpkins with our day program clients. Please view our slideshow dedicated to the day of volunteering.

Progress Inc. 4-miler Coming to East Nashville Nov. 3

Progress Inc. is gearing up for the inaugural E.N.D. East Nash Dash - a 4-miler and bash that will benefit the programs that support seniors and adults with disabilities. There will be free food, drinks and music from East Nashville's favorites.

Please learn more and register for the 4-miler at www.eastnashdash.org and take a peek at the video from our PSA shot in the heart of Five Points last week.

Progress' Robert Page to be featured in The Tennessean

Robert being interviewed by Tennessean reporter Dawn Wyatt as his dad Les listens.

Robert Page's Employment Idol success has led right into the summer. He will be featured in The Tennessean's Davidson A.M. on July 4th! Please pick up a copy of Wednesday's paper and check the story out online.

His endearing story of being a dedicated, hardworking teacher's aide at Harris-Hillman for 15 years garnered the attention of reporter Dawn Wyatt. His Employment Idol video, which now has nearly 400 views on YouTube, was a fan favorite, but it also inspired some of the other contestants in the Tennessee Disability MegaConference video contest.

One of the competing videographers Walter Dodd from the Hilltoppers agency in Crossville shared this message on YouTube: "Congrats, guys. Robert won first place. We all were there and Brian (another contestant) and our group voted for Robert as well. He really Deserves it please tell him CONGRATS from everyone at our agency."

We appreciate the support from other agencies and the coverage by The Tennessean.

 Sharing the Progress' Story

Robert could not have become Tennessee's Employment Idol without social media outlets like Facebook and Youtube. Many Progress supporters shared links to the videos, Facebook posts and told their friends about the competition.

Just as that support helped Robert, it would help Progress if all our readers, Facebook fans and others shared the stories posted here at Pressing Forward With Progress and on our Facebook Page. According to a recent research provided by Facebook, 92 percent of people on social media sites shared and read stories that their online friends talked about or shared online.

Invite your friends to like and read our blog posts and like our Facebook page. There are so many great stories, photos and videos that give a glimpse into Progress' story.

Thanks for all the support!

Progress & Rochelle event will feature golf, food and FUN challenges

Daron Hall, Congressman Jim Cooper and dozens of business including Pinnacle Bank, Walgreens, Bass Tires, Zaxby's, Shoney's, Del Mar Medical and others will come out Thursday for a daylong golf tournament at the Pine Creek Golf Course.

The event is an inaugural collaboration between Progress Inc. and Rochelle Center, two Nashville non-profits that have been committed to providing day programs, employment and other support to adults with intellectual disabilities for more than 40 years.

Golfers from across the area will take on challenging contests and games at many holes, so, in part, they have a glimpse of the daily challenges some of the folks we serve face. Proceeds from the event will help subsidize programs that enrich and enhance the lives of adults with disabilities.

A recent Progress Activities Day with staff and clients gave our folks a chance to play everything from volleyball to Frisbee.

Along with the interesting challenges, including rating the golfer with the "worst" drive and the golfers who drive their balls closest to Pine Creek Golf Course's beautiful creek. The scramble across the 18-hole golf course will benefit two great organizations, but we also hope the golfers will indeed have a "A party at every hole..." Golfers will have goodies from Jonbalaya Food Truck, Corky's, Shoney's, Sonic's, Zaxby's and many others.

Check back here for photos from tomorrow's event!