Ray

Ray Succeeds With New Job and Driver’s License

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Ray has had an eventful couple of months working towards two big goals. He got his driver’s license and a new job as a crossing guard.

Rays’ mom reports that he looks proud and happy in his bright crossing guard vest as he gets to work around one of his favorite things in the world- buses. He enjoys helping the kids cross the street, getting to be part of one of the most important public transportation systems in America, and having a flexible schedule to make it to his Smash Bros tournaments. When asked he said he wouldn’t rule out being a bus driver one day – especially now that he has his license.

Getting his license was the easy part he says, passing his mom’s driving lessons was not. Although he can drive himself now, he is not done with buses. His dream car would be for everyone to use the public transportation system so that it can expand and be taken everywhere. (If he had to pick it would be an RV because of the nice amenities). He especially likes the MAX bus in Fort Collins.

Congrats again, Ray, for reaching these major milestones!!

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Host Home Provider of the Month

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The Loveland Team would like to nominate Brianna Yakovee for Provider of the Month!

Brianna is an experienced caregiver and provider who has dedicated much of her life to enriching the lives of those around her. From troubled teens to adults in the IDD community, she extends her compassion to any who need it. Recently, she opened her home to one of our PRS, Baylee. It was Baylee’s personal goal to find an HHP to move in with by the end of the year, and she sure found the right fit with Brianna and her home.

From the second Baylee gave her stamp of approval, Brianna started prepping her home. Being blind, there are some extra useful tools that help Baylee use the space around her. Brianna put sticky dots on the microwave for Baylee to be able to independently heat up her food – as well as on the washer and dryer to help her complete laundry. Arguably the coolest thing, though, is also a sound machine that sits outside of Brianna’s bedroom door, across the hall from Baylee’s room, that runs constantly, allowing Baylee to use it a sound locator throughout the house.

Their first weekend together was a girls weekend on the town. The ladies went shopping, had some yummy food and even enjoyed a movie showing together. Even on short notice, Brianna made sure Baylee and her roommate were able to attend our Loveland Halloween party. Brianna is constantly ensuring that Baylee (and her roommates) has access to the activities she enjoys doing while helping to promote independence and safety. Thank you for supporting those who lean on you, Bri. You’re a rockstar!

Blowing out candles

Cat-Dad Robert Celebrates Two Birthdays

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Robert decided that his two cats Haley and Hillary would celebrate their birthdays together. He got decorations, a cake and treats for both of them, turning 2 and 7 years old respectively. He spent a couple months planning it and purchasing a new cat tree for them. They didn’t really go for the cake, but had some wet cat food instead.

Danyelle brought some toys and Jennifer (their coordinator) brought a catnip plant, which has since been replanted and chewed on happily by Haley (Hillary likes the dry stuff only Robert reports).

Robert had fun and his kitties did too!!

Kole and Billie 2024

Kole Lands a New Job!

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We continue to highlight positive happenings around the agency this month. Read ahead to learn how Kole and his provider Billie worked together to seek employment opportunities!

My name is Victoria and I’m writing to share a story on behalf of a person I work with. This person I am writing about has achieved a goal; it was to find a job.

Kole found a job at the prestigious restaurant Cheyenne Mountain Resort. He has been at this job for a few months and has done such an excellent job that they keep trying to give him more hours than he is allowed to work. I have only had KB on my caseload since March 2024 and in that amount of time he has shown so much growth! All of this would not be possible without the assistance of his amazing host home provider Billie.

I have watched her talk with him about goals and steps needed to reach those goals, I have watched her praise him when KB advocates for himself. Kole is doing so well at his job they sometimes ask him to do things outside of what he was hired for.

As anyone who knows Kole, you want to step in and protect him from being taken advantage of, but he has advocated for himself that there are some things he doesn’t mind doing and others he will say no to. It was a big step for him to ask Billie to let him handle his job on his own as anyone else would and if he needed assistance, he would let her know. Billie has gone above and beyond with picking him up after 10pm and dropping him off early in the mornings. She really is an HHP who just wants to see her PRS’s grow! I am so proud to work with amazing people like Kole and Billie!

Missy positive story

Missy Enjoys a Birthday Trip

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Sometimes we like to share positive stories, highlighting the relationships between the providers and the people they serve.
In early September, one of our individuals receiving services, Missy, told her HHP Genet that she would like to go on a trip to celebrate her birthday. They talked about where they should go, and Missy said she wanted to go visit some friends from church who had recently moved to Dallas and visit Genet’s daughter who also lives there.
Genet made all the arrangements, and they had a wonderful time visiting friends and family. They also made day trips to historical sights and local attractions.
Happy Birthday to Missy! One of her most valuable gifts is her amazing HHP Genet who does everything she can to make Missy’s wishes come true!!
Carlos N.

Carlos Takes a Trip to Mexico

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Carlos Navarro and his FCG/Sister Norma Navarro recently went on a trip with family to visit their relatives in Mexico. Norma said there are always some worries and grey areas when it come to traveling with Carlos but she is glad they gave it a try and that he managed that well. She mentioned it has been quiet some time since they last saw their family and this trip was long overdue. On this trip Carlos enjoyed mostly all the water activities, hanging out with his family members, and meeting new friends. One of their favorite memories that was shared with us was a video of him baking a cake! They are so happy that this trip was a success for their family and hoping to make another trip possibly next year!

BC

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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October is breast cancer awareness month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s campaign this year is Helping Women Now focusing on the importance of early detection. This includes doing monthly self-exams, scheduling regular physical exams and mammograms. Women should begin having a mammogram with their primary care physician at age 40.

Facts about Breast Cancer from The National Breast Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society:

  • Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women worldwide.
  • 1 in 8 women receive a breast cancer diagnosis.
  • 1 in 726 men will receive a breast cancer diagnosis. While breast cancer in men is rare, it carries a higher mortality rate than women.
  • Breast cancer occurrence and death rates generally increase with age.
  • Only 5-10% of people diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer.
  • Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer at any age.
  • When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%

While there are breast cancer risk factors that you can not change such as being born female, getting older and inheriting certain gene changes, etc. there are things you can do to may help lower your risk of breast cancer.

  • Getting to and staying at a healthy weight. Both increased body weight and weight gain as an adult are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause.
  • Be physically active. Studies have shown that moderate to vigorous physical activity is linked with lower breast caner risk. American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 150 – 300 minutes moderate intensity or 75-150 minutes vigorous intensity activity each week.
  • Avoid or limit alcohol. Frequent consumption of alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.
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Host Home Provider of the Month

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DM4 would like to announce Provider Elly Daly for Host Home Provider of the Month! Elly Daly is a phenomenal provider for our PRS Selena Silva.

Even though Selena is unable to express what she wants or needs using words, Elly is able to understand her through her emotions and specific cues. Elly is organized and keeps an extensive record of Selena`s care.  Recently there had been a change to the team members and within 24 hours Elly updated her binder of information, so she knows who to contact for Selena`s needs. Elly works great with Selena`s family and Guardian. Guardian says “Elly is an awesome provider. She is very caring and thorough with the care she gives. She keeps me updated on any changes and events”

 

This past summer Elly took Selena on her dream vacation to SeaWorld in San Diego and Selena had a blast! Elly says at first she was worried on how Selena would do on the plane but she loved people watching and being out on their adventure! Thank you, Elly, for all that you do and the positive impact you make in Selena`s life and her loved ones.

QA-Corner

Quality Assurance Webinar

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Learn more about our amazing Quality Assurance Department here at Support, Inc.! We discuss why having this department is reassuring for the people we serve, their families and providers. Not all agencies have a QA department and we know that good quality is good care. We strive to work with families within the rules and regulations to provide a person-centered approach to each unique situation we encounter. Today, we discuss the goals of the department and how our employees keep the people we serve safe out in the community.

 

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DSP Appreciation Week!

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Dear Direct Support Professionals,
During this DSP Appreciation Week, celebrated September 8th – September 14th, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible work you do every day. Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of those you serve make an immeasurable difference.
You are the backbone of care and support, offering kindness, patience, and understanding in ways that truly empower individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives. The impact you make extends far beyond the hours you work—it touches hearts, families, and entire communities.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping others thrive. You are appreciated today and every day for the extraordinary care you provide. Thank you so much to all the Direct Support Professionals out there!
With immense gratitude,
The Support Inc. Network