2010 Annual Report: Mesa Developmental Services

Mesa Developmental Services

Disabilities

“When a newspaper story announced that the State of Colorado would close a Grand Junction Regional Center unit serving persons with significant disabilities and complex medical needs, it was a shock to everyone,” said Marilee Langfitt, Vice President of Public Relations & Development for Mesa Developmental Services. 

The unit’s abrupt closure displaced 32 individuals, all of whom present great care challenges because of cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities, and fragile medical conditions.  Upon hearing of these individuals’ need for round the clock, intensive care, most organizations across the state were unable to accommodate them, and new living arrangements were found for only 8 of the 32.

The remaining 24, those with the most severe needs, were left with nowhere to go until Mesa Developmental Services (MDS) stepped in.  MDS provides community based services and support for persons with developmental disabilities and serves more than 650 people annually. 

All of MDS’s group homes were at capacity, so the organization launched an emergency capital construction campaign to build three specialized 8-bedroom group homes to serve as new residences for the displaced.  The Daniels Fund provided a $40,000 grant to help fund the new homes.

“Assuming care of these individuals would be a challenge for any organization but MDS seemed the logical choice due to our experience successfully serving people with very complex needs,” said Marilee.

The campaign received tremendous community support and construction began immediately.  The three 4800 square foot homes were completed in record time during the snowy winter months.  Also in that short timeframe, MDS recruited and trained 57 additional care providers, including registered nurses to provide the round-the-clock medical staffing of the three homes.  Many of those hired came from the closed Regional Center unit and had long term relationships with those making the move. 

During March and April of 2010, the 24 individuals moved into their new homes.  It was a significant change for them, moving from an institutional model to group homes.  Many were unsure but the new group setting has proven to work well.

“It was a daunting task; the paint wasn’t even dry when we started moving in!” said Tom Lambert, case manager for residents in two of the homes.  “Taking that many people all at once seemed impossible, but we pulled it off.  It was a huge effort on a lot of people’s part.  I was glad to be involved.  MDS pulled themselves up by the bootstraps and did what they had to do.  All of the guardians I have talked to have nothing but kind words to say about MDS.”

Bev Dill is one of those guardians, and also sister to one of the home’s new residents, Judy.  Dill was concerned about the move because Judy was doing well at the Regional Center, but she feels Judy is happy and has adjusted well.  “I was surprised,” said Bev.  “Everyone has bent over backwards.  They’re all good staff that really care.  It was a good move for Judy and I’m glad I made the right choice.” 

When asked how she likes her new home, Judy’s big smile says it all.