Stargazer - UCP of West Central Wisconsin

United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin
Stargazer
S P R IN G
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
20 13
Alynia Shilts - UCP’s New Respite Care Coordinator
Alynia Shilts—New
Respite Care
Coordinator
1
A Walk in the Park
1
Consumer Spotlight 2
12th Annual
Win-A-Harley
3
Harley Raffle Event
Appearances
4
Chippewa Valley
TimeBank
5
Groups and Events
6
Adult Services
8
Respite Care/Fiscal
Agent Updates
9
Note from the
Executive Director
10
United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin
2011 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.
would like to welcome its new Respite Care Coordina- She also holds a Paralegal Certificate from Chippewa
tor, Alynia Shilts, to the UCP family.
Valley Technical College.
Alynia has always had a passion for helping individuals with disabilities. In the past, she has helped with
Special Olympics Swimming and has provided respite
care to individuals with disabilities for over 10 years.
Prior to coming to UCP, Alynia worked with a local
managed care organization (MCO). This experience
has come in handy in working with our new MCO, the
Southwest Family Care Alliance.
Alynia is engaged to her high school sweetheart, Paul
Froelich, and the couple is actively making plans for
their wedding this fall. Paul is a kindergarten teacher
at Halmstad Elementary School and works for the Eau
Claire Express in the summer months. They live happily in Chippewa Falls with their Great Dane pup,
Killian. They enjoy taking Killian for walks, listening to
jazz music, and spending time with their niece, Harper.
Since coming to UCP, Alynia has been very active in
her review of the services and systems in her area,
working collaboratively with her co-workers to improve
the effectiveness and productivity of the department.
Thanks to the efforts of Alynia and her staff, the Respite Care programs are on a solid footing and have
contributed nicely to the agency.
Alynia was born and raised in the Chippewa Valley
and is a graduate of Chippewa High School. She
graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in
Alynia Shilts, Respite Care Coordinator
30th Annual UCP Walk, “A Walk in the Park”
Draws Many Despite the Weather
Despite the cold and windy Spring day, United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin held its 30th
Annual Walk at Carson Park in Eau Claire. This year’s theme was “A Walk in the Park” with team
competition for fundraising, a free breakfast provided by Panera Bread, with coffee from The Goat
Coffee House. New for this year was the “High Heel Dash” in honor of Mother’s Day that same weekend.
Michelle Thompson, UCP Board Member, served as the 2013 Walk Chairperson, offering her leadership and enthusiasm to the event. MaryAnne Erickson, UCP Development Assistant, and all of the
UCP Staff pitched in to set up the inside of the tent for the walk, register walkers, hand out T-shirts
and collect pledges from the individuals and team participating in the event. Although the morning
was unseasonably cold and blustery, the walkers were able to maneuver around the course at Carson Park
Continued on page 2
Walk in the Park, from page 1
with little difficulty, as any precipitation held off until after the event was finished. Rick and Mary Ann Wold from Studio
One were also in attendance to take pictures and video of the day’s activities.
At the end of the day, eight teams and 16 individuals raised over $12,000 for UCP and the services the agency provides to children adults and families throughout UCP’s 12 county service area. Along with the funds raised through the
walk, Gordy’s County Markets help to raise an additional $12,226 through its annual in store flower sales. Prizes for
the event and sponsorships were also provided by Gordy’s, Scheels, Metropolis Resort, Action City Pizza, Chaos Water Park, Grizzly’s, Milwaukee Burger, Micon Cinemas, Silver Spring, The Classified, Erbert’s & Gerbert’s, Menomonie
Street Dairy Queen, Group Health Cooperative, WISCO Sign, Panera Bread and The Goat Coffee House. Teams participating in the event were led by the Bull Pen Bar (raising over $7,500 in pledges), followed by teams from Gordy’s,
Marcie Cares, Panera Bread and the L. E. Phillips Career Development Center. Teams of friends and families participated as well including Team Zachariah, the UCP Butterflies Women’s Group and a large contingent of the Neitzel family,
including this year’s Feature Child, Kainen Neitzel. The Nietzel’s were raising money in memory of their grandmother,
indicating that they were hoping to make the walk an annual family event her honor.
The staff of UCP and all of the consumers who make use of UCP services thank those who participated in the 2013 Walk
in the Park and helped to make it a success. We hope to see all of you and more at next year’s event.
Consumer Spotlight: Pakou Xiong
Project B.R.I.C. is a UCP sponsored effort that began in 2006 through a grant. Staff has talked about it often as a wonderful addition to the programs at UCP. It was through Project B.R.I.C. that a long time UCP client, Pakou Xiong, found a
great way to contribute her talents.
Pakou is 26 years old and lives with her family in Eau Claire. She has worked several part time jobs, but has found great satisfaction in her current position, maintaining her family’s home. She has many hobbies including: traveling, movies, music,
meeting new friends and having fun with old ones, cooking, and being involved in the
community. Pakou and her family are originally from Laos and came to the Eau Claire
area in 1988.
Pakou has steadily moved into a leadership role with Project B.R.I.C. She is part of
the planning group for the Cooking Club and also assists with prep/planning for other
activities as well. Pakou has wonderful initiative to make sure plans are carried out.
She is seen as a leader in the group and does a great job of inviting others to get involved and has been a welcome addition to Project B.R.I. C. and UCP.
The only person you are destined to become is the one you decide to be.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
Page 2
UCP OF West Central Wisconsin Kicks Off Its 12th Annual Win-A-Harley Summer Fundraiser
For the twelfth straight year, United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin is conducting its summer Win-A- Harley
fundraising event. Thanks to the owners of Sport Motors Harley Davidson in Hallie Lake, Jane, Roy and Gary Gotter,
along with Marketing Director John Berman, this year’s grand prize will be a 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide in Ember
Red Sunglo. Gordy’s Market is a major co-sponsor of the event and as a result, second prize this year will be a $1,000
Gordy’s Gift Card good for gas or groceries at Gordy’s Markets. Both organizations have been long time supporters of the
efforts of UCP and the services that the agency provides to children, adults and families in the twelve county service area.
This year’s drawing will be held on September 7, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. at Sport Motors Harley-Davidson.
This year, UCP is seeking to expand the availability of tickets across the 12-county service area and so several new
county campaign coordinators have been recruited. Under the leadership of Kathi Rice and Doug Besina (Bresina’s in
Chippewa County), this year’ Raffle Coordinators include: Mona Rondeau (Eau Claire), Judy Thunberg (Barron), Paul
Kremer (St. Croix), Sharon Berger (Pepin), Travis Funk (Pierce), Carolyn Helwig (Buffalo) , Kevin Acker (Dunn), Tommi
Winnie (Jackson), and Samantha “Sam” Thomsen (Trempealeau). The campaign this year also has received a boost in
the support of Mr. Al Hauser, owner of Al’s Custom Cycles in River Falls, Wisconsin and the organizer of the summer long
Biker Memorial Run who has offered his support for the event and encouraged the businesses that are participating in the
19th Annual Biker Memorial Run to also sell raffle tickets on behalf of UCP.
Anyone interested in purchasing Win-A-Harley raffle tickets can visit the ucpharley.com website for pictures of the bike and
a list of ticket outlets. Check the website often as we are adding locations daily and to see where the bike will be
“appearing” in the area.
There is an extensive schedule of events throughout the summer including various community festivals, dealership open
houses, car shows, festivals and other local events. One such event is the brand new Roll-In to Fall Creek scheduled for
August 24-25 in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. This new community event will include two days of food, music, a car show, ride in
bike show and live and silent auctions. Mark your calendars for this exciting event to support the Win-A-Harley Raffle and
UCP of West Central Wisconsin.
It should be an exciting summer and, hopefully, a successful one for UCP and the Win-A- Harley summer fundraiser.
To all
volunteers, sponsors
and participants!
Page 3
Win-A-Harley Raffle Events
JUNE
Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2
Eleva, WI – Eleva Broiler Fest
Thursday, June 6 – Saturday, June 8
Chippewa Falls, WI – Sport Motors Harley-Davidson
Thursday, June 6
Durand, WI – Durand Fun Fest
Saturday, June 15
Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI – National Pawn Open House
Thursday, June 27 – Sunday, June 30
Cadott, WI – Country Fest
2013 Feature Child Kainen Neitzel
JULY
AUGUST
Thursday, July 11 – Sunday, July 14`
Iola, WI – Iola Old Car Show
Sunday, August 4
Chippewa Falls, WI – Indianhead Swap Meet & Car Show
Thursday, July 18 – Saturday, July 20
Eau Claire, WI – Country Jam
Friday, August 16 – Sunday, August 18
Eau Claire, WI – Eau Claire Big Rig Truck Show
Thursday, July 18 – Sunday, July 21
Cadott, WI – Rock Fest
Saturday, August 17
Ellsworth, WI – Biker Memorial Run Finale
Saturday, August 24 - Sunday, August 25
Fall Creek, WI – Roll-In to Fall Creek for UCP
SEPTEMBER
Sunday, August 25
Dick's Bar, Hudson, WI – Ride 'Em Hard Rally
Saturday, August 31 – Monday, September 2
Jim Falls, WI – Sturgeon Fest
Friday, September 6
Bresina's Home Town Bar & Grill, Chippewa Falls, WI – Last Chance Harley Dance
Saturday, September 7
Sport Motors Harley-Davidson, Chippewa Falls, WI - Last Chance & Drawing
Page 4
A time bank is a community of people who support each other. When you spend an hour doing something for an
individual or group, you earn a time dollar. Then you can use that time dollar to buy an hour of a neighbor’s time or
engage in a group activity offered by a neighbor. Take a look at the time banking cartoon to see some examples! You
get to know your neighbors and build an old-fashioned extended family of people who take care of each other. Time
banks change whole communities.
You can contact us at [email protected] or by calling 715-271-7968.
Please give us 24-48 hours to respond as we are run by Volunteers, thank you.
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*Groups and Events *Groups and Events *Groups and Events *Groups and Events*
Summer Plans Announced for Barrier Busters
The Barrier Busters of Eau Claire County meet twice monthly from September through May. Barrier Busters is made
up of people of all ages and abilities, with two groups to choose from:
Advocacy: Meets monthly to discuss local/state/national issues and concerns that are brought to the group by members, including Accessibility, Transportation, Self Determination, Housing, Employment, etc.
Social: Monthly meetings are low key and include games, sharing and sometimes a snack! They also participate in
annual events such as a Weekend Camp experience at Luther Park, which are sponsored by the St. Croix Valley Disability Coalition. These offerings are open to members and either free or very low cost. They are wonderful opportunities to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. We do our own fundraising to help make these activities possible!
Upcoming Barrier Buster’s activities include:
Luther Park Camp: (July 26-28)
Brat Stand at Gordy’s on Hamilton Ave: (Aug 9-10)
For more information regarding Barrier Busters, please contact Traci Bauer at 715-832-1782, Ext. 113 or via email at
[email protected].
Stepping Stones Bowling League Completes a Great Season !
The Stepping Stones of St. Croix County held their year-end bowling party on Tuesday, May 21st at Gibby’s Lanes
in New Richmond. Forty-two people bowled and then enjoyed tacos/refreshments in celebration of another great
season. They will begin bowling again on Tuesday, October 1st from 3:00 -5:00 p.m. at Gibby’s Lanes.
The Stepping Stones have bowled in New Richmond for over 20 years. The league is funded through a United
Way of the St. Croix Valley, which also allows the group to attend their annual Camp Weekend at Luther Park in
Chetek, Wisconsin. Membership in Stepping Stones is open to anyone who with an interest.
For more information about Stepping Stones Bowling or the Camp Weekend, please contact Traci Bauer at (715)
832-1782, Ext. 113 or via email at [email protected].
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Project B.R.I.C. (Building “R” Inclusive Community)
News and Notes
If you’re looking for a fun, determined group of people who like to laugh and create positive outcomes, Project B.R.I.C. is the crowd for you!! Project B.R.I.C.
(Building “R” Inclusive Community) originally began as the result of a grant in
2006 and has evolved into an organization that plans its own activities, with social skill building as the primary goal in everything they do.
Are you interested in learning more about cooking? Do you like to get together
for picnics, attend sporting events or participate in leisure activities? Is building
a small project, such as a garden bench, your idea of fun? Would you like to
meet more people in the area? Do you have great ideas of things to do and
want to share them? If so, Project B.R.I.C. is a wonderful opportunity for all of
this and more! Check us out!
For more information, please contact Traci Bauer at (715) 832-1782, Ext. 113 or via
email at [email protected].
Children’s Services at UCP
Children’s Services “F.Y.I.”
United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin provides services to children
with disabilities and their families. Within this program, children are eligible for
support and assistance from birth to age 18. Some of the services provided
include the following areas: information and referral, advocacy and support,
transitional supports and guidance, in-home counseling and supports dealing
with behavioral and other issues, and a “Teen Group” which provides activities
within the community during the summer for teenagers age 12-18. For more
information on any of these services, please contact Nancy Meyer, UCP Children’s Services Coordinator, at (715) 832-1782, Ext. 108.
Project B.R.I.C.
Teen Group Art Project
UCP Teen Group
Teen Group Picnic
United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin is happy to announce that the UCP Teen
Group will be offered again this summer. The Teen Group will meet weekly on Tuesdays
from 1:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m.. This is a fun opportunity for same aged peers with disabilities
to enjoy activities out in the community, while getting to know new people and make new
friends. Activities planned for this year include riding the city bus, “game day”, bowling and
pizza, going to the movies, having a picnic at Carson Park, and an art project. We are
always looking for new ideas for activities or events well. If you are interested in the UCP
Teen Group, please contact Nancy Meyer, UCP Children Services Coordinator, at (715)
832-1782., Ext. 108
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Long Term Care Options for Adults
Cathy McCann - Adult Services Coordinator
Almost every county in the State of Wisconsin has changed the way that Long Term Care benefits are administered to individuals who
need long term care. Starting with a mandate from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, each county in Wisconsin
was to make changes so that long waiting lists would be eliminated and more people could be served.
In a separate news release, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Cabinet Secretary Kathleen Sebelius stated,
“All Americans, including people with disabilities and seniors, should be able to live…with the supports they need, rather than
in nursing homes or institutions. The Obama administration and my department have long been committed to promoting
community living and finding new mechanisms to help ensure that the supports people with disabilities and seniors need to
live in the community are accessible.”
The statement goes on to say that the “Administration for Community Living” has been created to “…seek to enhance and improve
the broad range of supports that individuals may need to live with respect and dignity as full members of their communities. These
supports need to go well beyond health care and include availability of appropriate housing, employment, education, meaningful relationships and social participation.”
It is nice to know, at least in theory, that our federal government supports an individual’s right to have some control over how he/she
lives their life. On a more practical basis, putting a plan in place to create that independence takes time, effort and support through a
variety of resources.
If you are interested in finding out more about your options, all of the counties that UCP serves have an Aging and Disability Resource
Center based in that county. You can also call the UCP office for resource information. Both Traci Bauer and Cathy McCann have
experience with Person Centered Planning. You can also read additional information about the Administration for Community Living
(ACL) by doing a search for the U.S. Department of Human Services, then, in their website search box, enter “Administration for Community Living”. There are several interesting and appropriate articles at this site.
Support Broker Services Assist in Finding Solutions for Adults with Disabilities
Cathy McCann, Adult Services Coordinator
Since United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin began in the 1950’s, acting in the role of advocacy and support
has always been an essential part of what we try to offer anyone who calls. That support can be in the form of verbal information, printed materials, suggestions for other resources, or (what often happens) some time to investigate possibilities
and problem solve solutions with and for the consumer.
Sometimes the staff role at UCP becomes more formal through what is called Support Broker Services. Anyone who is on
IRIS and would like to have help with developing an IRIS plan, finding resources, submitting paperwork, or any other number of things, Traci Bauer and Cathy McCann from the UCP office are available to help. The fee for Support Broker Services can be part of an IRIS plan and is dependent on the person’s needs.
UCP also offers help to individuals who are with Southwest Family Care Alliance, Northern Bridges, or anyone with a disability, even if the person is not connected to a Care Management Organization. UCP’s history has always been to help
where ever and when ever needed. Please do not hesitate to call the UCP office, even if it is just to talk through a situation
that you might be dealing with. We do not have all the answers, but UCP is here to help whenever we can.
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Respite Care & Fiscal Agent Program Updates
Alynia Shilts, Respite Care Coordinator
There are several recent updates regarding the Respite Care and Fiscal Agent Programs
at United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin. First, we are going paperless! For all
respite caregivers in the program, this means that there will no longer be any paper checks
and direct deposit will be the only form of payment. Direct deposit slips will be emailed to
employees following each payroll instead of sending them through the mail.
UCP’s Respitality Program is up and running. It is UCP and the Eau Claire community’s
way of letting our clients and their families know how much the community cares about
them. We know that parents/guardians serving as a caregiver needs a break sometimes.
Parents/guardians of Respite Care clients can apply at the UCP offices for a free night hotel stay in Eau Claire donated by one of our local businesses.
The Lifespan Grant Program is coming to a close for the current service year. UCP will be
taking applications for individuals for the July 2013 through June 2014 year. This grant is
used for respite care for individuals who are not currently on a service waiver for Respite
Care. Please submit applications at the UCP offices to see if your child qualifies for this
grant funding.
One person caring about another represents life's greatest value.
-- Jim Rohn
UCP Respitality Program
Every parent/guardian needs a break! UCP’s Respitality Program offers parents of children with disabilities
an opportunity for a night away with a complimentary hotel stay in Eau Claire donated by one of our local
businesses. It is UCP and the Eau Claire community’s way of saying that we care about our clients and
their families. Parents/guardians who are interested in participating in Respitality should contact Alynia
Shilts, Respite Care Coordinator at (715) 832-1782 or via email at [email protected] or come in and apply at the UCP office.
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United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin
206 Water Street
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703
Permit No. 1090
Current Resident or:
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A Note from the Executive Director
On June 18, 2012, I began my job as the Executive Director of United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin (UCP), following Ms. Ruth
Gullerud who served as the Director of this agency for over 30 years. As I finish my first year at the helm of UCP, I am proud at what we
have been able to accomplish over the past year and pleased at the dedication of our excellent staff at UCP.
Over the past year, UCP has provided critical services to children and adults with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders, as
well as providing support for families as they cope with the day-to-day challenges of a family member with a disability. The communities
that we serve continue to be supportive of our efforts, as evidenced by the success of our fundraising efforts throughout the year. This
ongoing support is critical in order for UCP to continue to serve our 12-County service area and to grow our services so that we can meet
the growing needs that exist in virtually every county in West Central Wisconsin.
I would like to thank all of my staff for helping to keep UCP a thriving agency in West Central Wisconsin. Current staff Elke Swanson,
Debbie Anderson, Traci Bauer, Nancy Meyer, Cathy McCann, Alynia Shilts, Roberta Kettering, Carol Myhre and Gene Amann have provided valuable assistance and dedication in helping to keep UCP moving forward. Over the past year, a few people have left the agency;
Erin Scott, MaryAnne Erickson, Larellyn Micheau and Ruth Gullerud all spent time with UCP to further our cause and all have stayed in
contact with us to assist in our efforts or just to find out how things are going.
Throughout the remainder of this year and into the next, I hope to grow UCP and raise our profile in the communities we serve. The expansion of our Fiscal Agent and Respite Care programs, Support Broker and a facelift for our Eau Claire office are all on the table for next
year. Further, we hope to bring greater sophistication to our fundraising efforts with the assistance of our various sponsors who have supported us for many years. All of these initiatives will help strengthen the organization and support those we serve.
Finally, thank you to our Board of Directors. The recent transitioning of the board has given us a mix of seasoned members, along with
new members who have brought renewed enthusiasm to the group. The Board, including Connie Werlein, Jennifer Napolitano, Linda
Danielson, Brian Rehlinger, Randi Johnson, Derek Kademan, Leighan Nand, Ted Oeffler, Chris McHenry, Lauri Malnory, Connie Jensen,
Kayla Pederson, Judy Bentley and Michelle Thompson, have provided overall direction and input into the effective operation of UCP and
have been present and active at our events, offering visible support for our mission; to advocate for the independence, productivity and full
citizenship of people with disabilities in support of their full inclusion in all aspects of life and the community!
Sincerely,
Dave Piltz
Dr. David M. Piltz
Executive Director