Moving and Grooving

Moving and Grooving: A Glimpse into our Exercise Group

As a member of the Intake Team, I’ve often wondered how it is to join the groups I frequently promote. From our LIFE Club to Moving and Grooving and beyond, we offer quite the lineup of activities for people to join online. Our Day Program offers the opportunity to participate in person with peers in a safe environment. But for those that choose to stay home, I would highly recommend Moving and Grooving as a means for light and fun exercise.

To start, you’ll want to wear some comfortable clothing and shoes. I was honestly a little too excited for this group and got ready an hour early. Meredith and Ashley will normally start with stretches and then we move on to the festivities!

I had been meaning to join this group for quite some time. So, to login for this Heartthrob Dance Party was pretty good timing if you ask me. From N’SYNC and Backstreet Boys to Britney Spears and One Direction, the majority of the requests were 90’s favorites. As a true millennial at heart, this made me very happy.

Ready to move and groove in my new workout headband!

My favorite part of this group was just how casual it is. I must’ve had this preconceived notion that the meetings were structured with “group fitness expectations” such as everyone curling their arms together or involving some sort of synchronized group moves. This was not the case. Participants are literally encouraged to “move and groove”, whether that be head-bopping, foot-tapping or full-blown dancing with great enthusiasm. I also loved how comfortable the group felt for people joining it. Everyone was accepting of each other’s dancing, and no one seemed to care how someone else was choosing to move and groove.

Lastly, our clinicians leading the effort are a cut above the rest. Meredith and Ashley are both thoughtful and considerate when guiding these group activities. For instance, we have Moving and Grooving happening again today. The group focuses on strength this week and takes a look at inner and outer strength, so not just the physical elements. The way our Clinicians focus on the whole person, including the emotional needs of our individuals, remains a cutting-edge approach to care. In addition, these activities allow the people we serve the chance to connect with other individuals in the program for socialization opportunities. With deliberate planning and creative ideas, Meredith and Ashley go above and beyond for every session they host. Every theme they develop for Moving and Grooving is safe, fun and ultimately, engaging.

In short, I had a blast joining Moving and Grooving last week! I highly recommend that those on the fence give it a try. Moving and Grooving convenes every Wednesday from 12:15-1:00 p.m. For more information, please visit our calendar at www.Supportinc.com. You will also find other groups happening online that you’re welcome to join, as well.

Town Hall

Support, Inc. February Town Hall

Support, Inc. will soon host it’s second Town Hall Meeting of 2021. Put on by our Associate Director of Quality Assurance, Laura Viers, and Director of Residential Services, Brian Farestad, these informative meetings provide the opportunity for constituents and providers alike to learn more about our recent COVID-19 updates and vaccine rollouts across the front range.

We want to thank everyone that joined our first Town Hall last month as we covered COVID-19 updates and details related to the vaccine. Many people asked good questions and this also gave us a chance to catch up over Zoom and to see how folks have been doing in recent weeks.

We’re hosting another Town Hall this month-for more information, please the flyer posted below. The purpose of these Town Halls is to make sure that you as providers and family members, are receiving good communication from Support, Inc., have the opportunity to connect with a larger group of people and are able to ask questions and give feedback that you may have. To RSVP, please contact Cathy at Cathy.Kellogg@supportinc.com and she will send you the Zoom link.

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Host Home Provider of the Month

Please join us in congratulating our recent Host Home Provider of the Month, Shaunti Kelley!!!

The following write-up was produced by RPC Sonny Everett:

“We are happy to recognize Shaunti Kelley as HHP of the month. From the start of her HHP role with Support, Inc. she has demonstrated so much love and care for her consumer. Shaunti has gone above and beyond to make Heather’s days creative and fun with all the arts and crafts, baking, playing games, community outings, keeping close communication with Heather’s family, but most importantly, just making Heather happy. We are very lucky to have Shaunti be a part of our Support team. Thank you Shaunti for all that you do!”

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Support, Inc. Welcomes Two New Employees

Please join us in welcoming two employees to the organization. First, we have Faith Wilkins who joined the agency in January and produced this write-up a few weeks ago:

Hello, Support Inc.! I look forward to meeting you! Until then, here is a little about me (Faith Wilkins). I grew up in Cherokee Nation (NE corner of Oklahoma). I attended graduate school for Occupational Therapy in Las Vegas, Nevada. I moved to Colorado in 2016 to work at a center (K-12 school, outpatient, employment and transition services) for persons with I/DD.

As a clinician, I help people establish mindful routines to support engagement in meaningful life activities through a trauma informed lens. I have also practiced OT on a therapy farm with the help of horses, chickens and donkeys! Before I was an OT, I was a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at an inpatient psychiatric hospital in Fayetteville, AR. In my spare time I enjoy taking Bosco to the park, taking photos of Bosco, playing chess, doing yoga, and cooking.

In addition, we welcome our new receptionist, Tammy Burton. Tammy joined Support, Inc. in early February and shares the following information:

Tammy started on Monday, February 1st, out of the Aurora Office.

She will be taking over the administrative responsibilities, in addition to some other ones that Carole has managed.

Tammy comes to us with significant experience, having worked as an Administrative Assistant for Elbert County Health and Human Services.  Among her many talents, Tammy has great skillset that includes customer service, accounting support, office management, and Purchasing and sales administration.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Tammy if you have any questions.

Welcome to the team Faith and Tammy!  We are super excited and look forward to working more closely with both of you!

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Additional Vaccine Communication

The following information was produced by our Associate Director of Quality Assurance, Laura Viers, on February 3rd, 2021:

To all Support, Inc. Staff, Providers and Families,

Colorado continues to review and update the State’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. On the updated plan below, highlighted in green are the groups the state is currently offering the vaccine to, this is people in Phase 1A and Phase 1B.1. The biggest change to the updated plan includes splitting Phase 1B into additional categories. This includes moving Coloradoan’s who are age 65-69 up in eligibility to Phase 1B.2, this will be the next group of people to have access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Governor Polis announced the Sate expects to move into Phase 1B.2 on February 8th.

Group 1B.3 includes Coloradoan’s age 16-64 who have two or more high risk conditions. Many individuals in services may be eligible in this phase of the vaccine.  The state has defined these high risk categories to include; Coloradoan’s with cancer (defined as a patient currently receiving treatment or having received treatment within the last month for cancer), chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes mellitus, Down Syndrome, specific heart conditions (heart failure, cardiomyopathies, or coronary heart disease, and severe valvular/congenital heart disease), obesity ((BMI ≥ 30kg/m^2), pregnancy, sickle cell disease, solid organ transplant and people with disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks.

Now is the time to discuss with the individual(s) you support what their desire is for getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Having these conversations now will ensure the individual’s team understands the person’s wishes regarding the vaccine as well as any supports that may be needed once the individual is eligible. Having a plan now is crucial to ensure individuals can get the supports needed to access the vaccine when they become eligible.

There is a lot happening with seemingly constant changes regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. While employees and contractors of Support, Inc. are eligible in Phase 1B.1 vaccine availability across the state varies and there is a larger demand for the vaccine than there is supply to meet that demand. Each county health department has a different process for connecting eligible Coloradoans with a vaccine provider. Some counties have been slower to get appointments set up or respond to our requests for large scale clinics for our employees and contractors. The slow speed to get a vaccine appointment is frustrating but hang in there. We remain committed to breaking through any barriers to help support you in getting the vaccine.

The question often comes up about how we can get individual’s in services scheduled to receive their vaccine. At this time individual’s with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities do not have their own unique group on Colorado’s Phased distribution plan. Individual’s receiving services will be eligible for the vaccine based on the individual diagnosis and age. We are also not able to set up clinics to administer the vaccine to individual’s in services. As Colorado continues to increase vaccine supply and subsequent phases become eligible, we hope to see more vaccine options for all constituents of Support, Inc. We will continue to monitor these develops and ensure we provide updates on a regular basis.

Please reach out to your team or me with any questions or concerns.

Laura Viers,

Associate Director of Quality Assurance

Laura.Viers@supportinc.com

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Vaccine Communication

To all Support, Inc. staff, providers, and families,

As vaccine efforts continue to increase across the state, we recently got clarification from CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) that employees and contractors of Support, Inc. are designated as moderate-risk health care workers and are included in Phase 1B of Colorado’s COVID-19 vaccine plan. Over this week, a member of your team will be reaching out to you to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine. While the vaccine is voluntary, we are required to have tracking of participation or non-participation in the vaccine. A member of your team will also be discussing vaccine options with you and what supports you may need to access the vaccine.

Support, Inc. continues to work to connect employees and contractors with vaccine options across the state. We have been in touch with local health departments to work with these entities to help establish large vaccine opportunities for everyone. At this time, we have heard from two health departments who have the capacity to help us connect employees and contractors with a vaccine provider. Your team will discuss these opportunities with you. If you do not want to use one of these options, you can continue to work through your primary care physician or other vaccine location.

Employees and contractors of Support, Inc. have been classified by CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) as moderate-risk healthcare workers and are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Phase 1B of Colorado’s distribution plan. Support, Inc. continues to work with local County Health Departments to increase opportunities for employees and contractors to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As vaccine availability across the state is limited, we remain committed to supporting our staff, provider and families to access the vaccine.

Please reach out to a member of your team or me at Laura.Viers@supportinc.com if you have any questions,

Thank you, Laura Viers
Associate Director of Quality Assurance

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Virtual Events This Week!

Starting next week, we will also have all of our events posted on the Support Calendar on our website! Please visit the URL below, navigate to the day and event you would like to attend, and click on ‘Location’ to open the Zoom session. Let me know if you are having issues accessing the website.

CALENDAR

?The Mad Scientist Fair has been rescheduled for February 12th!?

Monday, February 1

Client Council is canceled this week! Join us next week!

LIFE Club: Game Day!

When:  Monday, February 1 from 12:15 pm- 1:00 pm

What: Join us for a game day! We’ll be playing the ‘What Would You Do?’ game where we go over our reactions to different scenarios.

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84207082079

Tuesday, February 2

Pop Culture Club: MLK Jr. Day 

When:  Tuesday, February 2 from 10:00 am-11:00 am

What: Join us as we explore what Martin Luther King Jr. Day is, who he was, and why we celebrate!

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84620087562 

Chill Club: Come Chill with Us

When: Tuesday, February 2 from 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm

What: Learn how to stay chill when life gets tough. This week we’ll be making pinwheels and calming jars! The materials lists are below.

Pinwheel Materials: paper, a straw, and a brass fastener or stick pin

Calming Jars Materials: a small plastic jar (or empty water bottle), water, glue, and glitter. Super glue or hot glue is optional to fasten the lid shut.

Instructions: In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82353558685

Wednesday, February 3

MVP Club

When:  Wednesday, February 3 from 10:00 am-11:00 am

What: Be an MVP (Most Valuable Person) in your community!  In this new group, we will use arts and crafts, games, and engaging discussion to talk about safe relationships, combatting bullying, setting boundaries, and being the best, most valuable person we can be! This group is by reservation only, please contact Gwen if you would like to participate!

Instructions:  In order to participate, please email gwen.bonilla@supportinc.com

Moving and Grooving: Yoga

When:  Wednesday, February 3 from 12:15 pm-1:00 pm

What:  Let’s slow down and take a day to get back to basics. We will stretch and focus on our inner strength by using adaptive yoga techniques.

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85277454478  

Thursday, February 4

Join us for a brand-new story telling experience!

Fairy Tale Factory: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

When:  Wednesday, February 4 from 11:30 am- 12:15 pm

What:  Come play with stories! In this new group we will take favorite folktales, deconstruct them, rewrite them, and put our acting skill so the test by taking on the roles for a performance at the end of every month. February’s story is Goldilocks and the Three Bears! It’s going to be ‘just right’!

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86143640216

Friday, February 5

Pop Culture Club: What the Health!

When:  Friday, February 5 from 12:15 pm- 1:00 pm

What: Join us as we discuss nutrition and what’s good for our bodies.

Instructions:  In order to participate, please followhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/84620087562

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Quarterly STAR Awards

This month we celebrated our recent STAR Award recipients. These awards are distributed internally for Special Thanks and Recognition.

The categories for awards are listed below.  When you see or hear someone in Support, Inc. going above and beyond, please email your nomination to HR.Admin@supportinc.com with the subject line being STAR Award nomination.  We will collect all submissions and we will deliver awards and recognition according to the frequency listed for each category.

In your email, please include the following:

  • Name of person you are nominating
  • Name of award from list below
  • Describe why your nominee deserves the award, specifically telling the story of the service or suggestion provided that makes your nominee the perfect candidate for the award.

MONTHLY AWARDS 

Best Team Player – peer-nominated recognition for someone going the extra mile for their teammates (monthly)

Best Customer Service – a quote from a consumer or provider or something seen or heard by a supervisor or peer regarding excellent internal or external customer service.  We look for patience, attentiveness, ability to relate to customer needs, excellent follow-up, going above and beyond for our clients  (monthly)

QUARTERLY AWARDS

Rookie of the Quarter – a newer employee catching on quickly, learning their job and doing more, suggesting improvements that are implemented (quarterly)

Process Improvement Champion – a suggestion for a change leading to increased efficiency, cost savings, boosting morale, or improved customer service that was implemented (quarterly)

Productivity and Quality Award– star performer in their prospective department (quarterly)

QUARTERLY EXCELLENCE AWARDS: Current recipient passes the award on to the next employee

  • Cindy Lou award of excellence in customer service – The Cindy Lou Award is given for ‘Exemplary Customer Service’ by a Support, Inc. employee as recognized by their peers.  This person consistently goes above and beyond for clients, providers, family caregivers, AND fellow employees alike.  Part of providing great customer service is having a strong work ethic. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication by putting in the time to listen and understand, responding to people/situations in a caring and professional manner, being adaptable to changes, and being able to problem solve (even in difficult and stressful situations).  This award is passed on from recipient to recipient.
  • Steve Taylor award of excellence – The Steve Taylor Award is given to a fellow co-worker who exemplifies the value of our organization through consumer care and customer service. 

Other Awards

Anniversary Awards – Annual years of service where the month falls within the previous quarter.

Let’s give a big round of applause for the following reward recipients! We appreciate every one of you and your continued dedication to the people we serve.

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Support, Inc.’s Position on the COVID-19 Vaccine

Position on the COVID-19 Vaccine

January 14, 2021

With the start of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution underway, Support, Inc. is encouraged that all of our stakeholders will have the opportunity to receive the vaccine in the near future. Some of our individuals in service that are over the age of 70 are already receiving their first dose of the vaccine. It is understandable that this process may take several months as there is limited access to the vaccine and some confusion around an individual’s eligibility.

As the vaccine becomes available, the following are some of Support, Inc.’s expectations for staff, contractors, families, and individuals in services:

• Receiving the vaccine is voluntary. Although this is the case, we strongly urge everyone to participate unless a health condition precludes you from taking the vaccine.

• If you do not receive a vaccination, this may limit your ability to work directly with some individuals in service. This will depend on the health characteristics of the individual and the setting where the service will be occurring. At a minimum, social distancing, wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, and other infection control procedures will need to continue.

• Participation or non-participation in the vaccine distribution process will be tracked. This is required by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), our licensing agency. The information will be held confidentially and used for health and safety considerations of our individuals in service along with aggregate reporting to CDPHE.

• We are here to help you get vaccinated. Help is available for all employees, contractors, families, and individuals in services to get the vaccine. Please contact one of your team members if you need any assistance at all in getting the vaccine. If you have any questions at all, please talk to your supervisor or a team member for assistance.

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Virtual Events This Week!

Join us for some upcoming virtual events!

Please follow the links imbedded in this message to participate.

All groups will be fully virtual Monday-Wednesday

Monday, January 25

Client Council is at a new time this week!

Client Council

When:  Monday, January 25 from 11:30 am- 12:15 pm

What: Come let your voice be heard! We’re looking for participants for our brand-new Client Council. We want to hear your thoughts about activities, opportunities, and events in our Day Services program.

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86571217826

LIFE Club: Game Day!

When:  Monday, January 25 from 12:15 pm- 1:00 pm

What: Join us for a game day! We’ll be playing the ‘What Would You Do?’ game where we go over our reactions to different scenarios.

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84207082079

Tuesday, January 26

Pop Culture Club: MLK Jr. Day 

When:  Tuesday, January 26 from 10:00 am-11:00 am

What: Join us as we explore what Martin Luther King Jr. Day is, who he was, and why we celebrate!

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84620087562 

Chill Club is canceled this week. Check back next week!

Wednesday, January 27

MVP Club is canceled this week. Check back next week!

Moving and Grooving: Organized Dance

When:  Wednesday, January 27 from 12:15 pm-1:00 pm

What:  Join us for a dance party where we will learn organized dances! Dancing is a great way to experience different muscle movement.

Instructions:  In order to participate, please follow https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85277454478  

Thursday, January 28

Touching Stories is on a hiatus for the time being- keep your eyes peeled for a new story telling experience!

Friday, January 29

Pop Culture Club: What the Health!

When:  Friday, January 29 from 12:15 pm- 1:00 pm

What: Join us as we discuss nutrition and what’s good for our bodies.

Instructions:  In order to participate, please followhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/84620087562