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COVID-19 Communication

To Support, Inc. staff, providers, and families

In this COVID-19 communication we will cover the following:

  1. Omicron variant
  2. Vaccine updates & booster dose clinic
  3. COVID-19 Operating protocol update

COVID-19 Omicron variant

On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and has named it Omicron. The first case of the Omicron variant was detected in the United States on December 1st.  The individual, who is fully vaccinated, recently traveled internationally. The developed mild symptoms that are improving and has been in self-quarantine since symptoms developed. The WHO is working with researchers around the world to conduct studies to better understand the Omicron variant.

In previous communications we discussed that all viruses are continually changing through mutations. A variant has one or more mutations that are different from other variants in circulation. As expected, multiple variants of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) have been documented across the globe. Scientists compare the genetic differences between viruses to identify variants and how they relate to each other. Variants are labeled using the Greek alphabet (i.e. Alpha, Beta, Gamma, etc.) as way to identify and discuss variants by non-scientific audiences. The CDC classifies variants into three classifications, variant of interest (VOI), variant of concern (VOC) and variant of high consequence (VOHC). The CDC has classified the Omicron variant as a variant of concern (VOC).

The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and prevention strategies to protect against COVID19.

Vaccine updates & booster dose clinic

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends all adults aged 18 and over get a COVID-19 booster shot. Individuals who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine should get a booster dose 6 months or more following their second dose. Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster dose 2 months or more following the initial vaccine. 

Individual’s may choose which vaccine they receive for their booster dose. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) allow for ‘mixing and matching’ the booster dose vaccine type. Side effects of the booster shot are similar to the side effects after the second dose series. The most common side effects are fatigue and pain at the injection site. Most side effects are mild to moderate. To relieve side effects, use or exercise the arm you got the shot in, drink plenty of fluids and apply a cool washcloth to the injection site.

We have contacted our partners at Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to request support to host a booster dose clinic. We hope to offer a booster dose clinic at our Aurora office after the new year. As we work with CDPHE to plan the clinic we will provide on-going updates.

COVID-19 Operating protocol update

We have updated our operating protocol and COVID-19 procedure to reflect the current guidance from Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regarding the testing window following a known exposure. Individuals who are unvaccinated should quarantine following a known exposure to COVID-19 and get tested 5-7 days after the last date of exposure. Individuals who are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic following a known exposure do not need to quarantine but should wear a mask in public and get tested 5-7 days after the last known exposure.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your supervisor. We will continue to provide updates through email, our website and our Facebook page.

Thank you,

Laura Viers
Associate Director of Quality Assurance
T :: 970-667-7424 ext. 200

JB Photo 11_2021

Jeremy Cooks a Delicious Thanksgiving Meal!

Jeremy Boudreaux has a lot to be thankful for this year. He is living independently in his own apartment, landed a job on his own and is planning a big Thanksgiving feast to celebrate.

Jeremy has Support, Inc. in his corner cheering him on and giving him the support he needs to live life on his own terms. Jeremy is 28 years-old and has mild intellectual disabilities. For the last seven years, Jeremy has worked with Support, Inc. and their team of caregivers that provide him with the help and support he needs, when he needs it – from integrated health care services and life skills development to access to community-based social activities and more. His team knows him well. When Jeremy decided he wanted to live independently in his own apartment, his team helped him identify and set goals that would help him make his dream a reality. By meeting each goal, Jeremy was able to make a safe transition from living with Host Home Providers to residing in his own apartment. Support, Inc. helps Jeremy remain safe, healthy and independent.

Jeremie has been enjoying apartment life for the last year with his dog, Zeus and his bearded dragon, Alex. His sister lives within walking distance. He loves cooking and honored his mom’s memory this Thanksgiving by cooking from her recipes. His Thanksgiving menu includes spinach casserole, cornbread casserole, green bean casserole, pecan pie and, of course, turkey with garlic and butter.

On Thursday, Jeremy visited with family in the early afternoon and served up his delicious side-dishes. Jeremy reports having a great time with his nephew and sister, Erika. Jeremy made a turkey and decided to leave it at his apartment for leftovers. This is “Italian style” turkey turned out well, and Jeremy plans to share the leftovers with his sister.

This year, Jeremy is grateful for his independence, his apartment, his job, his friends, his team, his dog Zeus, and his bearded dragon Alex. And we’re grateful to support Jeremy as he continues to thrive in the community!

Jeremy wants to share his story and let other people in similar situations know that, with the help of organizations like Support, Inc., they can live independently, too.

About Support, Inc.

With more than 32 years of experience, the Support, Inc. team offers a wide range of residential, day and clinical services to clients across the front range of Colorado. Support, Inc. has a unique, whole-person approach that allows caregivers to develop a deep understanding of each individual’s needs. As a Program Approved Service Agency (PASA), Support, Inc. is Medicaid certified and its programs are approved by the State of Colorado. Support, Inc. is redefining the life experience for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and is a leading provider of community-based solutions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

If you know someone on the DD Waiver in needs of residential supports, please contact us at intake@supportinc.com.

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Information Station: Residential Services

Greetings from the Operations Team!

As you are probably already aware, the state of Colorado approved 667 new waiver slots for people to receive services on the DD waiver, starting in July of 2021. In August, the Operations Team began the process of over-hiring and onboarding Residential Program Coordinators in preparation for that growth. In addition, we hired a new Associate Director for the Denver Metro region to fill a previous opening. Given the volume of new team members, we thought we’d sent their pictures and bios out, as many of you will be seeing them around town very soon! We are ecstatic that so many people in need of services are being given the opportunity to receive them and we are excited to add so many new faces to our Support, Inc. team to meet that call. Please give them a warm welcome!

Hello, everyone. I’m Jonathon Labissiere. I’ve been in Behavioral Health for four years. I came from Spectra Autism Centers, where I was a teacher and Residential Behavioral Technician for children ages 8-19. Before that, I was a supervisor at Devereux Behavioral Health for two years. 

Hello all. My name is Danielle Geiger and I have been with Support Inc. since April 2020. I was recently promoted from Direct Support Professional to Residential Program Coordinator here at Support Inc., Loveland. I have been working in the IDD field as a DSP for the past 7 years where I was able to take individuals out into the community, work on daily living skills, as well as offer individuals the tools and resources to assist them in having the best quality of life possible.

I was raised within the IDD community since birth. My grandmother made her home into Milligan Group Home before I was born and was able to give amazing quality of life care for over 40 years to individuals with severe medical needs. My mother is also a long-standing Host Home Provider for Support, Inc.

I attended college and graduated with my Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Psychology.  I am a Colorado native although I did move to Alaska but quickly came back to beautiful Colorado. Nothing compares to home! I enjoy spending time with my son, my mom, my niece, and nephew, my 2 cats and my dog. My passion is to assist individuals to be successful in their everyday lives as well as have the best quality of Life possible. I am so excited to be a part of the Loveland Residential Team! 

Hello everyone, my name is Malika Zekaria and I am joining Support Inc as one of the new Residential Program Coordinators. I was born and raised here in Colorado and my parents were and still are, host home providers. While I was in college, I got certified and began assisting my parents and really enjoyed it. Throughout college, I studied Public Health and my specific focus was on behavioral health. I look forward to continuing that passion here at Support, Inc. and gaining all the knowledge I can from all of you! In my free time, I enjoy reading poetry, trying new food, and drink a few too many iced chai lattes.

Hello Support, Inc. My name is Kylle Hodges. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of your team! I am excited to onboard as a Residential Program Coordinator. I have a B.A. Degree in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley. I have over 5 years experience with the Community Center Board (CCB) as a case manager and worked for the Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) with Student Achievement Services for Special Education in the Individual Learning Center directly supporting students’ learning activities and life skills for 5+ years. I have always enjoyed working with this population and look forward to more opportunities to engage and grow with the clients, family and team members alike.

On a personal note… I am married to my husband of over 20 years, and we have two children, now young men. I love being a mother, cooking, traveling and fine arts. I also love the Spring and Fall seasons, and Christmas is my favorite time of the year because of warm hearts, the snow, the gatherings around the tree and great food to share with family and friends!

Hi, my name is Morghan and I will be joining Support Inc. as a Residential Program Coordinator. I am originally from Reno, Nevada and moved to Colorado a little over a year ago. Prior to Support, I worked as a Juvenile Corrections officer for the state while finishing my BA in Psychology. I am super excited to be learning this role and learning from my fellow peers as this is not something I have experienced before! Outside of work, you can find me outdoors with a camera in my hand or spending time with my family!

Hello everyone. My name is Danyelle Grajeda and I am very excited to join the Support Inc. team as an Associate Director of Operations. I have a B.S. Degree in Psychology from Colorado State University. I worked at a Residential Treatment Facility, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, for almost 13 years before being offered the opportunity to join Support, Inc. I worked as a Direct Care Provider for about 6.5 years in different capacities, with kids and adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. I managed Residential programs, and I managed our Training department during my time with Devereux.

On a personal note, I enjoy hanging out with my niece and nephew and my little cousins any time I can, and I’m looking forward to getting a dog soon! I look forward to meeting everyone and working with you.

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Host Home Provider of the Month

The Denver Metro 1 Team would like to nominate Nancy Rogers-Fleming as Host Home Provider of the Month for her outstanding care and dedication to the people she serves. Nancy recently took on a new person in her home. As you can imagine, things can get complicated trying to coordinate care and schedules for three individuals. Nancy has taken this challenge head on, and despite some early setbacks has helped this person integrate into her home while never missing a beat with the other two in services. We are so thankful for Nancy’s hard work and diligence. She is truly a person helping people – and we don’t know what we would do without her. Thank you, Nancy! 

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Human Resources November Updates

Hi everyone!

We wanted to remind our readers to keep an eye out for Open Enrollment in December. More details will be coming soon!

Also, the Safety Committee is reaching out to bring you some interesting and helpful safety information! Each month you will receive an e-mail from the safety committee regarding different safety topics. If you have topics you think would be helpful to your Support Inc. team, or you would be interested in joining, feel free to connect with anyone on the safety committee!

November Safety Topic:

Safe Travel Tips!

Did you know that during a 6-day period around Thanksgiving, the number of long-distance trips increases in the U.S by 54%!?

And 91% of that is by vehicle!

If you are looking to travel this holiday season (particularly in winter weather), please keep in mind the below tips.

  1. Prepare your car: make sure routine maintenance is followed, tires have a safe tread level and fluid levels are correct.
  2. Plan ahead for any stops, layovers, or overnight stays. This not only helps with finding best prices but allows you to plan ahead for any location specific needs (appropriate clothing, gas stops, emergency services).
  3. Be alert when driving. Take breaks, share driving responsibilities, be cautious of tailgaters or aggressive drivers and finally, if you are tired, find a place to sleep!
  4. Keep a first aid kit and weather specific items in your car. Extra clothing, water, jumper cables, and tire chains are just a few of the items that can be easily kept as an emergency kit.                                https://www.almanac.com/content/winter-car-emergency-kit
  5. If you are traveling to an unfamiliar place: research your destination, make copies of important documents, don’t keep all your money in one place and keep family and friends updated.

There are many helpful articles out there for further tips so do your research and stay safe this holiday season!

Finally, last but not least here are a couple travel memes to enjoy-

In addition, the STAR Committee enjoyed a recent meeting in which we exchanged Halloween photos over Zoom. From dressed up employees to the individuals we serve, there was certainly no shortage of cuteness.

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COVID-19 Communication

October 27, 2021

To Support, Inc. staff, providers, and families

In this communication we will cover the following:

  1. COVID-19 vaccine updates
  2. Preparing for flu season during COVID-19

COVID-19 operating protocol updates

1. COVID-19 vaccine updates

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends certain people to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose including those who received Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen COVID-19 vaccines.

Individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine: the following groups are eligible and recommended to get a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial vaccine series.

  • People aged 65 and older
  • People aged 18-64 at high risk of severe COVID-19
    • Medical conditions that may put people at higher risk of severe COVID-19
      • Cancer
      • Chronic kidney disease
      • Chronic lung disease including COPD, asthma (moderate to severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
      • Dementia
      • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
      • Down syndrome
      • Heart conditions (heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, hypertension)
      • HIV infection
      • Immunocompromised state
      • Liver disease
      • Overweight or obesity (BMI greater than 25 kg/m2)
      • Pregnancy
      • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
      • Smoking, current or former
      • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
      • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease which affects blood flow to the brain
      • Substance use disorders (alcohol, opioids cocaine use disorders)
  • People aged 18-64 whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to COVID-19 puts them at high risk. Occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission include front line essential workers and health care workers
    • Since risk can vary across settings and based on how COVID-19 is spreading in a community, people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may get a booster shot.


Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine: anyone over the age of 18 who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is recommended to get a booster dose two months or more following the initial vaccine.

Individual’s may choose which vaccine they receive for their booster dose. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) allow for ‘mixing and matching’ the booster dose vaccine type. Side effects of the booster shot are similar to the side effects after the second dose series. The most common side effects are fatigue and pain at the injection site. Most side effects are mild to moderate. To relieve side effects, use or exercise the arm you got the shot in, drink plenty of fluids and apply a cool washcloth to the injection site.

If you or someone you support is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster, speak with the primary care physician to determine when and where the person can receive their booster dose.

2. Preparing for flu season during COVID-19

It is important to get a flu vaccine because COVID-19 and the flu may be circulating at the same time, and they cause similar symptoms. You can get the COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines, including the flu vaccine, during the same visit.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your supervisor. We will continue to provide updates through email, our website and our Facebook page.

Behind the scenes at Fox31 News- 15 minutes before we went live!

Support, Inc. Featured on Fox31 News

Support, Inc. was proud to recently showcase it’s Host Home Provider services on Fox 31 News. Heather, Shaunti and Cathy were recently interviewed before Shaunti and Heather embark on their 6 week road trip across the country.

  • Behind the scenes at Fox31 News- 15 minutes before we went live!

Earlier this year 667 spots became available through Colorado’s developmental disability waiver program. For many eligible Coloradans – who have waited an average of 15 years – this means they are finally be able to access 24-hour community-based services, either at home or in host homes.

With more than 32 years of experience, Support, Inc. a leading provider of community based solutions is here and ready to help. Support, Inc. team offers a wide range of residential, day and clinical services to clients across the front range of Colorado. Support, Inc. has a unique, whole-person approach that allows caregivers to develop a deep understanding of each individual’s needs.

Support, Inc. is redefining the life experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Recently, we were thrilled to highlight one of our favorite Host Home matches, Shaunti and Heather. Heather has truly become a part of Shaunti’s family; since beginning their road trip, we have truly enjoyed their adventures from a vicarious standpoint, living through their photos and recent videos.

Check out a few photos from Heather, Shaunti and Brent’s road trip! To learn more information, please follow this link.

You can apply to become a Host Home Provider with Support, Inc. by applying at www.supportinc.com

And if you have a family member or a loved one searching for placement, please email us at placement.team@supportinc.com

Halloween

Spooky Fun in Day Program

Recently, our Day Program participants have enjoyed dressing up and getting outside for some Halloween fun! Lucas and Mikey, along with a few others, visited Nick’s Garden Center where they were able to check out the pumpkins and plants.

While we continue to offer services on-sight at our Day Program in Aurora, it’s the outings that we greatly look forward to. The people we serve have a chance to develop their skills, such as learning about new plants, counting back change at the register and socializing with others.

We’re grateful for the fun that was had at Nick’s Garden Center, thanks in part to our wonderful staff. Check out the photos below- for more information on our Day Services, please contact Cathy at cathy.kellogg@supportinc.com

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COVID-19 Communication

To Support, Inc. staff, providers and families

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorization for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to allow for a single booster to select populations. The booster dose is to be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary two dose series. The following individuals, if they were initially vaccinated with Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, may get a booster shot at this time.

  • People aged 65 and older
  • People aged 18-64 at high risk of severe COVID-19
    • Medical conditions that may put people at higher risk of severe COVID-19
      • Cancer
      • Chronic kidney disease
      • Chronic lung disease including COPD, asthma (moderate to severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
      • Dementia
      • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
      • Down syndrome
      • Heart conditions (heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, hypertension)
      • HIV infection
      • Immunocompromised state
      • Liver disease
      • Overweight or obesity (BMI greater than 25 kg/m2)
      • Pregnancy
      • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
      • Smoking, current or former
      • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
      • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease which affects blood flow to the brain
      • Substance use disorders (alcohol, opioids cocaine use disorders)
  • People aged 18-64 whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to COVID-19 puts them at high risk for serious complications of COVID-19 including severe COVID-19.
    • Occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission include front line essential workers and health care workers in the following positions:
      • First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)
      • Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)
      • Food and agriculture workers
      • Manufacturing workers
      • Corrections workers
      • U.S. postal service workers
      • Public transit workers
      • Grocery store workers

At this time only the above individuals who received the Pfizer vaccine are eligible for a booster dose. The decision to get a booster dose should be made between the individual and their primary care physician. Over time, we may see additional populations being recommended to receive a booster dose as more data becomes available. People in the recommended groups above who received Johnson & Johnson or Moderna may need a booster in the future, more data on the effectiveness of booster doses with these manufactures is being conducted. The need for a booster dose doesn’t mean the COVID-19 vaccines aren’t working. Current data continues to show all three COVID-19 vaccines are working to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death even against the Delta variant. However, public health experts have started seeing a reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild to moderate disease. 

If you or someone you support received the initial two dose series of the Pfizer vaccine AND meet the criteria for a booster above, please contact their primary care physician to discuss eligibility criteria and to schedule a booster dose.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your supervisor. We will continue to provide updates through email, our website and our Facebook page.

Thank you, Laura Viers
Associate Director of Quality Assurance

Laura.Viers@supportinc.com

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Host Home Provider of the Month

Please join us in congratulating our recent Host Home Provider of the Month, Diana and Kenny Wijaya!!!

The following write-up was produced by the Denver Metro Three Team: We would like to nominate Diana and Kenny for providers of the month. They have been HHP’s with Support since 2008 and a 3-bed home since 2014. They do such an amazing job that they set a high standard that other providers can look up to. It’s hard to know where to start in saying why these two providers deserve this award. Their file compliance is excellent and needs very little follow up (MAR’s are signed off when medication given and log notes completed according to Agency policy). They know all their individual’s needs very well and support them with the best services a provider can give. Appointments are made before the RPC even needs to ask or remind them and then it is put in Therap well advance of the appointment day. I truly appreciate the communication we have. They let us know right away when they need support or something is needed.

Beyond the incredible work they do with file compliance and taking care of medical needs is the individuals they serve. They provide wonderful access to the community. Kenny has taken D on trips out of state. One of our favorites was a trip to California, where D not only got to enjoy Disney Land but gong to the ocean for the first time. Rich will never forget when D moved into their home. It is a treasured moment working in the field. D was moved from a home that wasn’t supporting his needs and care was questionable. Rich remembers dropping off D at Diana and Kenny’s home and then going back to get the rest of his personal belongings. When Rich returned to Fnu’s home, D was sitting out of his wheelchair and in a recliner with his feet up and being pampered like a king. We knew D had found his home and has been with them ever since (over 10 years).

Rich only has one other individual in the home, but over the years has gotten to witness how the other 2 individuals’ quality of life has improved with the wonderful supports provided to them by Diana and Kenny!! Diane and Kenny, we want to say we appreciate all you do and have the upmost respect for the care you provide to the individuals you serve in your home.