Tennessee Community Organizations (TNCO) is a statewide trade association for service provider organizations that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Tennessee.
TNCO member organizations provide a full array of services such as residential, day and supported employment, to approximately 12,000 Tennesseans with disabilities. TNCO’s main purpose is to collaborate the efforts of our member agencies to ensure disabled Tennesseans receive quality services. We coordinate public relations activities such as conferences, educational training, networking and political advocacy opportunities.
Award #1: Community Leader of the Year
The nominee for this award will be selected for outstanding dedication and contribution to the improvement and expansion of community services for people with disabilities.
Awarded to:
Anna Cook, DNP, PMHNP-PC, CNS-BC
Owner of iMind Mental Health and Wellness
Nomination Narrative:
Dr. Anna Cook filled a huge gap for mental health services in Jackson and surrounding areas of West Tennessee by opening her own practice, earning her doctorate, and providing services that would often require travel to larger cities.
iMind Mental Health and Wellness provides a wide range of mental health services from assessments, diagnostic testing, counseling, treatment, and care with a person-centered approach.
Unfortunately, people who have a co-occurring diagnosis that includes intellectual disabilities are far too often overlooked or misunderstood. Anna and her team never hesitate to provide the utmost care and attention. They provide an extraordinary service to the community.
Award #2: Outstanding DSP West Region
(Each Regional winner will receive a $100 monetary award)
The nominee for this award must be an agency staff member who has provided exemplary support during the past 12 months to one or more people with a disability. The nominee should have exhibited compassion, initiative, ingenuity, or creativity and should have demonstrated professionalism.
Awarded to:
LaShun Woods
DSP – Jackson
Nomination Narrative:
LaShun Woods has worked with our agency for six years. The residents of her assigned home are employed during regular business hours, so LaShun gladly helps routinely in 4-5 other homes with a positive attitude by covering a shift, delivering meds or supplies, etc.
LaShun is the Residential Home Coordinator (RHC) at a tech-enabled home. LaShun helped them embrace the technology that extends their independence and has learned it herself. After the persons she supports return from work, she takes them to run errands, pick up supplies or whatever they need. The two staff she supervises respect LaShun and they work well together.
LaShun often provides Community Integration for two persons at another home because their third roommate can’t leave the house. She actively engages them in the community. She is well received by Persons Supported at any assignment. She is a loyal and hardworking team player.