Strategic Realignment to Deepen Mission Impact
Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Is Noble Ending its Community Living Service?
Since Noble’s founding, we have evolved to meet the changing needs of the individuals and families we serve. Over the years, that has sometimes meant the introduction of new programs, while at other times, we have made the difficult decision to end programs that were no longer in the long-term interests of the organization and more importantly, of the people we serve.
As Noble’s leadership and Board of Directors wrestled with this decision, every conversation centered around one question: “What is truly in the best interest of the people we serve, families, our employees, and the broader community for the long term?” After thoughtful consideration, we determined that strategically realigning our services will allow Noble to focus on the core areas where we are strongest—like day services, employment services, and Children’s Services.
2. Is This Decision Because of Money/Funding?
No, this decision was not about funding. Community Living is a service that can cover its costs if it is run well. While we were offering Community Living, it operated with a profit margin. However, it is not one that made nor lost Noble a significant amount of money.
3. How Many Clients Will Be Affected by This?
There are 38 individuals participating in Noble’s Community Living residential service. While that is less than 1% of the more than 4,400+ people we serve each year, that does not make this decision any less difficult. Each person matters a great deal to us, but in the end, we had to take this step in the long-term interests of the many people we serve and those we will continue to serve in the decades to come.
4. What Will These Individuals Do for Their Residential Services?
We have chosen to collaborate with Sycamore Services in helping individuals explore their residential service options because Sycamore shares Noble’s values and dedication to quality care. They are an organization that excels in residential support and believes in the importance of choice. We have been encouraged by their interest in serving those individuals and families who choose them as their provider. They have also expressed a desire to actively recruit and prioritize consideration of qualified applicants from the existing workforce who are likewise navigating this change.
Most importantly, though, is that each person has the right to choose who their residential services provider is. Regardless of what decision each one makes, Noble is committed to supporting them every step of the way.
5. What Will Happen to the Staff Working in This Program?
The staff members impacted by this decision are being encouraged to stay with us during this 60-day period. We are also collaborating with Sycamore Services to support individuals and staff as they navigate their next steps through this process. We have been encouraged by Sycamore’s interest in serving those individuals and families who choose them as their provider. They have also expressed a desire to actively recruit and prioritize consideration of qualified applicants from the existing workforce who are likewise navigating this change. More information and joint information sessions between Noble’s HR team and Sycamore’s are being scheduled in the coming weeks.
Of course, we understand that every employee, every family, and every person served is unique, and we are committed to supporting each one personally and compassionately as they take their next steps.
6. What Does “Strategic Realignment” Mean?
This strategic realignment of services refers to the deliberate decision of the organization to deepen its impact in the areas where it serves children and adults with disabilities most effectively, focus on those core services in which it excels, while facilitating a compassionate and supportive transition for every individual and employee affected by the change.
7. Won’t Discontinuing This Service Hurt Noble’s Mission?
No. For 73 years, Noble has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the individuals and families we serve. This strategic realignment allows the organization focus even more intentionally on the programs where Noble has the greatest expertise and ability to create life-changing impact, including day services, employment services and Children’s Services. Most importantly, we are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind during this time.
8. How Long Has Noble Provided Community Living Residential Services?
Noble began offering Community Living residential services in 2010.
9. How Many Staff Members Are Impacted by This Decision?
Approximately 80 staff are impacted by this decision. Some employees are part-time and others are full-time.
10. Why Did Noble Choose to Collaborate with Sycamore Services in This?
Noble has partnered with Sycamore Services (as well as various other disability services providers) on a number of initiatives over the years. As we determined that Community Living was no longer a service we could provide, we reached out to Sycamore Services because they are very similar to Noble in culture, history and values. They also are a well-regarded residential service provider. After meeting with their leadership, Noble was happy to discover that they are interested in helping us support our clients and staff as they navigate the choices that they will be making in the coming weeks.
11. What Incentives Is Noble Offering Staff to Stay Throughout This Transition?
Noble will offer a retention bonus to eligible staff who choose to stay with Noble during this transition period. We will honor earned PTO benefits. Rolling dates based on sites and clients will impact the end date of Noble employment, and should they and Sycamore choose to proceed, the start date at Sycamore. In such cases, we will provide COBRA insurance for the first two months for eligible staff until Sycamore’s health insurance benefits kick in. Sycamore will also offer Noble staff who choose to work for them a starting bonus. Please check with HR for eligibility and details.
12. Background—What is Noble?
Noble is a not-for-profit community services organization that empowers children and adults with disabilities—like Down syndrome and autism—to Dream it. Live it. For 73 years, Noble has evolved from its founding as a school to a dynamic organization today that catalyzes the full and active participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life. Through an array of life-affirming services from early intervention for babies and toddlers to employment for adults, our team members touch the lives of over 4,400 individuals and families each year in Central and Eastern Indiana.
At Noble, our top priority is the rights, dreams, goals and wellbeing of each person we serve. Everyone on our team is committed to ensuring that each person we serve receives high quality supports to meet their individual needs so they can enjoy their best life possible. Our commitment to the people we serve is never something we take lightly. We work hard to earn the trust of families and loved ones to provide life-affirming supports to their loved ones. Together, we will continue to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities in our community.
Need Additional Information?
If you have specific questions not addressed here, please contact Senior Director of Communications and Marketing Rita Davis.
