Fall 2012 Newsletter - Unity House of Cayuga County
Transcription
Fall 2012 Newsletter - Unity House of Cayuga County
TY NES HO F CA G YU A CO T UN Y I . NC M -E PO ING . SECUR INTEGRITY FUTURES. • FA L L RES PE CT 201 2 A Little Healthy Competition Last winter, the agency’s Wellness Committee was knocking around creative ideas about how to get Unity House employees engaged in exercise and healthy living. One suggestion hit fertile ground and took root. After months of planning, Unity House sponsored its first “Corporate Challenge” on September 27 with great success. UN IT Y HO U SE O NEWSLETTER VES G LI N I R WE • The event was modeled loosely on a similar competition held annually in Syracuse. The JPMorgan Chase & Co. Corporate Challenge Series is a world-wide series of 3.5-mile (5.6-km) running events open to groups of employees from organizations within the business and public sectors. The event took place on June 19, and Unity House had 18 competitors. Even though the temperature soared to 92, the Unity House team participated like champions and had a great time! Buoyed by the excellent turnout and interest, the Wellness Committee was inspired to create its own event. Planning committee member Amber Amidon shared how it came about: “We pulled together a committee of five to organize a fun, team-building, moraleboosting challenge. It seemed we needed a break from work and to have fun competition and bonding. The committee picked September hoping the weather would Lives. Securing Futures. hold, and we had aEmpowering perfect day.” The first Unity House Corporate Challenge took place at the Throop Fire Hall, and included four events – a one-mile relay race, a tug-of-war competition, an obstacle course, and a Minute-To-Win-It contest – plus a chili cook-off. Ten brave teams of four enrolled, and the afternoon unfolded with much laughter and goodnatured rivalry. About 60 people were present to cheer on their teammates and co-workers. Chili judges Paul Joslyn and Sue Morley had the tastiest job, and after the challenge was over, everyone enjoyed a yummy hot meal together, trying out ten different types of chili, home-made corn bread, and cold drinks. “This was a good opportunity for the agency to come together, to collaborate as teams, and to see others from sites they may not otherwise get to see often,” said planning committee member Sue Mikowski. “The feedback has been tremendous, and I can see this becoming an annual event.” THE COMMITTEE Amber Amidon James Beaumont Sue Mikowski Melissa Schwartz Mary Simpson THE WINNERS Obstacle Course: The Team That Just Beat You Relay Race: Corporate Crush Tug-of-War: The Team That Just Beat You Minute-To-Win-It: Dunkin’ Dave & the Girls Chili Cook-Off Competition: The Team That Just Beat You THE COMPETITORS The Big Show: Matt Cranson, Doreen Wagner, Elspeth Peterson, Gloria Duncan The Deviants: Chris Lepak, Vanessa Gibson, Tamara Searing, Allie MacPherson Corporate Crush: Kim Dagnesi, Jon Lamanna, Cyndi Demaria, Tiffanie McLean The Team That Just Beat You: James Beaumont, Dan Lancaster, Lynn Pendergast, Rich Carver Dunkin’ Dave & the Girls: Michelle Overstreet, Chris Shepardson, Dave Lupo, Donna Reeves Genghis Cons: Loraine Gianfrate, Aaron O’Donnell, Kelly Buck, Liz Smith Werner Syracuse Silent Assassins: Tom Hughes, Adam Santana, Audrey Allen, Katie Daniels Cuatro Fabuloso: Gary Fellows, Amy Sargent, Mary Jo Norfolk, Ray Blank Organized Chaos: Mindy Trufant, Joe Gioia, Kate Speckin, Nikoal Kijowski The Fab 4: Rachel Polmanteer, Pam Church, Melissa Dello Stritto, Melanie Maloney 34 WRIGHT AVENUE • AUBURN, NEW YORK 13021 • WWW.UNITYHOUSE.COM Executive Director’s P E R S P E C T I V E Spirit is published three times a year by Unity House of Cayuga County, Inc. 34 Wright Avenue, Suite C Auburn, NY 13021 www.unityhouse.com Editor Kelly D. Buck Director of Marketing & Development 315.253.6227 x 313 [email protected] Design/Printing The FLP Group 301 Clark Street Auburn, NY 13021 315.252.7583 To be added to the Spirit e-mail list, please call 315.253.6227 x 313 or e-mail [email protected]. Learn more about Unity House’s services and how you can support Unity House at www.unityhouse.com. Board of Directors PRESIDENT Anthony DeCaro City of Auburn VICE PRESIDENT Betsy Sterling Attorney at Law SECRETARY Jeannette Baird Early Childhood Center TREASURER Karen Quest New York Chiropractic College Members-At-Large Carolyn Bresee Bradley Chapman David Corey, Jr. Andrew Cuddy Douglas Hart Kenneth Knight Karen Merritt Cynthia Mott Christopher Sweet James Vivenzio Cindy Wilcox 2 It’s hard for me to grasp that we are coming to the end of our three-year strategic plan! We made a good call in 2009 when we decided to create a three-year plan (instead of five years) because things are changing so rapidly in our industry. Unity House’s 2010-2012 Strategic Plan was full of vitality, the seven element committees were the most productive ever, and it is phenomenal what we have accomplished in such a short period of time! We now have a Consumer Advisory Panel that adds to our ability to secure feedback from those we serve. Our technology is finally organized and about where we need it to be, and we have new systems in place to monitor our software and hardware inventory and help desk needs. Our fiscal health is vibrant, and I can honestly say we have done a bang up job on fundraising and grant writing, enjoying a 72% success rate in grant awards over the past three years. The Staffing Committee has engaged Gwen Webber-McLeod to develop mentoring and leadership curriculum for our directors and managers, and the Volunteerism group has made significant progress in establishing a volunteer mechanism to assist our departments and enhance the experience of our consumers. The Infrastructure Committee sponsored several site beautification/gardening days, and recently unveiled new software that will allow us to manage the agency’s large vehicle fleet online. Our Wellness Committee is an award-winning, well-oiled machine that just completed its third biometric testing event, and successfully planned and implemented our first Corporate Challenge. I must say – the Corporate Challenge event was so much more than I expected it would be. Everything about it was spectacular! To see so many staff have so much fun, laughing and engaging in a competitive spirit, was a real joy. I hope this is something we will continue each year, and perhaps open up to like-minded agencies as well. We’ve been in business now for 35 years, and I’ve worked for the agency for the last 18 of those years. I am inspired to say – what a great place this is! Seeing Unity House employees enjoying themselves outside of work made me think back on my time with the agency. We’ve been in business now for 35 years, and I’ve worked for the agency for the last 18 of those years. I am inspired to say – what a great place this is! It’s been my whole career. I’ve been allowed to grow up here, to make mistakes, to be a parent with small children, to develop professionally, to lead this agency. My predecessors made it easy to work here and I plan to continue that legacy. My two greatest desires for Unity House are to provide the best possible services to our consumers, and to create an environment where people love coming to work. These are the two things that matter the most to me, and are where all my efforts and energy are focused. I am really looking forward to the planning and implementation of the 2013-2015 strategic plan, and remain hopeful and optimistic about the opportunities that are on the horizon for Unity House and the continued excellent work that everyone does here. www.unityhouse.com • Unity House of Cayuga County Inc. Outstanding LEADERSHIP OPT-IN FOR Unity House has a new board president. Anthony DeCaro, chief operator of the City of Auburn’s water plant, has been named president of the Unity House board of directors. He began his new duties in late April. DeCaro will serve a one-year term with possibility of re-election next spring. Electronic News! Unity House is trying to grow its e-mail list so we can share the agency’s good news electronically. “Anthony is extremely dedicated to the agency and, as the parent of a child with a disability, is deeply interested in the services and programming we provide,” said Executive Director Liz Smith Werner. Auburn native Anthony DeCaro first became aware of Unity House when his son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome many years ago; he was assisted by Unity Employment Services in Auburn in gaining job skills. DeCaro has served on the Unity House board since 2005. “Unity House fulfills an urgent need in our community,” says DeCaro. “A lot of people turn a blind eye to our special needs population. I want to continue to move the agency forward in fulfilling its mission by providing services with the most effective use of our resources, and by expanding awareness in our area. It is my hope that Unity House can be seen doing what we do so well out in the community, and no longer be a ‘well-kept secret’.” DeCaro holds an A.A.S. degree from Cayuga Community College in elementary education, and a B.A. in political science/government from SUNY-Fredonia. He spent time student teaching at SUNY-Oswego, and then completed his master’s in public administration at Syracuse University. He holds a number of certifications in his field, including community mediation and conflict resolution, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security WMD Incident Command training. He is a 1993 Leadership Cayuga graduate, and served on the Cornell Cooperative Extension board for two terms, culminating in four years as president. DeCaro is also past president of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA Region V), and is a member of the Auburn Human Rights Committee. Shawna Underwood, Kimberly Morsdorf, and Katie Beyor show off the tie-dyed t-shirts they made at Camp Casowasco in August Please “opt-in” by e-mailing [email protected] and help us save trees and money. Our printed publications are also available for viewing and download online anytime at www.unityhouse.com/news-press.html. Thank you! A COMMUNITY Leader Unity House’s Director of Marketing and Development Kelly Buck has been recognized with the 2012 Community Leadership Award. Presented by the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce, the award is given annually to a graduate of Leadership Cayuga who has exhibited leadership qualities, demonstrated devotion to the community, and made a positive impact on the quality of life of its citizens. The award was presented on September 27 at the new Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. Kelly is a member of the Leadership Cayuga class of 2005. Prior to working at Unity House, Kelly was the director of publications and media relations at Wells College. She is a board member of the Cayuga County Chamber, sits on its Advocacy Committee, and chairs the Chamber’s Annual Dinner and Phyllis Goldman Award committees. She is an active member of the Ithaca Rotary Club, serving as their board PR chair. She is also involved with the Finger Lakes Ski Club and the Aurora Book Lovers’ Ball. Kelly holds an A.A.S. degree in hotel and restaurant management from Paul Smith’s College, and a B.S. in corporate communication from Ithaca College. She joined the Unity House team in 2009. • Unity • House www.unityhouse.com of Cayuga CountyCounty Inc. Inc. www.unityhouse.com Unity House of Cayuga 3 In Memoriam - B I L L Unity House lost a long-time friend and advocate this summer when Bill Conklin passed away on August 25. Bill sat on the agency’s Tompkins County Advisory Board for more than a decade. He was a resident of the Hector Street IRA along with his wife of 20 years, Sue. As Program Manager Renee Post explains: “Bill was the man! He was the man of the house here at Hector Street, and all the consumers looked up to him. He took his responsibilities on the advisory board very seriously and he was present at almost every meeting. Bill is surely missed here at Hector Street. Thank you for the opportunity to talk about our Mr. Bill.” The FUNDfor CONKLIN Recycle for UNITY HOUSE Bill and Sue Conklin, along with staff member Amberlynn Beavers, enjoy the agency’s 2012 annual dinner in April. Fingerlakes Community Recycling Center, located at 393 Grant Avenue Road in Auburn (across from Pizza Hut on the east end), will collect cans and bottles year-round on behalf of the agency. Drop off your returnables, tell them your load is for Unity House, and the center will send a quarterly check to the agency. It’s that simple! The Fund for Unity House is an annual initiative that solicits financial gifts from loyal friends and donors on a yearly basis to support, in part, the general operations of the agency. Help Unity House empower and enrich the lives of people in recovery, with a mental health illness, or with developmental disabilities. Your annual unrestricted gift to The Fund for Unity House has a direct impact on their quality of life. Unity House’s fund year ends December 31. Credit card gifts may now be made online: www.unityhouse.com/supporter.html Thank you for your support. Our 1000th Client! GRACE House celebrated a milestone in September – welcoming Thomas Knight of Ithaca as its 1,000 client. Founded in 1994, GRACE House (Growing Recovery in A Caring Environment) assists those in recovery from alcohol and chemical dependency to learn new living skills and become productive members of society. Thomas Knight with new GRACE House Director Pam O’Conner. Thomas hopes to go back to community college at TC-3 in Dryden. 4 Thomas is working through a 4-6 month recovery program, and will likely transition into GRACE House’s supportive living apartments for another six months before rejoining society. During his time at GRACE House, Thomas will concentrate on work readiness, specifically masonry and restaurant kitchen work. He is also focused on his treatment for his addiction and volunteers for community non-profit agencies. His ultimate goals are to land a job before leaving the program, and start paying off his student loans. Amazing PEOPLE Assistant Director of Residential Services in Ithaca Aaron Brozon recently competed in “The 90 Miler” endurance canoe race in the Adirondacks, paddling from Old Forge to Saranac Lake. Aaron tells the story: Unity House employs some pretty incredible staff whose efforts inside and outside of the agency are worth sharing and cheering According to Assistant Program Director Ann Matheson, Zylina Ostrander’s job as a residence counselor floater is very difficult. “This was the first year my wife Chris and I completed the Adirondack Canoe Classic or ‘The 90 Miler.’ We first started canoeing five years ago for Auburn’s Great Race. We noticed that there were not a lot of couples or mixed teams that canoed – it was mostly men. We admired one of the few couples, Bill and Kelli Morgan, who set a standard of performance since they were experienced paddlers with many titles and victories under their belt. Over time, we became friends and they introduced us to the ADK 90 Miler. “Her schedule changes every single week, and she works days, evenings and overnights,” said Ann. “Zylina works the most difficult shifts to fill: holidays, vacations, and weekends. She never complains and always comes to work with a smile on her face. The consumers love her and the managers depend on her. She is full of energy, has a wonderful working relationship with all the staff and consumers, and she fills in wherever she is needed.” The Adirondack Classic is an endurance canoe race over three days. The first day is 35 miles, the second leg is 30, and the last day is 25 miles. Last year, the Morgans really pushed for us to participate with them. One concern I had, since I am diabetic, was using an insulin pump in the canoe. I was worried about the possibility of dumping the canoe and having a real medical headache on my hands. After discussions with my wife and physician, I took the chance and kept my fingers crossed that we wouldn’t tip over – fortunately we didn’t. Over the past few months, Zylina has cross-trained at a few additional sites so she can be called upon to provide coverage for employees with planned medical leave and vacations, and so she can fill in during staffing transitions. “When there is a staffing need, I can rely on Zylina,” continues Ann. “She always has our consumers’ best interests in mind, and you can see by her dedication and hard work that she truly loves her job. She has really stepped up when she was needed, and continually goes above and beyond what is expected of her. I wish we could clone her!” C O N S U M E R The 90 Miler might be the best endurance event I have ever participated in. It was competitive but just a lot of fun too. It was also my first time to the Adirondacks, so the views and scenery were outstanding. We were naive in our expectations as to how each day would start, the conditions of the water, where to portage, and what would come next. We relied on the Morgans to handle all the race preparations – we just showed up and canoed. S U C C E S S Mike Weyher It took us 5:48:13 to complete 35 miles on day one and we were beat. The second day was a little more challenging as we battled two-foot waves through Long Lake. We then had to contend with rain and wind, but we pushed through, completing 30 miles in 5:06:50. Day 3 had good conditions, and we finished the last 25 mile leg in 3:23:41. There were 17 canoes in our class, and we came in 6th place! We were very pleased with our results and we had an amazing experience.” Join Our Team! Seeking meaningful employment with competitive salary and excellent benefits? Join our team! Unity House is looking for caring individuals who are interested in working with those with mental health illnesses, developmental disabilities, and/or chemical dependencies. A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Unity House partners with these individuals to develop their personal skills and potential, enabling them to live more full and independent lives. Mike Weyher of the West Green Street IRA in Ithaca received an Honorable Mention for his artwork “Me with Dukes of Hazard.” Mike submitted his drawing to ARISE in Syracuse for publication consideration in their annual UNIQUE Magazine. While his piece was not selected, the managing editor said “Your sketch makes me smile.” www.unityhouse.com View our current job listings and complete an online application at: www.unityhouse.com/employment/employment.asp • Unity House of Cayuga County Inc. 5 C I N DY G I B S O N Memorial Emergency Fund When Independent Housing Senior Counselor Cindy Gibson passed away unexpectedly this spring, colleagues and friends mourned her loss and sought meaningful ways to keep her memory alive. Cindy was a staunch supporter of consumer rights, and made a real difference in the lives of the people she served. She worked at Unity House for almost 20 years, and was one of the strongest advocates for people with disabilities at the agency. Now, friends at Peer’s PLACE (People Learning And Celebrating Everything) have established the Cindy Gibson Emergency Fund. Peer’s PLACE, a program where adults with mental illness can learn from and support each other on their road to recovery, is located at the Cayuga County Community Mental Health Center and is similar to Unity House’s Drop-In Center. The two organizations share many of the same resources. Kerrie Catalino-Carranti, a social work assistant at Peer’s PLACE, explains how the fund came about: “When the members of Peer’s PLACE heard of Cindy’s passing, they wanted to do something in her memory, so we decided to take up a collection in her name. One of our peer advocates made collection jars with Cindy’s picture on them, and we collected $105 over the summer. Beth Tracy, Shari Porter, George Jones, and I met with Liz, and talked about our memories of Cindy and the impact she had on the community. We brought up the idea of continuing an emergency fund in Cindy’s name and everyone readily agreed. I’ve spoken with the members of Peer’s PLACE and received an enthusiastic response to the idea of an annual fundraising event in collaboration with the Unity House Drop-In Center. We are excited to keep this going in Cindy’s honor!” Donations to the Cindy Gibson Emergency Fund may be made by calling Kerrie Catalino-Carranti at 315-253-1065, mailing a check made payable to Unity House to 34 Wright Avenue, Auburn, NY 13021, or online at www.unityhouse.com/supporter. A.J. MAKES A DIFFERENCE DAY On June 13, Unity House was the grateful beneficiary of some unique volunteer work. Eight 6th graders from A.J. Smith Elementary School in Union Springs and two chaperones walked to Unity House’s group home on Oak Drive to help plant perennials and flower pots. Unity House is the grateful recipient of funding from these sources: Allyn Foundation - $11,550 This generous grant allows Unity House to upgrade a range of agency-wide computer hardware and software, specifically: a software package to manage the agency’s fleet of 31 vehicles at 16 different sites; a server to deploy mandated NYS Department of Labor Employment Services System (NYESS) software; hardware to update and/or replace several aging desktop computers; and a server to share human resources applications between multiple locations. Part of “A.J. Makes A Difference Day,” all 6th graders ventured out into the community to help others. Among the other locations benefiting from their volunteer work that day were the Seward House, the Women’s Hall of Fame, Auburn Nursing Home, and the Finger Lakes Center for Living. Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library - $640 With these funds, our Ithaca day habilitation program purchased a number of DVDs that focus on people with developmental disabilities and/or on how this population successfully overcomes adversity. These films vary from documentaries to mainstream Hollywood movies, and topics range from people with disabilities having children to various treatments that work (or don’t work) to how abuse can happen because these folks cannot or do not speak up for themselves. Legacy Foundation of Ithaca - $1,000 Unity House received funding to purchase screen/storm doors for its apartment complex in Dryden. The Dryden apartment program manages ten units with 16 residences. Installing new screen/storm doors on the exterior improves the welcoming appearance of each apartment as well as the overall aesthetic of the complex itself, while keeping the safety of the existing steel fire doors intact. Students Hannah Bedell, Cameron Bishop, Jonathan Bower, Sierra Clark, Greg Grant, Ashleigh Hinman, Hannah Shaw, and Megan Thurston help Unity House’s Director of Maintenance Gary Fellows prepare Oak Drive’s gardens for summer. 6 www.unityhouse.com • Unity House of Cayuga County Inc. Leading GRACE House We All Come T OG E T H E R Pam O’Conner has been named director of GRACE House, the agency’s substance abuse recovery unit. Pam began her new duties on October 3. She replaces Michele Leonello, who left Unity House in August to pursue opportunities in Florida. Isn’t it great when an employee shows initiative? Just over a year ago, Assistant Manager James Beaumont saw a real need at Ithaca Day Hab and created a new self-advocacy group for our consumers. “At my last job, I experienced first-hand how such an advocacy group empowers individuals with disabilities,” said James. “It really encourages people to step up and speak out about the level of care they receive and take an active role in making positive changes. It is also amazing to see that these advocates are such a driving force, steering the group’s focus onto topics that they find important and relevant to their lives.” “During this staffing transition, I’ve been impressed with Pam’s initiative and resourcefulness,” said Executive Director Liz Smith Werner. “She’s stepped up to the plate and ensured that GRACE House has operated smoothly. She is full of ideas that lend well to continuous program improvement, and is invigorated by the prospect of being able to function in a more strategic role at the agency.” Unity House’s self-advocacy group, now known as We All Come Together (WACT), has been growing since its inception. Now boasting 15 members, the group has had elections, voted on a name, and worked on community projects. Pam has worked for Unity House for eight years. She began in 2004 as a relief counselor, and in 2005, became a full-time senior counselor for GRACE House’s supportive living program. She was promoted to GRACE House manager in 2007. While in that position, Pam earned her Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification. James continues: “We have collaborated with the Self Advocacy Association of New York State, the Finger Lakes Independence Center, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. As part of Unity House’s strategic plan, WACT has worked with various agency directors on creating a Consumer Advisory Panel to give feedback about the services that Unity House provides. The group’s advocating has also led to getting an automatic door for the day program and more transportation options in Tompkins County.” “In the eight years I’ve been with Unity House, I’ve seen a significant change in the clients we serve and the dynamics of working with this population,” said Pam. “I am ecstatic to now be in a place to work differently with the clients and have the ability to help them turn their lives around.” We All Come Together was recently successful in getting a grant from the Friends of the Tompkins County Library to buy movies with a selfadvocacy theme; these films depict people overcoming adversity and give true accounts of people living with disabilities. It is James’ intention to use these DVDs to foster communication among and between consumers in the group, and help correct misconceptions about people with disabilities. It’s Easy to Give to Unity House Your donations have changed the lives of people with disabilities. Credit card gifts may now be made securely online: www.unityhouse.com/supporter.html Thank you for your caring and support. www.unityhouse.com We All Come Together officers: President David Andrews, Vice President Chris Thomas, Treasurer Susan Shay, and Secretary Jim Severino • Unity House of Cayuga County Inc. 7 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID 34 Wright Avenue Auburn, New York 13021 AUBURN, NY 13021 PERMIT NO. 128 THE WEEDSPORT Lollipop Connection In need of a sweet treat to get you through the afternoon? Look no further than Unity House’s lollipop boxes, found at a number of businesses around Auburn. For only a quarter, you can enjoy a yummy confection while assisting a Unity House consumer! According to Unity Employment Services Coordinator Tiffanie McLean, Unity House has “five consumers who do lollipop routes; some of them have had their routes for more than 10 years. They put out their boxes at various businesses in or just outside of the city. The consumers travel to the businesses each week to replenish the lollipops and collect the money. Each goes to six businesses and collects between $50 and $70 a week. At 25 cents each, that’s pretty good!” Proceeds replenish the lollipops and pay the consumers a wage. In the early days, the UES consumers converted shoe boxes into lollipop dispensers, complete with the Unity House logo. Not anymore. Former UES job coach Matt Lipiska also happened to coach basketball with Sal DiSanza, the Weedsport High School shop teacher, and a great idea was born. Mr. DiSanza decided to make his students’ final class project the development and construction of new lollipop boxes for UES. Matt spoke with the class about some of the disabilities that consumers have and how it can cause barriers to their work. “Matt explained what Unity House does and how consumers with weak fine motor skills sometimes have a hard time replenishing the lollipops,” continues Tiffanie. “We reviewed the students’ plans and picked the one best suited to our needs. The students then spent several weeks constructing the boxes and painting them with Unity House colors.” In late April, the school delivered 33 lollipop boxes to UES, and the consumers wasted no time filling them and placing them around town. Tiffanie concludes: “We are very appreciative of Weedsport School and their hard work. The consumers love the new lollipop boxes. They are obviously a big hit in the community as well because our sales have increased significantly!” UES consumer Lisa Jupin models the new lollipop boxes Buy Your Lollipops Here: Auburn Poultry Aversa Agency Cases Unlimited Cayuga Vet Services CNY DSO Custom Cleaners Donovan-Luska Downtown Deli EmComm Empire Hardware Fashion Bug Friendly Lock Hairlooms Hair Studio Haun Welding Mark’s Pizzeria Mickey’s Collision Nationwide Insurance New York Pizzeria Oakwood Service Center O’Hara Machinery O’Hara Power Equipment Owasco School Pet Depot Reister’s RJ Jewelers Seward School Stott and Davis The Citizen The Printery