Opportunity Over Adversity: How MRCI Transformed to Individualized, Community-based Supports During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A Minnesota-based provider, MRCI, implemented a five-year plan in 2017 to transform itself from providing facility-based day and employment services to community-based supports. This brief covers how in March 2020 MRCI used the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to modify and accelerate their transformation efforts.
Christina is an energetic young woman who works at Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia, Missouri as a part-time dietary aide. She enjoys her job and earns well above minimum wage. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Christina’s work conditions and responsibilities changed. As a result, the nature of her supports also shifted from having an on-site job coach to remote supports via iPhone. With the support of her provider, the Center for Human Services (CHS), Christina was able to alter her position and supports and maintain employment.