2023 – Life Bridges

December 22, 2023

December 2023. . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of the people we support, staff, volunteers, and partners of the agency! What a year we have had – so much fun celebrating the first 50 years of Life Bridges and now we embark on the next 50 years! We trust you and yours will have a memorable Christmas season, as we remember the greatest Christmas gift of all –our Savior Jesus!

The Spring Fling annual fundraiser is scheduled for March 22, 2024. We are looking for table sponsors, silent auction items, and specialty cakes for the night’s festivities. If you would like more information, please let me know.

To you and yours we say, “MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

Thank you to everyone who is making our 50th year our BEST year!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Bridging the gap!

Happy Holidays - 2023

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

November 25, 2023

November 2023. . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you! I hope you will be able to join us on November 20 th at 11:00 at the Cleveland High School cafeteria for our annual holiday luncheon. We have a surprise for you and the choir will be singing a few Christmas songs – led by Teresa and David Tuten. Also, remember the Talent Show on December 5 th at Lee University’s Dixon Center. A good time will be had by all.

Thank you to everyone who is making our 50th year our BEST year!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Bridging the gap!

Save the Date:

Life Bridges Holiday Lunch

Monday, November 20, 2023
11:00AM

Cleveland High School Cafeteria

Life Bridges Talent Show

Tuesday, December 5, 2023
6:00PM – 8:00AM

Lee University – Dixon Center
Talent show for those we support.

Dress up like Diana Day!

She loves her cardigans and we love her smiles.

Or NOT!

Almost?

Nope!

Life Bridges - Enabling Technology

A team from Life Bridges recently attended the DIDD Enabling Technology Summit In Murfreesboro, TN.

Life Bridges is proud to enhance their Enabling Technology program, already helping individuals with intellectual disabilities seeking independence and employment.

There is very often a significant challenge of how to provide meaningful learning opportunities in a safe manner that does not expose individuals to the risk of physical or psychological harm. For any number of real-world tasks involved in living independently and having a job — whether learning how to safely walk across the street, or to board the public bus, or to drive a car, or to perform tasks at work — learning to do these tasks in the real world can be extremely challenging and even dangerous, at least at first.

The arrival of advanced technologies based on virtual reality and artificial intelligence are now making it possible to design realistic and immersive environments for realistic learning, in a way that is safe and fulfilling.

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

October 22, 2023

October 2023. . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges continues in the work in support of our CQL Accreditation (Council on Quality Leadership). Our goal is to become even more attentive to what people who are receiving supports really want and help them meet their goals. Many would like to work, go on vacation, move, or accomplish something they have dreamed of doing. Families, staff, and friends of people receiving supports will be called upon for their support, encouragement, and brainstorming – as together we help people gain experiences which have only been dreams in the past. Life Bridges is a place where we see people excelling every day!

Miracle League Baseball is in full swing! Come and cheer for our athletes at Bradley North Complex (6065 Eureka Road). October 21 and November 11 with game times at 10am/11:15am/12:30pm…We hope to see you there!!!

Fundraising opportunities are available to all who would like to participate. We have opportunities to purchase tables at the March 2024 Spring Fling, our annual giving campaign will soon be kicking off, there are $5 Belk coupons to purchase, please check with Karen Kelley/ kkelley@lifebridgesonline.com– so we have choices for every person who would like to be a part of the fundraising efforts which are ongoing at Life Bridges.

Thank you to everyone who is making our 50th year our BEST year!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Bridging the gap!

Belk Charity Sale:

CHARITY SALE! ALL TICKET PROCEEDS GO TO LIFE BRIDGES!

Purchase a $5 Charity Sale ticket from Life Bridges. Customers get $5 off their Charity Sale purchase, plus and extra 25% off select brands on days of sale November 3-5 (in store only)

Buy your $5 ticket now to use for Nov. 3-5!
Contact Karen: kkelley@lifebridgesonline.com

Save the Date:

Halloween Trunk or Treat

Saturday, October 21, 2023
6PM – 8PM

@ Life Bridges

Holiday Dinner

Monday, November 20, 2023
11AM

Cleveland High School Cafeteria

Camp Cherokee 2023

Tuesday, December 5, 2023
6PM

Lee University Dixon Center

Miracle League Baseball - 2023:

Jimmy's Journal

Miracle League - 2023

By: James L. Kilgore, Life Bridges Reporter

This year’s Miracle League of Bradley County is visiting Eureka Rd where the Bradley County North. This Reporter has about fifty-two homeruns in Miracle League Softball. I have been going to play with Different teams like the Braves and Dodgers. I am very proud of all the staff for coming to this year’s miracle league softball with all of our coaches.

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

September 23, 2023

September 2023. . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

What an exciting 50th year we have had celebrating with t-shirts, Domino’s pizza, Jersey Mikes subs, bingo, the Spring Fling, corn hole toss, summer barbeque, and a 50th birthday camp bash! There has been many gift card winners and big smiles. We have another exciting day planned and want to invite all of our friends to join us on September 20 th at 10:00 AM for an aerial picture to commemorate our 50 years. You will want to be a part of this event. Wear a grey or blue shirt and we will have t-shirts as long as they last. Kona Ice to follow the photo at 11:00 AM.

Life Bridges celebrates our Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week. September 10-16 is a week-long celebration that recognizes and honors the remarkable work of DSPs who contribute tirelessly to the lives of people with disabilities.

Life Bridges received a grant from Volunteer Energy Cooperative’s VEC Customers Share program to help with the cost of Camp Cherokee 2023.

“We are grateful to the generosity of the VEC members who have agreed to round up their monthly bill to the nearest dollar in support of local organizations in their community! We thank you!”

Thank you to everyone who is making our 50th year our BEST year!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Bridging the gap!

Miracle League Fall Schedule

Bradley North Complex

Saturday, Sept. 23

10am Pirates vs. Reds

11:15am Dodgers vs. Braves

12:30pm A’s vs. Giants

Saturday, Sept. 30

10am Reds vs. A’s

11:15am Giants vs. Braves

12:30pm Pirates vs. Dodgers

Saturday, Oct. 7

10am Giants vs. Pirates

11:15am A’s vs. Braves

12:30pm Reds vs Dodgers

Saturday, Oct. 14

10am Braves vs. Reds

11:15am Dodgers vs. Giants

12:30pm Pirates vs. A’s

Saturday, Oct. 21

10am Dodgers vs. A’s

11:15am Braves vs. Pirates

12:30pm Reds vs Giants

Saturday, Nov. 11

10am Pirates vs. Reds

11:15am Dodgers vs. Braves

12:30pm A’s vs. Giants

Bradley North Complex | 6065 Eureka Rd NW | Cleveland, TN 3712

2023 DSP Spotlight

DSP Recognition Week is a week-long celebration that recognizes and honors the remarkable work of DSPs who contribute tirelessly to the lives of people with disabilities. THANK YOU!

: Alli Nunnery (ICF)

: Ike Phanor (ICF)

: Makayla Hightshoe (ICF)

: Morgan Tullock (ICF)

: Brittany Trentham (ICF)

: Janice Appleman (Day/Res)

: Haleigh Keith (Day/Res)

: Len ‘Asia Coleman (Day/Res)

: Melissa Coblentz (Day/Res)

: Towanna Hickey (Day/Res)

: Shelby Taylor (Day/Res)

: Rachel McCauley (Day/Res)

: Sandra Cotton (Day/Res)

: Tim Purifory (Supportive Employment)

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

August 20, 2023

August 2023. . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges staff, people supported, and volunteers had a BLAST at camp, which ended up with a thunder storm! (I did say it is was a blast!) Everyone is already talking about next year and making plans for the 2024 camp to be the best camp experience ever. Watch out David Luzader, First Baptist Volunteers, and many of our camp friends.

August 25th “Come one come all” to the Block Party Summer Fun Barbeque and Games Night at the Main Center from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM. All are welcome to participate. September 20th at 10:00 AM please join us for an aerial picture to commemorate our 50 years at Life Bridges. You will want to be a part of this event. Kona Ice to follow the photo at 11:00 AM.

Thank you to everyone who is making our 50th year our BEST year!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Bridging the gap!

Save the Date:

Life Bridges Block Party

Friday, August 25, 2023
5:00PM – 8:00PM

Life Bridges Main Center
Food/Fun/Games
Family and Friends Welcome

M&M Mars Fishing Rodeo

Saturday, September 9, 2023
8:00AM – 1:00PM

Fishing Pond Behind M&M Plant
Enter Gate 4 (bring a lawn chair)

Rods/Hooks/Worms Provided

Jimmy's Journal

Camp Cherokee - 2023

By: James L. Kilgore, Life Bridges Reporter

Tuesday through Thursday, this reporter holds on to a tubing in the Ocoee River. Plus I watch these guys during the ride. PJ tells us the four things in the kingdom of God for story time. When it was sunset we made a water type dye shirt. Second day was the only different day we got to sit down on rocking chairs. Final day, it started to rain and that ended our trip to camp Cherokee.

See you next year…

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

July 26, 2023

July 2023 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges continues to celebrate 50 years of service to our community. We have had many celebrations and planning an aerial picture to be taken in September. All are invited to participate in the photo, and more information will be coming. So many people have contributed so much to the first 50 years of the agency. A video is currently being recorded to capture many staff, people supported, and community partners.

We are enjoying the summer months with days full of swimming, outdoor activities, and thoughts about camp! August 1-3 many will have the opportunity to enjoy time at camp with our friends of First Baptist Church. If music, boating, talent show, swimming, singing, relaxing, and hot weather are on your list –then camp just might be for you!

Thank you to everyone who is making our 50th year our BEST year!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Bridging the gap!

Save the Date:

Staff Meeting

Tuesday, July 25, 2023
1:30PM – 2:30PM

Family Meeting

Tuesday, July 25, 2023
5:00PM

Camp Cherokee 2023

August 1 – 3

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

June 16, 2023

June 2023 Newsletter

Happy Fourth of July!

Fun in the Sun

Friday, July 21 from 5PM-8PM

At Life Bridges’ Main Campus

Food, Games, Fun

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges Maintenance teams have been hard at work updating both our properties and managing the vehicle fleet. The agency now owns 24 homes and the buildings at the main center. The list of items accomplished recently have been:

A patio was poured and garage weatherized at Country Club drive
Kitchen updated at the main center
Appliances and cabinets replaced at 713 Old Chattanooga Pike
Cabinets added at Oak Tree
Several trees removed and landscaping added
Classroom at the main center expanded and updated
New icemaker being installed at the main center
Parking lot resurfacing at Country Club Dr.
New roof at Mohawk Dr.
New roof at Misty Meadow Dr.
Fence and new shower at Elrod Drive

The agency owns 120 vehicles, with the vehicle with the most mileage being at 173,000. Six new wheelchair vans are due (back ordered) from grants we have received from the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The department has added an onsite commercial vacuum system and has secured a contract with a local car wash for washing of the vans.

Wishing everyone a Happy July 4th!!

Thank you to everyone who is making our 50th year our BEST year!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!

Life Bridges Medical Clinic

Just a reminder:

The medical clinic is available for staff & immediate family members, weekdays for physicals or acute illness.

Call Rachelle for an appointment:

423–303–1946

Or Main Office:

423–303–1959

Save the Date:

All Staff Breakfast

Wednesday, June 21, 2023
7:00AM – 9:30AM

“To-Go” breakfasts served!

Administration Building

Staff Meeting

Tuesday, July 25, 2023
1:30PM – 2:30PM

HOC

Family Meeting

Tuesday, July 25, 2023
5:00PM – HOC

Dinner will be served!

Camp Cherokee 2023

August 1 – 3

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

May 31, 2023

May 2023 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges is proud to announce the purchase of a new home which will be shared by three people in Supportive Living. Every department has provided expertise to bring about a well decorated and comfortable home for the men to enjoy. The new space is being modified to meet the special needs of each person.

Special Olympics was enjoyed by many and the weather was perfect. Many parents and family members attended which was very helpful in keeping everyone hydrated and present for their events. Many are looking forward to the 2023 First Baptist Camp experience in August. Let us know if you would like to be a part of this “hot”event!

Also, the Taziki’s Fundraiser is on May 25th from 4:00-8:00PM. Enjoy a great meal with a portion of each purchase being donated to Life Bridges.

Thank you to everyone who is making our 50th year our BEST year!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!

Come out to support
Life Bridges!

When: Thursday, May 25, 2023
Where: 440 Frontage Rd NW (Target Center)
Promo Code: FUNDRAISER

A PORTION OF SALES WILL BE DONATED TO THE LIFE BRIDGES Benevolence Fund.
Use this promo code online or at checkout for your purchase to be counted towards the fundraiser.

Featuring: The Appalachian String Band from 5-8PM and
Cleveland Disc Golf setup outside for all to try!

Jimmy's Journal

Special Olympics - 2023

By: James L. Kilgore, Life Bridges Reporter

“Let me win, but if I do not win, let me be brave in the attempt.” . . . Mary Kennedy Shriver

April 22, 2023, this reporter got third place in the standing long jump and first place in the fifty meter dash. I am very proud of the Civitan club, volunteers and Cleveland Fire Department for helping to make the Summer Olympics fun! First came the softball throw, standing long jump and finally the runners.

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

April 22, 2023

April 2023 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Thank you to everyone who is making our 50th year our BEST year! The Spring Fling Annual Fundraiser was a success in every way. Many thanks to all who contributed!

The people of Life Bridges are practicing for Special Olympics. It is such an exciting time as we look forward to the softball throw, running events, standing long jump, food and being with all of our friends. We are also busy with the Miracle League softball program and many are thinking of CAMP!

Also, the Salsarita’s Fundraiser is all day on April 25th. Enjoy a great meal with a portion of each purchase being donated to Life Bridges.

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!

Jimmy's Journal

Life Bridges celebrates fifty years of service to Cleveland

By: James L. Kilgore, Life Bridges Reporter

I am very proud of every employee of Life Bridges. Diana Jackson celebrates her thirty-fifth year. Juanita Breedlove celebrates her tenth year as staff. Everybody was so excited and cheering for our loving staff and the community.

I would like to thank all of the staff including Diana Jackson herself!

HIRING NOW

LIFE BRIDGES IS HIRING!

We have Nursing and Direct Support Professional positions open.

1ST, 2ND and 3RD SHIFTS AVAILABLE

CALL HUMAN RESOURCES AT: 423-303-1873 OR APPLY ONLINE.

Save the Date:

Salsarita Fundraiser

Tuesday, April 25, 2023
All Day

A portion of sales will be donated to Life Bridges

694 Paul Huff Parkway

Special Olympics

Saturday, April 22, 2023
Parade Line-up 10:30AM
Games Begin – 11:00AM

Cleveland Middle School
Track & Field

Quarterly Staff Meeting

Tuesday, April 25, 2023
1:30PM

Life Bridges
Hunt Center

Come out to support
Life Bridges!
ALL DAY!

When: Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Where: 694 Paul Huff Parkway
Online Promo Code: FUNDRAISER

A PORTION OF SALES WILL BE DONATED TO LIFE BRIDGES
Use this promo code online or in the Salsarita’s app at your checkout for your purchase to be counted towards the fundraiser.
www.salsaritas.com

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

February 19, 2023

February 2023 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges celebrated staff members who had milestone anniversaries as employees with the agency. Longest serving employee, Cheri Williamson, was honored for her 40 years of continuous service to the agency. Employees celebrating milestone anniversaries included 54 employees representing 575 years of service to Life Bridges. The enthusiasm was great and laughter, tears, and confetti all had their place. The employees receiving awards had tenure from 5 years to 40 years of service (in 5–year increments).

At the meeting we also kicked off our yearlong celebration which will include a looking back over the last 50 years of the people and families we have supported and the staff who have worked at the agency. Notably, Eddie Elrod, has been supported by the agency since 1974 – yes 49 years! Joann Knoxville is the oldest recipient of services at age 93, and Cheri Williamson is the staff member with the most tenure, 40 years, and she is still working!!

Staff, we will offer fun & exciting opportunities all through the year to you in celebration of our 50 years. Remember to practice for February 20th Cornhole Tournament and good luck!

Contact Us

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

To you and yours we say, “MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Bridging the gap!

Happy Holidays - 2023

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Bridging the gap!

Save the Date:

Life Bridges Holiday Lunch

Life Bridges Talent Show

Dress up like Diana Day!

Or NOT!

Almost?

Nope!

Life Bridges - Enabling Technology

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Bridging the gap!

Belk Charity Sale:

Save the Date:

Halloween Trunk or Treat

Holiday Dinner

Camp Cherokee 2023

Miracle League Baseball - 2023:

Miracle League - 2023

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Bridging the gap!

Bradley North Complex

Saturday, Sept. 23

Saturday, Sept. 30

Saturday, Oct. 7

Saturday, Oct. 14

Saturday, Oct. 21

Saturday, Nov. 11

2023 DSP Spotlight

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Bridging the gap!

Save the Date:

Life Bridges Block Party

M&M Mars Fishing Rodeo

Camp Cherokee - 2023

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Bridging the gap!

Save the Date:

Staff Meeting

Family Meeting

Camp Cherokee 2023

Happy Fourth of July!

Fun in the Sun

Friday, July 21 from 5PM-8PM

At Life Bridges’ Main Campus

Food, Games, Fun

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!Bridging the gap!

Life Bridges Medical Clinic

Save the Date:

All Staff Breakfast

Staff Meeting

Family Meeting

Camp Cherokee 2023

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!Bridging the gap!

Come out to supportLife Bridges!

When: Thursday, May 25, 2023Where: 440 Frontage Rd NW (Target Center)Promo Code: FUNDRAISER

A PORTION OF SALES WILL BE DONATED TO THE LIFE BRIDGES Benevolence Fund.Use this promo code online or at checkout for your purchase to be counted towards the fundraiser.

Featuring: The Appalachian String Band from 5-8PM and Cleveland Disc Golf setup outside for all to try!

Special Olympics - 2023

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!Bridging the gap!

Life Bridges celebrates fifty years of service to Cleveland

HIRING NOW

LIFE BRIDGES IS HIRING!

We have Nursing and Direct Support Professional positions open.

1ST, 2ND and 3RD SHIFTS AVAILABLE

CALL HUMAN RESOURCES AT: 423-303-1873 OR APPLY ONLINE.

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!

Come out to support
Life Bridges!

When: Thursday, May 25, 2023
Where: 440 Frontage Rd NW (Target Center)
Promo Code: FUNDRAISER

A PORTION OF SALES WILL BE DONATED TO THE LIFE BRIDGES Benevolence Fund.
Use this promo code online or at checkout for your purchase to be counted towards the fundraiser.

Featuring: The Appalachian String Band from 5-8PM and
Cleveland Disc Golf setup outside for all to try!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!

Come out to support
Life Bridges!
ALL DAY!

When: Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Where: 694 Paul Huff Parkway
Online Promo Code: FUNDRAISER

A PORTION OF SALES WILL BE DONATED TO LIFE BRIDGES
Use this promo code online or in the Salsarita’s app at your checkout for your purchase to be counted towards the fundraiser.
www.salsaritas.com