Second Quarter Edition

BOST, INC.
PROGRESS REPORT
June 2015
On May 5, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) recognized Diane Ragsdale of Bost, Inc. in Russellville as the 2015 Direct Support Professional of the Year for Arkansas. “We at Bost, Inc. are proud of Diane Ragsdale. The award shows the dedication Diane has to support people with disabilities and rePlects the quality of services provided by Bost, Inc.,” said Kent Jones, Executive Director. “The award was presented at the 2015 ANCOR Annual Conference: Ignite! in Arlington, VA.” Diane was nominated by her supervisor, Waiver Senior Coordinator, Matthew Perry of Bost, Inc.’s Russellville Waiver ofPice. She has worked with LaVonna Wellborn for six years. Her attention to detail and structure has positively transformed LaVonna’s behavior and psychological stability. Recently, Diane and LaVonna spent many hours locating land, helping with construction, and Pinishing a self-­‐help home. Since LaVonna moved in, Diane has personalized a maintenance schedule to keep the home in top shape. She has helped LaVonna create and implement a shopping and inventory system so they can inventory toiletries, canned foods, perishable items, and household items on a weekly basis. This inventory is documented and used in creating a weekly shopping list. Though this sounds very simple, due to LaVonna’s unique behaviors, this is a great task that has had an enormous effect on her behavioral health. Diane also has helped create a system of storage and organization with plastic bins to facilitate the task of reducing clutter within LaVonna’s living area. In the six years that Diane has served LaVonna, they have developed a “sister-­‐like” relationship. Diane helps guide LaVonna in the right direction while also encouraging her to make choices on her own. Diane has earned an amazing amount of trust from LaVonna. This trust has had a positive inPluence on LaVonna’s behavior and mentality leading to a more stable and healthy lifestyle both physically and psychologically. Since the very Pirst time they met, Diane's positive values, morals, ethics, and willingness to help at all costs have molded and solidiPied their relationship. This has inPluenced a positive transformation toward LaVonna’s future and independence. Diane has volunteered for Special Olympics coaching LaVonna into a top Pinish in Bocce Ball. Diane also advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities to maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise. Diane has helped develop a speciPic diet plan and from that assistance and encouragement, LaVonna lost over eighty pounds and has kept it off. Diane also goes to the gym with LaVonna several days per week after working with LaVonna in a supportive employment program. Diane encourages LaVonna to make choices based on her own morality and values. Diane maintains constant communication with the treatment team and the supervisor. Diane maintains integrity and professionalism at all times and has demonstrated this throughout all the changes that have taken place. She has the ability to assert her thought and opinions in a professional manner and is always considerate of what is in LaVonna’s best interest. Diane is always on time, is meticulous in documentation, and maintains all of her training and certiPications. She is certiPied in CPR, First aid, and Infant CPR, as well as Personal Care. Diane received the honor of Bost South Central Employee of the month in 2013. In 2014 she received an All-­‐Star award for her top-­‐notch job performance. Diane exceeds expectations in all areas of her job.
www.bost.org
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Grape Escapes, A Vine Affair
Bost’s 13th Annual Grape Escapes Fundraiser was held at 6:00 pm, Friday, March 6 at the Holiday Inn City Center. Our cocktail style, signature fundraiser was truly an evening full of Pine wine, delicious food and incredible escapes! Guests had the opportunity to sample over 350 wines from around the world and enjoy hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants and caterers. This year’s entertainment included The Don Bailey Jazz Combo and Fort Smith Native Jonathan Karrant. All proceeds went to Bost to help fund classroom supplies, our Pleet of vans, and facilities maintenance -­‐ all of which is non-­‐government subsidized. Bost serves over 1,000 individuals with mental, physical, and developmental disabilities in 28 counties in Arkansas, with the majority of individuals located in Sebastian and Crawford Counties. This event would not have been possible without the help of our sponsors, vendors, guests, chairman, volunteers, emcee, auctioneer, and committee members. From event preparations, to the live auction, to the clean up, everyone involved made this event a success. Bost is thankful to have such a large group of people who, not only support what the organization does today, but also supports what the organization can do in the future. We are thankful for the support and generosity and cannot wait to see what next year’s 14th Annual Grape Escapes has in store. Thank you to our following sponsors and vendors for their commitment to and support of Bost: Premiere Partners: BKD Foundation, Alpha Packaging, Inc., Regions Bank, Sparks Health System, Business Insurance Consultants Corporate Partners: BHC, Gallagher & Co., Mercy, New Prospect Company, Junior Civic League
Community Partners: ACEC, AT&T, First National Bank Family Partners: ACCOUNT Management, Bank of The Ozarks, Little, Shaneyfelt, Marshall & Co. The Swaim Family, Valley Behavioral Health System, Yaffee Iron & Metal Corporation
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Friends of Bost: AOG, Architecture Plus, Arvest, Bob & Jan Cooper, The Donaubauer Group of Raymond James, Forsgren, Inc., Johnson Dermatology, Myra & Jim Dennis, Preferred OfPice Products, Inc., Tankersley Food Services, Walther Arms, Inc., Williams -­‐ Crawford & Associates In-­‐Kind Partners: Allyn & Janice Donaubauer, Ashley & John Rausch, Baldor Electric Co., Brenda & Anthony Altman, Caroline & Bob Cooper, Chuck Fawcett Realty, Caroline & Bob Cooper, Clearchannel Outdoor, Collections Floral, Davis Iron & Metal, FFO Home, Funky Memories Photobooth, John Mays Jewelers, Sandy & Ken Pyle, KFSM Channel 5, Matlock Media Group, Marvin Altman Fitness Center, Mercy Fitness Center, Tim Dunn, WACO Title Co., Bedford Camera and Video, Mr. & Mrs. Greg Nichols, WORKSOURCE, C & J Forms & Label, Bost Board of Trustees, Cheers Liquor, Fort Smith Athletic Club, River City Realty, LLC, Holiday Inn City Center, Jerry Simmons, Lady Jane Cohen, Liquor Mart, Superior Linen Services, LLC Participating Wine Vendors: Central Distributors, Moon Distributors, Custom Beverage, Wiederkerh Wine Cellars, Glidewell Distributing, Diamond Beverage, Dionysus Wine & Brew, Keels Creek Winery, Glazer’s Distrtibutors of Arkansas, Post Familie Vineyards & Winery, Shamrock Liquor Warehouse Participating Food Vendors: Beland Manor, Bricktown Brewery, Chili's, Confectionately Yours, Golden Corral, Harps, Hooters, Kopper Kettle Candies, movielounge/Starlight Celebrations and Events, Panera Bread, Papa's Pub & Pizzaria, Red Lobster, Shorty's Tamales, Sweet Bay Coffee Co. We at Bost truly appreciate all of the businesses and individuals who helped us raise over $100,000 at Grape Escapes. If we have inadvertently left anybody off of our thank you list, please call it to our attention by calling 479-­‐478-­‐5556. This event would not be possible without our tremendously generous community. Thank you!
www.bost.org
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Have the Grace to Keep Trying
We are all familiar with the old proverb, “If at Pirst you don’t succeed, try, try again.” We can all picture The Little Engine That Could repeating, “I think I can, I think I can…” or even imagine the moral of Aesop’s fable from The Tortoise and the Hare that “slow and steady wins the race.” In some way, each of these is appropriate to describe Bost, Inc. Children’s Services employee, Grace Ahne. Grace began working as a certiPied teacher for Bost, Inc. in 2004. Part of the requirement for working as a certiPied teacher in Children’s Services is obtaining a teaching endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education, which involves completing a speciPic set of college classes, then taking and passing the Praxis Assessment, a national standardized test all teachers must take. By 2010, Grace completed the college course work required to obtain her teaching credential in Early Childhood Special Education. She made all A’s in her courses and took the test but had difPiculty making the required passing score. According to the Arkansas Department of Education, by 2010 Grace’s time had expired for passing the test, and the Department of Education did not allow her to continue working as a certiPied teacher for Bost. However, this did not stop Grace. She continued working in Children’s Services as a Classroom Development Aide (CDA). She asked Ferba O’Kelley, Bost Inc’s Early Childhood Education Coordinator, to tutor her and help prepare her for the test. She studied any time she had an opportunity and kept taking the Praxis Assessment, over and over again. Every time she took the test, her score improved. She continued to get closer and closer to passing: 11 points away, then seven points away, then four points away. She continued with her tutoring. She continued taking practice exams. She continued studying. On Friday 19 December 2014, Grace took the Praxis Assessment again. She took the test, which by now had gone from being a pencil-­‐and-­‐paper test to a test taken on the computer. At the end of the computer test, she was given a preliminary score stating she had earned enough points, that she had a passing score for the state of Arkansas. Grace completed all requirements to have the Early Childhood Special Education endorsement added to her Arkansas State Teaching CertiPication. By the end of January 2015, she received her updated teaching certiPicate, showing she is now fully certiPied to teach Early Childhood Special Education. A posting went up for a certiPied teacher in Fort Smith. Grace applied for the job. When the job posting was completed, she was offered and accepted the position as a certiPied teacher in Fort Smith. On Monday 30 March 2015, Grace started her Pirst day as an Early Childhood Special Educator, a certiPied teacher, in Children’s Services at Bost. After being hired 11 years ago as a certiPied teacher and four and half years after the Arkansas Department of Education stated that Grace was ineligible to continue working as a certiPied teacher at Bost, she is now once again in the position of being a certiPied teacher at Bost, Inc, fully licensed and certiPied to teach Early Childhood Special Education. No one has worked harder for an opportunity to be a teacher; Grace has earned it. If you want to know what it feels like to “try, try again,” talk to Grace. She never gave up, never gave in, and never let go. She will tell you that this is probably the hardest thing she has ever done. She will also tell you that she will never have to take that test again. www.bost.org
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Success In Dardanelle!
Ronald Carson began at the Bost, Inc. Adult Development Center in Dardanelle right after it opened. He expressed an interested in bettering his counting skills, but was often frustrated because he couldn’t retain what he learned. Lesa Pitts worked with him in the classroom on counting and helped to motivate him and she has seen so much improvement in his skills! It was a huge help when the Dardanelle location began participating in the sub-­‐assembly work, previously only available in Fort Smith. He builds the boxes and counts items out, rarely making mistakes. The work program helps him use the skills daily that he was so eager to learn. Ronald has also been selected as a torch-­‐runner for this year’s Special Olympic Games!
Addison was not a happy girl when she began coming to Bost and she would let her teachers know by crying most of the day. It took her less than two weeks to become accustomed to her class and being around her classmates. Addison now speaks very clearly as she counts to 10, sings the days of the week, and names everyone in her class. Addison also knows all the songs they sing in class and knows what sounds all the animals make. Ms. Michelle couldn’t be more pleased with Addison’s progress!
When Nora Pirst came to Bost, Inc. Dardanelle Hand in Hand, she was very quiet, withdrawn, and didn’t want to be around her classmates. After spending time with her teachers and other children her age, Nora has really come out of her shell! She is far more social with her peers now and she likes to help her teachers by doing “chores” around the class. Her Pine-­‐motor skills have improved as evidenced by improved self feeding and eating. Ms. Kandy and Ms. Candy are so proud of how far Nora has come. We can‘t wait to see what the future has in store for her!
www.bost.org
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Also Nominated
Cheryl Guillory
Cheryl Guillory was nominated as ANCOR 2015 DSP of the Year by Coordination Supervisor, Renee Self. Cheryl was not selected this year, but still deserves recognition for her outstanding service. Cheryl has constantly worked at improving the daily lives of those she serves, whether it is organizing trips to local events, helping to Pind housing or helping with adjusting to new environments. She has often gone above and beyond, recently during poor weather conditions, to ensure safety and well being of individuals served. Cheryl has developed strong relationships with those she serves by not only providing care but also by teaching how to interact appropriately others. Cheryl has exempliPied the principles of person-­‐centered support. She has worked diligently; helping each of those served physical and mental well being. She has spent time learning each individual's wants, needs, desires, and also their personal struggles, and works with each one to help provide an individualized service.
Christopher Costes
Northwest Arkansas Waiver Director, James Maginot, nominated Christopher Costes for ANCOR 2015 DSP of the Year. While Chris was not selected, his exemplary work should be commended. Christopher Costes entered the Pield of developmental disabilities without any experience. He has grasped his responsibilities and Bost’s expectations of him and Plourished by studying the person he works with and utilizing his training to its fullest potential. He has proven numerous times that he is willing to go above and beyond the job asked to improve a consumer’s life. Chris has accomplished many things with those he serves. He has helped become as independent as possible. Chris shows dedication to the agency and those he serves. The people he supports and the families he works side by side with said he couldn’t be replaced. Those he serves, and their families, have used the words honest, caring, Plexible, reliable, kind, and loving when describing Chris. Chris is there as a mentor and a guide, but most importantly, as a friend. He is able to work with those he serves in a way that encourages the person to improve their own life; not because Chris wants them to, but because the person wants to better him or herself. Chris said he is humbled by our gratitude. He feels he is just doing his job. As you can see he is doing more than “just” a job, he is changing a person’s life for the better and he has been selPless every inch of the way.
www.bost.org
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Thank you to our wonderful donors!
General Donations
Albert & Jennie MacDade
AT&T Employee Matching Grant
Milt Earnheart
Robert E. Miller Revocable Trust
Clyde & Alice Hayre
Sheila Croxton
Lee Ann Vicary
Saint-Gobain Proppants
Chuck Fawcett Realty, Inc.
In Kind Donations
Price Cutter - Van Buren
River Valley TWA Truck Wash
Stephanie Riffle
Please call 479-478-5554 to
make a donation or use the
DONATE NOW button
at www.bost.org!
WISH LIST
Children’s Educational Books
Children’s Educational Toys
Arts & Crafts Supplies
Durable Baby Dolls
Outdoor Play Cars
Small Table, Chairs, & Bookcase
Small Trampoline with Handle
3.5.9-Piece Puzzles
Shape Sorters
Weighted Blanket or Vest
Sandbox
Swing Set
Bubbles
Party Favors
Legos
Pirate Toys
Hot Wheel Cars
Race Car Games
Play-Doh
Moon Sand
Large Exercise Ball
Child-Size Rocking Chair
Landscaping
Picnic Tables
Interior Paint
Office & Patio Furniture
Security System
Kitchen Appliances
Safety Mats
Vacuum Cleaners
Cookware
Blocks
If you would like to donate any of these items, please call
479-478-5586 to discuss pick up of items. Thank you!
www.bost.org
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PO Box 11495
Fort Smith, AR 72917-1495
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Fort Smith, AR
Permit No. 111
Bost Board of Directors
Roger Young - President, Dr. Lee Johnson - Vice President, Andre Good - Secretary, Stephanie Riffle Treasurer, Teresa Armer, Julie Burdick, Tammy Chase, Marilyn McGehee, Charlie Needham, Dr. Amy Skypala,
Ken Turner, Gary Udouj, Irene Willbanks
Bost Foundation Board of Trustees
Eric Pendergrass - President, Caleb Yerton - Secretary, Lee Ann Neidecker - Treasurer, Mary Ann Arnold,
Aubrey Barr, Charles Blaschke, Donna Bragg, Rob Coleman, Ricky Cross, Don DeSoto, Allyn Donaubauer,
Chuck Fawcett, Susan Johns, Don Keesee, George McGill, Chris Melton, Sandy Pyle, Scott Taylor, Fred
Williams
Newsletter Produced & Edited
by the Bost, Inc. Marketing Team
479-478-5554 or 479-478-5466
www.bost.org
www.bost.org
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