In the Spotlight
Diane Beastrom Honored as Crain’s 2018 Notable Women in Health Care
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, Aug. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Diane Beastrom, president and CEO of Koinonia Homes, is named as one of the Notable Women in Healthcare 2018 by Crain's Cleveland Business. The elite class of awardees includes prominent female leaders and executives in Northeast Ohio's health care industry. Beastrom is recognized for her deft guidance of Koinonia Homes from a small, intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) agency operating a handful of group homes to one of the region's leading community-based provider organizations. Koinonia Homes employs 600 staffers and operates 21 licensed residential homes, 51 supported living sites, as well as day, vocational and career services. Under Beastrom's leadership, Koinonia has grown to a $30 million enterprise, serving 600 individuals with ID/DD in Cuyahoga, Summit, Lorain, Lake, Geauga and Medina counties. "Diane's passion for Koinonia's mission motivates staff at all levels of the organization to put their best foot forward when working with our clients," said Julie Johnson, Koinonia [...]
Koinonia Wins NorthCoast 99 Four Years in a Row!
Koinonia Homes is proud to be recognized by ERC as one of Northeast Ohio's 99 best places to work! This is the fourth time that Koinonia has received the NorthCoast 99 award. NorthCoast 99 is an annual recognition program that honors 99 great workplaces for top talent in Northeast Ohio. The program is presented by ERC (www.yourerc.com). According to Diane Beastrom, President and CEO of Koinonia, "I'd like to recognize ALL of our associates for the impact they have on the people we serve. Their dedication has created a top-performing organization with a positive reputation for quality and integrity." NorthCoast 99 is in its 20th year of recognizing great places to work for top performing people who drive results, provide competitive advantages, and allow businesses to innovate and grow. Applicants are evaluated based on policies and practices related to the attraction and retention of top performers, as well as data collected from employee surveys. “We’re extremely [...]
Koinonia Receives Critical Home-Based Nursing Grant from Medical from Medical Mutual of Ohio
Koinonia Homes, a leading provider of individualized residential services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was awarded a $150,000 grant from Medical Mutual of Ohio to fund essential nursing services in community-based homes. The grant will be distributed in $50,000 increments over a three-year period. Recent studies indicate that people with developmental disabilities are particularly susceptible to disparities in healthcare, including access to care providers, specialized treatment, long-term care and disease prevention. Because Koinonia homes are residential and not institutional, they require specialized nursing coordination that includes managing healthcare providers, doctors’ appointments, treatments, transportation and passing medications – all within unique home settings. More than 450 individuals rely on Koinonia for health-care services and care coordination among 60 residential locations in Northeast Ohio. This grant will directly support the care coordination not covered by government assistance for 130 people. “Medical Mutual of Ohio quickly recognized that enhancing nursing services for individuals in community-based homes [...]
From our blog
Saving Maggy
Maggy is a young woman who has struggled to find her place in the world. Not only does Maggy have IDD, but like many people we serve, she is dually diagnosed with mental health conditions. Many other providers tried to serve Maggy, but typically would give up after a short period of time. One day we received a call from the County Board of DD, would Koinonia be willing to [...]
Diane Beastrom Honored as Crain’s 2018 Notable Women in Health Care
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, Aug. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Diane Beastrom, president and CEO of Koinonia Homes, is named as one of the Notable Women in Healthcare 2018 by Crain's Cleveland Business. The elite class of awardees includes prominent female leaders and executives in Northeast Ohio's health care industry. Beastrom is recognized for her deft guidance of Koinonia Homes from a small, intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) agency operating a handful of group [...]
Koinonia Enterprises to Host Summer Motown Concert on Thursday, August 30th
On Thursday, August 30th from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm, The crew at Koinonia Enterprises, in partnership with MTEC Music Therapy Enrichment Center, will be hosting a special Summer Concert at the Kiwanis Pavilion at 6363 Selig Drive in Independence Ohio. The concert will feature a variety of Motown music including renditions of Don't Mess With Bill, Easy, My Girl and Ooh Baby Baby. The concert will also feature a guitar solo of the song Just My [...]
RealAbilities Film Festival Comes to Cleveland
ReelAbilities Film Festival is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different abilities. The festival is renowned for its wide-ranging international film selection, riveting conversations, and performances, presented annually in dozens of venues across the country and around the world. The films are offered free of admission charges, and all festival venues are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the [...]
Parents of Adolescents and Young Adults Needed for Autism Research Study
Are you a parent or guardian of a teen or young adult (age 16-30) with Autism? Consider participating in a research study at Case Western Reserve University about experiences of families caring for teens or young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Information from the study will help create programs and services to support families like yours in the community. Participation involves a private in-person interview that lasts about 90 minutes. [...]
Koinonia Receives Trauma-Informed Care Training Grant
Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Funding Kickstarts Trauma-Informed Agency Designation Independence, Ohio – August 7, 2018 – Koinonia, a leading provider of day, residential and career services to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (ID/DD), received a $20,000 Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) grant to provide staff with trauma-informed care training. Trauma-informed care training teaches Koinonia managers, supervisors and nurses about the widespread impact of trauma and teaches them ways to respond [...]
Hands-on learning: Students gain job skills through Summit DD and Koinonia
By April Helms Reporter, MyTownNEO, August 7, 2018: Summer jobs are often seen as a rite of passage for teens, a means of earning both money and critical job experience. Summit DD Community Supports and Development expanded its youth summer work program in May to allow more teens with developmental disabilities gain employment. John DeMarco, 18, of Cuyahoga Falls, wraps sliverware in napkins for Continuing Healthcare. At left, job [...]
John White from CVS Health Visits Koinonia Enterprises
On Thursday, August 2nd, John White, Regional Learning Center Manager Workforce Initiatives for CVS Health, visited both Vocational Habilitation programs at Koinonia Enterprise's (KE) In Brooklyn Heights and Mayfield Village for KE's Career Day. John spent valuable time with each location, going over job offerings at CVS, explaining what the responsibilities for each position are, and answering questions from our job seekers. CVS Health was recently recognized as a "Best Place [...]
2018 Founders Award Winner – Management Category, is Michelle Moore!
Michelle's nomination submitted by Patti Matzinger, Director of Waiver Services: “Koinonia is not just the National Spelling Bee Champions’ winning word, but a name that proudly identifies the agency we work for. A word of Greek origin meaning fellowship. But at the very heart of the word is community, partnership and generous sharing. While few can say or spell it, the reason Michele Moore has been nominated for the Founders [...]
2018 Founders Award Winner – DSP Category, is Kate Dumond!
Jackie Burgio, Supervisor - KE wrote the following about Kate: “Kate is the best advocate I know. When she noticed the health of an individual declining, she brought her concerns to me and a special team meeting was scheduled. As Kate works very closely with this individual, she attended as well. This man, who does not live in a Koinonia home, was suffering from skin break down, digestive issues, hand [...]
Koinonia to host Transportation Needs Meeting on Tuesday, July 24th
The Koinonia Homes, Inc. which is a private nonprofit corporation intends to submit a Proposal for a capital grant under the provision of 49 USC Section 5310 of the Federal Transit Act to provide transportation service for the disabled and elderly of that population within Cuyahoga County and surrounding areas. The grant Proposal will request two replacement vehicles for our current transportation fleet. One to be a 2018 Elkhart Coach [...]
Duke Men’s Basketball Star Brennan Besser holds Basketball Clinic with Koinonia
Brennan Besser, a Junior on the Duke Blue Devils College men's basketball team, is biking, walking, and running from Seattle to New York this summer to raise awareness and support for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Brennan has been inspired by his sister Jacqueline, a nonverbal person who has Autism, to make this trek across the country. His 69-day journey is called Walk On! America and includes 3,400 miles across 16 states [...]
Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper to speak at Koinonia All-Staff Meeting
Koinonia is pleased to welcome Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper as the keynote speaker for Koinonia's annual All-Staff meeting on Tuesday, July 31st. Dr. Burts-Cooper is the senior managing partner of Improve Consulting and Training Group, a firm that provides personal and professional development training, coaching and consultation. Improve has been featured in Time Magazine, Black Voices, Smart Business Magazine and Bloomberg BusinessWeek. Dr. Burts-Cooper is on the faculty at Case Western Reserve University in the Weatherhead Executive Education [...]
Open Interviews Next Week! Come and start your healthcare career at Koinonia!
Koinonia Homes, Inc. - one of the 99 best places to work in Northeast Ohio is hiring! We are hiring for several positions including Direct Support Professionals, Supervisors, Behavioral Support Supervisor, Weekend Warriors, Executive Assistant and other Admin positions! Now is your chance to join a growing non-profit that offers great benefits and a supportive work environment CLICK HERE to see our open positions! WEDNESDAY, June 27th Brook Park Library [...]
DSP Appreciation CARNIVAL set for Wednesday, September 12th
Event will be from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM at the Kiwanis Pavilion in Independence DSPs and Frontline Staff are asked to RSVP by clicking this link: https://koinoniahomes.org/dsp-party/ Koinonia Homes, Inc. today announced plans for a Carnival themed DSP Appreciation Party on September 12th at the Kiwanis Pavilion at 6363 Selig Drive in Independence Ohio. New this year, the hours of the party have been extended from 11:00 AM until [...]
Koinonia and EDEN to co-host Common Ground Conversation on Sunday, June 24th
On Sunday, June 24, the Cleveland Foundation will coordinate Common Ground community conversations around town under the topic: Why does place matter? People who have I/DD need places that support their abilities and give them the space they need to pursue a life of their choosing. What challenges do they face in finding housing and places to work in our community? Koinonia Homes and Emerald Development & Economic Network (EDEN) will be [...]
CrossCountry Mortgage offers $500 Lender Credit to Koinonia Employees
Are you Looking to Purchase a New Home this Year? CrossCountry Mortgage is offering a special $500 lender credit to Koinonia Associates, in appreciation for the valuable work they do helping people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work, and thrive in our community! At CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc., they offer more than a mortgage. Founded in 2003, President and CEO Ronald J. Leonhardt, Jr., had the vision [...]
Texas Student, 14, Wins 2018 Scripps National Spelling Bee with Word ‘Koinonia’
14-year-old Karthik Nemmani, of McKinney, Texas, won the 2018 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night after correctly spelling the word, Koinonia. The bee was Nemmani’s first time participating in the national finals. Nemmani was one of 515 spellers to participate in this year’s bee, winning over Naysa Modi, 12, in the eighteenth round when she misspelled bewusstseinslage. Among his prizes — which include $40,000 in cash and a trophy [...]
Legal Aid Society of Cleveland Upcoming Free Events & Legal Advice
Do you need help from an Attorney? The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland has many FREE legal advice clinics coming up. At these clinics, attorneys are available for a free brief advice on legal matters relating to shelter, safety, consumer issues, and legal issues related to health, education, work, income, and immigration. The full calendar is also available at https://lasclev.org/events/category/brief-advice-clinics/ a printed version of this schedule is available HERE. THIS WEEK - [...]
Woodridge High School Youth in Transition Spotlights Student Successes and Changing Expectations
May 2, 2018, Peninsula Ohio: Representatives from The Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD), the Woodridge School System, Koinonia Homes, along with students, faculty, and families gathered at Woodridge High School to celebrate the success of The Transition Services for Youth program, an initiative designed to prepare young adults with developmental disabilities (DD) for the professional world upon graduation. According to Walter C. Davis, Superintendent of Woodridge Local Schools, “We’re [...]
“Dancing with the Stars” Spring Fling Dance Scheduled for Sunday, May 6th
Koinonia Homes, Inc., in partnership with CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc., will host an all-abilities spring dance party for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their family and supporters, on Sunday May 6th. The dance party will be held at The Holiday Inn on Rockside Road, and feature the band The Angels in Disguise, a dance contest complete with Mirror Ball trophies, and a photo booth. Members of the community [...]
Koinonia-Amazon Success Story Showcased on WKYC TV We The People
Find out how Amazon and Koinonia are partnering together to find community-based employment for people who have developmental disabilities. Amanda Lovelace-Tobicash, site leader at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Twinsburg Ohio, and Amazon Fulfillment Associate Giselle Meriwether tell their story.
Koinonia Appears on 90.3 WCPN Sound of Ideas Radio Show
Director of Waiver Services Patti Matzinger and parent and DD Advocate Peggy DeMooy appeared on 90.c WCPN The Sound of Ideas Radio show, to share Peggy's story of how she turned her family home into a group home for her son Brian. According to Patti, "Our individuals, they so much want to be a part of community, that's part of our challenge is to get them out in the community... [...]
Mina Nardi Named Ohio’s Direct Support Professional of the Year
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, March 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Koinonia Homes employee Mina Nardi received the 2018 Direct Support Professional Recognition Award from the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) for the State of Ohio. The award recognizes the best of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce and their work to assist people who need support to lead self-directed lives and to participate fully in our communities and nation. Mina stood out in a crowded field [...]
“Intelligent Lives” documentary premiers at The Cleveland International Film Festival
Award winning documentary filmmaker Dan Habib premiers his latest film Intelligent Lives at The Cleveland International Film Festival on Tuesday April 10th at 7:00 PM. There is also a second FREE showing on Wednesday April 11th at noon. Both shows can be seen at Tower City Cinemas. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.clevelandfilm.org/films/2018/intelligent-lives How much weight does an IQ score actually hold? Considering all the different types [...]
Upcoming Volunteer Meetings for Spring Dance
Koinonia’s Annual Spring Fling Dance is just around the corner! This being said... we have A LOT of planning to do. Koinonia Homes is a nonprofit organization that serves approximately 600 adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in Northeast Ohio. We are seeking volunteers to help us plan an all-abilities dance party that we host for the people we serve each year. We have a great venue – the [...]
Acts of Kindness Project
In February, Koinonia started their first ever Act of Kindness Project. Michelle Moore, a Koinonia Project Manager, was the head on the project. Michelle came up with the idea at a supervisor meeting. She thought of doing something different this year. She discussed with the group a few options along the lines of giving back to the community, and the Act of Kindness Project was the consensus. Valentine’s Day came at [...]
Akron Autism 5K Run & Walk
We are pleased to announce that Koinonia will be a community level sponsor for the Akron Autism Society 5K Run & Walk. The event will be held June 16th at Firestone Stadium, located at 1575 Firestone Pkwy in Akron. This is the eighth annual race in support of the Autism Society of Greater Akron. The race is expected to have over 2,000 runner/walkers, which is enough to support programs and [...]
Koinonia Open House to Showcase Implementation Strategies
Join us for Transformation-at-a-Glance at Koinonia Enterprises to learn more about how we are implementing innovative day programming strategies to pave the way to community employment. The event will be held April 3rd 10:00am – 12:00pm at 1200 Resource Drive, Brooklyn Heights, Ohio 44131. Come experience a mock job fair, participate in practice interview sessions, or see some vocational path to employment assessments. You’ll also have an opportunity to visit [...]
Koinonia Seeks Volunteers to Plan Activities for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Koinonia Homes, a nonprofit organization that serves approximately 600 adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in Northeast Ohio is seeking community volunteers to plan three events this year. Potential volunteers can meet either Monday, February 19th at 7:00 PM at the Parma/Snow Library, Conference Room A, or Tuesday, February 20th at 7:00 PM at the Solon Library in the Board room. The volunteers will be planning a Spring Fling [...]
Virginia Great Outdoors Getaway Raffle! Winner will be drawn on March 27th
Congratulations to our winner Betty Rider from Youngstown Ohio! Look for our 2019 Vacation Raffle announcement later this year! Raffle Benefits Quality of Life for People with Developmental Disabilities Independence, Ohio – February 1, 2018 – Koinonia Homes, a leading provider of day programs, residential and employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities, is raffling off a vacation stay in the pristine wilderness of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The raffle winner [...]
Julie Wagner joins Koinonia as Chief People Officer
Koinonia is pleased to announce that we have named Julie Wagner as Chief People Officer, Human Resources effective January 11, 2018. Ms. Wagner is replacing Mary Miles who is retiring from Koinonia. Ms. Wagner will focus on talent acquisition and strategic workforce planning for the future growth, transformation, and evolution of Koinonia. She will report directly to President and CEO Diane Beastrom. Ms. Wagner comes to us from Hattie Larlham, where [...]
Koinonia to Host Town Hall Meeting on Transportation Needs, Thursday January 11th
Koinonia Homes, Inc. which is a nonprofit corporation 501 (c) (3) intends to submit a Proposal for a capital grant under the provision of 49 USC Section 5310 of the Federal Transit Act to provide transportation service to the elderly and disabled within Cuyahoga County. The grant proposal will request (2) LV 16-2 light transit wide body vehicles. It is projected that 175 individuals with intellectual disabilities will use the [...]
Koinonia announces new Director of Development and Communications
Koinonia Homes is pleased to announce that Cheryl Senko has been promoted to Director of Development and Communications. She will report directly to President & CEO Diane Beastrom, and work closely with the Board of Directors and fundraising committee. She will play an integral role in advancing the mission of Koinonia by developing donor strategies, engaging volunteers, and increasing fundraising opportunities. Ms. Senko joined Koinonia 3 years ago as Marketing [...]
2017 Year In Review
2017 has been a year of triumphs and challenges but through it all, we've stayed true to our mission of partnering with people who have developmental disabilities to achieve healthy, fulfilling, and enriched lives. Learn more by watching this short video.
Sheila Burton wins OPRA Front-Line Supervisor Award
Congratulations are in order for Sheila Burton. Shelia is being recognized with the Front-Line Supervisor Award presented by the Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA). The OPRA award is given annually to select supervisors who “make it all come together.” This is exactly what Shelia embodies daily at site. Her effective communication skills ensure all duties are performed and everyone is held accountable. She is not heavy handed, but she speaks [...]
A Holiday Message from our President & CEO
The holiday season is a time when we step back from our busy lives to celebrate the beliefs that fill our hearts. The “spirit of the season” envelops us with warmth, compassion and caring. For all of us at Koinonia, it’s also a time of reflection where we celebrate how far we’ve come over our 43-year history and ready ourselves for the future. In the past, people who have developmental [...]
Holiday Party With A Purpose – Community Comes Together to Benefit Koinonia Clients
In keeping with the spirit of the season, Huntington Bank and Wagner’s of Westlake have helped make it possible for Koinonia Homes to enhance its celebration of the holidays for those it serves. A charitable organization serving people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Koinonia looks to the corporate community for gifts and contributions in support of its programs and services. The generosity of these two philanthropic organizations, combined with several area churches, [...]
Lilly Manalo wins OPRA Direct Support Supervisor Award
Congratulations to Koinonia’s very own, Lilly Manalo, for winning the Direct Support Supervisor Award presented by OPRA. A Direct Support Supervisor is defined as someone who works as a direct care worker, in-home support worker, personal assistant, or attendant that ensures people with disabilities have the necessary support that enable them to live, work, and enjoy life more independently in a community-based setting. This award recognizes the outstanding performance and dedication [...]
BUCKS-FOR-A-BUS Campaign Aims to Improve Independence for People with Developmental Disabilities
Independence, Ohio – Koinonia Homes, a leading provider of day programs, residential and employment services for people with developmental disabilities, has launched a campaign to purchase a $65,000 18-passenger bus with an electric wheelchair lift that will improve health care, employment and community access for hundreds of people. “Many of us take basic transportation for granted,” said Diane Beastrom, president and CEO of Koinonia Homes. “But for people with developmental [...]
Love shopping on Amazon.com? Smile! It gets even better.
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Koinonia every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, saved lists and order history as Amazon.com with the added bonus that Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to Koinonia. On your first visit, you will be prompted to select a charitable [...]
U.S. Senate Recognizes Direct Support Professionals with Resolution
S Res 258 Honors Frontline Workers Who Support People with Disabilities and Encourages Better Data Collection Alexandria, VA –The U.S. Senate, led by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME), unanimously approved a resolution designating the week beginning September 10th as "National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week." This year's resolution marks a decade of recognition by the U.S. Senate for this essential workforce and calls for better data collection. [...]
Koinonia to Host CASINO ROYALE APPRECIATION EVENT for National DSP Recognition Week
Event Honors Frontline Workers Who Support People with Disabilities Independence, OHIO –Koinonia will host “Casino Royale” a casino themed appreciation party at the Kiwanis Pavilion in honor of National Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week on Tuesday, September 12th from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The event is being held to honor the work of Koinonia’s direct support professionals who provide services to hundreds of people with intellectual and developmental [...]
Giving Students with Disabilities Pathways to Work
By BETH THOMAS HERTZ clbfreelancer@crain.com Crain's Cleveland Business, August 27, 2017: Two Summit County school districts have received a combined $250,000 in grant money to help them start earlier in preparing more students with developmental disabilities to join the traditional workforce instead of going into sheltered facility-based workshops after high school, which has been the default path for many.For local employers, these students might be ideal for jobs that they [...]
Koinonia Homes Recognized as a NorthCoast 99 Award Winner for the Third Year in a Row!
Northeast Ohio - Koinonia Homes is proud to be recognized by ERC as one of Northeast Ohio’s 99 best places to work! This is the third time that Koinonia has received the award. “Being recognized for our culture is an achievement made possible by our dedicated associates, who make it possible for the people we serve to achieve their life dreams,” said Diane Beastrom, President & CEO of Koinonia. “To have [...]
Koinonia HR Team Wins Crain’s Cleveland Business Archer Award
By TIMOTHY MAGAW, Crain's Cleveland Business August 5, 2017: According to Koinonia Homes, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are far more likely to fulfill their life dreams if they have well-trained, experienced and, most importantly, motivated people at their side. In the industry, those individuals are commonly known as direct support professionals —a role that inherently faces a significant amount of turnover. That's where the HR team at Koinonia, [...]
2017 Founders Award Winner DSP Category is Mina Nardi
The Founder’s Award is the most prestigious award. It was established to specially recognize two associates who have consistently demonstrated exemplary efforts and outstanding service to our mission. This year’s recipients of the Founder’s Award have demonstrated their commitment to Koinonia through honest fellowship, interdependence, unselfish caring and compassionate partnering with people who have developmental disabilities to achieve healthy, fulfilling enriched lives. Each recipient received a special plaque and a [...]
2017 Founders Award Winner non-DSP Category is Patricia Matzinger
The Founder’s Award is the most prestigious award. It was established to specially recognize two associates who have consistently demonstrated exemplary efforts and outstanding service to our mission. This year’s recipients of the Founder’s Award have demonstrated their commitment to Koinonia through honest fellowship, interdependence, unselfish caring and compassionate partnering with people who have developmental disabilities to achieve healthy, fulfilling enriched lives. Each recipient received a special plaque and a [...]
Koinonia Awarded Grant to Expand Innovative Pilot Program for Students with Developmental Disabilities
Independence, Ohio – July 26, 2017 – Koinonia Homes, a leading provider of day programs, residential and employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities, has received a $30,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to expand an innovative pilot program that prepares students to live as independent and self-reliant adults. The program, entitled ASPIRE, was developed in a partnership that includes Koinonia, the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board [...]
Action Request: Please Call These Senators to Save our Services!
Senate Majority Leader McConnell has changed course to obtain support for two attempts at the health care bill: the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), which he had previously decided to not pursue and which contains devastating cuts and caps to Medicaid that would cause providers to close their doors; and the Obamacare Repeal Reconciliation Act (ORRA) to be considered next week! We are 4 days from the vote on [...]
ANCOR Reports 76% of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities would NOT be protected from Medicaid caps
Experts Release Report Detailing BCRA Impact in Key Swing State - 76% of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities would NOT be protected from Medicaid caps Report Also Reveals Absence of Developmental Disabilities Policy and Funding in Media Reporting on the BCRA July 17, 2017 - Given the announced postponement of the Senate vote on the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) will [...]
Program gives summer work to kids with disabilities; city of Stow among the employers
By Paula Schleis Beacon Journal staff writer STOW: The flecks of red paint on their uniform vests and bare hands mean many things to nine youngsters working for the city this summer. It means a new Chromebook for King James Mills and some fashionable school clothes for Kate Allen and Alyssia Jackson, who are making plans for their paychecks. It means valuable experience added to a resume that is understandably [...]
Kasich Signs Budget, Invests in DODD
June 30, Gov. John Kasich signed the biennial operating budget for the State of Ohio, bringing the budget process to a close. The current operating budget builds on the historic $286 million in investment made two years ago by investing $65 million in new dollars over the next two years. This new funding will strengthen our system and improve the lives of Ohioans with developmental disabilities. Watch John Martin, Director [...]
The Rights of People with Disabilities Face Sudden Reversal
A special message from our President & CEO Diane Beastrom. Just a few decades ago many people with developmental disabilities lived hidden away in segregated obscurity. They were warehoused in institutions, paid pennies in sheltered workshops and often treated with unsympathetic obligation. Since the 1970s, Ohio has made tremendous improvements advancing the rights of people with disabilities to become more fully integrated into their communities. Many now live richer, more [...]
Koinonia Receives $75,850 Grant from The Cleveland Foundation
June 29, 2017- CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Foundation board of directors today approved a $75,850 grant to Koinonia Homes, Inc. The grant will be used for planning and information management and capacity building including the development of an updated strategic plan, the establishment of standardized and information-based risk assessment tools, as well as the creation of outcome measurements and standards for the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) field. Additionally, the [...]
Koinonia Homes has reached the GuideStar Gold Level Profile as a Demonstration of its Commitment to Transparency
INDEPENDENCE, OHIO - Koinonia Homes today achieved the Gold GuideStar Nonprofit Profile level. GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information about nonprofit organizations and a leader in advancing transparency in the nonprofit sector. This level demonstrates Koinonia's deep commitment to nonprofit transparency and accountability. "We have worked hard to showcase our progress toward our mission, and our long-held belief in being transparent about our work, to our constituents," said William [...]
Osiris Ortiz Promoted to Help Desk Analyst Level 2
When Osiris Ortiz was in high school, they introduced this strange new thing to his classroom – it was called an IBM personal computer. “I was like, WOW – what is this?” Said Osiris, “It had monochrome screens and floppy discs, it made strange noises, that got me intrigued.” Many years later, Osiris celebrates his promotion to Help Desk Analyst Level 2, a new position created to address Koinonia’s increasing [...]
Maureen Schroder Promoted to Director of Transportation
We are pleased to announce the promotion of Maureen Schroder to Director of Transportation. Maureen joined Koinonia in 2016 as our Transportation Manager. She came to us with 20 years of experience with the Summit County Board of Development Disabilities. She graduated from Kent State University with her Master’s Degree in Education. She has been instrumental in developing county transportation contracts, implementing a transition plan for the successful transportation of [...]
Text To Find A Free Summer Meals Site Near You
Families say, on average, their grocery bills are about $300 higher every month when kids are out of school; Free summer meals can help. Federal summer meals programs provide a solution. Free, healthy meals are available to kids and teens age 18 and under at thousands of summer meals sites across the country and right here in Northeast Ohio. Now, finding a free summer meals site is easy: Use your [...]
KOINONIA HOMES EXPANDS RESIDENTIAL SERVICES INTO SUMMIT COUNTY
Independence, Ohio – June 8, 2017 – Koinonia Homes, a leading provider of residential services, day programs and employment services for adults with developmental disabilities, was selected by 23 families to provide disabilities services in four group homes in Summit County that were previously managed by Evant Inc., as well as one additional home formerly managed by Arbor Home Health Care. Two of the homes are in Akron, two are [...]
Koinonia Homes and Butcher Elder Law will host a seminar on June 22nd to help families learn more about ABLE Accounts.
Koinonia Homes and Butcher Elder Law have partnered together to offer a special ABLE Account Seminar on June 22nd, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. in the Strongsville Library at 18700 Westwood Dr, Strongsville, OH 44136 (Conference Room). The seminar is designed to help people who have disabilities and their families understand how to take advantage of ABLE Accounts for disability-related expenses. “ABLE Accounts have features like normal bank accounts, but are [...]
Important Update! Please Take Action Now
Take action today to make sure your Members of Congress vote "NO" on the American Health Care Act of 2017 (AHCA), the ACA “repeal and replace” bill. Why should you do this? The risk of eliminating Essential Health Benefits may lead to less or no access to mental health services and other essential health benefits. This will negatively impact many of our clients and all people with I/DD. How to [...]
Action Alert: The Latest on Medicaid and the American Health Care Act
Please Take Action NOW Last week we informed you that the American Health Care Act (AHCA), the reconciliation bill that was being proposed by House Republican leadership to repeal the Affordable Care Act and make changes to the Medicaid program, went to its next step in passage by getting through the House Budget Committee. Republican leadership would like the bill to advance for a vote on the House floor this week [...]
Koinonia Elects Todd Hays Chairman of the Board
INDEPENDENCE, March 14, 2017: Koinonia, a provider of individualized services for adults with developmental disabilities, appointed Todd Hays as its new chairman of the board. “Todd is a dedicated and compassionate leader with a deep commitment to the mission and core values of Koinonia,” said Diane Beastrom, president and chief executive officer, Koinonia. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and business acumen, and we look forward to his contributions and [...]
Koinonia Homes featured on WKYC Channel 3 “We the People”
Koinonia Enterprises' Workforce Development Manager Jason Dresden, and Workforce Developer Steve Fluharty appeared on the WKYC Channel 3 show "We the People" to talk about how we help employers uncover an untapped workforce by employing people who have Developmental Disabilities. The experts at KE are with the employer every step of the way including one-on-one job coaching at their place of business. Our clients have a high retention rate and [...]
Koinonia featured on WCPN 90.3 “The Sound of Ideas” show
On Monday, March 13th, Koinonia was featured on WCPN 90.3 "The Sound of Ideas" show hosted by Mike McIntyre. The focus of the segment was to raise awareness about the many benefits of hiring people who have developmental disabilities including a high retention rate, greater employee engagement, and greater customer engagement with both the employee and the business. Representing Koinonia was Steve Fluharty, Workforce Developer for Koinonia, and Tim Hanserd, [...]
Koinonia to appear on WKYC Channel 3 “We the People” on Friday, March 10th
On Friday, March 10th, we will be highlighting Koinonia Enterprises and their mission to find community employment for people who have developmental disabilities on “We the People.” The show airs at 12:00 noon on local channel WKYC 3, and our appearance will last approximately 5 minutes. We the people is a new show on Channel 3 that introduces viewers to the innovators who are making things happen in Northeast Ohio. [...]
Koinonia Spreads Awareness with Media Campaign during Developmental Disabilities Month
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! #DDawareness17 Koinonia Homes is working with 90.3 WCPN ideastream® to launch an awareness campaign that highlights the many ways in which people with and without developmental disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities (DD) in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people [...]
Koinonia Announces Exciting Downtown Venue and Band for Spring Fling Dance
Koinonia Homes announced today that their annual Spring Fling Dance will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Downtown Cleveland. The event will take place on Sunday, May 7th from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. In addition to the exciting new venue, members of the local band The Angels in Disguise will be performing an electrifying mix of classic Rock & Roll, Blues, and Motown for the [...]
Koinonia Attending Two Upcoming Career Fairs in Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties
Human Resource representatives from Koinonia Homes, a top employer in Northeast Ohio who has been awarded the NorthCoast 99 Award for the past two years, will be participating in two upcoming Career Fairs in our area. Applicants looking to start their health-care career or grow their existing career serving people who have Developmental Disabilities are invited to attend. The hiring events take place in Middleburg Heights and Lorain County. On [...]
Brian Hoyer becomes Director of Quality Improvement & Strategic Solutions
Brian Hoyer fires up the grille at Koinonia's annual fall hayride and picnic Quality, organizational compliance, risk management and program performance are important areas of focus for organizations that remain competitive and strong. Koinonia has worked for years to address these needs and we will continue these efforts by creating a new position that will lead these initiatives. The Director of Quality Improvement and Strategic Solutions will [...]
Koinonia Teams Up with Woodridge Schools and Summit DD to Launch Transition Services for Youth Pilot Program
The Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board, or Summit DD, has partnered with Woodridge and Copley-Fairlawn schools to launch a Transition Services for Youth pilot program. The initiative is being funded by local tax dollars that were set aside by Summit DD in 2017 to specifically create and foster innovative programs. The Transition Services for Youth pilot program will help young adults with developmental disabilities prepare for the professional world [...]
Koinonia Homes partners with Fogg for Renovation of their Brooklyn Heights Facility
There’s no shortage of challenges for Koinonia President & CEO Diane Beastrom and her staff, whose mission is to partner with people who have developmental disabilities to achieve healthy, fulfilling, and enriched lives. But one challenge they won’t have to face this year is completing a major renovation at their Koinonia Enterprises Brooklyn Heights facility – thanks to a partnership with Ray Fogg Corporate Properties, LLC [...]