Buffalo River Services, Inc.

08/28/2026

♻️ **YOUR CANS. HIS PROGRAM. OUR COMMUNITY.**

For many years, John has been doing something that represents an important part of what we believe at Buffalo River Services: finding meaningful ways for people to use their abilities, pursue their interests, and participate in their community.

John’s Recycling Program began many years ago with the support of former Lewis County Director Rosey DePriest. What started as an opportunity for John has grown into a long-running recycling project supported by BRS staff, community members, local businesses, and Lewis County leaders.

And that is what makes John’s story so important.

Employment doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. For some people with disabilities, traditional employment may be the right fit. For others, customized employment or self-employment can create opportunities built around an individual’s strengths, interests, abilities, and support needs.

John’s Recycling Program is a great example of what that can look like in a small community.

John collects donated aluminum cans from participating locations, helping keep recyclable material out of the waste stream while maintaining a project that is meaningful to him. But John cannot do it alone. His success has depended on something Lewis County has demonstrated for years: community partnership.

We want to recognize the businesses and organizations that are currently helping make John’s Recycling Program possible:

♻️ Hohenwald/Lewis County Chamber of Commerce
♻️ Lewis County Sheriff’s Department
♻️ 911 Dispatch
♻️ Darrin's Auto Repair
♻️ 2 G’s Auto Repair
♻️ Brummley’s Automotive & Truck Repair
♻️ Kings Auto Repair
♻️ Thousand Trails Campground
♻️ Clayton Family Recycling

Some have supported John for many years, while others have joined more recently. Each partnership matters.

We also want to recognize Todd Bennett, Marilyn Sharpe, Jaime Sharpe, and Clayton Farms along with the many BRS team members, former county leadership, and community supporters who have encouraged John and helped his program continue through the years.

This is what inclusion can look like.

It isn’t simply providing a service to someone. It is helping create opportunities for people to contribute, build relationships, develop something of their own, and become more connected to the communities where they live.

And sometimes it starts with something as simple as an empty aluminum can.

Thank you, Lewis County, for continuing to support John and for showing what can happen when a community recognizes a person’s abilities and gets behind their success.

💙♻️ Have cans to recycle? Help support John’s Recycling Program. Every can counts!

08/27/2026

Today, our BRS family will pay tribute and honor as we celebrate the life of our friend, Ms. Kathy. It was an honor to serve and support Ms. Kathy for over 26 years. She brought tremendous joy to her peers and staff throughout her time with us. Our prayers and condolences go out to her family, friends, and caregivers.

08/26/2026

Attention All BRS Team Members:

The deadline to RSVP for our September 19th Staff Appreciation Banquet and Awards Ceremony is August 30th. We want to celebrate with you and your families as we show our appreciation for everyone who makes our agency what it is.

To RSVP for the dinner (BRS Employees + guests), please click here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdq6ubMVQaYUxXad_8f6a1pbuMYqIL2EqO1PRxRch-jA8uzNQ/viewform?usp=header

To make nomination for our 2026 Awards, please click here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdq6ubMVQaYUxXad_8f6a1pbuMYqIL2EqO1PRxRch-jA8uzNQ/viewform?usp=header

To learn more details about the event and everything we have planned for DSP Appreciation Week (September 13th through 19th), please visit https://www.brstn.org/dsp-appreciation

Thank you! Hope to see you there!

08/25/2026

Today, we remember a truly great Tennessean whose life and legacy reached far beyond the stage.

Dolly Parton used her remarkable gifts to bring joy to the world while championing a simple but powerful belief: that every person deserves to be seen and treated with love, grace, and dignity. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering appreciation for people from all walks of life made Tennessee—and the world—a better place.

Rest in peace, Dolly. Your music, compassion, and beautiful spirit will live on for generations. 💙

08/25/2026

📣 NOW HIRING: FULL-TIME PRIVATE DUTY NURSE

Buffalo River Services, Inc. is seeking a dependable and compassionate nurse to provide one-on-one private duty nursing support near the Wayne County–Lawrence County line.

This full-time position offers competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• New 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Long-term sick leave
• Employee Assistance Program

If you’re a dedicated nursing professional who values individualized care and wants to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, we would love to hear from you!

Apply online today at www.brstn.org/apply-on-line.

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable plan terms.

08/25/2026

Please join us in welcoming Amy Kelsey to her new role as MAPS Specialist at Buffalo River Services, Inc.!

Amy brings more than 20 years of experience with BRS to this position. Throughout her career, she has served in direct support, leadership and administrative roles, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the people we support, our workforce and our mission.

MAPS—Medicaid Alternative Pathways to Independence—is a person-centered program that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build practical skills, increase independence and work toward meaningful personal goals. These goals may involve employment, transportation, community involvement, technology, financial management, health, relationships, home safety and other areas of everyday life.

As a MAPS Specialist, Amy will work directly with participants to understand their strengths, interests and goals. She will help them develop and practice new skills, connect with community resources, document their progress and gather the information needed to demonstrate achievement of their MAPS milestones.

Amy’s extensive experience, familiarity with our organization and commitment to the people we support will be tremendous assets to the MAPS program. We are excited to see her bring her knowledge and talents to this important role.

Congratulations, Amy!

08/21/2026

We have several folks attending the Tennessee Disability Megaconference in Mufreesboro, hosted by The Arc Tennessee! We also have a booth set up today. We look forward to a day of learning and networking! 🧳🩵🫶

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

Save the Date: 2026 DSP Appreciation Week

September 13–19 will be a special week at Buffalo River Services, Inc. as we celebrate our employees and recognize the important work they do throughout our agency.

This is only our initial announcement, with many more details to come. Throughout the week, we’ll have dress-up days, BRS Bingo, goodie bags, social media shout-outs, prizes and other activities celebrating the people who make our mission possible.

We will conclude the week on Saturday, September 19, with an agency-wide banquet dinner at The Bridges. Our staff, direct support teams, nurses and administrative faculty are invited to attend alongside their families as we come together for an evening of food, fellowship and recognition.

Our annual awards ceremony will also return during the celebration, giving us an opportunity to recognize the individuals and teams whose service deserves special acknowledgment.

Please RSVP for the banquet and submit award nominations by August 30.

This is just the beginning. Follow our Facebook and other social media pages for updates throughout the coming weeks, or visit our DSP Appreciation Week page to learn more:

https://www.brstn.org/dsp-appreciation

08/18/2026

Food for thought!