Clorissa Wyatt,
Tennessee Adult Representative
Clorissa Wyatt will serve Community Developmental Services (CDS) at the 55th annual
Telethon of Stars as the Tennessee representative. CDS serves individuals with intellectual
disabilities who reside in the Obion, Lake, Weakley, Henry and Carroll counties of
Tennessee. Through CDS' day program, Clorissa is able to learn new skills, socialize with
her peers and participate in her community, in a way that others in the past have only dreamed
of doing. Telethon dollars support the agency and allow Clorissa to grow beyond what was
expected of her.
When meeting Clorissa, one will notice her sweet smile and her desire to meet you. Clorissa
greets everyone, making them feel like they are the only person in the room. She asks about
one's children or parents, showing her genuine concern for others. Clorissa will share about
her family and will offer a warm hug or pat on the shoulder. Relationships with her friends
give Clorissa joy. Most of her friends know her as "Sissa" and she enjoys making new friends
at any opportunity. Everyone likes to be around Clorissa since she is a good friend, kind and
helpful, wanting to please others.
Clorissa's home is in Union City, Tennessee with her mother and stepfather, Sandra and
Johnny McTurner. Her father is Billy Wyatt, who also resides in Union City. Clorissa's sister
and brother-in-law Serena and John Blanton live in Martin with their son and daughter and
her extended family play a vital role in her life as well. Family has great meaning to Clorissa
and enjoys their company.
Home life for Clorissa is a true blessing to her. She understands the value of her parents and
is always willing to help them out whenever she can. Clorissa enjoys helping around the
house, dusting, putting dishes away and setting the table. Watching television, listening to her
radio and Bill Gaither tapes, and spending time with all her family are favorite activities.
Clorissa loves shredding paper by hand-she can spend hours sitting in the floor shredding
paper into tiny bits. Indulging in simple pleasures can have such a positive impact on a
person.
Clorissa began attending CDS in 1994 after she completed school at Miles Center and Lake
Road in Union City. She trained at the Union City Vocational Rehabilitation program during
her school years. At CDS, Clorissa is learning to develop her eye hand coordination through
WII game play. She actively participates in the dancing, boxing, Mario Cart and is trying out
other games to find a favorite. Another job she really enjoys is crushing cans, which she has
to share with others (this can be hard for her at times but she is gracious and lets others crush).
Recycling is a way to contribute to the care of our environment and increase one's sense of
purpose. Clorissa understands the importance of keeping an active lifestyle by participating
in exercise. Making seasonal crafts are fun things for Clorissa, listening to music, working
puzzles, drawing and participating in cooking activities are some of the activities she is
involved with at CDS. Whenever Clorissa sees a need she is up and willing to open doors,
hang coats, get a chair, find materials or whatever is needed by someone.
Clorissa is very involved with her church family. She attends services with her family at
Stanley's Chapel United Methodist Church in Union City, TN. She gets ready for services by
having her nails painted, her hair styled and picks out her favorite clothing to wear. Everyone
at church knows Clorissa and include her in all their activities. Her church family is very
involved in helping out for Telethon. Though the church is small in numbers, they are
GIANT in terms of effort. They have contributed many hours and dollars for the Telethon.
The church body is well aware of the importance of the work CDS does in our five county
region and serve as strong supporters. They see how much Clorissa benefits from the day
program and their fundraising talents are encouraged by her progress. Clorissa and her family
have attended and supported the telethon for many years. Clorissa always looks forward to
being there and seeing all the stars. She and her brother-in-law John enjoy being on camera,
presenting the Stanley's Chapel contribution and Clorissa's contribution she has gathered
from family and friends.
This year Clorissa will be our STAR at the Telethon. Through her attendance at CDS,
Clorissa has become more independent in all areas of her life, making her family very happy.
Her shining smile and gentle confidence serve as a wonderful testament to the achievements
obtained through CDS.
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