Newsletter for July/August 2007 Volume 4 - Issue 5 - Page 1

General Operations
Ladeska (Decky) Makings, Chief Operations Officer
One of the most gratifying experiences in our field is to assist the individuals we serve in reaching greater levels of growth and independence. Waiting lists funds were recently made available to several people in our services making a move to a more independent living arrangement possible. Read more about it in the residential section – such an exciting time for people and a privilege to be a part of it all!

We are welcoming several new people to our management and support team. I feel confident that they will all be a great asset to our agency.

After sixteen years with Sunflower Shelly Shelton has resigned from her position as residential coordinator and will be working part-time with her husband in his business. We’ll miss her greatly and hope she will relax more and get healthier! We were lucky to find Angel Morgan who has experience in a similar field and was able to easily step into the position with minimal training. She and Brenda Uselton, our residential manager for many years, will share responsibilities in the coordination of our residential supports. I’ve added the responsibility for staff competency testing to Angel’s job description and she is eager to get out there and spend more time with staff and the people they are working for.

David Rodriguez becomes our Manufacturing Sales Coordinator. In addition to customer service in finding and maintaining our manufacturing contracts he will share coordination responsibilities for wage and hour compliance and the recycling operation. David has valuable experience and has already demonstrated great enthusiasm for our mission and his role in supporting the people we serve.

Leaetta Tomlinson joins our documentation team and has begun training with Amanda to develop support plans and learn the objectives writing and tracking process. She has experience in Medicaid billing so will be cross-training in that capacity as well as any other tasks that seem a good fit. Many of our staff and the people we serve know her from her previous employment and are very pleased to have her with us.

It was wonderful to have so many of you attend our Appreciation Dinner. We fed over 300 people and nearly 200 joined us at the water park afterward. Thanks for the support Sunflower continues to receive from all of you – the people who rely on our services are fortunate to have so many in our communities solidly behind them in insuring opportunities to live the lives they choose.

Medical Services
Sharon Henderson, RN
Medical Services promotes wellness of body, mind and spirit with education and positive supports. Medical Services staff includes: Sharon Henderson, RN; Candra Deschner, Support Staff; and Diane Ramos, Restorative Aide.

Depression in persons with MRDD can be difficult to diagnose. It is sometimes overlooked and accepted as “that’s just the way they are.” I will list some of the ways depression may be expressed if a person is unable to know they are depressed.

* Depressed Mood
   Sad or flat facial expression, rarely smiles or laughs, cries,
   often whines or complains.
* Irritable Mood
   Irritability, angry facial expression, verbal aggression and
   abuse, yelling, screaming, swearing, spitting at others,
   apathetic, lack of emotional reactivity, upset, tantrums.
* Diminished Interest
   Refuses preferred activities, participation without obvious
   signs of enjoyment, spends excessive time alone, change
    or disinterest in ability to watch TV or listen to music.
* Weight loss or gain
   Weight loss or gain of 15 lbs in a period of 3 months,
   tantrums at meals, hoarding food in room.