As we embark on a new year we here at MYEP look forward to exciting opportunities ahead of us. We are excited to see what we can achieve together in the year ahead. We truly appreciate the ongoing support and engagement shown by the MYEP network. The collaboration and connections with you all are cornerstones of who we are. Please read on and have a look at some of our proud moments from the past year that we are happy to share. May 2025 be an outstanding year for us all!
Sincerely,
Megan Gerber, Kari Wilken, Karen Scott, & Chris Campbell
We are thrilled to announce that MYEP has achieved PersonCentered Excellence (PCE) Accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). This milestone underscores our commitment to providing exceptional person-centered services. The accreditation visit took place from November 12th-15th, 2024. The PCE Accreditation recognizes our dedication to enhancing the lives of those we support with choice, opportunity, and respect. Key areas discussed during accreditation included:
- Health: Ensuring physical and emotional well-being.
- Safety: Maintaining a secure environment.
- Rights: Upholding dignity and fundamental rights.
- Positive Services: Promoting personal growth and satisfaction.
- Quality of Life: Supporting holistic life enhancement.
- Positive Business Practices: Fostering transparency and efficiency.
MYEP met 41 out of 46 CQL Basic Assurances Indicators, demonstrating our high standards of quality and support. During the Stakeholder Event, stakeholders—including parents, staff, executives, and individuals we support—set organizational priorities for the next four years. The Executive Team developed the following goals:
- Enhance employee preparation and engagement through improved hiring, onboarding, and communication.
- Foster meaningful relationships by aligning interests with community events.
- Improve health supports by better tracking medical histories.
As we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to continuous improvement. The feedback from the accreditation process will guide us to further enhance our services, ensuring dignified lives full of choice and opportunity for those we support. We thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication. Together, we will continue to build a brighter future.
On April 6th, 2024, the MYEP Adult Prom was held at the iconic Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. This year’s theme, “Under the Stars,” was chosen through a vote by the people we serve, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. Months of meticulous planning culminated in a beautifully decorated venue, thanks to our dedicated staff, family, and friends who volunteered their time. Elaborate balloon arches and a fun photo booth added to the festive atmosphere, with the stunning backdrop of Kinnick Stadium’s football field enhancing the magic of the night. As our second-ever prom, we were thrilled to open the event to other agencies, expanding our community and making new connections. Attendees arrived in their finest attire, ready to dance the night away. The dance floor was kept lively by our DJ from Star Entertainment, ensuring everyone had a great time. A special highlight of the evening was a visit from Herky the Hawk, adding an extra touch of excitement and school spirit. Guests captured countless memories in the photo booth, creating keepsakes to remember this special night.
Throughout the year, the people we serve in our residential program have been busy hosting a variety of mini parties and events, inviting their friends and others served by MYEP. These gatherings have been a wonderful way to build community and create lasting memories. Different houses took turns hosting events that ranged from simple dinners and cookouts to more elaborate celebrations like Halloween parties. Bowling outings brought out everyone’s competitive spirit, while trips to the pumpkin patch for hayrack rides added a touch of seasonal fun. It’s been amazing to see these events increase and grow over the years. Each gathering has brought joy and connection, strengthening the bonds within our community. We look forward to many more fun and meaningful events in the future!
Our Summer Cookout Series, which began in 2023 as a way to increase socialization and bring people together after lots of isolation during covid, continued to thrive in 2024. We were thrilled to see everyone come together for these fun-filled events. The first cookout of the season was on June 7th, featuring delicious barbecue from T.C. Bonez, games, and music that kept everyone entertained. It was a fantastic way to kick off the summer!
On July 26th, we hosted our second gathering, and what better way to beat the heat than with an ice cream sundae bar? It was a refreshing treat that everyone enjoyed. Our final get-together of the season was on August 28th, where we savored tasty sandwiches and enjoyed each other’s company one last time before the summer ended. These cookouts have been a wonderful way to reconnect and create lasting memories. We can’t wait to continue this tradition next year!
On Saturday, October 26th, 2024, we hosted our Spooktacular Halloween Party, and it was an unforgettable night! Guests arrived in their most creative and spooky costumes, adding to the festive atmosphere. The evening was filled with delicious snacks that everyone enjoyed. We also had a variety of fun games that kept everyone entertained and laughing throughout the night. It was a fantastic event, full of excitement and Halloween cheer. We can’t wait to see what next year’s party will bring.
We were thrilled to bring back our Holiday Dinner bigger than ever this year after a long COVID hiatus. Held on December 5th at The Celebration Farm, the event was nothing short of magical. The double round barn provided a storybook atmosphere, perfect for the holiday spirit. The evening was made beautiful by the presence of the people we serve, their families, our staff, and our board members. The delicious food served by T.C. Bonez BBQ & Catering added to the festive spirit, making the night even more special. The Holiday Dinner was planned by our committee made up of staff and the people we serve. It was a joint effort to pick the food, the music and everything down to the linens. Our MC, Jimmy, was fantastic, keeping everyone entertained throughout the night.
After more than 150 years of service, the Glenwood Resource Center (GRC) in Iowa has closed its doors. This state-run facility, which provided care for individuals with severe intellectual disabilities, faced significant challenges and controversies in recent years, leading to its closure on June 30, 2024. As the center shut down, six long-term residents embarked on a new journey, transitioning into the MYEP Residential Program in Iowa City.
The Glenwood Resource Center has a long history, dating back to its establishment in the 19th century. Over the years, it housed individuals with various disabilities, providing them with care and support. However, in recent years, the facility faced scrutiny due to allegations of mistreatment and inadequate care. Federal investigations revealed significant issues, prompting state officials to announce the closure of GRC in 2022.
As GRC prepared to close, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) worked diligently to relocate its residents. Among them were six individuals who had spent most of their lives at GRC. These individuals transitioned into the MYEP Residential Program, a community-based service in Iowa City that offers person-centered support for adults with disabilities.
The MYEP Residential Program provides a supportive and inclusive environment for adults with disabilities. The program focuses on community integration, socialization, and self-advocacy, helping residents build life skills and foster meaningful relationships. Each resident receives personalized support based on their unique needs and goals, ensuring a smooth transition from institutional care to a more independent living arrangement.
The transition from GRC to MYEP was not without its challenges. Many of the individuals had spent decades in an institutional setting, making the adjustment to a new environment difficult. However, with the dedicated support of MYEP staff, these individuals gradually adapted to their new homes. The program’s emphasis on community involvement and personalized care played a crucial role in helping them feel comfortable and secure.
In September 2024, Leather and Tara attended the Reinventing Quality Conference in Baltimore. This event brought together professionals dedicated to improving services Leather Tara for individuals with disabilities. They were inspired by the keynote speakers and sessions on innovative practices and community integration. They were able to see many passionate individuals working towards enhancing the lives of people with disabilities gaining new insights and strategies to better support the people we serve.
The knowledge and connections from the conference will benefit their work and contribute to providing high-quality services.
Three adults recently transitioned into their newly remodeled home, marking a significant milestone in their lives. The renovations were completed swiftly and flawlessly, with a keen eye for detail. Our Maintenance Coordinator worked closely with the individuals to select paint colors, ensuring that their personal preferences were reflected in their new living spaces. This level of involvement is a testament to our commitment to Person Centered Services. We believe that creating functional spaces that meet the physical needs of the people we serve is just as important as catering to their personal tastes. Moving to a new home can be a daunting experience, especially for those doing so for the f irst time. By incorporating these personal touches, we aim to make the transition as smooth and comforting as possible. We strive to create environments where the people we serve feel at home, valued, and supported. This recent transition is a shining example of how our approach to Person Centered Services can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Christine Fachman, Activity Coordinator and Community Support Liaison at MYEP, participated in the 2023-2024 Greater Iowa City Community Leadership Program (CLP). This program brought together 30 leaders to explore the area’s challenges and assets. Her involvement not only highlights MYEP’s commitment to leadership and community engagement but also helps Christine build relationships that will support the growth of MYEP’s Adult Day Program and other initiatives. These connections are crucial for fostering collaboration and expanding the reach of MYEP’s services.
Over the past year, we have seen numerous dedicated team members rise to new challenges and take on greater responsibilities. We are excited to celebrate their achievements and look forward to watching them continue to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.
- Angel Gathua: DSP to Shift Facilitator, 15 Colchester (Feb 2024), 3y 6m
- Benjamin M Fortenbacher: DSCP to Lead DSP, 88 Whitechapel (Dec 2024), 3y 5m
- Daisy Lopez: DSP to Shift Facilitator, 3404 Jamie (Mar 2024) 9m
- Donna D Henry: Lead DSP to Service Coordinator, Residential Program (Feb 2024), 11y 8m
- Edward J Brown: Lead DSP to Service Coordinator, Day Program (Dec 2024), 8y 3m
- Fatima A Ismail: DSP to Shift Facilitator, 1156 Downey (Dec 2024), 2y 7m
- Fatimah Y Omar: DSP to Shift Facilitator, 1104 Sundusky (Sep 2024), 10m
- Frederick A Hunt: DSP to Shift Facilitator, 1104 Sandusky (Sep 2024), 10m
- Guylia L Small: Shift Facilitator to Lead DSP, 1104 Sandusky (Feb 2024), 6y 3m
- Issac G Gomez: DSP to Lead DSP, Day Program (Oct 2024), 2y 3m
- Janet Anderson-Monge: DSP to Shift Facilitator, 80 Whitechapel (Oct 2024), 8m
- Lindsay Davis: DSP to Lead DSP, 2509 Friendship (Sep 2024), 4y 7m
- Megan M Barkalow: DSP to Shift Facilitator, 1104 Sandusky (Apr 2024), then to Lead DSP, 1311 Esther (Sep 2024), 1y 3m
- Mohamed A Ahmed: DSP to Shift Facilitator, 3412 Jamie (Dec 2024), 10m
- Myka L Meri: Shift Facilitator to Assistant Lead DSP, 3412 Jamie (Jun 2024), 1y 1m
- Tasha M Hardaway: Shift Facilitator to Assistant Lead DSP, 80 Whitechapel (Jun 2024), 11y 8m
