RRCI Annual Report 2015

R ED R OCK C ENTER FOR
I NDEPENDENCE
Annual Report June 2015
Representing Services from June 2014-June 2015
Large Print and Electronic Documents
Available Upon Request.
Red Rock Center for Independence empowers people with disabilities to live
independently through education, personalized services, and technology.
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8/30/2015
RED ROCK CENTER FOR INDEPENDENCE
Annual Report June 2015
Red Rock Center for Independence (RRCI) has been serving nine southwestern Utah
counties since 1997. As one of the six Centers for Independent Living in Utah, RRCI is
proud to empower people with disabilities to live independently.
This year, our staff has served 676 individuals with
disabilities. RRCI’s service area covers 29,185 square
miles of primarily rural communities. Geographically, this
equals 1/3 of the state. In an effort to ensure that all
people with disabilities in our area have access to
services, RRCI has one main office and three satilite
offices.
We are proud of the services that we provide at no cost to
consumers. Our funding flows through Federal and State
grants, community grants, and private donations. It is amazing how our community has
rallied to support the great work that RRCI is doing.
RRCI has had a year of transition and consumers are enjoying the team dedicated to
assisting them in meeting their goals for independent living. With additional
accountability measures in place, staff has clear expectations and have a sense of
stability in their work environment. Our Board of Directors is a cohesive group of
people with disabilities and community members who are committed to the consumers
and the success of the agency that provides support.
As reflect on the past year in this report, I am excited about the new year ahead.
Barbara Lefler
Executive Director
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WHERE WE SERVE
WASHINGTON AND KANE COUNTIES
RRCI’s main office is located at 168 N. 100 E., Suite 101, St. George. This office
serves consumers in Washington and Kane Counties. Last year, 433 individuals
received services by four staff members, Tim Leslie, Jerilee Riddle, Myrna Hennefer,
and Allison Muir. Gael Earl serves the people over the age of 55 who are blind.
IRON AND GARFIELD COUNTIES
Only open for two years, this satellite office is located at 427 S. Main St., Suite 305,
Cedar City. We worked with the landlord in the facility and installed an accessible door.
Garfield and Iron County residents are served by Dave Phillips, who served 75
consumers last year.
BEAVER AND MILLARD COUNTIES
RRCI’s most recent satellite office was opened in June, 2015, at 58 E. Main St., Suite
2, Delta. With much room to grow, Marible Munoz is the current Independent Living
Coordinator (ILC) in the area and serves 63 individuals.
SEVIER, PIUTE, AND WAYNE COUNTIES
Moving from a home office to a facility in September, 2014, the Richfield office is
located at 635 N. Main St., Suite 685, Richfield. Rhonda Robinson serves as the
Independent Living Coordinator for 105 consumers as the Independent Living
Coordinator in this area.
SUPPORT STAFF
Brenda Adair, Jamie Moore, Brad McCarrel, Mike, Earl, and Julie Goodrich serve as
support staff.
WE ARE GROWING
We have seen a 20% increase in the number of consumers served since 2013-2014.
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YOUTH PROGRAMS
PEER MENTORING PROGRAM (TANF)
RRCI designed, requested and received funding ($237,000 for three years) to
implement a comprehensive youth mentoring program. Julie Goodrich, the program
coordinator, hires high school graduates with disabilities (Peer Mentors) to deliver a
transition focused program to high school students with disabilities. The Peer Mentors
teach a research-based, self-advocacy/self-determination program during school
hours. Thus far, 43 students have participated. Data shows that the students’ abilities
to direct their futures improved 20% after completing the program.
OLDER YOUTH & TRANSITION PROGRAM
Allison Muir keeps approximately 60 young people between the
ages of 14-24 residing in Washington County connected to one
another. Life skills training, job readiness, social skills opportunities,
and other activities are provided to prepare young people with
disabilities for the future. Activities are focused on successful
transition from the school setting to the community.
YOUNGER YOUTH PROGRAM
DJ & Jayden
Michele & Chenney
In the younger youth program, Allison engages approximately 40
children, ages of 5-13, in summer activities. Every week for eight
weeks during the summer, children meet for a variety of physical
and thoughtful activities. The program provides youth with
opportunities to make new friends and be involved in different
activities.
ASPIRE
As part of a nationwide study, RRCI is collaborating with The Utah State Office of
Rehabilitation to provide high school students with disabilities specific services. The
study is designed to determine if students receiving specific services fair better in the
longterm than their peers who do not receive the same level of service.
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TRANSITION AND ELDER PROGRAMS
NURSING HOME TRANSITION
Regardless of age, a person residing in a nursing home often wants to reintegrate into
their community. Myrna Hennefer assists with this process and, during this reporting
period, 12 individuals were in the process of transitioning back to community living.
Broad figures indicate that the State of Utah pays approximately $5,000 per month for
nursing home care; in-home care is often approximately $1,500 per month. Instead of
paying $60,000 annually for nursing home care, the cost of living in the community is
reduced to $18,000 annually. The 12 people in the transition process demonstrate a
collective savings of more than $500,000.
OLDER BLIND PROGRAM
Gael Earl manages the Older Blind Program (OBP), an arm of RRCI’s core services.
This program served 63 seniors, age 55 and older who are blind or visually impaired in
Washington, Kane, Iron, and Beaver counties. The OBP addresses home safety,
mobility, and activities of daily living which help these individuals become confident and
able to live independently, regardless of any limitations. RRCI collaborates with Utah’s
Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired to offer a Low Vision Clinic
where consumers can experience various technologies for their individual needs.
The core philosophy of
Independent Living Program is
to ensure that people with
disabilities are no longer
routinely institutionalized. All
of our lives are enriched when
people with disabilities are
fully engaged in the
community.
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FIVE CORE SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY
INDEPENDENT LIVING (IL) SKILLS TRAINING &
COMMUNITY INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIP)
The Community Integration Program provides independent living skills training,
activities, and socializing opportunities for people with disabilities. Under the direction
of Jamie Moore and the support of the Independent Living Coordinators and Support
Staff, 193.5 hours were spent introducing RRCI to our communities. Highlights include
attendance at the Discover Independence Tours, booths at health fairs and community
events, supporting People First activities, and more. During the reporting period, 1,037
people with disabilities participated in 143 group activities within their respective
communities. More than 548 hours were committed to executing these activities.
Highlights include the ADA Celebration in collaboration with Dixie State University, an
inaugural campout, and the traditional trip to Zion National Park.
PEER MENTORING GROUPS
Formerly called Support Group meetings, the 40+scheduled Peer Mentoring Groups
attended by nearly 300 people developed deeper connection opportunities for people
with disabilities. RRCI is home to groups serving: individuals with traumatic brain
injuries, visual impairments, and cross disabilities. Supporting services to facilitate the
groups include transportation, advocacy, peer counseling, life skills training, and
leadership. Participants design and conduct the meetings which feature guest
speakers and other educational opportunities.
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ADVOCACY
A core service, Systems and Individual Advocacy is a priority at RRCI. A consumer,
Tom Brownlee, initiated a Systems Advocacy Training Course. Each of the three
sessions was attended by at least 20 consumers, who were then more prepared to
make their voices heard to ensure that our communities are safe and accessible for all.
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL
Each year, hundreds of individuals, families, service providers, and community
members call RRCI to receive information and referral. During this reporting period,
1056 contacts for Information and Referral were handled by staff.
TWO PRONG TRANSITION
This year, our federal funding broadened our core services to include youth and
nursing home transition services. Please note that these services are mentioned in
more detail on pages 3 & 4 of this report.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT)
RRCI treats technology as a core service even though the service is not
required.Technology includes devices designed to assist people with disabilities stay or
become independent. RRCI staff members provided 1501 assistive technology related
services during the reporting year. Additionally, 113 items were placed with consumers
in need, from the Loan Bank. The Loan Bank is the receiving area for unused
equipment from generous community donations. Mike Earl manages this program.
IL Skills &
CIP
Jerry
AT
Peer
Mentoring
Transition
Advocacy
I&R
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GENEROUS DONATIONS
Addison, Suzanne
Ballam, Oral
Bassett, DeeAnn
Bear Paw Cafe
Belmont, Miriam
Benson, Kathleen
Bethers, Vaun
Boulevard Home Furnishings
Brennan, Robert
Brown, Joy
Browne, Franklin G.
Callahan, Johnnie
Case, Lee
Christensen, Cecily M.
Christensen, Todd
Christensen, VirGean O.
Cirrito, Anthony
Clark, Linda R.
Connors, Pam
Courtyard By Marriott
Croshaw's Pies
Crystal Clear Plumbing Pro's Inc
Dabney, Barbara
Daubert, Patricia A.
Dial, Sherri
Disch, Gayle
Dischbein, David
Dixie Escalante Foundation
Doug's Master Auto Care
Draper, Shirlee
Dredge, Vivian
Driving School
Dunn, Tara
Elg, Billye J.
Emett, Bryce
Englert, Don
Englert, June
Enkerud, David & LoriAnn
Eskelsen, Chad W.
Evans, Creed M.
Fewell, Kerry
Ferguson, Cameron
MARCH 2013-JUNE 2014
Finck, Stephanie
Fisher, Barbara H.
Eccles Foundation
Grames, Dorothy
Greaves, John R.
Gunter, Charles
Gustat, Linda L.
Hansen, Della
Harmons Grocery
Harris, Matthew R.
Hawks, Terry
Heyborne, Cheryl
Heath, Karen
Heideman, Barbara
Higa, Isobel
Horgan, Patrick
Howard, Dave
Huggins, Verneil
Hurst, Debra
Hurst-Ace Hardware
Hyde, Elaine M.
Jacobsen, Frieda N.
Jones, Alan
Jones, David
Justice, Debbie
Kastler, Kerry
Kelly, Gilma
King, Charlotte
Koenig, Teresa E.
Kolob Care & Rehab
Kunz, Janet A.
Lambert, Anne
Lampe, Betty
Landers, Carol
Lang, Nick
Langston, Joe
Langston, Netta
Lanoue, Jessica
Larry Harper Farms, LLC
Larsen, Emil Theodore
Lefler, Barbara
Leslie, Tim
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Lin's Market
Lister, Julene
Lister, Kim
Little, Barbara
Little, Bruce
Longstreet, Rita
Lowe, Kevin
Lugr, Elsie
Luke, Boyd
Malloy, Bob
Matheson, Newell
McCloud, Paul D.
McKnight, Shannon
Melton, Carolyn S.
Mendenhall, Justin
Mendenhall, Nancy
Monsen, Janeal
Montgomery, Debra K.
Mora, Sharrie
Morrison, Sandra
Moss, Darrel
Mower, Richard
Naron, Randy
Naron, Sonjia
National Federation Of The Blind Of
Utah
Navar, Allison
Nielsen, Dallin
Olsen, Judy
Olsen, Robert
Pace, Charlotte A.
Paul, Laurel
Perrier, Sandra
Provstgaard, D. Christine
Plumb Dental
Prince, Tonna
Proceviat, Paul
Rainbow Sign & Banner
Ranch LLC, The
Richard's Cuts & Barber Shop
Rider, Andrew
Ritz, Aly'ce C.
Robertson, John
Rosenbruch Wild Life Museum
Ruesch, Lester
Salkowe, Jerry
Sanders, Susan
Schoppmann, Ira
Sellers, Aleen
Shaw, Nathan
Shelley, Mary Elizabeth
Simkins, Susan T.
Smith’s Market
Social Action Group
Sorensen, Celeste
St George Lady Lions
Stapley, Faith
Stauffer, Susan Ann
Stewart, Jamie
Stuart, Barbara A.
Taylor, Don
Taylor, Joyce E.
Taylor, Winifred
Tincher, Linda A.
Tropic Ice
Tropical Smoothies
Varney, Dorothy
Vaught, David
Versteeg, Betty M.
VI Seasons Auto Sales
Volz, Jean L
Wade, Diana & Alton
Wal-Mart #3220
Walton, Norinne S. Holt
Washington County Board of
Realtors
Washington City Community Center
WC Assn Of PUDS & Condominiums
Inc
Weaver, Beatrice K.
Western Morris Properties LC
Whipple, Jeff
Wiebe, Robert
Winston, Suzanne B.
Wlodarek, Karen Cess
Wood, Brenda
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FINANCIALS
RRCI receives funding from multiple sources to provide independent living
services in our assigned area. Fund management is subject to an annual audit.
The Center’s fiscal year runs from October 1st to September 30th. As a
requirement of our funders, the Center must expend all funds by the end of each
fiscal year. The following is the auditor’s accounting from October 1, 2013
through September 30, 2014.
8/30/2015
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FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016
FUNDING SOURCES
INDEPENDENT LIVING (S):
$316,781
FEDERAL PART C (F):
$125,916
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (S):
$94,325
TANF-YOUTH MENTORING PROGRAM (F/S):
$89,104
CHAPTER 2 (F):
$69,871
PART B (F):
$63,889
NURSING HOME TRANSITION (S):
$61,771
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (F/L):
$35,000
SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT (F/L):
$5,000
ASPIRE (F/S):
$1,500
UTAH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL (S):
$1,000
TOTAL:
$864,157
F=FUND BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
S=FUNDED BY THE STATE OF UTAH
L=FUNDED BY A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Enjoying Zion National Park-May 2015
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8/30/2015
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT
Great things happen every day at Red Rock Center for Independence!
Thanks to our very capable, dedicated staff and volunteers, the barriers are
coming down across our communities and those we support are living more
independent, complete lives.
Red Rock Center for Independence Board of Directors is comprised of thirteen
committed members from diverse backgrounds: Public Service, Health Care,
Legal, Human Resources, Quality Assurance, Business, and Education are
disciplines represented on our Board. Sixty percent of the Board Members are
living with a disability which include Hearing & Vision impairments, Mobility
issues, and Complex Medical conditions.
I invite you to attend a Discover Independence Tour, which provides a wonderful
opportunity to learn first hand the great things happening at RRCI. You might
also consider “paying it forward” by joining our Board or becoming a RRCI
volunteer. For more information, please visit www.rcci.org.
Sincerely,
Jerry Salkowe
President, Board of Directors
CURRENT DIRECTORS
Diego Acosta
Bill Green
Marion Daum
Ray Holt
Dorothy Engelman
Ian Reed
Cameron Ferguson
Lester Ruesch
Joanne Gatherum
Jerry Salkowe
Joseph Gordon
Celeste Sorenson
Winifred Taylor
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HOW TO CONTACT
RED ROCK CENTER FOR INDEPENDENCE
WWW. RRCI. ORG
RRCI @RRCI .ORG
WASHINGTON & KANE COUNTIES
435-673-7501
IRON & GARFIELD COUNTIES
435-704-4798
BEAVER & MILLARD COUNTIES
435-253-2084
SEVIER, WAYNE & PIUTE COUNTIES
435-979-6416
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CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Finally, we will do well to recall that most initially successful
revolutions have been frustrated by apathy and disunity. The
Americans with Disabilities Act is a landmark victory for human
justice.
But we are still far from the promised land of equality and
empowerment in everyday life. Our task now is to complete the
revolution of free enterprise democracy by implementing the
inalienable right and the inalienable responsibility of all people to
fulfill their personal potential to be fully equal, fully productive
participants in the mainstream of society.
Our revolution will not be easily or quickly accomplished. Like the
revolution of ’76, it will progress only through inspirational national
leadership and the total involvement of united citizen patriots. Like
our founding fathers, we will not live to see the final victory. But we
can lay the essential foundation of a democratic edifice in which
generations of the future – in America and in every nation – will
produce a life of quality that transcends the wildest imagination of
utopian fiction…
Justin Dart, Jr.
(From ADA to Empowerment, October 12, 1990)
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