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CDS Announces Wonder Center Expansion

Posted by & filed under Media.

Contact: Blair Stephenson
(864) 331-1304
blair.stephenson@cdservices.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CDS Announces Wonder Center Expansion

The Center for Developmental Services (CDS) is pleased to announce that it will be expanding its Wonder Center, a medically fragile daycare operating under the Children’s Hospital of the Greenville Health System. This new room will allow for 9-12 more children to receive full-time care in addition to the 27 already being served. Children who attend the Wonder Center cannot go to a traditional day care because of their significant medical needs. Currently, there is a waiting list since this is the only medically fragile facility of its kind in South Carolina. The Wonder Center is staffed by Pediatric Nurses and a Child Development Specialist.

The architect team hired for the project is DP3 Architects, Ltd. and the building general contractor is Creative Builders, Inc. This expansion is phase one of their renovation project and will begin in early 2017. Phase two of the project will renovate the CDS patient lobby to make a special waiting room area for immune-suppressed and cardiac risk infants.

CDS received the initial funding for the Wonder Center expansion from JL Mann High School’s 2015 Spirit Week and will receive additional funding from Flour’s Golf for Greenville event in May 2017 to complete the first phase.

The CDS building was originally renovated prior to opening in 2000. CDS and its partners serve more than 6,000 children annually who have special needs and learning disabilities in one location near the heart of downtown Greenville, SC.

Construction is scheduled to begin in January and finish by late summer of 2017.

 

About CDS
CDS is the largest multi-disciplinary treatment facility in the Upstate for children with disabilities and developmental delays. In one location, children receive services in therapy, diagnosis, school placement, day care needs for the medically fragile, and a family support network. The partnership is comprised of Clarity; Family Connection of SC; the Preschool Special Education Program of Greenville County Schools; KidVentures of Thrive Upstate (formerly the Greenville County Disabilities and Special Needs Board); and four programs of the Greenville Health System: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Kidnetics, The Wonder Center, and Prosthetics and Orthotics. CDS and its partners serve over 6,000 children and their families each year on property donated by the First Presbyterian Church at 29 North Academy Street in Greenville. For more information about CDS or its partners, visit www.cdservices.org.

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A Shared Vision

Posted by & filed under CDS.

bridge

By Dana McConnell, CDS Executive Director

I recently had the opportunity to walk along the boardwalk of the new Cancer Survivors Park in downtown Greenville.  Nestled between Falls Park and Cleveland Park, this unique space will be a treasure for our entire community.  After soaking up the raw beauty of the landscape, I admired the accomplishments which brought the construction plan to this point.

The new park is a multi-year project of the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance (CSPA).   However, the land along the river bank is owned by Naturaland Trust, Renewable Water Resources, and the City of Greenville.   For CSPA to have achieved its progress so far with architectural plans and construction permits, these land owners had to release control of their properties.  In other words, the park is a physical example of various groups setting aside personal agendas to enable something great to happen.

Let that soak in for a minute:  Various groups setting aside personal agendas to enable something great to happen.

In the corporate environment, teams are often formed by pulling employees from various departments to work on a shared project.  In one group, they could have the expertise of engineers, the marketability of sales, and the profitability of finance.  The end result is a much more well rounded and efficient solution.  Even in small companies, a shared vision could utilize their small staff size to provide a quicker response time for gathering input and trouble-shooting.

Like the Cancer Survivors Park, the Center for Developmental Services (CDS) is a community effort of multiple independent, non-profit entities that came together for a shared vision.    We have partnered to collectively serve the disability community.   Each partner at CDS has a different service model that requires physical space, yet each partner also needs room for growth.  And since we’re land-locked, the facility is in a predicament because we have no room to add square footage outward.

What transpired was a wonderful conversation with each partner on how to tackle our greatest need at the moment.  With few options available, our community needed most to have more day care space for medically-complex children.  This would not only allow parents the opportunity to go back to work, but it would also reduce emergency room visits.

CDS just signed a construction contract that expands space for this day care called the Wonder Center.  We are excited to have come this far, and are humbled by the sacrifices each partner made for this to happen.  Each organization had to give up a corner of their space to allow for a single service line to grow.  I’m proud of our collective efforts and the shared goal that made this expansion possible.

Having a shared vision is not a new concept, but it can be difficult when each entity is not accustomed to thinking in that way.  It may also take time, trust, and transparency for each group to be willing to risk their piece of the pie.  Over time, each group will understand that there is so much more to gain collectively than they could have achieved on their own.  Whether it’s releasing land, giving up a corner of space, or combining resources, our community can realize a bigger picture when we share a vision together.

One Bite at a Time

Posted by & filed under CDS.

goals

By Dana McConnell, CDS Executive Director

Seventeen.  No, that’s not my age (I have three children – one in college).  Nor is it the number of pounds I want to lose next year (but would settle for half that).  Seventeen is actually the number of active goals I have right now.  These represent my personal goals, the family’s goals, and our organizational goals for the Center for Developmental Services.  That may seem like a lot, and it is, but I find I stay more focused when I know where I’m going.

I have heard that the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time, and while I don’t plan to eat an elephant any time soon, there is some wisdom in this saying.  During the past month, I took a moment to breathe and reassess progress toward each objective.  What I found was that I enjoy the challenge of setting my goals high.  They are probably set higher than I actually expect to achieve, but without pushing myself, I will never know if I could have achieved them.

For example, I’m not a runner.  I don’t like running.  I don’t even understand why other people like running.  Still, I make myself get outside a few days a week to jog as far as I can before stopping to walk.  In my ten years of doing this, I have only made it past the 1.5 mile marker three times.  While that may not seem far, keep in mind that my initial goal was only one mile.  Today, that goal is two miles, but I’m fine if I actually never get there.  I just keep trying because one day I may surprise myself.

The goals for my home are just as lofty.  I would love to say that at any given time if a guest were to come over, the dishes would be done, the laundry would be folded, and my grocery shopping would be completed.  Except for a planned visit that was communicated at least three weeks early, this is impossible.  Even with the best family support, our home will never be immaculate.  It’s not practical.  I still try, though, as I find productivity therapeutic.

As we move into the new year, we each have a fresh opportunity to create new goals and assess progress from previously set ones.  It is the perfect time to realign ourselves, pivot if necessary, and continue the climb.   Just don’t give up.

If you have the capacity to set work-related goals, whether for yourself or for a team, don’t be afraid to go bold.  Let’s say your team is measured by the number of new clients or sales volume.  Rather than shoot for the high-end of the benchmark, strive to double that.  Brainstorm on what it would take for that kind of growth.  Involve input from your team to think full-spectrum if social media, advertising, travel, and headcount weren’t limited by budgetary constraints.  What creative ideas could help bridge the funding gap for those resources?  Sometimes challenging yourself and your team beyond the comfort zone can ignite a wealth of inspiration.

The Center for Developmental Services has some grand ideas as well.  We plan to renovate our lobby to make it more fun for our young clients and their siblings who come for therapy.  We are expanding day care space in the Wonder Center to serve more medically-complex children. We are also adding a new direct service to assist families with intake and service coordination.  While these goals will take resources, we’re grateful to our staff and community who have stepped up to embrace the challenge.

Each of us may never achieve all the personal and work-related goals we’ve set for ourselves, but we should expect our best effort toward them.  Just keep moving forward as often as possible, even when it’s one step at a time.  The end result may surprise you!

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A Special Visit to CDS

Posted by & filed under Media.

Contact: Blair Stephenson
(864) 331-1304
blair.stephenson@cdservices.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Special Visit to CDS

dsc_8007     dsc_8144

On Tuesday December 6th, 2016, a special visitor stopped by the Center for Developmental Services (CDS) to make this holiday season extra joyful for children with special needs and learning disabilities.

Santa Claus made a special trip down south to spend the day with CDS families while taking pictures, handing out presents, and making the day special for some remarkable children.

Santa makes a yearly visit to CDS to help families celebrate the holidays. Last year, CDS served over 6,000 children in the Upstate with developmental delays and disabilities. For more information about the services CDS offers, visit www.cdservices.org/.

 

About CDS
CDS is the largest multi-disciplinary treatment facility in the Upstate for children with disabilities and developmental delays. In one location, children receive services in therapy, diagnosis, school placement, day care needs for the medically fragile, and a family support network. The partnership is comprised of Clarity; Family Connection of SC; the Preschool Special Education Program of Greenville County Schools; KidVentures of Thrive Upstate (formerly the Greenville County Disabilities and Special Needs Board); and four programs of the Greenville Health System: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Kidnetics, The Wonder Center, and Prosthetics and Orthotics. CDS and its partners serve over 6,000 children and their families each year on property donated by the First Presbyterian Church at 29 North Academy Street in Greenville. For more information about CDS or its partners, visit www.cdservices.org.

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CDS Receives 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

Posted by & filed under Media.

Contact: Blair Stephenson
(864) 331-1304
blair.stephenson@cdservices.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CDS Receives 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

The Center for Developmental Services (CDS) earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest rating possible from America’s largest independent charity evaluator.  This top distinction was earned as a result of CDS’ sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Using objective, data-driven analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. “This is our highest possible rating and indicates that CDS adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way,” according to Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Charity Navigator. “This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets Center for Development Services apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.”

“We are extremely proud to have earned this distinction,” said Dana McConnell, CDS Executive Director.  “This honor confirms to our donors that we are using funds appropriately in our mission of serving children and families with developmental delays and disabilities.”

 

About CDS
CDS is the largest multi-disciplinary treatment facility in the Upstate for children with disabilities and developmental delays. In one location, children receive services in therapy, diagnosis, school placement, day care needs for the medically fragile, and a family support network. The partnership is comprised of Clarity; Family Connection of SC; the Preschool Special Education Program of Greenville County Schools; KidVentures of Thrive Upstate (formerly the Greenville County Disabilities and Special Needs Board); and four programs of the Greenville Health System: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Kidnetics, The Wonder Center, and Prosthetics and Orthotics. CDS and its partners serve over 6,000 children and their families each year on property donated by the First Presbyterian Church at 29 North Academy Street in Greenville. For more information about CDS or its partners, visit www.cdservices.org.

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Celebrate Achievements

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celebrate_achievements

By Dana McConnell, CDS Executive Director

Oprah Winfrey stated beautifully that, “the more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”  This is so true, and we have more milestones to celebrate than we realize.

Early in life, toddlers have key developments like grasping for objects to put in their mouths, pulling up on furniture before taking that first step, or using two to three words to form a sentence. Some children develop these skills effortlessly. Other children, such as those with low muscle tone or speech delays, experience a greater degree of difficulty developing the same skills. Yet, these are still milestones to be celebrated, regardless of how long a child takes to master them.

During adolescence, teenagers tend to favor milestones that are associated with independence, like getting a driver’s license, earning their first paycheck, and graduating from high school. But other developments are just as critical, like maintaining eye contact, the ability to read an audience, and being able to support or counter an argument. These skills help to achieve greater success in college or in the general work force.

As adults, we have our own milestones:  a new job, relocation, marriage, starting a family, taking a promotion, or deciding to retire. These are fairly common life events and deserve their share of the limelight. Other events—those often less obvious to the outside world— could still be critical to our personal development.  Maybe it is an event you were in charge of planning or a presentation in front of peers or clients. It could even be paying off a car loan or achieving another financial goal that took dedication and commitment. These are also moments we should celebrate.

Then there are organizational milestones. Several area manufacturing companies strive for record benchmarks on the number of days without a safety incident, or the number of parts made. Local colleges and universities are recognized for innovative research grants to develop new products or programs. Others might cheer when they land a significant client or government contract. These achievements make our business community stronger and should not be underestimated.

CDS has had its own achievements for 2016. We celebrated our 16th year anniversary with special guests, face painting, and fun activities. We introduced a new service offered, a medical-legal partnership that is available through the combined efforts of GHS, Furman University, and SC Legal Services. We were voted Best in the Upstate for our Outshine tutoring program. We also attained a 4-Star Charity Navigator rating, the highest score given to a non-profit for financial accountability and transparency.

Our upstate is thriving with moments to celebrate, and we should take time to reflect on these accomplishments. One opportunity to do just that is on Tuesday, November 29th at the Greenville Marriott. Ten at the Top will be presenting a “Celebrating Success” forum that recognizes corporate anniversaries (20 years or more) as well as announcing the recipients of Elevate Upstate grants and other regional awards.

Whether you are a child, an adult, or an organization, your milestones are significant. Each success helps to fuel us forward in accepting even greater challenges on the horizon. And since it’s the season for giving thanks, be thankful to those who have helped you accomplish your goals. They deserve to celebrate with you.

The Graham Foundation Awards $30,000 Gift to CDS

Posted by & filed under Media.

Contact: Blair Stephenson
(864) 331-1304
blair.stephenson@cdservices.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Graham Foundation Awards $30,000 Gift to CDS

The Center for Developmental Services (CDS) was recently awarded a $30,000 grant from the Graham Foundation to fund a Pool Pack that stabilizes the humidity and temperature of the children’s therapy pool.  This critical piece of equipment will replace a 16-year old unit that had significant repair issues and was taken out of service over the summer.  “We are grateful to the Graham Foundation for helping us with this unexpected need,” said Dana McConnell, CDS Executive Director.

Children who participate in aquatic therapy at CDS are treated by physical and occupational therapists in Kidnetics, a department of the GHS Children’s Hospital, and a partner in the building.  “The pool provides a unique environment to enhance therapy sessions and allows more freedom of movement for many of our children.  It goes without saying that it is also a really fun place for them to receive treatment,” said Janine Sally, Director of Kidnetics-GHS.

The Graham Foundation is a private family foundation based in Greenville, S.C.

pool_therapy

Photo by Better Tie Productions
 

About CDS
CDS is the largest multi-disciplinary treatment facility in the Upstate for children with disabilities and developmental delays. In one location, children receive services in therapy, diagnosis, school placement, day care needs for the medically fragile, and a family support network. The partnership is comprised of Clarity; Family Connection of SC; the Preschool Special Education Program of Greenville County Schools; KidVentures of Thrive Upstate (formerly the Greenville County Disabilities and Special Needs Board); and four programs of the Greenville Health System: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Kidnetics, The Wonder Center, and Prosthetics and Orthotics. CDS and its partners serve over 6,000 children and their families each year on property donated by the First Presbyterian Church at 29 North Academy Street in Greenville. For more information about CDS or its partners, visit www.cdservices.org.

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Finding Your Why

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findyourwhy

By Dana McConnell, CDS Executive Director

Mayor Knox White frequently shares with other cities across the U.S. about what transformed Greenville into the thriving city we enjoy today.  “Find your waterfall,” is his phrase.  Of course, not all cities have a river that runs through them, or a waterfall that was hidden for decades.  But this little phrase encourages cities to look within their boundaries to find that gem, or unique quality, which will inspire their community to become something great.

We all could apply that same inspiration for ourselves.  What unique quality do we have within us that drives us personally to want to excel?  Some might say it is their family, where they take pride in providing for their children or an aging parent.  Another might say it is their faith, where hard work and charity are part of living.  Still others find their passion by starting a company from scratch, or watching a project come to completion.  Whatever it may be, it is important to feed that motivator which drives us forward.

I found my “why” one morning in the fall of 2012.  As I was sitting in the lobby waiting for an interview, I enjoyed watching children as they waited for their therapy appointment.  The children played with stationary toys, read books, and ran up and down the lobby watching the train.  Some of them had a noticeable physical disability, but their energy was not dampered.  The thing I remembered was each child smiling and happy. Whether I got the position I was there to interview for or not, I knew that I wanted to be involved.  It just felt like a calling.

Fast forward four years and I am still involved in that same incredible place.  Just above that very lobby is my workspace where I type away to the sweet sounds of giggles, pitter patter of little feet, and cheers for accomplishing milestones.  It provides my “why” in working those extra hours when needed, and being that inspiration to just hang in there when I feel overwhelmed.  I have the privilege of witnessing these amazing children accomplishing so much more than what was expected with the odds stacked against them.  If they can do it, then I can keep going, too.

We all have something that gets us moving in the morning.  If you don’t feel inspired by what you do, I encourage you to see the big picture of your organization.  That report due tomorrow must be read by someone.  Find out who reads it and how they use it.  Look up your organization’s mission, vision, and goals.  Your specific job should tie directly back to your organization’s objectives.  Learning this will give you pride in knowing that you make a difference for your customers.

If you still aren’t convinced that you play a vital role in our community, upstate charities need committed volunteers and passionate leaders.  Consider the fact that many families are just two paychecks away from homelessness.  We are all just one poor decision away from incarceration.  We are also just one bad accident away from being permanently disabled.  Your support can help bring individuals, such as these, back into our thriving community.  Your role could be a mentor, a board member, or an advocate.  You could also be a manager who considers hiring from one of these underutilized workforce pools.

Motivation is the power that drives success.  Whether you find your “why” in your work, charity, home, or faith, I challenge you to excel.  Our world needs you. 

The Bon Secours St. Francis Resource Center at CDS

Posted by & filed under Media.

Contact: Blair Stephenson
(864) 331-1304
blair.stephenson@cdservices.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Bon Secours St. Francis Resource Center at CDS

The library at the Center for Developmental Services (CDS) was recently remodeled as a result of Bon Secours St. Francis Health System and their multi-year commitment to CDS. The facility was renovated to make the area more efficient, attractive, and comfortable for children and their families.

CDS is proud of its partnership with Bon Secours St. Francis, a faith-based health system known for their mission of being Good Help To Those In Need®, and their donation of support for CDS children and families receiving multidisciplinary services under one roof.

The library received a new name:  the Bon Secours St. Francis Resource Center.

Volunteers from CanIGetAWordIn.com and SANDLAPPER Securities helped to tear out old counters, cabinets, and bookshelves. The room has been upgraded with new computer desks, a wooden peg maze board, and comfortable seating for families. Children as well as parents utilize the 2nd floor library during therapy appointments.  This is the first of several renovations planned at the Center for Developmental Services. The Blessing and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at 1pm at the Center for Developmental Services on 29 North Academy Street in Greenville.

 

About CDS
CDS is the largest multi-disciplinary treatment facility in the Upstate for children with disabilities and developmental delays. In one location, children receive services in therapy, diagnosis, school placement, day care needs for the medically fragile, and a family support network. The partnership is comprised of Clarity; Family Connection of SC; the Preschool Special Education Program of Greenville County Schools; KidVentures of Thrive Upstate (formerly the Greenville County Disabilities and Special Needs Board); and four programs of the Greenville Health System: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Kidnetics, The Wonder Center, and Prosthetics and Orthotics. CDS and its partners serve over 6,000 children and their families each year on property donated by the First Presbyterian Church at 29 North Academy Street in Greenville. For more information about CDS or its partners, visit www.cdservices.org.

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