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Support Inc. Client Featured in Local Art Show!

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Café Show by Local Artist and Support, Inc. client- Maria

Maria has many talents. She is an athlete, baker, dancer, skilled with animals and very charismatic. She is also a prolific painter, using art therapy as one way to calm her busy mind. While flamingos in funny situations are a common theme, she also paints other marine life, horses, flowers, holiday settings and landscapes.

During the month of October, Maria was the featured artist at the French Press Café in her neighborhood on Iliff near Buckley. If you have not been there, they have the regular coffee and tea-related faire, as well as an incredible kitchen. (Their chilaquiles are THE BOMB!) Maria’s paintings covered an entire wall, which is really saying something in the small space the café holds. She wrote her own bio, which had a lovely photo of her with a horse attached and even sold two paintings!

Maria’s accomplishments are a source of pride for herself, her family and our community. Here’s to the next show where we have our eye on a certain flamingo wearing a pool floaty and carrying a cocktail. Congratulations to Maria on this amazing accomplishment!

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Host Home Provider of the Month- November!

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Please join us in congratulating our November Host Home Provider of the Month, Lisa Mugalu!! Lisa was nominated for Host Home Provider of the month by the Support Inc. Denver Metro 2 Team. According to Residential Coordinator, Malika, “I have been working with Lisa since February 2022, and although there have been ups and downs with the health of the person in services in the home, she has remained resilient, patient, and most importantly kind. Coming from living in a home with her sister was a huge transition for not only the person in services, but the entire family, and Lisa has always had an open-door policy and treats them like family too! When the individual in the home experienced some health issues last year, she made sure to be proactive, ask questions, and be an advocate for the person in services to finally receive physical therapy, which helped tremendously. With thanks to physical therapy and Lisa, the person in services got so much healthier, stronger, and her lively personality was back. Every time I see the person in services, she is smiling, giving everyone hugs, laughing, and talking about pizza (inside joke). Lisa is extremely hard-working, and always does her best to make sure the individual in her home is getting the absolute best care. It has truly been a pleasure working with Lisa and I appreciate her positive attitude and kindness always. Thank you for all that you do, Lisa and congratulations on being the November Host Home Provider of the Month!!!

 

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Family Caregiver Town Hall

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Please join our Operations Team on November 30th, 11am for our Family Caregiver Town Hall. This meeting will occur virtually on Zoom. The agenda is filled with updates regarding Support, Inc., and Pueblo Community Resources news, as well as reminder for upcoming events, staff appreciation and recognition, and an opportunity to connect and ask questions. For more information and the zoom link please contact info@supportinc.com

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Quality Assurance News and Updates

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As summer ends and cold weather settles in so comes cold and flu season. Colorado has also seen an increase in COVID-19 cases. Protect yourself, the person you serve and your family. As a reminder, please do not send people to work or day program if they are sick. If people arrive to day program/work showing signs of illness, you will be asked to pick the person up.

Healthy habits to help protect against illness:

  1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  2. Stay home when you are sick. Please do not send people to work or day program if they are sick.
  3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  4. Wash your hands often to protect yourself from germs.
  5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  6. Practice other good health habits such a cleaning and disinfecting.
  7. Getting a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Contact your primary care physician, local pharmacy or use Colorado’s get vaccinated website to find vaccine providers near you.
Recent News

CJ Rocks Out to Guns N’ Roses!

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Forget Moves Like Jagger, You Want Moves Like CJ!

Support Inc. Residential Coordinator, Jennifer, went to see individual in services, CJ, in October just like any regular, monthly Home Visit, but he was not just any regular old CJ. He was so excited for the next day that he could not stop grinning. Jennifer has seen CJ many times when he is looking forward to something like a trip to see his family, a dinner at Olive Garden with his girlfriend or even a day at Elitch Gardens, but this was the happiest, most excited she had ever seen him. The next night he was going to see Guns N’ Roses in concert at Ball Arena with his buddy from church. He told his Host Home Provider that he might not come home until after 1:30 in the morning because he would be too busy rockin’. They talked about his favorite song, “Welcome to the Jungle” and there was no convincing him that “Sweet Child of Mine” was better. The next afternoon, Jennifer called CJ to see how the concert went. It was obvious even over the phone that he was still smiling from ear to ear. While he didn’t stay out until the wee hours, he still had an amazing time and said he definitely “rocked out”. When she asked him if he did the famous side to side sway move of lead singer Axel Rose, CJ scoffed and said, “No, I’ve got way better moves than that.” With as happy as he was, that must be true.

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Intake Department News & Updates- Serving Individuals, Family Caregivers and Host Home Providers

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Greetings from the Intake Team! It’s been a wonderful year, and we hope you’re staying warm and cozy with the upcoming holiday season right around the corner. 2024 will be here soon!

Each year we strive to help as many people as we can by scheduling meet and greets in a swift manner with case management entities across the state. We understand how the DD waiver can offer life-changing opportunities for individuals seeking services. As such, we aim to reach everyone we can by closely and quickly reviewing referrals, getting creative and trying to serve each person in a way that’s unique to their specific needs.

We explored a few new methods this year (including a time-efficient process for onboarding Host Home Providers) and we’re proud to announce that 2023 might turn out to be our best year yet! For 2023 to be a year of change and uncertainty, in regard to the ongoing case management redesign, we couldn’t be prouder to share our recent successes. The team was approached to handle several unique situations this year. Although Cindy and Kristin have both been with the company for over 20 years, we still accept unique and interesting referrals that keep our jobs feeling fresh and fun on a daily basis. Problem solving is at the root of what we do. We love to get creative and help however we can!

As we continue to examine creative ideas for the remainder of this year and 2024, we want to thank everyone that has helped us bring our new folks into services. Employees, Host Home Providers, Direct Support Professionals we couldn’t do it without you; and we especially appreciate our new families that have trusted us to provide them with high quality services. Thank you all again, and we hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

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Tarrytown Pharmacy Partnership!

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Support Inc. is excited to announce our recent partnership with Tarrytown Pharmacy, which provides specialized care for intellectual and developmental disability communities nationwide. This is not only a huge benefit to our nursing department, but our individuals and families receiving services through us. Follow the link below to learn more about this innovative service offered through Support Inc. now!

Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy – Long Term Care Pharmacy for Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (IDD)

 

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The Family Caregiver Program

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SUPPORT, INC. HELPS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH INNOVATIVE SERVICES THROUGH THE FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM

Aurora, COLO. – October 2023 – Family Caregiver, Dena Lucero cares for her daughter, Tatum, with assistance from Support, Inc., a leading provider of support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. As a part of Support, Inc.’s Family Caregiver Program, the Lucero family receives comprehensive support and financial compensation. The program is designed to recognize and empower family members as caregivers for their loved ones.

The Family Caregiver Program under the Family Caregiver Act acknowledges the dedication and sacrifice made by family caregivers who have been providing care without financial compensation or formal supports. In recognition of their essential contribution, Support, Inc. offers caregivers the opportunity to receive financial compensation and access to formal supports through the program.

“From my first contact with Support, Inc. it has been an amazing experience. The team is so friendly, easy going and open,” says Lucero. “I can’t stress enough what a gift Support Inc. has been to Tatum and our family. It has given us the ability to pay an additional caregiver of our choosing. It is such a relief to be able to provide the care that we find suitable for our daughter, while we continue to work.”

Tatum has mild intellectual disabilities. Lucero serves as Tatum’s primary family caregiver. Support, Inc. gives them access to an additional team of caregivers to provide Tatum with the help and support she needs, when she needs it – from integrated health care services and life skills development to access to community-based social activities and more.

“Support, Inc. understands the challenges and pressures that family caregivers face each day,” said Bentley Smith, CEO at Support, Inc. “We believe that caregivers should be recognized for their invaluable work and have access to the necessary support and compensation they deserve. Our Family Caregiver Program aims to alleviate the stress and burden on caregivers, ensuring they can continue to provide the highest quality care while maintaining their own well-being.”

The Family Caregiver Program offers numerous benefits to support caregivers and their loved ones, including:

Flexibility and Customized Care:

Caregivers have the maximum flexibility to create their own care plans, including the option to be compensated themselves or have a family member compensated for providing care. They can also choose to hire non-family members to provide care. Support, Inc. ensures that each plan is tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of the family.

Comprehensive Support:

The program provides residential supports, respite care options, and additional resources to meet the individual needs of each family caregiver. These comprehensive supports help to alleviate the burden on caregivers and enhance the well-being of both the caregiver and their loved one.

Training and Professional Development:

Support, Inc. provides caregivers with simple and clear training options at no cost in order to improve their skills. This emphasis on training contributes to the overall quality of care provided and is also a professional development opportunity for caregivers, empowering them to learn and grow.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits:

Support, Inc. values the commitment and dedication of family caregivers and offers a competitive pay rate, and access to a comprehensive employment benefits plan. This ensures that caregivers receive fair compensation for their important work, providing financial stability and security.

24-Hour Support Line:

The program includes a 24-hour after-hours support line, ensuring that caregivers have access to assistance and guidance whenever they need it most. This round-the-clock support gives caregivers peace of mind, knowing that help is always available.

“Here at Support, Inc., we encourage family caregivers throughout Colorado, to explore our creative Family Caregiver Program and take advantage of the comprehensive support and compensation available to them” says Smith.

For more information on the Family Caregiver Program, become a paid family caregiver or inquire about eligibility, please contact Brian Slusarz at info@supportinc.com or click here to complete our contact form.

With more than 33 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.

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Finance Department News & Updates

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The Finance Department

Greetings from the Finance Department. We are excited to introduce some new team members, provide an update on Bill.com, an update on HHP payments, and some year-end reminders.

New Team Members

We have three new team members to introduce. Please welcome Matt Kelso, Chief Financial Officer, Kellee Abbott, Controller, and Vicki Stroud, Sr. Director, Human Resources.

Matt joined Support, Inc. as the Chief Financial Officer in August 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Molecular Biology from the University of Texas at Dallas and an MBA with concentrations in corporate finance and strategy from the Southern Methodist University.  In his spare time, he chauffeurs his 10-year-old to soccer and football practice as well as his 14-year-old high school cheerleader. When he actually does get alone time, you’ll usually find him at his grill cooking steaks and seafood while watching Dallas area sports teams.

Kellee joined Support, Inc. as the Controller in October 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington and is a Certified Public Accountant. Kellee enjoys family time with her husband of 26 years and her three daughters, ages 22, 17, and 15. She loves watching sports, going to the movies, reading, and good restaurants.

Vicki joined Support, Inc. on November 6th, 2023, as Sr. Director, Human Resources. She is happy and excited to join the team.  Prior to joining Support, Inc. she served as the Sr. Director, Human Resources at HealthSmart, a Third-Party Administrator. Vicki was with HealthSmart for 25 + years and held many different positions within HR during her tenure there to include overseeing their Benefits and Payroll.  In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband of 25 years and hosting family holiday events.

Bill.com: Fully Implemented

This March we successfully transitioned our payment processing to Bill.com, an accounts payable automation software. Bill.com has allowed us to get more clarity, security, and personalization with the payments we process. Payees have more control over how they are paid – they can update banking information, and address, or contact information we have on file in real time. Additionally, it enables payees to see what invoices we have processed, are currently processing, and have not yet received.

For help setting up and accessing your payee account, e-mail us at accountspayable@supportinc.com.

Updates on Moving Provider Payments to ADP:

We are still focused on moving the payment method for our Host Home Providers into ADP. HHPs have transitioned to a bi-weekly pay schedule, receiving payment for their services more frequently and accurately.  We continue to work closely with our HR team and the ADP developers to finalize the ADP platform. Our commitment is to make sure all of your information is correct, and the implementation is as smooth and seamless as possible.

More on HHP Bi-Weekly Pay:

Below is a 2024 pay schedule for HHPs. The first two dates indicate the date range within the pay period. The third date is when funds are directly deposited into bank accounts.

We wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the most efficient way to receive payment from us is to sign up for ACH (or direct deposit). Please note that if you are set up for physical checks rather than direct deposit you are subject to the processing times of the US Postal Service impacting when your check arrives. Again, we encourage everyone to sign up for ACH (or direct deposit)

If this schedule is still unclear, please e-mail us at accountspayable@supportinc.com where we will be happy to respond to your questions and requests.

 

Support, Inc. Host Home Providers Payment Schedule
Attendance Period Starts Attendance Period Ends Pay Date
     
12/23/2023 1/5/2024 1/12/2024
1/6/2024 1/19/2024 1/26/2024
1/20/2024 2/2/2024 2/9/2024
2/3/2024 2/16/2024 2/23/2024
2/17/2024 3/1/2024 3/8/2024
3/2/2024 3/15/2024 3/22/2024
3/16/2024 3/29/2024 4/5/2024
3/30/2024 4/12/2024 4/19/2024
4/13/2024 4/26/2024 5/3/2024
4/27/2024 5/10/2024 5/17/2024
5/11/2024 5/24/2024 5/31/2024
5/25/2024 6/7/2024 6/14/2024
6/8/2024 6/21/2024 6/28/2024
6/22/2024 7/5/2024 7/12/2024
7/6/2024 7/19/2024 7/26/2024
7/20/2024 8/2/2024 8/9/2024
8/3/2024 8/16/2024 8/23/2024
8/17/2024 8/30/2024 9/6/2024
8/31/2024 9/13/2024 9/20/2024
9/14/2024 9/27/2024 10/4/2024
9/28/2024 10/11/2024 10/18/2024
10/12/2024 10/25/2024 11/1/2024
10/26/2024 11/8/2024 11/15/2024
11/9/2024 11/22/2024 11/29/2024
11/23/2024 12/6/2024 12/13/2024
12/7/2024 12/20/2024 12/27/2024
12/21/2024 1/3/2025 1/10/2025

 

Year-End Reminders

As we are headed towards the end of the year, employees are reminded that should they need to make changes to their tax withholding election, address, or direct deposit information, they can do so directly in ADP workforce or through the self-service app.  It is important to keep your addresses updated in ADP, and in The Standard (if you have a 401K or ROTH account) since they send the necessary year end information at the end of the year.

In the Spirit of Gratitude:

We, the Finance Team, want to give a big thank you to all our Department Teammates, Support Leadership, Directors, Associate Directors, Coordinators, Direct Support Professionals, Providers and Caregivers. We are so grateful to each one of you for partnering with us.  We appreciate your patience as we encounter challenges that arise from the implementation and integration of new systems.  As part of the Support Family, you have our commitment to bring you the best customer service possible.

 

Common Question Topics for Finance and Where to Direct them:  

Host Home Provider Payments – accountspayable@supportinc.com

FCG-IC Payments – accountspayable@supportinc.com

FCG or Employee 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 HHPs and FCG-ICs – accountspayable@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

Kaiser And Other Insurance Benefits Questions – hradmin@supportinc.com & accountspayable@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.

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Patrick Goes to Camp

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When Patrick was younger, doctors told his family that he would never be able to show emotion or smile. As you can see from the photos, Patrick proved them wrong!

Every year since he was a kid, Patrick has attended Adam’s Camp. He knows everyone there and they all know him. It is one of Patrick’s favorite places to be, and it always puts a smile on his face. This year, he got to spend some time in the mountains and enjoy a gondola ride, go swimming with his favorite camp counselor, and even help make some music for everyone.

Patrick’s family caregivers, Kelly and Steve, know how important camp is to Patrick and always make sure everything is ready, so he is able to go each year. Kelly keeps photo albums of each year, and it is always so great looking through them and seeing how happy camp makes Patrick.

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