Karen Kelley – Page 2

December 22, 2022

December 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges has enjoyed many celebrations and parties during Christmas season. We were fortunate to have the Oak Grove Elementary School Choir join us and lift our spirits with their songs of good cheer! Also, the Christmas Drive-Thru at the agency was a grand event enjoyed by hundreds of people in our community (a few pictures below). The staff at the homes are wrapping presents, finalizing the menus, and making the final grocery lists. It will be a time of joy, rest, family, and good cheer!

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

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

Rotary Christmas Gifts

Warm Gloves

The Rotary Club of Cleveland stopped by Life Bridges with presents. Everyone was so excited to receive warm gloves for the colder weather! Thank you to Peggy Pesterfield and Cleveland Rotary president, Bethany McCoy, for visiting with us and delivering the gifts! Thank you Rotary Club of Cleveland!

Whoville Drive-Thru 2022

Jimmy's Journal

It is all about giving.

Christmas is just around the corner
Thanksgiving has come and gone
We are so lucky for the things that we do have and to be able to celebrate the holidays

Schools closing for Christmas Break
We give each other presents on Christmas Day
But that is not what Christmas is really about
We just like to say It’s all about giving & not receiving

But most of all it is all about the birth of our Lord & Savior. . .
Jesus Christ of Nazareth

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

November 19, 2022

November 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges has enjoyed our partnership with the Miracle League of Cleveland during the past several months. The fun began with baseball and has continued into several weeks of bowling. The smiles and thrills of bowling were very much evident this past week! Carolyn Kimsey and her husband are the local organizers through the Miracle League. Many thanks to them for seeing a need and filling it to bring recreation, enjoyment, and community support to people in our community with intellectual disabilities.

One person really can make a difference. I see the difference my co–workers make every day. One person can inspire, challenge, and motivate others. One person can often meet the need of one other person. One person can be the connection that leads to many answers. My hope is to be that person every day and that you also – will be that ONE person.

Hoping to see you on Monday, November 21st at Cleveland High School Cafeteria for our Annual Holiday Dinner. The Life Bridges choir will sing and the food will be wonderful.

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

Save the Dates. . .

Monday, November 21–Life Bridges Holiday Lunch 11am Cleveland High School Cafeteria

Saturday, December 10– Elk’s Christmas Party at Elk’s Lodge (time to be determined)

Saturday, December 17–Life Bridges Christmas Drive–thru 6pm at Life Bridges Cam- pus/764 Old Chattanooga Pike

Support us with:

When shopping. . .

A website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to Life Bridges.

Sign up now!

Click HERE to go directly to the Life Bridges / AmazonSmile page.

Using your: Computer/iPad/Mobile Device
Go to: smile.amazon.com

enter your email address or phone form mobile accounts and a password. If you don’t have an Amazon account, you can create one.
you will be asked to select a charity.
select Life Bridges Inc (scroll down to confirm Cleveland TN and select) please note that
Life Bridges Inc has no punctuation marks
confirm that you must always start at smile.amazon.com to support Life Bridges
install amazon assistant to ensure your purchases will support life Bridges. Tens of millions of products are eligible for donations. Products are marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on product detail pages.

Harley Buchtel, DSP, receives a perfect score of 100 after taking his medication recertification exam!

Harely created his own practice box with a practice tool to assist with his studies for a perfect score.

Congratulations, Harley!

Jimmy Kilgore, attended a Civitan meeting with CEO, Diana Jackson, and was very excited to meet the President, Dr. Ty Stone, of Cleveland State Community College.

Jimmy, is now a reporter for the Life Bridges Newsletter and writes of his meeting with Dr. Stone. . .

“It was a nice meeting. This reporter has met a new President of Cleveland Sate Community College Dr. Stone. I asked a very good question.”

Jimmy's Journal

Volunteers End Bama's 14-Year Winning Streak in Knoxville

By: James L. Kilgore, Life Bridges Reporter

Sixth–ranked Tennessee snaps Alabama’s 14 year winning streak at Rocky Top to end the curse. In the first half, vols lead twenty–eight to twenty but in the second half at the last second game–winning forty yard FG attempt in the fourth quarter where the score was tied forty–nine a piece Chase McGrath of Tennessee and the kick was good to end the game. Final Score #3 Alabama 49 #6 Tennessee *52. Everyone came to the field for a celebration that no team has gone for tearing down the goalpost and taking it straight to the river they go. Next game will be Georgia (arch–rival) at Neyland State on CBS. Coach Heupel was pleased after the victory goes rocky–top profession.

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

October 26, 2022

October 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

What comes to your mind when you think of Life Bridges? At this time of year, I think of all the celebrations and parties that are being enjoyed at the agency as we celebrate BIG…whether it is fall, Thanksgiving, or all that leads up to CHRISTMAS!!! People supported by the agency are dressing up as various characters, enjoying candy and treats, busy making their Christmas gift lists, planning their menus, and planning time with their friends and families over the next few months.

Many have donated to Life Bridges during this season. We are appreciative of the MARS candy donation, Knights of Columbus financial gift, and to all of those who have made donations of various types to fulfill the needs of those supported. Please keep the agency in mind as you give your end of the year contributions. Thank you for thinking of us!

Wishing you a happy and blessed fall season!

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

Save the date. . .

Life Bridges Holiday Dinner /Monday–November 21 /11am/Cleveland High School Cafeteria
Christmas with the Elks /Saturday–December 10/TBD/Cleveland Elks Lodge
Life Bridges Christmas Drive Thru /Saturday–December 17/6pm/Life Bridges

Miracle League of Bradley County

Reported by: James L. Kilgore

September 17, 2022 – Miracle League celebrates its first season at Blue Springs Park in Field C. It was a great season, there were six teams: A’s, Dodgers, Braves, Reds, Giants & Pirates. This reporter has been a pitcher for the Pirates. Opening day was a very good one, especially when everybody wins there are no fouls, strikes or outs recorded. I learned that baseball was 100% life all the time. Concluding the last game was Saturday, October 22 at 10am.

Our Team and Friends

Halloween Drive-Thru

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

September 24, 2022

September 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges has celebrated DSP’s (Direct Support Professionals) this past week! DSP’s support people every day in community activities, employment, and learning to be more independent. They never give up on assisting people to work on their goals and helping people reach their dreams.

They help people live with greater meaning and fulfillment. We acknowledge their hard work and dedication in helping others live their best life!

We couldn’t do it without you!!!

Vickie Batzka, Clifton Weaver’s sister, asked me to CHALLENGE those who love the agency to give a monthly gift through a bank draft. She is the only person who currently does this and she says her gift is small, but to me by giving every month she is able to give more than many could give at one time. So, if you accept the challenge – let me know…

djackson@lifebridgesonline.com.

Wishing you a happy and blessed fall season!

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

Miracle League Fall Schedule

Blue Springs Ball Field C

Saturday, Sept. 24

10am Pirates vs. Reds

11:15am Dodgers vs. Braves

12:30pm A’s vs. Giants

Saturday, Oct.1

10am Reds vs. A’s

11:15am Giants vs. Braves

12:30pm Pirates vs. Dodgers

Saturday, Oct. 8

10am Giants vs. Pirates

11:15am A’s vs. Braves

12:30pm Reds vs Dodgers

Saturday, Oct. 15

10am Dodgers vs. A’s

11:15am Braves vs. Pirates

12:30pm Reds vs. Giants

DSP Spotlight

: Joel LeBlanc (ICF)

: Mike Oxley (ICF)

: Emily Tuten (ICF)

: Morgan Yarber (ICF)

: Eddo Ford (ICF)

: Tanya Martin (Day Services)

: Christie Chatfield (Day Services)

: Audrey Trentham (Day Services)

: Stephanie Johnson (Residential)

: Angela Tatum (Residential)

: Sumer Taylor (Residential)

: Tammy Cross (Residential)

: Danielle Bentley (Residential)

: Alesha Alonzo (Day Services)

Not Pictured: Yesia Pitner (Day Services)

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

August 19, 2022

August 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

We send a huge thank you to David and Kim Luzader, First Baptist Church, VEC Customers Share and the Life Bridges team for making Camp Cherokee happen this year. It was AMAZING!

Employment is an important part of the lives of the people supported by Life Bridges. The money earned brings increased buying power that includes trips, eating out, and community activities. Working in the community brings increased self–confidence, the opportunity to learn new things, and new friendships. Currently, we support people who work at the following places:

Blythe Bower School
Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe
Hampton Inn
Lowe’s
YMCA
Tennessee Department of Transportation
Bojangles
McDonalds
Lubing Systems
Burger King – APD 40
Lee University
Sodexo
Aalberts Surface Technologies
Home Depot

I encourage you to frequent these businesses and let them know you support the hiring of people with disabilities.

2023 will be the agency’s 50th year of providing services. More to come on this – but we will plan to celebrate all year long!

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

Volunteer Energy Cooperative

Life Bridges Receives Grant

Life Bridges was awarded a grant from the VEC Customers Share Foundation to help with funding for Individuals Supported to attend Camp Cherokee 2022. Receiving the grant is Diana Jackson (L) from VEC Board Member.

Life Bridges Supportive Employment Team

Featured in TN DIDD Newsletter

The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities highlighted Life Bridges’ Supportive Employment Team in their August Employment Innovation Newsletter. The team’s focus each day is to connect with employers willing to train and coach individuals that desire employment and are able to work and be paid a competitive wage while offering opportunities for growth.

Camp Cherokee 2022

Thank you to our amazing team for making Camp Cherokee 2022 fun and memorable!

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

July 13, 2022

July 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Yes, it is that time again – First Baptist Church Camp at Parksville Lake led by David Luzader! So many of the people we support are excited about their vacation at this special camping event designed just for them. Life Bridges partners with First Baptist Church to provide several days of fun, music, boating, tubing, swimming, fishing, and FOOD!!! Camp dates this year are August 2–4.

Life Bridges is proud to have over 400 employees who work hard and give of themselves at a high level due to staffing shortages. The dedication of many staff is shown when they work to fill openings when they need to rest. It is amazing how many people go the extra mile regularly and may be overlooked because they do not complain. I encourage everyone to thank a Direct Support Professional and let them know how much you appreciate them. If you know someone who would be a good addition to our amazing team, please refer them. Applications are available at www.lifebridgesonline.com or call 423–303–1899.

SPRING FLING UPDATE: Tables are being sold for the Spring Fling/March 2023 event. Table costs range from $1,000 to $5,000. Please call Karen Kelley if you would like to discuss opportunities. (423) 421–4129 or email to: kkelley@lifebridgesonline.com

2023 will be the agency’s 50th year of providing services. More to come on this – but we will plan to celebrate all year long!

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

Save the Date:

Miracle Baseball League

Sign up for fall play in August and September

Saturday mornings

For information call:
Carolyn Kimsey
(423) 650-2218

Staff Meeting

Tuesday, July 19, 2022
1:30PM – 2:30PM

HOC

Camp Cherokee 2022

August 2 – 4

Independence Day - 2022

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

June 16, 2022

June 2022 Newsletter

Happy Fourth of July!

Independence Day Celebration with Family and Friends!

July 2 from 11AM-2PM

At Life Bridges’ Main Campus

Food, Games, Fellowship

Click here for more information. . .

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges recently became accredited by CQL, The Council on Quality and Leadership, a national accreditation. CQL Accreditation promotes excellence in person–centered services and supports that lead to increased quality of life. It is about continuous improvement. CQL Accreditation facilitates organizational development in person–centered services and supports and personal quality of life outcomes. Agency staff worked hard to evaluate current proce- dures and developed new strategies to better meet the needs of individuals. Several people who receive supports from Life Bridges are participating in focus groups and have added a great deal to the discussions as the agency grows and moves forward.

2023 will be the agency’s 50th year of providing services. More to come on this – but we will plan to celebrate all year long!

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

Save the Date:

Independence Day Celebration with Family and Friends

Saturday, July 2, 2022
11:00AM – 2:00PM

Games, Food and FUN

Life Bridges – Main Center

More Info. . .

Staff Meeting

Tuesday, July 19, 2022
1:30PM – 2:30PM

HOC

Camp Cherokee 2022

August 2 – 4

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

Interested in playing baseball?

Cleveland’s Miracle Baseball League is signing up individuals for fall play in August and September on Saturday mornings.

Call Carolyn Kimsey:

423-650-2218

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

May 12, 2022

May 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Special Olympics was held on a beautiful day and the celebration of athletes was so meaningful. All were encouraged and honored for their efforts and progress since our last event which was in 2019. A good friend of mine who participated in the 100 meter race and the softball throw said of himself, “I am amazing!” That is truly what it is all about!

The 2nd Annual Spring Fling fundraiser was both a hit and a success! The event was well attended and those present enjoyed the live auction, silent auction, and band. Also, many donated cash, at the encouragement of Steve Hixson, auctioneer. Tables are sold for this event and if you would like to purchase a table for the 2023 event, please let me know. Thank you to all of our partners who work hard for the people we support!

2023 will be the agency’s 50th year of providing services. More to come on this – but we will plan to celebrate all year long!

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

Question & Answer

What is CQL?

As a provider of supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Life Bridges always seek to enhance the quality of supports. We are entering a new adventure on our journey to excellence as we seek certification by the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). Many people in our field of work consider CQL to be the golden standard of excellence. According to their website, they have been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older
adults with intellectual disabilities and psychiatric disabilities since 1969.

CQL Vision

The vision of CQL is a world of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.

CQL Mission

CQL is dedicated to the definition, measurement, and improvement of personal quality of life.

CQL has a two pronged focus. First, there are high systemic expectations. Systems include our written policies and procedures. The second prong of focus is on practice. It is not enough to have policies and procedures that meet CQL standards. We must also have staff, especially supervisors and DSPs who live out those policies and procedures. CQL standards also set the bar high in the level of participation of the people we support and their families and friends at every level of our organization from input into policy making to issues of everyday living.

These new standards both affirm our strengths and challenge us to look outside the box for ways to grow. Please let us know if you have questions and know that you will hear more as we move through this journey.

Thanks for all you do to help us grow, develop, and THRIVE as a provider agency!

Special Olympics 2022

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

April 19, 2022

April 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

A highlight of this year for the people supported at Life Bridges is Special Olympics! After two years of cancelation due to the pandemic many are practicing and getting ready for the big competition. The event will take place at Cleveland Middle School, track and field area, April 23rd, and the parade line up will be at 9:30 on the field. Come and support our community of athletes and the games sponsored by our local Civitan Club.

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

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:

Easter Party

Saturday, April 6, 2022
2:00PM

Egg Hunt, Games & Snacks

Life Bridges – Hunt Center

Special Olympics

Saturday, April 23, 2022
Rain Date, April 30, 2022

Parade Lineup, 9:30AM
Games Begin, 10:00AM

Cleveland Middle School
Track and Field

Family Meeting

Tuesday, May 3, 2022
5:00PM

Dinner Provided

Life Bridges – Hunt Center

2022 Easter Egg Hunt

Enjoyed by friends and family of Life Bridges

By Karen Kelley

NEWS

February 17, 2022

February 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

A highlight of this year was the Life Bridges Annual Staff Awards Day. We celebrated many employees with 5 to 30 years of service. Employees of the year and CEO Choices of the year were also named. Later in February all will be featured in a large Banner article with pictures and awards.

It is amazing the longevity that is represented among our staff. Cheri Williamson is the staff member with the most tenure. This is her 39th year of service. She is a “rock” who has stood through changing times, three directors, and hundreds of staff. Gail Miller was celebrated for 30 years of service. We currently have 458 employees which is 20 less than last year.

If you would like to donate a boxed cake from a bakery or bakery like Publix we are accepting them for our Spring Fling Fundraiser on March 25th . They can be donated by noon on that day either at the Cleveland Country Club or at Life Bridges Main Office.

Our Annual Giving Campaign earned over $15,000 and we appreciate all of you for your contributions! Some of you are even giving monthly – we are very grateful!

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

Staff Awards Day

2021 Employee Recognition

By Karen Kelley

Contact Us

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

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

Warm Gloves

Whoville Drive-Thru 2022

It is all about giving.

Christmas is just around the cornerThanksgiving has come and goneWe are so lucky for the things that we do have and to be able to celebrate the holidays

Schools closing for Christmas BreakWe give each other presents on Christmas DayBut that is not what Christmas is really aboutWe just like to say It’s all about giving & not receiving

But most of all it is all about the birth of our Lord & Savior. . .Jesus Christ of Nazareth

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Save the Dates. . .

Support us with:

When shopping. . .

Volunteers End Bama's 14-Year Winning Streak in Knoxville

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

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

Save the date. . .

Miracle League of Bradley County

Halloween Drive-Thru

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

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

Blue Springs Ball Field C

Saturday, Sept. 24

Saturday, Oct.1

Saturday, Oct. 8

Saturday, Oct. 15

DSP Spotlight

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

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

Life Bridges Receives Grant

Featured in TN DIDD Newsletter

Camp Cherokee 2022

Thank you to our amazing team for making Camp Cherokee 2022 fun and memorable!

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

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

Save the Date:

Miracle Baseball League

Staff Meeting

Camp Cherokee 2022

Independence Day - 2022

Happy Fourth of July!

July 2 from 11AM-2PM

At Life Bridges’ Main Campus

Food, Games, Fellowship

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

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

Save the Date:

Independence Day Celebration with Family and Friends

Staff Meeting

Camp Cherokee 2022

Life Bridges Medical Clinic

Interested in playing baseball?

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

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

What is CQL?

CQL Vision

CQL Mission

Special Olympics 2022

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

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

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:

Easter Party

Special Olympics

Family Meeting

Enjoyed by friends and family of Life Bridges

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

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

2021 Employee Recognition

Contacts

Quick Links

Join Our Mailing List

Christmas is just around the corner
Thanksgiving has come and gone
We are so lucky for the things that we do have and to be able to celebrate the holidays

Schools closing for Christmas Break
We give each other presents on Christmas Day
But that is not what Christmas is really about
We just like to say It’s all about giving & not receiving

But most of all it is all about the birth of our Lord & Savior. . .
Jesus Christ of Nazareth