Q & A with Kays Community Services Executive Director, Ms. Fatmata Koroma, BS, RN
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
- Mahatma Gandhi
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT KAYS COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ITS MISSION?
Kays Community Services is a residential provider for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our mission is to promote and protect the human rights of these individuals, actively support full inclusion and participation in the community, and encourage meaningful community engagements throughout their lifetimes.
HOW DID KAYS COMMUNITY SERVICES COME TO BE?
Kays Community Services was started by a group of individuals who recognized a need for quality residential services for people with developmental disabilities in our community. They saw the gaps in services and the need for more personalized and individualized care, and Kays Community Services was born.
WHAT SETS KAYS COMMUNITY SERVICES APART FROM OTHER RESIDENTIAL PROVIDERS?
Our personalized and individualized approach sets us apart. We believe that every individual deserves to have their unique needs and goals met, and we work to create personalized plans that address those needs and goals. We also believe in the importance of community engagement and work to support and encourage meaningful community connections for the individuals we serve.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE SERVICES THAT KAYS COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFERS?
We offer a range of services, including 24-hour residential support, community support services, and day programs. We also offer transportation services to help individuals get to and from appointments, work, and community activities.
HOW DOES KAYS COMMUNITY SERVICES ENSURE THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF THE INDIVIDUALS IT SERVES?
Safety and well-being are our top priorities. We have a rigorous training program for our staff, and we regularly review and update our policies and procedures to ensure that we are meeting the highest standards of care. We also have a dedicated quality assurance team that monitors our services and provides ongoing feedback to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the individuals we serve.
HOW DOES KAYS COMMUNITY SERVICES WORK WITH FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS?
We believe that families and caregivers are important partners in the care and support of the individuals we serve. We work closely with families and caregivers to create personalized care plans that meet the unique needs and goals of the individual. We also offer ongoing support and communication to ensure that families and caregivers are informed and involved in the care of their loved ones.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT KAYS COMMUNITY SERVICES' APPROACH TO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT?
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We believe that community engagement is an essential part of a fulfilling life, and we work to support and encourage meaningful community connections for the individuals we serve. We work with local organizations and businesses to create volunteer and employment opportunities, and we encourage participation in community events and activities.
HOW DOES KAYS COMMUNITY SERVICES MEASURE SUCCESS?
We measure success in terms of the quality of life of the individuals we serve. We regularly assess progress towards their goals, and we solicit feedback from individuals, families, and caregivers to ensure that we are meeting their needs and expectations. We also look at outcomes related to community engagement and participation to ensure that we are promoting full inclusion in the community.
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CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT KAYS COMMUNTIY SERVICES' VISION FOR THE FUTURE?
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Our vision for the future is to continue to grow and expand our services while maintaining our commitment to personalized and individualized care. We want to continue to be leaders in the field of residential services for people with developmental disabilities and to be a strong advocate for their rights and well-being.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING KAYS COMMUNITY SERVICES IN THE COMING YEARS?
The biggest challenge we face is the ongoing struggle for adequate funding and resources. We want to ensure that we are providing the highest quality of care and support, but that requires adequate resources and funding. We will continue to advocate for the needs of the individuals we serve and work to secure the resources necessary to provide the best possible care.
HOW WE DO IT
Provides excellent direct support to ensure that the individual remains safe at home
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Our team of caring professionals is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where individuals with developmental disabilities can thrive. We offer a range of services, including residential support, and life skills training, incident prevention, monitoring, and reporting, and personal care tailored to meet the unique needs of each person in our care.
SOCIAL & RECREATION
Recreational activities are important for developing social and communication skills, which can improve a person’s ability to live and work in the community, and contribute to a successful and fulfilled life. Recognizing this need, Kays provides recreational opportunities in the community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to socialize and have fun.
LIFE SKILLS SUPPORTS
Supports individuals to achieve their full potential and independence. We are committed to exposing individuals to new skills attainment opportunities, individualized supports, and a nurturing and supportive environment for to thrive. At Kays, we are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.
FOSTERING MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY LIVING
Encourages an active and engaged community life—providing support for individuals to serve as volunteers; to engage in religious, cultural, and social activities; to use public transportation; to patronize local businesses; and to enjoy trips and vacations
ADVOCACY
Maintains and strengthens relationships with friends and families. Striving to actively support their full inclusion and participation in the community, as well as meaningful community engagement throughout their lives. We believe that everyone deserves to live a fulfilling and purposeful life