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 Clevelandstopped 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
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
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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 Newsletterand 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.
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
James L. Kilgore
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.
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…
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
Pictured L to R: Jeff Harden, Bill Reynolds, JoAnn Mintz and Tim Purifory. Not pictured: Chloe Tatum
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
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.
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 .
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
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?
Teresa Tuten, Director ICF
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!
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
Spirit of Life Bridges is Elizabeth Jarrett; pictured l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Jaime Sanders-Residential Director, Elizabeth Jarrett and Diana Jackson-CEO
Employee of the Year goes to Denise Hope: pictured l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Jaime Sanders-Residential Director, Denise Hope and Diana Jackson-CEO
Directors Choice Awards: seated l to r: Beverly Mayfield, Chloe Norwood, Brittany Brown, Jessica Burns standing l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Christian Garcia, Harley Buchtel, Diana Jackson-CEO not pictured; Zayden Zembree
30 Years of Service: l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Gail Miller, Diana Jackson-CEO
25 Years of Service: l to r: Diana Jackson-CEO and Cristi Waters not pictured: Sandy Whittington, Tonia Watson
20 Years of Service: l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Mary LIndsey, Debra Hayes, Lori Price accepting for Don Price, Kelli Wilkey, Diana Jackson-CEO
15 Years of Service: l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Roni Rawls, Ersina Aunu, Sonia Marsh, Hope Scott, Diana Jackson-CEO not pictured: Jai'Noah Aikens, Kayla Carroll, Vicky Clark, Janet Davis, Daphne Goldston, Barbara Hardin, Deloris Murphy, William Simpson, Ida Young
10 Years of Service: seated l to r: Ryan Dempsey, Semyon Kanarski, Aaron Moser standing l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Stella Ivakhov, Sara Jones, Shirley Cochran, Tanya Martin, Diana Jackson-CEO not pictured: Dakota Anderson, Joe Brown, Tamai Oatman, Dorthy Phillips, Jo Ann Smith, Ana Terrero, Emily Tuten, Heidi Willis, Cindy Wilson, Colton Wilson, Zayden Zembree
10 Years of Service: l to r: Dr. Brown, Heather Cooper, Diana Jackson
10 Years of Service: l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Debra Wittmaier, Elizabeth Jarrett, Diana Jackson-CEO
5 Years of Service: seated l-r: Debra Bates, Jamie Lowder, Stephanie Kruse standing l-r: Dr. Brown, Jerry Solomon, Timothy Purifory, Lisa Bolin, David Tuten, Brittany Brown, Crystal Jones, Diana Jackson not pictured: Caryn Anderson, Joshua Bullard, Shannon Cross, Brittany Crowder, Janet Dial, Briasha Garner, Ashley Hartman, Makayla Hightshoe, Pamala Lankford, Alexis Prince, Bozena Wentland
Staff of the Quarter July-Sept. L to R: Dr. Brown with Rita Hart, Julie Theriot, Tiffany Whaley, Scott Payne , Diana Jackson Not pictured: Emily Tuten, Jennifer Wright, Jason Boling, Ecco Ford
Staff of Quarter Oct-Dec. Seated L to R: Denise Hope, Mary Lindsey, Meghan Baliles Standing l-r: Dr. Brown with Christine Campbell, Felicia Martin, Carol Marie, Diana Jackson