Across Niagara - Niagara Cerebral Palsy

Across Niagara
Official Newsletter of Niagara Cerebral Palsy
Summer 2015
Minervini Named One of Business First’s “30 Under Thirty”
NCP’s Director of Human Resources Kristin Minervini was named one of Buffalo
Business First’s 30 Under Thirty honorees for 2015. Based on her professional
success and community involvement, an independent panel identified Kristin as
one of Western New York’s outstanding young leaders. She and 29 other honorees
are featured in a special section of the June 19, 2015 paper in addition to being
honored at a luau-themed cocktail party at the Atrium at Rich’s.
Kristin began working at NCP in June 2009 as a Human Resources Assistant. Over
the course of her 5 ½ -year tenure, she was promoted to Human Resources Coordinator in August 2010 and Human Resources Administrator in May 2013. The
appointment made her a member of the organization’s Senior Management Team,
giving her a voice in agency operations. At 26, she was the
youngest member in agency history to serve in this capacity.
Her most recent promotion was to Director of Human
Resources in September 2014.
In addition to her organizational achievements, she obtained her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification in June of
2013, and her Society for Human Resource Management-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification/credential in 2015.
Kristin is a member of the Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Association (BNHRA), and the Society for Human Resources
Management (SHRM). She is also an avid supporter of the Erie County SPCA, having adopted two rescue dogs.
Given the short time Kristin has been with NCP, the number of things she’s accomplished is impressive, to say the least.
The future holds great things for the agency with Kristin as one of its leaders. The 30 Under Thirty write-ups and event
photos can be found online at buffalo.bizjournals.com.
Above: Minervini with Jeff Wright, editor of Buffalo Business First
NCP to Reveal New Brand
At NCP, we know how important it is to honor our roots. They are our foundation; they give us strength to
grow. Our roots are grounded in helping the individuals we serve reach their highest potential, while empowering individuality, promoting independence, increasing community inclusion, and fostering productivity. But
we have to keep moving forward to make sure we’re in sync with the times. This means making a change to
prepare for the future. Given this, NCP is about to take a huge step toward being recognized as the premier
service provider that we are.
Led by Executive Director Jeff Paterson and Community Development Coordinator Katie Cassens, a team of
employees and board members began meeting in Fall 2014 to lay the groundwork for an agency rebranding.
The group reflected on the agency’s past achievements, current work, and many goals for the future, to determine what makes us strong and unique. This is where we discovered the many ways we help those we serve
live their best possible lives.
With this in mind, we selected a new agency name and logo, which we look forward to sharing with you. The
agency is holding an unveiling event to launch our new identity to our friends, family, and the community who
supports us. We’re currently working with Riveter Designs on new marketing materials, and 12Grain Studio to
design a brand-new interactive website. Both are slated for completion in August, with a formal unveiling in
September.
In This Issue
Agency News
Open Interviews
2
Event News
Camp Happiness
3
Program Updates
4
Upcoming Events
Call for Volunteers!
6
Dan’s Story
7
Save the Date:
25th Anniversary ADA
Celebration;
CP of NYS Conference
More information about the event will follow. Check our Facebook page for updates!
NCP ~ leveling the road so we can all reach higher ground together...
Paterson’s Editorial on Proposed Minimum Wage Increase
In response to the proposed wage increases for food industry employees, NCP’s Executive Director Jeff Paterson
submitted an editorial to The Buffalo News. It was published in its July 12th edition.
Paterson wrote, “Public policy should be strategic, and it should be adopted in full view of intended and unintended
consequences.
Albany and Washington sometimes fall short of that ideal. The most recent example is the state’s effort to arbitrarily
raise wages for one group of workers while not addressing the needs of other low-wage workers. The drive toward a
$15 minimum wage for food service workers would leave other hardworking New Yorkers behind.
I have no objection to food service workers being paid a living wage. But what about those who work in other highly
challenging fields?
Executive Director
Jeff Paterson
At Niagara Cerebral Palsy, we employ more than 150 direct support professionals who provide essential services to
intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals in group homes. Direct support professionals in this field
generally earn a starting hourly wage of $10.50 to $11. These wages are based on the rates paid to providers by New York State; those rates
have been subject to cuts at worst and stagnation at best in recent years. Unlike a restaurant, we cannot raise prices when we give employees
a raise. We have to take what the state is willing to give us.
The state recently provided some funding to give our direct support professionals a long-overdue raise, but they’re still undervalued. These
employees care for the most vulnerable individuals in our community. They lift. They feed. They bathe. They encourage. They must pass background checks and drug tests. They face lifelong consequences for any lapses in care. They can literally make the difference between life and
death.
We also employ more than 40 teachers, teacher aides and clinicians in our preschool. The state hasn’t raised its special education preschool
reimbursement rates in years, so employee pay has been held down. Our education staff members make a world of difference for children with
special needs. The patience and devotion that they show to their students is second to none. Why aren’t we talking about the pay that these
folks receive?
It is well and good for the state to take an interest in ensuring living wages on someone else’s dime. State officials also need to provide
adequate reimbursement to human service providers, so that our hardworking employees can be paid a proper wage for the essential work
they do. Otherwise, we are going to find it even more difficult than it is already to recruit qualified, responsible workers to care for those
among us who are truly in need of specialized services.
I urge state officials to consider the full consequences of mandating pay increases for one isolated sector without looking at the whole picture.
It is not only unjust, but it may have a detrimental effect on services for the disabled.”
Staff Named Emerging Leaders
Looking For a Rewarding Career?
In early March, Director of Human Resources Kristin Minervini,
along with Speech Pathologist Kimberly Content and Billing Specialist Sheila Tallarico, were selected for the “Emerging Leaders”
program with Cerebral Palsy of NYS Affiliate agencies. According
to the CP Association of NYS, the program was developed almost
4 years ago when a number of Executive Directors pointed out
that many of the group would be retiring in 5-10 years and that
there was a general sense that it would be important to invest in
this group as “the group of identified emerging leaders typically is
most receptive and responsive to interaction with the current
leaders.”
Join Our Team!
Niagara Cerebral Palsy is Now Hiring:
-Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
(COTA)
-Full-Time Driver
(Must have CDL and meet 19A DOT Requirements)
Topics include Community Integration, the Future of Residential
Services Day & Employment Priorities, Crisis Communications,
Workforce Issues (Recruitment/Retention/Training/DSP Competencies), Succession Planning and Leadership Development, and
advising/directing the development of a statewide Family Education & Advocacy Program. The workshops will be held at different
locations across the state, including NYC, Cohoes, Saratoga, and
White Plains. The program runs through October.
-Part-Time Day Hab Specialist
-Part-Time Residential Direct-Care Professionals
-Substitute Teachers and Teacher-Aides
For more information, contact Lori at (716) 297-0798 175 or
visit our website at www.niagaracp.org for an application
2
Event News
3
On June 12th, Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course in Lewiston hosted NCP’s largest
fundraiser of the year, the 23rd Annual Matthew J. Murphy, Jr. Memorial On
the Tee Fore NCP Golf Tournament.
A mid-day storm forced many golfers to take a break in the clubhouse or the
tent to dry off, but despite the rain, golfers enjoyed a fun afternoon on the golf
course, followed by cocktails, dinner, and most importantly, awards and
auction prizes.
The top foursome and Closest-to-the-Pin and Longest-Drive contest winners
received prizes for their efforts. NCP’s CFO Rita Tweedie won the Closest-tothe-Pin contest for the women.
This year, Dr. Jerome Ulatowski received the Chairman’s Award for his dedication to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Ulatowski
has served as the agency’s Medical Director for the past 25 years.
A practicing pediatrician in Niagara Falls and Lewiston, he graduated from medical school in 1981, and completed his joint Pediatric Residency at
Mercy and Children’s hospitals. He was instrumental in creating Summit Pediatrics in Wheatfield in 1989. In addition to pediatrics, he is a strong
advocate related to the treatment and care of individuals with disabilities.
“The Voice of the Bills” John Murphy and WKBW Channel 7’s Keith Radford split hosting duties. All proceeds from the event benefit the agency’s
vocational programming.
At right: Golfers make their way to the front nine at Seneca Hickory Stick.
•••••••••
On March 20th and 21st, the agency held its annual Snowflake Basket Auction at the Niagara Falls Elks Lodge #346. More than 500 people attended
the event to try to win gift certificates, theme baskets, premium items, and entertainment packages.
Kudos to everyone who worked so hard to make this event successful, and thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, donated to, or otherwise
supported it. Proceeds from the event go toward agency programming.
•••••••••
On February 22nd, NCP and Aspire of WNY held the February Fundraiser at the Aquarium
of Niagara. The event was a great opportunity for staff, board members, and family and
friends of both agencies to get out of the cold and enjoy some wonderful sea lion and
penguin shows, get a close-up look at sea animals with the touch tank, and catch a
glimpse of some of the aquarium’s new exhibits and renovations. Guests enjoyed hors
d’oeuvres and desserts from Everyday Gourmet and Wegmans.
Proceeds from the event, rescheduled from November, were used to buy food and gifts
for the holidays for deserving families served by the agency.
At left: Event attendees mingle at the Aquarium.
Camp Happiness
Thirty individuals from NCP attended Camp Happiness June 15th-19th at the YMCA Lockport’s Camp Kenan. This is the first year the agency participated in the day camp, which
includes activities such as hiking, archery, basketball, soccer, fishing, volleyball, music, rock
climbing, horticulture, swimming and boating in Lake Ontario, campfires, and arts and crafts.
The camp, provided by the Lockport Elks, Lockport YMCA, and Opportunities Unlimited of
Niagara County, offers an opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities to participate in activities that they’ve never tried before.
This year’s camp was considered a success with 150 campers and 130 staff and volunteers.
It was featured in the Buffalo News and Lockport Union Sun & Journal, and on WKBW
Channel 7.
Camp Happiness was founded eight years ago, and serves Niagara County residents with
developmental disabilities. Campers can range from 12 to 90 years old.
At right: NCP’s Elise Hetrick at Camp Happiness.
3
Vocational News
On May 11th, Niagara University (NU) held a graduation luncheon for participants of its job readiness and technology skills training programs.
Eight (8) individuals from NCP completed the two-semester long Career Awareness through Technology Skills Development Program (CATS). Coursework included basic computer skills, internet safety, resume writing, and interviewing. Staff members from NU and NCP were in attendance as
graduates accepted their certificates from NU administrators and Executive Director Jeff Paterson.
Reverend James Maher, C.M., president of NU, told graduates to consider themselves graduates of NU, and to continue their learning. Graduate
Anthony Salvo delivered a wonderful speech thanking the program’s facilitators for the chance to participate in the program.
Board Member Patti Wrobel, NU’s assistant dean of external relations, served as emcee for the event. She said the program is rewarding for the
college of education and NU.
•••••••••
The basketball program for the Special Olympics was held April 25th at Niagara University after several
months of practices. Eight people represented NCP. All were very proud of their achievements and had a lot
of fun.
Jackie McGrath (left), Joshua Toy (middle) , and Becky Napoleon (right) demonstrate their basketball skills
with a little help from staff.
Service Coordination
It was Christmas in July as NCP’s Service Coordination Department played Santa for a
special young lady named Janiya Butler. Janiya received a specialized tricycle through the
efforts of NCP and Western New York Independent Living’s Family Reimbursement
Program.
Ten-year-old Janiya is one of three children being raised by her father, Michael, in Niagara
Falls. Janiya loves to play outside with her siblings Michael Jr., and Jakira, but her cerebral
palsy makes it difficult for her to keep up with them.
One of her greatest hopes was to ride a bike with her brother and sister, and be like the
other kids. Now she can. With her feet secured to the foot pedals, her back supported by
a customized seat with a back support and safety harness, Janiya was able to rotate the
handle bars and propel the bike forward. Awestruck, Janiya couldn’t believe the tricycle
was hers.
To add to this day of surprise, Janiya, her dad, brother, and sister returned home from
their bike ride to find new mattresses and bedframes for the entire family being delivered
to their home! Heart and Soul of Niagara responded to the call from Janiya’s service coordinator at NCP and was able to fill the request through City Mattress’s donor program.
The children and their father now have wonderful new beds to rest on at night.
Special thanks to NCP’s maintenance crew for assembling the tricycle.
At right, Janiya takes her new bike out for a spin.
4
Residential News
5
NCP’s residential program is kicking off its summer in full force. Many individuals spent a week enjoying different outdoor activities at the YMCA Lockport’s Camp Kenan, aka Camp Happiness (see write-up on page 3).
Program Coordinator Tim Teter also hosted an impressive BBQ for staff and residents, where party-goers had a field day, literally, exploring the nature
trails, fishing, four-wheeling, and enjoying the horses, ducks, geese, and even peacocks on the property!
In August, a group of residents will embark on their biggest camping trip yet, with three houses partaking in activities at Fantasy Island.
•••••••••
Later this summer, residents will be treated to a free concerts from one-man-band Gregg Sansone at NCP’s Administrative Offices. Sansone covers The
Eagles, Beatles, Rolling Stones, and a multitude of styles and artists from the 60s through today! He promises to make the audience dance, sing, party,
and have a flat out ball!
Educational News
In celebration of Literacy month and Dr. Seuss's birthday, students held a parade through the administrative and school building, wearing striped hats
and/or bowties, inspired by the “Cat in the Hat”, or headbands featuring balanced apples, from “Ten Apples on Top”.
Special guests were also invited to participate, including Executive Director Jeff Paterson. With a little help from the students, Jeff shared some of his
favorite stories.
Below at left: Jeff reads with Austin.
•••••••••
In May, the students made crafts and had events with their parents. Miss Greer’s class held Parents’ Day, during which the students sang songs about
their mommies and daddies, worked together to decorate a ceramic plate, had ice cream sundaes, and played on the playground.
Students in Miss Michele’s classroom invited their mothers to school for a “tea”. The students sang songs, read books about mothers, presented their
mothers with various gifts, enjoyed iced tea and decorated cookies together. A wonderful morning was shared by all.
Center: Katelyn with her mother, Noelle at the mothers’ “tea”. At right, Claire holds the heart she made for her mom.
Clinical News
Physical Therapist Margret Nawrocki held a “tricycle rodeo” with students, which included a brief discussion about bicycle safety, before the classes took
turns practicing riding a tricycle safely around a set-up course, staying within the boundaries and obeying stop signs.
•••••••••
The preschool continued its dental education program, funded by a grant from the Foundation for Dental Health Education. The focus is on education
and prevention, and includes trainings, lessons, informational materials for students, teachers, and parents, and dental evaluations.
Dental Hygienist Linda Lewis also visited each classroom to work on different activities and lessons related to good health, including demonstrating
proper brushing technique with the help of her dog friend, Ollie Mutt.
Families also received educational information about dental health, a component of the program that serves to continue good dental habits at home.
5
Upcoming Events
Volunteers wanted!
July
26
We’ve got a lot of great things going on and need help to do it
all!
25th Anniversary ADA Celebration, Canalside 2 PM
We’re now looking for volunteers for a variety of agency-wide fundraising opportunities.
August
1
Wilson Wet and Wild Triathlon, Wilson
5-9
Niagara County Fair
15
Finn McCool
Eclipse Multi-sport races:
 Wilson Wet and Wild Triathlon, August 1st, Wilson
 Finn McCool, August 15th, Cazenovia Park
7:30 AM
10 AM
Niagara County Fair, August 4th through 10th for help setting up,
working booth, or tearing down
5:30 PM
If you want to help us in 2015, please let us know and we’ll
provide more information and sign you up! These events are
perfect for students who need community service hours!
September
15
Annual Dinner, Antonio’s
Upcoming
TBA Brand Unveiling
TBA Moose Lodge Chili Cook-off
Keep your eye on our website and Facebook page for more
information or contact Katie Cassens at 297-0798 ext. 173 or
kcassens@niagaracp.org .
Want to get our directly in your inbox?
Send us a message on Facebook and join our e-news list!
*Events are subject to change. Check our
website or Facebook page updated events and
information.
We’ll See You This Summer!
We’ll be out and about this summer at different events in Western New York. If you see us, please stop by and say hello.
Come check out our booth at the Niagara County Fair August 4—9th! More details to come!
For more than 60 years, we've been a service provider of the highest quality
By supporting Niagara Cerebral Palsy programs and services, you promote independence, individuality, and
community inclusion for people of all ages with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including cerebral
palsy, neurological impairment, seizure disorder, and autism.
Thank You for Your Support!
6
Did You Know?
We provide more than 30 different services to thousands of individuals and their families each year!
Please take a moment to read about Dan, an individual who’s been involved with NCP for more than 25 years. He’s just
one of many individuals and families we’ve been lucky to work with, and help, during our 60 year journey.
“I’ve been with NCP since I was 5. I went to the school, where I
learned to read, write, and do math. I lived in an NCP house with six
other people, where I learned to cook.
I’ve had job training at the workshop. I now work five days a week. I
like what I do, because I’m able to buy more things for myself, or go to
the movies or order out. Right now I’m working toward an even better
job.
My biggest accomplishment was moving to a less restrictive setting
and being more independent. I have the chance to do more things on
my own, like laundry and shopping.
In 2015, I want to get myself ready for my next big step. I’m old enough
to be on my own, and my goal is to get an apartment and live with a
roommate to help pay expenses."
“My goal is to be independent”
-Dan
NCP has been helping Dan to accomplish his goal since he was 5 years old. From preschool to
service coordination to job training to housing, NCP has given Dan the tools to succeed.
Your gift to NCP changes lives.
Will you help us to help Dan and the hundreds of other individuals and
families who look to us for help?
Help Ensure More Bright Futures
——————————————————————————————————————————————
Yes! I want to help individuals with disabilities reach his or her highest potential,
by making a donation in the amount of:
□ $500 □ $250 □ $100 □ $50 □ $25 □ $15 □ $10 □ Other ____________
Name(s) ____________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________
City ___________________ State ___________
Phone __________________________ Email _______________________________
□ I wish to remain anonymous. Please do not publish my name as a donor.
*Please make checks payable to Niagara Cerebral Palsy. All gifts are tax-deductible.
Secure online donations can be made at www.niagaracp.org
Thank you for your support!
7
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Niagara Falls, NY
Permit No. 28
Niagara Cerebral Palsy
9812 Lockport Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Contact Us
For more information about
our programs, services, and
upcoming events
SAVE THE DATE
October 26-28
Saratoga Hilton,
Saratoga Springs, NY
Watch our website for details
www.cpofnys.org
8
Niagara Cerebral Palsy
9812 Lockport Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
(716) 297-0798
info@niagaracp.org
Visit us on the web at
www.niagaracp.org