HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260915 closed_caption transcript14:45:51 I think I already said.
14:45:54 I had a faucet now. Okay, we're on.
14:45:57 So, welcome, everybody. Thanks so much for being here. We've got a good group in the room, and that's exciting.
14:46:05 Um, I'm Heather Dudley-Nolette. I Jefferson County Commissioner for District 1, and I'm also your chair here for the IDDAV, or the Intellectual and Developmental
14:46:14 disabilities advisory Board.
14:46:16 We're going to call this meeting to order right now at
14:46:21 246 and as we do, um,
14:46:25 The beginning of each of these meetings. I'd love to go around and just do some introductions, and we'll start with the folks in the room, and then we can also go to people
online. So would you start us off, Steve? Should I pass this around? And we have 2 mics. There's one at that and two, but those
14:46:40 You have a choice yet. Okay, sounds good.
14:46:42 Hi, I'm Steve Keppra, a member of this board, and uhâ¦
14:46:46 Hopefully very active in the IDV community.
14:46:51 I'm Desiree Sheppston, and I'm the Community Programs Manager at Cascade Community Connections.
14:46:57 I'm Gail Russell, and I am the Supported Deployment Manager at Cascade Community Connections.
14:47:04 Hello, I'm Holly Pritchett, and I'm the program director for Voc Rehab at Concerned Citizens.
14:47:11 Hi there, I'm Amanda Gerhardt, and I am the DVR Program Supervisor, and
14:47:17 Jefferson County.
14:47:22 I'm Janie Nelson, concerned citizens, birth to three program director for Jefferson and Cloud County.
14:47:30 I'm Sarah Hall, and I'm a Supportive Employment Specialist at Cascade.
14:47:36 Hi, I'm Trista Crow, and I'm also a supportive employment specialist at ESD.
14:47:42 I'm Dana Brothers, I'm the Executive Director at Olympic Neighbors.
14:47:48 And I'm Katie Horton, I'm a case resource manager, and I'm based in Port Townsend and cover Clallam and Jefferson.
14:48:00 I am Sarah Peck, I'm on the board, and also the Mobility Operations Manager at Jefferson Transit.
14:48:10 I'm Evan Kent, I'm a self-addle.
14:48:13 Because still, girl.
14:48:15 And also when the impacts ranked for.
14:48:21 My name is Aubrey McAdam and I work for Cookie Mercantile.
14:48:25 My name is Camila. I'm South Africa.
14:48:31 4.
14:48:32 I'm Owen Rowe for Townsend City Council, and a member of the board.
14:48:38 I'm Bonnie Abramski.
14:48:40 the intellectual and developmental disabilities coordinator for Jefferson County.
14:48:45 And did we get Shelby there?
14:48:48 I'm the Director of Student Services, and as a member of the
14:48:54 Great. We are going to have some board discussion today, so the board members do need to access the microphone. So if I could invite one board member to come sit next to me.
14:49:03 That'd be great, and then if someone could give up their seat at the table for the second board member, that would be awesome. Thank you.
14:49:16 Okay, thanks very much for the introductions. We're going to open up⦠Ashlyn, let's do some introductions online as well. I apologize, I didn't.
14:49:25 Remember to look up. So there we go. You want to start with Taylor.
14:49:30 Hey everyone, I'm Taylor Webster, and I'm the Director of Cascade Community Connections.
14:49:37 Misty.
14:49:42 and community inclusion for concerned citizens in Klalam County.
14:49:46 Thank you, and is it Lambros?
14:49:50 Yes, I'm Lambrose Rogers from Concerned Citizens. I'm the executive Director.
14:49:56 Fantastic, thanks for introducing yourself. Is there anybody else online that I am not seeing Bonnie?
14:50:02 Yeah. Okay. Great. So we, um, we typically have a public comment period, and all of our public meetings.
14:50:11 Um, and so we'd like to open up for public comment. Attendees who are not members of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Board are invited to state their name.
14:50:22 The role in the community that you play,
14:50:24 And please keep your comments to about 3 min if you have a comment.
14:50:29 After all comments are finished, board members may briefly respond, and so I'll ask for that response. If anyone has one. So folks online are welcome to make a public comment
by raising their electronic hand.
14:50:42 And anyone in the room is also welcome to make a comment by raising your physical hand.
14:50:48 So if you'd like to make a comment, now's a good time to do that.
14:50:52 I invited Emma to tell us a little bit about her experience as a panelist speaker last month at an event that
14:51:00 was about invisible disabilities in the workplace.
14:51:04 So I just wanted Emma tell us a little bit how that was for her.
14:51:08 I think it was a lot of time.
14:51:12 Okay.
14:51:13 I think it was a lot of fun and I had a good time doing it with you.
14:51:19 Any.
14:51:19 Very good. Thank you for that comment.
14:51:23 Does anybody else have a public comment that they'd like to make?
14:51:28 Ugh!
14:51:29 Thank you very much.
14:51:33 Yeah, there's another one. I'll just take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Laura Sidadini, and I also work for public health.
14:51:41 I'm here supporting Lonnie.
14:51:43 I also steward the Community Health Improvement.
14:51:47 process the process. It's something to learn about.
14:51:50 Say that again.
14:51:53 I just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Lara Cidadini, and I also work for public health, and
14:52:00 I'm here supporting Bonnie withâ¦
14:52:03 Mike movement in the room, and I also, um, work here and steward the community health improvement process, soâ¦
14:52:11 I'm happy to be here and hearing about the issues that you all are working on today. Yeah, thank you.
14:52:17 Thank you, Laura. Any other public comment?
14:52:22 Okay, I will go ahead and close the public comment period, and if anybody on the board wants to make any kind of response, you're welcome to do that.
14:52:33 Yeah, I'll just say as a board member that I really appreciate the engagement at these meetings and having you all show up.
14:52:40 It's really meaningful. It is not a small thing.
14:52:42 And it makes a really big difference in the work that we're able to do here. So just, it's reallyâ¦
14:52:48 heartening and exciting to see the room filled up in this kind of work. So thank you for being here as not not small.
14:52:55 We have an agenda in front of us right now.
14:53:00 And one of the things we like to do in our meetings is to have board members review that agenda.
14:53:07 And let us know if the agenda works, or if there's something else you would like to add or change.
14:53:13 That's called approval of the agenda.
14:53:16 And you can make a motion to approve that agenda. There is an example of how to make that motion.
14:53:22 in your agenda. So I would ask for an approval.
14:53:27 I actually want to add something to the agenda. There was recently about 2 months ago, a
14:53:33 move at federal government level to
14:53:35 Move disabled support.
14:53:38 and to the Department of Health.
14:53:40 Etc, etc., run by wonderful JFK, or whatever his name is.
14:53:45 And, um, I definitely wanted to find
14:53:48 If there's any movement to actually handle retaining
14:53:53 disability in the Department of Education rather than moving into the Department of Health.
14:54:01 So, does, uh, do any board members want to have that discussion here?
14:54:08 For anybody opposed to having that discussion?
14:54:11 Okay, well, if⦠basically what we'll do is, um, we'll get through our agenda here, and if there is time at the⦠toward the end of the agenda,
14:54:20 We will add that, and if we don't have time.
14:54:24 And I'd be interested in your input, maybe, when you do your presentation, Bonnie, and kind of your thoughts on this. Maybe that's a good place to add it, and then we couldâ¦
14:54:33 Um, talk about whether we need to do a larger agenda item on it at some point. Okay, that sounds good.
14:54:39 With that⦠Otherwise, I move to accept the agenda as it is.
14:54:43 Okay, sounds good. And with that. Yes, there you go. Friendly amendment there. So we have a motion on the table to accept the agenda with this.
14:54:53 amendment. Do we have a second to that motion?
14:54:59 Thank you, Alan.
14:55:00 We have a motion and a second.
14:55:02 Um, any other discussion, any other comments that folks would like to make.
14:55:09 Okay, so what we will do now is to vote. So if you're in favor of that motion, you want to say yes to that motion, please signify by saying aye or raising your hand. Aye.
14:55:21 Or your paddle, your thumbs up green.
14:55:25 Yeah. Okay.
14:55:27 Anybody want⦠is it post to that motion you can bring up.
14:55:31 your red thumb, or you can say nay or thumbs down.
14:55:37 Okay, that motion passes.
14:55:38 I don't think we had anybody abstaining or saying they don't want to vote.
14:55:43 We'll do the same process with our minutes.
14:55:46 We had minutes from the previous meeting.
14:55:50 In our packet, so if you've had a chance to look at those minutes, I would entertain a motion to approve those minutes, or any changes you'd like to see.
14:56:01 accept. Okay, so Steve has moved to accept the minutes as they are written. Do I have a second?
14:56:07 So thank you. Meetings accepted that. Sarah has seconded that motion.
14:56:13 Any comments?
14:56:14 Just want to leave time for anyone to make any changes.
14:56:18 To those minutes.
14:56:20 Okay, all in favor of approving the minutes as they were written, please signify by saying aye.
14:56:26 Or braising your green thumb.
14:56:30 Aye. Okay, anybody opposed or abstaining?
14:56:35 You know, if I didn't want to say no, or I'm not ready to vote.
14:56:38 Okay, got it. That motion passes. So we now have an agenda, and we have minutes.
14:56:43 We're going to move into our contracts update for community supports in the year 2026 to 27, and that's our body.
14:56:54 Thank you. This is an update that's a continuation of.
14:56:59 What we've discussed in past meetingsâ¦
14:57:04 Umâ¦
14:57:05 And it's just going to be a quick update, because we have a lot to cover.
14:57:09 Soâ¦
14:57:11 This is our September update on theâ¦
14:57:15 County contractsâ¦
14:57:16 discussion that we've had we had at the last meeting.
14:57:20 Just to review, there's money to spend on supports for self-advocates and people that serve, care for, and educate people experiencing IDD.
14:57:29 In May, the IDDAB reviewed and discussed how the county used these funds last year as a way to inform decisions about funding allocations for this year.
14:57:38 As a result, the IDDAV voted to recommend that the BOCC renew an agreement with Cascade Community Connections for their social events, which help promote public education and
information sharing about IDD resources.
14:57:50 And or fun.
14:57:52 And fully executed, yay, that agreement is in place. So the BOCC heard your recommendation and it is going to move forward.
14:58:04 And other funded efforts this year are going to be social and informational events supporting the IDD community, training, education, and outreach support for self-advocates.
14:58:14 professional training for direct service provider staff, county staff, educators, and community partners.
14:58:19 Peer support for those caring for family members experiencing an IDD.
14:58:25 and transition services coordination support.
14:58:29 And that isâ¦
14:58:33 That.
14:58:37 So we have, actually, public comment noted on the agenda here, so I want to just open up any public comment. This is, again, another time.
14:58:46 Um, in our meeting where you can specifically comment on the contract's update that Bonnie just
14:58:52 Does anybody have any comments or questions?
14:58:56 On that one.
14:59:00 Okay, thanks for sharing. Did you have a question for Steve? Well, were we going to.
14:59:03 discuss your item as a part of this presentation. Yeah, it's whenever you want. Yeah, maybe just your your.
14:59:10 your comments on Steve's thoughts about the federal proposal.
14:59:16 I am going to close public comment on that other item, though.
14:59:21 Um, I can provide a comment at the next meeting. I just am not prepared to respond to it in the moment, but I will.
14:59:27 Thank you.
14:59:31 So I'd say for board members, this question that Steve is bringing up is there's a federal proposal to move intellectual and developmental disability services out of the Department
of Education and into public.
14:59:46 health at the national level.
14:59:48 So one thing that we might want to do is just to educate ourselves on that.
14:59:53 proposal at the federal level.
14:59:55 And if you have concerns or thoughts about whether that's a good idea or not, from your professional perspective,
15:00:02 Members of the public, we'd really appreciate it if you sent any comments or thoughts you have about that. Maybe send those to Bonnie.
15:00:10 And her accounting email, um, and or is there a general IDDAB email address that.
15:00:17 They can send to you? There is, just by just me, Bonnie O. Okay. Yeah. Okay, so that's Bonnie O at co.jefferson.wa.us. A lot of you probably have her contact.
15:00:30 information, but we appreciate your input. If you have concerns about it.
15:00:33 We'll have an opportunity to talk about it at the next meeting. Thanks for bringing that up, Steve.
15:00:39 Um, we have a self-advocate report.
15:00:42 Um, on our agenda. So, with Self-Avocate board members, that'sâ¦
15:00:47 Robin Boulanger, who's not here today. Live up, Robin, not being here, I was asked.
15:00:52 Oh, great, okay, and then Amber and Camille, if you have anything to add, you're welcome to do that.
15:00:59 Alright, so this is update on current affairs regarding the people in Jefferson County ID Community.
15:01:06 So, first thing was the Action Club. Since the last advisory board meeting at the Action Club.
15:01:13 passed to have Father's Day cards.
15:01:16 held a tie-dyedâ¦
15:01:19 shirt dyeing event. What are those⦠what are those, uh, shirts go to?
15:01:23 The tie-dye shirts?
15:01:30 See if we make it through that.
15:01:32 Wow, awesome. We get towards the end.
15:01:36 Alright, so, uhâ¦
15:01:38 They also help put on the car show by selling tickets, selling t-shirts, and holding.
15:01:45 raffle drawings every 30 minutes.
15:01:48 Uh, with Cascade Community Connections, there's a new staff member at
15:01:52 Cascade, or now the name is Bonnie Molly. Excuse me.
15:01:55 Her name is Molly and she is Amber and Robbins.
15:01:59 new inclusion counselor.
15:02:00 Molly is going to help us fulfill our dreams.
15:02:04 Also from Cascade, Sarah,
15:02:07 Robin's new job coach who's helping Amber, Camille, and Robin.
15:02:11 Set up an after-school program.
15:02:15 for younger individuals in the IDD.
15:02:19 community in East Jefferson County.
15:02:22 We are really excited about this, and I am very excited about this too, because
15:02:28 The whole thing is actually to get
15:02:30 The IDD adults into an after-school program.
15:02:35 with the IDP students, so they can have peer coaching.
15:02:40 That it also fulfills a veryâ¦
15:02:43 important need in terms of filling the gap between
15:02:46 The end of school and when people could have work.
15:02:49 So we're very, very excited about that.
15:02:53 And there are also there are other like-minded individuals such as myself. That's Robin.
15:02:58 who are interested in helping three self-advocates and other self-advocates,
15:03:04 mentor the younger individuals who have IDD.
15:03:06 Alright, so this is before⦠this is regardingâ¦
15:03:09 Equity Access and Advisory Rights Board.
15:03:13 This board is a resident-led group in Port Townsend.
15:03:17 that advises city staff and the City Council.
15:03:20 on promoting diversity, equity, and human rights.
15:03:24 Amber and Devery.
15:03:26 are members of the board. There is a meeting the second Thursday of every month from 12:30 to 2:30.
15:03:32 In the City Hall building on the second floor, you're welcome to attend.
15:03:36 Next is gathering place. The new building is coming along on a rural route near.
15:03:42 Elora Aurora Luke.
15:03:45 Near goodwill, we did really well at the bar stool bingo night. Thanks for all who attended.
15:03:50 The Medicaid respite funds available for gathering space.
15:03:54 through the DHS, through the DSHS.
15:03:58 are fully sorted and gathering places now.
15:04:00 Receiving fines, which is helping to improve conditions and services.
15:04:05 Everyone is still invited to gathering Place at the fairgrounds every Friday.
15:04:09 from 9:30 to noon, and I justâ¦
15:04:12 You should go someday. It is a hoot on Friday, making dog biscuits.
15:04:17 You get to, uhâ¦
15:04:19 Express your inner creative being.
15:04:23 And going on here, people firstâ¦
15:04:28 Amber or Camille, do you want to talk about
15:04:31 your participation, the people-first participation at the boat show.
15:04:36 What⦠what's that?
15:04:37 If you want to say something, fine, if you don't, it's fine too.
15:04:45 Well, recap.
15:04:49 But yeah, hopefully.
15:04:56 The people first leave.
15:04:58 The wooden bold first bowl.
15:05:01 This weekend. People first.
15:05:04 Had the food. People first race Dorian Humphrey.
15:05:10 And 300 at the
15:05:12 First of all. You want to present moment?
15:05:19 Tim, we're going to put that towards the convention in October. Okay, cool. We have raffle.
15:05:26 Who wants to send children.
15:05:29 Okay.
15:05:32 Katie, would you like to say anything about it?
15:05:34 Secondly, we also did purchase a bar stool.
15:05:40 fundraiser in August at the gathered forâ¦
15:05:45 That's great. All right, on the 29th of September, people first is having a barstool.
15:05:52 A bingo afternoon at Mickey's Quickies.
15:05:56 4 PM to 6 p.m. 2.15. Taylor.
15:06:01 In port towns and near right next to the Rose Theater.
15:06:05 $1 per game, $10 for 10â¦
15:06:07 $10 for 10 games, all proceeds first.
15:06:11 First weekend in October, PeopleFirst is having a convention in Bremerton.
15:06:15 Which includes helpful workshops, catered meals, a bingo game, a dance, and karaoke.
15:06:21 Awesome. Special Olympics, the Jefferson County Warriors were invited to state competition at Chaney Stadium.
15:06:30 They attended the opening ceremonies, all the athletes walked the entire field,
15:06:34 and were acknowledged for their courage and skills.
15:06:37 Bocchi, I don't know if you guys know what bocce is.
15:06:40 Bocchi was a success and also brought the Warriors
15:06:43 to state competitions. We came in second.
15:06:45 And we'll come in first the next time, right?
15:06:50 Right now, bowling is in season, and we're having a lot of fun.
15:06:54 November and through the winter, we'll be exhibiting our abilities in basketball.
15:06:59 And that is the that's the special attitude part.
15:07:05 Thank you. That was the first time I had heard that full report, and it's so great to hear that, all those details. I appreciate it.
15:07:14 Okay.
15:07:17 Back to that. I will, by the way, I'll announce at the next board of county commissioners meeting the September 29th.
15:07:24 Bingo afternoon. So thanks for letting me know about that. I can get the word out to through the Bocc meeting.
15:07:33 That leaves or takes us next to a presentation that Bonnie is going to give us.
15:07:39 on a request for qualifications process, or an RFQ process.
15:07:56 Thank you. Do you have open the other window here.
15:08:10 Okay, new topic for me and a lot of you folks probably.
15:08:16 We're going to talk about requests for qualifications.
15:08:22 The Jefferson County government is in charge of making sure there are qualified local providers of the following services.
15:08:30 Individual supported employment.
15:08:33 This includes job foundation and School of Work,
15:08:37 high school transition services.
15:08:42 Group-supported employment.
15:08:45 Community inclusion.
15:08:48 An individualized technical assistance.
15:08:52 Funding and guidelines for these services originate with the State Department of Social and Health
15:09:00 health services, pardon the typo.
15:09:02 So that's the flow of the funds and the rules and regulations.
15:09:09 County governments decide who is qualified based on those DSHS guidelines.
15:09:16 The requirements are in a document called a Request for Qualifications, or RFQ.
15:09:23 The RFQ is on the Jefferson County website.
15:09:31 The RFQ requests proof of financial accountability, insurance, accreditation, current contract with.
15:09:37 with DVR, a management proposal, and more.
15:09:44 When a provider submits all the required RFQ documentation to a county government, the county may draft a contract with them.
15:09:52 At that time, the county may choose to add requirements to a contract.
15:09:57 Those requirements would be applicable to all qualified providers.
15:10:01 Aligned with the DSHSDA guidelines and policies,
15:10:05 approved by the county's legal team.
15:10:08 informed by the IDDAB and local community.
15:10:11 clear and able to be documented over time.
15:10:14 and intended to support a high quality of service delivery.
15:10:19 Currently, Cascade Community Connections is the county's only provider.
15:10:24 of individual supported employment, group-supported employment,
15:10:27 and community inclusion.
15:10:32 In July, concerned citizens turned in all RFQ documents to be a provider.
15:10:37 of just ISE in Jefferson County.
15:10:45 There's just too many windows.
15:10:49 If the county executes a conâ¦
15:10:52 contract with concerned citizens.
15:10:55 Eligible residents may then choose to receive individual supported employment through Cascade Community Connections or concerned citizens.
15:11:04 Today, concerned citizens will communicate with you about their desire to provide individual supported employment in Jackson County.
15:11:13 Concerned citizens will ask the ID need to vote to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners approve a potential future contract.
15:11:22 or individual supported employment services.
15:11:25 It's common practice during the RFQ process for a provider to receive the recommendation of the IDDAB before the county offers a contract to the provider.
15:11:35 After the concerned citizens' presentation, the IDDAB has an opportunity to discuss taking possible actions.
15:11:45 The IDDAB may vote to recommend the county approve a contract with concerned citizens,
15:11:52 The IDD and AV may also choose a number of other actions, such as, but not limited to, forming a subcommittee.
15:12:00 to discuss topics that may include
15:12:03 the concerned citizens RFQ application, provider contract requirements, documenting informal requests or recommendations for all providers,
15:12:11 discussing what should happen in order for concerned citizens to receive recommendation from the IDDAB.
15:12:19 Or, the IDDAV may ask me,
15:12:22 To add an item to a future meeting agenda to allow for further discussion during a regularly scheduled meeting of the entire board.
15:12:30 Our next meeting is November 24th.
15:12:32 Or you all may decide to do something else that any board member proposes.
15:12:38 So the possible actions you'll have following the concerned citizens presentation, you could
15:12:43 Recommend a contract. You could form a subcommittee,
15:12:46 You can request further discussion at a future meeting,
15:12:50 or anything else? You decide.
15:12:55 And I'll take questions.
15:13:01 Okay. Well, I would say, I would say thatâ¦
15:13:04 I certainly would like to have the presentation, butâ¦
15:13:07 To just sit down and decide.
15:13:10 of one presentation seems a little bit undone.
15:13:13 Rush side, and I, I would recommend that we
15:13:17 Do further research before the next meeting.
15:13:21 ID, request further discussion in the future meeting.
15:13:23 Okay. Not that I'm not willing to hear pictures.
15:13:29 I don't know procedurally, would that be a motion that we do now? Or do you want to? Is that something you want to put out?
15:13:38 Okay. So, uh, I move that we've definitely listened to the presentation, but that
15:13:44 And as that we discuss.
15:13:47 have ready discussions at the next meeting after doing
15:13:51 Around research intoâ¦
15:13:53 Whether it's a good idea.
15:13:56 So I move that move for further discussion. Next meeting regarding
15:14:01 accepted.
15:14:03 Do you have a second to that motion?
15:14:06 Alright, any questions, if youâ¦
15:14:08 don't quite understand where we're headed with this.
15:14:16 Just procedurally, we actually don't need necessarily a motion around this, but I do⦠but I feel like it's a good
15:14:22 Just to make sure everybody understands the process is not⦠there's nothingâ¦
15:14:27 So yeah, okay, thank you.
15:14:31 Well, we didn't get a second now, but maybe people⦠If you just withdraw the motion.
15:14:35 And you can put it on the next vegan.
15:14:37 Okay, yeah, that works fine too.
15:14:42 Okay, anybody have other questions about this request for qualifications process?
15:14:50 Okay, thank you. Yeah, Owen. I justâ¦
15:14:52 It's not completely clear, soâ¦
15:14:57 Uh, uhâ¦
15:14:58 I'm sorry.
15:15:02 We're getting used to this. Yeah.
15:15:05 So Concerned Citizens is applying for or as.
15:15:11 responded to the RFQ.
15:15:13 Is this a case of picking one or the other?
15:15:18 So this isâ¦
15:15:21 Providing an additional⦠okay, so we're not making any decision about whether
15:15:27 uh, cascade.
15:15:29 Our concerns continue to be, uhâ¦
15:15:32 Country.
15:15:35 Great. Thank you.
15:15:40 We'll get this down. Okay, so I think we can move into the presentation from Concerned Citizens about individual supported employment. Thank you for being here.
15:15:49 So, I believe that probably would be you, Misty, right?
15:15:57 Great.
15:15:53 Yes, and I do have a PowerPoint presentation. Bonnie, are you going to share it, or should I share it from my end? I don't know if I have access.
15:16:01 Why don't you share?
15:16:03 Okay.
15:16:23 Can everybody see my screen?
15:16:25 Yeah, thank you.
15:16:26 Okay, um, since I'm sharing, by the way, I can't see anybody else or myself, so ifâ¦
15:16:32 If anybody needs toâ¦
15:16:34 interrupt just you know speak up because I can't see anybody.
15:16:38 Thank you.
15:16:39 Umâ¦
15:16:41 So, well, hi everyone, thanks for giving us your time today.
15:16:45 We did introductions, but I'm Misty, I'm one of the program directors for Concerned Citizens.
15:16:50 Specifically for community inclusion, community engagement, and supported employment in Clallam County.
15:16:56 And like Bonnie mentioned, we're here today because we want to provide individual supported employment services in Jefferson County again.
15:17:04 Um, and we want to give you a little bit of information about who we are, what our services look like, and how we plan to become a reliable local resource.
15:17:14 Before I get into what we do,
15:17:18 I wanted to talk a little bit about our history, because concerned citizens actually has a long history in Jefferson County.
15:17:25 Concerned Citizens was started in 1979, originally supporting families and children with developmental needs.
15:17:33 Over the years, the organization grew, and
15:17:36 began offering more services to people of all ages.
15:17:39 Our work in Jefferson County goes back to 1995, when Jefferson County asked us to provide community access services.
15:17:49 And community access is what.
15:17:50 Community inclusion used to be.
15:17:53 So we continued expanding services in Jefferson, and in 2007,
15:17:58 We began providing individual supported employment services in both Clallam and Jefferson County.
15:18:04 And we're also still a current birth to 3 provider in both counties.
15:18:09 We made the decision to step away from employment services in Jefferson in 2020, which is, you know, prime.
15:18:16 COVID pandemic, so while we're asking to restart services now.
15:18:20 We're not new to Jefferson County.
15:18:23 We've worked in this county for more than 30 years, and we still have an office, and we want to rebuild our employment services in a more thoughtful way.
15:18:33 Individual supported employment is really about helping someone find and keep a job that works for them.
15:18:39 And that can start with figuring out what kind of job the person wants, and from there, we can help look for jobs, complete applications,
15:18:45 Prepare for interviews and get through the hiring process.
15:18:50 Once the person is working, a job coach can help them learn their job,
15:18:54 understand what their employer expects and work through problems that come up.
15:18:58 Um, but the support doesn't stop once somebody gets hired.
15:19:02 We continue supporting the person as needed, while also helping them become more independent at work.
15:19:11 Our team has several different roles. Lambros Rogers, who is here, is our Executive Director.
15:19:17 And provides leadership and support for all of our programs.
15:19:21 Holly Pritchett and myself are the program directors for DVR and ISE, respectively.
15:19:27 Um, and we help oversee services for
15:19:31 Colin and Jefferson, support our staff, and make sure services are running consistently.
15:19:36 The job coaches are the people who work most closely with the participants.
15:19:41 They may meet with someone while they're looking for work.
15:19:44 help them prepare for employment or support them directly at their job.
15:19:47 The goal of the whole team is the same, which is to give the person the support they need while helping them become as independent as possible.
15:19:57 We have a local office. Address is 51 Chinookum Road in Port Hadlock.
15:20:02 The regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 to 4, which is when we would normally schedule meetings, planning, paperwork, and things like that.
15:20:10 Um, but those are not the only hours that we can provide on-the-job support. So if somebody gets a job at 5 in the evening,
15:20:16 We're not going to tell them we can't support them because the office closes at 4. So we work around the needs of the job.
15:20:27 We don't want to come into Jefferson County assuming that we already know what everybody needs. We recognize that.
15:20:32 Both counties, Jefferson and Clallam are very different from each other.
15:20:37 Our first step to reconnect with people here is⦠and participants and families, partners, employers, and other providers.
15:20:44 We want to hear what's working, what isn't working.
15:20:47 And where people are having trouble getting support they need.
15:20:51 Um, from there, we can beginâ¦
15:20:52 Serving participants, building relationships with employers, and adjusting our services based on what we learn.
15:20:59 And we want to build this carefully instead of coming in with a one-size-fits-all plan and recognize, again, that the two counties are vastly different.
15:21:10 Um, so this slide gives an example of what services might look like for just one person.
15:21:15 So first, we'll meet them and get to know them.
15:21:17 And then we'll plan, we'll talk about strengths, interests,
15:21:21 What kind of help they might need and what they want out of employment.
15:21:24 And then we'll explore jobs and employers that could be a good fit.
15:21:28 And when they get the job, we'll help them start and learn.
15:21:32 the position and what they need to do.
15:21:34 And then we'll help them grow.
15:21:37 may mean continuing job coaching, helping solve problems, or slowly stepping back as the person becomes more comfortable and independent.
15:21:49 There's a few things that we want every participant to be able to expect from us.
15:21:54 First, they have say in their services. In fact, the final say, it's their service.
15:21:58 Not ours. The amount of support is also based on the person.
15:22:03 Some people need a lot of support at first, and others may need very little.
15:22:07 We want people to know what is happening, who they can contact, and what the next step is.
15:22:12 And we want to help people build skills, confidence, and independence instead of doing everything for them.
15:22:26 We want people to have choices when they're deciding who provides their employment service.
15:22:31 In Klam County, there's 3 employment providers, so we are pretty well versed with vendor interviews and how those operate.
15:22:38 But our focus is on the individual person and what they want.
15:22:41 Having an office in Jefferson County also gives people a local place to meet with us instead of everything happening from somewhere outside of the area.
15:22:50 And our participants aren't depending on just one person. They have a whole team behind them.
15:22:54 Including their job coach, both program directors and the executive director.
15:23:02 One thing that's really important to us is becoming part of the community and not just providing a service in the community.
15:23:09 Everybody here knows Jefferson County much better than we do.
15:23:13 And we want to learn from the local providers or employers and participants and families.
15:23:19 And we want to know which employers may be open to working with us, what barriers people are running into, and where services may be missing.
15:23:26 We don't just want to get the contract approved and say, we're here.
15:23:29 We want people to actually know who we are.
15:23:32 feel comfortable contacting us.
15:23:34 NCS as a useful resource.
15:23:42 Um, this is an area where we need the board's help.
15:23:45 You already have acknowledgedâ¦
15:23:48 knowledge and relationship of Jefferson County much better than we have.
15:23:50 Um, so we'd like to hear from you.
15:23:52 What are you seeing as the biggest employment needs right now?
15:23:55 what makes it difficult for people to find or keep jobs, and are there employers or community partners you think we should introduce ourselves to?
15:24:03 Um, and so on.
15:24:04 So I'd like to open this up a little bit.
15:24:09 for discussion, if I'm⦠if I can.
15:24:11 And I'm going to stop share because I can't see anybody.
15:24:14 It feels lonely on this end.
15:24:22 Yes.
15:24:19 Well, thank you for that presentation, Misty. This is Heather. If you can't see me, I'm the Jefferson County Commissioner in District 1, and I'm also the chair of the IDDAB.
15:24:32 This year, um, so, um, thank you for the presentation, and for board members,
15:24:37 Um, do you have questions for Misty, or do you want to respond in any way around?
15:24:44 Um, ohâ¦
15:24:45 We don't see the questions on the board anymore, but I guess maybeâ¦
15:24:51 Um, uhâ¦
15:24:53 A question from me.
15:24:55 might be⦠is there anything driving the timeline of needing to make a decision about this? And maybe Bonnie or Misty,
15:25:03 Just fill us in on that, so we know how much time we have to kind of talk about this, andâ¦
15:25:09 And maybe even provide some responses to MISTI's questions.
15:25:16 I would just sayâ¦
15:25:17 I'm learning that it's standard practice to let the applicant know that they have successfully
15:25:24 submitted all the required documentation in the RFQ, which they have. Okay, great. Andâ¦
15:25:30 Now it's kind of common practice for us to achieve the recommendation of the board.
15:25:38 And the boardâ¦
15:25:40 doesn't have a timeline for that.
15:25:43 Legally. Umâ¦
15:25:46 But in the spirit of being responsive,
15:25:50 I would want it to happen, you know, because I would not take a year. Yeah, yeah, absolutely. And is there anything around the funding source that requires us to, you know,
is there a funding period that we need to be aware of?
15:26:06 Our contracts follow a fiscal year of starting in July,
15:26:10 And ending in June, soâ¦
15:26:13 If at any point weâ¦
15:26:16 In that fiscal year, in our current year, we make a contract with concerned citizens. It would be from that start date to June 30th.
15:26:24 And then it would bring⦠you know, there'd be an opportunity to renew or change or amend, you know,
15:26:30 from July 1 forward.
15:26:32 Okay, so any agreement that we would enter into now would be through the end of⦠would be June 30th, 2027?
15:26:39 Yes, this would be the end date, and then we would review it again for the following fiscal year. Yes, July 1 to June 30 of 28.
15:26:47 Okay, that sounds good, really clear.
15:26:50 Other questions that people have forâ¦
15:26:54 Misty.
15:26:56 I actually had a question.
15:26:58 When you mentioned about serving people after hours with job coaching, does that also include the weekends, potentially?
15:27:08 Potentially, yeah, we have folks in Clarem County that we support Saturday and Sunday.
15:27:14 If that's when their job is, okay.
15:27:16 Yeah.
15:27:18 All right. I think I just have a question about what, um,
15:27:24 Why now? Why are we putting⦠why did we put this RFQ out at this point?
15:27:29 We're legally required to have open and continuous enrollment, so anyone can apply at any time. Ah!
15:27:34 So this actually was coming from concerned citizens saying its time for us to re-engage in Jefferson County. Got it, okay.
15:27:41 Thank you. So maybe I'll ask you that question.
15:27:44 I think you addressed this a bit in your presentation, but specifically.
15:27:50 What's⦠is there something changing right now around your organization thatâ¦
15:27:53 Or is it just time? You're ready to re-engage in Jefferson?
15:27:58 I think, well, part of it isâ¦
15:27:59 I see someone.
15:28:00 Part of it is timing, but Holly provides DVR services in Jefferson County.
15:28:06 Right here.
15:28:05 And I wanted, you know, she knows a lot about Jefferson, so I would love to give her a chance to kind of talk about the driving force for us.
15:28:13 Turns out she's already raised her hand and has a microphone. Thank you.
15:28:17 Perfect.
15:28:18 Yeah, hi, I've been with Concerned Citizens for 11 years now, and I've been doing DVR in both Jefferson and Clown County and.
15:28:26 Track the forks and do it there as well, and weâ¦
15:28:29 I have been pushing for this contract for a couple years now because we provide services to individuals here in Jefferson County, and when you
15:28:37 create these relationships with them and help them through independent living skills and.
15:28:41 Community-based assessments, and then you get them a job.
15:28:45 You know, a lot of the time they've built this relationship with you and they don't want to move on, so we've had a lot of people that
15:28:51 Really, you've asked us if we could provide long-term services.
15:28:54 Um, so I've⦠I've kind of pushed Misty into this direction because we just want to be there for 100% support as we⦠as we can.
15:29:03 So that is very clarifying for me. Thank you. That helps a lot.
15:29:08 Um, and I think you noted.
15:29:11 Also, just the idea of people having choices.
15:29:14 Um, about⦠about their employment supports, so appreciate that as well.
15:29:19 And I'm⦠I think.
15:29:22 might be useful to me also to justâ¦
15:29:26 We're going to hear from Cascade Community Connections in their presentation.
15:29:31 Um, or their sort of direct service provider update. So, um, justâ¦
15:29:37 Maybe an understanding of the interaction between the two organizations, and maybeâ¦
15:29:43 benefits and drawbacks of having multiple organizations, and whether you work together and.
15:29:48 you know, having⦠I think it would be helpful to me as a board member to understand how you would work together, and that may be something that Taylor wants to comment on,
and
15:29:57 In her presentation as well.
15:30:03 .
15:30:05 Okay, thank you. I will say, um, I mean it to see Taylor up there. I haven't seen her in quite a few years, other than big meetings on Zoom, but, umâ¦
15:30:16 I⦠we work with Morningside and Pierce Jones and Associates over in Columb County, and I can't tell you how.
15:30:23 great it is to have that connection.
15:30:24 Um, we've had several participants that
15:30:27 I really want a job somewhere, it's full-time, and we got the employer to break it down into two part-time positions, and we just didn't have anybody to fill the spot.
15:30:36 Uh, we reach out to Pierce Jones, or Morningside and say, hey, do you have anybody that wants to work 10 hours a week washing dishes at Avenir? And they're like, oh, let me
check. And we end up connecting together as vendors to support the participant, and I think that that's the best part of
15:30:50 what we do, like, working with other members.
15:30:53 Um, when I first started, it was, uh, Scovum.
15:30:57 And concerned citizens. And then Taylor came along and just provided wonderful services and
15:31:03 She was always such a good advocate for a lot of our participants, and we worked well together until
15:31:09 We kind of went a different direction during COVID, soâ¦
15:31:13 I would like to say that we could work really well together and connect resources for participants.
15:31:19 Thank you. And, um, Misty, do you have something you want to add to that?
15:31:24 Yeah, I was just gonna say, just kind of adding to what Holly already mentioned, in Clallam County.
15:31:30 Like she mentioned, we have 3 total employment and community inclusion providers.
15:31:35 And we all refer to ourselves as cooperating competitors, um, in the words of Kieran Pierce from Pierce Jones and Associates.
15:31:44 To the point where the three of us, the three providers, meet before all of our provider meetings, and we come together and we say, what do we want, what are we asking for?
Like, let's
15:31:54 communicate. So us asking to provide an employment service in Jefferson County or coming back to provide a service in Jefferson County is not us saying.
15:32:04 um, you know, there's not enough services, or Cascade's not doing enough. We're just saying that we are ready to.
15:32:09 become another partner again, andâ¦
15:32:13 We want to keep that relationship with the folks that we are working with in DVR, and
15:32:18 You know, we've heard it from the participants that we work with saying,
15:32:21 We want you long-term, but it hasn't been an option, soâ¦
15:32:26 We would love to, you know, work hand-in-hand with Cascade and notâ¦
15:32:30 you know, say anything. It's not negative whatsoever. So, it's common.
15:32:36 And in most counties, in all counties, I think to have more than one employment provider,
15:32:40 And Jefferson is just so tiny, I think thatâ¦
15:32:43 You know, it's kind of limited, soâ¦
15:32:46 That's my two cents.
15:32:46 Thank you, Misty, and to everyone for commenting on that in particular. I think that's⦠I know it was
15:32:52 It kind of reduces somewhat the awkwardness of talking about this when we've had great⦠such a great partnership with Cascade Community Connection, so Iâ¦
15:33:02 I appreciate you all just kind of addressing that head on and being really open and transparent about that.
15:33:09 Um, and Taylor and welcome any comments from you.
15:33:11 about it, either now or in your presentation.
15:33:16 Oh, I have a question.
15:33:16 Yeah, I can comment during our presentation, that way I don't take away from concerned citizens' time right now, but
15:33:23 So far, I agree with what everyone said.
15:33:25 Or if you'd like me to speak now, I can.
15:33:28 Can I ask a question, and I'll just⦠so, my question is, I go back to 2012 when we did have 3.
15:33:35 Agencies here, or⦠well, we had two. We had Skooka,
15:33:39 and concerned citizens.
15:33:41 And then, um, you know, concerned citizens faded away. Do you have an idea of what the team will be? Because
15:33:48 In before Cascade came, it was kind of like there was a bigger agency and then there was, you guys were the smaller agency. Is it going to be like, do you have a number of the
team?
15:33:58 It was the one person's.
15:34:00 Uh, or would there be, like, a trainer, like, a supervisor for the job⦠for the job and the job coach? So right now, we have a supervisor in Jefferson County, and then we
have one job coach for DR services, but as the need grew, we definitely hire more.
15:34:14 Okay.
15:34:18 I'm sure you can hear it.
15:34:19 I'm going to repeat myself. Sure, go ahead. Okay. We have one supervisor in Jefferson County, and then we have one job coach that does DBR services, but she actually also travels
to Clallam, because she used to be a Clallam job coach.
15:34:33 Um, just because our participants have, you know, decreased as they get jobs.
15:34:37 Um, so she will be our primary ISE as she has the most training. Um, and then as the need, um,
15:34:44 or the participants grow, then we'll hire as necessary.
15:34:47 We also have some clients who kind of live between.
15:34:50 We also, I'm finding the bird having more and more clients that live, trying to think of the name of that.
15:34:59 Yes, yes, yes. We support Robbie Martin or Cloud, we support.
15:35:04 Pauline. Right, yeah. Which I'm sure Community Cascade does as well. Yeah, and historically, it is always better for the counties to have
15:35:12 More than one agency. And we have one employment agency.
15:35:16 One community inclusion, the clients still have choices. It's always better to have a variety.
15:35:21 It'll mean a difference with the interviewing part, but weâ¦
15:35:25 had a system before, soâ¦
15:35:28 Great, that's it's really helpful to have this history and the context for how.
15:35:33 Uh, how organizations
15:35:34 would work together, I'm sure.
15:35:37 The relationships are really close, and the people who have gotten to work with Cascade Community Connections, I'm sure it matters a whole lot whether.
15:35:44 We get to keep that connection and that relationship in this proposal. And I just want to note that Misty has put, um, her questions into the chat, so maybe we could capture
those in the minutes.
15:35:57 of this meeting, and then board members would have some time to think through those questions and maybe provide some feedback.
15:36:03 Shelby, I saw you had the hand raised.
15:36:07 Right.
15:36:10 Okay, Steve.
15:36:13 I actually want to change my viewpoint entirely. I mean, the bottom line is, is can a group get a product?
15:36:21 That's the bottom line. That's my concern. So obviously, you guys, that concern sentence is getting a product already.
15:36:29 And I very much, to me, it's like more the barrier, different viewpoints.
15:36:33 And, you know, it just gives people a choice, you know, I mean.
15:36:37 You love your home team, you kind of go, oh, Cascade's our home team, butâ¦
15:36:43 You know, we're all in it to service the community.
15:36:45 And bringing back the best results, and I think that
15:36:48 More people, more viewpoints involved.
15:36:52 Just gives more opportunity.
15:36:54 So, I'm actually very muchâ¦
15:36:57 You know, plus what we're doing here isâ¦
15:36:58 This is a, you could say this is a six-month trial.
15:37:03 You know, I mean, okay, they get to the contract approved for the balance in the fiscal year, fine.
15:37:09 How do they do, you know, and just run it as a trial.
15:37:12 Versus, like, you know, we're not⦠we're not heading the world for anyone here.
15:37:16 Anyway, that's my viewpoint. I actually would, I'm supporting.
15:37:20 You know, I actually make a decision on it right now, from my viewpoint.
15:37:23 Okay, in that case, I might just ask Taylor if you would provide your comment at this point, if you don't mind.
15:37:31 If you're comfortable.
15:37:32 Sure, no, and that's fine. No.
15:37:35 You know, the first thing that I want to say is that, as I think Holly mentioned, when Cascade was formed and we became contracted,
15:37:43 As an ISE provider, we were in this same exact position.
15:37:47 And we were coming in with Skookum and concerned citizens both being
15:37:52 um, very well established providers, and we were brand new, and I learned a lot through collaboration with their program managers at the time.
15:38:01 Holly and Jake at Concerned Citizens and Robin at Skookum,
15:38:05 And as you guys mentioned, we worked really well together. We had provider meetings, we regularly met, we talked about what was going on in the community.
15:38:13 how we can support each other.
15:38:16 I'm a major proponent for
15:38:19 Um, the clients and customers in Jefferson County to have choice in their providers.
15:38:25 Um, you know, and when we actually became the only provider that was, uh, it was
15:38:31 Um, great that we were still here, but it was really hard on us. It is a lot of pressure for us to be the only provider, soâ¦
15:38:37 you know, I'm happy that there is going to be another provider and that clients have choice.
15:38:42 in their services. So, I fully support
15:38:46 You know, I'm not on the board, but I support the board making the recommendation.
15:38:52 Taylor, that's really meaningful. Thank you so much. Bonnie has a comment as well.
15:38:57 Yeah, I just want to say, too, thatâ¦
15:39:02 to the⦠to the slide that I had where I mentioned that the county can include their own requirements kind of above and beyond what's in the state rules, and it's commonplace
for all counties to add things that are
15:39:14 pretty detailed, likeâ¦
15:39:16 Provider must respond to communications within 3 business days, stuff like that, um, that is up to the county's discretion.
15:39:24 And I'm actually undergoing, along with Risk Legal, like a review of those things from past contracts, and then I'm in the midst of. So when I kind of iron those
15:39:35 things out, which I will hope to do, you know, in aâ¦
15:39:37 reasonable amount of time. That will mean an amendment to any provider's contract cascades, and if offered to concerned citizens.
15:39:46 to make sure all of those.
15:39:48 little details which ultimately support quality service provision are in there.
15:39:55 Thank you. And I'll just add for myself that we are right on time with our agenda, and I want to keep it that way.
15:40:02 So, um, well, hopefully get to wrap up this conversation, but I will just say that
15:40:07 Before becoming a commissioner, many of you know I was the Deputy Executive Director of a housing organization, so
15:40:14 Um, thatâ¦
15:40:16 housing landscape is very similar in a lot of ways to the service provision.
15:40:22 that happens within the IDD world.
15:40:24 And there are so many things about the way
15:40:28 We set up funding sources at the federal level, the state level, and local level.
15:40:34 That⦠hitâ¦
15:40:35 providers against one another.
15:40:38 as competitors. Competitorsâ¦
15:40:41 Fighting for limited funding.
15:40:44 Be amongst themselves.
15:40:47 And they have long believed that that is not in the best interest of the people they serve.
15:40:51 That it is really in the best interest of the people they serve.
15:40:55 When providers work together.
15:40:57 And they are set up to succeed in that collaborative relationship.
15:41:04 So, as members of this board, I think
15:41:08 That we are in a position to help set up the providers to succeed at that.
15:41:14 But having open conversations like this one,
15:41:16 about how providers can work together.
15:41:20 And then also just with really close communication and connection,
15:41:24 with our providers on how they can be supported and how they can work together, and what we can do to help them do that.
15:41:32 Just appreciate everyone having that conversation, and to the folks at Concerned Citizens and Cascade Community Connections for
15:41:40 Being willing to talk about that here in an open public meeting, that can be awkward and hard sometimes, so I really appreciate that open.
15:41:47 Open, uh, conversation.
15:41:49 With that, I would entertain a motion.
15:41:53 To accept this proposal through the request for
15:41:57 What qualifications. Do you have a motion in mind?
15:42:00 I do have it drafted on the agenda. Okay, great.
15:42:04 Yeah, there's⦠there's options, and one is toâ¦
15:42:10 vote to recommend
15:42:12 that the Board of County Commissioners approve a possible future contract with concerned citizens.
15:42:18 So we just did this, right, for the Cascade social events. It just means that
15:42:23 When we get to the point of contracting with concerned citizens,
15:42:27 In the⦠I will let the Board of County Commissioners know that they⦠this board discussed this and offered a recommendation that we go ahead with this contract
15:42:39 And so on your agenda.
15:42:41 That would be the firstâ¦
15:42:44 little bullet under this potential future contract agenda item that we have here, so there's
15:42:50 sample motions there under the discussion.
15:42:54 And the first bullet is the one that Bonnie has just suggested.
15:42:58 So that's a sample motion. You can adjust that motion if you would like, but it is aligned with the conversation that we've been having so far.
15:43:06 So if anybody would be willing to recommend that
15:43:10 The Board of County Commissioners approve a potential future agreement between Jefferson County and concerned citizens.
15:43:17 To provide individual supportive employment services.
15:43:20 Thank you, Steve. We have a second to that motion.
15:43:24 Thank you, Sarah seconds that.
15:43:26 Any other discussion? Anybody want to share any comments or thoughts, questions?
15:43:32 concerns.
15:43:34 Okay, all in favor of that motion, please signify by saying aye or raising your green thumb or your hand.
15:43:42 That's an I.
15:43:43 Anybody opposed to that motion?
15:43:46 That was a yes from you, Camille. Okay.
15:43:50 And from you, okay, thank you.
15:43:52 We will take that as an advisory vote.
15:43:55 And anybody imposed or want to abstain from this decision.
15:44:01 I think that passes. Thanks so much to everybody, especially to you, Misty, and to your colleagues from
15:44:07 concerned citizens. Thank you.
15:44:09 That's exciting to have a potential new option on the table.
15:44:14 report on how that proceeds.
15:44:15 From there, we're going to go into our direct services provider updates starting very appropriately with Cascade Community Connections.
15:44:25 Taylor, that's you.
15:44:29 Okay. Hi, everyone. Sorry I'm losing my voice. Umâ¦
15:44:33 But, yeah, I'll get into our update, and yeah, congrats, concerned citizens.
15:44:38 It's going to be fun to work with you guys again.
15:44:42 So, um, I'm gonna do an overall update. Um, we did⦠we celebrated our 10-year anniversary this summer, and we threw a party downtown, and
15:44:51 Lots of our clients, and
15:44:53 staff and community partners all were able to come.
15:44:57 We had a great time. That was just a little fun highlight for us over the summer.
15:45:02 Service-wise, uh, we had seven⦠I'm gonna give the transition update, and then I'll pass it off to, um, Gail and Des to do the
15:45:11 Supported employment and community programs update.
15:45:15 So, um, for transition, I'm filling in for Sam Touche today, who is not able to make it.
15:45:21 And we had seven students participate in paid internships through our pre-employment transition program.
15:45:28 And, umâ¦
15:45:30 They⦠all the students have either completed their internship by now, or they're going to be wrapping it up by the end of September.
15:45:36 We had, um, the students were working on average 12 hours per week for 8 to 10 weeks,
15:45:42 And I just wanted to give a shout out to the businesses that they worked at.
15:45:46 So that was Oyemi frozen yogurt, the car wash, Dawn's pharmacy, Pizza Factory.
15:45:53 The Rose Theater, Comus Prairie Golf Park, and The Entry, which is formerly Evergreen Fitness.
15:46:00 So, congratulations to those students. It was their first jobs, so they all got to earn their first paycheck and get their first experience.
15:46:07 Working, um, and learning what it's like to clock in, clock out,
15:46:12 fulfill their task, communicate with coworkers and supervisors,
15:46:16 Um, get their first paycheck, soâ¦
15:46:18 So a great accomplishment for all those students.
15:46:21 Secondly, Sam attended the Jefferson County Fair,
15:46:26 And was able to staff a booth there to discuss transition services, so job foundation, school to work, and pre-ETS.
15:46:33 And, um, those services are going to continue this year.
15:46:38 At Port Townsend, Ocean.
15:46:40 Chimakum and Colin Hai.
15:46:44 Additionally, we are provider of the school to work program.
15:46:48 We've identified three students this year that are eligible for school to work.
15:46:54 Um, one of them is already⦠already has their contract.
15:46:58 And two of them are on the waitlist for DVRs, so we've been exploring alternative funding.
15:47:04 Opportunities for those two students so that they can
15:47:07 Still, um, our goal is to have them graduate before June with the job when they leave school.
15:47:13 And then we have one student in Job Foundations.
15:47:17 And we're really busy right now preparing for our upcoming year with pre-employment transition services, so that's where we're meeting with teachers.
15:47:26 And school administrators and identifying gaps and needs within the schools.
15:47:30 And then we're coming in as a contractor and providing
15:47:34 work readiness skills, self-advocacy, post-secondary education,
15:47:38 And then multiple types of off-campus opportunities like job site tours, informational interviews,
15:47:46 job shadows, and then, of course, the paid internships again.
15:47:50 So, lastly, we are looking to hire part-time transition specialists to join our team.
15:47:56 And if you know anyone, we'd gladly take a recommendation. You can look at our website.
15:48:00 On the join our team page for more information or reach out to me directly and I can get you.
15:48:05 the job description.
15:48:07 That's it for us for transition, and so I'll pass it off to Gail for supported employment.
15:48:16 Well, if anyone has any questions, let me know.
15:48:21 Okie doke, thanks.
15:48:19 Taylor, we're passing the microphone. Yes, so the update here for support employment, we are currently Cascade is currently serving.
15:48:31 Uh, long, um, providing long-term job supports to 26 people in individualized supported employment.
15:48:38 and 7 individuals in group-supported employment,
15:48:41 Uh, we currently have 10 individuals actively seeking employment,
15:48:45 And we have a number of others that are preparing for employment.
15:48:49 Some of the support employment team is here, and I'd just like toâ¦
15:48:53 just say that they've been doing some really neat things, and they have been assisting interested job seekers, maybe those who have not had a job, or people that are exploring
some.
15:49:01 Other type of work with building vision boards to showcase kind of their dreams, their interests, their strengths, and ideas for the future.
15:49:08 And this has really been a fun and an inspiring discovery activity. It's helping these individuals explore
15:49:15 What makes them unique and how their passions connect to getting meaningful employment.
15:49:21 Um, I just wanted to bring up that October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, ending.
15:49:26 A time that we recognize and celebrate the many contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace.
15:49:33 Uh, we're excited to recognize and celebrate our valued employer partners.
15:49:37 at the upcoming Board of County Commissioners meeting.
15:49:41 Local business commitment.
15:49:42 Uh, to providing meaningful employment opportunities and supporting individuals with disabilities.
15:49:48 It's definitely making a lasting difference in the lives of the people that we serve.
15:49:52 And also in all of our local communities.
15:49:54 Um, we look forward to celebrating employer contributions. That's always a fun part.
15:49:59 Expressing our gratitude to them for their partnership.
15:50:02 And highlighting the importance, as was brought up earlier, about strong partnerships and building an inclusive workforce.
15:50:09 Thank you.
15:50:15 Alright, so I am going to give the update for community inclusion, and as already has been mentioned, we hired a new staff person full-time, Molly.
15:50:23 And she has been with us now for 3 months, but has just totally.
15:50:28 slid into the groove and is doing a great job.
15:50:32 Um, and she is working, um,
15:50:37 With her, she makes a full team. So we now are fully staffed for community inclusion.
15:50:43 Um, andâ¦
15:50:46 Uh, we are surveying about 35 active clients.
15:50:50 Um, and thenâ¦
15:50:52 We are⦠our team has beenâ¦
15:50:56 really.
15:50:58 creative and what they're doing, and they've been supporting individuals in a wide range of activities.
15:51:03 We have a number of volunteers at Center Valley Animal Rescue.
15:51:08 Uh, working with reptiles.
15:51:11 Um, snakes, iguanas, and bearded dragons. And, uh, small animals and cats. I was just informed from the marketing.
15:51:22 person there that they are going to do a spotlight on Cascade in particular, uh, in their.
15:51:29 newsletter coming up in the spring because we have provided them with such an important resource.
15:51:34 that they really enjoyed the partnership with us.
15:51:39 Um, our staff are also involving, um, or supporting clients in
15:51:45 Things like Patonk, music events, uh, game clubs.
15:51:50 And then, of course, the social events.
15:51:53 And we are again having a social events planning committee.
15:51:57 Uh, and we are doing that in partnership with the Production Alliance, and, um, Tomas will be from the production alliance, will be the one who is
15:52:07 collaborating with us.
15:52:09 Those events will be starting up in October, and they will run the third Thursday again from 4.30 to 7.
15:52:15 And this time around we are going to be having 5 events, October through January, and then again in March.
15:52:24 Good question.
15:52:28 Great, thank you very much. I think I'm stuck under your backpack there. Thank you so much.
15:52:34 Okay, we're going to go to concern citizens is⦠and talk about the birth to 3U program.
15:52:44 There you go, you got it. Should be on.
15:52:48 Hi, I am Rainy Nelson, and I am the Birth of Tree Program Director for Jackson in Qualcomm County.
15:52:55 I did a quick check this morning. We have 42 edits in our system right now.
15:53:00 7 of those are new referrals, so they're inâ¦
15:53:03 We're getting ahold of you process, we're in the scheduling and intake process, or we're in testing process, so we'll soon see whether they
15:53:11 meet the criterion, come on through.
15:53:14 Um, we have had a lot of changes over this
15:53:17 Spring and into the summer, so we lost an FRC very unexpectedly.
15:53:23 Um, and were able to shift pretty quickly. I took over the caseload, and then
15:53:28 brought in an experienced family resource coordinator. That's what FRC stands for.
15:53:33 Um, toâ¦
15:53:35 take over what I was doing, and her name is Crystal. She's been ramping up and getting to know our local providers, and we're meeting with a lot of folks, and hopefully
15:53:45 On the 25th of this month, we'll be in person.
15:53:48 Meeting with school districts and other referral folks as well.
15:53:53 It's been busy and it continues to grow.
15:53:57 been in this work for over 30 years, and I've never seen us have more children in the counties combined.
15:54:02 So, I think that speaks a lot to the need is growing.
15:54:07 Um, we see a lot of children with sensory needs that we didn't necessarily see when I started.
15:54:13 And then, um, as our shifting landscape with what's available to families, children changes,
15:54:22 I think some of these smaller clinics have been closing down that offer PTOT, speech, those kind of things, so we're seeing more referrals come in.
15:54:32 Specifically, even if they had had that need met somewhere else.
15:54:35 Um, we were really thankful that we were able to hire a new occupational therapist part-time just recently, and she's onboarding right now, doing her training.
15:54:44 We work in conjunction with the Elks occupational therapist, who you probably all know is just a
15:54:51 An amazing resource, but kind of spread thin.
15:54:54 So, we're excited to have that. In Qualin, we did hire another FRC, and I know that doesn't apply here yet.
15:55:00 But I hope to have her
15:55:04 pick up some of the extra work.
15:55:07 Once she's up and running, too.
15:55:09 To become a family resource coordinator, it is months and months of training because it is such a huge job.
15:55:15 To be that person with family,
15:55:18 Um, to be that safe person that can help guide through, connect you to all the services that are available.
15:55:26 I feel like we'veâ¦
15:55:29 Great, uh, gained some really good partnerships along the way, and we've re-engaged with a lot of our school districts recently.
15:55:35 For new MOUs, and it has been nice to get back in touch and see the new changes that are happening.
15:55:43 As wellâ¦
15:55:45 I think that's really my biggest updates for now. We have about five children coming into transition here in the next 5 weeks.
15:55:55 Um, all throughout the county, andâ¦
15:55:59 As new ones come in, we lose ones, andâ¦
15:56:02 It's just a great process.
15:56:04 Anybody have any questions?
15:56:10 Yeah, David. Okie doke. Thank you so much.
15:56:15 I'm gonna flip the page here, soâ¦
15:56:18 Should have done that before. I haven't took that anymore.
15:56:21 So I think it's at your date now, Bonnie.
15:56:25 paper.
15:56:27 I see.
15:56:31 Oh, jeez.
15:56:35 Yeah, I have an agenda, or in the agenda, I always include
15:56:39 My update as you know written down, so you can read it there, or onâ¦
15:56:45 online where it's posted, so I won'tâ¦
15:56:47 Read everything line by line. I just wanted to especially highlight gratitude for partnership with the school districts, um, Shelby and other school administrators throughout
the county welcomed
15:57:00 Me andâ¦
15:57:02 cascade and DDA, and Dbr, and everyone to come let the students know about what services are available to them.
15:57:10 So that was wonderful. Karina, let me know that that was a first that we had representation, like,
15:57:18 you know, of all of us at all the back-to-school nights.
15:57:21 So that feels great and hopeful.
15:57:25 Um, andâ¦
15:57:26 Definitely save the date for Monday, October 19th, around 9am.
15:57:35 the Board of County Commissioners are going to proclaim October
15:57:40 National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and
15:57:44 If you want to pop in virtually or in person, you canâ¦
15:57:49 Just celebrate with us for a few minutes.
15:57:53 There's a new to us, new to Jefferson service in town. It's called Birth to Five.
15:58:00 And it's not only forâ¦
15:58:03 at least with developmental delays, but it includes that, and it's a
15:58:09 service that is for Medicaid eligible kids 0 to 5, and the
15:58:15 That is housed in discovery behavioral health care in Burt Townsend.
15:58:18 So that's something that maybe could go hand-in-hand with birth to 3 services. We're still figuring that out.
15:58:24 But there's information about it.
15:58:27 Um, outside the door there, if you're curious.
15:58:31 Thanks, Bonnie. I just wanted to ask you more about the Jefferson County Transition Network that you've just taken on. Would you just describe what that means and what resources
might have become available through that or change?
15:58:43 Because of it, and yeah.
15:58:46 So every county hasâ¦
15:58:49 an informal network, sometimes referred to as council, even though it doesn't operate.
15:58:54 As a council, as far as I know, it hasn't here, not formally.
15:58:58 Um, and the idea is anyone who is a part of supporting students.
15:59:04 who are eligible for transition services, all those partners.
15:59:11 are communicating with each other in one way or another, and
15:59:15 So the Olympic Educational Service District had been
15:59:19 Managing that network.
15:59:21 And they handed it over to me. It's fairly common for accounting coordinator to hold that role.
15:59:29 And some actions that I've taken so far is the database that I got handed of
15:59:35 partner networks, I've almost tripled that database, and I've shared that withâ¦
15:59:39 Some of the, I would say, key partners.
15:59:43 And I created a transitionâ¦
15:59:47 binder, which⦠the pages of which are outside, um, which you can flip through in an attempt to.
15:59:53 meet some school requests to have information be, like, digestible, handoutable,
15:59:59 copyable on a black and white printer,
16:00:01 Um, things like that, soâ¦
16:00:05 There can and will beâ¦
16:00:06 Meetings, things like that. There's notâ¦
16:00:09 I've allocated a tiny bit of funding, of county funding, to support my understanding and training of that role.
16:00:16 Other counties have enough funding to, like, throw big events and, like, training sessions, which.
16:00:21 Right now, what we can't do, but I'm going to keep my eyes open. So that's a little bit about it.
16:00:28 Great, that's really helpful. And, um, I'll justâ¦
16:00:32 We highlight when.
16:00:34 Board of County Commissioners, um,
16:00:38 proclaim things.
16:00:40 or council member Rowe will do that as a city council member as well.
16:00:46 It is particularly.
16:00:49 Helpful to have people.
16:00:53 from the community that that proclamation is meaningful to.
16:00:56 And it's I think it's just a real opportunity to highlight the issue.
16:01:01 When I first became a commissioner, I thought the proclamations were a little, um, kind of pro forma, or
16:01:09 You know, umâ¦
16:01:10 Just, like, foregone conclusion, you just do them.
16:01:13 But I tell you, every time I read one of those proclamations, they areâ¦
16:01:18 really meaningful, and they provide a lot of really important information for the community. So, and then.
16:01:25 When you add on top of that members of the community who are either working in that field or served by that service,
16:01:34 Um, affected by the work.
16:01:36 It's really an exponential.
16:01:39 way to get that information out into the community. So I really encourage people to show up and be part of that proclamation, however brief that moment is.
16:01:48 It is very common that we go right into proclamations right after the public comment period.
16:01:54 So we open public comment at 9am very promptly. It can go as long as to 9:30 if there are members at the public who are there making public comments. So just be prepared.
16:02:06 That it could be any time between 9 and 9.30, that we would do the proclamation, but if we see people showing up for the proclamation, we'll absolutely make sure that it happens
as quickly as possible.
16:02:16 So that you can go and be on your way.
16:02:19 Anything else you want to add, Juan?
16:02:22 No, that's it. Okay, great. Thanks for that great update.
16:02:25 There's lots of other events here and information, so I encourage everybody to read that thoroughly.
16:02:32 We have some good time for partner updates.
16:02:36 Is there anybody here from Gathering Place who wants to provide an update there?
16:02:40 I know you actually did kind of provide a bit of an update on Gathering Place through the
16:02:47 self-advocate updates.
16:02:50 Nothing else there. Um, how aboutâ¦
16:02:52 ACAC, the Jefferson County Accessible Community Advisory Committee.
16:02:56 Nothing there. Okay, it's sometimes good to just go through this list so we remember.
16:03:01 all of these great resources that are out there. We do have Sarah here from Jefferson Transit Authority. You want to give us an update?
16:03:09 We just finished one boat began early.
16:03:13 transported over 5,500 people. Yeah, it was a really it's always such a fun weekend. I mean, everyone's
16:03:21 in a great mood, and, you know, it's always nice to be out in the community.
16:03:25 Um, and then I guess on this side, more for the mobility, we are⦠just finished implementing our parachransit software,
16:03:34 Um, we're really working to just, you know, forever.
16:03:37 Become more efficient and, you know, get as many riders as we can. And we also offer travel screening services, so.
16:03:45 I'm always trying to put that out there. So if anybody ever needs to connect or, um, you know, knows people that would like to learn more about writing, then I'm available to
help with that.
16:03:56 Thank you, Sarah. Anybody have questions about
16:03:59 Buses or dialeride, or any of those services that Jefferson Transit provides.
16:04:05 Thanks for being here. It's great to have you as part of this board.
16:04:09 I would say thatâ¦
16:04:11 Um, Diana Ride is an amazing resource for the IDD community.
16:04:16 And we very much thank.
16:04:19 Uh, that service being provided.
16:04:22 happy to be able to do something also we got, umâ¦
16:04:26 So I read.
16:04:28 Also, we got right is, um, they call us and tell us.
16:04:35 What time the Vanessa?
16:04:38 So we're going to call.
16:04:41 Andâ¦
16:04:44 So, sounds like some good communication. Yeah. They do a good job communicating with you. Yeah.
16:04:49 Yeah. You ask me too. Sometimes I make it to work sometimes.
16:04:56 You can get there early.
16:05:02 You have dialer, right, so you can get there early. Well, I think I'd say that's some pretty good feedback, Sarah. It sounds like it's really very much appreciated in this community,
for sure.
16:05:11 Thank you. Thanks for those comments.
16:05:14 Anybody here from Olympic Community Action Partnership, or OLECAP?
16:05:20 Okay, thanks. Many thanks to Ole Cat for all the services that they provide, and this is a good reminder to me. I'm actually fairly newly on the only cat board, so I'll try
to remember to
16:05:31 ask for any IDD updates that they might want to share here, and I could provide that update, so I will do that.
16:05:38 Um, and I know we have Olympic neighbors here.
16:05:40 Dana, you want to give an update there?
16:05:47 Hi, everyone. Weâ¦
16:05:50 had our groundbreaking ceremony with Habitat for Humanity a few weeks ago that Heather was at, a number of you were at.
16:05:58 Absolutely fantastic experience. We had multiple public
16:06:03 Officials join and present how meaningful
16:06:07 bringing everyone together to make this happen has been, and I just spoke with
16:06:13 Jamie from Habitat and equipment from Shold Excavating should be arriving.
16:06:20 Next week, so there'll be staging, and they'll actually
16:06:24 put shovels in the ground before the 1st of October, so it's very, very exciting.
16:06:31 The project manager
16:06:33 Wanted it to start on the 16th, which is tomorrow, and we're gonna be a little bit later than that, but everything has been passed through the county, so I'llâ¦
16:06:42 If any of you have ever worked with building something, getting all those permits done, making sure
16:06:48 Everyone agrees that what's happening
16:06:50 is going to be done properly.
16:06:53 Um, that can be a lengthy process, so that is all, uh, happening on time, soâ¦
16:06:59 Our new home, our new 6-bedroom adult family home, will be under construction for the 1st of October.
16:07:06 They'll start with the infrastructure, getting in power and water and sewer all hooked up.
16:07:12 And then the vertical next year, and it's super, super exciting for us, so⦠That's great.
16:07:20 Swing by Mason Street if you ever want to take a look on what's happening there.
16:07:26 Fantastic, and it looks like you're also hiring part-time and on-call caregiver.
16:07:31 Thank you, that's why I wrote it down, but I don't have it in front of me.
16:07:35 We do. We have one of our long-term staff members has been accepted into a nursing program. So we're super excited for her.
16:07:43 But we do need to fill her spot, so we are looking for a, um, part-time on-call caregiver, so if you know anyone, send them our way. They can
16:07:52 Go to OlympicNeighbors.org.
16:07:54 and find information there. We're also on Indeed.
16:07:58 Do you know what, just off the top of your head, what kind of training do they need to have? Theyâ¦
16:08:02 I believe do not have to have an HCA or a CNA. We'll do the training on-site. On the job training. Okay, great, I might know a few people. Oh, good. Okay.
16:08:12 Um, how about the parent-to-parent program? Anybody here?
16:08:17 And parent-to-parent!
16:08:19 So the parent-to-parent program is we meet once a month, the 4th Thursday of every month at the OlyCap conference room, which is up there right behind
16:08:31 Goodwill. It's at 4 30, and we have had multiple guest speakers, but I was
16:08:37 thinking about Shelby and Janie, that would be great to connect with you and connect with the parents that the 0 to 3, andâ¦
16:08:46 0 to 5 years old, they're new to this, they can get lots of resources, so I will make sure to email you guys the flyer for this upcoming meeting this month.
16:08:57 And is parent-to-parent limited to parents of
16:09:00 Children up to 5, or as older is? It's for anyone who is a parent, guardian, family member of someone with IDD is not age-specific at all.
16:09:11 Fantastic. Thank you.
16:09:13 I give this back, anything else I have to talk about? I don't think so. I think the next was Port Townsend School District Special Services, so that's probably Shelby. Thank
you.
16:09:23 Well, we have a lot in common.
16:09:25 I'm learning a lot about building permits and all these things.
16:09:29 Um, and I just want to thank all of our community members for their support in passing our bond.
16:09:36 We have building underway at the high school.
16:09:38 Um, and among other good news, we've lived through the second week of school now, and we'reâ¦
16:09:44 Rounding the base on the third, I'm very tired, as you can tell.
16:09:51 Um, we have 2 full preschool classrooms. We have 24 students.
16:09:59 Um, ages 3 to 4.
16:10:00 And this is the first year that I've been here in my seven years.
16:10:05 Uh, where we've started the year in overload in our preschool classrooms.
16:10:10 And so that is really quite amazing to me.
16:10:14 And in addition to that, our TTK classrooms, our inclusionary class, other inclusionary settings.
16:10:22 with 40 students are also full.
16:10:26 So we are also seeing an influx of younger students, some with quite significant needs.
16:10:33 So I really appreciate the any resources you can send our way. We are always excited to see the students come through our door, but
16:10:41 And the need is high.
16:10:43 Um, at our high school, um, we are busy planning for a really fabulous transition classroom.
16:10:50 That will open in, uh, 3 years.
16:10:53 Of course, our students
16:10:55 are in the Gail Stewart building. Our offices once were. We've got a whole slate of new.
16:11:02 classrooms there. The students seem to really like it.
16:11:05 That makes me happy.
16:11:08 Um, and, um, of course, they're, um, they have some classes kind of across campus.
16:11:14 And in the main campus, um, you know, construction's underway.
16:11:18 I hear talk that they're going to ask for some elective credit for all the walking they're doing. Nice job.
16:11:29 It really is great. But, umâ¦
16:11:32 Really, things are going quite well, and, you know, part of the construction, but we're, um,
16:11:38 We're just, uh, we're doing our best to try to include everybody and include all voices.
16:11:45 Um, in this process, and just improve services for students with disabilities, and I encourage you
16:11:51 to reach out to, um, to us if you have any questions, or if you have concerns.
16:11:57 Um, you know, the child find right now is our main concern. It seems like thereâ¦
16:12:02 students and community that might need our help someday.
16:12:05 Yeah.
16:12:07 That's my opinion. Thank you, Shelly.
16:12:09 And it's just⦠it's a really always heartening to hear the connections that you're making us.
16:12:15 As providers, and that's a great benefit to this meeting and this board.
16:12:20 We have time for an update from Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, DSHS. Anybody here?
16:12:27 From DSHS. Oh, great. Yeah, I see Karina. Great.
16:12:33 GDA.
16:12:33 I'll find the mute.
16:12:36 Hi, everybody. I'm Karina Robinson. I was a little late, so I apologize. But I'm the supervisor that covers Clallam County.
16:12:45 Clown County and Jefferson County.
16:12:47 For DDA, andâ¦
16:12:50 One of the updates I wanted to mention is that now that we have
16:12:56 For case managers thatâ¦
16:12:58 are based at the Port Townsend office.
16:13:01 We now have office coverage, so we haveâ¦
16:13:06 The case managers each do one office day a week.
16:13:09 And so we have the ability to cover
16:13:14 You know, 8 to 5 Pm. Monday through Thursday.
16:13:19 And so I just wanted to let people know that, so you can
16:13:23 You know, just make sure that you can sendâ¦
16:13:26 Um, people are way to the DSHS office if
16:13:31 They're needing to get help with an application,
16:13:35 Um, you know, ask any questions, and they want to, you know, have someone in person.
16:13:41 So that's one of our updates.
16:13:44 The other update is that we are losing one of our
16:13:49 seasoned case managers who we've had for a while.
16:13:53 Vicki Shafer will beâ¦
16:13:55 Heading off in retirement a little sooner than
16:14:00 was planned at first, so we're all gonnaâ¦
16:14:03 really miss her, andâ¦
16:14:05 Um, as soon as I get theâ¦
16:14:09 Umâ¦
16:14:11 position.
16:14:13 announcement. I was going to send aâ¦
16:14:17 message to all the providers.
16:14:20 Um, give you guys that link so that in case anyone knows of anyone,
16:14:25 That would make a wonderful case manager in theâ¦
16:14:29 based out of the Port Townsend office.
16:14:33 Um, theâ¦
16:14:35 you know, the the position is pretty flexible.
16:14:38 They will have⦠be based in the port Townsend office, but there isâ¦
16:14:43 Um, the ability to telework, andâ¦
16:14:45 They will be serving a little bit of North Kitsap.
16:14:52 Jefferson and Clallam.
16:14:54 But we try to stickâ¦
16:14:57 Port Angelist East.
16:14:59 So, umâ¦
16:15:02 I'm putting that out there in case you know.
16:15:05 You can send good people our way.
16:15:09 Katie, you're here. I didn't I don't know if Megan's here today, but
16:15:15 Um, Katie, did you have anything else you wanted to add?
16:15:20 Hello. I thought, you know what I thought about Karina was we have a new, and I know.
16:15:25 uh, Cascade has been, um, spreading the word, because I got a lot of calls, butâ¦
16:15:31 We, um⦠there's a new program
16:15:34 And it does a multitude of things, but right now, we're kind of focused on the nutrition supports.
16:15:40 So, and if you guys⦠anybody who knows more than me,
16:15:44 fill in, like, Karina, you two, weâ¦
16:15:46 You have to meet certain criteria, umâ¦
16:15:50 get Medicaid, and then have some risk factors met.
16:15:54 But it's pretty amazing for the, umâ¦
16:15:57 Nutrition support, or the clients will have access to a newsletter. They can have access to nutritional counseling.
16:16:06 medically tailored meals, meaning, you know, those boxed, and they'll actually have a choice of what vendor they use.
16:16:13 And it could be up to 3 meals a day.
16:16:16 Um, it⦠not only for special gluten-free diabetes kind of thing, special diets, but also for cultural, they're meaning.
16:16:25 You know, um, that kind of a need, and so people can get two breakfasts a week and three lunch, they can just do any combination.
16:16:34 Or, um, there's also where you can get up to, I think it'sâ¦
16:16:38 $83 a month in fruit and vegetables.
16:16:41 And that will come with different vendors, too. I think some drop off. I think we're going to be working with Safeway.
16:16:46 And that's monthly, and then there's something called, um, short-term grocery.
16:16:52 Provisions where you can get a chunk ofâ¦
16:16:55 money and pantry stocking, where, again, money will be
16:16:58 available to you for different⦠I think, up to 500 a year for different amounts, so it's kind of either
16:17:04 The pre-made meals, or kind of the money and the vegetables, but then also the nutritional counseling. And then there's going to be other areas that I don't think are quite
operational now for, like, folks that maybe experience, um,
16:17:19 A house fire and need to get a hotel, andâ¦
16:17:23 storage, andâ¦
16:17:25 All that stuff will be paid for.
16:17:26 What else, Karina? Movers. We're gonna have movers conâ¦
16:17:30 Yeah, the, um, I think the rental assistance is a big thing.
16:17:35 Yeah.
16:17:34 Because there are times whenâ¦
16:17:37 We have someoneâ¦
16:17:40 that maybe is in between housing, losing housing, or something like that and.
16:17:45 I think it's up to 6 months of rental assistance.
16:17:50 So, um, it might be a good idea, Bonnieâ¦
16:17:54 I could⦠I might be able to find someone to talk about. It's called HRSN.
16:18:02 Don't ask me the acronym acronyms right now, but.
16:18:07 Um, it'sâ¦
16:18:06 Maybe we can get Emily Services. She'sâ¦
16:18:11 I'm sorry. Katie.
16:18:16 Yeah. it's
16:18:13 Bonnie's writing this down as a potential presentation item, that would be great. The way I've learned about this, Doris the trainer for the Home Community Services.
16:18:22 Program.
16:18:25 Sir.
16:18:22 Yeah, it's it's really new to us. It's really new to us, and we're actually going to be.
16:18:28 trying to go over it in in our October staff meeting, just for
16:18:33 Um, our team. Umâ¦
16:18:36 So, um, it might be a goodâ¦
16:18:39 future topic so that everybody kind of knows what type of things.
16:18:44 People can get assistance with.
16:18:51 Yeah.
16:18:47 it's kind of evolving as we speak, but the nutrition programs that involving⦠I know I prefer⦠I mean, I'mâ¦
16:18:55 I have 70 clients, and I'm thinking there's gonna be, like, maybe 50 of them getting the attrition referral, so it's really wide open.
16:19:03 There's a lot⦠there's a lot of funding there.
16:19:05 So if you guys know of anybody
16:19:08 And whether it's theâ¦
16:19:09 Okay, the home and communityâ¦
16:19:11 You know, the AAA office is doing it.
16:19:14 And then we're doing this. So, um, and it easy for us as case managers to put it in. It's like,
16:19:21 Very great.
16:19:20 Yeah, we can put in a referral.
16:19:23 Yeah, it's very little work for a very big rewards.
16:19:29 Yeah.
16:19:27 That's really exciting and it would be great to hear a presentation. Thanks for being here.
16:19:32 Yeah, and the only other thing I wanted to mention is that I just
16:19:37 I, there's just so many wonderful things going on in Jefferson County. I've just been sitting here listening to everything, and I'm
16:19:44 Really excited, excited about the new AFH, excited that concerned citizens coming back into Jefferson, and
16:19:53 that our providers work so well together.
16:19:57 It's just amazing. So just wanted toâ¦
16:20:00 Say that.
16:20:01 Thank you for being here for that great update, Karina.
16:20:05 Always exciting to hear new things that we could learn about in future meetings.
16:20:11 And I'll just say I can see some connections with
16:20:15 the housing world overall.
16:20:17 I'm the chair of our housing fund board for Jefferson County, so if there's ever any connection,
16:20:23 Around, um, things that we feel like
16:20:25 people in the housing provider world might want to know about in order to better support people with IDD.
16:20:32 That's an opportunity as well to talk to them at the Housing Fund Board.
16:20:37 So I think that's the remainder of our updates. Did anybody have anything else they want to add forâ¦
16:20:43 Our updates overall. There were pretty thorough and wonderful, butâ¦
16:20:47 Okay, umâ¦
16:20:51 We have an agenda item here called Additional Business, which is just one of our last opportunities to throw anything out there that you either want to consider at a future
meeting,
16:21:01 Or things that we want to discuss. So I just want to.
16:21:06 We, umâ¦
16:21:07 lift Steve's idea.
16:21:10 And maybe add to it a little bit, Bonnie, in that, um,
16:21:14 I feel like with⦠particularly when service providers are in the room,
16:21:20 And I hope that you continue to join us here at the IDDAV.
16:21:25 As a county commissioner,
16:21:27 I'm always trying to keep my eye on anyâ¦
16:21:30 advocacy needs there might be out there.
16:21:34 With regard to federal or state legislation,
16:21:37 in the way that we may need at the local level to be showing up to advocate for policy change at the
16:21:45 the State and Federal level.
16:21:46 So, I'd say we might want to justâ¦
16:21:50 kind of have a check-in about that.
16:21:52 On each of our meetings, or maybe once a quarter might be.
16:21:57 or I guess in our⦠in our case, it would be, you know, twice a year.
16:22:00 Maybe that we just have kind of a focus on
16:22:04 legislative advocacy.
16:22:07 So, I would just put that in the backs of your minds right now as both as board members, but also as providers in the community, to remember
16:22:16 That if you're seeing needs
16:22:19 Like this one, if you're starting to see some kind of policy change,
16:22:23 Happening at the federal or the state level,
16:22:27 or at the local level, that you feel like is really affecting your ability to serve.
16:22:32 people, or as someone being served or a member of a family, that you see that impact your world.
16:22:40 This is actually a really great place to bring those concepts. Please make sure
16:22:46 To let Bonnie know, you can reach out to me directly as a Jefferson County Commissioner.
16:22:51 It makes sense in some cases to bring that directly to the Board of County Commissioners.
16:22:55 But if it has to do with the IDD community, I think it's best
16:23:00 If it comes here first to this board, unless it's just absolutely timely and urgent, right?
16:23:05 Because then we can have a conversation about it here.
16:23:09 Get feedback from you as providers. Yes, this is affecting us, no, it's not.
16:23:15 Um, here's how it's affecting us, and we can talk here about how best to advocate.
16:23:20 So, I'd just like to kind of bookmark that for ourselves around any policy issues that this is actually a good place to have a conversation about that and talk about it.
16:23:31 Anything else that folks want to add or talk about in our⦠and since we have 7 minutes left in our agenda, we have time.
16:23:40 Well, I just want to thank our service providers and our presenters today for showing up. Thanks to our board members for such great engagement and advocacy.
16:23:50 And I think with that, we can adjourn our meeting at 423. Thanks for being here.