Milwaukee’s Centers for Independence Home Care Program to Close Permanently

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin—The Centers for Independence (CFI) has announced that it will be permanently closing its Milwaukee CFI (MCFI) Home Care program this October. MCFI is a nonprofit, certified medical assistance personal care agency that provides in-home community-based services to elderly and disabled groups.

“After extensive analysis and careful consideration, MCFI has determined that our current homecare operating model is no longer financially sustainable,” the organization said in a letter addressed to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and Milwaukee officials. “Ongoing challenges related to reimbursement levels, service delivery costs and workforce pressures have made it increasingly difficult to maintain long-term viability. As a result, MCFI has made the strategic decision to focus our resources on programs and services that are more closely aligned with our core mission and organizational priorities.”

The program will close effective Saturday, Oct. 31, and the action is expected to be permanent.

The letter continued that impacted employees do not have union representation and have no bumping rights.

The estimated number of affected employees—minus 63 new- and low-hour employees—is approximately 43, including one registered nurse home care, two utilization specialists, one community liaison and 38 caregivers. One manager position is expected to separate on or about Thursday, Dec. 31.