News - 2017 Archive

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In separate lunch ceremonies held in Ames and Des Moines, Mainstream Living President and CEO Bill Vaughn announced the recipients of the 2017 Annual Employee Recognition Awards.  Nominations are submitted throughout the year and awards are given in six categories. The Employee Recognition Program is designed to recognize employees for their contributions that reflect the mission, vision, values, and member-centered focus of the organization.  

Empowerment Award - Wanda Walker

Inclusion Award - Julie Mace

Champions of Change - Joni Houck, Burabari Taoh, and Trish Mull-Short

Wellness Award - Christine Hatcher

Rising Star Leader of the Year HCBS - Michelle Strutzenberg

Rising Star Leader of the Year Mental Health - Angela Beane

Difference Maker of the Year - William Prather
 

John Samuelson, one of Mainstream Living's founding members passed away in the summer of 2017. To honor John, his family generously donated funds to help in purchasing a new vehicle. John's parents, Bob and Jan value the importance of community integration for those with disabilities and felt that the purchase of a vehicle would help provide opportunities for our members to be active. On Friday, October 13, John's family joined friends and staff to dedicate the vehicle and celebrate his memory.
 

Mainstream Living Foundation has donated $10,000 to be used for the construction of an all-inclusive playground and Miracle League Field in Ames. Referred to as the Ames Miracle Park, the project will provide inclusive play opportunities for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Mainstream Living is proud to join Harrison Barnes, United Way of Story County, Rotary Club of Ames, Arc of Story County, and many others in supporting a project that will provide wonderful opportunities for those with disabilities.  The facility will be constructed at Inis Grove Park and is expect to be complete in 2018.  

Open your hearts as the new Outlets of Des Moines opens their doors with an exclusive charity night. For just $20.00, guests will enjoy a special preview of the new stores and an evening of shopping, savings, prize giveaways, entertainment and more. Mainstream Living is pleased to be one of the charity partners selected for the event.  Purchase your ticket today and support Mainstream during the ticketing checkout process. 100% of your ticket proceeds will be donated to benefit the mission of your selected charity partner(s). Purchase tickets now at: https://www.eventbee.com/v/ssavage22/event?eid=107553183#/tickets.

National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, as designated by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), is a time to recognize and celebrate the important work of direct support professionals. Along with the Mainstream Living Board of Directors and our Executive Management Team, I would like to acknowledge and thank all of our staff for their dedication to our mission, vision and values. We are grateful to our staff for their commitment to the members we serve and for working earnestly to enhance the lives of people with disabilities in Central Iowa.
 
Mainstream Living is proud to employ more than 600 people, the vast majority of which are direct support professionals. These front line staff members provide essential supports that enable individuals with disabilities to remain connected to their friends and family, while living successfully in their communities. They wear many hats, including mentor, therapist, coach, cook, caregiver, financial advisor, nutritionist, and friend. The energy, devotion, and creativity of our direct care staff is vital to the achievements of the individuals we serve and to the success of our organization. 

The demand for direct support professionals is crucial and there is an increasing need for compassionate and qualified staff. Mainstream Living, along with many of our peers, is experiencing significant staff shortages. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to not only show our appreciation for those front line staff, but also put a call out to those who may be interested in exploring  direct care employment opportunities.  The contributions of all direct care staff are vital and have a lasting impact on the people and families served.
 
This week, join us as we honor and celebrate the professionals that work every day to improve the quality of life of another person. We at Mainstream Living express our gratitude and thankfulness for all of your work. 
 
William Vaughn
President/CEO, Mainstream Living, Inc.

Mainstream Living celebrated the completion of a safety and accessibility project at Center with a ribbon cutting and luncheon.  The project was funded thanks to a $75,000 grant from United Way of Story County and over $60,000 in funding from the City of Ames through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.  Led by Fox Engineering, the work included improving and repairing the exterior of the building to create ADA compliant entrances, along with increased parking for staff, visitors, and transportation providers.  

Mainstream Living will host the first Let's Talk About It - Mental Health Family Forum on Thursday, August 10 from 5-7p.  The event will be held at our Des Moines office, located at 333 SW 9th in Des Moines.  This month's topic will focus on diagnosis information and will be an opportunity to learn and ask questions.  Refreshments will be provided.  For questions regarding the forum, please contact our Des Moines office at 515-243-8115.  

Mainstream's "Let's Talk About It" series is designed to encourage members, family, and guardians to learn about mental illness and share information in a comfortable and open setting.  The monthly forums will cover a variety of topics designed to aid in the support of individuals with mental illness.  

On May 3, 2017, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) recognized Jeanne Baughman of Mainstream Living as the 2017 Direct Support Professional of the Year for Iowa. The award was presented during a ceremony for Direct Support Professionals from across the nation on May 3rd at ANCOR's 2017 Conference in San Antonio, TX. 

Nominees of ANCOR’s Direct Support Professional Recognition Award were judged on their success in helping people with disabilities build social networks and engage in substantive community participation and for advocating for the people they serve.  Baughman was nominated for her dedication, compassion, and creativity in working with a young woman named Kyrie.  The support Baughman provided led Kyrie to improved health, better relationships with family and friends, and her eventual enrollment in college classes, a long time dream.  In her letter of support, Kyrie noted that Baughman had not simply helped her gain independent living skills, but taught her how to better understand and advocate for her health and education needs and goals.  “Jeanne has been a steady presence, like family. I am not afraid to go into the community or be on my own any more.”  

In being notified of the honor, Baughman is thankful, but says she is simply doing her job to the best of her ability.  “I love this job which why I believe in providing members with the tools to make their dreams come true.”  Baughman adds, “I will do whatever it takes to assist members in living a better and more fulfilled life regardless of their disability.”

“Direct Support Professionals are the front-line of our organization, providing critical support, inclusion, and advocacy to persons with disabilities,” said Mainstream Living CEO Bill Vaughn. “Jeanne embodies the spirit of Mainstream’s mission to enhance opportunities, create success, and fulfill dreams.  During a time when our industry is experiencing funding challenges and staffing shortages, this is a wonderful honor for both Jeanne and the organization.  We are proud that she is a part of the Mainstream Living family,” said Vaughn.    

The American Network of Community Options and Resources is a national trade association representing more than 1,200 private providers of community living and employment supports and services to more than 800,000 individuals with disabilities.  
 

Mainstream Living was awarded a $500 grant from the Story City Friends Foundation.  The grant will be used to purchase a deep freezer and patio furniture for our Story City home, which serves five individuals with disabilities.