Grant # H132A010057
Name of Center: Jackson Center of Independent Living
Acronym for Center (if applicable): JCIL
State: TENNESSEE
Counties Served: Madison, Crockett, Gibson, Carroll, Henderson, Chester, Hardeman and Haywood.
SUBPART IIA ADMINISTRATIVE DATA
Subpart IIAI Sources and Amounts of Funds and Resources
(A) Federal Funds (1) Ch. 1, Part B, Title VII $10,000 (2) Ch. 1, Part C, Title VII $208,247 (3) Ch. 2, Title VII $0 (4) Other Federal Funds $0 (B) Other Government Funds (5) State Government Funds* $170,000 (6) Local Government Funds* $ 10,000 (C) Private Resources (7) Foundations, Corporations, or Trust Grants $ 21,700 (8) Donations from Individuals $ 20,476 (9) Membership Fees $0 (10) Investment Income/Endowment $0 (11) Fees for Service (program income, etc.) $ 31,718 (12) Other resources (in-kind, fund raising, etc.) $ 6,389 (D) Total Resources (sum of lines 1-12) $478,530 (E) Amount of total resources that "pass through" to Consumers $68,565 (F) Net Operating Resources (D) - <minus> (E) = (F) $409,965 * Include "pass through" funds.
SUBPART IIE COMPARISON OF PROGRAM ACTIVITIES WITH THE REPORTING YEAR WORK PLAN AND WITH THE PLANNED ACTIVITIES IN THE YEAR IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE REPORTING YEAR
In the space provided, compare the CIL's activities in the reporting year with the CIL's proposed activities in the work plan for each category listed below. Additional space and/or pages may be added as needed for each category.
Please refer to the instructions for Subpart IIE to ensure all requested information is detailed in your responses.
(A) Advocacy Efforts Describe the CIL's individual and systems advocacy activities and accomplishments.
1. Community Integration of Personal Assistance
2. Recreation
3. Voter Registration
4. Housing
1. Community Integration
Last year our goal was to aggressively recruit new board members and to establish a more diversified board capable of establishing new community options to meet the needs of the consumers we serve.
The Results: As part of our continuing involvement in community integration, JCIL now has a more diversified board including minorities, students (high school and college) and local elected government officials (councilperson and mayor) with disabilities. Our board members are stakeholders aware of the need of Community Change and are in a position to make a difference. Our board and staff are currently working on barrier removal in area schools.
Last year our goal was to continue our advocacy for the improvement of personal attendant programs and other community based options for people with disabilities.
The Results: JCIL has worked closely with other agencies such as Family Support Services and the Area Agency on Aging and Disability in providing personal assistance services and other community based services. We have spent countless hours attending countless state and local meetings seeking support services needed by consumers to live independently. Somewhat disappointed in the availability of services, JCIL continues this advocacy.
JCIL uses a portion of our contributions and fund-raising resources to assist an individual needing PAS. JCIL also continues to work with VR, the SILC and the other Tennessee CILs in developing a program to improve VR's personal attendant program including training the consumer in the hiring and management of an attendant.JCIL accepted an invitation by the Tennessee Department of Transportation to participate in their 20-Year Long-Range Transportation Plan for the state. As a member of this committee JCIL has the opportunity to see that accessibility and accommodation needs of people with disabilities are included in current and future transportation programs.
The JCIL board and staff belong to and participate in area civic clubs and service agencies. This helps in our advocacy and public awareness efforts and gives us insight into the operation of other agencies. As an example, members of our staff joined the district board of a provider agency (an agency not exactly IL oriented) that was having trouble with service delivery. That agency is now aware of the term "consumer control" and the delivery of services was greatly improved in that county.
2. Recreation
Last year our goal was to expand our Recreation Program by working with the Madison County Parks and Recreation Department and other organizations. This arrangement will provide opportunities for new programs for people with disabilities and the deaf community. With support from consumers on our standing committees, JCIL will initiate basketball and hunting/fishing programs.
The Results: The JCIL Recreation Program was expanded by entering an agreement with the Madison County Parks and Recreation Department, other organizations, volunteers and consumers. Through this arrangement we were instrumental in providing the Jackson Generals basketball team with a permanent home and gym adjacent to JCIL's new facilities. This year JCIL sponsored a consumer who entered and won a professional bass fishing tournament. This consumer is an active member of our recreation committee. An accessible park, playground, picnic area, softball team and other activities are part of our Three-Year Plan.
3. Voter Registration
Last year our goal was to partner with the SILC and the Tennessee Disability Coalition in a voter registration program and to work with the Madison County Election Commission in establishing a model voting precinct in our neighborhood.
Results: In addition to getting people registered to vote in the Voter Registration Program, JCIL also worked with the Madison County Election Commission in becoming a voting precinct in our neighborhood. The Community Room in our new facility was used by the Election Commission as a voting place for three elections this year. Our accessible precinct is used as a model to assist in ADA compliance at other polling places in Madison and surrounding counties. Four voter registration program meetings were held at JCIL.
4. Housing
Last year our goal was to continue working with individuals and other agencies in promoting accessible housing and home ownership opportunities. Our goal was to assist two individual in becoming homeowners.
Results: JCIL's accessible housing and home ownership initiatives were continued and expanded. We achieved our goal of assisting two individual in becoming homeowners. We also acquired a new THDA Home Ownership grant that will allow us to assist more families in become home owners in the future. Our accessible housing and home modification program funded by United Way and CDBG grants continues to make homes safer and more accessible. Our sixty home modification projects this year prevented nine people from have to move to nursing homes and assisted two persons in relocating from nursing homes.
(B) Outreach Efforts Describe the CIL's outreach activities to consumers of unserved/underserved populations.Last year our goal was to continue our outreach program, which includes media announcements and stories, publishing newsletters, brochures and web pages, holding outreach meetings and having exhibits at area health fairs. It was our goal to provide outreach to a minimum of twenty new customers.
Results: JCIL surpassed our goal off serving twenty new consumers in rural, underserved areas. JCIL held four outreach meetings discussing IL, ADA, transportation, housing and other issues. JCIL hosted the State Plan public hearing.
At our Consumer Conference standing committees made up of consumers were formed to address advocacy concerns in rural areas. Also county committees consisting of consumers were formed to approve of home modification expenditures in their counties. In an effort to serve the Hispanic population, Spanish translation services were provided. As part of our outreach program, a loaner program of assistive devices and equipment was initiated.
JCIL was featured in ten radio, television and newspaper news stories and articles this year. This visibility is beneficial to our public awareness campaign. The media often contacts us when a disability issue is in the news. We are the talking-head. JCIL's newsletter features everything we do and is published on the web at http://www.jcilnow.net.
(C) Community and Individual IL Services Identify the community and IL services the CIL provided during the reporting year.
Last year our goal was for our board, staff and volunteers to continue to facilitate community awareness and education on how independent living programs could improve community and individual services.
The Results: JCIL continues to provide the four core services to our consumers. JCIL provides other services that better living situations by increasing the independence and self-esteem of the consumer.
JCIL partners with Habitat for Humanity, Affordable Housing CDC, Tennessee Network for Economic Development, the City of Jackson, private developers, area churches and other nonprofit agencies in promoting accessible and affordable housing and home ownership opportunities for people with disabilities.
JCIL provided technical ADA assistance and evaluation to area agencies and businesses including a contractor building a new school. We also worked with local officials in ADA evaluation and compliance planning.
JCIL continues to work closely with VR with referrals and by insisting the consumers is aware of all options and afforded the opportunity to make choices. JCIL is also working with the Center for Independent Living of Middle Tennessee in furthering employment opportunities by providing collaboration and office space for their Social Security Benefits Specialist serving West Tennessee.
(D) Individuals Served by County List the counties served by the CIL and the number of consumers served in each county.
Madison 77
Crockett 5
Gibson 26
Carroll 17
Henderson 16
Chester 8
Hardeman 12
Haywood 10
Others 61
(E) Consumer Satisfaction Appraisal Provide a brief summary of the type(s) of consumer satisfaction appraisal methods and results.
Last year our goal was to continue to provide each consumer with a satisfaction survey sheet to evaluate the services received, to use the feedback to determine the quality of our services and to have at least two public forums seeking verbal and other informal feedback from individuals.
Results: JCIL continues to evaluate our services by giving each consumer a satisfaction survey sheet. Over ninety percent were returned with an excellent rating. JCIL conducted two Consumer Conferences during which consumers discussed our services and made suggestions to how these services could be improved. Committees were set up allowing consumers the opportunity to have regular input on JCIL services, programs and activities.
(F) Response to Needs Describe the CIL's response to needs identified in the consumer satisfaction appraisal.
Last year our goal was to use the results of the satisfaction survey evaluations to determine the services needed by our consumers.
Results: JCIL has increased consumer participation by establishing standing committees made up of individuals we serve. Based on consumer suggestions an ADA Advocacy committee was established. And by request, JCIL provides meeting rooms for advocacy groups and participates in these meetings to give our staff an opportunity to meet and learn for our consumers.
From the consumer satisfaction appraisals, JCIL realized the importance of an accessible home to the consumer. If a consumer cannot get out of the house little opportunity awaits them. In response to this need JCIL maintains a home modification program. These modifications enable consumers to live more independently in their own homes rather than a nursing home or institution and also enable consumers to access community activities as well as educational and vocational opportunities.
(G) Resource Development Plan Report the results of resource development activities.
Last year our goal was to continue applying for grants from United Way, City of Jackson, Tennessee Disability Coalition and other agencies in an effort to increase our funding resources.
Results: JCIL has experienced a substantial increase in United Way and individual contributions as well as in our fund-raising and grant resources.
(H) Training Plans Report on staff and governing board training activities.
Last year our goal was to improve our training capacity.
Results; The JCIL training capacity was greatly improved in our new facility. As part of our three-year plan our Communications Room is being equipped as a computer lab as resources allow. Our consumers, staff, board and volunteers have received skills and computer training. Training was also available in the use of video conferencing, Microsoft Software, American Sign Language and other subjects through conferences and workshops.
JCIL conducts IL training at each staff and board meeting and at outreach and consumer activities. We use printed materials, video and internet web sites in this training. Staff, consumers and volunteers received ADA and Fair Housing Act information and training.
The JCIL staff continues training in 704 data collecting software and the use of video conferencing equipment.
(I) Innovative Activities Describe significant activities not accounted for elsewhere in the report.
Last year our goal was to relocate in larger facilities and greatly expand our IL services
Results: In January 2004, JCIL moved into a former high school building. The new facility gave JCIL over 9,000 square feet of office, training, exhibit, kitchen and meeting space.
What was once a library is now the JCIL Community Room, which was used this year for such events as disability art shows, plays and musicals. It was also used as an accessible voting precinct for the Madison County Election Commission. Our Community Room is made available to other agencies providing community services. The gym was made available for wheelchair basketball and other recreational programs. We now provide office space and meeting room for the local chapter of the Tennessee Association of the Deaf. We also have an ASL classroom and we are creating a computer lab for skills training. One of our classrooms is used for our Project Diane Video Conferencing Units in collaboration with VR and other agencies in developing a network to further IL services in Tennessee. Another classroom is called the JCIL Store and houses our new loaner program.Our new and larger building allowed us to have our annual July 26, "Celebrate the 4th Again" ADA event in our own facility instead of having to rent hotel conference space.
To better serve our growing Hispanic community, JCIL employed a Spanish speaking staff member. Our goal to reach this underserved population by providing IL services to at least five Spanish speaking individuals during the year fell short. We will continue our efforts to serve this population through outreach meetings and workshops in our service area.
As part of our efforts to get consumers involved in community activities, JCIL held a disability art show, presented a play written and performed by consumers and presented a musical show starring consumers. The play featured typical disability situations of language and attitudes.
JCIL Deaf Services provided interpreting and other services to over one hundred people in the Deaf Community. One homeless deaf consumer with significant disabilities avoided institutional placement by our interpreters establishing communications with authorities.
JCIL Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (JDHHS) served over one hundred individuals in the Deaf Community this year. JDHHS provides the following services for the deaf,
deaf/blind, late deafened, and hard of hearing individuals in the Region 7 of West Tennessee:1. To identify and refer deaf, deaf/blind, late deafened and hard of
hearing individuals to the proper agency.2. Coordination and provision of interpreting services.
3. Assisting deaf, deaf/blind, late deafened and hard of hearing
individuals in accessing community service.4. Technical assistance to employers of individuals who are deaf,
deaf/blind, late deafened and hard of hearing.5. Assisting deaf, deaf/blind, late deafened and hard of hearing
individuals live independently in the community.6. Coordinating a program of peer counseling.
7. Workshops and seminars for interpreters.
8. ASL (sign language) and/or lip reading training classes for the
community and Vocational Rehabilitation clients or Division of
Rehabilitation staff.9. Workshops and seminars related to: TTY use, Tennessee Relay Service,
Orientation to deafness. (A minimum of three annually).JDHHS representatives are very active in Civic Organizations and Committees; Jackson Optimist Club, Safe Communities Coalition, Delegate of the National Association of the Deaf, Members of the National Association of the Deaf and the Register of Interpreters for the Deaf, Tennessee Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Executive Director Search Committee, Tennessee Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing quarterly Council meetings, and State affiliated Mental Health Treatment Teams.
(J) Consistency with SPIL Describe how CIL activities were consistent with the SPIL.
Last year our goal was to support and be consistent with the SPIL.
Results: The planned activities of the JCIL are consistent with the stated goals and objectives of the SPIL. We continue to deliver each of the four core services mandated by the state plan. The center will continue to actively participate and communicate with the SILC. We will continue to influence the climate and direction of the SILC and the SPIL.
Realizing the need of additional CILs in Tennessee and the SPIL's goal to expand and improve the further development of a statewide network of centers for independent living and Independent Living services in Tennessee, JCIL speaks and shares information about Independent Living with interested groups in unserved counties needing CILs.
(K) Description of Substantial Problems Discuss major problems encountered and attempted resolutions.
Since relocating to a new facility and initiating new programs, JCIL is experiencing growing pains. We need more volunteers and additional funds for our home modification program and other projects. We are also having some problems with our information collection database and feel we have either lost some data or are unable to retrieve it. We are planning more training and technical assistance soon.Requests for services still outnumber the availability of services due to limited resources and staff. JCIL will make every effort to serve the community through better management and efficiency. We will actively seek to increase our volunteer base and use these volunteers in our eight-county service area to raise funds and provide services to our consumers in those counties.
Our consumers still face problems because of this lack of funding and available services. One of the major problems is the need of professional attendant services. JCIL will continue to fight for home and community based services by working with other agencies and persons with disabilities in acquiring long term and home and community based care. JCIL will also work with the VR, SILC and other CILs in improving personal attendant services in Tennessee.
Another problem is requests for services from people outside out service area. We do everything possible to refer them to agencies in their area but the needed services usually are not available. We desperately need additional CILs in Tennessee.
Subpart IIF Next Year's Plans
In the space provided, discuss the CIL's proposed activities for each category listed below. Additional space and/or pages may be added as needed for each category.
Please refer to the instructions for Subpart IIF to ensure all requested information is detailed in your responses.
Subpart IIFI - Narrative
(A) Advocacy Efforts Discuss the CIL's advocacy goals.
1. Community Integration
2. Recreation/Performing Arts
3. Voter Registration
4. Housing
1. Community Integration
As part of our three-year plan in community integration, JCIL will expand our Home Ownership Program by assisting a minimum of seven people with significant disabilities in becoming home owners including people who are now living in nursing homes. This will be accomplished by collaborating with other entities such as THDA for resources and the TP&A in providing training workshops that will be provided at our facility. JCIL will also collaborate with local banks, realitors, Habitat for Humanity and other entities in establishing procedures beneficial to our consumers in owning their own home. JCIL will continue and hopefully expand our home modification program that has been successful in keeping numerous consumers out of nursing homes.
As part of our three-year plan in community integration, JCIL will continue to advocate for Home and Community Based Options by collaborating with local, state and national organizations in support of community-based services for people with disabilities. Our goal is the enactment of state and national legislation providing community-based personal assistance services. We will continue to work with other agencies in educating our elected officials and the general public in order to change the bias toward institutionalization of people with disabilities. JCIL will be working with the DSU, the SILC and the other Tennessee CILs in developing a program to improve VR's personal attendant program including training the consumer in the hiring and management of an attendant. We will also continue working with other agencies in an effort to provide personal assistance services locally.
JCIL will continue to work with city and county agencies in providing more affordable public housing and accessible recreational opportunities. JCIL plans to address other issues such as transportation and employment
2. Recreation/Performing Arts
As part of our three-year plan, our Recreation Program will be expanded by working with the Madison County Parks and Recreation Department, the Jackson Chapter of the Tennessee Association of the Deaf and other organizations and volunteers. This arrangement will provide opportunities for new programs in which people with disabilities and the deaf community can participate. With support from consumers on our standing committees, JCIL will initiate programs such as basketball/softball and hunting/fishing. The JCIL recreation program will be extended to include music and the arts to encourage consumers to peruse their talents. Broadening the recreation program to include arts and music was not our idea. The idea came from our consumers. Our first wheelchair dance was not planned. At one of our events there was music playing and the people danced.
3. Voter Registration
As part of our advocacy in systems change, JCIL will continue to collaborate with the Madison County Election Commission and other election commissions in neighboring counties in making polling places accessible. The voting precinct that is located in our facility, which has been dubbed the Cadillac of polling places by local election officials, will be used as an example for other areas to model.
JCIL will continue partnering with the SILC and the Tennessee Disability Coalition in the Voter Registration Program to encourage consumers to exercise their rights and self-advocacy.
With two elected government officials on our board as examples, JCIL will encourage consumers to not only register and vote but to also consider participating in elections and seeking positions in government.
4. Housing
JCIL's accessible housing, home modifications and home ownership initiatives will continue as part of our three-year plan. We achieved our goal of assisting two individual in becoming homeowners this year and have set our goal of assisting three consumers in becoming homeowners in the coming year.
This will be accomplished through our THDA Home Ownership grant that will assist as many as seven families become home owners in the next three years. Our accessible housing and home modification program funded by United Way and CDBG grants will continue to make homes safer and more accessible and in many cases prevent people from have to be institutionalized.
(B) Outreach Efforts Describe the CIL's plans for outreach to unserved/underserved populations.
JCIL will continue its outreach programs in an effort to reach twenty-five new consumers in underserved rural counties. We will continue innovative themes to attract media attention to disability issues and events. News releases, public service announcement, feature articles, newsletters, brochures and web pages will be used. We will continue to have outreach meetings throughout our service area and having exhibits at area health fairs - speaking and distributing information on the Independent Living philosophy.
Our county committees consisting of consumers will assist us in reaching new consumers. We will continue holding Consumer Conferences addressing advocacy concerns in rural areas. In an effort to serve the Hispanic population, JCIL will continue providing Spanish translationIt is also our goal to reach new consumers through our loaner program of assistive devices and computers.
(C) Community and Individual IL Services Identify the community and IL services the CIL anticipates providing during the next Federal fiscal year.
The JCIL board, staff and volunteers plan to continue to facilitate community and individual IL services that will improve the living situations for consumers. JCIL will assist the consumer in accomplishing their goals by promoting the independent living philosophy and by providing the core services, our home ownership and modification program, our recreation program, our voter registration and other programs.
(D) Individuals Served by County - List the counties the CIL proposed to serve and the anticipated number of consumers that will be served in each county.
Madison 80
Crockett 10
Gibson 20
Carroll 15
Henderson 20
Chester 10
Hardeman 15
Haywood 20
Others 45
(D) Consumer Satisfaction Appraisal Describe activities planned to access consumer satisfaction.
The JCIL board, staff and volunteers plan to continue to facilitate community and individual IL services that will improve the living situations for consumers. JCIL will assist the consumer in accomplishing their goals by promoting the independent living philosophy and by providing the core services, our home ownership and modification program, our recreation program, our voter registration and other programs.
JCIL will continue to provide each consumer with a satisfaction survey sheet to evaluate the services received. We will use the feedback to determine the quality of our services.
JCIL will have at least of two public forums seeking feedback from individuals. And JCIL will continue to be represented at area support group meetings to get cross-disability feedback on needed services.
(E) Response to Needs Describe the CIL's proposed response to needs identified in consumer satisfaction appraisals and needs assessments.
JCIL will use the results of the satisfaction survey evaluations to determine the services needed by our consumers. We will continue to increase consumer participation with our standing committees made up of the individuals we serve.
JCIL will provide meeting rooms for advocacy groups to give our staff an opportunity to meet and learn for our consumers.
(F) Resource Development Plans Describe the CIL's plans for obtaining and increasing funding.
JCIL will continue applying for grants from United Way, City of Jackson, Tennessee Disability Coalition and other agencies in an effort to increase our funding resources. We will continue our annual fundraiser events and will initiate new events in counties in our service area..
JCIL, working with other Tennessee CIL's and the SILC, will continue to seek local, state and private funding for independent living services in Tennessee.
(H) Training Plans - Describe the plan for training the CIL staff and governing board.
The JCIL training capacity will continue to improve in our new facility. A computer lab is being created where consumers, staff, board and volunteers will receive further skills and computer training. Training will also be available in the use of video conferencing, Microsoft Software, American Sign Language, data collection and other subjects.
JCIL skills training will include CPR instruction provided by the Jackson Chapter of the Red Cross. JCIL will provide ASL interpreters in these classes.
Training workshops are also planned to teach consumers management skills in hiring personal assistants.
(I) Innovative Activities Describe any significant activities not accounted for elsewhere in this report.
JCIL will continue using its most innovative idea in attracting media attention and getting public awareness by calling the July 26 ADA anniversary "another 4th of July, and encouraging everyone to "Celebrate the 4th Again" with us.
Our Loaner Program will be expanded to providing consumers with computers and computer training. This program will be managed by a consumer.New outreach efforts will be initiated by the establishment of new strategic alliances with agencies such as St Johns Community Services and other supportive living providers to introduce IL services to this unserved population. This will be accomplished by inviting residents of supportive living facilities to our consumer conferences and other events.
JCIL will continue to involve consumers in our operation as staff and board members and as volunteers on standing committees. JCIL will continue to encourage consumers to participate in all JCIL and community events relating to their interest. JCIL is planning a Consumer Appreciation Day and dinner to acknowledge our gratitude to our consumers for their participation.
(J) Consistency with the SPIL Discuss how the CIL's proposed activities are consistent with the SPIL.
The planned activities of the JCIL will continue being consistent with the stated goals and objectives of the SPIL. We will continue to deliver each of the four core services mandated by the state plan. The center will continue to actively participate and communicate with the SILC. We will continue to influence the climate and direction of the SILC and the SPIL.
Realizing the need of additional CILs in Tennessee and the SPIL's goal to expand and improve the further development of a statewide network of centers for independent living and Independent Living services in Tennessee, JCIL will share information, ideas and training about Independent Living with interested groups in unserved counties
(K) Description of Substantial Problems Discuss any anticipated problems and potential solutions.
Requests for services still outnumber the availability of services due to limited resources and staff. JCIL will make every effort to serve the community through better management and efficiency. We will actively seek to increase our volunteer base and use these volunteers in our eight-county service area to raise funds and provide services to our consumers in those counties.
Our consumers still face problems because of this lack of funding and available services. One of the major problems is the need of professional attendant services. JCIL will continue to fight for home and community based services by working with other agencies and persons with disabilities in acquiring long term and home and community based care. JCIL will also work with the VR, SILC and other CILs in improving personal attendant services in Tennessee.A continuing problem is the need of services outside our area. We will offer training, information and support to other counties needing and working toward the establishment of a CIL.
In spite of our best efforts another continuing problem is that many people with disabilities have still not heard of us, are not aware of the basic core services and have never even heard of the ADA. This is a challenge for us to improve and strengthen our outreach marketing.
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