Posts tagged ssp
SHEP Connection Corner - September Newsletter
SHEP Connection Corner - September Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

Give Me The Scoop! September 2024

Are you chanting, “Camp! Camp!”?

We are! Camp is fast approaching. September 10th is the deadline to register and submit payment. Here is the link to registration: https://www.shep-ok.org/oklahoma-db-camp

People from different parts of Oklahoma and surrounding states will be in attendance! This also marks the first time Jeri’s House is cohosting with us, Wait until you see the gear all the registrants get!

Relief is near...ish

How have you been keeping cool? Has your electric bill skyrocketed this summer? I actually called my provider and I saved more this summer than last summer but it felt so much hotter this summer! Using good practices like thermal blackout curtains can be a game changer that benefits all year round.

Football mania. The tie is upon us. Do you keep score? You’re going to learn about so many stats, teams, and scores as the season carries along. With the cooler weather coming comes the beloved football season. The Olympics has had us on the edge of our seats as the USA has been raking in the medals. Now we ask, who is your favorite football team? IamDB is working on methods to get more braille machines out to you so you can enjoy the game or even your favorite show. Those game sportscasters really keep up the momentum giving us all the details of what is going on on that field Perhaps some of you are athletes! We’d love to hear about it! Be sure to tune in for the next IamDB experience.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” What does that mean to you? Don’t grow weary, dear friends, dear family. SHEP has been partnering with the police and fire departments to implement new policies for the community!

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Oklahoma NewsHuman ResourcesSpring Valley Ranchoklahoma, deafblind, shep, iamdb, camp, 2024, sspComment
SHEP Connection Corner - August Newsletter
SHEP Connection Corner - August Newsletter

SHEP's Connection Corner

Like a beanstalk…

We are growing and still hiring SSPs. We have

trainings available in Tulsa and OKC!

Did we beat the heat?

The roof! The roof! The roof is on fire!” Have you

heard of that song? The next verse says, “We don’t

need no water...!” Ummm...yes, yes do. We

need lots of water. This heat has been intense! We sure do hope you are keeping cool and staying hydrated out there. The bible even tells us how to keep a cool head. Proverbs 17:27-28 The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding.

July has been a scorcher! Please be good to us, August! July did bring about some good things though. July 17th was our vice president's, Alethea’s, birthday and then July 20th was our technical operations manager Tiara’s, birthday. We had a lot to celebrate! We also had a pretty spectacular indoor game day SHEP event.

School is starting up for many this month, from elementary to college. For that reason, we are not having an

August SHEP event. We will have one next month before we head out to camp in October. This month our SSP

manager will be going on vacation. All SSP requests must be received All SSP requests must be received before

August 11 th  and after August 19 th .  Changes to requests that have already been made cannot be accepted during

that time either. A letter will be emailed with more details.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesshepokc, deafblind, db, ssp, program, august, 2024, okc, tulsa, baseball, club, tickes, ticketsComment
SHEP CONNECTION CORNER - January Newsletter
SHEP CONNECTION CORNER - January Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

Give Me The Scoop!

New Year, New Opportunities

Goals or Resolutions

Which do you prefer to call it, resolutions or goals for the new year? Well, we definitely have some new events on the way and more opportunities to get you connected and mingling. Speaking of mingle, December had quite the jingling and mingling! Let’s recall a few things that occurred before 2023 came to a close.

Amanda, our SSP manager, opened a restaurant in Midwest City called Bibbs Smokehouse. We were the first to dine and party the day away with our annual Christmas social. That food was dynamite! Of course, we had to dirty the place with some Dirty Santa, that is! What a time it was. Did you miss it? We have quite a line up coming to you for 2024. Some old favorites and some new.

Remember our SHEP van? It has been such a blessing! We have been able to use the van to transport conferences as well as rounding up the Tulsa area gang to join us here in the OKC area. There will be other opportunities where we will utilize the van to include more in various events.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesnewsletter, new year, manager, january, camp, mingle, sspComment
SHEP CONNECTION CORNER - September Newsletter
SHEP CONNECTION CORNER - September Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

Okay, Summer, It’s time to get out of here!

We have a new SSP certified from the Tulsa area! Welcome KJ!

We made it through the heatwave!

Whew wee! It has been a scorcher. I hope you all have been staying hydrated. Heat exhaustion is a real thing. If you are going to be outside getting some sun, safety is always a primary concern. The good news is the heat is coming to an end! By the way, do you try to recycle? Little things help save the environment one water bottle at a time. This year has been flying by! Where has time gone? We are fast approaching the holidays and the time for family traditions. What tradition do you have? Please tell us! We want to hear them! The picture in this newsletter is of Cassandra at an African birthday celebration. It was a magnificent cultural event. Next time you see Cassandra, ask her all about it!

As the season changes and the air begins to smell different and carry a bit of chill in the air, we switch out our icee drinks for chili bowls. We have some exciting things planned for the fall! Check the calendar for upcoming events.

“For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”-Habakkuk 2:3

We pray over you, giving thanks to be among you in each season. We pray for prosperity and joy in all your hearts and your homes.

Don’t forget to send us an email with your birthday, etc.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesnewsletter, september, 2023, social, deafblind, shep, ssp, deafblinf, deaf, hoh, emberComment
SHEP CONNECTION CORNER - August Newsletter
SHEP CONNECTION CORNER - August Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

The stores already have Halloween out!

Steadily Growing!

We have been doing 1 on 1 trainings to get SSPs certified. We have a couple coming up! Yay! New SSPs!

It was the hottest month EVER!

That’s no exaggeration! July is the hottest month on record for the entire globe. They even said ice in Greenland has melted and formed little tiny lake pools. Let’s see what August brings. I know we are all looking for some relief from the furnace we call outside! Speaking of outside, we had a most refreshing time at the Botanical Myriad Gardens in July. It actually rained and cut our time a tad. It was a beautiful experience. We took a stroll through the children’s garden as well and discovered a vine covered tunnel that led into a secret gathering place. IamBD was cancelled for July due to a loss in the President’s, Cassandra’s, family. Just a couple of weeks before that Cassandra has gallbladder surgery. The good news is she is healed and able to eat more of the foods she loves now!

We are pleased to announce we are on our second contract year with a full staff to serve the DB community! And we have a van to help out along the way! There will be future SHEP related events we will extend van pickup service for. Stay in the know! 

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesdeafblind, news, social, newsletter, august, july, pool, halloween, drs, ssp, db, fundraiserComment
SHEP CONNECTION CORNER - July Newsletter
SHEP CONNECTION CORNER - July Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

Steadily Growing!

We have 2 new SSPs! One in the Tulsa area and one in the OKC area!

Welcome Juli and Keri!

The rain sure has been showing out!

Wow! July? Already? This year has wings! The earth must be mighty thirsty because it has been raining and pouring. So sorry we had to cancel our zoo outing for June due to the weather. Perhaps we can reschedule in the fall before it is cold and when it is not so hot. Hey! Did you make it out to Tacos for Life on June 20th for our fundraiser night? They reported to us that we made $22.09! Thank you everyone! Now we have a donut fundraiser coming up. Krispy Kreme is where it’s at! Check social media and share, share, share! By using our link to order a dozen donuts we get 50% of every order. Think of how much we can provide for the DeafBlind community with these funds! The fundraiser is from July 10th to the 28th.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesnewsletter, july, van, ssp, events, doghnuts, krispy kreme, fundraiserComment
SHEP CONNECTION CORNER - April 2023 Newsletter
SHEP CONNECTION CORNER - April 2023 Newsletter

SHEP’s Connection Corner

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring!...and Oh Boy, That Wind!

Strong and Growing!

We have 3 new SSPs! 3 in Tulsa and one in OKC!

SAY WHAT! Yes! Keep requesting SSPs!

 

Let it rain and the flowers shall bring forth!

Smell the wind of change? Smell the spring air? Well...we are springing into action with our clubs and events! You heard about IamDB launching last month! Got questions? Ask away! We are still gathering interested individuals in the program. Just ask Vicky and we will get you all squared away.

Here’s a word from Cassandra; Read the scripture Matthew 12: 34-35. It discusses how we speak positivity from the heart. Good people speak good out of their hearts and evil things come from the mouth of those that need a cleansed heart. Let’s pray, encourage, and lift each other up! Be a great influencer with a positive outlook. Let’s share our strengths and build a  strong and prosperous community brick by brick.

And building we are!

We have a lot of events coming up! Be sure to check the calendar. A reminder is below.

April 13th is our very own, Angelisha’s, birthday!

We would love to give you a shout out for your birthdays as well! Send us an email letting us know about your birthday, anniversary, or any special event so we can show love and shout you out. We love pictures too, so throw those in the email if you so please!

 

                      There’s no rain on this parade! Look what’s coming ahead!

Look at what the wind blew in!

April 18th, SHEP will be at A Taste of Midwest City!

Have you heard of it? A lot of vendors will be there!

5800 Will Rogers Road Midwest City, OK 73110

6pm—8pm  

 

April 3rd Rose State College Spring Career Fair 10am to 2pm.

Rose State Campus in the Jeanie Webb Student Union building on the second floor.

 

April 15th SHEP Event - 10:30am to 12:30pm - Let’s roll the dice on FUN!

April Showers Brings Game Hour

OSU HSEC room  3401 W Reno, OKC, OK

 

April 15th there is also a social event at Jeri House to  meet at the Charles Page Blvd Highschool parking lot around 9:30 then shuttle to the Sand Springs Herbal Festival

 

April 25th Oklahoma Nonprofit Advocacy Day 8am to 12pm 

Oklahoma State Capitol, 2nd Floor Rotunda

Every first and 4th week of the month there is a coffee chat with the president. Join us!

Details on our calendar and social media!

Need a SSP? Contact Vicky!Want to be a SSP? We have what you need! Request or register on our website:

www.shep-ok.org/sspporgram

Questions?

Contact our Operations manager Vicky Helms. Email vicky@shep-ok.org

RIDDLE ME THIS: What goes up when rain comes down?

Answer: an umbrella!

Hahahahha

 

 Give us some funnies on Facebook or email us:     humanresources@shep-ok.org We would love to hear from you.

This April we challenge you to plant something and start recycling!

Find us on Facebook or visit our website www.shep-ok.org

Hey, did you know?

  • April 9th is Easter this year.

  • April 28th is Arbor Day. This day is set aside to encourage us to plant trees to help the environment.

  • Taxes are due on the 15th. UGH.

  • The Land Run of 1889 happened in Oklahoma where  men and women rushed to claim homesteads or to purchase lots in one of the many new towns that sprang into existence overnight. An estimated eleven thousand agricultural homesteads were claimed.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesapril, newsletter, rain, psring, spring, ssp, deafblind, okc, shep, iamdbComment
HB-1244 UPDATE as of April 21, 2018

HB-1244 is moving.  The bill, known as the Jeri Cooper Act, is scheduled for a Senate floor vote on Monday, April 23rd.  On Monday, the Senate meets at 1:30 p.m.  It is expected Senator Griffin, the  Senate author, will move to restore the bill’s title, which was stricken in committee.  This move means the bill will be in exactly the same form as the House-passed version, so that if approved by the Senate, the bill can go directly to the Governor for signing.  A PDF copy of the bill is attached.


Remember you can watch/listen to the Senate floor activity by going to www.oksenate.gov and selecting the link for Live Floor Proceedings. 


Also be aware that legislative agendas are subject to change.  If for some reason HB-1244 is not voted on Monday, it could come up later in the week.


We expect state agency funding bills to be introduced this coming week, so legislative attention will shortly be focused on budget for all agencies besides Education.  Soon after the agency appropriations have been cleared, legislators will hope to adjourn.


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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesjeri cooper, ssp, bill, hb1244, senate, legislators, representative, oklahoma, deafblind, rights, deafComment
Support Services Provider/Jeri Cooper Act of 2017
Support Services Provider/Jeri Cooper Act of 2017

This morning HB-1244, the Support Services Provider Act of 2017 (also being called the Jeri Cooper Act) passed in the House Public Health Committee on a 6-0 vote. Members who voted for the bill were Representatives Bush, Derby, Lawson, McEntire , Ritze and Sean Roberts. The committee substitute bill that passed is attached. Lepak’s bill directs DRS to establish a grant program to expand availability of Support Service Providers for Oklahomans who are deaf-blind. The program would only be implemented if and when funds are available. An annual funding cap of $300,000 is set in the bill – but no specific funding sources are designated. The measure is essentially enabling legislation that would make action possible at such time funds are made available. Next stop for the bill is the House floor. To thank Rep. Lepak and Public Health Committee members for their support of this legislation to assist deaf-blind Oklahomans, go towww.okhouse.gov. Then select the Representatives menu item, and scroll to the name of the appropriate Representative. On this main list of Representatives, beside each name you will find an “Email” box to click on for sending email. However, this feature may not work on your system – it does not work on mine. Instead, you should be able to send an email by clicking on the Representative name, which will take you to the Member’s bio page where you will again find an “Email Me” box. Click on this one, and a web form will come up.

To read the full copy of the Jeri Cooper Act please click here.

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Oklahoma NewsHuman Resourcesoklahoma, ssp, jeri, cooper, deafblind, rights, advocacy, government, bill, house, funding, health, committee, lepak, public, representativeComment
Newly Released Videos on HKNC Website
Newly Released Videos on HKNC Website

The Helen Keller National Center announces two new training videos for deaf-blind individuals and family members. These videos were developed and are presented by deaf-blind individuals and are fully accessible with captioning and transcripts.

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National NewsHuman Resourceshelen keller, okc, oklahoma city, new york, shep, deafblind, deafblind awareness, advocacy, advocate, ssp, ssps, professional, personal, online, videos, tools, resources, hknc, familyComment