News & Events - Page 5

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.  

Mainstream Living has received a $2000 grant from Altrusa International of Ames.  The grant will be used to purchase components necessary to operate lift systems in our residential settings.  Lifts are used to move and position individuals who are considered medically fragile and ensure safety for both the member and staff.  

Altrusa International of Ames is an organization of service-minded, big-hearted people. They work to address needs in the community through grants and volunteer opportunities for their members.  For additional information on Altrusa, please visit: http://www.ames-altrusa.org/.

In order to create an environment where Mainstream Living employees are appropriately recognized for their contributions that reflect the mission, vision, values, and member-centered focus of the organization, we are pleased to announce our new Employee Recognition Program.  The program will offer monthly, quarterly, and annual awards.  Nominations may be submitted by peers, members/guardians, managers, or leaders within the organization.  Nominations are simple and can be submitted through our website by clicking here.  

Check out the latest edition of Mainstream Living's quarterly newsletter!

Here is the latest issue of the Mainstream Connection. The summer newsletter is in recognition of our values: integrity, innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect, and empowerment​.

Mainstream Living announced the promotion of Stuart Ambrose as Chief Financial Officer.

Mainstream Living has announced the promotion of Jon Zellweger as Chief Operating Officer.