Amazing Kids Magazine - Summer 2008

Transcription

amazingkids
A publication of The Children’s Institute
CABLE Classroom
Anything but Ordinary
Rites of Passage
Graduation and
Spring Formal
Amazing Parents
Adopting Older Children
School’s Out
C EL EBRAT ION I S S U E
SUMMER 2008
contents
milestogo
SUMMER2008
Feature stories:
E
very season has its events and traditions. While
they’re meaningful for adults, their impact is
magnified for children.
For instance, at this time of year it’s a tradition
for adults to return from vacation, and, with batteries
recharged, dive back into work. But late summer is even
more significant for kids because entering a new grade is
a real rite of passage, with knowledge, skills and maturity
to be gained.
2
6
12
CABLE CLASSROOM
RITES OF PASSAGE
The CABLE (Cognitive and
Behavioral Learning Environment)
classroom helps inpatients keep
up with their studies during their
stay at The Hospital at The
Children’s Institute. Lessons
tailored to each inpatient’s
rehabilitation schedule ensure
that every child gets the personal
instruction he deserves.
Like students at other schools,
students of The Day School at The
Children’s Institute enjoy many of
the traditional rites of passage
that celebrate their journeys
through life. Take a look back at
the spring formal and graduation
ceremony that closed the 2008
school year.
A CONVERSATION WITH
SOME AMAZING PARENTS
Amazing Kids sat down for a
conversation with three remarkable Project STAR families. Learn
about the challenges and joys
these parents faced as they
opened their hearts and homes to
amazing older children and teens.
Psychologists say that rites of passage, major and minor,
are important in the healthy development of young
people. At The Children’s Institute, we always try to
remember that. While we work hard to help the kids in
our care deal with whatever clinical challenges they face,
we’re mindful that our focus must always be the child,
not just the challenges.
You’ll also read about our focus on the adoption of older
children. Sometimes people ask why we seek families
for kids as old as 16 and 17 when they’ll be legal adults at
18. One reason is that young adults still have many rites
of passage ahead of them: graduations, first career steps,
marriage and more. We think it’s crucial that every young
person have a family to share those important life steps.
We have the great privilege of serving children and
young people at some of the most important times of
their lives. We are proud to support them as they move
through their rites of passage, which we truly consider
“rights” of passage.
We thank you for your continuing support along the way.
Sincerely,
What does that mean in practical terms? Here are two
quick examples.
At The Day School, we hold two annual events you’ll see
highlighted in these pages: spring formal and graduation. Those are significant rites of passage, and we pour
our hearts into them. The looks on the faces of our kids
and their families tell us how meaningful and memorable
these events are.
David K. Miles
President and CEO
And more:
16
WAITING CHILDREN
PROFILES
20
THANK YOU
24
17
DONOR PROFILES
21
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
26 WHAT’S NEW
Amazing Kids online.
19
NEWSBRIEFS
22
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
ON THE COVER
Brittany Feil dressed and
ready for The Day School’s
spring formal.
AMAZING WISHLIST
page 1
amazing kids magazine
academics plus therapies
=success
The one-room schoolhouse where a teacher helps students of
varying ages master the full range of academic subjects is an
old-fashioned American icon. But, optimized for the twentyﬁrst century, it’s also a reality at The Children’s Institute.
The CABLE (Cognitive and Behavioral Learning
Environment) classroom on the third floor of the Wilkins
Building is a cheerful space loaded with books,
computers, adaptive equipment, a whiteboard and other
educational materials. It’s where young inpatients, from
preschool through age 21, work to keep up with their
studies. In some cases, like in the event of brain injuries,
students actually discover new ways of learning.
Jennifer Benger, PhD, director of the Psychology
Department and CABLE, says, “The CABLE classroom
is an education setting that’s extremely individualized
to each student’s needs.”
Logan McMaster keeps up with
schoolwork in the CABLE
classroom during his stay in The
Hospital at The Children’s Institute.
Logan graduated from Ligonier
Valley High School on May 29.
Led by Dr. Benger, the experienced team includes
certified special education teacher Josh Mason;
teacher’s aide Lisa Paglia and Lu Taleb, a Pittsburgh
Public Schools teacher.
page 2
page 3
CREATIVE APPROACHES — REAL PROGRESS
The CABLE schedule is not like that of a standard school
because the students are hospital inpatients and their
primary goal is rehabilitation treatment. Dr. Benger
says, “The academics are slotted into the daily program
whenever there’s space in the treatment and therapy
schedule. It could be up to two hours a day, or 30 minutes
several times a week.”
When a student arrives at The Children’s Institute as an
inpatient, the CABLE and Patient Management staffs
communicate closely with the student’s home school
district. “We have ‘scope and sequence’ discussions,
mapping out what we can provide over the period of the
student’s admission,” says Josh Mason.
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An unusual addition not found in a typical classroom is
Pete, a certified therapy dog. A 95-pound bull mastiff,
Pete is a gentle giant, and, says Josh Mason, “the most
good-tempered, well-behaved dog ever.”
Pete plays a significant role with many students. Some
children are reluctant to read aloud, but they’ll happily
read to Pete, who listens attentively. Sometimes students
find it painful to practice walking, but they’ll gladly
take Pete for a stroll along the hospital’s corridors.
Pete can help with psychological issues too. Dr. Benger
says that, for example, if a child is fearful about returning
to his or her school, the staff might say, “Pete’s a little
scared about that, too. What do you think might help
him?” With the focus shifted to Pete, the child will begin
to think about useful strategies.
“We try to be creative, but we always use evidencebased approaches and best practices,” says Josh. “We
usually see real progress, even with students who are
here for only a brief stay.”
It’s a big job teaching everything from the alphabet to
high school math, but the CABLE team makes it happen.
Their teaching experience ranges from preschool to
advanced calculus and they do their own “homework”
to make sure they’re knowledgeable enough on various
subjects to be able to provide what each student needs.
page 4
The education team communicates closely with each
student’s rehabilitation treatment professionals to determine ways in which therapies can be integrated with
academics. “For example, if Occupational Therapy is
working with a student on left-hand dexterity, we might
have the student do online work using only his or her left
hand on the keyboard,” says Josh.
“We try to be
creati ve ,
but we al wa
ys use
evi den ce-bas
ed approach
es
an d best pra
cti ces...”
Through the U.S. Department of Education at Penn State,
Josh has advanced training in augmentative and alternative communication, and he works closely with speech/
language pathologists on strategies to help children with
communication needs succeed academically.
ete
time with P
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teacher Jo
and CABLE
When a student is ready to go back to his or her own
school district, intense coordination helps make their
“re-entry” smooth. Dr. Benger says, “Sometimes the
whole team will do a site assessment and conference for
the school staff. For instance, if a child has a brain
injury, we’ll look at the whole environment. Are there
stairs between the classroom and the lunchroom? How
busy are the hallways, and many other issues. Then we’ll
make recommendations to help make the setting and the
schooling as productive as possible for the student.”
Schools usually provide the necessary textbooks
and other materials; when they don’t, the staff has
multiple resources including special subscription Websites
it uses.
Much of the CABLE schooling is done one-on-one.
Some students, like those admitted for treatment of
Prader-Willi Syndrome or Reflex Neurovascular
Dystrophy (RND), study in groups. When a student is
confined to bed but able to focus on learning, the CABLE
team teaches at the bedside.
ACADEMICS + THERAPIES = SUCCESS
“Our recommendations are concrete and specific, and
we get great feedback from schools and parents,” says
Josh. “They tell us that we help them know exactly what
a child needs to be successful on returning to school.
That makes us feel good because it’s the final big step in
our service to the student.” ■
Pete the therapy
dog often inspires
portraits from our amazing kids.
To learn more, visit amazingkids.org/rehabilitation.
CABLE te
acher Jo
sh Mason
Logan M
and stud
cMaster
ent
take a bre
ak from h
is studies.
For more information on the CABLE Classroom at The
Children’s Institute, please contact Dr. Jennifer Benger at
412.420.2245 or [email protected].
page 5
Anthony Vallecillo, Paul Gamble,
Dariush McBride-Valizadeh and Ken Karpa
Tonneka Wilkins
Rites
Passage
of
Handsome gents
nce?
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have
Students of The Day School
e night
an amazing time dancing th
.
away at the spring formal
So much fun!
Andrew Drazdik, Max Steinberg and William Bauer
Brandon Garland and Jasmine Clarke
from Taylor Alderdice High School
As students of The Day School
prepare for the new school year,
they’re also happily recalling two
recent rites of passage:
spring formal and graduation.
Hats off, grad!
as they
Staff and students celebrate
their
prepare for the next steps of
amazing futures.
page 6
Proud Parents
Dr. and Mrs. Shetty with daughter, Karishma
page 7
Every Student’s Rites
When people outside The Children’s Institute first
learn about The Day School’s spring formal and
graduation ceremony, many of them are
surprised.
Students of The Day School wrap
up another school year with
graduation and the spring formal.
But as Bill Bauer, Director of The Day School
says, “Our kids have gone through lots of years of
education, and they have every right and expectation to have the same kinds of activities as their
peers,” he says. “For us, that’s a non-issue.”
Brittany Feil
Mary Denison, PhD, psychologist for The Day
School, adds, “The Day School works to make
sure that the students have not only the event, but
also the anticipation of it, that’s actually as important. So the whole staff works to help the students
prepare everything from decorations to gathering
family photos to talking about social skills.
Ellie Dragon
“It’s not only the students who benefit from all of
these rites of passage,” she continues. “It’s also
the parents. They have dealt with loss and adjustment, and to see their children happy and involved
to whatever degree possible is a real joy. They
deserve that.”
Andrew Drazdik with Maria Tabacchi
Aaron Griffin with Kelly Haser
Kristen Henderson
“Everyone is happy for these young people
and so very proud of them.”
A Spectacular Spring Formal
Held on Saturday, June 7, the 2008 spring formal
theme was “Under the Sea.” Staff and students worked
for months to create the decorations that transformed
the gym into a magical undersea ballroom. “We
always say it’s like the Rose Bowl Parade. The
planning for next year starts as soon as this year’s
event is over,” laughs Alice Schaeffer, The Day
School’s Education Supervisor.
“Our kids have gone through
lots of years of education, and
they have every right and
expectation to have the same
kinds of activities as their peers.”
Students came in couples, in groups or solo. Any student
age 16 and over can attend, and students 14 and over can
be invited. Dressed in their finest, the students relaxed,
chatted, danced and had their photos snapped as the
scent of corsages and the beat of music filled the air.
page 8
An Emotional Graduation
Just two days later, it was time for graduation. This year,
six students took that big step. Once again the gym was
transformed with flowers, plants and 200 chairs that
soon were filled with proud family members, representatives of school districts and friends. An applause-filled
presentation portrayed the life of each graduate.
Then came the familiar strains of Pomp and
Circumstance. Decked in their caps and gowns, the
soon-to-be graduates were escorted down the aisle
by a staff member of his or her choosing. The Day
School Director Bill Bauer welcomed the crowd and
Lynn Sawyer, on-air personality for WQED and
KDKA, was the featured speaker.
As always, the most moving part of the ceremony came
when each graduate presented his or her parents with a
single perfect rose. “That’s when the tears come,” says
Bill Bauer. “Everyone is happy for these young people
and so very proud of them.”
After the ceremony, graduates and guests mingled at a
reception. Then it was time for this rite of passage to
end, and for the new alumni to begin the next, exciting
phase of their lives. ■
To learn more, visit amazingkids.org/education.
For more information on The Day School at
The Children’s Institute, please contact Bill Bauer
at 412.420.2300 or [email protected].
page 9
Hailee Agnew and Anthony Vallecillo
This Year’s Graduates
Profiles in Success
Lynne Kiesel and Paul Gamble
Brandon Garland
Kristen Henderson
with date, Matthew Carroll
Nadine Wallace and Brianna Wise
Karishma Shetty, Andrew
Drazdik and Nancy Kish
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page 10
0
Kristen Henderson
Lauren Maione
Karishma Shetty
Kristen, 20, has many interests including
art, music, working on the computer
and collecting stuffed animals. She has
the ability to recall lots of interesting
information, especially, her parents
say, about every animal on the planet!
Kristen has received work training
through Milestone Centers, and plans
to continue there. She also wants to
assist at Animal Friends.
Lauren, 21, has attended The Day
School for 18 years. Known for her
smile and her great fashion sense,
Lauren enjoys outdoor activities including fishing, going for walks and car
rides. She also loves shopping with her
Mom and bowling with her aunts,
uncles and cousins, who say she always
wins! For entertainment, Lauren listens
to CDs and watches movies.
Karishma, 21, a student of The Day
School since kindergarten, is an enthusiastic Steelers and Penguins fan, cheering
especially for Big Ben and Sidney Crosby.
She also loves music and travel. Recently
she visited Spain with her family. Her
work experience includes Goodwill
Services at Westmoreland Manor and her
father’s office, Digestive Care Consultants,
where she plans to continue.
Will Morgan
Maria Tabacchi
Max Steinberg
Will, 21, has been a student of The
Day School since kindergarten, and
says he will miss his friends and
teachers. He enjoys going to church
with his family and to the movies with
friends. Other leisure activities include
swimming, bowling, dancing and
singing. Will has been working at
NorthCo Vocational Training Center
and plans to continue there.
Maria, 20, a student of The Day School
for 17 years, enjoys using the computer,
watching movies and eating out with
her family. Her volunteer work includes
raking leaves for people near her church
youth center. She plans to continue at
the Vocational Business Alliance, and
wants to take classes at the Community
College of Allegheny County, but says
she will miss her friends and teachers at
The Day School.
Max, 21, a student of The Day School
since he was 4, is known for his sense of
humor and his love of Pittsburgh sports —
the Steelers, the Penguins, Pitt basketball
and the Pirates. In fact, he and his Dad often walk from their Squirrel Hill home to
games at PNC Park. Max also enjoys music. Among his favorite artists: Crosby,
Stills & Nash, Neil Young and Dave Matthews. Max has been working at Achieva
Workshop in the Strip District and plans to
continue there.
page 11
a conversation
with some
amazing
parents
Often, when people think about a newly adopted child, the image is
a tiny baby wrapped in a soft pink or blue blanket. But many newly
adopted children aren’t babies; they’re older children or teens. They come
to their new families with personalities already formed and they can
present special challenges. But they also bring great joys as they learn
and grow and become integral parts of their new forever families. Listen
in on a conversation between Amazing Kids and three adoptive moms
about some of those challenges and joys.
Betsy & Chuck Hughes
BETSY HUGHES: When we were first approved, we were
thinking about babies or toddlers. Adopting Nicholas at
age 7 got us into the older child situation. I thought,
“Good; he’ll be in school and I can work.” Now that I
have three older kids, I can’t work, there are too many
medical and other appointments because my kids have
special needs. So I’m an at-home mom for my three kids.
Pitcairn, PA
Milton, age 15 (adopted at 12)
Bethanne*, age 13 (adoption in process)
Nicholas, age 12 (adopted at 7)
Jen & Mike Matesic
Penn Hills, PA
TINA PERKINS: In college, I worked at an agency
providing support to kids in foster care. I noticed the
majority of kids adopted were the little ones, and the
older kids tended to age out of the system. I also saw lots
of siblings split up. I guess I always had it in my mind
that I’d adopt older siblings. But when I adopted my
oldest four, people said, “You want all of them? All four?
Right now?” Well, I couldn’t put them on layaway, could
I? So here we are!
Michael, age 15 (adopted at 15)
Mark, age 25 months (adopted at 25 months)
Steve*, age 18 months (adoption in process)
Tina Perkins
Farrell, PA
Gregory, age 20 (adopted at 18)
Spencer, age 19 (adopted at 16)
Deidre, age 17 (adopted at 14)
Alisha, age 16 (adopted at 13)
Tanya*, age 12 (adoption in process)
Darius*, age 6 (foster son)
Anthony, age 14 (biological child)
Makennah, age 6 (biological child)
Identity protected during the final stages
of the adoption process.
• The Hughes Family •
What do the kids like best about their
new situation?
BETSY: Just finally having a forever family. And they
like tradition. We live in the house where I grew up, and
Nick’s bedroom is the room that was my nursery. That
was a big thing for him. I think when any kid has been
in the system, it’s great for them to finally know there’s
a permanent home; they’re not going anywhere.
Did you always want to adopt
an older child?
•The Perkins Family •
page 12
• The Matesic Family•
JEN MATESIC: That wasn’t in our plans. The baby, Steve,
had been placed with us, and at the adoption hearing, the
Children and Youth Services people said, “He has an older
brother. How would you feel about two?”
TINA: We’ve talked about that. For a long time, they
didn’t know if they’d come home from school and find
that their parents had moved. There was a lot of anxiety,
now they can relax. They know where home is, and that
we’ll be here.
page 13
Have you seen the kids change
in positive ways?
JEN: As part of the “lifebook” that Project STAR helps
kids put together, we all had to write what we like about
each other. Michael said that even though I’m tough on
him, he knows it’s in his best interest, and he’s glad he
finally has someone who cares about him. That means
so much to me.
“I’m so proud
of my kids and I am
so glad I did this.”
Adoption:
the “Kid’s-Eye View”
MICHAEL: I like cars, and I think I might want to be a
mechanic and go to school for that. I think if I didn’t
have this family I wouldn’t be thinking about school.
Amazing Kids talked with three kids
who were adopted when they were older:
Milton Hughes, Deidre Perkins and
Michael Matesic.
DEIDRE: Before I was just trying to get by day to day,
and I didn’t picture doing anything with my life. Now I
can make plans. I want to go to college and be a lawyer.
It’s a whole different perspective. ■
-Tina Perkins
TINA: They had a minute-to-minute mentality. Are we
going to eat? Will there be electricity? We worked to
stretch their timeframe. We said, “Let’s work on a plan,
and, whatever it is, you help make it happen.” They’re
doing that. One example? The oldest, Gregory, is now
halfway through college.
What are the major challenges
you’ve encountered?
JEN: There’s been some difficult behavior, some angry
outbursts. It’s a big adjustment for all of us. But this is
our child, and he deserves to be in a home that gives him
structure, a way to work through his issues and lots and
lots of love.
BETSY: Suddenly, there are little strangers in the house,
and you need to try to bond with them and prove that
you’re not going to be the next set of adults to hurt them.
They’re on guard. They test you to see if you’re serious
when you say they’re here to stay. You need to chisel
away that wall and get at who they really are. It takes
time and tears.
TINA: There are all the issues you’d expect. But on a
practical note, suddenly I had four teenagers. And
because of their history, they tried to fill the emotional
void with food, hoarding it because they couldn’t believe
they’d have some tomorrow. I was cooking 40 pork
chops at one sitting! But now things have settled down.
BETSY: My kids are much less fearful. At first, Nick
would walk the perimeter of the house every night,
checking each window and door, afraid someone would
take him. And Milton was afraid to do anything without
asking permission. Now they’re much more relaxed. It’s
great to see.
Do you have any words for families
considering adopting older children?
BETSY: Older kids are a little more challenging, but they
give you the most love. They want to be part of a family.
I love my kids and sometimes they drive me nuts. But I
wouldn’t change anything.
JEN: Just do your best. When it’s hard, take a breath and
then respond rationally. Keep talking with each other, keep
loving each other. It’s no different than with any older child.
TINA: Because you have to get to know a child who’s
already a person, it’s demanding and it takes time and
emotional energy. But I’m so proud of my kids and I am
so glad I did this.
*Note: The names of the family members have been changed for this
article to protect the identity of the child during foster care and the final
stages of the adoption proceedings.
page 14
What’s the best thing about having
been adopted?
A Lifetime of Difference
MILTON: I don’t have to worry about going through
foster care again. I love this family so much.
In Pennsylvania alone, more than 500
children over age 10 are waiting for
placement with forever families.
DEIDRE: Having a family, feeling like you’re part of
something.
Cathy Pahel, Project STAR’s manager of adoption
and foster care services, says, “We make an extra
effort with older kids because if they ‘age out’ of
the system without being adopted, they’ll never
have the guidance and security that comes with a
family. They’ll be at higher risk of dropping out of
school, homelessness and even incarceration.
Adoption can make a lifetime of difference, even
when the child is adopted as an older teen.”
MICHAEL: I don’t have to worry about where I’m going
to wake up, or having food on the table.
What’s the hardest thing about having
been adopted?
MICHAEL: It’s harder than being adopted when you’re
little because everything is different. But it’s possible.
It’s worth it.
Adoptive parents don’t have to be married,
and there are no income or homeownership
requirements. Background and reference checks
ensure that the adoptive parent or parents will
provide a safe and stable home. Anyone considering becoming an adoptive parent, foster parent,
or anyone willing to offer respite care should
contact Project STAR’s Lucinda Wiebe at
DEIDRE: It’s hard to adjust to rules, like rules about
cleaning. We know it makes sense and it’s necessary, but
we’re kids and we don’t like it!
MILTON: Sometimes I miss my birth mother. And I
have to do homework as soon as I get home. I don’t like
doing that! But if I didn’t have this family I think I would
be doing horribly in school.
What would you like to be doing in
a few years?
To learn more, visit amazingkids.org/adoption.
MILTON: My family says I draw pretty well. I like
doing it, so I’d like to be an artist. I think I’ll go to school
for that.
For more information on adopting older youth
through Project STAR at The Children’s Institute,
please contact Bethany Leas at 412.244.3095
or [email protected].
page 15
waitingchildrenprofiles
campaigndonorprofiles
Children shine brightest in families. Whether the goal is adoption or reunification with
birth families, Project STAR does everything possible to place children with safe,
nurturing forever families. These children are just a few of the many who are waiting for
a home to call their own.
Clarence (
Bucky)
Duke is a caring child who takes pride in being a good
friend. He attends a non-graded school program and is
doing well.
Some of Duke’s favorite foods include chicken nuggets and
fried potatoes — but he definitely does not like mushrooms
or tuna fish.
Duke will thrive with a one- or two-parent family, with or
without other children. What matters most is that his new
family be consistent in his life, see him on a regular basis,
build a relationship with him — and give him the love he
so deserves.
Duke is legally free for adoption.
D.O.B. 2.2.93
PAE #C6310272
tes,
Enjoys the Pira
mes
movies, board ga
ing a good
Is proud of be
friend
non-graded
Does well in a
school program
14 years o
ld
His name is Clarence, but he likes to be called by his
nickname, Bucky. He’s an outdoorsy guy who enjoys
football, swimming, fishing, bike riding and rock climbing.
He also likes going to church, playing video and card games
(500 Rummy is one of his favorites), listening to rap music
and watching scary movies.
Bucky is an 8th grader who likes math, but admits that
he struggles with English when it’s time to write a report.
What he’d really like to do is play football for a school and
one day become a professional football player.
He currently lives in a residential program to help him with
his behavior.
15 years old
Duke
Notes Nick Beckwith, “This program is of the utmost
importance to the region — and we hope that our gift will
serve in a fashion that may leverage broader foundation
and individual interest in the exceptional services provided
by this organization.”
Likes swim
ming, fishin
g
and bike rid
ing
Enjoys sc
ary movies
!
Likes math
, but want
s
to be a pr
o football
player
He enjoys the Pittsburgh Pirates, movies, board games and
going to the park. He also likes playing make-believe and
dressing up as action heroes.
Duke needs supervision and guidance. His extensive
needs mean that he will continue to live in his current
group home — but he greatly needs the loving, consistent
support of a family. He understands what family is, and he
is excited about being part of one. He will love any one-onone attention he receives.
will give strong support to the children and families who
seek care during such difficult times.
Bucky wants a family very much — ideally a family
with younger children. He says he’d like a family that is
understanding and patient, and that will let him see his
brothers, or even let them live with him. But most of all, he
says, he wants a family that will love him as a son.
Clarence is legally free for adoption.
D.O.B. 4.22.94
PAE #C63AA04
If you are interested in learning more about Duke
or Bucky, please contact Bethany Leas, permanency
specialist, at 412.244.3095 or [email protected].
page 16
BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
BNY Mellon has contributed $250,000 to
The Campaign for an Amazing Future.
BNY Mellon is the global financial services company
formed in the 2007 merger of Mellon Financial and The
Bank of New York. Its philanthropy is focused on what
BNY Mellon calls “the pillars of a strong community”:
education and literacy; affordable housing and economic
development; health and wellness and arts and culture.
With about 6,500 local employees, the organization has a
strong Pittsburgh presence and plans to add between 1,000
and 2,000 new jobs locally over the next three years.
THE BECKWITHS
Family ties are at the heart of the
Beckwith Family Foundation, which
focuses on serving human needs in
the area through charitable giving.
Nick Beckwith and his late brother,
Jim, formed the Foundation in 1998.
Recently, Nick and his wife, Dotty, recommended the
Foundation make a gift to The Campaign for an Amazing
Future. The Board agreed, and the Foundation made a
$250,000 gift in support of the Palliative Care Program at
The Children’s Institute.
“The Foundation chose to support The Children’s Institute
because it is a very significant healthcare provider in the
city of Pittsburgh and ranks nationally amongst the most
important in its field,” explains Nick.
He adds, “It is also of special interest to the Beckwith
family.” The reason: a strong family connection stretching
back decades. Virginia Porter Beckwith, mother of Nick
and Jim, was a member of the Board of Directors in the
1970s and 1980s. And Jim’s son-in-law, Gordon Nelson, is
a current member of the Board.
The Beckwiths have long supportered the Annual Fund. Now
Beckwith Family Foundation’s generous Campaign gift will
help The Children’s Institute establish the first pediatric
palliative program in Pennsylvania. Designed for children
suffering from progressive and incurable diseases and
disorders, the program will focus on providing comprehensive patient and family-centered care and treatment in a
home-like environment. This highly personalized approach
“We remain committed to western Pennsylvania and the
organizations that dramatically continue to impact our
quality of life,” says James P. McDonald, president, BNY
Mellon Charitable Foundation. “The Children’s Institute is
certainly one of those organizations.
“We recognize that business decisions and the actions we
take can have impact far beyond the actual transactions
and exceptional client services that define our global
company,” he adds. “As a business leader, we see
philanthropy as an investment. By supporting The
Children’s Institute and its work, we are making an
investment that improves the overall quality of life
within our community.”
Mr. McDonald is a member of the Campaign Steering
Committee, focusing on the area’s corporate and foundation
communities. “I’m fortunate to work with a great group of
people committed to the success of the Campaign and of
The Children’s Institute,” he says.
page 17
donorprofile
newsbriefs
GAMMA PHI BETA
The $10 walkers paid to participate also bought them lunch,
a t-shirt and a chance to win gift certificates donated by
local merchants. Refreshments and additional raffle tickets
were sold, and Duquesne University contributed dessert
and cold drinks. “It was a lot of organizing, but it was worth
it. It was a fun event and for a great cause,” says Maria.
Early each autumn, hundreds of
Duquesne University students take a
break from studying, socializing and
working to participate in the “Walk
Miles for Kids’ Smiles” Walkathon to
benefit The Children’s Institute.
The organizers are the sisters of Gamma Phi Beta, an
international sorority with a strong service emphasis. The
Walkathon is a great example of a community fundraiser.
Last year it raised $3,370 for the Annual Fund, which underwrites many vital purposes, including uncompensated care.
The event was chaired by Maria Kaemmer, an elementary
education major. Maria, who volunteers regularly at The
Children’s Institute, says, “When I became the sorority’s
philanthropy chair, I was excited about the Walkathon
because I knew The Children’s Institute, and I knew the
money would be put to good use.”
MEET OUR NEW MEDICAL DIRECTOR
After an exhaustive search, The
Children’s Institute is pleased
to announce that Maryanne J.
Henderson, DO, has accepted the
position of medical director.
Soon after the event, a group of sisters from the sorority
came to The Children’s Institute to deliver the proceeds
check. “It was so good for people who hadn’t been there
before to see the facility, learn about the services it provides
and meet some of the children,” Maria reports. “Several of
my sisters decided they want to volunteer there too.”
“Dr. Henderson brings with her a wealth of knowledge
and experience that will prove invaluable as she steps
into this leadership role,” says David Miles, president and
CEO of The Children’s Institute.
Will “Walk Miles for Kids’ Smiles” continue far into the
future? “Absolutely,” says Maria. “This coming year will
be our eleventh time and I don’t think we’ll ever stop.”
Three hundred and forty people participated in the event.
Prior to joining us, she was on staff at Mercy Hospital of
Pittsburgh as a clinical staff physiatrist and residency and
research mentor. She was also a consulting physician for
Select Specialty Hospital and UPMC Passavant. She is board
certified in osteopathic medicine and is a diplomat of the
American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
WALKING, TALKING, HELPING
On a warm September afternoon, Gamma Phi Beta sisters,
other sorority and fraternity members, students, professors, alumni and friends walked three miles around the
hilly Duquesne campus, all laughing and chatting.
WALK WITH US
This year’s “Walk Miles for Kids’ Smiles” will be
held Saturday, September 20, from noon–3p.m.
Participants will gather on Academic Walk on the
Duquesne University campus. Anyone can take part
by registering onsite immediately before the walk, or
pre-register by emailing this year’s organizer, Jessie
Gluck, at [email protected]. Registration is $10. The
sisters of Gamma Phi Beta have contributed $23,613
to The Children’s Institute.
“There is something very rewarding about getting
someone up walking across a room who thought they’d
never walk again,” says Dr. Henderson. “I’m so proud to
be a part of this amazing place.”
Dr. Henderson resides in Cheswick with her husband.
THE CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE WELCOMES
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
The Children’s Institute’s Board adds two
new Directors.
Morgan K. O’Brien, president and
CEO of Duquesne Light, has joined
the Board of Directors.
His initial involvement with
The Children’s Institute began
when he was asked to lead the corporate drive during
the advance major gifts phase of The Campaign for an
Amazing Future. After working so closely with
The Children’s Institute, he says, “It’s an important
organization with a huge impact on kids who have
challenges. I often meet someone who has had a
positive experience there.”
page 18
Mr. O’Brien is involved in many other community service efforts. He chairs the United Way of Allegheny
County’s current annual campaign and is a member of
the Board of Directors of the Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society’s Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia chapter,
to name a few.
He says his focus on the Board will be twofold: using
his professional experience to help keep the organization
running as efficiently as possible and helping to raise
both funds and awareness. He and his wife Kathy live in
Whitehall. They have four children.
Cynthia D. Shapira has joined
the Board of Directors. She is a
planning and projects consultant for
LEAD Pittsburgh, a not-for-profit
community initiative working to
raise awareness about depression
and reduce barriers for treatment.
Until recently, she was executive director of the Pittsburgh
Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. Her
work has encompassed both the private and public sectors,
and both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations.
“The Children’s Institute is one of the most important
organizations we have in this area, and a model for
the country,” she says. “It’s a strong organization
with excellent leadership, and I hope that my
experience with not-for-profit governance, planning,
operations and finance will be useful as the organization
moves forward.”
Ms. Shapira is a member of the Boards of the Jewish
Community Center and of A+ Schools, a citizens group
working to promote excellence in public education in
Pittsburgh. The mother of three children, she and her
husband David live in Fox Chapel.
page 19
ThankYou
boardofdirectors
In her years on the Board, Shiela has worked on the
Planning Committee, the Committee on Directors and
the Government Relations Committee. She has also
contributed countless hours behind the scenes — leading
tours and being a supportive presence at graduations and
other events.
Ann McGuinn joined the Board at the same time as Sheila
Fine. She says, “Sheila’s style is collaborative and warm.
We’ve worked closely over the years. I particularly recall a
summer she and I spent on nonstop fundraising for the new
wing. She was always able to be very persuasive; people
could see that she had a real passion for the organization.”
THANK YOU, SHEILA
Sheila Fine, a Director since 1989,
is rotating off the Board.
“Sheila is a person of perspective, wisdom and unwavering commitment,” says CEO David Miles. “Whatever
the topic under discussion has been, she has always kept
the mission of The Children’s Institute first and foremost
in everybody’s mind.”
Board chair Dr. Joseph Imbriglia adds, “Her very real devotion to the children we take care of here has always impressed
me. This is a person with a large social conscience.”
Sheila and her husband Milton are co-chairs of the steering
committee of The Campaign for an Amazing Future,
contributing a lead gift and naming The Classrooms for
Students with Autism. They have been longtime contributors
to the Annual Fund.
“There hasn’t been a single day of my association with The
Children’s Institute that hasn’t been meaningful to me,”
says Sheila. “Not only because of what they do but how
they do it. There is a warmth, dedication and respect that I
have not seen anywhere else.”
Every year, The Children’s Institute receives hundreds of gifts in-kind ranging from toys to wheelchairs. Below are the donors
who made gifts in-kind from July 1, 2006–June 30, 2007. Regretfully, this list was omitted from the annual report. We are
honored to accept these donations that provide support for our amazing kids in very tangible ways. Thank you to all of our
in-kind donors.
Anual Fund
GIFTS IN KIND
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. William Blacksmith
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bock
Ms. Kim Butler
Cooper Gay
Carol and Gary Cozen
Ms. Julie Damico
Marion Copetas Demas
Mr. and Mrs. Milton Fine
Ms. Susan S. Franke
Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Freedenberg
Giant Eagle #67
Ms. Kim Gruber-Craig
Sonny Hahn
Susan Hersh and Cathy Gazzo
Ms. Michelle Herwald
Mr. Charles Hosey
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Hrycko
Mr. and Mrs. James D. Hurst
Mr. and Mrs. David E. Kimberly
Cynthia Smith, MD and
Arthur J. Kovel, MD
Ms. Emily Lamison
Mr. Lawrence F. Leventon
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Liken
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Loevner
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Mann
Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Markovitz
Mr. John C. McKee
Michele McKenney and Chuck Cohen
Mellon Financial Corporation
Mr. and Mrs. James D. Mitchell
Sandra and Patrick Moffatt
Mr. Silbert Moritz
Or l’simcha Congregation
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Papernick
Mr. and Mrs. Earl M. Parker
page 20
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Phillips
Mr. Fred G. Rabner
Ms. Joyce Ramsey
Mr. Patrick Ritchie
Ron Richard’s Photography
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin S. Ryce
Ms. Amy E. Sarkett
Rabbi and Mrs. Daniel Schiff
Ms. Helen Semethy
St. Joseph’s Church
Mr. David Steidl
Ms. Mary Steiner
Mr. Tony Tenicela
Mr. and Mrs. Richard T. Victoria
Mrs. Lucinda E. Wiebe
Mr. and Mrs. Nick Willocks
Ms. Sandy Wilson
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Zebert
Howard Zwillinger
Front row, left to right: Maureen B. Cohon, secretary; Joseph E. Imbriglia, MD, chair; David K. Miles, president and chief executive officer;
John K. Thornburgh, vice chair; Michael J. Hannon, vice chair Back row, left to right: F. Brooks Robinson Jr.; Michele M. McKenney; Ellen
P. Kessler; Patricia Suzanne Chesko; N. John Cooper, DPhil; J. Keefe Ellis Jr.; Lisa C. Fagan; Pradeep K. Khosla, PhD; Ann M. McGuinn;
Carolyn D. Duronio; Pamela W. Golden; Sheila C. Fine; Allan MacDougall III Absent from photo: Susan Baker Shipley, treasurer;
John R. Denny; Anne V. Lewis; B. Gordon Nelson III; Morgan K. O’Brien, Doros Platika, MD; Cynthia D. Sharpira, Merrill P. Stabile.
The Children’s Institute is supported, inspired and instructed in many different ways by
volunteer leaders who donate their time, expertise and personal resources.
THE CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2007-2008
CHAIR
Joseph E. Imbriglia, MD
VICE CHAIRS
Michael J. Hannon
John K. Thornburgh
SECRETARY
Maureen B. Cohon
TREASURER
Susan Baker Shipley
PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
David K. Miles
DIRECTORS
Patricia Suzanne Chesko
N. John Cooper, DPhil
John R. Denny
Carolyn D. Duronio
J. Keefe Ellis Jr.
Lisa C. Fagan
Pamela W. Golden
Ellen P. Kessler
Pradeep K. Khosla, PhD
Anne V. Lewis
Allan MacDougall III
Ann M. McGuinn
Michele M. McKenney
B. Gordon Nelson III
Morgan K. O’Brien
Doros Platika, MD
F. Brooks Robinson Jr.
Cynthia D. Shapira
Merrill P. Stabile
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Paulette P. Apostolides
Nancy M. Armstrong
Thomas J. Bachman
Burnett G. Bartley Jr.
Mary Florence Brown
Mrs. Davis C. Burroughs Jr.
Henry C. Cohen
Sandy W. Côté
Ann H. Cutter
George M. Egan
Sheila C. Fine
Henry J. Gailliot
page 21
Gus P. Georgiadis
Lillian H. Goldsmith
George C. Greer
Paul A. Heasley
Audrey H. Hilliard
Joan M. Kaplan
Marcia L. Keehn
Eileen L. Lane
Barbara K. Nelson
Maureen S. O’Brien
Judy G. Papernick
James S. Pasman Jr.
Ruth S. Perfido
Patricia R. Rooney
Jean McD. Scott
Lea H. Simonds
Ann E. Sullivan
Harry A. Thompson II
Ginny Thornburgh
Jamee W. Todd
James W. Ummer
Farley W. Whetzel
Susan C. Williams
Margot B. Woodwell
community
calendar
August
Monday, August 4
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Adoption, Foster Care and Respite Care
Information Session*
Location: Mount Olive Lutheran Church
2679 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA
August 5–14
7:00–8:00 p.m.
FEAST (Family, Education, Advocacy and Support
Team): Special Summer Series:
“Gluten Free/Casein Free Diet Recipe Exchange”
Tuesday, August 5 – The Children’s Institute, 1405 Shady
Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Thursday, August 7 – Green Tree satellite, 969 Greentree
Road Suite 310, Pittsburgh, PA
(CME) credits available. No registration required.
Location: The Children’s Institute, 1405 Shady Avenue.
For more information, call 412.420.2270.
September
Tuesday, September 2
First day of classes for students of The Day School
6:30–8:30 p.m.
467 S. Trenton Ave., Wilkinsburg, PA
Wednesdays, September 3–24
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Family Certification Training †
Location: 1598 Virginia Avenue, Monaca, PA
Tuesday, August 12 – Wexford satellite, 5000 Stonewood
Drive, Suite 110, Wexford, PA
Mondays, September 8–29
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 14 – Norwin Hills satellite, 8775 Norwin
Avenue, Unit 4, Irwin, PA
For more information, check for updates at
www.amazingkids.org or contact Sam Wood at
412.867.5391.
Monday, September 8
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Monday, August 11
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Adoption, Foster Care and Respite
Care Information Session*
Location: East Main Presbyterian Church
120 East Main Street, Grove City, PA
Wednesday, September 10
7:30–9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, August 13
7:30–9:00 a.m.
7:30–8:00 a.m. – Registration/Refreshments
8:00–9:00 a.m. – Speaker
Grand Rounds: “Acupuncture and
Other Alternative Treatments”
Presented by Betty Liu, MD, Physician, Department
of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of
Pittsburgh Medical Center. Continuing Medical Education
October
Friday, September 12
In-service – No school for students of
The Day School
Monday, October 6
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 13
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Location: 467 S. Trenton Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA
Location:1405 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Wednesday, October 8
7:30–9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, September 17
7:00–8:00 p.m.
Team): “Parents and Children’s Rights in Public
Education”
8:00–9:00 a.m. – Speaker
Grand Rounds: “TBA”
Presented by Donna J. Morris, educational advocate.
Location: Wexford satellite, 5000 Stonewood Drive, Suite
110, Wexford, PA. For more information, contact Sam Wood
at 412.867.5391.
Wednesday, October 8
7:00–8:00 p.m.
Friday, September 19
In-Service – No school for students of
The Day School
Team): “Prevention of Sports Injuries in Children”
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Presented by Jeff Salipante, physical therapy coordinator.
Location: Norwin Hills Satellite, Norwin Hills Shopping
Center, 8775 Norwin Avenue, Unit 4, Irwin, PA. For more
information, contact Sam Wood at 412.867.5391.
Location: 1405 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Monday, October 13
Thursday, September 25
6:30–8:00 p.m.
Columbus Day – No school for students of
The Day School
Open house for parent/guardian of students
of The Day School
Monday, October 13
6:30–8:30 p.m.
8:00–9:00 a.m. – Speaker
Grand Rounds “Vision – More than Meets the Eyes”
Presented by Patricia S. Lemer, Med, NCC, MS Bus,
Executive Director of Developmental Delay Resources.
Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits available.
No registration required. Location: The Children’s Institute.
1405 Shady Avenue. For more information,
call 412.420.2270.
page 22
Presented by TBA. Continuing Medical Education (CME)
credits available. No registration required. Location: The
Children’s Institute, 1405 Shady Avenue. For more information, call 412.420.2270.
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Location: 1405 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
* Project STAR orientation meetings are a free opportunity
to learn more about adoption, foster care and providing
short-term respite care. Orientations are also available by
private appointment. To RSVP for a meeting or private
orientation please contact Lucinda Wiebe, family recruiter,
at 412.244.3048 or [email protected].
† Project STAR’s required pre-service training for all
persons seeking to become foster parents or adopt
children from foster care. An orientation session is
required prior to attending these classes. To RSVP
please contact Lucinda Wiebe, family recruiter, at
page 23
MISSION
The Children’s Institute is an independent, licensed nonprofit
organization located in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh that is
dedicated to promoting the well-being of children, young people and
their families and to providing services that meet their special needs.
Making Wishes Come True
The Children’s Institute was designed specifically as a rehabilitation
facility, and its administration and staff are committed to increasing
accessibility for all persons. If you have accessibility concerns, please
call The Children’s Institute at 412.420.2485.
You can have an amazing effect on the lives of children with special needs by helping to
purchase vital equipment. The Children’s Institute’s Amazing Wish List includes small to moderate
requests that can be fulfilled with a single gift ranging from $100 to $5,000. One hundred percent
of your donation will go toward the Wish List item of your choice and as a donor, you will be
SERVICE
listed on the Website of The Children’s Institute with the wish you fulfilled.
Interactive Metronome
The Interactive Metronome is a neurological assessment and treatment
tool that can provide benefits and therapy for
several patients at The Children’s Institute.
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Non-verbal
Learning Disorder and Sensory Integration Disorder,
among others can benefit from the metronome, which
increases attention, behavior, strength and motor skills.
Cost of wish: $4,000
Transportation for Community
Education Outings
Community Education Outings are
an important part of life at The Day
School. These outings allow students the
opportunity to grow and learn outside of school and
experience the world around them. These trips can prove
expensive, however, as many students have adaptive
equipment and transportation can be cumbersome.
Cost of wish: $1,000/ per outing
Therapy Bike
The e-stimulation bike, RT300, by
Restorative Therapies™ is used for the
rehabilitation of children with spina
bifida, spinal cord injury, stroke and
brain injury. By stimulating the child’s unused muscles,
the cycle provides activity which increases strength.
This helps patients with the ultimate goal of regaining
some functionality. The Children’s Institute has raised
approximately $20,900 of the $22,800 needed for
the bike and we need your help to fulfill this wish!
Printing Costs for
The Day School Scoop
The Day School Scoop is a student run
periodical produced up to six times per
school year at The Children’s Institute.
The newspaper allows students to share what they’ve
learned at school, conduct interviews with employees
of The Children’s Institute, visitors and even each other.
Each issue is delivered to students’ families and friends,
allowing them to glimpse inside life at The Day School.
Cost of wish: $2,050/per issue.
VitalStim® Therapy Equipment
To help children who are unable to eat due
to swallowing difficulties, The Children’s
Institute speech/language therapists have
used traditional mouth and throat exercises
and VitalStim® therapy – which stimulates the muscles
with small electrical currents – to train the muscles a child
uses to swallow. The purchase of additional equipment
will expand this crucial therapy to patients served by
The Children’s Institute’s Wexford Satellite and help
more children experience the simple pleasure of eating.
Educational and Age-Appropriate
Toys for Outpatient Waiting Rooms
Families and children who come to
The Children’s Institute for outpatient
therapies at Squirrel Hill, Green
Tree, Norwin Hills and Wexford will benefit
from easy-to-clean developmental toys, including
sand tables, blocks, puzzles and busy boards.
For more information about donating funds for the purchase of an item(s) from the Amazing Wish List,
please contact Abby Robinson at 412.420.2205 or [email protected].
The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh does not exclude, deny benefits
to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the grounds of
race, color, nation of origin, religious creed, disability, ancestry, sex,
age or sexual orientation in employment or in admission to, participation in or receipt of the services and benefits of any of its programs
and activities, whether carried out by The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh directly or through a contractor or any other entity whom The
Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh arranges to carry out its programs
and activities.
page 24
The policy statement is in accordance with the provision of Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Regulations of the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services issued pursuant to the acts, Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Part 80, 84, 91 and other applicable Federal, State,
and Local Laws and Regulations.
CREDITS
David K. Miles
President & CEO
For more information about this policy, please contact Administration at 412.420.2400. For more information about The
Children’s Institute, please call 412.420.2400 or log on to
www.amazingkids.org. For TDD use, contact us through
the Pennsylvania Relay Service. Voice: 1.800.654.5988
TDD: 1.800.654.5984.
Marketing Staff
Helene Conway-Long, MBA, CFRE
Director of Marketing & Development
Roya Kousari
Marketing & Communications Manager
Michele Greatti
Marketing Coordinator
Writing
Cosgrove Communications, LLC
Design
Engauge
Photography
Josh Franzos
John Sanderson
CONTACT INFORMATION
President and CEO:
David K. Miles
412.420.2398
[email protected]
Director, Development and Marketing:
Helene Conway-Long
412.420.2201
[email protected]
page 25
what’snew
Amazing Kids Online
The Children’s Institute is always looking for new ways
to cut costs. Recently, in all communications, we’ve
begun driving traffic to our amazing new Website. We’ve
also cut our mailing list from 30,000 to 15,000, which
not only results in significant cost savings, but also helps
to save the environment.
To read the current and back issues of Amazing Kids
Magazine as well as all of our newsletters, please visit:
www.amazingkids.org
Dont miss the telethon!
Tune in to WPMY on September 28, 2008
from 7-10 p.m. for Amazing Kids. Amazing Place.
Amazing Future.
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our
Amazing Art Auction. We’re happy to report that we
have sold every piece of sunflower art for a grand total
of $831. All monies will be donated to The Campaign
for an Amazing Future, allowing us to expand
programs and services to meet the ever-growing needs
of our community.
To those who created this beautiful art, those who bid
and those who support us in numerous ways every day,
we say thank you — you are amazing.
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PITTSBURGH, PA
PERMIT NO. 748
1405 Shady Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15217-1350
If you would like to be added or removed from our mailing list, please call
412.420.2205 or visit our Website at amazingkids.org. When you ask to be
removed from our mailing list, The Children’s Institute will make a reasonable
effort to ensure you are not contacted again.
Visit our Website at www.amazingkids.org.
Please recycle this publication when finished.

Amazing Kids Magazine - Summer 2008

Transcription

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