Disabled services agencies in St. Charles County talk to improve care
"It's like the two organizations are dating; we're not talking marriage, we're not talking engagement," Griffith said.
Community Living Inc. provides services to disabled adults. Family Support Services provides services to disabled children.Together, both organizations are forming a Collaboration Committee to hash out possibilities for providing seamless care for clients making the transition into adulthood. The organizations want "to bridge that gap between the two organizations," Griffith said.
The committee includes Goldbaum, Griffith and members from both organizations' boards. The committee periodically will report to both boards regarding any progress and potential opportunities.
"The focus is for more comprehensive services," Griffith said.
Griffith said the potential partnership came about after the director of Family Support Services left last year, and organization workers decided to re-evaluate.
The collaboration is geared toward improving service to clients, not cutting costs, Goldbaum said.
"I think both organizations have been operating very lean and mean, so I don't see at this point how any position could be eliminated," Goldbaum said.
Griffith said with two good organizations talking, nothing but good can come of the exchange.
Goldbaum agreed, but said what that collaboration will ultimately become is still wide open.
"We never use the M-word on our first date," Goldbaum said.
Background
Community Living Inc. was established in 1978 to develop and coordinate expansion of needed services for people with developmental disabilities in St. Charles County.
Today, the agency's mission encompasses people with all disabilities, and offers employment, recreation, residential, respite and support services for adults. Annually, Community Living serves more than 300 individuals and their families.
For more information, visit www.cliservices.org.
Family Support Services is a charitable, nonprofit agency founded by families in 1958 as the St. Charles County Association for Retarded Citizens to provide support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
In 1994, the agency changed its name to Family Support Services to better reflect its activities. It provides quality recreational, respite and educational programs.
For more information, visit www.familysupportservices.org.
