Buffalo River Services Newsletter

J & J Recycling begins operation

Buffalo River Services would like to introduce to the community, John Spears and John Kavara. They are owners of J&J Recycling. These two young men wanted to make spending money for themselves and give them something to do during the day. With the help of their Direct Support Professional, Cindy, decided to start their own business. Wal-Mart was kind enough to furnish the cans they would need and staff at BRS made some signs for the cans and they were off. They contacted different businesses about setting up their recycling cans and everyone has been very helpful to them. John David and John Mark also pulled tabs from the cans before being recycled to send to the Ronald McDonald house to help the children. Both of the guys enjoy being out in the community and have made a lot of new friends since starting this endeavor. They would like to say thanks to Lewis County Courthouse, City of Hohenwald, T&K Automotive, Hohenwald Tire, Lewis County Manor, High Forest logging, Lewis County Jail and Lewis Co. Golf Course. Both guys attend BRS, Inc. Monday through Friday. BRS is a non-profit corp. licensed and contracted by the State of Tennessee to provide services to adults with disabilities. We make every effort to create opportunities for everyone and we work to take care of each other. A primary working principle is to maximize community involvement and natural interpersonal support systems, whenever possible, in the interest of both our customers and the larger community. If anyone would be interested in saving cans for these young men, they will be happy to come pick them up at your convenience. You can call BRS in Hohenwald at 796-7822 and leave a message. The staff at BRS are very proud of their accomplishments and think they are doing a fine job.

John Spears and John Kavara

BRS maintains membership with three Chambers of Commerce. In Lewis County, Rosey DePriest has made it part of her job to attend chamber meetings and to be highly involved with her community. On September 19th, Rosey was honored by being elected to the Lewis County Chamber Board and received the prestigious Heritage Award from the chamber. We are proud to have you as part of our team Rosey! Keep up the great work!

Lewis County Exhibits Brochures and info on BRS Programs at the Fair!

Cristy Webb, John Kavara, Jamie Sharp, John Spears, Alicia and Jason McCann, and Charles Runions set up an exhibit table to display brochures for BRS, Family Support, and the Wm Thomas Helton Foundation. Everyone shares in telling others about BRS and it’s wonderful programs! DSP’s working with these individuals are Becky Carroll, Rosey Depriest, and Cynthia Tucker.

Thanks folks!

You do such awesome work for your community!

Lewis County individuals visit the Alpaca Farm

William Lovell, John Kavara, Christine Card, Jamie Sharp, Alicia and Jason McCann.

Doris Price, Lawrence County, wins 1st and 2nd Place in the needlepoint category at the Lawrence County Fair! These pictures are beautiful, Doris!

Jan Mullins will be distributing foods from Angel Food Ministries soon out of the old BRS vocational building in Waynesboro. Some remodeling is planned for the building in the near future to accommodate our need for expansion.   The Angel Food program is wonderful. You can order units of the menu monthly for a very low cost for all the food you receive. Call us for more details. ………...Jan has been in the hospital for a few days, under the weather. We wish you a speedy recovery, Jan!

The William Thomas Helton Foundation was created to assist with raising money to place in an account so that interest will be accruing for the years to come. That interest will be an ever-giving donation that will continually assist in paying for services that our participants need where the government dollars fail. It is desired that donors will be attracted who will wish to give, not only from the bountiful blessings that we enjoy in making our livelihood, but who will also decide to leave part or whole estates to the foundation, or reduce their tax liability for the current year. Please contact Phil Garner, Executive Director of BRS if you are interested in making a tax deductible donation to this worthy cause through the William Thomas Helton Foundation.

Contributions from this past quarter :

In honor of :

Gaynes Hardy Rich (Shorty) by BRS.

Kainen Keltner by Jonah and Tonya Keltner

Mattie Henson by BRS

And other donations from:

John and Sherry McDonald and Kelley’s Chapel

Donald Rose visits Channel 4 News and met anchor Dan Miller

On June 19, 2006, a dream came true for Donald Rose. Donald traveled to Nashville by way of the Natchez Trace. Once he arrived his destination at Knob Hill, Donald was challenged by a long walk up a flight of stairs leading to the front doors of the WSMV station headquarters. Greeting Donald as he entered was a very friendly receptionist who announced his arrival to the intended party. Imagine Donald’s excitement when he was greeted by the man he had enjoyed watching on TV all these years. Mr. Dan Miller approached Donald with a smile and a handshake. Dan and Donald sat in an open area with a big glass window where Donald could see where the news was reported from each evening. Dan Miller gave Donald a goody bag filled with WSMV collectibles. Dan escorted Donald and his DSP’s out afterwards, pausing to pose for a picture out in front of the studios. Mr. Miller was exceptionally kind during this memorable visit. As they drove away, Dan waved to Donald, until he was out of sight. This trip was arranged by Debbie Dykes, Donald’s Independent Support Coordinator. Nicole Brewer and Rose Teeftaller, Direct Support Professionals, accompanied Donald on his trip. Way to go, folks!

Welcome to New Baby– Nixie!

Nixie was born September 18, 2006. She weighed 6 pounds , 15 ounces, and was 19” long. She’s even wearing her hair in a mohalk style!

She is so cute! Her daddy is employee, Doug Skowron! Congratulations and Best Wishes to Doug and Jamie on their new little one!

Chandra Raines marries,  Scott Harrison on August 5th. All our best wishes go out to you both for a happy &blessed marriage!

A wonderful day at the NACO Resort!

Rosey Depriest and her group from Lewis County treated clients and staff to a fun day at the NACO resort on……….They had access to the pool, fishing, games, and the wonderful outdoors! Everyone had loads of fun and lots of good food!

BRS agency wide In-service day!

We had a full day of annual refresher training on Sept. 15th.We met at the Lomax Church of Christ’s new Christian Life Center in Hohenwald. Trainers scheduled classes in Protection from Harm, Prevention of Abuse, Sensitivity/Ethics, Blood borne Pathogens/Universal Precautions, CPR, Documentation Tips and Drug Awareness.

Earl Fox, DSPAT Director visited with BRS Direct Support Professionals teaching them more about that association. Special Thanks to you for sharing with us about the DSPAT program! It was very informative.

NEWS FROM LAWRENCE COUNTY

New Day Program in the Works!

Over the past month, Lawrence County Day Services has implemented a pilot group to begin working on a new format for the Day Service Program. This group consists of three of our service recipients and is supported by one of our staff. The focus of this pilot group is to establish routine activities with criteria supported by the individual’s specific goals from their ISP. The goal for the program is to eventually model an “adult learning environment” that will enhance personal skills and strengths of the individuals served. This has been very exciting for those involved thus far. Other groups are anticipated to begin transferring to this format over the course of the next few months, with the expectation that all Lawrence County Day Service recipients be involved by the end of the year.

At this time, the pilot group has headed off a new Self-Determination /Advocacy group that meets weekly. They have also begun participating in such learning activities as “Home Living Skills”, “Personal Hygiene Awareness”, “Community Employment”, and “Art and Music Appreciation”. Many other activities and developments are to occur over the next few weeks and months. We looked forward to seeing al lot of positive changes in the near future!

The new Self Determination Group: From Left to Right: Vickie, Clorinda, Doris, and Christie

Music Appreciation:

Vickie, Doris, Christie, Linda, and Matthew (below)

Vickie on a drum. (right)

It's a Jungle out There!

Lawrence County got a treat September 22 with a visit from a few members of the animal kingdom! Owners of the Pet Pen in Lawrenceburg brought by several different animals for a hands on show and tell day. We got to see a ferret, cockatoo, bald python (don’t worry he’s not dangerous), hamsters, mice, and an iguana. Everybody really enjoyed it.

A Grand Day at the Fair

September 28, 2006

Access Nashville, a volunteer project providing information about the accessibility of restaurants, hotels, and attractions in downtown Nashville, is gearing up for its third annual Access Nashville Day on October 7, 2006. This volunteer training event includes sessions about disability awareness and accessibility issues, and will engage college students, caregivers, people with disabilities, and professionals. After completing training, volunteers will visit facilities, conducting accessibility surveys that will be posted on the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Access Nashville can provide consultation and information for groups seeking to replicate the project, including surveys, rating descriptions, training materials, and more. For more information on how to become involved with Access Nashville or replicate this grass-roots project in your community, contact Tennessee Disability Pathfinder’s Carole Moore-Slater (615-322-8529, carole.moore-slater@vanderbilt.edu) or visit the Access Nashville website at www.accessnashvilleonline.org .

Buffalo River Trail Ride

The Waynesboro Rotary Club is sponsoring the Buffalo River Trail Ride again this year. Proceeds from the ride will go to support programs at BRS. The ride is scheduled for Saturday, October 28th. Please make your plans now to participate. If you would like more information, please call 931-722-5401.

William Thomas Helton Foundation Board of Directors



Laszlo Karpati, Chairperson

Randy Butler, Vice-Chair

Yvonne Craig, Sec/Treasurer

Robert Farris

Autry Gobbell

Betty Helton

Gaines Ramsey

Dianne Rich

Linda Smith

LOVE YA-

One morning you will never wake up, do your friends know you love them? I was thinking ….I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or three words needing to be said. Let every one of your friends know you love them. Even if you think they don’t love you back, You would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile can do. And just in case God calls me home before I see you again…...I Love Ya!!! Live today to the fullest, because tomorrow is not promised. …..

Family Support Program

Family Support is such a wonderful program. It can assist with equipment purchases that insurance doesn’t pay for. This is a teen sized swing seat that can be attached to a regular swing set or other places more accessible if needed. This seat is for a little boy who cannot swing in a regular swing-set. He needs the supports for his head and for his legs that this swing provides. It also has supports to hold him in the seat so he won’t fall out. Now, he will be able to swing along with his siblings. It is extremely sturdy and will last a long time. Parents and professionals recommend equipment for therapy and basic recreation. There is so much available for that need it. Specialized equipment can also be very expensive. Family Support is available in every county in Tennessee. There are waiting lists for each county, but you must get on the list to get services. If you know of a person that may need supports, please refer them to Mary Staggs,

Family Support Coordinator, at (931) 762-3381.

We will be closed for Thanksgiving on Nov. 23 and 24th. We will also be closed for Christmas on Dec. 25 and 26th.

Buffalo River Services, Inc.

P.0. Box 847

Waynesboro, TN 38485