It’s hard to believe that March is almost here, and National Disability Awareness Month is just around the corner! We’ve been busy planning events, and we’ve got some amazing opportunities! Come join us for one or join us for all!
I also wanted to share exciting news that Fairfield DD has been awarded $890,000 in grant funding. We are thankful for the opportunity to invest these funds as we work to bring about a more vibrant community. We will be announcing soon how these funds will be invested and organizations we will partner with to make the greatest impact on our community. Stay tuned!
-David
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Celebration of Possibilities |
We invite you to join us March 20th for the 14th Annual Celebration of Possibilities. This event honors community members and businesses who exemplify the mission of Fairfield DD. This year will feature sportswriter, turned comedian, Sam Adams. We will also have special guest Amy Bockerstette, golfer, advocate, and co-founder of the I GOT THIS Foundation.
Tickets are now on sale; call 740-652-7220 to reserve yours today!
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Vibrant Community Connection |
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Fairfield DD is excited to partner with parents to provide opportunities for parents, families, and guardians to connect. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a group, the details are as follows: |
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Lancaster Area
Parents of Adults Connect Group will host a gathering on Thursday, March 7, from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm at the Fairfield County Records Center- 138 West Chestnut Street, Lancaster, 43130.
Keep watching, as groups for parents of children (0-22) are being developed, as well!
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Everyone has a superpower and they come in handy on our journey to being empowered and achieving greater independence. So, what’s your superpower? Join us for an evening with Amy Bockerstette, golfer, advocate, and co-founder of the I GOT THIS Foundation as she discusses her superpower and her journey.
We invite anyone in our community to attend to hear her message of empowerment and perseverance during this free event. Fairfield DD and Friends of Fairfield DD are proud to host this event as we move toward our vision of building a community that recognizes the value of every person.
Fairfield DD will have childcare and respite available. Register here to let us know you plan to attend!
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Community Partnership Corner |
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Heart Health is Important |
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February is American Heart Month. It serves as a reminder for all of us to take action to protect ourselves against heart disease and prioritize heart-healthy lifestyles. In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women of every ethnic group. It’s important to know the risk factors for heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest. Immediately performing CPR and using an AED machine during a cardiac episode can double or triple a person’s survival rate.
PulsePoint AED is a free, lifesaving app that will inform you of the proximity to AED devices in your immediate vicinity, including at Fairfield DD. You can download the app through your app store. Fairfield DD is a HEARTSAFE organization and has many staff trained in CPR, First Aid, and the use of an AED.
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In a new episode of Fulfilling Lives, we talk with Kiearra Mason, Executive Director of Learning Never Ends South. She speaks about positive storytelling and how they are using it to connect people and make meaningful relationships. |
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Fairfield DD Feature Department |
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As 2024 begins, the Human Resources (HR) Department has been busy analyzing data to help with future planning. During the period referred to as the “great resignation” in our country, staff voluntarily left jobs for a variety of reasons on the heels of the pandemic. In human resources, turnover refers to the act of replacing an employee with a new employee. The turnover rate is determined by dividing the number of separations in a period by the average number of employees on payroll. During 2023, the worldwide turnover rate was 10.9%. Our industry, however, experienced a turnover rate between 22% and 40%.
Like everyone else, Fairfield DD had staff leave for other agencies, move, retire, and separate for a variety of reasons. However, across the agency, in 2023, our turnover rate was only 7.6%. HR has started meeting with new hires after they begin, current staff, and those who are leaving the agency to learn what is important to both our employees who are staying and our employees who are leaving. Our goal is to address issues to help retain staff because we recognize high quality and engaged staff make a better work culture and help us move the mission forward.
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This month, Fairfield DD had CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) onsite for our voluntary 3-year accreditation review. The review evaluates the agency against the CARF standards of effective services and ongoing performance improvement. As an agency, Fairfield DD is constantly looking for ways to improve and an outside accreditation gives a fresh perspective. The agency is excited to announce that a 3-year accreditation is expected to be issued, which is the highest in their standards. Appreciation goes to the Provider and Community Resources team who organized the documents for review and coordinated interviews with interns, family members, and hospital staff.
The reviewer noted several strengths of the Fairfield DD Team. A common theme was the passion and dedication of the staff across levels of leadership to the mission, vision, and values of the agency. The reviewer identified a few areas where materials could be simplified, as an area for improvement. As part of the strategic plan, Fairfield DD has been working to simplify processes. The recommendations of the reviewer were appreciated and are being addressed. Fairfield DD is proud to be recognized as meeting or exceeding the standards of CARF.
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Disability Day of Mourning
Wednesday, March 1, 2024, 10:00 am
Gather with us to mourn people with disabilities throughout history who lost their lives at the hands of caregivers to commemorate Disability Day of Mourning. We will meet at the Fairfield County Infirmary Cemetery on State Route 37.
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Guest Barista Event
Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
You are invited to stop by Square 7 Coffee House at Art and Clay on Main for a drink or snack! Fairfield DD’s Executive Leadership will be behind the counter taking orders, making drinks, and answering questions about Fairfield DD.
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What's your Superpower? Family Event
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 6:00 pm
Amy Bockerstette, an accomplished amateur golfer and advocate, will be sharing her story on how determination and confidence played a vital role in her success in both golf and life. Additionally, her family will join in and discuss their unwavering support and empowerment towards Amy's achievements. We invite you to bring along your entire family. Fairfield DD will be providing child care and respite during the event.
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Celebration of Possibilities
Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 6:00 pm
The evening will include dinner and a celebration of the people and organizations that exemplify our mission at Fairfield DD.
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