Envision's Newsletter: Fall 2016

FALL 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: PAGE 2 | MESSAGE FROM MARY LU PAGE 2 | BOARD OF DIRECTORS INFORMATION PAGE 4 & 5 | ENVISION PROGRAM SERVICENEWS PAGE 6 & 7 | ENVISION CASE MANAGEMENT NEWS PAGE 7 | CALENDAR OF EVENTS PAGE 8 | WAYS TO SUPPORT ENVISION

Message from Mary Lu, Executive Director I have had the pleasure of spending forty-three years of my adult life working with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, twenty-two of those years here at Envision. In all of that time I can honestly say that there has rarely been a day that I haven’t been excited about being at work and fulfilling my job responsibilities. I have had opportunities to see significant positive changes occur in the lives of people supported and in the lives of employees I’ve had the great fortune to work with. I have experienced highs and lows too numerous to count; I have been a part of successes and non-successes; I have seen hopes and dreams realized for many people; and I have seen some of their disappointments. Nothing will ever take the place of those experiences.

However, there’s a point when you know it’s time for a change and that time has come for me. I submitted my letter of resignation as Executive Director of Envision Creative Support for People with Developmental Disabilities to the Board of Directors and it was accepted with an effective date of May 31, 2017. This is a decision I spent a great deal of time thinking about. I know it is the right decision for me and it is the right time for me to reengage with family and community activities unrelated to what has been my world for many years, working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Over the years members of the Board of Directors have come and gone and each one, in their own way, helped shape Envision into what it has become. I truly believe the current members are a unique and dedicated group of people who exhibit care, concern and passion for the people and families supported through Envision and for the employees of our organization. The future will bring many changes and challenges.

The ongoing guidance and direction of the Board of Directors will be vital in continuing to fulfill the mission of Envision, “to enhance the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Weld County”.

To the many colleagues across Colorado at CCBs/PASAs/Alliance/CDHS/HCPF/CDPHE, the relationships and friendships I developed have been valuable throughout the years. Your willingness to share your knowledge, information and ideas has always been appreciated.

To the many community partners throughout Weld County, I have valued and appreciated the partnerships built with Envision over the years and I trust they will continue and flourish as it is likely they will play a key role in the future for Envision.

To the current and past employees of Envision, you are the glue that holds this organization together. You have willingly shared your skills, talents and expertise and have contributed in countless ways in helping people live lives of their choosing. You are all leaders, you are all affecting positive change and you have always made it far easier for me to fulfill my responsibilities. The opportunity to work with you has been priceless.

To the current and past members of the Board of Directors, I thank you for your guidance and direction and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the opportunity to have been a part of one of the finest organizations on earth!

Most of all, to the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families supported through Envision, you are the real reason I always looked forward to coming to work. You have always been the light at the end of tunnel when we faced challenges. Seeing your successes, big or small, have brightened many of my days. YOU have been my daily inspiration and the reason I’ve done what I have at Envision. My hope is that in some small way I have been able to help each of you find and attain both the “important to and important for” things in your life Being at Envision has enriched my life and it has been my privilege to work with you.

Thanks to all of you for making such positive impacts on my life.

Best regards, Mary Lu Walton, Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPCOMMING MEETINGS

BOARD MEMBERSHIP Erica Herman President EHerman@envisionco.org

Joanna Martinson Vice President JMartinson@envisionco.org

Dr. Lesley Brooks Secretary/Treasurer LBrooks@envisionco.org

Kelly Osthoff Member KOsthoff@envisionco.org

Angela Deabler Member ADeabler@envisionco.org

Linda Brainard Member LBrainard@envisionco.org

All Board of Directors Meetings are open to the public, begin at 7:30 AM and are held at Envision offices: 1050 37th Street Evans, Colorado 80620.

Kathi Sargent Member KSargent@envisionco.org

Jamie Erskine Member JErskine@envisionco.org

The Board of Directors is the governing body of a nonprofit organization. The responsibilities of the Board include determining policies, approving major goals and objectives recommended by management, approving an annual budget, review financial information, and hiring and evaluating the Executive Director.

Doug Seery Member DSeery@envisionco.org

Monica Wickstrom Member MWickstrom@envisionco.org

Laurie Hughes-Coffman Member LHughes-Coffman@envisionco.org

Angela Henning Member AHenning@envisionco.org

Pamela Shaddock Member pshaddock@envisionco.org

Beth Allen Member bethallen@envisionco.org

JANUARY 09 | Executive Finance Committee JANUARY 12 | Board of Directors JANUARY 30 | Executive Finance Committee FEBRUARY 02 | Board of Directors FEBRUARY 27 | Executive Finance Committee March 02 | Board of Directors Meeting

Take action and join Envisions Board of Directors!

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ENVISION PROGRAM SERVICES NEWS Envision Program Services Vision...

Envision Program Services is a Program Approved Service Agency (PASA) that provides Adult Comprehensive Services (Residential and Day Program), Supported Living Services and Family Support Services.

To create, implement and manage individual and sustainable programs and services that promote independence and enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.

Supported Employment Corner Dillon. Dillon has been employed with Envisions Work Crew for one and a half years and during that time Dillon has obtained various work skills enabling him to secure a part time job in the community. Dillon was offered employment at One With Him automotive just shortly after Dillon’s one year anniversary at Envision. Dillon enjoys his position in the community at One With Him automotive, where he details vehicles. He is learning even more valuable skills while working there and is looking forward to continuing his employment and gaining more knowledge. Dillon hopes to eventually become an automotive technician at One With Him automotive. Way to go Dillon we are so happy and proud of your accomplishment!

Hire the Work Crew Today!

The seasons are always changing and there is much work to be done! Hire the crew to help with your next project. Examples: yard work, recycling, grounds keeping, gardening, etc. The average rate for work is $20.00 per hour.

Contact a Crew Supervisor at (970) 313-2624.

Program Services Welcomes New Staff…

The following people have been hired as Direct Care Providers: Terry Lankford Steve Jagielo Lisa Arevalo Arturo Ramos Marlene Bohnert Jayme Lechman New Art Program Facilitator: Candace Patterson New Crew Supervisor: Amanda Dennee New Employment Support Professional: Claire Jordan New Residential Mentors: Michelle Rice and Samantha Whittington New Day Program Mentors: Kim Nix and Laura Henry New Day Program Manager: Donna Caballero It’s great to have you all working with us!

Envision Volunteers...

More than ever, Envision depends upon the involvement of volunteers to continue to provide quality services for people and participate in fun events! We encourage community members to share their time and talents to enhance the quality of life for people we support and educate the community about Envisions purpose and mission. Some examples of our volunteer opportunities include: Board of Directors, Committee Members, 5K In My Shoes, Art Program, community events and more! Note, background checks are required for all volunteers.

To become an Envision Volunteer, please contact: Aaron Karney, (970) 313-2602, akarney@envisionco.org

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ENVISION PROGRAM SERVICES NEWS (CONT.) “Pat on the Back” Recognition Award...

Family Support Service Program Council...

The Program Services Department allows people to recognize Direct Care Professionals, Crew Supervisors, Art Program Facilitators and Team Leaders for good work they are doing, by submitting a “Pat on the Back” certificate in a box located in the Program Services Department.

Every quarter a certificate is drawn out of the box during each of the three meetings required for staff, and those three staff people are awarded a $20 gift card to Walmart. Staff who had a nomination form submitted must be present at one of the meetings to qualify for the award.

Family Support Services Program (FSSP) Council is comprised of family members, professionals and interested community members. The Council acts as a guide to the implementation of FSSP at Envision. Council meetings are held quarterly at Envision offices. Council members are needed.

The nominees were: Arturo Ramos, Brian Harvey, Kim Whitman, Brenda Maldonado, Julie Jimenez, Sandra Rogers, Sindy Urtusuastegui, David Stansberry, Nichole Gould, Esther Camacho, Vicki Russo, Misty Brewer, Juanita Garcia, Sheila Floyd, Virginia Goetzel, Josh Terriere, Jared Walker, Shannon England, Sheri Sullivan, Joan chapman, Samantha Whittington, Tena Osborne, Maria Barboza, Marty McMullen, Louise Wilson, Yesenia Naranjo, Zach Heil, Terry Lankford, Amanda Dennee, Laura Henry, Leticia Perches, Lilia Juarez, Marlene Bohnert, Lindsey Early, Steve Jagielo, Hope Garcia, Donna Caballero, Chae Warehime, Lisa Arevalo, Claire Jordan, Breanna Garcia and Myriah Hudgens.

Gardening gloves, canvases to paint on, gift cards to Hobby Lobby, Michaels, At Home and Wal-Mart.

The Winners for the Quarter: Kim Nix, Paula James and Michelle Rice Congratulations to everyone who was nominated and to our winners!

If you are interested please contact: Celeste Ewert, Program Services Director at (970) 313-2604 or email cewert@envisionco.org.

Program Services Wish List...

Donations are tax deductible.

Schedule a drop-off: Celeste Ewert, Program Services Director at (970) 313-2604 or cewert@envisionco.org Need A Break? Try Drop-off Respite...

Envision offers drop-off respite once per month for children and their siblings as well as adults. This is a great opportunity for families and caregivers to get a much needed break each month. We encourage all eligible family members to take advantage of this service, as needed. Please contact us at the information below at least four days in advance of the scheduled respite day in order to reserve your family member a spot For exact dates and times, check our calendar online at: www.envisionco.org/newsandevents.

Stay Connected!

Envision is on social media sites including, Facebook and Twitter! You can follow, friend, message or connect with us anytime. We post recent events and important information related to Envision. We do not spam our followers. By connecting with us through social media, you help spread awareness throughout our community. Also, you can get important weather related office closures, announcements, calendar of events and more by visiting: www.envisionco.org/newsandevents #EnvisionCoOrg 5

Respite will be held or originate at the Envision offices located at: 1050 37th Street, Evans, CO 80620.

Make a reservation: Trey Tafoya Respite Program Facilitator 1050 37th Street Evans, CO 80620 (970) 590-9402 More information, including what to bring/not to bring, medications, medical treatment, lunch/snacks and printable brochures in English & Spanish are available online at: www.envisionco.org/respite.

Envision Case Management News Traditions Most of us can recall traditions that have left a lasting impression and memory for us. Holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving can remind people of a family tradition, recipes, and memories. Traditions can also give us a sense of comfort, belonging, a chance to create memories, and to say thanks. I have worked at Envision for a little over 16 years and a tradition we have is our Employee lunch in December. The management team shows appreciation for the all of the efforts and hard work of the employees of Envision. The team prepares cooks and serves lunch to employees of Envision. For me, that day represents a long standing tradition and a time to put aside the current worries, frustrations, and workload to spend time eating a meal together and appreciating one another. For the past four years I have had the privilege to be part of the management team and part of the preparation for this tradition. In preparing, there is Christmas table clothes and candle center pieces that have been used every year I have been here. The day before, prep work is done by some of the team. Employees will comment about the smell of onions throughout the building that will be used in the Chili recipe that Linda Medina makes. There is usually a soup served as well and throughout the years we have had several great recipes shared, including Potato, Butternut Squash, and the Vegan Hippie Pasole. There are vegetable platters made and Eileen’s cookies are purchased for desert. We all work together and also learn what some are good at or like to do. A few things I appreciate is that Celeste is super organized and always has the detailed “list” for shopping, Kay does the shopping, Linda makes the Chili, Mary Lu likes to do the dishes, Marty has mad skills with napkins, putting out food and keeping us all moving with the Christmas tunes. I enjoy putting out the table clothes, greeting employees as they come in for lunch, and staying out of the way of those in the kitchen. I look forward to this tradition every year and am thankful for the privilege I have of being part of Envision and working with an amazing group of people.

Karen Colasacco Adult Case Management Director New Case Managers!

Kayla is our new case management administrative assistant. She was born in Florida and moved to Colorado where she spent her time all My name is Devin Lowe I am an Adult Case throughout high school and college. She is a recent graduate from UniManager here at Envision. I advocate for Indiversity of Northern Colorado, earning a bachelor’s degree in opera perviduals who may have a hard time advocating formance. Kayla is passionate about helping others and is a member of for themselves. I like working at Envision bedifferent local volunteer groups to promote equality. While she takes time cause it fulfills my ultimate passion in life which off before eventually returning to school for her master’s degree, she is to help people in need, and the opportunity wanted to spend her time learning how to help others as well as be inthat it gives me to meet new people. I am a revolved in the community. Kayla’s hobbies include singing, reading, and cent graduate from the University of Northern playing with her dog Wilson.

Colorado, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In my free time I enjoy traveling up to the Justine “JJ” Aragon just joined the Envision team as an intern. She is mountains, camping, watching and playing completing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services at the University of sports, and hanging out with my friends.

Northern Colorado, with minors in English and Special Education. Having moved to Greeley-Evans from Fort Collins, JJ is a proud Colorado native, and loves to travel in the snow. In her free time, she enjoys spendHi, I am Genelle Thompson. As a young ing time with friends and family, singing, and doing work for a local teenager, I was given an opportunity to vol- organization of blind Coloradoans. She will be working on couple of unteer at Camp Hope & Camp Share. I con- projects in the department including a case management satisfaction surtinued to volunteer, be paid staff and direct vey and person centered service planning. She will also be shadowing camps for the next six years. I have worked case managers in various capacities which will include the intake, deter& volunteered in a broad spectrum of posimination, and targeted case management processes. tions in this field and associated fields ever since. I have a bachelor degree in Psychology and have completed significant coursework toward a master’s in Health Administration. I love to learn, teach and mentor.

My passion is to support people in all asBetty Lehman has offered to travel to northern Colorado to pects of life to be the person they want to be deliver her Protecting Futures presentation. Please go to her website, and live the life they want to live. www.lehmandp.com to learn more. If you would be interested in attending a presentation here in the Greeley-Evans area, please take a moment to respond to the Doodle poll here http://doodle.com/poll/ahh9962ffg22e8x8 to tell us what days of the week and times of day are most likely to work best for you and your family to attend a presentation. We need to have at least 30 participants attending the presentation, so would want to plan for a day that would work best for as many people as possible. If we have sufficient response, we will move forward with scheduling and further planning. If you would prefer, contact your case manager to let them know your interest in participating.

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Envision Case Management News New Early Intervention Case Managers Shannon O’Neill is a new Early Intervention Case Manager. Shannon graduated from Emmanuel College in 2012 with a BA in Sociology. After graduation, Shannon decided to travel and applied for a Working/Holiday Visa in New Zealand. After working in New Zealand for a year, Shannon moved to Australia and then South East Asia, where she taught English in Thailand. She returned back to the United States in December 2015 to her hometown in New York. In August 2016, she made the move to Colorado, where she enjoys hiking outdoors, practicing yoga, and riding her bike through the endless trails in Fort Collins. Shannon is passionate about helping others and is very excited about her new position with Envision.

My name is Ligaya Smith. I work in the Children’s Case Management Department. My background is in Public Health. I’ve mainly focused on children and adolescents with mental and behavioral health issues, now I work in developmental disabilities. I served in the military before getting my bachelors degree and I am currently in my first year of a master’s program, specializing in clinical mental health. I am originally from Hawaii, I love the outdoors, hiking, and staying active.

My Name is Mayra Jaquez Marquez. I was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, moved to Colorado when I was 9 years old, been here since then.

I love Colorado and its weather! I’m a sister of two brothers, Jorge who is 18 years old and Aaron who is 9 years old. I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in May of 2016 with a Bachelors of Arts. During my educational career I have been in various volunteer programs working with different age groups, but what I most enjoy is working with children. During my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, my boyfriend, and friends. I started working at Envision as an interpreter; in August of 2016 I got hired as a Case Manager. I’m thrilled to be part of the Early Intervention Children’s Case Management team.

January 09, 2016

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Executive Finance Committee Regular Meeting

January 12, 2016

7:30 AM to 9:30 AM

Board of Directors Regular Meeting

February 06, 2016

5:30pm to 7:30 pm

Executive Finance Committee

February 09, 2016

7:30 am to 9:30 am

Board of Directors Regular Meeting

February 11, 2016

11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Children’s Drop-off Respite

February 20,2016

ALL DAY

ENVISION CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY

February 25, 2016

12:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Adult Drop-off Respite

February 27, 2016

5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Executive Finance Committee Regular Meeting

March 02, 2016

7:30 am to 9:30 am

Board of Directors Regular Meeting

March 11, 2016

11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Children’s Drop-Off Respite

March 25, 2016

12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Adult Drop-Off Respite

March 30, 2016

7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Executive Finance Committee

@EnvisionCoOrg 7

10 WAYS TO SUPPORT ENVISION’S MISSION  Give your time and talents.

 Give items or services.

We need dedicated and one-time volunteers for our Board of Directors,

Contact us at: (970) 313-2602 about items or resources needed.

committees, councils, events and activities.

1050 37th Street | P.O. Box 200069 Evans, Colorado 80620

 Give in person or by mail.

 Support our artists.

Contact us at: (970) 313-2602 or deliver donation to:

Paintings and ceramics created by people we support are available now.

1050 37th Street | P.O. Box 200069 Evans, Colorado 80620

1050 37th Street | P.O. Box 200069 Evans, Colorado 80620

 Give online on Colorado Gives Day.

 Leave a legacy.

Visit: www.coloradogivesday.org, Keyword: Envision | Click Here

When planning your will and estate, you can make a bequest to: “Envision, Creative Support for People with Developmental Disabilities “

 Purchase a $25.00 King Soopers.

 Purchase a $5.00 Macy’s Shop For A Cause Pass.

Reloadable Shopping Card

Once a year get exclusive savings available only through non-profits for 10%

Envision earns 5% on all reloads. Not available in stores.

to 25% off of most items in stores and a chance to win a $500 gift card.

 Get Elitch Gardens discounts and we earn $3.00.

 Give anytime online at Network for Good.

Exclusive during May through October

A trusted and secure online donation service.

Visit: www.tinyurl.com/EnvisionDiscounts | Click Here

Visit: www.networkforgood.org, Keyword: Envision | Click Here

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1050 37th Street | P.O. Box 200069 Evans , CO 80620 Phone: 970.339.5360 Toll Free: 888.695.5883 Fax: 970.330.2261 Toll Free: 888.695.5883 www.envisionco.org 9