Sail Boat was painted by Jamie  in David Antonio’s art class at Profiles Enrichment Center, the adult development program at Independent Living Services.

This 11″ x 17″ painting is available for $75. A portion of the proceeds go straight to Jamie.

CONTACT

Bobby M. Kelly, III
bobby@indliving.org
501.329.8249 x 102

Flowers was painted by Terry in David Antonio’s art class at Profiles Enrichment Center, the adult development program at Independent Living Services.

“The program to me is basically what the title of the program says, Independent Living Services. They provide not only a good quality program at Independent Living Services, but I think they take that a step further to ensure that they provide a good quality of  life for people. ”

– CHDC Superintendent Calvin Price

The House ILS Built, by far, is the most informative video about the roots of Independent Living Services. The House ILS Built was produced and directed by Mark Wilcken in commemoration of our 35th anniversary in 2005.

If you think it is time to help your community, now is the time to join the EcoFest team and become a part of something that involves fun, local food, activities, and an exploration of our environment!

An organizational meeting for the 2011 Conway EcoFest will be held Sunday, Jan. 16, at 1 p.m. at Profiles Enrichment Center, our adult development facility. Profiles Enrichment Center is located at 1105 Deer St.

directions to Profiles Enrichment Center

Lunch will be provided by the Green Cart Deli (GCD) between 12-12:45 for those who RSVP by 7 p.m. Friday through the contact option at www.ConwayEcoFest.com/contact or who call Debbie at 327-2105.

This meeting is geared towards anyone interested in considering assisting with (co)coordinating any small or large aspect of the event (e.g., t-shirts; water stations; kites; donations; art show; artistic designs/layout, murals; public-relations/communication or graphic design; waste issues; cardboard car derby; or assisting with the sections such as a cooking show; energy-efficient eco-homes/businesses; natural resources, energy, recycling, technology, etc.).

“Although EcoFest is not until September 10, 2011, planning now is crucial for coordination, especially given the time of year that EcoFest is held,” commented Debbie Plopper, event co-coordinator. “Time commitments and skill-sets needed vary tremendously, but there is a role for those who are new to this type of event, as well as for those with experience. Many are needed,” she added.

A second meeting for general information and volunteers is planned at the same location on Monday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m; the Green Cart Deli will have food available from 6 to 6:45 p.m.

Conway EcoFest on Facebook |  Conway EcoFest on Twitter

Contact
Debbie Plopper
Conway EcoFest

327-2105
debbiep@conwaycorp.net
www.conwayecofest.com

Concept sketches, prepared by Barry Williams of Crafton Tull Sparks,  illustrate different outdoor seating areas for residents of Conway Apartments. The proposed design moves the community dumpster to the opposite side of the drive, creates a new enclosure, adds a new curb and gutter, and adds a new concrete apron and a new concrete surface under all arbor structures.

Plans to provide shade have been ongoing since several mature trees were removed to avoid potential structural damage and to prevent further root damage to the facility’s underground sewer lines. The arbors will provide sitting areas that allow for breeze and light sun, but offer protection from the glare of direct sunlight.

Conway Apartments is home to 17 individuals (7 women & 10 men) with developmental/intellectual disabilities. Residents of Conway Apartments attend Profiles Enrichment Center, receive vocational training at Profiles Productions, and work for a variety of organizations in the Conway area.

Built in 1982, Conway Apartments was the first apartment complex built by Independent Living Services for people with developmental/intellectual disabilities in Conway.

Developmental disability is a term used to describe a long-term disability that begins any time from conception through age twenty-one (21) and is attributable to mental or physical impairments or a combination of physical and mental impairments.  Common developmental disabilities include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorder.

Although you may not always be able to recognize a person with a developmental disability, you will find that the person will have a less than average ability to function in a combination of at least three of the following major life activities:  self-care, self-direction, communication, mobility, learning, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.  The range of services and supports needed by persons with developmental disabilities varies widely from one person to another.

Without appropriate services and supports, the choices open to people with developmental disabilities, including where they live, work, and play, are minimal.  Without nonprofit community programs, many people with developmental disabilities would receive no services and supports at all.

Independent Living Services is licensed by DDS as a nonprofit community program, and we serve over 200 persons with developmental disabilities in Faulkner, Pulaski, White, Cleburne, Perry, Conway, Pope, and Van Buren Counties.

We provide these services, most of which are funded through the Arkansas Medicaid program, with an annual budget of over $6 million.

We employee a total of 375 full-time and part-time employees to provide these services.

In addition to being licensed by DDS as a nonprofit community program, we are also accredited nationally by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Collective annual budges exceed $320 million

Serve over 17,500 children and adults with developmental disabilities

Employ over 11,300 people

Engage over 750 board members

…

Highlights

nonprofit community programs are a vital part of the state’s economic engine

board members are community and business leaders from all over the state

the State of Arkansas has a unique partnership with nonprofit community programs that benefits the state because:

Nonprofit community programs attract local financial and human resources to support service delivery that might not otherwise be available to the state,

Nonprofit community programs are more cost efficient than state-operated or for-profit options, and

Nonprofit community programs have consistently delivered high quality services.

…

This information was prepared by the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association (DDPA) based on its 2008 survey regarding personnel costs.  The data includes all DD providers in the state of Arkansas.

CARF International to purchase and display consumer artwork

August 6, 2010

MOST LIKED/SHARED POST

Jackie Fliss selected as a finalist for the Arkansas Nonprofit Executive of the Year Award

December 20, 2010

MOST VIEWED YOUTUBE VIDEO

Independent Living Services PSA

June 4, 2010

“They all did a great job,” said Special Olympics Coach Mark Ealy. “Almost all the games were very close, but the tournament victory went down to the final set. We have a few great servers who helped us come back to win several sets when we were down. The team found a way to win.”

Late in the championship match against Friendship Community Care from Russellville, the Independent Living Services team was down 20-15. Thanks to a 10-0 run, the Independent Living Services athletes came from behind to win the tournament with a final score of 20-25.

Coach Mark Ealy has been the head Special Olympics coach at Independent Living Services for over 18 years. In addition to leading the Independent Living Services Special Olympics team to victory, Coach Ealy has served as an Adult Companion in several locations in Conway.

Independent Living Services values our Special Olympics coaching staff for giving our consumers the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and participate in the sharing of their gifts, skills and friendship.

Thank you, coaches! Congratulations, team!

…

Volleyball Team

David N, George B, Kyle B, Lewis H, Charles N, Dean B, Amy W, Thomas D, Rodney D, Bralon T, Brandi G, LaShaunda C, Wesley E, Rita P and Dale W.