A Note from Our Directors...

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

The Department of Human Services showed up Monday, January 23rd,  to complete their yearly Day Training (DT) review and 3 year Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA), our group homes, licensure. The review team did a complete review on CILA and DT; they reviewed client files, residential personnel files, DT personnel files, policies and procedures, all fire and safety drills, Intermittent CILA review, Residential site inspections, and the list goes on and on... We are so pleased that the reviewers were extremely complimentary of the organization and quality of work that was presented. They kept saying what an amazing program we have and how well organized the staff are.

We received a 100% for DT Licensure and 98% for CILA!  This is really something to be proud of!

I just wanted to share with you what the staff leadership said to all staff.

From Directors Sarah Wiemeyer, Sandra Allen, Melissa MacKay, and Julie Hautamaki:

We would like to say "Thank you" to all the staff that have worked so hard to make sure that everything was in place for this year's licensure review. We realize that we asked everyone to make DHS a priority. You all went above and beyond to make sure the work was done and quality services remain. Thank you for your late nights and giving up your weekends to get the work done. Once again, we are so proud of our team and the work we do everyday... You are amazing! Thank you and congratulations!

And Assistant Agency Director, Mike Cusick summed it up well when he said:

Congratulations to all! It is clear every day that you care about the people we serve and the programs we offer. It is clear in your smiling and determined faces and in the smiling and determined faces of the people you serve. As a Helping Hand staff member, I get to see this every day. What is remarkable is that you are able to accomplish this and meet the all of the mundane rules, regulations, and guidelines reviewed by the State of Illinois. Thanks for all you do to make this a great place to be work.

I simply said what I believe everyday - I'm honored to be working with this fantastic group of people.  Despite funding issues, increases in client clinical complexities, and decreases in resources, our staff finds a way to not only maintain, but increase quality.  It is an amazing thing.

Mary Beth Hepp

Helping Hand Center Executive Director