In 2021, the Harris Center Foundation held a second staff idea funding opportunity, awarding $108,000 to four projects that enhance care delivery for the people we serve. Harris Center staff members were encouraged to submit their applications by Dec. 2021. It is our pleasure to announce the three awardees of the staff idea funding opportunity and how their efforts will impact the lives of those living in our community.
The Coffeehouse Co-op Academy would host classes in identified content areas (photography, art, podcasts, website design, music production and Spanish translation) providing equipment for participants to develop new skills. The program would also host an annual festival where participants of all abilities can showcase their art and services to the public allowing them to practice and the experience to set them up for opportunities in the community.
Meaningful Day will provide services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to participate in the same activities that are available to the general population. Through the grant, the program will integrate community settings in the day program locations. Community settings include mini grocery store, coffee/gift shop, bus stop/transit center, fitness center, reading club, janitorial crew, garden club and job club.
Performance Improvement through Curated Rest (PICR) is an innovative approach to health and wellness cultures, which increases retention and ultimately impacts KPIs. The Nap Bar will partner with Access Division leaders to repurpose current quiet rooms to a curated rest experience which includes a nap/rest pod, a virtual reality meditation encounter, and a Certified Sleep Expert to guide the user through the 30 minute process. Each participant will receive a one-on-one sleep hygiene evaluation with the Certified Sleep Expert. All program staff will receive a Better Sleep kit. Nap Bar will also host weekly lunch and learns that will be open to any Harris Center employee who would like to attend to learn more about sleep hygiene and the power of rest.
The STARS Clinic Outreach and Quality Improvement Project has three main goals: 1) to enhance the access to quality care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum disorders with the use of telehealth, 2) to use evidence based techniques to enhance the generalizability of therapy such that long term treatment efficacy is achieved, and 3) to become a preferred research and training site for practicum students interested in serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum disorders.
2021
Apr. 19
As one of the recipients of the staff idea funding opportunity, awarding $102,000 to projects that enhance care delivery for the people we serve, the capeABLE Coffee Program has made great strides in further developing the program and recruiting participants with IDD needs. Watch how we're transforming lives with the CapeABLE Coffee Program.
Jan. 27
In 2020, the Harris Center Foundation held a staff idea funding opportunity, awarding $102,000 to projects that enhance care delivery for the people we serve. Harris Center staff members were encouraged to submit their applications by Dec. 2020. It is our pleasure to announce the three awardees of the staff idea funding opportunity and how their efforts will impact the lives of those living in our community.
CapeABLE Coffee Program provides work training to participants with IDD and/or autism and pervasive developmental disorders in a supported environment. The goal of the program is for participants to feel empowered to begin maximizing their own potential through the provisions of supports necessary for increased self-sufficiency as a valuable member of the community.
Project Airline Playground will build a safe play area at the Airline Children's clinic to help children's play development by stimulating the brain and helping them learn to communicate and deal with emotions, both simple and complicated. The goal is to improve the emotional well-being of the clients, increase physical activity and increase engagement in services.
Medical Assistant Tuition Program will develop and implement training opportunities for existing staff to transition to Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) positions. Through a partnership with Houston Community College, staff will be offered the opportunity to participate in a 9-month program that will prepare them to apply for certification as a CMA. With the added support of CMA’s, nursing and medical staff will have the opportunity to provide more efficient and effective care.
