One Vision commits to business partnership

One Vision, based in Clear Lake, has announced the development of a partnership with long-term collaborator Exceptional Persons, Inc., headquartered in Waterloo.

The partnership comes as a direct result of dramatic changes in the service and funding environments, both at state and national levels.

“We enter into this partnership to remain a viable provider in a competitive market,” stated Mark Dodd, One Vision interim CEO.  “One Vision and EPI were drawn together by our common vision of inclusion, a shared spirit of innovation, and strong commitments to program quality.”

“Funding pressures and expectations of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in Iowa are causing many organizations to look for innovative ways, such as partnerships, to be strong into the future,” stated EPI’s Executive Director Chris Sparks.

“Our motivation is to keep the promises we’ve made to our customers — to persons served, their families, our staff — to ensure each can count on us well into the future,” he added.

The respective boards of directors have signed a letter of intent and have engaged a consultant. Over the next several months the consultant will guide each board along with organizational leadership through proper due diligence and consideration of various partnership models.

The organizations are also united by their commitment to workforce. With the low unemployment rate in Iowa, organizations such as EPI and OV struggle to find and keep employees.

“Both organizations know our employees are our

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most valuable resource. We need every great staff person we have.  We are not looking for efficiencies by way of position reduction. Rather, we see our organizations working together to focus on recruitment and retention of our workforce,” stated Dodd.

Sparks added, “At a time of great change such as this, we reflect on the innovative, collaborative spirit that drove our founders in 1957. It’s those same core values that motivate us today -- to continuously look towards the future, strengthen our organizations so we can more assuredly offer the stability our staff and clients deserve.”

One Vision provides services to more than 550 individuals so they may achieve greater independence through personal choice and community involvement. Founded in 1966 as a nonprofit organization, its realm of services has evolved to include community-based personal and employment support for individuals with disabilities; the Children’s Autism Centers in Clear Lake and Fort Dodge; and many retail businesses that provide revenue for our organization and job opportunities for people it supports.  One Vision provides services in more than 30 Iowa communities including Clear Lake, Mason City, Osage, Lake Mills, Fort Dodge, Webster City and Humboldt. The organization employs approximately 600 staff, making it one of the largest employers in North Iowa.

EPI, founded in 1957 in Waterloo, Iowa, as Exceptional Persons, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization which fosters active community participation of the individuals and families served, as well as works to expand child care options and to improve the quality of child care available for families in Northeast Iowa.   EPI serves over 3,250 children, families, and child care providers in Northeast Iowa and employs more than 300 dedicated individuals.

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