15Aug2022

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1764 Old Chattanooga Pike SW Cleveland, TN 37311

info@lifebridgesonline.com

+1 (423) 472 5268

NEWS
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Category: NEWS

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.

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

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?

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!

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.

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!

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.
Employment

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

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
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
January 23, 2022

January 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Happy New Year to all of our Life Bridges Partners!

The New Year has brought many changes including: weather, retirements, and employment opportunities for many. The Life Bridges Team celebrated Lionel Scotton and Jackie Laginess as they both retired with 19 and 20 years of service, respectively. They will both be greatly missed and in many ways they are irreplaceable. They will remain a part of the Life Bridges family (we do not let go easily), as we plan to see them at future milestones and gatherings.

The future is bright with many employment opportunities for the people we support. The current job market has provided openings that companies have partnered with us to fill. It is common to speak with a person supported who is talking about what they plan to do with their new earnings. There are many challenges that we look forward to working through this year. Next month I will be sharing with you some successes in tough times.

Wishing you the best in 2022!
Our Annual Giving Campaign is ongoing and we welcome your contribution!
Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Lionel Scotton Retires

In recognition and appreciation for 19.5 years of dedication and caring service to the citizens of our community with intellectual disabilities. We celebrate your dedication as a Residential Director, Residential Supervisor and as a Direct Support Professional. Your concern and compassion for the staff and the individuals you support are an inspiration to us all.

We will miss you, Lionel!

2021 - Year in Photo Review. . .
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
December 19, 2021

December 2021 Newsletter

Merry Christmas to all of our Life Bridges Partners!

I trust you will be with friends or family during the Christmas holiday.

December 2, 2021 was a beautiful day in every way. The weather, the people who came, and the words that were spoken were all perfect. On this day the Life Bridges main campus was dedicated to founding board member, Ralph D. Summers. What a joy it was to stand with his family, the board of directors, staff, people supported, and community leaders as we spoke of his dreams and love for the agency. Ralph and his wife, Sue, worked for nearly 50 years to see that people with intellectual disabilities in our community would have a place to live, work, and socialize. They offered their expertise and skills to make Life Bridges what it is today. It reminded me that –One person really can make a difference!

 

To you and yours we wish you the best Christmas holiday ever and we welcome 2022!
Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Ralph D. Summers Main Campus Dedication, December 2, 2021
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
November 21, 2021

November 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Life Bridges Partners! I trust you will be with friends or family during Thanksgiving holiday. We miss our large Thanksgiving/Christmas meal at Cleveland High School with all of you, but hopefully next year we can join together again.

When I think of the many things that I am thankful for I think of Ralph and Sue Summers. Ralph was a founding board member and served the agency for 48 years. We will be dedicating the main campus to him on December 2, 2021. I would like to invite you to join us at the middle entrance at the main Life Bridges campus located at 764 Old Chattanooga Pike at 12:00 Noon on this day. We will share sentiments of appreciation and see the addition to the sign in his honor.

To you and yours we wish you the best Thanksgiving holiday ever.
Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Congratulations to: (l to r) Kelsey Nickels, Sara Jones and Jaime Sanders

Life Bridges team receives SHIFT Tech First accreditation! The goal of SHIFT is to use technology to identify areas of a person’s life where technology can be used in place of or alongside paid support, allowing the person to participate more actively in their day to day activities. Life Bridges hope is that this program will allow the agency to continue to succeed in their mission – to bridge the gap for people with disabilities, and to be one of the many voices advocating for increased independence for those they support.

Thankful!
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
October 31, 2021

October 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Each October, we honor National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to highlight the many valuable contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy.  

This year, Governor Bill Lee officially declared October 2021 as Tennessee Disability Employment Awareness Month.  

Employment is a very important part of the supports that are offered by Life Bridges. People love being identified with the business that employs them and they enjoy the buying power that a paycheck affords.  What do people who receive supports from Life Bridges want?  Most of the people supported by the agency want more money to afford the things that make them happy, to share outings with friends, and to buy the things they want. 

We are excited to share some of the employment success stories and opportunities offered Life Bridges that are occurring in our community; these employees bring their own strengths and skills to their work, and create a full and inclusive workforce.

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

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The purpose of NDEAM is to commemorate the ways people with disabilities have contributed to America’s workforce & economy, and highlight resources for employees, businesses, & community organizations.  According to the most recent data, less than 20% of people with disabilities are currently employed. Specifically in Tennessee, 33% of people with disabilities who are not working want a job in the community.

At Life Bridges, our Supported Employment staff work hard to help people find meaningful, integrated employment.  Our goal is to help them not just find a a job, but to identify their own interests & skills, to work towards building a career.  We provide education & experiences helping someone determine if they even want to pursue employment, right up to their retirement.  Throughout the way, we work to provide supports where needed, but ultimately build independence and pride in their work.

The service our Job Coaches & Job Developers provide are only one piece of the puzzle when working towards increasing community employment.  It takes all staff, working together to build the necessary skills & helping people determine what their interests are and what their dream job may be.

Cheerful

Katie has worked at Taziki’s for two years.

Her cheerful disposition plus her attention to detail is one of her many attributes .

As part of National Disability Employment Awareness month we celebrate Katie’s strength “Cheerful.”

Knowledgable About Music

Terry is part of the TDOT workplace and is considered a well rounded employee, he not only performs  his daily tasks successfully, but is a great person to be around.

As part of National Disability Employment Awareness month we celebrate Terry’s strength  “knowledgeable about music.”

Halloween Haunted Forest Trail
Drive Through
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
September 22, 2021

September 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

We Celebrate Direct Support Professionals

September is the time when we celebrate DSP’s (Direct Support Professionals).

You might ask – what does a Direct Support Professional do?

The job of a DSP is to:

  • Teach people self-care in the areas of bathing, laundry, meal preparation, using the restroom, house cleaning, etc.
  • Support people toward appropriate behavior
  • Transport people
  • Provide job training and support
  • Provide support for people supported to interact and engage with their community
  • Plan outings, birthday parties, holiday celebrations, vacations
  • Shop along with people supported for groceries, clothes, house hold decorations
  • Wash, clean, and gas their assigned vehicles
  • Provide emotional support to those who are hurting
  • Administer medications
  • Deal with emergencies
  • Accompany people supported to medical appointments and the ER when needed
  • Document activities, medication administration, etc
  • Follow all agency protocols
  • Cope with grief as those they care for decline or pass away
  • Work overtime when you would rather not
  • Support co-workers
  • Create a fun and happy home life
  • Work with the families of the people supported
  • Assist with anything else you are asked to do
Direct Support Professionals are the foundation of the support that we provide at Life Bridges.
A HUGE THANK YOU from me, the Board of Directors, and administrative staff at the agency.
We couldn’t do it without you!
Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week

Red Carpet Week for Life Bridges DSPs

Ryan Dempsey (Day Services)
Melissa Coblentz (Day Services - ECF)
Kathleen Clingan (Day Services)
Sep2021-12
Chasity Watts (Residential)
Sep2021-03
Rosalee Jarrell (Day Services)
Tammy Self (Residential)
Sep2021-11
Lisa Watson (Residential)
David Williams (Residential)
Drew Campbell (ICF)
Tyree Smith (ICF)
Stephanie Kruse (ICF)
Michelle Hutto (Day Services)
Heather Cooper (ICF)

Not pictured:

Donna Bennett (Residential)

By Karen Kelley