Foothills Gateway Ink | page 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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

Community Collaboration . . . . Page 3

Empower Your Ability . . . . . . . Page 4

A 35 Year Tradition . . . . . . . . . Page 6

2010 Financial Summary . . . . . Page 7

Toni makes a delivery for Meals on Wheels

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMMUNITYBy: April RikhoffHelping a Fellow Neighbor . Saving the Earth . Bringing a smile to someone’s face . Giving back to your community through volunteering is a way all of us can provide some sort of connection to our larger community . Our Community Skills Development Program (CSDP) clients have been doing just that and volunteering in our community as part of their weekly routine for years .

Our CSD Program has clients go out into the community in groups of three with a staff member . Their week is varied and includes a combination of vocational, recreational and volunteer work . Clients spend a majority of their day in the community, enjoying all that northern Colorado has to offer .

For over ten years, CSDP groups have been delivering meals for the Meals on Wheels Program in both Fort Collins and Loveland . In Fort Collins, CSDP staff will go to Poudre Valley Hospital to assemble the meals and distribute them to our CSDP activity coordinators . CSDP groups will then deliver the meals to designated residents in the Fort Collins community . Often meal recipients are home, but in the event they are not, there is a designated drop location for the meal . Clients enjoy interacting with the meal recipients and look forward to delivery days each and every week .

Taking care of our planet is very important to our organization, and this rings true for our clients as well . A CSDP group volunteers each week at the American Red Cross to pick up their

recyclables and delivers them to the local landfill . Another group will pick up recyclables for Habitat for Humanity as well .

Doing something nice for your fellow neighbor goes along way, and our clients certainly know this just as much as the next person . One of our CSDP groups

SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH DISABIL ITES | SPR ING 2011, ISSUE 30

FOOTHILLS GATEWAY INK

“It gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment going out in the community each day . Clients

enjoy each task they complete . It is a really empowering thing and

great to be a part of .“- Reni Moreno

Program Supervisor, CSDPcontinued on page 3

Foothills Gateway Ink | page 2

That ancient Chinese saying that “many hands make short work” is so very applicable to what we do and how we do it here at Foothills Gateway . Foothills Gateway celebrates the completion of its 39th year of service to people with intellectual disabilities, not quite as long as the Chinese have provided sage advice, but a long time nonetheless . Over those many years, Foothills Gateway has attempted to provide quality supports to people and families and to engage the larger community in our work and efforts . With our responsibilities to administer and provide services we know that the success of our clients very much depends on “the larger community” if we are going to realize our mission and if people are going to realize their dreams .

So we have been partnering and collaborating with many allied agencies to accomplish our goals and the goals of those we support . A short list sees partnerships with:

The Foothills Gateway INK

Staff Reporters:

Pat Carney, Erin Eulenfeld, Diana Foland, Cynthia

Hansford, Jan Irvin, Sondra Lee, Tim O’Neill, Gerry

Mortellaro, 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

1 . Larimer Center for Mental Health as nearly 100 people requires mental health and behavioral supports

2 . Health District of Northern Larimer County: as many individuals are in need of general anesthesia

3 . Redeemer Lutheran Church, Easter Seals Colorado and the Foothills Service League came together with FG to provide the Discovery Club option for families and siblings

4 . Local Kiwanis support of the AKTION club of Northern Colorado

5 . 30 Program Approved Service Agencies assist mightily in the provision of comprehensive and support services

6 . The ARC of Larimer County has been a partner in the provision of parent training and Awareness Campaigns

7 . Employment Link, Poudre R-1, and FG partner on a national campaign to enhance employment opportunities: Project Search

All of these partnerships, while not mandated, are voluntary . All of these partnerships are solid and represent a true collaborative spirit in Larimer County . We should be very thankful for all of the support the community provides . In sum, WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER .

For 2010, we served over 1500 individuals and families . 500 families with infants and toddlers received Early Intervention services . 52 new people were taken into services and removed from the waiting list . However, the waiting list grew last year by 54 people, reaching 456 in number . FG maintained its 35 year streak of receiving CARF accreditation’s highest level of compliance and development, a three year certification .

You are all a part of the “community quilt” that empowers every ability in the people we mutually serve . You are a major part of the reason people are able to thrive in their neighborhoods, develop job skills and apply them at work, pass the time peacefully at one of our beautiful parks, feel a part of something bigger by joining Boards of Directors, attend Kiwanis Conferences, and participate in governing by working with local elected officials . Together we are better .

INK SPOTSBy: Tim O’Neill, Executive Director

Foothills Gateway Ink | page 3

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION - A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDSBy: April Rikhoff

EARLY INTERVENTION - PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR YOUNG ONES AND FAMILIESBy: Malorie Mang, Early Intervention Intern

Foothills Gateway began as a collaboration of two community agencies, one in Fort

Collins and one in Loveland over 39 years ago . This spirit of collaboration to provide quality services to individuals wtih cognitive disabilities continues to guide us today . We are fortunate to live in northern Colorado, with fellow citizens who believe we should partner if we can and are willing to assist where needed . An example of such a partnership is with the Health District of Northern Colorado . Some individuals with cognitive disabilities need general anethesia to have dental work performed and until just recently had to travel to Denver or Colorado Springs to have these procedures taken care of, often waiting months . Fortunately, local dentists, surgery centers, and FGI partnered to bring general anethesia dentistry to northern Colorado .

Early Intervention is a voluntary program, for children, birth to the child’s third birthday . Early Intervention provides free developmental supports and services to children and their families who have either a significant delay in development or a diagnosed disability . With the support of Early Intervention, families help their child develop and learn in their daily routines and within their community . If a family has concerns or questions about their child, anyone is encouraged to make a referral . Foothills Gateway Inc . is a resource for the community . If there are any questions or concerns about a child’s development or about the referral process, please refer family and friends to our services .

Foothills Gateway Inc . coordinates

97 percent of families at Foothills Gateway Inc ., report knowing how to help their child develop and learn through the services they are receiving .

To learn more about Early Intervention Colorado visit their website at www .eicolorado .org . For more information about the Early Intervention services at Foothills Gateway Inc . please visit www .foothillsgateway .org or call 970 .226 .2345 and ask for an intake case manager .

services for families and their children who become eligible for services in Early Intervention . Each year the Division for Developmental Disabilities (DDD) with the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) reviews all of the Early Intervention programs . Foothills Gateway Inc . strives for excellence and this can be seen in the performance profile, which indicates movement in all areas, Foothills Gateway Inc . has either met the state targets or is making progress . Some highlighted areas are: of those who are eligible, about 98 percent of families receive their services in a timely manner, 90 percent of families who are receiving services through Foothills Gateway Inc ., express that they know their rights within early intervention services and

Another amazing partnership has been through the Foothills Service League, Easter Seals Colorado, and Redeemer Luthern Church to establish a Discovery Club that allows individuals with cognivite disabilities age 6-18 to attend an exlusive club just for them . This gives the parents a break and gives the child a chance to meet new friends and enjoy recreational activies . The Service League has funded the staffing of the club (provided by Easter Seals Colorado) and the Church has provided the space accomodations .

FGI also partners with the ARC of Larimer County to provide parent educational forums about guardianship, advocacy and wills and trusts . We hope to bring additional trainings to clients and families in the future .

visits the Loveland Good Samaritan to fill the bird feeders so that the residents can enjoy the company of the birds year round .

Being out in the community helps clients become an integral part of our community fabric . Clients take much pride in their volunteer work and enjoy

completing each task day in and day out . Volunteering and being in the community has allowed them to be independent and successful individuals . They continue to learn new skills they can apply in both social and vocational settings .

We are continually looking for additional

volunteer and vocational opportunities for our clients . If you have an idea, please feel free to contact us . We’d love to hear from you .

Cora has a promising future

Alaya enjoys the Discovery Club

ANY SUGGESTIONS

FOR VOLUNTEER

OPPORTUNITIES?

CALL US AT 970.266.2345

continued from page 1

Foothills Gateway Ink | page 4

Want to learn more about what we do? Join us for monthly informational sessions held on the 2nd Thursday

of the month, every month . Enjoy a light lunch, an update on our programs and a tour of our building .

Interested? Call 970 .266 .5316 to schedule a date!

YOUR GIFT HELPS FOOTHILLS GATEWAY CONTINUE TO EMPOWER EVERY 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 improve the lives of our clients now and help the coutnless others that will require our services in the future .

Every gift has impact-ability .Each and every generous contribution made to Foothills Gateway helps our clients achieve their maximum potential . Whether you provide a monetary donation today, assist with our annal fundraising events, or establish a planned gift, you are directly impacting lives and strengthenging our community .

Help Foothills Gateway build a long lasting legacy .A wide variety of giving opportunities are available to help you achieve your charitable and financial goals . Each and every gift brings Foothills Gateway closer to our mission of empowering everyone who has unique abilities - today and far into the future .

• Gifts of cash, securities, and life insurance

• Montly donations

• Charitable gift annuities

• Charitable lead trusts

• Life insurance beneficiaries

• Pension plan beneficiaries

• Bequests

• Land donations

• Volunteer as a mentor

• Attending fundraising and other special events

Empower your gift ability .Your gift will help Foothills Gateway highlight the achievement of the human spirit for years in the future .

To make a donation, establish a planned gift, or attend a fundraising event, please contact Diana Foland at 970 .266 .5316 or dianaf@foothillsgateway .org

Thank you for your continued support and for helping us make a difference in our community and in the lives of thousands of individuals and their families .

Since 1972, Foothills Gatweay has improved the lives of thousands of people with cognitive disabilities and their families in northern Colorado by helping to conquer challenges and achieve their maximum potential . Foothills Gateway strives to empower every ability and highlight the achievements of the human spirit .

• Currently approximately 280 employees provide support and services for more than 1,500 eligible indivdiuals and their families .

• Our programs and servifes are tailor-made to empower each client’s unique ability .

• We offer help for all ages, include training, supported employment, housing, transportation, family support services, adult respite care, and early childhood connections .

• We partner with community businesses to provide opportunities for more than 200 individuals to acquire valuable work skills, gain confidence and earn wages .

• We enable clients to connect and interact with the community by helping them develop socialization, communication, and coping skills through recreational, vocational, and volunteer activities .

• Help strengthen and balance families through support and understanding .

• Showcase the diversity and abilities of all members of our community .

EMPOWER EVERY ABILITY

Foothills Gateway Ink | page 5

ADULT CARE SERVICES - NEW ABILITIES!By: Erin Eulenfeld

The Elderly, Blind, Disabled (EBD) Day Program on Wood Street is operational! We are officially providing services, and our program was recently surveyed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and licensed by the State to provide EBD Services . As a small program, we are able to give individualized attention to the specific goals of the participants . The program strives to expand clients’ horizons and help them maintain success or achieve success in areas such as hygiene skills, meal and snack preparation, physical activities, educational activities that focus on socialization, communication, learning about different cultures, music, art projects, staying current with happenings in our community and globally, and working to make each day meaningful . We are very pleased with the progress being made with our first participant, and she communicates she is having a great time .

The EBD Day Program is open Monday through Friday, 9am-3:30pm . Our program provides healthy lunches and snacks that are specific to the client’s diet requirements . Clients access transportation via taxi services, Dial a Ride, Transfort or from their families and/or providers . Clients who are eligible and interested in the program begin the application process through the Department of Human Services . Our program is able to have up to 8 clients, and they are able to choose the times

Foothills Gateway Board of Directors

Brinna AllenJim DisneyJohn HaleyKendra KettlerPaul Rodgers, TreasurerBJ RussellKari SandersGregg Seebohm, PresidentRomie TobinSteve Tool, Vice PresidentCarol WardHallie WassermanDoris “Punkie” Whitely, Secretary

Foothills Gateway Foundation Board of Directors

Nyla AndersonTravis BarhaugMitch BurroughsJohn Clagett, TreasurerDavid FritzlerVera KirkpatrickCarl 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.

and days within the week that will work best for their schedule if they are unable to attend 5 full days each week .

Our day program is an excellent opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities who are currently on the waiting list for Comprehensive Services or Supported Living Services, as they are able to access funding for day program through the EBD Waiver and are able to participate in valuable experiences . Additionally, other individuals with disabilities (don’t have to be developmentally disabled) may also access our EBD Services .

TO SCHEDULE A TOUR AT THE ADULT CARE SERVICES PROGRAM OR TO LEARN MORE

ABOUT THE PROGRAM, CALL 970.266.5443

Foothills Gateway Ink | page 6

FOOTHILLS GATEWAY’S 35 YEAR TRADITION OF ACCREDITATIONBy: Erin EulenfeldSurveyors from CARF International (Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) recently surveyed Foothills Gateway’s administration and program services . The surveyors spent three days (Oct . 20-22, 2010) meeting with Board Members, Foothills Gateway staff, contacting family members, Division for Developmental Disabilities (DDD) staff , Division for Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) staff, in addition to seeing a variety of program services .

CARF International is an independent, private, nonprofit organization that is focused on advancing quality of services through the accreditation process . CARF International provides accreditation services worldwide at the request of health and human services providers . Foothills Gateway, Inc . has been continually accredited by CARF since the 1970’s . We generally go through the accreditation process every three years, however, each year CARF updates their program standards so agencies like Foothills Gateway must stay abreast of CARF standard changes and implement those changes in between accreditation surveys . The Division for Developmental Disabilities requires program quality surveys and allows agencies providing Supported Employment Services, Community Integration Services (Community Skills Development Program – CDSP, and Personal, Social and Community Services - PSCS), and Organizational Employment Services to seek accreditation through CARF rather than pursuing a DDD Program Quality survey .

The specific areas surveyed by CARF were:

Administration

Leadership, Strategic Planning, Input, Legal, Financial Planning and Management, Risk Management,

Health and Safety, Accessibility, Human Resources, Technology, Rights, Information Management Systems, Performance, and Management

Employment Services

Organizational Employment Services (our Work Services Program), Supported

Employment-Job Development, Job Site Training and Job Supports

Community Services

Community Integration and Respite Services

During the survey exit, the surveyors commended FGI in the following areas:

• They were impressed with the longevity and stability of agency staff;

• They commended the Board of Directors for their passion and knowledge;

• They were impressed with FGI’s Risk Management Plan;

• They commended the agency for providing an environment that supports life balance for staff;

• They were complimentary regarding all the sites used for Community Integration Services (CSDP, PSCS)

• They commended Supported Employment staff for the great job they have done developing numerous jobs for individuals in the community;

• They were impressed that we are procuring more work for the Work Services program; and

• The staff at Adult Care Services were commended for being enthusiastic and providing great services .

The outcome of this 2010 survey resulted in four recommendations (we had 5 recommendations after the previous survey in 2007 and ten suggestions) and two suggestions . Recommendations required that we follow up and make changes in the areas receiving recommendations . Suggestions are just suggestions that we may want to consider – suggestions do not require any follow-up or changes . The recommendations were: 1) Develop performance measures for the programs that were surveyed

that address efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction and access; 2) Analyze the data collected from the aforementioned performance measures; 3) Assure that all types of safety drills are completed at all CARF-surveyed programs; and 4) Add another step to the Grievance/Complaint policy and procedure that gives clients/legal guardians/authorized representatives the option of taking the grievance/complaint to another level of review if they are unsatisfied with the outcome of the initial review and response . Foothills Gateway has been accredited for a period of three years for its Community Services Programs that include Community Integration and Respite as well as Employment Services which include Community Employment in job development, job support, job-site training and Organizational Employment Services . This accreditation decision represents the highest level

of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards .

Surveyors were impressed by

the longevity and stability of

agency staff.

Foothills Gateway Ink | page 7

visit www.foothillsgateway.org for

more information on Foothills Gateway’s financial

statements and other reports

2010 2009

16,018,440 15,579,099 3,031,259 2,906,337

40,496 69,263

213,547 166,727 759,819 802,208

20,063,561 19,523,634

12,850,485 12,895,730 1,995,295 2,436,148 2,232,861 2,085,373 553,666 564,640 17,632,307 17,924,276 1,674,811 1,670,748

19,307,118 19,595,024

756,443 (71,390)

S T A T E M E N T O F A C T I V I T I E S

A s o f J u n e 3 0, 2 0 1 0 S u p p o r t & R e v e n u e State of Colorado (includes Medicaid FFS) Larimer County Other Government Agencies Public Support Other Revenue T o t a l S u p p o r t & R e v e n u e E x p e n s e s Medicaid Funded Program Services State Funded Program Services Case Management Services Other Program Services

Total Program Services Management and General

T o t a l E x p e n s e s

C h a n g e s I n N e t A s s e t s

Foothills Gatweay has again expanded the provision of services to an increasing number of clients, both by providing direct services and by contracting for services with 25 Program Approved Service Agencies, 2 Mi-croboards and numerous Contract Vendors .

The year brought a decrease in Medicaid and State program payment rates, due to the economic conditions that are negatively affecting Colorado State revenues . Also, many service program rule and regulation changes have been put into place that mandate additional support costs . Despite this, the organization is working to maintain its sound financial position to enable it to continue pro-viding for outstanding client services .

FIVE YEAR AVERAGESChange in Net Asset

4 .3%

Percent Revenue Growth

0 .2%

Percent Revenue Growth in Clients Served

10 .6%

Percent Growth in Staff

-0 .8%

Percent Program Cost of Total Cost

90 .6%

FINANCIAL SUMMARY FOR 2010

1493

1470

1392

1275

1051

977

FY2010

FY2009

FY2008

FY2007

FY2006

FY2005

Number of Clients Served

Foothills Gateway Ink | page 8

FOOTNOTESCALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS | MAY - JULY 2011

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

May_ May 12 Educational Luncheon - 11:30am -

1:00pm @ Foothills Gateway

_ May 17 Board of Directors Meeting - 7:00pm @

Foothills Gateway_ May 28 Foothills Gateway Foundation Board

Meeting - 4:00pm @ Foothills Gateway_ May 30 Foothills Gateway Closed

June_ June 9 Educational Luncheon - 11:30am -

1:00pm @ Foothills Gateway_ June 10 Foothills Gateway Closed_ June 21 Board of Directors Meeting

- 7:00 p .m . @ Foothills Gateway

_ June 23 Foothills Gateway Foundation Board

Meeting - 4:00 p .m . @ Foothills Gateway

_ June 24 Shanks for the Memories Golf

Tournament sponsored by the FG Foundation

July_ July 4 Foothills Gateway Closed

_ July 14 Educational Luncheon - 11:30am -

1:00pm @ Foothills Gateway_ July 19 Board of Directors Meeting - 7:00pm @

Foothills Gateway_ July 28 Foothills Gateway Foundation Board

Meeting - 4:00 p .m . @ Foothills Gateway

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