May 2013
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Toyota Production System
The Toyota Production System (TPS) is a management philosophy for streamlining work processes to preserve resources and eliminate waste as a means of creating value for the customer. When Toyota offered Redwood the opportunity to implement TPS, we jumped at the chance. Special thanks to our good friends at Toyota for helping us improve our work processes.
April 2013
3 posts
A Community that Works Together
A community that works together, stays together. For 60 years, passionate people have donated time to Redwood in miraculous ways. Our giving volunteers contribute to Redwood’s vibrant campus, clean and colorful classrooms, and exciting fundraising events. They celebrate birthdays, and research and construct new playgrounds, like the new toddler playground completed last year! Special thanks to...
Equal Opportunities for All
DHL Helps Adults Soar
DHL is committed to providing equal opportunities for all. To that end, DHL Express has entered into a unique partnership with Redwood to employ up to 40 individuals with severe disabilities.
How it all began
Redwood was initially contacted in 2011 by DHL’s upper management about this partnership opportunity. Subsequently, DHL and Redwood staff toured each facility,...
Independent Living
An important aspect of independence is the ability to complete essential tasks, such as preparing meals, washing dishes, doing laundry, or simply relaxing on the couch with a good book. Children and adults can now practice these tasks through the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Room. This interactive learning environment features a working kitchen, laundry center, living room, and library where...
March 2013
1 post
Adult Services
The Work Activity Center recently partnered with Chef Dennis Umburg for a restaurant simulation event. Chef Umburg worked with a group of eight adults to prepare, cook, and serve a spaghetti luncheon to everyone in the Work Activity Center program.
The event gave adults the full restaurant experience, from cooking with a chef and serving meals, to selecting items from a menu and paying a cashier...
November 2012
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Tips on Effectively Using Volunteers
Tips for Effectively Utilizing Volunteers:
Volunteers are never to be left alone with a child or adult
Volunteers are told not to bring any outside food into program areas. As a role model, please follow the same policy
Volunteers are not permitted to administer medication, provide personal care, or feed any individual (unless they are CPR Certified and specifically trained to feed a...
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“Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee...”
– Mary Kay Ash
October 2012
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George Clooney Takes Aspiring Actor with Cerebral... →
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Physical Therapy Month
Did you know October is Physical Therapy Month? The goal of physical therapy, a service that Redwood proudly provides, is the (re)training of the body to do functional activities to the best of its ability. The physical therapist examines, evaluates, and develops treatment plans and treats patients who have conditions that affect an individual’s ability to move freely without pain.
Happy Physical...
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August 2012
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United Way Bold Goals
Redwood is proud to be a part of bringing our region together to create lasting change in the building blocks for a better life — education, income, and health. The Bold Goals awareness campaign is about how we achieve this and how we build a stronger community. You can help drive change by donating your time, resources, or simply sharing your story.
Every action counts.
Redwood is one...
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Vote for Redwood! →
We’re participating in a competition from Safeco and could use your help! Now through July 27, you can vote for Redwood in Safeco’s Make More Happen competition. The top four vote getters will win $7,500. You can vote once every 24-hours on your smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, etc. Voting resets after 24 hours so that you can vote again. Please spread the word! Thank...
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Estate tax law uncertainty: Keeping your plan on...
During these uncertain times, it’s also important to regularly review your estate plan.
If Congress allows current rates and exemptions to expire at the end of 2012 as scheduled, your family could lose significant amounts of wealth to gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) taxes. But Congress may extend current exemptions and rates or take other action.
Because of this uncertainty...
July 2012
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Let's Go Krogering! →
Redwood is now enrolled in the Kroger Community Rewards Program! By shopping at Kroger and using your Kroger Plus Card, a portion of your grocery bill can benefit our children & adults!
To register, visit the Kroger site (click the above title) and register your card. You can search for Redwood by name, zip code, or our organization number: 83036. Thanks!
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June 2012
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Walgreens Launches National Initiative to Create...
In a May 14, 2102 press release issued in the Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch, Walgreen has announced the launch of its national Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative (REDI). The in-store training program helps people with disabilities gain retail and customer service skills, and works closely with community organizations and providers. A similar initiative at Walgreens distribution...
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Bridgette's Blog: Tips for Lone Workers in the... →
Our friends at the Mandt System have begun a monthly blog site for instructors and certified staff to refer to for valuable resources in the field of human services. Their first blog entry can be viewed on their website by clicking on the above title.
Of course, it follows right along the lines of everything we teach and believe in here at Redwood, and so I thought it would be worth sharing.
May 2012
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Redwood: Best of NKY →
Redwood has been nominated for the Best of Northern Kentucky in two, yes, TWO, categories: Best preschool program and best charitable race, our Branching Out for Redwood 5K. If you’re going to be at the event on Thursday, please stop by our booth and vote for Redwood!
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The Power of the Written Word to Change Lives
Imagine a world without books. Now imagine a world filled with books that you can’t read or understand. This is a circumstance that many adults—with and without disabilities—experience to some degree.
Scott is a case in point. He was good at connecting letters into words and words into sentences, but he knew that he wasn’t fully understanding the meaning of words or extracting useful content from...
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From a Volunteer...
When I decided to volunteer this year as part of my personal Lenten experience, I thought of it as a great gift, but little did I know that I would be gifted far more in return. Redwood has left an indelible mark on my heart and I am most grateful for the lessons learned and memories I will always treasure.
To be honest, I entered the process with a little fear and trepidation, but the Volunteer...
April 2012
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WatchPhotojournalist Rachel Martin came by Redwood to showcase some of the children and adults’ stories. She did a great job capturing how people with disabilities are no different from you and I. We all have hopes, wishes, desires, and fears.
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WatchThis is a special tribute to all of the individuals and groups who support Redwood through clothing drives, gardening, wheelchair washes, one-on-one delivery of our mission, and every other volunteer opportunity you can imagine. Each of you is fantastic and we cannot possibly thank you enough. Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week!
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Bridgette's Blog
It’s been nearly 2 years since I transitioned into the role as Community Outreach Coordinator. One of many reasons I enjoy this position so much is that I have the opportunity to introduce incredibly dedicated and creative volunteers to some of my “favorite people on the planet,” building activities and experiences that benefit everyone.
A few of my favorite highlights of the year...
March 2012
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New Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC)...
Redwood is excited to announce its newest program: Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC). PPEC is a day treatment program managed and staffed by skilled nursing and healthcare professionals trained to care for children with chronic medical conditions in a safe, caring, and developmentally stimulating environment.
The program, being piloted now as required by the Office of Inspector General,...
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MODAPTS is a Winner at Redwood
Redwood guides children and adults with severe and multiple disabilities to achieve independence and reach their highest potential throughout their lives, by providing enriching educational, therapeutic, and vocational services. Redwood’s Workforce Success division offers a comprehensive mix of vocational training to help adults with disabilities prosper through the power of work.
One...
February 2012
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ReelAbilities Film Festival Makes Impact
How often have you seen someone in a crowd politely look away from a person with disabilities? Since 2007 The New York ReelAbilities Film Festival has invited us to really look and see individuals with disabilities for who they are – people. People with real hopes and real dreams.
The Saul Schottenstein Foundation B and ReelAbilites initiated a program that traveled to cities across the United...
December 2011
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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,...
November 2011
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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...
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Redwood's Gets Some National Coverage, Thanks to... →
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October 2011
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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...
September 2011
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Redwood's Annual Report is Hot Off the Presses! →
July 2011
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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...
May 2011
2 posts
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...
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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...
April 2011
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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...
March 2011
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“I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that...”
– ~ Booker T. Washington
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Department News
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
All parents want their children to become successful, caring adults. Service-learning projects are a wonderful way to teach children the importance of helping others and giving back. Service learning also helps kids, especially kids with special needs, to develop empathy and responsibility, communication skills, self esteem, and community connectedness. Youth enrolled in the...
February 2011
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New Accreditation
The Computer Learning Center was awarded three-year accreditation from the international Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. CARF said, “This achievement is an indication of Redwood’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of persons served. Services, personnel, and documentation clearly indicate an established practice of excellence.”
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New Opportunities for Young Adults
Most kids wonder what it is like to be a grown up. For those of us who are, we know it does not happen overnight. It takes years to make the transition from the carefree days of childhood to the time when we fully develop into mature, self-sufficient adults.
This transition begins during the wonder years of young adulthood. It is a time of growth, increasing responsibilities, new experiences,...
January 2011
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Prep for Preschool, by Charlotte Russe
You may be lucky enough to have a spot for your child at the #1 preschool in town, but will he be ready when the time comes? And, what exactly does “ready” mean today?
For tots on the verge of preschool, it’s helpful to know that much of the preschool experience is about learning how to cooperate and coexist with other kids. To help prepare your child, look for opportunities for her...
December 2010
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IEPs: Advocate for Your Child's Education
Credit: Carol Brzozowski
There are now more than five million children in the United States with disabilities. If you are the parent of one of those children, efforts to meet your child’s educational needs can be filled with pain, frustration and confusion. But there are resources available to help you understand special education law, identify a child’s needs, prepare for meetings with...
November 2010
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Commemorating Twenty Years of ADA →
October 2010
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Individuals with Disabilities May be Eligible for... →
