Super Hero of the Month for November!

Every month, Innovations presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Effective and Efficient
• Respect and Dignity
• Opportunities
• Integrity
• Care

This month, the award was presented to Chantelle Tweten, who is a Residential Assistant Site Supervisor at the Santa Fe Group Home.

Chantelle was nominated by her Site Supervisor, and various management team members, who wrote:

I would like to recognize Chantelle Tweten for her hard work and dedication.  Santa Fe was recently put in a tough spot last week with the loss of their dryer.  Staff did as much as they could at the house, but both Chantelle and another staff took it upon themselves to take home laundry and do it at their homes for all of the individuals here at the Santa Fe House.  Chantelle has shown over and over her dedication to the individuals Innovations serves in the daily encounters she has with the folks, and in keeping Santa Fe a well running machine.

Additionally, Chantelle was recognized by Jennifer Carr for being very helpful, as well as Lou Ella Price for her assistance in obtaining needed paperwork with a tight time-frame that could have impacted a person’s benefits.  Chantelle was able to get the paperwork signed and sent back within an hour, and this allowed the county to continue processing paperwork without interruption of funding.

If you see Chantelle around, please congratulate her on being our Super Hero of the Month!

Imagine! Innovations 2017 Employees of Distinction!

"Our workforce is our number one asset."

This is the first of Imagine!'s six values and principles, which guide how we deliver services.  Although our true success is in the accomplishments of the people we serve, much of that success is attributable to the contributions made by our employees.  All of our employees bring their skills and energy to the job every day, and some of those employees stand out through their exceptional performance and attitude.  For 2017, two of our Innovations employees were selected as Imagine! Employees of Distinction, out of only eight employees selected company-wide.  Those two employees are:

Lucy Mwangi

Residential Counselor at the Foothills Group Home

From Lucy's nomination:

"Lucy is always a positive presence, and her hard work keeps the house running smoothly during times of increased care needs."

Linda Saenz

Administrative Assistant II for Innovations Nursing Services

From Linda's nomination:

"Linda is adaptable to the changing requirements of her work, proactive in her response to change, and willing to offer potential solutions."

The next time you see Lucy and/or Linda, please congratulate them on being Imagine! Employees of Distinction!

Imagine! Customer Service Award Winner!

Each month, Imagine! presents the Excellence in Customer Service award to an employee who embodies one or more of Imagine!'s Customer Service Values:

1. We provide a culture of support that relies on respect, open and timely communication, and integrity.
2. We achieve results through continual improvement and creativity.
3. We actively engage in and promote community.

This month, the award was presented to Imagine! Innovations Primary Residential Counselor Richard Lowe, who works at our Santa Fe Group Home.

Richard's nomination included the following praise:

Richard goes above and beyond and cares about every important and every little detail with the residents over at Santa Fe. He also goes above and beyond as a team player, and knows when his teammates are struggling and will go out of his way to lend a helping hand.

Congratulations on this honor, Richard!  We're lucky to have you here at Imagine! Innovations.

Super Hero of the Month for October!

Every month, Innovations presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Effective and Efficient
• Respect and Dignity
• Opportunities
• Integrity
• Care

This month, the award was presented to Maria Delmonico, who is a Primary Residential Counselor at the Garden Place Personal Care Alternative (PCA).

Maria was nominated by her Site Supervisor, who wrote:

I would like to nominate Maria Delmonico for the Innovations Super Hero of the Month Award.  Maria comes in to each shift at Garden Place with a positive attitude.  At a recent staff meeting we had discussed revamping our 7-days tool to streamline the shift tasks.  When I came in after the weekend Maria had already taken care of this completely on her own, and had also asked her co-workers for feedback about the new tool.  I have also gotten feedback from our site Nurse that Maria is very prompt and organized with her Primary paperwork, making sure that her individual gets all of her medical follow up in a timely manner.  No challenge on shift seems of phase Maria.  She is prepared and willing to do whatever it takes to provide the best possible care to the people we serve.  Her natural leadership qualities are very apparent and we are so lucky to have her on our team here at Garden Place.

If you see Maria around, please congratulate her on being our Super Hero of the Month!

Super Hero of the Month for September!

Every month, Innovations presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Effective and Efficient
• Respect and Dignity
• Opportunities
• Integrity
• Care

This month, the award was presented to Hope Cardoza, who is a Residential Counselor II at the Santa Fe Group Home.

Hope was nominated by her Site Supervisor, who wrote:

What I have noticed about Hope is her willingness to look for things to do when she has downtime.  Hope is always busy and working on tasks that are often difficult to get done during the day like washing the clients windows or organizing the Tupperware, which is a never ending job.  It appears that she has a very good rapport with all of the individuals in the house and fellow staff members.  Her actions show me she is truly here to help the individuals at Santa Fe each and every day she works.

If you see Hope around, please congratulate her on being our Super Hero of the Month!

Innovations and the Imagine! Leadership Development Group!

At Imagine!, our workforce is our number one asset.  So, to make sure that we are providing great supports to our employees, we select several staff each year to participate in the Imagine! Leadership Development Group.  The purpose of this group is to help develop the knowledge and skills of up-and-coming leaders here at Imagine!.  This year, one of the participants selected is Innovations Host Home Coordinator Britt McWilliams!  

When asked to define a leader, Britt wrote:

A leader is someone who is able to establish a trusting relationship within a group by being authentic in their own communication, receptive to others’ ideas, and is willing to remain open-minded and flexible.

If you see Britt around, please congratulate her on this prestigious honor!

***

Click here to read CEO Mark Emery's post on this year's Leadership Development Group.

Click here to read the Imagine! Voices blog post highlighting all members of this year's group.

You can also watch the short video below to learn more about Imagine!’s Leadership Development Group.

Super Hero of the Month for August!

Every month, Innovations presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Effective and Efficient
• Respect and Dignity
• Opportunities
• Integrity
• Care

This month, the award was presented to Andrea Kintop, who is a Primary Residential Counselor at the Foothills Group Home.

Andrea was nominated by her Site Supervisor, who wrote:

I'd like to nominate Andrea Kintop for the Innovations Heroic Award. Andrea brings a positive attitude to work with her every day and it makes a huge difference in the overall atmosphere here at Foothills. She constantly has new and creative ideas for the residents and the house in general. You can tell that Andrea sincerely cares for the residents very deeply and focuses on giving them the best quality care. She gladly took on a weekly task to go to Food Share, which is not part of the typical primary residential counselor role, so that she could take one of the residents who loves to go there on his day off. Recently she planned birthday celebrations for 2 residents who have a birthday on the same day. She took one resident out for lunch and to Food Share, which was what he wanted to do. Later that same day she took 2 more residents out to dinner together to celebrate. She stayed much passed her scheduled hours to be able to celebrate with them and make it possible for them to do what they wanted to do on their birthdays. Andrea is an outstanding employee and role model at Foothills.

If you see Andrea around, please congratulate her on being our Super Hero of the Month!

Celebrating Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Week!

This week is National Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week, and we wanted to take a moment to give a big thank you to all of our Innovations DSPs!

Every day, DSPs work hands-on with people in services to help them achieve their goals, and support their health and safety needs.  Innovations DSPs have a multitude of responsibilities, tailored to the unique needs of each person in services.  So much of the accomplishments we see individuals make are only possible because of the tremendous efforts of the DSPs assisting them.  It takes an incredible amount of hard work and patience to do the work of a DSP, and we are so grateful to have such an awesome and dedicated group of DSPs here at Innovations!

Thanks as well to Governor Hickenlooper for proclaiming this week as Direct Support Professionals Week in Colorado:

So again, a HUGE shout-out to all of our Innovations DSPs!  If you see an Innovations DSP this week, make sure to thank them for the great work they do each and every day to help fulfill our mission!

Excellence in Customer Service!

Each month, Imagine! presents the Excellence in Customer Service award to an employee who embodies one or more of Imagine!'s Customer Service Values:

1. We provide a culture of support that relies on respect, open and timely communication, and integrity.
2. We achieve results through continual improvement and creativity.
3. We actively engage in and promote community.

This month, the award was presented to Imagine! Innovations Nurse Case Manager, Erica Krowiorz!

Erica’s nomination included the following praise:

Erica has shown time and again her dedication to meet the health and safety needs of the individuals we serve. Erica has made meals for group home individuals, and she has taken individuals to doctor appointments when other staff members have duties they needed to attend to. She has gone to the hospital and stayed with individuals until staff members are available, even continuing to interact with hospital staff until discharge to ensure continuity of care. 

Congratulations on this honor, Erica!  We're lucky to have you here at Imagine! Innovations.

Super Hero of the Month for July!

Every month, Innovations presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Effective and Efficient
• Respect and Dignity
• Opportunities
• Integrity
• Care

This month, the award was presented to Debbie Grillo, who is a Residential Counselor II at the Garden Place Personal Care Alternative home.

Debbie was nominated by her Site Supervisor, who wrote:

I would like to nominate Debbie Grillo for the Super Hero of the Month. On many occasions, I have observed Debbie going above and beyond what is required of her to improve the environment at Garden Place. She needs very little direction and is working hard to support her co-workers and clients each day. This past Sunday, we had a sick call-off and Debbie immediately offered to work the majority of the shift.  When I came in about 5 hours into her shift, Debbie was outside with one of the ladies pulling weeds in front of the house. The entire house was clean, all duties were done, and all clients seemed content. Most importantly, she did all of this with a smile.  Additionally, even though Debbie is a newer staff, she has shown a real dedication to the house and puts extra effort into every single shift she works.  She has shown wonderful drive and initiative.  

If you see Debbie around, please congratulate her on being our Super Hero of the Month!

Super Hero of the Month for June!

Every month, Innovations presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Effective and Efficient
• Respect and Dignity
• Opportunities
• Integrity
• Care

This month, the award was presented to Maria "Shen" Hollcraft, who is a Residential Counselor at the Santa Fe Group Home.

Shen was nominated by her Site Supervisor and Residential Assistant Site Supervisor, who wrote:

Shen constantly looks for more work to do and is a very hard and thoughtful worker.  She completes the tasks listed on internal tracking systems without being asked to do them, and she always checks in with supervisors to ensure there is no more work to be done before leaving.  She is highly productive, and has a constant positive attitude. She is also very open to addressing individual concerns patiently, even during times of a busy shift.  

  

Shen is very deserving of this award.  She is always upbeat and positive.  She is a staff that is always staying busy and asking for things to do.  She is very respectful and courteous to the clients and other staff as well.  She has been a tremendous asset in helping cover vacations and short notice shifts.  She makes it a point to speak to and spend time with all the clients each time she works.  She is always smiling which sets the day off right as smiles go a long way in making other people feel good.

If you see Shen around, please congratulate her on being our Super Hero of the Month!

URGENT! Call Today to Protect Medicaid for People with Disabilities!

Medicaid funding is the life-blood for providing community services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) here in Colorado.  Currently, the Federal government pays for a percentage of the total cost of Medicaid services.  However, this week the Senate released a draft of its version of the American Health Care Act, called the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, which aims to transform the way Medicaid works.  This Act would change Medicaid to a per capita cap program, which would set a limit on the amount of federal funding each state would receive.  Over time, this change would mean that Colorado would receive less Medicaid funding, and that could lead to fewer people receiving services, and less funding for those that do receive services.  In addition, Colorado would have a difficult time increasing the State portion of Medicaid funding to make up for Federal cuts, as tax increases must be approved by voters, and the state budget must remain balanced.

We at Imagine! Innovations urge the members of our community, regardless of your political leanings, to voice opposition to this Act.  Call your Senators and urge them to vote against this Act to help protect community services for people with I/DD here in Colorado!

Cory Gardner: (202) 224-5941
Michael Bennet: (202) 224-5852

Super Hero of the Month for May!

Every month, Innovations presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Effective and Efficient
• Respect and Dignity
• Opportunities
• Integrity
• Care

This month, the award was presented to Towana Vance, who is a Primary Residential Counselor at the Bob & Judy Charles SmartHome.

Towana was nominated by her Site Supervisor, who wrote:

Towana is a very hard worker. From her first day, she has continually looked for opportunities to help the individuals at the house and her fellow staff. In her first week, she took it upon herself to reorganize the basement storage. Ever since, she has picked up extra hours and worked her schedule to better assist the house and the residents that live here. She doesn’t shy away from outings or extra tasks. Whenever I ask for her help, she is always there and does a great job! We’re lucky to have Towana!

If you see Towana around, please congratulate her on being our Super Hero of the Month!

Super Hero of the Month for April!

Every month, Innovations presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Effective and Efficient
• Respect and Dignity
• Opportunities
• Integrity
• Care

This month, the award was presented to Victoria Laverty, who is the Site Supervisor for the Bob & Judy Charles SmartHome.

Victoria was nominated by the site Nurse Case Manager, who wrote:

I would like to nominate Victoria Laverty for the Super Hero of the Month Award.  The Bob & Judy Charles Smart Home has been short-staffed recently, and Victoria has done an amazing job in making sure the house runs as smooth as possible.  Victoria has been working the floor as well as being present at the house for long hours, and has maintained a smile throughout.  Besides being the Site Supervisor and keeping the house running, she also solves everyday problems of the house and the individuals that live there.  Problem solving and getting things done through logistics is an everyday task for Victoria and she does it with a chuckle and smile.  Victoria has done an amazing job!  

Victoria shows compassion to the individuals of Boulder Charles.  When you step into the house you know it is a home.  Please give Victoria the recognition she deserves for going the distance to keep shifts covered and Boulder Charles running.

If you see Victoria around, please congratulate her on being our Super Hero of the Month!

Super Hero of the Month for March!

Every month, Innovations presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Effective and Efficient
• Respect and Dignity
• Opportunities
• Integrity
• Care

This month, the award was presented to Linda Saenz, who is an Administrative Assistant for Innovations.

Linda was nominated by her Supervisor, who wrote:

I would like to nominate Linda Saenz.  Linda consistently amazes me with her time management skills, as well as her overall performance.  Linda is often in contact with community members and stakeholders about classes and she is very polite, helpful, and considerate toward every person she encounters.  Linda does well at prioritizing the needs of the Administrative Team and she is a strong support system for her fellow team members.  Linda is open to new tasks and assisting the department as needed to accomplish goals.  Linda is an amazing strategist when it comes to class scheduling and even through hectic situations, remains calm and efficient.  Linda provides a positive working environment for others and should be recognized for her hard work and dedication to excellence.

If you see Linda around, please congratulate her on being our Super Hero of the Month!

Super Hero of the Month for February!

Every month, Innovations presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Effective and Efficient
• Respect and Dignity
• Opportunities
• Integrity
• Care

This month, the award was presented to Karoll McMullen, who is a Residential Counselor II for our staffed sites.

Karoll was nominated by her Supervisor, who wrote:

I would like to nominate Karoll McMullen for Super Hero of the Month.  Karoll always seems to bring a great attitude to every situation she is in, and every time I’ve stopped in at a house to talk with her, she’s busy doing something to benefit our individuals.  Karoll has a great relationship with many of the individuals Innovations serves and her hard work, dedication, and selflessness is reflected in the respect she has from her co-workers.  Another supervisor recently wrote to tell me of Karoll going above and beyond:
“I just wanted to send you a BIG WORD OF PRAISE for Karoll. This afternoon Karoll helped one of our individuals do a deep cleaning of his entire bedroom. His closet was organized, his DVDs were re-organized, every inch of furniture was dusted and buffed… it looks amazing! I nearly fell down when I went in there. I have no idea when Karoll found the time for it, but big THANK YOU to her. It was a very helpful and important task and I’m sure it was no small task either.”
I’ve received many emails similar to this over the last 2 years and would like to acknowledge and thank Karoll for her support of Innovations and its individuals.

If you see Karoll around, please congratulate her on being our Super Hero of the Month!

Super Hero of the Month for January!

Every month, Innovations presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Effective and Efficient
• Respect and Dignity
• Opportunities
• Integrity
• Care

This month, the award was presented to Lucy Mwangi, who is a Residential Counselor for our Group Homes program.

Lucy was nominated by her Supervisor, who wrote:

Lucy works overnights during the week at Foothills Group Home.  She’s always a positive presence, and consistently does far more than expected.  For example, Lucy’s morning routine usually involves assisting two people with morning routines, but I’ve heard about and personally witnessed a couple of times where Lucy has assisted a third person in order to help other staff with morning routines.  Also, on three separate days, Lucy has stayed extra to assist the house when coworkers have been out sick or unable to come to work due to an emergency.  She continuously goes above and beyond on a daily basis and all of her hard work has helped keep the house functioning during a time of short staffing and increased care needs.  Overall, I can’t say enough good things about her.

If you see Lucy around, please congratulate her on being our Super Hero of the Month!

Super Hero of the Month for December!

Every month, Innovations presents the “Super Hero of the Month” award to the employee or provider who has best demonstrated excellence in one or more of our Innovations Quality Standards:

• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Effective and Efficient
• Respect and Dignity
• Opportunities
• Integrity
• Care

This month, the award was presented to Priyanka Giri, who is a Coordinator for our Host Home program.

Priyanka was nominated by her Supervisor, who wrote:

Priyanka Giri has been a rock star regarding two recent moves involving clients on her caseload.  She provided uninterrupted support to two new host home placements with new providers over the holiday weekend.  She received calls, counseled and supported clients, guardians, and providers, provided on site visits and training support every day over the holiday break.  She even picked up a client at the airport after a family vacation.  This type of support has become the norm for Priyanka, she is committed to making sure new placements go smoothly, are thoughtful and receive all the support they require to get off on the right foot and give everyone involved the best chance for success from the start.  She consistently makes herself available to the people she supports and always does so with a positive attitude and the compassion we all strive to meet.  I can always rest assured that new placements will go well and receive all the attention they deserve, dotting every “i” and crossing every “t” when Priyanka is on the case.  She just gets the job done, plain and simple.  Innovations is lucky to have her and I’m proud she is a part of the Host Home team!

If you see Priyanka around, please congratulate her on being our Super Hero of the Month!