dFs News - Diversified Family Services

dFs News
5454 East State Street
P.O. Box 1027
Hermitage, PA 16148
724-346-2123
www.diversifiedfamily.org
Editor: Nancy J. Tusinac, M.Ed., Program Director
Layout Design: Chris Maurice
FALL 8/1/2009
The public has been asking and we have it scheduled!! Our third Celebrity Doodles Auction will be
held Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at the Hickory V.F.W., Hermitage. Original artwork donated by
celebrities will be auctioned off in addition to a silent auction with other autographed memorabilia.
Mark your calendars for this extraordinary event, beginning at 6:00 pm with a preview of items. The
live auction will begin at 7:15 pm with auctioneer Al Boland. Tickets are $20.00 which includes admission and
hot hors d’oeuvres. You may reserve your tickets by calling the dFs office at (724) 346-2123.
At our previous two auctions, item sold for as little as $30 and for as much as $600. All proceeds will
benefit our Drop-In Center. You won’t want to miss this year’s collection of fabulous artwork! Listed below
are the names of those celebrities from whom we have already received items!
Cartoonists
Comedians
Musicians
Miscellaneous
Norman Bridwell
Ray Bradbury
Authors
*Jim Davis
Lynn Johnston
Jay Leno
Phyllis Diller
Cher
Gretchen Wilson
Terri Clark
Donald Trump
Actors/Actresses
* Rue McClanahan
Cindy Crawford
Robert David Hall
Heather Locklear
Christopher Meloni
Dixie Carter
Mark Wahlberg
Sports
* Tiger Woods
Mario Andretti
* Jim Tressel
Mario Lemieux
* Jerome Bettis
Tony Hawk
* Joe Paterno
Lynn Swann
* Kelly Pavlik
Chuck Tanner
* Ryan Newman
Fred Couples
* Kasey Kahne
* Jimmie Johnson
* Items other than Doodles
Tiger Woods
autographed photo
Kelly Pavlik
autographed book
Jim Davis
autographed cartoon
Rue McClanahan autographed photo
Kasey Kahne
autographed photo
Jimmie Johnson autographed photo
Ryan Newman
autographed photo
Jerome Bettis
autographed hat
Joe Paterno
autographed football
Jim Tressel
autographed football
In This Issue
Drop-In Center August Schedule ..................2
Chaps 1st Annual Home and Garden Show ...3
You are Invited ..............................................3
Please Welcome our New Employees ...........4
2nd Annual Garage Sale Results .....................4
dFs at Buhl Day ............................................4
2009 Scholarship Winner ..............................4
Annual State Inspections ...............................5
Chaps Goes Green .........................................5
Resource Room .............................................6
The Safety Corner .................................................... 6
Star of the Month ..................................................... 7
Staff Earns Surprise Awards .................................... 7
dFs Client Advisory Committee .............................. 8
David Veverka Memorial Golf Scramble................. 8
Memorial Bricks ...................................................... 8
Drop-In Center September Schedule ........................ 9
The Pill Box ............................................................. 10
dFs Family Reunion Picnic .................................... 10
Drop-In Center October Schedule ............................ 11
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August 2009
At
The Drop-In Center
Taco Bar August 5th 4pm – 6pm
Top your tacos with all the fixin’s. RSVP is required to
attend event.
BINGO August 11th 6pm – 8pm
Everyone’s favorite game.
End of Summer Dance August 21st 6pm – 8pm
Say goodbye to summer with DJ Joe and the Drop-In Center.
Chili Cook Off August 25th 4pm – 6pm
CHAPS will be making different kinds of chili for you to taste. Come
and vote for your favorite. RSVP is required to attend this event.
All Drop-In Center activities are FREE unless otherwise noted
For information or to RSVP please call Mary James at:
(724) 346-2123 ext 5533
In the previous year the Drop-In Center provided 72 participants with 1,745 hours of Free Fun.
“Come and Join In On All the Fun”
2
This year CHAPS hosted its first annual
Home and Garden show in conjunction with the dFs
Yard Sale. A new line of summer products were
premiered at the show, including beautiful hand
decorated bird baths and a variety of garden
stepping stones. Of course, CHAPS favorites were
also featured.
The individuals at CHAPS spent their time
after the Christmas Craft Show working to prepare
for this new event. They chose and worked on
products they felt the public would enjoy, and were
excited with the results. Enthusiasm over the
products at the Home and Garden show was high.
Stepping stones were a project that CHAPS
had originally decided they wanted to work on to
spruce up the area behind the building by their
greenhouse. The response was so great that the
individuals decided they’d like to showcase their
artistic talents to the public. The stones ranged
from tightly laid mosaics to interpretations of nature
scenes to lovely glass flowers. Their hard work
paid off as the stones were a hit.
A simple looking design for a birdbath was
also a favorite. The four birdbaths, created from
flower pots, were decorated with vines, butterflies,
and flowers. They were painted in an array of
colors, and the CHAPS workers spent a lot of time
adding detail to the project.
CHAPS didn’t forget some
of its most popular products.
CHAPS workers spent a great deal
of time making the long-lasting air
fresheners that have been so
popular this past year. The homey
scents used at the Christmas Craft Show were
replaced with fresh florals and tantalizing fruits for
the spring and summer.
Individuals who attend the CHAPS Adult
Day Care program volunteered their time to create a
beautiful hand knitted afghan that was given away
in a free raffle during the Home and Garden Show.
The winner was thrilled to have the light pink, blue,
and purple afghan to take home with her.
Even with the afternoon rain showers, the
Home and Garden show was a success! Everyone
in attendance enjoyed themselves, and they left with
great products.
The date for the 2010 Home and Garden
show will be announced in the spring edition of the
dFs newsletter, so watch for it. For information on
any of our products, please contact Mary James at
Chaps
Golden Run Clydesdales will be holding its’ annual ”dFs” Day on October 3, 2009, 12pm – dusk for all clients,
staff and providers. All dFs “family” are invited to enjoy a relaxing horsedrawn hayride, cornmaze and other
fall farm activities. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and marshmallows for fun around the campfire.
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Direct Care Professionals
Christopher Dennis
Nichole Hoskins
Paige Klemens
MaryAnn Lary
Lisa Peques
Karen Rickert
Elaina Scharba
Laura Sanders
Michelle Ser
Victor Shaffer
Stephanie Thornton
Contributed by:
Michele Groover
The second annual dFs garage
sale was a huge success despite the
rainy weather.
Don’t forget to look for the dFs booth at
Buhl Day this year on Labor Day
at Buhl Park, September 7, 2009.
We raised a total of $379.30 that went to our
Robin Kralevich Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Items left at the end of the day were donated to the
Prince of Peace Center.
We would like to thank everyone who donated
items for our sale and to everyone that gave their
time to help.
The 2009 Robin Kralevich Memorial Scholarship winner,
Molly Anglin, receives her scholarship award from
Bonnie Kralevich, mother of Robin Kralevich. Molly is a
junior at Temple University majoring in Social Work.
Molly is the daughter of Chris and Kim Anglin of
Sharpsville. Congratulations Molly and best wishes in
your future endeavors.
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dFs Shines Again at Annual State
Inspections for
Adult Residential Services
Written by Cathy Proctor
Each year the Pennsylvania Office of
Developmental Programs conducts an annual
inspection of licensed services that fall under their
jurisdiction. Most recently they were at Diversified
Family Services to complete the annual inspection
of the Group Home services and Lifesharing
through Family Living services provided by the
agency. The inspection includes a fire safety
inspection of each home. They also review staff
records, programming and medical records as well
as training records. They assure through this review
that the agency is in compliance with state
regulations.
The inspection of the Group Homes took place on
May 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2009. The inspectors had
a lot of positive feedback for the agency at the
conclusion of the inspection. They were impressed
with the quality and quantity of the training
provided to our staff. They realize that we provide
services for a number of people with very difficult
medical, and behavioral challenges that keep us
very busy, but we are able to stay on top of the
situations with the client needs in mind. They felt
that the behavioral programs were well written and
the review of these programs are timely and
thorough. Medication monitoring is provided more
frequently than required by the state and a lot of
good information is included on the monitoring
forms.
The inspection of the Lifesharing through Family
Living services was conducted on June 10th, 11th,
and 12th, 2009. We have 7 families that provide
Lifesharing services to 9 clients. They inspected
these homes plus they completed an inspection to
open the home of a new provider family who is now
providing services. Again the inspectors had many
positives comments such as: good training records,
specific trainings for each family’s circumstance
and individual they are providing care for, the
homes are very nice and meet the client’s needs, the
families are friendly and personable and the client
family matches are well thought out. Each year the
inspectors comment on how dedicated they families
are with some families having the same individual
with them for as long as twenty years. These folks
have truly bonded as a “family”.
Both inspection conclusions were excellent and the
agency continues to maintain a full license for both
Group Home services and Lifesharing services.
CHAPS Goes (and Makes) Green
In our search to find new and exciting products, CHAPS has discovered a hit. CapriSun and Kool-Aid beach
bags are the “it” product of the summer. These Earth-friendly bags come in many styles and
colors. While the beach bags are the hottest product right now, CHAPS also creates
shopping, lunch, and BINGO bags. Our small purses and totes make great gifts!
These bags are made from the empty pouches of the drink. After washing, sterilizing, and
drying the bags, the individuals at CHAPS design the product.
While there are several styles and color choices, no two bags are
exactly alike.
The CapriSun bags come in four styles: CapriSun Sport,
CapriSun Sunrise, CapriSun 100% Juice, and CapriSun Roaring Waters. The KoolAid bags are a rainbow of flavors. The beach bags are finished off with colored
bias tape.
CHAPS offers a $1 off coupon to anyone who donates ten or more empty CapriSun
or Kool-Aid pouches.
For more information or to order please contact Mary James.
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“I’ve Seen It All!”
Lives of Older persons with Intellectual Disabilities in the Community
Submitted By: Lorraine Livosky
In 1967 Robert B. Edgerton, Ph.D.,completed a groundbreaking ethnographic study he titled “The Cloak of
Competence”. It examines the lives of people with intellectual disabilities who are making the transition from
life in an institution to life in the community. Now dynamic new research in “I’ve Seen It All!” documents the
life histories of nine adults, six of whom were in the original Cloak of Competence study, who have currently
lived independently in the community for 30 years or more.
The editors and other anthropologists who contributed to I’ve Seen It All!” based their study on unobtrusive
observation, intimate conversation, and frequent personal contact with the nine participants. From other
observations detailed portraits emerge of each person’s background, family history, years in an institution, and
present-day life. Discover how each individual mastered the home, work, and public social settings that make
up his or her everyday world.
This book is a great resource for professionals in the field of intellectual disabilities and developmental
disabilities, direct care providers, specialists in aging, teachers and students.
If you are interested in reading this book, you can find it in our resource room.
5. Buckle up. Safety belts properly used nearly double
your chances of surviving a serious crash.
Contributed By:
Leslie Jackson
Administrative Officer
Safety Committee Chairperson
Drive defensively to spot trouble before it happens.
Driving safely takes skill and attention. Experts
say we can do a lot to avoid traffic crashes. It’s
called defensive driving.
1. Start with a safe vehicle. Check
lights, belts, fluid levels, as well as
tire treads and pressure periodically.
2. Check your own condition. Don’t drive after
using alcohol or sedatives, or when sleepy-the
most common factors involved in fatal crashes.
3.
Stay alert. Traffic authorities say the most
serious hazard to everyday drivers is a simple
distraction-such as smoking, eating, talking,
using a cell phone or fiddling with controls.
6. Scan the road ahead for hazards. Stay aware at all
times of your “airspace” and the other drivers
entering and leaving it. Constantly check ahead,
behind and beside you. Spotting
trouble even a split second early can
give you time and space to react
defensively.
7. Check the blind spots. Before changing lanes, turn
and look quickly to see what’s immediately to the
right and left rear of your vehicle.
8. Be patient in congested traffic. Prepare for stops,
lane changes and angry, aggressive drivers.
Driving is a full-time, full-concentration activity.
If you’re not willing to give it your complete
attention, don’t get behind the wheel.
Be ready for anything-the weather, your vehicle and
other drivers.
4.
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How to nominate a “Star”
Contributed by: Stacey Llewellyn,
Personnel Assistant
Rhonda Roye, Social Service Aide was selected as
June’s “Star of the Month.”
July’s “Star of the Month” was Misty Goodwill, RPW.
Jill Andes, RPS is Augusts’ “Star of the Month.”
A certificate was placed in the office waiting area in
honor of each “star.” Each “star” receives a token of
appreciation. In addition, each “star’s” name was
added to the “Star of the Month” plaque that is
located on the “dFs Wall of Fame.”
Congratulations to all recipients of this award!
Keep up the good work!
Have you ever thought “Wow, that person is doing a
great job and really makes a difference?” That’s the
perfect opportunity to nominate someone to be a dFs
Star of the Month.
Stars of the Month can be employees, family living
providers, foster parents, members of the Board of
Directors or other volunteers.
Nomination forms can be found in the mail room in the
reception area. When completing the form, you should
include specific reasons as to why you are nominating
the person. The nominee should be someone who
“goes above and beyond” their normal duties. All
nominations are reviewed and awarded monthly by the
Executive Team. Staff are eligible to be honored once
every three years.
So the next time you see someone “going the extra
mile,” take some time to complete a nomination form
so that person gets a chance at being recognized as a
dFs Star.
Staff Earn Surprise Awards
Contributed by: Andrea Davidson, Quality Improvement Coordinator
Congratulations to the staff that were surprised in March, April and May from the Staff Retention Committee!
March, 2009
Clarksville and Buhl Court Group Home staff were recognized
for having the least medication and documentation errors:
Diane Anthony, Karen Ardlen, Flora Bayless, Courtney Connelly, Pat Clark, Novella Clarke, Carolyn DeVenney,
Nicole Eversole, Kim Gadola, Rachel Graham, Angel Karenbauer, Lenora Keck, Marla Palm, Patty Prezioso,
Michelle Smith and Kathy VanHorn.
April, 2009
The Hubbard Group Home Staff were recognized for being the first to turn in their completed Tornado Drill:
Courtney Connelly, Renee Delgadillo, Alissa Freed, Randi Hall-Lee, Nicole Lawrence, Dawnielle Klenke,
Debra Ragin, Lorena Shephard, Karen Sluder and Kathy Worona.
May, 2009
Unannounced inspections of agency vehicles were completed during May
using a checklist derived from dFs policies on safety and cleanliness.
The staff at Buhl Court’s Group Home was recognized for scoring the highest on the inspection checklist:
Pat Clark, Novella Clarke, Kim Gadola, Rachel Graham, Lenora Keck,
Marla Palm,Patty Prezioso, Michelle Smith, and Kathy VanHorn.
Look for winners’ names posted each month in the dFs office. Each month a different
award category is selected! Congratulations from the Staff Retention Committee!
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Client Advisory Committee members are ambassadors to the
community. They discuss satisfaction with services and ideas
for improvement. The committee also plans at least one
workshop or social activity each year. In June, 2009 they
sponsored the dFs Family Reunion Picnic.
The committee is chaired by Russell Swauger who is also on
the agency board. Russell is the liaison between the
committee and the Board of Directors. He reports suggestions to the Board. Russell is assisted
by Jennifer Ketcham who is the committee secretary. Other current members of the committee
are: April Barr, Marilyn Lapp, Tina McMillan and Robert Mott.
If you would like to contact one of the committee members to share your ideas please call the
office and leave a message for Jenn Ketcham. You can also contact Jenn if you are interested in
serving on the committee at 724-346-2123 ext 5562.
dFs will be donating various items made by
CHAPS for the David Veverka Memorial
Golf Scramble and Chinese
Auction.
The event is being
held on August 22,
2009, at the Hickory VFW Golf
Course and Banquet Hall.
By: Jennifer Minett and Courtney Simpson Memorial Bricks are still available
upon your donation of $150.00 or more.
Proceeds
will
benefit
the
Picnic
Pavillon. Please contact dFs office
for more information or to order!
If you would like to receive your next newsletter via e-mail,
Please contact Chris Maurice at
(724) 346-2123 ext. 5513 or cmaurice@diversifiedfamily. org
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September 2009
At
The Drop-In Center
Movie Night September 2nd 6pm – 8pm
Catch a free flick and enjoy some snacks at the Drop-In Center.
Spaghetti Dinner September 10th 4pm – 6pm
Have dinner with friends at the Drop-In Center. RSVP required to attend
event.
Disco! September 15th 6pm – 8pm
Dance the night away with the sounds of DJ Joe.
Sundae Bar September 21st 6pm – 7:30pm
Make your own sundae. RSVP required to attend this event.
Chinese Dinner September 30th 4pm – 6pm
Come participate in this fun, themed dinner. RSVP
required to attend event.
All Drop-In Center activities are FREE unless otherwise noted
For information or to RSVP please call Mary James at:
(724) 346-2123 ext 5533
In the previous year the Drop-In Center provided 72 participants with 1,745 hours of Free Fun.
“Come and Join In On All the Fun”
9
Contributed by: Stacey Cannon
Health Service Coordinator Four ways
to
save on meds....excerpt from “Health”
magazine...
With prescription-drug costs rising every year,
consumers are taking matters into their own hands. But
rather than split pills (dangerous) or forgo meds
altogether (even more dangerous), there are better
options for your health and your pocketbook. Here are a
few that could save you some big bucks.
Sign up for a prescription-savings program. Many
pharmacies offer programs that give you cheaper meds
for a small annual cost. For an enrollment fee of $10, for
instance, CVS allows you to fill a 90-day prescription for
one of more than 400 generic medications for $9.99
each. At Wal-Mart and Giant Eagle you can buy a
month’s worth of over 400 generic meds for $4 each (or
a 90-day supply for $10) with no up-front fee.
Find special offers. Before you pay for your next
prescription medicine, visit the pharmaceutical
company’s or medication’s Web site. Many companies
offer money-saving coupons and special offers online.
You can also get good deals at a site like
InternetDrugCoupons.com.
O Canada! You can save an average 35 to 50% or more
on some drugs across the border. Why? Canada’s
dFs “Family”
Reunion Picnic
Tina McMillan,
Client Advisory
Committee Member
Reports:
dFs was alive with laughter and good times as we
gathered for our 1st dFs “Family” Picnic. It was
initially scheduled to be at Buhl Park, but due to poor
weather conditions the picnic was moved to the dFs
building.
From Tina:
“On June 19th the Client
Advisory Committee had a picnic
for the entire dFs agency.
At the picnic we played games
such as Bingo, Dodgeball and Cornhole Toss. We also
had a karaoke sing-a-long.
We ate baked beans, salad, hot dogs, hamburgers and
chips. There were also several [types of] cookies,
brownies and cakes. A few clients from the client
advisory committee helped the staff clean up.”
While everyone was enjoying the activities, some
“busy bee” employees were taking individual
pictures for keepsake buttons for those who wanted a
remembrance of a day filled with food, fun and
friends.
Thank you to the Client
Advisory Committee who
planned and volunteered their
time to make this a successful
and enjoyable “family” reunion.
federal government controls the prices of new drugs. To
avoid getting scammed or sold poor-quality medication,
stick with online drugstores that are certified by the
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and display
the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site seal.
Check payment-helper sites. Visit TogetherRxAccess.org
or PPARX.org to find out if you qualify for free or nearly
free meds.
10
October 2009
At
The Drop-In Center
Make Your Own Pizza October 8th 4pm – 6pm
RSVP required to attend event.
Scary Movie Night October 13th 6pm – 8pm
Come watch a scary movie to celebrate Halloween.
Pumpkin Decorating October 21st 6pm – 8pm
Come paint a pumpkin. RSVP required to attend event.
Halloween Dance October 30th 6pm – 8pm
Food, fun, and prizes for the best costumes. Tunes courtesy
of DJ Joe.
All Drop-In Center activities are FREE unless otherwise noted
For information or to RSVP please call Mary James at:
(724) 346-2123 ext 5533
11
In the previous year the Drop-In Center provided 72 participants with 1,745 hours of Free Fun.
“Come and Join In On All the Fun”
Diversified Family Services
5454 East State Street
P.O. Box 1027
Hermitage, PA 16148
www.diversifiedfamily.org
“Helping Families Since 1985”
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SHARON, PA
PERMIT NO. 133
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President ................... Jim Stevenson
Vice President ...... Rev. Doug Dayton
Secretary .............. Andrea Davidson
Treasurer ............. Audra Kosmowski
Member ..................... Jennifer Cidila
Member ............... Dana Frankenburg
Member ......................Carole Giroski
Member ............. Marilyn Heckathorn
Member ............. Rosemarie Janosko
Member .......................Ken Johnston
Member ................ Dr. Frank McElree
Member .......................... Meg Mirizio
Member .................. Russell Swauger
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