IMG_20241120_142209

Intake Team End of Year Updates

by Information & Resources

Hello and thanks for reading from the Intake Team! As mentioned in the newsletter, the Intake Team still consists of Brian, Cindy, Kristin and Cathy. This is the most seniored team at the agency. Cindy has been with us for 23 years, Kristin 22 years, Cathy 7 years and Brian 5 years. We’re excited to share some updates and plans for the upcoming year!

First, the team wants to get reconnected to case managers, as turnover in 2024 reached an all-time high. We Look forward to building new relationships and partnering with Case Managers in 2025. As you know, relationships in the field are so important. We are eager to meet some new faces and learn from other folks that have been in the field as long as we have!

We also continue to attend provider fairs. We had great success the last few months, getting to know new families on the DD waiver. We love connecting with community partners and learning more about new Case Management Agency (CMA) Processes and procedures.

On this note, did you know that Cathy recently joined the Community Advisory Committee for the Weld County CMA? She meets quarterly with the team to review complaints, review and improve processes and procedures regarding Weld County Case Management and to ensure that waiver transfers from one county to the next have been expedited in a smooth and seamless manner.

Last but not least, Cathy also implemented billboards in Greeley, Fort Morgan and Sterling. Keep an eye out for our advertising! And feel free to let us know if you’ve seen our materials anywhere recently!

We thank you again for choosing us as your agency. Please continue to keep us in mind for DD placement needs by emailing Intake@supportinc.com with any potential leads.

Thanks again and take care.

walk

Walk for Northern Colorado Down Syndrome Association

by Information & Resources

Support, Inc. recently joined a walk in Windsor hosted by the Northern Colorado Down Syndrome Association. Brian and Cathy first met Lori and Melinda at the respite retreat hosted by the newly rebranded ARC of Northeast Colorado back in July. What a nice coincidence to share a table at this gathering- the conversations they had together led Support, Inc. to host a booth at the walk earlier this month.

Cathy had a great time meeting new families and connecting with community partners. The Resource Fair allowed for members to learn more about the agencies in the area as they pertain to Down Syndrome. Cathy met a few new providers and relayed her contact information to anyone needing additional information on the DD waiver.

The best surprise of all was hearing Jillian Ball give her speech! Jillian is a current Person Receiving Services with Support, Inc. and such a wonderful keynote speaker. She will have you laughing and crying in one sitting. It was truly a pleasure to hear her address the crowd and we hope to catch her around again sometime soon!

Thanks again to the Northern Colorado Down Syndrome Association for allowing us to share a space with you during the walk recently. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to connect with community members and hope to join again next year!

Untitled Design

Finance Department Updates

by Information & Resources

The Finance Department: 

Greetings from the Finance Department! We are excited to introduce a new team member and provide an update on HHP payments and some projects we are focusing on. 

New Team Member: 

Please welcome Amy Baum, our new Office Manager. She joined Support, Inc. this month! “I am a Colorado native and mom of two wild teenage boys. I come from a large roofing Company where I worked as the assistant production manager for both our residential and commercial projects. I am new to the health care industry but am very excited to learn the ins and outs. When not at work, I enjoy being outdoors camping, or fishing. I have been blessed to travel to Kauai for the last several years and look forward to that trip over and over again.  I have a very spoiled English Bulldog, Chance, who also got to see Kauai our last trip there.  

  

I am very excited to join the team and look forward to working with everyone!” Swing by and meet Amy at the Aurora office. Amy is providing many of the same supports that her predecessor, Tammy, did. Answering your questions or directing concerns to the right department is just one important part of what she does. We are so happy to have her on our team, ensuring we provide the level of customer service we pride ourselves on. 

Final Update Moving Host Home Provider Payments to ADP: 

The transition to ADP for HHP payment is complete and has been in effect for about 3 months now. With this transition HHPs can access their personnel files, pay stubs, see and update their contact information or direct deposit information through a secure online portal. Vicki Stroud from HR lead a training to help familiarize HHPs with ADP and a video of the training is available upon request. Any questions HHPs have regarding the training or ADP payments can be directed to hradmin@supportinc.com 

We on the finance team want to give a huge thank you to the whole of HR and the Residential team who were instrumental in making this transition a successful and smooth one. 

The Remainder of 2024 for the Finance Team:  

With the end of the year rapidly approaching we are focused on optimizing our billing across the Support Network, automating and expanding the reporting available to upper management, chipping away at the denied claims list and eligibility challenges presented by the case management redesign and state system issues and preparing for the 2025 tax season. 

 

Common Question Topics for Finance and Where to Direct:   

Host Home Provider Payments – hradmin@supportinc.com 

FCG-IC Payments – accountspayable@supportinc.com 

FCG, Employee, and HHP Pay History – Can be found in your ADP Portal under “Myself”- “Pay”- “Pay & Tax Statements” 

Bill.com Questions/ Payee Account Set up – accountspayable@supportinc.com 

Verification of Income/Employment Requests for FCG-ICs – accountspayable@supportinc.com 

Verification of Income/Employment Requests for HHP – hradmin@supportinc.com 

Verification of Income/ Employment Requests for Employees or FCGs – hradmin@supportinc.com 

Medicaid Redetermination Questions – Lily.kirkman@supportinc.com 

Social Security Benefits & Paperwork Requests – Lily.kirkman@supportinc.com 

Cigna and Other Insurance Benefits Questions – hradmin@supportinc.com 

  

How do I update my direct deposit information? 

  • If you are set up with an ADP account, Log into ADP, under “Myself” – “Pay” – “Payment Options” from there you can add or edit the bank information we have on file. 
  • If you are not set up with an ADP account, e-mail accountspayable@supportinc.com . Please include your support team in case we need to contact you with any further questions. 
Missy positive story

Missy Enjoys a Birthday Trip

by Information & Resources
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!!
Untitled Design (70)

Nurse Team Updates

by Uncategorized

Hello and Happy September to everyone! We recently restructured the Nurse Team following Morgan’s departure. As Brian Farestad (VP of Operations) mentioned earlier this summer-

I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that Morgan Struck will be stepping down from her role as Associate Director of Nursing, so she can focus on completing her degree. Over the past five years, Morgan has been instrumental in the development of the Nursing team, as well as the overall growth and success of Support, Inc. as a whole. Truly a “People Helping People” person, Morgan always demonstrated a true passion for serving our individuals. Her undeniable knowledge and skill as a nurse, her ability to think strategically and turn vision into reality, her strong work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond, and unique blend of humor, kindness, and ferocity, will be missed.

Morgan’s last full-time day at Support was July 1st. Danyelle Grajeda took over as the manager of the Nurse Team and we are happy to share some additional updates with the organization.

Erin Gordon, a strong addition to the team for the last 11 months, was recently promoted to Lead Nurse Case Manager. We congratulate Erin on her recent promotion and wish her nothing but the best in this new position!

We also have the following members of the team below- we are so grateful to each of them as they continue to support and rally behind the folks we serve with a variety of medial needs.

Lauren Reed – Nurse Case Manager
Moriah Welles – Medical Coordinator
Nicole Jordan – Medical Coordinator

And last but not least, we have a link with more details on the flu. It’s important for everyone to protect themselves as the cold and flu season is upon us, especially if you already have medical needs and concerns. Please click the link below to learn more.

Cold and flu season

Carlos N.

Carlos Takes a Trip to Mexico

by Information & Resources

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

by Information & Resources

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.
1

BACPAC Camping Trip

by Information & Resources

Check out pictures from Support Inc. BACPAC camping trip June 25th through June 27th. This was an amazing experience for all involved!

The group spent a day on the water by renting two pontoon boats at Cherry Creek State Park. From fishing to swimming and hanging out together, it was a great day for all involved.

Thanks to the help of Rich and many families, providers and Support, Inc. employees, this event is typically hosted on an annual basis at no cost to the people we serve. Yard games, a scavenger hunt and tie-dying camp t-shirts were just a few of the activities included in this fun-filled, engaging occasion.

We sincerely extend our warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone that helped with this event recently. Access to BACPAC activities is offered to members of the Support, Inc. community currently served on the DD waiver with in home support services. For more details on future BACPAC events, please reach out to Rich at Richard.Shaw@supportinc.com. And for questions regarding the DD waiver, please reach out to Intake at Intake@supportinc.com.

Thanks and be on the lookout for more BACPAC events hosted by Support Inc.!

Our BACPAC program enables the people Support, Inc. serves to share in experiences firsthand by moving beyond day-to-day life and exploring some of the amazing things Colorado has to offer on specially staffed adapted activities throughout the year. BACPAC is the nonprofit sector of Support, Inc.

To learn more about the BACPAC Program, please follow the link to learn more on our website.

Untitled Design (66)

BACPAC Trip Next Week!

by Information & Resources

Don’t forget- we have our Annual BACPAC Camping Trip coming up next week! We have a group site reserved June 25th-27th.

We’re still searching for additional volunteers to help! Even if you can’t attend, donating supplies would be greatly appreciated please. IE veggie trays, fruit trays, desserts, etc. Rich will keep a food list to help prevent duplicate items. Please reach out to Rich at Richard.Shaw@supportinc.com before you purchase anything, so he can chat with you about what’s needed 😊

We have a Campers List below!!

Thanks again to everyone that’s making this trip possible for those we serve. We couldn’t do it without you and looking forward to having so much fun soon!!

Campers List

Recommended: If you don’t have any of the items listed, please let us know 😊 We will have some extra supplies on hand.

Meals, Drinks (water, Gatorade), and Snacks provided

A Day

  1. Mediation (if needed)
  2. Sun Screen
  3. Bug Spray
  4. Light Loose clothing (Hat-if wanted)
  5. Sunglasses
  6. Extra Clothing (sandals) if going swimming: towel
  7. Light Jacket/Hoodie
  8. Individual refillable Water bottle (labeled with name)
  9. Lawn/camp chair
  10. Fishing gear (if needed)
  11. Personal supplies (if needed)

B Overnight: same as above +

  1. Tent
  2. Sleeping bag/Air mattress (if needed)
  3. Extra Blanket
  4. Flashlight/Lantern
  5. Extra clothing
  1. in case we get cooler weather at night
  2. Shoes
  3. Personal supplies (hygiene)

We warmly invite our individuals in services, their caregivers and providers. Please join us if you can!!

Food, drinks and snacks provided!!

The camping area will include

  • Large, covered area with tables and lighting at night
  • Rest room on site
  • Campground has showers available at main office
  • Running water on site
  • Electrical outlets on site

Activities will include:

  • Outdoor yard games
  • Board Games
  • Table games
  • Fishing
  • Music
  • Scavenger hunt
  • Tye Dye your own shirt
  • Camp Fire at night (weather dependent)
  • + much more!!!

Wednesday 26th is the boat day (this will also be the swim day)

  • Two pontoon boats have been reserved for the day
  • Groups will meet on at the marina to go out on the water for an hour ride