Strategic Plan 2020-2024
The Arc Washington County
Introduction
The Arc Washington County’s Board of Directors and Executive Director in collaboration have created this Strategic Plan as a roadmap for organizational development. The purpose of this formalized plan is to maximize the allocation and use of the resources of the organization to provide the best possible services for individuals. In creating this plan the strengths and weaknesses of the organization as well as the opportunities and threats in the organizations operating environment were taken into consideration to decide what the goals and objectives of the organization should be.
Mission
To create partnerships that foster nurturing communities where people with disabilities can live their vision of a valued life.
Vision
Individuals with disabilities have the opportunity and needed supports to contribute the fullness of their being to the wealth of human community.
Background & History
The Arc Washington County was formed in 1961 by a group of parents, teachers and citizen advocates. The purpose of the organization was to begin to formalize ways to provide services that were needed for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in our community. In the beginning there were several activities such as camps that were organized by the Arc Washington County chapter. Over time the organization began to change to a service oriented one, and several spin offs were created. Among these are The Dawn of Hope and CORE services.
Today The Arc Washington County has four primary service areas: Independent Support Coordination, Family Support, Early Intervention and the Respite Center. The Arc Washington County also engages in actively referring individuals to other service organizations when there is not a service that is compatible for them at The Arc.
Core Operating Values
We believe every individual has sacred potential. We pledge we will encourage, value, and celebrate every individual’s unique efforts in seeking their potential throughout their lives.
Respect
We respect each person’s personal identity passport that includes their family heritage, customs, rituals, the right to choose personal life goals, where and with whom they live, where they work, and with whom they share their most intimate moments. We believe each person has a sacred right to belong as a valued member of his or her community, perform valued social roles, have friends, and participate in the life of the community. We will seek, discover, and value the gifts each person brings to the world.
Diversity
We will listen, observe, and discover the spark of greatness that exists in the people we serve, our colleagues, and our partners. We will seek to discover the unique capacities and capabilities that exist in every person. We shall view the differences between and within people as diversity and not as deficiency. Our greatest natural resources are our hearts and minds, together with those of our partners. We celebrate diversity.
Supportiveness
We are unconditionally loyal to the persons we serve. We will support their needs to work, love, play and worship in fellowship with others. We will support and value our colleagues in their efforts to seek their sacred potential. We will comfort and aid family members in their roles of parent, sister and brother. We will respect and seek collaboration with our partners in meeting our vision and mission. We will acknowledge and celebrate our accomplishments. We will live a true partnership orientation to life in this organization. When needed by the people we serve, their loved ones, and our partners we’ll be there.
Excellence
We will nurture our ability to grow and to discover new possibilities in ourselves, our world, and those in whose lives we share. We will encourage others to reach for their dreams and seek their potential. We will strive for excellence but not perfection in our personal and collective journey to improve the wealth of human community. Our destiny is to grow, evolve, to learn and always become more of who we are.
Perspective
We will focus our human and organizational resources on the visions of the persons we serve. We have a genuine commitment to the belief that persons served have the right to control their own lives. We willingly give our energy, creativity, potential, skills and ourselves to the people we serve.
Direction and Results
The strategic direction that this plan outlines is The Arc Washington County’s response to the current opportunities and challenges of allocating the organization’s human and financial resources in a manner that best achieves the vision and mission of the organization.
With the understanding of where the organizations strengths and weaknesses lie, and where opportunities for growth and excellence lie, The Arc Washington County will pursue the following strategic direction:
1. The Arc Washington County will develop new programming to diversify funding streams and provide much needed services to as many as possible.
2. The Arc Washington County will increase community knowledge of the Arc and of people with disabilities for the advancement of individuals living with disabilities in the community.
3. The Arc Washington County will invest in employees by providing training opportunities, bonuses, and an incentive program to celebrate small accomplishments.
4. The Arc Washington County will increase opportunities for families to be involved and educated.
Goals and objectives
The following goals and objectives provide the means for accomplishment of the strategic direction for the further development of The Arc Washington County.
Varied Programming- The Arc Washington County will increase the programs offered to provide the maximum amount and variety of programs feasible.
Objectives:
1. To start a program that provides occupational therapy to individuals with disabilities with possible expansion to other therapies.
a. A suitable location for the operation of the program will be secured.
b. A business plan will be developed.
c. Staffing for the program will be secured.
2. To provide ETS services through Vocational rehabilitation services.
a. Identify staff that would like to be involved in ETS services.
b. Find and complete staff training for the program.
c. Apply for and secure a contract with Vocational Rehabilitation for ETS services for 2020/2021.
Community Education
The Arc Washington County will increase community knowledge of the Arc and of people with disabilities for the advancement of individuals living with disabilities in the community.
Objectives:
1. The Arc Washington County will use community outlets to tell our story.
a. Staff of the Arc, the Executive Director and Board of Directors members will attend events in the community such as job fairs, luncheons, meetings of civic organizations or other community events at least three times each year.
b. The Arc Washington County Executive Director and board members will organize segmented audiences to achieve a specific goal or purpose at least three times each year. The need, audience, and those participating will be decided during Board meetings.
c. The Arc will continue to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce. The Executive Director, Staff members and Board members will attend Chamber events three times each year.
2. The Arc Washington County will educate legislators about the needs of individuals with disabilities living in our community.
a. A representative of The Arc Washington County will attend Disability Days on the Hill annually.
b. A luncheon with local legislators will be scheduled yearly. Families will be invited to attend to share their stories with the legislators.
Staff Encouragement and Development
As part of exceptional service delivery, The Arc Washington County needs to invest in employees by providing training opportunities, bonuses, and an incentive program to celebrate small accomplishments.
Objectives:
1. Training opportunities will be provided for Independent Support Coordination, Family Support and Respite employees.
a. Training that would improve the abilities of our employees will be identified.
b. A budget will be established for training.
c. Training will be identified and located
d. Training will be scheduled and completed. A target of at least one training a year will be established.
2. Staff morale will be improved by celebrating the 1st downs.
a. The ISC management team in conjunction with the Executive Director will identify ways to celebrate small achievements.
b. A budget will be established to provide small motivational items, such as gift cards, mugs, t-shirts, etc.
3. Bonuses will be budgeted as available.
a. The Christmas bonus will be maintained as funds are available.
b. The ISC billing pool will be maintained as funds are available.
c. If funding is available, a performance bonus will be considered that all departments are eligible for.
Family Involvement
The Arc of Washington County is dedicated to the families that we support. The Arc would like to increase opportunities to provide education and meaningful experiences for individuals and their families.
Objectives
1. The Arc will provide workshops that will be beneficial for families as needed.
a. Survey monkey will be utilized to assist in knowing what types of workshops and/or possibly activities would be of interest to families.
b. The Arc Washington County will schedule and coordinate the workshops at the office.
2. The Arc will host at least one event each year that highlights the abilities of individuals with disabilities living in our community.