Sponsor Spotlight: Phoenix Community Services, LLC

BY SUSAN GRAHAM

Founded in 1997 with two clients, Anderson-based Phoenix Community Services now operates multiple residential homes, day programs, and participant assistance and care (PAC) programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founder and owner LeCedus Thompson started PCS to invest in the community, giving adults with IDD a voice and choice in their future.

Thompson and his staff help their clients achieve a maximum level of independence through their multiple programs. They currently offer residential services, day habilitation services, wellness coordination, day services, PAC services, and family support. Most of their clients are funded through Medicaid Waiver programs, allowing for custom support plans.

Thompson states, “I always wanted to give back to the community growing up because my community always gave back to the kids in the neighborhood. I started my journey when I was in college, working for a company similar to this one, providing support to individuals with disabilities for a couple of semesters.

When I graduated, I worked at the Muncie Boys and Girls Club for 8 years, providing the youth with different activities.“

When not running PCS, Thompson enjoys spending time with his five children, cooking and boating. He also likes to sponsor kids’ youth teams in the areas he serves.

“We want our individuals to know that they live in a community that supports them as well,” he said.

Thompson is proud that PCS works successfully with some of the most challenged individuals in the community by sticking to a personalized plan and being consistent in their care. As a waiver service provider, Thompson and his staff see a wide variety of needs and do their best to “continue giving the individual a voice so they can be heard.”

After a person with IDD becomes an adult, they often age out of traditional supports. Companies like Phoenix provide a valuable segue into adulthood and independence. As parents of disabled individuals get older, these companies also provide long-term services to ensure maximum care continues once parents are no longer able to provide it.

The residential services arm of PCS serves adults on certain Medicaid Waivers who live with housemates in the community. They are cared for by PCS direct support professionals (DSP) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each client has a private bedroom while sharing common areas like bathrooms and kitchen space. The DSP provides a wide range of services, including cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, providing personal hygiene assistance, and teaching independent living skills. Staff members also provide basic health monitoring by taking vitals and administering medication. When needed, PCS takes clients to medical appointments and helps implement physician’s orders.

Day Habilitation Services for Individuals (DHI) provides adults with support outside of their homes. DSPs will pick up clients from their homes and take them into the community. The goal of DHI is to provide support and build relationships in the community. The support person may help the client do their personal shopping, practice crossing the street safely, or have new experiences. Depending on the client’s interests, they may see a movie, attend a concert, eat at a restaurant, or walk around a park. The goal is to help the client gain confidence and become a more integrated member of society.

Wellness Coordination is often paired with other services. PCS provides LPNs or RNs who complete a head-to-toe assessment in the comfort of the client’s home. These nurse visits monitor vitals and weight while addressing any needs that require medical attention. Not only does this help keep clients healthy but it also reduces medical anxiety and stress.

As adults with IDD age out of the school system, they often struggle to navigate peer-to-peer interactions in a way that meets their needs and abilities. PCS offers day programming to help fill that need. Their day service program is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM. Staff are on hand to greet clients and assist with fun and educational programming. They offer a wide variety of activities including games, math classes, science exploration, reading, art, socializing, and cooking classes. These activities are designed to not only provide ongoing instruction but also to help clients lead more fulfilling lives. PAC services are intended to help adults with disabilities live independently by providing ongoing support. This can look like assistance with personal care, meal prep, accessing community events, or shopping. PAC is especially helpful for adults living on their own or with family. For those living with family, a PAC staff member can give family caregivers some respite time to take care of their own needs.

PCS provides care for individuals on several Indiana Waivers, including the Health and Wellness Waiver, Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver, and Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver. These waivers can assist adults who are transitioning from pediatric services to adult services. The support and education PCS offers is a valuable tool for this transition and supports adults long term.

Supporting Delaware, Hamilton, Johnson, Marion, and Madison counties with three Indiana locations, PCS strives to provide independent and fulfilling lives for every client. They accomplish this by acknowledging that each person is an individual with their own interests and feelings. Individuals have the right to be treated with respect and have the right to self-determination, including refusal. By providing a wide variety of services, PCS tailors each person’s care to their unique needs, helping them live their best life.

If you have a loved one who could benefit from these services, please contact PCS at 765.622.7808. They would be happy to help you create an individual plan that supports your loved one and helps them explore their interests.