Program Services Plan
Rationale
Founded in 1970, Kent Center Incorporated is a private, non-profit organization, dedicated to supporting and serving adults with developmental disabilities. Services and supports are provided without regard to race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or membership in a particular organization. Our aim is to encourage and support fundamental skills that maximize an individual’s inclusion in society. This Organization has a strong commitment to protect the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. The role of Kent Center is to provide services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities and to educate the community so that both the quality of life for the individuals supported and that of the community in general is enhanced.
In serving adults with developmental disabilities, the mission of Kent Center is:
• To ensure the safety and well being of each individual
• Treat them with respect and dignity
• And to provide enriching opportunities and choices which will enable them to independently live, work and contribute positively to their community to the greatest extent of their ability.
Kent Center believes that individuals with disabilities desire to be, and should be, active members of the community. This implies their inclusion, to the extent they desire, in the local community. Kent Center provides training and other supports to individuals so that they may obtain skills which promote education and employment opportunities which are consistent with their preferences, needs, and choices.
It is the objective of the Kent Center to assist individuals and their families in finding and making effective use of resources (community, government, and generic) that will enhance the quality of each individual’s life. The Organization will establish and maintain supports that are targeted and realistic, as well as, specifically tailored to the preferences, needs, and choices of each individual.
Kent Center intends to provide an atmosphere of support and acceptance that will enable each individual to contribute and benefit from the community to the fullest extent possible; consistent with the individual preferences, needs, and choices. Kent Center will, as appropriate and needed, assist communities in developing resources for individuals.Scope, Setting, and Location
Kent Center provides Day Activity Services, Supported Employment, Community Residential Services, Community Supported Living Arrangements, Individual Support Services, Health and Medical Monitoring, Financial Consultation and Representation, and Transportation Services for adults with developmental disabilities.
Kent Center supports individuals in the following specific types of programs:1. Day Activity Services - 20 individuals - Individuals with severe disabilities are trained in basic self-help skills, including physical and occupational therapy, as well as visual and auditory stimulation. Social skills are emphasized, encouraging group participation and interaction with others. Pre-vocational skills may be introduced. Trips into the community are planned, therefore helping to enhance the quality of life for our individuals and also to educate the community about Kent Center and the population we serve. Also included in the Day Services are many group activities such as crafts, musical exercises, games, picnics, and reading groups.
2. Supported Employment / Vocational Services - 26 individuals - Individuals with moderate disabilities learn vocational skills by performing maintenance tasks, assembly contracts from local businesses, housekeeping and custodial training, and retail job skills. They also receive training in independent living skills such as money management, reading, and citizenship responsibilities. Kent Center encourages individuals to work on a variety of skills that lead to more independent living and working. Founded in 1985, Mailer’s Enterprise serves Maryland businesses in completing bulk mail and fulfillment projects. Adults with developmental disabilities work under thoroughly professional supervision. “Hidden Treasures” is the thrift shop supported completely by community donations of clothing, furniture, and household items. These items are inspected and made ready for resale, while individuals learn store clerking and community interaction skills. Individuals enrolled in Supported Employment who express interest in entering the community workforce, may receive additional training on how to enter competitive employment. Training includes; how to complete employment applications, how to prepare for job interviews and continues with on-site job coaching services, as needed.
3. Community Residential Services – 30 individuals: Designed to encourage independent living, the residential program is comprised of 15 residences located in Kent and nearby Queen Anne’s Counties in Maryland. Varying levels of support and assistance are offered in homes that are owned or leased by the Organization and/or by the individual or their family.
a. Alternative Living Units (ALU) - 11 residences, 27 individuals served
b. Community Supported Living Arrangements (CSLA) - 4 residences, 4 individuals served.
c. Individual Support Service Apartment - 1 residence, 1 individual served
5. Health and Medical Monitoring - 50 individuals served
6. Financial Consultation and Representation - 16 individuals served
7. Transportation services - 18 vehicles, 50 individuals served
Supports and services are provided in the Developmental Disabilities Administration Eastern Shore Region; primarily in Kent County, Maryland.Staffing
Kent Center provides staffing support for each individual based on specific needs identified in the Individual Plan (IP). The various types of staff include: 1) Direct Support, 2) Program Coordination, 3) Transportation, 4) Human Resources, 5) Health,
6) Consulting, and 7) Administrative and Executive.
Kent Center provides part time and/or full time Direct Support Staff in each residence and at each day time program site. This staff provides day-to-day implementation of each Individual Plan.
Positions include Residential Counselors, Community Living Assistants, Instructors, Assistant Instructors, Personal Care Assistants, Job Coaches, Assistant Job Coaches, Site Supervisors, and Assistant Site Supervisors.
Program Coordination Staff monitor, schedule, and coordinate implementation of all individualized services and supports. This full time staff of 3 provides oversight and support to the direct support staff.
Transportation staff drive and maintain all organization vehicles as well as coordinating all route schedules.
Human Resources Staff develop and administer various human resource plans and procedures for all company personnel as well as facilitating the hiring process for all staff.
Health Staff include Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Certified Nursing Assistants. This staff ensures the proper administration of medications, health protocols, medical equipment or therapies. The Director of Nursing Services oversees all health care staff.
Consultant Staff may include, but are not limited to, each individual’s Primary Care Physician, Psychologist, Psychology Associate(s), Psychiatrist, Physical Therapist, Nutritionist, and any other needed consultants based on individual or organization need.
Administrative Staff include the Accounting Manager, Executive Assistant, Administrative Assistant, and Director of Programs. This staff provides general oversight and direction to the Organization. They ensure financial and program accountability at all levels. Executive Staff is comprised of the Executive Director. The Executive Director assumes responsibility for ensuring that the Organization meets State regulations and policy. In addition, the Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for implementing organization policies, goals, and plans.Training
Kent Center provides training as per State of Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration regulations. This means that the Organization trains staff in certain basic education courses related to the field in general and, additionally, specific training is provided to staff per each Individual Plan.
The Organization provides training to all new staff within three months in the following areas:
1. Aging Process and the Special Needs of the Elderly
2. Communication Skills
3. Community Inclusion
4. Fundamental Rights of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
5. General Characteristics and Needs of Individuals Served
6. Individual Directed, Outcome Oriented Planning for Individuals
7. Behavioral Principals and Strategies
8. First Aid
9. CPR
10. Medication Administration
11. Supporting Individuals & Families in Making Choices
Write or call for further information:
Kent Center, Incorporated
215 Scheeler Road
Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone: 410-778-7303
Fax: 410-778-7305