Please join us in congratulating our recent Host Home Providers of the Month, Berthy Pondaag!
The following write-up was produced by the Denver Metro Three Team:
Denver Metro 3 (Team Hypernova) would like to nominate Berthy Pondaag and co-provider Jacqueline Lompolium for the HHP of the month award! They have continued to provide consistent and exemplary care to two of our most vulnerable individuals. Their patience while the team worked on methods to ensure the health and safety of one of their individuals to provide them with the least restrictive, most inclusive environment is admirable.
Time and time again, they’ve shown their ability to go above and beyond to ensure documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner, come up with solutions to ensure goals are being worked on and that the services being provided are carried out in the proper setting. Berthy and Jacqueline have worked hard to make sure their individuals live their best lives while still following all protocols and doctor’s orders. The last few months have not been easy but one thing is for certain, their quality of care for their individuals has never wavered. We want to thank you both for the work you do and let you know we appreciate you!
Please join us in congratulating our recent Host Home Providers of the Month, Linda and Scotty Cummins!
The following write-up was produced by Team SoCo: We would like to recognize Linda and Scotty Cummins as Support, Inc’s Host Home Provider of the Month. Linda and Scotty are dream providers! They routinely and regularly keep the daily documentation current for their individuals in service, as well as always keeping their own compliance requirements up to date. However, paperwork is not their only superpower! They also have fabulous, healthy relationships with the gentlemen in their care. Their folks love that they are part of the family, and all enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and generally being in the outdoors. Linda and Scotty encourage their independence and help them to speak up for themselves.
Recently, Scotty and Linda were approached to take a new gentleman into their home. He preferred to have a bedroom on the same floor as everyone else, so Scotty and Linda took on the effort and expense of hiring contractors to transform their open-sided office into a new private bedroom. Talk about going the extra mile! While the remodeling was taking place, Linda and Scotty had Zoom visits with him and his mother so that everyone felt more comfortable about the impending move. The atmosphere of their home is friendly and happy, and obvious to all who visit (virtually or in person!) Please join the Colorado Springs team in congratulating this wonderful couple on their well-deserved recognition!
A friendly reminder for those looking for our weekly events- This information has transitioned to the calendar on our website.
The calendar includes information for our Day Program Events, LIFE Events and BACPAC events. To learn more information, simply click on the date and click on the event for further details.
Many of our events are hosted online due to COVID-19. To join, select the event on the calendar and be sure to download Zoom ahead of time.
If you have any further questions regarding our events or how to use Zoom, please contact Cathy at Cathy.Kellogg@supportinc.com and she will point you in the right direction.
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.
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!”
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!
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.
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.
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!
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’!
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 awardof 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 awardof 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.
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.
As we enter the third week of the year, many people will
soon abandon their New Year’s Resolutions if they haven’t already. The STAR
Committee gathered recently to talk about resolutions and to reflect on the
last 12 months.
The committee covered an array of topics ranging from goal
setting to compartmentalizing stress in different areas of life. The group
remains an open invite to employees and all are welcome to drop-in once a month
at their leisure.
At the core of the conversation was the notion that sometimes New Years Resolutions can be rooted in shame. That sometimes we’re led to believe we’re not “good enough” as we are, so we need to lose weight, be more positive and strive to do better against all odds. Despite these annual pressures to “do better and be better”, maybe there’s no improvements to be made in the first place and that’s totally okay. Maybe we’re allowed to accept ourselves as we are, perfectly imperfect and striving for micro goals throughout the year without external expectations for improvements. Whether you decide to set goals or not is up to you, and committee members are here to support one another throughout remainder of this year.
As we usher in a new administration, we remain hopeful that the people and interests we lobby for are well attended to in moving forward. The End the Wait Initiative is a cause worth rooting for, and despite the recent budget cuts, we have a lot to look forward to this year. Our nonprofit arm, BACPAC, is seeing a resurgence. And our DEI Council and Committee has broken up into subcommittees, in an effort to tackle inequities across multiple fronts. Serving people with IDD is at the core of what we do, and we’re optimistic that by the end of this year, we will have seen major improvements across multiple teams to ultimately enhance the services we provide. On behalf of the STAR Committee, we wish everyone a Safe and Happy New Year. Our steadfast dedication to the people and families we serve remains unwavering. Please remember to take care of yourselves and each other.
The STAR Committee serves employees of Support with three objectives guiding the group: Fostering a positive work culture, promoting employee appreciation, and encouraging self-care. The Committee understands what a challenging year 2020 had been and will continue to promote internal opportunities for connection within the organization. In addition, further considerations to explore and strengthen relationships by facilitating one-time events online, mini-series for wellness and email campaigns will be explored, as well. For PRS to connect with their peers, please see our weekly LIFE Club updates on the blog for more information.
