Center for Independence 2007 Needs Survey

Developing a Vision

The Board of Directors and the Executive Director of the Center for Independence (CFI) in Grand Junction have spent the last several years successfully getting the Center’s financial issues in order. During the late summer of 2007 they decided that it was time to look at their programs and mission in order to develop a vision for what the Center should be doing as a Center for Independent Living (CIL) in the 21st Century. Another reason for doing this is that the Center’s service area has recently expanded to include 11 counties - very nearly the entire Western Slope: Mesa, Montrose, Delta, Garfield, Chaffee, Eagle, Gunnison, Lake, Pitkin, Ouray, San Miguel and Hinsdale.

Not for profit organizations often go through a life cycle that includes lots of energy and interest in the beginning for addressing its mission. But as the organization matures, it can sometimes become stagnant, lose its original leaders and changing times often means the mission must change. After 25 years in business, CFI found itself with a new Board, a new director and a need to change how they were providing services.

Patricia Yeager, a long time Independent Living Center advocate and disability policy consultant, was engaged to facilitate a visioning process. She began her work by conducting focus groups and interviews with the staff, then interviewed all of the Board members and 4 of 6 key community informants. A computer based survey for consumers to voice their thoughts was launched through the CFI website. Patricia also collected information through the 2000 Census, and the 2006 Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Income reports for the 11 county area that CFI serves. This process occurred during the latter part of August through mid October. A Board retreat was held in Grand Junction October 12th and 13th.

This narrative report is to summarize the information and results for dissemination and posting on the CFI website. First the results will be presented followed by a summary of the data collected that led the Board in its decision making process.

The Board and Executive Director wish to acknowledge and thank the staff, key informants and the 35 people who responded to the consumer survey for their input. It was very valuable and we hope that everyone will see something of themselves in this report. More importantly, it is the intent of the Board that people with disabilities living on the Western Slope receives the services and empowered support they need to create the life they desire.

Without a vision, without a picture, it is hard to know where you are going, how to get there or even to know when you have arrived!

Introduction

What is the Center for Independent living?

What services should a Center for Independent Living provide?

Questions to Ask When Deciding on Services

The Vision

The Consumer Survey

What Staff, Board and Key Informants Said