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COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE WORKS Richard was a proud employee of JD’s Market in Collinwood, TN until it caught fire last month. He deeply regrets that he is no longer about to go to work there. He misses everyone. Richard really enjoyed his job. He worked two days a week. He dusted products, emptied trashcans, swept the sidewalks, and anything else that the owner might ask him to do. The sales clerks were always happy to see Richard. They joked around with Richard a great deal when he was finished with his work. The employees, it is reported, came to really like Richard and would always inquire as to what else was going on in his life. Richard has really missed going there since the establishment burned. When it is rebuilt Richard will be very happy. Of course Richard’s main concern is that he is no longer seeing the people that he saw every week and so he will ask, "Do you think they gonna build it back so I can get my old job back?" This is yet another example of Community Participation in the works. Actually Community Participation is so much more than can be explained in a few sentences. Actually it is about building relationships, just as Richard had done in the above mentioned situation. Richard was not only an employee, he was making friends. People were concerned about how he felt, and what was going on in his life. It is the friendships that Richard misses, "will I ever see the people I worked with again." Richard had learned what it was like to have people care about him who weren’t paid to and it was a good feeling. Community Participation Services are offering opportunities to people with disabilities that they have never been able to experience before. Would you like to be a friend, be a part of someone’s life, share yourself with others and call Buffalo River Services, Inc. 931-722-5401. Submitted by: Deborah C. Jeansonne
IN THE WORKS Community Participation Services is much more than a service. Actually it is a movement. A movement that offers opportunities to people with disabilities that has never been available until now. The activities of individual’s that receive CPS through Buffalo River Services, Inc. are limited only by the imagination of the individual’s Circle of Support. A Circle of Support (family, friends, staff) come together to share information that will be used in the individual’s Independent Support Plan. |
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When Terry met with his Circle of Support it was his primary focus to continue to be a member of the Civitan Club. Terry did not want to ‘just’ be a member but an ‘active’ member. He wanted to find ways to enroll others into the club. Terry found the way, possibly by accident, but it was through Community Participation Services and Terry’s dedication to the Civitan Club that made it possible. It was Christmas and Terry wanted to make a difference. He wanted to visit the patients at the Wayne Care Nursing Home so that he could find out what some of them might want for Christmas. After he visited the nursing home he and his CSC, Pati Dodson, drafted a letter that Terry would present to the Civitan Club in an effort to have the club purchase many of the gifts for the nursing home. As it turned out when Terry received his copy of the letter that he was to present to the club, he noticed that almost every sentence began with the word "we.’ ‘"We would like to present to the club,’ ‘we would like to have your support,’" Terry sat down and crossed through every "we" and inserted "I," and then Terry presented "his" idea to the club. Of course the Civitan Club was in agreement to assist with Terry’s project, and Terry was very pleased that they were. Terry had another great idea. He thought that if he and his CSC contacted various merchants to donate gifts that he could then donate these gifts to the project and it would be his part of the club function. It was an exciting time. Terry collected gifts, gifts, and more gifts. He had checker games, playing cards, chinese checkers, bingo, puzzles, dusting powder, after shave, and various other items. The merchants around town were very generous. The Civitan Club was also preparing gifts of fruit and nut baskets. Terry had not informed the Civitan Club of his intentions so they had not made arrangements for wrapping the gifts that Terry had gotten donated. But when Terry’s friends, Greg and Mike, found out that he had all of these gifts to wrap they gladly helped, it turned into a team effort. Terry, Mike, Greg, and their CSC, Pati, delivered all the gifts, and enjoyed knowing they had helped others have a brighter Christmas. Terry not only presented an idea to the Civitan Club but he assisted in picking up the gifts, wrapping, and delivering. Terry had been setting an example of what the Civitan Club stands for; he wasn’t focusing on building the membership at this time. However it seems through his example several people have contacted Terry because they have become interested in being a member of the Civitan Club. Seems Terry was just being Terry, wanting to help others and by doing this, he has created his vision of building the membership of the Civitan Club. Terry continues to promote the Civitan Club. It meets every first and third Monday for lunch at ----------------------- if you would be interested in joining him. Terry says, "It’d be a great way to begin the New Year." If you would like any further information you can contact Pati Dodson, CSC at 931-722-5012 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Submitted by: Deborah C. Jeansonne
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE WORKS Dalton is one lucky guy! He’s now a proud employee of Mr. Scott Kidd, owner of "Old Fashioned Ace Hardware" in Collinwood, Tennessee. If you ask Dalton how he likes working, he will boastfully reply, "It’s great! They don’t know what they would do without me!" In October of 1997 the State of Tennessee adopted Community Participation Services as a funding mechanism to be offered to provider agencies such as Buffalo River Services, Inc. It is through Community Participation Services that paid staff is allowed the freedom to schedule their work time around the individual’s Independent Support Plan. The ISP is a person-centered written plan that specifies the activities that are discussed between the individual, his family and friends, and support staff. Community Participation Services will provide the support that the individual will need during the next year to fulfill the vision he/she has described in their ISP. Community Participation Services provide multiple possibilities, virtually unlimited opportunities. For instance if an individual has a job that requires them to work 6p.m. – 10:00p.m. a staff person can flex their schedule to accommodate the individuals job. If an individual might want to attend a craft class and it is held on Saturday staff will flex their schedule so that they can attend the craft class. Community Participation also offers continued support to a working individual by staff being available to provide additional training when and if necessary. Community Participation does focus on employment for those individuals who have always had a desire to work in their community. During Dalton’s ISP his primary interest was working. He stated, "I want to work but I ‘caint’ find a job. Won’t nobody hire me because I have seizures. People with seizures ‘caint’ work. If you can find me a job I wan’na work." Paulette Haddock, Community Support Coordinator, started working with Dalton because her first job was to convince Dalton that he could work. Paulette Haddock, CSC was a very important part of Dalton’s success. She encouraged Dalton explaining that having seizures was okay. She convinced him that she would find him a job. "There’s an employer out there just for you Dalton, and we’ll find him," Paulette would say. Paulette was right because when she spoke to Mr. Kidd of the "Old Fashioned Ace Hardware" he was more than willing to give Dalton a chance. He liked Dalton. Dalton was friendly, he wasn’t afraid to say he wanted to work. Mr. Kidd wanted to give Dalton a job but he knew he just would not have the time to spend with Dalton to make sure that he learned every aspect of the job. He voiced his concerns to the CSC, who explained that there was job training available at no expense to him. Mr. Kidd’s concerns were put to rest and Dalton had his first job in the community. Talk about excited, Dalton was ecstatic! Dalton was on the road to success, no doubt about that! It was no time at all that Dalton was performing his job responsibilities like a pro. Community Participation Services continue to provide transportation for Dalton and his support staff is nearby if there are any added responsibilities. Mr. Kidd seemed to see what Dalton could do, rather than what he could not do. It is employers such as this that make Community Support Coordinator’s jobs easier. It is always a pleasure to work with an employer that is in expectance of a success. Mr. Kidd was of the opinion that everyone makes mistakes. When talking to Dalton about his job he will truthfully tell you, "I made mistakes. We all make mistakes. You just got to do better next time!" Mr. Kidd encourages Dalton about his work, which must be why he proudly brags to friends, " I always do my best," concluding with a broad smile, "and that’s why they don’t know what they would do without me! And that’s why I am working three days instead of two now." Wouldn’t you like to be the next employer to share a success? Your choice today just might be the birth of someone’s dream, the dream of working in their own hometown. You just might get the surprise of your life and end up wondering what you did without them before they came! Please call Buffalo River Services, Inc. at 931-722-5401. Submitted by: Deborah C. Jeansonne, ISP Coordinator, BRS.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE WORKS Mike is the proud employee of Mr. Carl Fred Daniel, owner of Daniel Cee Bee in Collinwood, Tennessee. On Monday, Wednesday, or Friday Mike will be there busily dusting, straightening, and stocking the shelves of his employers’ grocery store. To many of us this seems to be a relatively simple thing, but to Mike it was a dream come true. Just as many of us dream of winning the lottery, a trip to the latest ski resort, or a lavish Caribbean cruise; Mike’s dream was of working in his hometown. This might seem to be a natural consequence of growing up in a small community but for people with disabilities this has only recently been made possible. It was through the hearts and minds of thousands of people that there would be the birth of a dream. It would be through the dedication to this dream that would bring Community Participation into the realm of possibilities. With it, Community Participation, would bring the beginning of a new, community based, person-centered approach to providing services in the disability field. It would be the Community Participation Independent Support Plan that would drive provider agency services everywhere. This may sound quite complicated but actually an ISP is simply a written plan. The individual invites friends, family, and their support staff if they like to a meeting where there is a vision devised by the information shared together. Community goals and objectives are written to meet this vision. People with disabilities are just now beginning to experience activities that they have never had the opportunity to experience before. It is for instance important to some individuals to do something as simple as attending Senior Citizens, going to lunch with a friend, or trying their hand in a local craft class. Others that have never had the opportunity to enjoy a vacation would like to experience just what the Florida sunshine might be like. It is our responsibility to teach them how to plan the activities or events so that they may have a more meaningful life. Then there are many, like Mike, who only wants an opportunity to work. This may seem easy, but believe me it is not every day that you meet employers who are so willing to take a risk. If there were I might be out of a job. Still it is our goal to improve the quality of life for those we serve and it is our responsibility to encourage each individual to move toward finding a meaningful job. Although Mike had been receiving services through Buffalo River Services, Inc. for many years it wasn’t until the Community Participation services were offered by the State of Tennessee to provider agencies such as Buffalo River Services, Inc. that the opportunity became available for Mike to go to work. It was through dedication that Paulette Haddock, Community Support Coordinator teamed up with Mr. Carl Fred Daniel who gladly opened the door of success. I’m told that when Mr. Daniel interviewed Mike that he was so impressed with Mike’s desire to be a working member of his society that he hired him on the spot. Of course there was job coaching available with no expense to the employer but it was Mr. Daniel’s belief that Mike should be trained just as any other employee right along the side of his co-workers. Once this kind of encouragement and faith was shown, it seemed Mike’s success was inevitable. Many great men have said that there is one universal path to success. "It may be found," it is written, "in the streets where we walk, the café’s where we talk, and in the opportunities that we extend to our fellowman." After Napoleon Hill thoroughly researched men like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Andrew Carnegie, he reported, "There is one commonality of successful men and that is to make ones self available to be an opportunity for another person." "It is," he continues, "in this way that you will most definitely assure your own opportunities forthcoming in the days ahead." It was through
such inspirational acts of opportunity that this success story was mad possible because
with the dedication of Paulette Haddock, CSC and the willingness to offer an opportunity
by Mr. Daniel one young mans dream became reality. If you would like to follow in the
footsteps of many great men and would like to be a part of making dreams come true, please
contact the office of Buffalo River Services, Inc. at 931-722-5401.
DREAMS DO COME
TRUE On the side of a
small nicely built brick home is a patio built for two. In the corner there’s a
rocking chair, it seems to be awaiting the nestling warmth of one short, stocky little
lady. Just to the right sits one straight back chair, it’s obvious Sidney has it
positioned next to the brick wall, so he can sit back on two legs. In the late afternoon
Sidney and Kathy enjoy the breeze while listening to the laughter of the children from the
ballpark just across the street. As I approach
the rocking chair it seems inviting, and as I have a seat, Sidney steps out with a
perfectly blended cup of coffee just the way I like it. There’s an aroma soaring
through the kitchen door of freshly baked biscuits in the oven. There’s a glimpse of
butter and jam on the table with two place settings, and coffee brewing on the counter.
Sidney moves slowly, almost graciously around the kitchen taking the biscuits out of the
oven, cutting them carefully with a fork so that he can add the butter and jam, and as he
fixes two cups of coffee, he announces, "Hey, breakfast is ready." Kathy’s
rushing about the house, dusting furniture, vacuuming floors, and making beds. As she
walks into the kitchen she boldly announces, "Sidney Pace you’ve got tobacco all
over the floor in the living room, you’ve got to stop being so messy. Don’t you
know it’s hard to get tobacco out of the carpet?" "Ah,
nah," Sidney calmly comments as a grin covers his face from corner to corner like
he’d heard this many times before. In a moment, in his own shrewd manner, Sidney
would quickly change the subject from one of unpleasantness to one of expectation and
delight, "We gotta get ready to go. You do want to go don’t you? Why don’t
you wear that blue outfit? I like it." While half-heartedly listening to their
continuous chatter it seemed somewhat comical that Sidney, an individual who is diagnosed
with mental retardation and thought by most ‘typical’ people not to have the
ability for such logic, successfully shifted a conversation using nothing more than common
sense. Suddenly Kathy was much more interested in what she would be modeling for the day
than the tobacco on the living room floor. As I sipped the
delicious piping hot coffee I was reminded that, at one time, the life that Sidney and
Kathy share seemed quite impossible. Sidney and Kathy were unfortunate that they were born
to live the lives of people with mental retardation during an era, that for the most part,
ignored their rights as individuals. Until recently, Sidney and Kathy’s lives were
controlled. They were not allowed choices. The privileges that most people take for
granted; deciding when to go to bed or when to get up, what and when to eat, planning an
afternoon picnic, dating were out of the question because they were seen as children in
adult form. Planning a ‘typical’ future was beyond the scope of their dreams.
These were not afforded to people with mental retardation. Sidney and
Kathy chose to join the pioneers in the field of disabilities, paving a road for a
brighter tomorrow. It is now that times are changing. People with mental retardation are
beginning to stand up and pursue their right to share their lives with someone of their
choosing. The truth is that people with disabilities seem to have an advantage in
relationships. As odd as it may seem, typical people seem to bicker about unimportant
differences, that many times evolve into divorce; when people with mental retardation,
live in the moment. It seems they are much too familiar with stolen moments at a day
program, knowing all to well what may be forced on them in the next moment. It seems they
concentrate on the now. Something typical people have never learned to cherish. There
doesn’t seem to be any worry about yesterday, or what may come tomorrow. There is
only now, and it is meant to be enjoyable. While I
continued to rock with the breeze blowing against my back, visions of Sidney and Kathy
strolling the streets of the Old French Quarter danced in the twilight of the sunlight.
They moved through the crowds holding hands with the elegance seen with all newlyweds,
slowly passing local shops while laughing at the oddities of the costumes and lingerie
only known to the city of New Orleans. In the distance
there were the echoes of music, it seemed magical, whispering the words of "Let
Freedom Ring," and for a moment, if only a moment, anything at all did seem possible.
There were children working, "tap dancing for tips" on the cobblestone walkways.
Then Sidney, a quiet little man, danced around the children, clicking his heels in mid-air
as if he’d done it all his life. It appeared that the magic of the city had captured
his soul. Suddenly with a twinkle in his eye and a sly little grin, he clutches
Kathy’s hand attempting a two-step shovel as he slides along the street, twirling his
bride around into the entrance of the famous Pat O’Brien Nightclub. Sidney and
Kathy locking their door, chattering about the expectations of the afternoon brought my
attention back to the moment. There’s a brisk breeze, it’d unexpectedly gotten
cloudy. Kathy had earlier hung out her sheets to dry. It appears showers may be in the
broadcast. While Kathy cheerfully takes down the clothes Sadness came into view. It’s
a picture of all the people with mental retardation that will never be allowed to
experience a joyful relationship. Hopefully, this will change. When Sidney and
Kathy decided to marry, unlike so many people with mental retardation, they received the
support of their families, and the agency that provided their day and home based services,
Buffalo River Services, Inc. However this was not until all immediate family members were
deceased. Sidney and Kathy’s parents, although parents of devotion to their
‘children’, would never have ‘allowed’ them to have the right of being
married in their pursuit of happiness. Sidney and Kathy, like so many others, were
considered ‘mere’ children without the right to hopes and dreams. Although Sidney
and Kathy’s families were supportive, there were many concerns. Some of were selfish
issues. Some not. All were realistic. How much time would we, as family members, spend
assisting? How will these changes effect our lives? What if there are midnight phone
calls? Who will go? How often? Where would the line be drawn? How much would be expected
from us, as family members, through the agency providing the Supported Living Services? Sidney could
cook but wouldn’t, Kathy couldn’t but would. Sidney could use the telephone,
Kathy could not. Sidney was a more experienced, worldly person, while Kathy was sheltered.
Kathy was much younger than Sidney, how would she be affected if Sidney were to die?
Sidney was a very quiet man, while Kathy was loud and talkative. What if there were
arguments? What if they didn’t want to be married once they were? The list was
multiple; but Kathy’s brother summed it up quite simply speaking with a Cajun accent,
"Why all dese what ifs? All dis ‘what ifs’ is crazy talke. What’s da
worse can happen? A de-vorce. Dis family aint no stranger ta dat. So, den she go in a
group home, at least den she knows. We caint keep da girl from living. It’s bad nuff
she’s had no life til now. Just let em get married and be dun wit it, them two
probably do finer than any of us is." I imagined so. Sidney and
Kathy continue to receive supports through Buffalo River Services, Inc. in Waynesboro,
Tennessee. Without the services provided through the Middle Tennessee Regional Office it
would be much more difficult to see people with disabilities realize their dreams, if not
impossible. Our family is grateful to all people who provide these services. As I sip the
last bit of coffee, there is an echo. It sounds like a whisper of magic tingling through
the leaves, or maybe it’s only enchanting melodies involved in reminiscing wondrous
moments that God has allowed us to experience. But in the stillness of the moment,
realizing that my life will never again be the same; comes the purity of laughter;
happiness, and the echo ... sighs, "It sounds like magic, it sounds like love, these
are the sounds that brings God down from above." Submitted by: Deborah C. Jeansonne |
