Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my friend or loved one into services at SMEM?

Anyone wishing to pursue placement in SMEM services must first provide basic information to one of our Admissions Committee members.  The Committee is made up of 20 staff members representing all programmatic and clinical areas of our agency.  In the initial screening, basic information about the individual is collected; such as name, address and telephone number, age, disability, general medical condition and preference for receiving services from us.

The Committee Chair will then assign the case, on a more permanent basis, to the most appropriate committee member.  That member will pursue all of the information necessary to make a determination of appropriateness for SMEM.  Once the information is gathered, it is presented to the Committee which meets and makes a final determination. To begin the application process for Santa Fe based services call John DePaula or Barbara Hall at 505-424-7700. To begin the application process for Espanola based services call John DePaula or Darren DeYapp at 505-852-4243.

Does the person entering services need anything in order to begin service?

Since the majority of the people we serve are supported by Medicaid money it is best that all individuals entering our services be Medicaid eligible.  If a person doesn’t know how to become eligible we will be happy to help get that applicant started in the process.

Is there a limited length of stay for the people you serve?

We have no predetermined length of stay for program participants.  Some individuals have been here since the inception of our agency.  Others have graduated out of our agency and live on their own, with no agency support.  Some have come and then gone and then come back to us. 

What are the primary service philosophies?

We focus on community integration and inclusion, and choice making skills.  It is our intent to help participants be active members of their communities.  Our services are all provided with the intention of developing skills that can be used in the community in which they live.

We believe that everyone has the ability to affect his/her destiny by making choices.  For some, a choice can be made from among many options, for others choices can be made from 2 or 3 options, but choice-making is encouraged and is a serious part of our focus. 

Are there any charges passed on to people enrolled in services at SMEM?

We encourage participants to provide for as much of their own care as possible.  For some individuals that involves paying a monthly amount to help cover their cost of care, which comes from their Social Security stipends.  For others this involves paying for their own rent, food, utilities and other life related expenses.   These costs are directly related to the service in which the individual in enrolled.  All of these details are covered at the time of admission to SMEM in order to help ensure the right choice of service.