March Newsletter 2026

Meet our new staff member: ALEYSA!

We’re excited to introduce Aleysa to the CCI, Inc. team as our HR Specialist.

Aleysa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Maryland and brings with her a strong interest in understanding people and supporting meaningful connections. She’s especially looking forward to getting to know all of the DSPs and the individuals we serve, and to becoming an engaged part of the CCI community.

Outside of work, Aleysa loves spending time reading good books and enjoying great food. She’s also a proud cat mom to two cats, Bumpa and Milo, who keep life entertaining at home.

When it comes to seasons, Spring is her favorite — she loves that it’s a refreshing break from the cold before the summer heat sets in.

Be sure to say hello and give Aleysa a warm welcome! :)

Influenza, or flu, is a common respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu is an infection of the lungs, nose, and throat. Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe. In some cases, flu can be life-threatening.

Flu spreads easily person to person:

Through droplets in the air when someone coughs or sneezes
By touching surfaces with the virus

You may be able to spread the flu virus before you even know you are sick. You may be contagious for 7 days or longer after becoming sick.

How to prevent the flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is to get a yearly flu vaccine.

Other ways to help stop the spread of flu include:

Wash hands often
Cover coughs and sneezes
Stay away from people who are sick
Wear a face mask

QA Corner

The Standing Committee met in February to review any critical incidents or policy changes; no recommendations were made at this time; REMINDER - you are invited to participate in the Standing Committee meetings, just contact Laurie Lyons, CCI QA Manager (next meeting will be in May)

Did you know? The Standing Committee is made up of two CCI staff, and individual receiving services and a family member. The committee is tasked with reviewing incidents and grievances, policies and procedures and any potential rights restrictions.

RESOURCES are available! If you would like to learn more about money management, internet safety training, healthy relationships and boundaries, and more - please reach out to CCI Case Manager Callie Kresser, or QA Manager Laurie Lyons. We have a list of trainings, handouts and tools for a variety of topics to support you!

Do you know what Presumed Competence is?

Presumed Competence assumes everyone has the capacity to think, learn, and understand, rather than assuming incompetence. It means providing support to maximize potential rather than limiting opportunities based on perceived limitations. When we presume competence, we allow individuals to take risks and make decisions, improving quality of life.

Watch this short video to learn more

For more information about supporting choice and presumed competence, please read:

Does Denying People with IDD Choices keep them safer? Our Research says no.

Every Year, CCI Inc. has each individual receiving services provide feedback in the form of a satisfaction survey. Their scores are a result of the amazing work of the CCI, Inc. DSPs. For 2025, the scores show a high level of satisfaction, and we thank you for your hard work to help people feel safe, valued and in control of their lives!

94% overall satisfaction
4.7 of 5 overall average score of 25 questions on the survey, with possible ratings from 1 (Dissatisfied) to 5 (Excellent)
No questions received a score of 3 (meets expectations) or below

CCI, Inc. is not liability for any outside resources/ organizations.

Any cost incurred is sole responsibility of individual and/or DSP.

CCI, Inc. cannot be held responsibility for any associated or potential risks, liability and/or injury.

Get ready to wear your green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an afternoon full of music, food, and family fun! Join Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks for a lively, family-friendly festival on March 7th from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Oregon Ridge Lodge. In addition to the fantastic live music, guests can enjoy delicious offerings from food trucks and browse a variety of local vendors.

When: Friday, Saturday, March 7th at 1pm-6pm

Address:13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030

Purchase Tickets

Meet at the Farring Baybrook Recreation Center for a fun St. Patrick's Day Disco party. Come socialize and dance the day away! Lunch and beverages are provided with registration. This specific event can be found under the "Social Programs (Therapeutic Rec) section of the catalogue.

When: Friday, March 20th at 10:30am - 1pm

Address: 4501 Farring Court, Brooklyn, MD 21225

Join Montgomery County Parks for the return of the Sunday Serenade Series for free live music and fresh coffee and breakfast treats for purchase from Ella’s Bakeshop. Bring a blanket, grab a coffee, and relax (or dance!) as you enjoy live music from local talents! Visit the website for the full artist lineup, parking details, and more information.

When: March 22, 29 & April 19, 26 at 10am–11:30am

Where: Cabin John Regional Park Amphitheater

7400 Tuckerman Ln, Bethesda, MD 20817

Information

Medicaid Redetermination

Ensure you are ready for it!

When it's your time for Medicaid Redetermination - please sure to complete all required paperwork. Your Service Coordinator will help you through the process. But make sure that you do the following to get ready to renew:

1. Make Sure Your Contact Information is Up to Date.

● Make sure we have your right address, phone number

and email so we can reach you. To check and update

your information:

○ Log in to your MyMDThink account, or

○ Contact your Local Department of Social Services for

help, or

○ Work with your Coordinator of Community Services

(CCS) for help.

2. Check Your Mail. Read Your Mail.

● Watch your mail for notices from us. You will get notices

about your upcoming renewal 90 days ahead of time.

● Look for your renewal packet in your mail.

● Your Coordinator of Community Services can help you

with information about your renewal date too.

3. Complete and Return all Forms and Documents

Right Away.

● When you get your renewal packet, be sure to complete

and return it by the due date. If you do not, you will lose

your Medicaid and waiver coverage.

4. Help with Your Renewal

● Call your Coordinator of Community Services or your

personal representative, which is the person you choose to help you, for questions or help with your renewal.

We would love to hear from you!

Please let us know if there are any subjects, topics or resources you would like to learn more about!

Email Jen at cciprograms1@gmail.com with your suggestions.

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