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!

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

Happy Valentine's Day from Progress!

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.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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 - 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.

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.

Family & Friends Day -April 18th @ Progress!

Progress folks and Executive Director Donna Goodaker enjoying Activities Day 2012 last summer.

 SAVE THE DATE!

PROGRESS WILL HOST ITS FAMILY & FRIENDS DAY 

THURSDAY, APRIL 18TH FROM 3 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.

JOIN US FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS, 

FOOD, KARAOKE & MUSIC 

PROGRESS - MOVING FORWARD WITH ABILITIES

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RSVP, E-MAIL STEPHANIE.

2012 Top 5 Disability & Senior Blog Posts

2012 was a great first year for the Pressing Forward with Progress blog.

We've had more than 2,600 views of our various blog posts!
We posted about our clients, events & awards more than 30 times! And now we're sharing the top 5 most read blog posts of 2012:

SMART Holds First Donation Day

Channel 5 News Covers Story on Progress' Supported Employment 

Robert Page Becomes Employment Idol 2012

Jerry Adams artwork on display at Vanderbilt's Kennedy Center

Spotlight on Seniors: Scams Against the Elderly

We thank you & we welcome feedback. Please let our Progress blogger Stephanie Toone know what you'd like to hear more about in the New Year.

This year, we have the return of two amazing events Festival on the Fairway and the E.N.D. East Nash Dash. We also have the launch of SMART - Scrap Made Art to look forward to.

Here's to many more Stories of Progress in 2013.

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.

DIDD Commissioner Jim Henry visits Progress Inc.

2012 Employment Idol Winner and Progress client Robert Page and DIDD Commissioner Jim Henry.



Henry and Progress Inc. Executive Director Donna Goodaker after his visit at Progress.

DIDD Commissioner Jim Henry made a visit to Progress Inc. this week.
Each of our directors in accounting, quality assurance, day programs and residential programs were able to share some insight with the commissioner about what is working and what has become challenges for our agency.

Commissioner Henry had glowing remarks about Progress' quality programming over the last several years. Since more than 20 percent of our clients are employed, we stand out as one of the top agencies in the state, he said. The commissioner introduced an initiative this year encouraging provider agencies in Tennessee to employ at least 20 percent of their clients.

We appreciate the commissioner taking the time to speak to us, tour the campus and share some updates about the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

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.