When Amanda Urban reflects on her past and future at Sunflower Diversified Services, she mentions many topics but it all comes down to the bottom line.
That bottom line is serving people with developmental disabilities and delays, while providing options that allow them to grow and reach new levels of independence.
Urban was recently promoted to director of Adult Services at Sunflower, a non-profit agency that serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. The position entails services including retirement, therapy, residential, training/advocacy and quality supports.
“The best part of my job is watching people grow; there is nothing like it,” Urban said. “Our clients are given options and then make their own decisions about where to live and work, and how to spend their leisure time.
“We also explain their rights and responsibilities,” Urban continued. “They appreciate being treated like the adults they are and living life like everybody else.”
During Urban’s 15 years at Sunflower, she has held managerial/coordinator positions in supportive home care; employment and residential services; training/advocacy; and therapeutic/retirement services.
She has been an instructor for specialized training and CPR; and serves on the Emergency Response Team and safety committee.
To illustrate Sunflower’s philosophy of independent living, Urban outlined an example.
“Some people want to start out living in one of our two group homes,” she said. “Then they decide they want just one roommate. The next thing we know, some want to live alone because of their growing independence.”
This also is an example of how rights lead to responsibilities.
“We are not their maids,” Urban noted. “Our clients are required to perform all the household chores they can. We offer guidance but they become actively involved in caring for their homes. This is what life is all about.”
Urban and her colleagues also take pride in the comprehensive training for new employees. Sunflower is always looking for applicants who want to support people with disabilities. Part-time and full-time positions are available.
“We fully explain job requirements and expectations,” she commented. “We spend a lot of time and money on this because we know our clients will reap the benefits.
“A new employee works with an experienced colleague during initial home visits,” she added. “We ensure the staff member is comfortable so that our client is comfortable too. This builds trust, which is crucial.”
Urban acknowledged that some prospective employees are apprehensive at first. But the initial and ongoing training alleviate that apprehension. “They soon learn that clients look forward to their visits; the personal rewards for the employee are extremely gratifying.”
In addition to the two group homes, Sunflower clients live in about 40 residences throughout the agency’s five-county service area. They rent from local landlords; some need 24-hour support, while others need minimal services.
“We provide whatever level of support our clients need,” Urban said. “It is a privilege to serve Sunflower clients as they reach goals and demonstrate their potential. I love my job.”
Sarah Krom, Sunflower chief operating officer, said Urban is passionate about high-quality services.
“Amanda is a powerful force as an advocate for individuals,” Krom said. “She looks for innovative ways to support their dreams and needs. Amanda has the energy of youth and the tenacity to make a significant impact on the daily lives of our clients.”
Krom also noted that Urban demonstrates “wicked organizational skills. This and her love for interacting with clients and mentoring new staff combine to make Amanda the best person for this important position at Sunflower.”
The non-profit agency is in its 52nd year.