ECF Choices is a new program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that will be introduced in the State of Tennessee on July 1st, 2016. A few points outlining these new waiver services is below. Please contact us should you have any questions about the new ECF Choices program, or any other programs of Progress at 615-399-3000.

• The name of the new Medicaid Waiver programs is ECF Choices.  ECF stands for Employment and Community First.  These Waiver programs are for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who currently do not receive services.
• These programs will not affect anyone who is already getting services, or their staff, but there will be changes in how we deliver new services.  For example, we don’t currently provide personal assistance, but this will be a more needed service in the new programs and will be more adequately reimbursed so we can afford to provide it.
• ECF Choices will be managed by Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), starting with Amerigroup and Blue Care.
• ECF Choices will be the only programs offered after July 1, unless for some reason the start date gets delayed.  The Waiver programs that we know now will be closed to new participants.
• ECF Choices will have three different programs: one for people who live at home and need fewer services (low cost), one for people who need primarily employment and other non 24 hr. services (mid range cost and the program that will be most emphasized), and one for people who have more complex needs and may need 24 hour services (highest cost).
• The system as a whole will provide far fewer 24 hr. services.  This is a national trend.
• The system as a whole will emphasize employment, employment, employment!
• DIDD will have a diminished role in the new programs; they will continue to provide licensure functions, quality assurance, protection from harm, and some intake.

 
More to come; stay tuned!

Donna Goodaker
Executive Director

Smart Supplies was recently featured in a Pay it Forward segment on WSMV Channel 4 News in Nashville! Reporter Terry Bulger covered the story and spent time at the store interviewing staff, customers and artists. This is a great segment about Smart Supplies, and we are thrilled with the opportunity to share our mission with the community. Click below to watch the video.

​It takes a special kind of person to work with people with intellectual disabilities, and Progress employs some of the best in the business. One of these employees is Ron Houston, who has been the Day Program Manager at Progress for nine years. Ron is hard working, down to earth, and is quick to laugh at any joke thrown his way. He manages a variety of aspects of the day program, and overall ensures that staff and clients are successfully participating in community activities throughout the day. He considers the many clients of Progress his friends, and when asked what he likes most about his job, he explains that it’s “being able to interact with the clients and meeting their needs” that brings him the most joy in a day.

Staff have admired his tenacity and devotion to the clients for many years, as he is often the first to be recommended for awards nominations or employee accolades.  One staff member shared the following:
 
“Ron is one of those managers that rarely misses a day of work, even when he sick. He arrives very early every morning to get extra work done so he can focus on each individual and their needs once they arrive to the day program. He is always client focused when it comes to the individual’s needs. He works hard to ensure that the staff he hires will be compatible with the individual’s needs and personality. He is constantly juggling many roles here at Progress and does each with professional attitude. If you ever walk into the day program it is clear to see that the individuals and all the staff, pretty much everyone just “loves” Ron. He gives those who need attention his time and listens when there are any concerns. He is an outstanding manager and truly has a heart for the work that he does.”
 
Progress is incredibly grateful for Ron and all that he does. For more information about Progress or the programs and services provided, please contact us at 615-399-3000 or visit www.Progress-Inc.org

California Closets and 94 FM The Fish hosted an evening of fashion and fun in support of Project SEARCH and Autism Speaks on Saturday, April 2nd at California Closets in Franklin. The event featured live performances by Jaci Velasquez & Nic Gonzales and blue runway fashion show displaying evening wear designed by Project Runway’s Jonathan Kayne, modeled by Project SEARCH graduates.

The event kicked off a month-long promotion at California Closets, during which a percentage of profits in April will be donated to Project SEARCH. Additionally, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop has chosen Project SEARCH for their “Pie It Forward” program for the month of April. Proceeds from the pie of the month Chewy Chocolate Chip will be donated to the Project SEARCH program.

Project SEARCH at Vanderbilt is a program facilitated by Progress.  Project SEARCH is a 9 month internship for people with disabilities which focuses on a rotation of various jobs throughout the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt University Medical Center as well as classroom training.  The internship does not guarantee job placement, but rather provides hands-on training and experience in various positions.  There are over 40 past interns (graduates) currently employed within the Vanderbilt system. This program has had many success stories and equips participants with the tools needed for workplace success. Progress has been a leader in serving people with intellectual disabilities for over 40 years through a variety of services designed to assist individuals in living healthy, happy and safe lives.

Progress is extremely grateful for the support of California Closets, 94 FM The Fish and Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop for coordinating this fundraiser. The event was an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about Project SEARCH and its many success stories.  For more information about Project SEARCH please contact Pam Hollingsworth at 615-577-4721 or email P.Hollingsworth@Progress-Inc.org