GVRA monthly newsletter [Jan. 2014]

2014 LEGISLATIVE MESSAGE
Georgia's Economic Recovery &
Growth MUST include Employment for Citizens with Disabilities GVRA is good for business.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
GVRA at the Capitol Greg's Greetings New Hires and Retirements BEP at the Capitol Employee of the Month at DAS GIB December Activities Employee of the Month at RWS RWS Graduations VR Success Stories

The Session

Begins

GVRA at the Capitol: 2014

The Georgia General Assembly

GVRA receives in the coming fiscal

reconvened for the 2014 session on

year, and a little has the potential to go

January 13, with the first day being largely a very long way.

ceremonial. Under Georgia law, the

session can last no more than 40 working For an additional $8.2 million-- a

days, and legislators in those 40 days will fraction of the total state budget--

have an opportunity to fully fund GVRA GVRA would receive $105 million in

and garner $105 million in federal

federal matching funds. Over the last

matching funds.

four years alone, $92 million in federal

funds specifically earmarked for

This session is expected to be among the Georgians with disabilities has been

shortest sessions in recent memory. Last reallocated to other states ... all

year, a federal judge ordered Georgia to because the state has failed to fully

move its federal primary from July to May fund the agency during this time.

20 to allow for at least 45 days of

absentee voting by military and overseas By some estimates, fully funding GVRA

voters. The first bill sent to the Governor would provide a major boost to the

this year is legislation that would make the Georgia economy to the tune of $2.1

state and partisan county primaries

billion.

compatible with Georgia's new federal

primary schedule. For this session, speed As the session unfolds, we'll bring you

is the name of the game, even with the updates on any bills impacting GVRA.

recent winter weather. It's anticipated that

it may be over by mid March. The weeks

that follow the start of the session will be

important to determine how much funding

Greg's Greetings

So What's Ahead
As you all are aware, GVRA has been in transition mode for a year and a half now. A year of challenges and changes. One of the things I believe is that organizations are either moving forward or going backward, but never standing still. There really is no status quo because even if the organization isn't changing, the world around it is. And change is always a difficult thing because the future is often unclear and it causes anxiety for most of us in the midst of it. I also realize that like a bell curve there are some of you who are fully behind this change no matter where it leads, and that there are some of you who completely disagree with it and what I am trying to do. That leaves a large percentage of you who not quite sure. At times you may like it, and at times you may not like it at all. So this message is directly to those of you who aren't quite sure where GVRA is heading. And for those of you who are 100% in favor of it, I thank you for your support. And for those of you who are in complete disagreement, I understand and I thank you for hanging in there nonetheless. And to those in the middle, I'd like to give you a glimpse of where we

heading, and hopefully this may reassure you as we continue to go through this transition.
In my opinion, GVRA exists as a state agency for only one reason, and that is to provide administrative support four our programs. And each of our programs exist for their own particular reason. The VR program exists to put people with disabilities to work. BEP and GIB exist specifically to put blind people to work. Roosevelt Warm Springs and Cave Spring exist to assist VR, BEP and GIB in putting people with disabilities to work. DAS exists to process social security claims accurately and efficiently so claimants can appropriately receive support. The measure of all of our success is how well each program does in fulfilling their singular focus. Having said that, my goal and my hope for this agency and all the programs is that we accomplish all of these goals in the best and largest way possible. If we put 5,000 persons with disabilities to work last year, I want us to put 10,000 people with disabilities to work in the future. If our accuracy rate in processing SSDI claims was 95% last year, I want it to be 99% next year. Simply stated, I want us all to serve more and do better with our mission.

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So here's the glimpse of the direction GVRA is heading. I believe that to significantly increase the numbers of persons we serve and the outcomes we desire, that we must look internally at how we operate, how we are structured, and everything we do to identify where we can change for the better. I also believe that to achieve great things, we can't do it all alone, which is why I am commited to building new strategic partnerships and strengthening old ones. I know that some of you may think this means that I am "giving away your control". I see it just the opposite.

IAWP Detergent Fundraiser

I see it as an opportunity to force us to think in new way and to

seek out new and better ways to serve our citizens with disabilities.

Sometimes the greatest barrier to moving forward is the fear of

taking a risk to do something different. I don't want GVRA or the programs to settle for the status quo.

The International Association of Workforce Professionals is hosting an

Lastly, notice that I did not mention funding or resources in this glimpse. That's because I don't think change for the better comes because of money...to me it's all about attitude and commitment.

ongoing fundraiser through the end of this year. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to help the homeless.

So to all of you, I respect what you do and I ask you to join me in moving GVRA forward. The people we serve deserve that from us. Thank you.

For only $25 you can get 3.5 gallons of liquid or powder laundry detergent. You can choose between either Gain or Tide. It

Greg

is a presale, and the IAWP needs the money prior to delivery.

Reminder: The next GVRA Board meeting is scheduled for the meeting will be Wednesday, February 12, 2014 beginning at 1:00 p.m. It will take place in the 5th floor boardroom at 2 Peachtree Street in Atlanta.

For more information, please contact Debra Barnes-Homer or Jonelle Samuel on the 6th floor of 2 Peachtree Street.

New Hires and Retirements
Please welcome Tammy Rhea Cannon (RWS EW2 INPATIENT UNITS), Jennifer Phillips (RWS PROCUREMENT/ MATERIAL MGT), Patricia Naputi (RWS PROCUREMENT/MATERIAL MGT), Brandy Balado (RWS HOUSEKEEPING), Frances Anclien (RWS EW2 INPATIENT UNITS) and Rhonda Dove (VR CUMMING UNIT).
Happy trails to retirees Enrique Isidro (RWS IRF PHYSICIAN SERVICES), Teresa Jean Morrow (DAS-BUDGET, PROCUREMENT, ACCTG), Barbara Crosby (VR ASSISTIVE WORK TECH REGIONS) and Jo Carol Lewis Clark (VR COLUMBUS UNIT).

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Some of you may have received this newsletter from a friend. If you'd like to receive further newsletters in your inbox or the daily update, please contact GVRA External Affairs at 404-232-1978 or at John.Boan@gvra.ga.gov.

BEP at the Capitol

The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) would like to remind everyone who visits the State Capitol to support the licensed blind vendor manager operating the State Capitol vending located on the ground floor where the across from the Governors administrative office.

Some of the items served from 7a.m. to 2 p.m. during the legislative session include Seattle's Best Coffee, hot pretzels, hotdogs, Chick-Fil-A breakfast biscuits, lunch sandwiches and hot popcorn.

Vending products are available 24/7. This includes pre-packaged lunches, sandwiches, microwavable foods, fruit juices and sodas, pastries, chips, candies and gums.
Stop on by!

Pictured: BEP blind vendor manager Emmanuel Odumosu who operates the State Capitol snack bar.

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Employee of the Month

Below is a small excerpt from a DAS claimant. The email is is in part the reason Monique Bean is this month's employee of the month:

"The purpose of this email is to express to Monique Bean's Supervisor the customer service excellence and absolute professionalism Ms. Bean exhibited in handling this situation with me.

She was courteous, pleasant, intelligent, and truly seemed concerned about my specific case (when I know she must have numerous claimants). Her professionalism was so impressive, I found it necessary to inform her supervisor of what an excellent job she is doing in the most difficult and stressful times of a person's life and how much this claimant appreciated being treated decent and respectful."

Manager Lynne Powell presents the Employee of the Month award for January 2014 to Monique Bean.

$2.1 Billion

Tgat's gow mucg fully fundhng GVRA would contrhbute to tge Georgha economy.
That's a big impact on the Georgia economy. Not only does it account for an increase in tax revenues associated with greater statewide employment, but it also accounts for the decline in state entitlement spending associated with a larger working population.
That's big. And it's very much possible. Please share this with as many folks as possible. It's important for Georgians to realize how much the mission of GVRA can impact the state economy as a whole.
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GIB December Activities

As part of an ongoing collaboration between GIB and Both shared their triumphs and the challenges they

the Georgia Academy for the Blind (GAB), a delegation faced being employed for the first time. They also

from GIB visited the Blind Academy located in Macon. encouraged students to pay attention to subjects like

The purpose of the visit was to allow GIB to give GAB math, reading and technology. An

students and faculty an informational presentation on engaging dialog followed where questions were

manufacturing and service activities conducted by blind addressed by the GIB delegation.

individuals throughout the GIB facilities.

One of the high points of the GIB/GAB collaboration

Over 30 students, faculty and staff members gathered will be the opportunity for the students and faculty to

in the schools media center for the informational

visit the Griffin, Albany and Bainbridge plants.

presentations by the GIB delegation. The main highlight These informational visits are an ongoing collaborative

of the visit was the presentation by Daniel Collins and effort between Vocational Rehabilitation, GAB and

Habtamu Wilson, GAB class of 2013, currently machine GIB in regards to employment options available to

operators at the GIB Griffin plant.

students transitioning from high school to the work

force.

Collins and Wilson, who operate computerized sewing

machines, passed around samples of products they

make while explaining in detail the complex nature of

their jobs.

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Employee of the Month at RWS

Oliver Lee Snelling was named December Employee of the Month at Roosevelt Warm Springs.
Snelling, a Meriwether County native, has worked in the transportation department at Warm Springs since March 2003. The primary job of the transportation department is driving students to and from their work sites. The department also manages the RWS vehicle fleet keeping the cars and vans ready for staff when needed.
Coworkers nominate individuals for the employee of the month award at Warm Springs, and Snelling's nomination form emphasized his willingness to go the extra mile during preparations for the successful CARF survey in November. Snelling was asked to provide

staff training in securing wheelchairs safely in RWS vans and buses. The training was scheduled to take place after an all-staff meeting that ended later than planned. Despite being after 5 p.m., Oliver stayed in front of Georgia Hall and provided excellent training to VRU staff.
His nomination form also praised the campus tour he gave CARF surveyors. "The spirit that Oliver demonstrated in preparing for the survey and in presenting himself to staff and visitors reflected not only a genuine desire to give of himself to benefit RWS but also his commitment to our organization."

RWS Holds Graduation Ceremony

Forty-four vocational students from all over Georgia participated in graduation ceremonies last month at Roosevelt Warm Springs.

distribute diplomas to RWS students who completed their preparation for new employment in their home towns.

The keynote speaker for the event was former Atlanta RWS holds graduation ceremonies for its departing

Braves Outfielder Marquis Grissom. A native of Atlanta, students twice each year to celebrate their

Grissom was a member of the Braves team that won accomplishments and to encourage them on the road

the World Series over the Cleveland Indians in 1995. to success. The next graduation ceremony at Warm

Grissom finished his baseball career with the San

Springs is scheduled for Friday, June 20.

Francisco Giants in 2005 and has since been

devoting his time to the Marquis Grissom Baseball

Association, a charity that helps young people in

underserved areas play baseball.

Grissom, who still lives in the Atlanta area, encouraged the students to work hard to achieve their dreams and never give up. After his speech, Grissom helped

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A VR Success Story
Avery Pittman was referred for Vocational Rehabilitation Services by the Columbus Social Security Office. Mr. Pittman suffered from a right leg amputation and neuropathy, both of which were brought on by diabetes. Because of this, he wasn't able to return to his previous employment as a machine operator and electronic technician.
Counselor Ann Smith referred Mr. Pittman to complete a vocational evaluation to explore options of employment that would match his aptitudes, abilities and Interests, while at the same time not causing further bodily harm. Ms. Smith discussed and explored various career fields with Mr. Pittman to assist him in developing a work plan goal as a customer service representative/office clerk. Both Mr. Pittman and Ms. Smith agreed that the field of customer service would allow him to utilize his sales ability and computer skills, without requiring any physical activities that he would be unable to perform.
Rehab Employment Specialist Paul Workman was instrumental in helping Mr. Pittman develop an updated resume specifically tailored to his future career goals. It showcased his work experience and work skills. Mr. Pittman was given job leads and interviewed with two different companies that offered him positions. He decided that he was only able to handle one job and accepted a job as a 911 operator at Fort Benning. He has now worked for 90 days and is enjoying his new job. He is earning a generous wage with health and wellness benefits.
"Stay consistent. Stick with the program, and it will work for you." ~ Avery Pittman
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