News from Envision | Summer 2018 Edition thresholdPUBLISHED SINCE 1963

Envision Celebrates 55 Years of Service Leadership Still Planning and Vision-Casting

Things were different in 1963.

Stu Warshauer described it in jaw-drop- ping terms during a May 11 speech at Envision’s Emerald Gala where he was honored, along with the late Bernie Esterkamp, for his role as one of the founders of the Resident Home for the Mentally Retarded (RHMR) – which was re-named “Envision” in 2013.

The former Proctor & Gamble marketing Stu Warshauer (standing in B&W photo) provided early leadership that is now being continued by President executive told the stunned gala attend- & CEO, Jim Steffey (standing in color photo), and his executive leadership team (from left to right): Chris ees: “Our doctors and clergy said: ‘Don’t Bohn, CFO; Katie Pursifull, Director of Human Resources; and Anne Rule, Director of Supported Living. bring the baby home from the hospital. You might get attached to it.’” CEO, Jim Steffey, and his executive lead- support from individuals, foundations ership team, are navigating waters with and corporations,” said Jim. Don’t bring the baby home? You might get new challenges as they fix their sight on attached? What was common in 1963 the future horizon. Increasing community inclusion of the seems unfathomable in 2018. nearly 600 children and adults served Stagnant reimbursement rates from the by Envision and expanding services east Stu, Bernie and other early visionaries federal Medicaid program, Envision’s of downtown Cincinnati are two current did get attached and got busy creating a primary funding source, is one of the goals. Additionally, a day program and much different destiny for their children present-day obstacles that Jim and his a social enterprise are being explored by with developmental disabilities – and team are tackling. According to Jim, Jim and his team. for thousands who benefited from their it requires a constant tweaking of the efforts in the decades that followed. business model to maintain strength “We consider it a privilege to build on the They started with a school and residen- and viability. He’s certain that private legacy of our founders. They were tena- tial home which were later replaced with philanthropy will play a more significant cious change agents who helped shape community-based programming that role in the years ahead. attitudes about how we as a society treat reflected societal changes in how individ- people with disabilities," said Jim. uals with developmental disabilities were “Medicaid dollars supported. cover the basic services that Envision offers, “Our doctors and clergy told us: Don’t Visionary and passionate leadership con- but to add depth to bring the baby home from the hospital. tinue to be hallmarks of the organization. those offerings and Although the world, in some ways, is a help people lead full You might get attached to it.” kinder place than the one Stu and Bernie and meaningful lives, Stu Warshauer – Envision’s Emerald Gala speech, May 11, 2018 fought against, Envision’s President and we’ll need consistent

envisionohio.org | THRESHOLD 1 LEGACY EVENT Scheduled for October at Clifton Residence

Board members, parents and staff who played an we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude,” said Jim important role in Envision’s early days will gather for Steffey, Envision’s President & CEO. an intimate evening at the historic Oakwood home in Clifton, built in the 1850’s by Henry Probasco. The Sara Neyer, who worked at Envision 20 years ago and event is scheduled for Thursday, October 11, 2018 now serves as a Board member, will host the event, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. along with her husband, John. They purchased Oakwood in 2011 and now call it home. The evening’s program will include a nostalgic look back at Envision’s formation as the “Resident A new legacy society will be launched that evening Home for the Mentally Retarded (RHMR)” and will and information will be shared with guests about then engage the guests in a creative discussion of its role in bringing Envision’s future plans to fruition. “envisioning” the organization’s next 55 years. Approximately 50 guests who made their mark on Envision between 1963 and 1993 are expected to “We expect this to be a reunion of sorts that will attend. bring together a select group of people to whom

Interested in receiving an invitation? Please contact Susan at: (513) 619-2903 or [email protected]

2 THRESHOLD | Summer 2018 Fostering HOPE in the Lives of Kids

eorge Jackson probably isn’t what most people expect when they hear the term “foster parent.” George Gjust lost his beloved wife to cancer in February and is making the difficult transition from having a spouse to being a widower. He has his own health issues, too, includ- ing vitiligo – a progressive skin condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their pigment. Yet, in spite of being older, alone and dealing with personal challenges – George is a foster parent to MJ.

“I was an only child. My mother worked as a counter girl at Woolworth and attended school to become a nurse. She was a single mom and I was a ‘latch-key kid’ before the phrase was MJ (left) is a teenager who is spreading his wings with guidance even coined. I got myself up and off to school each day. My and help from his foster parent, George Jackson (right). mom had her responsibilities and I had mine. We didn’t have much, but my mom always wanted me to share what I had you don’t make a mess, you don’t have a mess to clean up. Make with the neighborhood kids. From an early age, she instilled a habit of putting things where they belong. Lay your clothes out in me an attitude of helping and giving to others,” said George. the night before so you’re not rushed in the morning. A mentor, Mr. Dempsey Smith, came into George’s life at the George does his best to also help MJ’s mother avoid unneces- tender age of . Mr. Smith delivered coal to the Jackson sary chaos while she juggles raising MJ’s younger siblings and house and asked Mrs. Jackson if her son could help him with going to school. It’s those efforts that have garnered special his moving . praise from Envision “They called me ‘the little rabbit man’ – because I could quickly staff. “George ex- dash between the moving van and the house with couch emplifies the ideal “I learned that an older, cushions, lamp shades and other light stuff under my arms. of what we look for non-family member could Mr. Smith impacted my life and values greatly and I learned in a foster parent. that an older, non-family member could really make a differ- He has really taken really make a difference in ence in a young person’s life,” said George. MJ’s mother under a young person's life.” his wing and sees George Jackson – Envision’s foster parent to MJ These early experiences, combined with the discipline he things through the learned by attending a military academy in Virginia, prepared eyes of the family. George for a life of service that continues today. The retired It’s often tricky for foster parents to navigate that, but George social worker has known MJ since he was 8-years-old. Now does it skillfully and effectively,” said Kristie Hirsch, Envision’s a teenager and ready to spread his wings, MJ is still learning Director of Family Living. valuable lessons and life skills from living with George. When things get a bit frustrating, Jackson applies a lesson he “MJ, like many boys who come from single-parent homes, learned while coaching youth football for 34 years. “Kids hear often has a big chip on his shoulder. I was like that as a kid, what you tell them, but as one boy on the team told me: ‘I too, -- so I understand how he feels and I’m usually able to get heard you but I wasn’t ready to do what you said.’ That’s how through to him,” said George. He assigns household chores this goes. We can only plant the seed. We can’t control the to MJ and regularly dispenses guidance for avoiding chaos: If timing for it to bear fruit,” said George.

Interested in learning more about becoming a Foster Parent? Please contact Kristie at: (513) 619-2953 or [email protected]

envisionohio.org | THRESHOLD 3 E FOR FI IV FT F Y - - Y F T I V F

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$55 FOR 55 | TO HELP ENVISION THRIVE Campaign Will Run July 1 – December 31, 2018

Fifty-five years is a long period of time. purchased for less than $3,000. The U.S. Postal Service began using “zip codes,” and the Beatles released their hit single: It’s past middle-age for a person, and a tree is certainly I Wanna Hold Your Hand. It was also the year Envision was anchored by very deep roots in its fifth decade. But few grass- founded. And it’s still operating today – beating the odds and roots non-profit organizations survive that long – according to avoiding the fate of most nonprofits. Guidestar, which collects, analyzes and distributes information about nonprofits. To celebrate 55 years of continually providing services to children and adults with developmental disabilities, Envision is “Somebody gets excited about something and thinks: I can do launching a $55 for 55 | To Help Envision Thrive fundraising this better than other people, [so they start a nonprofit]. But campaign which will run from July 1 to December 31, 2018, very few of these charities are going to last,” said Guidestar’s announced Susan Berg, Envision’s Director of Development Vice President for Research in a 2013 USA Today article. and Marketing.

Fifty-five years ago, in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was Although the $55 for 55 | To Help Envision Thrive campaign assassinated. A loaf of bread cost 29 cents and a car could be honors the longevity and decades of impact of Envision, it’s also a way of looking forward and “envisioning” the next 55 years and making a ‘down-payment’ on it, explained Susan. “We encourage all of our Envision friends “It’s sort of like paying it forward,” she said. and families to consider donating at A plaque commemorating the 55th anniversary will be dis- least $1 for each of the 55 years that our played at Envision’s headquarters and will include the names organization has been making an impact of donors who contribute a minimum of $2 for each of the in Cincinnati,” said Susan. organization’s 55 years of impact ($110).

Interested in donating to the campaign? Please use the attached envelope or contribute online at envisionohio.org/donate

4 THRESHOLD | Summer 2018 Direct Support Professional = A Great Career Choice

Very few jobs at Envision “Marvin and I are like brother and sister and sometimes we create more impact than even bicker! My grandkids view him as part of our family. being a Direct Support You establish a routine as a DSP and really get to know that Professional (DSP). Some person,” said Jeannette. DSPs find it a satisfying niche and settle in for During college, Envision’s President & CEO, Jim Steffey, spent years. Others use it as a two years working as a DSP at a group home in Illinois that stepping stone toward housed 16 adults with mild-to-moderate developmental other career goals. disabilities. He performed all of the usual DSP tasks, includ- ing: cooking, assisting with personal care, administration of Jeannette Garibay was medications and housekeeping. seeking a “change of scenery,” as she puts it, after her daughter was tragically “Being a DSP is not an easy job – but it’s killed in an automobile Marvin Moss and his certainly a rewarding one. It not only Direct Support Professional, accident. She spent 25 improves the lives of the people you Jeannette Garibay years in food service, which included working work with, but your own life is better for side-by-side with her daughter at LaRosa’s Pizza shortly doing it – at least mine was.” before her death. Jeannette accepted a position as a teacher’s Jim Steffey – Former DSP and now Envision’s President & CEO assistant in a special education classroom. Later, she provided emergency respite care for a student with developmental disabilities. That experience eventually led her to working He fondly recalls helping some of the residents prepare for with Marvin Moss, who has received services from Envision for Special Olympic events, and being a travel companion on many years. vacation trips. But the memories he cherishes the most are simple ones – like sitting on the couch watching a movie or Jeannette has been visiting Marvin in his apartment three going for a walk in the park. days a week since 2008, helping him with a variety of life skills. She’s deeply embedded into the rhythm of his week – accom- “I formed deep friendships that exist to this day,” said Jim. panying him to the YMCA for exercise, doctor appointments, grocery shopping and meals out at restaurants. Sometimes Interested in becoming a Direct Support she just sits with him to watch some of his favorite TV shows, Professional? Please contact Jason at: including: Dr. Phil, Family Feud and Wheel of Fortune. (513) 619-2901 or [email protected]

FIVE REASONS TO CONSIDER BECOMING A DSP

1 | Professional Experience and Training to live independent and fulfilling lives. The experience can also Becoming a DSP is a great way to launch a career in healthcare, change the perspective or worldview of the DSP. social work, counseling and human services. Envision offers 4 | Flexible Schedules and Supplemental Income paid training in medication administration, first aid, CPR, disability support, etc. Because the individuals served by Envision may need round- the-clock care, there are a variety of shift types. DSP work is a 2 | Industry Growth and Demand great choice for those with restrictive schedules or who want a The demand for DSPs is projected to outpace the growth of all second job. It’s also an ideal fit for students who need employ- other occupations, making it a very valuable job to have. DSPs ment that is flexible with their schoolwork and class schedules. can also advance to other positions within Envision. 5 | Casual Dress Code in a Environment 3 | Meaningful Work and Insights DSPs work in the homes of the individuals they support and are The work of a DSP has a strong impact on the individuals permitted to wear casual clothing. DSPs play games, watch TV served by Envision and makes a clear difference in their ability and plan entertaining activities like outings to movie theaters, restaurants, shopping malls and parks.

envisionohio.org | THRESHOLD 5 2017 Annual Report

People Served: 606

CITE: 327 Mental Health Services: 158 Family Living: 49 Supported Living: 72

SATISFACTION SURVEY % REVENUE BY SOURCE $8,777,031 92% of people served by Medicaid/ 61% Envision reported that Waiver services met their County Fees- needs and for-Service 27% expectations. Miscellaneous 95% Income 5% of Envision employees reported being satisfied Grants & with their jobs. Donations 4% & Administrative 3% Fees 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

6 THRESHOLD | Summer 2018 With Much Gratitude for Our 38% 2017 Donors PROGRAM GROWTH $25,000+ Mary Chambers Amy Bradford Estate of Robert Patmann Cassandra Clement & Mark & Kim Brown Josephine Schell Russell Nestor Melnyk Benjamin & Maryhelen 16% 16% Charitable Trust Vicki Conneighton Browning David Cox Cindy & Matt Bruestle $10,000 - $24,999 James & Fay Dapper Cynthia & Kevin Bruner 5% Hatton Foundation Daniel Dapper Cliff & Marianna Spaulding Foundation Deborah Dunning Copeland CITE Supported Family Mental $1,000 - $9,999 Stephen & Christine Judith Dirr Living Living Health AMVETS Post 1988 Eberly Christie Fattore Brenda Bailey-Hainer Safi Faruqui Tom Galperin Barnes Dennig & Co. Russell & Jennifer Judith Graff Better IT Consulting Ferneding Andrea & Andrew Nancy Bolam-Jenkins Elaine Gillespie Granieri Cincinnati Children's John & Helen Habbert Mathew Greene % EXPENSE BY TYPE Hospital Medical Center Carolyn Hilt Brian (Tracey) Grimes Contemporary Cabinetry Tim & Mary Lou Holt Sherry Grow $8,413,632 East Thomas & Jeannine Patricia Haas Michael & Diane Imhoff Krista & Rick Heidenreich Hawkins J-II Fire Systems Tod & Linda Hirsch Program Johnson Charitable Gift Simran Kaur Cletus & Joan Hoffman Costs 89% Fund The Kleingers Group Peter & Sandra Keiser Maggie Hughes Lisbeth Lazaron & Dawn Korth Administrative Kroger Community Nicholas Dunning Costs 9% Lisa Lambert Rewards Ken & Karen Lenhart Mullaney's Pharmacy & Michelle Langdon Professional Medical Supply Kyle & Beverly Martin Vickie Lassandro Fees 2% Sara & John Neyer Kevin McMurray Peggy Lewis Ed & Nancy Rosenthal Carol Hudgins- Mitchell David & Margaret Lopez 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Mark & Cindy Molloy (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) Elaina & Jim Stuard Debra Mackey Thomson Law Donna Moloney Narahari & Suganda Stuart Warshauer Kevin & Linda Murray Mahadevan Richard & Vanessa Wayne Scott & Judi Nekolny Emilee Marsh Mary Beth Ottke Margaret & Don Marsh $500 - $999 Diana Pour Diane Martini Bartlett & Co. Katie Pursifull Orest & Tina Melnyk Baird Foundation Andrew Reed Mt. Healthy Historical Linda Barnfield Lisa & John Riccardi Society Chul & Katherine Cho Mark & Denise Rohr Network for Good David & Elaine Davis Laura Sandmann Jessica Nibert David & Beverly Fenton Mamie & John Schroder Patrick O'Reilly Jamie & John Green Thomas Schulman Jason Ploetz Maryellyn Haffner Joe & Barbara Steffey Pat & Don Plogmann Horan Cathy Swindle Theresa Reed Jim & Joni Huffmyer Gerald Tonges Kenneth P. Scheffel Mike & Sue Kuhr Jami Vallandingham Christopher & Jennifer LADD, Inc. Hoskins Shinn Tom Mullaney Barbara Voelkel Robert & Joyce Sikes Northgate Tire Company VonLehman & Company Ruban Sivaruban Susan & Philip Pahner Inc. Carla Smith-Watson John Shepherd Robert & Jenny Voorhees William & Lillian Snow Patricia South Lisa & Denny Walz Mark Teufel Jim & Susan Steffey $1 - $100 Vanessa Employee Tod Thompson Amazon Smile Trent-Williamson Desiree Vick turnover was $101 - $499 Foundation Edward & Carol Apke Mary Jane Wagner Tricia Burke & Stanley reduced by Pogacar Barb and Joe Arlinghaus Amberly Webb Martha Brophy Katie Asbury Sherri Ogden Wellington over 60% John & Tracey Burgoon Shelley Barsan Charles Wiley Butler County Board Jennifer Bartz Patricia E. Williams of DD Bill Baylor Bruce & Carol Yeazell Hagit Caspi Rosemary Beckman Bill & Angie Zitscher NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

3030 West Fork Road PAID CINCINNATI, OH Cincinnati, OH 45211 PERMIT #5998

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jim Huffmyer Board Chair Peter A. Keiser Vice Chair Lisa Riccardi Treasurer Thomas Schulman Secretary Elaine Gillespie Maryellyn Haffner Marvin Moss Sara Neyer Laura Sandmann Tod Thompson Nancy Van Epps Alfonso (Zo) Wesson

Jim Steffey President & CEO

New Program Will “RISE” Soon, Thanks to $400K Grant

A collaboration between Envision, better support youth in their homes,” said Alice County Developmental Disabilities Services Pavey, Superintendent of HCDDS. Dan Ottke, (HCDDS), and the Clermont County Board of Superintendent of CCBDD said, “By developing Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD), was recent- this program in partnership with Hamilton ly awarded $413,908. This state grant will allow County and Envision, we’re able to have a greater the partnership to offer planned, therapeutic impact in the region and develop something respite and intensive in-home support services that can potentially be replicated in other parts that will make it easier for children with signif- of Ohio.” icant behavioral problems to remain in their family home. The new program is called “RISE” In the coming months, Envision staff will recruit (Respite, Intervention Services & Education) and and train therapeutic foster care families and de- services will begin in July. velop teachable strategies for parents and foster parents to employ when their child’s behavior The RISE program aims HCDDS and CCBDD will identify youth who can becomes disruptive. to keep individuals with benefit most from this program, provide support challenging behaviors and referrals, and serve as the fiscal agent for Although the vast majority of individuals with in the family home by developmental disabilities do not have signif- equipping parents with the grant program. “We’re excited about the intervention strategies. opportunity this grant presents to innovate and icant behavioral problems, there is a smaller sub-group that does and this can often create an untenable situation for their family members, according to Jim Steffey, Envision’s President “We want to equip and support these families so & CEO. “We want to equip and support these there are less disruptions that could potentially families so there are less disruptions that could potentially require their child to leave the home require their child to leave the home...” temporarily or permanently,” he said. Jim Steffey – Envision’s President & CEO