“Thank you personally, and to all who helped her to have this experience: You can tell her self- esteem and independence have grown considerably in a short time and continue to grow.”
This testimonial from the guardian of a recent Conner Community Living Transition Grant recipient demonstrates the benefits which persons with developmental disabilities derive from living in the community of their choice. This past fiscal year, Conner funds helped six persons from the Glenwood and Woodward Resource Centers to realize their dreams of living in a community of their choice.
If you answered yes to any of these questions:
We invite you to apply for a FY 2008 Community Living Transition Grant. The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) has allocated $16,800 to support Community Living Transition Grants. These grants cover transition-related expenses not reimbursable through other funding streams for individuals moving from the Woodward or Glenwood Resource Center to the community. Funds are administered by the University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development. Grant proposals must demonstrate a commitment to supporting individual choice, empowerment, and opportunities for community living. Specific guidelines and criteria are listed on the grant cover sheet.
In early 2008, DHS expects to begin supporting the transition of individuals from the State Resource Centers and ICF’s/MR around the state through its new Money Follows the Person (MFP) grant. MFP will offer an enhanced Federal match for services provided throughout the first year following the individual’s move to the community, and offer a number of services not previously available under Medicaid’s HCBS program. Individuals accessing MFP funds will continue to be encouraged to apply for Community Living Transition Grants for services not covered by MFP or traditional HCBS waivers. However, individuals living at Woodward or Glenwood who could benefit from Conner funds to transition before MFP begins can apply now (or have applications submitted on their behalf).
If you have questions, please contact me by phone at (319) 353-6448 or via email at michael-hoenig@uiowa.edu.
Mike Hoenig, State and Community Projects, Iowa’s University Center for Excellence on Disabilities, Iowa’s University Center for Excellence on Disabilities.
2007-2008 Conner Community Living Transition Grants
The Iowa Department of Human Services is pleased to once again announce the availability of Community Living Transition Grants to support the transition of individuals currently residing at the Glenwood or Woodward Resource Center to community settings. Administered by the University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development, these grants advance the principles of choice, community and empowerment called for in the 1994 Conner Consent Decree.
$16,800 is available to fund one or more grants to community coalitions to assist in transitioning an individual from Woodward or Glenwood to community-based living.
The number of grants to be funded will depend on the quality of the proposals and budgets submitted.
Proposals must include:
A description of the individual who will be transitioning l A letter of agreement from the individual
A step-by-step description of the transition process including a projected timeline
A detailed budget
A description of how the transition process will be documented
A plan to support the individual placement after the Community Living funds have been expended
Support letters from members of the community coalition that will be involved in the transition process.
Proposals will be judged on the following criteria:
The degree of participation and choice by the individual being transitioned
The quality and commitment of the community coalition
The quality and practicality of the transition plan
The documentation of the transition plan and process
Assurances in the plan to maintain long-term support for the individual after the placement.
Choice: consumers and their families have the ability to exercise informed choices about the amounts and types of services and supports received.
Community: the service system should support the rights and the ability of all consumers to live, learn, work, and recreate in natural communities of their choice.
Empowerment: the system should reinforce the fundamental rights, dignity, and ability of consumers to accept responsibility, make choices, and take risks.
For more information, contact: Mike Hoenig State and Community Projects Center for Disabilities and Development 100 Hawkins Drive, Room 367 Iowa City, IA 52242- 1011 phone 319- 353- 6448 email: michael-hoenig@uiowa.edu.
Conner Community Living Transition GRANT APPLICATION
The Center for Disabilities and Development will be available to provide grantees with technical assistance and help in locating resources. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until all funds are expended. You may submit the application electronically or as hard copy. Creativity and innovation are encouraged. Proposals will be evaluated and selected by a review team which will include a past grant recipient, CDD staff, and other key stakeholder representatives. Each budget may include goods and services such as furniture, household supplies and utility hookups as well as staff training, assistive technology, and other support needed to make community living possible. Requests may also include items such as fees for adult education classes and memberships to local recreation programs designed to help the individual feel a part of his/her community.
In early 2008, DHS expects to begin supporting the transition of individuals from the State Resource Centers and ICF’s/MR around the state through its new Money Follows the Person (MFP) grant. MFP will offer an enhanced Federal match for services provided throughout the first year following the individual’s move to the community, and offer a number of services not previously available under Medicaid’s HCBS program. Individuals accessing MFP funds will continue to be encouraged to apply for Community Living Transition Grants for services not covered by MFP or traditional HCBS waivers. HOWEVER, INDIVIDUALS LIVING AT WOODWARD OR GLENWOOD WHO COULD BENEFIT from CONNER FUNDS TO TRANSITION BEFORE MFP BEGINS CAN APPLY NOW (OR HAVE APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED ON THEIR BEHALF).
Organization or Individual’s Name ________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________
Contact Person _________________________________________________________________
Phone ___________________________
E-mail ________________________________________
Description of the individual who is transitioning:
Description of Transition Plan – Describe how your proposal incorporates the principles of choice, community, and empowerment ( see cover sheet for definitions):
Action Plan – Describe the steps you will take to develop and carry out your proposal. List and briefly describe the agencies and groups you will be working with:
Please attach a letter of commitment from each group, and a letter from the individual moving to the community.
Describe any assistance from project staff that you will require.
Describe how you will document the progress of your plan.
Describe how you will continue to support the individual’s community placement once the grant has ended.
Budget – Itemize your expenses. If funds from this grant will be used in combination with other funds, show how these funds will be combined. All funds must be spent by June 30, 2008. Please attach your budget separately.