At Evergreen Service Providers our focus has always been on the Individual – the person that exists beyond the intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) with which they are challenged. We work hand-in-hand with our Host Home Providers to create an environment that abounds with opportunities for Individuals to thrive in body, mind and spirit. But why do the people we work with choose Evergreen?
The IDD Individual is Our First Priority.
Often their families choose the agency they work with, but sometimes it’s the IDD Individual who makes that decision. Two of our newest clients made the choice for themselves.
Their reasons for choosing Evergreen Service Providers centered on the stability they understood they could expect from our agency. They moved from a larger agency which offered many programs, in addition to their residential program, but where the client often dealt with more than one program manager. They sought the more personal atmosphere of Evergreen where they’d deal with one program manager for all their needs. Our open phone line policy gives them the assurance that they can be heard, or get help, at any time.
Over time, this continuity builds not only a family-like bond but the sense of trust that comes with that feeling of inclusion and acceptance – and the message it sends that each Individual matters. We believe that assurance to be the foundation of confidence that so many Individuals need in order to embrace, reveal and nurture the person they are.
We Understand Families.
Choosing an agency to oversee the care of an IDD Individual and place them with a Host Home Provider can be daunting for the family of the Individual. We understand the heavy weight a family bears, knowing their decision affects every aspect of their loved one’s life and future.
The process involves a “meet and greet” session which is attended by representatives of Evergreen Service Providers, including our Executive Director, Barbara Myers. The feedback we receive from families consistently conveys that they are pleasantly surprised that Barbara is part of that first meeting, which is not typically attended by Directors. However, it’s our belief that it’s important to know each family personally – not only to understand the needs of the Individual and their family initially, but as we move forward should that family entrust Evergreen with their loved one’s care.
The personal touch that goes along with knowing each person by name enables us to be readily responsive. And it provides a level of continuity that assures the family of Individuals in our care that we are an extension of the family and that the welfare of their loved one is our greatest concern.
Exceptional Host Home Providers (HHPs) are Integral to What We Do.
Without them we could not provide the environments we envision for the Individuals we work with – environments in which they are treated with dignity and respect and which foster ongoing growth. We seek out HHPs that fit that vision. But it’s rewarding when outstanding HHPs come to us and tell us they’d like to be part of our team because of the good things they’ve heard about our residential program.
Host Home Providers work as independent contractors so are free to work with whatever agency they choose – or more than one agency if their homes and situations allow. At least three of our HHPs are with Evergreen because they were referred by HHPs that already worked with us. It’s great to hear that our HHPs feel special and appreciated, rather than sometimes only a part of the machinery, as one HHP shared is possible with larger, more diversified agencies.
It’s important that our HHPs know we are available to support them, they will be heard, and issues will be addressed immediately. They can drop into the office to get questions answered and our open phone line policy applies to them, too. We provide the training, documents and follow-through they need. A member of our staff touches base with each HHP at least monthly for regular monitoring – some agencies meet with providers only quarterly.
As an exclusively residential-focused program, we continue to hear from all those with whom we associate that we’re doing well by serving that niche. While we understand and appreciate the programs offered by larger agencies, our mission is to focus on the residential side of an Individual’s journey so we can build those authentic relationships.
With that in mind, we’ve carefully selected each member of our staff, based on their strengths and knowledge, to build a competent, efficient, compassionate team. We believe our program serves as a model for creating the environments IDD Individuals need in order to thrive in mind, body, and spirit. To learn more visit www.evergreenserviceproviders.com.