In the summer of 2022, Dungarvin acquired four new businesses from both Oregon and Washington, one of those being Compass Career Solutions, LLC. Compass provides programs and services through supported employment, supportive housing, person-centered planning, community inclusion, youth readiness, and transitions for individuals with various support needs. They work to empower personal strength discovery in individuals so that they have the opportunity to have long term relationships and be a part of their community.
Since joining the Dungarvin team, one of the campaigns Compass has implemented has been their success stories. Each week, Compass shares a story of a person served who received Compass services that has left a positive impact on their community. We are excited to share with you one of the many success stories: the story of Michael Dobyns.
Anyone who knows Michael Dobyns knows that he is one of the hardest working and goal focused individuals they could hope to meet. Michael does what he needs to do to get the job done. Since Compass started supporting Michael, he has maintained a positive attitude and never lost sight of his dreams.
In May, Compass was able to match his work ethic and personality traits with the job of his dreams, a janitor at his church. The church, Harrison Square Presbyterian, is filled with many familiar people who consistently thank Michael for the great job he is doing as a janitor. Michael’s duties are cleaning the coffee café and washing windows. With Michael’s meticulous attention to detail, he never ceases to amaze the different visitors and regulars who come through the church area during his shift.
Michael loves the feedback that he gets from his job coach and also the people who manage the church offices. Every Sunday, Michael hears how well he is performing his duties from different members of the church congregation. His love to work and his daily optimism are just two of the many things that have helped Michael make a difference in his community. Rachelle, the church coordinator, tells Compass that she “looks forward to his corny jokes every Tuesday and Thursday.”
To read more about all the success stories Compass has to share, visit careersbycompass.com.
For more than 30 years, Dungarvin has been serving the state of Ohio. Over this time, this service has grown to support more than 300 individuals across 14 counties. The range of services provided is surprisingly vast in order to meet the unique needs of each individual. Caregivers and managers at Dungarvin Ohio work cooperatively with each individual, their families, and support teams as well as state/county entities to ensure quality services that are tailored for the individual.
Recently, the Ohio team has certified two new Shared Living locations that are now prepped and ready to accept new individuals. “Ohio Shared Living is similar to Host Homes in other states. Dungarvin hires a contractor to open his/her/their home to an individual or individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities,” said Sara Eppard, State Director. “Up to three adults, aged 18 or older, moves in with the vetted contractor and becomes part of their family.” Perhaps of interest to some is that family members can be providers of Ohio Shared Living (OSL) services – and some outcomes have been truly inspiring!
Take the story of Dungarvin contractor Regene Denton, who supports Shannon Jackson, who lives with her. “OSL was very beneficial for Shannon and me,” Regene said. “While I was working as a DSP five hours a day, five days a week, it seemed like I could never do enough for Shannon. Now I have more time with him to make sure that he is safe and happy. There were things that were going on with him physically that I didn’t see but now that I have him in my home, I understand the issues and can work with professionals to fix them.” Regene reports that Shannon now interacts “as part of our family.” She goes on to say, “I have seen more of his personality since he’s been in my home and we have been able to know one another better. I am seeing more smiles and hearing more happy sounds from him!”
For the individuals being served through OSL, the benefits can be numerous – and life-enriching. For some, it may be the first time they have felt authentic community inclusion. Being part of a family or extended family provides a sense of stability that oftentimes leads to life-long friendships and feelings of empowerment that can allow an individual’s self-confidence to blossom. Perhaps most importantly, such an arrangement often means no staff turnover, an unfortunate possibility in more traditional group home settings.
For OSL Providers, the benefits are numerous. Contractors work from home but are usually able to hold outside employment as well. In comparison to DSP wages, OSL Providers can make up to $50,000 per year serving one person; more than $87,000 to serve two individuals in their home. Plus, the daily rate paid to OSL Providers is tax free! Counties and State agencies appreciate the continuity and stability for the persons served as well as the significant financial savings of not having to provide the housing itself. These agencies report that, on average, for one person currently in a 24/7 supportive living environment, traditional annual costs usually fall into the $141,000-$151,000 range. Funding to support someone in OSL is less than half that: $43,000-$71,000 – a savings of between 54-70 percent!
OSL Providers go through the same background checks and training as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) which include:
– Driver’s license check and valid car insurance
– Multiple registry checks
– Current CPR/First Aid
– DODD initial training + Specific ISP Training
– Medication Administration (14 hour + annual)
If you live in Ohio and are interested in OSL, either as a provider or an individual served, please contact Sarah Lazirko at 614-547-8413 to discuss this option. Thank you.
New Jersey State Director, Alisha Glover, is a long-time veteran of the IDD industry. She began her journey in a group home when she was just 18 years old. For 36 years, Glover has been putting others before herself…nearly 13 of those spent with Dungarvin. Get to know Alicia and her tireless passion for this work through 5 questions with…Alisha Glover:
1. Who are your heroes in your life and why?
My stepfather whom I just lost in December 2022. He was my mother’s knight in shining armor, as well as mine. He showed us what family should look like and expanded our borders. Being a new military family, we moved to Spain for three years when I was a teenager which was the best years of my childhood.
2. Why do you have a passion for this work – how so – please briefly explain.
At an early age through life’s experiences, I knew that I wanted to make a difference. I’ve had the experience of being able to see how mental illness can affect individuals and families every day. I knew from middle school that I possessed the personal testimony necessary from having a disabled family member to be empathic with people struggling to live a normal life.
3. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Self-actualization. Knowing that I’m not perfect but every day is an opportunity to improve. Having become who I am today: a wife and mother of 6. Educational and professional achievements and being able to make my plans come to fruition.
4. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?
In a perfect world: No barriers whatsoever! Whatever they need in life to feel a sense of personal success, pride and autonomy, they get it. But back to reality, I would love to see stability. Having all the resources necessary to serve our people. Being fully staffed is everything as everything (our quality, our integrity and reputation) is hinged to it.
5. What do you most value about the Dungarvin team you work with?
Dungarvin has been a constant in my life as well as my family for the last 12+ years. The knowledge I have gained is immeasurable. I will always be so grateful for being given the chance to come on board and grow as a person.
Jay Laurens joined Dungarvin five months ago as a Regional Director. Although new to our team, Laurens has passionately worked for progress and equality in the IDD industry for the past 25 years. Recently, AMBUCS, Inc. a national nonprofit dedicated to inspiring mobility and independence, recognized Laurens (their former CEO) with a plaque establishing a named scholarship in his honor. Through a $10,000 endowment, the Jay Laurens Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student each year in perpetuity through the Scholarships for Therapists initiative. Congrats, Jay! Get to know Laurens better through 5 Questions With…Jay Laurens:
1. Why do you have a passion for this work – how so – please briefly explain.
Though it may sound selfish, I get more than I give. I’ve learned so much from those I’ve been fortunate enough to help support and serve. Nowhere else in life have I encountered people who are more truly themselves. I am constantly inspired by their genuineness and unabashed love of life and others. Also, as an adoptive parent of two adult daughters who are classified IDD, I am keenly aware of the positive impact that so many people have had in their lives and feel a debt of gratitude to anyone who answers the call to serve in this field.
2. What characteristic – or adjective – would people use to describe you?
I hope those who know me best – both personally and professionally – would describe me as an engaged and concerned listener.
3. What do you most value in a friend or a co-worker?
A passion for what we do and commitment to those we serve.
4. Who are your heroes in life and why?
The amazing individuals we support and those who work on the front lines serving them.
5. What is your most treasured possession?
Since I can’t count my four adult children as “possessions,” I’d have to go with an acoustic guitar that I play primarily for my own “music therapy.”
On August 7th, Paula Pulley was promoted to Kentucky Senior Director, alongside Senior Director Eric Roberson. Paula has been serving as the Area Executive Director for Dungarvin’s operations in Lexington and has provided leadership to the largest Kentucky area office for 20 years, the past three with Dungarvin and 17 years prior with CAKY, which Dungarvin Kentucky acquired in 2020.
As many of you know, Paula has great experience, having worked in all facets of operations. She started as a Home Manager and has lead teams in case management, day training, periodic services, staffed residences, and host home residential services. Paula is an expert in Kentucky regulations with well-established relationships both within the organization and with our stakeholders. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the Senior Director role, and we look forward to supporting her ongoing success as Kentucky continues to restructure focusing on our mission of “respecting and responding to the choices of people in need of supports.” Get to know her a little better through 5 Questions with… Paula Pulley:
1. Why do you have a passion for this work – how so – please briefly explain.
People are my passion. The people we support, our amazing employees and my coworkers. I love helping people to become happier and more independent.
2. What is your most treasured possession?
I don’t really treasure possessions, I treasure time spent with my family and friends and travelling to new places.
3. What do you most value in a friend or a co-worker?
Loyalty, honesty and compassion. And a bit of sass doesn’t hurt.
4. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?
Increased reimbursement rates so we can better serve the people we support.
5. What do you most value about the Dungarvin team with whom you work?
I work with the most amazing team of people. They are compassionate, hardworking and fun.
Over the years, Dungarvin has grown to provide supports to over 6,000 individuals across 15 states. Incorporated in Minnesota in 1976, Dungarvin is a family-owned organization that provides services and personalized community-based supports for children and adults with disabilities. The Dungarvin mission influences its approach to person-centered care: “Respecting and responding to the choices of people in need of supports.” With the acquisition of Bridges on September 1, 2023, close to 1,000 new employees will join the company meaning it is Dungarvin’s largest acquisition ever. Such unprecedented growth has led to a review of the management structure of Dungarvin Minnesota to maintain the high level of service that those supported have come to expect.