September 2019 Message

I don’t know about you but sometimes I just feel like the stars are aligning and great things are coming my way. I am feeling this way with our organization for many reasons; a few of them are below.

We are very close to having a full Service and Support Administration (SSA) Department again. Welcome to our new team members and “thank you” and “great job” to the rest of you who have covered caseloads and chipped in while short-staffed. You never lose sight of our values and remain focused on those we serve. This means the world to me, so thank you again.

I’m exceptionally proud of our providers who have also stepped up and want to help us tell our story. Direct care is no longer our game, but that of our 50+ providers. This fact is hard for me and I know it’s also hard for many of you. We have had to learn to trust, to adjust, to collaborate, and communicate with providers to ensure the plans, goals, health, and welfare are all being – not just met – but exceeded. Good job to all of you for adapting to this new environment and creating a bridge of communication and support with all loved ones and caregivers involved in the lives of those we serve.

Along those lines, I wanted to provide an update on our partner provider, Marca Industries and the status of their move to the Beidler Center. There have been some hiccups in the planning phases of the project, which has moved the renovation and move-in date back. In discussion with Ryan Ballinger, CEO of Marca Industries, he is projecting renovations will start somewhere around the first of the year with a targeted move-in date something next summer. We will keep you posted on the progress of this project so you will be ready for the construction as well as the move.

Accreditation is coming and we are ready! The Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) has already provided a list for file reviews and the Clearwater Council of Government (COG) is assisting us with the preparation. DODD will be on site for the full review on October 23 and 24. SSAs should be prepared to escorting the reviewers to homes throughout the community so they can see first hand those we serve and the great work we do. Thank you to our team for preparing for the visit and thanks to the team in advance for the work you will do for this important visit in late October.

We have an exciting in-service day planned on November 1 and expect full attendance so please mark your calendar and plan accordingly. The day will include our usual (required) Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and transportation training along with other great learning opportunities. Days like this are necessary to keep us current on industry standards and team building so I’m excited to spend the day with the entire staff.

So there it is. These are just a few examples of great things that are happening in the world of MCBDD. Please continue to show your support of our work to your friends and neighbors so they understand how important their support is to those we serve. It’s a great time to be part of the County Board of DD! That is because of you!

You are #WORTHIT. Our families are #WORTHIT. Those served are #WORTHIT.

Cheryl A. Plaster, Superintendent