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All the Twins at Support, Inc.

by Information & Resources

Greetings from the Intake Team! We hope you’re enjoying a safe summer so far with the cooler temperatures.

We have onboarded some wonderful families and people receiving services in 2025. The Intake Team feels so grateful for everyone we’ve encountered in the last several months.

When Cindy learned of twin girls needing placement, Emmi and Charlette, she knew right away that she wanted to work with them. As a twin herself, Cindy understood the importance of finding the perfect match for two young women to continue living together.

Dolma Tsering recently became their provider and reports that everything is running smoothly! The following wrote-up was relayed by Dolma on behalf of Emmi and Charlette-

Two Hearts, One Home: A Journey of Care and Comfort

As a host home provider, I give love, care, and support, but I also know that the journey of adjustment is different for each person. On the 1st of May, 2025, the twins arrived at my home. I knew I could take care of them, but I was nervous about how they’d adjust to their new environment and routine.

The twins are very different from each other. One is quiet, spending most of their time reading, drawing, or watching their iPad in a peaceful corner. The other is talkative, always asking questions and sharing their thoughts, but also loves watching their iPad, especially for funny videos and shows.

Both of them love food. They don’t enjoy cooking, but they are always excited to try the meals I make. I surprise them with new snacks, and the talkative twin will ask for the recipe, while the quiet twin will enjoy the food quietly, offering a small smile of approval.

It wasn’t just the food that helped them settle in—it was the little things that made them feel more at home. Over time, the quiet twin started asking more questions and joining in, while the talkative twin began to enjoy the quiet moments too. They even helped around the house in their own way.

As a host home provider, I feel happiest when they are happy. Seeing their smiles, hearing their laughter, and knowing they are finding comfort here means the world to me. Adjusting to a new home wasn’t easy, but after some time, I could see them both becoming more comfortable. With patience, care, and a few tasty treats, they are beginning to feel like this place was truly home.

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Not only did Cindy work with the twins as a twin herself, Jessica (their Residential Program Coordinator) is a Mom to twins as well! Word spread internally that 3 three sets of twins shared a team. And then we realized that two other employees at Support, Inc. are also twins. How wild is that?!

We couldn’t let this opportunity pass without sharing these fun details about our staff. From the twins we serve to the employees at Support, Inc. and their loved ones, we are lucky to have so many cool stories to share!

Cindy Cridlebaugh: Intake Specialist- “Clark A” has a twin (Cristy Rusch) lovingly referred to as “Clark B”.

My favorite story is when we both were pregnant (with boys) at the same time. I was up in the labor and delivery room.  My sister was in the cafeteria eating lunch with our parents.  The doctor saw her, and said ‘You are supposed to be in bed, why are you down here?’”

Also, I was maid of honor at my sister’s wedding, I came down the aisle and everyone stood up.  I had to shake my head “no” to everyone- “I’m Cindy!!!!

Thoughts on the recent intake-“What a treat getting to meet the identical twin sisters! One of them is talkative, and the other one is more shy (common traits of twins). Knowing they can have rooms close to each other with a connecting jack-and-jill bathroom is the perfect setting for them. They’re both so sweet. 😊 And I plan on visiting a lot. 😊

Overall, I enjoy all of our staff, meeting new families and seeing the success’s they have. 😊 I’ve always enjoyed “working” because it doesn’t feel like work. And I always wanted Cristy to come to the Support, Inc. office and pretend to be me- but she wouldn’t. I went to her office and pretended to be her, but when I sat down with the sales manager- I couldn’t open her briefcase, so I started to giggle. The joke was up at that point.

Jessica Daniel and Residential Program Coordinator: Mom to 13-year old twins, Matthew and Madison

One of my favorite stories to tell about my twins is when they were about 1 years old, I put them down for a nap in their separate cribs (same room). I could hear them playing they liked to throw toys into each other cribs which were right next to each other. When I didn’t hear them playing any more, I went in to check on them and my daughter had climbed into her brother’s crib and both of them were asleep cuddled right next to each other. They fight like cats and dogs now but every now and then I’ll catch them sleeping in each other’s rooms. Mostly when one is sick or upset about something. I wouldn’t give up being a twin mom for anything in the world!

When I learned about Emmi and Charlette, I was super excited to hear about them joining our services. I think that twins are so fun to work with because they are so alike and so different from each other. I can’t wait to see how they grow and become a special part of our community.

Working with Support, Inc. has been an amazing opportunity for me and my twins. It offers me the flexibility to be able to attend their after-school activities and not have to miss anything that’s going on in their lives. Which is a lot – my son plays football and does karate, and my daughter is a ballerina and enjoys volleyball and track. They keep me very busy and I love knowing that Support, Inc. will support me and my family life as well as the individuals I serve.

Lily Kirkman, Benefits Specialist, Support, Inc.

Your twin’s name: Evan Kirkman

Favorite twin story: Well, since we’re not identical, I don’t have any mistaken identity stories like some of my twin counterparts might! Growing up we always figured out how to make a game out of anything. One of my favorite ones was silly and simple. When we’d go out to eat at a restaurant, we’d each take a sugar packet and the first person to find every letter of the alphabet would win! I usually won. Maybe that’s why I liked it so much.

What I like most about working for Support, Inc. is the people. I truly believe we have some of the most compassionate, dedicated, and fun people in our network. From the people receiving services, to HHPs and FCGs and their families, to internal staff- we are surrounded by wonderful humans.  

One last thing to add- my twin isn’t a stranger to working at Support, either😉. At different points over the years, he worked as a DSP in the Aurora Day Program, he was an RPC, and he temped in our accounting department helping with AP entries. He still holds the people in services and staff close to his heart.

Alex Ring/ Loveland RPC

Twin’s name: Kaitlyn Ring

There are two main types of twins – fFraternal and identical. When twins are born the doctors know twins are identical if they share one placenta, if they are separate then there is only a 30% chance that the twins are identical and a DNA test would need to be done to find out. Kaitlyn and I grew up with people who could never tell us apart and others who would hardly ever get us confused (no one has a 100% track record of not confusing us). In 2020 we got a DNA test done and had all of our friends and family guess if we were identical. People were pretty split, but our results came back as identical! We told everyone we were fraternal most of our lives but now we know for sure.

What I enjoy most about working with Support, Inc. is working on things for my people in services that make their lives better in some way. A lot of what we do is in the background but that is where we help the most!

My photo on the company page may or may not be my twin – you’ll never know.

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Thanks to Emmi and Charlette joining us recently, we had a lot of fun collecting these details on twins across the agency. Who knew we had so many twins at Support, Inc.? Thanks to everyone for participating and a special thank you to Dolma for her write-up as well!

Thanks again and as always, please keep Intake in mind for any DD waiver questions or needs!

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Kenny Ride on the Railroad!

by Information & Resources

Kenny recently took a fun weekend trip to the Georgetown loop railroad and had a blast! This has been a goal of his for about three years, so he was ecstatic that he was finally able to go. According to Kenny his love for trains started when he was a kid. He has always enjoyed watching movies that have trains because they look really cool. Kenny also usually likes to spend time watching YouTube videos on trains as well. HHP knew this was a goal of Kenny’s for a while and was able to take him up for the weekend. He even took some awesome pictures with Santa!

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Host Home Provider of the Month

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Please join us in congratulating Nancy for Host Home Provider of the Month! The following details were provided by her Residential Program Coordinator-

I would like to nominate Nancy Rogers-Fleming for host home provider of the month! I have been working with Nancy for about three years now, and it’s truly been a privilege! I remember my first time meeting Nancy and PRS Amy, was while I was shadowing another RPC.  It had been maybe the 2nd or 3rd visit I had shadowed, and I was nervous jumping into my new role. Nancy, however, was very quick to make me feel comfortable and welcome.  She took the time to tell me little details about Amy, the things she liked, disliked, activities she was participating in, shared photos, etc. This was especially important to me, because it allowed me to get to know Amy who’s nonverbal a lot quicker than I could have ever imagined, but also gave me a glimpse into the type of provider Nancy is.

Nancy has been a provider to Amy for 12 years, and as you can imagine Amy is a very important and loved member of Nancy’s family. This is very evident through the family tradition they have started together. One of my favorite traditions they’ve shared with me has been raising caterpillars every year and releasing butterflies on Mother’s Day. Amy looks forward to this every year and it’s a very special moment her and Nancy share together.

Nancy does a phenomenal job making sure Amy is heard and her needs are met. Whether that be through encouraging her to communicate through her DynaVox, ASL, or simply her body language and facial expressions. Nancy always ensures she advocates for Amy and provides unconditional love, support, and quality care. She is a provider that genuinely cares for the PRS in her home. Nancy has also assisted DM2 with respite needs have been very difficult to fill. Allowing other HHPs to receive much needed breaks, all the while providing excellent care for the PRS. Nancy has provided an individual she frequently respites for with an additional home he feels comfortable in, which has not been an easy task.  We truly appreciate her dedication and hard work, thank you for being such an amazing provider and someone we know we can count on!

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SH is the Change!

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When SH decided to find a therapist for personal counseling last fall, she knew that finding a counselor with disabilities was important to a good fit. She looked for months, through various avenues like her medical providers, her insurance, friends and family, but could not find a single therapist with disabilities. Rather than giving up, SH decided that she would fill that role and become a therapist for others with disabilities, even if she has to be the first one.

She is enrolled at Arapahoe Community College to start her studies in the Spring 2025 semester. This step is just one example of the way she lives her life in determined advocacy for herself and others with disabilities. With the persistence she floods into pursuing her goals, we feel certain SH is going to better the field she studies and we wish her much success.  Thank you SH for inspiring us to be the change we want to see in the world!

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Michael’s Kitchen Renovation

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Michael’s recent renovation has been deemed a success! Michael was happy to share his story with his team, Nate and Samantha.

Michael got some awesome home renovations this year! He got his cabinets and countertops remodeled. He advocated for his preferences and got exactly what he envisioned. With these renovations, Mike achieved one of his biggest home improvement goals!

Here are a few before and after photos!

Before:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And after:

 

Ray

Ray Succeeds With New Job and Driver’s License

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Ray has had an eventful couple of months working towards two big goals. He got his driver’s license and a new job as a crossing guard.

Rays’ mom reports that he looks proud and happy in his bright crossing guard vest as he gets to work around one of his favorite things in the world- buses. He enjoys helping the kids cross the street, getting to be part of one of the most important public transportation systems in America, and having a flexible schedule to make it to his Smash Bros tournaments. When asked he said he wouldn’t rule out being a bus driver one day – especially now that he has his license.

Getting his license was the easy part he says, passing his mom’s driving lessons was not. Although he can drive himself now, he is not done with buses. His dream car would be for everyone to use the public transportation system so that it can expand and be taken everywhere. (If he had to pick it would be an RV because of the nice amenities). He especially likes the MAX bus in Fort Collins.

Congrats again, Ray, for reaching these major milestones!!

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Host Home Provider of the Month

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The Loveland Team would like to nominate Brianna Yakovee for Provider of the Month!

Brianna is an experienced caregiver and provider who has dedicated much of her life to enriching the lives of those around her. From troubled teens to adults in the IDD community, she extends her compassion to any who need it. Recently, she opened her home to one of our PRS, Baylee. It was Baylee’s personal goal to find an HHP to move in with by the end of the year, and she sure found the right fit with Brianna and her home.

From the second Baylee gave her stamp of approval, Brianna started prepping her home. Being blind, there are some extra useful tools that help Baylee use the space around her. Brianna put sticky dots on the microwave for Baylee to be able to independently heat up her food – as well as on the washer and dryer to help her complete laundry. Arguably the coolest thing, though, is also a sound machine that sits outside of Brianna’s bedroom door, across the hall from Baylee’s room, that runs constantly, allowing Baylee to use it a sound locator throughout the house.

Their first weekend together was a girls weekend on the town. The ladies went shopping, had some yummy food and even enjoyed a movie showing together. Even on short notice, Brianna made sure Baylee and her roommate were able to attend our Loveland Halloween party. Brianna is constantly ensuring that Baylee (and her roommates) has access to the activities she enjoys doing while helping to promote independence and safety. Thank you for supporting those who lean on you, Bri. You’re a rockstar!

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Intake Team End of Year Updates

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Hello and thanks for reading from the Intake Team! As mentioned in the newsletter, the Intake Team still consists of Brian, Cindy, Kristin and Cathy. This is the most seniored team at the agency. Cindy has been with us for 23 years, Kristin 22 years, Cathy 7 years and Brian 5 years. We’re excited to share some updates and plans for the upcoming year!

First, the team wants to get reconnected to case managers, as turnover in 2024 reached an all-time high. We Look forward to building new relationships and partnering with Case Managers in 2025. As you know, relationships in the field are so important. We are eager to meet some new faces and learn from other folks that have been in the field as long as we have!

We also continue to attend provider fairs. We had great success the last few months, getting to know new families on the DD waiver. We love connecting with community partners and learning more about new Case Management Agency (CMA) Processes and procedures.

On this note, did you know that Cathy recently joined the Community Advisory Committee for the Weld County CMA? She meets quarterly with the team to review complaints, review and improve processes and procedures regarding Weld County Case Management and to ensure that waiver transfers from one county to the next have been expedited in a smooth and seamless manner.

Last but not least, Cathy also implemented billboards in Greeley, Fort Morgan and Sterling. Keep an eye out for our advertising! And feel free to let us know if you’ve seen our materials anywhere recently!

We thank you again for choosing us as your agency. Please continue to keep us in mind for DD placement needs by emailing Intake@supportinc.com with any potential leads.

Thanks again and take care.

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Walk for Northern Colorado Down Syndrome Association

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Support, Inc. recently joined a walk in Windsor hosted by the Northern Colorado Down Syndrome Association. Brian and Cathy first met Lori and Melinda at the respite retreat hosted by the newly rebranded ARC of Northeast Colorado back in July. What a nice coincidence to share a table at this gathering- the conversations they had together led Support, Inc. to host a booth at the walk earlier this month.

Cathy had a great time meeting new families and connecting with community partners. The Resource Fair allowed for members to learn more about the agencies in the area as they pertain to Down Syndrome. Cathy met a few new providers and relayed her contact information to anyone needing additional information on the DD waiver.

The best surprise of all was hearing Jillian Ball give her speech! Jillian is a current Person Receiving Services with Support, Inc. and such a wonderful keynote speaker. She will have you laughing and crying in one sitting. It was truly a pleasure to hear her address the crowd and we hope to catch her around again sometime soon!

Thanks again to the Northern Colorado Down Syndrome Association for allowing us to share a space with you during the walk recently. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to connect with community members and hope to join again next year!

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Finance Department Updates

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The Finance Department: 

Greetings from the Finance Department! We are excited to introduce a new team member and provide an update on HHP payments and some projects we are focusing on. 

New Team Member: 

Please welcome Amy Baum, our new Office Manager. She joined Support, Inc. this month! “I am a Colorado native and mom of two wild teenage boys. I come from a large roofing Company where I worked as the assistant production manager for both our residential and commercial projects. I am new to the health care industry but am very excited to learn the ins and outs. When not at work, I enjoy being outdoors camping, or fishing. I have been blessed to travel to Kauai for the last several years and look forward to that trip over and over again.  I have a very spoiled English Bulldog, Chance, who also got to see Kauai our last trip there.  

  

I am very excited to join the team and look forward to working with everyone!” Swing by and meet Amy at the Aurora office. Amy is providing many of the same supports that her predecessor, Tammy, did. Answering your questions or directing concerns to the right department is just one important part of what she does. We are so happy to have her on our team, ensuring we provide the level of customer service we pride ourselves on. 

Final Update Moving Host Home Provider Payments to ADP: 

The transition to ADP for HHP payment is complete and has been in effect for about 3 months now. With this transition HHPs can access their personnel files, pay stubs, see and update their contact information or direct deposit information through a secure online portal. Vicki Stroud from HR lead a training to help familiarize HHPs with ADP and a video of the training is available upon request. Any questions HHPs have regarding the training or ADP payments can be directed to hradmin@supportinc.com 

We on the finance team want to give a huge thank you to the whole of HR and the Residential team who were instrumental in making this transition a successful and smooth one. 

The Remainder of 2024 for the Finance Team:  

With the end of the year rapidly approaching we are focused on optimizing our billing across the Support Network, automating and expanding the reporting available to upper management, chipping away at the denied claims list and eligibility challenges presented by the case management redesign and state system issues and preparing for the 2025 tax season. 

 

Common Question Topics for Finance and Where to Direct:   

Host Home Provider Payments – hradmin@supportinc.com 

FCG-IC Payments – accountspayable@supportinc.com 

FCG, Employee, and HHP Pay History – Can be found in your ADP Portal under “Myself”- “Pay”- “Pay & Tax Statements” 

Bill.com Questions/ Payee Account Set up – accountspayable@supportinc.com 

Verification of Income/Employment Requests for FCG-ICs – accountspayable@supportinc.com 

Verification of Income/Employment Requests for HHP – hradmin@supportinc.com 

Verification of Income/ Employment Requests for Employees or FCGs – hradmin@supportinc.com 

Medicaid Redetermination Questions – Lily.kirkman@supportinc.com 

Social Security Benefits & Paperwork Requests – Lily.kirkman@supportinc.com 

Cigna and Other Insurance Benefits Questions – hradmin@supportinc.com 

  

How do I update my direct deposit information? 

  • If you are set up with an ADP account, Log into ADP, under “Myself” – “Pay” – “Payment Options” from there you can add or edit the bank information we have on file. 
  • If you are not set up with an ADP account, e-mail accountspayable@supportinc.com . Please include your support team in case we need to contact you with any further questions.