“During the nine years in which we have been connected to PCS, our family has come to experience kind and caring relationships as well as competent, organized professional service.
I have been able to witness PCS in their capacity as an advocate for my son Ben. Ben is very low functioning and needs complete care for all of his needs. While some people are daunted by this level of care, PCS representatives have always had a natural, open way with my son. His case manager, Katie, especially connected with Ben right from the start and initiated a loving and compassionate relationship. I think it is Katie’s authentic nature that Ben responds to, as he is very perceptive about people’s intentions.
While Katie clearly connects with Ben, she also maintains a professional level of care with him. The entire PCS organization maintains a wonderful balance between providing professional care for Ben while interacting personally with us. I believe that this combination has helped us to feel supported in our care of Ben while also helping us to seek the best sources of outside help for him as well.
In addition to finding and connecting us with personal care for Ben, PCS has also provided immense help in the navigation of the paperwork and administration of his care as well. As a parent of a child with disabilities, it is scary to complete the often confusing local, state and federal paperwork that is required in order to provide necessary services. I always feel as though I am provided with thoughtful and quality guidance from PCS when I contact them about questions regarding these types of situations. As a result, the decisions we have been able to make for Ben have been wise and beneficial for us all.
Given all of this, I am firmly convinced that PCS has been the difference maker in terms of our success as a family in caring for Ben. The 24/7 care that is required by our son can be overwhelming, and without the support of PCS staff I don’t believe that our family would be thriving as we are now. I am, and will be eternally grateful for the care and service that is offered to us through Progressive Community Services.”
– Cindy Kuhrasch, Parent, Legal Guardian
“I feel compelled to share a little about our family journey with a son that receives supports from a staff person at Progressive Community Services (PCS). We have never worked with a kinder or more caring person! She always listens to Jeff’s needs and takes special care to keep up with all of interests and even supports his love for the Brewers! (Katie is a Cubs fan!) She is always available and ready to help! She recently helped answer questions regarding Jeff’s extended family even though it is not at all part of her case load! PCS goes above and beyond to make sure that our son and many other adults like him in Dane County get the best out of their lives despite the difficulties they face! I have met many other people through their efforts!”
– Mel and Cathy Yasick, Parents and Legal Guardians Jeff Yasick (client)
“After many years with just supported employment services, our son Andy was assigned a staff person from Progressive Community Services. Katie was instrumental in connecting Andy with some of her other clients and opened a new world of social activities that he had not had before. This has been a very positive experience for our family. He now attends movies and sporting events with his friends and not always with just his parents. We have also met the parents of these friends and enjoy socializing with them. “
– Judy Kvalheim, Parent
“Progressive Community Services (PCS) has done an exemplary job advocating and coordinating care for our son. Despite J’s complex medical and behavioral challenges, he has thrived in the unique support model which PCS created. When one living situation failed to meet his needs, PCS found another that was. They made certain additional support systems were in place to support his caregiver and prevent burnout. J’s support broker excels in spending the necessary time communicating and coordinating his large team including his physicians. Prior to meetings every team member is contacted, to make certain all necessary issues are addressed. Her attention to detail and creativity in handling problems all contribute to successful resolution. J wanted to spend more time with friends, and in the community, and she facilitated a system so this was accomplished. PCS is proactive, anticipating issues and acting to avoid problems thereby ensuring his priorities and goals are achieved. As a parent, I’m comforted having PCS support J!”
– Wendy K, Parent, Legal Guardian
“Where do I go for help with my disabled child? How do I find someone to guide me through the services offered? What should I do now to arrange for guidance for my son when my husband and I die? These are all questions that I had just a few years ago.
I called Dane County and was referred to an agency called Progressive Community Services which is when my son and I interviewed and found Jaimie. She has helped in so many ways. When Social Security decided that they thought that they had overpaid my son, she spoke with employers about his pay and helped us prove to SS that he was, indeed, receiving the correct amount. She has helped him find a job placement coach and even suggested a work environment that is more rewarding than his previous job. She has guided us to transportation for his jobs and Special Olympic practices and events. He has a helper to take him grocery shopping and to do the “deep” cleaning in his home. When my husband died last year, she helped us get connected with an agency that has taken over much of the hands on support that I used to provide. I am very grateful for this help and hope that our President will consider our disabled population when considering cuts to medicaid which helps pay for our support broker and support agency.”
– Gail Skwarek, Parent, Legal Guardian