If you have questions about Independence Program Services, please contact Brittany Bergquist at brittany.bergquist@pinnacleservices.org

In addition to our Independence Programs, we also support individuals through Supported Living Services (SLS) homes and Housing with Services – Assisted Living.  We currently have openings in one of our six Supported Living Services (SLS) homes, located in Chaska.

Can we help you or someone you love to live a more independent life?  Pinnacle Services will provide respectful interactions and flexibility in meeting your individual needs. Questions are always welcome!

If you have questions about Residential Services, please contact Laura Boss at laura.boss@pinnacleservices.org.

THANK YOU PROGRAM!!!!

March 17 is just around the corner, and the program management staff are plotting the annual St. Paddy’s Day Party!  The party gives us an opportunity to recognize everyone’s hard work and dedication to providing quality care to each and every individual we serve.  We are excited to celebrate great work and have FUN!

Thank you for all you do!

Program Management Team

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The legislation requires that 80% of the money made available by the rate adjustment be used to increase wages and compensation-related costs for eligible employees. Pinnacle Services will be passing 100% of the COLA increase on to our employees by increasing starting wages for all employees, increasing initial orientation and asleep shift wages to exceed 2014 minimum wage requirements, increasing mileage and meal reimbursements, establishing Affordable Care Act compliant medical insurance coverage and providing existing employees 4% increase to present wages. The wages and increases are as follows:

• Initial Orientation wage will be increased to $9.50.

• Starting wage for Asleep Overnight will be increased to $9.50.
This increase exceeds the requirement to increase asleep wages following a minimum wage increase mandate. Pinnacle is choosing to provide higher wage immediately rather than waiting until 2016 as allowed by law. Existing employees who work asleep overnight shifts will have their wages increased to $9.50.

• Starting wage for Program Counselor will be increased to $11.64.
Existing employees who work at Bavaria Lake, Hidden Valley, Jasper Hill, Sunset Park, Ridge Point, and in Supported Employment Services (SES), Independent Living Skills (ILS), In Home Family Support (IHS), Ryan White (RW) will receive a 4% increase to their present wage.

• Jackson Square and Edinbrook Crossing starting Program Counselor wage will be increased to $12.08.
Existing employees who work at Jackson Square and Edinbrook Crossing will receive a 4% increase to their present wage.

• The starting wage at Hill Crest will be increased to $12.60.
Existing employees who work at Hill Crest will receive a 4% increase to their present wage.

• Program Specialist starting wage will be increased to $13.40.

• Meal reimbursement rates will be increased to: $6.25 for breakfast, $7.00 for lunch, and $8.25 for dinner.

• Mileage reimbursement will be increased to $0.50 per mile.

All wage and reimbursement increases took effect July 13, 2014 and be reflected on the paycheck received on August 8, 2014. If you have questions regarding how the 2014 COLA specifically applies to you, please contact:

Ellen Behrhorst, Human Resources Director at 612-977-3103;
Susie Mayer, Human Resources Associate at 612-977-3119; or
Rose Hoye, Human Resources Associate at 612-977-3128.

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New venue, new attractions.  This year Pinnacle Services began what it hopes to be a tradition; The Pinnacle Pub Crawl.  Approximately 150 participants gathered Wednesday evening to receive pub crawl T-shirts and patronize some of the area establishments surrounding the Hilton.  Pre-registration was required and managed by the MSSA conference committee.  Pinnacle Services employees served as guides visiting Hell’s Kitchen, 8^th Street Grill, Brit’s Pub and Eating Establishment, The Local and Zelo.  Feedback from attendees of the event was overwhelmingly positive.  Pinnacle Services also participated in the Booth Bash conference event Thursday evening.  While the organization did not sponsor a booth, attendees were invited to try the 14 foot Velcro Wall the agency provided.

The widely attended annual conference and expo provides opportunity for those in the field to attend educational sessions, network and gather information.  Pinnacle Services provided information to attendees regarding the services the agency provides including In Home Family Support, Housing with Services, Case Management/Service Coordination, Employment Services, Independent Living Skills, Semi-Independent Living Services, Support Planning, Corporate Foster Care and Supported Living Services, Home Care Services and 24 hour Customized Living Services.

For more information regarding any of these services please contact Sara Yee, Program Director at sara.yee@pinnacleservices.org.

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At Pinnacle we understand that there are limited resources and growing demand for services.  However, placing a moratorium on new corporate foster care sites is not a method to balance the budget.  It simply limits the choices of counties and consumers.  Limiting the development of new corporate foster care sites negatively impacts those with high needs that cannot be served in less restrictive settings.

Additional information can be found at: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/groups/county_access/documents/pub/dhs16_145254.pdf

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