54898 newsletter - Maryhaven Center of Hope

SPRING 2012
The Newsletter of Maryhaven Center of Hope
NEW HOPE OPEN HOUSE – CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF SERVICE
By Terry Schembri-Jones
On January 11, 2012, the doors of New Hope in Freeport opened to agencies and other
related persons inviting them to help celebrate thirty years of service to the communities
of Nassau County. Attending were representatives from outside referral, legal and county entities as well as supervisors, managers and staff from within the Maryhaven and CHS
network including Lou Grossman, CEO, Sister Maryaline Zierle and Sister Cathy Smith,
Pastoral Care from Maryhaven and Sister Mary Alice Aschenbach from Mercy Medical
Center Pastoral Care.
New Hope, a 30-bed funded agency licensed by New York State Office of Alcohol and
Substance Abuse (OASAS), is considered the beginning step in the path of the recovery
process. Protective care for 1000 or more individuals who are in a situational crisis as a
result of alcohol and/or substance abuse problems is offered. Formal treatment is not provided at New Hope as the goal is to stabilize the individual in a non-medical, sober environment in preparation for linkage to an aftercare program. Open 24 hours every day, 365
days a year, individuals stay for one to two weeks. The staff consists of nurses, credentialed counselors, direct care counselors and the day-to-day operations are overseen by
Director, Jim Morse, LCSW; Program Supervisor, Roseann Baldanza, RN, MSN; and
Kathleen Hasay, CASAC Supervisor.
Thirty years ago, Mercy Medical Center assumed responsibility of a single, trailer-like module known as an Alcohol Crisis Center located on the grounds of Nassau Community
College. “Temporary quarters” consisted of 14 beds in a dormitory setting and on May 26,
1986, a new 30-bed modular unit was dedicated and named New Hope. Thousands of
faces and a multitude of stories have passed through the doors of New Hope since then.
In 2000 New York State restructured the Detoxification Delivery System resulting in today’s
medically monitored withdrawal service under which New Hope presently operates. In
2007, New Hope relocated to a state-of-the-art facility in Freeport where protective care
to those in crisis continues to be provided. Maryhaven Center of Hope began its management and oversight of the operations at New Hope in 2010. The years have seen many
changes, transitions and growth; however, the vision of the program, to serve and protect
the individual suffering due to alcohol and/or substance abuse, remains the same.
A Message from...
Lewis Grossman, President and CEO
“Working at Maryhaven requires a person to be committed
and caring with the knowledge to assist a very involved client
population to experience the fullness of life. Treating a person with dignity and believing in human potential are attributes we strive to instill in our workforce.”
An innovative program to further support the inherent
goodness of staff is now underway at Maryhaven. Inspired
by an ethics conference in June of 2011, members of leadership developed a program to promote an altruistic work environment featuring a culture
of civility. The result is a year-round program based on The Virtues Project.
Each month a group of approximately 30 employees participate in a two hour Breakfast
Club to explore a particular virtue. So far this year, we have focused on compassion,
generosity, faithfulness and patience. Through the use of media, discussion and activities the importance of the virtue is highlighted and the positive presence among staff and
individuals served is celebrated.
“This will provide a platform to focus on twelve virtues that are so basic but not always
evident in our everyday lives. I firmly believe this program will not only enhance the quality of care but also restore the importance of how each of us relates to one another.”
CHS CAREGIVERS FUND: EXEMPLIFYING THE MISSION
The staff of the Continuing Care Division and throughout Catholic Health Services (CHS) have earned a reputation for their selflessness,
above and beyond the call of duty. Whether making that extra effort to ease an individual’s anxiety or alleviating discomfort, CHS staff
exemplify the mission of the organization on a daily basis. Since 2007, employees have participated in yet another tangible expression of
their concern for others—the CHS Caregivers Fund.
Many health care agencies and other organizations both here and abroad struggle to provide services without even the basic necessities.
This could mean a shortage of bandages and medicine, the absence of lifesaving equipment or even a lack of clean water. One such
provider is the Tutwiler Clinic in the Mississippi Delta, which reaches patients in both a clinical setting and in their homes, in a region known
for its poverty. Another is the Wounded Warriors Project, aiding current and former U.S. military personnel.
CHS Caregivers Fund allocations are determined by a committee comprised of the six winners of the system’s Patrick J. Scollard Award,
along with the chairman of the Board of Directors (a volunteer) and other experts offering guidance. Thanks to the generosity of participants in 2011, approximately $200,000 was distributed from this fund to fellow caregivers. All administrative expenses are donated by
CHS so 100 percent of the money collected is allocated to recipients. In addition, CHS is currently matching funds contributed by employees dollar for dollar.
Employees may give as little as one dollar a week through payroll deduction starting at any time throughout the year. Once authorized,
this automatically continues unless the individual requests for it to conclude. One-time donations from employees and non-employees
are also welcome, and all donations are tax-deductible. Checks should be made payable to “CHS Caregivers Fund”. Donors receive a special pin, and those who get others to participate are given both a pin and a mug.
For more information on the CHS Caregivers Fund, please visit http://caregiversfund.chsli.org.
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OUR MISSION OF CARING
As seen through the eyes of an Individual...
By Jackie Kligerman, PhD
Principal, Educational Services
The students served in the Children’s
Division represent the heart of
Maryhaven’s mission of caring as well
as our hope for the future. And the
staff throughout the agency who provide the care needed to carry out that
mission to both adults and children
represent that future. This drawing was
created spontaneously by a residential
student in the day school and clearly
illustrates the passion of our work with
persons with developmental disabilities. Each of the staff members of this
particular class are represented by this
student with their hearts open and visible, evidence that the student experiences their relationship with him as
one that is loving and supportive. This
sentiment between staff and students
is repeated every day throughout the
agency in many observable ways both
obvious and subtle.
Drawing by Noel, a resident of the Children’s Services program
Interestingly, when the CRS Department was creating
their ad for the 21st Annual Dinner Dance, “Honoring
Maryhaven and Those We Serve” they decided to ask
some of the residents how they felt about their homes
and the staff.
BJ, a resident of the Terryville IRA, summed up the feelings expressed by many of the Individuals who live in
the homes of the Community Residential Service
Program with his drawing and thoughts. They all agree
that the staff are “loving and caring; they are helpful
and listen well to us. “
BJ also wanted to mention that he says his home is
beautiful too! These homes are filled with lots of love!
Drawing and thoughts by BJ, who lives at the Terryville IRA
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PROS WEST GOES MIA
By Mark Rhodes
PROS West Practitioner
Members of Yaphank’s PROS West attended the annual Mental Illness Awareness (MIA) Day in
Huntington during October of 2011. As was the norm, there were a variety of lectures and
workshops relating to many differing facets of mental health recovery including interesting
offerings on the role of animals in mental health recovery, as well as the role of nutrition in
maintaining proper mental health.
MIA day is well known for its featured speakers with high name recognition who have some
connection to mental health issues in their own lives. Past speakers include Patty Duke,
Herschel Walker and Margot Kidder. This year was no exception as Former US Representative
Patrick Kennedy was the headline speaker.
Rep. Kennedy (son of the late Senator Edward Kennedy) has had some very public struggles with mental illness, substance abuse and addiction. As with many of the Kennedys,
his life has been characterized by dramatic ups and downs and during his speech he was
very candid about those issues and how he works hard to maintain wellness and balance in his own private life. In addition, he was passionate about communicating his
efforts to work with legislators in Washington to reform health care. Mr. Kennedy's most
noteworthy efforts in this respect were attempts to have mental health coverage fall
under the same umbrella as more traditional health care coverage. Rep. Kennedy's
speech was electrifying and was evidence that his DNA contains the classic Kennedy
charisma. He is presently out of politics but during his speech when asked (by yours truly)
if he missed politics he cracked. "I am a Kennedy, what do you think?”
THE NEWEST IRA, MARK TRAIL, OPENS DECEMBER 2011
By Robin Dwyer
Executive Division Director, Educational/Residential Services
Over 80 years ago, Maryhaven opened its first group home to provide for the needs of adults with special needs. Over the years,
further housing has been developed to meet the particular strengths and interests of the growing Maryhaven family, particularly those who graduate from our residential school. Today, Maryhaven operates 29 supervised community residences and 18 supportive apartments for developmentally disabled adults throughout Suffolk County. This is in addition to the 102 beds designated for students with special needs who reside at our campus located in Port Jefferson.
In December 2011, the latest group home, Mark Trail IRA, opened on a cul-de-sac in Medford for eight graduates of our residential school. The focus of this residence is to enhance the lives of young adults with autism; the large L-shape ranch dwelling has
been specifically built to fulfill this mission.
Residential and clinical staff from Children's Services worked closely with their counterparts in Community Residential Services in
designing the building from ground up. The Executive and Assistant Division Directors, who oversee both divisions, oversaw this
collaborative effort. The Clinical Director provided knowledgeable input into the layout and finishes of the home. As a result, the
Mark Trail IRA provides single bedrooms with window seats, a sensory room, and two dining areas and two dens.
Communication support is provided by visual schedules and icons, and muted colors have been painted throughout the site.
While much thought is given to suitability of the placement of every adult we serve, the Mark Trail IRA was built specifically for
the needs of eight young adults who function on the autism spectrum. Function and form are truly wed in this well planned and
executed home for the latest additions to the Community Residential Services family.
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GRAND OPENING FOR ANGEL GUARDIAN IRA, SPRING 2012
By Jackie LaMarca
Program Manager
Angel Guardian IRA, the newest of the group homes in the
Maryhaven family, opens this Spring, 2012, in West Babylon on
the grounds of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. This
endeavor has been developed as a “medical model” IRA fulfilling
the desire of Maryhaven’s Community Residential Services (CRS)
Department to provide services to individuals throughout the
continuum of life.
Often Maryhaven has been faced with the difficult decision of
placing our medically frail individuals in nursing facilities when we
would rather care for them at home. From that challenge has risen the idea of the Angel Guardian Home. Staffed with both nursing and direct care personnel on a 24-hour basis, individuals will be cared for at home where they be can surrounded by familiar faces and friends.
The Angel Guardian Home is a 14-bed medical model residential facility that will provide the individual with their own bedrooms
along with spacious common areas such as a large living room, an activities room, a meditation/reading room, a private family
visiting room and a fully enclosed courtyard where fresh air and gardening can be enjoyed by all. There are many opportunities
for community integration with the nearby county park, the beautiful town of Babylon just a short van ride away and a community vegetable garden on the grounds of the local church.
The majority of the 14 new residents are coming to this new facility directly from nursing homes located from Rockville Centre to
the Hamptons. It is the mission of Angel Guardian Home to offer to each one of them the active treatment and community integration opportunities that have not previously been available to them. The administration and staff of Maryhaven look forward
to having these new residents settle into this new and vibrant community where our mission of “improving, enriching and respecting” the lives of those with special needs will be fulfilled each day.
WISDOM GARDENS 10TH ANNIVERSARY
By Sr. Cathy Smith, O.P.
Coordinator
Right next door to the Administration Building on Terryville Road sits
one of the best-kept secrets in the Maryhaven family. Wisdom
Gardens, a forty-apartment complex of affordable housing for seniors and developmentally disabled individuals is celebrating ten good
years of existence.
The grounds, the privacy, the quiet exemplify the treasure of this
neighborhood which uses “community” in the deepest sense. A genuine attitude of kindness prevails during the many activities
and interests of the residents. Leadership is provided by Sister Cathy Smith, OP, Coordinator, who encourages the participation
and creativity of all according to their attractions. Gentle exercise, competitive Bingo night, spirituality programs, monthly lunch
dates and parties are a few of the ongoing events that keep the body moving and the spirit alert.
A 10th Anniversary Gathering for tenants and families is planned in early summer with a special dinner for the residents to follow. The careful upkeep of the buildings as well as the beautification of the gardens are signs of the heartfelt appreciation the
residents have for Wisdom Gardens at Maryhaven.
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HONOREES OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED
Maryhaven is pleased to announce the
2011 Honorees of the Year
Gary Rosset - Administration Division - Transportation - Driver
Elizabeth Sullivan - Adult Services Division - Higher Learning Day Hab - Team Leader
Ines Hohn - Children’s Services Division - CRP Program - Housekeeper/Cook
Kristen Weber - CRS Division - ABS
Shawn McKenzie - Nassau Services Division - Administrative Associate- OMH Residences
GARY ROSSET
ELIZABETH SULLIVAN
KRISTEN WEBER
INES HOHN
SHAWN MCKENZIE
2011 Honorees of the Month
Administration:
Adult Services:
Children’s Services:
CRS:
Nassau Services:
Scott Baker
Joe Commesso
Tina White
Martha Hammer
Dave Woods
Tara Frawley
Gary Rosset, Dawn
Gifford
Kristine Urcuiolio
Ritu Sharma
Keith Frain
Robert Aretakis
Carol Robinson
Jennifer Sweeney
Victoria Hammil
Irene Banse
Christine Ramger
Jamison Martin
Deborah Cincotta
Tony Juliano
Karen Peterson
Tara Cronin
Laurie Brooks
Jimmy Carcione
Ines Hohn
Sandy Marques
Michael DiMartino
Sevgi Demirkan
Laura Scibelli
Emmanuel Reynoso
Colleen Madden
Michael Raupach
Karen Veloski
Andrew Veneracion
Candice D’Angelo
Michael Wheeler
Kim Campbell
Barbara Owens
Julia Butler
Christina Taverna
Patty Pliska
Josie Fernandez
Diane Bray
Elizabeth Ryan
Chris Silipo
Jennifer Humphrey
Kristen Weber
Mary Roeske
Shawn McKenzie
Patricia Suttmiller
Diana Brown
Karen Mendlinger
Jeri Charles
Jennifer O’Connell
Jim Egan
Paul Valenti
Barbara Conrad
Peter Whitman
Dave Mohammed
Angelina Cheatham
Congratulations to all the Employees who have received this outstanding recognition!
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2012 SERVICE AWARDS
The 2012 Service Awards Dinner held on March 20, 2012 at Villa Lombardi’s, Holbrook honored 133 employees for their length of service to Maryhaven and who have carried out the Maryhaven Mission throughout their
years of service.
Martha Hammer was honored for 30 years of service; Siobhan Cantwell, Neil Doyle, Steve Lydon, Mary Lou
Mattson-Belardo, Kerry McCarthy and Jim Papello were honored for 25 years of service.
In addition, Maryhaven was pleased to honor 15 employees for 20 years of service, 19 employees for 15 years
of service, 27 employees for 10 years of service and 65 employees were honored for 5 years of service.
Congratulations to all the awardees for your dedication and mission of service!
Together We Make a Difference!
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NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Administrative Offices
51 Terryville Road
Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
Phone: (631) 474-4120 • Fax: (631) 474-8230
PORT JEFF. STA., NY
PERMIT NO. 64
Lewis Grossman, CEO
Martha Hammer, Marketing & Development
Editorial: Sister Maryaline Zierle
Up-Coming Maryhaven Events
June 8, 2012
21st Annual Dinner Dance
“Maryhaven Goes Retro”
September15, 2012
Maryhaven’s 6th Annual Night
At Long Island Ducks
November 2012
Annual Pride of New York Event
TBD
Performing
Arts Schedule
“SENSORIELLE”
June 4-13, 2012
A show to enhance your senses
with music, various acts and
effects.
SHOW TBA
October 2012
For further information and
directions to performances
Please call: 631-474-1585
PERFORMING ARTS CELEBRATES
ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY
The dream of the Performing Arts Group Day Habilitation grew out of a
small club at the Terryville Day Habilitation ten years ago. When Performing
Arts opened on April 9th, 2002, it was a small specialized day habilitation
that served approximately 30 individuals with varying levels of disability. Our
program is located in the heart of Port Jefferson Station. The productions
were small and reserved, generally lasting only four days. We had a small
staff of dedicated instructors and management that worked tirelessly to
assist with making dreams come true.
Throughout the years Performing Arts has grown in leaps and bounds.
Today it serves nearly 50 individuals of all ages and abilities. We perform
three major shows a year, always to sell out crowds. The productions have
been as varied and unique as our performers. We have performed classic
Broadway shows such as “The Phantom of the Opera”, “West Side Story”
and “Moulin Rouge”. We have also done unique interpretations of “The
Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”.
Everyday is a new opportunity for growth and making our individuals’
dreams come true. The potential of this program is limitless thanks to the
dedication of our individuals and the love of our staff.