PDI NEWS...
2011
DIDDS COMMISSIONER AND STATE OFFICIALS VISIT LOCAL AGENCY
August 16th Progressive Directions, Inc. based in Clarksville, welcomed TN Department of Intellectual Disability Services Commissioner James Henry along with State Senator Tim Barnes, State Representative Joe Pitts, State Representative Curtis Johnson, Deputy Director of Constituent Services DIDDS Susan Bailey-Moss, Director of Public Affairs DIDDS Missy Marshall. Commissioner Henry, TN leaders and PDI department heads spent the morning touring the PDI facilities to get a firsthand look at how the non-profit organization delivers services to its clientele, which topped over 1,000 last year.
Tennessee officials and Progressive Directions department directors toured all PDI programs in Montgomery County including Kids Depot, the Montgomery County Adult Day Center and the Central Office on Paradise Hill Road. The guest began the tour with a visit to the main PDI office, meeting with the administration team and the nine departments, learning the responsibilities of each and how they contribute to the daily lives of the program participates. Afterwards all went to the PDI Montgomery Co. Adult Day Center where they met with program participates. They also had a chance to view the day center work shop area where the agency has the resources to build bird house for DIDDS with the From the Heart division. Finally, the group dropped in at Kids Depot Child care facility which houses the early intervention program for children with any identified type of delay. There they listened to early interventionist Mrs. Susie Moler, speak about the advantages of this program.
Afterwards, all PDI employees were invited to a lunch with the commissioner and a presentation by PDI Executive Director Jay Albertia. During this time the state officials met and spoke with Progressive Directions, Inc staff and board members. When lunch ended Commissioner Henry spoke words of encouragement for those in the developmental disabilities professions. He addressed the matter of departmental changes and troubling economic times voicing his support of the work that Progressive Directions, Inc. does , applauding those in the development disabilities profession.
“It is always a privilege to showcase our facilities, the wonderful job our employees do, and the many programs we offer our participates. We are honored to have so many of our State Officials join us to experience and understand the reasons we all work so hard. This was a great opportunity for our employees to put a face to a department that we have few chances to see but direct our field. We welcome them back anytime.”
Stated Mr. Jay Albertia, Progressive Directions Executive Director
CLARKSVILLE CIVITAN MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
On Wednesday, September 14th the Clarksville Civitan made their annual donation to Progressive Directions, Inc. and to Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League Program. The donation will help support the many special programs and activities offered to the clients served by Progressive Directions, Inc. The donation made to Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League will be used to purchase uniforms and equipment for the 2011 Buddy Ball athletic season. Both PDI and Buddy Ball are elated to receive this donation at a time when most civic organizations have been unable to give to non-profits.
Jay Albertia, Executive Director of Progressive Directions, Inc. and Mrs. Margaret Davis Buddy Ball Coordinator were guest speakers during the meeting and received the donations from Mr. Leroy Parks. Mr. Parks is the organizer of the Civitan Vidalia Onion Fundraiser. Each spring for many years the Clarksville Civitan Club Chapter 76 has held their annual Vidalia onion sales. The proceeds from these sales benefit The Civitan International Research Center, Progressive Directions, Inc. and Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League.
“Thank you for making it possible for Buddy Ball to offer all we do for our athletes.” Stated Mrs. Margaret Davis, Buddy Ball Coordinator while accepting the donation during Wednesday’s meeting.
During the meeting Mr. Albertia spoke to the Civitan members and guests about the programs within the nonprofit Progressive Directions, Inc. including Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League which is celebrating their 10 year anniversary this month. Buddy Ball celebrated their anniversary at the opening ceremonies for baseball season 2011.
“Clarksville Civitan and Progressive Directions, Inc. has had a wonderful relationship for the entire 35 years PDI has been in operation. We value this relationship and commend the support we receive year round. Civitan members are present during our events, sponsor monthly birthday celebrations, and give during our Christmas party. They are like family to our employees and our program participates. We are grateful for all they do.” Mr. Jay Albertia, PDI Executive Director stated.
BUDDY BALL SECOND ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT COLD BUT FUN!
Despite the winter like weather on Saturday the Second Annual Buddy Ball Easter Egg Hunt was a huge success! This special event was provided to all Buddy Ball Athletes ages 3-14 and their families. Athletes, families, friends and volunteers all came out to celebrate Easter with the Easter Bunny at Gateway Medical Center. Each child hunted eggs and traded them for prizes. There were stations set up for egg trades, activities and refreshments provided for the many eager hunters. Each child also had a chance to talk with the Easter bunny and received a free photo with the bunny.
This is the second year that Buddy Ball has offered the event to those in the Buddy Ball community and it has proven to be incomparable experience for all involved.
“I feel blessed to have this wonderful opportunity to offer sports and special events to those in the Buddy Ball community. It’s a delight to spend time with the athletes, families and volunteers.” stated Mrs. Margaret Davis, Buddy Ball Coordinator
Many groups and organizations have shown their support in order to make the Easter Egg Hunt possible. Progressive Directions, Inc. and Buddy Ball would like to thank Gateway Medical Center, The Nashville Predators, Daymar Dimondbacks, Clarksville Civitan and the many other volunteers who give so much of their time to our wonderful organization.
BIKERS WHO CARE SECURES ANOTHER INCREDIBLE YEAR FORBUDDY BALL SPECIAL NEEDS ATHLETIC LEAGUE
Bikers Who Care, located here in Clarksville, made a much-appreciated donation to Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League Program in support of the 2011 season.The donation will allow the purchase of much needed sports equipment, protective gear and uniforms.
Mrs. Margaret Davis coordinator for Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League and Community Resources Coordinator for Progressive Directions, Inc., received the donation at the Bikers Who Care annual Christmas Party.
During the presentation Mrs. Davis thanked the BWC for their interest in Buddy Ball and for their continued support throughout the years. “Thank you for being an everyday hero to the community of Buddy Ball Athletes that might not have the opportunity to play sports in any other venue.” She also announced, that Buddy Ball is coming to their 10th anniversary in the Clarksville community and, that BWC have been a “life long supporter for this wonderful program, beyond the many donations but including an ever expanding heart to our athletes. Whether they come out to the games and encourage our players or volunteering during one of our many annual events, the BWC is always there.”
About Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League
Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League is a division of Progressive Directions, Inc. Buddy Ball provides individuals with mental or physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports such as baseball, cheerleading, bowling and basketball, regardless of their abilities. Visit us at: www.buddyball.net
2010
Progressive Directions with the help of the Clarksville Civitan and Daymar hosts Christmas Party for individuals with special needs
Every Christmas the employees at Progressive Directions, Inc. and local community groups put together a wonderful celebration for the individuals served through the many programs at Progressive Directions Inc.
On Friday, December 17, 2010, Progressive Directions, Inc. held its annual Christmas party for all individuals who participate in our various programs. Clarksville Civitan and Daymar Diamondbacks attended as well as helped to distribute donated gifts to all of our program participates, which was over 100 gifts!
The event took place at the Hilldale United Methodist Church from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. All adults served by PDI, in Montgomery, Stewart and the surrounding Counties, as well as their families, were invited to attend. There was food and dancing, a surprise visit from Santa and a reinactment of the Christmas song with Alvin and the Chipmunks for everyones enjoyment. Each participate left with quite a few gifts and was completely full with a delicious home cooked meal. Everyone had a great time!
PDI would like to say a special thank you to Civitan and Daymar for all they do to make the PDI Christmas Party better each year!
Stewart County Day Center Hosts Halloween Luncheon for a Frightening Good Time
Friday October 29th was a full house at the Stewart County Day Center. The Center hosted its annual Halloween party in addition to a potluck luncheon. The center was filled to the brim with good food and fun costumes. Attendees ate while visiting with families, friends, and staff. About 60 plus were present including staff. The employee of the month award was given thus, finishing the day off on a great note. Everyone had a wonderful time and is looking forward to the next event.
The Stewart County Day Center is a division of Progressive Directions, Inc. Clarksville, TN. Progressive Directions operates facilities in Stewart, Montgomery and the surrounding Counties.
Friday October 29th was a full house at the Stewart County Day Center. The Center hosted its annual Halloween party in addition to a potluck luncheon. The center was filled to the brim with good food and fun costumes. Attendees ate while visiting with families, friends, and staff. About 60 plus were present including staff. The employee of the month award was given thus, finishing the day off on a great note. Everyone had a wonderful time and is looking forward to the next event.
The Stewart County Day Center is a division of Progressive Directions, Inc. Clarksville, TN. Progressive Directions operates facilities in Stewart, Montgomeryand the surrounding Counties.
Second Annual Legends Bank Golf Tournament provides the funding for
Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic Program
Legends Bank, a locally owned and operated community bank, recently held their second Annual Golf Tournament.
The Legends of the Links Golf Tournament
The competition took place October 1st at Swan Lake Golf Course. Lunch was served at noon, followed by a brief overview of the game and shotgun start at 1 o’clock. Over a hundred people attended making the event a wonderful success and raising over twenty three hundred dollars towards Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League Program. This is the second year that Legends Bank has held the event to benefit Buddy Ball participates by providing equipment, uniforms and regularly supports the league in various ways throughout the year.
“We are thankful to have great support in the community. This makes such a positive impact on what we can provide those that we serve.”
stated Jay Albertia, Executive Director Progressive Directions, Inc
MCAD End Of Summer Cookout
Montgomery County Adult Day Center held an end of summer cookout September 24th during its usual lunchtime. Many friends and families of those that attend the day center came to spend quality time with their loved ones. About 60 plus guests as well as family members and staff turned out to enjoy the afternoon.
Hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, and many homemade goodies were served much to the delight of all involved. This is one of the most looked forward events of the year and kicks off the beginning of the many in door activities that surround the colder weather months.
Montgomery County Adult Day Center is a division of Progressive Directions, Inc. which has its corporate office in Clarksville. Progressive Directions operates facilities in Stewart and Montgomery Counties as well as covering several counties in middle Tennessee.
PDI Receives Donation from Clarksville Civitan
Wednesday, January 20 the Clarksville Civitan made a much-needed donation to the Montgomery County Adult Day Center of Progressive Directions, Inc and also to Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic Program.
Jay Albertia Executive Director of Progressive Directions, Inc., received both donations from Civitan Treasurer Debbie Hutchison at the January 20th weekly meeting.
During the meeting Mr. Albertia thanked Civitan for the interest in PDI and continued support of its many wonderful programs.
"We sincerely value the relationship between our agency and the Clarksville Civitan. It is because of the kindness of donors such as yourself that we are enabled to provide the best possible care for all of the individuals we serve," said Mr. Albertia.
