As I write this note to our friends and family, we at Opportunity Village continue to adjust to our new world of managed care.

While the transition to this new process went relatively smooth, our organization was recently notified one of the managed care companies is renegotiating our contracted rates mid-way through the initial contract period. This is not only a surprise to us but very disappointing as we anticipate it to strain an already tight agency budget.

However, I believe we will overcome this challenge by continuing to discover and implement new ways to reduce our reliance on Medicaid funding. You likely will read more about these ventures in the coming weeks. Be assured Opportunity Village staff will work tirelessly to ensure changes will have as little impact as possible on the individuals we support.

We continue to assist individuals with their transition from RCF cottages on the Clear Lake campus into community-based homes, as required by new federal regulations. The last group of three individuals is scheduled to move into their new home by mid-March.

Once completed, this move will represent a successful transition of nearly 120 individuals over the past few years. It also will represent the end of this initial phase of transitions. We continue to hear positive feedback from the majority of individuals who completed their move, feedback including increased choices and independence.

As this transition ends, Opportunity Village leadership is working with our board to finalize plans for a productive and profitable use for campus facilities moving forward.

The preferred idea discussed at this juncture is to repurpose and redevelop facilties into a senior living continuum of care campus. While specifics regarding this plan won’t be finalized until after this Village Voice goes to print, you can expect additional information from us over the coming months.

While changes often present unchartered challenges to our organization, I also believe they represent many great opportunities for the individuals we support, the organization as a whole, and our communities.

As you will note from other stories in this newsletter, we have many positive things going on at Opportunity Village and continue to experience success. This is such a huge testament to the incredibly dedicated and talented staff working here, as well as the incredible support received from our numerous stakeholders and volunteers.

Jeff Nichols
641-355-1210
jnichols@oppvill.org