FGI INK Winter 2014

Foothills Gateway Ink | page 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Ink Spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Let’s Play! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Giving Time & Talent . . . . . . . . Page 4

Jean Marie’s Day . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5

Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . Page 7

SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH DISABIL IT IES | W INTER 2013, ISSUE 34

FOOTHILLS GATEWAY INK

Rebecca has had a dream to meet Dr . Oz since 2010! She was even saving her money so she could go to one of his shows in New York City . Well, thanks to the help of Rebecca’s mom, her team, and Channel 7 News this dream came true for Rebecca! She got to meet him on Saturday, October 5th!

Rebecca told me that she was eating a bagel for breakfast at a restaurant in Denver when she heard someone say, “you’re not going to eat that bagel, are you?” She turned around, and it was Dr . Oz! She said he was very nice and he signed a big poster for her to have . She got to be an audience member at his presentation at the Health Fair in Denver, and he even had the audience give her a round of applause! Dr . Oz has been a huge inspiration for Rebecca . She listens to his CD when she walks, follows his diet guidelines, and she has actually lost over 90 pounds!

ACHIEVING A LIFE-LONG DREAMBy: Jayme Steinmetz

Would you like to learn more about Foothills Gateway?

Then, please join us for one of our monthly luncheons . These luncheons are purely informational and include a small meal, presentation and tour of our facility . Our next luncheons will be on:

Thursday, January 9th, 2014 - 11:30 a .m . to 1:00 p .m .;

Thursday, February 13th, 2014 - 11:30 a .m . to 1:00 p .m .;

Thursday, March 13th, 2014 - 11:30 a .m . to 1:00 p .m .;

If you would like to attend a luncheon, please give Diana a call at 266-5316 and let us know which date you prefer . We will make sure to have your spot reserved .

Rebecca grins ear to ear as she chats wtih Dr . Oz

We hope to see you there!


In September of this year, Foothills Gateway submitted a concept paper to the system to consider adopting a person centered philosophy as the foundation of the system . This concept paper has since been revised and edited, then brought to the attention of the Alliance Membership and unanimously approved for support . This is a very exciting first step!

Since that time, there has been verbalized support from the Division for Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and we are also aware that HCPF is undergoing some person centered training efforts, as well .

While this is all very positive news for the system and the people supported by this system, there is still plenty of work that lies ahead . As Foothills Gateway has been reminded by Support Development Associates (SDA), the work of becoming person centered is a journey that really has no end . It is a long road, which is sometimes unpaved and includes a few “round-abouts”, but throughout the journey there are constant reminders that this journey is worth the time, effort and inclusion of others . This is the message I was recently asked to relay to the staff and Board at Colorado Bluesky, the Community Centered Board in Southern Colorado, an honor to even be asked to provide such an important message . A number of additional Community Centered Boards have begun the journey in regards to training and integrating the person centered philosophy into their way of doing business . We applaud their efforts and wish them continued success as they continue on this road .

The Foothills Gateway INK

Staff Reporters:

Pat Carney, Jim Cox, Erin Eulenfeld, Diana Foland,

Cynthia Hansford, Jan Irvin, Sondra Lee, Tim O’Neill, April

Rikhoff, Judy Tomcak

If you have any questions or comments regarding this

newsletter, please contact us at 970 .226 .2345 or

info@foothillsgateway .org

INK SPOTSBy: Tim O’Neill, Executive Director

When utilizing person centered skills that have been learned through trainings, we sometimes have an “ah-ha” moment . This is one such instance .

At Foothills Gateway, we serve a gentleman, “David”, who is deaf and can display challenging behaviors at times . We could tell that something was agitating David, and this was creating unsafe situations for staff on a more and more frequent basis . We decided to use some PCT skills to try to learn what David might be expressing through his actions . As we engaged in discussions with his parents, they shared with us that they’ve noticed that David becomes upset when people interact with him, and they have their hands in their pockets . We

Person Centered Thinking . . .”Ah Ha” Moment

For more information regarding person centered thinking/training please contact:

Foothills Gateway, Inc .: Jamie Martin 970 .266 .5304 jamiem@foothillsgateway .org

discussed this with David and realized that from his viewpoint, since he speaks with his hands, people who put their hands in their pockets send a signal to David that they do not want to talk to him . Now that we are aware of this viewpoint, we are very aware of our hands when we are around David, and David’s hitting has drastically diminished . This one simple skill learned in PCT training has helped to create a better environment for David, where he feels better understood and that he has been validated, and it has increased safety for staff working with David . Something that we probably wouldn’t have concluded without this training and, at the same time, just makes us go “ah-ha!” .


CARF ACCREDITATION SURVEYBy: Jan Irvin

Surveyors from CARF International recently surveyed Foothills Gateway’s administration and program services . The surveyors spent three days (September 23, 24, and 25) speaking with Board Members, Foothills Gateway staff, family members of individuals in services, as well as staff from allied agencies and also visited a variety of program services . The outcome of the survey is that Foothills Gateway received a three-year accreditation .

CARF International is an independent, private, nonprofit organization that is focused on advancing quality of services through the accreditation process . CARF International provides accreditation services worldwide at the request of health and human services providers . Foothills Gateway has maintained CARF accreditation since the 1970’s . Accreditation site visits occur every three years, however, new standards are published annually so we must stay informed and up-to-date on our processes on a more frequent basis . The Division for Developmental Disabilities requires program quality surveys, and undergoing a CARF survey to attain accreditation in certain programs satisfies that requirement . Programs for which we were seeking accreditation were: Supported Employment, Community Integration (Community Skills Development and Personal, Social and Community Services), Organizational Employment and Respite Services (Adult Care Services) .

The surveyors commended Foothills Gateway for its many

The Family Support Services Program (FSSP) at Foothills Gateway Inc . received a generous grant from the Ida J . Murphy and Russel O . Allen Fund . The grant money is intended to provide supports to families with children ages birth to 6 to help fund expenses above and beyond the costs of typical child-rearing who are waiting for FSSP . Families often request financial assistance with respite, medical expenses, and specialized equipment . Funds are available to families starting January 2014 and will be available through June 2014, or until all funds are expended . Families will receive a monthly check to help cover eligible expenses . In order to request money from the grant, families should contact their case manager or service coordinator at Foothills Gateway Inc .

FAMILY SUPPORT GRANTSBy: Sondra Lee

strengths such as: a highly committed Board of Directors, leadership and staff; a positive reputation in the community, financial strength and stability, inviting and attractive facilities; comprehensive technology plan; a focus on safety and health of all who enter its facilities; a high degree of satisfaction among persons served, families, referral agents and funders; a wide array of community integration opportunities for persons served; integration of person-centered planning in individual service support plans; high marks for quality of work produced by persons served in the Prevocational program; quality job matches in the Supported Employment program; and highly individualized respite services provided by committed staff at Adult Care services .

We also received some “consultations” or suggestions about some items we might want to consider changing or implementing, in addition to “recommendations”, which are items that require follow-up or that changes be made . We have already been working to address the recommendations and implement the changes that CARF requested of us .

Coming Soon!

6th Annual Flying Pig 5K Run/Walkto benefit the

Family Support Services Program

Sunday, April 6th, 2014

9:00am at Spring Canyon Park in Fort Collins

$25 .00 registration registration features shirt, goodie bag, and pancake breakfast after face .

For more information or to register: visit www . foothillsgateway .org, www .active .com, www .runningguru .com


On Thursday, October 17, 2013 during the City of Fort Collins Commission on Disability’s “Mayor’s Awards”, Foothills Gateway and several of our staff, volunteers and individuals in services, were fortunate to be recognized by the Commission and Fort Collins Mayor, Karen Weitkunat, for the work that we all do . This annual event recognizes individuals, businesses, and service agencies who exhibit dedication to persons with disabilities . Foothills Gateway received special recognition for our on-going commitment and support for persons with disabilities and was awarded the 2013 Partnership Award for all of our work . Donna McBroom, who gives birthday and Christmas cards to individuals in our adult programs, was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year, and Roy Mutart was awarded the prestigious Dorothy Lasley Memorial Award for his contributions with the Kiwanis Aktion

GIVING TIME AND TALENTBy: Diana Foland

Club . This award recognizes a person with a disability who is an active voice in the community, championing for the rights of all people with disabilities .

In addition to these awards, there were several other categories to for we had people nominated . Sondra Lee, Linda Brooks and Bonnie Blair were nominated for the Employee of the Year award, the Fort Collins Service League was again nominated for the Spirit of Fort Collins award, and BJ Russell was also nominated for the Dorothy Lasley Memorial Award . We feel very honored to have received these nominations and awards and will continue our commitment to the community of persons with disabilities in Fort Collins .

Mayor Weitkunat presents Donna with her award

In Spring of 2013, the Joint Budget Committee recommended a state budget that removed over 300 children from the statewide waiting list for Children’s Extensive Support Services, or CES waiver . This Medicaid waiver program provider home and community based services, such as personal care, respite, and professional services for children ages birth to 18 who require hands-on support and interventions at least 20 out of 24 hours a day . Prior to this legislative decision, many children on the CES waiting list had been waiting for services for several years .

Staff members at Foothills Gateway have worked diligently to enroll children into the CES program as they have come off of the waiting list . Families have been faced with the challenge of interviewing and selecting providers to provide care to their children; a daunting task for any parent . As children have started receiving services, case managers have been monitoring services and checking in with families to assure that the program is effective for their family . Shawn Ridley, whose son Noah recently started in CES stated, “The CES program has been an outstanding benefit for our family . Our son gets involved in more outside activities such as bowling,

NEW CES FAMILIES INTO SERVICESBy: Sondra Lee

Roy flashes a smile while showing his awardFoothills Gateway’s Partnership Award

museums and exercise . It has also opened up more free time for my wife and me .”

Another parent in CES echoed feeling excitement and yet recognizes the challenges that come with all these increased options . “I can say that it opened up a world of possibility to get the help we need that’s far long overdue,” said Stephanie Worley . Stephanie expressed that the broader scope of assistance CES may be able to offer her and her daughter “leaves a parent overwhelmed with both excitement and bewilderment” as to what CES is able to all offer and what would be best for her daughter in the way of these expanded services . “The one wish that I would have is to be able to get in in my child’s head to see what it is she would benefit from if she could choose .” By providing a menu of individualized services for children, the CES waiver provides a way for families to work with qualified providers to benefit their children .


Foothills Gateway Board of Directors

Jim DisneyDerf GreenJohn Haley, TreasurerTracy KatzKendra KettlerPaul Rodgers, Vice PresidentBJ RussellGregg Seebohm, PresidentRomie TobinCarol WardDoris “Punkie” Whitely, Secretary

Foothills Gateway Foundation Board of Directors

Nyla AndersonDavid Fritzler, TreasurerCarl MaxeyJay McCoy, SecretaryNancy PickardNancy PieperTed ShepardBrian Sullivan, PresidentFranklin RykJoe RykBob Toomey, Vice President

YOU CAN REMEMBER FOOTHILLS GATEWAY IN YOUR WILL, TRUST, LIFE INSURANCE POLICY OR RETIREMENT PLAN. CALL 970.266.5316 TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS.

40 THANK YOUS . . .By: Jamie Martin

As Foothills Gateway celebrated its 40 years, it was a reminder to all of us how very supportive the community is of our agency . When our Committee members contacted local businesses for assistance with this event, we were often greeted with enthusiasm and generosity . We would like to take a moment to thank those partners who were contributors to our 40th Anniversary Event celebration:

• High Country Bevereage

• Wilburs Total Beverage

• Gulley Greenhouse & Garden Center

• Bash Invitational

• Immanuel Church

• Peakview Subway

• Loveland IntaJuice

• Adam Steele & Maddie Davis

• Coyote Camp Fireline Chow

• A Wanderlust Adventure

• Full Cycle

• King Soopers

• Island Grill

• Texas Roadhouse

• The Egg & I

• Red Robin

• Rocky Mountain Orchards

• Red Lobster

• Truman’s Coffeehouse

• Rich with Friends & Blue Heron Bands

An additional thank you to those community members who made donations during the event . This certainly was an unexpected gift!

We thank all of these community partners for their tireless efforts over the years to support this organization, people with developmental disabilities, and our events to make them amazing . We hope you will join us and continue to thank these supporters as you are around the community .

We look forward to what the next 40 years will bring, in our incredible community of Larimer County for individuals with developmental disabilities . Thank you again for making the last 40 years fantastic!

RESPITALITY NIGHTS AT ACSBy: Cynthia Hansford

The Family Services and Supports Program through Foothills Gateway,Inc . (FGI) is teaming up with FGI’s Adult Care Services (ACS) by sponsoring Respitality Nights throughout the year for families with children who are 18 years of age and older and are on the waiting list to receive services . This is an opportunity for families who enroll, to receive four FREE hours of respite services . Their son or daughter is treated to a fun time which includes their choice of art projects, a short film, music with a sing along and instruments, and dinner . With this, parents are able to enjoy a short break from caregiving .

It is extremely important to Adult Care Services to reach out to families that are on the waiting list and also may be in the transition time of moving from childrens services into adult services . We know that this can be daunting and intense for families as they are entering an entirely new system . Respitality Nights at Adult Care Services is such a great time for families to introduce themselves and their sons or daughters to the respite services at ACS and experience the excellent care and support that is provided as well as experience the fun!

As 2014 begins, be on the lookout for dates when Respitality Nights will be taking place and contact Cynthia Hansford ACS for more information to get enrolled! 970-266-5443


Check back frequently to our Events page at www .FoothillsGateway .org for more information and additional parent and family trainings

Each year the Governor puts forth his request for the upcoming budget year to the legislature . For Fiscal Year 2014-2015, Governor Hickenlooper’s request included $15 .5 million in total funds, including $7 .7 million to the General Fund to address the current 1,526 person waiting list for the Home and Community Based Services Supported Living Services (HCBS-SLS) waiver . The request for Supported Living Services also includes an increase on the maximum service limits currently in place . There is a request to fund 186 new full program equivalents for Comprehensive Services, which includes youth and adults needing to transition new programs, leaving institutions, or in emergency situations . The Governor has requested to restore the funding for the Family Support Services Program back to the funding levels of Fiscal Year 2009-2010, or an influx of $3 .4 million . Finally, there is a proposed 1% community provider rate increase for the system that supports individuals with developmental disabilities .

While the Governor and Department of Health Care Policy and Finance put forth their budget requests for each fiscal year, it is ultimately up to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) to determine

LEGISLATIVE HAPPENINGS - A LOOK INTO NEXT YEARBy: April Rikhoff

the final outcome regarding funding services . This committee relies on their analyst assigned to services for individuals with developmental disabilities to answer questions and provide information regarding the needs and best practices for this population . The JBC can make recommendations for funding, if necessary, dependent on the economic situation of the State . Fortunately, economic forecasts are indicating a continued positive trend, and as such, we are hopeful this request will be funded . Foothills Gateway strives to have strong relationships with our elected officials and continues to advocate and educate on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities . Final budget setting will occur in late January or early February of 2014 .

Parent and Family Training on Person Centered ThinkingPerson centered thinking helps individuals have better lives by challenging us to find a good balance between those things that help create meaning and comfort for an individual and those things that need to be present to ensure that an individual is healthy and safe . Finding this balance can be assisted through the use of specific skills that help us listen, discover more about people and problem solve . Foothills Gateway has committed to become a person centered organization and is in the process of offering training in person centered practices to all interested parties .

Foothills Gateway would like to invite all family members, friends and other interested persons to join us in learning more about person centered thinking and the journey that Foothills is on to try to help individuals lead better lives . The trainings will cover

the basics of person centered thinking, including the driving philosophy behind person centered thinking and an overview of the skills that can be used to help ensure that our services are person-driven and not agency-driven .

Two trainings will be offered for families and friends in February . The first training is Saturday, February 8 at 11:00 and will likely be held at the Arc of Larimer County (lunch provided) . The second training will be held Tuesday, February 25 at 5:30 at Foothills Gateway (dinner provided) . An informational flier will be sent out in January with further information about how to RSVP .

PARENT AND FAMILY TRAINING OPPORTUNITY!By: Pat Carney


When we purchased the house on Fleming Drive in Loveland, it came with a unique and very large “deck” that had been built in the middle of the backyard . It wasn’t attached to the house . It just sat right in the middle of the backyard . This deck hasn’t been very functional for any of the individuals who have lived in this home, and has actually used up yard space that could have otherwise been enjoyed by many . The deck has rarely been used and has deteriorated as each year goes by . We were fortunate enough to be chosen for a Make-a-Difference-Day project this year . The amazing volunteers swiftly demolished and removed the deck . The ladies who are living at the house have been thrilled to be able to enjoy the entire yard . With the addition of the new cement patio, we are looking forward to many activities in the back yard . Thank you again to everyone who helped with this project!

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE!By: Judy Tomcak

Individuals who attend day services in Production or VSTA are enrolled in a service called Prevocational Services (Prevoc) . In Prevoc, we focus on learning and work experiences that will assist individuals in developing general, non job-specific skills that will contribute to employability in paid, community employment .

In an effort to enhance this experience, Foothills Gateway is offering some additional opportunities for those who are currently participating in the Prevocational program . Our hope is to generate interest and excitement about employment prospects in the community . Opportunities could include, but not be limited to:

• Informalclassestoeducateandbuildinterpersonal and job skills

• Volunteeropportunitiesinthecommunity,or

• Observationandexplorationofvariousbusiness sites .

Stacey Taylor, Prevocational Career Consultant, is working with small groups of individuals on a rotating schedule to ensure all who are interested have the opportunity to participate . Stacey is currently working with two separate groups . One group is volunteering at the ARC in Loveland, and the other group is volunteering at Loveland Community Kitchen . Each group has been taking classes to build interpersonal and job skills . The groups enjoy touring work sites and speaking to managers about the expectations of employees and the benefits of working with their business . These individuals have shown great eagerness to learn and participate so they are prepared to be successful in a community work place .

NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN PREVOCATIONAL SERVICESBy: Stacey Taylor

Volunteering at the Arc Thrift Store - learning new skills

Volunteers from Avago Technologies making a huge difference!

Learning introductions during a pre-voc class


FOOTNOTESCALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS | JANUARY - MARCH 2014

Nonprofit OrganizationU .S . Postage

PaidFort Collins, COPermit No . 483

301 W . Skyway Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525

970 .226 .2345 Fax: 970 .226 .2613 info@foothillsgateway .org www .foothillsgateway .org

January_ Jan . 1 New Year’s Day Holiday Foothills Gateway Closed-Jan . 9 Educational Luncheon 11:30am - 1:00pm @ FGI_Jan . 20 Martin Luther King Jr . Holiday Foothills Gateway Closed_Jan . 21 Foothills Gateway Board Mtg . 7:00pm @ Foothills Gateway_Jan . 23 Foothills Gateway Foundation Mtg . 4:00pm @ Foothills Gateway

February_Feb . 8 Parent/Family PCT Training 11:00am@ Arc of Larimer County _Feb . 13 Educational Luncheon 11:30am - 1:00pm @ FGI_ Feb . 17 President’s Day Holiday Foothills Gateway Closed_ Feb . 18 Foothills Gateway Board Mtg . 7:00pm @ Foothills Gateway_ Feb .19 Disability Awareness Day @ Capitol _ Feb . 25 Parent/Family PCT Training 5:30pm @ FGI_ Feb . 27 Foothills Gateway Foundation Mtg . 4:00pm @ Foothills Gateway

March_ March 3 Annual FG Board Membership Mtg . 7:00pm @ Foothills Gateway_March 13 Educational Luncheon - 11:30am - 1:00pm @ FGI_March 17 - 21 Spring Intermission Foothills Gateway Closed_March 27 Foothills Gateway Foundation Mtg . 4:00pm @ Foothills Gateway

visit www .foothillsgateway .org for updated information and forum dates

Documents

FGI INK Winter 2014