For Jeff Miniard, Cedar Lake Lodge is more than just a place to work—it’s home. With 28 years of experience in the disability field, Jeff has dedicated his life to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling, joyful lives. His journey began in Harlan, Kentucky, where he grew up, and it led him through various roles in disability support services across the state. But in 2005, when he saw an advertisement for an assistant director position at Cedar Lake, he knew he had found something special.
Finding Cedar Lake
Jeff’s passion for working with people with disabilities started early in his career while attending Morehead State University. He worked as an adult day supervisor for Pathways, and it wasn’t long before he realized he had fallen in love with this population. “Once I got into it, I loved it,” Jeff reflects. His path took him to Seven Counties Services as a case manager, and then to Kentucky Opportunities. Eventually, Jeff worked for the Office of Inspector General, reviewing and processing cases, and then the Kentucky Division of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities before joining Cedar Lake in 2005.
“I found an advertisement for the role in the newspaper,” Jeff recalls with a smile. Jeff started as an assistant director in the Direct Support Professional (DSP) department, and after 18 months, he became Director of Programming for seven years. In 2012, he earned his Nursing Home Administrator License and transitioned to leading Cedar Lake’s Park Place facility before taking on his current role as administrator of Cedar Lake Lodge in 2020.
An Environment of Compassion
For Jeff, the most rewarding part of his role is the interaction with the individuals Cedar Lake supports. “I love the people we work with, both the individuals we support and our staff. We share a common goal of providing the best care and creating a great life for the people here. That’s what makes this place so special,” he says.
The sense of community and the energy at Cedar Lake Lodge is palpable. “It’s such a cool place,” Jeff continues. “There’s always something going on, whether it’s pet therapy, outings, or activities inside the lodge. I try to say yes to as many opportunities as possible, as long as they’re safe and enrich the lives of the individuals here.”
Jeff’s approach as an administrator is to be a cheerleader for his team. He strives to foster an environment where staff are motivated to provide the best possible day for the individuals at Cedar Lake Lodge. “I love rounding, being out and about in the facility, and seeing what’s going on each day. You never know where you might find me,” he says with a laugh. “The highlight of my day is simply being a part of theirs.”
One of Jeff’s favorite memories is of an individual named Norma, who had lived at Cedar Lake for many years before moving into the community. After not seeing her for quite some time, Jeff ran into her at the Cedar Lake Residences Christmas party. “She rolled right up to me and greeted me like we had never been apart,” Jeff recalls fondly. “It struck me what a lasting impact we have on people. She always says ‘I love you,’ and I say it back. It’s a mutual love, and moments like that remind me why I do what I do.”
Leading Through Change
In the last few years, Cedar Lake Lodge has seen changes as the individuals they support have begun to age, and their medical needs have become more complex. But Cedar Lake has adapted. With new training, program changes, and a person-centered approach, they continue to provide exceptional care tailored to each individual.
Looking ahead, Jeff envisions even more community involvement. “I want us to get out and about as much as possible—whether it’s with church groups, supported employment, or giving back to others in the community,” he says. “Building deeper relationships with community organizations is something I’m really excited about.”
Yet, as with many in the field, Jeff’s biggest concern is staffing stability. “We want people who have a servant’s heart,” he explains. “You need to have heart to do this job. It’s challenging but incredibly fulfilling. At Cedar Lake, we work hard to maintain that family component, ensuring the focus is always on the individuals we support.”
A Place of Belonging
For Jeff, Cedar Lake Lodge truly feels like home. His wife worked here at one point many years ago, and his daughters have attended events like Family Fest. “Sharing what I do here has allowed my family to better understand the lives of the individuals we support. It’s a special place,” he says.
As he reflects on his time at Cedar Lake, Jeff is filled with pride. “I love sharing what we do here. It’s fun to give tours and showcase the level of commitment we have to the individuals and our staff. Coming to Cedar Lake Lodge was like coming home.”
At Cedar Lake Lodge, Jeff Miniard doesn’t just oversee operations—he cultivates a sense of belonging, purpose, and community for everyone who walks through the door. It’s a place where individuals with disabilities live full, happy lives, and for Jeff, it’s where his heart is.
