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CPA Member Spotlight: Magnolia Community Services

Posted by The Community Provider Association on May 28, 2020 1:06:37 PM
The Community Provider Association

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Continuing our Member Spotlight series, Community Provider Association sits down with another one of our members: Magnolia Community Services.

Keep reading to discover their experience as a CPA member.

What effect has the COVID-19 pandemic had on the Magnolia community? 

Since we are in the Greater New Orleans region – Louisiana’s COVID-19 hotspot – we had to take extraordinary measures early on to protect the health and safety of our clients and staff.

We made the difficult decision to close our Day Program in mid-March and have placed our 21 community group homes under quarantine.

New Protocols

We have implemented new protocols to help improve overall infection control, such as restricting visitors to campus, isolating staff to just one work location, instituting an organization-wide policy that PPE must always be worn, etc.

While we miss our Day Program clients, closing campus was necessary to stop the virus from entering our community group homes.

Limited exposure

By acting early, we have fortunately been able to limit our residents’ exposure to the virus.

Our residential clients have done a wonderful job adapting to the “new normal” and we are anxiously awaiting the day we can open up campus and resume our programming.

What is some "Good News" That You Can Share That Has Happened During this COVID-19 pandemic?

Our staff’s dedication and commitment to our clients has been inspiring – a bright spot in this dark time.

The direct care staff has been the first to step up and have continued to provide the highest quality of care required by our residents.

We had an amazing day two weeks ago when one of our residential clients was released after a month long stay at the hospital.

This client’s brother is a Lieutenant with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Joseph Lopinto made our client an honorary JPSO Captain.

On the day of his release, our client had a police escort back to Magnolia with over ten JPSO officers, led by his brother.

It was an incredibly thoughtful act by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and we are grateful for those officers who took the time to make our client’s return home so special.

A video can be found HERE.

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Do you think you could have addressed the outbreak as successfully if you were not a CPA member?   

The CPA has been an incredible resource throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and we are incredibly fortunate to have the camaraderie of fellow member organizations from across the state.

CPA is an incredible resource

Members have been able to share resources and best practices and CPA Executive Director Caroline Meehan has been in constant communication relaying updates and information from the State and LDH.

Personal Care

When I was out with COVID-19, Caroline stepped up to help my management team, graciously offering support and resources in my absence.

Caroline has a been a leader and a wonderful friend to Magnolia throughout this crisis, and her leadership has helped us navigate and address the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Membership and Success | Community Provider Association

How has being a member of the CPA benefited Magnolia over the years?

Our Community Provider Association membership is one of the best investments our organization has made.

support thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities

By having a unified voice at the Capitol, we have been able to help pass legislation that has helped support thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities across the state, including the 250 individuals we serve.

Advocacy efforts

Advocacy efforts – especially those that resulted in the rebasing of rates – have added hundreds of thousands of dollars to our operating budget, helping us to provide the highest quality of care.

In a single sentence, what is your favorite thing about the CPA?

"The camaraderie of colleagues, sharing of resources, and working together to make our services better!"

Want To Learn More About Becoming A Member?

Community Provider Association Learn More

 

Topics: Insider, Membership, COVID-19

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