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Elissa Douglas, Human Resources Director
501-329-8249 x 100
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The Department of Human Services has awarded Independent Living Services a $8,301 grant for Crisis Intervention training.

The grant will provide the funds necessary to send three employees to a “Train the Trainer” course conducted by Handle with Care to become Crisis Intervention trainers. These trainers will subsequently train our Direct Support Professionals who provide support to children who have been dually diagnosed with mental health and developmental disabilities.

Handle with Care, known for teaching the safest verbal and physical intervention methods in the industry, provides training to Direct Support Professionals  working with individuals as young as four years old. The training emphasizes verbal intervention through building a solid relationship models, reducing tension and establishing personal defense systems.

The goal of the Crisis Intervention Training is to both increase the health and safety of the individuals we serve and to allow individuals to participate in the full realm of experiences the community has with highly trained staff to assist them.

At this time, Independent Living Services provides support to 15 individuals under the age of 22. Of these fifteen individuals, 4 have been dually diagnosed with a mental health and developmental disability.

The following employees were recognized as employees of the year by the Independent Living Services Board of Directors last night.

…

Clara Anderson of Reynolds House
Full-time Long Term Employee

Clara has fulfilled the role as the house manager of Reynolds House with finesse and style for nearly seven years. Families love to work with her and are thankful due to the level of care she provides to the women she serves.

Clara is our right hand person in coordinating monthly visits for our consumers seeing Dr. Callahan. She works with Counseling Associates regarding getting the service assessed, scheduling, making phone calls, transporting consumers to appointments, and sitting in with some consumers when scheduled staff are unavailable.

maintains the gardens around the Administration Office, Ross House and Reynolds House
coordinates the Independent Living Services bowling league
volunteers for Special Olympics
advocates for the Faulkner County People’s First

- Barabara Spradlin, Program Director

…

Carla Mosher of Profiles Productions
Full-time New Employee

During Carla’s first ninety days as Operations Manager at Profiles Productions, employees of Profiles Productions recycled 13.5 tons of paper. Another 1.25 tons of confidential documents were processed for a record 1st quarter, 14.75 tons. Due in large part of Carla’s effort, Profiles Productions is in position to process nearly 60 tons of paper in 2010. Consumer wages are up over $1,000 over the same period in 2009.

Carla’s employs a creative variety of motivational techniques that inspire consumers to exceed production goals and reach for higher employment expectations. The drive, ethic, and enthusiasm she has exemplified during the short time she has been at Independent Living Services are deserving of the highest personal and professional recognition. Congratulations, Carla!

- Joey Rivers, Assistant Director of Profiles

..
Marlene Andrey of Creative Living
Part-time Long Term Employee

Even after her retirement from the Conway Human Development Center, Marlene’s love and compassion for people with special needs continues to grow.

Marlene goes above and beyond the call of duty to enhance our consumers’ daily lives by being acutely aware of their individual needs and wants. She often uses her personal money and time without any desire of reimbursement or recognition. Marlene has cultivated a positive reinforcement tradition–getting a Frosty at Wendy’s as a special treat for a job well done. She has also convinced her personal hair stylist to provide special haircuts for free.

Marlene often uses her own vehicle not only to transport the more fragile or behaviorally challenged consumers to and from Profiles Enrichment Center but also to help a consumer fulfill her lifelong passion to care for animals at the Conway Animal Shelter.

These acts only skim the surface of the multitude of Marlene’s kind deeds to increase consumers’ happiness, growth, and opportunities in the community.

Marlene is a team player who has dedicated her life and her heart to her job of helping others. She shows respect, understanding, and special attention so consumers can express themselves in productive ways. Marlene Andrey embodies all the qualities that should be included in anyone named employee of the year.

- Pat Blanscet-Toler, Manager of Creative Living

…

Connie Bien of Florentz Estates
Part-time New Employee

Connie regularly goes above and beyond her regular job duties by checking in on other consumers, even the ones she is not obligated by her job to do. She also prepares meals for her consumer that helps her to eat healthier, even though the consumer has boxed dinners she can eat.

She assists teaching her consumer through example on how to prepare her own healthy diet. She does all of this without prompting. Connie also seeks out ways she can help around the apartment complex and is always willing to pitch in to make sure that Florentz Estates continues to improve.

- Stephanie Greer, Manager of Florentz Estates

Winners will be formally announced tomorrow at the Independent Living Services board meeting at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Conway. Biographies and supervisor testimonials will be posted to the website Friday, April 24.

Nominees for the employee of the year award include:

David Antonio, Art Instructor at Profiles

Gloria Rutherford, Adult Companion

Takeesha Hill, Community Skills Trainer

Rodney Foster, Community Skills Trainer

Judith Webb, Community Skills Trainer

Marilyn Woods, Administrative Assistant

Zack Blakley, Community Skills Trainer

Belinda Lockett, Community Skills Trainer

Chris Cross, Transportation

Stephanie Greer, Manager of Florentz Estates

Marlene Andrey, Community Skills Trainer

Connie Bien, Community Skills Trainer

Clara Anderson, Manager of Reynolds House

Carla Mosher, Production Assistant at Profiles Productions