First Step, Inc. extends a HUGE
THANK YOU
to the Honorable Judge Wade Naramore and his staff for taking time out of their busy day to come hand out HALLOWEEN candy to our kiddos!!
The kids had a blast!
First Step, Inc.
WELLNESS POLICY
First Step, Inc. acknowledges that the health and physical well-being of the students that we serve directly affects their ability to learn. As research has shown, childhood obesity increases the incidence of adult diseases occurring in children and adolescents such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. The increased risk carries forward into their adulthood. Research indicates that a healthy diet and regular physical activity can help prevent obesity and the diseases resulting from it. First Step, Inc. is keenly aware that the eating habits and exercise patterns of our students cannot be changed overnight, but at the same time the board of directors believes that it is necessary to strive to create a healthy and safe environment that consistently promotes good nutrition and physical activity.
The problem of obesity and inactivity is a public health issue. First Step, Inc. accepts the responsibility to our students to promote good nutrition, which will include whole grain rich foods and fresh fruits and vegetables, and physical activity programs. First Step, Inc. is dedicated to the students we serve and accepts the responsibility of improving the school nutrition environment, promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity. Therefore, First Step, Inc. will adhere to the Arkansas Rules Governing Nutrition and Physical Activity Standards in Arkansas Public Schools.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
It is our policy that all students will receive the maximum amount of physical activity that their physical disability will allow.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The school nurse’s primary focus is to promote wellness and disease prevention by early identification of hidden health problems that interfere with learning. The school nurse is on duty during school hours. She is available to the students who become ill or injured during school hours and will contact a parent/guardian when the situation warrants. Parent/guardian(s) are encouraged to contact the school nurse with any questions or concerns they might have regarding their child’s health and safety at school.
(Addendum 01/2015)
Our son has been going to First Step in Malvern since he was 2 1/2 months old and as you can see, he is a vibrant, full of life 5 year old. Everything has been so much harder for him but thanks to the wonderful and loving teachers and therapists, he is doing so many things independently now and still continuing to amaze us. Not only have they helped him learn and overcome all his obstacles, they have been such a support for us. The entire staff has been very supportive, helping us thru each step we have had to take, always reassuring and compassionate. This facility is a blessing to our family and this community.
Shane & Sonya Ashley
First Step Receives $2,500 Grant from Entergy
Entergy supports First Step and the services we provide to individuals with disabilities. Through First Step Supported Employment services, individuals who otherwise have difficulty finding or keeping jobs on their own receive assistance needed to be successful in their employment goals. First Step was awarded grant dollars from Entergy to aid in the implementation of a Job-Readiness Program. Individuals in our Adult Centers who have a desire to work and want training to better equip themselves for integrated employment settings will benefit from the Program. Thank you, Entergy, for your support and belief in the ability of those we serve to integrate successfully into the community of integrated employment!
Pictured above is Mark Hunt, Entergy Customer Service Representative,
presenting a check for $2,500 to Joanne Mitchell, First Step SE Coordinator.
Shown in photo: Ted Parks, Wal-Mart Store Manger (left) and Terrence Dickerson, SE Client (right)
Terrence Dickerson, SE client, was recently recognized by Wal-Mart Store Manager, Ted Parks, and associates for his outstanding integrity and customer service. Local customer, Christy Neubert, recently praised Terrence for his integrity in a Facebook post that went viral – over 115K Likes, 15.5K Comments, and 46.1K Shares! Mr. Parks shared with his associates that recently a school teacher here on vacation from Texas came into the store asking to meet Terrence.
First Step, Inc. Supported Employment Coordinator, Joanne Mitchell, commented, “From the first, we recognized Terrence as a genuine and congenial person. Possessing an excellent work ethic, he has proven himself to be a dependable, honest, and valuable employee of Wal-Mart!”
Congratulations Terrence!
POINT IN TIME Homeless Count
First Step’s social worker, Holly Sadowski (center), participated in the POINT IN TIME Homeless Count conducted on 1/24/2017. The purpose of this count is “to provide the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with accurate numbers of homeless citizens for the purpose of distributing Federal dollars for homeless programs to areas where it is needed most.” Holly along with many other volunteers went out to the homeless camps in Hot Springs and surrounding areas, where they not only gathered data but also distributed baskets carrying hygiene and food items.
Hot Springs Adults – Archwood
2016 Craft Bazaar
Thursday, December 15, 2016
101 Archwood St. – Adult Development
9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Cards for Sale! Ornaments for Sale! Goodies for Sale!*
*All items are handmade by the adults! Limited Quantities!
YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT!
Hope to see you there!!
