TVS Artists continue statewide success!

Mar 15, 2021 | News

Brevard, NC (March 15, 2021) – Program participants at Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) have been selected as featured artists in the Art Unblocked 2021 exhibit for the second year in a row!

“The TVS artists were very excited about submitting their artwork to the Art Unblocked show. They welcome any opportunity to share their art with others, but this show offered the additional benefits of a much larger virtual audience,” said INTERACT Supervisor Jeanette Wayne. “It means a great deal to the artists to see their work displayed alongside other talented artists from all over the state. Seeing their biographies added a personal touch to the exhibition.”

Art Unblocked is a part of Arts Access’ A Series of Fortunate Events (SOFE) located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Arts Access is NC’s only non-profit organization dedicated solely to making the arts accessible to children and adults with disabilities.

This year, three TVS program participants had submitted artwork accepted into the exhibit.

“My art makes me feel happy and joyful inside,” said Amber reflecting on her work titled, The Art of Sunshine.

“Putting my art in the show means a lot to me. It made me feel good,” said Andrew. His work, Bach in D Minor, shows three colorful flowers and reminds him of springtime and dandelions.

NBC Peacocks by Kristen features two glittery peacocks. She said, “I painted the NBC Peacocks for my mom because she used to work as an assistant manager at NBC in New York City. I could feel my mom’s presence in my heart as I painted. I would do anything for her.”

Click here to read the full PDF or to view the Transylvania Times article.

A Virtual ‘Night to Shine’ 2021

Mar 1, 2021 | News

The 17th annual Night to Shine prom was held on February 12. In contrast to previous years, it was a virtual experience that live-streamed for 40 minutes. It may not have been the traditional version of the event, but it was still a night to remember for all TVS supported residents.

Historically, Night to Shine is an evening for dressing to the nines with tiaras and bow ties. However, this year TVS supported residents decided to celebrate in their pajamas! A fun twist on the evening.

Residents also spent the evening with their housemates recreating the menu from last year’s Night to Shine, which included chicken sandwich sliders, fruit/vegetable trays, cookies, and bags of popcorn that were filled and decorated.

The virtual prom greeted viewers with paparazzi and a red carpet that welcomed everyone to their special night. Tim Tebow and his wife, Demi-Leigh, hosted the event and there were cameos from several celebrity guests.

This year was the first ever “Night to Shine” dance lead by Demi-Leigh Tebow. She uploaded sneak peeks of the dance moves ahead of time to teach participants. This dance allowed for all prom attendees to dance together in unison across the globe.

Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs (ages 14 and older) that is “centered on God’s love.” Hundreds of thousands of individuals come together from all over the world to honor and serve those with disabilities. You can learn more at https://www.timtebowfoundation.org/ministries/night-to-shine

TVS packs 50 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child

Nov 20, 2020 | News

For the final donation event of the TVS season of giving, TVS employees collected over 700 items for Operation Christmas Child. Toys, health and hygiene items, and school supplies were all collected and stuffed into shoeboxes for children in need around the world.

TVS requested that the shoebox donation items were all for children ages 10 to 14. This is the oldest age group in Operation Christmas Child, and it is also the group that normally receives the least amount of gifts.

TVS had preordered 50 shoeboxes directly from the Operation Christmas Child site and by the end of the two-week donation period all the boxes were filled. The collected items remaining were donated to help fill more boxes.

“I have never done this project before,” said INTERACT participant Taylor. “I think my favorite toy that I put in a box was the Hot Wheels cars.”

All the boxes were stuffed with health and hygiene and school supply items by Human Resources (HR) staff before being having the “Wow” items added by INTERACT participants. These “Wow” items are the larger items such as toys, dolls, and sport balls.

At the end of the box stuffing, all boxes had around 10 to 15 items.

INTERACT participant Laura said, “It’s fun to help the children. I love it.” Not only did Laura help stuff the boxes, she also donated personal care items for the donation and prayed over the boxes for their safe travels and the joy they are bringing to the children.

To help cover the costs, an anonymous TVS employee donated the nine-dollars per box fee needed for shipping and other project costs.

“Those who donated truly gave with their full hearts for this donation,” said Kayde Hopkins, Administrative Assistant. “I personally love Christmas and the thought of children being excited as they receive these gifts is what this is all about.”

All the shoeboxes were dropped-off at Brevard Wesleyan Church on Thursday, Nov. 19.

The Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child has delivered more than 178 million shoebox gifts around the world since 1993 and collected more than 10.5 million shoeboxes for the 2019 initiative.

They collect shoebox gifts and deliver them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.

If you are interested in donating requested items, the Operation Christmas Child national collection week is from Nov. 16-23 and donations can still be locally dropped off at Brevard Wesleyan Church or Little River Baptist Church.

You can also build a box online at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline/. Learn more about Operation Christmas Child at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/.

TVS Company Newsletters

Aug 31, 2020 | Helpful Resources

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!

TVS and Free Rein, a continued companionship

Nov 13, 2019 | News

For the past seven years, Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) and the Free Rein Center for Therapeutic Riding and Education have been working together to help reach the individual goals of participants and offering volunteer hours since 2014.

After several years of a successful partnership, both entities determined that sharing individual goals would allow each individual participant to see a greater gain. With the focus on shared goals, individuals have improved communications skills and their ability to advocate for themselves.

“This past year, we sat down and discussed what each side was attempting to accomplish,” said Free Rein Program Chair, Brittany McCathern. “Now we are working together to accomplish the same goals for the individuals.”

At Free Rein, TVS individuals are taught how to groom the horses prior to riding. They learn the order of the brushes and their individual purpose, along with the different parts to the saddle and in what order they are placed on the horse.

Individuals interested in riding horses are instructed by trained volunteers who walk beside the horses and assist in direction steering as needed.

Riders are prompted to communicate with their horses by giving them directions and commands. They are also asked to make different stretches while riding such as twisting to the left or right, and lifting their hands into the air.

“The exercises help with different physical components such as posture, balance, and as a way of improving environmental proprioception and feeling grounded,” said TVS Life Skills Supervisor Suzanne Byers.

There are many benefits from participating including; communication, building core strength and balance, learning to follow directions, sequencing, and listening. There is also the benefit of interacting with the horses.

“The best part is watching the progress of each individual,” said McCathern. “We have seen a couple people that only used to groom the horses, grow to where they are now riding a horse with limited to no assistance.”

After stretches and directional practices, participants ride from the barn to a special tactile obstacle course in a lower field. Riders are able to lead their horses to large games, up on wooden platforms, and through hanging pool noodles. The course offers an unique experience in a fun environment.

“I love watching individuals grow and gain skills and seeing them so happy up there on a horse,” said Free Rein Program Chair Porsha Smith. “When they look down at you and smile, that is what it’s all about.”

Please visit https://freereincenter.org/ to learn more information about Free Rein.

Written by Jenifer Welch