December 2024 BZ Connect

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BZCONNECT 2024 2024

Hello Board,

We had a busier than usual December this year We conducted our annual wage analysis for all non-ELT staff and implemented a wage increase with every team member receiving an increase with the average increase for DSPs being over $4k/year. This move positioned OFA as the highestpaying provider (for now) and it's already having a positive impact on the volume and quality of the talent in our recruiting channel We've also closed the first half of our FY exceeding our OI budget, eNPS score, client NPS score, and we expanded all our Employment Programs into all regions in which we operate. So, we took time to finish December by holding a number of celebrations across the state with clients, staff, and with you (our Board)

In other news, the CA budget proposal projects a caseload growth of more than 40,000 in the coming fiscal year. This would bring the total to approximately 505,000 individuals being served by our system OFA has already started to conduct research on our internal and external environment as part of our 2025/2026 strategic planning process which will include a focus on understanding the emerging client demographics to help OFA anticipate program modifications and growth strategies....more to come at our April retreat.

PILLAR UPDATES

Best Place to Work

Board and Senior Leadership Seasons Greetings Event

Deliver Exceptional Services Employment Services

Project SEARCH Spotlight

Spotlight from LLC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team:

Alex Aguilar and the "Options for All" and "Project SEARCH" Programs

We are excited to spotlightAlexAguilar, a valued team member from the South Attractions Department. Alex is part of two incredible initiatives, Options for All and Project SEARCH, which aim to empower individuals with disabilities through employment and training opportunities:

• Options for All: Focused on providing skill-building and job placement support for individuals with disabilities, this program ensures they can achieve meaningful employment and independence.

• Project SEARCH:A program that offers real-world work experience and job readiness training to individuals with disabilities, fostering a smoother transition into the workforce.

Alex and his colleagues are currently part of a task force dedicated to making LEGOLAND California Resort more accessible. Initially focusing on improving workplace accessibility for employees, the team will later address ways to enhance guest accessibility across the park.

Alex’s and the team’s insights remind us of the importance of patience, clarity, and creativity when building an inclusive environment. He’s also demonstrated his strengths in creativity, radio communication, and collaboration with coworkers.

What Can We Do Together?

Let’s reflect on how we can:

• Promote Awareness: Learn more about disabilities and their diverse impacts on individuals.

• Enhance Accessibility: Consider how technology and thoughtful design can improve the experience for everyone.

• Foster Inclusion: Build a workplace culture where everyone feels supported and valued.

More About Alex Aguilar

We had the privilege of interviewing Alex about his experiences at LEGOLAND. Here are some highlights:

Project SEARCH Spotlight

Service Accessibility and Equity (SA&E) Program

SA&E 2.0 Highlights

• Completed a combined 647 touchpoints completed to date​

• Completed a combined 30 quarterly check-ins in both regions.

• We have either hosted, attended or presented at roughly 10 combined referral/client events​

• We have either hosted, attended or presented at roughly 18 combined job forum events​

• Completed three full day community organizing trainings for new Promotores and IE Director as well as a one-day refresher for our existing SD Promotora and HR Recruiter.​

• San Diego onboarded 66 new clients and Inland Empire 18​

• San Diego onboarded 29 new DSPs and Inland Empire 15

• One video completed; the second one under way​

• Translator currently working on three documents including client handbook​

Inland Empire Highlights

• San Bernardino Community Resource Fair​

• Colton Tree Lighting Event

San Diego Highlights

December Mexican Consulate Job Forum

Have a Thriving Business Model

December Financials

We finished the quarter outperforming our budget by over $900K and outperforming the first half of our FY by $1 8M Our performance is the direct result of:

• Remote Services and Day Rate billing for Community Engagement (CE) continuing this FY (they were at risk of being discontinued by DDS)

• Higher attendance rates in our CE program

• Continued growth in our Employment Services program

• Less competition from others on Adult Work Experience than we anticipated.

• Improved Film and Media capacity and attendance rates.

• Program improvements in ILS/TDS.

DECEMBER FINANCIALS:

• Revenue: $2,409,206

• Expenses: $2,120,061

• Net Operating Income (operating profit): $289K vs. Budget of $37K

YEAR TO DATE FINANCIALS:

• Revenue: $14,823,192

• Expenses: $12,625,161

• Net Operating Income (operating profit): $2,198,031 vs. Budget of $390K

INDUSTRY UPDATES

State Updates

• DDS Directives

• Minimum Wage Increase - Effective January 1, 2025

• DDS Communications - positive stories for Spotlight and DDS Bridges

• California State Budget

• Governor Newsom’s topline budget proposal presentation

• The Governor's 2025-26 State Budget Summary

• New leadership appointed for 2025-26: Senate Leadership and Assembly Leadership

• Master Plan for Developmental Services

In Other News…

Pete Cervinka Officially Named DDS Director

Pete Cervinka, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director at the Department of Developmental Services. Cervinka has been Acting Director at the Department of Developmental Services since 2024, where he has been Chief Deputy Director of Data Analytics and Strategy since 2021. He held several roles at the Department of Social Services from 2009 to 2020, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Deputy Director for Benefits and Services and Program Deputy Director for Benefits and Services. Cervinka held multiple roles at the California Health and Human Services Agency from 2007 to 2009, including Assistant Secretary in the Office of Program and Fiscal Affairs and Assistant Associate Secretary in the Office of Legislation. He held multiple roles at the California Department of Finance from 1998 to 2000 and 2002 to 2007, including Assistant Program Budget Manager, Principal Program Budget Manager and Finance Budget Analyst. Cervinka was a Staff Services Manager at the State Water Resources Control Board from 2000 to 2002 He earned a Master of Science degree in agricultural and resource economics from the University of California, Davis. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $224,400. Cervinka is a Democrat.

December's Operational Results

• We brought on 20 new clients

• Client Retention Rate remained strong at 94%

• Film & Media at 96% capacity and a 90% attendance rate

• CE Attendance Rates remained strong at 94%

• % of Clients Served remained strong at 99%

Upcoming Board Meeting:

Thursday, January 23, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm

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