AmeriServe International, Inc.

AmeriServe International
The People Company

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The Connector
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The Connector.
Arizona
Iowa




See pictures from
Wickenburg Open House


Press Releases


Newsletter Articles:

    -  Monthly Adult & Older Children Program Schedules
         Are Now On-Line

         The monthly schedules for the Adult and Older Children
         Programs are not available on the Calendar page. 
         Click here to select the calendar you need.
        
    - From the Program Director's Desk (Arizona)
         
You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if
          you don't try.   Beverly Sills

          I presented at a local Kiwanis Club today and the topic was
          AmeriServe and Developmental Disabilities. There were about
          30 people in attendance and I got up and started presenting, a
          little shaky. As I was talking, I calmed down and I realized that
        
                  Read more...

     - Dean's Blog
         
April Open House Follow-up
          Open House produced a number of people interested in our
          company and how we help those with disabilities. We were
          pleased to have the continued opportunity to open up our
          doors and provide the public with resource information and
          details of services that AmeriServe provides. This open house


                   Read more...

     - Challenge - Prepare and Use Your Skills
          Often, our biggest rewards come from making the effort to do
          the little things. Making a grocery list before going shopping at
          the store often saves us money, planning the days activities
          the night before alleviates stress and worry about the next day,
          and telling the people around us "thank you" and showing
          appreciation causes them to help us out more often when we

                  
Read more...

      - ASI Monthly Elective Education - Iowa
 
        
          
Behavioral Support Alternatives Refresher
              - Friday, May 16th, 12:00-2:00pm
              - Thursday, May 29th 3:30-5:30pm
        
          
Options for Community Awareness
               - Friday, June 13th, 12:00-2:00pm
               - Thursday, June 19th 3:30-5:30pm

            
   Read more about the classes...

   -  The Art of Self Perception, Self Deception and Life as
        We Know It
        Self perception and the perception of others are two of the most
        ignored, but most operational, barriers to achieving a lifestyle of
        choice, purpose and value. Most of us feel these are a couple of
        things we cannot do anything about. Yet if nothing is done,
                
Read more...

   - Graduation With Honors
       
Continuous education and training for our employees is a core
       company value of AmeriServe International. Each month we
       provide opportunities for all employees to participate in training.
       We also offer specific training directed toward supervision and
       management. This is done though our sister company, American
       Institute of Management. This month we had 3 Client Service
 
                 Read more...

   - Jam Session At Western Trails
       
Many people who attend The Planning Center have been
       visiting Western Trails Center on Thursday afternoons for their
       “Jam Session.” The Western Trails Center is located at 3434
       Richard Downing Avenue in Council Bluffs. Jam Session
       participants have welcomed us warmly and said we could
 
                Read more...
          

   

Article One - From the Program Director's Desk (Arizona)

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.

Beverly Sills


I presented at a local Kiwanis Club today and the topic was AmeriServe and Developmental Disabilities. There were about 30 people in attendance and I got up and started presenting, a little shaky. As I was talking, I calmed down and I realized that people were really interested in the topic being presented and what I thought would take me 10 minutes to present (because I talk a little fast) took about 45 minutes!

I thought a lot about this presentation today and was a tad nervous about it…even considered calling to change the date…put off the inevitable.

BUT then in discussion with my husband I said, “What kind of example does it set if I am asking people to try to do things that may seem strange or difficult when I can’t do the same?” He nodded his head in silent wisdom, as he often does when I am trying to talk something out, and I had my answer. I needed to swallow my fear and get my tushy to that meeting and give the best presentation that I could.

So, I did, and strangely, I had fun…people asked a bunch of questions, and talked about history and changes in the system over the years and good discussion was had.

So, my point this month… sometimes it is hard to put yourself out there, sometimes it is tough for the people we work with to try something new, but life is about experiences and learning and moving forward in life…are we doing our best each day to model this for the individuals we serve? The families we meet with? Our community?

Happy May. Stay cool. Remember your hot weather safety: stay hydrated, use sunscreen, do activities outside in the early morning or evening…be safe.

Michelle Shriver

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Article Two - Dean's Blog

April Open House Follow-up

Open House produced a number of people interested in our company and how we help those with disabilities. We were pleased to have the continued opportunity to open up our doors and provide the public with resource information and details of services that AmeriServe provides. This open house was our second since the company branched to
Wickenburg. And, of course, you can expect continued future public functions like this open house to materialize again and again. We constantly strive to connect with people and the public so that they are aware of the resources that are available to them.

Our open house began with plenty of food and refreshments to choose from. Many attendees enjoyed playing the table games, which included air hockey and billiards. Some children were involved in board games such as Battle ship and Chutes and Ladders. We  delivered literature and brochures detailing our services and the AmeriServe way. There was plenty of socialization and interaction between people, which made a positive ambiance of the surroundings for individuals to embrace one another. We had a great time and we hope to see all of you again at our next open house. Thank you to all who attended and special thanks to the AmeriServe staff for your time and efforts! Way to go!

Dean Anast
Lead Client Service Coordinator
AmeriServe International Inc.
Wickenburg, Arizona

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Article Three - Challenge - Prepare and Use Your Skill

Often, our biggest rewards come from making the effort to do the little things. Making a
grocery list before going shopping at the store often saves us money, planning the days activities the night before alleviates stress and worry about the next day, and telling the people around us "thank you" and showing appreciation causes them to help us out more often when we need it. These are just a few examples of little things we can do to reap natural rewards from a little extra effort.

Many of you have spent the extra time to learn by reading the AmeriServe newsletter, and I have gotten a lot of feedback from you about the things you have learned and how that has made a difference in your daily lives. The little things that people pick up and are able to use in their daily lives by reading informational articles can become
extremely rewarding when you can find new ideas to simplify situations that are
causing frustration at home or in the community. I want to encourage you to continue doing this. Find one article a week that you can read to learn something new that will help you in your daily activities. Search the web, pull out a book you have, or go to www.ameriserveinternational.com to read articles you missed. I believe you will find this to be very rewarding and not very time consuming.

I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to complete a survey at the
AmeriServe website (www.ameriserveintl.com). It is available for anyone who reads our
newsletter or visits our website to complete. Any one who does this will be entered into a drawing to receive a gift card, a reward, from AmeriServe for their participation and effort. The survey will be available until June 1, 2008 and I will talk about the results and answers in my next article. Thank you for your participation, I can't wait to hear from you.

Josh Warne

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Article Four - ASI Monthly Elective Education - Iowa

Behavioral Support Alternatives Refresher
     Friday, May16th 12:00-3:00pm
     Thursday, May 29th 20th 3:30-6:30pm
    
Training provided by American Institute of Management.
       See Sign-up sheet at work location.


This continuing education session is designed to provide an overview of the Behavioral Support Alternatives program. For participants who have completed the two day,
6-hour course, this will be a “refresher”. For people who have not yet attended the full course, it will offer some insight into what the full course can offer. This is not a replacement for the course, but gives attendees the opportunity to regain lost information and to ask client specific questions which may not be fully covered in
programs or behavior plans.  


Goals of this course:

 - Identify the role that each of the “players” play in the development, escalation,
   de-escalation and prevention of behaviors.
 - Recognize the signs of aggression.
 - Utilize appropriate early intervention techniques to physical intervention.
 - Demonstrate effective proactive communication techniques for de-escalating
   behaviors.
 - Demonstrate proficiency in various BSA techniques. - State four values of positive
   teaching and positive behavior support


Options for Community Awareness
     Friday, May16th 12:00-3:00pm
     Thursday, May 29th 20th 3:30-6:30pm
    
Training provided by American Institute of Management.
       See Sign-up sheet at work location.

One of AmeriServe International’s core beliefs is that individuals need to develop relationships with others to live full and productive lives. Persons assisted by AmeriServe move about the community making new connections with people in work, recreation, service to others and leisure associations.  Meaningful interactions are guided by the AmeriServe International, Inc. to enhance quality of life and impact choice.

Attend this session to:
 - Learn the purpose of a meaningful, directed community experience
 - Create action plans to improve interactions
 - Develop creative options to get out of a repetitive cycle
 - Review available resources
 - Discuss how professionalism by AmeriServe staff persons can impact the outcome
 - Practice ways to introduce Clients and the company to others


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Article Five - The Art of Self Perception, Self Deception and Life as We Know It


Self perception and the perception of others are two of the most ignored, but most operational, barriers to achieving a lifestyle of choice, purpose and value. Most of us feel these are a couple of things we cannot do anything about. Yet if nothing is done, efforts to include and connect people with disabilities to others in the community in valued roles are much more difficult.

Much like each of us people with disabilities develop a self perception that is reinforced by the feedback they receive from those with whom they associate. We seek the approval of others that are of value to us. It is through interactions and feedback that we develop a sense of self and self- awareness. This sense of well-being comes from our associations as well as our function or role in those associations.

The role played is as important as the association. Who doesn’t know someone who always needs something every time you see them? In terms of perception, that person feels very valued because they know you will help them. While in your perception, you may say to yourself, “I wonder what they need now?!?” Two very distinct impressions of the same person were formed by the same interactions.

Given the above, how often do we think we have figured out how to help create a positive self image with a person and in reality have created a sense of dependence? We felt good, but the outcome we intended was opposite of what was achieved. What of others observing the interaction? Did it create a positive perception of the person or did they see dependence?

I am raising an awareness of this issue for the simple reason that we, in our attempts to support people, may have an inverse effect on how they are perceived both by themselves and by those who associate with them. Well meaning as we all are, the intended outcome is not always the actual outcome. 

Supporting people in the context of the interaction and relationship is not just something we throw together at the last minute. Careful consideration and planning are needed to ensure we actually create positive perceptions. The context in which we teach is as important as the skill being taught. Planning with a purpose in mind is essential to positive outcomes. Personal Network Planning seeks to provide a map for those who support others to find the people, places and things that will enhance self perception and the perception of others. It focuses on opportunities to teach skills in the context of that relationship while focusing on the role the person is playing.

As we age and our experience expands, the need for validation subsides as our sense of self grows. All those moments in which we wish we had done differently tend to mellow with time and become a part of who we are. A planning process that looks at where the person would or could be if given the opportunity takes into consideration all elements of a life style of choice, purpose, and value. With an eye on where we are going, obstacles seem to loom less large.

Continuing isolation for fear of what others may think is a poor excuse. The perception of others will grow as the experience grows. Planning to create opportunities for the experience is essential to developing self perception and creating a positive perception in the eyes of others.  Prerequisite skills or lack thereof have never prevented me or you from interaction with others. Perhaps we can all think of a time when they should have. But in reality we learned from those experiences and others learned about us. That is life as we know it.


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Article Six - Graduation With Honors

Continuous education and training for our employees is a core company value of AmeriServe International. Each month we provide opportunities for all employees to participate in training. We also offer specific training directed toward supervision and management. This is done though our sister company, American Institute of Management. This month we had 3 Client Service Coordinators, Becky Eckert, Susan Larrison and Dennis Stolz, devote their time and attention to learning the basics of supervision. At the graduation ceremonies each was given a certificate for completion and were recognized by the executive team for their efforts and dedication to
self-improvement. As a result of their participation in Basic Supervision class the company and the people we serve will all benefit. Congratulations and thanks to all three of the CSCs. It is an honor to have such fine people working with us at AmeriServe International.

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Article Seven - Jam Session At Western Trails

Many people who attend The Planning Center have been visiting Western Trails Center on Thursday afternoons for their “Jam Session.” The Western Trails Center is located at 3434 Richard Downing Avenue in Council Bluffs. Jam Session participants have welcomed us warmly and said we could participate in the future. Upon returning to the Center we dusted off the tambourine and rhythm sticks, got out our rhythm CD and began to hold band practice 2 – 3 times a week.

During our practice time we work on listening for the beat and all playing together. We also have two knee slapping songs we are working on and hope to be ready for our first “gig” in May.

We are still debating what to call our band. Amerishine has been suggested, but we would like some more ideas submitted before making a democratic choice. We have had several audiences to date; students from Iowa Western Community College and office staff from AmeriServe. We will keep you updated as to the progress of “the band.”


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Previous Newsletters:
 

Arizona
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November  2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
 

Iowa
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
September 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
 

 

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