|
John's usual--
So it's a little embarrassing, but I've kind of really been enjoying Arnold Schwarzenegger's newsletters and vlogs. You should probably check them out if for no other reason than to make fun of me for liking such cheesy sentimentalism.
There are some pretty good, recent videos about the DSP workforce crisis in Ohio & what it means for actual people. We've shared a couple at the bottom of this newsletter and you can find more by going to the links we shared in the Q & A box. They are a bit skewed toward residential providers at this point, rather than day services, which is what CLI does. In some ways this make sense because residential agencies typically need people 2nd & 3rd shift-- which is harder to fill than Day Services like ours that are typically 1st shift.
However, life is about more than just where you live. Residential agencies and Day Service agencies are both important. Together we collaborate to provide comprehensive services to individuals. Holly & I were talking this week about how hard it is to answer the question "What does CLI do". The answer is too vague and usually starts with "It depends on what each client wants & needs." Then we usually get lost in the weeds talking about ISPs, person-centered planning & community integration. Way to much information for anyone to be engaged by-- and the opposite of that perfect 15 minute elevator pitch. Somehow we need to come up with a much clearer answer. Love or hate the old-school workshop, people knew what they were and whether they were a fan-- and helping people with DD increase their earnings is a simple and easily measurable mission.
So, what does CLI do? The answer is that it really does depend on each client's wants & needs. Day service agencies job is to help each individual create a meaningful life for themselves outside of their home. CLI still does the group day services and we still help people make money working for Firelands Local in the workshop and other places. People still want those things and so far there hasn't been that much attention paid to the fact that these are typically segregated services. We're much prouder that we also help people exercise, volunteer, learn new skills, maintain a community job or look for a new job, and much more. Either way though, no services are possible without good staff. CLI's lucky to have the skilled, motivated crew that we do. But, if we can't find more staff, we're going to be in trouble sooner than later. The reality is that the DD field has been struggling to recruit for years. As a system we haven't made the investments necessary to make these top tier jobs. So now when most employers in every sector can't find labor, that means it's even worse for agencies like ours. I don't want to end this all doom & gloom. We're true believers and no quitters. To paraphrase Churchill, the only way out of a bad spot is often just to power through it. We're not dead yet.
Anyway, have a great week. Don't eat too much chocolate or too many candy hearts. Or at least make sure that you wash your hands before you do.
John
| 
