November 2019
Cornhole Classic logo in blue and orange
Disability Network led several efforts these past two months benefiting the United Way of Midland County. At the forefront of these efforts was an inter-agency challenge: the 2019 Cornhole Classic.

This year's event featured 12 two-person teams from various United Way and local agencies. The tournament was held on Wednesday, October 23rd, from 1-4 pm on the main concourse at Dow Diamond. Over 40 people were on hand to cheer on their teams. A 50/50 raffle was conducted during the event. Kathy Allen of Personal Assistance Options was the lucky winner of the raffle and she graciously decided to donate her winnings to United Way.

The top four teams all won prizes donated by The Great Lakes Loons, Dow Gardens, the Midland Center for the Arts, and Pizza Sam's. When all was said and done, over $600 was raised for United Way. 

8 men and women standing in front of fireplace at Dow diamond_ the top four placing cornhole teams
From left: "All-In" - Kathy Allen and Jennie Ireland from PAO, "Scott's Totts" - Riley Paulus and Rickey Rissman from the Loons, "The Flannel Brothers" - Isaac Robbins and Sawyer Hegyi, and  Cornhole Classic Champions "Team Loons" - Glyn Hunt and Ivy Schaaf from the Loons.

"We were pleased to welcome 12 teams this year," said DNMM Executive Director Kelly PeLong. "We look forward to growing what we hope will be an annual benefit for the United Way. A little friendly competition amongst United Way agencies is an entertaining chance to give back and a fun way we can all Live United."

100 square grid with one side labeled Michigan State Spartans and other side labeled Michigan Wolverines
In addition to an employee giving drive, other DNMM campaign activities benefiting United Way included a "Give Change For Change" donation bucket and a "Divided United" scoreboard raffle. "We had wonderful participation from our staff again this year," said PeLong. "From sharing information about events, to recruiting donors and volunteers, and giving of their own time, we are pleased these efforts resulted in over $5,500 raised for United Way of Midland County."


DNMM logo_ united way of midland county logo_ and great lakes loons logo
Surviving Cancer and Finding a Dream Job  

Anna wearing red  salvation army work shirt_ smiling in her apartment.
Two years ago, Anna's life was very different from what it is now. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and was unsure of what the outcome would be. Undergoing treatments and dealing with the anxiety of the unknown took its toll. But she was determined to fight and a year later she received the news she was free and clear of the cancer. Anna herself summed up that battle perfectly: "I kicked c
ancer's butt!"
 
Having accomplished her goal of defeating cancer, Anna focused her efforts on obtaining another goal in life, finding the perfect job. She had held jobs before in the food service industry, but she wanted to find something where she could affect people's lives. "I'd been given something beautiful in my life and I wanted to give back." said Anna. After a lengthy search, Anna became a processor at the Salvation Army in Bay City. 

Anna has been at Salvation Army for a year. "She is a great worker and very considerate and thoughtful!" said her boss. "When processing the clothes, our employees are able to keep any money they find. Any time Anna found money, she would save it up. Once she had saved enough, she treated all of her coworkers to a pizza lunch." 

" I am happy to be working at Salvation Army.  I really like my coworkers and my boss," said Anna. "I have made a lot of new friends. On my birthday they all had a birthday party for me at the bowling alley. We had pizza, pop, cake and ice cream. I am happy where I am at!"

Anna describes working at Salvation Army as her dream job. She works four days a week and the staff are willing to give her a ride to and from work if needed. She's made a lot of friends there and they are spending time together outside of work like at music concerts.

Anna had a long journey to find this perfect job. She is grateful to have such a caring work family. She is a hard worker, thoughtful and kind. And for the first time in a long while, Anna is happy to report she is almost completely financially self-sufficient. She is confident she will soon be able to reach that goal and we know she will work hard to obtain it. Congratulations, Anna!
GRATIOT COUNTY HOPE HOUSE

gratiot county hope house logo features blue hands cradling red heart and three people in a home
Are you in need of a safe and warm place to stay? The Gratiot County Hope House is opening November 3, 2019. Staff are already accepting in-take applications. If you are interested, please call the Gratiot County Hope House housing hotline at 989-948-0404 to set up an interview.

The hope house is located in the  St. Louis Church of the Nazarene. 1001 W. Washington St. (M-46). St. Louis, MI  48880.

For more information, look for Gratiot County Hope House on Facebook or click here to visit their website at www.gchopehouse.org.

picture of outside of hope house strructure

CRADLE TO CAREER EXPO

DNMM, the Clare-Gladwin RESD, and numerous area agencies are partnering together to present a night of networking for students with IEPs and their families.

This event is open to students with an IEP and their families from all school districts in Clare and Gladwin Counties. You'll have a chance to meet with representatives from numerous community agencies all under one roof in an open-house format. Each agency will have a table and staff available with information to answer your questions about the services they provide. There will also be an opportunity for Parent - Teacher conferences.

The event takes place Monday, Novem ber 4th, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at Harrison High School in Clare County. For more information, please call 989-386-8605.

2019 Cradle To Career Expo logo with word map. Monday November 4th at Harrison High School 5 to 7_30 pm.


PARENT'S NIGHT

Central Michigan University is hosting an informational night for parents of children with disabilities in Gratiot and Isabella counties. The seminar will be Monday, November 18th  from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Student Athletic Center on CMU's campus. 

Attendees will hear short presentations from all participating agencies and they will have a chance to talk with their representatives one-on-one. 

Final details are still being worked out for this event. We will send out emails and post on social media whenever we receive that information, so please keep an eye out for it!
Medicare Open Enrollment Assistance

african american and caucasian couples looking over medicare enrollment forms
Are you on Medicare? Would you like more money in your own hands?
You may qualify for help paying for prescriptions!

DNMM will be hosting a Medicare Informational Seminar on Wednesday, November 20 from 9:00 am to 5:00pm at the Sterling Area Health Center.  725 E. State Street, Sterling, MI  48659.

We can help you apply or we can help with Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D - Direct Plans.  If you would like to attend, please schedule your appointment in advance by contacting our Andrea Sneller at 1-800-782-4160.

MiABLE Can Help You Save!

mi able logo_ achieveing a better life experience
The Michigan Able Act was signed into law in October 2015, following passage in December 2014 of the federal Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which authorized states to establish tax-advantaged savings programs for individuals with disabilities.

The goal is to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving funds that help individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence and quality of life without jeopardizing benefits provided through private insurance, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, the beneficiary's employment and other sources.

The goal of MiABLE's "I Will Never Lose" campaign is to reach out to i ndividuals with disabilities, and their families, who haven't yet taken advantage of the program created to help them save for current and future expenses without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits.

Approximately 300,000 Michigan residents with disabilities are eligible for MiABLE, including 28,000 in the Great Lakes Bay Region and Thumb. Yet largely because of a lack of awareness, less than 1% of those who qualify are currently enrolled.

For more information, please call 1-844-656-7225.

save the date feathers and fedoras gatsby style fundraiser saturday february 15_ 2020. at the great hall in midland

WE'RE HIRING!

Whether you're seeking full-time employment or just a few hours of part-time work: 

YOU can make a difference in someone's life! YOU can help a person with a disability live independently!

women playing cards
two women grocery shopping
reading a book

As part of our Bay County Independent Living Assistance program, you  provide personalized support to individuals who need assistance accessing support in their communities.  You work directly with the consumer to help them meet their goals and create the lifestyle they choose.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS 

WAGES: $10 - $10.50 PER HOUR 

Must have a valid Michigan Driver License, with a good driving record, and dependable and insured transportation. Must be able to pass a criminal background check. Training will be provided.

If you want to make a difference, please call 989-895-2363.

To learn about additional employment opportunities at DNMM, please click here to visit the Employment section of our website.

STATEMENT OF INCLUSION
At Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, inclusion is a universal human right for all people, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other discernible quality. To be inclusive is to promote a sense of belonging, respect, and value for who you are as a person. It is about equal access and opportunities for everyone. Inclusion is an integral part of our Independent Living philosophy and of our agency's vision of "Accessible and Inclusive communities that provide opportunities for individual choice."

In the twelve counties we serve in Mid-Michigan, Disability Network offices have been, and continue to be, places of solace, understanding, and information for all.  We are committed to promoting and protecting diversity and inclusion, within our offices, among our community partners, and throughout the 15 Centers for Independent Living in Michigan.

Pride. Access. Inclusion on rainbow flag with disability logo
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
 
DNMM advocates for the removal of barriers to independence and full inclusion of people with disabilities throughout the Mid-Michigan area. DNMM pledges to ensure accessibility. Each year, DNMM conducts a review of its own architectural, environmental, attitudinal, employment, communication, transportation, and other barriers that may exist which prohibit full access to our services.  
 
If you have any issues of concern regarding the accessibility of DNMM services and facilities, we encourage you to share that information with us.  
 
Please send your concerns or suggestions to:
 
        Executive Director
        Disability Network of Mid-Michigan
        1705 S. Saginaw Road
        Midland, MI 48640
Disability Network of Mid-Michigan | 989-835-4041 | Email Us | dnmm.org
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