Thanks to Donations, New Sign Points Way to MDC

Thanks to donations from Acme Block and Brick of Kingston and Sign Reflections of Athens, TN, Michael Dunn Center now has a new sign to replace the over 20 year old sign with the old logo. The new sign is in fact an exact duplication of the new Michael Dunn Center logo which symbolizes how Michael Dunn Center offers people with special needs a step up toward their own goals and dreams.

The new sign is an important step in raising the awareness of the community about who we are and what we do. Over 15,000 cars per day travel in front of the main campus on Gallaher Road. Having a new sign, particularly an attractive sign that was free, will help keep Michael Dunn Center in the thoughts of those who travel by frequently.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Acme Block and Brick and to Sign Reflections for their generous gifts in helping make this goal become a reality.

Renovations Underway!!!

Thanks to the commitment and care of local churches, some vast improvements are taking place at Michael Dunn Center's main campus. Roane Church, a new church who is meeting at Michael Dunn Center on Sunday mornings and Providence Church of Knoxville have donated countless hours and have networked to find resources to renovate different areas of the main building. The old cafeteria is in the process of being transformed into a multi-purpose room that can be used by up to 3 groups of people at the same time. The new look of the room is impressive. The most impressive thing about it is that all of it has been donated at no cost to the Michael Dunn Center. Roane Church has also undertaken painting project in the Day Habilitation rooms, beginning with Room 8.

To say the least, the employees and service recipients of Michael Dunn Center are excited that groups from the community have shown that we are not forgotten and that we are cared about. Thank you Roane Church and Providence Church for your love, care and support!

Great Time Had At Valentine's Day Dance/ Pep Rally

Friday, February 15, the Supported Living staff members hosted the annual Valentine's Day Dance at Roane State Community College. Complete with refreshments and a DJ, many service recipients, employees, friends and family members danced until their hearts were content. It didn't take Cupid's arrow to create a sense of admiration and love in the room. Whenever there is a social event involving the service recipients of Michael Dunn Center, there will be many smiles and warm hearts. Click
HERE to view pictures from the party.
But, dancing wasn't the only treat of the night, particularly for the new Roane County Chargers, an adult basketball team of Michael Dunn Center service recipients. Halfway through the evening, Michael Dunn Center president Mike McElhinney gathered everyone's attention and announced that a the next day would mark the new basketball team's first games at a Special Olympics tournament in Maryville. Director of Residential Habilitation, Tonya Watts, who also happens to coach the basketball team, introduced the players one at a time to rousing applause from all in attendance. It was clear that the players were proud to be a part of the team and were very excited about playing the next day.

The dance and pep rally once again served as a wonderful social event for the service recipients and employees of Michael Dunn Center. The next center-wide social event will be the annual Halloween party.