? Happy New Year!! ?

We’re excited about all that is coming up for us in 2019! To start the year off right, we’re celebrating Johnny’s success in his job with a new story in our Supported Employment Spotlight.

Johnny has an infectious attitude that is a fantastic example for the others who work around him. He appreciates the opportunity to work and make money and he has a lot of pride in the work he does. Read his story here.

MHDS Award Recipients

It’s always exciting when people associated with MHDS get recognition! Each year, TNCO (Tennessee Community Organizations) holds an awards ceremony to recognize achievements and accomplishments of service organizations, their employees and volunteers, and their persons supported.

This year, we have two award recipients – one person supported and one employee!

William McClellan received the “Individual Achievement for Persons Supported – West Region” award for his hard work and success at his job at Old Hatchie Veterinary Clinic in Bolivar. William has been working through the emotional toll that the recent loss of his sister has had on him, but has been working hard to thrive in his job.

William’s employer, Dr. Frank Wilhite, is highly impressed with the work William does at the clinic, and William has a lot to be proud of. Mr. Wilhite tells us, “William is a true asset and we’re glad that he’s here.” William is also currently enjoying being in the spotlight this month in our Supported Employment Spotlight.

Donna Staten, who has been a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for MHDS for the past 3 years, won the “Outstanding Direct Support Professional – West Region” award by always going above and beyond the call of duties that fall under the title of DSP. Donna truly cares for the persons she has supported during her tenure at MHDS, and she shows this by going out of her way to keep her persons supported comfortable during emotionally trying times, as well as being personally connected to the family members of the persons supported as well.

She goes out of her way to make sure each person she supports, and their families, know that they are truly cared for and what they need and want are important to her. Donna is a true asset to MHDS.

See pictures below of the recipients at the awards ceremony.

We have a new success story in our Supported Employment Spotlight!

We love updating our Supported Employment Spotlight! It’s a great chance for you to learn how persons with differing abilities could help your organization, and it’s fun to toot the horn of someone doing a fantastic job!

This month we’re celebrating William’s success at the Old Hatchie Veterinary Clinic in Bolivar. Click here to read his story.

We have a new success story in our Supported Employment Spotlight!

Read about Dan’s new job and how he’s finding success and fulfillment. Not only is Dan enjoying himself, his supervisors are happy to find a helper in Dan. Read his story and cheer on his success!

Click here to read his story and cheer on his success!

We have a new success story in our Supported Employment Spotlight!

Read about Flo’s success after her sheltered workshop employment ended, which was an uneasy time for her. She has since found a place to thrive and we’re excited to share Flo’s story!

Click here to read about what Flo is up to these days.

At work with supervisor, Maria Howell

Join us for a Job Fair on Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm! (Click here to see the flyer)

As an expression of our appreciation for the Tennessee Legislature voting a funding increase specifically intended to increase DSP wages, we offer this video of gratitude.  Many lives and livelihoods are positively impacted and we are truly thankful.

We have a new success story in our Supported Employment Spotlight! Zacch has found success and fulfillment at his job with Zaxby’s and his supervisor values his contributions to their team. Read his story here!

Don’t Forget! The Annual Bob Brown Memorial Golf Scramble is Coming Up!

We’ll be holding the 14th Annual Bob Brown Memorial Golf Scramble fundraiser on Friday, September 21, 2018! Click here to download the brochure and sign-up form. We hope to see you on the course!