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Community Newsletter - Systems Unlimited, Inc.

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Inside this Issue...<br />

Letter from Executive Director<br />

New Board Members<br />

2011 Wine Gala<br />

New Family <strong>Systems</strong> Office<br />

Iowa City Chamber Award<br />

Employee Recognition<br />

Parent/Guardian Survey<br />

2010 Awards Ceremony<br />

Employment <strong>Systems</strong> Expansion<br />

New Tipton SCL Office<br />

Jumpy Monkey<br />

2010 Giving Tree<br />

Electronic Documentation<br />

Offering personalized services within local communities which help people improve and maintain the quality of their life.<br />

1<br />

<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Newsletter</strong><br />

Spring/Summer 2011<br />

<strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>.<br />

40 th Year Anniversary<br />

Open House<br />

Sunday,<br />

August 28 th<br />

Iowa City<br />

Service Center<br />

Please come join us in our celebration.<br />

Save the date cards will be in the mail soon.


2<br />

<strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> <strong>Newsletter</strong><br />

Spring/Summer 2011<br />

The <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> <strong>Newsletter</strong> is<br />

published semi-annually by<br />

<strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>.<br />

Coordination: Megan McCannon, Ty Gehy,<br />

and Jennifer Matthews<br />

Design Layout: Jennifer Matthews<br />

Printing: OP Printing<br />

Content Contributions: Ty Gehy<br />

Ann Trotter<br />

Kari Wilken<br />

Tracy Koenig<br />

Dion WIlliams<br />

Chris Campbell<br />

Ryan Spurgetis<br />

Megan McCannon<br />

Jennifer Matthews<br />

Mailing services provided by Employment <strong>Systems</strong>.<br />

Distribution includes parents and guardians,<br />

contributors, volunteers, staff, community partners, and<br />

other friends of <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>.<br />

2011 Board of Directors<br />

Ferman Milster, President<br />

Todd Means, Vice President<br />

Steve Allchin, Secretary/Treasurer<br />

Andrew Rocca, Past President<br />

Katie Schneider<br />

Steve Spenler<br />

Pam Cisney<br />

Josey Bathke<br />

Nancy Elliott<br />

Randy McDonough<br />

Mark Zaiger<br />

Terri Bronner<br />

Stephen Cummings<br />

Mark Hartung<br />

Deb Stewart<br />

Jill Valde<br />

Joseph Kopke<br />

Douglas Hart<br />

Adam Hahn<br />

Management Team<br />

Dion Williams, Executive Director<br />

Janet Outlund, Director of Family <strong>Systems</strong><br />

Ann Trotter, Director of Employment <strong>Systems</strong><br />

Chris Campbell, Director of Quality Assurance<br />

Kari Wilken, Director of Support Services<br />

Angela Yancy, Director of Supported Living<br />

Theresa Whittlesey, Director of Finance<br />

Address Changes<br />

To change your address or be removed from our<br />

mailing list, call (319) 338-9212, ext. 120.<br />

Welcome to the <strong>Systems</strong><br />

<strong>Unlimited</strong> Board of Directors<br />

Meet the newest members of our Board of Directors.<br />

Terri Bronner<br />

RN, Mississippi Valley<br />

Regional Blood Center<br />

Jill Valde, PhD<br />

RN - Assistant Professor (Clinical)<br />

U of I Hospitals & Clinics<br />

Mark Hartung<br />

Computer Programmer,<br />

GrantWood AEA<br />

Doug Hart<br />

Police Lieutenant of<br />

Investigations, City<br />

of Iowa City<br />

A complete listing of the current SUI Board of Directors can<br />

always be found on our webiste: www.sui.org.


Hello, From Dion Williams<br />

This year, <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> is celebrating our 40th anniversary. I have<br />

been spending some time looking back on our beginning and the course<br />

of our services. In 1971, a group of parents of children with disabilities<br />

formed <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> because they were unhappy with the lack of<br />

options available to their families. The founding mothers and fathers<br />

wanted community integration and support for their children. But even<br />

more than that, they wanted to change the culture of exclusion, and help<br />

their children live typical Iowan lifestyles. Forty years ago, this was a<br />

ridiculous idea. These loving parents were true visionaries.<br />

The landscape of services available today to people with disabilities and<br />

other service needs is one that few could have envisioned 40 years ago. There are hundreds of<br />

agencies and supporters in the state. We now take for granted the idea that people with disabilities<br />

and other challenges deserve to live a life surrounded by friends and family, and supported by the<br />

community. Today, we take for granted the idea that we are all more alike than unalike.<br />

As I write this, the Iowa legislature is working on revising how we support people consistently across<br />

the state. By the time you read this, the legislation will be decided, implementation work groups<br />

will have been formed, and the future of disability services in the state will be strenuously debated.<br />

Iowa has a long history of advocating for people with disabilities, and <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> has taken<br />

a lead for 40 years in this area. We have helped write and re-write Iowa laws, providing some of the<br />

best supports in the nation. We design ‘best practices’ and help any agency who wants to grow our<br />

founder’s vision. We will continue to be a leader.<br />

In the three years I have been Executive Director, <strong>Systems</strong> has undergone many changes. We<br />

have grown 35% in people served, people employed and annual revenue. We have restated our<br />

Mission, Vision and Core Values. We have restructured every operating division in order to be<br />

flexible as we face the future we are helping to design.<br />

We will continue to address community inclusion for people who want to live a typical Iowa life. That<br />

will include the first generation of Iowans with disabilities that have lived long enough to grow old.<br />

That will include what some people call an epidemic of autism spectrum disorders. That will include<br />

children and families who struggle to break destructive cycles. That will include our family, friends,<br />

co-workers and neighbors.<br />

Throughout 40 years the mission of the founders has remained. We exist to support people who<br />

want to live the typical Iowa life. I am proud of our history. I am proud of the services we provide. I<br />

am proud to be a part of this ridiculous, wonderful idea.<br />

3<br />

Executive Director,<br />

Dion Williams<br />

3


2010 Parent/Guardian Survey Results<br />

In November and December of 2010 we sent the annual Parent and Guardian Survey to all parents<br />

and guardians for people served in Employment <strong>Systems</strong>, Supported Living and Family <strong>Systems</strong>.<br />

This survey is done annually, and the results are used by the Management Team of <strong>Systems</strong><br />

<strong>Unlimited</strong> to review our services and develop action plans for areas for improvement identified<br />

through the survey.<br />

A total of 721 surveys were distributed, and 145 were returned, for a response rate of 20%. This<br />

is a lower return rate from the previous years, and a much higher number of surveys sent, due to<br />

a dramatic increase in the Family <strong>Systems</strong> Division for number of individuals served (177 surveys<br />

sent last year, 394 this year). A total of 298 surveys were distributed for the SCL Division, 29 for the<br />

Employment <strong>Systems</strong> Division, and 394 for the Family <strong>Systems</strong> Division. Note: parents/guardians of<br />

people served jointly in SCL and ES are counted in the SCL numbers. The following tables show the<br />

percentage return rates for recent years and the response rate this year per service division.<br />

Return rates by year:<br />

4<br />

2010 2009 2008 2007 2006<br />

20% 24% 26% 29% 24%<br />

Return rates by Division for 2010:<br />

Supported Living Employment <strong>Systems</strong> Family <strong>Systems</strong><br />

# distributed 298 29 394<br />

# returned 99 11 33<br />

% return rate 33% 38% 8%<br />

We are pleased with the results of this survey, and appreciate the responses received from parents<br />

and guardians. The Management Team of <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> has discussed the results of the survey,<br />

and is in the process of developing action plans to address the areas for improvement identified.<br />

Some examples of the plans that we have completed over the past year to address results from the<br />

2009 survey are: mailing informational letters regarding services and contact information to all parents<br />

of people who receive services through Family <strong>Systems</strong>; and adding Environmental Reviews that<br />

check for safety hazards and cleanliness to the Quality Assurance process for Supported Living.<br />

The accompanying chart shows the combined results when people chose one of the two positive<br />

responses on the survey (i.e. Strongly Agree and Agree, or All of the Time and Most of the Time).<br />

When combining the two positive responses, we showed very positive results (i.e. 95% or higher)<br />

with several of the questions, including: Staff treat me respectfully; Staff encourage my involvement in<br />

services;


Staff are consistent and punctual with scheduling; Staff have a good understanding of my family<br />

member’s needs; I know who to contact with concerns; and Staff represent themselves in a<br />

professional manner.<br />

The lowest percentage of desired responses came with the questions that were specific to Supported<br />

Living site services. While these results were positive (i.e. in the 83-85% range), they will continue<br />

to be an area of focus. These questions were: I am satisfied with the level of physical activity; Staff<br />

encourage healthy eating habits; and I am satisfied with the cleanliness of the environment. These<br />

were areas that have been established as concern areas in previous surveys, and have been an area<br />

of focus over the past year. Results for these questions continue to show slight improvement from<br />

year to year.<br />

We will again be sending out this survey to all parents and guardians at the end of 2011. We look<br />

forward to your continued input.<br />

5<br />

Percentage of Respondents with Positive<br />

Response to Each Question<br />

5


6<br />

2011 Snowflakes and Strings<br />

Wine Gala and Auction<br />

<strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> <strong>Inc</strong>. held its annual wine tasting event, Snowflakes and Strings, on February 4th<br />

at hotelVetro in downtown Iowa City. This year’s event was a great success, with around 140 people<br />

turning out to enjoy an evening of wine and music and to support <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong>.<br />

Everyone enjoyed the wide variety of wines that were set out<br />

by Fireside Winery, Okoboji Wines, Glazer’s Distributors of<br />

Iowa, Johnson Brother of Iowa, Park Farm Winery, and Cedar<br />

Ridge Vineyards. 7G Distributing provided beers and other malt<br />

beverages.<br />

Music was once again provided by the Marion Chamber Trio.<br />

The delicious smell in the ballroom was provided by a chocolate<br />

fountain that was located in the center of the room. A wide<br />

variety of hor d’oeuvres were served, complemented by our own<br />

Jumpy Monkey coffee.<br />

The silent auction had a wide variety of 32 items to bid on. These included: original artwork, wine<br />

themed items, an autographed Hawkeye football, gift certificates to<br />

area businesses, and a Minnesota vacation - just to name a few!<br />

New this year was a live auction, lead by auctioneer Mark Sharpless.<br />

Seven items were auctioned off live including a birthday party with<br />

the Hawkeye baseball team and Minnesota Wild hockey tickets.<br />

The planning committee members were Kari Wilken, Dion Williams,<br />

Margo Jerrick, Megan McCannon, Jolene Sorensen, Karey Chase,<br />

Tiffany Maliszewski (Business and Financial Strategies), and<br />

Carrie Schumacher (Sheraton Hotel). The committee was lead<br />

by co-chairs Adam Hahn (Knutson Construction) and Joe Kopke<br />

(Business and Financial Strategies).<br />

The planning committee wishes to thank its sponsors for this event. They are: Welt Ambrisco,<br />

Frohwein Office Plus, Greenwood & Crim PC, MidWestOne Bank, KCRG TV “Show You Care”,<br />

hotelVetro, the Fox 100.7 and KXIC AM800, Skogman Realty, and Stanley Consultants/ Sycamore<br />

Printing. They would also like to thank all of the businesses that donated items for the silent auction.<br />

Finally, a special thanks to the volunteers who donated their time and were a tremendous help in<br />

keeping the event running smoothly. They were: Regina and Lee Crooks, Brooke Schlabaugh,<br />

Laura Kelly, Karey Chase, Chris Peterson, Kari Wilken, Jenny O’Brien, Angela Yancy, Jo Irvin,<br />

Pam Devine, Amanda Harrell, Margo Jerrick, Kate Miller, Janet Outlund, Lora Baughman,<br />

Jennifer Matthews, Theresa Whittlesey, Jenny Waskow, and Julie Doran-Clark.


A Reality Check with Heart<br />

As reported in the last annual report, our Representative Payee Services have grown substantially. This<br />

is due, in part, to the increased need for services and also in part to the great reputation of Jo Irvin. As<br />

Representative Payee Specialist, Jo provides money management services for people with various challenges.<br />

She was recently recognized in our employee newsletter as “Employee of the Month” after being nominated<br />

by one of our senior counselors. Especially after reading the glowing nomination, it comes as no surprise that<br />

people outside our agency should also come to respect and appreciate Jo for all the work she does. Take,<br />

for example, a community advocate (we agreed not to print her name) who has been involved in the human<br />

services industry for many, many years. She is not an employee of <strong>Systems</strong>, but does voluntarily lend her<br />

expertise and support to a man (whose name shall also be kept private) receiving payee services from Jo. The<br />

gentleman’s advocate recently had this to say about Jo Irvin and her performance as payee:<br />

As I became friends with a very challenged individual, so began his<br />

introduction to a new freedom—away from a homeless, alcoholic, lonely,<br />

fearful, angry existence. Bless his heart, he slowly opened up and tried one<br />

more time to trust and learn.<br />

Enter Jo Irvin. What perfect timing! Never have I met a person in her<br />

position who could perceive and deal out exactly the right balance between<br />

setting firm parameters with concrete consequences and truly hearing<br />

the honest plea for necessary leeway; for example, spending $200 to buy<br />

him his first winter clothes ever—and he has lived his entire life in winter<br />

communities!<br />

Jo is excellent at straight talk and always reinforces the parameters that I, too, am trying to impose on his<br />

flow of cash. Because of her communication skills, this individual heard her warning that his repeated stints<br />

in jail were threatening his ability to have a payee. She actually got his attention, and that began the slow<br />

process of him turning his life around. I think he has lived in his current apartment, for which Jo sends in his<br />

monthly rent check, longer than he has lived anywhere, and he is so proud of it. He keeps it clean, smoke<br />

free, and organized.<br />

Jo was the pivotal reason I was able to keep going in facilitating his measured assistance from me that is<br />

just now beginning to pay off. He has hope, and I have vision. There is a light at the end of this tunnel;<br />

though it may take another year to be able to look back and say, “Ah, friend, your dreams and goals are<br />

realistic and you are safe, warm, and not alone.”<br />

There just are not enough folks like Jo. She truly is a reality check with heart. We need her so much. Her<br />

instincts are better than most people’s training and her professionalism says “training” with every encounter.<br />

She is so personable and level headed, yet flexible when needed. Where else can we find that!? We may<br />

never know all the lives that would be so forlorn without her good sense and careful thought. She is a good<br />

match for your service, as it, too, is no ordinary agency. Having seen up close the homeless situations in<br />

many cities, you have your thumb in the dike so people will never know what all you are holding back and<br />

keeping together for those less fortunate.<br />

Congratulations to this gentleman on the progress he’s made turning his life around! It’s inspiring to hear that<br />

he has renewed hope—thanks to the support of people like his friend/advocate and our own Jo Irvin. Keep up<br />

the great work, Jo, in changing lives—one at a time!<br />

For more information on Representative Payee Services at <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong>, please go to our website:<br />

http://www.sui.org/payee.html.<br />

7 7


Leaving the Nest ~ Family <strong>Systems</strong> New Office<br />

In January 2011 the Family <strong>Systems</strong> Division<br />

moved to their very own office. Due to growth and<br />

successful evolution of services throughout the<br />

agency, more space was needed for all divisions<br />

to continue to flourish. The new Family <strong>Systems</strong><br />

office is located at 1519 S Gilbert St. in Iowa City.<br />

This new office space accommodates the day-today<br />

administrative<br />

needs of the staff<br />

as well as provides<br />

private rooms<br />

designed for the<br />

delivery of mental<br />

health and play<br />

therapy services<br />

to the families and<br />

children receiving services. This move represents<br />

the continued momentum of the Family <strong>Systems</strong><br />

Division. When the agency moved to our building<br />

on Scott Blvd. in 2006, Family <strong>Systems</strong> had about<br />

15 employees and was known primarily for foster<br />

and adoption services. Throughout the past five<br />

years Family <strong>Systems</strong> has successfully transformed<br />

into a leader and figure in area school districts and<br />

the Corridor area as a leading provider of mental<br />

health services. The Division now employs nearly<br />

8<br />

Spacious office area for staff to<br />

focus on their work.<br />

65 talented, professional staff. In 2006 FS was<br />

providing services to an average of 100 clients per<br />

year. In this past fiscal year FS worked with 400<br />

clients.<br />

Staff continue to provide exceptional services<br />

through Remedial Skill services, the Children’s<br />

Mental Health Waiver, Title XIX, Wellmark, Hawk-<br />

I and Tricare, and through private pay. Family<br />

<strong>Systems</strong> has also been working in the community<br />

at local schools through the Safe School Healthy<br />

Student Grant to provide case management<br />

for eight elementry schools in the area of<br />

children’s mental health.<br />

Activity filled art room for staff to<br />

work and create with children.<br />

Inviting front entrance to welcome<br />

staff and clients.


And the Award Goes To ~ Muriel Nisly<br />

Muriel Nisly, Senior Accountant in the Accounting Department,<br />

has been awarded Iowa Manager of the Year by the Affordable<br />

Housing Management Association. Muriel received this<br />

award due to receiving high marks on her Housing and<br />

Urban Development (HUD) audits and reviews and her timely<br />

compliance to the numerous HUD regulations enacted each year.<br />

Renae Ridlen, Project Manager at the Des Moines HUD office,<br />

cited <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> for their dedication to creating homes for<br />

their individuals, not just “affordable housing.”<br />

Muriel gives much credit for the award to the Maintenance<br />

Department, Kevin Seydel and Dave Gould. Their commitment to<br />

excellence and their extraordinary relationship with the individuals<br />

and staff is a key ingredient to success. In addition, the staff in the houses should receive<br />

credit for their creativity and dedication to the individuals and their home.<br />

Muriel does an outstanding job managing and preparing all financial information for our<br />

fourteen HUD sites.<br />

<strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> Honored by Chamber<br />

On November 16, 2010, <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> was one of six local businesses recognized at<br />

the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce “A Toast to Our Communities” awards program.<br />

During the celebration, <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong> was announced as the recipient of its 2010<br />

Economic Development Award. Nominations were submitted by community members and<br />

recipients were selected through online voting on the Chamber’s web site.<br />

An excerpt from our nomination:<br />

<strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> provides comprehensive services to 150 individuals with<br />

developmental disabilities in the Iowa City/Coralville area.<br />

These individuals spend approximately $1,000 per month<br />

on living expenses which translates into $1.8 million yearly<br />

for the local economy. <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> employs 571<br />

employees and spends $17 million locally each year.<br />

We would like to thank all who voted—this is a significant<br />

honor and recognition of all we do, not only for the people we<br />

serve, but for the economic health of Iowa City.<br />

9<br />

9


Welcome to the Neighborhood ~ Tipton<br />

Our newest satellite office opened up on the October 4, 2010. It is located in the scenic<br />

downtown area at 114 West 5 th street in Tipton, Iowa. We have been searching for<br />

affordable office space in the Tipton area for the past few years.<br />

We feel that this office will be beneficial in many ways to the<br />

individuals and staff who live and work in the area. Currently we<br />

provide services to 14 individuals and employ 11 staff (including<br />

2 senior counselors) in the Tipton area. We are looking forward to<br />

continuing to grow and providing quality services in that area for<br />

years to come.<br />

2009-2010 Annual Report<br />

<strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>’s annual report can be found online again this year. The report is easily<br />

accesssible on our website at www.sui.org. Just go to the home page and click the “Publications” link<br />

under More Info.<br />

In an attempt to save on printing and postage fees, we will not be sending the annual report by mail<br />

unless requested. You can request a printed copy be sent to you by contacting our main office at<br />

319-338-9212, extention 120.<br />

10 10


Electronic Documentation<br />

What is it?<br />

Electronic Documentation, EDoc, or ED, is a generic term<br />

for software that allows one to type progress notes into<br />

a database. We have used this term broadly to describe<br />

the entire CASPer package, even though it encompasses<br />

much more than just progress notes.<br />

The software is called CASPer, and stands for “Core<br />

Applications for Service Providers and Electronic<br />

Reporting”.<br />

This software comes from Quantum Solutions, based in Petersburg, IL. They specialize in developing<br />

software for service providers, and CASPer is used by several other providers in the region.<br />

Through implementing electronic documentation we will be able to provide greater quality of services by<br />

smoothing the documentation and record keeping processes.<br />

The Plan as of Now<br />

Over the next several months, three supported community living locations will implement the electronic<br />

documentation system. Every month we will add a few more locations to this process. Employment<br />

<strong>Systems</strong> and Family <strong>Systems</strong> will have their own timeline of implementing electronic documentation over<br />

the coming months.<br />

This new documentation process will involve a computer and internet connection in the participating<br />

locations using this process. The IT and Management Teams are working on the best solutions to meet<br />

this need. Those working in direct care will be responsible for their documentation being finished in a<br />

timely manner, as always. This will also involve password-protected user accounts for all staff.<br />

The IT Team and Training Committee are devising training for this new system of documentation, as well<br />

as basic computer use training for those who are in need of it.<br />

Holiday Giving Tree<br />

Every year <strong>Systems</strong> gives employees the opportunity to show their holiday spirit and help someone we serve<br />

through our Annual Giving Tree. This past holiday season, the Annual Giving Tree was another great success.<br />

<strong>Systems</strong> received donations from General Mills, The Tippie College<br />

of Business, Thomas L Cardella and Associates, AW Welt Ambrisco<br />

Insurance, <strong>Inc</strong>., and Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority. Our<br />

“System’s family”, including board members, employees, as well as<br />

family members of <strong>Systems</strong> Employees and people served, were all very<br />

generous. In total, 156 gifts and 74 grocery store gift certificates were<br />

distributed. That’s over $4,000 worth of gifts! Once again, everyone who<br />

requested a gift received one. Thank you to everyone who participated.<br />

11<br />

11<br />

11


Crowds showed up for the 2010<br />

Awards Ceremony on September<br />

25th at the Coralville Holiday Inn &<br />

Conference Center. The Annual<br />

Awards Ceremony celebrates<br />

those people we serve who have<br />

fulfilled a life goal in the previous<br />

year, or have overcome adversity<br />

through successfully dealing<br />

with significant life changes. In<br />

addition, community members<br />

and businesses who consistently work to improve<br />

the lives of individuals served by <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> are recognized for<br />

their efforts.<br />

Bill Reagan, CEO of the ARC of Southeast Iowa, was Master of<br />

Ceremonies for the evening. Bill shared the achievements of each<br />

program over the last year as he introduced each award presented.<br />

Milestone awards were presented to Kathleen Brosnan,<br />

Ashley Newcomb, Andrew Newcomb, Dallas Franck, Shane Edwards,<br />

Jorge Contreras, Markous Contreras, Shana Prescott,<br />

Jonathan Reeck, Stephanie Tarbox, Peter De Mars, Ryan Yoder,<br />

James Holder, Darrell Lathrop, Deb Schneider and Ron Pfeiffer.<br />

Bright Eyes and Bushy Tails received Employer of the Year,<br />

Christopher Okiishi MD received Professional of the Year, and North<br />

Dodge Hy-Vee received a Business Recognition Award.<br />

Joan VandenBurg of ICCSD, Linda Nelson from Mann Elementary,<br />

and Ladiester LaMaster of Mann Elementary were all awarded with<br />

a <strong>Community</strong> Partnership Award. The last award of the evening, the<br />

<strong>Community</strong> Advocacy Award,<br />

went to the Master of Ceremonies, Bill Reagan.<br />

Andrew Rocca, Bill Reagan, and Dion Williams<br />

12<br />

Ron Pfeiffer and Tammy Reynolds<br />

Congratulations everyone!<br />

Mark Your Calendar<br />

2011 Annual Awards Banquet<br />

Friday, September 16 @ 7 pm<br />

At the Holiday Inn and<br />

Conference Center in Coralville


Employment <strong>Systems</strong> Expands into Cedar Rapids<br />

On March 1, 2011, Employment <strong>Systems</strong> (ES) took ownership of an organization in Cedar Rapids<br />

that provides <strong>Community</strong> Employment and Integration services.<br />

The organization (known formally as Work Opportunities) and<br />

many of its employees joined the ES Division, with its formal<br />

organizational leader Kathy Brooks becoming an Employment<br />

Administrator in the Cedar Rapids area. Kathy relocated back<br />

to Cedar Rapids, her hometown, after working for a non-profit<br />

organization in Boston. The organization in Boston supported<br />

Kathy to start a satellite operation in Cedar Rapids, developing<br />

and designing services for approximately 55 individuals.<br />

These individuals will now receive services from Employment<br />

<strong>Systems</strong>.<br />

Along with Kathy, six other employees joined the ES team: Alina<br />

Divine, Kristian Heinricy, Amy Gradoville, Katherine Henely, Tom Long, and Michael Wakefield.<br />

They are located at the Cedar Rapids <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> office off of Bowling Street, sharing an<br />

office with Family <strong>Systems</strong> and Supported Living. We want to welcome all of them to <strong>Systems</strong><br />

<strong>Unlimited</strong> and are excited that Employment <strong>Systems</strong> has the opportunity to provide excellent<br />

services in a new community.<br />

Evolving with the Times<br />

Forty years ago, <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> was founded by a group of parents who wanted their children to be<br />

supported to live and enjoy their local community. We continue that mission today, and have periodically<br />

restated our Mission, Vision and Core Values to keep them fresh and accessible.<br />

Mission of <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong><br />

<strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong> offers personalized services within local communities which help people<br />

improve and maintain the quality of their life.<br />

Vision of <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong><br />

We seek to be an innovative leader in the design and delivery of personalized services<br />

within each community we serve.<br />

Core Values of <strong>Systems</strong> <strong>Unlimited</strong><br />

13<br />

Continual Collaboration<br />

Conscious Communication<br />

Daily Accountability<br />

Constant Respect<br />

On-going Education<br />

10<br />

13


Annual Giving<br />

Harry Alderman<br />

John & Rhonda Barr<br />

Barbara Beaumont<br />

Richard & Phyllis Braverman<br />

Charles Buckley<br />

Stanley & Michelle Burns<br />

John & Mary Colloton<br />

Dana Conklin<br />

Cherie & Bernie Cremers<br />

Louise Crews<br />

Custom Impressions<br />

Brenna Davidson<br />

Carol Dewey<br />

Devotay<br />

Larry & Sharon Easler<br />

Maggie & Bob Elliott<br />

Nancy Elliott<br />

Federation Bank<br />

Robert Gaffey<br />

Helen Goldstein<br />

Ben Halupnik<br />

James Hayes<br />

Jerry Hilgenberg<br />

Thomas Hix<br />

Thomas Hobart<br />

Hodge Construction Co.<br />

Holmes Transmission & Auto<br />

Repairs, <strong>Inc</strong>.<br />

Karen Hughes<br />

Integrated DNA Technologies, <strong>Inc</strong>.<br />

Phyllis Irwin<br />

Nicol Jewell<br />

Verne & Patricia Kelley<br />

Knights of Columbus Council 12910<br />

Knights of Columbus Council 14481<br />

John & Claudia Knutson<br />

John & Trish Koza<br />

Yvonne McCabe<br />

Waylon McCord<br />

Randy & Carol McDonough<br />

Marita McGurk<br />

14<br />

Thank You For<br />

Donations July 2010 – March 2011<br />

Gerald Meis<br />

Ferman Milster<br />

Darren Montufar<br />

Erin & Terence Murphy<br />

Newcomb Warehouse, <strong>Inc</strong>.<br />

Newman Catholic Student Center<br />

Linda Newmire<br />

Herb & Sandy Ohrt<br />

Chris Peterson<br />

Andy Piro<br />

Clair Powers<br />

William Pruecil<br />

Paul & Esther Retish<br />

Dr. William & Winifred Scott<br />

Sandy Spire<br />

Ralph Stephens Seminars LLC<br />

Strauss-Thalheimer Charitable Trust<br />

Towncrest Services<br />

Walmart<br />

Washington State Bank<br />

West Chester Savings Bank<br />

Mike Wolfe<br />

Larry & Connie Zahradnek<br />

E. E. Ziegler<br />

Andrea White<br />

Phil & Laura White<br />

W.E.L.C.A.<br />

Memorial Gifts<br />

In Memory of Linda Irwin<br />

Kimberly Beuter<br />

Ronald & Sonia Ettinger<br />

Nancy Feddersen Hyde<br />

Deb Goodner<br />

Ami Hanson<br />

Keith Irwin<br />

Virgil Irwin<br />

John & Kristy Kellbach<br />

Collen Kessler<br />

Marguerite Knoedel<br />

Linda Knowling<br />

Marion Knowling<br />

Delores Krotz<br />

Kathryn Kurth<br />

Lori Lacina<br />

Dan Lynch<br />

Connie McRoberts<br />

Patti McTaggart<br />

Brenda Pechman<br />

Dave & Julie Ricci<br />

Joyce Ruplinger<br />

Shelly Schweres<br />

Ben & Martha Stevenson<br />

Rex & Marilyn Swails<br />

Bev & Jim Whetstine<br />

UI CLAS IT Group<br />

UI College of Liberal Arts & Sciences<br />

Steve Smith Keep On Movin’ Fund<br />

Maury Anderson<br />

Nolan & Mary Lynn Bogaard<br />

Cassandra Boulton<br />

Robert & Judy Fletcher<br />

Mary Lou & Joe Kush<br />

Connor Smith<br />

Derek Smith<br />

Larry & Judy Smith<br />

Tristan Smith<br />

Snowflakes & Strings<br />

Wine Event<br />

#1 Sun<br />

7G Distributing<br />

AAA Travel<br />

A.W. Welt Ambrisco Insurance, <strong>Inc</strong>.<br />

Mary Lynn & Nolan Bogaard<br />

Best Buy<br />

Shelley Blue<br />

Bochner’s Chocolates<br />

Buffalo Creek Rods<br />

Cedar Ridge Winery<br />

Chalmers Elliott<br />

Europa Salon<br />

Fireside Winery


Being a Friend!<br />

Snowflakes & Strings<br />

Wine Event (cont)<br />

FOX 100.7 / KXIC 800 AM<br />

Frohwein / Matthews Office Plus<br />

Glazer’s Distributors of Iowa<br />

Greenwood & Crim, CPA’s<br />

Hands Jewelers<br />

Herteen & Stocker Jewelers<br />

hotelVetro<br />

Iowa Baseball<br />

Phyllis Irwin<br />

Johnson Brothers Wine Company<br />

KCRG “Show You Care” Sponsors<br />

Knutson Construction Services<br />

Lantern Park Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits<br />

Lotus Salon<br />

The Mansion<br />

Frank Mesa & Charlotte Hahn<br />

MidWestOne Bank<br />

Okoboji Wines<br />

Packsack Canoe Rentals<br />

Panchero’s<br />

Panera<br />

Park Farm Winery<br />

Performance Health & Fitness<br />

Riverside Casino<br />

Andy Rocca<br />

Share Restaurant<br />

Skogman Realty<br />

Stained Wine Room<br />

Sueppel’s Flowers<br />

Sycamore Printing / Stanley<br />

Consultants<br />

Janet Outlund<br />

Whispering Pines<br />

Mark Zaiger<br />

2010 Holiday Giving Tree<br />

Steve Allchin<br />

A.W. Welt Ambrisco Insurance, <strong>Inc</strong>.<br />

Denise Blough<br />

Employees of General Mills<br />

15<br />

Employees of Thomas L. Cardella<br />

& Associates<br />

Employees of Tippie School of Business<br />

IC Carb Co<br />

Nicci Keck<br />

Johann Laing<br />

Todd & Kellie Means<br />

Terry & Judie Robertson<br />

Andy & Terri Rocca<br />

2010 Awards Ceremony<br />

Custom Impressions<br />

Catherine Deming<br />

Carol Dewey<br />

Larry & Sharon Easler<br />

Adam Hahn<br />

Pat Harney<br />

Vionne Holder<br />

Janice Hotka<br />

Kay Ingham<br />

Phyllis Irwin<br />

Cythina Jewell<br />

Michelle Lloyd<br />

Katherine Lynch<br />

Mark Manternach<br />

Waylon McCord<br />

Bill Reagan<br />

Janelle Rettig<br />

Tammy Reynolds<br />

Andy & Terri Rocca<br />

Mary & Stephen Smith<br />

Tom & Deb Stewart<br />

Sally & Roger Stutsman<br />

David & Maggie Winegarden<br />

Grants<br />

Stanley Consultants Foundation<br />

US Bancorp Foundation<br />

Employment <strong>Systems</strong><br />

Deb & Thomas Stewart<br />

Misc. Goods/Services<br />

Big Ten Rentals<br />

Evelyn La Place<br />

Jane Luiener<br />

Stanley Consultants<br />

Jude West<br />

Special Thanks<br />

…to Integrated<br />

DNA Technologies<br />

for their generous<br />

$2000 donation<br />

pledge!<br />

…to the Stanley<br />

Consultants<br />

Foundation for<br />

their donation<br />

of $5000 for an<br />

accessible vehicle<br />

purchase!<br />

Any omission or misspelling of<br />

contributors’ names is unintentional.<br />

Please contact us at 319-338-9212,<br />

ext. 120 if you spot an error.<br />

15


2533 Scott Boulevard SE<br />

Iowa City, IA 52240<br />

www.sui.org<br />

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED<br />

16<br />

NON-PROFIT ORG.<br />

US POSTAGE PAID<br />

IOWA CITY, IA<br />

Jumpy Monkey ® Coffee is currently sold at several Iowa City area grocery and drug<br />

stores and shelved at many local businesses. Please stop by one of these community<br />

locations and enjoy our coffee.<br />

We have Jumpy Monkey ® Coffee<br />

for sale at the following community<br />

locations:<br />

Hartig Drug<br />

701 Mormen Trek Blvd.<br />

Iowa City<br />

Towncrest Pharmacy<br />

2306 Muscatine Ave<br />

Iowa City<br />

Fareway Grocery<br />

Commerce Dr.<br />

off of Hwy 6<br />

Iowa City<br />

Hy-Vee<br />

1st Avenue, North Dodge, and<br />

Waterfront Iowa City, and 8th Street<br />

Coralville<br />

West Liberty Foods<br />

West Liberty and<br />

Mt Pleasant<br />

Drahos Shoes<br />

Belle Plaine<br />

Our coffee is being served at the<br />

following locations:<br />

Wild Bill’s Coffee Shop<br />

321 North Hall, U of IA<br />

Iowa City<br />

City High School<br />

509 S. Dubuque St.<br />

Iowa City<br />

Blaze Salon<br />

937 25th St.<br />

Coralville

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