essential workers - T-V-S Overcoming Challenges

Celebrating Michelle’s 15th Anniversary at TVS

May 19, 2023 | News

Michelle Ekeanyanwu is celebrating her 15th anniversary at TVS. However, her career at TVS well before 15 years ago, in 1993. “I worked production folding boxes for DuPont before being promoted to a Material Handler,” she reflects. “I started at TVS because I needed flexible hours. I was a stay-at-home mom with children in daycare. It was important to have a job that could fit into my life.”

Michelle came back to TVS again in 2000, once again working in production and as a machine operator. In 2008, Michelle returned briefly to production before being promoted to quality. She said, “Quality lets my abilities shine!”

As a level II Quality Technician, her responsibilities include checking labels, lot codes, pallet movements, and production counts to ensure the product meets and exceeds the customer expectations. “My favorite part of the job is catching the little things that might be otherwise missed,” she said. “I want to be here and do a good job – it feels good.”

“Ever since I have known Michelle, she has been a hard worker. She has great attention to detail and is at the top of all our protocols,” reflects Quality Director Dan Fisher. “She is always asking good questions and bringing up other thought-provoking ideas.”

One of Michelle’s favorite parts of the job is the SQF (Safe, Quality, Food) Sensor Evaluation Panel. At different points throughout the year, Michelle bakes a panel of products such as pancakes or biscuits and bakes another panel of the products with intentional mistakes such as including mushroom powder or adding extra leavening. “The best reaction was when I offered Jeni Welch an intentionally messed up biscuit,” laughs Michelle. “She was so shocked that I was going to give her something bad on purpose.”

As TVS has grown, so has Michelle. Over the past few years, she has focused on Dietary Supplements. “I am proud that I have learned all the quality aspects of encapsulation,” Michelle said. “This line was very different from our other areas and had huge packets of paperwork to fill out. I was really determined to learn and perfect this area.”

She has also obtained numerous certifications to continue advancing her career and expertise.

“I am so proud of Michelle’s hard work and growth, especially in the dietary supplement side of our business,” said Quality Manager John Safi. “In the last two years we have produced over 160 million capsules and 1.5 million jars and canisters of dietary supplements and Michelle has been the lead on overseeing quality inspections for our new automated lines. I look forward to seeing her grow at TVS for many more years.”

Michelle’s world of high quality continues to her home. She recently purchased a home and applies her quality skills to inspect the house. “I am so much happier with how TVS is moving forward with business and employee care – both at TVS and at home,” she said. “It is because of TVS that I was able to purchase a home.”

When not caring for her new home or cutting the grass, Michelle enjoys photography and taking weekend trips with her kids for short getaways.

It’s not always about working at TVS. Michelle reflects on Christmas parties with Santa Claus and bringing her children to other work events.

“I remember a celebration of life for Tamara Meadows years ago,” she says with a smile. “We released balloons in the back field to honor her life, and one of the balloons got caught in a tree. It was able to get itself free, just like Tamara’s dedication and hard work in real life. I remember thinking, ‘What other company would stop the day to celebrate life?’”

Looking into the future, Michelle hopes to see quality have a stronger presence in other departments and to keep perfecting, or home in on, what each product needs.

“My advice after 15 years at TVS is, hang in there. TVS gives you the ability to do more, move jobs, and use your abilities,” Michelle says. “I am very happy to be here.”

TVS Reaches 365 Days of Safety!

May 4, 2023 | News

For the first time in three years, TVS is celebrating 365 days without a lost time accident! “I just want to give a big thank you to everybody,” said Safety and Security Manager Jackie Compton. “It takes every single person to reach a goal such as this.”

To say thank you, TVS provided all employees with a pizza lunch the first week of May.

“We’ve been under construction in the administration area and out on the work floor for several months,” reflects Compton. “This has created limited walkways and forklift aisles but communication between pedestrians, forklift operators, and construction workers has been incredible.”

Looking ahead, TVS is aiming to surpass their longest safety record of 474 days in July. We look forward to another celebration!

Alicia O’Shields Celebrates a Decade at TVS

Mar 10, 2023 | News

“Alicia is the happiest when she is able to get stuff done,” said friend and coworker Cathy Miller. “If she wants it, she goes and gets it.” From driving a forklift truck or pallet jack, to organizing ingredient set-ups, Alicia O’Shields is a jack-of-all-trades and does a little bit of everything at TVS. “Over the past 10-years, set-ups are my personal favorite job to do,” says Alicia. “It is hard work, but I really enjoy the fact that I am taking a large part in producing important food and who it is being sent to.”

Over the past decade, Alicia has been a vital asset working in the set-up area. During this time, TVS has blended metric tons of pancake mix and bakery mixes for U.S. Troop Support along with SuperCereal Plus, a cereal specially formulated for children, aged 6 to 24-months, facing food insecurities around the world. Each of these products must have each ingredient weighed out and organized into individual ‘set-ups,’ before being blended, packaged, and shipped to those in need.

“Alicia is an inspiring and steady presence at TVS. She is dedicated to our mission and our co-workers,” says TVS CEO Jamie Brandenburg. “Alicia is one of the many bright spots I have coming to work. No matter the challenge or obstacle in front of her, she seemingly always finds a way to overcome.”

Alicia first started at TVS in 2007 with the North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (NCDVR) working on the production floor. After a short employment, Alicia left TVS for employment at Julie’s Sub, now known as Creekside. A few years later, she returned to TVS in 2013 and started working in set-ups.

“Due to health, I now work wherever I am needed,” explains Alicia. Moving around and helping different departments, is one of her goals at TVS. Alicia also expressed her interest to be a machine operator, “it is one of the few jobs here I have not been trained on.”

Ask anyone at TVS how they would describe Alicia and you will hear; quiet and funny. But the number one thing said by everyone is, hardworking. “She is a hard worker, sometimes working too hard,” chuckled Chase Potts.

“Chase calls me his litter sister even though I am older than him,” laughs Alicia. “I really enjoy working with everyone here. Chase, Steven Morris, and Kolby Laughter, are some of the individuals that come to mind first.”

Reflecting on the last decade, Alicia laughs thinking about her supervisor, Ernest Williams, in a tutu at a dunking booth during a company picnic. “I also really miss working with the participants in INTERACT,” Alicia shared. “And I miss the TVS Thanksmas potlucks, I would always make a pineapple casserole.”

“She makes a mean pineapple casserole,” said Cathy with a smile. “Alicia is really good about being there when you need somebody. When I was out sick and in the hospital, she offered to cut my grass and help me out.” Cathy is not alone; Alicia spends her free time helping others by taking care of yard work, mowing lawns, and doing anything that needs to be done.

Just a couple years ago, Alicia and her wife AJ purchased a home. They share it with their son, Brandon, a puppy named Baxter, and two cats. When not cooking or hanging out in their new house, Alicia and her family enjoy camping at Coal Creek and Cantrell Bridge.

“I have grown a lot over the past 10-years, especially in working with my social anxiety,” reflects Alicia. Her wise words over the years at TVS are, “work hard and strive to learn as much as you can.”

Image above: (left to right) Alicia, Aj, and Brandon

TVS featured on 2023 Comporium Phone Directory

Jan 16, 2023 | News

TVS was featured on the 2023 Comporium Phone Directory in Transylvania County. We are proud to have our story and mission shared with the community. The inside story reads:

ABOUT OUR COVER

When you take a trip to the grocery store, you may not think of it as a privilege. Instead, you’re probably asking yourself a few questions:

What items are needed for the week? What’s the budget for food? Where can I get the best deals? Can I get a good parking space? You may not be thinking about how those items got on the shelves, let alone who packaged them.

Not everyone has this opportunity. People in need may rely on food banks for their groceries, while families in developing countries around the world may not have a store to go to at all. Members of the military rely on what’s provided for them when they’re deployed. They all depend on the people who work behind the scenes to prepare and package dry food products that can be shipped and distributed around the world. In many cases, that work is being done right here in Transylvania County at TVS, Inc.

While the work itself is very important, that’s not the most impressive thing about this organization. Around 75% of TVS employees have disabilities or other life barriers. At TVS, they are able to find meaningful employment, earn a living wage and make a difference in countless lives. We are honored to recognize TVS on our 2023 Transylvania County Directory cover for their contributions to our area and beyond.

SERVING CITIZENS FOR OVER 50 YEARS

TVS started as a day program for adults with developmental disabilities in 1967. Founded by the Brevard Jaycees, the organization would partner with businesses in the area to provide employment for hundreds of people. This model made a positive impact on the community for 30 years but TVS saw the opportunity to do more. The decision was made to build a dry food manufacturing facility that would give employees steady, year-round work. Over the years, TVS has undergone several modernization phases and currently serves both Transylvania and Henderson counties.

The disabled population is the most marginalized unemployed and underemployed demographic group in the United States. One in four people are disabled and one in three families are affect by disability. It’s often difficult for people with disabilities to find reliable work. TVS fills that gap, providing a stable, integrated work site with wages that exceed the local Living Wage certification.

FEEDING THE WORLD

TVS manufactures a variety of food products under the Mountain maid brand. Through partnerships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S> Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, over 20 items are provided to food banks and military kitchens. TVS is currently the only supplier of packaged instant non-fat dry milk to the USDA. Fifteen million pounds of powdered milk were provided to food pantries across the county in 18 million gallons of fluid milk. On the military side, enough pancake mix is made in one year to cook 4.3 million pancakes for services members.

After working with TVS for over 10 years, the USDA asked for help with another important program: helping children at risk of starvation in food-insecure regions. TVS developed Super Cereal Plus, a product that can provide supplemental nutrition to children between the ages of six months and two years. Through partnerships with USAID and the World Food Programme, the USDA has distributed more than 250 million servings of the product globally.

Not only are TVS employees feeding the world, they’re also creating an economic impact in Transylvania County. A recent study found that TVS generates $27 million and creates and additional 286 jobs in the area. That’s in addition to the 210 TVS employees and 226 clients that receive services from the organization. Those services include two adult day programs, residential services (including community living group homes and supported living), employment services for individual’s seeking employment through vocational rehabilitation and pre-employment training for students in Transylvania and Henderson counties.

MORE THAN A JOB

This economic success tells only one part of the story. TVS’ most significant contribution is to the lives of the people it serves.

“It is hard for me to put into words how special and important TVS is to our community. I have worked and been immersed in the disability world for more than 30 years and places like TVS just do not exist,” said Leca Chapman Diehl, TVS Director of Community Development. “TVS’ commitment to the disability community is deep and genuine and I am very lucky to be involved with such a fantastic organization. Our organizational model works to promote success. It is the mission of TVS to provide jobs; the food we package and sell to support our social enterprise model is the byproduct of our mission!”

“Our services provide individuals with the choice to live the lives they want,” said Carla Hill, TVS Program Director. “TVS’ success in services comes from thinking about the individuals that we support and making sure they are part of the plan.”

TVS employees are equally proud of what they are able to accomplish through the various programs offered. “I love my job. It is good, steady employment, and it provides money to support our services side,” said TVS Lead Blend Technician Aaron Owen. A TVS Production Associate agreed: “I like the fact that people with disabilities are able to work and find employment here when it would be harder to find somewhere else. It’s the whole reason I am here.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

With such a legacy of success and a continued determination to serve those with disabilities, it’s easy to see that the future of TVS is a bright one.

“Fifty-five years ago, no one could have foreseen what was a head for TVS. One person at a time, one job at a time, TVS has grown into a dynamic business, while staying true to its mission and this could not have been accomplished without the support of our community,” said former TVS CEO and TVS Board Chair Nancy Stricker. “The Founders of TVS recognized that members of our community with disabilities should be given the support and opportunities necessary to go to work. Since that time thousands of individuals have received training from one of TVS’ nationally accredited programs, benefitted from a robust job placement service, or found employment at TVS.”

As a proud member of the Brevard and Transylvania County communities, TVS is committed to setting a high standard as a fully integrated and inclusive workplace as they continue to amplify voices for disability advocacy.

DSP Karen Benson celebrates a decade at TVS

Jan 12, 2023 | News

“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!”