BuxMont Live! Mondays 11:10 am to Noon on WNPV 1440 AM

ICF Solutions - Allison Ludlow and Victor Blasucci were our guest on BuxMont Live this week. Read the full article to find out the topics we discussed or listen to the shows archives on WNPV 1440 AM. ICF Solutions, a division of Indian Creek Foundation
·       ICF Solutions, a division of Indian Creek Foundation, encompasses the Vocational division’s Facility Based Work Program and Transitional Employment Program
·       Facility Based Work Program- provides vocational training and hands on work opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
o   On-site training is provided using a variety of jobs sub-contracted from businesses in the area
o   Work such as bulk mail, assembly, packaging, rework, shrink wrapping and sorting is completed
o   There is also a wide variety of engaging community and facility based activities incorporated into the weekly schedule
·       Transition Employment Program- provides vocational training at various work sites in the community for mobile work crew members
o   The crews consist of one supervisor and up to eight workers. Mobile work crews perform contracted jobs such as janitorial, salvage, assembly, recycling and greenhouse work
o    Transportation is provided to the work site and all work is completed in the business setting
o   The supervisor remains on site with the crew members
·       Jobs are sub-contracted from area businesses
·       Jobs are currently located in a 15 mile radius, actively looking to increase that range
·       Can be done on-site or at Indian Creek Foundation’s Souderton campus
·       More than 100 people are employed by the Facility Based Work Program
·       There are 3 eight person mobile work crews for a total of 24 people.
·       The TEP portion of ICF Solutions is in the process of creating micro-enterprises, such as vending and fleet car cashing and detailing

Example of projects
·       Inflated 3000 beach balls for a client
·       Billing pieces for Farm and Home Oil
·       Assembly
·       Preparation of bulk and first class mailing pieces
·       Bulk Mail Preparation
·       Assembly and Packaging
·       Outdoor Trash Pickup
·       Janitorial Services
·       General Labor
·       Fleet Car Washing and Vacuuming Services
·       Salvage and Relabeling
·       Shrink Wrap, Blister Pack, and Heat Sealing
·       Long standing relationships with clients
·       Ability to specialize in unique projects like inflating 3000 beach balls for one company and rolling tee-shirts and adhering them to baseball caps
·       Because of the quality of work, competitive pricing and the ability to accommodate special projects, like the beach balls, a large percentage of our business comes from repeat clients
Example of customers
·       Moyer Indoor/ Outdoor
·       Farm and Home Oil
·       John Evan’s Sons Inc.
·       Hatfield Quality Meats
·       Indian Creek Foundation
Additional Activities with ICF Solutions
·       A variety of educational and engaging activities are provided throughout the day and week
·       Summer community outings included riding the New Hope train and visiting Eagles training camp.
·       Additional outings for fall include visiting local parks and nature centers.
·       Into mid-September and October, there will be outings to AGA farms in Perkasie. Here they have a pumpkin patch, hay ride and corn maze. All of which are very popular with the clients.
·       A weekly non-denominational chapel is held weekly for clients who wish to express their spirituality
Why did you decide to re-brand?
·       In an ever-changing and difficult economy it was necessary to stay competitive and marketable in the industry
o   The new name encompasses the solutions the program can provide to local businesses as well as our clients
o   The innovative logo incorporates people working together to accomplish one goal
o   We wanted the ability to re-introduce ourselves into the community and expand our business
o   The more work coming in, the more there is for our clients
o   They enjoy their work and the compensation and are proud of their accomplishments
Benefits

·       for clients

o   Freedom, independence and pride of earning a bi-weekly paycheck

o   Ability to use those monies however they desire. Rent, vacation, special purchases

o   The ability to socialize with peers

o   Skill development and retention

·       for customers

o   Competitive pricing, quality assurance, quick turnaround

o   Variety of services available

o   Ability to accommodate specialized projects

o   First class mailing discounts

o   No need to hire additional full or part time staff to accommodate specialized projects

Securing work for clients
·       Members of the ICF Solutions staff actively seek out members of the business community to solicit work
·       Word of mouth of current customers is a great source of referrals
·       ICF Solutions staff are actively involved in local chambers of Commerce and attend many business related expos
·       Community based programming, such as this program, are such a help in getting our name out there in the community
Other Vocational Programs
·       Supported Employment Program (SEP) - provides job development, training and coaching supports
o   Offering individuals with a developmental disability and/or Autism, the opportunity to obtain and maintain employment
o   SEP finds appropriate work and provides onsite training and follow-along services
·       Adult Training Facility (ATF) - is a day program designed to serve adults with severe and profound intellectual and developmental disabilities, in addition to multiple handicapping conditions
o   Skill building activities include pre-vocational, daily living, social interaction and communication
o   Community activities and volunteer opportunities are provided to develop personal growth as well as goal completion and maintenance
·       Approximately 160 people are supported in the four vocational services division programs

Indian Creek Foundation
·       Founded in 1975, Indian Creek Foundation has worked to support the needs of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Bucks and Montgomery counties
·       Four divisions of services: Residential, Social Work, Family Services, and Vocational
·       Provides supports to more than 850 adults and children
·       Staff of more than 250 employees
Vocational Division History

·       Vocational Services was one of the first services offered by Indian Creek Foundation. It was started shortly after a Sunday School program and the first group home; when staff members began to see a need for productive and satisfying daytime activities

How does this service fit in with the overall mission of Indian Creek Foundation
·       The mission of Indian Creek Foundation is to provide opportunities for people, with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to live in and enrich the community throughout their lives
·       The ability to secure and maintain employment in the community is a fundamental part of that goal
Contact Information
·       Phone: (267) 203-1522 or (267) 203-1500 ext 203
·       E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
·       www.indcreek.org