MORC - Macomb Oakland Regional Center

MORC
2008
MACOMB-OAKLAND REGIONAL CENTER, INC.
Projected Fiscal
Year 2008 Revenues
S e r v i c e Ty p e
Developmental
Disability Services
$ 156,900,000
MI Choice
Waiver Program
3,751,425
Other Programs,
including MORC
Rehab Services
2,190,047
Children’s
Waiver Program
1,600,000
Total. . . . . . . . .
$ 164,441,472
Other Programs
MI Choice
Children’s
Waiver
Developmental
Disability Services
Customer Source
Oakland County
Community
Mental Health
$ 120,700,000
Macomb County
Community
Mental Health
37,800,000
State of Michigan,
Department of
Community Health
3,751,425
Other Programs,
including MORC
Rehab Services
2,190,047
E X EC U T I V E M E S S AG E
Dear Friends,
I am very pleased to offer you this report of MacombOakland Regional Center, Inc. (MORC) accomplishments and
activities. As you will see, we are proud of the culture of
excellence that MORC has maintained for the past 36 years.
We continue to be deeply committed to serving people with
special needs, as we continue to evolve into an even better
agency, with ever-increasing community options for children
and adults with disabilities.
MORC has changed with the times, converting from a
state agency for 24 years to a nonprofit agency today. We have
survived strong community resistance to placing people with
special needs in local neighborhoods, which resulted in lawsuits
and violence. MORC has also conquered difficult economic
times and learned how to maintain our sense of mission as
financial times ebbed and flowed.
The MORC of the future will evolve into something even
better for the people we serve, who will become even more
empowered. No doubt we will face new challenges and overcome these, also.
Along the way, it continues to be extremely important for
us to always include the input from those we assist, their parents
and guardians, contract providers, professionals, and advocacy
groups. We are a better agency because of this.
I thank you all for your participation in our common
cause.
Total. . . . . . . . . . $ 164,441,472
State of Michigan
Other
Programs
Macomb
County
CMH
Oakland
County CMH
Gerald Provencal
Executive Director
MORC, Inc.
People
WITH DISABILITIES
Five-year-old Brady Kellogg, left, is
one of nearly 800 children with
developmental disabilities assisted
by MORC. Pictured with Brady from left
are Sister Delaney, Mother Karen, and
MORC Social Worker/Support
Coordinator Erin Anderson. When a
child in the home has a developmental
disability, MORC provides familycentered planning.
www.morcinc.org
MORC
has provided a culture of activism over the past
36 years by advocating for the best services possible
in the community for children and adults with developmental disabilities and
by empowering people served and their families to make choices.
A wide array of supports and services are offered by MORC to more
than 4,000 individuals with disabilities. In addition, various community residential
settings, as well as respite options, have expanded. Today, home choices with
supports available to people include living with their family, in their own home
or apartment, with a foster family, or in a group home. In addition, there are
two residential homes devoted to short-term respite services.
Through Person-Centered Planning, individuals assisted decide who to
invite to their planning meetings, where they develop plans based on their own
dreams and preferences.
MORC’s highly trained staff provide support to children and adults with
disabilities wherever they live. Among the professional staff available are support
coordinators; clinical social workers; registered nurses; psychologists; speech and
language pathologists; registered dietitians; vocational services specialists; and
occupational, physical, and recreational therapists.
Worldwide Connections: Throughout its existence, MORC has earned
an international reputation for excellence, enthusiastic to share its expertise
on serving children and adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities.
Visitors from 34 countries, as well as 49 U.S. states and every province in Canada,
have come to learn about MORC’s programs. In addition, MORC staff travel the
globe, helping others wherever the agency’s assistance is needed.
MORC has helped to close 11 institutions for people with developmental
disabilities in Michigan, as well as other institutions in the United States and a
number of countries. MORC also served as the community model to the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and was directly involved in the closure of
institutions there.
A WIDE ARRAY
OF SUPPORTS
AND SERVICES
ARE OFFERED BY
MORC TO MORE
THAN 4,000
INDIVIDUALS
WITH DISABILITIES
People
WITH DISABILITIES
Cathy Newburn, who is supported
by MORC, works at Selfridge Air
National Guard Base, as
part of a New Horizons
Rehabilitation Services’
cleaning crew for some of the
buildings on the base. Inset,
Cathy vacuums as Job Coach
Coleen Restrepo looks on.
Self-Determination: Over the years, Self-Determination has grown at MORC. This choice
allows people the opportunity to direct a fixed amount of resources, which is derived from the
Person-Centered Planning process, and is called an individual budget. Individuals control the
use of the resources, determining which services and supports they will purchase, from whom,
and under what circumstances. Through this process, people are given the power to make
significant choices in how they live their lives. Today, almost 500 individuals participate in
the Self-Determination program at MORC. In addition, over 100 people are involved in the
Employer of Record option, where they hire support staff directly, rather than going through
an administrative agency.
Meaningful Days
include the right for people with disabilities to work in real jobs
in the community. MORC coordinates vocational and employment
services by contracting with providers that offer assistance for community jobs for more than
500 employees with disabilities.
Some individuals choose to operate their own businesses, while others spend their days
giving back to their communities by volunteering, continuing their education, or pursuing hobbies
or other interests.
In Michigan, people with disabilities can
attend school until age 26. MORC staff are proactive
in reaching out to assist with transition planning
with parents, students, and schools well before
graduation about available community work
opportunities.
As a project toward earning his Eagle Scout
badge, Kirk Leptinsky, left, with the help of
his Dad Tom, designed and built a courtyard at the MORC Auburn Hills Office. Kirk
also receives services from MORC.
The creation of the “MORC Stars”
co-ed hockey team was a joint venture
between MORC and Peter Ciavaglia,
former professional hockey player, who
coaches the Stars. Many of the players
on the team are served by MORC.
Donated ice time and equipment, along
with fundraising events, have helped to
cover the team’s expenses.
Recreational Activities
are important
to everyone.
Many of the individuals with disabilities served by MORC receive Medicaid,
which does not pay for recreational activities. Others have financial limitations
and are not able to afford these kinds of activities.
Help arrived in the Fall of 2005, when MORC was awarded a three-year,
federal recreation grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Also, in 2006
and 2008, MORC received additional monies for recreational activities from the
Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA).
The extra funding paid for activity fees associated with integrating people
with disabilities into community recreational programs, such as sports leagues,
arts and crafts classes, mainstream cooking classes, and many more. In addition,
the money was utilized for camperships, movie theatre gift cards, parks and
recreation passes, tickets for sports and entertainment events, and amusement
park fees, to name a few.
The federal grant also allowed MORC to purchase equipment to cover
the expansion of its recreational programs, including organizing an arts center,
two additional therapeutic horseback riding sites, and a hockey team; increasing
dance classes; and starting a soccer league for children with autism.
Another highlight of the grant money was the establishment of an
annual art exhibit, which showcases all of the art media — painting, drawing,
ceramic, photography, quilting, jewelry making, music, and poetry — created by
people with disabilities while attending various community art programs.
A FEDERAL
GRANT AND
ADDITIONAL
OCCMHA
MONIES
HELPED FUND
RECREATIONAL
ACTIVITIES
AT MORC
People
WITH DISABILITIES
Feedback
MORC IS
ACCREDITED BY
CARF FOR
SUPPORTS
COORDINATION
IN COMMUNITY,
EMPLOYMENT, AND
PSYCHOSOCIAL
REHABILITATION
SERVICES
received, both positive and negative, is important to MORC in order
to provide the best services possible and is solicited from individuals
served, families, guardians, contract providers, advocacy groups, professionals,
and others.
Consumer Advisory Panel: Comprised of individuals receiving services,
family members and guardians, and agency staff, the panel provides a consumer
point of view of MORC’s delivery of supports and services, works on plans of
action, and monitors the follow-through of plans and outcomes.
Quality Improvement Committee: Individuals from all levels of MORC,
as well as contract providers, comprise this committee, which monitors any plan
for quality improvement and reviews overall plan implementation, as well as its
impact on quality improvement. Example areas include consumer satisfaction,
the annual Outcomes Report and Quality Improvement Plan, and the MORC
Accessibility Plan.
Consumer Satisfaction Survey: To determine the level of satisfaction
that individuals and their families and guardians are experiencing with MORC
services and staff, an annual Consumer Satisfaction Survey is mailed to all
people assisted by the agency. In 2007, out of a possible 4.0 score, the overall
response averaged 3.6. In addition, MORC receives feedback from its contract
providers via satisfaction surveys specifically tailored to them.
Audits: MORC is audited many times a year by several organizations,
including the local community mental health agencies, state and federal regulatory
agencies, and the accounting firm of Plante & Moran. Audits range from central
records to financial information to programmatic issues.
CARF Accreditation: CARF is an international, independent, not-for-profit
accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal
outcomes of services that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served.
Each of the four times that MORC has gone through the accreditation process,
the agency has received a Three-Year Accreditation. This represents the highest level
of endorsement achievable from CARF.
Members of the Quality
Improvement Committee
include all levels of
MORC staff, as well as
contract providers for the
agency (not all members
are pictured).
Modeling in the Kohl’s Caregiver
Fashion Show at the 24th Annual
Caregiver Appreciation Day are
Caregiver Nekia Williams, standing, of
Choice Independence, and Sydnea Burns,
who receives services from MORC. Kohl’s
donated the clothes, and many Kohl’s
employees volunteered for the event.
Long-Term Commitments
that support the children
and adults with disabilities
served by MORC, their families and guardians, contract providers and their staff, and other
professionals have been a long-standing tradition of the agency. Examples include:
Annual Caregiver Appreciation Day: For 24 years, MORC and its contract providers have
hosted this event to acknowledge the tireless work and efforts of caregivers. In addition to breakfast
and lunch, there are awards, poster contests, entertainment, and lots of door prizes. It is not unusual
to see as many as 600 people attending this special occasion.
Annual Holiday Party: For 21 years, MORC staff and individuals assisted by the agency
have planned a holiday party for people with disabilities that takes place on a December evening.
The event lends an opportunity for everyone to socialize and have a good time. Dinner, dancing,
party favors, and door prizes highlight the celebration.
Navigating The System Seminars: Sponsored over the years by MORC, the seminars are
free of charge and open to everyone. Recognizing that sometimes the system can be confusing,
topics are presented that are vital to keeping up with what is happening in the disability field.
Wellness Program: This five-week program has been offered for the past three years.
Instructed by MORC registered dietitians, nutrition and wellness information is provided to
people supported by MORC and their staff and/or family. Participants are empowered and
inspired to make healthier food and other lifestyle choices.
People
WITH DISABILITIES
Working Green,
ELECTRONIC
RECORDS HELP
TO FREE UP
MORC STAFF
TIME
including reducing the amount of paper used,
helping to save fuel by offering staff the option to
telecommute, and making its physical offices more environmentally friendly, has
become a priority at MORC.
In partnership with Ricoh Business Systems, MORC has electronically
converted millions of central record documents by scanning them into the
agency’s computer network. A film crew videotaped the conversion process,
which was carried on the CNN International web site.
Electronic records help to free up MORC staff time by eliminating some
of the paperwork. Another advantage this technology serves relates to auditing
purposes. Instead of wading through thousands of pieces of paper, auditors can
now access the documents they require from a computer.
Even before fuel prices began to soar, some MORC support coordinators
and clinical staff became telecommuters, an arrangement where employees work
out of their home offices. This allows for less consumption of natural resources,
since staff no longer drive daily to and from the agency’s office locations.
Telecommuters are linked to MORC’s network by a laptop computer,
from which they can send and receive agency communications, including
E-mail, as well as access or download central record documents.
There are many ways that MORC is making its physical offices more
environmentally friendly, including installing automatic light switches, which
turn lights on when someone enters a room and which shut lights off when a
person leaves the room. Many office windows have been updated with energy
efficient windows. Some paper products are “green” (recycled), such as hand
towels. In addition, for paper that is printed on and no longer needed, there are
recycle bins throughout the agency. Staff are encouraged to drink from coffee
mugs, rather than styrofoam cups. Finally, cleaning solutions used at the agency
are becoming unscented, as well as “greener.”
A film crew videotapes
people at MORC separating
central record documents in
order to have them scanned.
The final video was then
carried on the CNN
International web site.
Timothy Michilli wished for a threewheel bicycle so he could ride around
the neighborhood with his roommate
but was not able to afford one. Home
Manager Demetria Alexander, pictured
with Timothy, submitted a grant request to
The Futures Foundation and was awarded
the funds to purchase the bike.
www.thefuturesfoundation.org
Fundraising
provides the opportunity for individual donors and community
and corporate sponsors to offer financial support to help
children and adults with developmental disabilities to celebrate life, while fully participating in the
community.
The Futures Foundation: This nonprofit and tax-exempt organization is dedicated to
fundraising efforts in order to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities who are supported
by MORC. Thanks to the success of its various programs, including annual galas, golf outings, and
appeal letters, The Futures Foundation is awarding grants, which benefit people assisted by MORC.
Examples of grants that have been awarded include camperships, adaptive equipment, home
repairs and accommodations, and computers, to name a few.
In addition, other community-minded individuals have helped to raise funds on a regular
basis for The Futures Foundation:
Since 1996, Mark Ridley, of the Comedy Castle, has been sponsoring the MORC Golf
Classic, as well as other fundraising events, with all proceeds going to The Futures Foundation.
Keith Robinson and Don Lane, owners of Greenfield Collision, have been staunch supporters
of people with disabilities assisted by MORC by designating all proceeds from their annual golf
outings since 2002 and other fundraising endeavors over the years to The Futures Foundation.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS INCLUDE
St. Andrew’s Catholic Church: Located in Rochester, parishioners for the past 22 years,
have been contributing gifts around the December holiday season to children and adults receiving
services from MORC. Their generosity has grown to almost 2,000 wrapped presents and gift cards
each year.
Employees of Carhartt: Over the years, employees have made donations of clothing to
individuals assisted by MORC, as well as monetary donations raised from the annual Carhartt
Employees vs. Detroit Red Wings Alumni hockey game. In more recent years, 200 gifts have also
been provided annually at the December holiday season to people with the greatest needs.
Kensington Community Church: Located in Troy, church members have offered their
services for a number of years by renovating the homes of persons served by MORC. Volunteers,
along with donations from local companies, have replaced old roofs and flooring, painted the interior
and exterior of houses, added landscaping, and completely rebuilt kitchens and bathrooms.
MORC
A F F I L I AT E S
The MORC Gentle Teaching Institute
cosponsored, along with Michigan
Assisted Living Association, the
Management, Motivation & Meaningful
Lives Conference in June 2008. John
McGee, center, was a keynote speaker
at the event, which attracted more than
350 people from around the state.
www.morcinc.org
MORC Gentle Teaching Institute
is a resource center to teach, mentor, develop,
and spread the principles of Gentle Teaching and is located at MORC, which has the largest
concentration of individuals in the world that support and practice its philosophy. The institute
also reaches out to colleagues both nationally and internationally.
The institute has played an important role working with the Mt. Pleasant Center
Alternatives Committee to help develop a transition plan for people with developmental disabilities
moving from the Mt. Pleasant Center, as well as conduct training for their staff and the regional
community mental health agencies who will be placing people out of the institution.
For 22 years, MORC has implemented the philosophy of Gentle Teaching, as pioneered
by John McGee, Ph.D., which is based on the key principles of teaching a person to feel safe and
loved, to be able to love others, and that it is good to be engaged with others. These principles
have resulted in remarkable changes in the quality of many people’s lives.
Autism & Behavioral Support Center
offers three innovative and cost-effective
approaches to help individuals: Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)®, Gentle
Teaching, and Neurofeedback.
RDI is a more recent treatment approach based on extensive research of individuals in
the autism spectrum that provides parents with tools to address their child’s deficits. Gentle
Teaching creates an environment of trust, engagement, and shared interactions. Neurofeedback,
through the use of visual and audio mechanisms, trains the mind to become more self-regulated,
which is necessary for optimal brain function.
The center has now taken its services
international with the executive director traveling
to India and South Africa, as well as around the
United States, to consult with families and to
present at conferences.
Neurofeedback has been added to the list of
services offered by the Autism & Behavioral Support
Center. Ian Walker, left, prepares for his session with
Thomas Brown, Executive Director of the center.
www.autismsupportcenter.org
MORC Home Care
continues to be an agent of the MI Choice Waiver
Program, which provides home care services to keep people out of nursing home placements.
As a low-income program, eligibility for MI Choice requires a person’s income and assets must
be limited. Individuals must be medically appropriate for nursing home care and either 18 years
of age or older with a disability or over age 65.
More recently, the program has also begun to transition people out of nursing homes
when they have been living there at least six months.
In 2008, MORC Home Care received a funding increase of $200,000. In addition, the
concept of Self-Determination has been introduced into the program, which may require a fiscal
intermediary to handle a participant’s finances.
As a MI Choice agent, MORC Home Care covers a six-county area: Livingston,
Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, and Washtenaw.
Patricia Jones, front, has been able
to remain in her own apartment, thanks
to MI Choice services. Monitoring her
progress during a home visit is Nancy
Marks, MORC Home Care Registered
Nurse/Support Coordinator.
www.morchomecare.org
MORC Rehab Services
is a Medicare certified, nonresidential facility
providing therapeutic, diagnostic, and restorative services to individuals who have had an injury,
an illness, or a surgery. The facility treats orthopedic and neurological conditions, all types of
arthritis, fibromyalgia, cardiovascular and stroke conditions, sports and traumatic injuries,
work-related and auto injuries, and post-surgery rehabilitation.
MORC Rehab Services staff have experience in providing interdisciplinary rehabilitative
services for individuals who have multiple disabilities. Services available include physical therapy,
occupational therapy, aquatic therapy, and speech therapy.
When aquatic therapy is part of the treatment plan, a
full-sized, barrier-free, therapeutic pool is offered.
All services are provided under the administrative
guidance of the MORC Rehab Services Medical Director.
The physical condition of Donald
Vermeulen, left, is improving as a result of
participating in the MORC Rehab Services
program. Pawel Koziol, Physical Therapist
Assistant, works on exercises with him.
www.morcrehab.org
A RT I S T I C
Thanks
“...celebrating life, freedom and independence in the community.”
MORC, Inc. is dedicated to serving men, women, and
children with differing abilities so they may, as true citizens, celebrate
life, freedom, and independence in the community.
THE ARTWORK
FEATURED ON THE COVER
AND THROUGHOUT THE
PAGES OF THIS PUBLICATION
WAS CREATED BY CHILDREN
AND ADULTS WHO ARE
ASSISTED BY MORC AND
REPRESENTS A VARIETY OF
MEDIA, INCLUDING PAINTING,
PHOTOGRAPHY, AND
CERAMIC. WE WOULD LIKE
TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY
TO THANK THE ARTISTS AND
TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR
CONTRIBUTIONS:
Clinton Township Office
16200 Nineteen Mile Road
P.O. Box 380710
Clinton Township, Michigan 48038-0070
Phone: (586) 263-8700
Toll-free: (866) 807-6940
Fax: (586) 412-7889
TTY: (586) 286-5036
Auburn Hills Office
1270 Doris Road
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2617
Phone: (248) 276-8000
Toll-free: (866) 754-3398
Fax: (248) 276-9280
TTY: (248) 276-8009
Web Site
www.morcinc.org
E-mail
WILLIAM BARRON
publicaffairs@morcinc.org
AMY DAVIS
PAUL HAMLIN
SARAH LOSEY
KEVIN MATTSON
THE MACOMB-OAKLAND REGIONAL CENTER, INC.
IS A PRIVATE, NONPROFIT, HUMAN SERVICES
ORGANIZATION, WHICH IS TAX EXEMPT IN COMPLIANCE
WITH INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE CODE 501(c)(3).
JARRETT ODOM
CELENE SCHLICHT
CRYSTAL TAMLYN
ANTROINE WALLACE
DONALD WARD
MORC, INC. ACKNOWLEDGES THE SUPPORT OF
MACOMB COUNTY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BOARD,
OAKLAND COUNTY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY,
AND MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH.
©2008. All rights reserved.