Threshold`s 2007 Holiday Gathering

A Newsletter from Threshold, Inc.
Winter 2008
Threshold’s
2007 Holiday Gathering
D
id you know that the planning of
Threshold’s
Annual
Holiday
Gathering begins during the
summer! Many details, from promoting the
event and making sure all who wish to are
able to attend, to arranging for the
transportation are ironed out well before
the long time DJ, Denny McConnel, plays
the first song of the day. The Holiday
Gathering Committee is made up of at
least a dozen people from Threshold who
work together as a team to bring about
this special event.
This year’s committee again planned a
wonderful event full of holiday cheer, good
food and great fun. The Abe Lincoln, A
Historic Wyndham Hotel, once again
accommodated Threshold’s needs and
provided a grand ballroom with covered
chairs and sparkling lights. The many,
community businesses and friends of
Threshold who donated gift certificates
and merchandise for the ‘auction’ outdid
themselves as always. Listed below and on
the next page is the complete list of those
who gave generously to this year’s Holiday
Gathering. Please be sure to check this list
next time you need a gift, or a place to
spend some time. Threshold thanks this
impressive group of community members
for their continued support.
Above: Chad,Tim, Danny and Robert enjoy the party!
Below: Janice and Tina dance to some holiday tunes.
T H A N K YO U . . .
Above the Crowd
Adelphia Seafood
Advanced Skin Care
Air Graphics
Alexandra’s Love Designs
American Jewish History Museum
American Male
Anthony’s Barber Shop
Arby’s Interior Design
Arrow International
Audrey Ann Florist
Auto Spa of Wyomissing Hills
Awards and More
Baja Beach Tanning Club
Bar-B-Q Pit
Baubles & Beyond
Bear Creek Candies
Belden Jewelers-Fairgrounds
Berkley Mid Atlantic Group
Berks Chamber of Commerce
Berkshire Health
Bloomsburg Theatre
Boardwalk Snacks
Body Zone
Bonfito, Inc.
Brandywine River Museum
Bucks County River Country
Calvaresi Coffee & Tea
Candle Wreath International
Chapman’s Deli
CHB Sports Inc.
Chef Alan’s – Penn Avenue
Chick-Fil-A-Broadcasting Rd
Christmas Sportswear
Choo Choo Barn
Circle S Ranch House
City Theatre
Claire’s
Cloud Nine Café
Coastal Gas Station
Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
Concentra Medical Center
Country Inn & Suites
Crystal Cave
Csencsits International
CTCE Credit Union
Curves - Wyomissing
Cutting Edge Wood Designs
Dave Fisher
Denise Ebelhar
Dimensions Acquisition
DM&S Scents & Stuff
Dunkin Donuts-Shillington
Dutch Apple Dinner Threatre
Dutch Deli
East Penn Manufacturing
East-West Ther. Massage
Elsy Ruiz
Elva’s Crafts
Essick & Barr Insurance
Fantastic SAMS
Fleetwood Fixtures
Four-4 Imprint Inc.
Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Friendly’s-Wyomissing
Garden State Discovery
Getz Crafts
Giant Food Store #50
Glen Gery Corporation
GMG Bakery
Goodman Vending
Goose Pond
Green Valley Nursery
H.O. Foose Tinsmith
Hard Bean Café
Hawk Mountain
Hershey Bears Hockey Club
Hershey Theatre
Highmark
Hollywood Tans-Fairgrounds
Homewood Suites-Wyomissing
Hummel’s Florist
Home for the Holidays
Inns at Doneckers
It’s All the Rage Hair Design
Jim Neidermyer Poultry
Jody’s Crafts & Designs
Judy Yeasted
Just Creative
KDM Hair Designs
Kmart Pantry Department
Kapp Advertising
Kay Jewelers – Berkshire
Kay Jewelers – Fairgrounds
Kensington Tobacconist
Keystone Instant Printing Inc.
Keystone Software Solutions
Kutztown Lions Club
Lasting Image
Leesport Financial Corporation
M&S Crafts
Magnum Manufacturing LLC
Mandee’s Artistic Avenue
Mary Santo
Mimmo’s Restaurant
New York Bagelry
Office Depot
Office Service Company
Old Homestead Primitives
O’Neil’s Custom Crafts
Outback Steak House
Ozzy’s Sport Fun Center
Palmer Candy
Panda Heaven
Panera Bread
Patricia Richter
Paul’s Seasonal Wood Crafts
Peco Energy & Light Show
Penn National OTW
Pennside Drive In
People’s Light & Theatre
Pepperidge Farm Outlets
Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Phillies
2
Pizza Hut-West Lawn
Please Touch Museum
Pringles Country Craft
Pumpernickels
R&R Antiques
Raylon Corporation
Reading Consumer Products
Reading Metro Taxicab
Reading Phillies Baseball
Reading Public Museum
Red Lobster
Reading Symphony Orchestra
Ronco’s Pharmacy
Rosa’s Place
Rose Althouse
Royal Bank
Royer’s Flowers
Salon Desiree
Schell’s Foods, Inc.
Seven Stars Inn
Sheerlund Forest
Sheraton Reading Hotel
Shower Shop
Shurfine Markets
Sneaker Villa - Spring
Sprecher’s Meats
Steph Sprenkle
Spring Glen Fresh foods
Starbuck’s Coffee
Stoltzfus Woodcraft
Strasburg Railroad Co.
Strawn Stained Glass Rice Markett
Sturgis Pretzels
Subway Sandwich Shop
Super Cuts – Penn Avenue
Superior Oxygen Medical
Super Duper
SuzieQ’s QT’s
Tempstar Staffing
The Glass Artist
The Ringgold Band
The House of Seven Gables
Thank Silk
Third & Spruce Café
Tom McNelis
True Value Hardware
UGI Utilities Inc.
United Concordia
V&S Sandwich-Temple
V&S Sandwich-Shillington
Van Bennett Food Co.
Van Reed Massage
Verna Morris
WalMart-Morgantown
WalMart-Reading
WalMart-Temple
Ward’s Variety Shop
Wegman’s Restaurant
William’s Family Restaurant
Wyndham Lincoln Hotel
Wyo. Optometric. Center
Yellow Submarine
Commitment and Achievement Recognized at
28 th Annual Celebrate Abilities Gala
ith 265 in attendance, the 2007 Celebrate
Abilities Awards Gala marked another
year of excellence and achievement in
style. 46 awards were given to 16 of the amazing
individuals supported by Threshold, 10 businesses who
share our vision of an inclusive community, and 20
employees who have given their very best to
Threshold, some for many years.
W
Outcomes achieved in education, employment, social
capital and wellness highlighted the Outcomes
Achievement Awards. Flexibility, innovation and
commitment to individuals’ skills and abilities outlined
the Employer of the Year and Distinguished
Community Partner awards.
Those receiving Excellence in Service Awards provided undaunting, creative supports to people in many outcome areas.
The Beatniks, a local band, entertained an enthusiastic group of people after the meal and awards; a deserved night of fun and
dancing! Listed below are the names of all the award recipients.
Personal Outcomes
Achievement
Barry Beidler
Jenney Boutikab
Jane Dietrich
Linda Hektor
Ralph Hess
Sandy Johnson
Jeff Kalina
Ellen Longaberger
Marilyn Ray
Polly Troutman
Lois Scheidt
Carla Spatz
Barry Sterner
Oscar Torres
Cheryl Walters
Spirit
Jeff Neiheiser
Distinguished Community
Partner
Associated Wholesalers, Inc.
Lisa & Michael Conaway
Donna Eisele ,Wyomissing Garden
Apartments
Distinguished Community
Partner (continued)
Jodi Readinger, Berks Community
Action Program
Adam Palmieri, Palmieri Barbershop
Sheila Parvus, Pennsylvania
Counseling Services
Employer of the Year
Albright College
Ashley Furniture Industries
Penn National Off Track Wagering
Graphite Machining, Inc.
Excellence In Service
Quan Velez-Borrero
Denise Ebelhar
Peggy Guido
Misty Koch
Stephanie Marks
Richard Mulgrew
Kristen Livingood
Robert Pew
Lashana Williams
President’s Award
Kathy Bell
3
Years Of Service
25 Years
Bronwen Evans
20 Years
Melissa Butler
Carole Hillard
15 Years
Sharon Weyant-Muir
10 Years
Juan Bonilla
5 Years
Kathy Bell
Carol Kessler
Kristen Livingood
Nicole Morgan
Jermaine Thaxton
BERKS PERSONNEL NETWORK
WINTER REPORT
T
here was a flurry of activity at Berks Personnel Network (BPN) all winter long. In addition to the
usual job placement services that have traditionally been provided, BPN explored new and
innovative ways to offer a wider array of services and further the mission of Threshold. Following
are some highlights of the new programs which are currently being offered at BPN:
ACT Now is a program developed by the Berks County Transition Coordinating Council through a
transition grant from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council. The ACT Now Project provides
young people with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to make informed choices about their
post high school goals. BPN is one of the sub-contractors in this project and facilitates job shadowing
experiences for 33 high school students this school year. Based on the expressed career interests of the
students, BPN staff set up job shadowing experiences at local companies to afford the students the
opportunity to observe workers performing the position of interest, absorb the work environment, and
interview one of the workers and ask questions such as, "What is a typical day like for you?",What skills do
you need to perform this job?", and "What level of education do you need for this job?" Some of the more
interesting experiences to date include exploring a Funeral Director's position at Lamm & Witman Funeral
Home, an EMT position with Western Berks Ambulance, a Writer/Novelist's position with Charlie Adams at
WEEU, and a Massage Therapist position at East-West School of Massage Therapy.
BPN is the lead agency in the Berks County Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Employment Transformation Project, an interagency collaborative effort. Various resources and technical
assistance are available through the project to support the design and implementation of consumer/family
member-driven, recovery-oriented service systems. BPN and other stakeholders in the county meet monthly
to further the initiatives of the project in accordance with the Final Report of the President's New Freedom
Commission on Mental Health. Some of the initiatives include specific trainings for professionals who support
people in recovery, providing supported employment services in line with evidence-based practices, providing
employment opportunities for people in recovery, and publicity for the project.
In November, BPN was awarded a seven month Medicaid Infrastructure Grant for their proposed Transition
Aged Youth Accessing Work Incentives Program. Through this program, BPN staff support working youth and
their families in understanding work incentives available through Social Security, and guide them in accessing
and managing the work incentives. Some of the work incentives include Student Earned Income Exclusion,
Impairment Related Work Expenses, Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities, and Plans to Achieve
Self Sufficiency. The goals of the program are to promote continued employment, increase self-sufficiency,
increase earned income and savings, and ultimately, an increase in the control that youth have over their
benefits and finances.
These new programs and services provide BPN the perfect opportunities to further employment initiatives and
collaborate with various agencies and employers in Berks County.
continued on top of next page...
4
A Special Note — Threshold is pleased to announce
that all BPN staff attained national certifications in
supported employment through the Association of
Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) in
October, 2007.These certifications were awarded after
the completion of 40 hours of training through Virginia
Commonwealth University. BPN has the distinction of
being the only staff group in Berks County, as a whole,
that holds national certification.
For more information on any of the programs discussed in
this article, please contact BPN at 610-288-1448.
CHIPP Update
Threshold’s CHIPP (Community Hospital
Integration Projects Program) continues to support
individuals within the community through various
services. People receive housing support, supported
living, and clinical support. CHIPP staff assists
individuals with appointments, budgeting, learning
independent living skills, community integration, etc.
The CHIPP program also offers diversion and
respite services to divert people with behavioral
health issues from being admitted to the
State Hospital.
Mary Lou Guntz, NAMI, and Martin Baiada, Mental Health Association of
Reading and Berks County, conducted a two hour training on Wellness
Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) on March 13, 2008 as one of the
initiatives of the OMHSAS Employment Transformation Project.This project
is an interagency collaborative effort being led by Berks Personnel Network
in Berks County.
staff as the key to recovery. Our setting is the
opposite of a clinical model; instead we focus on day
to day experiences where everyone in the
clubhouse pitches in with the work to make the
clubhouse run smoothly. Staff and members work
side by side, cook lunch, answer phones, vacuum
floors, and complete attendance on the computers;
anything it takes to keep the clubhouse running. In
the process we learn about each other and gain
confidence in our work abilities.
One new member, Danielle H. wrote a poem that
describes the second chance a setting like Mosaic
Clubhouse can bring to our members.
Community Connections
Threshold’s Community Connections program is
the newest addition to Behavioral Health. This
program began in November 2006. Since its
inception, Community Connections has served 10
people and is currently serving our maximum
number of 4. One person has received a
Transitional Employment position through Mosaic
House. This TE is at TRS Wood Products. The
Community Connections manager is Lori
Schermerhorn. The Community Rehabilitation
Specialists are George Anthony and Bob Shuman.
I have seen through the years what I have been doing
The Lord gives us a chance to be ourselves and never give up
There is always a second chance
Wherever you have been
There is always a way
Believe in yourself
And others will see
The Lord will give you
All that you need
I have some new friends
Their lives will go on
More things will last
The knowledge I have learned
The experience I have
Clubhouse Update
Mosaic House follows the Fountain House
Clubhouse model of rehabilitation for people
dealing with mental illness. Mosaic House focuses
on work and relationships between members and
- Danielle H.
5
New Training Workshop Promotes Community Involvement
“If you belong to no groups and
join one, you cut your chances of
dying within the next year in half
(Putnam 2000, Bowling Alone).
This quote among others, is
highlighted in Social Capital:
Join Today, Live Tomorrow,
which has been regularly on
Threshold’s training schedule since
the summer of 2007. Other quotes
remind us to be good neighbors, to
create change, to cure the terrible
disease of loneliness, and to have
the courage to share our dreams.
One year ago, Verna Morris,
Director of Employment and
Community Development and
Karin Allmendinger, Sales and
Marketing Manager, attended a
seminar in Philadelphia at which Dr.
Al Condeluci spoke. Dr. Condeluci,
Ph.D., is the Executive Director at
UCP Pittsburgh and made a
dynamic presentation to close to
100 people using his book, Cultural
Shifting ( TRN Press, 2002) as a
basis. He used creative methods
like music and poetry to convey
the point that people need to be
included, empowered, and fully
supported to increase their social
capital in order to be healthier, and
live longer. He challenged the
group to consider a more
personalized
approach
to
supporting individuals to build their
social capital, as opposed to
outdated, more medically based
models of treatment.
Verna and Karin returned to
Threshold motivated to bring this
concept of Social Capital to our
community.
Its precepts of
community, trustworthiness, value
and reciprocity of relationships
meshed perfectly with Personal
Outcome Measures. They developed
a workshop, more than just a training,
in which participants learn the basic
concepts of community and social
capital, and have opportunities to
make plans and share ideas about
supporting the individuals with whom
we work to increase and maintain
their social capital.
Baseball Game a Home Run as Usual
A clear night in August brought 150 members of the Threshold
Community to First Energy Stadium for a picnic dinner and a
hometown baseball game. The atmosphere on the picnic deck in
left field was buzzing with conversation, good food, friends and a
watchful eye for that home run ball. The picnic style seating for
everyone on the deck is very enjoyable especially when Screwball
makes his rounds!
Linda Hummel gets into
the game with Screwball
6
Small groups are asked to list their
own personal social capital and
document how those relationships,
be they with neighbors, churches,
civic groups, or other groups, were
established. This self-examination
helps the participants to then seek
out situations with those they
support that will fulfill their
personal outcomes and build their
social capital.
Verna and Karin have presented
this training several times at
Threshold and have also presented
to a large group of other human
services professionals from Service
Access and Management, The
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
and the Berks County Transition
Coordinating Council. This training
is open to all Threshold
Community members, family
members, and providers. Please
contact Carol Kessler, Director of
Training to find out when it’s being
offered.
Social Capital with Capital ‘C’
TJ Reilly and George W. Bush (yes, the President of the
United States) have something in common. Their
brother-in-laws are brothers! TJ’s sister, and our
President’s sister married brothers and it is through
this family connection that TJ’s family was invited to
the White House at the holidays to see the beautiful
Christmas decorations.
What a thrill to see the many decorated Christmas
trees and get to see a little bit behind the scenes at
the White House. There were visits to the Cabinet
meeting room, and the Oval Office. Doro Koch,
George W’s sister, at one point in the visit however,
excused herself to “check on something”.
TJ meets his brother-in-law’s brother-in-law! President George W. Bush.
Returning with Doro a few moments later, directly
from his workout, was President Bush himself! TJ
immediately put out his hand and said “’W’, how are
you?” and eagerly shook the Commander in Chief’s
hand. Everyone was introduced and visited together
for a short time.
TJ, who has had many opportunities to build his social
capital will certainly recall this event fondly. Imagine it,
a simple extended family connection that leads to a
very special connection. Building social capital is not
difficult, but it is important in everyone’s lives to have
as many opportunities to build upon it as possible!
Above: TJ and other members of his family in the Oval Office..
Left: TJ Reilly with Doro Bush Koch, President Bush’s sister..
Above Left: TJ poses in a Cabinet seat.
7
Contract Services
Threshold offers businesses and industry a
wide variety of services, performed in a
timely manner at a reasonable price.
We specialize in PACKAGING, SHIPPING
AND FULFILLMENT, ASSEMBLY, SORTING
AND INSPECTION & SHRINK-FILMING.
Karin Allmendinger
Sales and Marketing Manager
Threshold, Inc.
1000 Lancaster Avenue • Reading, PA 19607
Phone: 610-777-7691 ext. 109 • Fax: 610-777-1435
E-mail: kallmen@trsinc.org
Hi, my name is Susan. I live at Moselem
Springs.
A lot of you have probably seen me around
Berco and Threshold.
POSSABILITIES is a publication of . . .
I want to share with everyone my amazing
vacation that took place this past July. By the
way, it was my very first vacation ever! We
went to the beach.
1000 Lancaster Ave., Reading PA • 610-777-7691
President
Ronald L.Williams
Editors
Karin Allmendinger,Verna Morris
Associate Editors
Priscilla Kiefer, Tom Haley, Mary Rita Weller and the BPN staff.
It was exciting. I went to the movies, on rides,
and strolled the boardwalk. I even went to
the Casino and learned how to gamble! I
went to the pool for a few days and the
beach. That was the best. I could hear the
waves and people laughing and having fun. I
put my toes in the ocean and it felt great.
Later, on the boardwalk I had my picture
taken with my staff, Kathy Auchenbach; we’ve
been together over four years now and she
believes I can do whatever I set out to do.
A United Way Participating Agency
Threshold is a 501 (c) (3) organization. The official registration and financial
information of Threshold may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of
State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.
Registration does not imply endorsement.
-Susie Miller
8
Holidays with Family,What Could be Better?
Robert ‘Bob’ Sowers and his Lifesharing Provider,
Nancy Whitacre, hosted a party for Bob’s family in
January to chase away the winter doldrums. Bob’s
brother Ron and sister Peg warmed the crowd with
hot chili. Karen, another sister, and her husband Russ
brought the appetizers. Bob’s niece Barb had the
highest score playing Uno and everyone was smarter
than a 5th grader!
Bob’s family plans to party together on a monthly basis.
Bob is certainly meeting his outcome of having more
time with his family, whom he loves with all his heart!
Bob, holding the puppy, is surrounded by his loving family.
United Way Success Story
has worked with Community Specialists doing a
variety of work, including delivering “The Women’s
Journal” in the local neighborhoods and businesses,
and volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Todd has
done a great share of volunteer work, but also
participates
in
Transitional
Employment
Opportunities, where he is paid to work in community
integrated environments. This includes Reading
Electric on a packaging assembly line, and Briggs
Hardware, where he repackages sinks and hardware
packs into boxes to be shipped.
Featuring Todd Koch
Todd Koch has made a great stride over the past year
for himself, his work, and the community.Todd has had
a positive effect on all the people he comes in contact
with. His upbeat attitude and perseverance to
communicate, has helped him to establish lasting
working relationships. Using sign language, Todd has
the ability to communicate with his vocational staff,
and is able to express his wants and needs
comfortably, which is why he has become a success
within Threshold Rehabilitation Services.
With Todd’s positive outlook, work attitude,
performance, and the ability to communicate more
confidently and effectively, he has become a great asset
and success to Threshold Rehabilitation Services and
to the community.
Todd has expressed his desire to continue to expand
his vocational skills, learning and excelling at any new
job. He has taken his vocational skills and expanded
them into the community. Todd
9
Berks Personnel Network
Recognized for Participation
in Transition Project
Berks Personnel Network has just completed
participation in the first year of a transition grant from
the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.
This project, entitled ACT Now (Assess, Choose,Tryout) was administered by the Berks County Transition
Coordinating Council and served 100 students from
five Berks County school districts. The goal was to
provide high school students with disabilities the
knowledge, skills and opportunities to make informed
choices about their post-secondary goals.
The interests, skills, aptitudes and preferences of
participating students were assessed and students were
supported in researching related careers. BPN’s role
was to develop two job-shadowing experiences for each
of 33 students in an occupational field identified by their
assessment and research. From January through June,
BPN employment specialists facilitated these jobshadows at an extensive array of area businesses
including a funeral director, travel agent, architect,
veterinarian, chemist, nurse, photographer, lawyer,
commercial pilot, emergency medical technician,
sporting goods store manager, auto repair technician,
massage therapist, landscaper, fitness trainer.
This year’s ACT Now program culminated
with a celebration dinner at RACC on May 28, 2008.
BPN was recognized, along with participating students,
parents, school districts and other community
agencies. In his keynote address, State Representative
Dante Santoni spoke about the increased funding
proposals in the Pennsylvania legislature in support of
individuals with disabilities.
The ACT Now program will continue into the
2008-2009 school year servicing another 100 students
from six area high schools.
As an Alvernia
College senior
I was required
to
do
an
internship as
part of my
studies. Berks
Personnel
Network was
suggested to me by my internship professor. Being
able to do an internship with Berks Personnel
Network was an incredible learning experience.
Through my experience with BPN, I was able to
experience the wonderful services that Threshold has
to offer. I got to see what was done in the workshop
and meet some of the workers there. I also was able
to meet a lot of wonderful people and learn a lot
about myself and about the human services field in
general. I was able to visit Mosaic House also, which
taught me about the clubhouse philosophy and the
events which take place at the clubhouse. I was able
to explore the jobs available in the human services
field and have decided that working for an agency like
Threshold is definitely something that I would be
interested in doing as a career. I would like to thank
everyone at Berks Personnel Network for this
amazing experience and for teaching me so much.
Mark Your Calendar!
Threshold Night at the Reading Phillies
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 • Reading Vs. Bowie Baysox as seen
from the Coors Light Deck Picnic Area. More information available in July.
Celebrate Ability Awards Gala
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 • Sheraton-Reading Hotel
With the unique, local, musical entertainment of John Bressler
10
Annual Report 2007
President’s Message
Dear Friends,
On behalf of Threshold, I take great pride in presenting this annual report. As always, we remain
continuously grateful to everyone who has provided encouragement and support throughout
the years.
The information contained in this report reflects our ongoing efforts to fully involve the people
we support, to understand their needs, and enable them to realize their individual personal
outcomes. Providing people with community-based options to experience living, and working in
natural and integrated environments continues to be an organization priority.
Threshold’s beginning as a service provider was largely devoted to transitioning people from state
psychiatric facilities, to community living environments. Today, our behavioral health services
continue to represent a large and expanding segment of Threshold’s operations. This year, growth was particularly
notable within our supported living services area assisting people to maintain their community independence. A total of
103 people benefited from supported living services during 2007.
President Ron Williams
Another area of growth for behavioral health services was evident by the number of individuals engaged in community
jobs, and work experience. Seventy individuals were able to achieve this goal.
Our psychiatric rehabilitation services continued to expand during the year. Our member driven Mosaic House
Clubhouse had a total membership of 529 individuals compared with 482 the previous year.
During 2007, we supported 140 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in a variety of community
settings. Growth was experienced within our family living/lifesharing services with a total of 35 people living with Berks
County families.
In keeping with our organizational priorities, Berks Personnel Network, our community job support entity, assisted 180
people during the year. Berks Personnel Network also established 85 new job placements.
Several years ago,Threshold was awarded the Standards for Excellence certification from the Pennsylvania Association of
Non-Profit Organizations. PANO is a statewide membership organization advancing the charitable non-profit sector
through leadership and programs and services, which promote ethical practices and accountability for non-profit
organizations. In 2007,Threshold was recertified for a five-year period.
Each year in October we hold our Celebrate Abilities dinner. This tradition takes on added importance each year as we
recognize the contributions from our many community partners. Most importantly we recognize the achievements of the
people we support. 2007 marked the 28th year for this event.
With this annual report, some of the people who have achieved their individual personal outcomes are featured. I hope
you will take a moment to read about their success as they exemplify Threshold’s true essence as an organization.
d
2008 promises many new opportunities as well as challenges. We anticipate another successful year promoting dignity
and personal achievement with the people we are privileged to support.
42
YEARS OF
Ronald L.Williams, President
Promoting Dignity and personal achievement
11
VOCATIONAL
TRAINING
AND EMPLOYMENT
Training
Community Employment/Berks
Personnel Network
Established in 1992, Berks Personnel
Network (BPN) is the division of
Threshold
which
provides
comprehensive
community-based
employment services. The array of
services includes vocational counseling,
assessments, job development and
placement, on-the-job training, service
coordination, follow-up and job
retention supports. Based on personal
need, people may receive any or all of
the services. A total of 180 individuals
received
employment
services
throughout the 2006-2007 fiscal year.
BPN provides employment services to
individuals through a variety of funding
streams and programs.
BPN
subcontracts with The Office of
Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR),
Service Access and Management
(SAM), and United Way. Throughout
the year, BPN staff continued to
strengthen their partnerships with
community businesses and agencies to
promote employment opportunities
and self employment ventures for
people we support.
BPN staff conducted numerous outreach
efforts in the Berks County community
through presentations to Life Skill
Classes at various school districts, BPN
representation at booths at transition
fairs and other key community events.
BPN continues to be an authorized
Employment Network for the Ticket to
Work and Self Sufficiency Program
operated by the Social Security
Administration in Berks and surrounding
counties, as well as the state of
New Jersey.
In June, 2007, the Pennsylvania Chapter
of the Association for Persons in
Supported Employment (APSE) held its
first conference in Pittsburgh, PA. As a
member of the Board, BPN was
instrumental in planning and executing
the 2 day conference.
Threshold/BPN, on behalf of Berks
County, submitted a proposal for a
technical assistance grant through The
Office of Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Services (OMHSAS) to
transform employment for individuals
with mental illness. Berks County was
awarded the grant and Threshold/BPN
has become the lead agency in the
OMHSAS Employment Transformation
Project, an interagency collaborative
effort. Various resources and technical
assistance are available through the
project to support the design and
implementation of consumer/family
member-driven, recovery-oriented
service systems. BPN and other
stakeholders in the county meet
monthly to further the initiatives of the
project in accordance with the Final
Report of the President's New Freedom
Commission on Mental Health. These
new programs and services provide BPN
the perfect opportunities to further
employment initiatives and collaborate
with various agencies and employers in
Berks County.
During 2007, a total of 85 individuals
supported by BPN were successful in
attaining employment in the community.
Intensive Vocational Training
Individualized development and
prevocational training services are
available for people in need of
additional supports. Participants
acquire skills in activities of daily
living, socialization, communication,
basic work routines, and prepare for
other community-based employment
options. Overall, 18 individuals were
supported during the year.
12
Volunteer opportunities are arranged
when appropriate. This year 10
people were assisted with volunteer
opportunities.
Industrial Operations/Transitional
Services
Subcontracts with business and
industry are utilized to provide work
experience and training options for
individuals preparing for competitive
employment. Paid work experience
and training in jobs such as assembly,
sorting, inspecting, heat sealing, shrink
wrapping, and packaging are available.
Transitional Employment Opportunities
have been ongoing during the year,
placing individuals in community
employers’ work sites on a part time,
temporary basis.
This year 51
individuals received this opportunity.
Through our community vocational
partnerships with employers, 16
individuals received the opportunity
to gain work experience in the
community through volunteerism at
such locations as French Creek State
Park, Meals-on-Wheels, BARTA,
Hopewell Village and several churches.
Individuals who are competitively
employed or who have expressed an
interest in job seeking benefit by
enhancing their strengths, talents and
employability through the use of
innovative curriculum, technology and
community involvement in
our
Kaleidoscope program. Services
have been offered to all individuals
with 29 people participating during
the past year.
Mailing/Office Services
Threshold’s Mailing/Office Services
division
provides
paid
work
experience and training for individuals
who are preparing for competitive
employment. These services are
marketed to local business and
industry and provide work for persons
interested in this alternative.
Custodial Services Training
For the past 25 years, Threshold has
contracted with local companies and
organizations to provide custodial
service. Supervised mobile work
crews are on site daily and persons
desiring to enter this occupation
receive on the job training and paid
work experience to enable them to
achieve competitive employment.
Contracts were increased this year
Photo Licensing Centers
Pennsylvania Industries for the Blind &
Handicapped (PIBH) contracts with
Threshold/BPN to manage the Reading,
Lebanon, Lehigh, Schuylkill Haven,
Pottstown, Norristown, and Dublin
Photo License Centers. Approximately
50 License Technicians are trained and
employed at these sites. In September,
2006, Threshold/BPN expanded their
current contract to include staffing
for one additional position at the
Lehigh Valley Photo Center. This
position is a Customer Service
Facilitator position whose duties
include greeting and directing
customers to the appropriate stations
within the building. Threshold/BPN
also maintains the contract with PIBH
to clean the Reading Photo License
Center. A Threshold employee who
works at the Reading Photo License
Center was honored as runner-up for
the Nettie Mann Award at the PIBH
Annual Dinner.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
SERVICES
Health
Access Partial Hospital
Threshold’s ACCESS Partial Hospital
Program provides creative, therapeutic
services and supports, which empower
and enable adults with mental health
challenges to increase their personal,
social, and economic self-sufficiency.
Treatment
modalities
include
medication
management, group
therapy and individual therapy as
indicated. Highly
individualized,
outcomes-based approaches are
utilized in a supportive, therapeutic
milieu by the disciplinary treatment
team comprised of the person
supported,
primary
therapist,
psychiatrist, residential treatment
providers, family members, and other
agencies involved in the person’s life.
During 2007, 105 people were served
in the ACCESS partial program. The
average length of stay in the program
continues to decline as people
progress toward their personal
recovery and do not require the
intense support of the program. An
electronic billing system was
implemented for participants receiving
Medicaid funding, which is managed by
Community Care Behavioral Health
Organization (CCBHO.) The program
continues to be licensed by the
Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health &
Substance Abuse Services and is
credentialed by the primary funding
source, CCBHO.
Community Residential Rehabilitation
Threshold provides Full Care
Community Residential Rehabilitation
(CRR) Services in a group home and
apartment programs. The program is
intended to serve adults with mental
health challenges to reintegrate into
the community from state hospitals,
community mental health inpatient
units, homeless shelters and various
other community settings. Skill training
necessary to obtain and maintain
independent living is emphasized.
Services also include coordination of
clinical, vocational, educational and
healthcare services. Many of those
supported in the CRR Program also
participate in vocational training, day
treatment and psychiatric rehabilitation
programs such as Mosaic House
clubhouse and/or volunteer or are
13
gainfully employed in community jobs.
During 2007, forty-five people were
served in the CRR Program. The Full
Care CRR Apartment Program was
relocated from Berkshire Gardens to
Wyomissing Gardens Apartments in
February and March of 2007.The move
resulted in a significant physical site
improvement for the residents.
Supported Living/Mobile Psychiatric
Rehabilitation
Threshold provides a full array of
supported living/mobile psychiatric
rehabilitation services to adults with
mental health challenges in order to
assist them to maintain independent
living. Services are provided on an
individualized basis in the community
and/or in a person’s home. The key
support elements include use of
community resources, development of
independent living skills, financial and
medical insurance assistance and
access of physical healthcare services.
Services are flexible and can change as
the
individual’s
needs
and
circumstances change.
During 2007, 103 people were served in
the Supported Living/Mobile Psychiatric
Rehabilitation Program. Services
continue to assist individuals to locate
safe, affordable housing and maintain
independent living options of their
choice.
Mosaic House Clubhouse/Site Based
Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Threshold provides site based
psychiatric rehabilitation services
through Mosaic House clubhouse.
The clubhouse is an innovative
program for adults with mental health
challenges based on the original
standards of Fountain House, the first
clubhouse, which opened in New York
City in 1948. The clubhouse is
designed to help individuals achieve
social, educational and vocational
goals through a structured workordered day in the club. All activities
and decision-making in the clubhouse
are accomplished through consensus
between all members and staff. Work
units within the house are organized
around clerical, education, food
services, custodial and member
services. Social programs are available
for members on evenings and
weekends. The clubhouse model is
based on voluntary participation. It
focuses on members’ abilities, not
disabilities, and fosters initiative,
cooperation and personal growth.
Every member has access to
Transitional Employment Placements,
which are part-time entry-level work
situations and typically last six to nine
months after which another member
fills the position. Mosaic House also
supports members in supported and
independent employment.
During 2007, the membership of
Mosaic House grew from 482 to 529.
Mosaic House continues to maintain
licensure from the Pennsylvania
Office of Mental Health & Substance
Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and
accreditation by the International
Center for Clubhouse Development
(ICCD.) Several staff & members
traveled to Gateway House, one of
the ICCD training centers in
Greenville, South Carolina. Gateways’
training program helped Mosaic
House develop an aggressive plan to
increase the opportunities for
transitional employment for the
members. Mosaic House remains
actively
involved
with
the
Pennsylvania Clubhouse Coalition.
(CHIPP) Community Hospital
Integration Projects Program
Threshold provides assistance to
people transitioning out of state
hospitals and into the community. The
program currently serves twelve
people.
CHIPP provides a full
complement of clinical support
services including the coordination of
psychiatric and medical services. In
addition, residential supports are
provided in the community and in a
person’s home. The program also
offers psychiatric respite and diversion
services to assist individuals with
avoiding hospital admission.
Community Connections
Community Connections is designed
to assist participants to transition out
of Berks County Prison and back into
the community. Threshold received
the first funding for this program in
2006.Ten individuals have been served
in the program since its inception.The
people involved in this program must
have a major mental health diagnosis.
The program provides housing in an
apartment program supervised by
staff seven days a week. The program
works closely with casemanagement
services from SAM and the Berks
County adult probation office.
14
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
SERVICES
Support
The provision of residential and
community living arrangements for
persons
with
intellectual
and
developmental disabilities is a major
portion of Threshold’s services.
Individuals are provided assistance to
reside in houses and apartments
throughout Berks County and they are
supported to live as independently as
possible within the community. There are
a variety of models utilized including livein supervision to minimal support,
depending upon each person’s needs.
Threshold has four different types of
services that fall within the Community
Support Services.
Community Support Services assisted
a total of 118 people within the various
programs throughout the past year.
Community Residences
Essentially, everyone living in
community
residences
receives
support with a variety of needs. All
also require support with regard to
independent
living
skills, i.e.,
medication, nutrition, meal planning and
preparation, comparative shopping,
housekeeping, home safety, budgeting,
personal hygiene, physical health,
community orientation, socialization,
and use of leisure time. The goals and
objectives of this service are for people
to develop or increase their self-care
skills and independence, to live in the
least restrictive and most independent
arrangement, and to become involved
in the community.
Some people have more independence
skills than others and the services
reflect the differences among people
within homes and different locations.
For instance, some individuals maintain
their own house keys and come and go
based on their own schedules. Most
participate in some formal day program
during traditional business hours. Their
day program may consist of
competitive employment, Senior
Center activities, Adult Day Care, or
vocational services. There are several
people who do not have or only
partially participate in formal day
programs. Some people are retired,
while others could not find a formal
program that meets their specific
needs. Also among the people that are
supported in community residences,
there are differences within their needs
for supervision. Some require 24-hour
supervision, while others have more
flexibility in spending time alone.
There is always a need for improved
accessibility within the residences.
Continuous efforts are made to insure
that the structural layout of the
residence is compatible with the
physical needs of the people living
there. Over the years, homes with
steps were eliminated, while first floor
living residences were secured as
replacements. All of the residences are
equipped with computers with
Internet access. The use of computers
is twofold: improve communication and
training accessibility.
Lifesharing
Threshold’s Lifesharing program
supports thirty people that have a
primary diagnosis of intellectual
disability; this is an additional six people
since last year’s report. Those in the
Lifesharing program are matched for
compatibility with the provider family
(one or two individuals per family).
Presently, there are twenty-one host
families; this is an increase of five
families since last year’s report. There
are other host families that provide a
respite leave service to Lifesharing
individuals. Similar to the individuals of
community residences, the individuals
of Lifesharing may have a variety of
medical and/or behavioral issues. The
goals and objectives are to promote
independence by increasing self-care
skills, incorporating the individual into
the provider's family and integrating
the individual into the community.
Four staff, one full time Lifesharing
Coordinator and one Lifesharing
Program Specialist, and two Team
Coordinators share the Lifesharing
Program supervisory responsibilities.
Many
people
take
vacations
independent of their Lifesharing
Provider families. Some take time with
their natural families, while others take
tours through private arrangements
with a travel agent or an agency that
schedules vacations specifically for
people with disabilities. Others vacation
with the host family.
During the past year, the training
curriculum for the provider families has
been expanded. Providers received
more training about healthcare issues
that effect individuals they support. The
staff has worked closely with Providers
to develop better monitoring
15
techniques
for
medication
administration. The
supervisors
developed an additional training
curriculum for Providers that refined
their skills and understanding in
supporting people with intellectual
disabilities.
Supported Living
Supportive Living Services supports
twenty-one people residing in their own
homes or apartments; the number of
people supported has increased by one
since last year’s report. The main focus
of this service is to assist individuals with
intellectual disabilities in securing and
maintaining safe, affordable housing in
the community. The array of support
services offered are individually
designed and driven by those who
receive services. They choose, to the
greatest extent possible, their support
person and the areas in which they
desire support or assistance. The
designated times and frequency of
supports are developed around their
needs and preferences. This service is
available to people that do not require
more than thirty hours of support each
week and have been referred with an
authorization for services. Support
services can be provided anytime,day or
night, during the week or weekends and
are flexible enough to change as the
individuals' needs and situations change.
In-Home Services
Threshold provides support to
individuals who reside with their
families of origin. Family members
and/or the person themselves may
request in-home support based on
their preferences. In some cases,
families may ask for supervision,
support for their family member with
disabilities until they return from work.
Family members may request
recreational supports in order to
provide additional outlets for the family
member with disabilities. In other
instances, families want in-home respite
Threshold participated in the United Way Days of Caring in September of 2007.
services when they are away from the
area. Threshold is capable of supporting
individuals at the level that they request.
The individual and their family, prior to
the service provision, approve staff
support. Back-up staff is also preapproved by the families prior to
their use.
Medical Support Services
Our team of Medical Caseworkers, led
by a Certified Developmental
Disabilities Registered Nurse, functions
as a liaisons between the individual and
community health care providers and
work with the individual, their families,
and their direct care staff to navigate the
healthcare system.
Whether it is
attending a medical appointment,
reviewing a specialized diet or
medication, teaching alternative feeding
methods, or supporting end-of-life care
at home, Medical Support assists the
team in dealing with acute and chronic
illnesses, in promoting prevention of
disease, in maintaining health and well-
being, and in promoting positive health
practices in individualized ways.
Individuals supported by Community
Support Services range in age from 19
to 96 years old. As with age, the variety
of health concerns in this population
covers a large spectrum. Decreased
hospital length of stays necessitate
home environments where more
intensive medical supports for
individuals are available and Threshold
recognizes that special knowledge and
clinical skills are needed to support each
member of the team in order to ensure
quality, comprehensive care and
maximize psychosocial, developmental,
cognitive, and affective strengths in
connection with physical well-being.
Medical Support staff has increasingly
become
involved
in
employee
development providing training forums
which range from large classroom to oneon-one individual focused sessions.
Whether working with the individual in
16
communicating with local physicians or
providing training to the staff that
supports the person, medical support
services remains dedicated to maximizing
psychosocial,developmental,cognitive,and
affective strengths in connection with
physical well being.
BUSINESS
OPERATIONS
Business
TRS WOOD PRODUCTS
A division of Threshold, TRS Wood
Products was founded in 1984 as a
free-standing, integrated employment
industry.
Wooden
reels
are
manufactured and supplied to the wire
and cable industry, wire rope and
welding wire industries, tube and
conduit manufacturers, and cordage
industry.
TRS Wood Products provides excellent training
and work experience for thirty challenged
individuals each year.
Precision Micrographics/Digital Imaging
A
division
of
Threshold,
Precision
Micrographics/Digital Imaging was founded as an
affirmative industry in 1985 and, since the
beginning, has provided reliable, cost efficient,
permanent document retention solutions and
employment for persons with disabilities.
Precision saves documents to compact disk to
provide a secure, confidential way for businesses
to retain information but save space. Two
individuals were provided work opportunities in
this business during 2006.
The Holiday Gathering was a big success!
Jeff Neiheiser, ‘07 Spirit of Threshold Award Winner
This year’s “Spirit of Threshold” Award was presented
to an individual who has been dealing with an array of
healthcare related issues during the past several
months. His healthcare needs require a variety of
invasive interventions. Jeff has bravely approached
each hurdle with amazing strength and optimism. In
the past, Jeff was very apprehensive of receiving
assistance from Threshold’s Medical Support Staff; now
Jeff readily allows staff to provide him with assistance
and guidance all along the way. This has not been an
easy adjustment for Jeff as he has always been so
independent in controlling all aspects of his life; now
he has accepted assistance in order to be able to more
effectively deal with his healthcare issues.
Throughout his medical procedures, Jeff continually
demonstrated strength and courage in his approach to
each new challenge put before him. Additionally, his
staff, Peter Dietrich and Tracey Schaeffer, have
provided Jeff with much support and guidance to
navigate the healthcare maze. Congratulations to Jeff
for embracing each step along his trail to stability.
17
Awards
PERSONAL OUTCOME ACHIEVEMENT
Barry Beidler
arry Beidler has been
supported by Berks
Personnel Network for
over a year with funding
from
the
Office
of
Vocational Rehabilitation.
Barry’s Personal Outcome
goals was to get a part time
job as a machine and tool
designer. He has an Associate Degree from Penn
State and over 30 years experience in the machine
and tool design field. Barry also has some physical
barriers. Graphite Machining hired Barry as a
machine and tool designer because he was the
most qualified candidate. He has been working at
Graphite Machining for almost a year and has
become an asset to their company.
functions that could help her improve her quality
of life. As a music lover, Jane created and ordered
her own CD and utilized email to have more
frequent contact with her family. She also began to
make her own cards and letters complete with
graphics.
During the last 12-18 months Jane also
pursued competitive employment and worked at a
small office keeping the common and kitchen areas
clean. This opportunity is no longer available but
that didn’t stop Jane from trying other new
opportunities like the Transitional Employment
Opportunity at AWI, Inc. in Robesonia.
B
Linda Hektor
inda
Hektor
has
participated in a variety
of Threshold programs
since 1996. After moving
to her own apartment in
1999, Linda attended Berks
Technical Institute and
Reading Area Community
College to increase her
clerical and business administration skills. Linda
began volunteering at the Reading Public Museum
in 2001. She has been involved in the museum’s
program and has assisted in the gift shop as well as
participating in a variety of presentations and their
annual gala. Linda began volunteering at Women in
Crisis in the spring of 2007 where she assisted
with computerized record keeping. She is an
active member of the Unitarian Universalist
Church she attends. Linda is a member of their
book club and assists with the annual auction,
preparation of their newsletter and assorted
church mailings as needed. Linda is a strong,
respected woman who provides a positive role
model to others.
L
Jenney Boutikab
enney Boutikab has been supported by Berks
Personnel Network in obtaining employment at
the Wyndam- Abe Lincoln Hotel in Reading. With
effort and a lot of determination, Jenny has proven
to be a dedicated professional employee.
Recognizing that it was a career that Jenny was
interested in, not just a job, she has advanced from
Housekeeping manager to the Accounting
Department within the Wyndam Hotel. Jenny has
been focused on creating a career life that works
for her even when confronted with the tasks and
responsibilities of everyday life.
J
Jane Deitrich
hrough the regularly
scheduled Kaleidoscope
classes, Jane
Deitrich
developed an interest in
enhancing her computer
skills. She improved her
skills with the computer
and became familiar with
T
18
Ralph Hess
alph
who
was
recognized a few years
ago for his exceptional
work
at
Evergreen
Coatings, has again achieved
a number of outcomes.
after falling a few steps
behind, literally. A fall a few
years ago kept Ralph from
going to work but that didn’t stop his physical
progress. He worked hard to rehabilitate his
broken hip and after several months anxiously
returned to work to learn the new tasks that were
available. He quickly learned to assemble the
valves from Goodwest Industries, and although
requiring some extra help sorting hangars, has
been able to master that job as well. Ralph has also
become more communicative with the
encouragement of his friends and supervisors. His
vocabulary has increased quite a bit.
Ralph continually goes to Reading Electric
and is doing a great job. He did an exceptional job
working on valves when they were available. Ralph
was having a problem separating and turning
hangers properly. He finally accomplished this and
is doing well. Ralph has delivered journals. He can
frequently be seen doing volunteer activities such
as Meals on Wheels and French Creek.
Ellen Longenberger
ver the past several
months, Ellen has
demonstrated
much
strength
and
energy
towards improving her
health and mobility. Ellen
really devoted herself to
losing
weight
and
participating in physical
therapy. She started with a fairly heavy schedule of
physical therapy and stayed with it; not only did
Ellen graciously stick to her physical therapy
schedule and gain improved movement, she lost a
significant amount of weight to enhance her
therapeutic goals. Overall, Ellen demonstrates
improved ability to transfer, stand, and move.
Congratulations to Ellen, Logan St. staff, Eileen
Swoyer, and Misty Koch in furthering mobility skills.
R
O
Jeff Kalina
eff
Kalina
has
accomplished many of his
outcomes. Through hard
work, he graduated near
the top of his class at
Albright College in Physics
and went on to earn a
Master’s Degree from
University of Pennsylvania
in Material Science and Engineering. For several
years he worked as an engineer in lucrative
markets. For more than fifteen years after that Jeff
has worked at another very demanding job – stay
at home Dad. He has raised two children. A son,
who had many special needs, died tragically at the
age of 13. His daughter is sixteen years old and
attending high school.
Jeff began attending Mosaic House in
September of 2006 with the goals of getting a job
and improving his social skills. He said that during
his years of raising his children he became
somewhat isolated. After months of working in
the Administration Unit, helping others,
completing attendance, and working on the
newsletter, he started a TE position with Sovereign
J
Sandy Johnson
andy Johnson worked
on
her
personal
outcomes by working on
the
grieving
process
through her scrap booking.
She devoted her whole
book to her son, who she
lost. She shared her
scrapbook on the life of
her son and how creating this book helped her
with her grief with staff in the training of scrap
booking. Sandy has exhibited strength, courage,
knowledge and touched many lives through her
grieving process.
S
continued on next page
19
Bank as a Mortgage Clerk in January 2007. He
proved to be a valuable employee, opening mail
and filing mortgage satisfactions in a complicated
filing system. He successfully completed his six
month TE assignment in July 2007 with
perseverance, overcoming a major obstacle
towards the end of his TE.
Often achieving one outcome leads to
achievement in others. Jeff ’s credits his success at
Sovereign Bank with helping him reach his social
goals. Jeff is more social now, talking to people
more often in the administration unit and at
Mosaic House as a whole. Recently, Jeff has taken
a big step towards achieving his goal of permanent
employment. He has been accepted into a two
week all expense paid training to become a
Certified Peer Specialist. He intends to help
others deal with their mental illness by sharing his
experiences and encouragement with them.
home, to staff taking a real interest in him to make
his life better. Congratulations to Oscar and his
staff at Lancaster Pike, and Andy Reese in
making such amazing improvements in living a
life of happiness and more adventure.
Marilyn Ray
arilyn Ray, over the
years
she
has
participated in Threshold’s
programs and has achieved
many personal outcomes.
Not only has she been
working as a member of
the team at TRS Wood
Products for several year,
Marilyn has a fulfilling personal life as well,
performing many social roles. As a volunteer with
ARC of Berks County, Marilyn visits with other
participants during interviews, introducing herself
and explaining the process and helping to create a
comfortable environment. Marilyn, who lives with
her family, is an active member of her church,
enjoys vacationing and is an avid sports fan
supporting Notre Dame, the Phillies and
NASCAR. Marilyn’s natural supports network has
also supported her to attend several concerts,
including The Rolling Stones and John Mellencamp,
and to see a few theater productions.
M
Oscar Torres
scar has for many
years engaged in
maladaptives behaviors. He
also had a tendency to
avoid most community
outings, especially places
that can become crowded
such as stores. In the past
several months, Oscar has
gone on numerous community outings, such as
Wal-Mart, the mall, the Reading Hospital Garden
Party, and various other places of business and
recreation. Additionally, he has demonstrated
improved coping skills to the point of having a
significant decrease in behaviors. Oscar has
demonstrated an increase in his ability to be
patient and wait for things; his impatience often
led him to hurting himself.
These days, Oscar smiles a lot, whereas in
the past he often wore a frown. Overall, he seems
much happier. These positive changes most likely
are linked with some of the significant changes in
his life that include roommates that he seems to
really like and bonded with, to a decreased amount
of time at his day program with more time at
O
Lois Scheidt
ois Scheidt has been a
member of Mosaic
House since August, 1999.
She has faithfully attended
and is always working. She
cleans, does receptionist,
greeter, takes out the trash
and works on her math
skills. Lois also achieves
her personal outcomes by being independent.
Lois shops on her own, attends church services,
gets involved with her community. Lois
exemplifies what it means to overcome her
mental health issues.
L
20
Polly Troutman
olly
Troutman
encountered
a
huge
obstacle this year when she
fell and broke her hip. She
underwent surgery and
spent several weeks in the
hospital. Polly was then
discharged to a rehabilitation facility for several
more
weeks.
While
rehabilitating, the doctors, nurses, and therapists
were astounded with her fast recovery and good
spirits. Polly’s physical and occupational therapists
stated that they had never seen someone recover
as quickly as Polly had. Once she was discharged to
return home, the doctors ordered occupational
and physical therapy through visiting nurses. Polly’s
recovery went so well that therapy was
discontinued soon after she returned home. Polly
never got discouraged and remained positive. She
continues to recover at home where she
Carla Spatz
arla has faced many
difficult struggles in her
life. Within the last year
Carla has taken significant
steps in her progress for
improving the quality of her
life. She has overcome
barriers that prevented her
from a quality life she had
desired. One of Carla’s successes was losing 50
pounds by attending Weight Watchers and
participating in an exercise program at the Mosaic
House. As Carla’s health and mobility began to
improve, she felt more confident in herself.
This resulted in Carla’s desire to re-enter
the work field. Carla successfully obtained a TE at
Family Guidance through the Mosaic House. Carla
is also active in the Mosaic House Education Unit.
As a part of building her self confidence and
speaking skills, Carla attends the Pennsylvania
Clubhouse Coalition where she assisted in
presenting at the seminar. While there, Carla also
shared her recovery story at a luncheon. Carla has
persevered over many roadblocks in her life. She is
truely a person who is continuing to make positive
changes in her life.
P
C
Cheryl Walters
heryl Walters has been
a
part
of
the
Lifesharing program and
has lived with the same
provider, Mr. and Mrs.
Amenu,
since
1994.
Additionally,
she
has
worked consistently at
Prospectus/Berco
Industries, Inc. and has received recognition and
acknowledgement for her hard work and
productivity. Cheryl is a very independent young
lady and keeps herself active in the community. She
is able to use public transportation and get around
the community with little or no assistance from
anyone. Cheryl belongs to a bowling league and
meets up with her friends every Saturday morning
for breakfast followed by bowling a few games. Her
provider reports that she is extremely helpful and
dependable at home. She assists with household
chores and also looks out for her roommate in a
very caring and loving manner. Cheryl was being
recognized for her independence, her kind gestures
and her ability to make good choices that lead to
her having a full and active life.
C
Barry Sterner
arry
Sterner
had
achieved his personal
outcome by pursuing a job
on his own. Barry works
for the Mental Health
Association. He leads an
ICAN (Involved Consumer
Action
Network)
socialization group for
patients at Wernersville State Hospital with the
help of an assistant who is a patient at
Wernersville. He leads various activities and
encourages patients to socialize.
Barry’s
performance and attendance have been excellent
and he really enjoys his job. This summer, Barry
attended the Pennsylvania Health Consumers
Association Conference as the ICAN Wernersville
State Hospital Representative. The topic of the
conference was Recovery and Barry really enjoyed
the conference.
B
21
Threshold Rehabilitation Services, Inc.
Statement of Revenue and Expenses
Year Ended June 30, 2007
Revenue
Berks County Mental Health/Mental Retardation ............................................................................................$8,246,800
Contract Revenue ...................................................................................................................................................... 5,269,300
Room and Board............................................................................................................................................................ 624,600
Community Care Behavioral Health ........................................................................................................................ 304,035
Medical Assistance........................................................................................................................................................ 265,300
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation .......................................................................................................................... 190,600
United Way .................................................................................................................................................................... 109,800
Cafeteria ..............................................................................................................................................................................66,700
Interest................................................................................................................................................................................ 12,432
All Other Revenue ........................................................................................................................................................ 105,200
Total Revenue ...................................................................................................................... $15,194,800
Expenses
Salaries,Wages, and Benefits....................................................................................................................................$8,676,700
Raw Materials and Supplies ...................................................................................................................................... 3,219,400
Rent and Utilities .......................................................................................................................................................... 859,300
Contracted Services and Professional Fees ............................................................................................................ 768,900
Program Supplies and Expenses ................................................................................................................................ 723,200
Program Services and Physicians Fees ...................................................................................................................... 404,400
Travel and Transportation ............................................................................................................................................ 326,200
Depreciation .................................................................................................................................................................. 144,300
Repairs and Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................ 100,900
All Other Expenses............................................................................................................................................................ 6,000
Total Expenses .................................................................................................................... $15,229,300
Increase (Decrease) to Net Assets .................................................................................................................... $ (34,500)
22
Threshold
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2007
Chair
Robert I. Rhoads Jr.
Vice Chair
Forest Crigler Jr.
President
Ronald L.Williams
Treasurer
Gregory L. Portner
Secretary
Thomas W. McNelis
Edward Bohlander
Anne Carroll
John Fredericks
Tony Grimm
Daniel B. Kimball
Matthew W. Rappleye
Patricia Richter
Carol A. Sztaba
Paul Walter
Connie Bashore
Threshold
MANAGEMENT TEAM 2007
Chief Executive Officer
Ron Williams
Chief Financial Officer
Greg Portner
Vice President,
Program Operations
Tom McNelis
Vice President,
Administration
Tom Haley
Human Resources Director
Heidi Rupert
Community Support Services
Director
Mary Rita Weller
Behavioral Health Director
Linda Groff
Employment and Community
Development Director
Verna Morris
Funding:
Berks County Mental Health/Mental Retardation
United Way of Berks County
Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Pennsylvania Office of Blind and Visual Services
Donations and Charitable Contributions
Community Care Behavioral Health Network of Pennsylvania
Affiliations:
Council on Quality and Leadership
Threshold is licensed by the Pennsylvania
Department of Public Welfare
Threshold Rehabilitation Services, Inc.
1000 Lancaster Avenue
Reading, PA 19607-1699
Phone (610) 777-7691
Fax (610) 777-1295
Web www.trsinc.org
Pennsylvania Association of
Rehabilitation Facilities
Pennsylvania Industries for the
Blind and Handicapped
The Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Pennsylvania Community Providers Association
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
American Association of Psychosocial
694 Reading Avenue
West Reading, PA 19611
Phone (610) 288-1448
Fax (610) 374-9920
520 Willow Street
Reading, PA 19602
Phone (610) 372-0334
Fax (610) 372-4234
Rehabilitation Services
Pennsylvania Clubhouse Coalition
International Center for Clubhouse Development
Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Organizations
Pennsylvania Chapter of the
Association for Persons in Supported Employment
1000 Lancaster Avenue
Reading, PA 19607
Phone (610) 374-7100
Fax (610) 777-1435
Mosiac House
525 Franklin Street
Reading, PA 19602
Phone (610) 375-7840
Fax (610) 375-7845
Our Mission
The Mission of Threshold is to enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities and the
economically disadvantaged by providing opportunities to achieve total integration into their
community through vocational rehabilitation, employment and residential services.
Our Vision
Threshold envisions a world where all people are valued and supported to lead fulfilling lives.
Our Motto
Promoting Dignity and Personal Achievement in the Community.
1000 Lancaster Avenue
Reading, PA 19607
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 628
Reading, PA