Tobosa Developmental Services

A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way

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February 11th through 17th was Random Acts of Kindness Week, and it paved the way for National Random Acts of Kindness Day. It all started with one simple phrase written on a placemat by Anne Herbert back in 1982: “practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” A quiet storm was evolving, and in 1993, Anne published a book called “Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty” that opened the floodgate of newspaper articles, radio station air time, and class assignments devoted to stories about this cause. The momentum has not slowed, and people continue working towards building a kinder world.

Image of us chalking positive messages
Chalking positive messages

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Can you imagine one full week dedicated to committing random acts of kindness? It’s just magnificent, and you can bet Tobosa was more than willing to do our part in spreading kindness. This year Tobosa held its second annual RAK Week Scavenger Hunt to bring a little joy to our wonderful Roswell community. The rules are simple; be kind!

Image of Kathy leaving complimentary popcorn at a redbox
Complimentary popcorn with your movie thanks to Kathy

Teams receive a list filled with kind acts to complete throughout the week and capture the moments with photos because as we all know, a picture is worth a thousand words. The list has an assortment of acts, just to name a few, from chalking positive messages, returning stray shopping carts, taping popcorn to Redbox locations, holding a door open for someone, and dropping off special treats to first responders.  Teams are also encouraged to come up with kind acts that are not listed. There were several who delivered food to the homeless and blankets to Chaves County Disaster Relief Services. One never knows the impact of a smile and five-minute conversation could have on a total stranger.

“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” -Aesop

At the end of the hunt, Tobosa rewards the thoughtful scavengers with a personal kind gesture, but that doesn’t take away from the joy and excitement they benefit from their mission of RAK Week. Although this week has come and gone, kindness will forever live in every one of us. Our organization prides itself on giving back throughout the year from both our children and adult services, and we hope to inspire you in doing the same.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples” –Mother Teresa

Image of Dawn, Dede, and Lynnett handing out flowers
Dawn, Dede & Lynnett handing out flowers

 

Image of Brian, Cecil and Joey delivering coloring books
Brian, Cecil and Joey delivering coloring books to Familia Dental

 

Image of harry throwing away litter.
Harry keeping Roswell beautiful

 

Image of Melissa and Felicia feeding the homeless
Melissa & Felicia feeding the homeless, handing out flowers & donating money

 

Image of us delivering donuts to Chaves County CASA
Delivering donuts to Chaves County CASA

 

Image of David & Sammy delivering donuts
David & Sammy delivering donuts to RFD Station 1

From the Ground Up

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We at Tobosa send out a huge thanks to all those who attended the grand opening of our new Day Programming facility, the Joe H. Madrid Educational Center. Joe Madrid is the former CEO of Tobosa who served in that capacity for 37 years and retired in December of 2015. The naming of the building was in his honor.

Joe H. Madrid and Cecil Rhodes cutting the red ribbon
Joe H. Madrid and Cecil Rhodes had the honor of cutting the Red Ribbon

 

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This event was co-hosted by the Roswell Chamber of Commerce, Roswell Chamber of Commerce Redcoats, Little Steps Learning Center, and Los Pasitos Early Intervention. The new center is located on a southeast lot of Tobosa’s administrative office. With this new addition, we now have a trifecta on the block of our Administration building (110 E. Summit) and Little Steps Learning Center (111 E. Reed).


In attendance were Tobosa staff, individuals, Rosy Rubio (CEO), our Board of Directors Joe Lovato (Chair), Terri Douglas (Vice-Chair), Lori Ordonez (Treasurer), Dennis Pabst, Joe Vargas, Daniel Lopez, and Louie Mestas. Chaves County Commissioners, Mr. Robert Corn, and Mr. Will Cavin; Chavez County Manager, Mr. Stan Riggs; Chaves County employees Sandra Rodriguez, Bill Williams, Annabell Molina and Georgianna Hunt. Also in attendance were Dora Batista and Christine Cisneros with SENM Economic Development, Council of Government and Mr. Hal Barnet, ASA Architects.

The purpose of our Day Hab facility is to have a common place where staff and the individuals supported by Tobosa can meet during the week and participate in daily activities coordinated by the Day Hab Team Lead, Alfred Velasquez. These activities include various arts & crafts, karaoke, BINGO, exercise & cooking classes. We also host presentations from people within community organizations.

We are looking forward to using the new building and being able to bring in more educational classes for our individuals to teach life skills. The new center is not just for our organization; everyone is invited to join in all the fun. The center’s hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. There is a posting on our Facebook page of weekly happenings.

From start

Everyone here at Tobosa is very excited about what is in store for the new center! Again, we are so grateful to everyone involved for making this happen from start to end. We could not do this without our fantastic supporters. Thank you!

To End

Celebrating Tobosa’s 39 years of service

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On Friday, September 29th, Tobosa commemorated our 39 years at the Annual Awards Celebration! We have exciting get-togethers throughout the year, but this is that special occasion for everyone to glam, spruce up, and reflect on the special moments from the year. Most importantly, we use this occasion to honor our incredible employees and individuals.
Mayor Dennis Kintigh got things rolling by acknowledging Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and proclaiming that September 25th through the 29th as “Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week at Tobosa Developmental Services.” Direct Support Professionals work with our individuals on a day-to day-basis and they are back-bone of the organization.

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Amongst our *attending guests were members of the Board of Directors:

*Joe Lovato, Board Chair
*Terri Douglass, Board Vice – Chair
*Freddy Washington, Board Secretary
*Lori Ordonez, Board Treasurer
Joe Vargas, Board Member
Dennis Pabst, Board Member
Daniel Lopez, Board Member
*Louis Mestas, Board Member
Travis Daniels, Board Member

Other dignitaries included former CEO Joe H. Madrid and his wonderful wife, Linda. We are overcome with a wondrous feeling when these community leaders come out and give support to this organization’s driving force. It’s a tell-tale sign that the passion still remains within former staffers. We take great pride in this and our aspiration is to convey this pride to the community and everyone who is a part of Tobosa. We want to see people come in for a job and stay for a family. For this exact reason, we put on this celebration every year devoted to the people that make this transformation with us. Without them, we would not have been able to sustain the success we’ve achieved for 39 years.

Individual Success Awards:

5 years:
Dustin Gilbert
Amanda Mote

10 years:
Esmera Gomez

15 Years:
Toby Appel
David East
Monica Patterson

25 Years:
Jackie Males
Melissa Ybarra

35 Years:
Tory Arthur
Martin Eudy
Lawrence Moncada
Cecil Rhodes

Employee Service Awards:

5 Years:
Gwyn Burd, Los Pasitos
Jessica Dunn, Program Services Supports
Guadalupe Garcia, Little Steps Learning Center
Crysten Gass Pope, Los Pasitos
Margie Hernandez, Tobosa Nursing
Jacqueline Jones, Tobosa Adult Services
Terry Lucero, Tobosa Adult Services
Bridgette Ross-Ornelas, Tobosa Adult Services

10 Years:
Amanda McClure, Tobosa Adult Services

15 Years:
Robert Clement, Tobosa Nursing
Linette Washington, Tobosa Adult Services

35 Years:
Joan Blodgett, Tobosa Office Personnel

Of course, the main event everyone anticipates is the revealing of Individual Achiever of the Year, Employee of the Year, and Outstanding Service Employee. These are the ones who go above and beyond without hesitation. What makes this so special is that every single person is nominated, not by upper management, but by fellow co-workers; their peers who have become friends and family and recognize their effort. They take the time to write the nominee’s name down along with all the wonderful qualities that make them stand out. The same is done for the individuals of Tobosa and their achievements. From becoming more self-sufficient to owning their own business; individuals know they have the support and encouragement from their direct care staff and this organization.

Employee of the Year Nominees:

Mary Crist, Judy MacDougal, Tanisha Paiz, Scott Lasiter, Mario Silvas, Mary Trujillo, Kathy Sigala, Andrew Garza, Beatriz Bustamante, Gracie Raigoza, Lorenzo Valencia, D’ana Mendoza, Jennifer Herbain

picture of andrew garza
Winner: Andrew Garza

Individual Achiever of the Year Nominees:

Virginia Markwell, Jessica Richardson, Daniel Madrid, Martin Eudy, Dustin Gilbert, Monica Patterson, Denise Lopez, Ronnie Hamilton

picture of Dustin Gilbert
Winner: Dustin Gilbert

We also have astounding employees that work in the children’s services at Little Steps Learning Center and Early Intervention Program. The Learning Center cares for and teaches children from the ages of one to twelve from all walks of life & developmental stages. The Early Intervention Program helps families with children who are at risk for developmental delays by providing services from birth to age three. Again, nominees are chosen by their peers based on their exceptional work ethic and dedication.

Children Services Outstanding Service Award Nominees:

Little Steps Learning Center:

Tina Medina, Nicole Landers, Mayra Davila, Margarita Rincon, Yvonne Reyes

Picture of winner, Mayra Davila
Winner: Mayra Davila

Los Pasitos Early Intervention:

Sara Rodriguez, Danielle Clements, Gwyn Burd, Pat Jones, Kaci Rodriguez

picture of winner pat jones
Winner: Pat Jones

Here’s to you all, from child to adult services, outstanding employees with your years of service, and to the continued success of our individuals; Thank you & Congratulations!

picture of sharp dressed men
Sharp dressed men Joey, Brian, and Cecil.
picture of Joe Madrid and his wife Linda
The most interesting man in the world, Joe Madrid, and his lovely wife Linda.
Picture of Tobosa staff.
DSP Josie Chavez, SLP from Direct Therapy Services Vivienne Matlack, DSP Mary Trujillo, Team Lead Chrissy Singleton, DSP Jacob Barrera.
picture of CEO Rosy Rubio and Pat Jones.
Tobosa CEO Rosy Rubio with Outstanding Service Award recipient Pat Jones.
Picture of ladies from Los Pasitos Early Intervention
Wonderful ladies from Los Pasitos Early Intervention: Mayra Lopez, Ana Meza, Pat Jones, Kelsey Kelly, Lacy Kastler.

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Tobosa now providing Behavior Support Services

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The Tobosa family is on fire with a burning passion that is leading to innovative changes throughout the organization. We are working to act on this passion and implement a way for this devotion for the individuals under our services to shine through. Anyone working in the industry knows that the Southeast Region (where we are located) is in dire need of Behavioral Support Services. The regional leaders have recognized this as a regional problem and not just a Roswell problem. One way that Tobosa has chosen to use our passion is to start providing Behavior Support/Management Services. In August 2016, Tobosa was named on the Secondary Freedom of Choice as a Service Provider for Behavior Support Services.

guyla-with-troy-2016
Guyla and Troy getting ready for Reins for Life.

Behavior involves everything voluntary and involuntarily that we do. Behavior is the way we act and react to stimuli and/or our environments. Behavior involves our communication, mannerisms, actions, responses, and perceptions. Particularly for the people in our service, behavior can really affect their relationships, social status as a community member, and the way that people perceive them. Considering everything that behavior involves makes it easy to see why having Behavior Support Services is so important to the people we serve. Another reason why behavior management is so important to our clientele is because it affects the way people solve their problems. The people we work with are no exception to this.

A person’s ability to problem solve is often related to their level of cognitive ability. When presented with problem situations, or conflicts, people with intellectual disabilities can have difficulty solving the problem or getting through the conflict. Many times, we do not stop to think about what it takes to solve a problem. One reason for this is because we have learned problem solving skills along our journey. Those skills just come naturally in our day to day processes. They are not skills we have to think about in order to carry them out. They just naturally occur, once they have been learned. When we don’t have to mentally process before acting on this skill set, the steps are taken for granted or forgotten. To fully understand what is needed to solve problems let’s look at the steps included:

  • Define the problem
  • Identify several potential solutions
  • Evaluate each alternative
  • Choose a solution
  • Implement the solution
  • Evaluate results
  • Choose a different solution or seek help if results are not satisfactory

The people served by Tobosa have different cognitive abilities, as well as functioning levels, but they too can learn some or all of the mentioned skills/steps on different levels. Learning these skills comes from instruction. Providing that instruction is one primary focus of a Behavior Support Consultant (BSC). The BSC is able to assess the person’s ability and pre-existing knowledge of these skills and then break down strategies on a level that the individual can comprehend and learn. The BSC also helps to teach these skills and to educate the support staff on how to teach the individuals these skills in everyday practice and natural environments.

jody-jones-reins-for-life
Jody rides the hippotherapy horse.

Other things that the Behavior Support Services are set up to do, according to the current Developmental Disabilities Service Division (DDSD) and the state of NM’s set of standards and regulations, are to support individuals:

  1. In gaining skills related to forming and sustaining a full range of relationships;
  2. To engage in meaningful community integration and inclusion;
  3. To acquire and/or maintain appropriate social skills and engage in routines of daily life;
  4. To manage and reduce behaviors which interfere with engagement in routines of daily life or that pose a health and safety risk to the individual or others

Once Tobosa was approved to provide the Behavior Support Services, they had to find a Behavior Support Consultant. Tobosa hired Guyla Maples, BSC. Tobosa has a long standing relationship with Guyla. She has worked in this field and with the people in our service since 2007. Guyla now has an office within the Tobosa Administrative building, however, she still works on the go like she has always done. This enables her to be just as available as always. The Tobosa building is just an anchor for her to hold on to when she needs. If you haven’t seen her office, stop by and experience it’s beautiful, inspirational, and calming vibe.

Now that Tobosa has the service, and the consultant to carry out the service, we need people to serve. Many of the people we work with were already receiving Behavior Support Services from Guyla through MECA Therapies. MECA no longer provides services to adults so all adults who were receiving their services must now pick a different provider agency. We want to encourage you to get with your Case Manager and sign a Freedom of Choice for Tobosa. The Freedom of Choice is also open for people who are not satisfied with their current Behavior Support Services or for people who just want all of their services under one organization. If you have questions about this please contact us or your Case Manager. We can’t wait to serve you through the behavioral aspect of your life.

A letter to staff: new changes

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In the last article that we spent together, I got to briefly mention that some changes were taking place. Since then, Rosy has talked to you, current Tobosa employees, at the Overall Staff Meeting about some of the changes that have been taking place here at Tobosa. I want to take this opportunity to explain a little more to you about one change that has occurred in particular.

We have had the great opportunity to develop the Program Support Services Department (PSSD) to help support you, the direct care staff. Over the last two years, we have talked about developing this department to incorporate the Quality Assurance, Training, and Incident Management staff and responsibilities. The reorganization that has happened since July 1, 2016 has made the creation of this department possible. Our main vision behind developing the Program Support Services Department is to bring Tobosa back to the basics and to support you in providing quality care. There are several ways that this department can help support you:

  • Identifying and solving problems by looking for trends and patterns in the documentation. I am very grateful to report to you that since July, the Quality Assurance staff has heard the frustrations of several teams already. Two of the teams expressed difficulties in identifying what could be causing an increase in behavioral challenges. Another team showed concern over an increase in injuries. The QA staff has worked tirelessly to look for patterns and trends in each team’s documentation to try and identify the possible triggers or causes. In better identifying the cause to an issue, we can troubleshoot how to resolve the situation or how to provide you with more support through the issue. By bringing the issue’s source to the surface, we can prevent similar instances from reoccurring.
  • Amplifying the training department to better support you as staff. Starting in October we will be implementing an initial Assisting With Medication Delivery (AWMD) training class as well as a refresher course each month. These trainings are being set up to assist you and your team members to provide a higher quality of care. We all know that coming in early or staying late to help assist with medications can look good on your paycheck. On the other hand, it can also be very taxing on you personally. Although the overtime is nice, that extra responsibility prevents us from training in a timely manner. That’s where our quality of care is being compromised. By having the two AWMD classes each month, people on your team can refresh their certifications and the New Hires can get trained in less time. We strongly believe this will lead to an elevated quality of care.

    In addition to adding these AWMD trainings, we are going to be introducing new training for documentation, how to be an effective direct support, and some safety training on transferring and lifting, etc. We’ll be training the new hires in the Therap system through the use of the Training Academy before they ever go on shift. This will allow them to be familiar with the system so that while they are shadowing, you can spend that time working with them on quality care and less on documentation. We understand that training new team members is hard and we want to share in that responsibility with you.

    Lastly, our efforts with the Training Department come in the way of getting you your evaluations and raises in a more timely manner. We have put in a tickler system to remind you as well as your supervisors when it is time for your evaluations. It reminds us just like a training class. We are hoping that this system will keep employee evaluations being done so that you can get your raises faster.

  • Ensuring proper programming and services to individuals. The PSSD is not only set up to assist you as staff, it has also been carefully developed to assist the individuals we serve as well. We will be out conducting interviews with the individuals, you, and members of your team. These interviews will be our attempt at gathering your input, learning the successful strategies you use, and documenting the individual’s needs for everything that you do to support them on a daily basis. The information gathered will be written up in a nice and neet profile for that individual called a Person Centered Assessment. These will be regulated by the State of New Mexico. The purpose of these assessments is to justify the need for services for each individual.

It is for these reasons that the Program Support Services Department was developed. I hope that by knowing a little more about why this department was built, you will begin to see us as a helpful resource. I am very delighted with the people we have chosen to be in the Program Supports Department. We are a department of creative thinkers and problem solvers. I am eager to introduce each one of them to you and to give you a chance to get to know us a little better. Thank you for allowing us to be an extended part of your team and for letting us help you provide a higher standard of care.

A letter to current staff: how you can be involved

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July 1, 2016 marked the new fiscal year for Tobosa. Tobosa is embracing this new year by making some changes in its infrastructure. Since taking the on the role of CEO, Rosy Rubio has been bringing about changes that are taking the agency back to the fundamentals. Some of these changes have been small in nature, like the atmosphere of the Overall Staff Meetings. The majority of you really enjoyed the last two staff meetings and felt they were refreshing. Along with the small changes, there have been larger changes as well. At the suggestion from the Staff Advisory Committee, the Board of Directors were proposed to increase the company’s paid holidays. We got to enjoy that benefit on the 4th of July. Tobosa has seen success from the changes that have been made thus far. This leads us to continue in our efforts to better support you as staff and in turn to support the individuals we serve.

The time is coming for new members to join the Staff Advisory Committee. I have had several people come up to me over the last few weeks. There were several that came forward after the Overall Staff Meeting. Don’t let someone else be the voice for you, step up and take your seat so that you can speak for yourself and your co-workers. We will be revamping the Staff Advisory Committee and you can be a part of that effort. As mentioned above, this committee has a great influence and power in the changes of Tobosa. The Staff Advisory Committee is made up of Direct Support Professionals throughout the organization. I want to encourage you to think about your place on this committee.

For those of you that feel this committee is not the way you want to contribute to bringing Tobosa to greatness, there are many other ways to get involved. Getting involved in this exciting movement that we are in can be as simple as writing your suggestions or ideas down and putting them in the Staff Advisory Box in the workroom for the committee to explore. Better yet, connect with a member of the committee and talk to them. Tobosa has many events throughout the year. While you are there, why not volunteer an hour of your time?

The agency is moving. We are in forward motion towards greatness.Think about it. How great will Tobosa be when everyone gives just a little. With over 200 employees, that is a lot of effort and greatness to come. We look forward to see how you will move with us.

 

Mark Pranke shining in the local news

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Earlier this month, the second annual Shining Star Gathering was held at the Roswell Adult Center. This year, one of our very own, Mark Pranke, was honored.

At Tobosa, we support individuals that face challenges because of a disability, but that doesn’t mean they take a back seat on excelling in what they do best. In fact, Mark has proven that he can excel no matter what confronts him. This Shining Star honor highlights the successes Mark has experienced and provides us with a glimpse of what he plans to accomplish in the future.

shining-stars article

The Shining Star Awards is a program run by New Mexico’s Developmental Disabilities Supports Division, which recognizes individuals who are living to their full potential. In this case, individuals were asked to create a “decoupage,” or in other words — an art or craft of decorating objects with paper cut-outs. Mark, as well as others who participated, created a collage using photos and cut-outs to illustrate their lives and experiences.

Mark is many things, but one thing is for certain — he is a very hard worker! He makes it very clear in his actions everyday. On Mondays and Wednesdays he works with us at Tobosa. On Thursdays he visits the thrift shop. He also completes his volunteer work throughout the week. Mark has exemplified what it means to live a life to its full potential. Throughout 2016, his art will be displayed in different locations across the State of New Mexico.

Tobosa’s mission strives to support individuals to discover their unique gifts as they work toward fulfilling their life goals and dreams. Mark, in his creative work, is clearly helping us fulfill that mission.

Read the full RDR article here.

Honoring outgoing Executive Director/CEO Joe Madrid

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After 36 years of service and leading the organization as Executive Director and CEO of Tobosa Developmental Services, Joe H. Madrid will be retiring from his post later this month. Rosy Rubio, current Assistant Director, will be transitioning to take the helm on January 1, 2016.

Joe Madrid with a client
“After more than three decades, I have made the difficult decision to leave Tobosa. It has been the greatest pleasure to serve in this capacity of Executive Director and CEO. Not only do I marvel at the size that we have grown overtime, from the small space we rented on East 6th Street to our home base here on East Summit, I have also witnessed so many courageous individuals lead challenging lives in so many successful ways. It’s truly been a gift and I have been incredibly blessed to have had this honor. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life and excited to see Tobosa continue to flourish under its new leadership.” says, Mr. Madrid.

Having worked with the organization for over 36 years and moving up the ranks throughout the three decades, Assistant Director, Rosy Rubio, will be the next Executive Director and CEO at the beginning of next year. 

Rosy Rubio

“It’s a bittersweet moment for all of us. We’ve had great leadership under Joe and we will miss him dearly. But I am excited about this new chapter and this new opportunity and I know that with the gifted and committed staff we have at Tobosa, the dedication to individuals living with developmental disabilities will only become better, carrying on the tradition we have had throughout Joe’s tenure.” 

Tobosa staff and their families will be celebrating Mr. Madrid’s career on December 18. 

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(575) 624-1025
info@trytobosa.org

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110 East Summit Street
Roswell, New Mexico
88203

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