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TVS & Mountain Sun Community School Partnership Highlighted for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

TVS & Mountain Sun Community School Partnership Highlighted for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and its annual campaign highlighting how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong communities; Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) is proudly celebrating our community partnership, “Reading Buddies,” with Mountain Sun Community School.

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) 2024 theme, “A World of Opportunities” aims to raise awareness about inclusion of people with Developmental Disabilities (DD) in all areas of community life and reminds us to explore the work still needed to remove barriers.

TVS and Mountain Sun Community School have been working together since 2018 with the Reading Buddies program. “This partnership helps the TVS participants learn leaderships skills, along with helping the students and participants to have relationships with others that are not paid service providers,” said TVS DSP Ashleigh Alquiza. “When you look at communities and individuals with DD, there is a critical divide that sometimes separates rather than includes them. Reading Buddies is helping bridge that gap.”

Participants join students every other Friday for reading and literacy activities. Each group ranging from five to six students plus a TVS participant showcase creativity by creating skits, crafts, songs, and dances to accompany the readings.

“Through our adventures with Mountain Sun Community School we have grown, gained confidence, and made some lifelong friendships,” said TVS INTERACT Supervisor Brooke Wilson. “A true partnership is about people listening to one another and working together to accomplish a common goal. Each person contributes in their own unique way and with respect and learning for all.”

This partnership offers TVS participants opportunities to develop leadership skills while encouraging long lasting relationships in an inclusive and mutually benefiting environment. 

“Our class reading lessons are far more engaging with our [TVS] Reading Buddies here,” said Brigid Cameron, Mountain Sun Community School Teacher. “Concepts such as literal and figurative, inferring, setting, or plot are the main focus for our morning lessons, but the real learning is about working with diversity.”

The benefits of this community partnership stretch past the immediate benefits of reading and literacy. Each individual and student is developing self-advocacy skills, gaining confidence, and creating problem-solving skills with life-long friendships.

“I have seen children grow more comfortable with diversity, engage more fully with new people and guests, and their creativity and openness expand,” reflected Cameron. “Having a break from our Reading Buddy program during COVID impressed upon me the need we all have to embrace the beautiful friendships we have created with our class and our friends who learn with us every other Friday.”

Mountain Sun Community School holistically nurtures, challenges, and guides each unique child to discover academic skills using Montessori principles, explore the natural world, create through self-expression, and belong to a collaborative, diverse, and peaceful community. We invite you to learn more at: https://mountainsunschool.org/

Read in the Transylvania Times

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TVS Programs Receive Highest Mark on 2023 CARF Audit

TVS Programs Receive Highest Mark on 2023 CARF Audit

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TVS recently received a 3-year Accreditation from CARF, International. The accreditation is an indication of TVS’ dedication and commitment to improving the lives of the individuals we serve in our group homes, day programs, and employment services. TVS was reviewed against 1,126 Quality Standards. At that end of the review, there were no recommendations! Now that is something to be proud of!  According to CARF, an accreditation report that identifies no recommendations is achieved in only 3 percent of CARF surveys.

“What an accomplishment,” said Program Director Carla Hill. “This achievement by TVS is the result of many caring and dedicated Direct Support Professionals and Supervisors who believe that helping individuals have the lives they choose is good for the individuals and the community.”

At TVS, CARF evaluates our employment supports, job development, group homes, INTERACT, and Life Skills. The CARF accreditation is an acknowledgement of quality and TVS has been proudly accredited since 1984!

Want to know more about our CARF accreditation?
Click here to view our TVS Programs Monthly Newsletter, In The Loop!

Lynn Brewer Celebrates 15 Years at TVS!

Lynn Brewer Celebrates 15 Years at TVS!

“Lynn is a master manager, planner, arranger, and always with the individual in mind. Person-centered is how she lives her life,” says TVS Programs Director Carla Hill. “She treats every individual with dignity and respect, helping everyone she supports to speak for themselves.”

Lynn Brewer is celebrating her 15th anniversary at TVS. She does a little bit of everything as the Residential Coordinator including staffing the group homes, handling any maintenance needs, and making sure services and needs for all the individuals are met including doctor appointments and other necessary engagements.

 “She is so awesome. She takes me to all my appointments and hangs out at the house. We have peppermint tea together,” said resident Laura Newton.

“One of my favorite things actually happened during the pandemic. I would take everyone out one at a time; to go and do whatever they wanted,” reflects Lynn. “The residents were always together, and this gave them a little break from that, and I was able to learn what everyone loved to do, one-on-one.”

“She knows how to find places to have fun,” Carla says with a smile. “From train and boat rides, to musicals, 3D movies, Special Olympic Games, and more – if a resident wants an experience, Lynn does everything she can to find an opportunity.”

There have been around 6 or 7 beach trips over the past few years. Both Lynn and the residents remember the beach trips. “Going to Surf City!” said resident Taylor Love excitedly, when asked what fun things he and Lynn have done. “She is funny. We make funny faces back at each other.”

Lynn has always worked in services. When she was first hired at TVS, she was working with individuals on the production line before being asked to help with residential administration. Lynn took over the Tanjer House Group Home in 2008 and a year later the Fisher Road Group Home was established, later followed by Individual Supported Living. 

“I remember saying, ‘I want to work there one day,’” said Lynn about TVS. “I am thankful and grateful to do what I do and to do it here, with all the support. My favorite part of this job is about being an advocate for the individuals we serve.”

Lynn’s fun and caring nature started with her first job at Disney World while she completed high school and before transferring to Greensboro College to pursue a teaching degree in Special Education. “In my senior year I realized that I didn’t want to teach,” said Lynn. “I realized that when these individuals grow up, they will still need services.”

She added a minor in Social Work before graduating in 1982. It was during this time that she also met her husband, Terry, at choir practice. They have been married for 37 years and have two children.

In college, Lynn worked in the residential field and started at Transylvania Association for Disabled Citizens, Inc (TADC) after moving to Brevard. She continued her career as the Activities Director at College Walk and as the United Cerebral Palsy Manager until she welcomed her first daughter.

At TVS, Lynn is dedicated to, “making their lives normal by helping them live the life they want to lead.”

Being Person-centered is an aspect of all the TVS Programs. “Lynn is the most understanding and thoughtful person, she always truly cares about each of us,” said residential DSP Carolyn Trapp. “She has a way of seeing things outside the box. I’m just so glad she has been with TVS for 15 years. She is the best supervisor ever, and a very good friend.”

When not at TVS, Lynn and Terry are very active in the AVL City Church helping with the music and hospitality. She also enjoys reading books and traveling to see her children in Georgia or Seattle. “I have great friends and a great husband. We try to laugh a lot and survive being married,” laughs Lynn. “It’s a simple life, but a life I love.”

Reflecting on the last 15 years at TVS she says, “I am always amazed by how little I know and how much I am still learning. I hope to stay humble and able to learn.”

 

 

DSP Karen Benson celebrates a decade at TVS

DSP Karen Benson celebrates a decade at TVS

“How can someone be a breath of fresh air and take your breath away at the same time?” asks Program Director Carla Hill. “Karen is a bundle of energy that brings joy, light, and care to the people she supports and her coworkers. There is no one like her.”

Karen Benson is celebrating her 10th anniversary at TVS as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) working in the different community homes. She is self-described as a Life Coach and described by others as Social Director, Person-Centered, and as the ‘F’ word: Flexible.

“She can pivot on a dime,” said Residential Coordinator Lynn Brewer. “She is truly person-centered, making connections with the residents and bringing new possibilities and joy to our programs.”

Karen doesn’t just stop there. “She does research about each resident’s needs and medical conditions. That way she is better informed when taking them to their doctor appointments,” explained Lynn.

Over the past decade, Karen has managed Tanjer House, worked full-time and part-time at Fisher Road, and now floats working part-time hours wherever she is needed.

“It’s not just a job, it’s a passion! My passion is letting people know they’re cared about by seeing and offering them an enriching lifestyle,” says Karen Benson. “We are here to give a little light to other people.”

Finding a single memory in a decade is not an easy task. Karen starts laughing as she reflects on a trip to the local Cradle of Forestry. “We are walking through the cave and learning about the wild animals when we see a helicopter,” she says. “I explain to the group that it is the Forest Ranger’s helicopter and that we should sit inside to see what it looks like. The guys had so much fun, they really thought that they were in control of flying the helicopter.”

When not working at TVS, Karen keeps busy with a multitude of volunteer activities. She works at Sage Wellness and volunteers with NAMI and Hospice in Henderson County. She also volunteers her time and energy with True Ridge Ministries, a local Hendersonville Nonprofit that works with the Latino community and others in need. True Ridge Ministries provides, “a safe, kind, and supportive space towards self-sufficiency, resilience, healing and well-being.”

The volunteering does not end there. Karen also travels to Port Antonio, Jamaica annually to assist with the Portland Homeless Shelter.

Karen’s light-hearted and zany personality shines in all respects; leaving most everyone in awe of how she finds the energy and time to accomplish so much. “She is like a social director on a ship, always looking for ways to uplift others and to connect them with people who can keep them grounded, yet take them a little higher,” explains Residential DSP Carolyn Trapp. “She truly strives to help them lead fulfilling lives and to be happier.”

Karen is always going above and beyond creating friendship and connections with the many residents. Over the years, Karen has opened her home and friendship to any resident who do not have family locally with whom to spend the holidays with. She even offers her Airbnb to resident’s families so that they can have a free place to stay when they come to visit.

She explains, “It is important to be present and share a little light. We are all here to help each other.” Looking ahead, Karen is excited to continue exploring a health-conscious life-style with curious residents and aims to become a member of the TVS Wellness Committee.

“I am so grateful to Karen for referring me to TVS and for her many gifts she shares with us all!” said TVS Residential DSP Nakeisha Miller. “Karen is a dynamic individual with a compassionate nature. She truly wants the best for people and leads a life of service to others. Not only that, but she has an awesome sense of humor and brings laughter wherever she goes. Thank you, Karen, for being a ray of light to so many people!”  

 

TVS celebrates Direct Support Professionals for National Recognition Week

TVS celebrates Direct Support Professionals for National Recognition Week

“Our DSPs at TVS are life changers,” said Brooke Wilson, INTERACT Supervisor. “They are the heart and soul of all our programs.”

In honor of Direct Support Professionals (DSP) week, Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) has planned a Superhero themed pizza party for their DSP, as well as, other Superhero themed gifts and recognitions.

DSP week is a way to nationally recognize all direct support workforce supporting people with disabilities. A DSP is defined by Wilson as, “a person who truly cares, commits themselves, and values their job or purpose. They have the best job ever walking alongside the most amazing folks as they explore, grow, and change the world – one day at a time.”

You might have seen TVS DSPs volunteering with participants at the local animal shelter or participating in a Rotary Club sponsored 5K or even a DSP supporting a client working at a local business.

“TVS always recognizes the DSPs year-round,” said Wilson. “But this week is a way to celebrate each individual DSP with the recognition of all the extraordinary, unique gifts and talents that they bring to our participants and each other.”

TVS currently staffs almost 30 DSPs that provides supports to two separate day programs (INTERACT and Life Skills), two residential group homes, individuals living home in their own homes, and numerous individuals with jobs in our community.

It is hard to describe a job that does not fit into a box, however, DSPs at TVS are a little bit of everything including; teachers, nurse assistants, chauffeurs, Zen Masters, exercise instructors, and more. “The most important duty of a DSP is safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of the participants,” said Carla Hill, TVS Programs Manager. “Followed by ensuring that each participant is living their best life, whatever that means to each individual.”

TVS DSPs have a willingness to be challenged, a heart for all individuals, and have their own talents worth sharing. Hill says, “When they find that talent, it is a spark of magic and you can see how meaningful it all is. They bring their own unique talents to our team.”

“Every day I get to see the excitement and enthusiasm that our DSPs bring to their jobs to assist individuals,” said Hill. “They build relationships with individuals and share in the experiences and exposures that may not be an opportunity without the support of our awesome DSPs.”

TVS DSPs are engaged with people 24/7. “They are a very significant part of the lives of the people we support,” said Hill. “The most challenging part of the job is keeping a tough boundary with a therapeutic verses friend relationship.  With a huge heart, I thank all our DSPs for what they do to ensure that TVS participants are treated with respect and dignity.”

Highlighting all their dedicated and hard work Program Manager Suzanne Byers said, “we work hard to make sure our DSPs are well-trained and focused on person-centered services.”

Byers continues, “We recognize it is a difficult job as a manager or a supervisor and we want to do everything we can to support staff so they can support participants. Without DSPs individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and their families would struggle to find the supports they need.” 

Currently there is a DSP workforce crisis. There is a high demand for services with no workers to fill the spots and limited recognition for those working in those jobs. “We continue to promote Direct Support Professionals as a recognized career,” said Byers.

If you see a TVS DSP out in the community stop and let them know how appreciated they are.

Read the Press Release from the Transylvania Times here.