News | Vista Care

Article Written By: Sara Winkel

Sheboygan, Wisconsin, February 21, 2025 - Vista Care, a leading service and support organization proudly serving over 1000 individuals throughout six different states, recently announced that Jon Fohrer has been named as Vista Care’s Chief Operating Officer.

A highly accomplished healthcare executive, Jon brings nearly two decades of experience in leading high-performing teams and driving organizational growth. His proven track record in business expansion and service excellence aligns perfectly with Vista Care’s mission to deliver exceptional care and support to communities nationwide.

“Through a national search process, Jon emerged as the clear choice to lead Vista Care’s operations through this pivotal evolution in the organization’s history,” stated Liz Olive, Vista Care CEO. “His alignment with our values, mission, and core belief that People Matter was evident through interactions with people supported, Direct Support Professionals, and other members of our team. I am eager to see the quick and profound impact he will make on our operations.”

Jon joins Vista Care following his remarkable tenure at Family First Homecare, where he served as Chief Operating Officer and played a pivotal role in scaling the company’s annual revenue from $20 million to over $100 million between 2019 and 2025. His expertise in operational leadership and market expansion has made a lasting impact across the healthcare industry. Known for his dynamic and inspiring leadership style, Jon has successfully introduced innovative business development strategies and fostered a competitive, solutions-oriented culture within the organizations he has led.

Jon is eager to bring his expertise to Vista Care, where he plans to build on the company’s current successes and drive further growth: “With a focus on enhancing areas that will contribute to Vista Care’s continued success, I’m excited to help the company become the employer and provider of choice for years to come,” stated Jon. “I look forward to meeting the team and contributing to the exciting journey ahead.”

Jon’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Vista Care, as the organization continues its mission of serving more people, better, while keeping them in our hearts and actions at all times. The entire Vista Care team is thrilled to welcome Jon and looks forward to the leadership and vision he will bring.

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 Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, South Dakota, Utah, 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

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

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.

Article Written By: Hannah Frey

Sheboygan, Wisconsin, April 3, 2024 - ANCOR, the leading voice in Washington for community-based disability services providers, has announced that Raymona Conn of Wisconsin and Mike Row of South Dakota, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) at Vista Care, have been named recipients of the 2024 DSPs of the year. Raymona and Mike join 53 other honorees in the 2024 edition of ANCOR’s annual Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards program. This year’s awards gamered a record-breaking 492 nominations.

Since 2007, ANCOR’s annual DSP of the Year awards recognize outstanding Direct Support Professionals who deliver long-term services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The awards celebrate the important role DSPs play in ensuring people with I/DD have what they need to thrive and be included in the community. These awards also seek to raise awareness about a direct support workforce in crisis.

Inadequate investments in this essential workforce have led to a decades-long severe shortage of DSPs, which has only been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and has accelerated into a crisis that threatens access to critically needed services.

“Each year, we are seeing more nominations, and more compelling nominations, for ANCOR’s DSP of the Year Awards,” said Diane Beastrom, president of ANCOR’s Board of Directors and Vice President of transition for Ohio-based I Am Boundless. “I cannot think of more deserving professionals to honor, as they truly exemplify what it means to see, appreciate and value the people we are fortunate enough to support.”

Barbara Merrill, Chief Executive Officer for ANCOR, added: “DSPs really and truly do it all, and it’s no exaggeration to say that this year’s of class of honorees deliver transformative and sometimes life-saving supports to the people who accept their services. People like Raymona and Mike and all 55 of the 2024 honorees are perfect reminders of why ANCOR works tirelessly to advocate on behalf of the direct support workforce and the incredible work our DSPs do to support people in community.”

Raymona has made a remarkable impact from day one. Her desire to learn and her ambition to provide the best care possible for the individuals she supports is like no other. Raymona is a quiet leader who leads by example as a DSP. She knows that leaders do not run away when difficulties arise, but they rise to the occasion and shine a light so that others can see that the mission persists in spite of challenges. The light shines when Raymona is providing care, and she has cast a bright beam of motivation, encouragement, and the modeling of DSP excellence for her peers.

Mike’s consistent and utmost effort has made a lasting effect on each and every individual he has supported. Mike’s compassion as a DSP is evident through his unwavering commitment to making each individual he serves a top priority. He approaches his work with a positivity that radiates through every interaction, and a warm smile graces his face as he provides support. He is an exceptional individual who genuinely cares about the well-being and happiness of those he serves.

The awards ceremony where Raymona, Mike, and the other 2024 honorees to be recognized will take place in Santa Fe, N.M., on Wednesday, April 10 at 8:30 am MDT during ANCOR Connect ’24, the association’s annual conference. Members of the press interested in attending the awards presentation should contact Sean Luechtefeld, ANCOR’s vice president for membership and communications, at sluechtefeld@ancor.org or 571.207.9108.

About ANCOR:

For more than 50 years, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ancor.org) has been a leading advocate for the critical role service providers play in enriching the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). As a national nonprofit trade association, ANCOR exists to advance the ability of its nearly 2,500 member organizations to support people with I/DD to fully participate in their communities.

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 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: Hannah Frey

Sheboygan, Wisconsin, April 1, 2024 - Vista Care, a leading service and support organization proudly serving over 700 individuals throughout five different states, announced on April 1st that Emilie Bartolucci has been named as Vista Care’s Chief People Officer.

Emilie comes to Vista Care with a great amount of experience in the healthcare industry. She most recently has served as a healthcare consultant and the Vice President of Operational Excellence at InnovAge, Long-Term Care Solutions, one of the Nation’s largest PACE providers. There she worked to diligently strengthen and transform the enterprise’s operational infrastructure and programmatic offerings reducing variation, improving participant and employee experiences, and preparing the organization for future, exponential growth.

"As Vista Care continues to grow, our commitment to putting our core belief "People Matter" into action remains strong,” stated Liz Olive, Vista Care Chief Executive Officer. “Emilie shares our focus on people, particularly our front line Direct Support Professionals and front line managers. She shares my determination to create an environment where our team members thrive and more people are served better."

Emilie is a seasoned executive leader with extensive experience in strategic planning, operational excellence and transformation across the healthcare continuum and beyond. With a special interest in employee engagement and team empowerment, she is passionate about building organizational systems and processes that support an end-to-end stellar experience for employees and consumers alike, fostering a positive workplace culture tied to core business values.

“I am incredibly honored to join such a special organization,” stated Emilie. “The commitment, passion, and dedication of every person I have encountered this far at Vista Care is truly inspiring. I genuinely look forward to working in partnership to help the company grow and continue to positively impact the lives of more people today and in the future helping each individual lead a life abundant with purpose, joy, and dignity.”

Emilie holds a doctorate in organizational theory and leadership from the University of New England. She also possesses a master’s in public administration from Villanova University and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Massachusetts, Boston in Psychology.

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 support in 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: Hannah Frey

Colorado, January 22nd, 2024 - Fifteen individuals have been welcomed into Vista Care Colorado since the new year as Vista Care continues its mission to “serve more people, better, while keeping them in our hearts and actions at all times”.

Vista Care, a leading provider of person-centered supportive services, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Host Home program into the state of Colorado. This milestone marks the organization's entrance into its fifth state, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality, community-based care. Vista Care provides supportive services to individuals with intellectual, developmental, physical, and behavioral health challenges and is currently serving over 700 individuals in Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Host Homes, also referred to as Shared Living, represent a significant shift from traditional care settings. These homes offer a unique opportunity for individuals to receive tailored support in the nurturing environment of a private residence. Rooted in the principles of life-sharing, these services emphasize natural support systems and active community involvement. The Host Home Provider serves as a guide and mentor, offering assistance in areas such as daily living, safety, community engagement, healthy living, and advocacy. This approach enables individuals to flourish, centered around their unique needs and preferences, fostering a genuine sense of belonging and community integration.

"We are excited to begin our work in Colorado and serve more people, better while keeping them in our hearts and actions at all times," stated Liz Olive, Vista Care’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our teams in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction are committed to providing an exceptional host home experience through person-centered support."

Having established a reputation for excellence in person-centered care in other states, Vista Care's strategic expansion into Colorado represents its dedication to broadening its impact and reach. The organization is eager to forge strong local partnerships and work collaboratively with Colorado communities to enhance the well-being of those it serves.

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 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: Hannah Frey

Wisconsin, October 16th, 2023 - Vista Care, a leading provider of support services for individuals with intellectual, developmental, physical, and behavioral health changes, is thrilled to announce its acquisition of Lori Knapp, Inc. (LKI), effective October 16, 2023. This marks a significant milestone in the company's mission to "serve more people, better while keeping them in our hearts and actions at all times” as over 500 individuals will now be supported by a Vista Care company throughout Illinois, Nevada, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Lori Knapp, Inc., a respected Wisconsin-based organization with an illustrious history, has been at the forefront of developing essential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state. Founded in 1971 by Don and Bette Knapp, the organization has since been dedicated to the vision of creating a brighter and more inclusive future for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Lori Knapp, Inc. offers a comprehensive range of services, including in-home support, housing counseling, and support broker services in Ashland, Crawford, Fond du Lac, La Crosse, and Richland counties, as well as residential services in Prairie du Chien and Fond du Lac. Following the acquisition, Lori Knapp, Inc. will continue operating under its well known name alongside Vista Care Illinois, Vista Care Nevada, Vista Care South Dakota, and Vista Care Wisconsin.

“Lori Knapp, Inc. has been committed to improving people’s lives for more than 50 years and is a wonderful addition to Vista Care,” stated Liz Olive, Vista Care’s Chief Executive Officer. “With a combined 80 years of experience supporting people in Wisconsin, I am confident we will continue to serve more people, better while keeping them in our hearts and actions at all times.”

Tami Wedgeworth, Lori Knapp, Inc.’s long-time Chief Operating Officer will continue in her current capacity and report directly to Vista Care COO Dave Sneddon.

"Ever since the Knapp family created the first residential group home in Wisconsin to support individuals over 50 years ago, Lori Knapp, Inc. has strived to work together to help the most vulnerable of our society,” said Tami Wedgeworth. “Our mission has been to make a difference by helping the individuals make the most of their lives. We are honored to now be a part of the Vista Care team, who has the same core values and will be helping us expand our mission across the state and continue Lori Knapp’s legacy.”

Vista Care invites everyone to join in welcoming the individuals supported by Lori Knapp, Inc. and the remarkable employees of Lori Knapp, Inc. to the Vista Care team. Together, they will work to continue Lori Knapp Inc.’s mission “to make a difference in the lives of people” as a part of Vista Care’s mission to “serve more people, better, while keeping them in our hearts and actions at all times”.

For more information about Vista Care and Lori Knapp, Inc., please visit loriknappcares.com.

About Vista Care:

Vista Care is a leading provider of residential, day services, and in-home support to individuals with intellectual, developmental, physical, and behavioral health changes. Headquartered in Sheboygan, Vista Care provides services and supports in 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: Hannah Frey

Sheboygan, WI - Vista Care, a multi-state leading provider of compassionate and high-quality supportive services, announced on September 13th that Dave Sneddon has been appointed as Vista Care’s new Chief Operating Officer.

Dave comes to Vista Care with over 19 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Dave most recently served as COO and interim CEO at AbleLight, a national provider of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During his tenure, he led a remarkable turnaround of the organization, modernizing its culture to support strategic changes and expanding host home and behavioral health service lines.

“Dave brings the ideal combination of skills and passion to grow Vista Care's operations as we seek to serve more people, better,” stated Liz Olive, Vista Care’s Chief Executive Officer. “He understands our emphasis on quality is rooted in our commitment to keeping people supported first in our hearts and actions. I am confident the combination of Dave's leadership and our talented team of Operations leaders will be transformative to Vista Care.”

As Vista Care’s Chief Operating Officer, Dave will play a pivotal role in overseeing day-to-day operations during the organization’s current period of rapid growth and change. He will lead efforts to grow and refine Vista Care’s services within the rapidly evolving landscape of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“After meeting the very talented team at Vista Care I was impressed by the commitment to person centered care,” said Dave Sneddon. “I am honored to be able to join a team that combines a true love of empowering and supporting people with disabilities with high quality professional expertise. As we continue to put the people supported first, I am excited to grow Vista Care so that we can serve more people, better."

Dave earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Communications from Brigham Young University and his Master of Business Administration from University of Georgia.

About Vista Care:

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: Hannah Frey

Sheboygan, WI - The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has awarded Vista Care, a leading human services organization which supports nearly 200 individuals in the state of Wisconsin, $764,543.12 to fuel the expansion of technology and telehealth services, enabling Vista Care to enhance individual support and accessibility across its licensed and certified programs throughout Wisconsin. This grant is part of a statewide effort intended to improve Medicaid home and community-based services that help older adults and people who have disabilities. A total of $12.75 million is being awarded to 91 organizations statewide during this round of funding.

The grant funding received through the American Rescue Plan Act is a testament to Vista Care's commitment to innovation in delivering high-quality care to individuals with mental and behavioral health needs, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and/or physical disabilities. The organization recognizes the critical role that technology and telehealth play in empowering individuals supported to balance privacy with support and safety, enhancing existing services to support greater independence.

Building upon this grant, Vista Care will invest in expanding its technology infrastructure and telehealth capabilities. Central to this expansion is the development of the Vista Support Center (VSC), which will serve to centrally support use of technology utilized within Vista Care programs and expand the use of technology across programs in Wisconsin.

“Technology-supported services will create positive and lasting change in the way Vista Care delivers person-centered support,” states Liz Olive, Vista Care’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are eager to see the positive outcomes this initiative will yield for people who chose Vista Care’s services.”

Vista Care extends its gratitude to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for selecting this project. The organization looks forward to continuing to drive innovative change while making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals supported through the expansion of technology.

The grant funding was made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). To learn more about this opportunity and other funded projects, visit the DHS website. Questions about these awards or ARPA funding can be sent to the DHS media team at DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

For more information about Vista Care and its services, please visit vistacare.org.

About Vista Care:

Media Contact:

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

June 12th, 2023 - Six individuals were welcomed to Vista Care Illinois as Vista Care continues to serve more people, better. Vista Care Illinois provides Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) services to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in Clinton County, Illinois. Vista Care Illinois is eager to expand its quality-driven services throughout Illinois.

We appreciate the individuals, families, and guardians who chose Vista Care Illinois as their support provider. Led by Illinois State Director Craig Laskowski, our dedicated team of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals (QIDPs), Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Registered Nurses, and other Operations leaders look forward to providing the person-centered supports at the heart of keeping people first in our hearts and actions.

Vista Care Illinois is grateful for the partnership of numerous people, offices, and departments at the State of Illinois Department of Human Services as well as the Illinois Department of Public Health.

About Vista Care: