By Lisa Branner
Community Connections
In an effort to better serve individuals with disabilities in southwest Colorado, Community Connections has created the new intake case manager position, which began on Aug. 1.
In 2020, changes at the state level prompted the Single Entry Point (SEP) case management program for Archuleta, La Plata and San Juan counties to seek a new home. The SEP program provides case management to a different population than that typically served by Community Connections, such as the elderly, blind or disabled, survivors of traumatic brain injuries, disabilities due to mental health, children with life-limiting illnesses, individuals residing in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, and the Home Care Allowance Program.
Recognizing an opportunity to streamline case management services for all disabled populations in the region, Community Connections integrated SEP into its offerings in July of 2020. With this acquisition, Community Connections now serves as the Community Centered Board for the five counties in southwest Colorado and the SEP for La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan counties.
The creation of the new intake case manager position will further simplify the intake and enrollment process for clients by providing a single point of contact for individuals, families and agencies seeking services and supports.
“Accessing long-term services and supports can be challenging due to the complexity of the system. Additionally, an individual may be eligible for multiple programs. The intake case manager position will ultimately make the process less confusing and easier to navigate for potential consumers because they will receive the support needed upfront to be able to make a truly informed decision on how they wish to proceed,” said Elizabeth Fabrey, vice president of case management at Community Connections.
Community Connections is thrilled to announce that Hannah Zorn stepped into the role of intake case manager on Aug. 1, assuming responsibility as the first point of contact for the clients of the organization and engaging in community outreach to strengthen partnerships with ongoing referral sources.
Zorn began working at Community Connections in January as the SEP case management assistant. She has a BA in psychology from Fort Lewis College with a major in psychology and a minor in sociology and human services. Her prior experience in the medical field, her dedication to supporting clients to live the lives they choose and her excellent customer service are some of the many reasons she was chosen for the new position at Community Connections. Zorn can be reached at (970) 335-2071 (phone), (970) 385-3481 (fax) and intake@cci-colorado.org (email).
The integration of SEPs and Community Centered Boards will take place across Colorado in July 2024. As an early adopter, Community Connections is leading by example and putting southwest Colorado ahead of the curve in facilitating a smoother process for clients.
“Centralizing things in this way translates into a better customer service experience, creates a more efficient intake process and ensures people get timely access to the services they need,” said Fabrey.
