By Dr. Ferrell Miller
JC Breakfast Optimist Club
On September 24 at the Hampton Inn in Junction City, Liz Holle, CEO/President of the Big Lakes Developmental Center shared information about the work she and her staff do for their clients with Intellectual Development Disability (IDD). Liz has been in her position since June, but has had experience working as a paraprofessional, working at group homes and has degrees in General Human Ecology and Non-profit administration.
She told the Optimists that the “Mission of Big Lakes is to deliver quality services that promote choice, independence, and inclusion for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their values are support, teamwork, respect, integrity, valor and enthusiasm. Services are provided in Geary, Riley, Pottawattamie and Clay Counties. Big Lakes was established in 1973 by parents who wanted an option for their IDD child other than an institution.
Eighty-five percent of the funds to operate Big Lakes come from Medicaid, which is currently at risk. This is our biggest challenge right now.” Liz also stated that “at this time the organization is 34% behind in Medicaid funding. Another challenge is finding and maintaining staff who serve 200 clients at different workplaces and living spaces during a 24/7 period. Thirty hours of training is provided to staff who must have at least a high school diploma and pass both a background check and drug test.
There are currently 4,800 people on a statewide waiting list. It could take 8 years to receive funding for services.” For more information, please contact Liz Holle at [email protected].
The JC Breakfast Optimist Club is having a fundraiser to support 16 different Geary County youth organizations and three scholarships at the Blu Restaurant on the corner of Sixth and Washington Streets in Junction City on September 30. The event will earn the club 20% of the cost of purchases between the hours of 6 and 8:00 PM. Donations will also be accepted.