Mains'l Services

This past week, the Mains’l leadership team from both Mains’l Services and Mains’l Solutions gathered to explore how we can collectively push the boundaries of what’s possible in building a better world for the people we support, our communities, and each other. Over the course of two inspiring and empowering days, we shared laughter, embraced vulnerability, and generated innovative ideas. This summit not only strengthened our connections but also marked the beginning of shaping our imPOSSIBLE future. Next month, our California leadership team will convene in Chico, where they will also collaborate to drive forward our shared vision!

In recognition of Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week, we asked managers to share a few words that describe their exceptional teams of DSPs and Support Coordinators (SCs). Unsurprisingly, words like ‘dedicated,’ ‘kind,’ ‘passionate,’ and ‘reliable’ came up time and time again. To all our DSPs and SCs: Thank you for your unwavering dedication, compassion, and the difference you make every day. Your impact is felt far and wide, and we are deeply grateful for everything you do—not just during #DSPRW2024, but every single day!

We’re having a fantastic time at the ADvancing States Home and Community Based Services conference in Baltimore, where we’re reconnecting with old friends and making new ones! If you’re attending #HCBS2024, be sure to stop by booth 607 to say hello!

We encourage everyone in our Minnesota community to attend an important town hall meeting this Thursday, August 15th. This is your chance to hear from the leaders who shape the rules and laws that impact the services we provide. Recent investments have transformed human services, making them more accessible and person-centered. Now’s the time to have your voice heard as we continue to build a stronger community in Minnesota! The event is free, but you’ll need a ticket. With only a few tickets left, be sure to reserve your spot soon by clicking the link.

Some of our Mains'l PCT Trainers and Mentors had the privilege of recently attending the two-day 2024 Gathering of The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices in Norfolk, Virginia. The gathering focused on connecting, learning, and collaborating towards the community’s vision of a world where “all people have positive control over the lives they have chosen for themselves.” A special highlight was seeing Dr. Richard (Rick) Amado, who has been a dedicated Mentor in Person Centered Thinking with Mains'l for many years, honored with a community award for his exceptional service!

We recently held our annual employee awards ceremonies in Minnesota and California, and over the coming weeks, we’ll be celebrating those crew members who were recognized for going above and beyond in the service of others and bringing our vision to life. This week, we're featuring the To the Max award, which recognizes employees whose customer service is above those of their peers. They are committed to building and nurturing strong relationships with all of our internal and external customers and stakeholders. They approach situations with a positive and compassionate manner; they are friendly, confident, and approachable to support others. In Minnesota, our winners were Steve and Amanda, and in California, Mary and Linda. Steve is known for being a Maintenance Superhero through his caring and compassionate supports for all people. He is committed to building and nurturing strong relationships with all our internal and external customers and stakeholders, in alignment with Mains’l mission, vision, and values. This is all evident by the stories he has shared about his interactions with people. You can hear in his voice how much value these small connections are for him and those he is supporting. Amanda has taken on her role in payroll with such grace. She demonstrates excellence in her collaboration and partnership with others. Amanda listens to employees’ concerns and works with them to problem solve. She has a detail-oriented approach and goes above and beyond to ensure that employees have what they need and their questions are answered. Mary is consistent and dependable in everything she does with the highest level of work ethic and moral compass. In the year she has been at Mains’l, she has made herself invaluable to everyone who works with her. She is always willing to share her abundance of knowledge and do what she can to support the needs of all employees. Vinda demonstrated great compassion and care for a person we support. When they became ill a second time, Vinda was a strong advocate and made sure they were given the right care plan. If it wasn’t for her, the person we support may not be with us today. I can honestly say that is quite an honor to be able to work with Vinda, because she demonstrates true compassion and is a fierce advocate for the people we support.

We recently held our annual employee awards ceremonies in Minnesota and California, and over the coming weeks, we’ll be celebrating those crew members who were recognized for going above and beyond in the service of others and bringing our vision to life. This week, we're featuring The Esprit de Corps award, which recognizes teams who have worked collaboratively to enhance the lives of the people they support and colleagues alike; their efforts have created synergy so that the effectiveness of their work as a team exceeds their individual efforts. This award recognizes teams who promote positive working relationships, through collaboration and partnership within the work group, and encourages others to work together as a team. The McMenemy Team (Catherine, Arianna, Asma, Betty, Dana, Julee, Nicole, Lisha and Tracy) has worked through many challenges over the years. The team has collaborated to address breakdowns and make the home a better place to live and work. The team works together, along with stakeholders, to assess what works and what to try next. The team has risen above the challenges of our operative environment today and build trust through strong, honest, and consistent communication. They pull together, offer feedback, and use new practices to improve the quality of life for each person. The EVV Team (Anna, Angela, Brianna and Dylan) worked together to ensure the effective roll-out of EVV (Electronic Visit Verification.) The team’s work has moved us into compliance with the federal regulations of EVV and did so in a way that was as smooth as it could be for those impacted. The team’s collaboration and communication and pulling in additional resources as needed was the key to the success of this roll-out. They informed the users and supported them from the beginning to the end and continue to be a support as needed.

Our spring 2024 Africa mission trip (M2T13) has been wrapped for a while, and our teams continue to process, reflect and learn. Check out the latest blog post and see about how we join communities and partners like MATTER Career Readiness Institute to build local technological capacity and know-how and inspire the next generation. Catch all of that and more at www.mainsl.com/africa.

We recently held our annual employee awards ceremonies in Minnesota and California, and over the coming weeks, we’ll be celebrating those crew members who were recognized for going above and beyond in the service of others and bringing our vision to life. Today, we’re kicking off with the North Star Award. It’s given to Direct Support Professionals who have shown exceptional service by being a navigational guide to the people they serve. Northern Star winners are known for putting the needs of others before their own, they make a positive impact, and they engage people in meaningful ways, responding to hopes and dreams. Our Minnesota winners were: Yari: She is known to adapt to any situation, ensuring every individual he works with is receiving the support they need. He is often one of the first people called upon to help when support is needed. He is a steadfast advocate for autonomy and personal growth. Deb: She has demonstrated compassion and dedication in her work over the past 20 years. She is a go-to at the home she works in, she is highly resourceful, and is always there for all. She has made a huge impact in her work, enriching the lives of those she has had the chance to work with. Perry: He epitomizes dedication, compassion, and advocacy within his work. Perry empowers the people he supports to advocate for themselves. He is also an invaluable knowledge hub for his peers and is a mentor for many. Our California winners were: Kevin: He puts a lot of energy into discovery to best support each person that he works with, finding creative ways to relate, have fun, & get things done. When faced with barriers, Kevin seeks out resources and support. Kevin has a passion for helping others & it shows through his work. He is eager to create change. Kevin is driven and motivated!"   Amanda: She goes out of her way to offer support to anyone in need at Mains'l. She is dependable, kind and passionate about her work. She treats everyone with equal respect. Amanda goes above and beyond her job responsibilities daily. Amanda is one of the most organized people I have ever worked with."

We’re feeling both saddened and incredibly grateful by the news that our ally and friend Andrea Zuber will be stepping down from her role as CEO of The Arc Minnesota. Over the past five years, she’s advocated tirelessly for the hopes and dreams of all people, and we sincerely wish her the best in her future endeavors.