Connections Spring/Summer 2009

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Summer 2009
Signature Event
connections
Not only were attendees able to watch the 50-1
long shot Mine that Bird make history on two large
projection screens, but they were also treated to
trivia questions from Big Daddy Graham and multiple indoor horse races. In true Derby fashion and
festivity, a “Best in Hats” contest was judged, mint
juleps were served, and a bugler was on-hand for all
of the important announcements.
740 South Chester Rd. Swarthmore, PA 19081 • 610.328.9008 • www.communityinteractions.org
Fourth Annual Signature Event
After the surprising upset of Mine that Bird in the
“Run for the Roses,” CI supporters were able to
finalize their bids on the 86 silent auction items.
Some of these generous donations included a
Brandywine Valley Getaway, a shopping spree
to King of Prussia Mall, various dinner packages,
and unique sports memorabilia. Guests were also
encouraged to buy tickets for the three grand raffle
items that appealed to the techno-geek in everyone – a Sharp 32” LCD HDTV, a Sony Blu-Ray Disc
player, a Blackberry Storm and Wii Sports console.
Robyn Zippilli
I
Chief Exceutive Officer
want to welcome everyone back to the
new and improved “Connections”, CI’s
quarterly newsletter!
Top Photo: Rob Cola, president of Brown & Brown Consulting and CI’s Signature Event (SE) chair and
Gold sponsor (standing fourth from left) and comedian, WIP radio host and SE emcee Big Daddy Graham
(standing third from right) joined the SE planning committee at Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack
on March 16th. Bottom left photo (from left): Melanie Yoho, Carliss Cook and Charlene Jordan. Bottom
right photo (from left) Brian Hayes, Gary Clift, Jack Boyle and Betty MacLeod pose with Indoor Horse
Racing winner Theresa Menna (center).
Turned out in their Derby best, (above from left)
Erin Zavarello, Shiela Krondesky and Betty MacLeod
participants of this year’s “Best in Hats” contest.
(Inset from left) CI staff Paul Waga, Kris Ellegood,
Diane Mignone and Tonya Richardson.
More than 200 attendees of Community
Interactions’ Fourth Annual Signature Event
donned their “Derby” best as they came out to support Community Interactions and to
witness “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” On May 2, Kentucky Derby Day, supporters traveled to Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack to help raise contributions for CI’s
programs and services which support more than 200 adults with disabilities.
“The event was a tremendous success,” stated Robyn Zippilli, CEO of Community Interactions. “Thanks to our supporters, we raised nearly $30,000. We could not have done
this without the support of the community. This money will help us to continue to provide
quality services to people with developmental disabilities through our dedicated staff who
deliver above and beyond the innovative programs chosen by our customers.”
www.communityinteractions.org
The festive evening was emceed by comedian and radio personality WIP’s Big Daddy
Graham and chaired by Rob Cola, president of Brown & Brown Consulting.
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740 South Chester Rd.
Swarthmore, PA 1908
As the thrilling night played out, the bugler sounded
once again to close the festivities and to thank all of
the guests for their support for Community Interactions and their excitement for the race and CI during
the evening.
Message
from the
CEO
Our Mission:
Community Interactions, Inc. (CI) provides quality services for people with intellectual,
physical and behavioral health challenges to help them create lifestyles consistent with
their communities while respecting individual choice, self determination and culture.
MORE>
I want to announce that CI has established
a Special Needs Pooled Trust for our
consumers who need a trust. By enrolling
a consumer in CI’s trust, Service Coordinators and family members can manage
“spend-down.” If you have a consumer on
SSI and his/her accounts run the risk of
exceeding the $2000 asset limit,
participating in the Trust preserves
government benefits and the money can
be used in the future for items or services
not paid for by SSI. There is also no need
to quickly spend down the money in order
to maintain eligibility as long as they are in
the CI Special Needs Pooled Trust.
The CI Special Needs Pooled Trust can
be used for various expenditures (but is
not limited to) such as the following:
• Out of pocket medical/dental expenses
• Annual independent checkups
• Transportation
• Computer/electronic equipment
• Goods and services that add to the
quality of life
• Exercise, athletic training/
competitions
• Personal care attendant/escort
• Insurance
• Rehabilitation
Please contact Jack Boyle at
610-328-9008 extension 112 to help set
up a Special Needs Pooled Trust.
Have a great summer everyone and talk
to you in the fall!
People
New Board Members
NEWSMAKERS
New VP of Human Resources
CI welcomes Diane Hannah-Wilson as the new Vice President of Human
Resources, pictured here (right) with CI’s CEO Robyn Zippilli. Hannah-Wilson
replaces Peggy Smith Glavin at this post, who has moved to supervise
Pennsylvania Services as Vice President.
Dave Morris
A graduate of the University of
Pennsylvania and a resident of
Blue Bell, Pa., Mr. Morris is a
regional office leasing specialist
for Geis Realty. He has worked
for Geis Realty since 1998
and is a 30-year veteran of the
commercial real estate industry,
working for such companies as
Jackson-Cross Co. and Helmsley
Greenfield.
Diane joins CI from her previous appointment as Vice President of Human
Resources with a division of Mercy Health System. Prior to this, she spent eight
years with the University of Pennsylvania Health System where she served as Chief
Human Resources Officer.
“I am delighted to announce that Diane has joined Community Interactions as Vice
President of Human Resources,” says Robyn Zippilli, CEO of CI. “She brings more
than 20 years of human resource experience to CI along with a wealth of employee
and labor relations experience.”
Diane is a graduate of Villanova University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts
in Political Science. She also holds an MBA from Eastern University. She resides in
Newark, Del. with her husband, Jack.
James Waters
Mr. Waters resides in Langhorne, Pa. and serves as Assistant Vice President, Commercial
Loan Officer for TD Bank’s Metro
Philadelphia Market. He holds a
Bachelor of Science degree in
Finance from St. Joseph’s University and an MBA from Drexel
University.
Larry Clark
Mr. Clark is a resident of Glenolden, Pa. and is currently the
Corporate Account Manager for
Professional Duplicating, Inc.
of Media, Pa. In addition to his
work with CI, he has also been
involved with many charitable
groups and events, such as the
March of Dimes and the committee for the “Best of the Main Line”
fundraiser. This fundraiser helped
to raise considerable money for
various charities.
Michael Rainey
The newest member of CI’s board,
Mr. Rainey is an Insurance Broker
and Employee Benefits Consultant
with more than 20 years experience in developing and implementing employee benefit plans
for owners and employees of
businesses in the Delaware Valley.
A graduate of Bucknell University
and a member of National Association of Insurance and Financial
Advisors, Mr. Rainey resides in
Media, Pa.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Staff Recognition
and Retreat
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Redwood Community Center, Delaware County
Annual Holiday Party
Friday, Dec. 18, 2009
5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Drexelbrook, Drexel Hill, Pa.
Look for our New Website
www.communityinteractions.org
We are currently in the process of rebranding the Community Interactions website which you can expect to see “go live” by late summer. We
have spent the past few month taking professional photographs of our people and operations, updating information about our programs and
services, and fine tuning the way our employees, consumers, donors and referral sources will access information on our site. You will be the
first to hear once we launch our new site and we welcome your feedback. We are committed to constantly updating the site to make it a valuable resource to all our visitors. Stay tuned!
TD Bank Donation
On Thursday, March 12th, CI consumers participating in our SEEDS (Supported Employment for
Empowerment, Development and Self-help) initiative were treated to the TD Bank WOW! Zone, a free
financial education program. CI’s consumers took part in the custom-designed, interactive adult class
on the fundamentals of being and staying financially savvy. A TD Bank WOW! Zone instructor helped
consumers hone their financial literacy skills and learn industry-proven tips that aim to ensure personal
growth and help participants gain the confidence needed to make wise financial decisions. The day
also included a check presentation of a grant for $5000 from TD Bank, which was made possible by
CI’s board secretary/treasurer, Jamie Waters (photo right, second from right) who is TD Bank’s
Assistant VP, Commercial Loan Officer for its Metro Philadelphia Market.
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Delaware Resource Center
This June marked the first year anniversary of CI’s
Delaware Resource Center – a community based
adult day program that supports 12 individuals with
special needs to be active in the community through
volunteerism, attending social events and participating in recreational activities.
At the Delaware Resource Center located at Graystone Plaza in Wilmington, there are ample opportunities for individuals with disabilities to be included
Carliss Cook (first from left) led members of the Chester Church
of Christ (Chester, Pa.) in a round of caroling at the 2008 Annual
Holiday Party held at the Drexelbrook.
in community life and help forge relationships with local businesses and organizations and which help the participants build
skills that could potentially lead to employment opportunities down the road.
Through the Community Inclusion program, the participants, ages 18 to 51, enjoy weekly volunteer work and community
outreach that include delivering meals through Meals on Wheels, volunteering at the Carousel Park Equestrian Center,
the Victory Christian Fellowship Church in New Castle and Pet Smart where participants help feed and groom the pets.
Participants in the In-House Produce Program make a weekly visit to the local produce market where they sort and select
produce that they purchase and deliver to all of CI’s 13 Delaware community homes. When consumers are not busy
volunteering, they are able to participate in outings to museums, area attractions and activities like horseback riding,
bowling, and trips to the sports center.
“Our Resource Center provides programs designed to meet the individual needs of the person. Because we take a person
centered approach, this allows the individuals to interact within their community in ways that are appropriate to them,” says
Charmaine Hamilton, Vice President of Delaware Services, who along with Day Program Facilitator, Denyae Jones and four
other staff members, oversee the program. “We provide opportunities that fully engage our individuals in their community
and provide rewarding experiences for all involved.”
Delaware Resource Center participants Arnold Brown
(left) and Rob Daley (center) ham it up for the camera
with Community Support Associate Glenis Davis.
740 South Chester Rd. Swarthmore, PA 19081 • 610.328.9008 • www.communityinteractions.org