“To improve the living and working conditions and opportunities for  persons with severe disabilities.”
EEO/AA/M/F/D/V

The Director’s Corner
By Phil L. Taylor, Executive Director
 

The year is progressing very quickly.  We are already in the midst of serious budget preparation.  It is a very complex process preparing an allocated budget for 15 different cost centers. Our budget has to conform to the format approved by the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS).  These methods of cost allocations, cost centers, and direct and indirect expenses are approved and accepted by the Department of Human Services (DHS) as a zero-based allocated budget which in addition must conform to the Financial Guidelines published by DHS.  These guidelines describe among other things the procedures and allowable methods for cost allocation; allowable and unallowable costs; reimbursement methodologies; line item budget justifications; etc.  It is my job to make sure the comprehensive budget meets all of these criteria and submit it to our Board of Directors for approval.

When it comes to raises, we have a very complex process that involves a salary range and schedules, levels of responsibility, performance evaluations, and special formulas approved by the Board.  All of this effort is directed toward bringing equity and consistency of rationale into the process of determining pay.  Any raise given to non-Waiver employees has to come from a net income over our expenses.  So the business aspects of our organization have to create a net income in order to give those raises.  On the other hand, the Waiver contracts which are renewed annually will have any raises built into them, until they reach a cap set by the State that will not allow for any more increases.  We try to give raises and use them as a way to reinforce good work performance and getting the necessary training required by the State along with keeping up certain records with HR.  In addition, this year we are encouraging getting extra training to become a certified waiver implementor which has a bonus pay included as an incentive in those contracts that will accommodate it.  We have just begun new positions (and opportunities for advancement) called a Waiver Specialists that works with more difficult cases and a Master’s Waiver Specialist that works with new consumers the first few weeks and in cases of intervention.  We always appreciate the work of everyone, but with some 200 positions and so many different programs, many of which are not funded properly by the State,  make this a very difficult and trying process.

Now this process may not be very interesting to everyone, but I believe it helps us all to have a little better idea how things work.  What a person makes is very important.  Many people put a lot of effort into their work and there is a lot of stress associated with our type of work.  A raise is one way that a person feels that they are appreciated to a certain degree.  The most important thing to remember is that no raise can be great enough to say how much you are appreciated for what you do for others.  I know our mission is very important and the only way it can be accomplished is through people just like you.  Even though there is a limit to what raises can be given, I truly hope there is no limit to your efforts for our consumers.

And with all of this in mind, I hope there will be no limit to my efforts to put it all together for everyone.  The great thing about it is that  we have a lot of good people working to help make that happen.  So, we are all in it together,  working on our mission to improve the living and working conditions and opportunities for people with severe disabilities.  Keep up the good work.

   HAPPY MARCH
                             BIRTHDAYS
 
 

Joyce Bland    2nd
Janet Gregory    3rd
Charles Simmons   3rd
Mike Chism    7th
Freda Shaker    7th
Jeff Phillips    8th
Erocktonya Smith   9th
Jeanne Bailey    11th
Jimmy Goodson   11th
Travis Tompkins   11th
Julie Ponder    12th
Phyllis Bullard   17th
Pat Sutton    18th
Brenda Porter    21st
Sarah Humphrey   24th
Linda Legvold   24th
Patty Smith    24th
Marshall Sutterfield   26th
Meloide Bumpers   27th
Monique Smith   27th JANUARY ATTENDANCE AWARD
 
Rita Puryear, Case Manager, received four hours off with pay for the January attendance award drawing.  She received this prize for not missing work time due to sick or personal time off.  WAY TO GO!!!
 

FEBRUARY SERVICE AWARDS

Several employees received a certificate and pin for one year of service to Abilities Unlimited in February.  They are Markita Tyler, Alex White, David Ladd, Tobi Gragg, June Oliver, and Sandra Walker.
Congratulations!!
 

 
Welcome To Abilities Unlimited

Misty Barber    Flex - Production
Kari Brooks    Flex - Production
Meloide Bumpers   ACS Implementor
Cassandra Garcia   ACS Implementor
John Gibson    Flex - Production
Rosemary Hughes   ACS Implementor
Jeannie Hyde    Flex - Store
Billy Ivy    Flex - Production
Newman Kimbrough   Flex - Production
Amber Luster    ACS Implementor
Iva Sue Ring    ACS Implementor
Freda Shaker    ACS Implementor
Johnny Swanson   Flex - Production
Travis Tompkins   ACS Implementor

 
 WANT MORE HOURS????

Spring break is next week (3/11 - 3/15)  and several people will be away and unable to work with their consumer, so if you want to pick up some additional hours during this time, please sign up at the office.  Thanks for your help!
 

CONSIGNORS NEEDED AT the UNLIMITED
 SPRING CLEAN AND EARN $$$$

Empty those closets and earn 50% of the final sales price on clothing, accessories, sterling silver and designer jewelry.  We need name brand and designer, nearly new and gently used items to sell at the Unlimited of Paragould.  For an appointment and details on how to consign your items, contact Jan Parker at 239-5690.
Store hours are 10-5, Monday - Saturday. We will also be accepting items to stock the new consignment store to be opened  soon in Blytheville. Watch this newsletter for an update!!