LARC Vocational Department Declared Deficiency Free
June 2010
LARC’s Vocational Services department was recently declared deficiency free during the annual, unscheduled survey from the State of Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Health Standards. The Vocational department also received a deficiency-free report in 2009, 2005 and 2001.
These unscheduled surveys take place at the service provider’s facility and are designed by State and Federal government entities to ensure quality of service to people with developmental disabilities.
During this visit, surveyors review information such as client records, employee training and staff operations to insure they are all in compliance with state and federal regulations. Other inspections such as transportation records are even assessed. Policy and procedure examinations including client incident reporting, neglect and abuse procedures are analyzed as well.
LARC Vocational Services Manager Mary Gallien, who has been with the local-non-profit for over 40 years said, “Congratulations to our outstanding staff who made this honor possible – we couldn’t do it without their hard work.”
LARC Individual Celebrates 20 Years with Local Restaurant
May 2010
Bryan Broussard of Breaux Bridge recently was recognized for 20 years of service by Pizza Hut, upper Lafayette.
“This is the first and only job I’ve ever had – and I don’t plan on retiring soon,” smiled Broussard in an on-site interview. He added that he really likes the people that come in to the restaurant and especially his co-workers.
District Manager for Pizza Hut Donovan Royer said Broussard is truly an inspiration to those who work around him. In fact he believes he is one of the longest employed Pizza Hut employees in his area. Because of his years of service, Bryan will be awarded points where he will be able to “cash them in” for an item. He said he already has chosen a stereo system for his home!
Some of Broussard’s duties include making the pizza sauce, unloading the delivery truck, checking inventory, and making sure the property is free of litter.
Broussard was employed at Pizza Hut through LARC’s Supported Work Program, which finds individuals community job placement. His current supervisor, Karen Gardiner said “I’m very proud of Bryan. He always has a smile on his face and enjoys his job. I can tell he gives 100 percent.”
Being employed for 20 years has been quite beneficial to Broussard. He lives in his own home, drives to and from work and leads a very full life. In fact, he is planning his two-week October vacation which will include hunting dove – his favorite sport.
Gardiner visits Pizza Hut and other employers twice a month insuring employees are performing their various duties and are satisfied with their working conditions. She is also responsible for finding individuals that LARC serves community job placement should they wish to work off of LARC’s New Hope Road campus.
LARC Showcases Services at Swap Meet
May 2010
LARC, along with other non-profits in Lafayette, wasrecently part of United Way’s first-ever Swap Meet.
Held in May at the Robichaux Center, representatives from LARC were on hand to answer any questions concerning LARC. Those in attendance were Vocational Services Manager Mary Gallien, Director of Community Relations Susan Nini, Supported Work Coordinator Karen Gardiner, Director of Community Supports and Services Claire Lejeune and Director of Residential Services David Batiste.
The event was organized by United Way as an effort for Lafayette’s non-profits to network and share information. Over 90 organizations set up booths, issued information and answered questions.
“I was surprised how many other non-profits/support providers there were in Acadiana that were not fully aware of all of our services. Plus we learned so much just by networking with others regardless of their industry focus,” said Nini.
