Creativity and Innovation (Part 2)

By Albert Van Kleeck
Albert Van Kleeck Consulting

Last month we began a conversation about creativity and innovation in human services. Several examples of how different companies define creativity and innovation were presented and the question “How do you define creativity and innovation?” was asked.

Finally, the expectation was that this month we would focus on specific services we are all familiar with and begin to think about how we might be creative, or more creative, and innovative in how these services are developed, redefined, invented, and operational. And so, we begin where we left off.

Creativity and Innovation in Human Services – Some things to think about…

By Albert Van Kleeck
Albert Van Kleeck Consulting

Creativity and Innovation, what’s the difference and how do you define these? Are you creative? Are you innovative? Do you know anyone who is creative, innovative? Do you work with anyone who is creative or innovative? Is there even a place for creativity and innovation in the Human Services industry?

Industry! What? This is an industry? Doesn’t that mean we’re just another business?  What we do is so much more than just being a business! And what we do and how we do it is pretty much mandated by all sorts of regulations and rules and the confines of funding streams. Where is the room for being creative and innovative? The answer to these questions depends on how you define things.

Beyond Social Capital – Civic Wellness and Personal Sustainability

By Albert Van Kleeck
Albert Van Kleeck Consulting

During the past several years I have dedicated a considerable amount of time to thinking about and developing different approaches to how we think about our lives and the lives of those we impact and support. I’ve thought about how moving through life one day to the next or from dawn to dusk could be so much easier and make much more sense for so many of us. And I’ve framed this thinking with the terms Civic Wellness and Personal Sustainability.

I haven’t yet come to a decision regarding which of these terms is the best fit for the concept. Perhaps either or both would work, maybe neither one. I’m open to suggestion and all contributions to a wider body of knowledge are always welcome.

You Are the Service

By Albert Van Kleeck
Albert Van Kleeck Consulting

When you are asked to think about “best” or “promising” practices in service delivery, what comes to mind; Personal Futures Planning, Person-Centered Thinking, Recovery, Personal Outcome Measures, all of the above? For most of us these approaches represent best practices in learning about what is most important to the people we support and in developing a good person-centered plan that will provide what each person needs and wants to achieve his or her goals and dreams, to own her life and become less reliant on the service system.

And, if you named any or all of these approaches as best practices you would be correct. However, there is more to the story. There is an element and an approach, or a way of thinking about services and supports that we don’t often hear anyone speak about. You are the service!

Supported Employment

By Albert Van Kleeck
Albert Van Kleeck Consulting

Do you ever have the feeling that you have been spinning your wheels for the past 25 years?

During the last several months with the start-up of Van Kleeck and Associates, I have been asked by several organizations to assist with the development of service options. Most of the conversations have been focused on assisting with the development and implementation of Supported Employment services so people can achieve their dream of a community-based job. I have been more than happy to provide whatever is needed to accomplish this goal. Indeed, my roots in this field are firmly planted in Supported Employment.