Community Newsletter - Systems Unlimited, Inc.
Community Newsletter - Systems Unlimited, Inc.
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