SRVSTheTHE FAMILYFamily ANSWER Answer FOR for DISABILITIES Disabilities ANNUALAnnual 2013 REPORTReport 2013Rebecca and Deidre are roommates in one of the 80 homes operated across the city by SRVS through its Community Living program. Rebecca and Deidre are roommates in one of the the 80 homes operated across the city by SRVS through its Community Living program. MISSION To enhance the lives of people with disabilities in a way that brings peace of mind to families and unmatched stewardship for our benefactors. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 Letter from the Chairwoman and Executive Director 6 SRVS Learning Center 8 SRVS Family Support Program 10 SRVS Community Living Program 12 SRVS Elderly and Adult Disabilities Services 14 SRVS Community Employment Services 16 SRVS Clinical Services 18 Community Relations 20 Financials and Funding Sources 21 Annual Donor Listing 29 Business and Volunteer Recognition 30 SRVS Board and Executive Staff Contact SRVS (back cover) 3 Dear Friends of SRVS, SRVS’ Mission is about touching lives. It has been our 2012-2013 has been a year of accomplishment and driving force for more than 50 years. During the period recognition for SRVS. It was also an exciting first year to covered by this annual report, we celebrated SRVS’ five be Executive Director. We opened four new homes for decade milestone. Over that time, the agency constantly the people we support in collaboration with partners improved and sought new and more effective ways to including United Housing, Inc. and the Tennessee deliver supports that empower lives. It’s humbling to Housing Development Agency. Our first benefit golf think that SRVS has grown from a small occupational tournament, the SRVS Inaugural Wesberry Memorial workshop with seven people supported into the state’s Golf Classic, was a big success. And speaking of largest disabilities services provider with 860 people collaborations, energetic volunteers and interns helped supported. increase visibility and community participation in the SRVS Learning Center. During the year, SRVS also We are now on the cusp of major change in the received the Arc of Tennessee Agency of Distinction disability services arena and SRVS is at the forefront. Award for “providing exemplary supports for people Change. If one word describes where SRVS and the with disabilities.” disability services provider community is at this point in time, that is it. A big part of the evolution in thinking Our 50th year was a proud year of achievement for and approach is finding new ways to make sure people SRVS. It would not have been possible without an with disabilities have ample opportunity to live, work exceptionally dedicated and skilled workforce, along and play in their communities. Employment emerged with the tremendous community support we are a major focus during Fiscal Year 2012-2013, starting fortunate to receive. The possibilities are limitless for with the statewide roll-out of Tennessee’s Employment SRVS as we continue to raise the bar on behalf of people First Initiative. SRVS became one of the state’s leaders with disabilities and their families with compassionate, in the push for integrated, community employment for innovative approaches and unmatched service delivery. the people we support. This will remain a priority area throughout the year and beyond. Tyler Hampton Anne Wesberry 4 Executive Director Chairwoman of the Board SRVS Executive Director Tyler Hampton and Chairwoman of the Board Anne Wesberry with members of SRVS’ on-site maintenance staff, the Supported Employment Training Services (SETS) team. From the Incoming Board Chairwoman: SRVS holds a special place in my heart. I am a parent of a person supported by SRVS and it has been a pleasure to serve as an advisory council and board member. I am excited about my new role as chairwoman of the board and look forward to building on the great successes SRVS has achieved as we aim for new heights. With tight budgets and growing demand for services, SRVS and other disability services providers have our share of challenges. I am confident that the outstanding workforce we have at SRVS and our community support make us well positioned to continue into the next century as a beacon of hope for people with disabilities and their families. Laura Tumminello (Laura Tumminello was elected SRVS board chairwoman on June 25, 2013) 5 SRVS LEARNING CENTER Pam’s Story Cutting Edge Curriculum Enhances Skills, Self-Esteem Pam came to SRVS after graduating from the Avon-Lenox Pam has learned several life skills, including making a School. Now 44 years old, she will soon be celebrating bed and setting a table, which were goals outlined in a 20 year history with SRVS. She has seen many changes her Individual Support Plan. She transferred those skills over the years, both in the support services she has to home life and in the process, gained a sense of self- received from SRVS and in herself. worth, independence and confidence. Since the opening of the new SRVS Learning Center, Others have noticed a change in Pam, including her Pam has increased her academic and home living skills behavior analysts and Montessori aids. “The Montessori with the introduction of a Montessori curriculum. Her approach has allowed Pam more choices, a variety of mom, Joyce Finley, has witnessed the positive changes activities, and the opportunity to become more sociable in Pam’s life. “The learning center is a great place for and engaged,” says SRVS Learning Center Director Pam to learn skills to help herself, her family, and fit into Carol Branch. society,” says Finley. “Knowing she is in a safe learning environment makes it easier for me to go to work.” Knowing she is in a safe learning environment makes it easier for me to go to work. 6 SRVS Learning Center includes eleven Montessori classrooms and ancillary rooms such as a teaching kitchen, model apartment and sensory room, designed to provide a cutting edge curriculum for adults with disabilities. During the fiscal year, more than 96 individuals attended the center and participated in community activities. With a new facility, staff focused on building community partnerships to advance its programs and established a volunteer program, partnership with Volunteer Odyssey, Friday Fun Days, created a newsletter, obtained iPads for use in the computer room and throughout the center, and introduced nutrition classes organized by Tennessee State University instructors. Dance and movement classes were taught by Howard Pheelgood. 7 SRVS FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM Mario’s Story Helping a Hero Inspire Others In the fall of 1997, Mario was playing football for Mario has been on a mission to share his blessings Millington Central High School when he sustained in life. He formed an organization for youth with a spinal cord injury which left him paralyzed and in a after school programs, is a volunteer coach for the wheelchair. He was 15 years old, yet the experience left Grandview Heights Middle School football and track him undefeated in life. After his hospitalization, Mario teams, a mentor at Youth Villages, a real estate investor, joined the Family Support program in 2005 which has motivational speaker and had a book written about his provided him with a ramp into his home, a pivot lift, life called Brothers: The Mario Reed Story. personal assistance and home maker services, funding for transportation, and respite care for his mother, his “Mario has come a long way,” says Family Support primary caretaker. Coordinator Michelle Harris. “He inspires others. I’m glad we have been there to help him on his journey to The program also modified his bathroom, shower and becoming a life coach for others.” van to make it wheelchair accessible and adapted the controls on the van so that he can take himself to doctor’s The Family Support program assisted 400 families appointments, the gym for therapy and workouts. during the fiscal year, held its first Carrabbas Restaurant fundraiser, hosted several local and state council “I’ve received continuous support for eight years. The meetings, participated in networking events and fairs and program has been a blessing to me; it changes people’s increased its presence in the media through interviews lives,” said Mario. “I received benefits for the physical on radio and television, newspaper advertisements and things I lack which gave me greater independence. Life a newsletter which reaches 1,500 people. is twice as expensive for a person with a disability.” 8 The program has been a blessing to me over the years; it changes people’s lives. 9 SRVS COMMUNITY LIVING PROGRAM Rebecca’s Story Home Life Provides Nurturing Environment More than 16 years ago, Rebecca came to live in a SRVS home when she was nine years old and her family could no longer take care of her, especially living so far away. SRVS staff eventually became Rebecca’s family. They helped with her behaviors, provided counseling and life-long learning opportunities. They encouraged her throughout her schooling and were there to see her high school graduation from Avon-Lenox School. They also helped her learn to care for herself as a woman. She continues to be surrounded by staff who support her interests in becoming a mature and an independent young lady. “SRVS staff, in essence, helped raise Rebecca. We’ve been there to help her grow up and learn what it is to be a smart and valued woman,” says Community Living Director Felecia Robinson. “She cares deeply about her SRVS family and her two roommates.” Arriving at SRVS at an early age contributed to Rebecca’s fierce independence. She enjoys getting out into the community, going to movies, swimming, bowling, going to church, participating in the Special Olympics, modeling, having her hair styled and nails painted, singing and dancing.