Quick answers for the people we serve, relatives, donors, volunteers, and others who have questions about ROI

What does ROI do?
We provide services to adults and children with disabilities. Most of the people we serve live in one of the 21 group homes operated by ROI. Others live on their own and are assisted through our Supported Living program, or receive other services not directly related to their living arrangements, such as with the Payee Program.

We also serve individuals in the community with Traumatic Brain Injuries. TBI can cause physical disabilities, mental disabilities and social, behavioral or emotional problems. Our services include Group Homes, Supported Living, Payee Services and Home Health Aid. Our staff is prepared to assist individuals with TBI and their family and friends in dealing with the changes and needs resulting from this type of injury.

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What exactly is a "developmental disability"?
The term "developmental disability" comes from the Michigan Mental Health Code, which is state law. A developmental disability is, in essence, a severe disability that occurs before the age of 22. Technically, a developmental disability is defined as:

A severe, long-lasting condition which is caused by a mental or physical problem or both; becomes a problem before the person reaches 22 years of age; is likely to continue for a very long time; results in major limitations in the ability to talk or express one’s self and understand and follow simple directions, take care of one’s self in daily living activities (such as dressing and going to the toilet), learn to recognize colors, shapes, letters, words, and foods, move in a normal manner that includes walking, running, and sitting, make decisions or do what is needed to take care of one’s self, live independently, or earn money and partially support one’s self; and requires special treatment for a long time, often continuing over one’s lifetime.

Many developmental disabilities are present at birth (mental retardation and cerebral palsy, for example) while others may occur later as the result of disease, injury, or other event. At ROI, the vast majority of people we serve have been diagnosed with mental retardation, and many have other disabilities, as well.

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What exactly is a "mental illness"?
A mental illness is an emotional or mental problem (or combination of emotional and mental problems) that significantly impacts an individual’s ability to function in the community. Mental illness may be emotional or organic in origin, or a combination of both. The results affect emotional, relational, and coping aspects of one’s life. People who experience mental illness have many strengths; with a combination of a strong support system, professional assistance, and connection to one’s community, people can live fulfilling and rewarding lives.

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Is ROI a government agency?
No. ROI is an independent, non-profit agency. While we are largely funded by contracts with government entities (Kalamazoo Community Mental Health Services, for instance), we are not a branch of government.

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Is ROI affiliated with a religious denomination?

While ROI often works with churches and other religious organizations through fundraising and our volunteer program, we are not affiliated with any religion, church, or parochial organization. We do, however, respect and support the religious beliefs of the people we serve, and encourage them to participate in a house of worship if they choose to do so.

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Does ROI provide loans or subsidies for low income housing?
No. ROI is not a financial assistance organization; we are a provider of services to adults with disabilities. Homestead Housing Services (HHS), a subsidiary of ROI, does own and operate a number of rental units designated for people with low incomes. Many of these units are reserved for consumers of the mental health system, but a limited number are available for people with low incomes who are not receiving mental health services. For information, email or call Ben Hoxey at 269-343-3731, ext. 23.

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Does ROI provide nursing services?
One of the group homes operated by ROI does have 24-hour nursing staff on duty who care for individuals with medical needs. All of our homes provide various levels of medical care and all staff are trained in CPR, first aid, and the administration of medications. Many "medical procedures" can be administered by trained direct care staff who do not have a medical degree. For example, ROI’s non-nursing staff is able to administer medications, obtain vitals, monitor high blood pressure, provide diabetes treatment, catheterize individuals, provide enemas, feed individuals through a tube, and administer oxygen.

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Are these nursing services available at my house through ROI?
ROI has a contract to provide home health services to people served by Kalamazoo Community Mental Health Services. At this time, these services do not include nursing care.

For more information about ROI, explore this site or call our offices at 269-343-3731.

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