Gaudenzia Gazette
Transcription
Gaudenzia Gazette
Gazette DECEMBER 2015 VOLUME 28, ISSUE 4 GAUDENZIA A D D I C T I O N T R E AT M E N T & R E COV E R Y S E R V I C E S In Support of Treatment and Recovery: Press Conferences Held at Gaudenzia On August 31, as part of International Overdose Awareness Day, the Pennsylvania Departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Health held the second annual Building Bridges to Recovery initiative at Gaudenzia’s Concept 90 program in Harrisburg. Gary Tennis, DDAP Secretary, Dr. Karen Murphy, Health Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine, Physician General, treatment professionals Gary Tennis and individuals in recovery discussed the drug overdose crisis, emphasizing the heroin epidemic that continues to rage across the country. They urged people with substance use disorder to seek treatment and focus on recovery. “Far too many Pennsylvanians are dying every day of a disease that is fully treatable. Individuals can and do recover. There are millions of Americans who have successfully found their pathway to live in recovery,” noted Secretary Tennis. Dr. Karen Murphy A mural painted by recovering individuals in Gaudenzia’s care set the backdrop for the gathering, helping to break down the stigma that too often isolates those who live silently with a drug and alcohol problem. Following the activity, the mural was moved to the Pennsylvania State Legislature for public display as part of National Recovery Month Dr. Rachel Levine held throughout September. Building Bridges to Recovery is a partnership between the Pennsylvania Advisory Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, the Pennsylvania Parent Panel Advisory Council, and DDAP. On October 5, a press conference was held at Gaudenzia’s corporate office in Norristown, PA with U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Dr. Val Arkoosh, Vice Chair, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. The elected officials promoted passage of legislation introduced in the United States Senate aimed at increasing funding for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant throughout the country. One of the features of Senate Bill 1410 is the authorization of annual funding increases to keep up with inflation, thereby stabilizing states’ purchasing power regarding the critical issue of opiate addiction. 1 GAUDENZIA GAZETTE DECEMBER 2015 Dr. Val Arkoosh, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners; Michael B., Gaudenzia Graduate speaker; Bob Casey, U.S. Senator; Michael B. Harle, Gaudenzia President and CEO w w w. g a u d e n z i a . o r g Medication Assisted Treatment In response to the most serious opioid/ heroin epidemic that we have seen in decades, Gaudenzia has trained all staff in the use of Narcan. Also, Gaudenzia is being requested to care for individuals whose recovery from addiction includes the use of medication assisted treatment. In response, Gaudenzia has convened an internal Medication Assisted Treatment committee composed of a multi-disciplinary team, developing guidelines for appropriate care and recommending agency policy. Gaudenzia recognizes that medications in conjunction with other evidence based practices including psychosocial, Therapeutic Community and 12-step activities may be critical to successful recovery efforts. Presently Gaudenzia is involved in many pilot programs including Naltrexone (Vivitrol and Revia) and has plans to expand its use. Dr. Gayle Jordan-Randolph Chesapeake Region Graduation Judge Wanda Keyes Heard On October 3, at Morgan State University’s Murphy Fine Arts Center in Baltimore, 117 individuals were graduated in front of family members and friends, Gaudenzia alumni and staff. Keynote addresses were delivered by Dr. Gayle Jordan-Randolph, Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health for the Maryland Department of Health and Hygiene, and Judge Wanda Keyes Heard from the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. Site Visits On June 30, Gary Hess, Commissioner, Schuylkill County, visited Gaudenzia’s Fountain Springs and New Destiny. On August 7, Lou Schiliro, Delaware Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security visited Gaudenzia’s Fresh Start program in Wilmington for recovering heroin addicts between the ages of 18 – 25. Accompanying him were John Yeomans, Director, Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, Lisa Shaw, Deputy Director, Office of Highway Safety Division, Mark Grubb, Director, Division of Communications and Thomas Kadunce, Communications Systems Manager, Division of Communications. 2 GAUDENZIA GAZETTE DECEMBER 2015 w w w. g a u d e n z i a . o r g On September 15, Kim Williams, Delaware State Representative, visited Fresh Start in Wilmington. AWARDS On October 22, Sue Ross, Executive Assistant at Gaudenzia Erie, received the 2015 Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) award on behalf of Gaudenzia Erie from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The award is in recognition of outstanding commitment to individuals with disabilities and above-andbeyond efforts on behalf of all OVR customers. On October 15, 2015 People With Hope's (PWH) Intake Aftercare Specialist James Seldon was presented with the Philadelphia John Bell Award. John Bell 1946-2012 was an HIV activist, mentor to a generation of ex-offenders, teacher, and our friend. In the years we were privileged to know him, we watched in awe as John took his lived experiences of racism, stigma, war, and disease and transformed them into an inspirational body of thought and knowledge to help make the way easier for the people who came behind him. Site Visits On October 6, the Vocational Services staff in Gaudenzia’s Chesapeake Region held a luncheon at our Woodland Avenue facility in Baltimore to discuss strategies for overcoming the barriers clients face in finding employment following treatment. Luncheon guests included Ron Allen, Business Liaison, Maryland Department of Human Services; Lisa Benson, Staffing Director, Mary Kraft and Associates; Wanda Binns, Employee Assistance Program Manager, University of Maryland Medical Center; Brandon S. Butler, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation; Susan Carr, Supervisor, Small Procurement Services, Maryland Department of Human Resources; Scott Gottbreht, Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships, United Way of Central Maryland; Kate Meaney, Marketing and Human Resources, Mary Kraft and Associates; Melanie Styles, Program Officer, Workforce Development, Abell Foundation; John Vontran, Apprenticeship Navigator, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation; Albert Zachik, M.D,. Acting Executive Director, Behavioral Health Administration; Karrianne Zito-Sease, Staffing Manger, Mary Kraft and Associates. Mary Bair, Division Director; Mark Sarneso, Director of Central and Western Region; Dr. Rachel Levine, PA Physician-General; Paula Ruane, Central Region Director; Mike Harle and Jon Gamble, Program Supervisor 3 GAUDENZIA GAZETTE On November 5, Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania Physician General, visited Chambers Hill Adolescent Program and Concept 90, in Harrisburg DECEMBER 2015 On November 3, Erie Star 104 FM morning radio show hosts Murphy and Currie brought breakfast to online winner — Gaudenzia Erie administration. w w w. g a u d e n z i a . o r g Graduate speaker Coretta H. shares her story with 300 attendees Mike Harle, Tom Spann, and Dan Hilferty pose with the award On October 1, the Gaudenzia/Gustave G. Amsterdam Community Champion Award Dinner was held at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel in Philadelphia. This year’s Honoree was Tom Spann, CEO, Accolade. 300 people attended, raising $120,000 net after expenses for treatment at Gaudenzia. Honorary Co-Chairs were Craig L. Adams, President and CEO, PECO; and Gerard H. Sweeney, President and CEO, Brandywine Realty Trust. Event Committee Co-Chairs were David Connolly and Mike Rody. Mistress of Ceremonies was Pat Ciarrocchi, News Anchor at CBS 3 in Philadelphia. Silent Auction Host was John DeBella, radio personality at WMGK 102.9 in Philadelphia. PECO attendees Edward McBride, Romona Riscoe-Benson, April and Craig Adams Blue Crew volunteers from Independence Blue Cross assisted throughout the evening Tobe Amsterdam, Board Member; Lori Lasher; Maureen Brennan-Miller, Board Member and Bette Lesher 4 GAUDENZIA GAZETTE DECEMBER 2015 w w w. g a u d e n z i a . o r g GAUDENZIA Gala Volunteer Jim Ross and Board member Sheila Ross pose for a photo in the Gondola from Venice A NIGHT IN VENICE On November 21, the Gaudenzia Gala was held at West Shore Country Club in Camp Hill, PA. 160 people attended, raising $72,000 net after expenses. This year’s Honoree was Michael Fiaschetti, Founder, Vibra Health Plan. The event committee Chair was Dr. Ira Packman. Mistress of Ceremonies was Alicia Richards, News Anchor at abc27 in Harrisburg. Michael Fiaschetti accepts the Community Champion Award Michael Young, President and CEO, of PinnacleHealth System, a lead sponsor at this year’s event Ron Savidge, Jill Walmer and Kim Savidge Gil Burns and Barb Flewellen with Jen and Chris Zampogna On August 4, a check presentation of $10,000 was made to Gaudenzia Fountain Springs by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeastern ® Pennsylvania, Inc. at the McDonald’s restaurant in Frackville, Schuylkill County. Fountain Springs is a residential program for addicted women with young children, offering child care and child counseling while the mothers participate in treatment. 5 GAUDENZIA GAZETTE DECEMBER 2015 Roland Kissinger, Owner/Operator, McDonald’s Frackville; Marilyn Shearn, Program Director, Fountain Springs; Carole Lee, Fund Development Manager, Gaudenzia North Central area; Wendy Bridal, Prevention Program Director, Fountain Springs w w w. g a u d e n z i a . o r g PICNIC On September 3, members of the North-Central Community Affairs Council hosted a picnic for individuals in Gaudenzia’s care at Gordon Park in Gordon, PA. Recovery Awareness Family Picnic, Palio 2015 On September 12, despite inclement weather, Recovery Awareness Family Picnic, Palio 2015 in partnership with Sunbury Community Hospital Behavioral Health Program was held at Shickellemy State Park. The activity helped educate Northumberland County residents about Gaudenzia’s outpatient program and recovery services that are available in rural Pennsylvania. Recovery Walks! On September 19, Gaudenzia alumni, clients and staff joined an estimated 25,000 people in Recovery Walks! held at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia. Individuals celebrating more than 10 years in recovery proudly displayed sashes throughout the event. 6 GAUDENZIA GAZETTE DECEMBER 2015 w w w. g a u d e n z i a . o r g Knots Project Woven knots formed the stole that was presented to the Pope Lori Lasher (left) with project participants On September 26, a very special presentation was made to Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia. Learning that one of the Pope’s favorite pieces of art is called Mary, Undoer of Knots, community volunteer Lori Lasher spun yarn for a stole that was made of knots by poor and disenfranchised people who have “knots” in their lives. Participants also wrote personal stories in a journal telling part of their stories and describing what the knots represented. In August, Ms. Lasher invited voluntary participation at Gaudenzia programs at 1306 Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia and also at State Correctional Institution at Chester. She was overwhelmed by the outpouring of clients, alumni and staff representing all faiths who were eager to engage in the project. The completed shawl was presented to the Pope at an unscheduled stop during his visit. On September 26 at Presque Isle in Erie, 160 people participated in the annual Race For Recovery event. 7 GAUDENZIA GAZETTE DECEMBER 2015 w w w. g a u d e n z i a . o r g OPEN HOUSE On October 8, an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at Integrity House, a 16 bed half-way house for men, in York, PA. Erin Pressel, Referral Development Manager and Seth Grove, PA State Representative Doug Hoke, York County Commissioner; Keith Gillespie, PA State Representative; Mark Durgin, York/Adams HealthChoices Management Unit; Michelle Hovis, Executive Director York County Human Services Department; Audrey Glatfelter, York/Adams Drug and Alcohol Commission; Paula Ruane, Central Region Director; Sheila Ross, Board Member and MIke Harle. Gaudenzia Inc. is pleased to receive $1,000 from The Allstate Foundation in honor of Allstate Agent Stephen Vahey’s volunteerism. We are pleased to partner with Allstate and their commitment to making our hometowns better, safer places to live. On October 9 and 10 a Basket Raffle was held at the United Church of Christ in Schuylkill Haven, PA benefitting Gaudenzia treatment at facilities in Schuylkill County. Recently, Glenside and Chestnut Hill Rotary Clubs conducted fundraisers totaling $12,000 to purchase playground equipment at Gaudenzia’s New Image womens and children’s residential program in North Philadelphia. Over the course of several months, Rotary volunteers invested time and effort transforming the playground area, including initial preparation of the space and clean up afterwards. 8 GAUDENZIA GAZETTE DECEMBER 2015 George Hosler, Shawna Ebert and Peggy Zechman Cindy Keeley and Donna Bowen w w w. g a u d e n z i a . o r g Jeff and Peggy Davis In Baltimore, the GIVE Volunteer group has been collecting various supplies and raised over $2,000 for the children who are in residence with their moms at the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Family Center. On August 26, GIVE volunteers delivered the supplies and also chaperoned a field trip for residents to the Maryland Zoo and the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory. The trip was funded by a grant from the Family League of Baltimore. GIVE volunteers Kristin Dodson, Courtney East, Natalie Hazlehurst, Derrick Leak and Matt Stangroom with staff and families from Gaudenzia’s Women with Children program in Baltimore Thanks to a generous donation from Aegis Mechanical Corporation, Gaudenzia’s Chesapeake Region held an outdoor cook out and movie night on October 7 for adult clients, and a visit to Rodgers’ Farms pumpkin patch on October 19 for children in residence with their moms at the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Family Center in Park Heights, Baltimore. Kristin Dodson, GIVE volunteer, helps children decorate pumpkins that they picked on a trip to Rodgers’ Farms.program in Baltimore OPEN HOUSE On November 16, an Open House was held at Gaudenzia Sunbury Outpatient Program for referral sources and funders. Lisa Eroh and Liz Bickhart Snyder County Probation Officers 9 GAUDENZIA GAZETTE Julie Albright, Larry Kerstetter and Lucy Evans Linda Richards and Haley Inch DECEMBER 2015 Kay Foltz-Brown, West Shore Program Supervisor and Stephanie Roth, Administrative Manager w w w. g a u d e n z i a . o r g Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival Gaudenzia partnered with Caddick Utilities to compete in the 2015 Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival on the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park. Caddick Utilities encouraged their employees to join the team. The company generously underwrote the event expenses so that all the individual fundraising efforts would directly impact treatment services at Gaudenzia in Philadelphia. On November 7, our Gaudenzia Gladiators took their place alongside 136 other boats that included nonprofit organizations, corporations, clubs, universities, and out-of-state participants. By day’s end, our Gladiators earned a Silver Medal in their Division. Our presence helped raise awareness about Gaudenzia to thousands of participants and spectators throughout the event. Photos courtesy of M. J. DiNardo James Duffy, Joan Brown, Mike Rody and Elena Grande Charity Food Collection On November 13, Steve Blank, Division Director, addressed the Caesar Rodney Rotary Club in Wilmington, DE about Gaudenzia’s work. 10 GAUDENZIA GAZETTE Elana Grande, a West Chester resident, began volunteering at the Chester County Food Bank and learned of the opportunity to pick up baked goods from Entenmann's Bakery to give to local charities. Elena immediately thought of Gaudenzia. Twice a month, she and long-time volunteer Mike Rody load up his truck at Entenmann's Bakery with bakery goods to deliver to Gaudenzia programs in Chester County. Gaudenzia appreciates their thoughtfulness, as well as the kindness of Chester County Food Bank and Entenmann's Bakery. DECEMBER 2015 w w w. g a u d e n z i a . o r g Spotlight Parkway Center City High School Senior, Malik R., graduated on June 17 with a 3.3 GPA and acceptances from 20 colleges to consider. He had been offered partial and full scholarships, underscoring his academic excellence and leadership abilities, to Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg University, Ohio State and Susquehanna University, to name a few. Malik overcame difficulties that many children do not experience. His mother struggled with mental health and substance use disorders, resulting in a living situation that was inconsistent. Malik attended several primary schools in his formative years and observed helplessly as his mother struggled with her illness and her addiction. Eventually, Malik and his mother obtained permanent housing for post-treatment Meet Malik R. Recipient of Gaudenzia's Services in Philadelphia single-parenting women at Gaudenzia’s Tioga Arms facility in North Philadelphia. Under the watchful eyes of caring staff members who took an interest in Malik's education, he became active in the Drama Club and took up hobbies such as poetry, writing plays and acting. During High School, Malik had major roles in four plays. Toni Montier, Director of Housing at Gaudenzia commented, “We’ve seen the generational cycle of addiction broken due to proper treatment and stable housing. Success stories such as Malik's are inspirational and show that obstacles can be overcome. Today he is living his dream.” Malik was determined to complete high school and college, and then focus on a career. With college now a reality, Malik plans to major in business and psychology. “Initially, I wanted to become an actor, but as time progressed, I switched to psychology. Acting remains a primary passion, though.” Malik hopes to help people dealing with mental health issues, especially those impacted by substance abuse. “If I had to pick the perfect job, it would be getting homeless people off the streets, helping kids that don’t have anywhere to go. Like myself, I guess." Agency News Staff Appointment Gaudenzia, Inc. is pleased to announce Paresh (Perry) Patel, MBA, CHA as Chief Operating Officer, effective November 2, 2015. Mr. Patel is a graduate of St. John’s University where he earned his Master’s of Business Administration in Public Accounting and Widener University where he studied toward a Master’s of Science in Healthcare Finance. Mr. Patel is also a Certified Hospitality Administrator and a member of Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). Prior appointments held by Mr. Patel include: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Blood Bank of Delmarva; CFO at MRPC Financial Management and CFO/Partner at 21st Management Company. Mr. Patel has received awards 11 GAUDENZIA GAZETTE DECEMBER 2015 and commendations, including: Controller of the Year, 2014; Asian American Hotel Owner Association’s Award for Excellence, 2012. Mr. Patel is presently Commissioner at New Castle County, Delaware and is past Chairman of the Delaware Hotel and Lodging Association. Mr. Patel brings over thirty years of progressive leadership experience in the field of healthcare and finance management and has proven executive leadership abilities. He also has a strong background in project management, budgeting and forecasting, risk management, IT infrastructure, hospitality and healthcare management, commercial real estate and Board relations in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. w w w. g a u d e n z i a . o r g GAUDENZIA, Inc. Corporate Offices 106 W. Main Street Norristown, PA 19401 www.gaudenzia.org CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED GET HELP [email protected] LEARN MORE ABOUT US [email protected] MAKE A PLANNED GIFT [email protected] UPDATE NAME OR ADDRESS [email protected] The Gaudenzia Gazette is published by the Community Affairs Department of Gaudenzia, Inc. Michael B. Harle, M.H.S. President and CEO Richard Z. Freemann, Jr., Esq. Chair, Gaudenzia Inc. Maureen Q. Dwyer Chair, Gaudenzia Foundation Gadi Aronson Director of Development Dan Gugliuzza Julie Girsch Jane Horetsky Carole Lee Lynanne Schaeffer Ashley Seal Contributors Please forward address changes to: Gaudenzia Gazette 106 W. Main Street, Norristown, PA 19401 [email protected] eWarmest wishes from the entire Gaudenzia family. May the New Year bring peace and happiness. Shop Amazon, Support Gaudenzia Do you shop on Amazon.com? If you use AmazonSmile, a portion of your purchases will benefit Gaudenzia! Here’s how it works: Visit smile.amazon.com Sign in and select Gaudenzia, Inc. as your charitable organization. AmazonSmile will remember your charitable designation of Gaudenzia on future visits. Shop as you normally would on Amazon. Gaudenzia will receive a portion of the purchase. Thank you! Production costs of this issue have been paid by the employees of Gaudenzia through the 2015 Staff Appeal. 12 GAUDENZIA GAZETTE DECEMBER 2015 Follow us online! www.facebook.com/gaudenziaorg www.twitter.com/gaudenzia w w w. g a u d e n z i a . o r g
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