[Cagdu] Fw: GDB stuff

Mon Apr 8 09:54:26 PDT 2013

Welcome to OverstockI don't know what other people are thinking.  Seeing eye did this last year, but real problems might not show up for years.  Mike it just bothers me that seven people just lost their jobs; people we had trust in, people who cared about us and our guides.  I think this is an ill advised decision and I'm going to keep asking questions until I understand how and why this had to happen at all.  GDB can't afford to just throw people away like this.  In the long run, I don't think that Seeing Eye or any organization can do this and rely on its good name forever.  I'm too close to this maybe.  Nobody did follow up like GDB did.  That's what scares me, that it's all going and I don't know why.  Ken.   
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Michael Hingson 
  To: cagdu at nfbcal.org 
  Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2013 12:32 PM
  Subject: Re: [Cagdu] Fw: PLEASE READ-MESSAGE FROM PAULLOPEZ: GDBOrganizational Annoucement

  Ken,

  So what are grads going to do?  I haven't heard anything yet, but I am not on all the lists. 

  Best,

  Michael Hingson

  From: cagdu-bounces at nfbcal.org [mailto:cagdu-bounces at nfbcal.org] On Behalf Of Ken Volonte
  Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2013 12:10 PM
  To: cagdu at nfbcal.org
  Subject: Re: [Cagdu] Fw: PLEASE READ-MESSAGE FROM PAUL LOPEZ: GDBOrganizational Annoucement

  How does increasing the area for each service representative make the operation more efficient?  How does firing good caring people increase the morale of an organization?  All of us have benefitted by the work of these people, and I'm not willing to say, "Oh well it's ok for people to be fired for no good reason.  That's business.  No, that's a new CEO trying to put his particular stamp on an organization which has served us well for 71 years.  No!  This will not do.   

    ----- Original Message ----- 

    From: Tina Thomas 

    To: cagdu at nfbcal.org 

    Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2013 9:13 AM

    Subject: Re: [Cagdu] Fw: PLEASE READ-MESSAGE FROM PAUL LOPEZ: GDBOrganizational Annoucement

    Hello Ken and all- 

    The Seeing Eye went through the same process last summer and a lot of grads were heartbroken, however SE is still able to serve their graduates with the same professionalism and promptness. GDB will survive. I am sorry for the instructors who were let go, however hopefully they will find employment soon. 

    Tina and the girls  

    From: cagdu-bounces at nfbcal.org [mailto:cagdu-bounces at nfbcal.org] On Behalf Of Ken Volonte
    Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2013 8:46 AM
    To: Cagdu
    Subject: [Cagdu] Fw: PLEASE READ-MESSAGE FROM PAUL LOPEZ: GDB Organizational Annoucement

    The field reps that were fired had a long standing relationship with us and they cared about us as people.  We all know Emily Simone.  She did a presentation on what to do if our dogs are attacked.  She developed the presentation she gave to our convention a couple years ago.  If we have new field representatives from GDB, and if there are problems with those new reps, adjustments will have to be made.  None of us had the chance to say good-bye to people who had worked with us for years: providing guidance, advocacy with recalcitrant officials, home training, etc.  They deserve better.  So do we.  

    ----- Original Message ----- 

    From: Ailien Ripple 

    To: 'kenvolonte at comcast.net' 

    Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 9:17 AM

    Subject: PLEASE READ-MESSAGE FROM PAUL LOPEZ: GDB Organizational Annoucement

    Dear Graduates,

    An important part of our mission here at Guide Dogs for the Blind is to continually improve the quality of our services to you, our graduates. Recently we created a new telephone Support Center to provide direct, real-time, and-most importantly-personalized service to all of you across the U.S. and Canada. In an ongoing effort to meet your needs, our next step is to reorganize our staff so that each of you has access to a dedicated field manager as well as the Support Center. Up to now, not every graduate has had this benefit. Through the combined resources of the Support Center and a designated field manager, our aim is to create a comprehensive network of support  for each of you, which will allow us to respond to your questions and needs in a more timely and consistent manner.

    With this new approach to field support, we are moving from 10 client support regions to six. The field will now be divided in six new zones, each with its own field manager. During this transition, unfortunately, five field manager and three office staff positions will be eliminated. Jennifer Isaac will become Client Services Manager responsible for Admissions and the Support Center. Kelly Martin will now oversee all field managers. 

    We at GDB are most grateful for the fine work and dedication each of these employees has demonstrated to help our graduates over the years, and we are committed to helping each and every one of them transition smoothly.

    Most of you will not be affected by this field staff reorganization. For those of you, who are, please be assured that we are making every effort to ensure that your transition to a new field manager happens quickly and comfortably. In the interim, please know that the Support Center staff is available to address your concerns and needs at 1-800-295-4050. While we recognize that this change may be an adjustment, GDB is committed to deploying the best team of professional and capable support staff and field managers to work with you and meet your needs.  

    Your assigned field manager is Jim Power. Jim's business number is 800-295-4050 extension 4055 and email is jpower at guidedogs.com.

    Within the next week, graduates affected by this transition will receive a phone call from their new field manager. Our goal is to support your needs to the best of our ability, so if questions arise after speaking with your new manager or you have any concerns at all, don't hesitate to call the Support Center directly. Thanks in advance for your understanding and patience as we strive to serve you better. 

    Sincerely, 

    Paul Lopez

    President and CEO

    Guide Dogs for the Blind

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