 (Left to right) Henry Shaw was one of our first board members, Steve Epps was our first consumer and Rick Sheridan was our first board chair.  Ron Massie was also one of the first board members  as was Jamie Lytton from Humboldt.  JCIL's first staff of three, Glen Barr, Karen Clymer-Strong and Randy Oliver. |
(The original article from Star Newsletter Spring 1996 edition)
Center for Independent Living Opens in Jackson Glen Barr, a Dyersburg businessman and a longtime advocate of disability issues in West Tennessee, has been named director of the Jackson Center for Independent Living (JCIL). JCIL was funded with $90,000 from a $200,000 grant from the Statewide Independent Living Council and the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The rest of the funds are being used to start an independent living center in Knoxville and to strengthen existing programs in Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga. Barr says JCIL will offer four core services: • Information and Referral: The center will compile and maintain a comprehensive file on services available in the community. • Independent Living Skills training: JCIL will provide training to help people gain skills that will enable them to live more independently. • Peer Counseling: Peer interaction is the foundation of independent living because peers understand feelings, issues and concerns with a background of "been there, done that" experience. • Individual and Systems Advocacy: JCIL will be an active advocate in obtain- ing necessary support services from other agencies in the region. Barr says JCIL is "consumer-controlled with over 51 percent of the govern- ing board and key management and service positions composed of people with disabilities." JCIL is renting office space at the STAR Center, 60 Lynoak Cove in Jackson , TN. To learn more about the JCIL call (901) 668-2211. A related article ran in the MCIL Newsletter & ON A ROLL As best as I can Remember... A few Moments to Remember...  BACK TO JCIL HOME BACK TO JCILNOW |
