Just in Time for Mother’s Day: A Delicious Raffle

Posted on April 1, 2011 by

by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator (courtesy of the Excitement Committee)

Just In Time For Mother’s Day

Peace Rose

Items In The Basket (Valued At $250)

1. Victoria’s Secret Gift Bag ($50 Gift Card + Sexy Little Things Perfume)
2. Assorted Chocolates
3. Sparkling Cider with Champagne Glasses
4. Scented Candles
5. Bath & Body Works Products (Body Lotions, Creams, Gels)
6. Massage Envy Gift Card
7. Movie Ticket
8. Mother’s Day Lotto Tickets (2)
9. Manicure & Pedicure Set
10. Nail Polish
11. A Journal and Pen
12. A Jazz CD (feat. Norah Jones, Lenny Kravitz, Ray Charles, etc.)
13. ROC Resurfacing Facial Peel Kit
14. Lenox Snowflake Charm

Stuck for Mother’s Day gift ideas? Enter the Excitement Committee’s Mother’s Day Raffle, with the chance to win all of the above items in a beautiful basket arrangement for Mom! The drawing takes place May 5 (Mother’s Day is May 8, in case you forgot…). And remember, the more tickets you purchase, the better your chance!

Tickets can be obtained through members of the Excitement Committee (contact Bonnie Kaufman at 404-634-4222 ext. 237 for more information).


 

Posted in Contests, Events, Fundraising, Holidays, Mother's Day, Nonprofit, Spring | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reminder: No Limits – A Celebration of Georgia Artists with disAbilities Due!

Posted on February 24, 2011 by

Info. provided courtesy of VSA Arts of GA and Mason Murer Fine Art; Re-posted by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Mason Murer Fine Art


 

No Limits: A Celebration of Georgia Artists with disAbilities

VSA arts of Georgia presents a statewide juried exhibition of visual art.  Eligible works will include: Paintings, Drawings, Collages, Photography, Sculpture, Video, and Mixed Media.  No Limits Exhibit will be held at Mason Murer Fine Art. Application is open to all Georgia artists with physical or developmental disabilities.

SUBMISSIONS DUE: MARCH 1, 2011

E-mail submissions: No Limits Art Contest

Selected artist will be notified by March 10th, 2011.

Additional information is available at VSA Arts of GA


Posted in Arts, Collages, Contests, Disabilities, Drawing, Georgia, Networking, No Limits Contest, Photography, Sculpture, VSA Arts of Georgia | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cookies at the Capitol…

Posted on February 22, 2011 by

by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Photos by Amanda Duckworth, Community Relations Associate

Today, in preparation for Disability Day (which takes place this Thursday, February 24th), a number of participants from our Art & Food Program, along with Community Relations Associate Amanda Duckworth, Director of EmployABILITY LaRue Griffin, and intern Alice Corazzina visited the Georgia Capitol.

We hand-delivered specially wrapped chocolate chip cookies made by Art & Food participants to Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, Secretary of State Brian P. Kemp, State Senators and Representatives and their office staff, various lobbyists around the building, and even some young students who happened to be at the Capitol on field trips.

To accomplish this task, our group split up into teams, each of which was responsible for handing out cookies and business cards to legislators on different floors.  As expected, everyone we met with was incredibly pleasant and received us graciously.

Several of us also had the honor of meeting a small group representing the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), with whom we had a pleasant chat and the chance to exchange cookies.  As a matter of fact, the “third floor team” ran short of cookies and had to run downstairs to restock!  The AARP members cheerfully expressed their appreciation for our efforts.

It was an honor and a thrill for all who were present.  We here at Georgia Community Support and Solutions would like to thank Lieutenant Gov. Casey Cagle, State Sen. John Douglas (see photos below), and everyone else that took the time to speak with us this morning.

 

Capitol Steps

Cookies @ the Capitol

Lieutenant Governor Pic

Lt. Governor 2

Sen. John Douglas Pic

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EmployABILITY Community Clean Team Car Wash

Posted on February 22, 2011 by

Re-posted by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

 

EmployABILITY

“The Community Clean Team”

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Location: Main Office

1945 Cliff Valley Way NE
Suite 220
Atlanta, GA 30329



Car Wash Logo

For more details or to schedule your appointment please contact LaRue Hasty-Griffin at 404-419-9210.

Posted in Advertising, Atlanta, Business, EmployABILITY, Fundraising | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

All About Developmental Disabilities: A Message from Rita Young, Dir. of Public Policy & Education

Posted on February 8, 2011 by

Re-posted from AADD (All About Developmental Disabilities)
All About Developmental DisabilitiesRead more at AADD

Our Vision

“We believe that people with developmental disabilities, and their families, are among the most challenged, excluded, and vulnerable people in society.  For many people we support, AADD means the difference between stability and homelessness, sickness and health, isolation and inclusion, discrimination and dignity.

“On Wednesday, [February 2], the Subcommittee on Human Resources in the Georgia House met to hear public testimony on the closure of hospitals across the state that [serve] individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities.  Twenty-two people gave testimony to legislators that lasted several hours.

“Kudos to Pat Nobbie from Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities for telling legislators that we need 1500 waiver services for those living with developmental disabilities when there are only 100 in the budget.

“Also, Josh Norris from Georgia Advocacy did a great job in stressing the need for a plan of action on how Georgia needs to support folks coming out of hospitals as well as fielding difficult questions from legislators on issues such as the future of Central State [Hospital] in Milledgeville.

“Linda Wilson, Partner graduate and AADD Board President, also stressed the need for family support services to be funded in the budget to help families keep their loved ones at home or in the community.  The common thread in a large majority of the testimonies was the need to build up provider capacity quickly to insure a smooth transition from hospital placement to the community, and provide adequate funding to support the Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities infrastructure as they change in culture and the way they provide services to individuals with mental health [issues] and developmental disabilities.”

Sincerely,

Rita Young
Director of Public Policy and Education

info@aadd.org for information about AADD and its direct services and referral information
volunteer@aadd.org for volunteering
advocate@aadd.org for all training, advocacy, and community education programs
give@aadd.orgto support AADD financially

AADD’s mailing address is:
AADD
1440 Dutch Valley Place
Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30324

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Posted in Atlanta, Disabilities, Disability Benefits, Disability Law, Fundraising, Georgia, Networking, Websites | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Georgia Lifespan Respite Care Summit (Schedule)

Posted on February 1, 2011 by

Monday, February 21, 2011

9:00-9:30 – Coffee and Registration

9:30-10:00 – Welcome and Introductions: Respite Coalition/Program Representatives State agency, ADRC Representative, and ARCH Staff

10:00-10:30 – Respite…What a Relief
Family Caregiving Experiences

10:30-11:10 – The Need for Respite in Our State
Presented by experts in Aging Services and Development Disabilities

11:10-11:40 – Breakout Session: Group Introductions/Mini Focus Group to gather state baseline information, share each participant’s respite connection, and discuss strengths/barriers/gaps in respite services within the state of Georgia.

11:40-12:10 – Report Back

12:10-1:10 – Lunch (provided onsite)

 

1:10-2:00 – Understanding Lifespan Respite and Statewide Lifespan Respite Models: What are the Next Steps for Georgia? ARCH Staff

2:00-3:00 – Think Tank: Facilitated Breakout Groups

3:00-3:30 – Report Back

 

3:30-4:00 – Next Steps/Set Goals

With Support from:
Family Caregiver AllianceFamily Caregiver Alliance

ARCH RespiteARCH National Respite Network

Administration on AgingAdministration on Aging

ADRCGeorgiaADRC

DBHDDGA Dept. of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities


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Georgia Lifespan Respite Summit: Register Now!

Posted on February 1, 2011 by

Reposted by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator (courtesy of the organizations below)

Georgia Lifespan Respite Summit: Register Now!

February 21, 2011 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Deadline: Feb. 16)

Location:
Clayton State University
Harry Downs Continuing Education Ctr.
Room 101
2000 Clayton State Blvd.
Morrow, GA 30260

Directions:
Harry Downs Continuing Ed. Ctr.

Campus Map:
Clayton State Maps

Lifespan Respite

Lifespan respite is a coordinated system of accessible community-based respite care services for family caregivers of children or adults with special needs.  This includes but is not limited to individuals with developmental disabilities, other disabilities, mental health issues, aging, illness, and child abuse.

Who should attend the Summit? Two Representatives from various state agencies, statewide organizations, community groups, respite providers, and family caregivers.  Seating is limited.  This will be a working meeting so come prepared to share your ideas and work in small groups. Please visit the registration site for more information.

Help us piece together an infrastructure for Lifespan Respite in Georgia

The Lifespan Respite Care Program is funded by the US Administration on Aging to help states expand and enhance respite services.  Join us on February 21, 2011, for this working meeting to learn about Lifespan Respite & Coalition Building, and to provide input into the design of a coordinated Georgia Lifespan Respite system.  Please note: Space for this session will be limited to two (2) persons per group, organization and/or agency. Please see the agenda below.  No walk-ins will be accepted.

Co-Hosts for Georgia’s Lifespan Respite Summit include:

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health
& Developmental Disabilities, Division of
Developmental Disabilities

Georgia Department of Human Services,
Division of Aging Services

Georgia Community Support & Solutions

Easter Seals of Georgia

The Event is free, but you must register online at: Arch National Respite Network and Resource Center (then select the State of Georgia).

For more information, visit the registration site above for contact: Chiyana Reaves at RegistrationMHDDAD@dhr.state.ga.us. Please be sure to add Lifespan Respite Summit in the subject line.

Special Thanks:

Caregiver Programs & Lifespan Respite
Family Caregiver Alliance

ARCH National Respite Network

Administration on Aging

Aging Disability Resource

DBHDD

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Event Update from VSA Arts of Georgia

Posted on February 1, 2011 by

Reposted from VSA Arts’ Website by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

VSA (Vision, Strength, and Action) of Georgia states that their mission is to provide “access to the arts for people with disabilities and those with low income.  We are a statewide resource working with artists and organizations to fulfill  vision of an inclusive community that encourages everyone to enjoy and participate in the arts.”  For more information about them, visit VSA Arts of GA: About Us

.

Woodruff Arts Center
VSA Arts of GA
Southwest Arts Center presents Kenny Leon‘s True Colors Theatre Company: “Broke-ology” - In accordance with Broke-ology – the science of being broke – the King family has learned to balance sacrifice and let love keep them together.  Dad remains in his home even as his health and his neighborhood are deteriorating.

When the question is raised [as to] how to take care of their ailing father, the two brothers find themselves strangely at odds.  This comic drama encourages us to stay linked to our roots no matter where life takes us.

Starring: Afemo Omilami, Eric Little, Enoch King, and Jasmine Guy.

Limit: 5 tickets

Saturday, Feb. 5: arrival time 1:00 PM
Wednesday, Feb. 9: arrival time 7:30 PM

Alliance Stage, Woodruff Arts Center presents “Bring It On”: Two squads.  Two schools.  One mission: claim the title at the National Cheerleading Championships.  The high-stakes world of competitive cheerleading meets the cutthroat rivalries of high school politics and romance in this bold and explosive new musical comedy.  How do you learn to be true to your team and to yourself?  Sometimes it’s got to get ugly before it gets pretty.  Game on.  For directions to this venue, visit Woodruff Arts Center.

**Parental advisory: contains mild profanity

Limit: 5 tickets

Sunday, February 6: arrival time 7:00 PM

Posted in Arts, Atlanta, Disabilities, Music, Networking, VSA Arts of Georgia, Websites | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

No Limits: A Celebration of Georgia Artists with Disabilities

Posted on January 25, 2011 by

Re-posted by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator (text by Mark Mason Karelson, Director of Mason Murer Fine Art)
Mason Murer Fine Art
VSA Arts of Georgia


Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 7-10PM – VSA Arts of Georgia presents a statewide juried exhibition of visual art.  Eligible works will include: paintings, drawings, collages, photography, sculpture, video, and mixed media.  VSA Arts of Georgia provides access to the arts for people with disabilities and those with low income.  No Limits will be held at Mason Murer Fine Art, an AIA award-winning art gallery located in Midtown Atlanta.

How to Enter: There is NO ENTRY FEE.  Individual artists may submit up to four works for consideration.  Submissions are preferred via e-mail, with individual images submitted in the form of JPEGs.  Individual jpeg images should not exceed 1 megabyte.  Entries will also be accepted by mail in the form of discs, DVDs, or photographs.  Mailed submissions will not be returned unless a stamped, self-addressed return envelope accompanies them.

SUBMISSIONS DUE: March 1, 2011. Please include the following information:

Contact Name — E-mail — Phone # — Artist’s Name — Title — Medium — Size — Creation Date — Retail Price

e-mail submissions: No Limits Art Contest

mailed submissions:
Mason Murer Fine Art, Inc.
Attention: Caroline John
199 Armour Drive
Atlanta, GA 30324

Shipping and Delivery: Artists must pay the cost of shipping to and from the gallery.  Pieces may be delivered and picked up by the artists or their designated representatives, but neither Mason Murer Fine Art, nor VSA Arts of Georgia will pay the cost of shipping works to the gallery or back to the artist.  CODs will not be accepted.  Art will not be returned unless the artist provides return shipping.

Eligibility: The exhibit will be juried.  Application is open to all Georgia artists with physical or developmental disabilities.  There will be an Adult Category (age 18 and older) and a Children’s Category (under 18).  Selected artists will be notified by March 10th, 2010.  Eligible works: Paintings, Drawings, Collages, Photography, Sculpture, Video, and Mixed Media.  Works, excluding sculpture and video, must be framed.

Sales: Artists will receive 50% of the proceeds from sales of their works.  VSA Arts of Georgia will receive the remaining 50%.  Mason Murer Fine Art will donate all of its facilities and services.

Awards: Four (4) winners in the Adult Category will each receive a $250.00 gift card from Binders Art Supply.  Five award winners in the Children’s Category will each receive a $150.00 gift card from Binders Art Supply.

Posted in Arts, Atlanta, Collages, Contests, Disabilities, Disability Benefits, Drawing, Events, Georgia, Music, Painting, Photography, Sculpture | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

In Memory of Irwin Israel

Posted on January 20, 2011 by

by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

(Information provided courtesy of Atlanta Jewish News)

Irwin Israel, of Atlanta, died on December 2, 2010.

Irwin moved to Atlanta in 1992 after an auto accident in Philadelphia.  Here in Atlanta, he made a number of great friends. He volunteered at the VA Hospital, Atlanta Humane Society, the William Breman Jewish Home, and the Gatchell Home, where he received the Heart of Gold Award in 1998.

Funeral services were held for him Sunday, December 5, 2010 in Philadelphia.

I, personally, had the chance to make friends with Irwin while participating in Jewish Family and Career Services.  I’ll never forget his warm personality, great sense of humor, and memorable laugh.

According to Atlanta Jewish News, the family has requested that donations be made to the Blonder Family Department for Developmental Disabilities:

5342 Tilly Mill Rd.
Dunwoody, GA 30338

Irwin, if you’re listening, please know that you left a bright place in my life as well.

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