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Behind every good company are great leaders. We’d like to take a moment to introduce you to Dungarvin Minnesota’s two fearless senior directors, Karin Stockwell and Nat Graf.

A Little About Karin Stockwell

Karin Stockwell, MN Senior Director

Karin Stockwell, MN Senior Director

When did you start with Dungarvin and what has been your career path?
I was hired in 1982 as a program director for outstate and worked in the metro for three years. I was a director for three years before being promoted to Senior Director.

Where were you born?
Billings, MT

Where did you attend college?
I went to St. Olaf in Northfield, MN

How has your career created value in your life?
I have met and made life long friends through this industry. We can talk and understand each other’s work through our familiar experiences.

Do you have children?
I have three children; a stepdaughter who is 37, a stepson who is 26, and a 3-year old son.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Travel! I love to go to Mexico every year. I also love to travel the globe; I have been to Greece, China, Ireland, and India.

How would you describe the kitchen/back yard aspect of your working relationship with Nat Graf?
Our organization has become so large, we have to divide and conquer the workload. It can get confusing to have to seek both senior director opinions on every subject. We try to avoid too many “cooks” in the kitchen. Having everyone’s opinion does not always benefit the discussion or efficiency of the process. So, we have called our areas of focus the “kitchen” or “backyard.” We consult when needed; but, for the most part, you want the backyard and house to be kept up and not lose one for the sake of the other. It really has nothing to do with our real skills in the kitchen or backyard.

A Little About Nat Graf

Nat Graf, MN Senior Director

Nat Graf, MN Senior Director

When did you start with Dungarvin and what has been your career path?
I was hired as a director in March 2007 and promoted in 2009 to senior director.

Where were you born?
St. Paul, MN

Where did you attend college?
I went to UW Stout and finished my degree at Metro state with an Individual Degree in Human Services and Business. I went to St. Thomas and began my masters in business communications; getting my masters is still a goal.

How has your career created value in your life?
My career in the field I work in has been rewarding. I can influence others lives. I take pride in it – it matters. If I can make someone else’s life better, that is what it is all about – employees and people served. There have been lots of life lessons.

Do you have children?
One son, stepdaughter and stepson – all in their 30s.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to: golf, be outside, garden, spend time at my lake cabin, and spend time with grandchildren. I have three granddaughters who are eight, six and three years old.

How would you describe the kitchen/back yard aspect of your working relationship Karin Stockwell?
We have a unique way to divide our duties; it covers our natural interests and talents. What falls into the kitchen Karin answers to and the back yard is mine.

I pressed the button to the elevator to go upstairs. Same stuff, different day. I hear someone talking rather loudly on their cell phone; distorted, but loud nonetheless. As the voice got closer, it was apparent that there was a problem. Her tone was high-pitched, her cadence was rapidly firing. She needed something, was getting nothing and had the overall body language of someone who was reaching her peak. It was cold outside, a crisp March morning and NJ had received its 10th snowfall not too many days ago. She had on flip flops with bare feet and no jacket. Upon making that observation, the annoyance of a loud cell-phone talker had dissipated. I was now on another level of awareness and something else was taking over me.

The elevator arrived. I let her in ahead of me and took my position in the other corner. In our box of brief solitude, I knew the ride must have been an eternity for her. She rested her head against the elevator wall and muttered, “Lord, help me.” That level of awareness had now taken over me. It was no longer about my agenda. I could have heard and not heard, but I heard. I answered. A person of my personal convictions, I told her that “He can, He will.” She then began to release as the elevator did the same. Eye to eye, heart to heart she then began to regurgitate all that she was forced to swallow in the preceding days: “My house burned to the ground yesterday, I have no clothes, my two children have nothing, my granddaughter who lives with me after my daughter died a few years ago is faced with yet another life-altering crisis at just 7 years old, my husband is ill, we have no food, I don’t know how I’m going to pay for the hotel, insurance will take so long to help…” She told me she was in the building to see the doctor because she had no medication for herself and her husband; that had all burned too. She searched my eyes but she asked no questions. I told her to come see me when she was done. She did. I knew that she needed a life line. I tossed it to her. I asked if I could have her contact information and asked if I could share her story with my friends, my family at Dungarvin. Her eyes pleaded, but she asked no questions. She said yes.

I immediately sent a message to the management team, describing my experience. At our Administrative Team Meeting the next day, we talked about it. I was sure to make it clear that I was not soliciting but if anyone wanted to join me on a journey, so to speak, my raft was empty. I acted on the Dungarvin mantra, “Trust But Verify”. As a result, through the Dungarvin New Jersey management team and myself on a personal basis, food poured in, checks were written, cash was given. All for a family whom none of us knew at all, but who was somehow familiar. A piece of her lived in all of us.

Philanthropy, by Wikipedia’s terms, means “love of humanity” in the sense of caring, nourishing, developing and enhancing “what it is to be human”. Too many times what we set out to do as a community provider is misconstrued by negative stigma and media “microscopism”. In bridging the gap between our community and our company, who we are, what we represent, the name “Dungarvin” is sometimes all we have. Whatever our name is linked to is what we become. Whether it is for our consumers or our country, Philanthropy isn’t part time. It is the full time job of us all to work with diligence and integrity to make a positive difference in our homes, jobs, people we serve and communities at large.

In a few short days, a handful of us were able to provide a modest gift of $650 to the Lady in the Elevator- someone whom we did not know, but knew too well. Imagine if we all did that.

Supporting individuals with complex behavior support needs in community based settings is currently a hot topic in the Wisconsin long term care (LTC) system.

On-going, active discussions are occurring at all levels in the LTC system, including the Department of Health Services, Family Care organizations and counties all across the state. Because of our established expertise in successfully supporting complicated individuals in the community, Dungarvin Wisconsin is frequently invited to participate in these discussions.

Once such discussion occurred on April 9, 2014. Dungarvin Wisconsin was invited to attend a meeting involving key players in the LTC system in Dane County. Dungarvin Wisconsin was honored to not only participate in the meeting, but to host it at our Madison office. It was a small but illustrious group of attendees including DHS Restrictive Measures Lead Julie Shew, Dane County XX Monica Bear, and renowned author and Person-Centered Planning expert John O’Brien.

Wikipedia describes Mr. O’Brien as “a leading thinker who has written widely in the field of disability. He is a pioneer and lifelong advocate of Person Centered Planning. His values based approach emphasizes learning with each person about the direction their lives could take, challenging and overcoming practices, structures and values that lead to segregation and underestimation rather than inclusion, and an approach to change in people’s lives based on ‘imagining better’.” Along with his wife, Connie Lyle O’Brien, Mr. O’Brien has written countless articles and numerous books including A Little Book About Person Centered Planning, Make a Difference: A Guidebook for Person Centered Direct Support, and Implementing Person Centered Planning: Voices of Experience.

Mr. O’Brien is a gentle person, who exudes kindness, a profound depth of thought and an inspiring commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities. He says this:

“Person centered planning begins when people decide to listen carefully and in ways that can strengthen the voice of people who have been or are at risk of being silenced. Person centered planning celebrates, relies on, and finds its sober hope in people’s interdependence. At its core, it is a vehicle for people to make worthwhile, and sometimes life changing, promises to one another.”

Inspiring, indeed, and a much needed perspective in discussions about supporting people with complex behavior support needs.

January 2, 2013 was a big day in Dungarvin Minnesota’s history. On that date we acquired Cooperating Community Programs, otherwise known as CCP. A six month transition period followed. During that time Dungarvin acquired the needed licenses for the programs operated by CCP, learned about the services and staff that were part of CCP and began the integration process for the two organizations. This was a major commitment of time, energy, and hard work by everyone involved in the process with the major focus on the least amount of disruption in services for individuals who were served by and employed by CCP.

After six-months of this hard work another big day arrived. That was July 1, 2013, the date on which CCP was fully integrated into Dungarvin Minnesota and we became one organization. It is hard to believe that one year has passed since that big day. As we look back on the past year and the success of that merger, we also want to recognize that it has been a year of change for everyone involved, especially our staff. While the focus has been on keeping services consistent and stable for everyone who receives them, staff had to learn new practices and procedures, including the Therap roll-out currently in process. Staff from both organizations worked hard to learn about each other and the best practices of both organizations in order to become a new and stronger Dungarvin Minnesota.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the acquisition of CCP to Dungarvin, we want to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of all of the staff from both organizations who have played such an important part in making the past year be so successful. This includes our direct support staff, front line managers, operational managers, directors, senior directors, and all of our support staff. Without the commitment of each of these people, this past year would not have been as successful as it has been. Thank you for what each of you have done and the commitment you have shown to the people who receive our services. We couldn’t do it without you.

Kyle is a young man with a developmental disability and a hearing impairment, but growing up on a farm in relative isolation from his community turned out to be a bit more of a ‘disability’ than either formal diagnosis. Despite the fact that Kyle lives in a fairly developed urban county, he loves life on the farm. Nothing makes him happier than helping his dad feed cows, repair farm equipment or ride around on the ‘gator’ ATV. His family was very anxious to see him begin developing social relationships, especially as his graduation from high school approached. Kyle had been receiving services under Indiana’s Community Integration and Habilitation Medicaid waiver for several years, but staff members were always challenged by getting him interested in activities off the farm. Many staff members at the site were somewhat intimidated by the dairy herd, the mud, and the whole idea of life on the farm. In turn, Kyle was intimidated by social interaction in the community because of his communication challenges. For a long time these two different worlds faced each other but didn’t touch.

Then Kyle got a different kind of staff. She was young and not afraid of the huge dairy cows milling around the barnyard. She didn’t mind getting dirty and riding the ‘gator’ around the farm as Kyle ran errands or retrieved tools for his dad (of course we worried about her riding the ‘gator’, but Kyle’s mom assured us he was a very safe driver!). She showed interest in Kyle’s world and was more than willing to venture into it, mud and all, with him.

As Kyle and his staff built their relationship on the farm, he began to trust his staff and became more willing to try social activities off the farm. They started with the ‘easy’ ones such as going to Tractor Supply to pick up a part. Kyle’s staff prepared him for interaction with the clerks, encouraging him not to feel self-conscious if he had to speak up and repeat himself if he was not understood the first time. When necessary, Kyle’s staff often coached the clerks, supporting their interaction with him as well. Just as Kyle’s staff learned that the farm wasn’t such a scary place, Kyle soon learned that the community isn’t so scary either. Despite his communication challenges, he can make his wants and needs known in strange environments. He began to feel comfortable in familiar settings in the community like TSC, and then began to branch out to other settings in the community. He participated in Special Olympics golf, went to birthday parties with peers he met, learned to order his favorite foods at restaurants and purchase a movie ticket for films he had selected. Finally, Kyle’s two different worlds — the farm and his community — began to become integrated.

Kyle may always be happiest ‘down on the farm’ with the cows and the ‘gator’, but he is now learning to navigate the wider world around him thanks to a staff that was willing to venture into his world first.

Throughout a person’s life, many great things will happen. For me, one of the greatest things was my experience that came with being named the ANCOR 2014 Wisconsin Direct Support Professional of the Year.

As part of this experience, I had the opportunity to attend the ANCOR national conference in Miami, Florida to receive my award. When I first arrived in Miami, it still hadn’t completely sunk in what an amazing opportunity, award, and group of people I was being categorized with. After I got over the frightening flight (plane turbulence and coastal storms) and arrived at my hotel, I finally started grasping the reality of what an amazing opportunity I had been given. The moment I looked over the hotel balcony to what was a breathtaking view to a mid westerner like me, it started to sink in. I was being recognized for doing something that I love dearly and have spent my adult years dedicating myself to. It seemed surreal given that I only do what I was taught to do at a very young age by my mother, and that is “to treat others as you’d like to be treated”. Yet, there I was in Miami, looking over the balcony at what was a view that not only was beautiful but represented a “congratulation” and “thank you” like no other. In that moment, I felt overwhelmed with appreciation. Through my mind raced achievements, failures, memories, past and present people I support who gave me so much more then I had given them, losses, training/certifications, influential people, advocacy, support, and all the love that had gotten me right there where I was standing. It is a very significant moment in my life and one perhaps few people get to experience. I got to have that moment, though, and I will always have Dungarvin and ANCOR to thank for that.

I attended a recognition dinner hosted by Dungarvin. There were speakers that thanked us for the work we do and for our dedication. During the dinner, I met and spoke with Dungarvin’s CEO, Regional Directors and other DSP’s. We shared laughs, stories, concerns, ideas. But it was the words of Lori Kress that stood out to me most. As the evening came to an end, she said “I want to take the opportunity to thank your families for the sacrifices they make, for you all to do what you do.” I have been in this field for 15 years and with Dungarvin for 7. That was the only time I had heard someone extend thanks to the families who also become dedicated merely by association with a DSP. But our families do sacrifice so much: time spent together, holidays, home cooked meals, coherent conversations, attention, affection and so much more. I truly believe a supportive family is needed to in order for DSP’s to go over and above and to dedicate ourselves to the work we do. After hearing Lori’s kind words to our families, it reminded me what amazing support I have at home and how I often forget to acknowledge how thankful I am for my family, knowing I would not be able to do all that I do without their support.

I attended a session during the ANCOR conference called A Brand New Day. I was inspired. The passion of the speaker was contagious. The speaker believes in change and has a desire and passion to make a difference. What was unique to me about the difference he wants to make is that he believes it is the DSPs/caregivers that are the backbones of our organizations. He talked about now being the time to acknowledge the dedication, passion, love, that a DSP/caregiver gives. It is time we all come together–directors, office personnel and DSP’s alike to not only advocate for the people we support, but to advocate for the DSP’s/caregivers too. We need to stop the “warm body” approach and fill positions with people who care. In order to do that, we have to lobby to lawmakers and help them understand the importance of DSPs/caregivers so that in exchange DSPs/caregivers can start being compensated for their WORTH.

This session had such an impact on me because I have sometimes felt “less than” for having an entry level job. However, when the opportunity has come to move up, I have not made that effort because my passion is being a DSP — being right where I am every day. There are very few other jobs as rewarding as mine. I am very fortunate to be in a place financially where my income is not a huge determination of my choice in profession. To be honest, if it was, I would be unable to provide for my family in the way I’d like based on my current income. There are many passionate, dedicated, caring people that had to move on from their jobs as DSPs as they were not being compensated for their worth. So, I agree, it is time we come together and rid organizations of “warm bodies” and refill them with “caregivers.” To do so starts with us advocating for the DSP/caregiver and their worth!

When describing the awards ceremony at the ANCOR conference in my own words to friends and family, I likened it to the Grammys of my field. We were made to feel like celebrities (famous if you will). It was held in an elegant ballroom. There was a podium on a stage with huge screens to broadcast our achievements. Award winners from across the country were called up one by one to receive our awards as our name, state, and achievements were read out loud. An area was set up to take pictures with Dungarvin’s CEO and our award. While sitting there listening to all the achievements that filled the room, I again started to feel inspired. It made me feel the world today is still filled with the most extraordinary people. Some of the accomplishments and passion that was exhibited brought tears to my eyes. I was honored to be among such an elite group of people. I will forever remember the day, not because of the award I received, but by the imprint made in my heart by a room full of strangers dedicated to a shared cause.

To sum it up…my experience was life changing!

In 2009, Dungarvin Minnesota began implementation of an online documentation system called Therap. This system has changed the way in which service documentation is completed by staff. The change has brought about improvements to both the quality and depth of information currently being tracked. We have been successfully using this system for several years now and couldn’t imagine going back.

One of the largest projects for this year is, and has been, the implementation of Therap for the programs we acquired last year. The use of Therap in our newly acquired home is being implemented in three phases over the course of the year. Instead of “writing” in books we will be “typing” on the computer. We just completed the rollout of Phase I, and are now live with every home and non-residential service in Minnesota! This Phase I roll-out involved training 282 employees on the system. Preparation and rolling into phase II of the training has begun. The tentative go live date for Phase II will be June 23, which will include more medical modules. We will then go live with Phase III by the end of September, which will include the remainder of modules currently being used. This new form of documentation will have many benefits including having all the information about an individual served in one spot and increased ease of access to the information.

Dungarvin Minnesota offers a variety of services, depending upon the type of support needed. We offer flexible solutions with emphasis on enhancing independence, privacy and choice. Individuals continue to live and be supported where they already have natural supports in the community. The benefits of these options include:

Supportive Apartments
The Supportive Apartment services model is an alternative to traditional adult foster care that allows flexibility to provide services tailored to the person. These services are designed to adapt to the increasing or decreasing needs of people who live in their own apartments. Services available include 24-hour emergency staff response with technology and supplemental support in areas including: budgeting, menu planning, grocery shopping, assistance with medical appointments, and additional areas as identified. Supported Apartment services are located throughout the metropolitan and greater MN area.

We hold a monthly meet and greet opportunity at one of our apartment locations for potential individuals to learn more about the people already living in this service option, to meet potential roommates and learn more about this alternative and if it might be a good fit for him or her.

Our upcoming meet and greets are:

July 15 – Cedarwood 4-6pm
August 12 – Mill Pond 3-5pm

In addition the monthly meet and greets, each apartment location has a monthly schedule of activities. Individuals are invited to participate in the various activities which gives them the opportunity to get out into the community, explore other apartments, meet new people and mingle in the community. Activities include bowling, coffee club, BBQs, game night, trips to the mall, trips to the zoo, picnics and many more.

Responder Service
Responder Services are a cost effective, custom set of supports offering you independence, and the support you need while utilizing the latest technology where you wish to live. Supports are tailored to your needs and are flexible enough to change with you.