The 501 application has arrived!

I (James) checked the bank account recently and learned the application fee has been cashed. So it's safe to assume the Federal Government has recieved the application and the process for reviewing it is in the way.

I'm excited to share that I met a parent and former challenger baseball player (Monique and Cory). I had not seen them in years since Trey and Cory were teammates. She was bringing him to "Camp Sunshine". This is a wonderful day camp from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for indivduals with special needs, ages 5 to 26. The camp provides activities on the Denny Terrace Community Center campus. Richland County Recreation Commission provides quality staff for the campers. They do activities on the campus as well as going swimming and bowling in the community. The camp will have one more week this month and the next session will start in July. For more information, call Linda Carter @ 750-7672.

She told me that Cory is 18 years old. She was looking for afterschool and summer programing for him. I was excited to share our plans for Trey's Transition. I sent her the blog and Mission statement for her to view and get back in touch with me if she would be interested in getting involved with our efforts.

Jarrett Slacum (committee members) is considering being the coordinator for our meetings. He's on the Food Preparation and Safety committee.

Continue to encourage others to view this blog to spread the word about our efforts.

The committee members recently talked about getting Trey's Transition on FaceBook.
I'm looking into getting an account set up.

Charley Spencer (North Dakota) committee member came up with a great idea to extend the webcam to other members that maynot be able to attend our meetings. If you'd like to know more about our webcam effort, contact me @ jamesirby8@aol.com or charlie2wheels@csicable.net .

I met WC Hoeke this week. He's a staff member of Family Connections, an parent of a child with special needs and a committee member planning their Annual Conference for their organization next year. Family Connections links parents that have disabled children together and shares information to the community in an effort to advocate for those with special needs. The mission of Family Connection of South Carolina is to strengthen families of children with special needs through parent support. We talked about me being a part of their committee in their efforts to plan for next year's conference. We talked about the need to share more information about the growing popuulation of young adults with special needs, the services they could benefit from and us working together. I'll keep you posted on our efforts. Family Connections website is http://www.familyconnectionsc.org/

Our next meeting will be anounced soon.
Thanks for your support and prayers.

Another milestone achieved

I (James Irby) hope this message finds everyone doing well. It's been a while since a message has been posted. Everyone's been busy since our last meeting with work, celebrating holidays, and helping others to make it day to day.

There have been small meetings with some committee members to continue efforts to develop the program before the Fall of this year. The "Power of One" fundraiser continues to be a success. The board members have done a good job sharing the message about Trey's Transition. I'm excited to report that we have the $750 needed to submit the 501 c 3 application for non profit status. The application was placed in the mail today!!!

We're one step closer to making the program a reality. Several board members are working on the policy, procedures and training manuals for the program. We also have severl others interested in the effort for the program. Ms. Gloria (Candy) Spigner (nurse), Ms. Charmine Primus (clinical social worker), Ms. Dottie Davis to name a few.

There will be a lunch meeting later this month to continue working on the assingments for the manuals.

We need someone gifted in web design, and a accountant (experience in adult day care) to be a part of our efforts.

Thanks again to everyone for their efforts and have a cool summer!