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
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…
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
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
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!
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.
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!

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



ALL STAFF. . .
Get a hole in one, GET A DAY OFF WITH PAY (8 HOURS)
LIFE BRIDGES MAIN BUILDING, MONDAY FEB. 20, 7AM-5PM
Check your email for details.
Employee Recognition










January 2023 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO
The Life Bridges Team is off to a busy 2023, as we make plans to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Our year-long celebration 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. In a 50-year history there have been ups and downs –and we have learned from them all! Many of you have been with us through decades of providing services and we appreciate you very much.
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!
Life Bridges Partners-Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap. . .
Save the Dates. . .
Tuesday, January 31 – Employee Recognition – 1:30pm – Hunt Center
Friday, February 10– Night to Shine Prom – 5:30pm – Broad Street Methodist


Throwback
- Richard M. Nixon was President
- New car cost: $3,200
- One gallon of gas cost: 40 cents
- “Far out” was slang for “cool”
- “Boogie” was slang for “dance”
- Bradley Adult Activity Center (later known as Life Bridges) was established
2022 - Year in Review
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!

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
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

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

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- 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.”

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.