|
1705 S. Saginaw Road
Midland Mi 48640
989-835-4041 800-782-4160
|
 |
|
Peer Group Meets
for Final Time at James Savage Road Location
As the Peer Group gathered for their last meeting at the Disability Network building located on James Savage Road, they looked back at changes and looked forward to a new beginning.
Ann noted, "Disability Network has been here for a long time." She added, "I just can't believe it's finally happening. It was a good building, but time for a change."
Disability Network was located on James Savage Road for 16 years and had been in the 1160 office suite for the past four years. Previous to that, Disability Network was located in other buildings in Midland.
The Peer Group members all agreed that Disability Network needed more space and the building at 1705 South Saginaw Road is an accessibile location for the peer meetings. Disability Network is sharing the building with Habitat for Humanity's Re-Store - next to McDonald's and across from Kmart. It's a visibal building and should help increase business for both organizations.
|
|
Jim Post, owner of Touch of Class Painting, heard that Disability Network was going to move into a new building on South Saginaw Road. He knew that the office space needed to be painted, and he didn't hesitate to grab a roller and start painting. Jim has done many projects in the community, and said, " I love to give back." Jim picks one project a year and gives it his full attention.
Jim worked on the building for two days along with volunteers & staff. He did a great job answering painting questions and gave the volunteers good direction. According to Stephanie Ker, DNMM Public Relations/ Community Affairs Manager, "We couldn't have done it this fast without his help! He really worked hard."
The day ended with everyone exhausted and excited at the same time. Disability Network give a big thanks to Jim Post, owner of Touch of Class Painting.
|
Stevens Worldwide Van Lines Stepped Up
When Stevens Worldwide Van Lines heard that Disability Network had heavy office furniture, valuable equipment, files and supplies to move to our new location, they stepped up and volunteered to help with the move. Disability Network staff had been in offices on James Savage Road for 16 years - four of which had been spent in our most recent location - and just like families who move after being in the same house for a long time, we were concerned about getting everything out and set up in our new location promptly and safely.
Stevens estimated the amount of time they would need to pack and move our heavy items and then scheduled the move for our convenience. Experienced movers moved our belongings from James Savage Road to South Saginaw Road in less time than they had anticipated.
We moved in what feels like record time, thanks in large part to the help we received from Stevens Worldwide Van Lines.
|
Volunteer Corner
Disability Network would like to welcome two new volunteers to our program. Wensu Tan, an international student who recently graduated from Northwood University, is originally from China and applying to graduate schools. Ami Shah moved to Midland from India about a month ago and lives here with her husband, a Dow employee. Ami has a degree in engineering and is sharing her communication and computer skills with Disability Network.
We are still looking for volunteer drivers. Please call Theresa at 989-835-4041 for more information or email sproull@dnmm.org
| |
|
Piano Palooza 4 Raised Lots of Laughter and Donations
On Friday, March 12th over 200 people walked through the door of Disability Network's Annual Fundraiser, Piano Palooza. Many of them had never attended a dueling piano party prior to that cold March evening. The room quickly warmed up with laughter, dancing and great entertainment.
Over 100 silent auction items were on display and three lucky people walked away with great door prizes; golf clubs, party limousine ride and a beautiful piece of artwork.
But all fun aside, the evening brought home an important message to the guests. Sara Kristal, Executive Director and Larry , a recipient of Disability Network services talked about dreams. Larry shared his personal dream of finding a job and how Disability Network helped him. Sara's message was focused on changing how society views disability by reminding the guests that when you think differently about disabilities; then you will act differently.
The evening was made even more successful because of the many corporate sponsors:
The Dow Chemical Company
Dow Corning
MidMichigan Medical Center
ITI
Three Rivers Corporation
Incredible Technologies
Stevens World Wide Van Lines
Private Donor
Wildfire Credit Union
United Steelworkers
Gresham Driving Aids
Bird's Custom Framing
A & D Home Health Care
Quick Reliable Printing
The Paper Place
Wolverine Bank
Medical Data Solutions
Midland Daily News
Princing & Ewend
Saginaw Bay Underwriters
Attorney Webster Tally
Special Thanks to Amanda Brown for sharing her talent in photography and to Katie O'Mara for emceing our event again this year.
|
|
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
Sara Kristal M.A., C.R.C.
When you think DIFFERENTLY... then you act DIFFERENTLY
What you FOCUS on... GROWS
When you think BIG... then you'll be BIG Has anyone ever heard those mantras before? Have you ever truly let your mind focus on the power of those statements? Those three statements helped me survive the last six months. Not a life or death type of survival, but they helped me mentally survive the craziness of our recent transition. And, I guarantee that repeating these statements out loud or in my mind WORKS!!! As most of you have figured out, Disability Network recently moved into our new location. At the same time we also pulled off our most successful fundraiser yet. Neither was a small or easy task. But, the power of positive thinking is what gets any organization through hectic, stressful or tough times. Positive thinking has proven to not only help your mental health, but it also helps your physical health. The added bonus to powerful thinking is that it can cause major changes in our society. When you think differently... then you act differently. Make an effort to focus on the positive and eliminate the negative in your life. What you focus on... grows. All the best aspects of your life and business will improve if you give your energy to the positive. Positive attitudes are contagious. People typically want to surround themselves with happy people. In our organization when I hear restrictive or negative comments I remind people if you want to be big... then think big. These few words put things back in perspective and I believe this has helped us grow to the size we've become and forced us to move into a larger building. So... we are going to keep thinking big so that the next step is a branch office in Saginaw. My new motto... when you get to the top of one mountain, it's time to find a bigger one to climb.
| |
|
|
|
|
IN THIS ISSUE:
Peer Group Meets for Final Time on James Savage Road
Many Ways of Giving Back
Office Moves
Volunteer Corner
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
|
|
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers:
Jerry Pritchett, President
Sharon Leenhouts,
Vice President
Harry Leaver, Secretary
Bill Bateman
Treasurer
Members-at Large:
Tim Troy
June Price
Peter Jensen
Gerrit Wierda
Executive Director:
Sara Kristal, M.A., C.R.C
|
|
BE AN ADVOCATE
Share this newsletter with your friends, family and
co-workers.
Together we can make a difference.
|
|
Disability Network of
Mid-Michigan celebrates 20 years of promoting & encouraging independence.
|
|
Adult Peer Group Calendar
JOIN THE FUN!!!
April 6
Midland/Bay Peer
Group Bowling Day in Bay City
Bay Lanes
1-3PM
April 7
Peer Group Meeting
DNMM
(1705 S Saginaw)
3-4PM
April 19
Saginaw Peer
Group Meeting
Butman-Fish
Library
Saginaw
10-11AM
If you have any questions about the Peer Support Group or Mentor Information
please call
989-835-4041
| |
