WHERE:  Plymouth Park, Pavilion A,  Midland

Near Fun Zone at corner of Swede and Wheeler 

WHEN: Thursday, August 25th, 5-8pm

 WHY: End of Summer Get-Together!

Join Us for Food, Friends and Fun!

This is a FREE event!

(Donations are always appreciated).

Gittings and Pauwels Join Disability Network Staff

Sheila Gittings and Brooke Pauwels have joined the staff of the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan's Nursing Facility Transition (NFT) program.

"The goal of the NFT program is to provide an opportunity for an individual to consider community-based living as a viable alternative to nursing facility residency," said Sara Grivetti, Executive Director of the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan. "Sheila Gittings' and Brooke Pauwels' dedication to, and passion for, the independent living philosophy will prove an invaluable asset to the program and to our consumers."

Sheila Gittings originally worked in the medical field before becoming involved with Disability Network in 2006. At that time, she worked in the Information and Referral and Peer Support programs. A certified employment specialist, Gittings later taught pre-employment skills to adults seeking to return to the work force, as part of Disability Network's READY program. Gittings brings an extensive and varied background to her new role in the NFT program. Sheila enjoys spending time amongst her roses and other perennial flowers, along with her husband, Dan and her three Labrador retrievers.

Brooke Pauwels has recently received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Saginaw Valley State University. Pauwels completed an internship with Bay County's Department of Human Services as an Adult Protective Service worker.   She has a varied employment background, ranging from working in a toy store to opening a family daycare. Brooke enjoys camping, gardening, fishing and spending time with her children.

The NFT program provides an array of services to those seeking a better, more independent, quality of life. The benefits to the consumer of transitioning out of a nursing facility are many, but can be as simple as being able to cook for one's self or simply having a place to call "home." Transitioning out of a nursing facility also benefits Michigan as taxpayers save an average of $14,869 per person receiving NFT services.

For more information on the NFT program, contact Disability Network of Mid-Michigan at 1-800-782-4160 or at www.dnmm.org.

Independent Facilitator Training

 

Disability Network Mid-Michigan will hold Independent Facilitator training sessions on September 17th and September 24th, from 9:15am - 3:30pm at the Rawson Memorial Library, 6495 Pine Street, Cass City, MI 48726.  

Training sessions are open to everyone. However, individuals must attend both session dates to become facilitators.  The sessions are free and lunch will be provided.

These training sessions prepare interested community members to serve as neutral third parties who guide person-centered planning (PCP) meetings for people with disabilities.  PCP meetings give people with disabilities more independence by involving them in their life's decision-making processes.

Independent Facilitators help people develop life plans by asking questions, helping explore options, encouraging the group and encouraging new ideas. An Independent Facilitator makes sure the person with a disability remains the focus of the meeting and remains involved in their life decisions.

Once training is complete, individuals who successfully meet the training requirements are placed on a registry of trained Independent Facilitators and have the opportunity to facilitate meetings in Arenac, Bay, Huron, Saginaw, Midland and Tuscola counties.  The person with a disability chooses Independent Facilitators, based on the right fit for him or her.  Facilitators receive $75-$125, per session facilitated, depending on the county in which they facilitate.  

To sign up for the sessions, or for more information, contact Kelly PeLong, Independent Living Program Leader, at (989) 835-4041, or E-Mail no later than September 14, 2011.

Community Days 2011

Community Days is an annual fundraising event designed to provide schools, nonprofit and 501c3 organizations with a fun and easy way to raise money. Since 1999, the event has raised over $84 Million! All materials are provided risk free.

It will take place on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12, 2011, at our family of stores: Bon-Ton, Elder-Beerman, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson's, Herberger's, Younkers, and Parisian. Stores open early, and stay open late.

Disability Network of Mid-Michigan is participating with the Elder-Beerman store in Midland. 

Event Hours:

• Friday, November 11, 9am-10pm (Includes Furniture Galleries)
• Saturday, November 12, 6am-10pm (Includes Furniture Galleries)

How does it work?

We have coupon booklets available for purchase for $5 each. Disability Network keeps 100% of the proceeds! Each booklet contains coupons valid during the Community Day Two Day Sale on November 11 & 12, including: 

• 1 - $10 off on a $10 or more item.
• 1 - 20%* off shopping pass - use the pass over and over
• 1 - 30% Early bird coupon, valid Saturday only from 6am-10am
• 11 - Bonus buys
• 2 - Web Exclusive Offers

CMU Disability Awareness Fair

Central Michigan University is holding its third annual disability awareness fair at Finch Fieldhouse on Saturday, October 29th, from 10am - 2pm.  

This family focused event will highlight the university's month-long effort to increase disability awareness this October. In addition to information tables and vendors, the fair will include interactive demonstrations, guest speakers, therapy dogs, engaging activities for children (who are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costume), and concessions.

For more information, please email Beth Kennedy or visit www.cmich.edu.