Posts tagged northern kentucky
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!
Prospering through the power of work in Redwood’s Work Activity Center. Adults in this program rely on the partnership of community businesses in order to be gainfully employed. If your company might have contractual opportunities for our adults, contact John Dunn at (859) 331-0880.
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 Orientation soon put me at ease. The Community Outreach & Training Coordinator oozes enthusiasm. Her love for Redwood is contagious, especially on the tour as she kindly interacted with each group along the way. I found her cheerful and welcoming with her open office door a constant reminder that an answer to any question was always near.
On Mondays, I volunteered in the Work Activity Center. As I entered, I was met with the staff’s constant battle cry for their workers: “You can do it! You did it! You’re awesome!” The staff is so supportive of the participants and the faces of the clients show their pride in the achievements set before them. Some of the adults proudly showed me their hard work and were eager to explain the steps involved in their particular tasks. Faces beamed as each job was completed and tallies recorded of work well done! The Work Activity Center is a beautiful example of the dignity and value of every person! John was most gracious in welcoming me and involving me in ways that matched my skill set as a teacher. I was thankful for the opportunity to teach the States class on several occasions. John and the staff were so supportive as I took up the challenge of the virtual “road trip.” The clients were eager to learn and bubbling with excitement as each state was introduced. If only all students approached learning with such openness — a teacher’s dream! It was such a fun experience.
On Wednesday, I volunteered in the Nursery. The “superwomen” of the Nursery left me in awe. They lovingly care for the babies with such tenderness and aptitude that I was left humbled in their presence. The physicality and patience with which they approach the demands of caring for eight babies is remarkable. The babies are loved and nurtured with such depth that these ladies must truly recognize their role at Redwood not just as a job but a calling — a calling to bring up this next generation on a firm foundation of security, attachment, and love. It is a beautiful reflection of love incarnate!
On Fridays, I was welcomed into the world of “Toddler B.” Each Friday I left with the hugest smile on my face and giggle in my heart. Tammy and Ann have built such a fun wonderful learning experience firmly grounded in structure, loving guidance, and wide-eyed wonder. In the midst of comforting boo-boos and modeling peaceful, respectful interaction, these teachers lead the children through and exploration in the wonder and beauty of this world that helped kindle in me an appreciation of the often unnoticed miracles that quietly surround me.
I leave Redwood after this experience as one of your biggest fans. Your hard work for and steadfast dedication to the preservation of the dignity and value of each person matter age or circumstance is heroic. I applaud your effort and thank you for the opportunity to witness the fruit of your labor. May God bless you all abundantly in future endeavors.
With gratitude,
Dawn Messmer
Photojournalist 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.
This 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!
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 include birthday parties in our cafeteria with Bilz Insurance; classroom holiday parties with Tri-Beta volunteers; Kentucky Derby Day with P&G volunteers; and, the nearly 150 volunteers who made the Redwood Express such a phenomenal success. Branching Out 5K Walk/Run was a stellar volunteer-organized fundraiser, as was Night at the Races and a Bang Bang Night for Redwood. Redwood’s adult divisions competed in our own version of Summer Olympics, thanks to volunteer support from the Church of Latter Day Saints. It’s been a blessing to receive the support and kindness from 21 mission groups with Franciscan’s for the Poor, as it was to have groups like Ethicon Endo Surgery, Western Southern Financial, OPW a Dover Company, and Deliotte. Thanks to groups like these and others, Redwood’s campus maintained its colorful and “home-like” setting, welcoming hundreds of children and adults with special needs each day.
Volunteers create social, learning and service experiences that enhance the quality of life for hundreds of children and adults. I’m proud to say that Redwood has some of the best volunteers. We are so thankful for each and every one of you.
If you want to learn more about volunteering at Redwood, give me a call at (859) 331-0880, ext. 215 or send me an email at bhightower@redwoodnky.org.
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 program, the Work Activity Center, works hand in hand with community businesses to provide subcontract jobs that teach and develop work skills through paid work opportunities. Wages for work performed are based on the adult’s productivity and commensurate wage rates, in compliance with the Special Minimum Wage Certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Conducting time studies with a stopwatch to determine piece-rate pay is a complicated process that can lead to errors. That is why we were so excited to learn about MODAPTS some years ago.
MODAPTS is a third generation predetermined time system used to calculate reliable production standards, improve an organization’s productivity, analyze departmental efficiency, and improve employee relations. It is a solutions oriented approach to im
proving methods used to complete work-related tasks.
Redwood has found the MODATPS system easy to learn and apply. Within the Work Activity Center, it has already resulted in efficient,
reliable time studies and calculation of reliable production standards. By removing the stopwatch from the equation, employee relations within the Work Activity Center have also improved.
The application of MODAPTS required some training, but employees have ranked it one of the best they have attended. We believe it will continue to benefit Redwood and those we serve for years to come.
