Newsletter for August 2006 Volume 3 - Issue 8 - Page 1

General Operations
Ladeska (Decky) Makings, Chief Operations Officer
I am very pleased to announce the winners of our first quarterly Above and Beyond Award. Co-workers nominate candidates and a committee comprised of department representatives chooses the winners. Cindy Crawford, residential on-call, receives top honors and $500 for outstanding support of staff and individuals experiencing severe behavioral and psychiatric problems. Receiving second place honors and $200 is Janelle Smith, office manager at EEC, who was nominated by several EEC staff for “stepping up” to ensure operations continued to run smoothly during the search for a new program coordinator. Community Supports documentation specialist, Tammy Romine, earns $100 for continually volunteering her off-duty time to assist with a wide variety of projects. Congratulations to the winners and all of the nominees!

At a recent meeting with Dan Pate, the new scouting Cheyenne District Executive, we agreed to charter a Cub Scout pack for children with disabilities. Our goal towards inclusion, as always, will be to assist these children in learning the skills necessary to become included in a typical scouting group. Kimberly Becker has agreed to be the cub master and several people have expressed an interest in working with the group. If you would like to learn more or be a part of this venture please call either Kimberly or me at the Plant, 792- 1321.

Our medical services staff, Candra Deschner and Diane Ramos, will be coordinating a fundraiser again this year. They will be selling $10 coupons for Antiquities Photos. The photo shoots will occur on Oct 7 at CHS and are of children through 16. Each coupon covers the cost of a sitting fee and a large photo. Each individual who sells 15 or more $10 coupons will receive a photo package worth nearly $150. Last year they were able to raise $1000 for our Early Education Services. This year they hope to increase the amount and use the funds to support adults with dental care needs. If you are interested in purchasing or selling coupons call Candra or Diane at the Plant.

We are very excited to host a Benefits Training Session in September. Mike Walling brings a wealth of expertise in Benefits Management to the conference. Mr. Walling will be here to train our staff in all the ins, outs and changes is SSI and SSDI. This will enable us to advocate for our clients in the strongest possible fashion.

In the first half of 2006 Community Supports has:
  * Provided 26,076 general public rides – 164,707 miles
  * Provided work opportunities for 92 people
  * Worked with 16 people in Community Employment
  * Provided therapy, community access, education, and  
        retirement activities for 32 people
  * Provided transition services for 9 students
  * Recycled 1,372,800 pounds of material
  * Provided pickup services for 188 area businesses and
        industries
  * Completed 50 manufacturing contracts for 29 customers
  * Assisted 24 of the people we serve in the completion of 8
       community service projects
  * Provided 2441 hours of staff training
  * Facilitated 475 medical appointments and 56,552
       medication administrations