AFH Council Update:
Mission-Focused, Member-Driven
Hello AFH Family!
I hope you are doing well and ready for Spring blooming around us, and as “hope springs eternal” (don’t mind the pun). I just wanted to give you an update after two months as your Interim Executive Director.
Under my leadership and the teamwork of our incredible staff members, WE ARE MISSION-FOCUSED, MEMBER-DRIVEN, which has been my guiding principle when I hit the ground running on day one. We have been busy and motivated to make effective changes that are relevant, meaningful and impactful for you.
We are excited and resilient for the growth opportunities as our membership continues to grow. We currently have 2,640 members, and we are 36 members away from our yearly goal. We are doing amazing and impressive things for you. Recent highlights:
Lobby Day Success: More than 150 providers and business partners attended our annual Lobby Day. Our message, “Save Meaningful Day!” resonated with legislators and left a strong impact. Our petition to protect Meaningful Day received almost 900 signatures accompanied by nearly 400 impactful stories that were shared with lawmakers.
Protecting Meaningful Day: Courtney, our Director of Government Affairs, along with our entire team, is committed to fighting for our programs and stopping bed fee increases.
Expanding Membership: We’re regularly reaching out to new AFHs each month and providers who own multiple non-member homes. Spread the word about membership!
Growing Affiliate Partnerships: We’re growing our affiliate business partnerships to provide more resources for your success.
Local Chapter Growth: We are seeing massive growth in our local chapter meetings. Attend a chapter meeting for networking, lunch, and get CE credits while gaining insights to boost efficiency in your AFH! Find a chapter near you here.
Spring Conference: Our Education and Support Team is preparing a fantastic Spring Conference on Marketing. We heard from you, and we are delivering! We will be providing marketing tips and tools to fill your beds. Don’t miss out! Register at our event page.
- Ongoing Advocacy: We are also attending a magnitude of meetings on your behalf with DSHS, DDA, and HCA concerning MCO’s. We just finished a meeting with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner this morning and we are making progress on a work study report.
Public Outreach: We have made updates to our Home Finder. Care seekers can now search by additional filters to find the right AFH near them. We also launched a video featuring AFHs at Lobby Day, sent it to legislators, and are receiving media interest on the Meaningful Day Program. Please share the video with your networks to increase visibility for all AFHs!
How Can You Help?
Our work is vital, and the benefits we secure impact all adult family homes, whether members or not. We need your help to build a stronger, more unified voice. WE NEED YOU!
Join Us: If you’re not a member or know others who aren’t, please encourage them to join the Council. Your support is what enables us to do this important work. Sign up for membership here.
Answer Our Calls to Action: We need the entire AFH community to contact legislators and make our voices heard. There is strength in numbers and your voices do matter! Please take a few minutes to help us protect Meaningful Day.
Remember, we are mission-driven. The AFHC’s mission is to “improve the lives and well-being of vulnerable adults through the support of adult family homes.” We are also member-driven, with your feedback and engagement guiding our actions. Let’s stay united to ensure our collective voice is heard.
To our members and affiliates, thank you for your ongoing support and faith in us. And as “hope springs eternal,” we will keep fighting together with optimism and determination to protect our community.
This is a movement, and we want you to be part of it. Let’s keep the momentum going and maximize our impact!
Mission-focused, member-driven!
Hope C. Reffett
Interim Executive Director
Not a Member Yet?
Membership fees enable the Council to cover legal expenses and fund staff to advocate with the state and regulatory agencies. The participation of every adult family home is vital to ensuring fair regulations and rates that accurately reflect the costs of caring for our vulnerable adults. Consider becoming a member of the Council to help us continue improving conditions for all adult family homes in Washington State.