News & Events - Page 4

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Believe It, Achieve It - Empowerment Award John Frakes John Frakes is being presented with the Believe It, Achieve It Empowerment Award for promoting best practices in increasing independence in our members. John was nominated by Ben Weiss for his work with two specific members. Although John has only worked...

The Iowa Association of Community Providers (IACP) announced the Frontline Supervisor Award at the annual conference in April. Over 100 nominations were received from agencies across the state. IACP recognizes that Frontline supervisors (FLS) play a critical role in bringing together all of the pieces of service delivery and have...

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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.