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...and a couple of neighboring villages, the local trading post, and the owner of the canoe that ferries people back and forth. OK, maybe I'm stretching a metaphor too thin here. But as we approach our first 'Friends of Sherwood' event, I've been reflecting on all of the people, businesses, foundations, government offices, and so on that keep Sherwood's doors open and allow us to keep providing the best services possible to people with disabilities.
There've been several reminders lately of the complex web of support that keeps a nonprofit going. Our newest board member came in to discuss ideas about how she can connect some new businesses to our clients who are looking for jobs. We got word of our United Way grant award for the next three years, which included some much-needed new funds to support the Career Connection program as it adapts to changing realities, including the loss of significant amounts of commercial revenue. One of our friends stopped by with leads for pet-related businesses that might want to buy our new pet treats.Cascade Bank stepped up to help us address cash flow concerns. And our office manager donated plants and flowers from her landscaping business.
That's what the Friends of Sherwood event is all about--reaching out to people who may have lost touch over the years, or newer friends who want to get more directly involved in changing the lives of people with disabilities.
If you'd like to join us or know someone who would, the get-together will be June 17th, beginning at 4:00. We'll do a brief program talking about recent changes at Sherwood and where we're headed, describe various kinds of volunteer opportunities, and then have an open house format for people to visit program areas. Hope you can join us!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Gaps in services for people with disabilities
In some ways, it's a good time for people with disabilities in Washington state and Snohomish County. The legislature surprised everyone by doing an about-face and funding all students who are transitioning from school district services to adult services. Last year, there was no funding at all for transition students. Given budget shortfalls, no one expected full funding this round--but we got it, thanks to some tireless advocates and supportive legislators. There was also no funding cut this time to employment vendors like Sherwood's Career Connection program, versus last year's 1.75% cut.
But gaps remain. The one that keeps rearing its especially ugly head is the gap between what people with the most significant disabilities want and need in terms of employment services and what the system can afford to provide.
The old model was to create sheltered workshops where people with the most signficant barriers could work and learn skills. A newer model has developed in recent years that stresses real jobs in inclusive community work environments. There are good reasons for the shift--people learn more, earn more, develop more relationships, and usually are happier when they have typical jobs in the community.
But as public funding has increasingly moved in that direction, and as the private contracts that used to help pay for workshops have steadily shrunk, it has created a gap in hours for people who have worked a long time in sheltered workshops. They may go from a 4- or 5-day-a-week work schedule in the workshop to a 1- or 2-day-a-week schedule of working or looking for work in the community.
What to do with the rest of those hours? What options are there for people with high support needs to find meaningful activities and have the necessary support from a caregiver to access various activities? Respite dollars are often tight for families, and aren't even available to Adult Family Home (AFH) providers. They must absorb the extra hours of care somehow, without any additional resources.
We continue to struggle with this. As an employment provider, our role is really to focus on work. We can't provide respite or recreational activities--they're outside of our area of training, and we don't have the capacity to add new programs. But of course we want to help the individuals we know who are affected by reduced hours.
Maybe it's time for a new discussion among providers, parents, self-advocates, and others to look for some different options.
But gaps remain. The one that keeps rearing its especially ugly head is the gap between what people with the most significant disabilities want and need in terms of employment services and what the system can afford to provide.
The old model was to create sheltered workshops where people with the most signficant barriers could work and learn skills. A newer model has developed in recent years that stresses real jobs in inclusive community work environments. There are good reasons for the shift--people learn more, earn more, develop more relationships, and usually are happier when they have typical jobs in the community.
But as public funding has increasingly moved in that direction, and as the private contracts that used to help pay for workshops have steadily shrunk, it has created a gap in hours for people who have worked a long time in sheltered workshops. They may go from a 4- or 5-day-a-week work schedule in the workshop to a 1- or 2-day-a-week schedule of working or looking for work in the community.
What to do with the rest of those hours? What options are there for people with high support needs to find meaningful activities and have the necessary support from a caregiver to access various activities? Respite dollars are often tight for families, and aren't even available to Adult Family Home (AFH) providers. They must absorb the extra hours of care somehow, without any additional resources.
We continue to struggle with this. As an employment provider, our role is really to focus on work. We can't provide respite or recreational activities--they're outside of our area of training, and we don't have the capacity to add new programs. But of course we want to help the individuals we know who are affected by reduced hours.
Maybe it's time for a new discussion among providers, parents, self-advocates, and others to look for some different options.
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