st
1 Quarter
Newsletter
April11,2016
375 Dover Road, Clarksville, TN 37042
Phone: 931-906-3993 Fax: 931-503-0472
Inside This Issue
www.niaassociation.org
From the Chief Executive Officer
They
have
served
with
distinction
and
unprecedented commitment throughout their tenure.
I am elated to acknowledge these tenured staff
members. As i enter my final career retirement, I
who yet
send
up praises for these six Heroes
A Message from the Chief Executive Officer
1
A Message from the Executive Director
2
A Message from the Chief Operations Officer
2
Human Resources
3-4
Announcements, Tip & Reminders
3-4
Medical Department
4
Dates to Remember
5
I am confident that Nia will continue to thrive under
the leadership of the newest highly dedicated
Executive Director, Tracey Kerr. The six staff who
are highlighted, the seniors who bring illustrious
wisdom and the young Millennials who are bringing
energetic ideas and concepts are crucial to Nia's
future. Thank You everyone - from our 84 year old
Community Activist staff who offers prayers for
incoming and outgoing shifts, to the 20 year Olds
who derive fulfillment and are learning Resilience you are desired our Healthcare Administration
Mission !!
Dear Nia Family and Associates,
Happy Spring 2016.
Success is the positive
outcome of the works of a collaborative team. It is
so very rewarding to have such committed leaders
and staff at Nia Association at all levels. In this
issue, the Executive Board and I want to thank and
highlight the roles of four individuals who have
consistently
demonstrated
uninterrupted
commitment to the Nia mission. They have historical
knowledge
of the original faith-based precepts of
the co-founders, and they work quite cohesively with
Executive Director. Derrick Stevens joined Nia in
the
1999 working as payroll clerk and Business
Manager. Shortly thereafter, newly Military Retired
Heidi Hubbard began as the Office Manager in 2000.
Next, Gwen Stevens joined in 1999 as a Direct
Support Professional. Lawrence Laremore joined as
the Finance Specialist in 2005. Last, but certainly not
least, Patricia Crews (aka Miss Cookie) joined as a
Direct Support Professional in 2000, and Ms. Sandra
McCown started out as our Medical Assistant in
2001.
Nia’s Family Model Residential Program is terrific
for those having enterprising goals. We seek
mature,
possibly
semi-retired
Independent
Contractors who may have full-time work
restrictions, yet are still capable of providing loving
care in their family home to someone needing
assistance
Although I am officially retired from daily
administration, I shall always remain active in
community, regional and national collaborations for
the Nia Association Disability Healthcare Mission.
Sincerely,
Carol Clardy Stevens, Founder
A Note from the Chief Operations
Officer
From the Executive Director
What you do over and over again becomes a part of
you. What you do over and over again becomes so
comfortable and familiar that you don’t even think
about it. So what do you do over and over again?
What thoughts do you think to yourself again and
again? What words do you repeatedly say to others?
What habits have you built into your daily life?
Do something once, and it has a small effect. Do
something over and over again and it can grow into a
powerful unstoppable force. Success is built not by
getting lucky on a one-shot attempt. Real success
comes by integrating the small seemingly trivial
positive actions firmly into the fabric of your life. The
road to fulfillment is not hidden or complicated, and
yet it does involve many steps, one after another after
another. Achieve the small goals, over and over again
and they will surely grow into magnificent
achievements. What are you doing today?
The last few months have been months filled with
changes, challenges and opportunity for the persons
supported, Associates and the Provider Agency. On
a daily basis we have had to revisit the manner in
how we provided services as well as to reacquaint
and educate ourselves on how business will be
conducted as we go forward. We have fostered
independence and have seen the growth in many of
those whom we serve. We continue to strengthen
our alliances and see and hear the positive feedback Warm Regards,
in the community.
Derrick Stevens
However, as with anything, there are some areas that
COO
we have neglected
to pay attention to or give the
attention that is necessary to guard against costly
mistakes. Those costly mistakes have jeopardized
the safety of those who we vowed to advocate for as
well as those whom deliver the exceptional services
We will continue to revisit and recommit ourselves to
our mission and work toward the goals that have
been established. Nia Association stands by its
mission that we believe everyone should have a
“purpose for living.”
Human Resources Department
Please welcome our New Executives,
Administrators and Program Coordinators
Sincerely,
Tracey Kerr, ED
Mr.GregSmith–ExecutiveOfficer
SarahTeglas-ProgramCoordinator
WayneBowles–ProgramCoordinator
SandyAdkins–AgencyLPN
From the Executive Officer
Human Resource Department
Hello Nia family. I’m Mr. Smith and I am so grateful
of this opportunity that has been given to me as
your Executive Officer. So far my experience with
the company has been spectacular. I’ve worked in
senior financial management and human resources
in healthcare, manufacturing, and government for
20+ years. I’ve earned my bachelor’s degree in
business from Austin Peay State University, and
MBA from Ashford University of Iowa. I’m a Fellow
of
the
Healthcare
Financial
Management
Association, a Fellow of the American College of
Medical Practice Executives, and a Certified
Business Manager. I have also served on non-profit
boards of the American Red Cross, Main Street
Clarksville, and the Humane Society of Clarksville.
In my spare time I enjoy genealogy research,
parliamentary law, visiting historical places, and
spending time with my pet dachshunds Penny and
Rue. I’ve met several employees already but for
those that I haven’t met please stop by and say
hello.
Greg Smith
New Hires
Please welcome our new hires when you see them.
Tanya Aino-Labinjo – DSP, Wayne Bowles – PC,
Tracey Cartwright – Agency RN, Lindsey Charlton –
DSP, January Christian – DSP, Colleen Foster, Derek
Foster - TL, Jennifer Freeland – DSP, Amanda Hoehn
– TL, Crystal Holland – LPN, Tahjanai Jones – TL,
Shaheed Larux – LPN, Tania Pegues – LPN,
Bridgette Perez - DSP, Heather Provost - DSP
Jasmine Reeves – DSP, Juaneshia Reeves – DSP,
April Schmidt – HRS, Denise Teasley – LPN, Shelbi
Villarreal – DSP, Amanda Weigle – DSP, Ashley
Wilson – FMRS, Kia Winfrey – TL and Helen Wright –
LPN
Announcements, Tips & Reminders
ANNOUNCING TERM LIFE INSURANCE
FOR EMPLOYEES
Executive Officer – Admin & HR
From the Human Resources Specialist
Hello my name is April Schmidt. I am the new HR
Specialist and I have a background in staffing and
business management. I’m originally from Alaska
and have been in the Tennessee area for a little
over 7 years now. I am very excited to be a part of
the NIA TEAM and look forward to meeting you all
so whenever you’re in the office, please drop by the
HR Department and say HELLO anytime.
Nia Association has added a new benefit for active
full-time employees working at least 30 hours per
week: Group Term Life Insurance. The life insurance
is through UNUM Group. The employee life benefit
amount is $5,000. The term life benefit is to age 65,
and reduces 65% at age 70; and 50% at age 75. The
AD&D plan provides additional protection for insured
employees in the event of an accidental bodily injury
resulting in death or dismemberment. If an employee
terminates employment, the life insurance is portable
and can be converted to an individual life policy. New
hires working full-time must wait 2 months before
becoming eligible for the benefit.
This new benefit is effective April 1, 2016.
April Schmidt
Human Resources Specialist
From the Medical Department
EAPSERVICECHANGESAPRIL1
The company for Employee Assistance Program
(EAP) has changed effective April 1. Unum replaces
Life Services. When you have questions, concerns,
or emotional issues surrounding your personal or
work life, Unum offers EAP services for a work-life
balance, with unlimited access to consultants by
phone, resources and tools online, and up to three
face-to-face visits with a consultant for help with a
short term problem. Benefits include locating child
care and elder care services, financial experts,
personal or work relationships, referral to an
attorney for legal assistance. Access is available
thru the following:
www.lifebalance.net
Toll free, 24 hour access: 1-800-854-1446
The medical department has had a few newcomers.
Sandra Adkins is now the LPN Administrator. As the
department
implements
new
policies
and
restructures a few things we ask that you have
patience with us and if there are any questions or
concerns our door is always open. We would like to
take just a moment to thank Patti Rucci for all her
hard work and help in getting these two ladies
acclimated to the department and our people we
support.
As a friendly reminder there has been an update in
the medication administration rights. The new 8
Rights of medication administration are as follows:
1. Right patient, 2. Right medication, 3. Right dose,
4. Right route, 5. Right time, 6. Right documentation,
7. Right reason, and 8. Right response.
Resources:
Paystubs & W-2’s on Ipay
If you need a copy of your paystub please visit the Ipay
website at www.ipay.adp.com All Nia employees have
access to the Ipay site. You must first register using the
information you received during your orientation to get
started. If you need assistance with setting up and
registering for Ipay please contact April Schmidt or Gwen
Stevens at 931-906-3993.
Need to know which dentist in your area accepts Delta
Dental Insurance? Visit www.deltadental.com for more
information.
Don’t forget your Eyemed incentive.
Go to
www.eyemedvisioncare.com for more information on
Doctors near you.
Need glasses but don’t want to pay $200+ for a pair?
Visit www.39dollarglasses.com and buy a pair for only
$39.00! Be sure to have a copy of your prescription?
Affordable Housing
Opportunities…
Now Accepting Applications!
1 Vacancy
1 bedroom, 1 bath communal living $400. utl. Incl.
An application can be downloaded online at:
http://www.niaassociation.org/affordableHousing.htm For
more information about our affordable housing
program contact Gwen Stevens at 931-906-3993 or
email
[email protected]
provides
We are a fair housing agency that
affordable homes for families and
Important Dates to Remember
Special Olympics
This event is scheduled to take place on April 22,
2016 at Kenwood High School beginning with the
Opening Ceremonies at 9:30 AM. Please come out
and show your support. For more information please
contact Gwen Stevens 931-906-3993 or email:
[email protected].
May 8, 2016 – Mother’s Day
May 30, 2016 – Memorial Day
June 19, 2016 – Father’s Day
June 20, 2016 – First Day of summer
July 4, 2016 – Independence Day