Letter from the Director Consumer Advocacy Involvement

COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR INDEPENDENCE
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011
CONNECTION
V O LUME 1 ISSUE 2
Letter from the Director
As I witness the swearing in of Governor
Corbett, I can only hope the Governor, his new
Cabinet members, and appointees respect what
has evolved over the last eight years per the
independent living movement in Pennsylvania.
People with disabilities and the elderly have
benefitted from many new and expanded
services under the Rendell administration.
Here are a few areas that I hope Governor
Corbett will consider to change, uphold and
preserve: consumer control, increase funding
for home modifications, new accessible
housing, immediate emergency services for
anyone that has a terminal illness and wants to live at home, a renewed respect for all service
providers and the work they do day in and day out, service rates that are fair and standard across
the entire state, a renewed dialogue with consumers, advocates, and councils that represent
people with disabilities and their intent to live as independently as possible in their communities.
Sincerely, Timothy J. Finegan
CRI is accredited by the Community Health Accreditation
Program (CHAP), an independent, non-profit accrediting body for
community-based health care organizations in the United States.
Consumer Advocacy Involvement
CRI goes above and beyond as a strong
advocate for both their employees and
most of all their consumers. CRI as a
whole represents their consumers on
a variety of fronts. Various CRI staff
are members of/or monitor a variety
of advisory committees, government
councils, cabinets, and other groups for
the benefit of consumer awareness. Many
members of the CRI staff stay up to date
on issues through attendance at various
informational meetings throughout the
state. Through these opportunities staff
are able to identify issues and develop
strategies for communicating with policy
makers and ultimately, affecting positive
changes in the community for consumers.
For a listing of CRI’s project involvement
read below:
• Community Living Advisory Committee
• Governors Advisory Cabinet of Disabilities
• Long Term Living Council
• PA Association of Area Agencies on Aging
• PA Provider Coalition Association
• PA Centers for Independent Living
• State Independent Living Council
• ODP Planning Advisory Committee
• Medical Assistance Advisory Committee
• Disability Budget Coalition
• Direct Care Worker Alliance
• State Planning Team
• Bureau of Autism Services Advisory Board
MISSION STATEMENT
Community Resources for
Independence, Inc. is committed
to preserving, enhancing, and
enriching the quality of life for all
people with disabilities.
VISION STATEMENT
By embracing our mission,
Community Resources for
Independence, Inc. will strive,
in partnership with others,
to empower people with
disabilities to become fully
integrated into society.
CORE VALUES
Consumer Control
Consumer Education
Consumer Empowerment
Independence
Equal and Full Access
Individual and Systems Advocacy
In this Issue:
Letter from the Director
1
Satellite Updates
2
Christmas Gallery
6
Good Neighbor Fund
7
Legislative Link
8
Consumer Corner
9
Employee Profile
10
What’s Next?
11
Autism Awareness
11
www.crinet.org
CRI Connection
Contributors
Writers
Bill Essigmann
Laurel Finegan
Timothy Finegan
Todd Proper
Heather Smith
Copy Editors
Katie Campbell
Beverly
Davis-Migliaccio
Courtney Dore’
Contact CRI
800-530-5541
814-838-7222
TTY 814-838-8115
www.crinet.org
Visit us on
Facebook!
S A T E L L I T E
U P D A T E S
Allentown
Last October, Lisa Plyler was hired as the Allentown Office’s Secretary/Receptionist. The office at
that point grew to 4 office staff. There is currently a Service Coordinator position open in the Allentown
Office. The office currently serves a total of 39 consumers with a staff of 21 DCW’s.
On December 17th, Allentown held an “Open House” type holiday party for their staff and
consumers. There were approximately 50 people in attendance at the party. Door prizes were awarded to
some lucky DCW’s as well.
The Allentown Office adopted 3 families for the holiday season. One family had a 3 year old little
angel who was diagnosed with MLD (Metachromatic Leauko Dystrophy) and a 1½ year old daughter.
The GNF was able to give the family toys for the girls as well as various gift cards to help out the parents.
Allentown received their first referral from Maximus on December 17, 2010. The referral is
currently at a standstill as Allentown is waiting to see if she’s approved for services at this point. She
would be Allentown’s 40th consumer in about 15 months. In Allentown, they continue to build a healthy
relationship with the Aging Office in order to increase referrals. In addition, a CRI billboard is up in the
Allentown area to help increase exposure for the office.
Altoona
The fall season brought a few new faces to the Altoona
Office including the hiring of Dixie Bingham (Registered
Nurse), Maureen McDonald (Staff Scheduler), and Malissa
Yon (Recruiter). The Altoona Office held their Christmas
party in December with over 60 consumers, DCW’s, and
office staff in attendance. Everyone had a good time, great
food, and lots of fun.
As part of being a good neighbor, the Altoona Office
adopted a family of 4 as their Christmas family. The mother
doesn’t work because she takes care of her sick 4 year old son and a 2 year old son. She travels several
times a week, even daily to the Pittsburgh Hospital and the Pittsburgh Institute for her son. Her son
received a heart transplant, and was also diagnosed with Lymphoma. He is now receiving chemotherapy
in Pittsburgh in addition to having a bowel obstruction and having a colostomy. He is very ill and the
stress of the illness has taken a physical and financial toll on the family. This family is hard working
and was very much in need of a “Christmas miracle”. The mother did not have the time, money, or the
inclination to shop for her children. The Altoona Office bought lots of clothes and toys for the kids. They
purchased several gift certificates for the family to places in town and/or in Pittsburgh to help with the
cost of meals. Visa gift cards were also given to the parents so they could use the money as they needed.
The presents were wrapped and given to the parents so the gifts would be from Santa and his elves.
The Altoona Office is looking forward to hiring a new Service Coordinator for the CSPPPD
caseload in addition to the Adult Autism waiver which will be starting very soon.
Bradford
CHAP, Inc. has granted
accreditation to CRI
in recognition of
achieving their
“Standard of Excellence.”
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The Bradford Office recently hosted their Christmas Party/
Open House on December 17, 2010. The office staff hosted an all
day Open House for the DCW’s which included breakfast, lunch,
and desserts throughout the day. Each DCW was presented with a
gift bag and those who came were given a ticket with a chance to
win one of the multiple door prizes.
The office was decorated in the true spirit of the holiday;
also Christmas carols were playing on the radio. This gave office staff and DCW’s a chance to sit down
and talk and get a better chance to know each other. At the suggestion of Jennifer Phillips, the leftover
food was delivered to local consumers that live alone and do not have the family/friend support especially
around the holidays.
For the DCW’s who were not able to make it, gifts were delivered and/or mailed to them so they
were not left out and CRI could show them our appreciation.
Clarion
On December 16th, the Clarion office hosted a festive Christmas Open House to honor our
dedicated DCW’s. A wonderful time was had by all who attended. Each DCW received a basket filled
with goodies to thank them for a job well done. We also had a very successful Christmas feast at the
December Advocacy Meeting. Mark Fitch entertained everyone with a fun Christmas trivia contest and
the consumers enjoyed chicken and stuffing, baked corn, and a tossed salad. There was a great turnout of
13 consumers accompanied by their DCW’s all whom filled the office with holiday cheer.
The Clarion office would like to extend a very warm welcome to Lindsay Abbott, the new CSPPPD
coordinator. She is a great addition to the team! The office would also like to welcome new Supervisor,
Michael Rapacioli, who graciously came out to the Open House. The office continues to grow with 4 new
consumers, 1 PDA, and 1 pending.
The Good Neighbor fund helped 2 special families have a much brighter Christmas this year. These
families were thrilled with the gifts and overwhelmed by CRI’s generosity. In addition, Healthy Weight
Week is January 16-22. The office is in the process of organizing a healthy lunch to start the New Year off
the right way!
Clearfield
The Clearfield Office is continuing to grow. There have been 10 referrals since the start of the
Independent Enrollment Broker, Maximus. From what the Clearfield Office has seen, Maximus is
holding its own and making quick responses to the consumers to schedule the initial assessment, which
is good. The Clearfield Office joined the Warren and Lewistown Offices as the 3rd office to serve the MR
population. The office recently started 2 consumers and has 3 more MR referrals that are in the works.
The Clearfield Office recently held their 3rd Annual Christmas Party. The turnout was great and the
food was amazing.
Erie
Throughout December, the Erie Office’s Wellness Committee collected gently used blankets for
Blizzards of Blankets to be distributed in Erie’s Perry Square to the homeless. Staff also participated in a
Coat Drive collecting 50 coats for those in need in the Erie area.
The Erie Office Veterans Committee sent out Christmas boxes to our troops overseas. Store bought
and homemade contributions were sent to service members in order to thank them from their dedication
and service as they spent the holidays away from their families.
For the holiday season, the Erie Office adopted a family who needed more than just Christmas
presents. All the staff got involved cleaning out their basements, downsizing their Christmas ornaments
and donating to a family who had nothing. The family was in need of everything and anything to make
the season brighter for their 3 children.
On December 17th, the Erie Office held the staff Christmas party in which everyone enjoyed good
food, good company, and of course a few laughs.
IN THE NEWS
The Fourth Annual
Miller Mistletoe Mile
was held recently with
nearly 200 runners
participating in North
East, PA. Runners of
all ages and entire
families donned their
Christmas hats, costumes
and jingle bells for
another good cause.
Hosted by the North
East cross country team,
this year’s proceeds
will benefit the North
East Autistic Support
classroom.
With the temperature
barely above 15 degrees
for the annual nighttime
run, the North East Fire
Department led the way
for the runners.
Taking 3rd was CRI’s
very own Adam Rowe
of the Erie Office.
Adam finished the mile
in 5.22 minutes, just shy
of 1st place.
Hermitage
The Hermitage Office has been going through a lot of changes. Vanessa McWhorter recently
became the new Office Supervisor. Other additions to the office include: Tina Howland as a new Service
Coordinator and Cindy Duncan as the Recruiter.
During a time of transition at the Hermitage Office, we would like to thank all of our DCW’s for
their patience and understanding. All of the DCW’s have been doing an amazing job and we all hope
they will continue to do so.
Hermitage held a Wellness Luncheon on December 20, 2010 where excellent food and good
company was enjoyed by all. The annual holiday party was held on January 7th. Approximately 56
employees and guests were in attendance. At the party there was a DJ, Chinese Auction, and 50/50
Raffle.
Dignity Through Independence
“Endurance is not just
the ability to bear a
hard thing, but to turn
it into glory.”
-William Barclay
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Lewisburg
In early December, the Lewisburg Office took part in 2 community outreach programs. They collected items from the office staff and
were able to donate 4 “Friendship Boxes” that were given to the Union County American Red Cross. They were also able to collect donated
items to be given to our courageous military service members in Afghanistan through Mifflinburg Area Military Mom’s Association
(M.A.M.M.A.).
On December 16th, the Lewisburg Office held a “healthy luncheon”. It was a time to share good, healthy food recipes, and
camaraderie between the office staff.
On January 8th, Lewisburg held their annual holiday get-together in which there were approximately 50 or more people in
attendance including office staff, DCW’s, and guests. Another post-holiday event, organized by Lewisburg’s Green Committee, will be a
Christmas card recycling drive. There is already a box in the Lewisburg office where anyone can bring in used holiday season cards to be
recycled by local and international agencies for different types of art, recreational and therapeutic activities. Only the front of the card with
artwork or photography is needed. Donations are greatly appreciated.
Lewistown
December 3rd and 4th were host to Lewistown’s staff and children’s Christmas
parties. Char, the party planner, put together another Christmas party for staff and
a guest of their choosing. A $25 door prize was given out to all employees who
attended. They were served dinner and dessert by staff of the facility. The DJ played
tunes and all in attendance danced together: Chicken Dance, YMCA…all the crowd
favorites. There were approximately 60 people attendance, with half being employees.
At the children’s party there were roughly 20 children in attendance. The children
came to the office after the Lewistown Christmas Parade, drank hot chocolate, ate
cookies, and they received gifts from Santa.
On December 15th, Kim Headings and Dana Pecht organized a blood drive at
the office. The American Red Cross enjoys holding it here and they say the turnout
is amongst the best in Mifflin County. They have asked if the Lewistown Office will
host a blood drive each month. During the blood drive 27 pints were given, while the goal was 20.
The Lewistown Office had the opportunity to host an Open House on December 29th. There were approximately 80 people from
Social Service Agencies, neighbors, and employees who stopped in for a tour. The appetizers were catered and were the talk of the town.
Carol Reed made her crowd favorite pumpkin roll and Laurie Goss showed her talents by making a nice display cake. All other staff
pitched in by helping with tours, set up/clean up. The Open House was a success and a great team effort. The morning after the Open
House, there was a 2 page article in the Lewistown Sentinel Newspaper outlining the company’s growth and the services provided.
All Office staff did a great job in the month of December as there were a lot of things that needed an increased amount of team work.
All staff stepped outside of their normal work duties in a very busy month to organize and host social events at the office.
Oil City
The Oil City Office has been very busy the last month. They held their annual Christmas Party at Cross Creek Resort on December
11, 2010. The event consisted of a buffet lunch; also great gifts were raffled off. Santa also made an appearance, which made it worth while
for all the children. To thank the DCW’s for their hard work during the year, the office staff had a DCW appreciation day on December
20, 2010. Coffee and donuts were available for all the DCW’s that showed up.
The office has been busy hiring new DCW’s to help serve their growing consumer base. They added 11 DCW’s during the month
and they are settling in nicely. The current DCW’s that have really stepped up for CRI within the last month are Roger Matlock, Terri
Stahlman, and Latisha Wolfe. These DCW’s covered a lot of shifts for the office during the month and their performances have stood out.
McConnellsburg
In the month of December, the McConnellsburg office volunteered to be apart of the Chamber of Commerce Christmas party, held a
Christmas party of our own, and donated $600 of Christmas gifts through the Good Neighbor Fund.
On December 15, 2010, at the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party, Megin and Jessica volunteered to be greeters while chamber
members arrived to the luncheon. During the party, Megin and Jessica were asked to dress up and pass out gifts to each of the members.
Megin dressed in full costume as Flake the snowman and Jessica donned a Santa hat. Gifts were handed out to each of the members one by
one. It was a great opportunity to get to know other members of the community while representing CRI.
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On December 16, 2010, the McConnellsburg Office hosted a Christmas party at the
local Eagles club. They had a buffet of food that consisted of every holiday food imaginable.
The office staff made desserts which consisted of cheese cake, cookies, chocolate covered
pretzels, red velvet cake, chex mix and chocolate pudding pie. There was a DJ playing music
while DCW’s and their families danced and played games. There were about 30 in attendance
for the event, plus several people from the Lewistown Office joined in on the festivities.
In honor of the Christmas holiday, the McConnellsburg office’s Good Neighbor Fund
donated $600 to 2 little girls. A couple of the staff went shopping for the girls and bought
Christmas presents so they could have Christmas given the tragic loss of their mother and
sister no less than a month prior to the holiday. Their loss was due to a tragic house fire. Their
heartfelt gratitude and tears were enough to know how hard this holiday would be for them
and how much they appreciated the donations.
For the month of December we would like to highlight 2 DCW’s and one office staff for their dedication and hard work.
Congratulations Pat Souders and Megin Kohr for your relentless efforts that define the spirit of CRI.
Warren
In December, the Warren Office always has an angel tree. They ask all of their DCW’s that have children to participate. They send
them a flyer in the mail and ask them to write down their children’s name, age and interest. Once returned, the office makes blue and pink
angels for the decorated Christmas tree in the front lobby with their info on it. A memo is sent to all the DCW’s and office staff telling
them the Angels are all up for grabs. A deadline is given to have the presents wrapped and back under the tree so the DCW’s can pick
them up for their children. There is no monetary limit for the gifts, it’s whatever one feels
comfortable with. This year the Warren Office also had a lottery tree that they sold chances
on, so if there are any angels left on the tree the money would be used to buy gifts for those
children.
We adopted 2 families for Christmas through the GNF. We hope both of these
families had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed all that Santa had brought for them.
In November, the Warren office had a winter coat drive as part of the “Share the
Warmth Project”. The office collected 12 coats, hats and scarves. A DCW who was in need
of a coat for her daughter was able to choose a coat. The rest of the coats were taken to the
Salvation Army to be passed out for Christmas. The Warren Office is also going green by
saving energy through their efforts to winterize their office.
Wellsboro
Tioga County Good Neighbor Fund sponsored Christmas for 3 separate families one in each of the counties covered by this office.
The Tioga County GNF recipient was a single mom with 2 year old twins and a 3 year old. Cori Hilfiger, Wellsboro’s RN, took her
shopping for her kids and arranged a personal visit from the big guy himself, Santa Claus. As you can imagine the kids were very excited
and this ensured they had a Christmas to remember. Maureen Hughes, Fiscal Enrollment Advisor of Wellsboro, also contributed to this
family’s Christmas with a donation of a Christmas tree. The Potter County GNF recipient was a 93 year old woman who is homebound
and living on her own with a very limited income. Susan Pierce, Wellsboro Recruiter, assisted her with her Christmas wish, which was to
have her money put on gift cards to the local grocery stores. She was very elated and stated in her 93 years she had never won anything till
now. The Bradford County GNF recipient was a single mom with 2 teenage boys. They live with her mother and are surviving on very
little income. Heather Lundgren, Wellsboro Service Coordinator, assisted her with Christmas shopping for her boys. She stated that it was
a real blessing and they wouldn’t have had Christmas if this gift had not found them.
Our social committee funded a really nice dinner at the Antlers Inn for the entire CRI Wellsboro Staff on December 8, 2010. Many
staff donated items for a Chinese auction that also raised $257.50 to put back into the social committee fund.
Many DCW’s saved pop tabs throughout the year for the Ronald McDonald House Charities and brought them to the training for
an end of year donation. They received eight grocery bags worth of tabs to donate. Nice Job Team!
For more information and updates regarding CRI’s various offices visit www.crinet.org.
CHAP, Inc. has granted accreditation to CRI in recognition of achieving their “Standard of Excellence.”
Dignity Through Independence
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Christmas Gallery
www.crinet.org
Good Neighbor Fund Information
The Good Neighbor Fund, which is separate from
Community Resources for Independence, Inc., is directed and
funded by its employees, who make small donations through
each payroll deduction.
The deduction currently is a little over .35 percent of the
participating employees’ gross pay. For every $10 you earn, 3
½ half cents is donated. If you earn $100, a donation of $0.35
is made. In the Erie office, the Good Neighbor Fund pledges a
percentage of the fund donations to the United Way each year.
This eliminates solicitation of CRI employees by the United Way.
October 2010 Good Neighbor Fund Donations:
$ 3,300.00: United Way of Erie County
$ 500.00: Sugar Creek Station- Erie Office
$ 500.00: Kentucky State University – Hermitage Office
$ 500.00: White Cool Funeral Home – Hermitage Office
$ 300.00: Wal-Mart Gift Card - Hermitage Office
$ 200.00: Sheetz Gas Card –Hermitage Office
$ 200.00: Country Fair – Warren Office
$ 150.00: Wal-Mart Gift Card - Erie Office
$ 50.00: Asera Care Hospice – Erie Memorial
$ 50.00: Bloomin’ Gails – Oil City Office
$ 46.59: Phoebe Florist – Allentown Office
$ 46.00: Scolio Fruit Baskets – Erie Office
$ 42.40: Clearfield Florist – Clearfield Office
$ 41.00: Scolio Fruit Baskets – Erie Office
$ 35.00: Ekey Florist - Warren Office
$ 34.50: Roseman’s Florist - Clarion Office
Total Donations of GNF for October 2010:
$5,995.49
November 2010 Good Neighbor Fund Donations:
$ 1,050.00: Holiday Gifts – Lewistown Office
$ 935.00: Holiday Gifts – Wellsboro Office
$ 910.00: Holiday Gifts - Altoona Office
$ 500.00: Wal-Mart Gift Card – Clarion Office
$ 500.00: Wal-Mart Gift Card – Lewistown Office
$ 500.00: Wal-Mart Gift Card – Lewistown Office
$ 500.00: Wal-Mart Gift Card – Hermitage Office
$ 500.00: Sheetz Gift Card – Altoona Office
$ 500.00: Sheetz Gift Card - Clearfield Office
$ 500.00: Oster Fund – Erie Office
$ 500.00: Huntsman Funeral – Hermitage Office
$ 250.00: Wal-Mart Gift Card – Lewistown Office
$ 30.74 Phillips-Kifer Florist – Clarion Office
Total Donations of GNF for November 2010:
$ 7,175.74
Dignity Through Independence
December 2010 Good Neighbor Fund Donations:
$1,680.00: Erie Office (staff ) Holiday Gifts
$1,260.00: Lewisburg Office Holiday Gifts
$1,220.00: Warren Office Holiday Gifts
$1,210.00: Erie Office (pca) Holiday Gifts
$1,075.00: Hermitage Office Holiday Gifts
$1,055.00: Clearfield Office Holiday Gifts
$640.00: Clarion Office Holiday Gifts
$600.00: GNF Adopt a Family - Allentown Office
$600.00: GNF Adopt a Family - Altoona Office
$600.00: GNF Adopt a Family - Bradford Office
$600.00: GNF Adopt a Family - Clarion Office
$600.00: GNF Adopt a Family - Clearfield Office
$600.00: GNF Adopt a Family - Erie Office
$600.00: GNF Adopt a Family - Hermitage Office
$600.00: GNF Adopt a Family - Lewisburg Office
$600.00: GNF Adopt a Family - Lewistown Office
$600.00: GNF Adopt a Family - McConnellsburg Office
$600.00: GNF Adopt a Family - Oil City Office
$600.00: GNF Adopt a Family - Warren Office
$600.00: GNF Adopt a Family - Wellsboro Office
$500.00: Wal-Mart Gift Card- Hermitage Office
$445.00: Oil City Office Holiday Gifts
$405.00: Bradford Office Holiday Gifts
$360.00: Direct Bedding & Furniture- Erie Office
$300.00: Wal-Mart Gift Card – Hermitage Office
$250.00: Antonio Arroyo Trust Fund – Hermitage Office
$250.00: Brandon A. Basil Memorial - Warren Office
$250.00: Noah Lee Haibach Memorial– Warren Office
$225.00: McConnellsburg Office Holiday Gifts
$215.00: Allentown Office Holiday Gifts
$175.00: Postal Cost for Troops Boxes – Erie Office
$118.00: Ekey Florist - Warren office
$50.00: Lake City Volunteer Fire Co. – Erie Office
Total Donations of GNF for December 2010:
$19,483.00
Also, each office was given $600 to spend this holiday
season on their Adopt a Family. For more information on what
CRI is doing to be a “Good Neighbor” visit www.crinet.org for
all the latest updates.
CHAP, Inc. has granted accreditation to CRI in recognition of
achieving their “Standard of Excellence.”
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Direct Care Worker Service Awards
Allentown
DCW of the Month of November: Maryann Yansick
DCW of the Month of December: Linda Langan
Service with a Smile: Connie Deeds
Above and Beyond: Sandy Vomero
Altoona
DCW of the Month of November: Angela Bailey
DCW of the Month of December: Sherry Malia
Service with a Smile: Theresa Walters
Above and Beyond: Theresa Rose
Bradford
DCW of the Month of November: Chris Schellhammer
DCW of the Month of December: Melissa Rodgers
Above and Beyond: Nancy Grasser
Clarion
DCW of the Month of November: Christi Dawson
DCW of the Month of December: Rita Elliott
Service with a Smile: Linda Donaldson
Above and Beyond: Judy Scott
Clearfield
DCW of the Month of November: Emma Kenny
DCW of the Month of December: Terry Crosson
Service with a Smile: Alisha Allison
Above and Beyond: Karen Schmoke
Erie
DCW of the Month of November: Brent Nesbitt
DCW of the Month of December: Wanda Johnston
Service with a Smile: Miyesha Arrington
Above and Beyond: Robin Dunn
Hermitage
DCW of the Month of November: Andrea Songer
DCW of the Month of December: Alaina Geddes
Service with a Smile: Phillip Clark
Above and Beyond: Tracy Schultz
Lewisburg
DCW of the Month of October: Karen Koch
DCW of the Month of November: Noelle Moran
Above and Beyond: Dolly Mutschler
Lewistown
DCW of the Month of November: Billie Kline
DCW of the Month of December: Patrice Swartz
Service with a Smile: Archella Royer & Lynn Steinbrunner-Beck
Above and Beyond: Shawn Coudriet & Peggy Prough
McConnellsburg
DCW of the Month of November: Carol Greenland
DCW of the Month of December: Pat Souders
Service with a Smile: Denitia Booth & Angelica Snair
Above and Beyond: Pat Souders & Tonia McNear
Oil City
DCW of the Month of December: Roger Matlock
Service with a Smile: Julia Hollis
Above and Beyond: Terri Stahlman
Warren
DCW of the Month of October: Shawna Lambert
DCW of the Month of November: Cindy Dyke
Service with a Smile: Stacey Eckstrom
Above and Beyond: Kim Sherer
Wellsboro
DCW of the Month of October: Freya Miller
DCW of the Month of November: Terry Hilfiger
Service with a Smile: Julie Frederick
Above and Beyond: Mitsie Clark
Join the CRI Family!
Become a Direct Care Worker! (PCA)
Open Interviews: Tuesdays 9 AM - 12 PM and
Thursdays 1 PM - 4 PM
Visit www.crinet.org for more information!
Legislative Link: Tom Corbett
by Bill Essigmann
The November 2, 2010 General Election brought significant changes for Pennsylvania and the nation. With the election of Tom
Corbett as Governor and changes in the State House, both chambers of the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office are now
controlled by Republicans. Just before the holidays, Governor Corbett announced some of the key members of his transition team.
Many of them were part of the campaigns and administration of Governor Tom Ridge as well as Corbett’s campaign.
Recently, Governor Tom Corbett’s transition team has issued an 8 page position paper. The following article will discuss parts of
the paper. To review the full position paper visit www.tomcorbettforgovernor.com/issues/corbett-humanservices-policy.pdf.
As quoted from the article “As Governor, Tom Corbett will continue his commitment to ensuring that all Pennsylvanians are
protected through a full evaluation of Pennsylvania’s Human Service System. Governor Corbett believes that people should live
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independently in a community based setting whenever possible, and he will encourage Pennsylvania colleges and universities to offer
curricula that will provide for an ongoing, well trained work force.” In addition Governor Corbett will call for a comprehensive view of
publicly funded institutional placements. And where necessary develop a plan to comply with the Olmstead Decision in which the U.S.
Supreme Court ruled that unnecessary institutionalization violates the American Disabilities Act.
Governor Corbett’s human service plan focuses on seven areas:
- Modernizing Medicaid to Help Human Services
- Supporting Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities
- Supporting Behavioral Health Needs
- Assisting Pennsylvanians with Physical Disabilities
- Supporting Pennsylvanians with Autism
- Supporting Children and Youth
- Utilizing Technology
Although the focus to assist all disabilities seems to be covered through these areas, Governor Corbett must go into much more
detail on his plans for these focus areas. Much is being said about improving services with no mention about cost or spending.
As most people are aware, Governor Corbett pledged during his gubernatorial campaign to attack Pennsylvania’s looming budget
deficit without using taxes or fees. That being said, our state is spending 10 billion on health care. This includes 7.3 billion in state
money that pays for health care primarily for the poor, elderly, disabled, prison inmates, and state employers.
In order to replace the estimated 4 billion dollar deficit, Governor Corbett must replace at least one out of seven dollars flowing
through the state’s main bank account.
As Governor Corbett takes office, we will encourage the disabled community to closely follow the budget process and be prepared
to advocate very strongly keeping existing services from being cut.
Consumer Corner: Franklin Delmar Mellott
by Heather Smith
Nothing shows a man’s character more than what he laughs
at. Its funny actually I never really understood what that meant
until recently when I had the opportunity to meet Franklin
Delmar Mellott of the McConnellsburg Office. There’s an old
saying that says the person who knows how to laugh at himself
will never cease to be amused and Delmar does just that. Delmar
is many things a veteran, a family man, well traveled, funny, and
most and foremost a know-it-all but perhaps that’s where all his
humor stems from.
Franklin Delmar Mellott, 66, was diagnosed with Multiple
Sclerosis (MS) in 1970. MS is an inflammatory disease of the
Central Nervous System (CNS). Delmar is the kind of individual
that stands out as someone who embodies the spirit of CRI,
because he just tends to laugh in the face of adversity. His jaw
pain and hearing have been getting worse over past few years,
but that doesn’t stop this comedian from entertaining his guest’s
day in and day out. Delmar will joke with you that he should
have been a doctor, because he’s tired of going to visit a bunch of
quacks. And then of course he will tell you he has a cure for MS,
but you’ll just have to wait till you meet him for him to share that
with you. He has been a consumer with Community Resources
for Independence since 1997 and he has enjoyed everyday of
it, especially all the beautiful women! Delmar utilizes assistive
technology within his everyday life and will be the first to tell you
about the other various benefits CRI has to offer.
Delmar is a well traveled Veteran who served in the
Navy for “3 years 4 months and 2 days”. Although he had
the opportunity to visit Greece, Turkey, and many others; the
Philippines was his favorite port. Delmar served in the Navy
during the 1960’s during the Cuban Missile Crisis period of the
Cold War. The “Cuban Crisis”, as Delmar refers to it, was a 14
day period when everyone wasn’t counting days or hours, but
minutes as they feared a nuclear catastrophe was hanging by a
thread. The Cuban Missile Crisis was the closest the world ever
(continued on page 10)
Dignity Through Independence
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Consumer Corner: Franklin Delmar Mellott
came to nuclear war. One could only image what the experience
must have been like while serving overseas. Just get Delmar
started talking about his Navy service; he’s got enough stories to
keep you entertained for hours perhaps even days on end.
His life lessons are really something to marvel at and really
get you thinking about living life to the fullest. He inspires
you through all of his incredible experiences. When it comes
to the Navy, diesel mechanics, love, building a home, walking,
and much more he has got an answer for just about everything.
Delmar was a diesel mechanic for many years. You could tell him
what the issue was and he could pretty much solve the problem
before even laying hands on it. He also built the home that he
currently resides in from the ground up. Delmar has faith that
one day he will be able to walk again. He will be the first to tell
you that Sunday will be the day he walks again. When you ask
him why, he will tell you it’s because it is the Lord’s day with a
heartwarming smile and his one-of-a-kind laugh. This amazing
family man is a father to a son and daughter, Jeff and Jackie, and
grandfather of 3. While visiting Delmar I asked him if he had any
mottos to live by. His response was perhaps the most captivating
thing that I gained from Delmar. He said that “you fall in love
you never fall out of love”. He really illustrated the value of what
love really means in a variety of ways through his passion for life.
If you’re ever in the McConnellsburg area make your first
stop to visit Franklin Delmar Mellott. His tell tale stories will
leave you crying from laughing so much.
“The only thing stopping you from reaching all your hopes and dreams is you.”
Employee Profile: Charles “Chuck” Giambrone
by Todd Proper
Charles Giambrone grew up in a small town in Western
New York. His dedication to the Independent Living Movement
and working in the human services area did not begin until his
sophomore year in high school. Chuck sustained a severe spinal
cord and vascular injuries as the a result of a wrestling match
gone bad in February 1988. At that time, he was diagnosed
with a TBI (traumatic brain injury) and numerous blood clots
in his vascular system. His injury did not permit him to return
to school. He graduated in 1990 after being home schooled and
began to attend Jamestown Community College after graduation.
While in college, Chuck learned about the Independent
Living movement and contacted the Southwest Center for
Independent Living in Jamestown, NY. It was through working
for this CIL that led Chuck to pursue a career at Edinboro
University’s Social Work program and start his internship with
Community Resources for Independence. He earned a Minor in
Art/Economics and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.
Chuck has enjoyed support from his wife Jennifer, children
Meagen, Charlie, and Madison throughout his career.
It was through community education and his civil
rights work with elected officials that led to his first political
appointment. This first appointment was the PA Rehabilitation
Council and was appointed to this position by Governor Tom
Ridge in 2000. He completed this term and was re-sworn to
another 6 year term. After a short absence, he returned to the
Rehab Council and was appointed to the Governor’s Advisory
Committee on programs for people with disabilities under
Governor Rendell.
During his work with individuals defending their civil
rights as persons with disabilities, he was recognized by the Mid10
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Atlantic Americans with Disabilities Center. He was then invited
to become a board member, and has been serving on this Board
since 2008.
Chuck is finishing a term with the Governor’s Advisory
Committee and with the Pennsylvania Rehab Council which
will end in 2015. He is also continuing to serve as a Curriculum
Advisory Board Member for the Vocational Rehabilitation
program at Edinboro University.
Chuck’s work as a civil rights advocate, all of his invitations,
to sit on these boards, and be a part of these important
committees was only made feasible through the generosity of
Timothy Finegan, Executive Director of CRI. Mr. Finegan
has provided the support that Chuck has needed to participate
in such an active roll in all of these capacities. Chuck looks
forward to continuing his professional and political dedication
to those persons seeking Independent Living through his work at
Community Resources for Independence.
What’s Coming Next? Veterans Outreach Program
by Todd Proper
CRI would like to announce the official start of the
Veterans Outreach Program. This program is designed to assist
our country’s Veterans, young and old, disabled and not disabled,
to find resources in their community. Based out of the Erie office,
the Veterans Outreach Program covers CRI’s 6 CIL counties of
Northwestern Pennsylvania: Erie, Clarion, Crawford, Forest,
Venango and Warren counties. CRI is committed to helping
our communities’ Veterans through unfamiliar processes and
supporting any endeavors they wish to take on with resource
referrals.
In November 2010, CRI hired U.S. Army Veteran, Matt
Griffith, as our Veterans Outreach Coordinator. Matt served
in the Army from 2005 - 2010 as an Army Ranger. As a recent
Veteran, Matt is very familiar with the confusing and frustrating
transition from military to civilian life that Veterans face. Since
his start at CRI, Matt has been making contacts with Veteran
Administration agencies and researching resources available to all
U.S. Veterans from all eras and their families. For those Veterans
with disabilities, Matt will connect them to CRI’s Independent
Living Services that CRI has provided for over 20 years.
Whether wounded in Vietnam and seeking peer support
groups or a Veteran of Afghanistan in need of help finding a job,
the Veterans Outreach Program is here to assist. Contact Matt
Griffith at CRI’s Erie Office at 814-838-7222 or toll free at 800530-5541.
Autism Awareness: Adult Autism Waiver
by Laurel Finegan
In 2008, CRI became involved with the Adult Autism
Waiver, a program developed under Office of Developmental
Programs/Bureau of Autism Services to assist people 21
years old or older with Autism Spectrum Disorder to live an
independent life in the community. CRI’s first participant was
signed up in June 2009 for the Erie office and CRI is now
serving 13 participants throughout Erie, Crawford, Elk, and
Venango counties. CRI is also approved to provide services to
Blair, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Clarion, Forest,
Huntingdon, McKean, Mercer, Potter, and Warren counties.
There are presently 300 slots for participants throughout the
state of Pennsylvania and all slots have been filled throughout the
Eastern, Central and Western region. With the new legislature
elected, BAS is hoping for additional slots to be opened to serve
additional persons throughout the state.
Dignity Through Independence
What are the goals of the Adult Autism Waiver?
• Increase the person’s ability to care for themselves
• Decrease family/caregiver stress
• Increase quality of life for both the person and the family
• Provide specialized support to adults with an ASD based
on need
• Help adults with an ASD reach their
employment goals
• Support more involvement in
community activities
• Decrease crisis episodes and
psychiatric hospitalizations
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www.crinet.org
3410 West 12th Street
Erie, Pennsylvania 16505
PA Thunder and Lightning
Wheelchair Basketball
2010-2011 Season
Want to play?
Community Resources for Independence, Inc. sponsors a
wheelchair basketball team and are always looking for new team
members. If you are interested in playing, please contact CRI’s
Erie Office at 814-838-7222 or visit us via the web at www.
crinet.org.
Our team is currently in their 14th season and is one of
68 Division III teams currently participating in the Keystone
Conference of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association
(NWBA). The Thunder & Lightning provides participants
an excellent social mechanism providing the opportunity to
meet and compete against teams from other cities and states.
Currently, a number of the players have collegiate-level playing
experience and are always willing to teach newcomers the skills.
Upcoming events:
January 29, 2011 @ Rochester Wheels - Doubleheader
April 16-17, 2011 @ Rochester Wheels- 1st Annual Steve
Barbato Memorial Tournament
Team Members:
Chris Burke
Joe Jaroni
Lincoln Jamison
Ed Kulesa
Matthew Lopez
Tom Markley
Ed Mellott
Jay Shuffstall
Coaching Staff:
Marc Keller – Head Coach
Mark Fitch – Staff
Chris Finegan - Staff