A Message From... Cindy Sill

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Serving individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities

Volume 75, Issue 1

September 15, 2012

A Message From... Cindy Sill

Table of Contents

Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) 2 Goals & Objectives for FY 2013 3 Safety Corner 5 Anniversaries/Birthdays 7

Supported Employment 2 2012 United Way Campaign 4 New Faces at Tri-County 6 Training Calendar 8

Happy New Fiscal Year! Other than the date on a calendar, what does a new fiscal year mean for the individuals that we serve, their families and our staff? Fortunately, this year, it does not bring the closure of programs or the elimination of jobs that we experienced last year as a result of the substantial reductions in funding, espe- cially from the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). For the individual that we serve and their families, the new fiscal year should mean nothing other than the continua- tion of the quality services and supports upon which they de- pend.

For the Center, the new fiscal year means starting anew on target achievement, contract compliance, earned revenues and management of expenses -- the administrative calendar re- sets each new fiscal year. This new year also brings extensive training for the staff working in mental health services. The De- partment of State Health Ser- vices (DSHS) has redesigned the assessment and treatment pro- tocols for children and adult services; this redesigned treatment system will be called Texas Re-

silience and Recovery (TRR). TRR will be fully implemented Septem- ber 1, 2013 and staff will be receiving extensive training to pre- pare for that implementation in FY 2014.

DADS is not implementing signifi- cant changes this year; however, we have made a change in the management of Supported Em- ployment. Effective September 1^st, these services are now managed by Kathy Luker, and I know that she will do a great job supervising these services. Another internal change occurred in mid-August when Kelly Shropshire was se- lected as the IDD Authority Ad- ministrator to fill the position va- cated by Trish Janek who moved back to Canada.

The advent of the Medicaid 1115 Transformation waiver will open new doors for service and supports for many individuals who are currently receiving services and equally important, it will allow the Center to expand services to individuals who have not previously been eligible for treatment. Some of the services that are being pro- posed include integration of primary care into our clinic, serving individuals with diagnoses other than the priority population, as- sertive community treatment for individuals with IDD and behav- ioral problems and enhanced crisis and evaluation services. Space does not permit a full explanation of these opportunities, but it is very exciting to consider the services that will be provided in the coming years.

Of course, we cannot forget that January 8, 2013 marks the beginning of the 83^rd Legis- lative Session and there is al- ready discussion about how challenging the budget debate will be this session. Addition- ally, almost half of the members in the Texas House will be freshmen or sophomores as many experienced members have retired or were defeated in the primary elections and do not face an opponent in the No- vember general election. Sena- tor Tommy Williams has been named chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and we are very pleased with his appoint- ment. He certainly knows our issues and is very familiar with the work that Tri-County does in his district.

So, once again, our new fiscal year is off to a busy start, and I am optimistic that it will be a good year for those we serve and their families. I know that each of you will work hard to make a positive difference in their lives.

Happy New Fiscal Year!

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Submitted by: Cheryl Williams

TRI-COUNTY SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

Each school year, we receive numerous requests from the families that we serve, asking for help with back to school supplies. With the lack of adequate resources in the community, this need has been identified as a great hardship on many of our families. To help reduce the stress of back-to-school expenses, Tri-County was able to pool our resources and help those identified with the greatest need. This project was the idea of a few C&A Rehab Specialists who were in consultation with each other about the needs of the families they serve. Although school was about to start, the task of gathering donations was accomplished very quickly with the help of several C&A staff members, Tri-County building coordi- nators, and of course, generous Tri-County employees. The donations received from throughout the agency helped to cover the majority of items on the school lists. We received assistance with calculators, back- packs, planners, notebooks, Kleenex, crayons, glue, pens, pencils, paper, and much more. With your donations, many children served were able to have their entire lists filled. The appreciation and smiles from our families were priceless. C&A would like to sincerely thank you all for your teamwork in helping to meet this need!

Submitted by: Brandy Maraviglia

TENANT BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE (TBRA)

Having been awarded the initial TDHCA-TBRA Program funding in 2001, Tri –County marked 10 years of providing consumers with safe, decent and affordable housing assistance in 2012. Since June 2002, we have been assisting Tri-County consumers with Rental subsidy payments and self sufficiency development. During the 3 years that followed, hundreds of consumers were screened for eligibility.

Eventually, the number of consumers assisted through our first TBRA Self Sufficiency Program totaled 76. The program came to close in August 2004.

The first contract period for TBRA was definitely a learning experience.

After a period of Housing Program re- structure, Tri-County was awarded 2 concurrent TBRA contracts in October 2005. We administered these contracts by separating recipients into Urban and Rural residents. In April of

2006, the TBRA program began assisting consumers with Self Sufficiency Training and Rental Subsidies. After several hundred screenings throughout the 30 month assistance term, our second TBRA Program assisted a total of 89 consumers: 57 Urban and 32 Rural. These 2 contracts ended in March of 2008. Our second award for the TBRA Program was a success.

At the end of our second administration of the TDHCA-TBRA award, we immediately entered into our third contract in February 2008. This award too was concurrent grants serving both the Rural and Urban community sepa- r a te ly . O u r f ir s t T BR A c o n - sumer/recipients began their Self- Sufficiency/ Rental Subsidy Assistance in April 2008. After screening a hundred more applicants, the total number of TBRA participants assisted for the 30 month period on our third con-

tract, was 21 Rural and 41 Urban.

Having shifted more emphasis on the Self-Sufficiency part of the TBRA program, our third contract assisted only 62 total consumers.

We are now administering our fourth TDHCA-TBRA Grant award. The Sin- gle Grant, which began assisting consumers in February 2010, will end January 2013. We have expended all funding and are in the final months of assisting 35 total consumers. Ap- proximately 803 consumers have been screened for the TBRA Program with 262 assisted. Our constantly changing TBRA waiting list now has 189 consumers waiting for their eligibility screening to begin assistance on our TBRA program.

Submitted by: Frani Scates

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Supported Employment. We would like to introduce our two new Employ- ment Specialists, Evelyn Johnson and Mimi Brennan. Both ladies will be bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Supported Employ- ment Department. Evelyn, whose background includes working at Inter- faith of the Woodlands-Workforce So- lutions, has been successful in assisting her consumers in finding competi- tive employment. Evelyn’s most re- cent success story is helping a consumer that will be graduating from

Conroe High School this spring whose dream job was to work for T.J. Maxx.

After meeting with the consumer, helping her with interview and application skills, Evelyn was able to aide her with speaking with the manager of T.J.

Maxx to arrange an interview. At the conclusion of her interview, the consumer was offered a position and was incredibly excited to accept the offer as a Sales Associate. Mimi, who has recently moved here from Arlington, VA, brings experience in Employment and Community Development assisting the homeless population. She has taken

the challenge of contacting our consumers to assess their current employment needs. This will allow us to be more effective in how we meet the needs of our consumers.

The Supported Employment team works together to ensure that the employment needs of all of our consumers are met. We currently serve consumers that are in HCS, Texas Home Living, private contracts, Social Secu- rity Ticket-To-Work and from referrals for those receiving services from Tri- County.

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GOAL #1 – TECHNOLOGY

Make technology a more effective tool in Center business.

Objectives

1. Implement changes necessary to meet Electronic Health Record (EHR) Phase II Meaningful Use requirements.

2. Eliminate paper records for persons with mental illness who are currently receiving services.

3. Convert at least 5 commonly used Center paper processes to electronic processes.

4. Implement an electronic centralized scheduling system for the individuals we serve.

GOAL #2 – FUNDING

Strengthen the Center's financial health.

Objectives

1. Increase donation receipts through fundraisers, gifts and in-kind contributions.

2. Implement best strategies to sell vacant properties.

3. Write and submit at least 8 grant or contract proposals.

GOAL #3 – EDUCATION/COMMUNICATION

Improve external communication.

Objectives

1. Develop and market a Speaker’s Bureau that includes staff and individuals receiving services.

2. Make presentations at each Commissioners’ Court quarterly.

3. Have at least one educational event with state elected officials and communicate throughout the session.

4. Expand stakeholder contact list for the electronic newsletter.

GOAL #4 – STAFF

Recruit and retain quality staff.

Objectives

1. Develop and implement organizational fit questions for the interview process to identify staff that have the same values as Tri-County.

2. Evaluate Computer Competency testing and make adjustments to ensure the hiring of competent staff.

3. Assess the Computer Competency of current staff and determine a plan to address skill deficits.

4. Conduct feasibility study regarding staff compensation methods.

GOAL #5 – NEW AND/OR EXPANDED SERVICES

Explore opportunities to diversify Center services.

Objectives

1. Maximize new and expanded service development and implementation through Medicaid 1115 Transformation waiver funding.

2. Begin analyzing the service expansion that may be available through the Affordable Care Act as implemented in Texas.

3. Consider the feasibility of expanding substance abuse treatment services.

Goals & Objectives for FY 2013

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2012 United Way Campaign

“Be Part of the Solution”

The United Way Campaign will begin on October 1, 2012. The campaign goal this year is $7,400 and the theme is “Be Part of the Solution”. The VIP Team is planning activities and opportunities for employees to win gifts and to qualify for the VIP day drawings at the Wrap-Up Session. To be eligible for the drawing for the VIP days, employees must pledge a minimum of $5.00 per pay period or an equivalent amount in a lump sum payment. Jean passes will be available for $5.00 each from your Building Coordinator for the following Mondays: October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and November 5 and 12. (Employees can still wear jeans on Friday at no cost.) Em- ployees who pay for jean passes will also have their names entered into a drawing for prizes. United Way provides Tri- County with substantial funding each year. The VIP Team is planning the “Kick Off” meetings through-out the month of October and they will be announced prior to October 1. The United Way Campaign ends on November 16. The Wrap-Up meeting will be held in December this year. The VIP Team thanks you for committing to give to United Way in order to

“Be Part of the Solution”!

SUGGESTION BOX RECOMMENDATIONS

On April 6, 2012 employees were notified that a Suggestion Box was set up in NEXUS so that employees could submit suggestions anonymously to save money, make operations more efficient, increase revenue, improve safety and/or improve employee morale. The VIP Team reviewed the Suggestion Box items received as of September 10, 2012. Following are the suggestions and the status of the suggestions:

Thank you for your suggestions. Suggestions received after September 10th will be reviewed at a future VIP Team meeting.

Submitted by: The VIP Team

1. Suggestion: Update the global address list.

Response: This request was referred to the IS Department. However, they do not have the resource capabilities to do this at this time.

2. Suggestion: There are several versions of the same form in NEXUS. Place the corrected forms in NEXUS.

3. Suggestion: Make NEXUS easier to navigate since there is only one Procedure tab.

Response: Both Suggestion 2 and 3 were referred to the Forms Committee.

4. Suggestion: Provide an indoor exercise room at each facility and request employees to donate unused exercise equipment for staff to use.

Response: This item was discussed with the Texas Council Risk Management Fund legal department and there would be too much liability for Tri-County to move forward with this suggestion.

5. Suggestion: Individuals with contagious diseases come into the PETC and sit on the furniture which is cloth covered. Replace chairs and furniture with vinyl.

Response: The cleaning company at the PETC will sanitize and disinfect the furniture. The furniture was too costly to replace.

6. Suggestion: Buy or lease new company cars.

Response: On August 30, 2012 the Board of Trustees approved the purchase of three new cars and two new vans for staff to use. They are in the process of being ordered and will be delivered very soon.

TRI-COUNTY STAFF ATTEND VIA HOPE CONFERENCE

During the last week of August, several Tri-County staff at- tended the Transition Age Youth Initiative in Austin, Texas.

The conference was hosted by Via Hope and addressed many of the challenges the 14 to 24 year old age group has in transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. Specifically, this age group has been identified as often difficult to engage in mental health services due to barriers inherent in the maturation process.

Via Hope is at the forefront of assisting individuals and or- ganizations acquire the training, technical assistance and consultation they need to maximize mental health treatment and recovery services. The recovery movement has long been a part of substance abuse treatment but more recently en- dorsed as a model for those suffering with mental health issues. The Via Hope conference was intended to raise

awareness of the recovery movement and its application to the 14 to 24 year old age group.

Although the mental health field has been based largely on the medical model, many providers are now seeing the bene- fit of augmenting that model with a recovery approach; an approach where individuals take greater responsibility for the direction and outcome of their treatment. Phase One of the Via Hope conference was the conference itself. Phase Two will entail the implementation of specific strategies to improve the engagement 14 to 24 year olds into mental health treatment and recovery. Tri-County Services is com- mitted to this effort and will continue to look for new ways to improve services.

Submitted by: John Bragg

Submitted by: VIP Team

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Vehicle accidents with injury or major damage

Some people are afraid to call 9-1-1 because they are unsure whether their medical condition or complaint rises to the level of an emergency. There are specific conditions when 9-1-1 should be called immediately. These situations and medical conditions are time sensitive -- waiting too long could have serious consequences, even death. This is certainly not an exhaus- tive list of guidelines, but it's important to understand that emergencies are defined by the victim. If you feel you are having a medical emergency or are in a serious situation, call 9-1-1 immediately. Below are some situations in which 9-1-1 should be called.

Verbally Abusive Behavior

1. Remain calm. Try to calm the person down.

2. Try to listen carefully and pay attention to what is said. Let the person know you will help within your ability to do so.

3. If the individual does not respond, get the attention of others around you.

4. If the situation escalates or you feel there is an immediate threat, call 9-1-1.

5. If necessary, leave your workspace.

Physically Aggressive Behavior

1. Do not engage the aggressive person. Leave your workspace immediately. Go to a location with other people.

2. Notify your supervisor immediately.

3. Call 9-1-1.

Other Guidelines

1. Alert colleagues if you are meeting with someone who has the potential of being violent.

2. Keep the door of your meeting place open and position yourself in an area that gives you an easy exit.

3. Be aware of and remove any object that could be used as a weapon.

4. If your instinct tells you something is wrong, leave immediately.

5. Avoid body language that could appear aggressive like hands on hips or angry facial expressions.

6. Slow your speaking rate and lower your voice to de-escalate the situation.

7. Ask to include a supervisor or administrator if the person needs to feel heard.

8. Ask questions to help regain control of the conversation. Avoid defensiveness.

9. Never agree or attempt to argue.

10. End the conversation if the person is not responsive to your efforts.

11. Never touch an outraged person or force them to leave.

12. If a weapon becomes evident - leave if possible. If not possible, calmly ask the person to leave any weapon in a neutral location as you continue talking calmly.

13. NEVER agree to go to an unmonitored location.

14. After the meeting, report behavior to your supervisor.

Immediately alert other offices if outraged person might seek another person on site.

Submitted by: Heather Hensley Page 5

SAFETY CORNER When to Call 9-1-1

o Injuries requiring emergency medical attention o Anaphylaxis

o Heart attack o Heat stroke

o Shortness of breath o Uncontrolled bleeding

o Any other serious medical condition o Crime in progress

o Involving bodily assault o Domestic violence o Theft

o Intentional damage to property o Burglary

o Suspicious persons or activities

Fires Life threatening situations

Threatening Behavior and Calling 9-1-1

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Jannell Gonzales Adult Sub. Abuse Intern RP3

Jannell enjoys outdoor activities and photography.

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NEW FACES AT TRI-COUNTY

Lasundra Alexander Psychosocial Rehab Spec.

Cleveland

Lasundra enjoys spending time with her family.

Amanda Ramirez C & A Reab Case Coord.

RP1

Amanda enjoys playing with her pet.

Jolene Rogers Life Skills Specialist Huntsville

Jolene enjoys cooking and meeting new people.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AROUND TRI-COUNTY

L to R: Cynthia, Joyce, Sheryl, Millie, Tanya, Alan, Stephanie, Liz and Roman.

Admin.

April Balsamo Huntsville

Nelda Arnold Huntsville Rachel Butler

Huntsville

Cherterrica Heathmon Liberty

HAPPY NEW FISCAL YEAR!

FY 2013

During the week of August 27, all locations said goodbye to FY 2012 and welcomed in FY 2013. Lunch was provided for all employees. A power point presentation “FY 2012 Year-in-Review”

was also available for employees to review through NEXUS. On Friday, August 31, the Administration staff celebrated and welcomed in the new fiscal year with a luncheon and viewing of the power point presentation that depicts highlights from all Tri-County programs.

Submitted by: Shane Burks

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OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

Randall's (#1618) and Kroger Share Cards…

Please Don’t Forget To Use them!

If you need one or more, call Jeanette ext. 6114.

Employee Emergency Assistance Fund now has $717.05

Thank you for your

donations!

Name Anniversary Number

of Years Location

Jennifer Clifton 10/01 4 Loop

Deborah Imhoff 10/01 4 RP1

Ashia O’Bryant 10/01 4 Hunts

Anthony Martinez 10/01 1 PETC

Elliot Rivas 10/04 13 RP5

Danielle Newlon 10/06 4 Admin

Arleta Goodwin 10/08 8 RP3

Cindy Sill 10/09 17 Admin

Stephanie Eveland 10/10 1 Admin

Liz Jones 10/10 1 Admin

Jean Sharp 10/10 1 Loop

Chanda Phanhphongsane 10/15 5 RP1

Jackie Yates 10/16 21 RP2

Lakesha Harris 10/16 6 Loop

Heather Hensley 10/18 8 Admin

Suzanne Murray 10/18 2 PETC

Debbie Vick 10/20 15 Clev Med

Brandi Moss 10/24 1 Clev Med

Beverly Standley 10/25 17 Admin

Marie Shaw 10/27 4 Lib Med

Jennifer Spillman 10/29 5 PETC

Liberty County

Cleveland Med Clinic 281-432-3000 Cleveland Life Skills 281-432-3076 Liberty Med Clinic 936-334-3299 Liberty Life Skills 936-336-8741

Walker County

Huntsville Med Clinic 936-291-5800 Huntsville Life Skills 936-291-5826

Montgomery County Admin 936-521-6100

RP3-Adult Intake 936-521-6400 RP2-Med Clinic 936-521-6300 RP1-Children’s Intake 936-521-6301 Loop 936-521-6200

MTS 936-521-6161 PETC 936-538-1150

Name Birthday Location

Laura Greene 10/01 RP2

Linda Freeman 10/01 MTS

Frani Scates 10/01 RP4

Ivan Williams 10/3 Cleve LS

Sandy Kelly 10/04 Admin

Sheila Parsley 10/06 Hunts

Jason Allen 10/06 RP2

Nancy Fraser 10/10 Admin

Jennifer Graham 10/11 RP3

Paula Looney 10/11 RP1

Matthew Laws 10/12 Hunts

Kathryn Banks 10/15 RP5

Melanie Auman 10/17 Loop

Chrystal Walker 10/18 RP5

Makesha Givs 10/19 Cleve Med

Jennifer Clifton 10/19 Loop

Eydie Medvigy 10/23 Admin

Jeanette Foy 10/26 Admin

Jeannie Wilson 10/26 RP2

Ewa Hlebowicz 10/26 Loop

Evelyn Johnson 10/26 Loop

Danny Gutierrez 10/27 Loop

Lisa Bradt 10/28 Loop

Janet Payne 10/31 RP2

Tri-County’s

1st place: Stella Montemayor $500!

2nd place: Reshonda Hayles $150!

3rd place: Chelby Williams $110!

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FROM THE HEART

It’s time once again for the “From The Heart”

Program. Each year, Tri‐County Services strives to provide our consumers with a better quality of life during the holiday season. Tri‐County’s “From the Heart” pro- gram is a campaign designed to help provide our consumers with gifts and needs during the holiday season they otherwise could not have. Help us make this an- other memorable year by following this simple steps: 1.

Fill out the revised form 2. Provide detail information 3.

Scan completed form to Shane Burks by Wednesday, October 17^th. *The form must be completed and returned by Tri-County staff, not the consumer.

Submitted by: Shane Burks

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Laura Parks, Anasazi Software Specialist 936-521-6129 [email protected]

NEO-New Employee Orientation CBT-Computer Based Training Page 8

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1 2 3 4 5

NEO CPR/FA

Intro to 8:30-3:00 Elevate-EL

All Day

MH & IDD Anasazi

8 9 10 11 12

NEO SAMA SAMA Defen. Driving

Intro to sections 1-2 sections 2-4 Van Driving

Elevate-EL 8:30-5:00 8:30-5:00 8:30-3:30

All Day

15 16 17 18 19

SAMA SAMA CPR/FA

sections 1-2 sections 2-4 8:30-3:00

8:30-5:00 8:30-5:00

All Day

22 23 24 25 26

NEO SAMA Defen. Driving

Intro to SAMA sections 2-4 Van Driving CPR/Medical

Elevate-EL sections 1-2 8:30-5:00 8:30-3:30 8:30-12:00

8:30-5:00

29 30 31

SAMA SAMA

sections 1-2 sections 2-4 8:30-5:00 8:30-5:00

All Day

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October 2012

L=Long Run

NEO=New Employee Orientation

**Long Run Each Friday**

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat

30 1

HR-NEO Leadership Team Meeting

1 PM

2

Client Trust Check Requests Due

‘Shred with Red’ Pick-Up

3

Timesheets Due in Payroll

4 5

Client Trust Paid A/P Checks Distributed A/P Check Requests Due Travel, Consultants &

Contractors Request Paid

6 7 8

1 PM

9

Client Trust Check Requests Due Board Packet Info Due

10 11 12

Client Trust Paid A/P Checks Distributed A/P Check Requests Due

13 14 15

PAY DAY HR Extended-NEO Leadership Team Meeting

1 PM

16 17 18

Timesheets Due in Payroll

19

20 21 22

1 PM

23 24 25

Board Meeting 10:00 a.m.

26

Travel, Consultants and Contractors Request Due

27 28 29

Leadership Team Meeting 1 PM

30

31

PAY DAY

1 2

3

L L

L

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