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SHOUT OUTS
Thanks to Terry C and Deb P for keeping our PCP's on track and professional. Great work.Deb A
Thanks to Lee for being a team player in Finance, you are a great addition. Deb A
Thanks to Christine D for getting us through the audit. Nicely Done.
Deb A.
Thanks to Kathy for your hard work in the day program, you are doing a great job. Deb A
To Erwin for staying with us on transportation and being a great support to our team. Deb A
Welcome Nancy to CCM. We are so glad you are here. Deb A
To Laurie and Kristin for your leadership and your team work. Deb A
To all the Direct Support folks here at TPC. You make it happen every day. Deb A
To Priscilla who keeps me organized. Deb A
To Larry and James you two have been working hard this winter. Many thanks. Deb A
Mike and Floyd for keeping our computers running despite our poor treatment of them! Deb A
Welcome Nancy Kitchin to the Community Case Management team!
Kristin B
Thank you to our Special Olympic coaches for their time and dedicated efforts to keep fundraising, training, and working with the SO team. Kristin B
Kudos to the management team for all their efforts in getting Therap restructured and cleaned up!
Farewell to Bonny Bishop! We wish you the best of luck!!!
Kristin B.
Thank you, Larry, James, Joelle, Nat, Mike and Floyd, for tearing down walls, dealing with a mess and helping our collaborative grow. Laurie
Thank you, Amanda S., for doing a great job keeping the day services staffed and running smoothly while Kathy was on vacation. Laurie
Thank you, Kathy, for laughing at my jokes. I think we'll get along just fine! You are obviously a very intelligent person. Laurie
Thank you, Bonny, for your friendly and level-headed contributions to TPC and Therap. We'll miss you and don't really feel all that kindly toward your new employers. Laurie
Hey, Manda, Jess, Liz, Mary, Phyllis, Ken, Becky, Fred, Andrea, Cindy, Kristi, Jen, Billie-Jo: you are all my favorite people now! We'll be best friends 4-ever! Hooray! Laurie
Christen, you ready for section 28? I think you are! Laurie
Thank you, Ashleigh and Barbi, for keeping things going in CCM. Nice job!
To all my office mates at Winter Street: BE QUIET! I can't hear my phone calls. Honestly! No, I love you. You're all great. Except for Marvin. He just gets on my nerves. Laurie
Thank you Larry and James for moving the furniture for me during my last move.
Priscilla
To all the KJ staff Thank-You so much for everything you do! We are a great team Thank-You for the support and dedication and the dependability you give. Thank-You , Thank-You !
~ Shonna ~
To: Kristin
Thank-You, Thank-You, Thank-You for all the support you give me!
~ Shonna ~
To: James and Larry -
Great work to all you have done a KJ, Seems like your always here! Thanks for taking the bird out of the chimney!! I owe ya one.
~ The KJ Staff ~
To: Rusty Perkins
Happy Birthday on April 3rd
~ From all of us at KJ ~
To: Kathy Gallant
Welcome to KJ, we are so happy to have you part of our team.
~ The KJ Crew ~
To: Paul C
You do such a wonderful job at the Co-op Store!
~ Staff at KJ ~
To: Erlene
Where the heck are you ? I miss ya!
~Shonna~
To: All the Sub staff
Thank-You for all the help and the extra shifts you take on, we couldn't do it with out you.
~Shonna~
To: Nancy
Thank-You for working with me and helping me do the best I can with my Job.
~ Paul C ~
To: Mike and Floyd
Thank-You for taking care of all our computer/internet/e-mail needs.
~ The KJ Crew ~
To: Deb Peaco and her RED pen
Thanks for all the help you give to us, and being patient with us while we strive to make our Internal reports PERFECT!
~Shonna ~
To: Terry Cole
You lucky Girl, Have fun on your cruise! Thank-You for all your support in the PCP Process and PCP tools.
~ Shonna~
To: Deb A, The Board Members and the Admin Team For keeping this Iceberg afloat though all the budget cuts and tough times. Thank-You
~ Shonna~
To: Sue Bone
Oh.... you make me laugh, Don't break your teeth on those nuts J
To: Nate G
Happy Birthday on June 4th
~ The KJ Staff ~
To: Paul C
Happy Birthday on June 25th
~ The KJ Staff ~
To: Cheryl
Congrats on Finishing making your quilt !
~ The KJ Staff ~
To: Julie M
Congrats on being a great Aunt to a beautiful baby girl !
~ The KJ Staff ~
A huge "Thank You" goes to everyone who worked on the Valentine's Day Brunch! Without your hard work this never would have been possible. I also want to thank Bill S. and Don D. for their help in the dining room clearing the tables, helping the guests, etc. Your smiling faces and willingness to help is very much appreciated and went a long way to help make the event a success. Note: Most everyone who attended wants us to do it again next year!
Priscilla
Thanks to Laura Roy, Pam, Kathy, Bonny, Priscilla, Deb Peaco and Mike for making me feel like I'm part of the team and a big thanks to everyone I've called or talked to for being so patience with me as I go through my training in the Finance Department.
I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure.
Lee
A big Shout Out to Amanda Skillings for providing excellent support to our consumers and staff as Team Leader. You have proved yourself to be a strong and consistent Team Leader, and I enjoy working with you during times of transition and challenges. I hope we continue to develop and grow Day Program as I have no doubt that you are the right person to assist me. Thank you so much, Amanda!! Kathy
Thank you once again, Kristin, for your mentoring and guidance. It has been a wonderful learning experience being supervised by you. Thank you so much! Kathy
To Laurie Phillips, thank you for jumping right in with both feet into the exciting world of Day Program. I am very much looking forward to working with you and making Day Program all that we aspire for it to be. We have some great ideas and plans to build on, and this is only the beginning! Welcome aboard! Kathy
To Terry Cole, thank you for all your support and friendship during the process of making PCP's the best that they can be. We will continue to provide the best plan and servicesfor our folks as things are on the right track now. I appreciate you and all that you do.
Kathy
To Deb Peaco~Welcome to the other side of the parking lot and thank you for your support, and for listening to me when I sometimes need to vent. I am blessed to be working with such wonderful and caring people! Thank you!!
Kathy
Welcome Nancy Kichen to the mid-management team! It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated group of ladies.
Terry
Congratulations to Alyssa Anderson for demonstrating growth and initiative since participating at TPC.
Terry
Kathy Brown, your patience and sense of humor does not go unnoticed. We solve all the world's problems on our road trips to meetings!
Terry
Deb Peaco, thanks for backing me up always and especially when I was out sick.
Terry
Manda Payne, you always have great insight with those that you support.
Terry
Erwin Merrill, thanks for checking those inspection stickers on our vehicles so that we are not stuck with a big fine!
Terry
Pat Verrill, We are so happy with the food choices and the growth in the OHFC. I can't wait to have some of your lettuce!
Terry
To Ken Ruff exceptional attitude and service to the people he supports and always being willing to help anyone else.
A shout out for day program staff for sticking with us through Therap changes and group changes. You all do a great job.
Amanda S
A shout out to Kathy for working so hard to do Therap among eveything else. You do a great job and we all appreciate it even when it is not said!!
Amanda S
Terry for being an enthusiast and compassionate leader; she is a true team player and always has the consumers' best interests at heart;
Amanda for stepping up and fulfilling a demanding role with good humor, patience, and a bottomless amount of knowledge of the people who come here and work here; Laurie for being a dynamic caring leader who with her vast knowledge will be a great fit for the day program, her whacky sense of humor is appreciated by all;
my sister Kathy who is as devoted as they come! Kathy has shown a tremendous amount of leadership in the midst of mountains of paperwork, phone calls, emails, and constant interruptions. She handles everything professionally and personably. She cares deeply for her peers, staff, and the consumers. Lastly I must mention the consumers. I have learned how to be more honest, caring, thoughtful, and devoted through them. Every single one of the people served here is an amazing individual living full lives to the best of their ability. Thankfully there are places like The Progress Center that can help fulfill their dreams.
Bonny B
Thank you Manda Payne and Jess Paradis for letting me get right out on Tuesdays to go do my home support hours. Phyllis
Thank you Manda Payne for staying to help lock up at night Monday through Thursdays.
Phyllis
Thank you Mary Ackley for getting us through the bake sale and working on all the Special Olympics fundraisers, letters, etc. Phyllis
Good Job to all the Winter Special Olympic Athletes at Sugarloaf. Phyllis
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Visit Our Sponsors |
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Welcome to Spring. We have had a busy winter at the Progress Center advocating for our services and working to reduce budget cuts has been a full time job. While it is good news that our budget cuts were reduced from the original 10 percent across the board we still face some significant challenges in the year ahead.
This past year we have continued to expand our social enterprise projects with hopes to increase our revenues and diversify our funding. We have also become leaner than ever before. Our entire agency reviews utilization and performance outcomes monthly. The team here has been amazing in their commitment and diligence in supporting people while facing hard times financially.
As I drive into the parking lot at 35 Cottage Street I am struck by our new sign. We no longer look like a traditional human service agency we look like the small business complex that we have become. We have completed our move to the new administrative offices on Winter Street which has made many consumers lonely for Laura. The environment is great for productivity and training. If you have not had an opportunity to visit please stop by. Check with Lee and Laura for snacks when you do.
The Food Collaborative is growing with help from local Rotarian Joelle Corey. While the work is still being done I can already see how great it will look to have that space as our Farmer's Market. Patricia Verrill has created a wonderful foundation for the future of the Collaborative. I have enjoyed my Box Special CSA shares. Don't forget if you work for us you can join and have payroll deductions.
Dr Hamilton is part of our team with his HOPE organization. He has become a wonderful partner for our facilities. His HOPE groups meet weekly at Cottage Street.
Tree Works continues to build cutting boards, clip boards and the occasional baby rocker. The gentlemen who began the business are excited for the summer season of markets and fairs. This past holiday season they had more orders than could be filled. That is a good problem to have.
Community based folks are busier than ever volunteering all over our county and the next. I am amazed at the number of calls we receive for help from community folks who have heard we are here. It is wonderful to be seen as a part of a working community effort.
The Community Table continues to provide meals to hundreds of folks each month. We are amazed that we are moving into our second year. It is a great service to our community and the folks that we support are very happy to be part of something so special.
Yes, Spring is here and we begin to grow in our container gardens and prepare the Matthew Record Park and Trail for many wonderful visitors. This summer we are planning a few cook outs and rumor has it that Gary McPherson will share his famous barbecue.
Thanks to all those who work and volunteer with the Progress Center. Your dedication means that we live the mission and maintain the vision of our founders. It is a great journey indeed! Happy Spring.
Deb Anthony
Executive Director
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Good Press
The Meaning of it All
What is behind all the good press we, TPC, have in the local news? How do we get news coverage of the good events and happenings at TPC? Why do we want to be in the news? All good questions.
First here is a highlight of some local coverage in the past months:
Special Olympics
Matthew Record Park and Trail
Community Kitchen: Town Meeting
Employers Recognized
HOPE and TPC Solar Panel Workshop
Volunteers to Help with Trail
Food Collaborative Delivers locally
Valentine Brunch...the Community Kitchen pg 14!
Good press reflects on all of us and most importantly on the people we support. To reduce the stigma of developmental disabilities it is important that we give people information about who we are and what we do. What are the strengths of this organization and all of its members. It is also important that people read and hear about our accomplishments it makes us less mysterious and reduces fear. We know that the folks we support are actively engaged in everyday life, our press coverage is just one more way we share that with all of our neighbors.
Thanks to Priscilla for being steadfast in her efforts to keep the good news coming. Thanks to all the wonderful reporters and friends we have in the press who share our enthusiasm about TPC.
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Community Partners
This past year would not have been possible without some wonderful partners in our community. We have decided to add to our newsletters a note to acknowledge some of those folks.
Weston Chandler Funeral Homes has employed several people from our Employment Program over the years. This year under, difficult circumstances, Westin Chandler once again proved their commitment to The Progress Center when two of the people we support passed away. Both gentlemen had wonderful funeral services professionally directed and very well attended.
Reverend Don Mayberry and the First Congregational Church in South Paris have been invaluable to our programs. Reverend Mayberry provides us with pastoral care, a community partner and a connection to a wonderful congregation of people.
Scott Burke and Eric Person at Nomad Cafe and Corey Sumner at Maurice's have become wonderful supporters. Scott, Eric and Corey have supported our fund raising efforts, sat on committees to help plan events and willingly accept us into their community.
Tony Morra is a great landlord for our administrative offices. It took us a year to finally decide where we wanted to locate and to agree on terms but his patience and willingness to support us never waivered. He is a good friend and supporter.
Tina Rhuland, our Norway Banker has been invaluable. She has offered her support in our Community Kitchen as a volunteer serving food and supported us to find the best possible banking services, line of credit and accounts when times were difficult. Tina has cleared our trails each spring and served meals to the volunteers with a smile.
David Holt, the Norway Town Manager, has become one of our best fans and a wonderful support. David has been invaluable this year helping with our Community Block Grant to rehab our Kitchen at Cottage Street.
Terry Anne Stephens from Community Block Grant lives in South Paris and has become a wonderful supporter. Her assistance and support through the Community Block Grant process was invaluable. She loves her community and it shows!
These are but a few of the many individuals in the community that have partnered with The Progress Center. To all of you we say 'Thank You' for your help and continued support. With out you this past year would have been much more challenging. We will continue to highlight other TPC community partners in upcoming newsletters.
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2010 Winter Olympics: Don, is that you? We think so but we're not sure! One thing we are sure of is that you were warm enough. |
KJ Update Spring is in the air, and we are ready! We are already planning BBQ's and planting flowers. Rusty has been raking the rest of the snow away and ready for the lawn mower to come out of storage. Paul and Rusty have been busy sweeping the driveway and Cheryl has been planning on how many flower beds she is going to have, and has already bought all her seed starter kits. Paul is waiting to head to the lake and he has decided to be a worm farmer this year as the cost of worms are little much. The KJ staff and Paul have researched how to grow/keep a worm farm and are willing to help him give it a try. We would like to wish a Big Happy Birthday to Rusty, Paul and Nate! We have done lots of things over the winter such as dances, Community dinners, Plays, Movies, gatherings with peers at other homes, Paul hit the ski slopes five times this year, he really enjoyed him self. Cheryl has enjoyed attending two "Plays" at Oxford Hills High School, the last Play she attended and enjoyed was "Crazy for You". All the Winter activities have been fun, but we are ready for spring weather and spring air! Sunday Night is pizza and movie night at KJ it's a little something that we have started and really enjoy everyone makes there own pizza for dinner then chooses a movie to all watch together, It's a nice quiet time to all be together. We are all very excited to be going to see Family for the upcoming Easter Weekend, Bring on the ham dinner, pies and deserts and special time with family and friends.
~ From all of us at KJ ~
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Alyssa's dream came true when she visitied FRANK FM.
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Welcome Laurie Redfield
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the additon of Laurie Redfield, LCSW to the board of directors. Laurie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently working with both Community Concepts and Hebron Academy. She has an extensive background in both clinical and residential services.
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Happenings
Collaborative Expands!
That's right! The Oxford Hills Food Collaborative farm stand is expanding. Larry Jordan and his mighty crew (James, Mike, Nat and Floyd) tore down the wall between the indoor farm stand (formerly known as the Snoozelen Room) and the back room (most recently Ken Hamilton and the HOPE groups' office). They were assisted by Joelle Corey, a Rotary member that Larry was able to recruit to help on Thursday. Larry reported that she was a tremendous help. Thank you, Joelle! The crew also took down the wall between those rooms and the hallway and moved the door, so the farm stand has more than doubled in size in one week. In preparation for this expansion, Larry and James made display shelves which are ready to be filled with wholesome and delicious food, all produced in Maine. Check us out on any Wednesday from noon to 5pm and be prepared to buy something tasty for supper at the same time you are supporting your local economy.
College of Direct Support
The Progress Center has begun signing up all employees onto the College of Direct Support, which is an on-line training program. CDS offers many different subjects related to the work we do with people with developmental disabilities and the TPC training committee has decided to start with a training on Personal Care to initiate everyone into the College of Direct Support. If you use Therap or EIS, this will be a piece of cake! See Pam Holt, our training coordinator, or Laurie Phillips, our CDS administrator, if you have any questions that your supervisor can't answer.
Clean-Up Day
TPC Day Services cast and crew (that means consumers and employees!) will be cleaning up inside and outside at Cottage Street on April 9th (4/16 is the rain date). We'll be tackling projects such as emptying the old staff lounge in preparation for kitchen renovations; laying patio blocks under the wood canopy thing stand item - what is that!? - over by the admin building; cleaning out all sheds (Larry claims the metal shed because he loves skunks); and making the grounds look groomed and ready for summer. We will also repot all indoor plants. Bring your indoor plants and we'll repot them for a nominal fee.
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Did you know that the Matthew Record Memorial Park and Trail is a Certified Wildlife Habitat? Won't you help us on June 4th as we continue to work on the park and trail? Please contact Priscilla at 743-8049 ext. 266 for details.
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Admin. News
by Priscilla
As you probably already know, many of us have once again packed up our files, papers, computers, etc. and moved to other offices. Let me see if I can help you with where everyone is currently located.
Finance Department: Christine D, Laura and Lee are now in offices at the 28 Winter Street location. This includes payroll, billing, accounts receivable, etc. They can be reached at 739-6180.
PCP Offices: Terry C. and Deb P. are in the Admin. Building at the Cottage Street location. Both Terry and Deb can be reached at their same extention numbers.
IT Department: Mike is now upstairs in the main building at Cottage Street. His extention number is still 209.
Day Program Offices: Laurie P. is still at the Winter Street location and can be reached at 739-6180. Kathy B. has moved to the Admin. Building at Cottage Street and has her same extention number (213). Amanda S. is now in the main building at Cottage Street and her extention is 266.
CCM & TCM: Nancy K. has an office upstairs in the main building and her extention is 225. Bettye, Barbara and Ashleigh are still located in the same office upstairs in the main building.
H.O.P.E.: Dr. Hamilton now has his office upstairs in the main building at Cottage Street.
Children's Service: Christen M. now has a desk in the CCM/TCM offices upstairs in the main building at Cottage Street. Her extention number is 211.
Farm Market: Remodeling is underway to enlarge their space to include the area that H.O.P.E. was using.
Priscilla Burnette: I'm back at Cottage Street in the Admin. Building. My new extention is 266.
If you have questions on where to find someone please call me at 743-8049 ext. 266.
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Wednesdays from noon to 5:30 located at 35 Cottage Street at The Progress Center.
Day of Giving - annual event
June 4th from 9:00 - 3:00 at The Progress Center.
Help us with the Matthew Record Memorial Park and Trail. Lunch is provided for the volunteers.
Contact Priscilla Burnette at 743-8049 ext 266 for more information on these events.
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Deb Anthony
The Progress Center |
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