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Pueblo Diversified Industries outlines Medicaid-reliant services, community programs
Summary
Pueblo Diversified Industries (PDI) briefed council on services for adults with developmental disabilities, expressed concern about national Medicaid changes, and promoted community events and partnerships including a tricycle giveaway at Safety Jam.
Pueblo Diversified Industries (PDI) presented to the council Monday, describing its employment and residential services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and noting the organization’s dependence on Medicaid-funded services.
“PBI has gained me independence by giving me the ability to work and go around the community and make a difference,” said employee Rebecca Rotten in a recorded segment played for the council. “If I didn't get Medicaid services, I would not be able to get supportive employment and day program.” PDI President and CEO Dave Pump and Director of Community Engagement Terry Walden described PDI programs that include residential host homes, vocational services, benefits planning and a new Hope program to help families of children with disabilities plan for adulthood.
PDI reported it supports about 30 people in host homes across southern Colorado, employs roughly 200 staff and works with about 100 people with disabilities in employment services, figures PDI representatives provided during the presentation. Pump said approximately $1.3 million flows annually in wages tied to services PDI operates in the community; the organization also noted that philanthropy comprises roughly 2% of its revenue.
Council members asked whether PDI had received any federal or state notice about Medicaid funding changes. Pump said the organization had not received formal notice of cuts but said the national debate over Medicaid left the organization “very uncomfortable.” He said PDI is producing outreach material to highlight how services support people who would otherwise be overlooked.
PDI also promoted local events and partnerships: an adaptive Rifton mobility trike drawing at Safety Jam on June 7 (the organization said last year’s trike cost about $3,500 and that only one of six applicants fully qualified), a community splash party on June 19, an IDD Awareness Day at the Pueblo Zoo on July 12, and an “Exceptional Rodeo” at the Colorado State Fair on Aug. 25. PDI asked council members to attend events and noted some partners — Saint Mary Corwin, American Medical Response (AMR), CommonSpirit Health and the Pueblo Zoo — were helping sponsor activities.
Councilors praised PDI’s work; several council members and residents related personal connections to the agency’s clients and supported outreach and fundraising events. There were no formal council votes tied to PDI’s presentation.
