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Stricker-Alderman Fund Launched

Stricker-Alderman Fund Launched

In an effort to provide additional support to TVS employees, TVS is proud to implement the Stricker-Alderman Fund. This resource is intended to help those in times of crisis.

The Stricker-Alderman Fund is named in honor of Nancy Stricker, former TVS CEO, and Becky Alderman, former TVS COO, for their long-term commitment to individuals in Transylvania County.

“The Stricker-Alderman Fund is built on the idea that life happens and sometimes all we need is an extra life-line and a helping hand-up when times get tough,” said TVS Employee Support Specialist Kyle Ridgley. “TVS wants to serve its employee’s well and show each employee that we value them. We know that things arise that need extra assistance and having this resource available helps make TVS what it is.”

A recent survey indicated that TVS employees have experienced lack of basic needs in some of the following areas within the last 5 years: housing, transportation, utilities, and medical care. The Stricker-Alderman Fund advances the TVS mission of providing services and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities and other barriers to employment, but it also extends beyond the normal work day and assists employees with basic life needs.

“The Stricker-Alderman Fund was needed at TVS,” said Ridgley. “It all comes back to the Trust, Value, Serve model of TVS. We ‘value’ our mission and you can ‘trust’ us to be by your side as we continue to provide ‘services’ and other avenues of assistances as needed.”

The fund is a taxable event. Individuals can receive one grant per year with a maximum of $3,500.

To be eligible, an individual must be a full-time or part-time employee of TVS and the individual, or an eligible dependent (18 years or younger), must have experienced a qualifying event in the past 90 days. A qualifying event is an event that affects your ability to pay for basic living expenses such as utilities, mortgage/rent, food, or transportation.

Events that might be considered eligible for qualification for the Stricker Alderman Fund could include: a serious illness or injury, unexpected medical or dental visits, death of a family member, extreme circumstances such as homelessness or fire, natural disasters, and others.

The application is completely confidential. Usually, within 10 days of submitting the application, a response will be issued. While not all submissions are guaranteed to result in a grant, all submissions are reviewed on a case by case basis, and if necessary, other local resources/assistance options will be provided.

“I am honored to be able to have the opportunity to partner and support TVS employees,” said Ridgley. Looking ahead, TVS hopes to add to Transportation and Personal Advancement assistance tiers to the fund.

For more information about the Stricker-Alderman Fund or to receive a copy of the application please reach out to Kyle Ridgley at (828) 884-2052 or email strickeralderman@tvsinc.org.

 

TVS Pre-ETS Helpful Resources

TVS Pre-ETS Helpful Resources

The TVS Preparation for Employment Success team works with the NC Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Pre-Employment Transitions Services (Pre-ETS) program to assist local high school students (ages 14 to 21) with employment after graduation. Information about the Pre-ETS program can be difficult-to-find online. Below are some helpful resources in one easy-to-find place, to better understand the objectives and the qualifications.

To learn more about the TVS Pre-ETS team check our NEWS section for the latest updates.

Current TVS Pre-ETS news: Pre-ETS begins at TVS (2019) TVS Pre-ETS go virtual (2020)

VR Information Handout

Handout from NC Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

TVS Pre-ETS Brochure

Brochure with information about the TVS Pre-ETS program

NC Disability Rights

Complete information about the Pre-ETS program in NC.

A Glance at Disability History

A Glance at Disability History

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and to help honor this important month, we invite you to learn more about Disability History. The PDF provides a quick history, educational sources, and resources to continue your own research. 

We invite you to also read more about our celebration of NDEAM.

TVS Company Newsletters

TVS Company Newsletters

There is no better way to keep up with all the fantastic news at TVS than our quarterly newsletter! TVS newsletters are filled with news about our different Programs and Services such as Pre-ETS, Employment Specialists, INTERACT, and Life Skills. The newsletters also include updates from our  Manufacturing operation, including our contracts the USDA, USAID and the military. And last but not least, we share stories, accomplishments and milestones enjoyed by our team as we work together to serve our mission. Stay informed by signing up for our e-newsletter here and enjoy reading past issues below.

Current Newsletters!

2023

Vol 5, Issue 1 – Expanding Federal Business, One Noodle at a Time!

Vol 5, Issue 2 –  “No Recommendations” for TVS on CARF Audit

Vol 5, Issue 3 –  Growing Commercial Business Partnerships
Vol 5, Issue 4 – coming soon!

Glancing Back at Past Issues

2022

Vol 4, Issue 1 – Blue Zones Approved Worksite

Vol 4, Issue 2 –  TVS & Brevard Rotary Sponsor Community Cornhole

Vol 4, Issue 3 –  Dover Acquisition Expanding our Mission
Vol 4, Issue 4 – Third Annual ‘Give Back, Get Back’ Donations

2021

Vol 3, Issue 1 – ‘No Limits’ Artists Show in Raleigh, Two Years in a Row

Vol 3, Issue 2 –  New TVS Wellness Committee Kicked Off in May 2021

Vol 3, Issue 3 –  Over 850 School Supplies Donated to Sharing House
Vol 3, Issue 4 – TVS Launches the Stricker-Alderman Fund

2020

Vol 2, Issue 1 – Upgrading and Investing in Speed and Performance

Vol 2, Issue 2 –  Dry Milk Mooo-ves to More Food Pantries in U.S.

Vol 2, Issue 3 –  ‘Tis the Season for Donations

2019

Vol 1, Issue 1 – Reflection Over the Year from CEO Jamie Brandenburg

Special Edition!

2018 – Our 50th Anniversary!

‘In The Loop’ – TVS Program’s Monthly Bulletin

‘In The Loop’ – TVS Program’s Monthly Bulletin

Every month, the TVS Support Services team or the TVS Employment Specialists create an informative bulletin for our participants, parents/guardians, and for TVS Programs & Services employees. These one-page bulletins offer a glimpse into the hard work and dedication of our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and also serves as a fun way to share important information. We hope you find this information useful.

Current In The Loops

2024

Issue 47, Jan – Lessons for Supporting Persons with Disabilities (2 of 4)

 

Glancing Back at Past Issues

2023

Issue 35, Jan – Importance of Inclusion in Schools & Education 
Issue 36, Feb – Therapeutic Relationships & Boundaries
Issue 37, March – Commitment, Competency, Mission: The TVS Purpose
Issue 38, April – CARF Accreditation
Issue 39, May – Person Centered Planning
Issue 40, June – Understanding Boundaries & Relationships
Issue 41, July – Employment Rights & Responsibilities
Issue 42, Aug – How to Protect Yourself from Scams
Issue 43, Sept – The Benefits of Job Shadowing & Sampling
Issue 44, Oct – Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Appreciation Week
Issue 45, Nov – Lessons for Supporting Persons with Disabilities (1 of 4)
Issue 46, Dec – DSP Support Tips during the Holidays

 

2022

Issue 23, Jan – Understanding 2022 Disability Benefits
Issue 24, Feb – Pre-ETS Virtual Job Shadowing
Issue 25, March – Caring for the Caregivers
Issue 26, April – Disability Issue or Human Being Issue?
Issue 27, May – Mental Health Awareness Month
Issue 28, June – Accommodations
Issue 29, July – School’s Out!!
Issue 30, Aug – Supporting People with I/DD as they Age
Issue 31, Sept – Medicaid Managed Care
Issue 32, Oct – Friendship. The #1 Need
Issue 33, Nov – Holiday Stress
Issue 34, Dec – First Job ‘Need-to-Knows’

 

2021

Issue 11, Jan – A Quick Glance at Equality VS Equity
Issue 12, Feb – COVID-19 Can’t Stop our FUN!
Issue 13, March – The Basics about Able Accounts
Issue 14, April – TVS Employment Success Team(Pre-ETS)
Issue 15, May – Informed Decision Making
Issue 16, June – Anxiety, Transitions, & Expectations
Issue 17, July – Disability is as Natural as Being Human!
Issue 18, Aug – Looking Closer into Local Unemployment
Issue 19, Sept – Resiliency in Highschool Students
Issue 20, Oct – Our DSP Commitment Continued (part 3)
Issue 21, Nov – Quality in Person Centered Supports
Issue 22, Dec – Unwrapping the Holidays

2020

Issue 01, March – Understanding our DSP Commitment (part 1)
Issue 02, April – Tips to Talking about COVID-19
Issue 03, May – The Importance of Healthy Eating
Issue 04, June – Our DSP Commitment Continued (part 2)
Issue 05, July – Understanding Loneliness
Issue 06, Aug – Our Response to COVID-19
Issue 07, Sept – The Concept of Dignity of Risk
Issue 08, Oct – CARF International Accreditation
Issue 09, Nov – Workplace Etiquette during COVID-19
Issue 10, Dec – ‘No Limits’ Artists Express Creativity