DaY SERviCES - HeartShare Human Services of New York

Save the Date!
Build a Playground
Saturday, September 13
Kiwanis First Step Early Childhood
Center, Howard Beach
To volunteer, call (718) 422-3347.
Residential Services
Annual Dinner Dance
Monday, September 22
Russo’s on the Bay, Howard Beach
For more info, call (718) 422-3260.
Buckley’s & Kennedy’s
Golf Outing
October
Dyker Beach Golf Course, Brooklyn
For more info, call (718) 422-3210.
20th Annual Tree Festival
Runners at the 28th Annual
Buckley’s – Kennedy’s 5K Charity
Run helped to raise $77,000
for HeartShare’s programs.
InSights
HeartShare Human
Services of New York’s
publication focuses on
topical issues affecting
our community. Published
twice a year, InSights also
brings you current news
from within our programs.
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE
12 MetroTech Center, 29th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 422-4200
www.heartshare.org
“Whether it’s the
Day Hab without Walls
or Blended Day Services
Program, I have already
seen marked improvements
in our participants.”
— Joy Palmer
December
El Caribe Country Club,
Mill Basin, Brooklyn
For more info, call (718) 422-3210.
HELPING CHILDREN AND ADULTS LEAD MEANINGFUL LIVES
ADULT
Day Services
& How HeartShare
is Responding
PAID
BROOKLYN, NY
PERMIT NO. 2179
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Adult Day Services
• HEARTSHARE HAPPENINGS
• HOW YOU CAN HELP & MORE
SUMMER 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HeartShare: Creating Opportunities
HeartShare Happenings
How To Help
2
5
9
B OARD OF DIRECTORS
P UB LISHED BY
Ralph A. Subbiondo
Chairman
HeartShare Human Services
of New York
12 MetroTech Center, 29th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 422-4200
www.heartshare.org
info@heartshare.org
Robert Charles Golden
First Vice Chair
John T. Sharkey
Second Vice Chair
Tricia Fleming
Director of Communications
Michael J. Abatemarco
Treasurer
Celine Yvan
Communications Associate
Paul J. Torre
Secretary
James J. Buckley
Salvatore Calabrese
Joseph A. Caruana, DO
Linda Dano
Michael J. DeSola
Craig A. Eaton, Esq.
Jim Kerr
Michael P. Kiley
Leonard C. Masucci
Valerie A. Merone
Raymond J. Mollica, DPM
The Reverend Thomas G. Pettei
Rosanna Scotto
Theodore J. Strange, MD
Joseph V. Taranto
Antonio Troia
Danixa Vega
DESIGNER
New Beautiful Studios
P HOTOGRA P HER
Joe Wallace Photography
Visit www.heartshare.org
to sign-up for email updates!
Please note—
our new address is:
12 MetroTech Center,
29th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 422-4200
Have you ever said to yourself, “I’ve heard of HeartShare,
but I’m not sure who it helps?” Well, HeartShare helps
children, adults and families. HeartShare Human Services
of New York helps people in the community, and recently,
it expanded its services to help even more individuals and
their families in need.
HeartShare is making a difference in the lives of thousands
of individuals and families who receive our services.
However, we can’t do it alone. We rely on the generous
support of our donors to help fund our myriad of
programs that assist more than 17,000 individuals.
We know these are tough economic times, but that is
why we need your help. Please make a donation to
HeartShare to ensure that we continue to provide these
services, and offer new services, to individuals and
families in our communities.
For adults with developmental disabilities, locating an
appropriate day program that meets individual needs, is
close to home, and has placements available, often can be
difficult. For more than 60 adults, HeartShare has made
that a little easier by opening the Union Turnpike Day
Habilitation Program in Fresh Meadows, Queens and the
Staten Island PACT Day Habilitation Program. These
new locations offer individuals a program that understands
and responds to their individual needs, goals and dreams.
Through HeartShare’s 10 adult day habilitation programs
in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, hundreds of
individuals with developmental disabilities learn vital skills,
become more involved members of their communities,
and live their lives to their fullest potential.
COVER STORY
We hope that you will find it in your hearts to contribute
to HeartShare using the enclosed donation envelope or
through our agency web site, www.heartshare.org. You
are assured that approximately 90 cents of every dollar
of revenue goes directly to support our programs.
On behalf of those we serve, thank you for your
continued support of HeartShare.
Sincerely,
Participants in the Brooklyn Day Habilitation Program
regularly work at the aquarium in Coney Island.
Ralph A. Subbiondo
Board Chairman
William R. Guarinello
President and CEO
HEARTSHARE:
Creating
Opportunities
for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
It is a beautiful summer morning and Bernadette is eagerly
awaiting the arrival of Leah, her staff member, so they can
go to Bernadette’s favorite activity site, the puppy store.
Bernadette is an adult with a developmental disability
who is a participant in one of HeartShare Human Services
of New York’s newest adult day services program—the
Kaleidoscope Program!
In response to an initiative by the New York State Office
of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities
(OMRDD) to develop more creative day services opportunities, HeartShare created the Kaleidoscope Program.
The program has two distinct components—Day Hab without Walls and
Blended Day Services—each of which
was crafted carefully so that individuals
are more successful with and fulfilled
by their day program experiences.
HeartShare ultimately developed four
separate services—establishing a Day
Hab Without Walls and a Blended
Day Services in both Brooklyn and
Queens.
Bernadette participates in the Day
Hab without Walls Program, which
differs from a typical site-based group
HEARTSHARE HUM AN SERVICES OF NE W YORK • SUMM ER 2 0 0 8
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HeartShare Players
Entertain All
A talented group of adults with
developmental disabilities has
been singing and dancing their
hearts out for years as part of
the HeartShare Players. In
addition to productions of
the Wizard of Oz, and Beauty
and the Beast, the group also
performs at agency events,
senior centers and other
community venues. Under
the direction of longtime staff
member Betty Green, the
HeartShare Players have taken
their love of music to a new
level. Currently, the Players are
practicing for Thanksgiving and
holiday performances and their
next large-scale production,
West Side Story, is scheduled to
debut in early 2009. If you are
interested in viewing a performance, call (718) 281-0480.
It may look like Ruben is playing a game,
but he is actually improving his typing
skills with this special software program.
day habilitation program in that these
program participants do not meet at a
program site each morning and from
there go to an activity site. In this
program, a staff member meets the
participant at his or her home, and
together they travel directly to the
location. In addition, there are plenty
of opportunities for customizing activities and pursuing areas of individual
interest, including fitness, art, cultural
activities, and socialization in the
community, to name just a few. What
is especially great about this program is
that it is unique to each individual.
“The puppy store is my favorite
place to go,” shares Bernadette, who
goes there two to three days a week.
“Leah and I walk to the bus stop, take
the bus to the store, spend a couple
hours there, and then take the bus back
home.”
Today was an especially good day
because on the walk to the bus stop
Bernadette stopped at a local school to
visit a friend. They spoke for a few
minutes, but Bernadette wanted to be
on her way to spend time with the
puppies.
“When I get to the store, I say hello
to all the puppies. Sometimes I hold
them, feed them and give them water.
Following their mock interviews,
the participants in the Blended
Day Services Program discuss
the process and provide and
receive feedback.
I say goodbye to them as well. I really
love them.”
There are five other adults in the
Day Hab without Walls Program who
share similar experiences at their activity sites each day.
“This program began in December
2007, and the participants are really
excelling,” said Program Supervisor
Joy Palmer. “Whether it’s the Day
Hab without Walls or the Blended Day
Services Program, I have already seen
marked improvements in the participants.”
BLENDED DAY SERVICES PROGRAM
While Bernadette is at her activity
site, eight participants in the Blended
Day Services Program are practicing
their interviewing skills through mock
2
H e art Sh are : C reat in g Op p o rtuni t ies f or Adults wi th D e v el op menta l Di sab ili ties
interviews with Employment Specialist Frances Platt.
The Blended Day Services Program
offers a mix of three day program
service types, including traditional
group day habilitation, pre-vocational
services and supported employment.
These services are “blended together”
and customized to create a weekly
schedule of activities, training and
volunteer or work that best meets the
needs of the individual participants.
The supported employment component for this program also differs from
traditional supported employment in
that the job coach remains with the
participant at his or her job site until
the individual is ready to graduate to
the next level of less supervised work.
During the mock interviews, Danielle practices applying for a receptionist position with Frances. Frances has
helped Danielle to prepare a resume
that includes all the various volunteer
and work sites where she has been.
They begin by reviewing her previous
experiences and skills:
“Can you tell me why you think
you will be a good match for this position?” asks Frances.
“Well, I am very organized and very
hard-working,” responds Danielle.
Together, they spend nearly ten
minutes discussing Danielle’s skills and
those needed for the job. As the interview concludes, Frances asks Danielle
if she has any questions.
Danielle asks, “What is the salary for
the position?”
The program participants practice
these exercises weekly to build their
confidence and prepare them for the
various types of questions that may be
asked during a real job interview.
HeartShare’s Adult Day
Habilitation Programs:
Brooklyn:
• Frances Aiello Day
Habilitation Program
• Bay Ridge Day Habilitation Program
• Brooklyn Day Habilitation Program
• Kaleidoscope Day Services
• Eileen and William Lavin Day
Habilitation Program
• PACT (Partnering with Autistic CiTizens)
Day Habilitation Program
QUEENS:
• Harry Hoffman Day Habilitation Program
• Queens Day Habilitation Program
• Union Turnpike Day Habilitation Program
(opened June 30, 2008)
STATEN ISLAND:
• PACT Day Habilitation Program (opened
July 14, 2008)
HEARTSHARE HUM AN SERVICES OF NE W YORK • SUMM ER 2 0 0 8
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HEARTSHARE
HAPPENINGS
Adult Day Services
by the Numbers
1988
the first year HeartShare
began offering adult day
services to individuals with
developmental disabilities.
533
participants in HeartShare’s
Adult Day Habilitation
Programs
10 Programs
number of Day Habilitation
Programs HeartShare operates in Brooklyn, Queens
and Staten Island
“The puppy store
is my favorite
place to go.”
– Bernadette
Additionally, they use computer
programs to build their skills so that
they become more adept and better
qualified for positions in an office
setting. Whether they are using the
software to improve typing skills or
researching businesses in the area for
potential openings, these participants
are preparing for the next steps in their
careers.
PACT DAY PROGRAMS
In addition to the Kaleidoscope
Program, HeartShare’s PACT (Partnering with Autistic CiTizens) Day
Habilitation
Program
represents
another creative initiative. PACT
was developed at the direct request of
Brooklyn parents who were seeking
a customized group day habilitation
program for their children with autism
who were transitioning from NYC
Department of Education programs
4
to the world of adult day services.
PACT opened in July 2006 to enable
young adults with autism to increase
their participation in the community
through skill-building, volunteering
and recreational activities.
“We differ in that we are designed
specifically for young adults with
autism, and we offer an extended day,”
notes Program Supervisor Wendy
Stuckey. “Most day programs end
around 2 pm. We offer services until 5
pm. This is a big benefit for our working parents.”
At the PACT Program, participants
come to the program in downtown
Brooklyn, have breakfast together, and
then head out to local volunteer or
work sites. They spend two hours there,
then return to the program for lunch.
Their afternoons are spent working
on the computer, being involved in a
variety of “club” activities, including
cooking, movies, art, and fitness, as well
as engaging in recreational activities in
the community.
The PACT Program has been
so successful that a similar program
opened in Staten Island on July 14,
2008 for five individuals.
In addition to specialized day
services, HeartShare offers the more
traditional group day habilitation
program. In fact, a new program—the
Union Turnpike Day Habilitation
Program—just opened in Fresh Meadows, Queens, on June 30 for 59 adults,
many of whom are non-ambulatory
or experience ambulatory difficulties.
These programs offer skills training, a
variety of volunteer and work experiences, recreational and cultural opportunities, and support in understanding
and making choices.
Regardless of which day program
a participant is involved with, creative
and caring staff tailor activities to
meet the individual’s needs, goals and
dreams. HeartShare believes in the
potential and dignity of all people
with developmental disabilities and
will continue to provide outstanding
services to meet their needs.
H e art Sh are : C reat in g Op p o rtuni t ies f or Adults wi th D e v el op menta l Di sab ili ties
HeartShare Board Chairman Ralph A. Subbiondo, honorees
Cameron Mathison, Steve Cohen, Tony Sirico, Michael P. Kiley
and President and CEO William R. Guarinello at the conclusion
of the Annual Spring Gala and Auction in April.
Star-Studded Gala
Raises $630,000!
Fan of The Sopranos? Can’t miss a day of All My
Children? Watch Fox 5 News faithfully? Listen
to Q-104.3 on the way to work? Then you
should have been at the Spring Gala. STAR-STUDDED GALA: Tony Sirico, Dominick Chianese,
David Chase, Margaret Kiley, Michael Kiley, and
James Gandolfini at the Gala.
The NewYork Marriott Marquis was teeming with celebrities
from television, film and radio for HeartShare’s Annual Spring
Gala and Auction. The Sopranos creator and executive producer
David Chase and nearly the entire cast were present to honor
Tony Sirico. Honoree Cameron Mathison brought his All My
Children co-stars with him to celebrate the evening. Fellow
honorees HeartShare Board member Michael P. Kiley and
General Manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones Steve Cohen
also contributed to the success of the evening by bringing
their families and friends. All funds raised will go to support
HeartShare’s programs for 17,000 New Yorkers.
HEARTSHARE HUM AN SERVICES OF NE W YORK • SUMM ER 2 0 0 8
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New Programs Opened
This Summer
OUR NEWEST GROUP HOME:
Six women with developmental
disabilities moved into their new
home on May 1. They have settled
in and are making new friends
in the community.
HeartShare has been very busy
this summer opening programs to
provide more services to individuals
with developmental disabilities. On
May 1, a group home for six women
opened in the Fresh Meadows section
of Queens. For five of the ladies, this
is their first experience living outside
their parents’ homes. On June 30, the
Union Turnpike Day Habilitation
Program opened in Fresh Meadows.
This program provides skills training
and community participation opportunities to 59 adults, many of whom
have ambulatory difficulties or use
wheelchairs. Finally, on July 14, the
Staten Island Partnering with Autistic
CiTizens (PACT) Day Habilitation
Program opened. HeartShare’s first day
habilitation program in Staten Island
will provide services to five individuals. Congratulations to all who worked
tirelessly to get these programs open!
HeartShare
Needs Direct
Care Workers
If you are looking to make
a difference in someone’s
life, then HeartShare is the
place for you! HeartShare
is currently seeking
dynamic individuals to
join our supportive team
dedicated to improving
the lives of adults with
developmental disabilities.
For more information, or to
complete an application,
visit www.heartshare.
org/careers.
Self-Advocates Mark
2-Year Anniversary
Two years ago, eight individuals
with developmental disabilities came
together to spread the philosophy of
self-advocacy throughout HeartShare.
During that time, the HeartShare SelfAdvocacy Council has tripled in size
and now has 24 members. They have
formed a Cabinet, elected officers and
established by-laws. Members have
attended the annual New York State
Self-Advocacy Conference in Albany
and have developed a self-advocacy
workshop for HeartShare employees.
Their plans for their third year include:
voter registration training, initiating
fund-raising activities, working on
a “Rights” curriculum, and again
attending the annual conference.
HeartShare is proud of the work
already accomplished by this group of
individuals and wishes them continued
success moving forward.
6
Cathy
Figuccio
Taking the Summer Off:
Leslie isn’t taking any
classes this summer, but
she is eager to get back
to college in the Fall in
pursuit of her degree.
Cathy has helped Mary Ellen
to become more confident and
have more engaging experiences
in the community.
EVERYDAY HEROES
recognizes the contributions that direct support professionals make in the lives of individuals
with developmental disabilities--particularly in being part of their local communities.
Community inclusion is all about assisting individuals in making personally meaningful
connections and in forming relationships with people who are not disabled.
HE ARTSH ARE: H APP EN ING S
On Saturday, Sept. 13,
HeartShare’s Lefferts/
Liberty Kiwanis First Step
Early Childhood Center is
partnering with KaBOOM! and
Washington Mutual to build a
playground. Located at 82-12
151st Street, Howard Beach,
NY 11414, children ages 3 to
5 with developmental delays
or disabilities will use this
new playspace. To volunteer,
please call Leslie Mawad at
(718) 422-3347.
Everyday Heroes—
HeartShare Resident Excelling
at College
Proof that hard work and persistence
pays off, Leslie Fuller is an example of
someone who does not give up. Leslie
lives in one of HeartShare’s Supported
Apartments for adults with developmental disabilities. After studying for
several years to obtain her GED and
attempting the test several times, she
ultimately passed and subsequently
enrolled in New York City Technical College where she is majoring in
Hospitality Management. Everyone at
HeartShare is proud of Leslie’s efforts
and wishes her continued success!
Help HeartShare Build
a New Playground
When HeartShare’s Helen and
John Sharkey Residence opened six
years ago, Cathy Figuccio began assisting Mary Ellen. Together they go to
church, go shopping, and have coffee
and donuts at a local eatery.
Cathy helped Mary Ellen to improve
her skills in her everyday life, including
how to order food and get the correct
change at stores. Perhaps one of the
most important things that Cathy did
for Mary Ellen was to introduce her
to Bingo, which she now enjoys going
to every Tuesday night. Mary Ellen
has made lots of new friends in the
community from her weekly Bingo
nights.
Mary Ellen feels more confident and
enjoys going out every day by herself
in the neighborhood. Everyone in the
community knows and loves Mary
Ellen!
For Cathy’s role in supporting Mary
Ellen in learning and trying new
things, and for introducing Mary Ellen
to many new community experiences,
HeartShare acknowledges Cathy as
a real Everyday Hero to Mary Ellen.
Bravo, Cathy, for your outstanding
efforts!
HEARTSHARE HUM AN SERVICES OF NE W YORK • SUMM ER 2 0 0 8
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HeartShare’s Class of 2008
Each year, 5-year-old children from
HeartShare’s four First Step Early
Childhood Centers graduate from
our programs and prepare to continue
their educations in either the public
school system or a non-public school.
Whether the children are in the
Special Education classes or Universal
Pre-Kindergarten classes, this is a day
that the students have spent many
hours preparing for. It brings pure joy
to their faces, as well as that of their
proud parents and family members.
Everyone at HeartShare extends their
best wishes to these students as they
move on to their next school settings.
Graduation Day:
Children from the Gov. Mario
and Matilda Raffa Cuomo Family
First Step Early Childhood Center
graduated from the pre-school
program and will now take the next
steps in the educational journey.
7th Annual
Golf Classic
On one of the hottest days of the
spring, golfers hit the links to help raise
money for HeartShare. As the temperatures approached the upper-90s, 80
men and women approached the
greens. A dinner and raffle concluded
the day’s events which helped to raise
more than $75,000 for HeartShare’s
programs. A big “Thank You” is
extended to all who sweated through
the day.
Playing Through: HeartShare
President and CEO William R.
Guarinello, Vice President Joe
Guarinello, Rich DiNapoli, and
Howard Feuer enjoyed their day
of golf even as the temperatures
approached 100 degrees.
8
HE ARTSH ARE: H APP EN ING S
How You Can Help
HeartShare
HeartShare is
proud that nearly
90% of every dollar
of revenue goes directly
to its programs. There
are a number of ways
you can help HeartShare assist 17,000
children and adults:
HEARTSHARE appreciates the
generous support of individuals,
corporations and foundations.
You may not need our services,
but 17,000 New Yorkers do.
Do you want to receive e-mail
updates from HeartShare?
Subscribe today at
www.heartshare.org!
Way s t o C o n t r i b u t e :
Standard Contribution:
You may mail a check, call with a credit card,
donate stock, or give online.
Make a Memorial or
Tribute Gift
HeartShare Human Services of New York
Public Affairs Office
12 MetroTech Center, 29th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 422-3210
www.heartshare.org
Tax ID#: 11-1633549
A wonderful way to honor a family member
or friend is to make a gift in memory of or in
tribute to him/her. Tribute gifts may be made
for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, in place
of holiday gifts, or for any other happy occasion.
Whatever the reason, you can feel good that
your gift is twice given—once to honor your
dear one and second to help those in need.
Leave a Legacy:
Matching Gifts
You may continue to support HeartShare’s
programs through your will or a charitable gift
annuity. Through your will, you may leave
all or a portion of your estate to HeartShare.
With a charitable gift annuity, you receive an
income for life, and the remaining balance of
the donation goes to HeartShare.
This is an opportunity to double your
contribution to HeartShare. Be sure to
check with your company or organization to
determine if it has a Matching Gift Program.
Often, your Human Resources Department
can assist you with this. Complete the form
and mail it to the address listed above.
HEARTSHARE HUM AN SERVICES OF NE W YORK • SUMM ER 2 0 0 8
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