01/09/2026
Dear AFH Providers,
This letter is to encourage all of you to make your Vote today! Here is the Link to vote. https://adultfamilyhomecouncil.org/2025-executive-board-election
From 2007 till 2026, 19 years of public service, Hope Reffett has a Accomplished so much for the betterment of our Adult Family Home Long Term Care industry. Between her WRCC participation with contract negotiations in avoiding of reduction of Medicaid rates, responding Seattle Times release in 2010 "Seniors for Sale" which resulted in quick legislative changes, participating in multiple work studies on behalf of the Adult Family Training Program, in which the initial curriculum was authored by Dorothy Schlimme, with contributions by state Ombusman and DSHS Educators, Hope was appointed as the inaugural instructor and partnered with DSHS in updating the curriculum.
During her tenure at the AFHC, Hope was extensively involved in many local chapter meetings, traveling across Washington State in every Chapter, to ensure providers are well informed for best practice approaches and regulatory changes related to long-term care workers, background checks, common citations, negotiated care plans and compliance strategies.
Hope helped many providers write ETR's to help with increased funding to care for their residents who needed it. 2025, the AFHC secured a $300 Million contract for Collective Bargaining Agreement, Hope Lobbied along side with Amina Abdullah, our Contract Lobbyist at the time.
Hope helped hundreds of providers adapt to new requirements for improved care, quality and compliance.
Hope has demonstrated successful leadership and has many achievements. She has advocated for the passage of enabling Adult Family Homes to operate in communities with HOA's, she has contributed in creating the "Placement Agency Bill", she has worked hard on protecting Adult Family Home license fees from some significant increase. She has demonstrated leadership and resilience in challenging situations.
As a board member, she was one who had recommended Mr. John Ficker for the Executive Director position. Hope has also led the development of policy governance for board members which included training and the creations of governance manuals, strengthen accountability, and transparency. She had extensively participated in lobbying for the Adult Family Home Council on Lobby Day, in the spring and fall conference. Hope continues to be an effective leader encouraging participation & attendance of AFHC Members.
Hope brings Extensive experience, especially with new Collective Bargaining Agreement Sessions & legislative Sessions. Her position as the State Wide Delegate for the AFHC administration will be very beneficial especially with new membership, newly appointed board members & new AFHC Staff in which alot of training will be needed. She can serve as thier guide due to her extensive knowledge & experience.
Another key importance in her position is her ability to successfully navigate through complex challenges such Lawsuits, legislative Bargaining for programs that can benefit our Adult Family Homes in the long term. I adamantly encourage our AFH Community to support Hope. Through the many years of hard work & dedication, Hop has demonstrated the Ability to Advocate for our AFH industry. If you haven't voted just yet please join the AFHC and vote. Here is the Voting link. You must be License as an AFH provider & you must be a member of the AFHC.
https://adultfamilyhomecouncil.org/2025-executive-board-election
Sincerely
Mary Tu'ifua RN
CEO Founder
Elder Village Partners AFH Consulting
Elder Village Partners
Eldervillagepartners.com
LTLinx
Ltlinx.com
