CENTER INSIDER Fall 2010 We Care...We Listen...We Help...
CFS CO-SPONSORS CONFERENCE “PERSON-CENTERED SUPPORTS: NEXT STEPS” WITH OPWDD On October 7, 2010 CFS and the newly renamed NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) proudly co-sponsored a one-day conference providing conversation among national experts, self advocates, families, providers and State representatives. Held in Albany, it was a resounding success with 400 attendees who came to learn and build upon progress in offering individualized supports and services. Featured speakers were Max Chmura, Acting Commissioner of OPWDD, Nancy Thaler, Derrick Dufresne, John O’Brien and Beth Mount. CFS Executive Director, Steven Vernikoff began the conference with welcoming remarks and Linda Schellenberg, CFS Director of Community Services participated in a panel discussion on Self-Direction with Agency Support. Co-sponsoring and participating in this conference was especially meaningful for CFS as it recognizes our leadership in this area dating back to 2003 when CFS asked Michael Smull to speak at the CFS annual management conference. Mr. Smull is a nationally recognized expert in Person-Centered Services. His presentation initiated dialogue among management and staff to better understand what it means to practice person-centered planning and helped CFS transform the services offered by using these personcentered thinking skills. Today, CFS has trained its management staff, recruiting staff and direct support professionals in Essential Lifestyle Planning. Our service plans now reflect person-centered planning tools in order to ensure we are helping people live better lives. CFS’s commitment to Person-Centered Planning and Individualized Supports and Services has motivated and inspired staff to seek new ways to partner with the individuals we serve. Through training and workshops, we have been able to recognize that the people we support are truly the experts on what they want while we are their partners in helping them get it.
NEW WEBSITE/NEW LOOK! We would like to welcome you to our newly redesigned website – www.cfsny.org. We encourage you to visit our site for updates on upcoming events, open houses and breaking news. We look forward to providing you with a vibrant and dynamic website. If you should have any suggestions and/or comments on how we can improve our site, feel free to send them to
[email protected].
Inside this issue: LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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NEW BOARD MEMBER
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EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
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EVENTS
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
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GOODSEARCH/GOODSHOP
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ABOUT US
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Letter from CFS Executive Director, Steven Vernikoff As we see and hear in the news, today’s economy has severely impacted individuals, families, small businesses and large corporations. What many don’t hear about is the impact the economy has had on the human service organizations that serve those in need. As a major provider of services to individuals with a developmental disability and their families, CFS is feeling the repercussions of our current economy on a daily basis. As a provider of services in both New York and the State of New Jersey, CFS is already experiencing just the beginning stages of the budget cuts in both of these states. This is just the start of the downward trend in today’s economic climate for state government. Although cuts can and most probably will continue, we still need to continue to serve those who depend on us. Today, more than ever before in our history, the need for outside individual support for our services is crucial for our continued commitment to the individuals and families who rely on us. CFS is committed to continuing to provide the necessary services to the individuals and families who depend on us, but the need for additional support is critical during these difficult and challenging economic times. We are grateful for the help of individuals who believe in the work we do and can help us continue our mission.
WELCOME TO THE BOARD!
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION EVENT
CFS is proud to announce that Mr. José Martin Jara has joined the CFS Board of Directors. A practicing attorney, Mr. Jara brings expertise in labor and employment law and is currently the ERISA project manager in the New York office of Seyfarth Shaw LLP. Lloyd Stabiner, CFS Board President states ―We are delighted to have Mr. Jara join our Board of Directors and look forward to working with him to continue to build on our leadership as a premier service provider for individuals and families.‖
The Center for Family Support recently honored our outstanding staff members of 2009! On Thursday, October 14th 2010, 160 New York and New Jersey staff members gathered at the Doubletree Hotel, Times Square to celebrate the achievements of those being recognized for Outstanding Performance and Anniversary Milestones. There were celebrants in attendance who achieved 5, 10 & 15 years with CFS. A special recognition this year for Melonie Singleton, Assistant Human Resources Director, who reached her 20th Year milestone with CFS in 2009. Marilyn Bristol-Mentore received Employee of the Year for New Jersey and Yanique Simpson-Pinnock received the accolade for New York. Honorees dined on roasted chicken breast, sirloin steak and salmon; and enjoyed a scrumptious double chocolate cake tart. Congratulations to all. 2
HAPPENINGS!! DEDICATION OF YONKERS HOME On Wednesday, September 15, 2010 the CFS home in Yonkers, NY was dedicated in memory of Mr. Stuart Oberman. Mr. Oberman is a long-time friend, benefactor and advocate of CFS. The six lovely ladies who reside at the home; CFS staff; and the family, friends and colleagues of Stuart Oberman celebrated his life with a plaque unveiling and dedication followed by a reception. CFS Board President, and friend of Mr. Oberman, Lloyd Stabiner, shared many warm thoughts and fond memories of Stuart. As the inscription on his plaque reads - “his voice may have been silenced, but his song lives on within these walls”.
PARTY AT THE PIER The newly-founded CFS Young Professionals Committee held their first event supporting CFS efforts on Thursday evening, September 23rd at the 79th Street Boat Basin off of the West Side Highway. It was a beautiful evening and the group’s friends and families joined in for a tasty selection of appetizers along with assorted beverages. A dozen raffle items such as tickets to the Circle Line, Bronx Zoo, David Letterman Show, spa refuge, wine packages and photo package were given away as door prizes. Margot Stark, Committee Chair, states ―the group looks forward to many more fun events supporting CFS and their efforts‖.
10TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL GOLF OUTING The CFS 10th Anniversary Annual Golf Outing was held on Monday, October 25, 2010 at the Elmwood Country Club in White Plains, NY. The original date of September 27th was rained out, but October 25th proved to be a beautiful, warm and sunny day for the golfers. The day included breakfast, lunch and beverages on the course, followed by a dinner buffet and cocktails. Prizes were awarded for the three lowest scoring golfers, longest drive, closest to the pin and closest to the line. The event raised over $41,000 which will offer much needed support for CFS programs and initiatives.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT KEISHA’S DREAM OF BECOMING AN ARTIST Ms. Keisha Hinds is presently an aspiring up and coming artist. She enjoys painting and has been doing so since she was a child. Keisha states that usually her paintings are inspired by things she sees in the community or on television. Keisha also enjoys coloring and drawing. Mixing colors and using bright colors are things she enjoys doing in her paintings. The picture to your right is one of Keisha’s latest creations. You should look forward to seeing many more paintings from this gifted artist.
CFS EMPLOYEE RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED AWARD On September 28th, the Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities (ABCD) celebrated their 15th Anniversary. At the luncheon commemorating the occasion, ABCD honored people who have made a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. We are proud to announce that Albert Silva, a Direct Support Professional who works at our Port Monmouth group home, received an award in honor of his hard work and dedication. Although Albert was unaware he had been selected, he spoke eloquently about his work in this field. He talked about how the ―guys‖ were like family to him. His words resonated with the audience, especially when he commented — ‖Where else can you get paid to go see a Bon Jovi concert?‖
TOSSING A PIE WITH CHRIS D! Chris is an energetic and witty teenager. He finds humor in the smallest things and loves to be around people. His finest moments are those in which he can help others. Chris has been receiving assistance through The Center for Family Support for two years. In that time he has accomplished a great deal with the help of staff member, Danielle. He is increasingly taking care of himself with very little assistance and can now go for short walks in his neighborhood by himself. The biggest news about Chris is his recent adventures in pizza making! With Danielle’s support and creative thinking, Chris has found an opportunity to volunteer at a local pizzeria! In talking with Chris, Danielle discovered his interest in having a job of his own. Chris had watched his older brother and twin sister volunteer at Camp Anchor last summer and realized that he too wanted an opportunity to find work and make a contribution. The owner of the pizzeria is a great guy who enjoys being with Chris and showing him the ropes of the pizza business. Chris folds boxes, relays messages to the cooks, and sometimes helps take orders and delivers fountain drinks to customers. With the owner’s guidance and Danielle’s support, Chris has already made his first pizza! Working at the pizzeria has helped Chris feel better about himself and has made him even more comfortable around people. If you ask Chris why he enjoys going to work, he will smile and tell you that it makes him feel good, and the free pizza isn’t too bad either!
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DONATE WHILE YOU SHOP!! GOODSEARCH/GOODSHOP What if The Center for Family Support earned much needed funds every time you searched the Internet? Or, if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support our cause? Well, now it can! GoodSearch.com is a Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half of its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. You can use it just as you would any other search engine. Get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up. GoodShop.com is an online shopping mall which donates up to 30 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause. Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, Ebay, Macy’s, Barnes & Noble, and many, many others, have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an online order, you will be supporting your favorite cause. Please consider downloading The GoodSearch – Center for Family Support toolbar. Our cause will earn money every time you shop and search online – http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/center-for-family-support-cfs
Now that the holiday season is upon us, please choose The Center for Family Support as your cause when you search/shop online. To find out more information regarding GoodSearch/GoodShop and The Center for Family Support, please visit us at www.cfsny.org and click on the GoodSearch/Goodshop link.
NAME OUR NEWSLETTER CONTEST Congratulations to Hazel Lugo for winning!
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MISSION STATEMENT The Center for Family Support is committed to providing support and assistance to individuals with developmental and related disabilities, and to the family members who care for them. To achieve our mission, we strive to: * * * * *
Support individuals to live the lives they want Respect diversity, individual choice and overall family needs Provide families with the support they need at all stages of life Involve individuals in their communities Deliver excellent, individualized support to all
NEWSLETTER DESIGN: Development Office
CONTRIBUTORS: Carmen Alvarez Lorraine Browne Nadine Daley Barbara Greenwald Annmarie Malcolm Donna Messina Jim Noriega Steven Vernikoff
CONTACT US: The Center for Family Support 333 Seventh Avenue, 9th Floor New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212.629.7939 Fax: 212.239.2211/12
WE’RE ON THE WEB! WWW.CFSNY.ORG
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