March

Vol. 6 No. 6

April

N COUNT O I A R S E RV I CES Y M

r e t t e l News ~ Featuring ~

Prom Night 2017!

• Clubs, Committees, & Groups • Meanwhile, At Bridges • HISG Update • Announcement • Across the Nation • Independent! Supported Living • TCM, Introduced • SAM Buddy Walk • A Letter From Cathy • June-July Calendar

Marketing & Development

Clubs, Committees, & Groups!

AktionClub PROM Arrives! The Candyland Prom was May 13th - What a “sweet” night! There was music, dancing, and a great photo booth for all the individuals. We enjoyed cupcakes and soda and lots of fun themed-decorations. During the dance, Clayton was crowned King and Connie was crowned Queen. Special thanks to Willow Care, Kids In Motion, Hannibal Jr. Jaycees, and Pizzaz Entertainment volunteers and staff for making this year’s prom so successful!

The past 9 years have flown by since I started in Community Integration. I have seen such growth in the individuals and within myself. I have rejoiced over major accomplishments and shed tears when the individuals had sorrows. We have made friends, decorated for dances, and came home winners from Special Olympics. Beginning July 1st , I will become a community coordinator for the Senate Bill 40 and no longer be the Community Integration Liaison. This will entail working on camps, Friends Night Outs, support groups, and many other good things to come. Keep watching out for the many new things which will be taking place in the near future. Ali Rouse will take over the Community Integration Department; she’s worked in this department before so she is no stranger to all our individuals. Fondly, - Kathy Butler

See You NextYear! (See Pg 9 for more on our recent SAM Buddy Walk)

We Came Together and Supported Down Syndrome Awareness! LEARN MORE

AT WWW.NDSS.ORG/BUDDYWALK

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We had our annual Easter party in April where the individuals made Easter baskets, which we filled with candy afterwards. We also got to hold Kathy’s Easter bunny, played games (spoon game w/ eggs, egg toss) won prizes and had a great time. We are looking into having an ice cream social and a water day in June/July. We also have several new employees at Bridges, who will make a great team. We’ll need more great helpers after we lost a couple of staff due to moving away.

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During the Easter season, I had the distinct pleasure of covering our themed event over at our Bridges Day Program location. While there, I was able to watch our dedicated staff and wonderful individuals decorate, play games, and take turns loving on one of the calmest bunnies I’ve ever known. As we’re preparing to split into two agencies, I really am going to miss spending time with our Individuals in the Day Program setting. Whether it’s a Spirit Week, a Holiday Party, or some other wacky event, both the workers and attendees are ‘picture perfect’. Thanks for always making me feel welcome at Bridges! - Ryan Freeman, MCSDD Marketing Manager

WWW.MCSDD.COM

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In Other News...

The Head Injury Support Group met on May 9th at 12 Northport Plaza at 6 pm. The topic discussed was about nutrition and its effects on brain health which was a recent topic at a Head Injury Conference in Quincy, Illinois. Part of the focus is to increase intake of fruits because they are high in brain healthy antioxidants, and to increase intake of fish because the omega 3 (fish oil) is highly beneficial for the brain. The group is looking into holding some kind of fundraiser over the summer as well. The next meeting took place 6/13/17 at 6:30 pm at our ‘Bridges’ Day Program located at 3175 Palmyra Rd in Hannibal.

Amazon Smile Now whenever you shop on Amazon, you can help support MCSDD! For more info, check out www.smile.amazon.com!

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Dear Friends, In light of the new Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services rule regarding changes to Home and Community Based Services, Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled and Marion County Services, Incorporated have been exploring a new opportunity to separate services. The primary reason for this exploration is to meet the rule requirements of the federal and state departments while ensuring the best possible services to the community. We have been in discussions about this opportunity since February of 2016. Most importantly, the impact on the individuals served, and the staff has been of great concern to the board of directors. In short, services for the individuals will not change or be affected in any way. We are thrilled to share that Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled and Marion County Services, Incorporated approved a transition of services effective July 1, 2017. what does this mean? This means all case management services provided through Targeted Case Management (TCM) will continue to operate under the Senate Bill 40 Board currently known as Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled. All provider services which include day habilitation (Bridges), community integration, residential services, and transportation will be served under the not for profit organization currently known as Marion County Services, Inc. This decision did not come easily but to be in compliance with conflict free case management and to stay true to our commitment of choice to individuals in services it was agreed that splitting served, families and guardians and staff to explain the transition will take place over the next couple of months. Besides a few changes, all employees will continue their services but will be providing them either under the SB40 Board entity or the not for profit organization. We are very excited and believe wholeheartedly that this separation will more than benefit the community of Marion and the people Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled currently supports and employs. We recognize the tremendous change for everyone involved in this transition. Although it will not be simple, we believe this is the best decision for the citizens of Marion County. Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled and Marion County Services, Inc. share the same core values and together we are committed to building a community engagement that allows us to provide additional services and outcomes that will play to the strengths of both organizations. Our shared and full commitment is to the staff and the individuals, together, we look to increase our capacity to provide exceptional services and influence and advocate on behalf of all people living with developmental disabilities, while at the same time maximizing and stewarding our limited state resources. Above all else, we are committed to creating the most seamless transition possible for those who join us on this journey. Sincerely, - Cathy Arrowsmith, Executive Director, Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled (SB40 Board and Support Coordination Services (TCM) - Kyra Davis, Executive Director, Marion County Services, Inc. (Provider Services)

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Senate Advocacy: Senate ACA Task Force BY THE NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY With U.S. Senators returning to Washington, DC this week from their Memorial Day recess, we expect them to increase their efforts to develop an alternative version of legislation (H.R. 1628) narrowly approved by the House of Representatives to repeal and begin replacing signification parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Earlier this month, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the establishment of a task force of U.S. Senators who will be tasked with developing an alternative version of legislation to repeal and replace ACA, these include: Mitch McConnell (R-KY) @McConnellPress John Cornyn (R-TX) @JohnCornyn John Thune (R-SD)@SenJohnThune John Barrasso (R-WY)@SenJohnBarrasso Mike Enzi (R-WY) @SenatorEnzi Orrin Hatch (R-UT)@SenOrrinHatch Lamar Alexander (R-TN) @SenAlexander Pat Toomey (R-PA) @SenToomey Ted Cruz (R-TX) @SenTedCruz Mike Lee (R-UT) @SenMikeLee Tom Cotton (R-AR) @SenTomCotton Cory Gardner (R-CO) @SenCoryGardner Rob Portman (R-OH) @SenRobPortman Talking Points/Background: Your U.S. Senators need to know how Medicaid and other reforms enacted as part of the ACA are needed to encourage people with Down syndrome to live and work in their communities, develop assets that reduce dependence on public benefits and avoid costly and segregated institutions. For example: • If you or your family member with Down syndrome receives or is hoping to receive optional Medicaid services such as employment supports through Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) or Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), let your Senators know why those programs are important to you and why they are put at risk by a provision in the House-passed bill that caps Medicaid payment to the states. Enactment of a per capita Medicaid spending cap threatens to halt the progress that has been made in promoting home and community-based services, improving the coordination of care and services resulting from medical complexities, and facilitating economic independence for people with Down syndrome. That’s because the caps are intended to slow the rate of federal health care spending, and will do so at the expense of optional Medicaid services. • Let your Senators know that individuals with Down syndrome have pre-existing and co-occurring medical conditions, and a provision in the House-passed bill would allow states to waive an ACA requirement prohibiting private insurance plans from charging more for pre-existing conditions. Such a waiver could undermine access to continuous health insurance coverage for people with Down syndrome, many of whom have conditions such as cognitive impairment, congenital heart defects, leukemia, obstructive sleep apnea, seizure disorders, neurobehavioral problems, pulmonary hypertension, thyroid diseases, celiac disease, gastrointestinal defects, Type 1 diabetes, immune system dysfunction, metabolic dysfunction and mental health disorders, to name a few. • If you or your family member with Down syndrome depends on any of the 10 essential health benefits (EHBs) proscribed in the ACA, such as rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, let your Senators know why these services are particularly important. The House-passed bill would allow states to apply for waivers to re-define EHBs for health insurance coverage offered in the individual or small group market. People with Down syndrome typically face delays in basic physical, cognitive, language, social and self-help skills, and having access to early intervention and habilitative services is critical for achieving optimal health outcomes, improving skills and functioning for daily living, and becoming active and productive participants in their communities. NDSS is continuing to meet with key U.S. Senators and Congressional staff to outline these and other concerns with the House-passed legislation, and to advance health care reforms that will improve health outcomes, increase access to quality care, and create economic opportunity for all individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Your continued active engagement in helping your Senators to understand why these programs are personally important to you and your family will further advance our efforts to ensure that cost-effective health insurance and supportive services will continue to be available.

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Independent Supported Living Update: The late Spring-early-Summer season at Marion County Services’ ISL’s have been buzzing with activity. Good weather means it’s time to fire up the grill once more and dish up delicious BBQ - which our individuals look forward to all year long. There have been birthdays celebrated, and with Hannibal’s new Music Under The Stars season in full swing, it’s just another wonderful opportunity for our individuals to get out and enjoy their own town. Each home has been soaking up the sun and enjoying these lazy Summer days (when it’s not too hot, that is!). Some of the things everyone’s looking forward to are shopping trips, more Music Under the Stars, and (of course) the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations!

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Marion County Services’ Targeted Case Management has chosen to shine their spotlight on a new community program this edition! Here’s more on A.C.E.S. : “We are excited to be serving the individual in our community who receive services through the Dept. of Mental Health. Having also serviced individuals through Dept. of Health and Senior Service for the last 4 years. At A.C.E.S. we provide a safe and secure environment offering social and recreational activities such as outings, crafts, and games while working on achievable goals as well as health monitoring by LPN’s and Direct care aide staff all times personal care, medication administration, are just among some of the services provided.

We are located at 125 South 6th St. Open Monday through Friday, 7 am- 4 pm. Contact our Director, Carla Maple, for more information at 573-221-2237.” - Carla Maple

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Community, Awareness, Fun: That’s Our SAM Buddy Walk, All Right! Early Saturday morning, our faithful MCSDD staff & volunteers packed up and headed on over to Hannibal’s riverside Nipper Park. The day was perfect: warm, with a breeze. Soon they began to arrive: community members, neighbors, friends, co-workers, vendors (oh-my!), and walkers; all there on common purpose: raising awareness for Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities! Together, with about a dozen vendors, 63 registered walkers, Legacy Martial Arts, the Quincy Kennel Club, and music by Brandon Schmidt, MCSDD (currently) raised

$2,286.50! We’d like to give a big THANK YOU to everyone who helped, including (but not limited to): the National Down Syndrome Society, Down Country, La Azotea Lounge, Hannibal Parks & Rec, Gosney Long Term Care, Hannibal National Bank, Douglass Community Services, Poage, The Hannibal Jaycee’s, Bro’s BBQ, LuLaRoe, Real Voices Real Choices, People First, CASA, NEILS, Payson Christian Church, Legacy Martial Arts, The Quincy Kennel Club, Brandon Schmidt, Pepsi, Great Clips, and all the wonderful walkers who showed their support!

Pg 10 Dear Individuals, Families, Supporters, Staff, Board of Directors and Friends: As we embark into a new fiscal year Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled will have a different makeup. With the new Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) rule our agency is separating into two different organizations, the funding and support coordinating services from the provider services. As stated above Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled (MCSDD) will be providing support coordination and funding whereas Marion County Services, Inc. (MCS, Inc) will be the provider who will be offering direct care services. Though services will not change for both entities it will be a change in the set-up of the two different organizations. This is such a bittersweet event for me personally. Seventeen years ago I walked into the front doors of an agency at 3175 Palmyra Road unaware this would be the first day of a long rewarding career. With just finishing my master’s degree I thought this would be a good place to gain some experience and move on to bigger and better things. It is funny how what a person thinks is temporary ends up being the best life changing experience I could possibly have. After the first week I knew this is where I would make my home. It wasn’t the job itself, though I loved it, but the people that both I worked with and the agency served. It was the unconditional love and care that staff gave to the individuals and the same that was returned from those they served. Unknown to me I was becoming a part of a great thing and so when we were faced with the decision to separate it was with heavy heart that I knew I had to also make another decision…where would I go. I began with the programs and that was what I had known for years until in 2008 when the state asked us to take on Target Case Management. With that we were able to serve so many other individuals and families and that has been a fantastically rewarding feeling. With a lot of thought and many conversations with friends, family, and other peers that had been going through the same difficult decision across the state of Missouri I chose to stay with the funding and support coordination entity. I felt with my background I could work behind the scenes to build more opportunity for those with developmental disabilities that will continue their productivity in the community and provide them with more choices and quality of life. When making this decision, I hoped that the person chosen to manage the provider side would fee as I did when I walked through those doors seventeen years ago. I was more than thrilled to know that the obvious choice was made and Kyra Davis who has been a loyal employee of MCSDD for 22+ years was appointed as Executive Director. Kyra has been a great coworker and above a lifelong friend. She was the first person I face I saw and the first person I met when I entered that day of my interview. I immediately thought she was an exceptional person. She brings experience, compassion, loyalty and energy to the position and the staff is excited to have her as their leader. She has a strong faith that will support her as she moves forward with MCS, Inc. and the great things ahead. As stated it is a bittersweet time for me and I am sure for all that are involved in this process. I have been greatly blessed to know that the provider side has such a strong group of employees that have already exhibited their loyalty, commitment, compassion and love for what they do. It has been a heartwarming pleasure to be a part of their professional lives and know with such a strong team a strong bright future is ahead of them as they establish their separate identity as Marion County Services, Inc. I too am excited to be a part of a strong TCM team and funding resource administration. I feel extremely fortunate to have a team of the same character supporting MCSDD as we move into the future with our own commitment and loyalty exploring new ideas and setting new goals to make MCSDD a strong and transparent SB40 Board that will make their community proud. We plan to open many new doors of opportunities and choices for those we are committed to serve. As Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled serving under one umbrella we have been a strong and caring organization that has accomplished many goals and served many with special needs. As we separate into MCSDD and MCS, Inc the two organizations will become stronger and more committed to provide positive change, opportunity and quality into their services. Along this last journey of seventeen years I have developed great relationships with those I have worked with and those we have provided services to. I have seen people come and go through our doors and have had trials and tribulations. I love what I do and it was a journey that needed a combination of teamwork, commitment and simple love to make it worthwhile and memorable and with that I have memories to last forever. A job can be what you make it but an experience takes a combination of what I have had with MCSDD. It takes the people you work with, serve and those that support. With MCSDD I have had the whole package. Thank you MCSDD and those who will be the backbone of MCS Inc. for being a great part of this chapter of my career and life. I look forward to seeing what we can do as TWO STRONG FORCES in the community. My heart will be with you all as we move forward. With the hope of great possibilities I say thank you, Cathy Arrowsmith, Executive Director Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled

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June Sunday

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Administration: 12 Northport Plaza ~ Bridges Building: 3175 Palmyra Rd ~ Phone: (573)248-1077 ~ Fax: (573)248-2987 ~ [email protected] This newsletter was created, arranged & edited by Ryan Freeman, Marketing and Development MCSDD C. 2016.