News from The Progress Center

The Progress Center NEWS

Spring!!!!!

2008

In This Issue

Inclusion Fusion

Oxford Hills Food Coop

Larry's Thougths

How you can help us!

Contest

DHHS Commissioner Brenda Harvey Visits Progress Center Display

Our Sponsors

Visit Our Sponsor

*****

Need Meeting Times?

Visit our Agency Calendar

TPC Events

*****
SHOUT OUTS!!!!

TPC THANK YOUS!!!!

Kristen great job with all the new things you been doing.

Erwin great job with all the new things with transportation.

I want to thank everybody that participated up at Augusta it was pretty emotional and a good experience thanks everybody.

Thanks to Clair and Deb for the values training we did on march 14 it was great and well needed thanks!

Terry

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. PAUL AND LIZ FOR PREPARING THE MOST DELICIOUS MEALS FOR OUR BOARD MEETINGS. Deedee

To Sue Bone for skillfully and cheerfully doing what needs to be done in Personal Supports. To Pam Williams, Terry Cole and Tracy Hall for doing activities with the folks downstairs -- they are good ambassadors for Community Services. To Pat Verrill for being so organized with the farm coop information -- it will practically run itself when she's gone (well, that's what Mike and I are hoping!). To Deb Anthony for continuing to to look for new ideas and directions for the agency, even in a difficult financial climate -- she is very inspiring. To everyone who went to Augusta to rally for our programs -- an impressive effort! To Pam Williams for putting together a centerpiece and promotional material at the Poland Spring Christmas display event -- belated thank you!

Laurie

Shonna ,

You are the best. Love Shonna

Shonna thanks for making The Progress Center look good at the six month review on 3.25.08

Laurie

Thanks to all of the folks who pulled the Augusta Rally together. What a day!

Thanks to Sarah for her wonderful Testimony to the Legislature on behalf of TPC Sufu. Great Job!

Thanks To Tom Gorrill, of the board, for his long day in Augusta and Testimony!

Thanks to Terry Cole and Larry Jordan for the Breakfast Club.

Thanks to Mike for his HUGE enthusiasm and work on the Oxford Hills Food Coop.

Thanks to Pat Verrill for bringing all the pieces togehter to make the Coop a reality.

Thanks Laurie for all you have done to support the coop as well as keeping us all smiling with your wit!

Thanks Terry for keeping the spirit alive and believing that we can do better.

Deb

I want to acknowledge how day program staff are easily approachable and easy to work with when preplanning for PCP's.I appreciate the fact that I might pop into the staff lounge at any time and they are always willing to help me. I sometimes have to dig deeper for information for a PCP or remind staff about paperwork deadlines, but I am always made to feel welcomed. I feel that staff are there to support and help me to produce the best PCP that we can for the people we serve. THANKS!

Terry Cole

"I would like to thank all the staff and subs for all their hard work.

Welcome Kathy and Kim." Penny

I would like to submit kudos for Laurie Phillips for her ideas and support in the Inclusion commitee. Terry Cole for always being there and a true champion for the people we support. Kristen for instantly understanding the value of having a life to the people we support. Erlene her compassion and immediate grasp of how important it is for people to be engaged in their community. Kathy Bourget for her outstanding work in the community. Terry Hoyt for her support, perserverance and openness to new ideas.

Stories of inclusion.

Larry

I want to thank Liz Bennoch (Stephens Memorial Hospital), Jeff Sutton (Maine Machine Products), Mike Webb (Norton Insurance), Bruce Little (Frost Farm Gallery), Dana Chandler (Weston-Chandler Funeral Homes), and Sean Cameron (Northeast Bank) for their continued support of The Progress Center through their willingness to help and participate in the Employment Advisory Group. We appreciate all that you do! Also, kudos to Stacy and her very dedicated staff for the wonderful job they are doing. I am constantly amazed by the creative talents you all display when working with your people.

Priscilla

I'd like to say thanks to the great team @ the KJ house. -Stephanie S. I'd like to second that, I think it's one of the best if not the best I've worked with and I've been in the field 17 years!- Richard D.

We'd like to say thanks to Karen she's been pretty great to work with.- Staff @ KJ

I'd like to say thanks to Deb Anthony for pitching in on one of the snowdays, she came over and shoveled snow.- Karen @ KJ

Like to thanks the ladies that did the S.N.O.W. meeting, it was pretty good. -Richard Day

Kudos to Tanya, Sarah, Julia, Jean, and Penny at Fredrick Ave for putting people served first. Thanks for the dedication and all the hard work you do. -Erlene

Congratulations to Gail Thurston and welcome aboard.-Girls @ F.A.

Thanks to Erlene Smith for taking on responsibility of House Manager. It's nice to have someone that listens to staff's concerns, and takes action to resolve any conflicts. Also thanks to staff for working together and making it feel like a team effort to provide people with the best care. - Tanya

Welcome Laura Roy to the admin department. Goodbye to Kris, Thank you for all your hard work, I will miss you greatly. Good Luck in your next adventure with us. I want to thank everyone with being so patient with the Time and Labor Online system. - Pam

I would like to thank Shonna Adams for helping out with schedule changes and the extra time she has put in. Also I would like to thank Mary Ackely for being so flexible with the schedule changes that accure. Thanks Fred Cummings for all the great work he does with the people out in the wood shop. We also went to a portland Pirates game in February and had a great time. We will Be going to Winter Camp in March to help raise Money for special olympics. I would also like to thank Terry Hoyt for being a great boss and being so understanding. and I would like to welcome Teresa to day program. We had a Valentines party and ate some goodies. Thank you liz and helpers for the great hot lunches on fridays. - Julie Ibnhadi

Welcome to Spring! It has been a tough winter and with our budgets still at risk, it is more important than ever to remind ourselves of the importance of the work we do here at TPC.

As I have spoken to many political folks and families these last weeks trying to ensure that services for people with MR/DD do not end or become seriously diminished, one thing has continued to strike me. We owe all of those who come to us with MR/DD more than we could ever give. If we consider the history of their lives and what we have done as a state and as a nation to people with disabilities, the debt we have accrued is so much more than money. For me, the shame never leaves my heart. I ask all of us that we remember institutions like Pineland when faced with difficult choices for care today.

As a community, we are all aware of discrimination and prejudice for many groups in our midst. But the people we serve, those with intellectual disabilities, are most often unheard and are most often forgotten. This is not by accident and not exactly on purpose, either. We forget because for so long they were hidden away. Only RECENTLY did we bring them to our communities and to our awareness. It was only in the 1970's that we, across Maine and the Nation, began to right the wrongs of segregation and deprivation that we inflicted upon these fellow men and women.

The Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, which was far too late; but more remarkable is that the Disability Rights Act was passed in 1990. In 1990, we decided that the disabled have rights, too! As we fight for the rights and well being of those I am proud of the system this state has developed over thirty years to right the wrongs of those we institutionalized, abused, mistreated and often neglected. This group of of Americans:THE LAST GROUP TO ACHIEVE RIGHTS! WHAT PRICE SHOULD WE PAY TO PROTECT THOSE RIGHTS so long overdue?

We Can Do Better,

Deb Anthony

Executive Director

Inclusion Fusion
Inclusion Stories collected By Terry Cole

Day Program shared that one of their community based groups has frequently encountered a woman doing rehab when they have been involved in activities at the Pineland Y. They recently saw her at a store in Lewiston and she approached and spoke to them reminding them where they have met before. They have become part of her community!

Debbie, from Frederick Ave., has recently been asked to go shopping and out to eat with a neighbor whom she sees regularly because she volunteers weekly at Rotary Breakfast.

Debbie also was asked to participate with Mary Kelley from the Muskie Institute and Lisa Sturtevant from DHHS at the DSP meeting in Augusta on March 11 & 12. Debbie was available to answer questions about her experiences volunteering weekly at Rotary breakfast and the natural relationships that have occurred.

David Th. independently volunteers monthly at the local Food Pantry. He works with one other volunteer and they are building a relationship together.

Greg works independently on a per diem basis at National Wood Products and has established many relationships with his co-workers.

Marion is picked up daily to attend Mass at Church by a fellow parishioner.

Floyd is invited and taken to dinner on a regular basis by the parents of a staff person.

Paul F. goes regularly to Melby's where he is greeted by name by the store owners and other people at the restaurant. He hangs out with the store regulars and is part of that group. Paul also had a community birthday party with over 200 people attending.

Oxford Hills Food Cooperative
A Great TPC Collaborative
food

Who are We?

Oxford Hills Food Cooperative is a collaboration of local farms and food producers with logistical support from The Progress Center and Healthy Oxford Hills. The cooperative will work as an agent to support farmers and producers to distribute locally grown foods. The cooperative is dedicated to the stewardship of the land and ecologically sound food production and distribution.

*** ANYONE WISHING TO ORDER THROUGH A CSA (PREPURCHASED SHARE) ALLOWING YOU FOOD DELIVERY WEEKLY DURING THE HARVEST OR OUR WEEKLY DIRECT ORDER SHOULD CALL MIKE AT 207-743-8039 OR EMAIL coopcoord@megalink.net or visit the Oxford Hills Food Cooperative at www.oxfordhillsfoodcoop.org

Thoughts from Larry!

Our friend Debbie was asked to participate in the DSP conference in Augusta. She spent time with Mary Kelley from the Muskie Institute and Lisa Sturtevant from DHS. Debbie was asked to answer questions about her experiences volunteering at Rotary breakfast and the natural relationships that have occurred. Debbie is without staff at Rotary and is a leader in breaking some of the myths and fears that surround the people we support and community interaction. Her story is being used to educate other agencies and people who receive support to help them embrace de-segregation and inclusion.

David volunteers at the local food pantry with no staff present.

David and Sarah represented themselves so well at a mock interview that the interview immediately called Priscilla and told her that the general public could learn alot from them in how well they were dressed and their positive attitude.

Sarah gave a honest and passionate speech to legislators on the appropriations committee on how she felt budget cuts would affect her.

Sarah read her speech to us at the breakfast club and it was very powerful. By giving her speech to the legislators Sarah was standing up for herself, other people whe receive support and all of us who are employed is this field. Who is supporting who? Sarah also has an annual goal of completing her GED this year. Last year her goal was to eat out. This is a tremendous change in thinking and something everyone involved should be proud of. This is service!!

This is what we mean with our mission statement. This will promote her independence and personal freedom. This takes DSP's from daycare provider's to a role they can be proud of as life changers and life builders providing an invaluable service to people who need some support and the communities they live in who need every contributing citizen.

It is great that, for example, Floyd is invited and taken to dinner on a regular basis by the parents of a staff or that Marion is picked up daily to attend Mass at church by a fellow parishioner.

How You Can Help Us!

Ways you can help The Progress Center without spending a dime!

Would you like to help The Progress Center but are unable to do so financially? No problem! Below are some ideas that you might be able to use that will also help us.

GOODSEARCH: GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!

From January 1st through March 24 we have had 1,522 searches made through Goodsearch on our behalf. Follow the link below and check it out!

www.goodsearch.com"

CHARITY BLAST: You can support The Progress Center while doing your on-line shopping. Charity Blast works with leading retailers offering an opportunity for us to give to organizations, such as The Progress Center, while shopping on-line for goods and services we'd purchase anyway.

Follow the link and check out Charity Blast www.charityblast.com/home

DONATION LINE: Do you have a vehicle that you'd like to get rid of? Do you have vehicles that haven't run in years? Consider donating them to The Progress Center in Norway. You can donate cars, trucks, motorcycles, vans, boats, jet skies, snowmobiles, motor homes, buses and even air planes. All you need is a clear title to the vehicle you wish to donate. There is no charge to you and your donation may also be tax-deductible.

Donation Line, a Vehicle Donation Program, works with non-profit organizations as an alternative to traditional fund-raising venues. Donation Line will make arrangement to have your vehicle towed and The Progress Center will receive a percentage of the proceeds.

If you would like donate a vehicle, running or not, it's as simple as a phone call to 1-877-CARS-4-US ext. 2218 (227-7478 ext 2218). You will need to have the title to the vehicle with you when you call and you will also be asked a few questions about the vehicle. A pickup time will be scheduled. You will be contacted by Donation Line's towing agent within two business days and you will receive a tax donation letter in 6-8 weeks. That's it!

DON'S REDEMPTION CENTER: Don's Redemption Center on Cottage Street here in Norway is working with various organizations, including The Progress Center, to raise money. When you take your recycling to Don's instead of taking the returnable money how about donating it to The Progress Center instead. Just as the attendant and they will be glad to help you.

If you have any questions on any of the above please call Priscilla at 743-8049 ext 233 and she'll be glad to help with any questions you may have.

CONTEST

"Name the Newletter" contest

Help us name this newsletter and win a prize

(to be announced)

It's time to shed the winter blahs and get those spring creative ideas flowing. We need a name for this publication and are asking for your help.

Send your entries to pburnette@megalink.net or mail them to:

The Progress Center

"Contest" c/o Priscilla

35 Cottage Street

Norway, ME 04268

DHHS Commissioner Brenda Harvey Vists Progress Center Display
2008 Non-Profit Day

Non profit day

The Progress Center was one of 12 non-profits to exhibit in the Hall of Flags at the State House at the 2008 Nonprofit Day on February 7, 2008. This event is sponsored by The Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP), a statewide organization dedicated to advancing and strengthening Maine's nonprofit sector.

As you can see from the above photo, DHHS Commissioner Brenda Harvey (center) stopped to say Hello and received a stress ball (a very popular giveaway). Also in the photo is Priscilla Burnette and board member Jean Record (left to right). Some others who stopped by included Lucky Hollander, DHHS Laison; Rep. Larry Sirois; Rep. H. Sawin Millett; Glenn Cummings, Speaker of the House, and Patrick Ende, Senior Policy Advisor to the Governor.

Deb Anthony
The Progress Center

Save 25%

If you are using a special coupon or promo code, include it here. Or, indicate if the coupon must be printed and presented in person. Is the coupon transferable? If so, encourage recipients to share the offer with friends and family to maximize the viral effect of the coupon. Add a link to your website with more information to drive traffic and to gauge what offers your customers find most appealing.

Offer Expires: Enter Expiration Date here