Estate Plans

You’ve heard you need a will – here’s why… it’s either your will or the state’s rules.

A will is your opportunity to help the people and organizations that mean the most to you; to sort out your investments, real estate, and other property; and, to save taxes for your heirs. It’s the most important opportunity you will have to share your wishes with the world. On the other hand, without a will, your property will be taxed and distributed according to the rules and formulas of your state’s laws. Under that law, no provisions can be made to give extra assistance to family members in need; to share your interests and passions with friends who shared in your interests; or to make a gift to your favorite charity. Without a will, you cannot provide more or less to your spouse than what the law says. Without a will, the state will assign a guardian to care for your young children. They will be entitled to a share of your estate as soon as they turn 18, regardless of whether or not they can manage money.  A simple trust attached to your will could let you control how much your children receive; when they will receive it; and for what purposes.  Finally, with a will, you can direct money to your grandchildren or stepchildren, favorite charities, or assign a representative to your estate.

The good news is that there is still time to make sure your wishes will be taken into account – and it’s easy! Begin to make your plans today and then consult with an attorney to get the job done. You’ll experience real peace of mind when you’re done.  

Already have a will? Now is a good time to review it. Tax laws and family circumstances change. When you complete your will, we hope you include a bequest to Redwood. You’ll be building our financial strength and helping ensure Redwood is here for future children, adults, and families in need of our services.

For more information about wills in general and bequests for Redwood, contact Development at 859-331-0880.

Positive Behavior Supports

All Ages Learn More Functional Behaviors

The ability to behave appropriately, in any given situation, is the hallmark of personal development. It sets the stage for optimal learning, positive relationships, and ultimately a better quality of life.

As a group, individuals with disabilities are more likely to demonstrate behaviors that negatively impact learning and social interactions than their nondisabled peers. Some grab or push to tell you what they do or do not want. Others act out to get attention. Although a few have behavioral outbursts due to sensory overload, others bite because they crave sensory input. These behaviors, while challenging, typically serve some function for the individual.

What are Behavior Supports?

Behavior Supports determine the cause of an inappropriate behavior, and then provide the means to replace it with more functional and socially acceptable behavior.

The first step is a functional behavioral assessment. This systematic process, led by a Behavior Specialist, determines an individual’s strengths, problematic behavior, and environmental factors that may contribute to the behavior. Questions may be asked, such as, “When is the person most and least likely to display the behavior?” or “What function is the behavior serving?” The answers help the Behavior Specialist set up an appropriate behavior support plan.

A behavior support may be as simple as closing a shade so the sun is not in someone’s eyes, turning on calming music, redirecting the person away from a situation that causes an escalation of negative behavior, or changing the sequence of activities so the individual understands what is expected. It may be as complicated as a formal system of continuous and intermittent reinforcement of desired behavioral responses. The important thing is that the behavior support helps the person learn and use more functional behaviors.

A Positive Form of Intervention

Redwood began offering Behavior Supports in 2008 as a positive form of intervention for challenging behaviors. Since then, the agency has noted a 40% decrease in behavior incidents.

Shannon, an adult in the Work Activity Center, benefits from the Behavior Supports program. She is easily agitated, which interferes with her ability to focus on work and to maintain friendships. With the help of Behavior Supports, she continues to learn how to use self-calming and self-redirecting techniques to stay focused and friendly.

If you are living or working with a child or adult in need of Behavior Supports, Redwood can help. Just contact the behavior specialist at (859) 331-0880. Individuals do not have to attend Redwood to utilize this service.

Transforming Lives, Putting Ability First

People with disabilities comprise more than 600 million worldwide. While some are successfully employed and fully included in society, as a group, they face disproportionate poverty and unemployment.

National data verifies that individuals with disabilities are less likely to have access to education after high school, job training, and employment of any kind. When they do work, they are more likely to be underemployed, to earn less money, to experience less job security, and to have fewer chances for advancement.

Redwood is committed to changing these circumstances.

Employment Services provides a comprehensive range of services to help people gain and retain sustainable employment. It all starts with career exploration followed by skills training, job development, and coaching. Employment advocacy includes employer education, technical support, job carving, and other supports to enhance job retention. Redwood also offers a growing, internationally accredited Computer Learning Center that helps people develop transferable computer and employability skills before entering the job market.

In today’s global economy, managing diversity is a major factor in a company’s efficiency, productivity and overall business success. Many multinational companies and small and medium businesses alike have discovered the potential of people with disabilities to make significant contributions to the workplace. The Dupont Corporation was one of the first companies to measure the performance of its employees with disabilities. Dupont reported in the Equal to the Task II publication that its employees with disabilities performed on par or better than nondisabled staff with regard to attendance, safety, and overall job performance.

Your business can also realize these same positive benefits by working with Redwood’s Employment Services program.

Redwood’s current employer partners share the passion and commitment we have to make a real difference for individuals and communities through tailored, sustainable employment solutions. We are searching for more like-minded employers with which we can forge powerful and long-term partnerships. If you are of the same mind and represent a business, then we’d like to talk to you.

To partner or for more information about Employment Services, the Computer Learning Center or other services offered, contact Kristi Kinman at 859-331-0880 or kkinman@redwoodnky.org.

Redwood*ability Shines

Removing the Dis from Disability

The term Redwood*ability characterizes the enthusiasm, determination, and “can-do” attitude of Redwood’s children and adults who delight and inspire us as they reach new levels of independence.

Chase embodies Redwood*ability! He is a vibrant 4-year-old with a contagious smile and personality that quickly wins you over. He was not always like this; however, a rare chromosomal disorder—Trisomy 8 Mosaicism Syndrome—caused developmental delays and congenital kidney disease.

When Chase first enrolled in Therapeutic Child Care, he had a difficult time communicating his wants and needs. Limited motor skills inhibited his ability to use a spoon and to walk. Chase isolated himself from other children.

Through the collaborative and dedicated efforts of therapy and child care professionals, Chase gradually learned to overcome these challenges.

Chase’s verbal and sign language, fine motor skills, and ability to walk and run have dramatically improved! He now holds a spoon, snips with scissors, completes puzzles, and uses his fingers to independently complete other tasks. He eagerly participates in group activities with his friends and especially loves riding bikes and running in the Mini-Gym. Currently, Chase is learning to tie his shoes. Staff continually nurture and encourage Chase to achieve new developmental goals.

Chase has not let disability get in his way. Just like his smile, Redwood*ability shines in this little boy.

The phrase Redwood*ability has another meaning as well. It captures not only what we do, but how we do it…with compassion, respect, determination, adaptability, resourcefulness, and wise stewardship.

Chase’s successes, and those of children with even more serious disorders, have inspired Redwood to expand its services.

Redwood recently received a Certificate of Need from the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the establishment of Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC). A PPEC program provides up to 12 hours of daily care and skilled nursing services, while children experience the educational and “learning through play” opportunities healthy children enjoy.

Redwood is now preparing to complete building renovations required by PPEC regulations. When that work is done in late spring, the agency will apply for a PPEC license. By mid summer, more children may be discovering their own Redwood*ability as they benefit from PPEC, Therapeutic Child Care, and other educational and therapeutic services available at Redwood.

Your Help Is Needed

There are many ways that people support the success of the children and adults of Redwood.  Some volunteer or lend their expertise to committees.  Others attend events, donate items, or contribute financially to our mission.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your past support.  Through your kindness, over 700 people with disabilities are empowered to reach their highest potential and achieve the quality of life they deserve.  Their continued success is dependent on the ongoing support of our friends.  That is why Redwood reaches out to you and others on an annual basis. 

  Will you consider making a gift to benefit children and adults at Redwood?

Your support will help people like Jude, who has accessed many of the enriching educational, therapeutic, and vocational services offered by Redwood.   “Jude was born a healthy baby,” says Toni, his mom, “but at six months old, I noticed delays in his fine and gross motor skills.  Our good friend, Nancy White, a mutual friend of Al Wood, ordered us to Redwood.”

Redwood’s occupational and physical therapists got Jude moving, crawling, and sitting up.  As he grew older, more challenges emerged such as speech and hearing impairments.  New doctors and geneticists were consulted.

Redwood’s occupational and physical therapists got Jude moving, crawling, and sitting up.  As he grew older, more challenges emerged such as speech and hearing impairments.  New doctors and geneticists were consulted.

“No one could identify his disability,” says Toni, “but testing proved he was developmentally delayed.”  Jude underwent several ear surgeries, followed by reconstructive surgery on his throat muscles to repair velopharyngeal insufficiency.  At age 6, Jude chased a ball into the street and was hit by a car.  This trauma caused additional setbacks.  Throughout all this, Redwood remained a constant in Jude’s life.

“Therapy and Therapeutic Childcare helped get Jude going and helped us to help him,” says Toni.  These services also empowered Jude to explore personal interests such as drumming and playing the trumpet in the sixth grade band, as well as fishing, softball, basketball, bowling, football, and, his favorite, golf.  “Jude placed first in the Kentucky Special Olympics golf tournament, which qualified him for the National Games in Iowa.  Jude brought home a bronze medal for those efforts!” exclaims Toni.

Jude also benefited from Driver’s Permit Training and Summer Computer Camp.  “Having a driver’s license and owning his own computer have helped him gain much needed independence.  We can now plan for Jude’s future, where he is more independent and less reliant on us.  Redwood has made this possible” says Toni.

To further his capacity for independence, Jude enrolled in the Computer Learning Center and Employment Services, where he received vocational training and improved his interviewing skills.  Ultimately, Redwood hired Jude to work in Dietary Services.

“Jude is an outstanding, punctual employee who takes pride in his job,” says Diane, his supervisor.  “He has developed wonderful relationships with his workers and the people we serve.”

Now 22, Jude is experiencing the independence everyone deserves by earning his own paycheck and using it to improve his quality of life.  “We are grateful for the years of assistance and support Redwood has provided.  Redwood has a special place in our heart because of the differences it has made in so many lives.”

Please consider making a contribution now so that other children and adults, just like Jude, can benefit from the many programs and services offered by Redwood.  Your generosity can accomplish many things throughout an individual’s life:

• A $5,000 gift allows an adult with multiple disabilities to enroll in 11 months of workplace skill-building offered through the Computer Learning Center.

• A $2,500 gift allows seven adults with autism to benefit from Driver’s Permit Training.

• A $1,500 gift allows fifteen school-age children with Down syndrome to benefit from computer-based science, technology, and math instruction during six weeks of Summer Computer Camp.

• A $1,000 gift allows a toddler with epilepsy to participate in nine weeks of enriching educational activities provided through Therapeutic Childcare.

• A $500 gift allows a youth with cerebral palsy to receive twenty hours of speech, physical, or occupational therapy.

• A $100 gift allows an infant with spina bifida to receive four days of nursing services.

To make a secure donation, please visit Redwood’s website at www.redwoodnky.org and click on the red Donate Now button, or click here.  In addition, you can make donations over the phone by calling (859) 331-0880, ext. 297, or mailing checks to:

Redwood

71 Orphanage Road

Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017

On behalf of the children and adults who will benefit from your continued support, thank you!  We are fortunate to have you as a partner in our mission.

Sincerely,

Barbara Howard

Executive Director & CEO

PS- I apologize if you responded to previous letters before this email.  If you have not responded, please consider how your gift will benefit individuals like Jude.  Please give today!

Annual Campaign

Miracles are nothing more than making the impossible possible… and this is what’s at the heart of Redwood’s mission. Thanks to the generosity of others, an infant with a disability flourishes in an environment where he can interact with typical children. An adult is empowered through computer training that enables her to find a job and earn an income. These are just some of the impossible things becoming possible at Redwood on a daily basis. Your gift is especially needed at this moment, and will make miracles happen for many children and adults.

If you have not made a gift to the Annual Campaign or not yet received a letter, please consider making a gift today by visiting www.redwoodnky.org and clicking Donate Now.

Here are some examples of what your gift can do…

• A $2,500 donation allows ten children with Autism to learn daily living skills while attending Summer Respite for two weeks.

• A $1,500 donation allows four adults with developmental disabilities to maintain daily employment in the Work Activity Center for two weeks.

• A $1,000 donation allows four toddlers with special needs to learn self-help skills through four hours of developmental intervention.

• A $500 donation allows one child with spina bifida to receive nursing services for 20 days.

• A $250 donation allows three children with epilepsy to participate in five enriching after-school learning experiences.

• A $100 donation allows an adult with cerebral palsy to receive an hour of speech or occupational therapy with a focus on assistive technology.

April is National Volunteer Month

VOLUNTEER GROUPS!

Volunteers are magnificent! They provide the essential ingredients of time, diverse talents, and bountiful spirits to enrich the lives of others. In recent months, groups and individual volunteers provided music, art, dance, and horticulture programs. They conducted clothing drives and collected items on our wishlist.  Children and adults also benefited from a Wheelchair Wash from State Farm Insurance; new features and safe playground equipment from Fidelity Investments; and interactive murals from Ethicon Endo Surgery. Redwood maintained its “home-like” atmosphere inside and out thanks to volunteers from L’Oreal, Brown Macke College, Western Southern Financial Services, and Deloitte.  To find out ways that you or your work, church, or civic group can make an impact, contact Bridgette at (859) 331-0880.

Calling All Volunteers!

BRANCHING OUT 5K RUN/WALK - MAY 14, 2011

Ruddler & Associates and Republic Bank have united their volunteer talents to benefit the children and adults of Redwood through production of our very first 5K Run/Walk. Volunteers are needed at the event to assist with registration, and to cheer walkers and runners along the path and at the finish line.

LET’S EAT!

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are such an important part of everyone’s day.  Redwood’s Dietary Department provides nutritional and well balanced meals to over 250 children and adults each day. Please consider volunteering a few hours any morning to prepare food items, serve lunch, or operate the dishwasher. Your support will guarantee that meals are ready when needed!

KEEPIN’ IT CLEAN!

Volunteers can maintain a healthy learning environment for children and adults who are medically fragile through a special mission we like to call Operation:  No More Sniffles. The job is to battle common household germs and viruses by cleaning classrooms and program equipment with disinfecting wipes and a little elbow grease. This is a great activity for late afternoons or an occasional Saturday morning.

To learn more about these volunteer opportunities, or to design your own experience, contact Bridgette at (859) 331-0880 or visit www.redwoodnky.org, click on Helping Redwood.