Columbus Foundation

It was an excellent year for Columbus, with significant change and growth. As we managed the pandemic's tail-end, we took all the necessary precautions to protect our clients and staff from the persistent covid outbreaks. However, the uncertainty of acute labor shortages and economic volatility required us to creatively hone our operations to continue providing the quality services our clients depend upon. By keeping our clients' needs central to all our decision-making, we cultivated an environment of caring that continues to serve us today. In april 2022, our state legislature gave us the much-needed lifeline of increasing our fee reimbursement, allowing us to offer our staff a living wage. This wage increase was a saving grace for Columbus and all our frontline caretakers who ensure our clients remain healthy and happy. We also eliminated the sub-minimum wage standard, introduced over thirty years ago, allowing our clients the dignity of fair pay. We are delighted that this more equitable compensation has created a stable workforce with minimal turnover. Our operations shifted significantly from a congregate setting to one that complies with home and community based settings (hcbs) standards. Our fifty-year-old business model fundamentally changed over the course of one year. We met this challenge with strategic deliberation, sound business acumen, and solid communication strategies that position us well into the future. Change is never easy, and we thank our stakeholders for their confidence and support. Our nextwork adult autism program continues to flourish. Our first cohort graduated this past year, and we are proud to say that our program was instrumental in changing the trajectory of each of their lives by giving them the necessary life and work skills to live independently. We've learned quite a bit over three years that will translate well into what is becoming a leading national model for adults on the autism spectrum. As we look forward, all the elements are in place to further our mission. We are financially stable with a solid infrastructure energized by a talented board and staff that work well together. We appreciate all the efforts that contribute to our ongoing success. Community employment: through a client-centered approach, Columbus facilitated customized career assessments, skill development workshops, and job readiness training, empowering individuals to overcome barriers and secure meaningful employment for over 260 individuals. Additionally, Columbus established strong partnerships with local businesses, resulting in an expanded network of inclusive employers committed to hiring diverse talent and fostering a more inclusive workforce. Residential services: Columbus provides innovative programs and activities that promote community integration, social engagement, and skill development, empowering over 60 residents to lead fulfilling lives and participate actively in their communities. Activities: Columbus successfully revamped our day activity program to offer a diverse range of engaging activities that catered to the unique interests and abilities of over 95 individuals with disabilities. By introducing new recreational, educational, and vocational activities, Columbus witnessed a significant increase in participant attendance and overall satisfaction.