Foothills Gateway Ink | page 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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

Taking Care of Others . . . . . . . Page 3

Giving Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Bonanza Auction . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5

Dedication to our Past . . . . . . . Page 7

Joey flashes a smile for the camera

BOUNCING BACK FROM THE RECESSIONBy: Jim CoxIn 2001 when the Steele’s Markets in Fort Collins closed, many loyal employees found themselves out of work . Joey Herk had been with Steele’s for over 7 years, helping customers by bagging groceries, retrieving carts and stocking shelves . Joey faced the same dilemma as her co-workers, but had an additional obstacle to overcome . As a person with a disability, her chances of finding another job were significantly lower than most . Historically, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is much higher than for those without disabilities .

With help from Foothills Gateway’s Supported Employment Program, Joey began looking for work . Her job coach worked with her to contact employers, fill out applications, and interview for jobs . In June 2002 Joey filled out an application at Albertson’s Grocery and was hired . Since then, Joey has continued working at Albertson’s as a courtesy clerk . She bags groceries, helps people to their

vehicles, and retrieves carts . Additionally Joey helps keep the store clean, takes “go-backs” to where they belong, uses a scanning gun to help with inventory control, and takes care of the free customer coffee . In summers, Joey sometimes waters flowers (a favorite task!) .

Joey recently received a special pin for “service with a smile” . She is well-versed in the do’s and don’ts of customer service . Store management has said, “Joey always has her uniform and name badge, looks picture perfect and is excellent about showing up to work on time, ready to work” . Joey has high praise for her co-workers . She says they give her a lot of support . Joey also appreciates the opportunity she has at Albertson’s, and, like any good

worker, after 10 years as a courtesy clerk, she is looking forward to moving up in this highly supportive company . Joey is motivated to do her best, and to constantly improve her skills and responsibilities .

SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH DISABIL ITES | FALL 2012, ISSUE 31

FOOTHILLS GATEWAY INK

“Joey always has her uniform and name badge, looks picture

perfect and is excellent about showing up to work on time,

ready to work .“

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Person Centered Thinking (PCT) is an idea that has been around the system of services to people with developmental disabilities for over two decades . As you might imagine the concept involved in PCT is to focus on the person . Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? It is . Let me tell you why .

Person Centered Thinking was initially conceived as a method or process by which to focus on the individual or rather, to put the person in the “center” of the proceedings . One might ask at this point, “how is this a departure from what we currently do?” . Great question . The answer, here at Foothills Gateway, is that we generally do function with the “client” as the focus of the discussion, and, where possible, we do everything we can to accommodate personal needs and wants . Notice I used the word “client” . An organization that is truly “Person Centered” would not be comfortable using the word as it connotes a subservient role on the part of the person receiving supports . That is just a small, small piece of the philosophy . Another characteristic of person centered thinking is the predominant role the person plays in facilitating the plan . However, too many details too early may just cloud the issue .

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

What Is Person Centered Thinking?

Person Centered Thinking is a philosophy and practice of providing supports, with:

• A deliberate method to see the whole person, and not focus on a medical or functional model of “fixing what is wrong”;

• A set of tools that conveys the core belief that all people have gifts to share that add value to others;

• A common language, easily communicated, that activates the agency’s values;

• A set of skills that results in teams keeping the focus on the person who needs support-not agency or turf issues;

• A way to discover, describe and assure the desired life of the person who is supported, not the life desired or expected by the agency or family members;

• Structured methods for people who are paid to provide support to think about quality of life from the perspective of the person they support;

• A way to have teams pay attention to the balance between “important to and important for” with each person they support;

• Tools that help with problem solving by focusing on the right questions;

• A person-driven approach to services, rather than an agency-driven approach .

As an organization Foothills Gateway is currently in the process of adopting Person Centered Thinking as a driving philosophical force going forward . I see the adoption of PCT as a natural evolution for Foothills Gateway . It is the right thing to do in support of people . In anticipation of this work, the Foothills Gateway Board of Directors is developing new mission and vision statements to guide the agency toward person centeredness . The mission statement clarifies our purpose, philosophy and values . A vision statement sets forth the future we are striving to attain . We look forward to sharing this exciting new mission and vision with all of our constituents in the near future .

INK SPOTSBy: Tim O’Neill, Executive Director

Look for the latest information on Person Centered Thinking on our website and Facebook page

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TAKING CARE OF THE INDIVIDUALS WE SERVE, FAMILIES AND PROVIDERS ALIKEBy: Cynthia Hansford

Life can be a challenging job when you think about all a person needs to do . Deadlines to meet, working and spending time with loved ones . It becomes an amazing trick to make time for ourselves within a day .

When you add into the equation of daily life the responsibility and emotions of caring for a loved one who requires complete care, we lose more and more time in caring for ourselves . The focus is on the person you are taking care of and self-care becomes less of a priority .

Deb and Pat Ham began utilizing services through Respite Inc . for their son Patrick when he was three years old . Fast forward to when Patrick turned 20 and began the transition to Adult Care Services (ACS) while continuing to utilize Respite Inc . This transition lasted until he turned 21 years

of age . Deb and Pat said that it was nice to have the year to transition slowly as Respite Inc . has been such a big and significant part of their lives . The apprehension and worry that may have been there with the transition went away as Patrick was very happy and adjusted quickly to ACS .

Today, Patrick and his family utilize ACS for their respite needs each week .

“Respite is

a lifesaver, I don’t know what we would do without having it,” said Deb when asked what respite means to their family . “A lot of families may use their respite time to go on vacation or out of town and that is great . When Patrick is home, it limits what we can do in terms of taking care of business around our house so our respite time has always allowed us the time needed to trim the roses and do grocery shopping, for example . While we can take Patrick and have him along for these types of things, it takes twice as long and he would not enjoy it,” Pat said .

Patrick always arrives to Adult Care Services greeting everyone with a happy energy and ready to take on the day . Patrick is the type of young man who is ready to be on the go and will always find something he loves . He enjoys just about any activity ACS takes him out to experience . For example, he loves

to go to the Azatlan Center to play ball and also to push balls on the pool tables . Other favorite activities include bowling and visiting the Martinez Farm . Patrick is an able builder and he creates all sorts of structures with blocks and Legos . We can count on Patrick to be part of the action when we are making lunches, dinners or snacks .

Many factors can cause anxiety of families or host home providers in accessing respite services . Trust is a huge factor . Placing that trust in another care provider to care for their loved one the way they do is a big obstacle to overcome .

When Pat and Deb were asked what advice they would give a family who was considering utilizing respite at ACS, Pat responded, “I would tell them to start with small increments of time – a couple of hours here or there and build up the length of the stay . See how your family member is when you pick him up . I think it is important families know ACS provides activities within the house as well as on outings . We are happy with the activities ACS now provides in the house and in the community as well as the attention Patrick receives while staying there . I would also tell them it is important that they make time for a break, you just need to have a break .”

We take the trust given to us by the families and host home providers very seriously when they bring their adult child or loved one to ACS for respite . We are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the care each individual receives .

If you would like to schedule a time to visit Adult Care Services or learn more about the intake process to receive respite services, please call 970-266-5443 .

Patrick is all smiles at ACS

“Taking care of yourself is not

an extra to add to your to do

list. It is the foundation of life.”

Sarah Yost

Legislative Forum BreakfastWednesday, October 10, 2012, Doors open at 7:00am, Program begins at 7:30am Foothills Gateway GymnasiumPlease RSVP to 970 .266 .5379

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from and ask questions of our local legislative representatives and candidates regarding their positions on issues that are affecting health and human services within Larimer County and the State of Colorado .

Brought to you by:

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EMPOWERING EVERY ABILITYSince 1972, Foothills Gateway has improved the lives of thousands of people with cognitive disabilities and their families in northern Colorado by helping them to conquer challenges and achieve their maximum potential . Foothills Gateway strives to empower every ability and highlight the achievements of the human spirit . We believe in a life of opportunity, choice and dignity for every individual regardless of age or ability . To continue our mission, we must look not only at the needs of today but also at what tomorrow holds . Together with your support, we can continue to improve the lives of individuals now and help the countless others that will require our services in the future .

EVERY GIFT HAS IMPACT-ABILITYEach and every generous contribution made to Foothills Gateway helps members of our community to live a better life . There are many ways in which you can empower your own ability – your GIFT-ABILITY . Whether you provide a monetary donation today, assist with our various fundraising events, or establish a planned gift, you are directly impacting lives and strengthening our community .

YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO HELPA wide variety of giving opportunities are available to help you achieve your charitable and financial goals . To make a donation, establish a planned gift, or participate in a fundraising event, please contact Diana Foland at 970 .266 .5316 or dianaf@foothillsgateway .org

Foothills Gateway’s Personal, Social and Community Services (PSCS) program operates a comprehensive community volunteer program that connects the individuals we serve with the community . PSCS staff utilize United Way’s “211 Volunteer Resource Guide” and identify new volunteer opportunities with the goals of increasing participation and volunteering in local communities . PSCS staff have been meeting with a variety of non-profit agency staff to promote the potential benefits of a collaborative effort between their agencies and the individuals served through FGI .

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITYBy: Jackie O’Riordan Leal

For Example, FGI/PSCS has been collaborating with Fort Collins Meals on Wheels for quite some time now . Individuals receiving services help this organization by delivering meals to the elderly . We have expanded the number of routes that we operate to 14 routes a week, and we now include Loveland Meals on Wheels in the delivery schedule . The individuals we serve help with gathering the correct number of meals and distributing those meals to senior citizens .

Other volunteer activities and the responsibilities of each are listed below:

* American Red Cross – recycling and shredding paper;

* Good Samaritan Village -filling the bird feeders for the residents;

* Habitat for Humanity – sorting donations and reorganizing shelves;

* Volunteers for America - delivering frozen meals to senior citizens;

* ARC – sorting and organizing the book shelves;

* City of Fort Collins/Gardens at Spring Creek – cleaning and organizing the potting/planting area and helping stock the gift shop;

* Timberlane Farm Museum - individuals receiving services volunteer in exchange for a garden plot; and,

* ReSource- recycling and sorting building supplies and materials, in addition to cleaning and organizing the ReSource space .

Another meal delivered successfully!

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Foothills Gateway Board of Directors

MIranda ArensFaith BetzJim DisneyJohn HaleyTracy KatzKendra KettlerPaul Rodgers, Vice PresidentBJ RussellGregg Seebohm, PresidentRomie TobinCarol WardHallie Wasserman, TreasurerDoris “Punkie” Whitely, Secretary

Foothills Gateway Foundation Board of Directors

Nyla AndersonMitch BurroughsDavid FritzlerCarl MaxeyJay McCoy, SecretaryTed ShepardBrian Sullivan, PresidentBob 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.

“Bonanza Auction Dinner and Dance”To benefit the Foothills Gateway Foundation

and kick-off Foothills Gateway’s 40th Anniversary celebration!

Friday, October 12th 2012

Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Hilton Fort Collins – Grand Ballroom

This fun and exciting event sponsored by High Country Beverage/Coors, Wendy’s and First National Bank will feature cocktails, dinner, silent and live auction, followed by dancing to a live band. Individual tickets can be

purchased for $60 (includes 1 reverse raffle ticket), or sponsor a table of 10 for $600 and your sponsorship will include the name of the table sponsor on

the table and 10 reverse raffle tickets.

For more information, contact Jamie Moyer at 970.204.0591 or

at jamiej@frii.com

Families of individuals with cognitive and intellectual disabilities are challenged with important decisions . These include whether or not to pursue guardianship for adult children, dealing with the emotional issues associated with being an aging caregiver and having children with disabilities, discussing relationship and sexuality topics and handling estate planning while preserving Medicaid eligibility .

Over the past two years Foothills Gateway, in conjunction with the ARC of Larimer County, has addressed these important issues through family education workshops .

By bringing in experts in the field of estate planning, advocacy, behavioral intervention and sexual assault prevention, families have been given an opportunity to discuss the issues they are facing and get answers to some confusing questions . The workshops have also given the families a chance to connect with each other, share experiences and network .

Information about upcoming presentations is mailed to the families of all individuals in service and on the waiting list . Families are also invited to view upcoming events on the Foothills Gateway website or on the Foothills Gateway Facebook page . Any questions or suggestions for future trainings can be directed to April Rikhoff at 266-5379 or aprilr@foothillsgateway .org .

PARENT EDUCATIONBy: Pat Carney

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 ability 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 . Plese 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 .

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Have you heard who is celebrating their 40th anniversary? Foothills Gateway! Hard to believe that an idea that was discussed at a cocktail party that could provide innovative, quality services to individuals with disabilities in Larimer County occurred nearly half a century ago . My how time goes so quickly . . . this is the first of a two-part series highlighting some of changes over the last 40 years in Foothills Gateway history .

Foothills Gateway, Inc . has seen a name change over the past 40 years . Prior to our existing name, we were named Foothills Gateway Rehabilitation Center . The latter was the result of the merger of two agencies, one in Fort Collins – The Gateway Easter Seals Center, and one in Loveland – The Foothills Activity Center . At the time of opening 40 years ago, 113 individuals were served in our current building, thanks to the amazing hard work of our founding members from the two organizations aforementioned . There were 30 staff members that supported those individuals initially at opening and just recently, one of the original staff members just retired!

Case managers have always played an integral role in the lives of individuals and families . The role of the case manager and types of services that the case manager provides has certainly changed over time . Case managers were providing a more traditional social work type of service for clients and families 35-40 years ago . Case managers would write social histories, take clients to doctor appointments and would help clients manage their money .

Foothills Gateway was the state of the art facility for providing services to people with disabilities . We had it all – speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational

therapy and audiology, just to name a few services . We started an “infant stimulation” program to provide early intervention services to children, the very first in our area . The north end of the building was

used for education programs . Halloween was a huge celebration for clients and staff alike . The children would parade through the building in their costumes and staff would give them candy . In the late 80’s, the education programs were faded out due to PL 94-142 and children with disabilities were transferred to the school districts for their educational services .

Supported Employment Services have been a part of the FG culture since the

LOOKING BACKBy: April Rikhoff

very beginning - the State of Colorado did not require that we provide this service option for our clients . Residential Services for our clients changed over the many years as well . Originally, clients received services in group homes (some rather large) operated by other

agencies . Eventually more options for residential services emerged, such as small staffed settings, host homes and apartment settings .

There are some things that haven’t changed over the last 40 years at Foothills Gateway . Staff have always been committed to individuals receiving services and providing quality services . We have always been very innovative and on the forefront in providing comprehensive services to individuals and families . Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) has visited Foothills Gateway and has audited and accredited our programs accordingly . Of course there have been different “storms to weather”, and the Foothills Gateway family, individuals receiving services, families, supporters and staff, charted the most appropriate course, never losing sight of the reason they are here – to help people with disabilities .

At opening in 1972:

There were 113 individuals

served by 30 staff members

Today, Foothills Gateway still

provides administration, case

management and some direct

services in the original 70,000

square foot building

Foothills Gateway main facility, circa 1973

Original logo design

Learning work skills in the wood shop, circa 1973

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more about our cause? If so, please join us at one of the following free luncheons to learn more about Foothills Gateway .

Our next luncheons will be on:

Thursday, October 11, 2012 - 11:30 to 1:00 p .m .;

Thursday, November 8, 2012 - 11:30 to 1:00 p .m .;

Thursday, December 13, 2012 - 11:30 to 1:00 p .m .;

If you can attend and perhaps have a guest or two, please give us a call at 266-5316 and let us know which date you prefer and we will make sure to have your spot reserved .

In an effort to increase our community’s awareness about Foothills Gateway and, more importantly, the individuals with whom we work, we have scheduled a number of small, informational luncheons that allow attendees to get an update of our mission, learn more about our unique programs and goals for empowering every ability and see, first-hand, the positive impact we are making on the lives of persons with cognitive disabilities .

These luncheons are purely informational and include a small meal, presentation and tour of our facility . We only ask that you be willing to give us some time and let us show you some of the unique abilities exhibited on a daily basis . Would you or someone you know of be interested in learning

LEARN MORE ABOUT FOOTHILLS GATEWAYBy: Diana Foland

Foothills Gateway is about to celebrate it’s 40th year of empowering people with disabilities . During a year-long 40th anniversary celebration, Foothills Gateway will take a look back at where we have come from and of course thank those forefathers that showed such amazing determination and innovation in bringing services to individuals with cognitive disabilities in northern Colorado . One way in which we recently thanked our founders was by holding a conference room dedication ceremony at our main facility . The conference rooms were named after three individuals that were instrumental in shaping the history of Foothills Gateway . Here is a bit of background on each family or individual so you can understand why the Board of Directors and Management Team felt these individuals should be honored .

Bob and Joyce Everitt have been Fort Collins community pillars for many years . Not only have they continually supported Foothills Gateway, but many other charitable causes . Their association with Foothills Gateway began with the building of the facility . The Everitt Family donated the approximately 8 acres of land on which Foothills Gateway was to be located and still stands nearly 40 years later . Their family’s generous donation

has allowed the organization to provide innovative services to many individuals and families in the Larimer County community .

Jack and Vera Kirkpatrick moved to Loveland, CO in the late 1960’s and quickly became part of the community . Mr . Kirkpatrick was an engineer with Hewlett-Packard and one of the founding members of Foothills Gateway and a charter member of the Foothills Gateway Board of Directors . He was instrumental in the design of the building and ensuring the Fort Collins and Loveland communities would work together to provide services to individuals with disabilities . Mrs . Kirkpatrick was one of the charter members of the Foothills Service League and a member of the Foothills Gateway Foundation Board of Directors . She has spent countless hours volunteering with clients and raising funds for the organization .

Donna McBroom has been a volunteer with Foothills Gateway for over 35 years . Ms . McBroom was a member of the Foothills Service League, a women’s service club based in Loveland, CO that supported Foothills Gateway . She would coordinate activities for individuals in the programs at Foothills Gateway in addition to participating in club activities . Upon

retiring from the service league, Ms . McBroom continued to volunteer by sending birthday and Christmas cards to all the adults that receive services through Foothills Gateway . This is an enormous undertaking, currently amounting to over 650 cards annually!

We feel so fortunate to have these individuals in our lives in addition to the thousands of other volunteers, contributors, and families that have supported the many, many individuals with disabilities that have received services through Foothills Gateway over the last 40 years . We could not be the agency we are without your support and look forward to the journey into the next 40 years .

A DEDICATION TO OUR PASTBy: April Rikhoff

Vera Kirkpatrick, honoree and her son, John Kirkpatrick

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FOOTNOTESCALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2012

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

October_ Oct . 6 Oktoberfest Fundraiser -

Wilbur’s/Whole Foods Parking Lot_ Oct . 10 Legislative Forum 7:00am @ Foothills Gateway_ Oct . 11 Educational Luncheon 11:30am - 1:00pm @ FGI-Oct . 12 Bonanza Auction Dinner & Dance 6pm @ Ft . Collins Hilton_Oct . 13 Fine & Funky Shopping Day 11am - 1pm @ Fine & Funky_Oct . 16Foothills Gateway Board Meeting7:00pm @ Foothills Gateway

October cont ._Oct . 18Foothills Gateway Closed_Oct . 25Foothills Gateway Foundation Mtg .4:00pm @ Foothills Gateway

November_ Nov . 8 Educational Luncheon - 11:30am - 1:00pm @ FGI_ Nov . 20 Foothills Gateway Board Mtg . 7:00pm @ Foothills Gateway_ Nov . 22-23 Thanksgiving Holiday FGI Closed

December_ Dec . 4 Colorado Gives Day

_ Dec . 13 Educational Luncheon - 11:30am - 1:00pm @ Foothills Gateway_ Dec . 24 - Jan . 1, 2013 Winter Break Foothills Gateway Closed

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