It is with great sadness that I announce that I will be leaving Tri-Valley at the end of January and therefore this will be my last column.
I tendered my resignation in order to assume a similar position in Colorado. I accepted the new position with mixed emotions, excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead of me but saddened about the thought of leaving Tri-Valley and all my friends in southeast Kansas.
Tri-Valley is truly a fantastic organization that I have been proud to represent. It has been family to me. I have appreciated the support of our exemplary employees, the parents and guardians of those we serve, the clients and finally the board of directors.
Tri-Valley would not be possible without the support of the people of southeast Kansas. When I arrived here 12 years ago, I could never have imagined how supportive the region is toward people who have differing abilities. Despite the fact that we are considered the poorest region in Kansas, southeast Kansas has been an integral part of our funding and support, from the county mill levy, fundraising events, subcontract work, to general donations. I have no fear walking into a business and asking for a financial gift or items for an auction. I tell family and friends back in Wichita that we have the most compassionate people in Kansas. I have seen it over and over again with different situations from house fires, to the loss of a job, donations for fundraising events, etc.
Executive directors come and go, and hopefully during my time I have improved the quality of services here and the lives of the people we serve. The key is to whether or not the clients are happy, and they feel they are experiencing lifes richness. We want them to be part of the community, through direct interactions, utilization of their financial resources, participation in community events, housing and employment. During my time at TVDS, we increased the number of homes we provide services in by five, added computer labs, a greenhouse, added a quality assurance system, increased fundraising, increased volunteering, upgraded our vehicle fleet, and created four three-year strategic plans.
None of this would have been possible without our fantastic employees and our leadership team, which is made up of Bill Fiscus, Lea Chickadonz, Brenda Harrison, Alene Jolly, Rachel Crigger, Joe ORourke, Kirbie Hutchinson, Tricia Campbell and Debi Cramer.
THE NEW executive director will have a full plate. First and foremost, he or she will be involved in the final transition pieces of our merger with New Beginnings which began on Jan. 1.
In addition, he will be dealing with the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services HCBS Final Rule, which has been more burdensome than we ever imagined. He will be dealing with over-regulation from the State Fire Marshals office and a few over-zealous employees at KDADS.
I believe our system is much better off now than a few years ago, but I dont believe we will ever return to the golden age of the late 1990s when people with disabilities received the services they truly needed and there was no waiting list. The state and federal government were partners in ensuring quality services and there was a vision on what direction we were taking with community integration and employment.
There is a saying that all good things must come to an end. My memories of southeast Kansas will be full of friendship, support, kindness, and happiness, and although it has ended, it will not be forgotten.
