Grivetti Named CEO of Disability Network of Michigan

Sara Grivetti, currently the Executive Director of Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, has recently been named the Chief Executive Officer of the state-wide association representing all Michigan Disability Networks and Michigan Centers for Independent Living (CILs). Grivetti will begin her new role on November 28, 2011.

Disability Network of Mid-Michigan (DNMM) Board President Jerry Pritchett issued the following statement:

"Sara Grivetti leaves a truly impressive record at DNMM. Our organization's operating budget has increased from $1 million to over $2.5 million. Our service area has expanded from eight to twelve counties and we've implemented an effective outcomes-management program to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of those services.

"Sara has led a first-rate team in expanding the services we offer. She helped develop the first veterans services program within a CIL. We've greatly expanded our Community Supports and STAGES youth programs. Additionally, Sara was instrumental in launching the Great Lakes Business Leadership Network - a business-led collaborative seeking to increase business success through increased diversity, including full inclusion of people with disabilities as customers, employees, suppliers and community members.

"DNMM has greatly benefited under the leadership of Sara Grivetti. She has been an effective leader and a stead-fast advocate for people with disabilities. We at DNMM, and indeed all the CILs across Michigan, will continue to benefit from her expertise and her passion for promoting our network's mission of encouraging independence for all people with disabilities."

Disability Network of Michigan is a collaborative organization representing Centers for Independent Living (CILs) throughout the state. Disability Network of Michigan works to assist CILs in building the capacity to serve their local communities, to provide information, technical assistance, staff trainings and program support to CILs, to advocate at the state and national level for disability issues and to promote the independent living philosophy both within the disability community and among the general public. For more information about Disability Network of Michigan please call 517-339-0539 or visit www.dnmichigan.org.

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It Happened One Night - A Veteran's Story

Picture yourself at your best. You're fresh out of school. You're in great shape, able to run five miles without even thinking about it. You play the saxophone. You read anything you can get your hands on, but prefer epic novels. You love your job and you feel like you can do anything. And then you wake up the next day...and you can't run, you can't play, you can't read and you can't work.

Nolan Lewis, left, with Fabian Torres

This is what it was like for Nolan Lewis. A native of Beaverton, Nolan joined the Navy after finishing high school. Stationed in Washington, Nolan served with distinction, twice receiving his commanding officer's coin for superior service and outstanding commitment. He excelled in the field of aviation electronics and was well on his way to a career in service. But everything changed in February of 2002 when Nolan woke up in Harbor View Medical Center. He'd been in an automobile accident. He'd been unconscious for several days resulting from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

His initial prognosis was not good. Doctors told him he was incredibly fortunate to be alive, but his chances of being able to regain mobility were slim; doing so would require two years of in-hospital therapy.

Nolan refused to accept this news. After only three months of therapy, Nolan was able to walk again. He'd regained a good deal of his ability to communicate. And he was ready to return to work. However, the Navy would not allow him to resume his work in Aviation. He was assigned clerical and custodial duty. And this was what Nolan described as perhaps the most difficult part of living with a TBI: he wasn't able to understand why he couldn't do certain jobs that had once come so naturally. He had to face the fact that the career in the Navy that he'd trained for, was simply no longer an option. He was medically discharged from the Navy and returned to Michigan.

Nolan's first years of transitioning out of service-life were difficult. He started taking college courses and worked at an industrial company. But conditions resulting from the TBI made working and studying difficult. He was having seizures and he soon discovered his long-term memory had been damaged as well. He could remember things long enough to pass a test but he had virtually no retention.

And then he met Cassie. "I knew I wanted to marry her immediately, so I did." Nolan proposed to Cassie within a week of meeting her and they were married in 2005. With her love and support, things began to change for Nolan.   He started transitional inpatient brain injury rehabilitation at the Hope Network. There, he worked with cognitive and speech therapists to develop methods for treating his seizures and his memory loss. Nolan described his time at Hope Network as exhausting and he credits his wife for helping him finish the therapy.

Following therapy at Hope Network, Nolan enrolled in the independent living program through the VA. It was here that he was referred to Disability Network and Fabian Torres.

"I've been working with Fabian for around nine months now," said Nolan. "Fabian's been incredibly helpful in building my confidence and helping me with daily tasks that have allowed me to live my life." Nolan describes a "hundred little tasks" that he and his wife have set-up to help with daily life. Everything from a chalkboard checklists with chores for the day, to synchronized smart-phone reminders and daily workout requirements at a local gym.

"I'm lucky, truly lucky to have Cassie because she's incredibly patient," Nolan added. "And with Fabian's help with my cognitive home program, I'm now confident enough to attend seminars and even things like ToastMasters." This naturally begs the question: What's the future have in store for Nolan?

"There's so much I'd like to do. I'd like the chance to talk with other transitioning veterans or people who have had a TBI in like a support group setting," said Nolan. "I've been lucky to have the help of a loving wife and devoted therapists. So if I can tell my story to others who might not have been so lucky...maybe I can help them. It's all part of my renewed vigor in life...to make myself better because we all need positive examples in our lives. And a positive example is not a guy who accepts that he's not as 'good' as he used to be...it's a guy who works to improve his station, even though it's exhausting or it hurts, to better his life and the lives of those around him."

From all of us at Disability Network, thank you for your service, Nolan, and thank you for sharing your story.

Editor's Note: Disability Network is looking into setting up a support group for transitioning veterans and/or people with a TBI. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in such a group, please contact our office at 989-835-4041.

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In addition, Sam's Club® locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes free of charge on November 9th, 10th, 11th, 2011 to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Limited quantities are available, while supplies last. Sam's Club® Membership is not required, but proof of military service may be required. For more information, visit HugoSalutes.com.

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Discount Prescription Cards Available thru DNMM

Disability Network of Mid-Michigan has recently joined forces with the Tri Hope Group in order to offer a discount prescription card. Users of the card can receive discounts of up to 75 percent!  

The cards do not require activation and the may be used by anyone, whether you have insurance or not.

Participating pharmacies include: Meijer, Walmart, Walgreens, Shop Rite, Costco, Duane Reade, Kroger's, Target, CVS, Rite Aid and more!

In addition to prescription discounts, the cards may also be used for discounts on lab tests and imaging services.

If you're interested in having one of these discount cards, please contact the Disability Network Mid-Michigan office at 989-835-4041.

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DNMM Enrolls in Kroger Community Rewards Program

Attention Kroger Shoppers! Supporters of Disability Network now have an easy way to support our mission of promoting independence for people with disabilities. All it takes is a Kroger Card and a few clicks at KrogerCommunityRewards.com.

With the Kroger Community Rewards program, using your Kroger Plus card earns dollars for Disability Network programs while saving you money on your groceries! By enrolling, you allocate a percentage of what you spend as a donation to Disability Network EVERY TIME you shop! It's that easy! And, it takes nothing away from your Kroger rewards points.

If you'd like to enroll in the program to help support Disability Network, just follow these steps:

• Register online at KrogerCommunityRewards.com 
• Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy to register your card with your organization after you sign up.
• Click on Sign In/Register
• If you are a new online customer, click on SIGN UP TODAY in the 'New Customer' box.
• Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering your zip code, clicking on your favorite store location, entering your email address and creating a password. Then agree to the terms and conditions
• You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.
• Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.
• Click on "Edit Kroger Community Rewards" information and input your Kroger Plus card number.
• Update or confirm your information.
• Enter 90870 or Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, select us from the list and click on confirm.
• To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organization's name on the right side of your information page.

After that, just remember to swipe your Kroger Card at the checkout line for savings on groceries and a portion of those sales will be donated to Disability Network!

If you need assistance or if you have questions about the program, please contact Matthew Ivan at 989-835-4041.

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Join DNMM for "WINGS AT WINGS"

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011, the Detroit Red Wings face-off against the Tampa Bay Lightning at 7:30pm. Come show your support for the Red Wings, enjoy some Hot Wings, and help raise money for Disability Network!

Buffalo Wild Wings of Midland has graciously agreed to host friends of Disability Network for this unique fund-raising opportunity. A portion of all proceeds from Wednesday's dinner and lunch services will benefit the Disability Network's youth and veterans transition programs. Disability Network staff will be on hand to cheer on the Red Wings...and we hope you'll join us! 

Additional information about this event will be sent out soon. Feel free to contact Matthew Ivan at 989-835-4041 with any questions.

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