Welcome to Bridges of Indiana's Blog!

Welcome to Bridges of Indiana's Blog!

Founded in 2000 by a mother who has a child with autism, Bridges of Indiana is an agency that provides services for individuals with disabilities as well as the aging population. These services include residential services, community habilitation servicse, respite services, music therapy, recreational therapy, behavioral management, and employment services. Bridges of Indiana primarily performs these services in the home and in the community. Dedicated to providing quality services, this agency believes in individualism and independence.

This blog will be used in several different ways; to update the disability population on Indiana legislature, provide informaiton to Bridges of Indiana employees, give insight into the agency, along with several other important information.

Friday, December 16, 2011

2011 Annual Awards

Consumers, Families, and Staff,

If you have not already submitted nominations for Bridges of Indiana's 2011 Annual Awards, please do so by January 1, 2012.  You can access the information by visiting http://www.bridgesofindiana.com/

Thank you!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Get Rolling With Zach Anner!

For those of you that receive the new cable television network OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), be sure to watch the new series entitled "Rollin’ With Zach". Oprah launched her network with a contest for viewers to try and construct a pilot of a reality show they would like to see on television. The winner was 27 year old Zach Anner. Anner is a comedian by trade and claims that his show is the "travel show for those who never thought they could travel".

What makes this intriguing is that the host of the new reality show, Zach, is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and is in a wheel chair. He has always been obsessed with travel and in "Rollin With Zach" the viewer will see Zach traveling the country and sharing his experiences in an often humorous tone. Zach will travel coast to coast challenging himself to exciting experiences that he never thought possible such as water skiing, surfing and rock climbing. The viewer is treated to Zach’s sense of humor and attitude that "sometimes you just have to roll with it".

Traveling in a wheelchair can often prove challenging and so much so that often folks think that it is not possible or just too much work. On peek at this show and it is obvious that the face of travel will be changing for those with disabilities. A number of books and websites give advice for the disabled traveler but most have a sort of cookie cutter advice designed to protect the safety of the traveler. "Having a disability and growing up with one, you’re always looking for a place in the world where you fit and where you can excel and make the best use of all your talent and your ability," Zach says. "Knowing that I’ve found a path where I can make a difference in people’s lives, it means the world to me."

Catch the first episode of "Rollin’ With Zach" on December 12, 2011 on the OWN network.

Respectfully,
Elizabeth Nelson, MSW
Behavior Clinician

Monday, November 28, 2011

Education To Enrich the Lives of Those With Disabilities

Historically, those that work with the physically challenged have been well meaning staff persons that are invested in the system and/or their client but are generally sorely undereducated. Both professionals and non professionals in this field tend to be recognized as simply "do gooders". IUPUI Indianapolis has created new and innovative programming that hopes to change this perception. They have recently announced a changing curriculum that will include courses and certificates in special needs individuals and their families.

Programs that focus on individuals with disabilities and their families have been scarce. At best, schools of psychology and social work have offered recognition of this service line but not continued programming, certainly contributing to the lack of current professionals working in this field. The IUPUI School of Social Work has developed a program that not only centers on the disabled population but their families as well. The program was designed to encompass students with a variety of abilities. Attracting students with disabilities can only serve to heighten awareness of their classmates without disabilities. Another unique aspect of this program is that it was designed to not only welcome students of social work but also psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy and kinesiology. Enhancing skills in connecting individuals to additional resources in order to enhance personal independence is another element of this program.

Many communities strongly discourage independent living arrangements for individuals with disabilities. One component of the innovative IUPUI program is that students have the opportunity to advocate for policy changes that will educate communities about this population. Hopefully, this will be a start in dispelling stereotypes and discrimination. Dean Patchner of the IUPUI School of Social Work has commented that, "There is a lot of education and advocacy to do. There are many skills involved, from leading small groups to working with families to advocacy. This program is designed to train students with all those skills."

This type of programming is what is needed to bring about a systems change in this field and it is a nice fit with the core values of Bridges of Indiana such as advocacy, respect and dignity and quality staff. Bridges of Indiana is also committed to hiring educated individuals equipped with the skills needed to succeed in this challenging service line. Please contact your local Bridges of Indiana office for more information.

Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Nelson, MSW
Behavior Clinician

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Kids with Disabilities Connecting with College

There is a misconception out there that kids with disabilities are not able or welcome or capable in attending secondary education. The reality is that one in six kids in public schools has some sort of disability. Many of these children graduate high school with some sort of diploma but what then? One particular Midwest program has begun to cater to individuals with disabilities in their quest to gain secondary education and fulfill their vocation goals. Elmhurst College in Chicago has expanded their Learning and Success Academy with a student population that has diagnoses that include Down’s syndrome, Autism, and ADD. ELSA provides kids with the total college experience including both dorm rooms and off campus housing. They provide a generalized academic curriculum as well as classes that improve time management, career goals and independent living skills. The ELSA program has graduated 19 students and 24 students are currently enrolled. The key to Elsa’s success is that disabled students participate with the general student body even if they are living at home. Educational coaches assist students in setting academic and career goals and each student is required to complete some sort of voluntary community service.

DePaul University and University of Iowa both have programs geared toward students with intellectual disabilities. The University of Wisconsin has 80 student slots set aside for students graduating from high school with a modified curriculum. The goals of each of these programs are not to graduate students with advanced doctoral degrees but to graduate students with certain marketable skills that will promote independent living in the future.

If you are a parent looking for secondary educational options for your child; there are resources out there but you must be diligent and tenacious. One website in particular is geared toward kids with disabilities exploring college options. weconnectnow.wordpress.com is a comprehensive site geared toward resources and access programming access and advocacy. They steer kids toward job and college fairs as well as exploring a myriad of diagnoses. So get out there and explore your options, connect with the appropriate websites and don’t give up! A post high school education is right around the corner. (Reference: The Chicago Tribune 11/9/2011)

Respectfully Submitted,
Elizabeth Nelson,  MSW
Behavior Clinician

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Music Therapy Credited with Gifford Recovery

Congresswoman Gabby Gifford and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, have allowed several interviews lately crediting Gabby’s recovery, in part, to music therapy. Giffords was injured last year after a horrific shooting at an Arizona shopping center. She was shot in the brain and has to relearn to walk and talk.

The brain is a bevy of connections with those connections that are utilized the most becoming stronger over time. The weaker ones become weaker but do not disappear. Neurologists can map the various brain functions and are able to understand which tasks are learned in which parts of the brain. Language is stored in the left side of the brain but music can activate visual, motor and coordination on both sides of the brain. Music also can invoke memory and emotion. Gifford’s music therapist has indicated that "nothing activates the brain as extensively as music".

Music is often used to recover speech not just from those injured but also from those with developmental disabilities. All developmental domains can be advanced with the use of music therapy. Cognitively, music therapy can assist with focusing and awareness. It can calm anxiety. Music therapy can stimulate and organize muscle response by utilizing rhythm. Song and dance can improve social skills and encourage cooperation with others. Often times, it can also raise the level of self esteem and communication, as proven by the work with Gabby Giffords. Emotional outbursts are often diminished by the use of this therapy.

Bridges of Indiana is currently serving the music therapy needs in the Muncie, Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Vincennes and Evansville areas. Our therapists will demonstrate that music therapy is a powerful tool in stimulating response both physically and mentally. Don’t hesitate to contact your local Bridges of Indiana office or therapies@bridgesofindiana.com for more information.

Submitted by,
Elizabeth Nelson, MSW
Behavior Clinician

Friday, September 9, 2011

We Need Each Other

While vacationing alone in Vermont in my early twenties, I visited the Norman Rockwell museum. The older person working there was as sweet as pie and I apologized for being the last tourist in the store and offered to hasten my musing so that she could close shop and go home. She explained that, since her husband passed, she found herself "not in any big hurry" to go home to an empty house. I found myself staying and listening to her for some time. I thoroughly enjoyed our visit and genuinely appreciated her knowledge. I remember that my heart went out to her and that I did not want to leave her. Though I fail to remember what I learned about her family situation – whether or not she had grandchildren to toss on her knee – I was glad that she had the museum in which to interact with others, that she had much to give.

Again, in my early twenties, I was fortunate enough to have befriended several older men who had known my grandfather – after my grandfather’s funeral, I was welcomed to their weekly gatherings held at Jerry’s restaurant in Jasper, Indiana. These gatherings, in which I took part for the next several years, seemed to fill a gap for me. (In retrospect, they did more than that: They enriched my world forever.) The men evidenced the possession of wisdom I lacked and they were patient enough to suffer a fool forty years their junior. Eventually, I learned to listen to lessons of life that can only be learned by those who have suffered the losses and triumphs and lived to exude each; Veterans of war and survivors of losses that I had not known. I was humbled by these talks.

I realize how fortunate I’ve been – that the encounters I’ve enjoyed with others have shaped the person I am today. People I’ve met through Bridges of Indiana have shared with me the observation that their lives, too, have been made richer by the people they encounter in the community or in their home.

Charlie Brooks, Regional Director
Bridges of Indiana

Friday, August 19, 2011

Community Motivation Message from Terre Haute Director

For my first blog entry, I would like to highlight a couple of consumer and staff related events over this past year and to express my deepest gratitude for those who have volunteered not only their time, but also their resources and ingenuity into making those events such successes.

In April, Bridges of Indiana participated in two major events, World Autism Awareness Day and March for Babies. I have been fortunate to have been able to attend both of these events for the last two years and it was wonderful to see such a great turnout and to see so many new faces at both of these events.

In May, the office staff at Bridges hosted an Employee appreciation party. The goal of this event was to show our appreciation for the effort and hard work that our field staff put into their work and their consumers. This event was a great success and a lot of fun too! Those who attended enjoyed an old fashioned hot dog and hamburger cookout at Deming park with yours truly, cooking on the grill.

In August, Bridges of Indiana hosted a Car and Truck Show to benefit Autism. This was the second year for this event and I am happy to say that it was again, a huge success!

There are two upcoming events that I would also like to mention. In November, Bridges of Indiana will be hosting an Employee Appreciation Holiday party. Please stay tuned for details. I hope to see all of our employees come for some great food, fun and conversation. Additionally, please mark September 17, 2011 on your calendars to attend the Walk Now for Autism Speaks event. This is a great opportunity to participate in a community activity and meet new friends and I encourage everyone to come out and walk with us!!!

See you out in the Community!
David Ofsansky, Terre Haute Director

Friday, July 29, 2011

A Fun Message from our CFO

Bridges of Indiana has decided to jump into social media full force this year and all members of management have been asked to write a blog. As CFO, I considered blogging about financial changes or updates to accounting policy that may have an impact on Bridges of Indiana. The first thing that came to my mind was BORING! If I was looking at the company website or a newsletter and saw anything dealing with financial updates or changes in accounting policy/regulation I would probably NOT READ IT. So being a risk taker I decided not to blog about anything financial but instead write about a strong passion of mine…. Lacrosse.

Growing up on the east coast, I have been involved in lacrosse since I was 5, playing and coaching. I am currently the head coach of the Guerin Catholic High School girls’ lacrosse team. Over the past year, I have been trying to think of ways to make the sport accessible to anyone in Indiana especially our consumers. To date I have only been about to reach out to two different organizations, Wheelchair Lacrosse and Lacrosse for Autism.

Wheelchair lacrosse was founded in California by Ryan Baker and Bill Lundstrom a few years ago. What started as two guys looking for new challenges has turned into an entire lacrosse movement that spans the United States and Canada. There is huge support from US Lacrosse (the governing body of all levels of lacrosse in the United States) which has had a very positive impact on the growth. It is my hope to get a league established in Indiana and become the Midwest hub of the sport. To date, I have contacted both Ryan and Bill and they are willing to help get things rolling. I am just in need of a location. It looks like the best location is an old roller rink. If anyone knows of one or has an idea please reach out to me. For more information you can visit www.wheelchairlacrosse.com.

Lacrosse for Autism is a great organization located primarily on the east coast. Their mission has been to raise awareness and provide an opportunity for children with Autism to learn and play the sport. They can be found at www.lax4autism.com. The only problem is that they do not have a presence in Indiana…. yet ... I would like to take care of that.

So here I am. I have some great ideas, coaches, player mentors, access to fields, and officials. If I don’t have something I can get it. I just do not know the hows and whos in order to get some interest and grow this into something pretty cool. So I am reaching out to you blog readers for help. I am a coach and a financial guy. I know nothing about getting something like this rolling.

So what’s stopping you?
Brian Billand, CFO

Friday, July 15, 2011

Indy Update

As some of you may know, the Indianapolis Bridges of Indiana office has undergone several changes. These changes include myself being named the Indianapolis Area Director and the addition of three new Service Coordinators. Those new Service Coordinators are Mary Hanna, Ouida Butler, and Amanda Harper.
Each of these ladies bring with them a wealth of experience in the disability field. Mary Hanna has comes to us after many years of working with the Developmentally Disabled population in the Nursing home Industry. Amanda Harper brings to Bridges of Indiana her experiences with the Educational System and those who have Developmental Delays. Lastly Ouida Butler has been a Program Coordinator in the Indianapolis Area for another provider for the last 2 years.

We all look forward to serving the needs of those consumers in the Indianapolis Area. Over the next few weeks these new staff members will be calling on our consumers to meet and get to know you. In the meantime please stop by and see as if you are in the neighborhood.

I would like to finish with this quote from Ester Dyson "Change means that what was before wasn’t perfect. People want thing to be better." This is our goal for the remainder of 2011. I look forward to meeting each and every one of those people who are involved with the Indianapolis Area and Bridges of Indiana's services.
  
Sincerely,
Luke A. Anderson, Regional Director

Friday, July 1, 2011

What Does BOI's Therapeutic Services Have to Offer?

Bridges of Indiana is a certified Medicaid Waiver Provider and provides an array of services to children and adults with disabilities.  In addition to Respite, CHIO, and Res Hab, Bridges of Indiana has added a new Therapeutic Services department. This department can provide therapeutic services in the comfort of your own home or at our therapy center.  Here are the following services we offer:

Behavior Management Services:  This service is provided by a certified Behavior Specialist who holds a Master degree in social work. Bridges of Indiana is committed to Scientific Based Behavior Modification for support and non-aversive interventions that accurately reflect the needs of the individual.  Our agency will use a Multidisciplinary Team approach in providing a variety of interventions and replacement behaviors to highlight the consumer’s strengths and needs. Our focus is on the person and the underlying factors surrounding the challenging behavior; not the behavior itself.   

Music Therapy:  This service is provided by a board certified Music Therapist trained to use various forms of music and instruments to promote self awareness, social interaction, and positive emotional expression.  Music Therapy can make the difference between withdrawal and awareness, isolation and integration, or demoralization and dignity.  The Music Therapist uses Active and Passive therapy methods dependent upon consumer needs and abilities.

Recreational Therapy:  Recreational therapy improves and maintains physical, mental, and emotional well being.  This service is also provided by a degreed, certified Recreation Therapist.  Recreational activities provide access to the opportunity to achieve or fail at activities that have long been denied to individuals with disabilities.  Recreational therapy can reduce stress, help recover basic motor functioning and reasoning skills, and build confidence and social skills.

Bridges of Indiana is committed to providing quality, therapeutic services to children and adults with disabilities.  If you are interested in our therapeutic services please feel free to contact Gina Soulier, Therapy Program Manager at therapies@bridgesofindiana.com  or visit our website www.bridgesofindiana.com  for more information.  At Bridges of Indiana, we are all about quality comprehensive services.

Respectfully,
Gina Soulier

Monday, June 27, 2011

An Insightful Tale

A woman walking along the shore looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. As she got closer, she noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean. She came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled woman.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. It won’t be good from them if someone doesn’t help."

Upon hearing this, the wise woman commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? What possible difference can you be making?"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and held it up while preparing to toss it back into the ocean. To the wise woman he replied, "I feel like I’m making all the difference in the world…to this one."

This story is attributed to an anthropologist, Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977). I always passed it along to new employees during orientation. As the company has grown and more orientations are conducted, I’ve been unable continue this activity. We still find ways, whenever possible, to express that our work with others occurs "in the moments" of the day; that right here, right now is where we want our Bridges of Indiana  employees to be. Leaving our worldly problems (and egos) outside the door to be present to give what is needed, when it is needed…that should always be our goal.

Charlie Brooks, Bridges of Indiana Regional Director

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Intake

Hey all! My name is Rick, and I am the Intake Specialist for Bridges of Indiana. I want to take just a moment to tell you a little about what it is I do. I work hand in hand with Case managers as well as agencies that work with the elderly and people with disabilities. All of us work together to focus on assisting in meeting your needs. My roll is to meet with potential consumers, explain our services, and do an assessment to make sure that we can appropriately satisfy your needs.

The first step in doing that is for a Case Manager or yourself to make a simple phone call to me at 812-881-1220 and schedule an intake interview. At that time I will go over all of the services that Bridges of Indiana has to offer. We will discuss topics like what it is you enjoy doing, things you want to have help accomplishing, and places you might like to go out in the community. I will take that information and share it with the Director of the office that serves your area. When you decide to choose our agency, the Director will call you to introduce himself and tell you who your Service Coordinator (SC) will be. Your SC will then be in touch with you to discuss setting up an interview for you to be introduced to possible staff that will be working with you. At that time you are given the opportunity to speak with the staff and conduct your own interview to see if that person is someone you would feel comfortable working with. If you feel that it is a good match you will let the SC know and the hiring/training will begin.

It is the desire of Bridges of Indiana to make sure that all of your needs are being met on a friendly and trust worthy level. We want you to be comfortable and feel safe with the individual that is going to be spending time with you. We also hope that you will have the opportunity to enjoy the things that you have wanted to do. A chance to build relationships and build bonds and friendships. So, it is my hope that you will give Bridges of Indiana the opportunity to help make your life more fulfilling and meaningful. Once again, if you have any questions, please contact ME at 812-881-1220.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Rick Spaulding

Monday, June 13, 2011

Fundraising Events

Good afternoon and happy Monday to you all :)

Bridges of Indiana is SO excited about our upcoming fundraising events to raise money for the 2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks! Over the past 3 years, our agency has brought in SEVERAL thousands of dollars for this event.  From our fundraising events last year along with sponsorship money, we contributed around $10,000!!  This year we want to bring in even MORE!

Please join us for the following fundraisers. For more information on any of these events, please contact ME at 812-249-5039 or marketing@bridgesofindiana.com
  • Yard Sale for Autism- July 15 from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Terre Haute office (21 N. 11th St.)

  • Applebee's Dining to Donate- July 27 at the 3rd St. location in Terre Haute (must have flyer- contact  ME to get one!)

  • 2nd Annual "Cruise In to be a Piece of the Puzzle" Car & Truck Show to benefit Autism- Please see our "News" section at http://www.bridgesofindiana.com/ for more info!


  • Have a great day :)
    Tiffany Smith

    Wednesday, June 8, 2011

    Humility and Humor At The Office

    At Bridges of Indiana, we have all had days at the office when the busy nature of our work reminds us of the need to keep humor and humility on the front burner of our mental ovens. We are constantly learning and growing. As learning is sometimes a process requiring the learner to modify or abandon existing knowledge, I believe a thoughtful approach includes proceeding carefully and humbly. I have found that employing humor to raise the curtain exposing our human tendency away from humility can be attitudinally healthy. The following true story illustrates: 

    Dr. Emmet Fox was sought by a parishioner new to the church who wanted to meet Dr. Fox behind closed doors to become acquainted. At the appointment time, the man introduced himself in the entryway of Dr. Fox’s study and began telling of his many political and business associations about town. When the man took a breath, Dr. Fox said, “Well, have a chair then.” But the man apparently didn’t feel that Dr. Fox was as impressed with him as he should be, so he continued! The man explained that he was also on the board of this prestigious organization and was the recipient of countless awards from a long list of named admirers, to which Dr. Fox responded, “Well, have two chairs then.”

    Helpful involvement in the lives of others requires effort and time. I believe I should be as available as possible to nurture that process. Giving time, then, is paramount. The importance of attentiveness during this time is perhaps best illustrated by the phrase medical doctors have used to advise medical students: “Don’t just do something, stand there.” I have found that working with people is not a casual affair – that involvement in others’ development is inexorably intimate and consuming. I have been best served by attempting, however falteringly, to summon enthusiasm, humor, compassion and eclecticism to guide me during each interaction with others.  

    I also benefit from humor. I believe that many of the most comical situations just occur – that they cannot really be invented. One of my favorite pieces of humor comes from my friend, Mark. During his undergraduate work in communications, he worked at USI's A.M. radio station. As the station house was a small building in the woods, he'd sit alone on the late shift playing music. Cognizant that it was a small school with a small station (and that it was an A.M. signal), he often felt that he wasn't getting out very far on the airwaves. The school's call letters are WSWI ("WissWee"). He told me of a time when he was tempted to say on air, "W-S-W-I, WissWee - WissWee had some Wisteners!"

    Many of the family members I talk with will always take time to share a good story or two. Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts and memories with us!

    Best Regards,
    Charlie Brooks, Regional Director

    Tuesday, June 7, 2011

    A Special Opportunity for the Special Olympics

    Over this past weekend, Bridges of Indiana and Child Adult Resource Services (C.A.R.S.) teamed up with the Terre Haute Children’s Museum to sponsor a unique opportunity for the athletes of the 2011 Special Olympics Indiana Summer Games. Each athlete received a card for one free admission into the Terre Haute Children’s Museum during the Games, which took place in Terre Haute June 3-5. Each pass was also good for the admittance of a chaperone so that no one will have to miss out on all of the fun.

    Bridges of Indiana and C.A.R.S. are agencies that provide services to individuals with disabilities as well as the aging population, so we were honored that the Indiana Special Olympics program allowed us to offer these passes.  This was a great opportunity for these athletes to get more involved in the Terre Haute community and experience the new Children’s Museum at no charge.

    On Sept. 24, 2010, the Terre Haute Children’s Museum moved from a 3,000-square-foot building to a new 26,000-square-foot facility located at the corner of 8th Street and Wabash Avenue in downtown Terre Haute. The Museum is focused on giving children exciting ways to learn about math, science, technology and health, and some of the exhibits that can be found in the new Museum include a two-story tree house, an energy exhibit, a dinosaur dig, an agriculture exhibit, a water table, a seashell exhibit, health exhibits, and exhibits about airplanes and flight. "The Terre Haute Children’s Museum believes that learning through play is the right of every child, regardless of ability, background, or income," said Lynn Hughes, executive director of the Terre Haute Children’s Museum. "We are proud to join Bridges of Indiana and C.A.R.S. to ensure that all of the athletes visiting Terre Haute will have an opportunity to visit the Museum and experience the safe, welcoming, place for play, learning and fun that this community has created!"

    For more information about Bridges of Indiana, visit www.bridgesofindiana.com. For more information about C.A.R.S. visit www.cars-services.org. For more information about the Terre Haute Children’s Museum, visit www.thchildrensmuseum.com.

    Monday, June 6, 2011

    Get Involved in the Process

    For this blog entry, I would like to use the column to impress upon you the importance of your continued participation in the State of Indiana’s political process as well as your fight for people with disabilities. It is crucial for you to recognize the need for you to get involved.

    This year, all of us have gone through another rough budget season at the State House.  The only good news that has come about is that the results could have been much worse if all of you had not participated in the political process. By contacting your Senators and Representatives to ensure further cuts did not go into the 2011 budget, you did make a difference.  I know this is not too comforting as many of you have either experienced cuts in your annual budget or will be experiencing cuts later this year. However, now is not the time to give up, now is the time to act by building relationships with your local Representatives and Senators.  I want to encourage you to talk to them and tell them your story.  Tell them what the waiver does for you or how it has made an impact on your loved ones. These people need to know your story.  Your story is the real reason the services are needed. Your story shows them that it is worth the effort for the State of Indiana to continue to care about people with disabilities and make them a priority.

    Lastly, this is a marathon not a sprint.  There will always be another budget year, another new way of doing things, and another evaluation tool to be implemented. It is you and your stories of how these programs positively impact your lives which end up changing things for the good in the long run.  To get involved, please go to www.INquietcrisis.org or visit our Facebook page to "Like" us in order to receive notifications on important events or actions so that you may have an impact in the services for all individuals with disabilities.

    Sincerely,
    Jonathan Burlison

    Re-Introducing Bridges of Indiana's HR Department

    Bridges of Indiana’s Human Resource Department would like to take a moment and explain to our highly valued employees what role we play in their employment.

    The Human Resource Department is responsible for the following:
    • Payroll
    • Wages
    • 401K
    • Insurance
    • FMLA
    • Employment Letters
    • Unemployment
    • Work Compensation
    • Personal Time Off and Sick Time

    The Human Resource Department is always available to answer any questions that you may have regarding employment. Bridges of Indiana wants to ensure that you know who to contact when a question or issue arises. This will allow you to get the answer needed in a timely and efficient fashion.

    Here is how to Contact Us!
    Toll Free Human Resource Telephone Number: 1-800-998-0724
    Dana Lewis, Human Resource Manager
    Email: humanresources@bridgesofindiana.com
    Melissa Taylor, Human Resource Analyst
    Email: hranalyst@bridgesofindiana.com