As we reflect on April and May, I’m proud to report that Options for All continues to demonstrate strong momentum across all three of our strategic pillars People, Programs, and Performance. We remain the highest-paying provider in our sector for DSPs and managers, have the lowest voluntary attrition rate among our peers, and are attracting a deep and talented pool of candidates for open positions. We launched our inaugural Wellness For All initiative with generous support from HUB and Aetna, furthering our commitment to a thriving workforce. On the financial front, OFA achieved its highest revenue and operating income on record and is significantly outperforming year-to-date projections. We continue to exceed our goals in client NPS, retention, and growth. While legislative uncertainty around Medicaid and California’s budget deficit may introduce changes to the DDS system, OFA has proactively planned for these scenarios and does not anticipate any material adverse impact
PILLAR UPDATES
Best Place to Work
“Be Kind to Yourself” Contest
Throughout the month of April, we hosted a “Be Kind to Yourself” Contest to promote employee wellness. The goal was to encourage everyone to take a moment each day to pause and focus on self-care.
Employees were invited to share a photo capturing a time when they took a break and engaged in an activity that brought them peace whether it was enjoying nature, practicing a hobby or simply taking a quiet moment to recharge. Each week, we randomly drew two names to win gift cards!
It was a great reminder of the importance of being kind to ourselves each day.
Deliver Exceptional Services Employment Services
Project Search: LegoLand CA
• Graduation: June 6
• Cohort 2 Assessment Day: June 10
• Cohort 2 Start Date: August 4
• Lead Instructor: Jordan Woodland (Start date June 9)
Project Search: The San Diego Zoo
• Informational Meetings: Begin next week with funding sources, clients, and families
• Cohort 1 Assessment Day: July 21
• Cohort 1 Start Date: August 25
• Lead Instructor: To Be Determined
• Area Manager: Offer to be made by May 23
Film and Media
• The search for a new Director of Film and Media is coming to a close – final round interviews will be completed in May. The candidate pool for this position was exceptionally strong.
• Vendorization paperwork has been submitted to East LA Regional Center.
• Efforts to find real estate remain ongoing so that it occurs at an appropriate time.
Investing in our Programs
In collaboration with all program managers, OFA compiled a list of needed program enhancements, resources, and supplies totaling $115k which was procured so we recognized the expense this year. These investments show OFA's continued commitment to being a best place to work and delivering exceptional services.
Our Options For All team recently attended the ANCOR Connect Conference, and it was an incredible opportunity for growth and learning. The sessions were packed with valuable insights, and we came away with new strategies and ideas that we’re excited to bring back and apply within our organization.
A special shoutout to our SA&E team, who proudly represented OFA by presenting alongside the CDSA on the important topic of addressing service access disparities. Their dedication and expertise shone brightly on a national stage.
We’re proud to be part of a community that’s committed to innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
April Financials
Have Thriving Business Model
YTD we are outperforming our budgeted Net OI by $4.7M. Our budget was based on a conservative approach that did not take into account rate increases since the date of implementation was not determined until after the start of the FY. Additionally, revenue outperformed budget because of the following:
• Remote Services and Day Rate billing for Community Engagement (CE) continuing this FY (they were at risk of being discontinued by DDS)
• Continued high attendance rates in our CE program
• Continued growth in our Employment Services program
• Improved Film and Media capacity and attendance rates
• Program improvements in ILS/TDS
APRIL FINANCIALS:
• Revenue: $3,433,147
• Expenses: $2,560,404
• Net Operating Income (operating profit): $873K vs. Budget of $63K
YEAR TO DATE FINANCIALS:
• Revenue: $27,591,891
• Expenses: $22,379,718
• Net Operating Income (operating profit): $5,212,173 vs. Budget of $473K
INDUSTRY UPDATES (STATE)
Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Top Priorities:
1. Master Plan for Developmental Services: DDS is developing a comprehensive plan to enhance the quality and accessibility of services for individuals with developmental disabilities. This plan emphasizes community involvement and will be updated annually to reflect progress and feedback.
2. Employment Initiatives: DDS is working to expand competitive, integrated employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, aligning with the state's Employment First policy.
3. Respite Services: Efforts are underway to improve access to respite care, which provides temporary relief for primary caregivers, addressing current utilization challenges.
4. Aging Population: DDS is focusing on the needs of aging individuals within the developmental services system, ensuring appropriate support as this demographic grows.Assembly Committee on Budget+5Assembly Committee on Budget+5Assembly Committee on Budget+5
5. Rate Reform and Quality Incentives: The department is implementing reforms to service provider rates and introducing quality incentive payments to enhance service delivery.Assembly Committee on Budget
6. Life Outcomes Improvement System (LOIS): DDS is developing an automated system to track and improve life outcomes for service recipients, aiming for completion within a defined timeline.
Key Risks:
• Federal Funding Threats: Potential reductions in federal support could impact the availability and quality of services.
• Disaster Preparedness: Events like the Los Angeles fires have highlighted the need for robust disaster response plans to protect service recipients and infrastructure.
Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)
Top Priorities:
7. Employment First Office: DOR is committed to promoting policies that prioritize employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to meaningful work in integrated settings.Assembly Committee on Budget
8. Collaboration with DDS: The department is working closely with DDS to align efforts and resources, particularly in expanding employment opportunities and supporting shared service recipients.
Key Risks:
• Federal Funding Threats: Similar to DDS, DOR faces uncertainties regarding federal funding, which could affect vocational rehabilitation programs and services.
• Disaster Impact: Natural disasters pose risks to the continuity of services and the safety of both clients and staff, necessitating comprehensive emergency preparedness strategies.
Both DDS and DOR departments are actively engaging with stakeholders, including self-advocates, service providers, and advocacy organizations, to inform their strategies and ensure that services meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. They are also coordinating with the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office to address budgetary considerations and legislative requirements.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the full agenda document here: Assembly Committee on Budget
May Revise Summary & OFA’s Continued Financial Stability
I want to take a moment to update you on the Governor’s 2025–26 May Revise budget proposal, which was released earlier today. As anticipated, the Administration is projecting a $12 billion shortfall that will need to be addressed within the current fiscal year. To close this gap, the proposal outlines reductions across a range of departments, including the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
While any reduction in funding is cause for attention, I want to reassure you that based on the proposed adjustments, Options For All is not facing any material risk at this time.
One key item in the proposal is a change to what’s known as the Hold Harmless policy related to rate reform. In plain terms, Hold Harmless refers to a safeguard that ensures no provider would receive a rate below what they were paid before the new rate reform system went into effect. The May Revise proposes ending that protection earlier than expected moving the expiration from June 30, 2026 to February 2026.
We are already incorporating this change into our budgeting process and financial modeling, and we are prepared to navigate this timeline shift without disruption to our services or commitments.
Other proposed DDS reductions include the elimination of funding for programs that have not yet been implemented (such as the DSP Workforce Training and Development initiative), cuts to Health and Safety Waiver assistance, reductions in implicit bias training support, and changes to how quality incentive funding is distributed. While these reflect the broader need for statewide savings, most do not directly impact our current operations.
As always, we are continuing to monitor the situation closely and will keep you updated as more details become available, especially once the final budget is passed in June. In the meantime, I remain confident in OFA’s financial resilience and our team’s ability to adapt to this changing environment without compromising our mission or the quality of our services.
Thank you for your continued support.
INDUSTRY UPDATES (FEDERAL)
San Diego’s disability community could suffer under proposed Medi-Cal cuts
In San Diego County, the San Diego Regional Center supports more than 29,000 people with developmental disabilities. At the same time, an estimated 795,000 residents experience nutrition insecurity 135,000 of whom are living with disabilities. These overlapping challenges highlight just how critical Medi-Cal is in our region.
While many think of Medi-Cal as just a health insurance program, it’s far more than that. For people with disabilities, it’s the backbone of independence providing job coaching, skills training, and daily living support that make community life possible.
Roughly 880,000 San Diegans are enrolled in Medi-Cal, including over 290,000 children. Without this support, thousands would lose not only healthcare, but the services that help them live full, self-directed lives.
Now, Congress is back in session to consider legislation that could slash billions from Medicaid. Gavin Newsom acknowledges that if federal cuts occur, the state couldn’t absorb the cost of existing programs. State leaders also could be faced with cutting optional benefits or reducing payments to managed care plans that cover 94% of MediCal recipients
Medi-Cal disability services help San Diego’s economy
Everyone deserves a shot at meaningful work a job that offers purpose, dignity, and connection. But for San Diegans with disabilities, that journey is often filled with obstacles: limited job experience, inaccessible hiring practices, and a lack of reliable transportation.
We’ve seen firsthand how powerful these services can be. One of our clients at Options For All dreamed of working at LEGOLAND California. They applied multiple times and were rejected again and again. But with the help of a Medi-Cal-funded job coach, we worked with LEGOLAND to create a nine-month internship tailored for adults with disabilities. That client is now a full-time employee and living proof that support opens doors.
These stories are not uncommon. Last year, adults with disabilities supported by Options For All earned nearly two million in wages. That income didn’t just change lives it went back into our local economy, supporting small businesses, and paying local taxes.
A client at Options For All said it best: “All the money that is in my wallet comes out of my blood, sweat, and tears. It means I put effort into getting the money I deserve in my pocket, rather than just having it handed to me. That’s really valuable to me. It makes me feel proud.”
Protecting Medi-Cal protects San Diego’s future
These are neighbors, family members, and coworkers. Medi-Cal helps them live independently and avoid more expensive, crisis-driven care like emergency room visits and institutional stays. And none of this works without Direct Support Professionals the trained workers who guide, coach, and support people with disabilities every day.
These essential jobs are funded by Medi-Cal, yet wages are often too low to attract and keep the talent we need. Slashing funding now would only deepen the shortage and leave more people without the help they rely on.
Cutting Medi-Cal would not only undo years of progress it would hurt San Diego families, businesses, and the broader community. These programs are not handouts. They are investments in dignity, independence, and a stronger economy for all of us.
San Diegans with disabilities aren’t asking for a favor they’re asking for the tools to live and contribute like anyone else. If Congress moves forward with these cuts, we’ll all feel the consequences.
We Need Your Advocacy to #SaveMedicaid
The Ask Congress must hear from you now. Tell your Senators and Representative: Reject Medicaid cuts and protect services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
The Details
The House of Representatives recently passed a budget framework that could slash Medicaid funding and cut at least $715 billion from our health care system.
These cuts would have devastating consequences for people with I/DD, potentially stripping away access to vital supports that allow individuals to remain in their communities. These are not just numbers they represent real people whose independence and well-being are at stake.
Tell Congress: Protect Medicaid and reject these harmful cuts. Thank you for your advocacy and commitment to safeguarding community-based services for people with I/DD.
In Other News…
Exciting News: A New Partnership with Stepping Stone of San Diego
Options For All is proud to announce our exciting new partnership with Stepping Stone of San Diego! This collaboration marks a powerful step forward in expanding our recruitment efforts and enhancing the opportunities available to the communities we serve.
With a shared dedication to empowerment, inclusion, and possibility, this partnership strengthens our collective mission to create meaningful impact. Together, we’re opening doors, building futures, and shaping a brighter tomorrow.
We’re looking forward to all the great things we’ll accomplish side by side. Stay tuned there’s so much more to come!
April's Operational Results
• We brought on 17 new clients
• Client Retention Rate remained strong at 95%, exceeding goal
• Film & Media at 100% capacity and a 87% attendance rate, exceeding both goals
• CE Attendance Rates at 94%, exceeding goal
• % of Clients Served remained strong at 100%
On The Horizon…
Upcoming Committee Meetings:
Deliver Exceptional Services
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
10:00am – 11:00am
Best Place to Work
Thursday, June 12, 2025
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Have a Thriving Business Model
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
11:00am – 12:30pm
Governance & Compensation
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Funtown Stage 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008 Friday, June 6, 2025 8:00am – 10:30am
