Transparency
Black Bear Diner, Hilltop Dr., Redding (Team Hero)
People First of Region 2, Redding Chapter meets at Black Bear Diner on the third Wednesday of the month. I have had the honor and privilege of attending this meeting as a member of the public several times. The Redding Chapter always has a good turnout of Self-Advocates ready to greet each other, speak for themselves, and support their friends to speak for themselves too.
People First Chapter meetings require a location that is comfortable, semi-private, respectful, and accessible. I am writing this recommendation for the staff and team at Black Bear Diner on Hilltop Drive in Redding. The recommendation is for Team Hero as I have always witnessed different wait staff with the same inclusive and professional demeanor.
Black Bear Diner staff ensures that everyone, People First Chapter meeting member or not is treated with respect and provides a standard of service that sets the tone for a truly inclusive environment and experience. We must recognize individuals outside of the “service system” walking this world and conducting themselves in a way that all people are valued, and their contributions are recognized.
Christine Babcock, OTR/L – Thrive Child & Family Services (Barrier Buster Hero)
Christine goes above and beyond to service our families whose children need occupational and/or feeding therapy. Christine provides compassionate and personalized therapy to each child. Christine works with the family to remove barriers to progress and by pacing with the family aids in the child and family having an improved quality of life. We truly values and appreciates all Christine does for the families we serve. Thank you!
Brittney Reuther (Advocacy Hero)
Brittney advocated for her participants that were unhappy with their services, and helped me start an entire new program. She has tirelessly hired and trained all new staff along with helping me renovate the program to fit the participant’s needs. She is also building the employment portion of the program. We could have never done it without her. The participant’ s love her and are flourishing…
Patricia Roth (Everyday Hero)
Patricia deserves to be picked because she is a great supervisor. She is kind, understanding, and motivates her team. She goes above and beyond to make sure her staff is comfortable and happy. She has great knowledge and is a very approachable CMS. Patricia will always find an answer for you if you do not know and will make sure our clients get what they need in a prompt time frame. She encourages her team to reach out to her with any concerns or questions and is available to us at all times even though she runs a busy schedule. I would honestly vote her for US President. #PatriciaRoth2024
Thank you for everything you do!!!
Taylor Dockter (Barrier Buster Hero)
Taylor is an incredible advocate for her clients!
Taylor has stood up with her clients to help them move from homelessness to move into a healthier living situation. She has connected to numerous agencies, filled out a plethora of documents and hasn’t given up when obstacles have presented themselves. She has ensured that her client’s wishes were known while making sure she has safely assisted them. She has shown kindness and respect even under unpleasant sensory conditions.
Taylor has worked closely with her client to understand when someone close to her has taken advantage of her naivety. Taylor has worked with her client’s family, multiple agencies including SLS, APS, local law enforcement and the court system. She explains to her client her options along with the pros and cons of potential decisions so that an informed decision can be made. Taylor has run into multiple road blocks but continues to work hard to push through these obstacles to help her client’s voice be heard. Even through disappointment and frustrations, Taylor uses the resources available to assist her client live in a healthier, safer living situation and protect her client.
Taylor has assisted her clients’ parents navigate through the education system while strongly advocating for her client’s needs. She has taken on the schools to ensure they provide what is needed in the IEP, as well as following through to give the supports included in the IEP. Taylor assists her clients and their parents in a professional manner while bringing in supports including Office of Clients Advocacy to assist.
Jeremy Potter (Barrier Buster Hero)
I have had the privilege of working with Jeremy for the past 4 years as a facility manager. I have worked in the field for 20 years throughout various states and it took little time working underneath Jeremy and his skilled team of administrators to see I had found the most skilled and ethically run group of facilities I had yet to encounter in my career. I have had the opportunity to work in each of his 6 facilities and can attest to saying that client-centeredness is at the core of them all.
With that being said, I am nominating Jeremy Potter for the Barrier Buster Hero award. When I asked myself what I believe is one of his key qualities that has helped create his 6 successful facilities filled with happiness amongst both clients and staff, the first word that came to my mind was “Advocacy.” When a client comes to JD Residential, Jeremy makes sure they have the same resources, opportunities, and genuine care that you or I would expect for ourselves. He goes to bat for every one of his clients any time they face an obstacle that could prevent them from having this and will not rest until he and his client overcome said obstacle, together. Not only is he an unfailing advocate for his clients, but is also for his staff as well. JD Residential is filled with long-time employees and this is largely due to how Jeremy will also go to bat for his employees when facing barriers in both their personal and professional lives. If a staff member is facing a challenge during a shift and requires assistance, Jeremy will be there in minutes to assist, and I have personally observed this numerous times in my years of employment at JD. In addition to seeing him accommodate schedules when situations arise in his staff’s personal lives. If there is a way, Jeremy will find it. He is not one to follow popular trends or popular opinions, he just does what is right. If I were asked to describe Jeremy in three words, they would be integrity, advocacy and compassion. In a world where the clients we serve are facing new challenges/barriers every day, it is a blessing to have a true and genuine “barrier buster” like Jeremy who I have personally had the privilege of seeing improve the quality of life of many clients in need.
Wendy Porter (Barrier Buster Hero)
I am pleased to provide a nomination for Wendy Porter, who is employed with North Far North Regional Consortium, and in her role as the Director of Employer Partnerships, she supports Butte College. This nomination is for Barrier Buster Hero!
Wendy elevates the need in her work to push for accepting, supportive, and challenging environments for all students, including students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She recognizes that community colleges are unique and offer a wide array of educational career paths, with the goal of competitive integrated employment. Real jobs, real pay, equity!
Wendy is open regarding the need to review current systems and change strategies as needed. She works to learn and grow alongside collaborative partners both known and newly discovered.
The word “barrier” means to block the way. Wendy looks for barriers rather than waiting to come across one. This sets her aside as she is helping others overcome challenges to improve their current circumstance while planning for long-term success.
Cory Ranberg (Superhero)
I proudly nominate Cory Ranberg of Curtis Homes for Super Hero award because that is truly what he is!
He is known and highly respected throughout the state. DDS knows him by name and have made the statement, “well, if anyone could do, it would be Cory”….and they are right. His specialty is to take the impossible and make it seem easy.
Cory is held in such a high regard because he is incredible at what he does. He shows great compassion and patience for his clients and employee alike. Even after an endless hour shift, he has a smile on his face and is happy to see you. His dedication is incredible, often working days on end to ensure his client receive the care they need. Simply put, Cory does what it takes. Period.
Far Northern Regional Center is truly bless to have Cory on the front lines caring for the clients we serve.
Julia Rogoff and the Chico Unified SEPAC Board Members (Team Hero)
The Chico Unified SEPAC board are parent volunteers with children with disabilities working in collaboration with Chico Unified School District staff, school administrators, and educators. SEPAC aims to promote a positive and knowledgeable partnership between parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them. These admirable and inspirational parents use their experience, vast knowledge, and heart to help guide other caregivers who are in need of support with the needs of their student. These ladies have brought forth a movement that was needed in our community to help highlight the importance of inclusion and giving all students an equal chance at belonging no matter their disability. They have given hope to families who were looking for direction, guidance, and for someone who understands and can support their journey toward obtaining awareness, understanding, and true inclusion for their student.