MORC faces bright future, greater financial stability

MORC’s top executives had “good news” to tell staff at separate meetings in Clinton Township and Auburn Hills and reminded them they are on the front lines of the last human rights battle in providing “first-class citizenship and rights” to those we serve who have disabilities.

“What we do at Macomb-Oakland is to make sure everyone has a fair shot at life,” said MORC Executive Director Jerry Provencal of the more than 5,000 people MORC and its 300-plus workers serve in a townhall meeting Wednesday.

He and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Bott also highlighted the new four-year, four-month contract with the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority which extends until Dec. 30, 2017. After that date, it will continue an “additional nine years through 2026. "If we didn’t have a great product, we wouldn’t be talking about contracts,” said Bott.

“I think it’s the best contract we’ve had from OCCMHA,” he added, noting it was a team negotiating effort to reach agreement. “This will allow us to attract the best talent in the field. It also solidifies services for families and consumers. They know they will continue to get services into the future and the pact provides a whole level of stability for our community.”

Provencal said the Kohl Fashion show was “dynamite,” noting 1,200 attended, including about 100 consumers who were dressed by the department store and walked or rolled down the fashion runway to the sheer delight of the audience. A special guest was Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel.

“It was a wonderful, wonderful day and reminds us why our work is important.”

Provencal also noted MORC has again received CARF accreditation for another three years. “They always give us a terrific rating.”

MORC also has hired consultant Dennis Blender to “look at the nonprofit’s future.” Essentially, Blender is asking staff to help determine what plans are needed to get where we want to be as a human services agency.

It also was announced that MORC was selected by Ilitch Charities to be a recipient of an estimated “$50,000 to $100,000” from an Aug. 26 golf event at the Oakland Hills Country Club. Provencal said “it is a terrific honor. We will be able to give more money away in grants through The Futures Foundation.”

At the end of the staff meeting, Provencal reminded us of the importance of our work. “I kid around about certain things and keep things light,” he said, “but when it comes to expanding the civil rights of the disabled I am dead serious. And, I want to thank you no matter what your job is here for helping us do this work.”

Jerry Wolffe is the advocate at large/writer in residence at the Macomb-Oakland Regional Center. He can be reached at 586 263 8950.