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.

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.

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!

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 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 - Full-Day Summer Camp for kids with disabilities - in June!

Camp Progress will be a pilot summer camp that offers Middle Tennessee children with intellectual disabilities a  wonderful summer!

Do you know a child with autism or other intellectual disabilities? Camp Progress, which will begin its inaugural summer on June 3, will be a nurturing and educational place for them this summer! 

Progress Inc. will offer the only 6-week full-day camp for children with intellectual disabilities available in Nashville from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 3-July 13th at West End Middle, 3529 West End Avenue. 

Metro Nashville Public Schools has been a great partner by welcoming MNPS students who would benefit from the innovative and engaging camp spearheaded by Progress Director of Programs Meika McClendon. 

Camp Progress will be a natural extension of what Progress provides to dozens of adults with intellectual disabilities. We aim to keep those youths not only "healthy, happy and safe," as our mission says, but also enlightened, entertained & engaged!

We hope to have much more to share about some of the exciting plans for this summer. Please share this information with families that may be interested in the camp.

Register here: http://www.innovation.mnps.org/Page107013.aspx.

Valentine's Day Fun with Belmont students & Progress

Belmont grad student Cantrell Ellis guides Vanlisha’s hands as she draws a heart inside her greeting card for the arts & crafts project.

Red and pink construction paper sprawled across the day center can only mean one thing - It's the season of love. 

Vanlisha, Shonda and others got a head start on Valentine's Day by making cards for their companions,  friends and loved ones. They had the help of Belmont University grad student Cantrell Ellis. She helped make sure the "hearts" and sweet messages were just right for everyone's special Valentines.

Ellis is one of six students that will spend the next three months at Progress fulfilling Progress’ mission of keeping seniors and adults with disabilities healthy, happy and safe.

The graduate students, who are studying Occupational Therapy, will assist Progress staff in the homes of seniors who receive in-home care and they will also participate in the community activities and employment support teams for adults with intellectual disabilities supported a Progress Inc., a non-profit agency that provides staff support to more than 150 clients.

The volunteer hours will be clocked as fieldwork hours towards the students’ degrees. Belmont selects various human services sites each year for students to get hands-on experience. Progress was one of those fortunate agencies to be chosen by Belmont Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Shelley Hix last fall.

To our wonderful Belmont students, THANK YOU!

Please share this post to highlight this great partnership between Belmont & Progress. To hear more about our updates & stories of Progress, visit our recently updated Progress Inc. website.

Progress Inc. clients Shonda Pevahouse, Vanlisha Harbison and Billy Goodman watch as Belmont graduate student Cantrell Ellis assembles a construction paper Valentine’s Day card.

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.

Vote for Robert Page in the TN Employment Idol Video Contest

YouTube Video on What Makes Robert Page a TN Employment Idol.

Robert Page doesn't sing or play the guitar, but he is hoping to win your vote as an "idol" - Tennessee's Employment Idol that is.

The Tennessee Disability MegaConference called for video submissions earlier this month that highlight the employment success of an individual with intellectual disabilities. Online voting began Tuesday, and it ends today. During Thursday morning's MegaConference, a studio audience will also vote on the seven Employment Idol videos.

How to Vote for Robert's Video:

1. Sign into your Gmail, YouTube or Google+ account
2. Open this link in another tab.
3. Watch the video on Robert
4. Click the like button on the video

Robert has been a dedicated employee at Harris-Hillman for 15 years. He began as a volunteer at the school, but soon became a paid employee. When budget cuts threaten his employment, the school principal and Metro School Board fought to keep his position paid.

He loves earning his own money, but, most of all, he loves interacting with the students. He shows the students at Harris-Hillman, who also have disabilities, that there can be a full and prosperous life as an adult with disabilities.

He lives out the Progress mission of "moving forward with abilities."

Please take a few moments to view his video story and vote for Robert!

Check back here to see if Robert nabs the title.

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!

Progress Inc. client's artwork on display at Vanderbilt

Ebony in Ivory Pool by Jerry Adams Courtesy of Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

Happy midweek everyone.

Wanted to share some exciting news about one of Progress Inc.'s longtime and talented clients Jerry Adams.
Jerry's oil painting "Ebony in Ivory Pool" will be featured in the Creative Expressions XVI exhibit at Vanderbilt University's Kennedy Center for the next week as a part of the center and the Mayor's Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities annual exhibit. The exhibition features a variety of media by artists with a wide range of disabilities and a wealth of talent. Check out a slideshow of all the artists work here.

Vanderbilt has put the display on since 1976, promoting public education and awareness and advocacy for artists with disabilities. The Kennedy Center will also feature 12 of Jerry's works, including a portrait of him, in a exhibition beginning next month, which will run until May.

Jerry, a Cheatham County resident and Tennessee native, has been painting for more than 30 years, and in that time he has been named Disabled Artist of the Year by the city and been featured in galleries at the Frist Center, TPAC and other venues across the area.

We hope that everyone can go out and support Jerry's work, and we hope to share some photos of his work for next month's exhibition soon.



Jerry Adams

 To view more of Jerry's work, please visit his website http://midtnads.com/Adams.shtml .