Boy With Down Syndrome Happy To Spend Day Among Family And Friends

Celebrating 33 Years of Support, Inc.!

by Information & Resources

March 2022 represents our 33rd year in the industry! We are absolutely thrilled to reach this milestone- once Dennis Kirkman discovered the need to serve individuals with IDD back in 1989, we have been proud to serve families and individuals all along the Front Range ever since. Support, Inc. provides residential services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilites. We also provide value-added services with access to our clinical team, nursing team, benefits specialist and more!

We asked a few of our long-standing employees to describe a few of their favorite memories through the years. Richard Shaw has worked for Support, Inc. for over 16 years. Kristin Kemp will celebrate 20 years of People Helping People in May, while Cindy Cridlebaugh takes the cake for longest-lasting employee, clocking in at nearly 21 years.

Rich relayed a few moments he remembers fondly while working at Support, Inc.:

One of my favorite moments with Support, Inc. would be in the first month I started with the Agency. They closed the office down in the early afternoon, and all employees took part in an internal dodgeball tournament.  Everyone (that wanted to participate) was divided into 4 teams with our own team shirts.  We then got to compete against the other teams.  Afterwards, we all were treated to a meal.  This was such an amazing way to start a career with the agency and team building.

Another favorite moment would be in the first couple of years working with the agency, many of the staff got together to watch a play production of OZ. This was so special because I had just a few years of working in the IDD field and got to share with my coworkers a play put on by Phamaly: Phamaly is one of the few professional theatre companies worldwide to feature performers with disabilities across the spectrum’. It was great to watch this performance live.

When Kristin was asked about her career at Support, Inc., she relayed several stories and funny moments through the years:

Cindy told me that we were going paperless.  I remember thinking that it would be impossible.  How would we be able to get our work done??!!!  I certainly do not miss the HHP files being in manila folders all over our desks. Deb was so proud that our paper order was drastically cut.

For favorite moments, Kristin relayed “I know I have so many more” and rattled off a few examples through the years-

  • When we first started accepting Family Caregivers and how it continues to help so many families
  • Hosting our first ever Talent Show
  • Dodgeball tournament
  • Game day at the office, when all the management were at a cabin in the mountains
  • 15-year anniversary golf tournament and dinner/dance
  • When Cindy and I reached a major milestone in the department, we asked Lynette if we could go to Bora Bora because of this (she said no). And it was hilarious!

Cindy shared a few of her favorite memories, as well-

  • Having dances in the day program. Watching all the clients and providers dance together.
  • Going for a scavenger hunt around Aurora, driving for different locations.  We were all driving around way too fast so we could win.
  • Getting the official Support, Inc. sign at the office
  • The vaccine clinic, feeling very thankful we could offer this.
  • Having all the staff pets visit the office.
  • The police following me in the Support, Inc. parking lot with the flashing lights and ticket I got while staff watched.
  • Playing Secret Santa with all staff- someone wrapped up their daughter’s retainer.
  • Painting the bathroom and office walls “ourselves”.
  • When the staff got to go outside and each take a turn hitting the old fax machine (that was always breaking down) with a hammer, complete with safety glasses.
  • Parents Night Out, DS’s family participating : )
  • Being so thrilled to add Kristin to my department after hearing her infectious laugh from the SLS side of the office .

Lastly, Brian Farestad, Vice President of Operations, relayed a few standout moments-

My favorite memory, in the five years that I have been with Support, Inc. would have to be the vaccine clinics that we held this year and last. During a time when we were so badly missing the face-to-face connection that we were used to, it was amazing to get to see all the families, providers, and individuals that we serve in person. It was very difficult not to just hug everyone but seeing those bright, smiling faces in person really filled a large hole that I didn’t quite know was there. And on top of that, to know that we were providing an invaluable service to people badly underserved and in need, made it all the more enjoyable.

Another favorite memory I have of Support, Inc. is the Talent Shows/Halloween parties that we used to have before the pandemic. To see our individuals and providers show off their creative costumes and talent on the microphone and dance floor is truly something to behold. I look forward to attending our first in person event in over two years sometime soon!

With so many individuals and families served through the years, we can only imagine the memories that others have throughout the organization. Support, Inc. has grown tremendously in the last several years, operating three locations along the Front Range. Although we started with humble roots, we continue to provide the best customer service in the industry. In our hearts, we will always be People Helping People and look forward to another 33 years in Colorado!

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Blanket Activity to Benefit Archway Communities

by Information & Resources

The STAR Committee recently planned a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Project with the help of Human Resources. Lieke and Tammy, along with other members of the committee, helped gather materials for employees to each create a warm blanket. Agency employees came together one day over Zoom and spent a few hours on the project as a team. The blankets were then donated to Archway Communities, a non-profit that works with people with lower incomes. As they say it themselves: Archway Communities elevates lives by providing access to affordable housing, food security and the supportive social services people need to thrive. Our Mission – Archway Communities

This activity was rewarding for Support, Inc. employees, as they enjoyed giving back to their community. Lieke reports how much Archway Community staff appreciated the kind gesture-

They were very grateful for the blankets, and one of the residents happened to be there and received a blanket already. He is very happy with it, and wants to thank the Support Inc. employees for caring.

The STAR Committee Core Values include fostering a positive work culture, promoting employee appreciation and encouraging self-care. We understand how caring for others can often fill our own cups and for this reason, along with many others, we greatly enjoyed this project. Ultimately, the best part of this project was dropping off the blankets to those in need.

As Support, Inc. looks to host further CSR projects, we’re always open to ideas and suggestions! Reach out to us by contacting Cathy at Cathy.Kellogg@supportinc.com

Tammy hold one of the blankets while Luna (our faithful Support, Inc. mascot) has a sniff
Big thanks to Lieke for dropping off the blankets!
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Support, Inc. Welcomes New Assistant Controller

by Information & Resources

Please join us in welcome our new Assistant Controller in the Finance Department, Christopher Neese!

My name is Christopher Neese. I’m originally from Alabama and moved to Colorado three years ago. I graduated from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL with a degree in Accounting. I worked previously with Carole Gaynor in public accounting and I am incredibly grateful to have another opportunity to work alongside her. I work in the Finance Department as the Assistant Controller. I accepted the position after an incredible interview with Carole and Bentley, who were very happy to work with a company that makes such a difference in their community. This was something incredibly important to me and was the deciding factor in my decision. So far everyone has been incredibly welcoming and I’m very excited to get to work providing support to Support, Inc!

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Host Home Provider of the Month

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Please join us in congratulating our most recent Host Home Providers of the Month, Frank and Nola! The following write-up was produced by Anna on the Denver Metro 3 Team-

 

Today our team would like to recognize Frank and Nola Restesan as HHP of the month. Frank and Nola have been with Support Inc. for many years. I have personally had the pleasure of being their Coordinator for the last 3 years. Prior to me, Rich was their RPC, and he always had great things to say about their work and care for their individuals. Both Individuals in the home have high medical needs. The level of care required for the individuals already comes with some big shoes to fill. Frank and Nola work as team and go above and beyond with a level of care that is something all providers should aspire to be!

They laugh, sing, dance, shop, go to parks with their individuals and make sure that they are as safe as possible with COVID-19. The two individuals in their care are always well put together and dressed to the Tee! Over the years they have gone through some traumatic medical events and spent countless hours at their side playing music, singing and supporting them while in the hospital. One of the individuals was released with an increase in medical needs that would typically result in them needing to go into a long term care facility. Nola and Frank rallied and rotated their nights sleeping, in order to get the individual to the point he is today. Nola and Frank have consistently kept up on documentation despite the level of care and time they spend with each individual. They are a wonderful example of what it takes to be one of the best HHPs and in today’s case HHP of the month!

A side-view shot of a father and daughter looking at Christmas decorations on a city street, they are wearing warm Christmas​ clothing.

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month!

by COVID-19

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month!

Ronald Reagan declared March the month for National Developmental Disabilities Awareness in 1987 after the deinstitutionalization movement of the 1970’s and 1980’s.

The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.

Throughout the campaign, individuals with and without disabilities will share their experiences through stories, photos and videos. This year’s campaign also highlights artwork created by individuals with disabilities and is featured in the Developmental Disabilities Awareness campaign imagery. For more information on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, visit https://nacdd.org/ddam/

This year, Colorado’s IDD Awareness Day at the capitol will be held virtually on March 23rd. The IDD policy webinar will be from 10am – 11am and IDD awareness day virtual luncheon from 12pm-1pm. If you missed this live event, check out Alliance’s posts throughout the day here.

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Support, Inc. Welcomes New Coordinator

by Information & Resources

Please join us in welcoming our newest Loveland Residential Program Coordinator, Abby!

My name is Abby Beam, and I am the new RPC for the Loveland team. I moved to Colorado from Alabama about 2 years ago. Before coming to Support Inc., I worked as a DSP/Job Coach for a couple different day programs. After that I became a house manager for a small family run PASA. During this time, I also assisted with running a disability awareness nonprofit here in Loveland. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my partner and our dogs, and we frequently spend time going hiking, camping, or biking. I am very passionate about promoting independence in our consumers and helping them to live their best lives. I am very thankful for the opportunity to be here at Support Inc with a group of people who share the same mindset.

I look forward to working with all of you!

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COVID-19 Communication

by COVID-19

To Support, Inc. staff, providers, and families

In this COVID-19 communication we will cover the following:

Support, Inc. Offices, and Hybrid Work Environment

More and more we are hearing medical experts talk about COVID-19 moving from a pandemic to an endemic. While there’s not a specific cut-off to determine the end of a pandemic, there are some broader general markers and the current data on transmission shows we are likely on the road to endemic. This leaves us all with a lot of thoughts and questions about what life after the COVID-19 pandemic will look like. Will we need to continue to get an annual vaccine like the influenza vaccine? Could COVID-19 spike again next fall/winter? Is it safe for me to return to activities I enjoyed before the pandemic? While we don’t know the answer to many of these questions, it’s safe to say we are all looking forward to returning to some ‘life as normal’.

As we look forward to returning to activities and social behaviors we have before the pandemic we have learned a lot over the last 2 years that we can carry with us into the future. One big thing we as a company and IDD services in general learned was how to utilize virtual technologies. While there were many pain points in this process, and at times there still are, this is a tool to have in our tool belt as we move forward. For many individuals in services the use of virtual technology meant they could continue to socialize with friends and family, get access to medical care and call a team meeting quickly while remaining safe at home. We learned how to hold meetings through various virtual platforms and adapted to working from home and setting up a home office.

Support, Inc. is looking forward to utilizing what we learned over the last two years as we move forward. We will continue to offer virtual and/or in-person clinical behavioral services to ensure we can meet each individuals needs and preferences. Our administrative staff will continue to have the ability to work from home. Utilizing virtual technology has allowed to build and maintain connections across our ever-growing geographical catchment area.

While utilizing virtual technology has been highly beneficial, we also recognize the importance and benefit of gathering in-person. Over the next couple months, we will begin having in-person meeting across teams and departments.  We will be working to redesign our administrative offices in Aurora to offer a comfortable place for people to work, host meetings and provide in-person trainings. Finally, we look forward to planning a ‘welcome back’ event to bring all our staff, contractors, families, and individuals together sometime this summer.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your supervisor. We will continue to provide updates through email, our website and our Facebook page.

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Host Home Provider of the Month

by Information & Resources

The Denver- Colorado Springs Team would like to nominate Atea Linga as Host Home Provider of the month. Since coming to Support Inc, Atea has been a highly thought of HHP. When COVID hit she was more than willing to step in and help where she could, to provide respite to other providers.

Atea has also been instrumental in stabilizing a high needs person by effectively anticipating her needs to ensure no escalation would ensue. She has also built this relationship of trust and understanding and now has been able to find out some of this person’s triggers to help her navigate her behaviors. Without Atea, this person would likely not be able to live in a Host Home setting. Her unwavering passion to care for people paired with her medical knowledge is a combination we at Support could only hope for in a Host Home Provider, and Atea exemplifies it.

Recently Atea jumped into actioned when I called her requesting some emergency Respite for a family in need. She picked the individual up and took her back home. She also helped the following week when the person had another respite need urgently. She worked with Hospital staff to ensure the person was ready and willing to be discharged. She drove her several towns away and back to her home again. This time her stay in respite was a bit longer and Atea was ready and willing to help this person through her crisis. She spent time over the weekend making her feel comfortable and helping her feel needed and like she could let her guard down and begin to decompress from all the events prior.

Overall Atea is a phenomenal HHP and person in general. She cares and really wants to find better solutions for the people we serve. In the past year she has ensured with her work ethic and passion for people that she is a valued HHP with Support Inc and we couldn’t be more thankful she chose us!

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Stephan and Melissa Land a New Apartment!

by Information & Resources

We are so excited to read these details from the Denver-Colorado Springs Team! Read ahead to learn more about Stephan and his girlfriend, Melissa. The two recently resettled into a new place, and the couple continue to do well in a new setting!

The following write-up was produced by Kayla-

I would like to take some time to recognize two wonderful people in services who have grown and learned so much over the past year. I met Stephan and Melissa at a home visit to their apartment here in Colorado Springs. They are the nicest and sweetest couple. Melissa and Stephan both expressed over the next few months that they would really like to strive for a better neighborhood and more of a community feel and would not like to continue to resign a lease.

As the end of their lease came closer, they started looking for their perfect apartment. I was impressed on how they really wanted to ensure their fur baby “Hank” had a park, and that there was a sense of community. They have solidified an amazing new apartment, with all the upgrades they dreamed of!

Since moving into their apartment they have really wanted to have things that are theirs. Like a lot of young couples, you get hand-me-downs, things that are less than perfect or even just something to get them by. With support from our residential services and their amazing understanding of budgets, expenses, and life in general, they finally have things they can call their own. Stephan and Melissa have done a stellar job of prioritizing needs vs wants and being able to effectively communicate certain wants that were important to them. They are also taking some time to find out what their passions are and would like to start classes at a local college.

The maturity and growth demonstrated in the past almost year since meeting them has been a true joy. I am so happy to see them both thriving and building a space of their own and can’t wait to see what the next year has in store for them!

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February is American Heart Month

by Information & Resources

Heart health is important every month of the year; however, this month is a time to  focus on cardiovascular health. The Division for Heart Disease and Stroke prevention is shining a light on hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Nearly 1 in 2 adults has hypertension. Hypertension can lead to heart disease and stroke the leading cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, high blood pressure is treatable and preventable. To lower your risk, get your blood pressure checked regularly and take action to control you blood pressure if it is high.

5 Surprising Facts About High Blood Pressure

  1. High blood pressure may be linked to dementia.

Recent studies show that high blood pressure is linked to a higher risk for dementia, a loss of cognitive function. Timing seems to matter. Evidence suggests that having uncontrolled high blood pressure during midlife (ages 44 to 66) creates a higher risk for dementia later in life.

  1. Young people can have high blood pressure, too.

High blood pressure doesn’t just happen to older adults. Nearly 1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 44 have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, a condition that is on the rise among younger people. Experts think the increased risk for stroke in this age group is a direct result of the rising rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes—conditions that are preventable and treatable.

Ask your health care team how often you should check your blood pressure. You can get your blood pressure checked at a doctor’s office or pharmacy, and you can check it at home if you have a home blood pressure monitor.

  1. High blood pressure usually doesn’t have any symptoms.

High blood pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer.” Most people with high blood pressure don’t have any symptoms. Because many people feel fine, they don’t think they need to get their blood pressure checked.

Even if you feel normal, your health may be at risk. Talk to your doctor about your risk for high blood pressure.

  1. Many people who have high blood pressure don’t know it.

About 1 in 3 U.S. adults with high blood pressure aren’t even aware they have it and are not being treated to control their blood pressure.

Even though most people with uncontrolled high blood pressure have health insurance and visit a health care team member at least twice a year, the condition is often not diagnosed. CDC is working with health care professionals to find patients with high blood pressure who are “hiding in plain sight.”

Ask your health care team what your blood pressure numbers mean and if they are too high. Stick to your treatment plan and follow your provider’s advice if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure.

  1. Women and African Americans face unique risks when it comes to high blood pressure.

Women with high blood pressure who become pregnant are more likely to have complications during pregnancy than those with normal blood pressure. High blood pressure during pregnancy can harm a mother’s kidneys and other organs, and it can lead to premature delivery and low birth weight babies.

Some types of birth control can also raise a woman’s risk for high blood pressure. Women with high blood pressure who want to become pregnant should work with their health care team to lower their blood pressure before becoming pregnant.

African American men and women have higher rates of high blood pressure than any other racial or ethnic group. These individuals are also more likely to be hospitalized for high blood pressure. Experts think these health disparities are tied to higher rates of obesity and diabetes.

Lifestyle changes, such as reducing sodium in your diet, being more physically active, and reducing stress, can help lower blood pressure.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Hypertension? What is a normal BP?

By living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range and lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. A healthy lifestyle includes:

  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Getting enough physical activity
  • Not smoking
  • Limiting alcohol use
Blood Pressure Categories
Blood Pressure Category Systolic Blood Pressure Diastolic Blood Pressure
  Normal <120 mmHg and <80 mmHg
  Elevated 120-129 mmHg and <80 mmHg
Hypertension
  Stage 1 130-139 mmHg or 80-89 mmHg
  Stage 2 ≥140 mmHg or ≥90 mmHg