No products in the cart.

Contact Us

1764 Old Chattanooga Pike SW Cleveland, TN 37311

info@lifebridgesonline.com

+1 (423) 472 5268

Category: NEWS

JoeyPlowing13b
NEWS

April 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

It is a busy time at Life Bridges!

Senate Budget Amendment #296 and House Budget Amendment #51 have been introduced at the state legislature to increase Direct Support Staff wages to $12.50 an hour. Please reach out to your legislators to ask for their support of this essential wage increase.

We enjoyed our first ever Job Fair, sponsored by our friends at Medical Center Pharmacy. Your partnership is key to our success Joe Moore! If you know someone looking for a rewarding job working with people with intellectual disabilities, please send them to Life Bridges.

We were sorry to see Terry Caywood retire, but he is still a part of the Life Bridges Family. We enjoyed a time of celebration, lunch, and a bit of a roast for Terry during his last working days. He will be missed!

We have a family with connections to sell a classic car as a fund raising endeavor for Life Bridges. We only have one issue – we need someone to donate a classic car for this fundraiser! If you have a car or a lead on such a vehicle please let us know.

Thank you to those who reached out to assist people we support in their willingness to serve as conservators for them. We are so grateful and this has met an important need.

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.

Will you help?

There is currently a bill: Senate Budget Amendment #296 and House Budget Amendment #51 that has been proposed for Tennessee to increase the TennCare budget, and raise the minimum wage for DSPs to $12.50 an hour.

The current legislation budgets for DSP starting wage to be at $10.00 an hour.

If you are unfamiliar with how the process work, a budget is set each year that determines the rates we get paid for the services we provide. We are a non-profit, and do not make money off anything except the services provided (day services, residential, therapies, medical appointments, etc) Because of this, the budget directly impacts how much money we have available to pay staff.

The TN Disability Coalition has set up an easy to use link to assist with lobbying your local legislators.

Go to:

https://cqrcengage.com/actionnetwork/app/onestep-write-a-letter?7&engagementId=511458

Then, enter your zip code. (If that zip code is covered by multiple districts, you may be asked to enter your full address).

Once you submit this, it will open up an e-mail form where all you need to do is put your name and click submit, and will send an email to your local legislators, asking them to pass this bill.

Or send a letter to: Senator Mike Bell/716 Cordell Hull Building/Nashville, TN 37243

Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement,
Terry Caywood.
You will be greatly missed!
You were always so willing to pitch in on any project and always showing up with kind words and a smile.
KOCDonationW
NEWS

March 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

What a joy to see the sights and sounds of spring 2021.

We have a family with connections to sell a classic car as a fund raising endeavor for Life Bridges. We only have one issue – we need someone to donate a classic car for this fundraiser! If you have a car or a lead on such a vehicle please let us know; contact Karen Kelley: kkelley@lifebridgesonline.com or 423-421-4129.

We are in the process of having a new website developed for the agency and it will be very informative and attractive. It is being filled with pictures, stories, testimonials, people supported, staff, and the work we accomplish in our community. Stay tuned for more information.

For your consideration: We have individuals that are in need of a conservator, as they have medical issues or the person who has carried out this task for them in the past has passed away. If you are interested or know someone who would be please call me. This is not a paid position.

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.
Knights of Columbus, Council #4572 presents a generous donation to Life Bridges!
L to R: Grand Knight, Bertin Kurtz; Diana Jackson, CEO; Karen Kelley, Community Liason; and Knights of Columbus Trustee, Dale Foust

Life Bridges Accepted Into Assistive Technology Pilot Program

Sara Jones and Kelsey Nickels assisting with technology program

Life Bridges is one of the seven provider agencies across Tennessee who has been accepted into the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Enabling Technology Accreditation Program. The department launched their pilot program in 2017, and since has partnered with Shift which provides training and accreditation for people and agencies looking to use technology to help people with disabilities become more independent.

Life Bridges leadership and support staff will begin their training March 2021, and over the next few months will complete training on the fundamentals of enabling technology, person centered practices, and their role in supporting the person in adding technology to their current routines. During this process, Life Bridges leadership will be creating a Technology Plan, which will lay out how the services will be implemented within the agency. As part of the process, Life Bridges has committed to helping up to fifteen people currently in services to develop their own technology plan and identify technology they wish to utilize.

Frequently called “Assistive Technology”, these plans and services can include anything from sensors, to phone apps, to smart home devices. The goal of the service is to use this 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.

EOY2020W
NEWS

February 2021 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 20 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. She is a “rock” who has stood through changing times, three directors, and hundreds of staff. We currently have 477 employees. 16 employees have worked at Life Bridges 20 or more years; 102 employees have worked at the agency between 10 and 20 years; and 115 employees have been with Life Bridges between 5 and 10 years. This leaves 244 employees who have worked at Life Bridges for less than 5 years.

For your consideration: We have an individual that is in need of a conservator, as the person who has carried out this task for him has passed away. If you are interested or know someone who would be please call me. This is not a paid position.

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!

HIRING NOW

LIFE BRIDGES IS HIRING!
MUST BE 18YEARS OR OLDER AND HAVE A CLEAR BACKGROUND.
1ST, 2ND and 3RD SHIFTS AVAILABLE: 7 DAYS A WEEK
CALL HUMAN RESOURCES AT: 423-303-1873 OR APPLY ONLINE.

2020 Employee Recognition

Volunteer of the Year is Carolyn Williams. Pictured L to R: Dr. Brown (Board President), Carolyn Williams and Diana Jackson, CEO
20 Years of Service: L to R: Dr. Brown with Jacqueline Laginess, Diana Jackson, CEO
10 Years of Service: Seated L to R: Patricia Myers, Sharon Wells, Alicia Kidwell. Standing L to R: Dr. Brown with Tracey Hanley, Larry Mileur, Ginger Davis and Diana Jackson, CEO
5 Years of Service: Seated L to R: Megan Teeter, Shelby Forget, Lakesha Ballard, Juanita Nemeth. Standing L to R: Dr. Brown with Mackayla Johnson, Haley Roberson and Diana Jackson, CEO
Employee of the Year: L to R: Dr. Brown with Misty Hamby, Daniel Goins, Jacqueline Laginess, Tina Richardson and Diana Jackson, CEO
CEO Choice of the Year: L to R: Dr. Brown with Dusty Zembree, Denise Hope, Patricia Myers, Jacqueline Arewa and Diana Jackson, CEO
15 Years of Service: L to R: Dr. Brown with Evon Porter, David Cobb, Mary Coffman, Julie Theriot and Diana Jackson, CEO
5 Years of Service: L to R: Dr. Brown with Christine Fontaine, Rina Massingill, Daniel Keener, Vicky Whaley, Joann Mintz and Ginger Davis, CFO
5 Years of Service: L to R: Dr. Brown with Kristi Kinsey, Susan Sadler and Diana Jackson, CEO
COVID-19-Vaccine
NEWS

January 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

We are happy to report that our local Health Department and its affiliates have partnered with Life Bridges to administer the COVID-19 vaccination to those who request it. Over 180 people affiliated with Life Bridges have chosen to take the Moderna vaccine at present. Side effects have generally included soreness at the vaccination site and feeling tired. As more of the vaccine is available there will be additional opportunities to take it. Many are awaiting the date for the second dose of the Moderna vaccine which will again be administered by the Health Department. If you have questions about any aspect of the testing or vaccine process, please reach out to us.

We are eager and hopeful that with warmer weather there will be more opportunities in the community. There has been a creative wave of cooking, crafting, and game playing in the homes. In looking at the positive aspects of this past year, many have developed new hobbies and interests which they now enjoy. I appreciate the creativity of the staff who have been diligent in bringing activities and opportunities to each person supported. I commend the staff who have been dedicated and faithful to the work before them with many working long hours and extra shifts. We are grateful for the commitment of so many staff who have stepped up to do what has been needed.

Our Annual Giving Campaign is ongoing and we welcome your contribution!

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

Time to Shop!
Life Bridges pop-up store is now open until February 5

T-Shirts, caps, masks, umbrellas, sweatshirts and more. . .

Please mail order form and check payable to Life Bridges by February 5 to:

PO Box 29, Cleveland, TN 37364-0029

Attn: Payroll Dept

All proceeds are deposited to the Benevolence Fund.

HIRING NOW

LIFE BRIDGES IS HIRING!
MUST BE 18YEARS OR OLDER AND HAVE A CLEAR BACKGROUND.
1ST, 2ND and 3RD SHIFTS AVAILABLE: 7 DAYS A WEEK
CALL HUMAN RESOURCES AT: 423-303-1873 OR APPLY ONLINE.
Thank You

Bradley County Health Department

Part 1 of V-DAY, a.k.a. COVID-19 Vaccination Day

TRAFFIC!
AURELIA AT CHECK POINT
EXCITED ABOUT "THE SHOT" w/MELISSA VERIFYING
<-----AMANDA DIRECTS TRAFFIC
LB TEAM AT SECOND CHECK POINT
KELSEY HANDS OUT THE V-RECORD CARDS

To be continued (in 28 days). . .