Foothills Gateway Ink | page 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Ink Spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Let’s Play! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Giving Time & Talent . . . . . . . . Page 4

Jean Marie’s Day . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5

Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . Page 7

SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH DISABIL IT IES | SUMMER 2013, ISSUE 33

FOOTHILLS GATEWAY INK

Open House CelebrationFoothills Gateway is excited to be celebrating 40 wonderful years of working with our communities in helping individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities to lead lives of their choice . We are throwing a party and hope that you will help us celebrate!

When: Friday, July 19, 2013 Where: Foothills Gateway, Inc . 4:00 to 7:00 p .m . 301 W . Skyway Drive Fort Collins, CO

The celebration will include appetizers and drinks, along with a photo booth and live music with two bands – “The Blue Heron Band” and “Rich With Friends” . We’ll also have the presentation of some special awards and the debut of our brand new video .

We’ll have lots of food and fun, so please join us to visit with friends, look back over the years and celebrate with us in looking forward to an exciting future .

We hope to see you there!

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Just over a year ago, Foothills Gateway’s Board of Directors, Management Team and the Management Support Group had its introductory facilitated sessions on Person Centered Thinking . The two day event, conducted by Michael Smull of Support Development Associates (SDA) and Nancy Weiss, Director of the University of Delaware’s Leadership Institute for Developmental Disabilities . It was after these presentations that those in attendance began to understand the power and potential in adopting Person Centered Thinking . It was at this moment that we began moving the organization toward this transformational change .

The Foothills Gateway INK

Staff Reporters:

Pat Carney, Jim Cox, Erin Eulenfeld, Diana Foland,

Cynthia Hansford, Jan Irvin, Sondra Lee, Tim O’Neill, April

Rikhoff, Judy Tomcak

If you have any questions or comments regarding this

newsletter, please contact us at 970 .226 .2345 or

info@foothillsgateway .org

It was also after this training that the Board of Directors and the Management Team began the foundational work of changing the organization’s Vision, Mission and Values to match the philosophy of Person Centered Thinking . This set in motion training in Person Centered Thinking for all members of the Foothills Gateway organization .

Since last summer, Foothills Gateway has provided training to 120 people including board members, staff and FGI partners . Additionally, we have facilitated six coaches meetings and three coaches/leaders meetings . We have noticed early on that there is a demand for this training, from outside of the organization: Program Approved Service Agencies, Community Centered Boards, Advocacy and the Division for Developmental Disabilities . A special training session was added for June 13th and 14th for the purpose of providing training for Division for Developmental Disabilities staff,

CCB and PASA personnel . It is very exciting to see so many system personnel become interested and trained in Person Centered Thinking . Our plan is to have at least two more training opportunities in calendar year 2013: July 11th & 12th and September 16th & 17th .

Finally, as a part of our Person Centered Thinking work, Foothills Gateway staff (Jamie Martin and Tim O’Neill) will be making a presentation at the annual “Alliance Summit” for developmental disabilities . Jamie and Tim will be providing a review of the work Foothills Gateway has been doing, our experiences in changing our philosophy and the changes we have been seeing for the people we support . This is a great opportunity for us to share our story and, more importantly, to assist our colleagues in their understanding of the Person Centered Approach .

INK SPOTSBy: Tim O’Neill, Executive Director

Person Centered Thinking . . .making us think in a new way, thinking about what we do and how we do it .

Would you like to learn more about Foothills Gateway?

Then, please join us for one of our monthly luncheons . These luncheons are purely informational and include a small meal, presentation and tour of our facility . Our next luncheons will be on:

Thursday, July 11, 2013 - 11:30 to 1:00 p .m .;

Thursday, August 8, 2013 - 11:30 to 1:00 p .m .;

Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 11:30 to 1:00 p .m .;

If you would like to attend a luncheon, please give Diana a call at 266-5316 and let us know which date you prefer . We will make sure to have your spot reserved .

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LET’S PLAY!By: Gayle Timm & Sondra Lee

Once again summer is upon us and we ask ourselves what will we do with the kids? Foothills Gateway Family Support Services proudly offers the summer 2013 Playgroup to help fill vacation with fun activities for children of all ages and abilities, siblings and parents (or caregivers) .

Each month during the summer we have several activities planned . Some examples include Lee Martinez Farm, City Park Pool, and meeting at the playground at O’Dea Elementary School to do a craft and Plant your seed party .

This gives parents and children the opportunity to stay connected during the summer months . We hope to see you there!

If you have questions or would like more information regarding the next play date please contact

Co-chair FSSP, Gayle Timm directly at 970-689-0823 or

emailgayletimm@gmail .com for more details .

Have a safe and fun summer vacation!

Have a job for us?

Contact Shelley Ward at 970.266.5356

Many businesses in our community are wonderful enough to utilize the labor resources we have at Foothills Gateway . One of those local businesses is Coyote Camp Fireline Chow based in Fort Collins .

Mike Harte is the Owner of Coyote Camp and has been providing Coyote Camp Fire Line Chow to emergency service professionals since 1997 . These are nourishing and balanced ready-to-eat meals that are used for wild land firefighters, structural firefighters, search and rescue personnel, dive rescue personnel, disaster response personnel, as well as, for hunting, fishing, camping, and backpacking enthusiasts across the United States .

Individuals in the prevocational service areas are the exclusive packaging team for the Coyote Camp products and have been for fourteen years . There are twenty-four different menu options with nine different meal components within each meal . Individuals learn packaging and assembly skills, as well as, the ability to identify the many types of items that go into each meal .

When Mike was asked about his work relationship with Foothills Gateway, he

HATS OFF TO ONE OF OUR VALUABLE VENDORSBy: Shelley Ward

responded by saying “this long-standing relationship is a mutual benefit for all involved . Not only do the individuals feel good about helping package meals for firefighters and other personnel, my customers are very pleased and impressed when they hear I work with the people at Foothills Gateway . It adds something special to the product .”

Foothills Gateway is thankful and appreciative for all of the work local companies bring to us so that individuals in services can make a difference not only in their lives, but to everyone in the community .

Tara is skilled at packaging Coyote Camp

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Adult Care Services (ACS) has been graced by many volunteers through the years – giving their time to spend a few hours each week with the people we serve, giving their hearts to connect with others .

It is our pleasure and with total gratitude that we introduce Kerri Ishmael . She began volunteering at ACS in August 2012 and immediately her energy and compassion were well received by everyone with whom she has spent time . Kerri was kind enough to take time to answer a couple of questions… . .

What drove your interest or desire in the direction of Foothills Gateway?

Kerri: I’ve always had a desire to work with people

GIVING TIME AND TALENTBy: Cynthia Hansford

who have cognitive disabilities . Ironically, it was my college advisor who provided me the opportunity to get connected to this amazing organization comprised of some of the most amazing human beings, both the staff and the people you serve .

What do you do during the time you are volunteering at ACS?

Kerri: It varies with the person and the day, but my time includes: going for walks around the neighborhood with staff and individuals served, playing in the backyard, going to public events, playing board games , reading books and simply sitting and talking

with the individuals . Listening to their stories about their day, their hobbies and experiences . This is my most favorite .

What do you enjoy about the time you are able to spend at ACS?

Kerri: Simply said, the time I spend one on one with a person receiving services is an amazing feeling . It’s hard to describe in words how I feel in communicating and learning things from each person; it’s both heartwarming and humbling . I’ve seen firsthand that although someone may be

unable to verbally communicate with someone, they surely can through facial expressions and physical cues . To see a smile and or obtain a warm hug when walking through the door is a wonderful feeling .

Watching the amazing staff at ACS is also a reason why I enjoy volunteering; their sense of compassion is something I am in awe of each time I am there .

The people staying for respite are like an extended family . In getting to know them, their personalities and interests, I look forward to hearing their new stories each week .

Foothills Gateway, Inc .’s Adult Care Services Program is extremely thankful for all of our volunteers and are feeling very lucky right now with Kerri being able to share her time with ACS .

Kerri and her friend make beautiful artwork at ACS

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the

time; they just have the heart.”

-Elizabeth Andrew

If you are interested in volunteering, contact us at

970 .266 .5379

We believe in a life of opportunity, of choice, and of dignity for every individual, regardless of age or ability.

vision

mission

Advocating for and empowering individuals with disabilities to

lead lives of their choice

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Foothills Gateway Board of Directors

MIranda ArensJim DisneyDerf GreenJohn Haley, TreasurerTracy KatzKendra KettlerPaul Rodgers, Vice PresidentBJ RussellGregg Seebohm, PresidentRomie TobinCarol WardDoris “Punkie” Whitely, Secretary

Foothills Gateway Foundation Board of Directors

Nyla AndersonMitch BurroughsDavid FritzlerCarl MaxeyJay McCoy, SecretaryNancy PickardNancy PieperTed ShepardBrian Sullivan, PresidentFranklin RykJoe RykBob Toomey, Vice President

YOU CAN REMEMBER FOOTHILLS GATEWAY IN YOUR WILL, TRUST, LIFE INSURANCE POLICY OR RETIREMENT PLAN. CALL 970.266.5316 TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS.

JEAN MARIE’S DAY AT FIONA’S DELIBy: Jim Cox

Electronic Communication??In an ongoing effort to continue to find ways to decrease costs as well as be sensitive to environmental concerns, Foothills Gateway would like to offer the option for individuals to receive communication from us via email . Sending information electronically not only allows us the ability to send people information in a more timely fashion, it also allows us to cut down on costs .

If you would like to receive information from Foothills Gateway electronically, please go to our website, www .foothillsgateway .org, and look for the “Join Email List Button” to “opt in” to our mailing list . Please know that we will not share your email address with anyone outside of our organization and it will only be used to share information about Foothills Gateway news, events and newsletters . You may opt out of receiving information at anytime .

Some people know what they want to do at an early age, and are fortunate enough to actually do it . For others, it’s a puzzle . Putting the pieces together can be a long process . The idea of working in a certain place or at a particular kind of job can be a starting point . A person’s expectations about a job may be far different than the reality, or a job seeker’s assessment of their own abilities may not fit a job’s requirements . One method to find out if a job is a good fit is to perform a Work Assessment .

Work Assessments provide very short work experiences that give job seekers a chance to see what a job is really like . Businesses agree to let a job coach accompany a job seeker for a no-obligation tryout . Typically, this is only for a few hours and is pre-arranged to minimize any disruption for other workers . Supported Employment job coaches may work alongside or supervise during the experience . Everyone learns something: the applicant-what a job is really like, the job coach-whether this might be a good job fit and where to concentrate future efforts, the

employees of the business-that a diverse workforce can be both productive and fun .

In Fort Collins, Fiona’s Deli is “committed to creating an experience that is memorable, unique, and filled with incredible food!” Elizabeth and Scott McBride have worked with Foothills Gateway’s Supported Employment program since 2007 as an employer . Fiona’s has also provided the setting for several assessments . Recently, Jean-Marie began looking for work in the community . She has a definite artistic flair and thought that cake decorating would be a great job . Fiona’s bakes their own breads and pastries from scratch for both their restaurant and catering business . Along with her job coach, Jean-Marie visited the store . Fiona’s staff helped her try her hand at cake decorating . She learned to frost a cake and create icing flowers . Serena, a current cake decorator and baker for Fiona’s, worked side by side, sharing her decorating expertise and giving Jean-Marie a terrific experience .

Many people served by Foothills Gateway would like to find meaningful work, and have skills that can be applied in a variety of businesses . Employers who participate in Work Assessments, fill a special role in helping people find their way to community employment .

Employers who have an interest in supporting Foothills Gateway’s mission are encouraged to contact the Supported Employment Coordinator, Stacy Hill, at 266-5385 .

Jean Marie with Serena at Fiona’s

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FISCAL IMPACTBy: Sharon Courtney

To learn more about Foothills Gateway, Inc.’s financial status, you can find

the complete audited financial statements and other reports at:

www.foothillsgateway.org/About Us/Reports and Newsletters

Each year, Foothills Gateway holds its Annual Membership meeting in early March . This forty year tradition has allowed the membership to elect members to the board of directors, review the annual report and listen to various presentations over the years . Below is a small excerpt from the financial summary section of the annual report:

Each year, the legislative session brings an interesting and eventful year for Colorado and Foothills Gateway . Staff, along with board members, monitor legislative activity and maintain close contact with our local legislative representatives to ensure that the needs of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities are represented at the legislature .

We are pleased to inform you of the outcome of the figure setting budget for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities . A synopsis follows (please keep in mind this is for the entire State of Colorado, not just Foothills Gateway):

• 4 .0% provider rate increase for Adult Comprehensive Services, Adult SLS, Children’s Extensive Supports, Family Support Services and Early Intervention .

• $1 million for Family Support Services

• 765 new resources for individuals on the waiting list

• Approximately $7 million to be used for individuals on waiting lists

This is all very positive news and is all very exciting for individuals and families in services . It will take time to allocate the resources among the Community Centered Boards, however, Foothills

LEGISLATIVE SESSION RECAPBy: April Rikhoff

Gateway is committed to providing the highest quality of service . Case managers will be contacting families as soon as funding is available to coordinate transition into services .

As one legislative session comes to a close, the advocacy on behalf of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities does not end . Staff and board members use the summer time as a time to have new legislators out to Foothills Gateway to tour the building and learn more about the agency . It is our hope that all of our state and local representatives can join us in celebrating our 40th anniversary on July 19th . Thank you to all the individuals, parents, staff and board members for their hours of advocacy!

1275

1392

1470

1493

1689

1987

FY2007

FY2008

FY2009

FY2010

FY2011

FY2012

Number of Individuals Served Revenues 2012

71% Medicaid

7% State

2% Part C

2% Vocational

15% Larimer County

2% Other

1% Public Support

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Many years ago, Foothills Gateway and Transfort started discussing the need for a covered bus stop and accessible sidewalk at the intersection of Skyway Dr . and College Ave . (US 287) in order for individuals receiving services to more easily access Foothills Gateway’s services . During the course of time, environmental studies were completed, discussions between the city, CDOT, and Foothills Gateway occurred, and attempts were made to locate the funding to complete the much needed project .

Luckily in 2012, the City of Fort Collins was able to use “Keep Fort Collins Great” funds to construct the pedestrian improvements along the south side of Skyway Dr and add an accessible sidewalk, concrete pad and covered bus shelter . After the city completed their work, Foothills Gateway constructed a sidewalk that intersected

with the city’s Skyway sidewalk so individuals receiving services would be able to go all the way to Foothills Gateway on an accessible sidewalk! We are grateful to the City of Fort Collins for persevering in acquiring the funding and permits in order to make this project a reality .

A NEW BUS STOP FOR ALLBy: Erin Eulenfeld

July 27th, 2013 – Lipstick! Reapplied7:30 p .m ., at the Rialto Theater, Loveland

Tickets are $40 and include wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres . Purchase tickets through the Rialto Theater or by calling the Foothills Service League 970 .217 .1054 . Please join us for a fun event benefitting Foothills Gateway, Inc . and Namaqua Center .

August 19th, 2013 – 17th Annual Hogerty Open Golf Tournament11:30 a .m . shotgun start at the Fort Collins Country Club

This fun-filled event, features a four-person scramble format at the prestigious Fort Collins Country Club . Your $200 entry fee includes player fees, cart, range balls, lunch on course, dinner after play, beer on the turn and after play, goodie bags, and contests on various holes . To register, please contact Jamie Moyer at 970 .222 .7772 .

October 4th, 2013 – Bonanza Dinner & Auction6:00 p .m ., at the Fort Collins Hilton

This exciting community event starts the evening with cocktails, silent auction, dinner and then finishes with a hootin’-hollerin’ live auction . The evening is complete with a live band to dance the night away! Tickets start at just $60! For more information, please contact Jamie Moyer at 970 .222 .7772 .

December 8th, 2013 - Tree For AllMore information soon!!

FUN UPCOMING EVENTSBy: Diana Foland

One of our teams having a GREAT time at one of our tournaments

Check back frequently to our Events page at www .FoothillsGateway .org for more information

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FOOTNOTESCALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2013

Nonprofit OrganizationU .S . Postage

PaidFort Collins, COPermit No . 483

301 W . Skyway Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525

970 .226 .2345 Fax: 970 .226 .2613 info@foothillsgateway .org www .foothillsgateway .org

July_ July 4 & 5 Independence Day Holiday Foothills Gateway Closed-July 11 Educational Luncheon 11:30am - 1:00pm @ FGI_July 16 Foothills Gateway Board Mtg . 7:00pm @ Foothills Gateway_July 19 40th Anniversary Celebration_July 25 Foothills Gateway Foundation Mtg . 4:00pm @ Foothills Gateway_July 27 Lipstick Reapplied 6:00pm @ Rialto Theatre

August_Aug . 8 Educational Luncheon - 11:30am - 1:00pm @ FGI_ Aug . 19 Hogerty Open Golf Tournament Ft . Collins Country Club_ Aug . 20 Foothills Gateway Joint Board Retreat . 4:00pm @ Foothills Gateway_Aug . 22 Foothills Gateway Foundation Mtg . 4:00pm @ Foothills Gateway

visit www .foothillsgateway .org for updated information and forum dates

September_ Sept . 2 Labor Day Holiday Foothills Gateway Closed_Sept . 12 Educational Luncheon - 11:30am - 1:00pm @ FGI_Sept . 17 Foothills Gateway Board Mtg . 7:00pm @ FGI_Sept . 26 Foothills Gateway Foundation Mtg . 4:00pm @ Foothills Gateway