Spring, 2013 V1, Issue 3
Transcription
Spring, 2013 V1, Issue 3
The Compass The Official Newsletter of Community Crossroads, Inc. www.communitycrossroadsnh.org Spring 2013 Guidance, Support and Advocacy News Volume 1, Issue 3 Aleece Pappas Named Save the Date - May 17, 2013 and Join Us at the Castle ! Among the “Twenty Most This year’s 10th Annual Silent Auction extravaganza sponsored by FLIR and Enterprise Bank Outstanding Women to is guaranteed to be a sold out event! If you’ve never been to Searles Castle prepare to be amazed in the center of Windham, NH. You will want to take the Know in New Hampshire” by the 175 acre estate nestled opportunity to tour the castle, stroll the lovely grounds and sample It wasn’t Hollywood’s Oscars taking place at Community Crossroads this past February, but it was pretty Aleece Pappas close to it when our own Aleece Pappas was honored with WZID’s “Twenty Most Outstanding Women to Know in New Hampshire” award at the Women’s Expo in Manchester on February 16. Nominated by one of the many families Aleece supports on her hefty caseload as a full-time Service Coordinator, no one could be more deserving, as her fellow co-workers will attest. They well know the demands and joys of the Service Coordinator’s positions here at Community Crossroads. A single mom, a member of the Family Support Council, a board member of the Autism Society of New Hampshire, Aleece somehow manages it all with patience, compassion, expertise and above all, good humor. Aleece and her son Mikey are ambassadors wherever they go. Whether at a meeting in Concord, NH or an airport in Orlando, FL, they put into action how to live a full and happy life despite the challenges one might face. Congratulations to our celebrated Aleece Pappas. All of us here at Community Crossroads are very proud of you. Aleece can be reached at [email protected] delectable hors d’oeuvres and delightful desserts created with royalty in mind. We are so excited to add to our event this year a performance by Bay Road Entertainment. This 5-piece band will provide soft, soothing music as you peruse through the array of auction items. The ever so popular raffle of the all-inclusive private dinner for 6 at Searles Castle, valued at $2000.00 and generously donated by Searles Castle, will be Searles Castle, Windham, NH raffled off to the holder of one of only 100 tickets sold. Along with a multitude of auction items, there will be many exciting and unique raffles. Some of our past years’ highlights include a Lighthouse Dinner for four, signed sports memorabilia and the amazing wine table. This is just a small preview of the items available to bid on during the evening. Rob Frye, our returning DJ for the third consecutive year, will be on hand to announce raffle winners and highlight live auction items throughout the evening. Tickets are $30.00/person. To secure a seat, tickets must be purchased in advance by ordering online at www.communitycrossroadsnh.org or by calling 603-893-1299. Event runs from 7:00-11:00PM Over the years we have been incredibly fortunate to have received support from our community. We again welcome you to join us in celebrating our 10th Annual Silent Auction by donating items or services, purchasing ad space in the event program, or by becoming an event sponsor. If interested please contact a Jinelle Hobson at 603-893-1299, ext. 311. Thanks! Don’t Miss Out on the Fun! BID! BID! BID! In this issue... Aleece Pappas Honored Silent Auction Demystifying Testifying Meet the Staff Events, Happenings, Recognition People Power Post 1 1 2 2 3 3 Carole’s Corner How NH Creates its Budget Emphasis on Employment Interesting People Kid’s Carnival Partnership Fund 4 4 5 6 7 8 Agency Governance Board of Directors Meet the staff Officers Edward Adamsky, President Nancy Papanikolaou - Service Coordinator Pelham Linda Steir, Vice President Atkinson Kathleen Dayotis, Secretary Atkinson Marion Donahue, Treasurer Hampstead Members Lorraine Butler Derry Colleen Demers Pelham James Dickerson Salem Kenneth Ferreira Jr. Londonderry I have worked in the Human Service field for 28 years. I have been an advocate for a family member throughout my life. Together, we both faced many challenges and meaningful outcomes while reaching each milestone. I wanted to pursue a career to help people with disabilities to ensure equal quality of life in the areas of: self-advocacy, education, and employment opportunities. I have worked in a management position while Nancy Nanc Na ncyy Papanikolaou Papa Pa pani niko kola laou ou Service Coordinator attending college to further my education. I assisted adults with Community Crossroads disabilities to achieve their vocational goals along with developing new programs. I have worked closely with Massachusetts Rehabilitation Service, Commission of the Blind, Department of Mental Health and Department of Developmental Disabilities Services. I am grateful for the opportunity to work at Community Crossroads to obtain new strengths and reaching additional success for my future. I am thankful for the warm greetings from the staff at Community Crossroads, as well as the families and individuals we serve. Robin Knight, FSC Liaison Sandown Elaine Lavin Salem Kathy Murphy Chester Cathy Spinney Demystifying Testifying Pelham Barbara Strzykalski Did you know that most folks would rather die than speak publicly in front of others? It’s true. So it’s not unusual to feel your body tense with anxiety over the thought of testifying at a public hearing at the NH State House or the Legislative Office Building (LOB) in front of a Senate or House committee. Atkinson James Watson Derry Family Support Council Officers Robin Knight, Chair Sandown Jenn Je nn Bertrand Ber B ertr tran andd Laurie Giguere, Vice-Chair Legislative Liaison, Community Crossroads Salem Fear not folks, and remember members of our legislature are for the most part volunteers who literally live around the corner. They are our neighbors who we may bump into at the grocery store, post office or the dump. They work for you. Their job is to represent your interests and they can’t know everything about the often 1,000 bills which go through the NH House and Seante each year. They sincerely welcome your input and perspective. Mariellen Rowe, Secretary Derry Members Lynne Aboujaoude Pelham Karen Carr To demystify the experience and give you the confidence you need, I will share with you some of my personal tips to testifying. For every bill filed in NH, a hearing is scheduled before the committee responsible for that category of law. The purpose of the hearing is so the public will have an opportunity to voice its support or opposition to the bill. Definitely plan to arrive early as parking can be difficult near the State House. Bring a debit/credit card or change to pay for your parking. Sandown Carol Dabrowski Derry Katie Everett Windham Susan Nyberg Upon entering the hearing room, sign in and indicate that you plan on testifying and grab a seat. Depending on the bill, it may take a while. Bring enough copies of your written testimony for each committee member and staff. You can hand the copies to the clerk when your name is called. You will take the seat at a desk in front of the committee and begin your testimony. Always conduct yourself respectfully. Be concise. You often will have only ... Chester Aleece Pappas 2 Salem continued on page 5 Events, Happenings and Recognition Guardianship Information Night Please join us for this important information night to gain knowledge in the specific process of applying for Guardianship. You will learn when and where to apply, what you will need in preparation for applying, what to expect from the process, and when and how the determination will be made. Presented by Julianne French of 10th Circuit Probate Division, Brentwood, NH and sponsored by Community Crossroads, Inc. Family Support Council When: Monday May 20, 2013, 7:30PM Where: Community Crossroads, Inc. 8 Commerce Drive Atkinson, NH 03811 Please RSVP by May 13, 2013 to Anita Trudel, (603) 893-1299 ext. 334 or [email protected]. Brain Injury and Stroke Conference People Power Post Our February People Power meeting was filled with excitement as we made plans for this year’s events. It was impossible to choose the best part of the evening since it was fun from beginning to end. First on the agenda was planning and naming the three dances we have: Friday, April 19 is our Spring “Achy Breaky” Dance Friday, August 16 is our Summer “Fun, Fun in the Sun” Dance and Friday November 15 is our Autumn “Falling Leaves” Dance. They will all be held at the Atkinson Community Center, from 6:00-9:00PM Watch for the Dance Event Flyers. 2013 Meeting Topics The Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire will hold its 30th Annual Brain Injury and Stroke Conference this spring. • Self-Advocacy-What is the meaning? When: Wednesday May 15, 2013 Where: Courtyard Marriott & Grappone Conference Center Concord, NH • Understanding Our Rights For further information go to their website at www.bianh.org • Dental Hygiene • Fire Safety, CPR, First Aid (special guests will come and speak) • Making Healthy Choices Save the Date! • Intimidation-How to handle it Mark your calendar and save Thursday September 12, 2013 for Community Crossroads’ 24th Annual Golf Challenge at Candia Woods Golf Links, Candia, NH. The group is always looking for new members,, and is discussing having an open house in May to entice more people to join. Watch for details. Gather up a foursome and enter. Fun, raffles, dinner, prizes and more. For more information, contact us at (603) 893-1299 Community Partnership Fund This year we are unveiling the Community Partnership Fund which is about a different kind of giving - it’s giving back to the community. Community Crossroads has supported families and individuals who in turn have contributed immeasurably to their local communities through their employment, their volunteerism and their relationships. Please consider making a financial contribution today. As always, 100% of your donation goes directly to supporting those we serve. You can make a tax-deductible contribution online at www.communitycrossroadsnh.org or by mailing a check to: Community Crossroads, Inc. • 8 Commerce Drive, Suite 801 • Atkinson, NH 03811 • Friendships and Relationships Group sponsored by Community Crossroads. We meet on the first Thursday of each month at the Hampstead Library. Join Us! You must be 21 years of age or Older to join. For further information, please Call Dianna Winward at (603) 893-1299, ext. 314 3 Carole’s Corner “Sticks and Stones... May break my bones, but names can never hurt me.” How Does NH Create its Fiscal Budget Searching for the very basic process by Karen M. Blake That’s what we tell Carole Thibodeau outselves. But they do hurt, don’t they? We tell ourselves they don’t matter. We pretend. We put up a shield for protection. Yet, the bottom line? They hurt. Seems like in this politically correct world of ours, we’re constantly secondguessing our language. I don’t want to contribute to the paranoia we sometimes create in our efforts not to offend. But words ARE powerful. Whether they’re written or they’re verbal, they can have lasting effects...especially on the vulnerable. And we are all vulnerable from time to time. When we’re feeling strong, it’s easier to fend off hurtful names or sentiments. But, oh, how much better to never hear them in the first place! Sometimes we ourselves use hurtful language, without even realizing it. Words change over the course of time. What may begin as a benign term can morph into a term of disrespect. It’s up to us to be cognizant of the language we use. Years ago I heard a helpful little tool to use when I’m considering what I say (and write). Here it is: THINK T H I N K Is it Thoughtful? Is it Helpful? Is it Insightful? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind? Whether related to a disability, nationality, religion, age, lifestyle or any other area of our humanity, we owe it to ourselves and others to carefully choose language of respect, compassion and good will. As a fairly recent transplant to New Hampshire I have been mystified at New Hampshire’s budget process. While awaiting our new Governor’s first budget I decided that this would be the year I would take a closer look and find out about the process. As a parent of a child with a developmental disability I need to know how my adopted state decides where the resources are allotted especially those that potentially affect my child and our family. The first place that I looked for information was on the New Hampshire government website and found Transparent NH, How Government Finances Work which gave a general overview of the process (www.nh.gov/transparentnh/how-government-financework/index). As you probably know, New Hampshire has a two year fiscal budget or Biennial Budget. What this actually means is that the NH Legislature and Governor approve two separate, yearly fiscal budgets at one time. The fiscal budget starts on July 1 and runs to June 30 of the following year, and is named by the year it ends. So, this year, the 2014 budget starts on July 1, 2013 and ends on June 30, 2014. The budget process is divided into three phases; the Agency phase, the Governor’s Phase and the Legislative Phase. The Agency Phase begins in August of the last year of the Biennial Budget and ends with each state agency sending their requests to the Dept. of Administrative Services Budget office by October 1. So, as an example, the Dept. of Health and Human Services would have submitted their requests for the 2014-2015 budget on October 1, 2012. Agency requests can be reviewed at www.admin.state.nh.us/budget. The Governor’s Phase begins on October 1 and ends on or before February 15. The Governor reviews the agency requests and creates his/her own recommendations. This is known as the Governor’s Recommended Budget. This budget is presented to the joint legislature by February 15. The Governor’s Recommended Budget for 2014-2015 can be viewed at www.admin.state.nh.us/budget once it is released. The Legislative Phase begins on February 15 in the House. The Senate also has an opportunity to create a budget. The House and Senate must reconcile their budget versions in a Committee of Conference and both houses of the legislature must ratify a single version by June 30. Then the budget returns to the Governor for signature, a veto, or the Governor can allow the budget to become law without a signature. The new budget goes into effect on July 1. Once this budget is enacted, it can be reviewed at www.gencourt.state.nh.us/lba/budget. Currently the 2012-2013 biennial budget is listed. After researching the New Hampshire government website, I now understand the very basic process of the New Hampshire Fiscal Budget. For anyone interested on finding out more information on the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget Process and a more in depth look at the budget phases, check out Community Crossroads‘ “The FY 14/15 Legislative Budget Process in New Hampshire, A Brief Overveiw” powerpoint presentation at the Community Crossroads’ website: http://www.communitycrossroadsnh.org/docs/LegislativeBudgetProcess.pdf “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” Plato Carole can be reached at [email protected] 4 Demystifying Testifying continued from cover Emphasis on Employment ...three minutes or less to make your point. First, greet the committee. State your first and last name and where you live. Then, declare that you support or oppose the bill being heard, referring to it by its House Bill or Senate Bill number (HBxxx or SBxxx). While using research data can be effective, personal stories have far greater impact. Tell the committee why you support or oppose the bill. Tell them precisely how the legislation will impact your family or business. Include a photo of your family member in your written testimony and bring one to pass around during the hearing. This helps put a face to what you are sharing. Finally, ask the committee to vote in accordance with your position. Wait a moment to see if anyone has questions for you. Answer honestly, including if you do not know the answer. Offer to find out and get back to them. Be sure your contact information is included in your submitted written testimony. See, it’s really not so difficult when you know what to expect and you think about legislators as neighbors in your community there to assist you. Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Let your voice be heard. The Community Crossroads Public Policy Outreach Committee can offer more information about tips to testifying, writing impactful testimony, and free training sessions related to the legislative process. Email me (Jenn Bertrand) at [email protected] “ Disability is not a ‘brave struggle’ or ‘courage in the face of adversity’.... disability is an art. It’s an ingenious way to live.” Neil Marcus Gary is a man with a plan. While still in high school Gary, with the assistance of Work Opportunities Unlimited, obtained his first part-time job at Bob’s Stores and he has been working there for over 4 years. He works primarily in the footwear department but is interested in training as a cashier. Gary obtained an additional part-time job at Market Basket over 2 years ago. He started in the “front end” where he was retrieving carts and packing groceries. Recently, he was promoted to the grocery department and is now stocking shelves. Gary is naturally supported at both of his jobs and his supervisors describe him as dependable and hard-working. Gary has received many compliments on his exemplary customer service. Gary often works over 80 hours each week Gary and some of his co-workers between both of his jobs and he no longer receives public assistance. He pays all of his own expenses and is working on managing his spending money. Recently, he decided to use his savings to have some orthodontic work done. With the assistance of his Service Coordinator at Community Crossroads, Gary has developed a 5-year plan which includes purchasing a car and moving into his own apartment. Do you have an interesting employment story to share? Please send it to Dee Johnson at [email protected] State of NH Employment Data The “NH Employment of People with Disabilities” report for October-December 2012 has been released and can be viewed via a link on the Community Crossroads’ website, www.communitycrossroadsnh.org. This report, prepared by the NH DHHS, Bureau of Developmental Services, details the state’s commitment to helping individuals with disabilities find and retain meaningful, skilled employment on a scale that is on a par with other citizens in our state. The report contains region-by-region statistics and analysis. Camperships Are you in need of a Campership Grant in 2013? Please contact your service coordinator at Community Crossroads or visit our web-site, www.communitycrossroadsnh.org, and under the category of “Forms”, download a Campership application. It’s that simple! 5 Interesting People Leadership in Action If you have been in the Community Crossroads offices any time since last June, you may have seen two new, but vaguely familiar, faces. The faces belong to Beth Dixon and Frank Sgambati. Although they are new to our agency, they are very well known by families throughout the state of New Hampshire. That’s because they have been instrumental in the success of the NH Leadership Series program sponsored by the Institute on Disability at UNH for over twenty years. During that time, nearly 900 people have graduated from the program and have used their advocacy skills to transform the way that people who experience disability are supported in New Hampshire. Many graduates are currently serving their communities on various town boards and commitees, and Leaders have been among our state legislators past and present. Our current Governor, Maggie Hassan, is a NH Leadership graduate. So what are Beth and Frank doing here at Community Crossroads? We are very fortunate to have worked out an arrangement with the Leadership Series which allows Frank and Beth to spend time in our agency every month doing what they do best - helping people think in new and different ways. Over the past seven months they have achieved this goal in a variety of settings, including: • Bringing in national experts like Jeff Strully and Allan Bergman to present to our staff and families • Offering structured learning opportunities at our monthly staff meetings, which include required reading, inspirational speakers like Freda Smith and Jennifer MacIntosh, and lots of stimulating discussion with fun activities • Working with our Community Services Department to develop tools to support families, using a person-centered approach • Working with our Family Support Council to strengthen it and reaffirm its mission • Helping us with virtually anything that will make us a better agency • Many more ideas are in the works Anyone who has ever had contact with Beth and Frank knows how lucky we are to have them working with us. It is a partnership that we hope lasts a long, long time. Frank Sgambati and Beth Dixon of NH Leadership Series, IOD/UNH Community Crossroads “Lunch Bunch” Fills a Need Each and every day a group of Community Crossroads staff spend only 10 minutes actually eating lunch, and devote the rest of the time to crocheting baby blankets. Some are beginners, some experienced, but all are devoted to making the prettiest baby blankets ever. We began with a mission to provide blankets to local special-care nurseries. One morning our Early Supports and Services Coordinator Tammy Dudal noticed one of the blankets and asked if she could bring it to a home-visit. It seems this baby was born premature and had endured a lengthy hospital stay. At that moment, the “Lunch Bunch” mission changed - and we began crocheting for all the little ones with special needs. We crochet - Tammy delivers. Families are touched by the labor of love, and we are enriched by the experience. Each blanket, like those we support, is unique. No two are exactly alike. We take great pride in each other’s creative accomplishments and are happy to share our handiwork with those who have or will face significant challenges in their young lives. Our yarn supply is continually in need of restocking. Some of our “needlework-challenged” co-workers help us out with that. It is surely a group effort here at Community Crossroads. If any readers would like to contribute to our yarn supply, please let us know. Contact Tammy at 603-893-1299 or email her at [email protected] and she will work with you on the best way to get your donation to us. As long as there are little ones out there in need of warm, handmade blankets, our “Lunch Bunch” will be busy at work - and at lunch! 6 16th Annual Kid’s Carnival 2013 Community Crossroads recently held its 16th Annual Kid’s Carnival at the Woodbury School in Salem. “Despite the blizzard which caused us to postpone the event by one week, the event went off without a hitch”, stated Carnival Coordinator Tammy Dudal. “In all of the 16 years of this community event, we have never had to postpone the Carnival”, Dudal said. “We were very fortunate to have had all the volunteers and entertainers available a week later. Words cannot describe our gratitude to those who perform and volunteer year after year.” We are especially grateful to the Woodbury School for their continued support over the years. The event brought in many families from the local communities. Throughout the day there were demonstrations by the Salem Fire Department. Children enjoyed dressing up in their gear. “Jurassic Joe” of Mad Science wowed the crowd with his magical science performance. Ocasio’s True Martial Arts kept the audience glued to their seats with their front kicks, while the Lowell Spinners’ Mascot walked and joked around with the kids and adults and posed for many photos. The Studio of Performing Arts delighted the crowd with several dances by their competitive dance teams. They invited the entire crowd to join the stage for several dances. Life Is Good popped fresh popcorn and passed out many types of bumper stickers. Sandlot Sports & Entertainment sponsored the coloring contest. Everything and everyone involved made this day a safe, fun and exciting event for kids of all ages and abilities. The event also included many handmade crafts, raffle prizes and carnival games. Our event could not have been a success without our main sponsors Salem Co-Operative Bank, Playmates Learning Center, Sandlot Sports & Entertainment and Pentucket Bank. Please visit our website, www.communitycrossroadsnh.org for fabulous photos of the fun filled day. Join us next year! 7 NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PD ATKINSON, NH PERMIT 36 8 Commerce Drive, Ste 801, Atkinson, New Hampshire 03811 A special thanks to Spinney Associates for making this newsletter possible - www.spinneyassociates.com Partner with us . . . Announcing the Community Partnership Fund This year we are unveiling the Community Partnership Fund which is about a different kind of giving - it’s giving back to the community. Community Crossroads has supported families and individuals who in turn have contributed immeasurably to their local communities through their employment, their volunteerism and their relationships. Please consider making a financial contribution today. As always, 100% of your donation goes directly to supporting those we serve. You can make a tax-deductible contribution online at www.communitycrossroadsnh.org or by mailing a check to: Community Crossroads, Inc. 8 Commerce Drive, Suite 801 Atkinson, NH 03811 www.communitycrossroadsnh.org
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