Steve has been working with empower: abilities, in Springfield MO, for almost 8 years. He has worked with non-profits for a total of ten years. Steve has been disabled since 2002’ He became familiar with CILS when he was transitioned from a skilled care facility through the MFP program by empower: abilities in 2009’.
Steve is an advocate for those with disabilities, advocating in the areas of equality/inclusion, accessible/affordable housing, is on the Missouri State Independent Living Counsel’s Employment Committee as well as their Housing Committee, is a member of the Springfield Apartment and Housing Association, is on the Missouri Show-Me Home Housing Committee, is a Certified Medicare CLAIMS Counselor and IL Specialist.
Steve has been acting as the lead staff in the provision of MFP services and coordinating services of empower: abilities’ subcontractors. He also manages the Money Follows the Person contracts that empower: abilities has with the state of Missouri. With these contracts, he is responsible for overseeing program compliance and transitions throughout all of Regions 1 & 2.
As transitions manager Steve also communicates, brings light to and assist in solving various program, community, state and federal issues which hinder transitions through the MFP program. Steve is currently on various committees addressing such issues and proposing solutions that involve the ideas and thoughts discussed among peers within empower: abilities, subcontractors as well as the state.