Introductions are in order! Accra’s new CEO Colin Raymond joins the podcast to talk about what drew him to Accra and the homecare industry; his career journey; the current challenges and opportunities in homecare; and what can be done to improve homecare going forward. Plus, Colin discusses his vision for Accra and how the team is incorporating the pillars of service, accountability and relentless growth into their everyday work.

In this episode, Sheri Wegner, the Executive Director of ConnectAbility of MN, tells us all about the organization and how it’s grown over the years. The group explores how community-driven homecare services are helping individuals transition out of facilities, make home modifications, access essential medical equipment, find transportation solutions, and live more independently. Sheri shares real stories, unique strategies their nonprofit uses, and practical ways people can get involved or find support. 

In this episode of the Champions of Homecare Podcast, we explore the unprecedented dynamics at the Minnesota Capitol, including power-sharing in the House, the tight majority in the Senate, and what it all means for home care, disability services, and older adults. The group also discusses efforts to address the ongoing workforce shortage in PCA services, the impact of Minnesota’s SEIU contract negotiations, and the importance of building relationships with elected officials through home visits and grassroots advocacy. Finally, learn more about the Polar Plunge, benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota, and the upcoming 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.

In the third and final episode of our CFSS miniseries, we are exploring consultation services, which help guide clients as they navigate the options available under the new CFSS program. Peter Noss, the Executive Director of the consultation services provider Asura, joins the podcast to explain what consultation services are, how the transition to consultation services works and more of the nuances of CFSS.

In episode two of our CFSS miniseries, Accra Program Supervisor Teresa Butler Schmidt does a deep dive on the Budget Model and explains what distinguishes it from the Agency Model. Teresa discusses more of the nuances of CFSS and shares some advice for clients getting ready to make the transition to the new program.

The transition to the new Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program is starting in Minnesota on October 1. To help you prepare for the transition, we are dropping a miniseries of episodes dedicated to the three key components of CFSS. In part one, we cover everything you need to know about the Agency Model, and along the way, we share some tips and tricks to help you get ready for CFSS.

Partners in Policymaking is an innovative, competency-based leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities, making it an incredible self-advocacy opportunity for many members of the Accra community. To learn more about Partners in Policymaking, we spoke with the program’s current coordinator Brenton Rice. Plus, Ryan Flory, a current Accra client who recently graduated from the program, tells us about his experience with Partners in Policymaking and what he gained by participating.

Accra's Senior Program Director of Strategic Development Tyler Langenfeld joins this episode to delve into the intricacies of Homemaker Services. We discuss the three different versions of Homemaker Services, eligibility criteria, the hiring process and why these services play such an important role for many clients who receive other home care services too.

To wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, we invited Accra’s Senior Program Director of FMS and Mental Health Val Patino and Mental Health Professional Sarah Boyd to discuss the impact of this month, breaking the mental health stigma and much more. Val and Sarah talk about the importance of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month and how we can keep mental health top of mind in the months ahead. Plus, they detail Accra’s Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and individual therapy offerings, and Sarah helps answer how you know it’s time to speak with a mental health expert.

Sometimes, the first step is the hardest one to take. For home care services, that first hurdle is finding and hiring a caregiver. On this episode, we’re joined by Rand, an Accra client, and Accra’s Senior Human Resources Director Hannah Rutt to talk about best practices for hiring, interviewing and retaining caregivers. Hannah and Rand also share some pro tips on where to look for qualified caregivers, and David and Jason provide an update on the implementation timeline for CFSS.