Supporting Caregivers, Improving Care Mission: The Vermont Association of Professional Care Providers is a nonprofit, membership organization dedicated to advancing the professional growth, employment opportunities, and quality of life for people who provide personal care and support services in all home, community and healthcare settings. History: In 2001, the Vermont Department of Aging and Independent Living established a Workforce Council to address recruitment and retention concerns in the long term care workforce. This committee commissioned the development of the “Paraprofessional Staffing Study” to develop an action plan for creating “a stable, valued and adequately reimbursed workforce to provide quality care for individuals and families.” One of the recommendations of the study was, “to develop a caregiver association to provide information and support”. Initial funding to create the Vermont Association of Professional Care Providers (VAPCP) was awarded to the Community of Vermont Elders (COVE) in April 2003. 501(c)(3) non-profit status was awarded in October 2005. 2006 was an amazing year for our Association thanks in great part to our partners and sponsors: COVE, BJBC, and LEADS; our funders: Jane’s Trust, the Direct Care Alliance, and PHI; our collaborators throughout Vermont; and of course our Members. Without the support of all these organizations and individuals we would not be where we are today. Here are just some of VAPCP accomplishments in 2006. · Direct Care Worker Study - This crucial study was approved and funded by the Legislature and is well underway. It is a comprehensive study of present and future workforce issues of the direct care workers in Vermont. The assessment will address “potential problems regarding quantity, quality, stability, and availability” of LNAs, PCAs and other direct care workers providing long-term care and supports to Vermonters of all ages in a variety of settings. An interim report will be delivered to the Legislature in January of 2007 and a final report in December of 2007. · VAPCP’s July Kickoff Event - VAPCP invited members and stakeholders to attend a breakfast event. The breakfast was an opportunity to further explain the Association’s mission and goals. Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie, DAIL Commissioner Patrick Flood, Direct Care Alliance Director Patsy Harris, and Armistead Owner and CEO Rachel Cummings collectively addressed direct care workforce issues both in Vermont and on a national level. A wide variety of people were in attendance including direct care professionals, employers and stakeholders. The diverse representation is a reflection of the impact direct care workforce issues have on the community. · November 7^th Conference - Over 100 people, 60 of whom were direct care and support professionals, participated in BJBC and Beyond: Celebrating Collaborations in Direct Care on November 7^th. The day was filled with information and inspiration. Highlights of the day included: the energizing, challenging and humorous remarks of keynote speaker, Lori Porter; breakout sessions on person-directed care, sustaining ourselves in our work, and a consumer and direct care worker panel; reports on BJBC activities, planning and prioritizing for future workforce needs and “Time with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Disabilities Aging and Independent Living (DAIL).” This latter session was exclusively for direct care and support professionals. · Professional Caregiver Appreciation Month – Governor Douglas proclaimed November as the first annual Professional Caregiver Appreciation Month and urged all Vermonters to encourage and support the services of these providers. News of this special observation appeared in papers around the state. · Caring for our Communities – This live television panel show, which aired on Channel 17 on 12/5 at 6PM, was hosted by Lauren-Glenn Davitian and featured direct care workers including: Suzanne Braunegg, Direct Support Professional and VAPCP Board President, Jacquie Sanderson, LNA from Mt Ascutney Nursing Home, Diane McGill, LNA from the VNA of Chittenden/Grand Isle and Alex Olins, LEADS Program Director from PHI. It was a great show, about 40 minutes long, and it did a wonderful job of conveying what it takes to be a direct care professional. · Membership Growth – In this past year we experienced phenomenal growth in our membership. We grew from 100 to 267 members. 2007 In looking forward VAPCP continues to focus on Raising Awareness, Providing Training Opportunities, and Supporting Advocacy & Public Policy through projects such as: · Caregiver Photo Exhibit – In early March watch for our professional caregiver photo exhibit. This exhibit of black/white pictures and interviews tells the story of Vermont’s professional caregivers: who they are, what they do and why they choose to do the work they do. It will reflect the work of professional caregivers in Vermont to show the importance of those that work in this field, the partnership between those providing care and those receiving care as it relates to elders, people with disabilities and people with chronic care needs. · Education survey - As VAPCP works to increase the availability, accessibility and affordability of quality educational opportunities for direct care workers it will be reaching out to our members and other direct care professionals with a survey in early February to find out what they want and need most. · Quarterly meetings with the Commissioner - Following on the success of the first meeting at the Nov 7^th conference, the Commissioner of the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living wants to meet with direct care workers on a quarterly basis in the future. VAPCP will be arranging for these meetings throughout the state. · Direct Care Worker involvement – There are many more opportunities and need for VAPCP members to become actively involved in our Association. In the early part of 2007 we will be seeking participants for our Web Page Task Force, VAPCP’s Policy Committee, the Education Advisory Committee and other important projects. · Demystifying the Legislature - On February 6^th, we will once again sponsor a legislative training at the Statehouse for direct care workers. The purpose of the training is to “demystify” the legislative process and to demonstrate how accessible Vermont lawmakers are. · DCW survey – A critical part of the Direct Care Worker Study is to get input directly from those who do this work. In late Spring or early Summer direct care and support professionals can expect to receive a survey seeking this important input. Today: As of January 2007, VAPCP has over 265 members, a part-time Director, an active and engaged 9 member Board of Directors, 7 of which are direct care and support professionals, and is working on the priorities of: sustainable funding, member recruitment, and policy development. For more information, contact Susan Gordon, VAPCP Director at COVE at: 802-229-4731 or VAPCP@vermontelders.org.