Quality Progressions  125 S. 9th St. , Suite 400  Philaadelphia PA  19107

Phone:  267-765-2000  Fax:  267-765-2017

Web Site Address:  www.qualityprogressions.org

 

Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – November 2. 2009

 

Participants:                Consumers                  8

                                  Family Members       14

                                  Staff                            4

                                  Guests                         4

 

Co-chair, Stephanie Washington, began this month’s meeting with introductions of all present.

 

Co-Chair Election:

 

Participants at today’s meeting voted for Advisory Committee Co-Chairperson.  Willa Mae Coleman was elected to serve along with Toni Clifton and will begin her two-year term on January 4, 2010.

 

Agency Status Report:

 

Adrienne Hill , Program Director, reported that as of today, the Philadelphia office is down one staff position, with a second resignation to take effect on 11/6/09.  One staff person had been with the agency for three years; the second was still on probation and decided to return to her previous position.

 

Quality Progressions has been informed that there will be an initiative this year.  The timing and the amount of funding for the initiative is still not known.  The FDSS program has not been cut this year.  We are still waiting to see the impact that state budget cuts will have on other base funded programs.

 

Susan Fellows reported that the planned evening session for the Energy Conservation Workshop was cancelled due to lack of response.  The four families who did wish to participate in this session have been directed to the evening session being planned by PersonLink later this month.

 

Lydia Berger, Board Chairperson, updated the group on the Holiday Gift Initiative.  All letters requesting donations from local businesses have been sent out.  So far, $400 has been received.   Supports Coordinators with consumers who are base-funded have been asked to refer those who should receive gift certificates. We anticipate that they will be distributed by the end of the second week in December.

 

County & State Update

 

Toni Clifton, QP Family Liaison to the City Wide Advisory Committee reported on activities at recent meetings.  Two people registered for the free cell phone program funded by the state and received free cell phones.  Toni also reported that there are plans for various statewide activities to encourage people with disabilities to register to vote in time for the mid-term national and state elections.

 

FDSS Fiscal Year 2010 Status Report (as of October 30, 2009)

 

                             Total Budget                           $355,831

                                    Total Allocations                     $340,885 to 603 Consumers/Families

                                    Payments Requested               $203,115.74

                                    Payments Made                      $198,515.74

                                    Unduplicated # Served                    388

                                    Wait List #                                         64

                                    Cost to Serve Wait List          $  34,200

                                    Emergency Allocations           $    1,665.00 to 3 families

 

                                    Cradles To Crayons:  Served 8 Families to Date

 

Presentation:  Get Ready!   Get Ready!  Diane Lackey, MRS

 

Diane began by distributing easy to find, bright yellow folders and a copy of the Get Ready! Get Ready! Checklist that has been developed to everyone.  The checklist includes sections:

 

1.      The Conversation – Talk About It

2.      Put Your Affairs In Order

3.      Leave a Paper Trail

4.      Control Costs

5.      Plan the Disposition of your estate and your legacy

6.      Plan the ongoing care of your loved one.

7.      Review your plans annually

8.      Meet with supports coordinator, services providers and history keeps

9.      Get A Buddy.  And Start Now

10.  Get Ready! Get Ready!

 

Copies of this checklist are available.  Contact Susan Fellows at 267-765-2009 to request that a copy and one will be mailed.  Diane also informed us that the attorney who provided information at the April session of Get Ready! Get Ready! has written a book that might be helpful. 

 

            Stop!  What Are You Waiting For? By Yvette E. Taylor-Hachoose

            Second Wind Press

            P.O. Box 407

            Washington Crossing , PA   18977

 

A group discussion followed on people’s progress with talking with their families about futures planning.   An important need is that everyone should have a Living Will that names the person responsible, (talk with the person first). 

 

·         One member shared her story with the group and reported that, because of the Advisory Committee discussions, she and her sister have been able to make contingency plans.

·         A mother talked about her son with disabilities, also has contingency plans and was able to talk with her brother about them 

·         A third person spoke about her brother with disabilities, and reported that she wrote her obituary, made a will and has told her sister that she has a living will.  She also shared information that Jefferson Hospital has copies of living wills that are free and are available through Customer Service.

·         Other resources mentioned are the Senior Law Center at 100 S. Broad St. and Community Legal Services.

·         Some parents talked about alternative burials, burial accounts low cost, pre-paid funerals, and recommended checking with funeral directors now.

·         Several people spoke about the need to check out plans with the family member with disabilities and the need to find out what they want in the event of their death. 

·         There was also discussion about consideration of giving the things you want the person to have to them before a serious illness or death.

·         People involved need to know where the documents, (like the Will) are, know what is in it and that there are back-up plans, (very important) specified in writing.

 

 

Next Advisory Committee Meeting:  January 4, 2010 10:30AM -12:00Noon