Summer 2015 TILLegram

THE
Summer 2015
EGRAM
Toward Independent Living and Learning, Inc.
From the President
Dear Friends, Families, and Colleagues,
This issue of the TILLegram celebrates the
accomplishments of TILL’s 35 year history
and recognizes the revolution which has
taken place over the past four decades in
human services.
TILL Games... page 2
In the 1800’s, large state and religiously based institutions
were the primary model of care for the people society felt
would be better off segregated and “with their own kind”. The
unfounded fears about the harm those minority groups were
capable of, sustained the belief that such groups were better
off far from society’s daily view. The medical and educational
professionals supported those beliefs and only the bravest
parent would dare go against advice from such esteemed
sources.
I am deeply grateful for the dedication of our many
supporters who partner with TILL in providing excellence and
innovation in our services. We have many exciting plans for
the coming year to ensure that individuals are a primary voice
in determining their future and enjoying life to its fullest.
We are developing new residential and vocational models in
various communities to keep up with people’s changing needs
and skills. The strength of our agency comes from our families,
our direct service work force and the many clinicians and
support staff who encourage others to achieve their dreams.
The inspirational stories shared by families through our Living
Legacy training videos is only one of many ways in which
TILL is documenting the past so that we can shape the future.
We invite you to join our family of services and supports as we
continue to create opportunities which were unimaginable in
earlier years.
Sincerely,
Dafna Krouk-Gordon
Founder and President, TILL, Inc.
Walk for Hunger... page 7
Since the early ‘60s, families and professionals alike began to
challenge the status quo and as a result, new opportunities
have been created to allow people with specialized needs to be
a vital part of their own future and the design of their work,
home and social life. TILL is proud of the role it has played
in forming the landscape of possibilities for community living
for people with specialized physical, intellectual and emotional
needs since 1980.
Walk for Hunger... page 5
Gala... page 6
Save the Date!
TILL Games XXI on
September 12th at the
Reggie Lewis
Athletic Center
in Roxbury
T
TILL Games 2014
ILL Games, an annual track event open to athletes
of all ages and all abilities, celebrated its 20th year on
September 6, 2014 at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury.
Over 200 participants came together to challenge themselves and
their peers in many events including running, walking, power and
manual wheelchair race events at TILL Games XX.
Join us for TILL Games XXI on
September 12, 2015 at the Reggie
Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury to
participate or cheer on the athletes!
TILL thanks its business partner, Santander Bank, for their
sponsorship and ongoing support, our families and team
members who make the day a true success, and the athletes who
inspire us all with their determination.
TILL at Three Boys Farm Open House
On October 15, 2014, TILL at Three Boys Farm in Stow hosted
an Open House for Educators and Service Providers to explore our
unique day/vocational program for adults, offering a specialized
curriculum for those with ASD. It was a perfect day to enjoy the
colors of fall and tour this innovative farm program. The Farmers
in Training from TILL Central Watertown demonstrated just a few
of the many skills they have acquired while guests sampled Farmer
Frank’s delicious squash and bean soups and caponata.
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Mixing It Up
ILL’s International Ambassadors have traveled the
world, representing TILL at major conferences,
touring human service organizations and contributing with
volunteer projects while supporting individuals in their
service learning experiences.
TILL’s 2015 International Ambassadors will travel from
Boston to Sickte, Germany on September 24th, to meet with
colleagues from the Evangelische Stiftung Neuerkerode,
visit their community and tour this beautiful historic area.
The 2015 International Ambassadors will be represented by
both staff and individuals whom we support.
Why are we visiting Germany? TILL connected with the
German band “The Mix” during their North American tour
in September 2014. This integrative, inclusive band from
Braunschweig, Germany is an initiative of Evangelische
Stiftung Neuerkerode, an agency with which TILL found
much in common! After The Mix visited TILL’s Dedham
office and toured our ETC Café and Gift Shop in Hyde Park,
the Neuerkerode agency offered to host our International
Ambassadors. This international exchange initiative offers
an opportunity to learn from others around the world about
programs for those with special needs as well as sharing our
knowledge and expertise.
TILL Autism Support Services – A Collaborative Success
TILL provides a continuum of services across the lifespan of the
people we serve.
TILL Central Autism Initiative, a specialized community day
program option, is expanding its curriculum and opportunities,
thanks to the excellent collaborative team of TILL’s Autism Support
Services and Day Habilitation Services departments. Joshua Lyons,
TILL’s Autism Services Coordinator, describes the enhanced
curriculum as combining best practices of routine based teaching
and consistent structure, with individualized choices and varied
activities such as TILL the Soil Farm program, and volunteering at
local food banks and other community sites.
Social Skills in the City offers teens with autism spectrum disorder
real life social skills training in a real life setting, paired with peer
mentor/volunteers from Boston University, Harvard University and
M.I.T.
Boston University’s First-Year Student Outreach Project (FYSOP)
engages first-year student volunteers and upperclassmen staff leaders
through social justice education, service, and reflection. Each
August, the FYSOP volunteers work with kids and families at our
Autism Support Center’s Annual Field Day. This year, this successful
partnership will expand to the first Social Skills in the City Boot
Camp.
TILL Central
TILL’s CARF accredited Day Habilitation Services is pleased to
announce the opening of TILL Central Hudson. Joining TILL
Central Programs in Billerica, Chelsea and Watertown, TILL Central
Hudson is now accepting referrals for this innovative community
based day service. TILL Central is an integrated program model
with extensive community involvement, creating opportunities for
learning and mastery of skills in a
variety of settings, while teaching
participants to be contributing
community members through
volunteerism.
www.tillinc.org
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T
2015 Leaders Group
ILL’s Leaders Group recognizes and encourages its
employees who show leadership potential and talent
to help others to develop those same skills. TILL first
developed the Leaders Group in 2006, expanding with the Leaders
on the Rise Program, to cultivate those skills and encourage
continued professional growth.
Those chosen to be a part of this group have proven themselves to be
excellent role models for others to follow and exemplify the mission
and values of TILL’s services.
2015 Increases, Incentives
and Benefits
In Fiscal Year 2015, TILL implemented a series of Initiatives to
recognize our valued employees who perform the vital work of direct
care support, management and administration of our services. These
initiatives included:
Raising base hourly salary for Residential and Day Support
Professionals
Expanding salary ranges for Senior DSP, Residential Manager
and Residential Coordinator positions
Raising the base rate for PCA Skills Trainers
Longevity Recognition Bonuses for all qualified employees
Institution of TILL percentage contribution for 403B program
participants at each pay period
Maintaining health care premiums at the same percentage
contribution
Initiative Grant opportunities for employee proposals
Initiative Grants
TILL’s 2015 Leaders and Leaders on the Rise were recognized at
a dinner celebration held at Sofia’s Restaurant in West Roxbury in
February 2015.
TILL’s 2015 Leaders:
Kingsley Brown, Residence Manager, Brookline
Martine Pierre, Residence Manager, Melville Avenue
Tanya Gagnon, Residence Manager, East Main St.
Jen Ferris, Residence Manager, Lynnfield
Hector Melendez, Residence Manager, Forest Street
Stephanie Wiggins, Residence Manager, Lexington
Lynne Dignan, Day Habilitation Manager, Billerica
Evans Diya, Residence Manager, Middleton
In an effort to support and encourage new ideas from within, TILL
has instituted an initiative grant program for our employees who
wish to submit innovative proposals for funding. After careful
consideration of this first round of requests, the Professional
Development Committee is pleased to announce the following
initiative grants for funding:
• Health Coaching Opportunities
Meghan Willis, LICSW, Strattus Clinical Supervisor
• Development of Alternative Learning Materials
Marilyn Kuhn, Program Manager, Hudson Day Habilitation
Program
• Springboard: Social Skills Training
Dale Belcher, Springboard Manager
• Accessible Garden Project
Marrett Rd., Lexington
Thank you to all who submitted proposals for consideration!
Geneva Lay, Specialized
Home Care Provider
TILL’s 2015 Leaders on the Rise:
Yesenia Marigorda, Residence Manager, Andover St.
Augustine Fornyikpor, Residence Manager, Roslindale
A State House Celebration sponsored by DDS titled “Shared Living!
Shared Lives!” recognized TILL’s Specialized Home Care Provider,
Geneva Lay for excellence in the field. Geneva, with her husband
Eugene Givens, TILL Direct Support Staff, received an award of
recognition for having met a high standard in serving individuals
with complex needs in their home for TILL for over 18 years.
Congratulations Geneva and Eugene!
ETC Food Service
Essence of Thyme and Cravings Food
Service (ETC) set a record in October
2014, preparing and delivering 78,794
meals to area schools. That is 3,581
meals per day!
This unique entrepreneurial business,
offering employment opportunities
and culinary training for people with
disabilities for more than 25 years, continues to grow, preparing
596,168 tasty nutritious school lunches during the 2014-15
academic year.
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www.tillinc.org
Pictured: front row - Chris
Carlino and Amy Lloyd; back row
DDS Metro Regional Director,
Gail Gillespie; Geneva Lay; DDS
State Commissioner, Elin Howe;
and Eugene Givens.
(Story and Photo submitted by
Tom Graef, TILL SHC Manager)
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Team TILL Supports Project Bread Walk for Hunger
eam TILL joined the 40,000 walkers and 2,000 volunteers
at the annual 2015 Project Bread Walk for Hunger on
May 3, 2015. A total of 51 TILL residences supported the 2015
Walk for Hunger, many participating by walking, volunteering, or
cheerleading for their team and other participants.
Team TILL placed #3 in the Top Teams category and #5 in the Top
Organizations category, raising a total of $30,160.00. The Top
Fundraiser spot was claimed once again by Team TILL Captain,
Daniel Christensen of Lexington, inspiring $28,250.00 in online
contributions through the power of family and friends.
Team TILL includes both employees and people receiving support
services through TILL, contributing to Project Bread’s Walk for
Hunger by raising funds through multiple creative campaigns and
participation in the Walk for Hunger to raise awareness of Project
Bread’s mission to end hunger in Massachusetts.
Team Building Day
The
Residential
and
Day
Habilitation management teams
gather annually for a productive day
with inspiring training, cooperative
team building and some lighthearted
fun. In August 2014, the group
gathered at Salisbury Beach’s
Pavillion for trainings themed
Presence and Communication.
The next team building day will
take place in September 2015 at
Lars Anderson Park.
Dafna Krouk-Gordon receives Paul Harris Fellow Award
Toward Independent Living and Learning’s Founder and President,
Dafna Krouk-Gordon, was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award
by the Rotary Club of Arlington at the 38th Annual Paul Harris
Fellow Award and Community Persons of the Year recognition
banquet on June 9, 2015. This honor was awarded in recognition of
her role creating opportunities for people with disabilities through
TILL, Inc., which she founded in 1980. In addition to the Paul
Harris Fellow, Ms. Krouk-Gordon was presented with citations from
both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Massachusetts
Senate at the ceremony.
The Rotary Club describes the Paul Harris Fellow Award as the
highest honor a club can bestow on a person, either inside or outside
the club. The award acknowledges “service above self ” which that
individual has offered to their community, their nation or to the
world. Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary and this award program
was created to fund many Rotary Foundation programs.
www.tillinc.org
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O
Toward Independent Living and Learning Celebrates
n Saturday, May 2, 2015, we celebrated our 35th anniversary
with a gala evening “TILL 35 Years – Shaping our Future
Together” at the University of Massachusetts Boston’s
Campus Center. The evening welcomed 500 guests featuring
a cocktail reception in the TILL Gallery, a stunning display of
photographs showcasing some of the special moments that define
TILL’s core values and celebrate the shared successes of the people
served by TILL. Traveling among the ten impressive eight-foot
columns, labeled with thought-provoking titles which included
Adventure, Triumph and Collaboration, viewers found a new
experience literally around each corner.
Distinguished speakers included Dafna Krouk-Gordon, Founder
and President of TILL, Inc., Gary Blumenthal, President and CEO
of the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP),
and Keynote Speaker, Rachel Simon, the award-winning author of
six books and a nationally-recognized public speaker on issues related
to diversity and disability. Ms. Simon discussed the history behind
her books “Beautiful Girl” and “Riding the Bus with My Sister” in
a presentation punctuated by illustrations by artists of all abilities.
“Tell Us Your Story” Spotlights
As part of TILL’s 35th Anniversary Celebration, we invited
individuals, families and staff to “Tell Us Your Story” and received
many heartfelt and meaningful submissions. Ten were chosen to
be presented at our 35th Anniversary Gala. These are just a few
highlights of their stories:
Andrea and Brad Stokes, parents of Beth Ellen
“Our dream for our 28 year old daughter was to find a safe residence with
her peers, staffed by caring, dedicated individuals. TILL has more than
fulfilled our dream by providing a close knit “family” whose members love
and support each other in ways often not seen in “traditional” families.”
Albert Pless, Jr., Residential Support Professional
“I quickly realized after working for only a few months at Muzzey St
that not only did I enjoy being around the residents and their families,
but I really felt I had something to offer to their long term independence.”
Gina Shulimson, Program Manager, Essence of Thyme Catering,
Hyde Park
“I have been a part of TILL almost as long as I have been married. It is
a marriage and a family of a different sort, but just as important to me.”
Alan White, Director of TILL’s Residential Alternatives
Phyllis Tobin, Chairperson of TILL’s Human Rights Committee
and daughter, Faith, an employee at TILL’s Essence of Thyme
Catering in Hyde Park
“In my 30 years with TILL, I have been privileged to work with people
who enriched my life. Co-workers, individuals and families have shown
me that when challenges are faced together, we can be successful.”
“TILL has helped to make Faith the independent woman she is. She is
happy.”
Evans Diya, Residence Manager, Middleton Residence
“I’ve been at TILL since Sept 9, 1998. A lot of the TILL staff have been
very helpful and have taught me a lot.”
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“TILL has given me the opportunity to pursue my dream and become
the person I am today. I hope to continue on this path of being a positive
person who impacts others!”
www.tillinc.org
35 Years Supporting People with Disabilities
Unique stories, told in the words of people receiving services, family
members, former and current employees of TILL, were presented in
a series of “Spotlights” followed by the TILL movie, “Circle of Life”,
a celebration of self-determination, filmed and produced by Jason
Jimenez.
The evening ended with remarks from TILL’s Executive
Management Team, followed by a rousing toast to TILL’s 35 Years
Shaping our Future Together led by Founder and President, Dafna
Krouk-Gordon. “The agency is the success it is today due to the
commitment and professional care provided by our direct support
staff, managers and administrators who encourage retention and
growth within TILL”, noted Ms. Krouk-Gordon. “TILL thanks our
Special Corporate Sponsors and Leadership Giving Circle Donors
for their generous support of TILL’s Anniversary Celebration and
all who joined our shared celebration of 35 years of providing
community based services.”
Gala Sponsors
Special Corporate Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor $7,500
Ed Wallack
Sapers and Wallack, Inc.
Gold Sponsor $5,000
One America, Inc.
Ruby Sponsors $2,500
Hub International, Inc.
Insight Performance, Inc.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Philadelphia Insurance Companies
Silver Sponsor $1,000
Goodman Advisory Group, LLC
Bronze Sponsor $500
Mutual of America, Inc.
Augustine Fornyikpor, Residence Manager, Beech St. Residence
Leadership Circle
Major Gift Supporter $10,000
“We all deserve to be treated the same way as we would like others to treat us. TILL to me, means
that no matter how you are created, each person has talent, ability and wisdom.”
The Penta Family
Adesuwa Igbineweka, Residence Manager, Dedham Residence
“The best part of being Relief is that you have the opportunity to work with so many of the
individuals in different residences and be a part of their lives. Even when you don’t work there
anymore, it’s a pleasure when you meet at an event because it’s like old friends meeting at a party.”
Gustav and Vibeke Christensen
John Campbell and Susanna Peyton
Dafna Krouk-Gordon and Les Gordon
Lisa Birkdale
James and Carol Herscot
Zena DeBarros, former employee of TILL’s ETC in Hyde Park
Friend $100-$500
“I was given an opportunity to learn from TILL’s great staff at ETC. TILL’s vision inspired me
to believe in others, to embrace the process, to understand that everything is possible. We need to
believe in people like TILL once believed in me.”
Deborah and Thomas Flannery
John Scileppi and Margery Bennett
Joseph and Bernadette Bergeron
John and Maria MacDonald
Marilyn Casanave
Adria Hodas
Steven and Ramie Lepler
The Ferguson/Mahoney Family
Gladys and Scott Olson
John Scileppi, longtime supporter of TILL and the father of Jake
“As Jake grew older, it became apparent that I needed some very special care provider for him, one
that would love him and take care of him as I would. TILL provided that for Jake. That, for a
parent of a disabled child, is the single most important need a parent has.”
www.tillinc.org
Partner $1,000-$3,000
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pril Madness 2015: The Circle of Life
From April Fool’s Day to Cinco De Mayo, TILL
Residences, CLOs and Day Programs enthusiastically
engaged in the Annual April Madness, a theme based, scavenger
hunt-like contest that encourages individuals and staff to seek
activities and community experiences that challenge them to think
creatively and develop valuable relationships and connections with
their communities and beyond.
The conclusion of April Madness was celebrated at TILL’s Residential
Cultural Festival at the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center
ballroom, featuring an international potluck meal, thoroughly
enjoyed by approximately 375 individuals, staff, families and friends.
The April Madness Awards program revved up the crowd with a
lively Circle of Life rap performed by Kingsley Brown, Residence
Manager, and Matt Guidi, Support Services Manager, followed by
John Stevens’ performance of “Circle of Life”, accompanied on the
chorus by members of the audience. Sandy Cummins and Pam
Sheehan, Assistant Directors of Residential Services, listed all 58
countries represented by TILL employees, followed by nine staff
who proudly spoke about their country of origin and their work
at TILL. The Circle of Life, Walk for Hunger and other videos/
slideshows were enjoyed by the crowd.
Taking top honors for April Madness 2015
1st Place – Stoughton; 2nd Place - Littleton; 3rd Place - Andover
St., Danvers!! Participation was phenomenal with 17 residences
completing every Quest and all bonuses. The talent and creativity
presented by these residences was unbelievable. Wows and special
mentions included Austin St.’s journey by public transit to the RMV
and MBTA offices for IDs and T passes, Lilac Ct.’s volunteer efforts,
Muzzey St.’s Team Quinn supporting Pancreatic Cancer Research,
Stoughton’s Boot Camp, and many more!
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The TILL Day Program Cultural Festival was held at the Courtyard
Marriot in Billerica. A festive crowd of 240 people gathered to
enjoy an incredible selection of foods from all over the world at
the International Pot Luck Buffet and musical performances by the
Watertown Day Program Chorus and John Stevens. Continuing a
new tradition, Allison Reardon and Evan Rockefeller read the names
of the 58 countries represented by TILL employees and several
people spoke of their countries of origin.
The top 5 Clusters were:
1st Place - Hudson, Cluster 2
3rd Place - Billerica, Cluster 1 5th Place - Billerica, Cluster 2
2nd Place - Hudson, Cluster 1
4th Place - Hudson, Cluster 3
The honor of Top Day Program went to Hudson, and the Top
TILL Central program went to Watertown.
The Most Wowable WOW award went to Watertown’s Cluster D
for their World of Watertown Art Festival.
www.tillinc.org
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Honors
he Association of Developmental Disability
Providers (ADDP) held their annual conference
on Friday, March 27, 2015. TILL nominated two
outstanding employees for recognition: Laura Hutchens, RN,
was nominated for the ADDP Health Professional Award and
John Stevens, Director of Special Projects, was nominated for
the Martini Managers Award. Both received Honorable Mention
at the Award Ceremony at the DCU Center in Worcester.
Congratulations!
In attendance were: (seated) Margaret Nabukenya, Residence
Manager; Nelly Akoto, Residential Support Professional; Mary
Nzuki,
Residence
Manager;
Dafna
President;
Disability
Providers
(ADDP)
held
theirKrouk-Gordon,
annual conference
John
Stevens,
Director
of
Special
Projects;
(standing)
James
minated two outstanding employees for recognition: Laura
Otchere, Residential Support Professional; Laura Hutchens, RN;
e ADDP Health Professional Award and John Stevens,
Fabian Ojoko, Residential Coordinator; (not pictured) Penny
ominatedRickard,
for the Director
Martini of
Managers
Award. Both received
Health Services; Marilyn Kuhn, Program
emony atManager.
the DCU Center in Worcester. Congratulations!
et
ly
nal;
fna
ens,
g)
abian
ram
nations from
its member
agencies each
year, to honor
TILL
Respite
Center
within the human services community, for their creativity,
Thestandards
TILL Respite
Center, formerly known as the Don Guanella
setting the
of excellence.
Center in Chelsea, provides short term and emergency stabilization
throughMagao,
a contractTILL
with Metro
DDS. This
summer we arefor
not only
for: Svetlana
Residential
Coordinator,
celebrating our first year of operation, but we also recognized the first
Genesis Dwomoh, Residential Support Professional,
two graduates of the program they refer to as a “stepping stone” into
Gerry Wright
Direct Service Employee Award; and TILL’s
their next journey. At a celebration which included families and friends
ator of the
Year
If selected,
exemplary
who haveAward.
been a positive
impact these
in their
lives, Sasha and Adriana
will be honored
at
the
40th
Annual
Convention
received certificates of achievement as well asand
theirExpo
own stepping
stone with a personal message to remember the effort and progress
they had made while at the Center. We
wish both Sasha and Adriana the best
th
luck in
New Hampshire recognized Stephanie Walker at the 17of
their
next
Award Celebration for her work at TILL’s Cravings Café
chapters
of
shire. Stephanie’s nomination noted that she goes above
their
life
stimulating, fun and cooperative environment in the
stories.
duals valuable life skills, while creating beautiful works of
everyone’s likes and dislikes and maintains an environment
dividual needs.
The Providers’ Council seeks nominations from its member agencies
each year, to honor deserving people and organizations within the
human services community, for their creativity, contributions, and
accomplishments, setting the standards of excellence.
TILL proudly submitted nominations for: Svetlana Magao, TILL
Residential Coordinator, for the Supervisor Award of Excellence;
Genesis Dwomoh, Residential Support Professional, from TILL’s
Arlington home for the Gerry Wright Direct Service Employee
Award; and TILL’s Living Legacy Project for the Innovator of the
Year Award. If selected, these exemplary employees and innovative
program will be honored at the 40th Annual Convention and Expo
on October 19, 2015.
Gateways Community Services
of New Hampshire recognized
Stephanie Walker at the 17th Annual
Direct Support Professional Award
Celebration for her work at TILL’s
Cravings Café and Gift Shop in
Nashua, New Hampshire. Stephanie’s
nomination noted that she goes above
and beyond to create a professional,
stimulating, fun and cooperative
environment in the Cravings’ Art
Studio, teaching individuals valuable
life skills, while creating beautiful
works of art. She takes the time to learn
about everyone’s likes and dislikes and maintains an environment
that is conducive to each person’s individual needs.
Administrative Support Day
TILL’s Administrative Support Staff stepped out in style for lunch
hosted by Dafna Krouk-Gordon. The group was surprised by a
stretch limousine waiting outside the Dedham office.
(L-R: Donna Parker, Director of Administrative Services; Carol Perkins,
Administrative Assistant; Juanita Kimble, Administrative Assistant; Rose Dion,
Receptionist; Dafna Krouk-Gordon, President; Daniel Gromet, Administrative
Assistant; Tammy Scott, Central Accounts Manager.)
www.tillinc.org
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Annual Fund Donations
We sincerely appreciate the generous donations made by our families, friends and supporters over the past year. Gifts made in memory of loved
ones, for specific purposes or programs and grants help to further TILL’s mission and provide necessary support for our innovative programs.
President’s Club
$10,000 and above
Saquish Foundation
Recruitment and Training of TILL employees
Esther Penta and Henry Penta 1999 Trust
TILL Games, 35th Anniversary
Patron
$5,000-$9,999
One America
TILL and 35th Anniversary
Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation
TILL Farm Program Instructional Greenhouse
David Van der Merwe
James and Gale Habeeb
In Honor of Lena Magazzu and
residents of 200 Lyman Street
Alma and Elliot Ring
Springboard
William Reid
TILL Games
Supporter
$100-$249
Steve and Victoria Dillon
Frederick Foppiano
In Memory of Eileen Foppiano and in Honor of Stephen Foppiano
Julian and Elsie Wierzbicki
TILL Games
Benefactor
Controlled Systems HVAC, Inc.
$1,000-$4,999
35th Anniversary, in Honor of Billy Insight Performance, Inc.
Mahoney
35th Anniversary, TILL Farm John Roberts, Jr.
Instructional Greenhouse
In Memory of Joanna Roberts
John Campbell
Phyllis and Sumner Fanger
TILL and 35th Anniversary
Springboard
The Home Depot
Marion Letvin
Jim Herscot
Springboard
TILL and 35th Anniversary
Marilyn Casanave
Gustav and Vibeke Christensen
TILL and 35th Anniversary
TILL Games, North Shore Spring Gala, Diane McCormack and Thomas Taranto
35th Anniversary
TILL Games, Watertown Day
Howard and Deborah Reef
John and Cynthia Brown
Springboard
Bernadette and Thomas O’Halloran
Sally O’Malley
Gaylen Morgan
TILL Games, Staff of Gibson and Ann Yos
Chelsea Day
Brad and Andrea Stokes
Thomas and Deborah Flannery
TILL Games
Kensington Park residence, 35th Daniel Handalian
Anniversary
Robert and Nancy Bacon
Leigh Radtke
TILL Games
Alden Rd., in honor of John Casanave
Charles and Dianne Harrow
John and Maria MacDonald
Thomas and Michelle Loftus
Forest Street, Danvers and 35th Alex Moschella, Gosselin, Moschella &
Anniversary
Kyriakidis PC
Alexander and Helen Eventov
Alexander Staniewicz
In Honor of Paul Pyatnitskiy
Malcolm and Mona Roberts
Belmont Savings Bank Foundation, Inc.
Margaret Spence
TILL Farm Program Instructional TILL Games
Greenhouse
Guy Marchmont
Santander Bank
Orazio and Frances Magazzu
TILL Games
In honor of Lena Magazzu
H.A.L.O. Foundation
Carl and Kathleen Russo
Watertown Day program
Billerica Day Hab
Joseph Gorman
Sustainer
In Honor of Billy Mahoney
$500-$999
Joe and Harriet Uretsky
In Honor of Dafna & Les’ new Carmela Bottari
grandson, Zachery
In Memory of Joseph Bottari
Andrew and Janice Krim
Dave and Susan Batson
In Honor of George Speen’s 90th Marrett Rd., TILL Games
Birthday
Matthew Gromet and Phyllis Schultz
Jean Lawlor In honor of son, Danny Gromet
In Memory of Aunt Pat
Kligerman Nicole
Sponsor
In Memory of Ida Wexler
$250-$499
Andra Hotchkiss and Gerry Marsischky
In Memory of Jonathan Brant
Francis and Teresa Vaughan
Ken and Nancy Pondelli
In Memory of Jim Cullinane, 35th TILL and 35th Anniversary
Anniversary
James McGunnigal
Irving Fisher
TILL Games
TILL Games
Thomas and Anne Larkin
Eleanor Faye
TILL Games, In Memory of Ernie Grace, Gregory and Diana Zais
Kenneth and Diane Saleski
North Shore Spring Gala
Scott and Gladys Olson
Barbara Jackins
Dorothy Katz and Harriet Uretsky
TILL Games
Ronald and Irene Pickering
Felix Balder
Anita and Joseph Milano
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Joan Mahoney and Kathleen Ferguson
David and Marianne James
Edith and Patric Barbieri
Constance and Philip Leahy
Robert and Phyllis Tobin
Paul and Sandra Palefski
Super Flash T-Shirts
Arnis Berger
Gbalee Blamo-Slopadoe
Shirley Duggan
Thomas Vancor
Dan Violi
Marsha Wilcon
Richard Williams
Katherine Zuckerman
Friend
Under $100
Donna Yaroszewski
In Memory of Anthony & Marietta Camuso, 35th Anniversary
Paul and Maria Corbosiero
In Honor of Lena Magazzu
Robert and Jean Lincoln
TILL Games, 35th Anniversary
Dominic and Agnes Padula
Harry and Donna Leigh
TILL Games, 35th Anniversary
Mary Reardon
Don Guanella Respite Center
Maureen Collins
In Honor of Joan Mahoney
Georgiy Pyatnitskiy
In Honor of Pavel
Bernard and Barbara Barrows In Honor of Steven Barrows
Russell and Deborah Welch
In Memory of Ernie Grace
Maryellen Leriche
In Memory of John Bush, for F. Wyman Burlington
Josephine Cucinotta
In Memory of Joseph Bottari
Catherine Sease
In Memory of Robert Nuzzo
Randolph Elks Lodge #2130
In Memory of Theresa G. Moore
Deborah Winnick
Springboard
Rudolph and Carol Isvak
Melanie and Edward Ranney
Andrew and Elena Previte
Norman and Nancy MacVicar
Richard and Sandra Silverman
James Kolt and Sharon Hucul
David and Sherry Ahearn
Joseph and Shirley Quirk
Isaiah Anifowose
June Bowman
John Bruno
Kathleen Ferguson
Tom Flaherty, Beacon Flaherty, LLC
Murielle Glynn
Patricia Ingalls
Nancy Masserian
Carol Meaney
Altina Moura
Virginia Newes
John Orlandella
Thomas Pilleri
Bonelys Ramirez
Marguerite Skehan
Martha Wilcon
Francis and Ruth Oleskiewicz
Ruland Sears
Edward and Catherine Simisky
In Honor of Dale Bortolotti
www.tillinc.org
Maria and Giovanni Ferraro
In Memory of Francesco Ferraro and in Honor of Lena Magazzu
Rosa and Michele Cacciola
In Memory of Francesco Ferraro and in Honor of Lena Magazzu
Lloyd and Lisa Bishop
Joanna Chicko
In Honor of Cindy Anderson and Gina Shulimson of ETC
Joan and Stuart Forman
In Honor of Robert Tobin’s 80th Birthday
Bernard and Yana Shapiro
In Memory of Bruce Levine Stephen and Susan Niemi
In Memory of Ernie Grace
Jean Pierce
In Memory of Robert Nuzzo
Cynthia Yeager
In Memory of Robert Nuzzo
John and Jennifer McGilvray
TILL Games
Martin and Joan Taubman
TILL Games
Patricia Soriano-Lapon
TILL Games
Louise and David Polk
John and Judith Froio
Jan Tobin Lawrence Bartlett
Eric and Maria Gordinier
Donald and Marilyn Garand
Zelia and Paulo Chaves
Paul and Stephen Leclaire
Elizabeth and Vicki Haley
Shawnda Aimuanwosa
Michelle Cannon
Sharon Cloutier
Joan Engler
Donald Guarnotta
Sandra Harajovic
Lucia Hughes
Jette Meglan
Ruby Perry
Mennel Phillips
Gordon Reid
Judy Rounds
Sharon Slapik
Phong Tran
Pauline Destramp
In Memory of John Bush, for F. Wyman Burlington
Raymond and Jenny Shih
Patrick Banks
John Gajda
Howard Yanoff
In Memory of father, Sidney Yanoff
Dorothy Butler
In Honor of Derrell Butler
Anne Halidy
In Honor of Derrell Butler
David and Mimi Rice
Richard Goldberg
Joseph and Ruth Curran
Nora Bogot
In Memory of Cheryl Beaulieu
Peter and Carol Foley
Brian and Gloria Boucher
Richard and Victoria Golen
Sheila and Wayne Laferriere
Francis Provencher Insurance Agency, Inc.
Geary & Geary, LLP
Law Office of Kevin S. Sullivan, LLC
Lucille Parent
Above and Beyond
TILL’s Professional Development Committee awards a Certificate of Appreciation each month to employees who have gone that
extra step in the performance of their duties. Certificates are proudly displayed at TILL’s administrative office. Send us your story of
someone who has gone Above and Beyond so we can share their story with everyone.
TILL recognizes the following employees with thanks for all of their efforts:
Alisa Hamilton, Residential Support Professional, Marrett Road,
Jason Bassilakis, Clinician, Strattus @ TILL Mental Health
Lexington
Services
Andrea Quintyne, Relief
John Connolly, Human Resources Manager, Human Resources
Aquila Williams, Residential Support Professional, Elm Lawn
Department
Street, Dorchester
Joyce Fombah, Relief
Bashirat Shittu, Residential Support Professional, Elm Lawn Street,
Juanita Kimble Administrative Assistant
Dorchester
Katie Follett, Senior Day Support Professional, Hudson Day
Benelhaj Himmy, Day Support Professional, Chelsea Day Hab,
Habilitation Program
Chelsea
Larry Bird, Residential Coordinator, Residential Services
Casey Simpson, Residence Manager, Marrett Road, Lexington
Lucy Wamichwe, Relief
Chinaza Okparaoko, Site Supervisor, TILL Central Chelsea
Mary Kigotho, Relief
Clearsens Louis-Jeune, Relief
Noemi Castro, Residential Support Professional, Chelsea Respite,
Cynthia Barnes, Artisan, ETC Hyde Park
Chelsea
Dale Belcher, Springboard Manager
Shawayna Santos, Residential Support Professional, Gibson
Daniel Gromet, Administrative Assistant
Avenue, Dedham
Flor Poueriet, Residential Coordinator
The Staff of the Andover Street Danvers Residence
SMILE
Genesis Dwomoh, Residential
Support Professional, Kensington
Thien Simpson, Residential Support Professional - Night, Gibson
Park, Arlington
Dedham
Amazon Smile allows customers toAvenue,
select
their favorite nonprofit to receive a
Gina Shulimson, ETC Manager, ETC Hyde Park
donation
cost to the customer. Simply pick Toward Independent Living and Learning and Ama
purchase to TILL. Thank you!
SMILE
Amazon Smile allows customers to select their favorite nonprofit to receive a donation
each time they shop at no cost to the customer. Simply pick Toward Independent Living
and Learning and Amazon donates 0.5% of your purchase to TILL. Thank you!
Donations continued...
Celebrating Dedication
In Memory of John O’Malley
Robert Sarno and Walter Donovan
McDonald’s Corporation - Comm. Group
McDonald’s Corporation - IP/Marketing
Group
Lisa Kistler
Marjorie Neylon
Sandra Wall
Raven Moore
Justin Ransom
Julie Arizzi
Michael Hillsman
Susan Leonard
Stanley Nyberg
Claudette Pennesi
Eric Carlson
TILL is proud of attracting and retaining talented employees to
provide consistent quality services. In 2015, TILL has grown to over
1000 employees strong with many achieving significant milestones
in longevity.
In Memory of Dorothy Dolan
Kenneth and Jennie Ryan
Edward and Kathleen Glynn
Dana and Sheri Pascarella
Dorothy Merola
Philip and Carol Gouthro
Carol and Fred Cheney
Patricia Quintero
Mark and Margaret Varkas
Donna and Paul Chisholm
Lee Anne and Stephen Gouthro
John and Zoe Rigas
Stephen Garfield
Courtney Gouthro
Vincent Machnig
Jean Hermitage
Robert and Barbara Shalline
Robert and Deborah Nicholson
Kristina and Frank Federico
James and Mary Shea
John and Teresa Dolan
Celebrating 35+ years – Our Founder
30+ years – 4 Employees
25+ years – 7 Employees
20+ years – 11 Employees
15+ years – 35 Employees
10+ years – 72 Employees
5+ years - 215 Employees
In Memory of Elinor Corbin
Gregory Peterson
Robert Schaejbe
Margaret Callahan
Susan and James Martin
Martha and Donald Roberts
Raymond and Nancy Santilli
Gloria and Donald Doherty
Judith Scarpelli
www.tillinc.org
11
Social Club gives members great opportunities to meet new people and try new experiences. In
oard Travel Club members visited Rome and surrounding cities in Italy as part of their Eight
t Travel curriculum.
TILL sites
Springboard
Travel
Club
in Forum
Italy
g the spectacular
and museums in Rome
including the
Coliseum,
and Pantheon, the
e Florence for a full day including a lesson in Tuscan cooking!
TILL’s Springboard Social Club gives members great opportunities
In addition to touring the spectacular sites and museums in Rome
rd Manager
Dale Belcher and Group Leader Sherri Shafman for making
this a trip a glowing
to meet new people and try new experiences. In November,
including the Coliseum, Forum and Pantheon, the group took a
Springboard Travel Club members visited Rome and surrounding
cities in Italy as part of their Eight Steps to Independent Travel
curriculum.
train to Florence for a full day, which included a lesson in Tuscan
cooking! Grazie to Springboard Manager Dale Belcher and Group
Leader Sherri Shafman for making this a trip a glowing success.
TILL’s Living Legacy Project Grows
TILL’s Living Legacy Project seeks to harness the power of personal
stories to cultivate and enrich empathic connections between
people. The second phase of our Living Legacy Project will place the
tools and training directly in the hands of the Brookline residents
supported by TILL to create their own Living Legacy.
The Living Legacy Project provides individuals and families the
opportunity to document the stories of their lives, and share these
stories with service providers, family members and members of the
greater community as appropriate.
As the enthusiasm for TILL’s Living Legacy Project led to this second
phase of the project, we anticipate these stories to inspire others
within our agency to request to participate, and further promote the
impact of oral histories on our perceptions and expectations of the
people we support.
Remembering Friends
A life that touches others goes on forever.
12
Charles Patrolia
Cathi Stoddard
John O’Malley
Robert Nuzzo
Madelyn Geary
Robert Pishkin
Marion Seppa
Ronald White
Joyce Metzger
Arline Sears
www.tillinc.org