Nebraska Culture Change Coalition

Contact Information
Tami Scheil
tscheil@fairviewmanor.org
402-268-2271
Website: www.necccoalition.org  

History
In March 2004, a group of representatives from nursing homes working with the Eden Alternative® philosophy, the Steering Committee and the Quality of Life Project through the Alzheimer's Association came together. They discussed how to take what the homes are learning about changing the culture of eldercare and reaching out to the rest of the State. The coalition held the first event in 2005: a Caregiving Town Hall Meeting, based on the Thou Shalt Honor PBS special. Local town hall meetings were held all over the state in May to gather information and ideas to help the grow the coalition.

Organizational Structure
The current organizational structure includes the Ground Breakers (Team Leader, Co-Team leader, and a Seasoned Leader) and five Fire Starter Teams. Mary Powell is the Team Leader for 2008. The rest of the leadership team is made up of the Fire Starter Team Leaders. The Fire Starter Teams focus on five key areas of growth: membership, getting the message out, organizing gatherings, networking with key stakeholders and recognizing the achievements in culture change.

Funding
Funding is through donations of time, hosting of gatherings including lunches, email support through the Nebraska QIO, donations of stamps and materials for gathering invitations and volunteer support to create and host the website.

Major Activities This Year

• Conducted the coalition's first statewide culture change conference with over 100 participants. Nancy Fox, former Executive Director of the Eden Alternative and now Chief Enhancement Officer for Pinon Management, presented the keynote address on Leadership in culture change and a breakout session. There were also 6 other breakout sessions and a plenary panel discussion.