Redwood serves individuals with severe and multiple disabilities. As a board member I am constantly impressed with the way that the staff takes on big challenges and completes them successfully.

For example, in the past year Redwood has been accredited by CARF, a major undertaking that required the writing or re-writing of policy on every aspect of the agency from building maintenance to disaster recovery. This was done in 11 months in addition to all the normal day-to-day work.

In the very near future Redwood will begin to offer services under Medicaid's Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care program. This required obtaining a Certificate Of Need, developing new procedures, billing systems, and renovation to comply with hospital-like regulations for the treatment space. In addition, Electronic Medical Record-keeping will be introduced as a pilot program for moving all agency record-keeping (which is substantial) to electronic filing.

Every year Redwood improves its ability to deliver top-notch services in an efficient and effective way. I am proud to be a part of this great organization.

If agencies like Redwood did not "do whatever it takes" to help the disabled and their families, no one else would be there for them. The world would be a poorer place. Redwood has programs for babies, for children and for adults. We literally have clients who have been receiving help from Redwood for over 40 years. Through the many programs each of our clients has the opportunity to maximize their potential, and to socialize rather than be confined. Redwood provides another benefit that is an unintended consequence of their programs. While our clients are blossoming, their families are able to work or care for other children knowing that Redwood is caring for their disabled family member. This might be the only way that normalcy can come to a family struggling with a disability. It is especially gratifying to see that Redwood not only provides these beneficial services for the community, but also does it in an absolutely top notch manner.