The latest update from Sunshine Village!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: We will be sending out the 2023 Satisfaction Surveys for our FUNDING / REFERRAL SOURCES on February 1, 2023. Last year – we received only 6 completed surveys – just 5% of those sent. We will be using the data in our strategic planning process – so please open the survey monkey tool when you get it and let us know what you think! THANK YOU! 

COMMUNICATION 

We are continuing monthly communication with you – and encourage you to visit us at www.sunshine.us – our website – which includes organizational information and virtual tours! “Like” us on Facebook – to stay up to date on all the engaging ways we deliver on our promise of a great day. If you need more information about our programs or a specific client, please call one of our Program Managers or Case Managers at 413/592-6142.

COVID UPDATE: On January 1, 2023, we ceased reporting to the Boards of Health but we continue to maintain an internal log of all positive cases. Total positive cases since March 17, 2020: 329 (200 clients and 129 employees.) 

SERVICES:

Relaxation Program: In an effort to support our clients and provide an individualized program to reduce stress and anxiety, each program is developing a plan to use assistive technology to create a person centered relaxation program.

Every day, at each of our CBDS programs, there are multiple opportunities for clients – and we continue to expand the number and types of work-based learning experiences and opportunities.   Clients in our AGAWAM program engaged in activities this month at Next Fitness, Pynchon Pond, YMCA, Shaker Bowl, and the Agawam Library. CBDS Clients in our CASEY PROGRAM engaged with others at the Boys and Girls Club of Ludlow, Holyoke Library, Patriot Emporium, Round One, Kate’s Kitchen and The Mutt Rescue. CBDS Clients in our THREE RIVERS program engaged in their community at the Monson Library, Quaboag Book Shop, West Brookfield Library, YMCA and the Ludlow Senior Center.

GOODWILL / COMMUNITY OUTREACH:

Partnerships: Clients of the CBDS programs of Sunshine Village have been invited by Lifepoint Church to their “Night to Shine” – which will be held in February at the Castle of Knights.

REGULATORY REVIEW: 

Office of Quality Enhancement: DDS’s OQE will be surveying Sunshine Village – beginning with a virtual meeting on February 22nd and visiting in person from February 23^rd to the 29^th. An exit interview will be held virtually on March 15, 2023, and we will share the results with all stakeholders. 

CARF: The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities will be surveying Sunshine Village on March 21, 22 and 23. The exit interview will take place on March 23^rd and we will be sure to share the results with all of our stakeholders!  

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: 

The 2022 Annual Report for the Performance Management System has been completed and is now available on our website. We began posting these reports this month – to enhance the accessibility of our performance metrics to all of our various stakeholders. 

The Annual Report includes outcome measures in the following Critical Areas:

·        Customer Assessment

o  Client and Guardian

·        Finance

o  Annual Audits

·        Security

o  Safety/Risk Management/Critical Incidents/Restraints

·        Rights

o  Human Rights /Positive Behavioral Supports/Complaints and Investigations

·        Accessibility

·        Cultural Competency, Diversity, and Inclusion

o  Initiatives/Demographics

·        Quality Assurance for Programs

·        Service Delivery

·        Strategic Planning

The organization also completes a Bi-annual Report at the end of each Fiscal Year, which includes measures in other Critical Areas.

Customer Satisfaction: 

In February, we will be sending Satisfaction Surveys to both our Funding/Referral Sources as well as our Business Partners as well as undertaking our Employee Engagement and Satisfaction Survey. Feedback will be included in the upcoming strategic planning process.

HUMAN RESOURCES: 

We have 16 DSP positions that are open (increased because we need to hire for 1:1 positions to comply with requirements for our ISS funding) and two driver positions.

Total Rewards Program: On January 15^th, all employees received a 6% salary increase. This will increase our entry-level wage at the time of hire to $17.23. After successfully completing the 90-day introductory period, the wage increases to $17.86 – which keeps us $2.86 over minimum wage.

Retention Appreciation Bonus: In our efforts to retain our workforce – we were proud to distribute a year-end bonus on December 30, 2022, $2,000 for all employees ($1,000 for employees hired on or after September 6, 2022.) To ensure that we maintain the tenure of our employees, we are now offering a $1,500 retention bonus for all employees who stay with us through June 30, 2023 (and $750 for new employees who join us between January 15^th and June 29^th.)

Professional Development: We have enhanced our 2023 Professional Training Calendar which includes over 60 training - in the areas of Human Rights/PBS, Safety, Health, and Wellness, Safety Care Technique of the Month, and Incident Prevention and De-escalation - and all employees will now also receive the following training:

·        DDS Positive Behavior Supports

·        DDS Critical Incident Reporting

Several members of our staff will also be going to the following training in early 2023:

·        Employers Association of the Northeast COMMUNICATION training entitled, “Drop the Drama – keep your Workplace Considerate.” 

·        Nonotuck Resource Associate’s HUMAN RIGHTS training, “Supportive Decision Making.” 

·        Ability One’s PROFESSIONAL training, entitled, “File Requirements: Disability Documentation and the IEE.”

·        Ability One’s PROFESSIONAL training, entitled, “Federal Acquisition Regulations Labor Laws”.

·        Ability One’s SAFETY Training, entitled, “Occupational Safety and Health, Creating Safe Workplaces for Employees with Disabilities.”

Corporate Compliance and Ethics: We strengthened our Employee Code of Ethics by developing a HOTLINE for any complaints and incorporating into posting on our Informational Bulletin Boards.

TECHNOLOGY: 

We opened up a Guest Network on a second Wi-Fi system for all clients and guests at all Sunshine Village properties – increasing accessibility to technology!

SAFETY / RISK MANAGEMENT: 

Preventative Maintenance Plan: We have updated our Preventative Maintenance Plan which is a series of scheduled tasks and inspections (both internal and external) performed on our properties and equipment that is intended to increase lifespans, reduce downtime and enhance aesthetic appearances.  

STRATEGIC PLANNING: 

We are looking forward to developing and implementing a new Three-Year Strategic Plan, beginning in Fiscal Year 2024. Planning efforts are underway for preparation – beginning with a Management Retreat on February 1, 2023. The Board of Directors will then review a SWOT Analysis, Competitor Analysis, Environmental Scan, Property Grid, performance data from reports from the agency’s past two year’s Performance Management System as well as Executive Reports from past Strategic Planning efforts from Fiscal Year 2015 thru 2023 – and refine the agency’s mission, vision and organizational goals and strategies.  

THANK YOU for helping Sunshine Village achieve our mission – AND our promise of delivering on a GREAT day, every day!