Letter from WSRCC President, Jack Arntzen
                                                                                                      

To Adult Family Home Providers:

I would like to take this opportunity to bring you up to date since the Washington State Residential Care Council (WSRCC) became your Collective Bargaining Representative.

WSRCC’s volunteer force has been very active in preparation for the Collective Bargaining session with the Governor’s office:

  • We have made a formal request for information from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Office of Financial Management regarding components of Rate Structure and other statistical data to use in creating our contract proposal.

  • We are working with our consultants and negotiator to begin creation of the contract proposal for the next Bi-ennium which begins July 1, 2009 and goes through June 30, 2011. Until that time we are under the 17 care level system of which the implementation by DSHS was directed by the legislature.

  • A document entitled “Adult Family Home Cost Analysis Survey” was created and sent out to the 12 chapters of WSRCC for distribution. The results of this survey will be used to establish the cost of running an Adult Family Home in the various regions throughout the State and used to show what providers are experiencing financially in our negotiations. The more survey’s completed and returned the more compelling our negotiations will be. If you have not received a copy of this survey and wish to participate, e-mail me at jack_wsrcc_pres@yahoo.com for a copy of the survey.

  • Items that will be negotiated at the Collective Bargaining sessions will those outlined and authorized in House Bill 2111. Of our highest priority will be rates (an emphasis on raising the rates at the lower levels to an acceptable minimum), health insurance, and training.

    WSRCC has joined forces with the Community Care Coalition of Washington in opposition to the SEIU sponsored Initiative-1029. Initiative -1029 mandates 75 hours of classroom education for all caregivers. The Coalition is developing a coordinated legal effort to challenge the validity of the faulty petitions submitted by the SEIU. They include language in the preamble which misled individuals signing the petitions. There have been numerous newspaper articles regarding this. This initiative is just another attempt by the SEIU to bolster its membership by unionizing all caregivers in Adult Family Homes, Boarding Homes etc.

    On August 1, 2008 DSHS will require Adult Family Homes to show proof they have acquired liability insurance. Waivers may be requested under some circumstances. Membership in a professional association that offers training opportunities is required by most insurance underwriters. WSRCC qualifies as the professional association. Some brokers are offering options for payment of premiums. See our benefactor page at www.wsrcc.org for brokers who offer qualifying liability insurance coverage. Application for membership in WSRCC in available at www.wsrcc.org. WSRCC membership fees are used here in Washington to represent Adult Family Homes in collective bargaining, rule writing, training and operating costs. By becoming a member today we can accomplish as much as possible for Adult Family Home providers now rather than later and keep our collective bargaining dues as low as possible.

    Finally, when we speak in numbers and united, we will keep our industry thriving and profitable to the benefit of our vulnerable adults.

    Respectfully,
    Jack Arntzen, WSRCC President



    Respectfully,
    Jack Arntzen, WSRCC president


Our Mission

  • To serve as a support network for Adult Family Home Providers.

  • To promote the interests of Adult Family Home Providers through Legislative activities.

  • To provide accurate, timely information regarding issues impacting care in and operation of Adult Family Homes in the State of Washington.

  • To enhance services and care for Residents of Adult Family Homes by strengthening the knowledge base of Providers through ongoing, quality education.

  • To foster mutually beneficial relationships with community resource people and others who demonstrate an interest in residential care.

  • To promote personal and professional accountability for Providers, as outlined in the Code of Ethics, thereby increasing overall standards for quality residential Care and business practices.


Contact Information

FAX: 509-249-1167 

 

Postal address

WSRCC
1601 Drake Court,
Yakima, WA  98902

 
Electronic mail

General Information: Jack Arntzen    jack_wsrcc_pres@yahoo.com
Membership Contact: Pat Reese   PMReese13@aol.com
Vender/Benefactor Contact:  Roger Souve   Rogersouve@hotmail.com