July 1st marks the beginning of Marion County Services, Inc. and the official split of what we've all known as Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled for over 25 years. The letter below from the Executive Directors of both entities provides an explanation for the split.
Dear Friends,
In light of the new Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services rule regarding changes to Home and Community Based Services, Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled and Marion County Services, Incorporated have been exploring a new opportunity to separate services. The primary reason for this exploration is to meet the rule requirements of the federal and state departments while ensuring the best possible services to the community. We have been in discussions about this opportunity since February of 2016. Most importantly, the impact on the individuals served, and the staff has been of great concern to the board of directors. In short, services for the individuals will not change or be affected in any way. We are thrilled to share that Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled and Marion County Services, Incorporated approved a transition of services effective July 1, 2017. what does this mean? This means all case management services provided through Targeted Case Management (TCM) will continue to operate under the Senate Bill 40 Board currently known as Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled. All provider services which include day habilitation (Bridges), community integration, residential services, and transportation will be served under the not for profit organization currently known as Marion County Services, Inc. This decision did not come easily but to be in compliance with conflict free case management and to stay true to our commitment of choice to individuals in services it was agreed that splitting served, families and guardians and staff to explain the transition will take place over the next couple of months. Besides a few changes, all employees will continue their services but will be providing them either under the SB40 Board entity or the not for profit organization. We are very excited and believe wholeheartedly that this separation will more than benefit the community of Marion and the people Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled currently supports and employs. We recognize the tremendous change for everyone involved in this transition. Although it will not be simple, we believe this is the best decision for the citizens of Marion County. Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled and Marion County Services, Inc. share the same core values and together we are committed to building a community engagement that allows us to provide additional services and outcomes that will play to the strengths of both organizations. Our shared and full commitment is to the staff and the individuals, together, we look to increase our capacity to provide exceptional services and influence and advocate on behalf of all people living with developmental disabilities, while at the same time maximizing and stewarding our limited state resources. Above all else, we are committed to creating the most seamless transition possible for those who join us on this journey.
Sincerely,
- Cathy Arrowsmith, Executive Director, Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled
(SB40 Board and Support Coordination Services (TCM)
- Kyra Davis, Executive Director, Marion County Services, Inc. (Provider Services)