Q4 Happenings Around MHDS

 

Congratulations to LaShasta Owens!!

LaShasta Owens
2020 ECF (Employment & Community First) Choices Direct Support Professionals Awards
Winner in Two Categories
West Tennessee Community Connector  –  Tennessee’s Rising Star

This annual event honors excellence among DSP’s across the state who are nominated based upon their merit in performing the responsibilities of their position.  More than 30 nominations were made from agencies across the state.  Six regional winners were selected in two service categories.  LaShasta was recognized first as the West Tennessee Community Connector which made her eligible to receive the Tennessee’s Rising Star award.

Amy Curtis, Director of Residential Services, nominated LaShasta.  You can read her submitted nomination below.  We think it will help you understand why LaShasta was nominated and recognized for her efforts.

In June of this year, one of our ECF participants, Amber, had a life-changing situation develop quickly.  Amber’s mom could not be home to take care of Amber so she requested emergency respite care for Amber for 2 weeks.

Amber is 26 years old and had never been away from the family home except for a few hours.  When she arrived at the respite home, she was so scared she would not shower and waited until someone took her to her family home.  Even though Amber was reluctant to be open to them, all staff and housemates made an extra effort to make Amber feel welcomed.  One Residential Home Coordinator (DSP) in particular, LaShasta Owens, really made a connection with Amber.  After returning from her family home, Amber began to make sure LaShasta and one particular housemate knew she’d returned.  Over Amber’s two weeks of respite, LaShasta continued to reassure Amber that she was with people who cared about her and she would be okay.

As the two weeks came to a close, Amber expected to return to the family home.  Instead, Amber’s mom informed her that she would be moving permanently into Community Living.  Amber was broken-hearted and begged her mom to let her come home.  LaShasta was with her in the meeting and seeing her distress asked if they could be excused from the meeting for her to help her calm down.  LaShasta helped Amber regain her composure and continued to reassure her that all her staff would be there for her and help her create a new and independent life.

In the following months, LaShasta made reassuring and building up Amber’s confidence a priority.  Amber was not seeing or hearing from her mom as often as she wanted and that made her anxiety difficult to manage.  LaShasta and other staff made an extra effort to provide her all the attention she needed.  After realizing Amber could not read or write well, LaShasta began tutoring her.  Amber makes a card every day while practicing her skills and gives it to LaShasta signing her name and “I love you.”  A housemate was gravely ill over the summer.  Amber followed LaShasta’s nurturing example and became a great comfort to her new friend in the final weeks of her life.

While LaShasta was helping Amber transition to her new life, she was facing life-changing issues of her own.  LaShasta’s mother passed away from COVID complications after a 3-week fight.  Then her father passed from an extended battle with cancer a few weeks later.  Even in the midst of her own personal grief, LaShasta gave Amber her personal phone number and made sure to talk to her any time she needed her during her time off from work to be with her own family.

Amber’s adjustment to CLS took 4-5 months during a time of personal stress for LaShasta.  Through it all, LaShasta was Amber’s constant in her emotional upheaval.  LaShasta gave above and beyond the expectations of her job to make sure Amber felt her strength and confidence in the life that awaited her.  She continues to do that and it is evident to everyone how it has bonded them.

LaShasta’s personal circumstances would have given her the chance to walk away from a difficult situation with Amber without anyone questioning why she did.  But she knew how devastated Amber was and how much she needed someone in her corner who was all in.  LaShasta recognized that Amber needed her to be that lighthouse in the storm she was going through.  So she did what great DSP’s do and put her person supported above her own needs.  It has paid off great dividends.  Amber has blossomed in her new life and we all know who we have to thank for that.

Thank you, LaShasta for your dedication to your chosen profession.  We are so proud of you and thankful to have you on the MHDS team!

 

TNCO Tribute Awards Given to Two Local Politicians

The Tennessee Community Organizations (TNCO) recognized Sen. Ed Jackson, (R-Jackson), and Representative Johnny Shaw, (D-Bolivar), as recipients of its 2020 Tribute Award in October.

TNCO is a statewide trade association for service provider organizations that support Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

MHDS Executive Director and Past President of TNCO remarked about the contributions of this years’ winners.

“Sen. Jackson is a true friend and supporter of TNCO and its members. During his legislative tenure, he has been a determined crusader for us furthering our efforts in obtaining better lives for Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and helping to secure higher wages for our frontline staff.

Rep. Shaw has worked diligently for many years with TNCO to further our efforts in obtaining better lives for Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to secure higher wages for our frontline staff as well. We are so pleased to honor Sen. Jackson and Rep. Shaw with our Tribute Award, a commendation showing TNCO’s most sincere appreciation for all of their support during their years in office.”

Jack and Jill of America, Jackson Chapter

Makes Sock Donation

Since 1938, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. has strived to “create a medium of contact for children which will stimulate growth and development and provide children constructive educational, cultural, civic, health, recreational and social programs”. That focus was on full display as the local Jackson Chapter lead by President, Wendy Braxter-Rhyne and participating children and adult leaders provided over 150 pairs of socks for persons supported by our agency. Senator Ed Jackson helped us accept their donation and express our gratitude for their efforts. Thank you so much for thinking of us!