Quarterly Message - Summer 2022
Greetings,
I hope you are staying cool and having fun with your loved ones this summer. This time of the year can be such a fantastic time to explore the great Pacific Northwest. Recently, our partners at Informing Families created a summer guide for folks on the no-paid services caseload. This caseload consists of DDA clients who do not receive a paid service. And for the last 12+ years, clients on the NPS caseload did not have access to a case manager. Thanks to Senator Braun and Senator Keiser for partnering to champion Senate Bill 5819 which brings back case managers for NPS clients! This legislative funding and support will allow us to create a 300:1 NPS case load ratio.
We are working on creating decision packages as we prepare for the 2023 legislative session. Decision packages are funding requests from state agencies to be included in the governor’s budget. All final packages will be posted to the OFM website by early October. You can find previous request packages here.
Last year, we released the first ever NPS caseload report to the legislature. The report highlighted our outreach and included quotes from clients and their families. This year's report will also feature quotes. I am proud of the work we do and will happily share good stories as much as possible. Here is a sampling of quotes that recently warmed my heart, caused me to smile, or encouraged me to strive for better supports:
“If you speak to my old case manager Christine, please tell her thank you so much. I really appreciate the services that she provided to me."
"She is doing wonderful! She is starting Community College soon and moving away from home!"
"No one has ever called us like this. I am so happy; my daughter really needs the support. I just need to talk to her first. This is so great, thank you so much!"
"We are very interested, we just don't know what you offer. We could really use medical supplies."
"I don't need anything right now, but maybe in the future."
"I just want to be left alone."
"That's funny! I was just thinking of calling you guys!"
"Thanks so much for calling, you're the first person to ever try and help, this is just awesome!"
"I appreciate you so much, your call is so timely!...I'm just so glad she's not lost!"
"You know what? Yeah. I want to become a better parent."
“Transportation is huge need everywhere, but is totally horribly messed up in King County."
"I really appreciate you checking in, I don't need any extra support right now though."
"That is so wonderful that the state is reaching out proactively."
"I'm starting to get an idea of the scope of your services, thank you!"
"All of these services sound great, can I request all of them?"
“This is a little emotional for me, I have been waiting for this for a long time.
"I homeschool and care for him 24 hours a day. You called me at the perfect time. I need some me time."
"We don't go anywhere. My child cannot travel. It would be a huge relief to have someone we know and who knows our child to be able to provide personal care."
"I don't need anything right now, but maybe in the future."
"I have never received help before; it would be so great to get sensory items for my son."
"As she is getting older her behaviors are more of a concern. I wish I could have a service that was more helpful with her schooling. I was told I was not eligible to receive services. But, she does need them."
“Thank you so much! You know when you feel like you are drowning, and someone reaches out-- it feels like someone just threw me a life preserver! You get us in touch with the person who can pull it back.”
If you or someone you know wants to learn more about working at DDA or a community partner, please see our latest news or sign up for updates. We are continuously sending news updates and job openings. We also have videos to highlight staff’s experiences like this one from the community residential team or this one about supported living. Go to careers.wa.gov to apply with DDA.
Stay well.
Debbie Roberts
DDA Assistant Secretary
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