We embarked on an exciting new path this year, one that is about helping to create a climate for change in the industry of DD supports and services for people. The changes we seek are not just for our clients, but also for the elevation of the heart and soul of our programs - our direct support professionals. We are committed to excellence and will continue our outreach efforts to educate local, state, and national leaders about the important role that our direct support professionals play in providing cost-effective and quality crucial supports for people.

We are determined to develop the kind of strategic alliances and to develop the funding streams necessary to support our on-going efforts to empower people to be all that they can be. And we will seek new revenue streams to update and improve the homes where our clients and staff live and work. Many of you have heard our appeals and have taken an active role as an advocate and supporter of this powerful mission to build a bridge that provides equal access to the world for all people. If you have not already done so, we invite you to become more involved. It takes a community to create an atmosphere of acceptance and full participation. We need your help.

We have developed a three-year strategic plan with four important global goals to help us as we navigate through systems transformation:

1) Improving Quality

2) Ensuring Compliance

3) Promoting Workforce Excellence

4) Building Community through Advocacy

We have made some organizational changes that we believe will help us to attain our broad-reaching goals:

Sam Hedrick, former Chief Operating Officer, has been promoted to President of RHA Howell. Sam is an attorney, a teacher, a nurse, and the mother of a child who is challenged by a developmental disability.

Missy Jones, former VP of Operations, will now assume the responsibility of the Chief Operating Officer. Missy comes from the parent company and brings years of experience in the field as a business pro fessional and Masters Level Social Worker.

Kitty Hobbs- Proctor, former Director of the Exceptional Children’s Program, is now the Director of the Regulatory Compliance Committee--Karen Bowdle, operations analyst, Alena Smith, QA Nurse, Becky Lansing, Educational Specialist, and Steve Goad, HR Director, all play im- portant roles on that committee.

Vicky Bailey, former Program Director for Bear Creek, brings her depth of experience and expertise to the corporate front to serve as our Director of Quality Improvement. Vicky will be working with the various programs throughout our organization to improve program and communications.

Roger Jones, Residential Director at Bear Creek, has assumed the added responsibility of Training Director for our organization. Jackie Smith also will play a significant role in Quality Improvement as our Workforce Development Specialist. Jackie will manage initiatives relating to workforce rewards programs and career ladder strategies.

You will be hearing much more in the coming months about our on-going plans to revitalize our programs and to offer more opportunities for our staff through certification programs and educational opportunities through our WIN program (Workforce Investment Network). All in all, there is much movement afoot and we hope that you will engage with us in our effort to support and promote the people who care for all of us every day.