Welcome to Exemplar, the Benchmark Human Services (Benchmark) company newsletter. Enjoy, and please contact our Development team with any questions: [email protected].
Entering a New State
By Jeff Frady, Vice President
The State wanted a model that would serve their people well while keeping them safe and residing in the community. Those goals align well with our mission, so that is where we want to focus our attention and energy.
In May of this year, Benchmark Human Services finalized an agreement with the State of Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES) to develop Behavioral-Supported Group Homes (BSGH) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex behavioral health needs. Although I have more than 33 years of experience in disability services, this was a new opportunity for me. As a Vice President for Benchmark, I oversee our Indiana supported living services, which served 282 individuals across the state in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 26). This was my first time overseeing a program expansion outside of Indiana, where Benchmark was founded and is headquartered.
Entering a new state to develop a new program requires grit, humility, and a willingness to learn from others. Luckily, I am not alone. I work with a larger team of disability services professionals at Benchmark. In FY 26, we served nearly 600 individuals in supported living programs across several states, including: Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, and Ohio. Having quick access to experienced operators from multiple states was a valuable resource, and it set us up for success.
Our new Behavioral-Supported Group Homes will provide a structured, supportive residential environment focused on individualized behavioral interventions, skill development, safety, and community integration.
Having a leader on the ground is critical to expanding into new states. Sagal Ismail, who joined Benchmark as our State Director of Arizona in June, provides local leadership and oversight as we establish services in the market. It takes a lot of conversation and a little blind faith to identify like-minded people to carry out our mission into new geographic areas. We depend on people who not only understand the local landscape but also have the same level of commitment to the individuals being served and the integrity of the program we are building.
Every state has unique systems and processes, but succeeding in a new market is largely dependent on how the program is implemented. It takes a team of talented and determined employees to build something from the ground up. At the end of the day, we all want to create a safe and therapeutic home environment for the individuals we serve, so they can develop skills to achieve greater independence.
Our first Arizona home is scheduled to open by the end of the year, with more to follow.
Where Potential Leads
Sagal Ismail joined Benchmark as our State Director of Arizona earlier this year. Ismail has more than 15 years of experience leading multi-site behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and vocational rehabilitation programs.
We asked Ismail about her leadership philosophies, team-building strategies, and what it takes to launch a new program.
What leadership philosophies guide your work in Residential Services?
IDD services have always been a part of my life, and supporting individuals and their families has shaped so much of who I am and how I lead. I’ve always believed leadership starts with people, whether that’s the individuals we serve, their families, or the teams supporting them. I believe in leading by example, building trust, and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. When everyone shares the same mission and values, that creates the foundation for a successful program.
How do you stay focused when building a new program that has so many moving parts?
Building something from the ground up definitely comes with its challenges, but I try to stay focused on the bigger picture while taking things one step at a time. I’ve learned that flexibility, organization, and surrounding yourself with the right people make all the difference. Not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay. What keeps me grounded is remembering why we’re doing this in the first place: to create homes where individuals can thrive and families can feel confident in the support their loved ones receive.
What qualities do you look for in potential candidates, so you can build a strong team?
I always look beyond someone’s experience or résumé. Skills can be taught, but compassion, integrity, patience, and a genuine desire to make a difference are qualities I really value. I look for people who are dependable, adaptable, and understand the importance of working together. To me, success isn’t just about having a fully staffed program; it’s about having the right people who believe in the mission. When employees feel supported, take pride in their work, and share the same values, that naturally translates into better outcomes for the individuals and families we serve.
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In our Where Potential Leads series, we get to know leaders from across the country. Benchmark operates in 19 states and our leadership staff support people through a variety of programs and services. View previous posts, featuring Nikhol B. Jackson and Jaime Garza.
News
Doug Beebe, Benchmark CEO, Receives INARF Award
Doug Beebe (pictured above, center) was honored to receive the James M. Hammond, III – Executive Leadership Award at the annual INARF Conference in Indiana. This award recognizes an executive or administrator within the INARF membership who represents an outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, political acumen, ethical demeanor, and professional posture to further the interests of their organization and those of their colleagues across the state.
Benchmark Sponsors MyQuillo’s What’s Next? Campaign
MyQuillo is asking individuals served and their families, “What does a really good day actually look like for you?” Their goal is to gather feedback, identify themes, and create a report, so people in the IDD community can have a say in what comes next for disability services. Learn more.
St. Louis Area First Steps Launches Podcast to Support Families
Benchmark’s Missouri System Point of Entry (MO SPOE) Directors, Howard Smith and Christina Narasimhan, created and co-host a new podcast called First Steps Forward.
“The first few months of parenthood can be isolating for any parent or caregiver,” says Smith. “We want to take some of the fear out of the process and help families feel more connected to others who have been in their shoes.” Listen here.
Mission Moment
Michael went to New York City!
Michael is part of Benchmark’s residential services program in Maryland. He and one of our staff members, Mister Pierce, spent a day in NYC. They went to the 9/11 Memorial, Times Square, and Madison Square Garden, and they enjoyed a meal at Havanna Central restaurant. Michael had a blast! He already wants to go back.
Experiences like these are what our work is all about. We support people, so they can be independent and live fulfilling lives in the community.
