Emory Valley Center

01/30/2026

Karen and Chase from Emory Valley Center’s Early Intervention Team attended the East Tennessee Council on Children and Youth (ETCCY) Legislative Lunch on the River today.

They had several meaningful conversations with Senator Becky Massey (Knox), Senator Sam McKenzie (Knox), Senator Blackburn’s East Tennessee Field Director, and Mayor Joe Brooks (Claiborne County). The program also included remarks from Glenn Jacobs and Judge Irwin.

It was a great opportunity to represent EVC and engage with key leaders on issues impacting children and families across our region. 💚

01/29/2026

The Emory Valley Board is proud to recognize two valued members of the Emory Valley Center family—Scott Britton and Matt Helton.

Scott Britton, a MAPs participant and member of the Emory Valley Center Board of Directors, brings an important voice and perspective that helps guide our mission and represent the people we support.

We also thank Matt Helton, our Facilities and Transportation Manager, for his dedication to keeping our campus safe, accessible, and running smoothly every day.

Thank you, Scott and Matt, for all you do for Emory Valley Center!

01/28/2026

🎥 Check out Mel Stanley’s advocacy video! 🎥

Emory Valley's Advocacy Specialist, Mel shares a powerful message about advocacy, inclusion, and using your voice to make a difference. Take a moment to watch and be inspired—then like and share to help spread the message!

01/27/2026

We were honored to welcome Senator Marsha Blackburn to Emory Valley Center!

Thank you, Senator Blackburn, for taking the time to visit our center, meet our team, and learn more about the services and supports we provide to individuals with disabilities and their families. We appreciate your willingness to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the important work happening at EVC every day.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our mission and look forward to continued conversations about how we can strengthen supports and opportunities within our community.

01/26/2026

Children’s Services recently hosted a parent educational meeting focused on supporting children through regulation and connection.

Lora Cassasfranco, occupational therapist from Heightened Potential, shared valuable insights on regulation and the important role parent presence plays in helping children feel calm and supported.

We were excited to welcome 12 parents from Early Intervention, the Early Learning Center, and Little Learning Lab in person, along with EVC staff, and an additional 28 parents who joined us virtually. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this a meaningful and informative event!

01/22/2026

💚 We’re Hiring at Emory Valley Center! 💚
Looking for a job that truly makes a difference? At Emory Valley Center, your work has purpose. Every day, our team supports individuals and families in reaching their fullest potential—and we’d love for you to be part of that mission.
✨ Now Hiring for the Following Positions:
• Direct Support Professional (Full-Time, Part-Time & Peak Shifts)
• Floater at Learning Center
• Substitute Teacher
• Assistant Teacher
• Home Manager
• Program Specialist
• Accreditation Specialist
• Facilities Clerk
• Facilities Property Clerk / Manager
When you join our team, you’re not just starting a job—you’re building a meaningful career with impact, growth, and heart.
📲 Ready to make a difference? Apply today and help us continue creating brighter futures together.
To apply please visit our website: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/.../Emory-Valley-Center-Inc

01/21/2026

📬 Have you checked out Emory Valley’s January Family Newsletter?

Our latest newsletter is full of important updates, helpful resources, and exciting highlights from across Emory Valley. It’s a great way to stay connected and see what’s happening with our programs, events, and community partnerships.

👉 Take a moment to check it out and stay in the loop with all things Emory Valley!

01/20/2026

Protect Special Education. Defend Students’ Rights.

Students with disabilities are guaranteed a free, appropriate public education under federal law—but those protections are at risk. Cuts to special education enforcement and moving programs away from education experts threaten critical supports for students, families, and educators.

That’s why The Arc of the United States has joined a federal lawsuit to defend the U.S. Department of Education and fully enforce special education laws.

Students with disabilities deserve to be seen, supported, and educated—not pushed aside.
👉 Add your name and sign the petition to protect their rights.

Join us and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and their families.

01/19/2026

The Emory Valley Operations Team is officially trading winter coats for spring vibes! 🌸😎
Great news — the Movement for All Virtual 5K has been moved to this spring, and that means more sunshine, more smiles, and more reasons to get moving! 🌞👟
This event is for everyone — every pace, every ability, every way you choose to move. Walk it, roll it, jog it, dance it… just move with us! 💚
👉 Sign up today and be part of the movement:
https://pci.jotform.com/form/252456199475066
Let’s welcome spring the Emory Valley way — together, inclusive, and full of movement! 🌷💪

01/17/2026

🤝 Emory Valley Center is always looking to partner with great local businesses that value hard work, reliability, and teamwork.
🌟 What a business gains when they hire inclusively:
• ✅ Reliable and consistent employees they can count on
• 📈 Employees who are motivated to learn and grow within their business
• 😊 Positive contributions to team morale and workplace culture
• 🌍 A workforce that reflects their community and values
• ⭐ A stronger, more inclusive reputation with customers and staff
🛠️ Our program offers support every step of the way, including job coaching and follow-up, to ensure a smooth transition for both the new employee and the employer.
💙 Hiring a person with a disability is a powerful way to strengthen your team while giving someone the opportunity to grow and contribute to their community. Many of our business partners have found these employees to be dependable, motivated, and proud of the work they do.
📣 Thank you for helping spread the word about inclusive employment — it could make a real difference for someone who’s ready to work and learn.
🔗 Know a business that would make a great partner? Submit them using the link below:
https://form.jotform.com/253035248262049
🎥 Want to learn more about employment services? Check out this video:
https://youtu.be/0D6Y2BritRU

01/16/2026

📢 Administrative Office Closure 📢

Emory Valley Center’s Administrative Office will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

We join in honoring Dr. King’s legacy of service, equality, and community. We will reopen during normal business hours on Tuesday, January 20th.

01/15/2026

Opportunity to Partner: Help Us Share Important Information with Families

Emory Valley Center is seeking community partners to help distribute information about the Freedom for Family Caregiver Act—an important step forward for families providing long-term care to loved ones.

This act removes barriers that previously prevented family members from being hired by provider agencies under certain Medicaid waiver programs. By allowing family caregivers to be compensated for the care they are already providing at home, this program can help reduce the need for housing placements—especially at a time when safe, affordable, and accessible housing options are limited, and in-home support services are in high demand.

Through this opportunity, families can receive training, resources, and fair compensation, empowering them to continue caring for their loved ones while being recognized in a role similar to a Direct Support Professional.

As parent Tanya Brown shares:
“Being a paid caregiver for my son has helped us grow and thrive together. It has helped provide stability and a lifeline that has been a blessing.”

When they say “it takes a village,” they truly mean it. By working together, we can ensure families in our communities understand this opportunity and the positive impact it can have. We believe we can be that village. 💚

If you are a family interested in providing supports to your family member, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about this opportunity.

If you’re interested in collaborating, spreading the word, or exploring this option for your own family, we’d love to connect.

📧 Contact Crystal Hicks at crystal.hicks@evcmail.org
or Melanie Stanley at melanie.stanley@evcmail.org
Together, we can support families, strengthen our communities, and create meaningful change.