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STAFF AT WOODS AND ITS AFFILIATES HONORED FOR THEIR INNOVATIVE IDEAS

It was a big night for staff at Woods Services and our affiliates at the 2022 Greater Philadelphia Innovation Awards on January 27. The event, hosted by The Social Innovations Journal, recognized ideas that are making Greater Philadelphia a thriving region of innovation and opportunity for all people.  Woods’ Recreation and Maintenance Departments were honored with a first place award in the Healthy Communities and Ecosystems category, and the Woods’ Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee received third place in the Social Investors category.

 

Staff and projects from Allies, Brian’s House, Woods Community Services, and Woods’ healthcare team were also recognized during the event.

 

The awards are presented annually by the nonprofit online magazine and voted on by the public. Woods has participated each of the past five years.

 

“The Greater Philadelphia Social Innovation Awards program is a terrific opportunity for Woods to share the many impactful programs that are benefitting our community,” said Tine Hansen-Turton, Woods president and CEO, and a co-founder of the Social Innovations Journal and Lab. “I’m so proud of all of our Woods’ and affiliate staff who participated and were recognized for their innovative and impactful initiatives. Sharing ideas and learning from the ideas of the other award participants helps us all address some of the most challenging issues we face as a community and work together to find solutions.”

 

You can read more below about our seven innovative programs that were celebrated at the event and view pictures and a full list of all winners and runners-up from the ceremony, which was held virtually.

 

 

FIRST PLACE WINNER

Innovations in Health Living – Healthy Communities and Ecosystems

 

Elizabeth O’Toole and the Woods Services Recreation and Maintenance Departments

 

Woods Recreation and Maintenance teams sprang into action during the pandemic, creating a quarter-mile long nature trail through the woods with educational and recreational activities and an outdoor classroom for Woods’ 530 residents. They also developed a barnyard and a partnership with Home Stretch Horse Rescue that welcomed horses, alpacas, goats, chickens, potbellied pigs and rabbits to Woods, providing animal assisted therapy that helped residents cope with stress, anxiety and trauma brought on by the pandemic. When faced with the challenge of providing residents with activities that would bring them comfort and delight and reduce isolation, the teams envisioned and delivered an environment that created wonder and enjoyment for children and adults served by Woods that will continue to evolve and benefit them for years to come.

 

 

THIRD PLACE WINNER

Social Investors: Innovative Investor Strategies.

Innovative Investor Strategy Leading to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

 

Woods Services Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee

 

Woods’ EDI Committee, comprised of employees from throughout the organization, has created a welcoming and inclusive environment and culture that greatly values and respects diversity and inclusion. Throughout Woods’ campus, they displayed the flags of 53 countries representing the birthplaces of Woods’ workforce. On a flagpole in front of the Human Resources office, they fly flags representing other types of diversity. The flag display honors and celebrates Woods’ diverse workforce and the differences that contribute to Woods’ rich organizational cultures, as well as serves as a visual daily reminder to respect different perspectives. The group also organized a One Woods. One World. day to celebrate United Nations Day and its alignment with Woods’ core values.

 

 

FINALISTS

COMMUNITY IMPACT,  INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Innovative cross-sector approach to solving complex social and environmental issues on a large scale

 

Lori Plunkett, Stephanie Bartley and James Kelly, Brian’s House

The vocational team of Brian’s House developed a unique partnership with the regional branch of the American Red Cross to provide job training and placement for individuals with intellectual disability to support Red Cross efforts. The pandemic had an isolating effect on many people with intellectual disability whose programs closed down, some permanently. Now individuals of all abilities, including those with mobility challenges, are contributing to supporting Red Cross efforts and donors.

 

 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Innovative service models leading to earning a living wage and economic freedom

 

Darren Garansi, Allies

 

Allies has created an innovative certification program for Direct Support Professionals, addressing the national direct care workforce crisis which affects all health and human services sectors, and the retention and poverty rates of this workforce. The initiative links certification courses to college credit and degree programs, resulting in advancement up the career ladder, increased wages and improved retention, providing tangible supports to a workforce that is essential to the safety and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities.

 

 

COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Innovative service models leading to emotional, psychological, and social well-being

 

Ryan Garrison, Monica Moser and Roy Leitstein, Woods Community Services

 

The Woods Community Services program brings together the right model, supports and highly qualified direct care staff and therapists to meet the needs of individuals with both intellectual disability and severe behavioral challenges. The novel program provides services right in the home, rather than requiring travel to obtain the services. Specially trained direct care staff and therapists ensure individuals make clinical progress and gain independence, so they can enjoy work, play and time with friends. The program has already had a tremendous impact on an individual who previously spent nearly a year in a hospital because no program existed to support their needs.

 

 

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES AND ECOSYSTEMS

Innovative service models integrating the Social Determinants of Health into Health Care

(Both Allies and Woods Services were finalists in this category.)

 

Michael Haggerty, Allies

By partnering with a forward-thinking home developer, Allies is working to meet the needs of medically fragile residents with intellectual disabilities in New Jersey. Allies’ specialized medical group homes use an innovative approach and design that addresses all of the life domains-social determinants, combined with intensive medical supports, to ensure the greatest level of independence and a welcoming, beautifully designed environment.

 

Dr. Stephen Kolesk and Dr. Sailaja Musunuri, Woods Services

 

Woods integrates health care for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities with behavioral healthcare to create a seamless and coordinated plan of care that achieves better overall health outcomes for the individual, delivers services that are inclusive and diverse, and decreases cost to the healthcare system. Woods is currently advising in the creation of and piloting the first of its kind integrated electronic health and behavioral health record that facilitates better outcomes through sharing of data.

 

View a list of all award categories, winners, runners up and photos:

https://www.philadelphiainnovationawards.com/2022-awards-winners

 

View video of the award ceremony:

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/tVekjI63nFE445smVtFoIU_pl41hpO7QKyWJxDwIrE5Fl893q-c-qzUb9lwoZr8.URkmcMXqI-JilKty

 

Social Innovations Lab at Woods

In addition to participating in the Greater Philadelphia Innovation Awards, since 2017, Woods has held four Social Innovations Labs for employees, moderated by the Social Innovations Journal and its Social Innovations Institute and Lab. Several of the award nomination initiatives were developed in one of the Woods’ innovations labs. The program has created a culture of innovation at Woods, and has launched more than five social enterprises, including Woods Wear, a direct-to-garment printing business; and Blue Violet, an Archway Programs-operated flower and gift shop.

Woods Creates Comprehensive Community Home, Ending a Yearlong Hospitalization

 

Nowhere to Go

 

On August 24, 2021, GK arrived at his new home. This is a special home, where he has intensive staff supervision and his day is very structured with activities of his choosing. Staff take him for walks in the neighborhood and nearby parks. They also schedule recreational activities at Woods campus, like swimming, animal therapy, and visits to the playgrounds where he plays basketball.

 

In the six weeks since his arrival, GK’s progress has been extraordinary. Once withdrawn, he used to isolate himself to his own room, but now wants to be outside. He also enjoys playing board games with staff and socializing with residents at Woods. He has even begun to learn how to play the guitar and loves to sing and listen to music – his form of music therapy – and is looking forward to showcasing his musical flair in an upcoming talent show. Most importantly, he is happy.

 

But, life wasn’t always like this for GK – he had found himself trapped in a dark, dead-end. In August 2020, for the second time since graduating from a successful residential program, followed by placement in an adult community-based group home, GK was in crisis and required inpatient hospitalization. Unfortunately, this was not a typical short-term admission – it dragged on for more than a year!

 

Why did GK experience this trauma? At age 21, while living in the group home, his mental condition began to deteriorate, resulting in extremely aggressive behaviors that led to property damage and multiple injuries to staff. Staff at the group home no longer felt they could safely manage GK, so they sent him to the hospital. A return to their care was not an option. Alternative providers did not feel they had the infrastructure and supports to meet his complex needs. Because no other provider was willing to accept him, GK remained in the hospital with no light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Stuck with nowhere else to go, GK stayed in his room – isolated – with little to no opportunity to socialize with anyone other than hospital staff. Because he was placed on a medical floor vs. a psychiatric floor, he had limited access to any activities or areas outside of his room. The staff did their best to engage GK and keep him occupied, but they struggled to provide the structure and routine he needed. This led to frustration and explosive behaviors that resulted in property destruction and aggression that required lengthy wrist and ankle restraints, medication, and a great deal of staffing resources.

 

GK’s predicament came to the attention of Woods’ Admissions team early into his hospitalization. However, due to funding restrictions, Woods residential campus was not a viable option for GK, and Woods was not developing community-based group homes at that time. Several months later, with GK still languishing in the hospital, Woods was again approached about the development of a community-based group home. This was a combined approach between the state, county, and managed behavioral health officials suggesting a coordinated, collaborative effort to design, implement and fund a group home with the specific, person-centered supports needed to serve GK’s needs.

 

Woods stepped up to the challenge by creating a unique provider for adults who require the highest level of care and staffing – Woods Community Services (WCS ). WCS provides specialized community group homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and significant behavioral and/or medical complexities who cannot safely receive services in traditional group homes. WCS is an extension of Woods’ continuum of care – a home in the community with access to outpatient mental health care, medical care, and recreational supports.

 

Woods set out to welcome GK as the very first resident of WCS. A home with an open floor plan was found for him, as his outbursts would usually happen in tight areas that put himself and staff at risk. Staff also took time to make it welcoming for GK by incorporating his favorite colors and Spiderman accessories in the decor. They also created a sensory room where GK can engage in calming activities when he is feeling overwhelmed. During the two months leading up to his transition from the hospital, WCS clinician Wadeeha Henderson visited GK frequently. Working closely with the hospital staff, she focused on identifying his emotional triggers and developed measures to prevent his behaviors.

 

So much progress in so little time! Instead of choosing isolation, he now seeks opportunities to engage in activities with other people. And, once prone to explosive behaviors that resulted in lengthy wrist and ankle restraints, he has had no behavioral incidents since his arrival at WCS. GK’s mother, who visits him frequently, has told staff, “I’m so grateful for all the work you’ve done!”

 

Wadeeha, or “Miss Dee” as GK likes to call her, conducts therapy sessions with him multiple times a week and has found that his aggressive behaviors come from feelings he doesn’t understand and can’t articulate. She takes walks with him and gives him positive reinforcement that these feelings are ok – that we all get happy, sad, or angry sometimes. This has been key to GK’s success. He can now identify what he is feeling and is beginning to understand more complex feelings like confusion and frustration. Being able to identify these feelings and acknowledging why he is feeling that way (“I’m sad because I miss my mother” or “I’m angry because I can’t go swimming today”) is helping him to engage in more positive behaviors and social interactions. She is also teaching him life skills and coping strategies that help him deal with his emotions. For example, GK is very competitive, and losing has been a big trigger for him. Wadeeha has taught him that sometimes we win and sometimes we lose, but the point is to have fun. He has put this into practice. When he is playing basketball with someone and loses, instead of having a behavior, he says, “Good game . . . I had fun!”

 

Always looking for creative solutions, Wadeeha has also incorporated one aspect of the Sanctuary Model in GK’s treatment. Sanctuary is a trauma-informed, evidence-supported model based on actively creating and maintaining a nonviolent, democratic, productive community to help people heal from trauma. She works with GK during every therapy session on identifying daily goals and current feelings, and offers supports to help him achieve behavioral success. The activity (answering the same three questions) is written on a whiteboard in his sensory room. Left there during the day, it serves as an encouragement to achieve the behavior goals that he has identified.

 

Wadeeha has also spent a great deal of time training the direct support professionals who work with GK, so they know his triggers and what preventative measures are needed to avoid negative behaviors. And, because of GK’s history of aggressive behaviors that resulted in restraints, Wadeeha plans to reinforce Ukeru training for staff who work with him. The Ukeru Method is a proactive, trauma-informed, restraint-free crisis management system that is nationally recognized as a best practice in restraint reduction. As a part of Woods’ efforts to create a culture of comfort, rather than one of control, for both the individuals it serves and its staff, Woods engaged Grafton Integrated Health Network. In 2017, the network began providing technical assistance and training in Ukeru and it is achieving remarkable results. Since its implementation, Woods has achieved a 53.5% reduction in the use of physical restraints. Using role-play, Wadeeha will give staff practical training on how to use Ukeru to de-escalate the situation if GK has a behavior in the future.

 

Less than one month after coming to WCS, GK has had no negative, aggressive behaviors. He has experienced increased community and social integration, and has learned how to express himself in a more socially acceptable way. His success demonstrates the need for a setting like WCS. Other programs have failed to help GK overcome his behavioral challenges. His six weeks at WCS have proven that this new model can give him the skills, emotional support, and security he needs to succeed in life.

Sadly, there are hundreds of adults in Pennsylvania who, like GK, can’t find an appropriate placement or be served in a traditional group home. They get stuck on waiting lists, and some languish in hospitals, psychiatric wards, or state facilities. Woods is now preparing to welcome them to WCS.

 

GK’s story shows that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges faced by people with severe behavioral challenges. The right living arrangement and clinical supports can make all the difference. WCS is an extension of Woods’ continuum of care – a home in the community, access to outpatient mental health care, medical care, and recreational supports. People with intellectual/developmental disabilities and complex behavioral and/or medical challenges have the right to receive the services they need in the most appropriate setting. WCS is an example of how Woods is always looking for ways to improve its services and create more choices for individuals that support their health, safety, and well-being.

 

GK is no longer trapped. He is now in a place full of light and life. In keeping with one of his favorite songs, Coldplay’s Viva La Vida, GK said, “I’m living the life today!”

Your unrestricted gift to “Woods’ Greatest Need” gives Woods the flexible resources to develop new nonprofits, like WCS, that are aligned with Woods’ mission to meet the unique needs of individuals like G.K. who have the right to receive the services they need, in the setting that is most appropriate for them. Your gift today will make that possible!

 

 

 

What Makes Woods Community Services Unique?

 

Woods Community Services (WCS) provides specialized community group homes and outpatient mental health services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and significant behavioral and/or medical complexities who reside in Pennsylvania and cannot be safely served in traditional group homes.

 

The need stems from individuals with I/DD who “age out” of their educational program when they turn 21. Approximately 25% of these individuals cannot secure an appropriate placement due to the intensity of their behavioral issues and/or medical complexities. The lack of community-based settings that can manage such challenges denies many individuals the opportunity to step down to a less restrictive setting and gain other independent living skills.

 

Woods and its affiliate, Legacy Treatment Services, have partnered to develop WCS as a provider of multiple group home settings in the surrounding Bucks County and Philadelphia areas with intensive programming and supports to serve the complex needs of these individuals. The homes will be near Woods campus, so that services and supports offered can be easily accessed, including comprehensive medical care, psychiatric services, vocational opportunities, and recreational activities. Additional services may also include mobile Behavioral Supports (BCBA), Family Therapy, or Allied Therapies.

 

Staff are Bachelor’s level and must have at least one-year of experience in residential and/or behavioral health care with experience working with behaviorally challenged individuals, including implementation of behavioral and therapeutic interventions and de-escalation.
Clinical staff must be licensed and direct support professionals (DSPs) receive more training than a typical DSP.

 

The WCS model implements trauma-informed care for individuals with the most challenging behaviors. WCS is also an extension of Woods’ continuum of care – a home in the community, access to outpatient mental health care, medical care, and recreational supports for individuals as they work toward achieving their goals and happiness.

From Shutdown to a Shot of Hope: A Timeline of the Rapid Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic for the Protection of Residents, Clients, and Staff at Woods Services

 

Providing an unparalleled experience of healthcare, safety, education, and support to its clients and staff is paramount to Woods Services.  Rapidly responding to the COVID-19 pandemic was no exception, forcing Woods, like so many organizations worldwide, to quickly pivot as the cases of COVID-19 began to climb.  After more than a year filled with daily critical responses to new challenges and ever-changing guidelines and directives from local, state, and national health experts and agencies, followed by the hosting of vaccination clinics on the Woods campus for staff and eligible residents, as well as congregant care providers in Bucks County, Woods continues to rise to the occasion. Woods could only have arrived at this point with an outpouring of support from its residents’ families, its staff and their families, the local community, and other local organizations.

 

As a population health management organization, Woods provides comprehensive medical care, education, employment opportunities, and support services for more than 22,000 individuals who live with complex medical conditions as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities. More than 550 of these individuals live on the Woods campus in Langhorne, Pa., or in nearby community homes.  An additional 75 individuals participate in day schooling and daily supports provided at Woods.  All clients receive the support of 1,600 Woods dedicated staff members – from direct care employees and recreational staff to the on-site medical team and administrators.

 

In 2020, Woods would have its services tested as COVID-19 made its way to the United States.  Immediate steps in February 2020 included writing an addendum to Woods’ Emergency Preparedness Plan that covered procedures and policies in response to the pandemic.  The formation of the Woods Incident Command Team and COVID-19 Task Force – composed of medical, operations, communications, financial, legal, and human resources professionals – carefully established a set of protocols for staff and clients in order to ensure safety, clients’ continued enrichment, as well as the ongoing function and sustainability of campus operations.    Protocols adhered to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

 

Personal protective equipment (PPE) was also immediately ordered, including supplies detailed in the Exposure Control Plan required to care for residents with positive or suspected COVID-19 cases.

 

The following timeline provides a snapshot of Woods’ response to the COVID-19 crisis since February 2020 – a road that has included intense challenges, moments of fear and overwhelming gratitude, continuous improvement to stay ahead of whatever might come next, and mostly optimism.

 

February 2020: Preparing for COVID Spread

As Woods’ CEO, Tine Hansen-Turton learns that positive cases in the United States are increasing, she instructs the Purchasing Department to begin ordering PPE supplies and materials These include: N-95 respirator masks, surgical masks, cotton reusable/washable masks, gloves of varying sizes (to last 100 days), surgical and hazmat gowns, goggles and face shields, 24 oxygen tanks, two reusable respirators, bulk hand sanitizer, and cases of 8 oz. bottles, disinfectant wipes, Lysol spray bottles and cans, hand soap, medical waste bags for infective waste (“red bags”), water-soluble laundry bags, high-intensity infection control kits (Ebola Kits), additional trash cans with lids to store waste outside of doorways, and sanitizing bins for reusable PPE.

 

February 28, 2020: Informing Families of Woods’ Precautions

Woods sends its first communication to families informing them that Woods is closely monitoring CDC and Department of Health guidance and is following precautionary measures of frequent handwashing and covering nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.  There are no reported cases in Pennsylvania at this time.

 

March 6, 2020: COVID Response Team Formed

Woods designates the Woods Incident Command Team and the COVID-19 Task Force (COVID-19 Task Force) to establish a response system to the growing crisis.  Woods puts its first set of precautionary measures together in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the U.S.  Posters advising healthy practices are placed on all outer doors of Woods’ buildings and the Woods website informs visitors that they are encouraged to reschedule visitation if not feeling well; wash and sanitize their hands frequently; and, when sneezing or coughing, cover their mouth and nose “with a flexed elbow or use a tissue and discard it immediately after use in the nearest trash can and then wash your hands immediately.”

 

A letter is sent to families informing them that in the event of positive cases, Woods is prepared to pivot to virtual teaching and alternate programming for adults.  Woods is also preparing for temporary housing to isolate those who test positive.

 

March 9-13, 2020: Planning for a Shutdown

The COVID-19 Task Force meets formally for the first time on March 10.  PPE inventory is being planned and monitored by the Task Force designees, with reorders occurring continuously. Woods’ nursing department, Purchasing Warehouse and executive offices house the inventory of supplies.  Questions or concerns about short supplies are brought to the task force’s attention and addressed as they occur.

 

Phase 1 begins with administrative planning for educational instruction, including planning for a transition to remote learning via Microsoft Teams; preparation and inventory of iPads, laptops, and other electronic devices; and contacting day students’ parents/guardians for updated contact information.

 

March 11-12, 2020: Precautions and Communications Increase

Woods communicates with its families and staff that it is expanding precautionary measures to help keep clients, staff, and the facility safe, including but not limited to: asking staff to stay away from large group activities/events; suspending all resident home visits and non-emergency out-of-state visits/appointments; canceling off-campus residential, educational and vocational activities held in enclosed public spaces; holding group therapies for residents to help educate them on masks and why people may be wearing them.  Staff continue to monitor residents for symptoms.

 

“We are continually monitoring the CDC recommendations, as well as those of our local health department. Please know that information is changing rapidly, therefore our plans are updating frequently. Our Coronavirus Task Force continues to meet daily and are preparing in the event someone at Woods contracts the virus.”

-Tine Hansen-Turton, president and CEO

 

Although masks are not yet required, surgical masks are now available for staff pick-up at key locations around Woods’ facilities.

 

March 13, 2020: COVID Becomes a National Emergency

President Trump declares the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency, prompting Woods to activate its Woods Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP).

 

Governor Wolf announces that all schools are to close.  Woods finalizes testing of the remote learning systems.

 

Communication to families strongly discourages visitations.

 

March 16, 2020: Work from Home, Temperature Checks, Remote Learning Begin

Woods’ administrative employees (non-direct care) begin working from home to better protect themselves, their peers, and their families from contracting COVID-19. Leadership cancels all work travel, and all in-person group meetings are replaced with virtual meetings, if possible. There is also the cancellation of most in-house trainings. However, in-person orientations are still to be held with social distancing and for a maximum of 50 people.

 

Staff and visitors also begin receiving temperature checks upon arrival at Woods’ attended entrances. Those with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit must report to the Medical Center at Woods for a second check.  Woods sends home employees and visitors when a second check registers above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Phase 2 begins for Woods’ educational instruction plan in response to COVID-19. Woods officially implements distance learning with teachers and administration via Microsoft Teams. Implementation includes: teachers continuing to prepare lesson plans and identifying enrichment activities for students; enrichment packets mailed to day students; teachers creating a Microsoft Teams classroom with their students and therapists; and teachers connecting with students remotely to check-in and troubleshoot issues.  The Woods Schools teachers and therapists log specific learning opportunities (independent or small group activities reinforcing concepts learned). Students receive five hours of instruction and learning opportunities between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. with teachers and therapists.

 

March 17, 2020: Family Visitations Paused

Woods temporarily suspends all on-campus and off-campus visits with residents to comply with guidelines from state and local officials and the CDC.

 

“We will continually re-evaluate this policy and governmental guidelines and will modify, extend or terminate it as the situation warrants.

“…We are grateful for your support and understanding as we navigate uncharted territory during this very challenging and unprecedented time.”

-Woods website

 

Woods begins mass distribution of masks to all employees and requires them to wear masks while at work.  Woods reminds staff to provide extra support to families to enable regular virtual communication with their loved ones.

 

March 20, 2020: Run for Woods Postponed

The communications and development team opts to postpone the 6th Annual Run for Woods originally scheduled for May 2.

 

March 23, 2020: COVID Causes Bucks County to Shelter in Place 

Bucks County is included in the order by Governor Tom Wolf to shelter in place for the next two weeks. Essential staff are permitted, however, to continue travel to and from work, which includes Woods employees.  Visitation is still not permitted, and now, families are not allowed to drop off care packages throughout the shelter-in-place duration. Instead, they can mail them.

 

March 28, 2020: Mollie Woods Recreation Goes Virtual

The Mollie Woods Recreation department releases its first episode of “Woods World News,” offering viewers information and entertainment and a chance to see residents’ social lives during quarantine.

 

April 1, 2020: COVID Reaches Woods

Woods’ reports its first COVID-19 cases – four residents and three staff members.  Woods implements its comprehensive response plan for what to do if a resident or staff member contracts the virus, including moving those infected to an isolation residence(s).  Nurses administer an antibody test to residents in impacted buildings and any staff there who want a test.  Those with antibodies receive the COVID-19 nasal swab.  They are then moved to isolation or, in the case of staff, self-quarantined until the test results come back negative.  The Medical Center at Woods establishes its “swab squad” and begins COVID-19 testing under a tent in its parking lot.

 

April 4, 2020: Woods Shuttle Offers SEPTA Alternative

As SEPTA reduced its services, Woods creates a shuttle service that offers those who use public transportation an alternative.

 

April 6, 2020: Woods Staff Stay with Residents 24/7

Small cohorts of employees begin to reside at Woods 24/7 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure appropriate staffing ratios.

 

As applicable, certain forms of PPE (e.g., hazmat suits, goggles) are cleaned and disinfected for reuse (due to nationwide shortages) for continued employee protection. Woods evaluates supplies and orders as needed.

 

Beechwood NeuroRehab InSpire staff hold a car parade in front of the homes of their outpatients to let them know they care.

 

April 7, 2020: Woods Celebrates Its Healthcare Heroes

The recreation and administrative staff cheer employees arriving and leaving on every shift in order to thank them for being Healthcare Heroes.

 

Woods wants to provide cloth masks for its clients and asks for volunteers to sew masks.  Woods will ultimately receive more than 2,000 masks donated from the community and several hundred computer-generated face shields.  Woods distributes these as needed to residents and employees.

 

The Yellow Daffodil Flower and Gift Shop on Woods’ campus makes 400 masks.

 

April 10, 2020: Easter During COVID

Woods holds a socially-distanced Easter Car Parade for its residents to lift their spirits.

 

April 15, 2020: Woods Families Praise Efforts of Staff during Pandemic

 Family letters and emails arrive, boosting spirits and our collective resolve.

 

“I am always impressed with the superior care, concern and devotion that the Woods Services employees provide [family member].  It is because of them that he is alive and thriving today.”

“…Whenever my [family member] needs to go to an off-site medical facility he has a Woods staff person with him to speak for him and comfort him at all times.  It’s incredible treatment that goes above and beyond any other facility I’m familiar with.  As I have said before, my family and I could not be more pleased to have Woods Services in our lives.  It’s a privilege.  Thank you!”

–Letter from a family member of a Woods client

 

April 17, 2020: Advocating for Human Services Relief

Woods continues to communicate with families to encourage virtual visits with loved ones.

 

“If there is anything we can do to assist you with your virtual visits, please reach out to us.  You can contact your loved one’s clinical team, care coordinator, or residential manager.”

“…If helpful to you, we encourage you to reach out to us to help facilitate video and voice chats.  We know some of you may not be comfortable with technology, so please let us help you if we can.”

-Note to family members on Woods website

 

The Philadelphia Inquirer publishes an opinion piece written by Woods’ CEO expressing dismay that human services providers have been shut out of COVID-19 assistance funding because they do not fit into any categories of support.

 

April 22, 2020: First COVID Quarantines Conclude

Initial residents who tested positive for COVID-19 are recovering from mild symptoms and moved out of isolation, having completed their two-week quarantine periods.

 

April 24, 2020: Pandemic Communication with Woods Staff

A “Heroes Work Here” employee update letter is sent out from Tine Hansen-Turton to employees. The letter encourages employees to donate blood if able, as the pandemic has caused shortages.

 

April 26, 2020: COVID Takes Hold in Pennsylvania  

COVID-19 protocols continue to be enforced and practiced, including social distancing and wearing masks and other PPE. Woods continues to implement the no-visitor policy, as well as the temperature-taking of staff.  Woods’ PPE supply is still sufficient as of this date.  Additional extended size (3x to 5x) hazmat suits are obtained to meet requests for larger sizes.  As of this day, Pennsylvania is currently ranked fifth in the nation regarding the number of reported COVID-19 cases.

 

April 29, 2020: Admissions Addresses COVID Protocols

A plan to accept new admissions into the facility is discussed, written, and sent for legal review.  The plan includes a letter sent to agencies and involved families informing them that Woods will be accepting new admissions with new guidelines specific for COVID- 19, along with (in the following order): swab testing for COVID-19 before entering the Woods campus; a second completed swab test at Woods; a seven-day quarantine including continued monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms; and finally, release to activities as usual.

 

May 1, 2020: Woods Family Member Creates Her Own Run

“I wanted to come up with something we could do as families to let our loved ones and the staff at Woods know we were still out there –  that we are sending our love to them and blessings from a distance.  When I saw that the Run for Woods was postponed, I asked if I could do the 2020 Virtual Run for Woods, and Woods immediately created the 2020 Virtual Run for Woods Facebook Group, which has been a platform of love and good wishes for the past few weeks.

 

“This Saturday, May 2 at 9 a.m., I will be going on FB Live to run for Val, his peers, and the staff at Woods.  I will be raising money for Woods to hopefully defray some of the unimaginable costs they are experiencing.  I am asking that you gather your family and do the same.”

– Jani Sblendorio, a Woods resident’s family member, in a letter sent to other families and friends of Woods

 

May 4, 2020: Community Contributes to Woods PPE Supply

“Please distribute the 75 included face shields to Woods staff wherever you determine they will have the greatest impact at flattening the COVID-19 curve. We’ve also included some 3D printed “Ear Saver” clips for those of your staff who need to wear a face mask over their ears all day every day. Your tireless work is always appreciated, but especially right now.  Thank you!”

-Michael and Natalie Sullivan of the Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad, in a letter sent to Woods

 

May 5, 2020: Giving Tuesday Now Successful at Woods

Giving Tuesday Now takes place.  It’s a global initiative to encourage donations as a response to the needs caused by COVID-19.  The newly created “Better Days Ahead” Fund serves as the primary avenue for fundraising at Woods for needs created during the pandemic.  Woods ultimately raises more than $143,000.

 

May 7, 2020: Woods Receives PHL COVID-19 Fund Grant

Woods is honored to receive a PHL COVID-19 Fund grant.  The grant, made possible by United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, the City of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Foundation, helps offset the early costs associated with the pandemic.

 

May 13, 2020: Woods Nursing Addresses MIS-C

Darlene Barnes, Woods’ Infection Prevention Nurse, and Tiffany Adams, Director of Nursing, send out a communication to nursing/Medication Trained Staff regarding Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome.  The alert educates the nursing/MTS staff of the condition, as signs and symptoms have developed in a few individuals 21 or younger who tested positive for COVID-19 at Woods.

 

May 18, 2020: Woods Prepares Resuming Family Visitations

Woods’ COVID-19 Task Force begins discussing plans for family visitation once Bucks County is out of the “red zone.”

 

May 29, 2020: Pool Reopens at Woods

Woods’ COVID-19 Task Force meets to discuss plans to re-open Woods’ pool.  The Bucks County Health Department provides approval for submitted plans.  The discussion continues regarding the rollout of this plan to safely allow specific residents – ones not in need of one-on-one assistance – to resume visiting and swimming in the pool with smaller groups.

 

June 1, 2020: New COVID Case at Woods

After 14 days of no new cases, an Elmwood resident tests positive for COVID-19.

 

The Brain Injury Clubhouse at Beechwood NeuroRehab begins filming and releasing a series of craft tutorials with Jen Love, an outpatient in the Community Resources Unit, to keep members of the Clubhouse connected.  At the same time, the Clubhouse’s physical location is closed due to the pandemic.

 

June 3, 2020: Beechwood #AdamReads Video Series Commences on Facebook

Adam Greene, a resident of the Beechwood NeuroRehab program, begins reading books virtually from his home to online audiences.  Prior to the pandemic, he read to Woods students at Woods’ Gardner Education Center each week,  and to children at the nearby Barnes & Noble bookstore on scheduled weekends.  Archway Programs, Beechwood Clubhouse, Beechwood NeuroRehab, and the Langhorne Borough government Facebook pages all share Greene’s readings.

 

June 5, 2020: Woods Constructs Nature Trail

Wood’s Recreation and Maintenance teams begin construction of a nature trail, a miniature golf course, outdoor movie theatres, and a pen to house farm animals to provide new opportunities for engagement for Woods residents since they cannot take advantage of community activities.

 

June 25-27, 2020: Family Visitations Resume at Woods

Family visitations are scheduled with protocols in place, incorporating guidance from Governor Wolf, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), and the Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF).  Woods asks visitors to record their temperature at least once per day and symptoms three days before visitation.  Visitors must also complete a COVID-19 questionnaire before visitation.  Visits take place under tents in the E. Sherman Chase Employee Training Center parking lot.

 

June 26, 2020: The Woods Schools Host Virtual Graduation

Bucks County moves into the “green zone.”  Slow reopening plans are in place and evaluated weekly.  Dependent upon any new case(s), Woods may need to reinstate restrictions.  All procedures and guidelines of the CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and other governing agencies, such as the Department of Human Services, are adhered to by Woods.

 

The Woods Schools hosts its first-ever virtual graduation.  Guests streamed a YouTube Live video featuring 27 graduates and congratulatory videos from each of their staff.

 

July 2, 2020: Family Visitations Continue at Woods

Scheduled family visitations continue with the protocols mentioned above.  Woods’ care coordinators take responsibility for communicating with families to schedule visits.

 

July 7, 2020: Pennsylvania Inter-state Travel Restrictions Put in Place

Travel restrictions are put into place by Governor Wolf.  Woods families learn they cannot visit if they’ve traveled to one of 14 states in the two weeks prior to the visit.  This list of restricted states changes from week to week throughout the summer.

 

July 20, 2020: Woods Recreation Expands On-campus Activities

Woods announces additions to its recreation program to allow residents to enjoy the summer on campus.  Thanks to its recreation department and maintenance team’s collaboration, Woods provides: a nature trail; a large fenced-in barnyard with three alpacas, three baby goats, horses and chicks; a 9-hole miniature golf course; and two outdoor movie theaters that can accommodate groups of 10 while keeping the residents socially distant.

 

“We were given the opportunity to step back, take a look at things, and ask ourselves, ‘How can we be as accommodating as possible to our residents? How can we make this the best summer ever?’”

-Beth O’Toole, assistant vice president of recreation and aquatics

 

July 21, 2020: CDC and Woods Revise COVID Isolation Protocols

Woods releases adjusted isolation protocols to staff and clients due to the adjusted CDC guidelines.  Any COVID-19 positive or presumed positive individual remains in isolation until they meet the CDC release-from-isolation requirements via time-based or test-based strategy or if they become unstable.

 

August 1, 2020: Visitations Paused Due to Asymptomatic Cases

New COVID-19 cases arise within the Pinewood residence. The home adds a wing that will strictly isolate those who test positive, although most patients are asymptomatic.  Visitation on campus is put on hold and expected to resume two weeks from the latest positive case.

 

August 10, 2020: Woods’ Medical Center Acquires Rapid COVID Tests

Woods receives seven Abbott rapid testing units. Rapid testing begins at The Medical Center this week.

 

September 12, 2020: The 2020 Run for Woods is Held Virtually

The sixth annual Run for Woods fundraiser kicks off for clients, staff, families and friends of Woods, and the entire Bucks County community.  This is the first time the event is held virtually for runners, walkers and rollers of all abilities. The Run for Woods raises funds for Woods programs and services, including virtual learning and therapeutics programs, and outdoor recreational programs that allow clients to keep active while adhering to pandemic safety protocols.

 

September 13-19, 2020: Special Recognition for Direct Support Professionals

For National Direct Support Professionals Week, families write letters to Woods’ team of direct support professionals to express their gratitude for the care provided to their loved ones throughout the pandemic.

 

“I would like to commend the staff at 166, as well as all of the therapists who stepped up and went over and above during this trying time.  They put in those extra miles to ensure the clients were provided with safe activities that kept them occupied and engaged.  I know this could not have been an easy task.  I appreciate all of you and thank you for your dedication and caring.”

Stay safe and healthy!

-Chris Graybeal

 

September 14, 2020: Heatherwood Staff Recognized for Moving in During Pandemic

Woods blogs about how staff members of the Heatherwood residence moved in with those they care for to help keep all members of the highly vulnerable group of residents safe from contracting COVID-19 for more than three months.  Staff moved onto the campus to provide 24/7 care for the residents – including feeding them, bathing them, dressing them, and facilitating recreational activities. Woods’ management team also checked in with the staff’s family members at home to help fill in where needed.

 

“I have a mother who’s medically fragile and I was able to ensure she was safe.  I can’t express the gratitude I have for upper management checking on my family.”

-Rashida Clegg, residential director at Woodlands (formerly Heatherwood’s residential manager)

 

October 5, 2020: The Woods Schools Re-open

The Woods Schools reopen for in-person classes while an option for virtual learning remains.

 

October 8, 2020: Pfizer COVID Vaccines Requested

Woods submits paperwork to be a vaccine provider for long-term residents.  The PA Department of Health accepts the request, and Woods’ Infection Prevention Nurse and legal department begin preparing consents for vaccination.  Woods then requests the Pfizer vaccine.

 

November 2020: Woods Agrees to Host Bucks County Department of Health Vaccinations

Woods meets with the Bucks County Department of Health and offers to be a site to immunize the county’s first responders.

 

In anticipation of the emergency use approval of the Pfizer vaccine, Woods purchases an “ultra-cold” freezer.

 

November 2, 2020: New Guidelines as COVID Cases Increase in Bucks County

Woods announces the postponement of family visitations on campus for the foreseeable future due to COVID-19 cases increasing by 46% in Bucks County in early November.  Woods also advises against families picking up residents for home visits.  However, Woods establishes a Leave of Absence (LOA) protocol for those residents who go home.  Guidelines include (but aren’t limited to): pre-arranging visits through the care coordinator; arranging a specified time for entrance pick-up; wearing a mask when arriving at Woods and through pick-up duration; and clients having to quarantine for 14 days from the point of return to campus.

 

November 3, 2020: Beechwood Residents Casts Their Ballots

This Election Day, 66 clients served in the Beechwood Neurorehab program have a say in who they believe should be the next U.S. president, thanks to educational services provided by the program’s staff.  Forty-nine of 66 clients vote through mail-in ballots, while 17 head to the polls to vote in-person following pandemic safety protocols.  Leading up to this day, therapists of the program created educational resources, provided through social distancing-friendly group and individual therapies, to facilitate those with language/cognitive needs.  Resources provided to the clients included unbiased YouTube videos, printed materials, and ISideWith.com (completed individually with undecided clients).

 

Speech therapists also created custom communication boards with the candidates’ pictures to put on the clients’ augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.

 

December 1, 2020: Virtual Tree Lighting and Giving Tuesday Held

Woods kicks off a reimagined, month-long holiday celebration for its clients, promoting social distancing and safety.  The festivities entail: Santa and his elves visiting with a tree-lighting ceremony and delivery of plush animals to each resident; the annual visit and toy delivery from Brian’s Harley-Davidson and the Northeast Riders Motorcycle Club; two reindeer visiting the campus; and a delivery of 1,150 Secret Santa gifts from the Bucks County community.

 

This day also marks the launch of Woods’ Giving Tuesday campaign, with proceeds going toward constructing an accessible on-campus boardwalk and treehouse for residents along the nature trail.  An anonymous donors pledges $75,000 to match donations.

 

December 22, 2020: Vaccines Administered to Staff

Woods commences its first vaccine clinic for staff.  In the first two days, Woods vaccinates 200 staff.

 

January 11-15, 2021: Bucks County Health Department Begins Vaccinations at Woods

This week, the Bucks County Health Department opens a vaccination clinic in Woods Services’ Employee Training Center as the county’s first vaccine clinic for first responders and healthcare workers, and all others who are eligible for the vaccine.  According to county officials, 422 doses of the vaccine were administered on the first day.

 

January 21, 2021: Staff Recognized for Innovations

Several Woods staff members are honored at the 2021 Greater Philadelphia Innovations Awards, hosted virtually by the Social Innovations Journal.  Recognized for leadership and impact in bringing innovation and opportunity to the Greater Philadelphia region during the pandemic, the honored members include Dawn Diamond and the COVID-19 Task Force members.

 

January 22, 2021: Woods Experts Detail Vaccines

A note from Dr. Stephen Kolesk, Woods’ Chief Medical Officer, and Tine Hansen-Turton is sent to Woods’ staff and clients with resources to help them understand the vaccine and address myths and disinformation.  Resources include a Survey Monkey link allowing staff to anonymously ask any questions they have, which medical professionals and article links would then address.

 

January 26, 2021: Woods Experts Address Vaccine Concerns                                                    

Dr. Kolesk and Tine Hansen-Turton send a note to Woods’ staff and clients to answer vaccine questions submitted through Survey Monkey.  Questions answered range from whether the vaccine is required to travel and whether vaccinated people need masks, to how the vaccine affects someone pregnant and whether it affects people of different races in different ways.

 

January 27, 2021: Woods Host Vaccine Clinics for Other Bucks County Human Service Agencies

Woods begins vaccinating 600 staff and consumers from 15 human service agencies in Bucks County in the gymnasium of the Gardner Education Center.

 

February 19, 2021: Bucks County Vaccine Clinics End

The Bucks County appointment-only vaccine clinic held at Woods for healthcare and EMS workers and people over the age of 75 closes, with a reported total of 9,936 doses administered.

 

February 25, 2021: Woods Staff Create Support Group for COVID victims’ Friends and Family

Two staff from Woods establish “Branches of Compassion,” a support group for staff who have lost loved ones to the pandemic.  They hold their first virtual meeting on March 1.

 

March 2, 2021: The 2021 Virtual Run for Woods is Announced

Woods announces the 7th Annual Run for Woods to take place at 10 a.m. on May 1, 2021. The event will be held virtually, and feature a livestream of residents, staff, and some friends on the one-mile route.

 

Woods hosts its last open clinic for staff to receive their first vaccine. The shot will continue to be available to new and current staff by appointment at the Medical Center at Woods.

 

March 22, 2021: Adult Day Programming Resumes at Holland

Woods Adult Day programs reopen on a modified schedule that ensures everyone’s health and safety.

 

March 23, 2021: Woods Hosts Final Vaccine Clinic

Woods officially holds its last mass vaccination clinic for staff to administer second shots.

 

April 2, 2021: Cases Rise in Bucks County, Closing Adult Day Programs and Visitations

Bucks County’s positivity rate (PCR) jumps from 9.6% (Moderate range) to 11.2% (Substantial range) causing the Adult Day programs to close.  Woods begins to plan for family visitations but cannot hold in-person visits until the PCR stays below 10% for two consecutive weeks.

 

May 1, 2021: The 2021 Virtual Run for Woods Broadcasts

Woods holds its annual Run for Woods fundraising event.  Forty people participate in-person and hundreds of others participate virtually during an hour-long event.  Woods streams a live virtual program from campus and raises $212,000 which is record-breaking support.

 

May 4, 2021: Woods Offers Vaccines to Friends and Family

Woods holds a vaccine clinic for family and friends of employees and clients.  The nursing staff vaccinates more than 200 people.

 

May 11, 2021: Visitations Resume as Bucks County Cases Drop

Family visitations outside Woods’ Training Center begin again as the Bucks County positivity rate dips below 10%.

 

May 14, 2021: Woods Maintains Mask Mandate

Following CDC guidance that eliminated mask-wearing for fully vaccinated people, Woods communicates with its staff that mask-wearing at Woods continues to be mandatory.

 

June 1, 2021: Family Visitations Move Closer to Residences

The Bucks County positivity rate continues to decline significantly. Family visitations continue to take place outside, but are moved closer to residents’ homes.

 

June 30, 2021: The Woods Schools Hosts Virtual Graduation

Woods holds a virtual graduation ceremony for 28 students who attended Gardner, Crestwood, and Brookwood schools.

 

 

Dr. Stephen Kolesk, Woods Chief Medical Officer, and his team of nurse practitioners and nurses have been tireless in leading Woods’ pandemic response.  They protected clients and staff and mitigated the effects of the pandemic from its inception through vaccine distribution efforts.  Before there were vaccines, Woods’ frontline staff were true healthcare heroes providing extraordinary care to those at Woods who needed them through the height of the pandemic.

 

We also commend Woods’ recreation staff for developing unique ways to keep residents busy when they could not leave campus.  With the help of Woods’ maintenance staff, they constructed a nature trail through the Woods campus, two outdoor movie theaters, a miniature golf course, and a barnyard housing mini alpacas, rabbits, pot-belly pigs, goats, rabbits, baby chicks and ducks.

 

And, finally, kudos to Woods social enterprises, which remained open to serve the Woods community throughout the pandemic.  They effortlessly pivoted to ensure safety for their employees, as well as the Woods staff who continued to support each business.

 

The final recognition goes to Woods families and friends who supported the organization throughout the pandemic.  From sewing thousands of masks, to providing special meals for staff, to supporting Woods fundraising in a significant way, these efforts strengthened staff and the organization when they most needed it.

Government must invest in direct care professionals to support those with disabilities during the pandemic

by Tine Hansen-Turton and Mike Clark, For the Inquirer

 

We are three months into the vaccination schedule for COVID-19, several federal relief packages later, and we still did not get it right for the hardworking staff who came to work during the darkest days of this pandemic and showed up to care for the most vulnerable people who depend on them 24/7.

 

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide integral, daily support to people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). DSPs are essential to our country as they assist with all aspects of daily life, including bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, and administering medication. These workers drive clients to and from activities and medical appointments. DSPs work side-by-side with their clients to ensure that they lead safe, meaningful and vibrant lives in the community.  Without them, this country simply could not even begin to meet the needs of the I/DD population.

 

While DSPs were in short supply prior to the pandemic, many burned out during the pandemic, and today we have even fewer in the profession.

 

We have a DSP shortage crisis that cannot be resolved unless the state and federal governments act now. Already facing increased risk due to conditions created by the COVID-19, our I/DD workforce face an ongoing and insidious danger to their health and well-being.

 

Many people with I/DD who need in-person care lost their trained support during the pandemic at a time when many I/DD service providers already faced an acute DSP shortage. Pre-pandemic, approximately 46% of DSP positions turned over annually. In other words, service providers had to replace nearly half of this workforce every year to meet the needs of the I/DD population. During the pandemic, the situation has gotten far worse.  Those with I/DD in Pennsylvania, for example, saw their services reduced by up to 80% since March 2020.

 

Government funds I/DD services through non-profit human services organizations, and therefore essentially sets the rates for DSP compensation.  At starting rates of less than $11/hour in Pennsylvania, compensation remains inadequately matched to the levels of intensity, risk, and daily demands of a DSP worker.  Most retail and fast-food restaurants provide higher compensation options with far less difficult working conditions than that of DSPs who must often work with people with intensive needs or behaviors, and without the ongoing responsibility and care of someone else’s life.  For-profit companies can often pay a higher hourly rate, by increasing prices.  Non-profit human services organizations are not in a position to do that, as they rely on government to support them.

 

Until government dramatically increases support to providers so they in turn can appropriately compensate DSPs, those with I/DD will suffer the consequences of inadequate support and staff turn-over.  Luckily some states like New Jersey have increased their level of funding to support a minimum wage for DSPs and other direct care givers of $15/hourly.

 

Tine Hansen-Turton is President and CEO of Woods Services and a member of the Inquirer’s Health Advisory Board Panel. Mike Clark is a Policy Fellow at Woods Services

Woods Services Honored with the Aramark Building Community Organizational Leadership Award

 

Woods Services was awarded the 2019 Aramark Building Community Organizational Leadership Award, in recognition of our efforts to provide innovative, comprehensive, and integrated health and case management services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and complex behavioral and medical challenges. Woods Services, as the umbrella organization for a network of care, takes a population health management approach to addressing the social determinants of health through a comprehensive continuum and system of care that connects prevention, wellness, education, behavioral health, and social services with coordinated and integrated healthcare delivery. The award is accompanied by a $20,000 grant from Aramark.

 

The Aramark Building Community Organizational Leadership Award honors exceptional high-impact organizations that are driving a culture of population health and well-being within their community. The award is presented annually by Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), a global leader in food, facilities and uniforms; and the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, a strategic action network of thousands of committed social services professionals. This year’s award was announced at the Alliance’s annual Senior Leadership Conference in Savannah, Georgia.

ARAMARK AND THE ALLIANCE’S REMARKS ON WOODS’ AWARD

 

“We are proud to recognize Woods Services with the Aramark Building Community Organizational Leadership Award,” said Karen Cutler, vice president of communications & public affairs at Aramark. “Woods Services is dedicated to bettering the lives of thousands of children and adults of all abilities every day, a commitment we share and commend.”

 

“The Alliance is proud to partner with Aramark in honoring Woods Services for its innovative approach to systems change, scaling evidence-based approaches, and engaging partners across the ecosystem of government, regional, and local communities, particularly with a focus on special populations requiring complex care,” noted Susan N. Dreyfus, president and CEO of the Alliance. “Their work is leading by example and having an impact across the sector as more organizations recognize the efficacy and impact of a public health approach.”

A HISTORY OF WOODS AND OUR CURRENT POPULATION HEALTH APPROACH

 

Founded more than 100 years ago, Woods is comprised of six organizations and operates as a continuum of care across two states, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, collectively serving more than 22,000 children, adolescents, and adults and employing a team of 6,000 individuals who provide critical services and significant supports. Over the past three years, Woods has built capacity and evolved our model to address population health comprehensively for both the individuals it serves and our employees. This was accomplished through a variety of initiatives including the transformation of clinical services for children, adoption of a trauma-informed de-escalation and crisis intervention program, implementation of education and career pathways for employees, and the integration of a Patient-Centered Medical Home approach with the opening of the on-site Medical Center at Woods.

 

In addition, Woods has solidified our continuum of care across our network to become one of the largest group home providers in the eastern region of Pennsylvania serving young adults, which helps to ensure a natural continuation of services for those who graduate from the Woods Schools and residential programs into adult services. Similarly, Woods is building capacity in New Jersey through our family of services to be able to alleviate the pressure on the adult system of care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, several thousand of whom are on a waiting list for residential care. New specialized homes for people who are medically fragile or have psychiatric disorders or intellectual disabilities are under development. Woods and our leadership have also been driving the conversation on population health for people with intellectual disabilities and complex behavior and medical challenges on a regional and national level, as an approach which will successfully address the disparities in access to care, health outcomes, and cost that this complex population represents.

 

“Woods and our affiliates, Allies, Inc., Archway Programs, Woods Community at Brian’s House, Legacy Treatment Services, and Tabor Services, are so honored to be recognized by Aramark and the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities for our efforts to transform the delivery of comprehensive, lifelong medical care and behavioral and educational supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their lives safely and to their fullest potential,” said Tine Hansen-Turton, President and CEO of Woods Services. “We see it as our responsibility to be disruptors and to redefine the ways in which services are connected and delivered for our clients while also supporting and advocating for the professional development and economic advancement of our employee population,” she said.

THE GOALS OF ARAMARK AND THE ALLIANCE

 

For more than a decade, Aramark and the Alliance have partnered to help communities thrive by bringing resources to the local level and cultivating strong relationships. Aramark’s global volunteer and philanthropic program, Aramark Building Community, enriches and nourishes lives by partnering with local community centers and sharing resources to inspire families to lead healthy lifestyles and help people succeed through education and employment. Since its establishment in 2008, Aramark Building Community has impacted more than 5 million families and children in 19 countries.

 

Aramark’s commitment to people is a core part of the company’s sustainability plan, Be Well. Do Well., focused on positively impacting people and the planet. Aramark’s people priority is to facilitate access to opportunities that will improve the well-being of the Company’s employees, consumers, communities and people in its supply chain. Building on current work, Aramark continues to help people develop careers and livelihoods; access, choose and prepare healthy food; and grow communities, businesses and local economies.

 

Learn more about Woods Services and our model of care by watching the award video above.

ABOUT ARAMARK

 

Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world. Our 280,000 team members deliver innovative experiences and services in food, facilities management and uniforms to millions of people every day. We strive to create a better world by making a positive impact on people and the planet, including commitments to engage our employees; empower healthy consumers; build local communities; source ethically, inclusively and responsibly; operate efficiently and reduce waste. Aramark is recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Human Rights Campaign (LGBTQ+), DiversityInc, Black Enterprise and the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE FOR STRONG FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES

 

The Alliance for Strong Families and Communities is a strategic action network of thousands of committed social sector leaders who through their excellence, distinction, and influence are working to achieve a healthy and equitable society. We aggregate the very best sector knowledge and serve as an incubator for learning and innovation to generate new solutions to the toughest problems. We accelerate change through dynamic leadership development and collective actions to ensure policies and systems provide equal access and opportunity for all people in our nation to reach their fullest potential through improvements in health and well-being, educational success, economic opportunity, and safety and security. Go to alliance1.org for more information.