MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

Like the world outside our doors, our world began to feel more “normal” than it had during the previous two years. The individuals and staff created new memories from trips to the Cleveland Guardians games to the Great Lakes Science Center to regular picnics at Coe Lake in Berea and attending the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo during the summer and for “Wild Winter Lights” during the winter.

Throughout this report, you’ll find pictures and stories of individuals and staff enjoying these experiences and other person-centered activities, thanks to the dedication of our staff – house managers, QIDPs, Activities Coordinators, LPNs, DSPs, cooks, and others.

Below are just a few highlights from 2022:

• Revealing our strategic plan that focuses on three pillars: People, Access, and Growth. Read on for more details about our plans for the future.
• Recognizing our incredible staff members at our in-person Employee Recognition Event in April 2022. We honored three staff members with recognition awards and celebrated milestone anniversaries, including 25 years for one of our Direct Support Professionals, Christine Curran.
• Your generous support helped us raise money to support our programs and services so that we can carry out our strategic plan and expand our services. You – our supporters – helped us reach our fundraising goals at the 11th Annual Golf Outing, through the end-of-year appeal, and through grants.

2022 was not without challenges. We still had to mange COVID carefully, which impacted staff and the individuals. Staffing shortages continue to affect our industry, which impacts everything from the staff burnout to being able to plan meaningful outings and events. Additionally, increased costs due to inflation delayed the completion of our Therapeutic Greenhouse & Activity Center.

Finally, we were sad to end the year with the death of our friend and longtime board member, Ralph Zuponcic. He died peacefully on December 27, 2022, surrounded by family. Ralph and his brother Steve Zuponcic were instrumental in securing the location for our Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) group homes in North Royalton on Abbey Road in 2010. For many years, as a board member, Ralph also helped oversee Blossom Hill’s Development and Marketing efforts. All of us at Blossom Hill continue to keep the Zuponcic family in our thoughts and prayers.

Read on to learn more about our journey through 2022.

Lisa Kristosik, RN, BSN
Chief Executive Officer, Blossom Hill

George Swartz
2022 President, Blossom Hill, Inc

Lisa Kristosik, RN, MSN
Chief Executive Officer, Blossom Hill, Inc.

Strategy #1: Significant Investment in Our Staff

Our business is loving, personalized care.

• Consistent and caring staff are the most important indicator of success in the DD/IDD industry.
• Adequate staffing is the biggest issue we face today.
• Investment in engagement, incentives, and employee recognition are all factors towards becoming a great place to work.

Strategy #2: Expanding access to services that we already offer

We provide essential services to those who need it the most.

• There is a significant need among family members and the DD community for respite and supported living services.
• We have been a leader in these services for many years.
• Blossom Hill can also offer a natural bridge to ICF and group waiver in the future