Jamesetta Middleton had a big goal for 2011. She started her training to walk a ½-Marathon in late winter to build endurance for a journey that would ultimately take her 13.1 miles to a finish line. The Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon was coming to Savannah on November 5 and she wanted to participate.

The weekly Sunday morning trainings were never fun, but they were necessary. Jamesetta’s walking partner, CCDS co-worker Michele Wagner, admitted that laps around Forsyth Park often got repetitive. With each lap, Jamesetta would comment in all seriousness, “I think this is the last lap,” although they often had many more to go. Over the weeks, Michele and Jamesetta forged a bond of teamwork that would be their strength on the day of the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon.

Michele shared that throughout the training and the ½ marathon itself, Jamesetta was her source of inspiration. Jamesetta’s determination and perseverance revealed how much she wanted to accomplish this personal goal. “Around mile 11 on race day, when our feet and legs were really hurting, I asked her if she wanted to quit,” Michele confessed. “Jamesetta answered, ‘No, we have to finish. We just have to finish, Michele!’”

When Jamesetta crossed the finish line at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon, she and Michele jogged across, hands held high in victory. Months of training had paid off, and as a bonus, a friendship built on trust and respect had been fashioned.

“It was hard, but we did it. We crossed the line and got a medal!” Jamesetta grinned, remembering the moment. When asked if she was ready to do another race anytime soon, her face grew serious. “I’m tired, and I need some rest. We’ll talk about this later.”

As the CCDS Development Director, Michele wanted to brag on Jamesetta one final time. In addition to completing months of training and a victorious crossing of the finish line, Jamesetta has another item of which she can be proud. She raised $220 over her goal in donations, reaching a total of $720!

Over 400 local supporters flocked to the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society’s annual Night of Champions event on June 9, 2011 to honor individuals with disabilities and their community employers.

The evening was a rollercoaster ride of poignant stories, side-splitting hilarity, tears of joy, and true admiration for jobs well done. Never has an event so successfully shouted the praises of dedicated workers and employers willing to take a chance. A “career” almost takes the backseat to the magic that happens when an employer and an employee meet, invest in each other, grow and share a success — a real pep rally for the soul!

One thing was evident with each employer / winner — a unique, unbreakable bond that revealed the depth of trust and support they had for one another. From Kevin’s hilarity, to Kiera’s quiet grace, to the enviable friendship that Jared has with his doctor boss, the night revealed a genuine connection between employer and employee. It was a natural bond that was an added layer of success.

The annual Night of Champions recognized six individuals this year, and of them, five of them found employment through the Community Employment Services of CCDS.

On October 23, 2010 a team representing CCDS participated in the 5th annual Buddy Walk sponsored by the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS). Held on one of the most perfect days of the year, the event boasted over 4,000 attendees according to early estimates.

The Buddy Walk, a fundraiser for LDSS, had full media coverage and great support from the community. Savannah celebrity and restaurateur Jamie Deen served as master of ceremonies to the to the 4‐hour event which featured a walk around Forsyth Park, a festival, demonstrations by Abilities Unlimited, and local dancers

With over 20 CCDS team members on hand, the agency made quite a showing at the family‐focused event. Everyone had a great time visiting the booths, participating in the celebration, and just hanging out. Meanwhile, CCDS staff was also able to talk with individuals interested in future services at CCDS.

It was a beautiful day for CCDS to celebrate a great cause and support a community partner!

The Annual Buddy Walk for 2011 will be held on Saturday, October 1. Join us!

Eleanor Rhangos and Leigh Thomson are the Principals of the company. Eleanor Rhangos has an extensive background in product, service and marketing strategy development. She has worked in a number of industries with companies such as Charles Schwab, Equitable Life, Savannah Bee Company and Boys and Girls Clubs of America among others. Leigh Thomson, an award-winning packaging and design professional is also a tenured professor of Graphic Design at Georgia Southern University. Together they have developed nationally recognized products, brands, websites, print collateral and packaging. They have also consulted with a variety of businesses on how to position themselves for future growth.

 In early 2011, Rhangos and Thomson conducted a comprehensive audit of CCDS’s current print collateral as well as took the time to fully understand the programs and services that CCDS provides to adults with developmental disabilities. From this review, they conceived a highly successful marketing strategy and awareness campaign to elevate the visibility of CCDS in the Savannah community. The empowerment campaign, Me*Power, came complete with original design for the logo capturing the key elements of CCDS’s mission and vision. Around the empowerment campaign LETR also crafted an associated “philosophy” that underscored and translated the values of CCDS into a succinct and eloquent paragraph. To date, the response to the Me*Power campaign both internally and externally has been extremely well received and embraced by those it has touched.

In addition, LETR & Co. has also designed a full-feature website to support the campaign that invites the community to get involved with and contribute to CCDS activities and programs.

“We at CCDS are thrilled and extremely grateful to LETR & Co.,” Kathy Thomson, Executive Director at CCDS commented, “for creating an effective and persuasive marketing campaign that has truly elevated awareness of CCDS throughout the Savannah community.”

In addition to the empowerment campaign, LETR & Co. has also worked extensively with Quantum Catering to redesign menus and options for a more upscale catering service. Quantum, Inc is a subsidiary of CCDS and employs adults with developmental disabilities in various industries, one of which is catering. They are also currently revamping CCDS and Quantum print collateral to a more effective and appealing product. Through their generous donation of time and talent, LETR & Co. has truly brought great vision and expertise to CCDS. We are very grateful to LETR & Co. for all they have done and continue to do!

www.letrco.com

While Etheridge has been the Athletic Administrator for the City of Savannah for 16 years, many know him through his many connections in the community: the Georgia High School Association, the ASA Softball District Commission, winner of the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame and his past of coaching baseball and football at Windsor Forest High School. Etheridge insists he does all he does because he feels he is so blessed and wants to do for others. It brings happiness to his life to bring joy to the lives of others who may not have the same opportunities.

Fifteen years ago, Kenneth Longinatti was given the opportunity to have his dreams come true when Etheridge partnered with Coastal Center for Developmental Services’ Community Employment Services. What started out as a temporary pilot program suddenly took off and showed long-term promise.

Etheridge described it, “It was ‘people helping people,’ and it turned into a win-win situation.”

Longinatti was hired to clean the grounds, cut the grass, put up temporary fencing and assist the senior maintenance staff with other duties. This was to allow those staff members to do more of the highly skilled assignments. Fifteen years later, Etheridge now jokes that Longinatti thinks he owns the place. Longinatti has made good friends and attends City functions with everyone in the department.

Earl contributes the success to Kenneth’s bright attitude about coming to work and said of Kenneth, “Many people do not have that gift. He is dependable, personable and I look forward to seeing him each day. I thought when I hired Kenneth that I was going to teach him something. It turned out I was the one that had something to learn.”

Doug’s day job is Regional Manager of Kelly Services, one of the world’s largest workforce solutions company. He is heavily involved with businesses throughout the Coastal Empire and beyond, however still finds time to work with CCDS in many ways. About three years ago, we asked Doug to be a part of our Business Advisory Council (BAC), and without question, he signed up. He believes in CCDS – we are a strong organization who supports people that need help. He said “once people give CCDS a chance, they’ll see.” That’s how we feel too!

As a strong community advocate through his own job, Doug takes the time, whenever we need him, to campaign for our individuals.

Doug explained that he loves to see how “potential employees at CCDS become committed to their jobs. They want to be a part of a team, just like you and I do every day.”

He continued to say once a potential employer hires an individual or Mobile Work Crew through CCDS or Quantum “all concerns the employer might have are thrown out the window. These folks want a job and not only show up day after day, but ask to make sure they can come back the next day!”

This all came together when Doug told the story of Ali who he helped find a job at Gulfstream Aerospace, a major international manufacturer of high-end aircraft. Ali held this job for over four years and became a true part of the Gulfstream family. His manager never questioned his attendance, production ability or work ethic. Ali appreciated the opportunity to work every day, and it showed. Doug said that members of Ali’s team still ask about him and even call him from time-to-time to check on him. If that project had not ended at Gulfstream, Ali would still be there.

This is what Me*Power is all about! Doug Snyder takes the time out of his busy schedule on a regular basis to empower people, help them find work and enrich their lives. Me*Power is when we work together!

Savannah Hardscapes is donating $10,000 worth of materials and resources to the new community garden of Coastal Center for Developmental Services (CCDS). William Rhangos, co-owner of Savannah Hardscapes made the announcement after the CCDS Community Garden’s recent groundbreaking.

It is exciting when a well-respected company like Savannah Hardscapes takes notice of your organization’s vision and wants to invest in that project to make it an even greater success. – Kathy Thomson, CCDS Executive Director

According to Thomson, the Hardeeville, South Carolina company is generously donating bricks, equipment use, labor and other materials to benefit the non-profit. The CCDS Community Garden will grow produce to use in its subsidiary’s catering business, Quantum Catering, and the individuals with disabilities served by CCDS can assist in tending the garden. An additional fundraiser is underway where the community can purchase engraved “Legacy Bricks” that can be engraved with a personal sentiment for future use in the garden’s pathways. To purchase a Legacy Brick and commemorate someone in your life or a special occasion, you can go to the CCDS website and download a form at www.ccds-sav.org.

About CCDS

A nonprofit, CCDS is a leading provider of day and employment services to over 315 adults with developmental disabilities. A part of the local community for over 30 years, CCDS has a rich history of providing proactive and meaningful services that increase independence and inclusion in the community. Its subsidiary, Quantum, Inc., operates four small businesses that serve local, national and international customers. CCDS and Quantum are located at 1249 Eisenhower Drive in Savannah, GA. For more information visit their websites at www.ccds-sav.org and www.quantuminc.biz.

SAVANNAH, Ga. –

Hundreds of Savannah’s disabled adults will have access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs thanks to a community garden.

Coastal Center for Developmental Services (CCDS)broke ground on the garden Friday morning. Staff and program members along with community volunteers will see that the garden flourishes and becomes a staple in the diets of hundreds of Savannah’s elderly with disabilities.

In addition to the fresh food, the grounds will also be complete with brick walkways, benches, a gazebo and clusters of flowers and fruit trees. Supporters can purchase bricks to help fund the project.

The CCDS is a non-provit that provides services to more than 315 adults with developmental disabilities. It’s subsidiary, Quantum, Inc., operates four small businesses that serve local, national and international customers.  CCDS and Quantum are located at 1249 Eisenhower Drive in Savannah, GA.  For more information visit their websites at www.ccds-sav.org and www.quantuminc.biz.

Read full story at:  http://www2.wsav.com/news/2011/may/20/community-garden-planted-savannahs-disabled-ar-1868320/

Coastal Center for Developmental Services (CCDS) invites the community to the groundbreaking of our CCDS Community Garden on Friday, May 20 at 10:00 AM. The event will take place between the CCDS and Quantum buildings at 1249 Eisenhower Drive, next door to the Chatham County Tag Office. Light refreshments will be available. CCDS is excited to officially start what they expect to be a great project that will impact the individuals with disabilities they serve, their programs and the community. Fruits, vegetables and herbs grown in the garden will be used by Quantum Catering, and the garden will be tended by individuals from our programs and staff. Community volunteers are welcome to help with the preparation and construction of the garden.

The CCDS Community Garden will also feature bricked walkways, benches, a gazebo and clusters of flowers and fruit trees. Legacy bricks and commemorative items will be sold as fundraisers for the garden.

The CCDS Community Garden unofficially started when children from the community planted seeds for us on Earth Day 2011.

About CCDS

A nonprofit, CCDS is a leading provider of day and employment services to over 315 adults with developmental disabilities. A part of the local community for over 30 years, CCDS has a rich history of providing proactive and meaningful services that increase independence and inclusion in the community. Its subsidiary, Quantum, Inc., operates four small businesses that serve local, national and international customers. CCDS and Quantum are located at 1249 Eisenhower Drive in Savannah, GA. For more information visit their websites at www.ccds-sav.org and www.quantuminc.biz.