THE PROGRESS CENTER, INC

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Strategic Plan

PROGRAM
The Progress Center will enhance residential services.

By 2007, The Progress Center will have four to ten supervised apartments. While smaller living arrangements with fewer house mates is desireable to the TPC this is a planning goal for 7.2008.

The PC will work with Community Concepts to develop supervised apartments. During the summer 2007 planning sessions it was determined that this was not reasonable for 2007 as quality and reorganization of management for residential is priority. This will be reviewed 7.2008 annual planning.

By 2007, all Progress Center homes will be handicap accessible.

The PC will arrange for an independent reviewer to inspect the homes for accessibility, both physically and functionally. 1.2008 completed.

By 2007, The Progress Center homes will have the capacity to serve the residents as they age.

The PC will establish an escrow account for emergency staffing costs. 9.2007 as a result of annual planning with each department it is the goal of the financial department to grow the reserve account for all unfunded needs of those we serve. The goal will be to have a minimum of three months of reserves for the agency by fy2009.
The PC will train residential staff on aging. On going.
The PC will establish discharge criteria for all programs. 9.2007 completed board approved 10.2007.

The Progress Center will increase vocational opportunities for consumers.

By 2007, The Progress Center will formalize its consumer employment
services (i.e. establish formal relationship with voc rehab).

The PC will formalize its relationship with Vocational Rehabilitation. 1.2008 update the TPC has joined the local provider VR meetings, developed VR assessments approved by VR and have scheduled meetings to further collaborate with VR to best meet the needs of those we serve.
The PC will maintain CARF accreditation. 9.2007 TPC continues to be Carf certified.
The PC will advertise its services in local venues (also see Community Goal #1.)
The PC will hold an after-hours business showcase for local employers (satisfied employers, picture displays, people looking for jobs). 1.2008 the TPC has planned an after hours event for 2008 calendar year.
The PC will establish a regular job search service for consumers (i.e. reading want ads, applying, filling out applications, interviewing). The TPC has created (10.2007) an employment advisory committee to meet monthly and support the employment needs of people seeking local jobs. The committee is comprised of several local business leaders. Three staff have been certified as employment specialist through the state certification program, five more have begun certification classes as of 1.2008. A community based program geared toward employment and volunteerism directed toward work skills began 11.2007. Currently five teams of three (one staff and two people served) are part of this community based service. These people no longer attend the center rather spend their days volunteering or working.
By 2009, The Progress Center will provide on-site work opportunities for ten to twenty consumers, such as NISH, cottage industries, etc. 9.2007 this is no longer a goal for the TPC. We prefer to seek local jobs with local employers.
The PC will explore NISH; cottage industries (eg. green house,
wood-working, art, consignment, sub-contracting and franchises) for the next two years (to 2006). Completed with training for NISH project scheduled .1.2008 N/A

The Progress Center will expand day services.
By 2007, The Progress Center will increase the varieties of available
activities by 30% to 70%.

The PC will develop its arts and music offerings. These offerings will be established in the community as of 1.2008 several people served are attending local adult education classes or individual art programs.
The PC will establish a reading room. 1.2008 the library in our local town has a wonderful library as do many of the surrounding towns. Reading will occur, whenever possible in local libraries.
The PC will survey consumers and guardians about what they want to do. Annual surveys will be done annually in January. All results will be posted on the website by February of each year.1.2008

By 2009, The Progress Center will establish an after-school program for children and adults with developmental disabilities and/or mental health issues. As of 1.2008 this goal will be considered during summer planning 2008, however currently children's services is not in a growth or development phase.

The PC will contact United Way, local Child Development services and Boys and Girls Clubs about existing after-school programs.
The PC will write a grant for funding.
The PC will establish the program.

The Progress Center will enhance support services.
By 2007, The Progress Center will meet consumer transportation needs (above and beyond to and from programming) 50% to 75% of the time. At this time 1.2008 we have created a sub contract relationship with Western Maine Transportation Authority. This relationship is in response to major transportation funding changes and rate setting in the state of Maine. Thus making the below N/A.

The PC will define the transportation needs of the community.
The PC will establish a ride board, including notifying other agencies.
The PC will explore funding for mileage reimbursement for volunteer drivers. Covered by the "friends and family" program through Western Maine Transportation.1.2008

The Progress Center will develop a volunteer program.
By 2005, The Progress Center will establish a formal volunteer program. (Also see Community Goal #2.)

The PC will assign a volunteer coordinator to oversee the program.1.2008 currently the Community based supervisor oversees all volunteer and work opportunities. The TPC no longer accepts referrals for center based services as all new consumers are directed to our Community Based services. This is an all volunteer and work service. Currently the TPC participates in over 20 local volunteer programs such as maintaining local walking trails year round, meals for seniors, shopping for seniors, food pantries, church lunches and meals, schools in several towns and hospital services.
The PC will advertise the need for volunteers with local community groups (Rotary, United Way, etc.). 1.2008 at this point we seek volunteer but make less use of volunteers for our programs.
The PC will advertise in local venues for volunteers. 1.2008 the public relations and marketing person (developed 8.2007) lists requests on internet sites and with the local chamber.
The PC will contact local schools (public and private) and colleges for potential volunteers.

By 2007, The Progress Center will increase its number of volunteers to eight to fourteen people.

The Progress Center will increase and enhance the participation levels of parents and guardians. By 2005, The Progress Center will implement a parent/guardian advisory group. (Also see 6b.)

The PC will survey parents/guardians for their level of interest in
being part of an advisory group. Completed .12.2002 reestablished this goal with board member volunteering two mornings each week to develop a parent/family advisory committee. Initial work completed (1.2008) surveying all family and guardians with annual survey.
If people are interested, the PC will facilitate meetings (physical
facilities, office support, staff liaison, topics). Ongoing

By 2005, The Progress Center will schedule consistent quality assurance meetings that include parents/guardians. (Also see 6a.)

The PC will survey parents/guardians for their interest in providing quality assurance.
The PC will arrange for quality assurance to be done by the
parent/guardian advisory group. Completed

By 2005, The Progress Center will conduct annual program reviews that include parents/guardians. 1.2008 annual survey.

The Progress Center will increase the number of children receiving its
services. By 2007, The Progress Center will increase the number of children receiving its services to 25 to 50 children. 1.2008 currently the TPC serves over 35 children in case management and in home supports. 1.2008

The PC will increase its exposure to the community (schools, business showcases, career fairs, agencies, etc.). 1.2008 Case management staff have worked with local schools to increase children served. On going.

By 2007, The Progress Center will expand its service area to five to ten towns.

The PC will define the area it can cover and look for exposure
opportunities in that area. Completed 12.2007 recent meetings with other providers and families has established some new areas of interest. TPC will continue meetings to expand services to under served areas through winter of 2008.
The PC will establish satellite offices when practical.

The Progress Center will maintain appropriate administrative services.
By 2006, The Progress Center will split the human resources and intake position into two positions.

The PC will create a human resources manager position and an intake coordinator position. On hold 12.2007 the TPC has created a part time position to this end with further training for the position to occur in March 2008.

As programs develop, The Progress Center will ensure that each manager oversees no more than two programs.

The Progress Center will maintain a manager ratio of 1 manager to 2 programs and a supervisor to staff ratio of 1:8. Ongoing

As programs develop, The Progress Center will ensure that maintenance personnel are added as needed.

The PC will explore using volunteers, interns, etc. for maintenance and physical development.
The PC will ensure that the physical facilities are maintained to a high standard, adding personnel as needed. Completed - hired an assistant

FINANCIAL
The Progress Center will explore ways to diversify funding sources.
By 2006, The Progress Center will implement a grant and corporate support program.

By 8/04, The PC will hire a children's services supervisor so as to allow the program development manager time to pursue funding. Completed
The PC will pursue trainings in grant writing and fund raising.

By 2006, The Progress Center will implement fund raising activities such as membership drives, product sales, trust funds, etc.

By 1/05, The PC will identify a Fund raising Coordinator.
The PC will provide training on an ongoing basis to the coordinator. 8.2007 a public relations/marketing position with fund raising responsibilities has been identified and filled utilizing existing personnel. 10.07 the first major fund raising event (Employer Recognition Night) was successfully completed with over 100 attendance.

By 2009, The Progress Center will cut its dependency on MaineCare
financing by 10% to 20%.

The PC will implement a grant/corporate funding program.
The PC will develop programming that is not funded through BDS (NISH, etc.) NISH training has been scheduled

The Progress Center will increase its revenues.
By 2008, The Progress Center will increase its monthly cash flow by 20% to 25%.

The PC will restructure management/staff patterns to be cost effective. Completed
The PC will reduce monthly expenses by identifying a purchasing agent who will explore bulk purchases, etc.
The PC will increase fundraising and grant writing.

By 2009, The Progress Center will increase its revenue by 25% to 50%.

The PC will increase its day program census. Completed with continued growth
The PC will increase its children's services census.
The PC will increase its community case management census. Completed with continued growth
The PC will establish supervised apartments to increase its residential census.

The Progress Center will update its budget process to be consistent over all program areas. By 2005, The Progress Center will consistently distribute administrative costs over all programs.

The PC will establish an equitable method of calculating G & A costs for all programs, ensuring that all direct costs are charged directly to the individual programs. Completed
The PC will develop a policy determining the agency's philosophy on individual program funding vs integrated agency funding. Completed
The PC will ensure that all salaries are charged to the appropriate programs. Completed

By 2006, The Progress Center will implement senior management control over program budgets.

The PC will ensure that the finance and program managers oversee the annual budgets. Completed

HUMAN RESOURCES
The Progress Center will develop state of the art supervision, performance appraisal, promotion and teambuilding processes.
By 2005, The Progress Center will develop a performance and appraisal tool.

The PC will research appraisal and performance tools. Completed

By 2005, The Progress Center will provide two to four trainings on
supervision and/or team building to each employee.

The PC will explore trainings on supervision and team building. Completed

The Progress Center will be competitive with other agencies.
By 2007, The Progress Center will have a competitive wage and benefit package as compared to other non-profit agencies of similar size and service.

The PC will establish a wage committee consisting of the financial and other senior managers. Completed
This committee will develop an agency-wide wage scale.
The PC will establish a benefits committee consisting of the human resources manager, finance and senior managers and two direct care staff. The committee will survey staff about benefits and will contact other non-profits to compare benefit packages.

The Progress Center will establish a cost effective and efficient training system for staff. By 2006, Progress Center staff will receive trainings pertinent to their positions and beyond the agency-required trainings.

The PC will survey staff about what trainings are pertinent to their positions and what trainings they would like to have. Completed
Based on the survey, The PC will establish guidelines about trainings. Completed

By 2006, The Progress Center will explore funding and resources to find the most cost effective trainings.

The PC will explore funding and resources to find the most cost
effective trainings in CPR, First Aid, CRMA and supervision. Completed
The PC will establish a program in which one or two staff receive
training and then present the material to the rest of the staff. Completed
The PC will research training grants.

By 2006, The Progress Center will establish a train-the-trainer program.

The PC will establish a train-the trainer program. Completed

The Progress Center will promote staff performance levels.
By 2005, The Progress Center will establish a staff wellness program.

The PC will establish a Wellness committee. Completed

By 2005, The Progress Center will establish an employee recognition program.

The PC will establish an Employee Recognition committee.

By fall, 2004, The Progress Center will develop a merit based performance appraisal system.

The PC will establish a committee (executive director, finance manager, senior manager, residential manager, supervisor, residential staff, day program staff, children's service staff and transportation staff) to develop a merit based performance appraisal system. Completed

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
The Progress Center will establish appropriate physical space for
residential needs. By 2007, The Progress Center will provide suitable housing for its aging consumers.

The PC will establish an escrow account for emergency staffing costs.
The PC will train residential staff on aging.
The PC will establish discharge criteria for all programs.

By 2007, The Progress Center will establish additional space needed to satisfy residential needs.

The PC will define what is needed for additional residential space.
The PC will implement a plan to meet the needs.

The Progress Center will establish appropriate physical space for
administrative needs. By 2007, The Progress Center will establish additional office space, including necessary systems/equipments to efficiently administer the agency.

The PC will define what is needed for additional office space. Completed
The PC will implement a plan to meet the needs. In process

The Progress Center will establish appropriate physical space for program needs. By 2007, The Progress Center will establish appropriate physical space for program needs.

The PC will define what is needed for appropriate space for program services. Completed
The PC will implement a plan to meet the needs. In process

The Progress Center will develop its physical properties.
By 2009, The Progress Center will landscape and develop a trail system at its Cottage Street property.

The PC will survey consumers, staff, guardians, etc. as to what type of landscaping people like.
Work with Healthy Oxford Hills to develop a trail through the Cottage St. property.
Coordinate with the volunteer program to work on the property.

COMMUNITY
The Progress Center will increase its visibility in the community.
By 2007, The Progress Center will increase its media exposure to six to twelve articles a year.

The PC will regularly contact local media venues with news stories about the PC, (annual "State of the PC" article by the executive director; new staff; upcoming activities; thank yous to the community, etc.).
The PC will regularly publish a newsletter.
The PC will publish an annual report. Completed
The PC will make presentations about services to the Rotary and other local groups.

By 2005, The Progress Center will annually update its brochures and
distribute those brochures to local businesses and other public venues.

The PC will update the brochure once a year. Completed
The PC will develop a list of where the brochures can be posted.
The PC will regularly restock the brochures.

The Progress Center will establish a comprehensive volunteer program. By 2007, The Progress Center will establish a student volunteer program. (Also see Program Goal #5.)

The PC will assign a volunteer coordinator to oversee the program.
The PC will contact local schools (public and private) and colleges for potential volunteers.

By 2007, The Progress Center will establish a mentor program.

The PC will contact the dept. of Behavioral and Developmental Services for advice on how to develop a mentor program with the consumers.
The PC will match consumer interests with community members (i.e. fishing, snowmobile clubs, photography clubs, etc.).
The PC will advertise for mentors through its volunteer program.

By 2007, The Progress Center will establish a parent/guardian volunteer program.

By 2007, The Progress Center will identify a volunteer coordinator.

The Progress Center will enhance community involvement.
By 2004, The Progress Center will participate in a state-sponsored
community inclusion project. Completed

By 2007, The Progress Center will increase consumers' daily community involvement by 20% to 40% of current levels Completed with ongoing review