Article Written By: Sara Winkel

Utah, October 16, 2024 - Vista Care Utah has welcomed two new individuals into its services as part of an ongoing commitment to “serve more people better, while keeping them in our hearts and actions at all times”.

Vista Care, a prominent provider of person-centered supportive services, is excited to announce its expansion into Utah. This significant milestone signifies the organization’s venture into its sixth state, underscoring its dedication to providing high-quality support. Vista Care offers a comprehensive array of services encompassing day programs, supported apartment programs, supported employment, supportive home care, shared living/host homes, behavioral health services, recovery services, representative payee services, technology supports, self-directed services, and clinical services for both adults and youth. Serving over 1,000 individuals in Utah, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, Vista Care is dedicated to its vision of being synonymous with “BEST CARE.”

Host Homes, also known as Shared Living, represent a significant departure from traditional care arrangements. They offer individuals a unique opportunity to receive personalized support in the familiar setting of a private home. Built on the foundations of life-sharing, these services emphasize the importance of natural support systems and active engagement within the community. Serving as mentors and companions, Host Home providers assist with various aspects of daily living, safety, community, engagement, wellness activities, and advocacy. This approach promotes individual growth, catering to their specific needs and preferences, fostering a true sense of belonging and integration within the community.

“We are thrilled to begin serving folks in Utah as we continue our missions of serving more people better while keeping them in our hearts and actions at all times,” stated Liz Olive, Vista Care’s Chief Executive Officer. “As our reach continues to expand, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing BEST CARE and positively impacting those in our services.”

With a well-established reputation for delivering exceptional person-centered care across multiple states, Vista Care is now strategically expanding into Utah. This move demonstrates its dedication to broadening its impact and footprint. The organization is eager to forge local partnerships and collaborate closely with Utah communities, aiming to enhance the quality of life for those under its care.

"Serving people in Host Homes in a new state is an incredible journey to foster meaningful connections and to help make a positive difference in the lives of those we mutually serve with Host Home Providers,” stated Chad Wietrick, Vista Care’s National Director of Shared Living. “This allows us the possibility to weave stories, forge connections, and embrace the richness of diversity while fostering genuine, heartfelt moments.”

About Vista Care:

Vista Care is a leading provider of Home and Community-Based (HCBS) services as well as other supportive services including behavioral health services, clinical services, recovery services, and representative payee services. Headquartered in Sheboygan, WI, Vista Care provides services and supports in Utah, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. For more information about Vista Care and its services, please visit vistacare.org, like our Facebook Page, and follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact: 

For additional information about this announcement or Vista Care, please contact Vista Care’s corporate office at marketing@vistacare.org.

Article Written By: Sara Winkel

In a world where many face challenges that can feel insurmountable, Brad’s story stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience. Before receiving support from Vista Care, Brad experienced feelings of loneliness and uncertainty about his future. “Kinda scary, wasn’t it? Not knowing what to do? I was lonely, and I felt bad,” he recalls. His journey toward entrepreneurship began with a significant change in his life, thanks to the support he received.

Brad’s venture into entrepreneurship was both unexpected and transformative. With the encouragement of staff at Vista Care, Brad found the courage to embark on this new path which led him to purchase a vending machine. “(They)  helped me, and I bought it for a dollar,” he shares, reflecting on the pivotal moment that changed his life. This seemingly small investment opened doors for Brad, allowing him to take control of his destiny.

Owning his vending machine business has been a revelation for Brad. “I do what I want, and I am important,” he states, highlighting the profound sense of autonomy and self-worth he has gained through entrepreneurship. The ability to make decisions and see the direct impact of his efforts has been empowering, fueling his passion for the business and boosting his confidence.

Vista Care staff enjoy Brad’s presence and working together with him and his business. This partnership has not only helped Brad navigate the challenges of business ownership but has also fostered his growth as an individual. “It has done so much for his self-esteem,” states Chrsitina, one Vista Care employee that Brad has a great amount of appreciation towards. “He loves to take charge of his tasks and talk it out rather than waiting for me to take the lead. He is always excited to work on his business.” This newfound confidence has allowed Brad to thrive, taking initiative and becoming more engaged in his work.

Brad’s dedication to his business is evident to those around him. “He is very serious and dedicated to his business. He works hard and thinks about it every day,” Christina notes. His commitment is not just about the work itself; Brad continually seeks to improve and innovate. He comes up with ideas like creating signs to advertise his business and adding new snacks to ensure there’s something for everyone.

Brad’s journey from uncertainty to entrepreneurship is a powerful testament to the impact of support and mentorship. With the guidance of Vista Care staff and resources provided, Brad has transformed his life, embracing his role as a business owner with enthusiasm and determination. His story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, reminding us that with the right support, it’s possible to overcome obstacles and find success on one’s own terms.

Article Written By: Sara Winkel

Vista Care, a leading provider of support services for individuals with intellectual, developmental, physical, and behavioral health challenges, is thrilled to announce its acquisition of Lincoln Center for Developmental Rehabilitation, a service of Memorial Behavioral Health, effective October 1, 2024. This represents a major milestone in Vista Care’s mission to “serve more people better, while keeping them in our hearts and actions at all times” and its ongoing commitment to providing high quality services in central and southern Illinois. 

With this acquisition, Vista Care Illinois welcomes nearly 200 individuals to its services. The teams at LCDR and Memorial Behavioral Health have worked closely with Vista Care Illinois over the past several months to ensure a seamless transition of its Community Day Services, Community Employment Services, Home-Based Supports (Self Directed Assistance and Hired Personal Support), and Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) services. 

“Through conversations with individuals, current team members, guardians, families, and community stakeholders, we look forward to continuing to provide high quality services to the Lincoln community and surrounding areas while strategically expanding services to meet identified needs within the community as we serve more people better,” stated Liz Olive, Vista Care’s Chief Executive Officer. 

The newly named Lincoln Community Connections Center will welcome 48 new team members to the organization, retaining 100% of the existing staff and leadership from LCDR who combined have hundreds of years of experience in providing quality care, services, and support to those in the Lincoln and surrounding communities.

“I am truly humbled by the passion, dedication, and commitment of these team members and overjoyed to now have them part of Vista Care,” stated Vista Care’s Chief People Officer, Emilie Bartolucci. Together, Vista Care will continue to elevate the standard of care and support for the community.

Vista Care invites everyone to join in welcoming the individuals supported by LCDR and Memorial Behavioral Health and the remarkable employees to the Vista Care team. Together they will begin their new journey towards “serving more people better, while keeping them in our hearts and actions at all times.”

About Vista Care:

Vista Care is a leading provider of Home and Community-Based (HCBS) services as well as other supportive services including behavioral health services, clinical services, recovery services, and representative payee services. Headquartered in Sheboygan, WI, Vista Care provides services and supports in Utah, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. For more information about Vista Care and its services, please visit vistacare.org, like our Facebook Page, and follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact: 

For additional information about this announcement or Vista Care, please contact Vista Care’s corporate office at marketing@vistacare.org.