"The world would be a much better place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog."

We were paid a visit by a man and his two canines this past Friday. But these weren't just your ordinary folk'.  It was our good friend Mark Vosel and the DOGS ON CALL! There's certainly something special about the three of them. The Golden Retrievers, Millie and Eli, are two of the best companions you could ask for; so calm, gentle and confident. Their patience with people of all abilities just amazes me. They say there is nothing like the unconditional love of a dog-  I believe it! 

Their handler/daddy, Mark is a one in a million friend. It's no wonder his dogs are so even-tempered and approachable. This guy is the epitome of compassion. Whether it's a hug, a handshake, a kind gesture or a sweet story to make you smile on a rough day... he's your guy.  

Thank you Mark, Millie and Eli for coming by the Smith Center! See you later, friends...

To learn more about the Dogs on Call, click the link below
https://dogsoncall.com/

I never really understood people who say that something "went off without a hitch."  I mean, I know what the terminology means, but does that really EVER happen?  Not for AWE Arc. There's always got to be some sort of excitement!  But, if you ask for my opinion, Monday night's Annual General Membership Meeting went very well!  We got through it Smithy-style and said a sweet goodbye to 2018. ELEVEN Directors were voted in to service, which makes for a 50% change in the Board. It was a sad goodbye to Board President, Sam Peak. "Coach,"  we wish you well in your next endeavors! 

The following service awards were given out for 2018:
Volunteer of the Year:     334 Jeeps
Smithy Award:      Buffalo Rock
President's award:    Leadership Autauga County

Thank you for your support!

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm excited to get this new year started!
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Photos:   This stellar staff of E.I.E.I.O. was highlighted throughout the meeting! You couldn't meet a nicer, more kind-hearted group of ladies!  Thanks for all you do for the littlest members of our community!

Congratulations to Angie Crum and Annette Holliday for winning Employee of the Year in their Departments!
Crystal Johnson was awarded Residential DSP of the Year as well!

Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to those we support! These tokens of appreciation were much deserved!

What better way to celebrate the holiday than with some of the kindest, most caring people in this community? The Prattville Civitan group was so generous to bring a pizza lunch to the Smith Center, gifts and some big guy in a red suit!?

Thank you Civitans, Lt. Ray Wagner and Lt. Skip Tallmage for your continued support of those we serve! Merry Christmas!

The AWE/ Arc Board of Directors put on their 7th annual Smith Center Bass Classic this past weekend!  A change in venue didn't stop a few long-time supporters of the Smith Center from coming out and fishing at Lake Martin the late September heat!

I want to thank all of those on the Programs Committee who helped make this tournament a success. All of your hard work leading up to, and throughout the tournament is so appreciated! Thanks to the business owners who sponsored the tournament and believe in what we do! A special thanks to Mike & Crystal Oglesbee with OGS Tournaments for such a well-run tournament. We truly appreciate your support!   www.ogstournaments.com

Here are the top three boats!

This young lady never ceases to amaze me! We have been blessed to have her on our staff for the past few years. She is destined to do great things wherever she goes.  We want to thank her for all she does! She is such a great advocate for people of ALL ABILITIES! 

These guys look forward to attending Camp ASCCA every year! Check out how much fun they had last week! I have to say, I'm a little jealous that I still haven't experienced a zipline and this is a typical day at camp for these folks.    Go Mindy go!

REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum education- Bachelor’s degree in human service or special education related field; minimum of one year experience in direct service with people with intellectual disabilities; first Aid and CPR certified, CPI certified; able to lift 20 lbs.; must be physically active; able to work from 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday daily with a 12-month instructional year; able to work with minimal supervision; able to attend some evening meetings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
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1. Establish rapport and working relationship with assigned individuals;
2. Observe assigned individuals, review data and progress; revise programs based on individual need and performance;
3. Ensure that assigned individuals have up-to-date ISP’s;
4. Write and ensure implementation of behavior support plans, as needed;
5. Review monthly progress notes for assigned individuals for accuracy and submit to case management;
6. Schedule/conduct necessary pre-planning meetings and ISP meetings for assigned individuals;
7. Maintain proper documentation on all assigned individuals;
8. Communicate with families and case management on behalf of assigned individuals;
9. Perform staff training under the direction of the Program Manager;
10. Attend IDT meetings as needed;
11. Work with Quality Assurance as needed;
12. Know and follow AWE/Arc Policies and Procedures;
13. Closely monitor clients for such adverse signs as neglect, abuse, drugs, depression, and abnormal behaviors (especially violent and/or inappropriate interaction with other clients and staff);
14. Others duties as assigned.
If interested, please send your resume to our Executive Director at jess.butrica@awearc.org.

Savannah has been working at Home2 Suites for just a few months now, but she has already impressed her co-workers and supervisors! Congrats on getting EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH! We are so proud of you, girl!

We couldn't be more proud! You deserve this celebration!

Savannah and her Supervisor, Crystal.  Thank you for making today special!