Business Solutions for Spring 2021

4 SPRING 2021 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Living Like a Family Co-Administrator Gary Randel said, “Each of our group homes —located throughout the community—has four or five mem- bers living there. Our employees provide 24/7 staffing to help members with the activities of daily living. There’s an Individual Program Plan set up with the case manager for each member, which identifies strengths and needs regarding personal skills, money management, and so on.” Randel added, “Our staff helps members with grocery shopping and meal planning, and we provide transportation to local medi- cal appointments. Members jointly pay the rent for their group home and for other housing costs including utilities.” The ages of Country View Estates members currently range from mid-twenties to mid-nineties. Some of these individuals work during the day at the Guthrie Center Redemption Center or for other local employers. Each group home functions as a family unit; members look out for each other like family. They share the jobs of cooking and other household tasks under the supervision of staff. Active Despite Challenges “I’m proud to see our members grow and do positive things. We want them to be as independent as possible with the least amount of assistance. Our members do most of their shopping locally, and they attend local sports events, church dinners, school plays, and fundraisers,” noted Randel. Not surprisingly, the restrictions of the pandemic prevented mem- bers to be out and about in Guthrie Center as they typically would. However, the staff of Country View Estates rose to the challenge. Country View Estates operates five group homes in Guthrie Center, Iowa, and provides supports to adults with mental and intellectual disabilities. The goal is to ensure that all members live as independently as possible in their home, work, and community. Small group homes make a big difference to members Country View Estates (L to R) Country View Estates member Randy Renes, employee Shawna Nelson, member Lonnie Brenizer, and member Jim Giannetto