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WHY I VOLUNTEERED!
Nursing homes and other long term care facilities often get a bad name. So why would a person volunteer to visit nursing homes unless they had a relative there?
In a recent training for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, volunteers were asked "Why did you volunteer?" Here are some of their answers....
- There are a lot of residents in nursing homes that do not have family members or friends that visit or check in on them. I started out as a volunteer, helping with bingo and one on one visits with lonely residents. I saw the need for them to have someone as an advocate for them. It's nice to know you have helped someone who otherwise would not receive any help in certain situations.
- We moved from Florida and were involved with many volunteer organizations. My wife's Mother was in a nursing home for 10 years. This is our chance to give back to others for the wonderful care she got.
- I had worked at a nursing home in St. Louis and knew how appreciative the residents are to have someone who cares how their lives are going. There are tender moments like an Alzheimer's patient who had held my hand and walked with me and eventually began to talk to me (which was a rare occasions for her). It is a very rewarding endeavor.
- After a career in health care, my volunteer interests were people oriented. Ombudsman opportunities seemed a good "fit." I like advocating for vulnerable individuals and their families, particularly those in the health care situations.
- I volunteer because I observed things happening to residents in a nursing home where my mother was living. I thank God I soon realized I could make a difference! From that experience 13 years ago, I've continued to learn, grow and enjoy the smiles my work blesses me with and I thank God!
- As a retired RN, I had a great desire to help someone and the Ombudsman program filled this need.
- I am so glad to let residents know we as the Ombudsman representatives are here and speak for them on any problem they might have.
- There was a new facility in our neighborhood. I watched as many of my parents friends were aging and then my parent became a resident. I lived just a three minute walk away and was attentive to my parent daily, spending many hours there. Fourteen years later I continue to be committed and have recommended two other volunteers who have become certified.
- I started volunteering after AARP contacted me with a list of needs in my community. Ombudsman was on the list.
- I volunteered to satisfy my desire to helping aging people both socially and health-wise. I am making up for my continued capability while others my age have become unable to help themselves.
Volunteers in East Tennessee Human Resource Agency's Ombudsman Program complete a certification that provides the structure and background so they can skillfully help residents and facilities.
If you are looking for an ongoing volunteer experience that will keep you active with people and involved in problem solving, the Ombudsman assignment could be right for you.
Cindy Troyer, ETHRA's Ombudsman, is available to provide information on how you can help. Contact her at 865-691-2551 ext. 4223 or through email at ctroyer@ethra.org.
West Tennessee Workforce Investment Board Lauds Local Progress
More than 1,400 youth from West Tennessee were able to find summer jobs at 350 different employers. Of those participants ages 14-24, 30 were able to secure full-time employment as part of a job stimulus program, according to a report from a local agency. The program was part of a joint effort between the West Tennessee Workforce Investment Board, Southwest Human Resource Agency and the state government.
On Thursday, the annual meeting between the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and West Tennessee Workforce Investment Board was held at the Holiday Inn.
Linda Sampson, with the state labor department, said this program was funded by stimulus money and was a success."When you hear about the stimulus bill, you don't hear people talk about things like this program," she said. "About $25 million was spent on this, and that had a trickle-down effect on our economy in Tennessee."
Twelve counties make up this organization's Local Workforce Investment Area. In addition to summary reports, awards were given to youth and adults who were participants in the Workforce Investment Board's SummerWorks Program. Richard Davis of Blue Goose received an award as an adult member of the program. After working for more than 20 years in the tool and die industry, Davis was laid off last year."There wasn't anything out there for me to be placed in," he said. He went to the investment board's regional office and asked for help. The organization paid for his classes at Tennessee Technology Center."Now I'm training in drafting and CAD skills so I can better myself so employers will be willing to hire me," he said. "If it hadn't been for the Workforce Investment Board, I wouldn't be able to take these courses. I couldn't train myself."
Davis was one of 1,196 people who were a part of this year's adult worker program, said Blake Carroll. He is a spokesman for the West Tennessee Workforce Investment Board. The 24 awards given to participants Thursday were for people who have been able to find work as a result of the program."They successfully went through the program and performed wonderfully," he said. "They are all successfully employed."
UCHRA Receives CSBG Recovery Act Funds
COOKEVILLE - The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) is receiving additional funding in the amount of $1,239,054.00 for the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"We are pleased to receive much needed funding to help people in the Upper Cumberland in every way possible as they strive to get and maintain jobs, have money for food, housing and other basic necessities for maintaining a family, and as they try to stay healthy," stated Phyllis Bennett, Executive Director, Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency.
According to the program guidelines, the funding will allow individuals that meet the income guidelines, for example a family of four would be able to make $44,000 annual income or $3,675 per month, to participate in the five different program areas as follows: assistance will be available to enhance the securing and retaining of meaningful employment; nutrition services will be available to counteract conditions of starvation and malnutrition among low-income individuals; emergency services will address immediate and urgent family and individual needs; the housing category will assist in obtaining or maintaining adequate housing and a suitable living environment; and health services will address the elimination of disease, injury and malnutrition that are not paid for by other sources. "During these difficult economic times, the CSBG program has received more calls for helping individuals that has ever been experienced by the Agency," according to Lee Webb, Community Services Director, Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency.
Low income and individuals that meet the eligibility requirements may learn more about the program by contacting the Jackson County UCHRA Office located at 238 A North Grundy Quarles Highway, 931-268-9840. "I believe the services provided through this program will help the people in DeKalb County and the other counties in the Upper Cumberland Area as they work through difficult financial times. The Upper Cumberland Area is fortunate to have the UCHRA staff in each of the counties to work with the local people to access much needed services," stated Mike Foster, DeKalb County Executive and Chairman, UCHRA Board of Directors.
UCHRA Nutrition Program Host “Mayors For Meals 2012”
On March 21, 2012, hundreds of mayors and locally elected officials across the country helped deliver meals with their local Meals on Wheels Programs to homebound seniors in their communities. This is part of the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) campaign to bring awareness to and end senior hunger by 2020.
The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) Home Delivered Meals Program asked area mayors and elected officials to get involved. “We asked our city, county mayors and state elected officials to help us deliver meals and see how the program not only brings a nutritious meal to our seniors and our homebound residents but also brightens their day,” stated Ruth Ann Woolbright, UCHRA Executive Director.
UCHRA’s Home Delivered Meals Program provided 191,691 meals during FY’11 and traveled 432,513 miles to deliver meals to families in the rural areas of the Upper Cumberland. “Our Mayors and state elected officials are to be commended for their continued support of the Nutrition program. This is the second year we’ve participated in the Mayors for Meals and it has been great for not only our meal recipients but also our officials who participate,” stated Linda Tramel, Field Services and Nutrition Director.
As a fundraiser to benefit the Nutrition Program, UCHRA is currently selling Cookbooks that are filled with local recipes to raise funds to provide emergency meals for up to 30 days to individuals who have been recently dismissed from a hospital and are in need of a hot nutritious meal during their recovery. “The Cookbook is filled with recipes passed down through generations from our mothers and grandmothers. We thank everyone who participated, especially staff and seniors at local Senior Centers throughout the area, for making the Cookbook possible,” stated Pam Redmon, Nutrition Project Director. The cost for the cookbook is $10.00.
If you know someone who needs home delivered meals or would like to participate in Congregate Meals at our local Nutrition sites, please contact your local UCHRA office or call 931-528-1127. There are also self-pay and sponsored meal programs for those in need of a home delivered meal. Tax deductible donations to the Nutrition Program may be made by calling your local UCHRA office.
Funding sources for the Nutrition Program are the TN Commission on Aging and Disabilities, TN Department of Human Services, Emergency Food and Shelter, Community Services Block Grant, civic groups, local governments, individuals and United Way.
UCHRA Board Approves Millions in Service Dollars
Pictured from left to right are Dale Reagan, UCHRA Policy Council
Chairman, Phyllis Bennett, UCHRA Executive Director,and Mike
Foster, UCHRA Chairman of the Board of Directors review committee
reports approving millions of dollars in new funding to promote job
development in the private sector while providing additional services
to low income residents of the Upper Cumberland.
COOKEVILLE – An action filled agenda would be the description of the August meeting of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) Policy Council and Board of Directors Executive Committee. As the UCHRA prepares for the provision of services to the residents of the Upper Cumberland during the FY 2010 program year, the Agency’s Committees and staff are involved in reviewing the results of activities of the past year and the provision of ongoing programs, as well as the implementation of new programs. “The Agency has had a very good year and the Stimulus Program has made it possible to offer additional opportunities to the residents of the Upper Cumberland during a time when many individuals are faced with difficult economic situations,” stated Phyllis Bennett, Executive Director, Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency.
The highlights of the committee reports were as follows:
The Manpower/finance Committee, chaired by Overton County Mayor Kenneth Copeland, reported that the Summer Youth Employment & Training Program served more than 710 youth with funding in the amount of $1,036,768 made available through the Economic Stimulus Program. The Adult program received Stimulus monies in the amount of $479,614 to serve 160 participants; through the Dislocated Worker Program, $683,843 will be available to served approximately 128 individuals; and the Title V Older Workers program will have some additional funding to employ individuals 55 years of age and older.
The Transportation Committee, chaired by Cannon County Executive Mike Gannon, reported that the committee reviewed and approved proposals for current transportation programs and that a number of new vehicles have been purchased as a result of the Stimulus Program. In addition to the ongoing implementation of the district wide transportation program, the UCHRA will be initiating the Cookeville Area Transit System (CATS) in early 2010.
The Aging/Community Services Committee, chaired by County Mayor Michael Nesbitt, reviewed and approved 15 ongoing programs and their budgets. Many of the programs, including the Nutrition Program, Weatherization Assistance, Low Income Home Energy Assistance, and Community Services Block Grant, have additional funding available to expand services as a result of the Stimulus Program.
The Finance Committee Report given by Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill addressed the UCHRA’s Residential Programs for Youth including the continuation of services at the Indian Mound Center located in DeKalb County, the Chance Center located in Bloomington Springs, and the Youth Impact Center located in Cumberland County. This year, the Agency will be initiating the After Care Program designed to continue working with residents that complete their stay at the residential facilities and their families in an effort to assist in making a positive transition back into the home and community.
The FY 2009 Year End Report for Lakeside Resort and Educational Complex reflected a positive cash flow even though we have had a time of economic downturn. The committee reviewed and approved the FY 2010 budget for the ongoing operation of the many activities and educational programs administered by Lakeside.
The UCHRA Policy Council, chaired by Clay County Mayor Dale Reagan, heard and adopted the reports from the committees. “The Upper Cumberland is very fortunate to have an agency like the UCHRA that goes the extra mile to make sure that services are available to the residents of the 14 county area. During the past year, I have had more contacts than ever before from individuals needing help,” commented Clay County Mayor Dale Reagan.
The UCHRA Board of Directors Executive Committee meeting was called to order by DeKalb County Executive and Chairman of the UCHRA Board of Directors Mike Foster. After hearing the recommendations of the Policy Council with time being spent discussing each of the items on the agenda, the Executive Committee approved the actions taken by the Council. “As Chairman of the Board, I have had an opportunity to work closely with the UCHRA staff and the different Program Committees. Phyllis Bennett, UCHRA Executive Director, provides outstanding leadership to the Agency; the staff and the Board of Directors are committed to continuing existing services, finding resources to initiate new services, and to continuously make improvements in the delivery of services. I am happy to serve as the Chairman of an organization that is committed to assisting individuals needing help,” stated DeKalb County Executive Mike Foster.
City of Jackson, TN in the amount of $25,000. The grant will provide training and employment for youth with disabilities in the Workforce Investments’ Summer Employment Program.
WIA Disabilities Program Navigator and Vice Mayor of Jackson, Harvey Buchanan states, “the worksite will be Jackson Central Merry High School and youth with disabilities will be provided the opportunity to learn and enhance their Soft Skills Training and Workforce Skills with Job Coach Assistance. The City of Jackson is proud to be able to assist youth in training and employment enhancements.” Summer employment began June 2011.
SWEETWATER HOUSING VOUCHERS TRANSFER TO ETHRA
The East Tennessee Human Resource Agency has agreed to administer the 58 Housing Choice Vouchers currently allocated to Sweetwater Housing Authority. Services for the current families will continue without interruption as the program transitions to ETHRA in July.
Families already on Sweetwater Housing's waiting list may be in for a nice surprise. Their names will be merged into ETHRA's current waiting list based on when they made application. ETHRA's wait list moves at a faster pace and they may get assistance sooner.
When the transfer is complete, ETHRA’s voucher program will be allowed to serve 784 families at any one time in the sixteen counties.
ETHRA has long been designated as a Public Housing Authority by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program helps low income families rent safe and sanitary housing at an affordable price.
More information can be available by contacting Steve Bandy or Lisa Condrey at (865)691-2551.
SWCDC 4th Annual Golf Tournament
SWHRA and SWCDC would like for you and/or your business to join us for the 4th Annual Golf Tournament at Chickasaw Golf Course. The Four Man Scramble will begin with a Shotgun start at 1 pm.
Location: Chickasaw Golf Course
9555 State Route 100 West
Henderson, TN
Date: September 21, 2011
Time: 12 pm Lunch
1 pm Shotgun Start
Competition Includes: Hole-In-One, 1st-3rd place winners per flight, Closest-To-Pin
Challenge, Putting Contest, Longest Drive.
Proceeds Support SWCDC
Southwest TN Community Development Corporation (SWCDC) is a community housing development organization created to meet the housing needs of citizens throughout the eight counties served by Southwest HRA. Recently, affordable Housing Community Development Corporation merged with SWCDC expanding our operations to include down payment assistance, home rehabilitation assistance, and homes for sale to qualified homebuyers.
Currently, SWCDC owns twelve rental units, which are all energy efficient, meet the building standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and target the special needs population. Funding sources include Tennessee Housing Development Agency, Rural Housing and Economic Development, Jackson Housing Authority as well as annual fundraisers such as the golf tournament.
We appreciate your support!
Available to Purchase in Advance or at Registration
Entry Fee is $250 per Team of Four ($65 per individual)
Mulligans ($5 each or $20 per team)
Red Tees ($10 each)
Putting Contest ($5 for 3 Putts)
Sponsorship Opportunities
Platinum Sponsor $1000 (Includes 2 Teams & 1 Hole Sponsor)
Gold Sponsor $750 (Includes 2 Teams)
Silver Sponsor $500 (Includes 1 Team & 1 Hole Sponsor)
Bronze Sponsor $250 (Includes 1 Team)
Hole Sponsor $100
Make Checks Payable to:
Southwest CDC
P.O. Box 264
Henderson, TN 38340
(Entry fee includes: lunch, green fees for 18 holes, cart, prizes, and on course beverages and snacks.)
For additional information contact:
Christy McMahan * cmcmahan@swhra.org
Or
Amy Faulkner * amymfaulkner@yahoo.com
731-989-5111 or 731-435-9129
Fax: 731-989-3095
Rural Development and ETHRA Marketing Partnership
Rural Development Area Director Jerry Amonett and East Tennessee Human Resource Agency Program Administrator Jay Willoughby today announced a total investment of $16,300 to fund a marketing outreach program for ETHRA. The check presentation took place at the ETHRA Workforce Development Office in Oak Ridge.
"This investment will provide ETHRA the tools they need to stay on the cutting edge of technology," said Amonett. "Thanks to the support of our congressional delegation, Rural Development has the financial resources to help with this important project that will impact the East Tennessee."
The $8,000 Rural Development grant will be combined with $8,300 in ETHRA contributions to continue their current marketing outreach program designed to assist businesses in the area with workforce development as well as distribute informational CDs and videos, and provide an update to the agency's website.
"The Rural Development grant allows us to make the residents in our region more aware of the services we provide, while making the information easily accessible for everyone," said Willoughby. "ETHRA is proud to partner with Rural Development in this venture."
The areas that will be affected by this grant are Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Fentress, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union Counties.
Rural Development's rural business enterprise grant program provides assistance to local governments and non-profit organizations that assist small businesses, develop local business infrastructure, provide job training, conduct feasibility studies or provide technical assistance to businesses and community leaders.
Others participating in the presentation included Sen. Bob Corker's representative David Leaverton, ETHRA Director of Operations and Services Sandy Lamb, and RD Area Specialist Larry Mason.
USDA Rural Development invests in rural communities through business development, community infrastructure and homeownership programs. Last year Rural Development assisted more than 678,000 Tennessee families and businesses investing more than $435 million through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.
Program Helps Seniors Get Back to Work
By Sue Guinn Legg
Johnson City Press
The First Tennessee Human Resource Agency's new Senior Community Service Employment Program has helped more than 80 of the area's older workers re-enter the work force at service agencies around the region.
The jobs provide needed income and allow participants to gain needed job skills, beef up their resumes and lend some much-needed assistance to the agencies.
Now with federal stimulus funds available to provide the same assistance to 33 others, the program is once again recruiting low-income wage earners age 55 and older who could use the help.
The program helps seniors, many of them who have been hit hard by the local factory closings and other pitfalls of the current economy, enter or re-enter the work force by giving them on-the-job training, resume writing and interview skills, SCSEP Program Director Holly Hudson explained.
Working 20 hours a week at the new $7.50 an hour minimum wage, participants gain income and earn experience while continuing their search for employment in the private sector.
"It's a win-win opportunity for the participants and their communities," Hudson said, with participants helping service organizations in seven area counties extend their reach and capabilities while honing their own employment skills and gaining self-confidence and a restored sense of self-worth.
Launched more than 40 years ago as part of the Johnson administration's "War on Poverty," SCSEP became a national initiative in 1973 with adoption of the Older Americans Act. Funded and administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, Hudson said the program had been had been working successfully in Northeast Tennessee for some time when the Labor Department asked the FTHRA to take over its administration here in late July.
With the new assignment, Hudson said, came the federal stimulus dollars that are now allowing the program to expand. She noted a similar Labor Department block grant from the total $19.5 million in federal recovery funding approved for Tennessee seniors and families has also been allocated to help similar program operated by the Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency put even more older workers back to work.
A lot of the participants, Hudson said, are people who never worked and in their older years have suddenly found themselves in need. They're grandparents who are going back to work to raise their grandchildren, seniors without enough income to pay for their medications and, in increasing numbers, people who have spent their entire lives at work in area factories that have simply closed their doors and went away.
"What we're seeing no are a lot of people who worked in factories 30 or 40 years. They never had to prepare a resume. They have no job search skills and they don't know how to package their job skills in a way that will appeal to an employer. The job market is a totally different world than it was 10 years ago, much less 30 or 40 years. And it's a terrible challenge for them," Hudson said.
But with employment through the SCSEP and the job and job-search training that comes with it, she said, "In a manner of weeks they regain that confidence."
She described seeing that transformation as "one of the most gratifying rewards I've had in all many years of social work."
For Mary "Lucy" Madeoy, a 57-year-old typist and keyboard operator who spent more than 30 years at work in government offices in three states, it was a disability that left her with less income than she needed to meet her living expenses, to enjoy the things she has always enjoyed and to put away a little money for her future.
Now back at work as a job search and resume-building assistant at the Northeast Tennessee Career Center on Wesley Street, she feels quite blessed.
"These are raining positions and it's wonderful to get the job training they give you. It sets you up for a lot of different jobs," Madeoy said. "I can't work full time but it's wonderful to have something to supplement my disability and to help me get through. It really helps a lot."
"It doesn't last forever and you have to look for work outside the program but I consider myself blessed to be a part of it."
To qualify for the program, Hudson said, interested workers must be at least 55 with an income that falls within the specified low-income level. She encouraged anyone in need of employment who meets those criteria to contact her for more information at 461-7844.
Northwest Tennessee Development District & Human Resource Agency
Open House
June 1, 2012
It would be our pleasure if you could join us to celebrate our long awaited and freshly renovated office building.
124 Weldon Drive
Martin, TN 38237
Friday, June 1, 2012
Ribbon Cutting at 1 P.M.
Open House/Reception Until 4 P.M.
We look forward to seeing you there!
KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Area Transit Service will launch a new Route 6 on Monday serving the west side of Kingsport, while also commencing operation of a new connector service between downtown Kingsport, Colonial Heights and Johnson City via NET Trans Red Route 3X service.
KATS has seen dramatic monthly ridership growth, from 4,954 riders in February 2010 to 10,848 riders in February 2012, and is expanding service by offering Route 6 and the new partnership with NET Trans.
KATS Route 6 will serve the downtown Food City, Ridgefields Circle, Netherland Inn, Allandale Mansion, Allandale Apartments and the West Stone Drive Walmart while also providing a new linkage to the Riverwalk end of the Greenbelt.
“We’re pleased with the dramatic growth in ridership we have realized in the last couple of years since undertaking a top-to-bottom review of the Transit Service, with our staff doing an excellent job of executing improvements to the service,” City Manager John Campbell said Friday. “With Route 6 and the new Red Route 3X inter-city service to Colonial Heights and Johnson City, we feel we are making serious headway in the effort to provide meaningful and affordable alternatives to the personal automobile. And certainly, this service would not be possible without the support of NET Trans Director Tim Jaynes and the First Tennessee Human Resource Agency.”
KATS Route 6 follows the same service days and hours as KATS’ other routes, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, connecting to the NET Trans Red Route 3X service to Johnson City can be managed by boarding at the KATS Transit Office on Clay Street and transferring buses to the NET Trans service along Fort Henry Drive at Food City, Walgreens, Walmart and Ingles in Colonial Heights.
Red Route 3X service is $5 per one-way trip and connects to the Johnson City Transit Service at its office in downtown Johnson City.
In addition, NET Trans will honor KATS fares including monthly passes to travel from the KATS Transit Terminal on Clay Street to the Ingles in Colonial Heights.
NET Trans Red Route 3X service will be offered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:05 p.m. NET Trans will provide one free transfer into the KATS transit system for those traveling from Johnson City or the Colonial Heights area to allow them to reach their destination in Kingsport.
NET Trans will also offer a $50 monthly pass for unlimited trips between cities.
This year marked a good one for Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency. For the first time the agency used Geographic Information Systems to map locations of services provided for 2011. The use of GIS has enabled Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency to better pin point the location of clients desperately in need of social services. We look forward to the coming years of using GIS to better serve our clients in the Mid-Cumberland Region. For information of Mid-Cumberland HRA’s GIS program please contact Antonio Johnson, GIS Administrator at ajohnson@mchra.com.
“Thank you all for giving good, safe, & reliable services.”
– Barbara M. of Springfield, TN
“You all are wonderful, just can’t do without you! All of your drivers are so good to me.”
– Elizabeth H. of Williamson County
“I am writing to express my appreciation to you and your staff. In a hospital setting I often deal with patients/families with unique needs that are not easily met by typical agency resources and I am so grateful to call your office and find that you have a driver available to help that family.”
– Martha B. of Waverly, TN
“I greatly appreciate the services that Mid-Cumberland provides for me and my family.”
– Nancy W. of Dickson, TN
“Mid-Cumberland is truly a wonderful company with great service.”
– Dorothy R. of Rutherford County
“I just wanted to say thanks for the Mid-Cumberland van. It is so useful for us elderly and the handicapped. I ride it quite often to the bank, grocery store, doctor, and any where else I need to go.”
– Ruth G. of Gallatin, TN
“What does Mid-Cumberland Transportation Service mean to me? I am 91 years old and have no husband or children. It is my only means of visiting the doctor and grocery shopping. I am very grateful to Mid-Cumberland.”
– Vivian S. of Dover, Tenn.
“Everyone I’ve had contact with at the Mid-Cumberland Transit Agency has always gone beyond my expectations.”
– Mary Ann of Springfield, Tenn.
“Transportation for people with disabilities is not easy. You will never know how that trip to Springfield helped me find happiness for that one day.”
– Cindy D. of Nashville, Tenn.
“Your drivers are very professional, show their kindness and are very helpful.”
– Geneva S. of Dickson, Tenn.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Success Stories
Accommodation of needs:
Issue #1: 6’6’’ resident is utilizing a standard size wheelchair which does not support his body frame (i.e. lower forearms, wrists, and feet overextend assistive device resulting in resident having contractures). For sleeping, resident was provided a “hospital bed” (standard in nursing homes) that was designed for average sized individuals. (Note: Resident seen daily by physical therapy for wound care treatment but issue not assessed or addressed.)
Ombudsman intervention resulted in: Facility completed quality assurance assistive device study and implemented facility wide policy that all new admissions are assessed for appropriate adaptive equipment and the current long term residents were reassessed as well. Residents requiring new wheelchairs, walkers, beds, etc. did receive.
Issue#2: Cognitively aware, disabled, quadriplegic biochemical engineer in early his early 50’s with inoperable brain tumor and slow/limited verbal skills, wished to use his personal computer utilizing sip and puff technology (set up in his room upon admission 5 months earlier) and wants to eat in the formal dining room where could eat and interact with equally alert and oriented residents. (While being fed in assisted dining room with cognitively impaired residents, resident had little social interaction and on several occasions one of the cognitively impaired residents had pulled off his sheet revealing him wearing only running shorts.)
Ombudsman intervention resulted in: Facility established a schedule that allows the resident to be positioned in front of his computer for one hour each day. Resident is now taken to dining room for all meals. (Ombudsman had to intervene to prevent facility staff from waking and transferring the resident into his wheelchair at 4:00am for the breakfast meal. Staff rational: not enough staff on day shift to wait to get him up and ready to go to the dining room for the breakfast meal.)
Dignity Issues:
Issue #1: Resident must use a foley catheter urine bag. Urine bag is visibly hooked to resident’s wheelchair while in dining room and in all public areas.
Ombudsman intervention resulted in: Facility implemented policy that all catheter urine bags are to be placed inside a no-see through bag/container.
Issue #2: Resident is transported in wheelchair down public hallway without clothes and only a linen sheet draped over her to receive a shower in the communal bathroom.
Ombudsman intervention resulted in: Immediately, facility mandated that all residents are to be transported in full clothing and some type of footwear when leaving their rooms.
Resident Rights Violations:
Issue #1: Wheelchair bound resident with long standing mental health issues involuntarily discharged by nursing home facility to a homeless shelter without medications, follow up psychiatric services, income, or long term care shelter.
Ombudsman intervention resulted in: Immediate referral to Department of Health regulatory agency for investigation; facility cited an immediate jeopardy citation for immediate/potential harm to resident. (Ombudsman Program diligently advocates on behalf of long term care residents to assure they receive a safe and appropriate discharge, when necessary.)
Issue #2: Residents with cognitive impairment and physical limitations are required to eat each meal in their rooms versus being allowed to receive meals in formal dining room (denied social interactions, stimulus, etc.).
Ombudsman intervention resulted in: Facility coordinated with residents and their responsible parties to identify those interested in integrating into the formal dining program. Facility implemented a schedule to accommodate the significant increase in residents attending meals outside of their rooms and in the formal dining program.
Judy McLeod received The Larry J. Harvey Program Manager’s Award
During the 25th Anniversary Celebration and Conference for Tennessee Community Corrections Association, March 16, 2011 held in Nashville, TN, Lincoln County resident, Judy McLeod received the Larry J. Harvey Program Manager’s Award.
Judy McLeod, Program Director for the South Central Human Resource Agency’s Community Corrections Program was presented this very prestigious award during the Award’s Banquet. The honor is given by the Tennessee Community Corrections Association to the Program Manager who exemplifies outstanding service, dedication and managerial leadership. Ms. McLeod was nominated and selected for this award by colleagues and peers. It is given in memory of Larry J. Harvey who was instrumental in founding and developing the Community Corrections Act of 1986, which established Community Corrections Programs throughout the state of Tennessee. Community Corrections is a community based alternative to incarceration for non-violent felony offenders, designed to help alleviate the overcrowding of prisons and jails. This program encompasses nine southern middle Tennessee counties in the 14th, 17th and 22nd Judicial Districts and supervises over 300 convicted felons.
Judy. McLeod began her career in Community Corrections over 17 years ago as a part-time Community Service Coordinator, promoted to Case Officer, then upward to Assistant Program Manager and six years ago became Program Director. “Under the leadership and guidance of Ms. McLeod as Program Director, the overall program has grown and receives high accolades from all who are associated with her, her staff and her program”, stated James Coy Anderson, Executive Director for SCHRA.
"This award was a great honor from my peers and staff; however, my deepest gratitude goes to the wonderful men and women who work with me in the Community Corrections Program. They are the "best of the best" and I and the program as a whole would not be as successful without their dedication, professionalism and commitment to the program" Judy McLeod
Ms. McLeod graduated from Belmont (College) University in Nashville, Tennessee with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She received her FTO Basic Training from the Tennessee Corrections Institute and her Certificate as a Training Director at the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) in Longmont Colorado. She was the first Pre-Service Training Coordinator for the Tennessee Community Corrections Association.Ms. McLeod received her training on Identifying and Responding to Elder Abuse through the American Probation and Parole Association in Jackson, TN. She has written and developed a training program on Elder Abuse and Investigative Techniques, adapted a version of the Character Counts Program applicable to adults in a business atmosphere, a “Back to Kindergarten” basic for adult business personnel, taught Community Corrections Standards and Policy and Procedure, and participated in many workshops in the field of Corrections. She is trained in Advanced Moral Reconation Therapy, a systematic step-by-step treatment strategy designed to enhance self-image, promote growth of a positive, productive identity and facilitate the development of higher stages of moral reasoning. She attended the Advanced Management Strategies for a Diverse Workplace at the National Institute of Corrections. She also is trained in Level of Service/ Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI), a risk/needs assessment tool, and is a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Facilitator.
Judy is the daughter of Emogene B. Kite and the late Roy D. Kite. She enjoys spending time with her husband Mike and son Jonathan. She attends the First United Methodist Church where she is active with the UpWard Ministry.
Van Buren County Head Start Center Receives Grant to Enhance Outdoor Play
COOKEVILLE - Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play has announced the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency as one of 351 recipients of a $5,000 grant to improve the outdoor play area at the Van Buren County Head Start in Spencer, Tennessee. The National Center was created through a federal grant to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR) from the office of Head Start.
Executive Director of UCHRA, Phyllis Bennett states, "The Van Buren County Head Start provides a positive learning environment and experience to help children develop social skills appropriate to their age, this grant will help them develop physically."
According to Karla Hillis, Head Start Coordinator, "We appreciate Head Start Body Start for helping us evaluate our play spaces and look forward to the opportunity to working with them in training and educating our staff and parents in the value of outdoor play."
"Outdoor play is associated with greater amounts of physical activity in children, and research has shown that opportunities for whole body exercise has a long lasting influence as preschool physical activity tracks throughout childhood," said National Center Director, Karin H. Spencer, EdD. "Unfortunately children today spend less time playing outdoors than any previous generation," added Spencer. "We want to help the Head Start staff discover the benefits of outdoor play across developmental domains and learn about the features of high quality outdoor play spaces that promote movement opportunities for children of all ability levels."
In addition to the play space improvement, each award-winning Head Start will have targeted training, technical assistance and the expertise of a physical activity consultant. Online courses, webinars, and resource material are also available. One of the first initiatives will be celebrating the inaugural Take It Outside! Week, October 19-23, 2009, learn more about Take It Outside! Week, by visiting www.headstartbodystart.org.
Going Above and Beyond to Save a Life
When caregiver Dawn Manns arrived at her client's house on Monday August 3, she found her client's granddaughter searching for her missing grandmother. The search begins with Dawn, the personal Service Worker and the granddaughter franticly searching the neighborhood. After 15 minutes, they both realized they needed to contact the police department. A call was made to the police and the other two workers assigned to this client.
Annette, the homemaker, was able to recall exactly what the client was wearing when she left her a few minutes/hours prior. Candace, the caregiver who was scheduled to come in later was contacted and she immediately came over to assist in the search. The group of staff from Northwest Tennessee Human Resource Agency along with the police department were able to locate the client after an exhausting three hour search. The client was two miles from home and in a ditch that water had already reached chest level. Annette, the caregiver that found the client, pulled her out of the ditch.
Director, Alice Bradley stated "these employees are an example of dedication above and beyond the realm of their job description. I would hate to the think what might have happened without their focus and determination in finding this client".
First Tennessee Human Resource Agency Newsletter 2012
First Tennessee Human Resource Agency provides much needed social services in Carter, Johnson, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington Counties. FTHRA administers 18 vital programs to assist the people of Northeast Tennessee. We rely on support from local governments, United Ways, grants, foundations, fundraisers and private donors. To see what we have been up to, please click on the following link.
First Tennessee Human Resource Agency April 2012 Newsletter
First Tennessee Human Resource Agency provides services in Carter, Johnson, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington Counties of Northeast Tennessee. For the latest news, please click on link below.
The Summer Food Program operated by the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) has the distinction of being the largest program in the State of Tennessee and has also been acknowledged as one of the best run in the southeast.
Plans are already underway to expand the program this year. According to Children’s Program Manager Veronica Stephens, “ETHRA staff wants to make this program available to all counties in the surrounding area.” In 2011 the program was managed by ETHRA in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Cumberland, Fentress, Grainger, Greene, Jefferson, Loudon, Roane, Scott and Sevier counties.
Studies have found that during the summer months many children struggle with hunger, particularly if they have been receiving free or reduced cost lunches at school. The Summer Food Program was developed to help keep children healthier and stable.
Between May 23rd and August 16th of 2011, ETHRA provided 7,200 Breakfasts, 136,000 Lunches, 42,000 Snacks, and 7,800 Suppers.
Stephens said “ETHRA’s role is to offer the program to local communities where children gather.” ETHRA does not buy raw food and cook the meals but selects food vendors within the communities from whom to purchase the meals.
The 2011 program had 19 different vendors including local restaurants and schools. During the 12-week program, ETHRA purchased and served meals to 2,397 children each day. Communities did not just benefit from the children receiving a balanced lunch or dinner. The food vendors received over $550,000 in payment for food and services. These funds went directly back into the communities.
Fewer snow days used by schools results in an extended summer vacation period. Based on the weather so far this year, ETHRA is planning an increase in the number of meals to be served. The 2011 period was shortened because the schools had to make up snow days.
Focus this year is to recruit more school s as food vendors and develop larger, centrally located feeding sites. Access to recreation and feeding sites is always an issue for the children. Developing sites within the school facilities will help eliminate transportation issues.
ETHRA also plans to work with the area schools that operate under the Department of Education Seamless Summer Program. A combined effort could create a larger program for each county and help reach the ultimate goal to serve as many children as possible within the region.
Stephens can be contacted at ETHRA, 9111 Cross Park Drive, Suite D-100, Knoxville 37923 or at 865-691-2551 ext. 4229
Cindy L. Mabery Appointed to 2009 Board of Examiners Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence Award Program
Cindy L. Mabery of Upper Cumberland Resource Agency - LWIA 7 located in Cookeville, Tenn. has been appointed by the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNCPE) to the 2009 Board of Examiners.
Every year, the TNCPE award program recognizes organizations demonstrating excellence in business operations and results.
As an examiner, Mabery is responsible for reviewing and evaluating organizations that apply for a TNCPE Award. The Board of Examiners is composed of experts from all sectors of the regional economy, including business, industry, education and health care organizations, professional and trade associations and government. Those selected meet the highest standards of achievement and peer recognition in their fields. All members of the board must complete extensive training in the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence.
Established in 1993, TNCPE promotes economic development by helping companies grow more competitive in today's global marketplace. The program is patterned after the Baldrige National Quality Program, recognized as the national standard. More than 1,080 organizations have participated in the award program.
Cindy is the WIA Technical Assistance Specialist for the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA)/ Local Workforce Investment Area (LWIA) 7, through funding from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. "With over 23 years experience in workforce development, Ms. Mabery demonstrates the highest level of excellence and professionalism in her chosen field. She is truly an asset to the Agency," noted Phyllis Bennett, UCHRA Executive Director.
For further information, contact the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence, 2525 Perimeter Place Dr., Ste 122, Nashville, TN 37214; 800-453-6474; contact@tncpe.org
Anderson County Helped By ETHRA With Alternative Jail Program
Overcrowded jails are a financial burden to county governments all across the State. Anderson County officials have turned to an old idea in hopes of saving tax payers money and ridding the streets of crime.
Since 2006, the county's criminal court has seen an 83% increase in case load and in turn this puts more prisoners into an already overcrowded jail. In fact, jail was the only choice available to punish offenders.
Anderson County Sheriff Paul White and Criminal Court Judge Don Elledge have worked with East Tennessee Human Resource Agency and other State officials to reactivate a program that gives non-violent offenders an alternative to jail time. Former county officials had abandoned the program in the mid 1990s even though it was proven effective and used in other communities all across East Tennessee.
Jailing an inmate costs Anderson County government $55 per day or more than $20,000 a year. ETHRA's Community Corrections Program will have an immediate impact to reduce county costs and allow offenders to be supervised for about $5 a day.
Many problems can be avoided with a program that gives non-violent offenders an alternative to jail time. According to Judge Elledge, "If an offender sits in jail they may get detox for 30 days but that does not mean they have received all the treatment they should have to realize it's ongoing. You have to set up a life altering course."
Community Corrections will offer participants alcohol and drug education classes and therapy. At the same time, participants are expected to work, support their families, pay their court costs and remain drug free. "They are being supervised and they are becoming productive members of society."
ETHRA received $130,000 to expand Community Corrections into Anderson County. The funding from Tennessee Probation and Parole will allow for two new officers to provide supervision for approximately 60 offenders.
Sheriff White says having Community Corrections restored is a big relief. "It will help us even if we can just get relief from two or three inmates."
Gordon Acuff, ETHRA Executive Director, said "Community Corrections is yet another way county governments are served by the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency. It is our pleasure to work collectively with law enforcement, judicial members and legislative representatives to identify the funds and restore this program for Anderson County."
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TAHRA - Your Best Choice to Deliver Hope to Your Community
Over the past 35 years our association (TAHRA) has established an effective statewide network to deliver social services to our communities. Every day we help more Tennesseans become self sufficient through the effective delivery of financial support, job training, transportation, nutritional services, and many other important social services to our friends and neighbors in need. Our proven track record delivering a broad selection of programs, our strong and experienced network of employees and volunteers, and our cost-effective administrative structure make us your best choice to deliver hope to your community.
Our association is formed by nine Human Resource Agencies delivering social services to all 95 counties in Tennessee. In 1973, the Tennessee General Assembly established the Human Resource Agencies to be the delivery system for human services throughout the state. Authorized by Chapter 289 of the Public Acts of 1973, Tennessee’s Human Resource Agencies operate under the authority of Title 13, Chapter 26 of Tennessee Code Annotated.
Our agencies have pioneered many programs to help the people of Tennessee. Our seasoned staff leads state-wide initiatives to improve efficiencies in policies and procedures, streamline processes, and train staff and volunteers. Our reputation for delivering services is one of impeccable quality and understanding compassion. Our success is built on our staff. Over the years, our agencies have developed a strong network of over 6,500 experienced employees and dedicated volunteers. Our agencies are currently staffed with 2,682 full and part-time employees. Over 3,800 volunteers join with our staff to deliver services vital to many people in our state.
Easily accessible to the community through local county offices, each agency builds on the wealth of program knowledge and experience gained over our 35-year history to strengthen local support, improve relationships with funding sources and governing officials, and help people in need. With our established state-wide network and strong operating infrastructure, TAHRA is the best choice for delivering services to people in need throughout our state.