Almost a year ago exactly, a significant change happened for one Clarion keystone business. In early 2019, Mosaic announced that they would no longer offer day services in Clarion. The organization supports people with diverse needs, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the year since the announcement, many have assumed that Mosaic is basically gone from the area. However, that is not the case at all, as executive director Pat Costigan explained recently in an info session held at Mosaic last week.
Mosaic itself has a long history. It was formed July 1, 2003 by the consolidation of two Nebraska-born Lutheran ministries dedicated to the needs of people with disabilities. In Clarion, it has existed for several years. Though several different organizations have operated in Wright County to serve people with disabilities, Mosaic as a company started its services in North Central Iowa in 2012 after assuming services previously provided by Krysilis.
Costigan acknowledged that there has been a lot of “myths” flying around about what Mosaic is up to in the Clarion area. A year ago, the company did end some day services at their Clarion facility, located at 210 NW 2nd Street. Rate cuts and lack of employees were cited as some of the reasons behind the change.
Yet, Costigan says that while Mosaic may not be offering the same services they used to, they are still serving people not only in North Central Iowa but in Clarion currently. Mosaic still has two ICF homes in Clarion and two in Belmond, as well as homes in Eagle Grove and Webster City. Each home houses from four to six people. Costigan adds that the folks living in those homes still use the Clarion facility occasionally since winter makes physical activities difficult. The building also still houses several Mosaic employees who work throughout the area.
One of those local employees is Mosaic Community Relations Manager, Cori Frein. While it may have flown under the radar, Frein said that Mosaic has had a great year when it comes to local involvement. She points out that folks Mosaic serves have participated in a number of activities in the community including Festival in the Park and the Halloween Truck or Treat event. Groups from Mosaic homes also braved the bad weather to participate in the Healthiest State Walk in October.
Mosaic also looks forward to continuing to build bridges in Clarion and beyond. Frein emphasized, “We are happy to pursue opportunities and connections within the community.” She said they are always looking for employment opportunities for the people they serve and have volunteer possibilities for community members. In fact, while at the meeting, C-G-D High School Principal Sheila Hudson and Mosaic employees chatted about how local students could volunteer with the group through the school’s Silver Cord service program.
In addition to community involvement, the Mosaic officials talked about another unique program the organization is promoting currently. Mosaic at Home is a program that delivers existing services in a different setting. Through the program, people with diverse needs live in the homes of caregivers that are contracted with Mosaic. People supported by Mosaic and the at-home provider are matched based on a number of criteria, including interests, values and lifestyle.
Costigan says that within the Mosaic at Home model, the same oversight and requirements exist as with other Mosaic services. Providers are compensated and are given the opportunity to work at home. He also asserts that they have seen amazing outcomes with this care model. “The data is clear that there are better results with this one to one setting,” he asserts. Costigan added, “Clarion people are already participating in this program and we would like to find even more who are interested.” He stated that people interested in becoming contracted Mosaic at Home providers can contact the organization anytime to learn about the program.
Mosaic is also looking for employees. Frien noted that they are always hiring, while Costigan stressed that recent legislation will make it possible to offer better wages, something that has been an issue nationwide for direct support professionals.
And though Mosaic will continue to offer services in and around the Clarion area, the officials did suggest they are willing to entertain offers to buy or lease their building on 2nd St NW in Clarion. Much of the building is unused with fewer employees who now work out of it. Costigan confirmed Mosaic would be looking for something that benefits the Clarion community to perhaps take over part of the building.
For now, Mosaic and its employees look forward to the changes the organization is making. “We have really moved toward serving each person individually,” Costigan explains. “We’re trying to understand what is important to each individual and build supports around that principle.” As they continue to work toward that goal, they also hope to live up to their new mission statement: “Embracing God’s call, Mosaic relentlessly pursues opportunities that empower people.”
