In the Spotlight
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, a 43-year-old non-profit serving more than 500 adults in Northeast Ohio, comes into play. The statistics perhaps tell the story best. According to the nomination, the industry average turnover rate for direct support professionals, or DSPs, is 75%. Contrast that with Koinonia's 72% retention rate among its DSPs. Moreover, the organization boasts an 82% retention rate for those hired in 2016. "Their approach has a very personal touch. They lead efforts to train, equip, and support our DSP's to perform their best and are working to [...]
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
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 NAMES NEW CHIEF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
A veteran of nonprofit finance will also lead development and donor relations Independence, Ohio – May 19, 2017 – Koinonia Homes, a leading provider of residential services, day programs and employment services for adults with developmental disabilities, announced that William Von Alt has joined its executive team as chief business development officer. Von Alt will oversee the organization’s finance, accounting, corporate development and donor relations. Von Alt formerly served as [...]
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 [...]
Volunteers Needed to plan “Spring Fling” Dance
Do you love to kick up your heels and dance? Does planning a party for adults who have developmental disabilities sound like a great way to give back? Then please consider joining the Koinonia Spring Fling Volunteer planning committee! The Koinonia "Spring Fling" dance is a annual event held in April or May each year, this year we are looking at May dates. It is a signature party, enjoyed [...]
Legal Aid Society of Cleveland announces Free Legal Advice Clinic Schedule
Do you or someone you know need legal advice? The Legal Aid Society of Greater Cleveland has announced several free legal advice clinics throughout Northeast Ohio. At these clinics, attorneys are available for free brief advice on legal matters relating to shelter, safety, consumer issues, and legal issues related to health, education, work, income and immigration. In addition to providing help via neighborhood clinics, people in need can contact [...]
What is a Special Needs Trust, and Who Needs One?
Guest Blog by Sam Butcher, Butcher Elder Law From service coordination with your SSA to carefully researching providers, you’ve worked tirelessly to be the best advocate and guardian for your family member with a developmental or intellectual disability. But have you considered the value that a Special Needs Trust can offer? A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a trust established for the benefit of an individual who receives government [...]
Giving Back Leads to Finding His Heart. Barry and Bill’s Shared Living Story
If you met Barry and Billy on the street, you’d think they were best friends. They are visibly comfortable with each other. They often finish each other’s sentences. They share a home, and call each other “brother.” What you probably wouldn’t know about Barry and Bill, is that they are a living model of a new movement in Ohio and around the country to bring people who have developmental disabilities [...]
A Holiday Message from our President & CEO
Diane Beastrom, President & CEO of Koinonia Homes As we walk through the holiday season this year, it does the heart good to turn thoughts toward home. We spend time with our families. We hold close to tradition while looking to build on that tradition. We stand together and take stock, looking back on our year’s successes and disappointments. We eagerly await the freshness of new possibilities [...]
Koinonia Homes Receives Partnership in Excellence Award from the Ohio Association of County Boards
COLUMBUS, OHIO – Koinonia Homes, a not-for-profit organization that provides residential, vocational and career services to adults with developmental disabilities, received the Partners in Excellence Award from the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (OACB). The annual award originally commissioned in 2006, recognizes service excellence and leadership that benefits the entire Developmental Disability (DD) community. It is the first time that a service provider has received this [...]
Passage of a Pioneer: Dr. Michael A. Donzella
Dr. Michael A. Donzella, a committed and passionate champion for people with disabilities, has passed away. A memorial service is being planned for Monday, November 28, 2016. He was 82 years old. More details regarding Dr. Donzella's memorial service will be available shortly. According to Koinonia President and CEO Diane Beastrom, "Dr. Donzella played a significant role in the growth of community-based services as well as the expansion of services to [...]
Support Koinonia Homes on #GivingTuesday, and close the Funding Gap for Hundreds of People We Serve
We have Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and now #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, November 29th, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. Your support to Koinonia on #GivingTuesday means we can continue to provide unparalleled residential services, offer integrated community-based day services and [...]
A Teacher. An Advocate. A Friend. A Problem Solver. How a Job Coach changed William’s life
Meet William. William was referred to Koinonia Enterprises (KE) by a case worker at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities because they knew KE had the right combination of experience, tenacity, and community relationships to help William land his first real job. People described William as hardworking, professional, and a friendly young man – yet he had challenges approaching potential employers, completing an application, and going through the interview process. [...]
How a Nurse improved Marcia’s Quality of Life
I'd like to introduce you to Marcia. People describe her as kind, easy going, and friendly. Someone who has a beautiful smile. Even though she is non-verbal, she has a way of letting people know when she’s happy or sad. Suddenly, Marcia started to act differently. She was having problems eating, and was easily agitated. Concerned for her well-being, a member of our nursing team came to evaluate the [...]
Community Instructor Craig Hasel Retires after almost a decade of service
Please join us in congratulating Craig Hasel on his retirement this week. Craig retired from Koinonia on November 10th, nearly after a decade of faithful service to people who have developmental disabilities. While we are happy that Craig can pursue more leisurely activities, he will be dearly missed at Koinonia. Craig started his career working with our Waiver program, moving through different positions until he landed at Koinonia Enterprises as [...]
DSP II Team Lead Mina Nardi wins 2016 Maureen Corcoran Award
DSP II Team Lead Mina Nardi was recognized by the Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA) winning the 2016 Maureen Corcoran Award for for demonstrating the competencies of the Community Support Skill Standards, upholding the NADSP Code of Ethics through her daily interactions with people who have disabilities, and exhibiting exemplary professionalism in all aspects of her job. The award was received at a luncheon in Columbus on November 4th. [...]
Supervisor Adrien Rivers honored at 2016 OPRA Awards Luncheon
Adrien Rivers was recognized by the Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA) at their 2016 Awards luncheon on Friday, November 11th, as a Front Line Supervisor who "makes it all come together." The Front Line Supervisor Award is given annually to recognize individuals who set clear expectations for their team members - who in turn, want to give more because of their supervisors' leadership. The luncheon took place at the [...]
KE Community Parternerships are at an all-time high!
Here at Koinonia Enterprises the options are endless. Community participation is at an all-time high as summer is coming to an end. Community Integration and person-centered planning are provided daily in the communities that the clients reside. For those that are not part of our volunteering, daily community outings of their choice are offered by trained staff members. All outings are geared toward client’s outcomes and preferred experiences. Volunteer [...]
STABLE Accounts Now Available
Ohio leads the country by being the first to offer STABLE Accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities. STABLE Accounts have similar features to bank accounts, but are also investment accounts, similar to 529 college savings accounts or 401(k) retirement accounts. These specialized accounts allow individuals with disabilities the opportunity to save and invest money without losing eligibility for public programs, like Medicaid, SSI or SSDI. The benefits of opening a [...]
Brent’s Story
I want to share an amazing story with you today. When Brent came to Koinonia in 2012, his goal was to get a job in our community that provided greater independence and personal satisfaction, while boosting his self-worth – but Brent needed specialized training and person-centered supports to achieve his dream. Most people that knew Brent didn’t think it was possible, but the team at Koinonia Enterprises was ready to [...]
Damon’s Story: Help, Hope and Accomplishment
Damon Thompson became employed at Fredon Corporation in 2014. Fredon is a manufacturing company that produces parts for a wide variety of industries, ranging from aviation to the military. Damon’s responsibilities are in the shipping and receiving department. He is responsible for making sure parts are cleaned properly, packaged, and ready for shipment. Damon works with a variety of parts that are shipped daily. At Fredon, he has learned how [...]
Tri-C Practical Nursing Students complete Clinical Experience with Koinonia Nurse Manager
3 Tri-C student in the Practical Nursing (PN) program completed an 8 week Clinical Experience with Benitha Garrett, Koinonia’s Nurse Manager. Each week, one student would complete the clinical experience, and the next week another student would rotate in. The goal of the 8 week experience was to build core leadership skills, while introducing the PN students to the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). “No matter [...]
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