Opportune Times - Opportunities Unlimited

A publication for
members, supporters and
friends of Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara, the
Niagara County Chapter
of
©2015 Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara
Celebrating a Milestone
competitions and working on projects
with outside clients is a great way for
them to gain experience.” She said
she was more than happy to help out
Opportunities Unlimited. “This project
was a very personal one for me. My
aunt was born with mental retardation
and cerebral palsy due to a lack of
oxygen during childbirth. My Aunt Lisa
attended the workshop at Opportunities
The organization that would one day
become the Niagara County Chapter of
NYSARC, Inc. known as Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara developed its
roots back in the early 1950’s. For
years prior to that, individuals and
groups of parents started the long,
hard fight to obtain services for their
children with disabilities. Finally,
joining forces, parents were
able to create an organization
in 1955, which, to this day is
characterized by significant
involvement of family members
of people with intellectual and
other developmental disabilities.
More than 600 individuals and
Growing
their families now are supported
by the agency’s programs and
Success
services from birth through a
1955 to 2015
person’s senior years.
Graphic Communication
Student’s Logo will
Represent 60th Anniversary
Looking for a special way to
recognize this anniversary, the
agency partnered with the Graphic
Communications students at Orleans/
Niagara BOCES tapping into the
creative minds of local students while
educating them on the programs
offered by the agency.
Teacher Karen Krull often accepts
assignments to challenge her Graphic
Communications students at the
Niagara Career and Technical Education
Center. “My program is designed for
students to learn the technical aspects
of design, to foster their creative side
and to experience a myriad of graphic
design processes. Entering design
Unlimited in the 1970’s after she
completed her classes at BOCES. I
remember how proud she was to tell
people that she was getting on the bus
and going to work. She took pride in
having a job as a cleaner at the Niagara
Falls Airbase. It gave her a sense of
community and self-esteem. With the
help of Opportunities Unlimited she
was able to live independently.”
Working with Roxane AlbondBuchner, manager of communications
for the agency, several students
submitted designs to the agency for
Spring 2015
consideration. “I was very impressed
with the level of talent and ultimately
we chose a design by Jonathan
Hartman, a Niagara Falls senior, in
Krull’s program.” Jon said the design
came easy to him. “Honestly, the idea
came to me when Albond-Buchner
explained the project. When I heard it
was the agency’s anniversary, a gift box
popped into my mind with 60 years
coming out as the
present. The
design concept is
simple, what do you
give someone on an
anniversary? A gift of
course, so I thought
this would be the
best way to represent
this celebration. The
gift is for everyone
that Opportunities
Unlimited has helped
through those 60
years.” Krull and
Orleans/Niagara
BOCES District
Superintendent Dr. Clark Godshall
are honored that Jonathan’s work was
chosen by Opportunities Unlimited. “We are very appreciative of the
community support we receive for our
career and technical education classes,”
says Godshall. “This was a great way
for our students to demonstrate the
skills and talents that they receive in
one of our many great programs. We
are proud to know that one of our
students’ work will be representing
this wonderful agency during their
anniversary. Congratulations to
everyone!” 1
All about us
Leadership Message
It’s hard to believe that my first year as executive
director has come and gone. I am truly humbled by
the warm welcome I have received by each and every
one of you and am overwhelmed by the tremendous
community support for the programs and services
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara provides to
individuals with intellectual and other developmental
disabilities.
While year one has certainly been full of
its challenges, it has also been one of many
accomplishments. We have reorganized and streamlined
the agency’s management team to better meet the
needs of the individuals we support. Our information
technology infrastructure was another major focus
– we now have connectivity between all of our
Kellie Spychalski joined Marcia Ross, fine arts coordinator, Jennifer Swan, associate
administrative, programming and residential sites;
director at Arts Services Initiative, and artists Laura Welder and Jennifer Stewart
new servers and computers; an automated payroll
to
appreciate up close handcrafted capes during a reception and exhibition celebrating
system and
the
grant-funded
“Expanding the Scope of Fine Arts Programming Through Visual,
an electronic
2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Music
&
Theater
Arts” workshops and activities created through the fine
health record
OFFICERS
arts program at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara in 2014.
for our
Marie-Therese Frieri, President
Jeanne Schmidt, First Vice President
individuals.
D. Elizabeth Higgins, Second Vice President
The agency also welcomed new businesses partners for both our pre-vocational
Steve LaRock, Treasurer
Linda Conlin, Corresponding Secretary
subcontracting services and our supported employment programs. We continue
Melissa Tower, Recording Secretary
to work closely with the ARCEU Local 265 (our bargaining unit) and thank the
membership for their dedicated service.
DIRECTORS
Allison Armusewicz
Patricia Minarcin
This edition of the Opportune Times will provide you with exciting news
Eileen Czarnecki
Donald Smith
regarding
popular agency programs, an update on fundraising activities, a list of
Kay Dekker
James Toellner
our generous contributors, information for families, as well as important advocacy
Peter Greisler
efforts you can assist us with: our Families Cannot be Caregivers Forever Campaign
PUBLISHED BY
and our annual Membership drive.
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara
1555 Factory Outlet Blvd.
One of my goals is to stay better connected with you about agency
LPO Box 360
happenings. In order to accomplish this, I encourage you to share your email
Niagara Falls, New York 14304-0360
address with us. Details on the easiest way to do that (plus information on a
(716) 297-6400 Fax: (716) 297-7522
Central Intake/Admissions (716) 504-2617
contest) may be found on page 7. This will be particularly important as we will step
www.opportunitiesunlimited.org
up our communication efforts by launching an online email newsletter later this
year. This online tool will allow us to keep you informed in a more efficient and
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO
Kellie Spychalski
timely manner.
kspychalski@oppunlimited.org
Please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions or concerns at
EDITOR
(716) 297-6400 or kspychalski@oppunlimited.org.
Roxane Albond-Buchner
As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, I am reminded of the group of
Manager of Communications
parents who started our organization by simply wanting the best for their children
ralbond-buchner@oppunlimited.org
diagnosed with mental retardation. I am certain that they would be amazed at how
CONTRIBUTOR:
far we have come since then. As I move into year two of my executive director
Elaine Duquette
role, I will work alongside with the agency and Foundation boards of directors, to
Associate Executive Director of
Foundation & Communications
build on Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara’s long successful history to ensure
eduquette@oppunlimited.org
that we are here for the next 60 years and beyond!
Please share this newsletter with a friend
Comments, questions and opinions
may be addressed to the editor
Copyright©Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara 2015
2
Kellie Spychalski, MSHA, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer
Accomplishments from the Art Room
Growing Success through the
Fine Arts Program
Unlimited of Niagara’s Fine Arts Coordinator will be
engaging participants in reflective artwork in both 2- and 3-D
media focusing on the stories and musical rhythms presented
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara’s fine arts program
to them through Scott’s workshops.
continues to thrive. Artwork created by individuals through
this program have been featured in the Lewiston Art Festival, Other planned workshops include theatre-themed
glass fusing with glass artist, Catherine O’Connor and
Niagara University’s Castellani Art Museum and the worldcostume designing/sewing with Maureen Steven of Niagara
renowned Albright Knox Art Gallery. The work has evolved
from painting to music to costume design, ceramics and glass University’s Theatre Department. Marcia Ross will work
with program participants using a generous donation of
fusing adding a 3-dimensional aspect to the program as well.
prisms that will be repurposed into
Recently, the Arts Services
dazzling mobiles and chandeliers
Initiative of Western New York
created by the individuals.
(ASI) and its Board of Directors,
Workshops will take place
announced that Opportunities
from June through November
Unlimited of Niagara has been
selected to receive a grant for its
at various locations within
2015 Niagara County Community
Opportunities Unlimited of
Arts/Arts Education project
Niagara as well as external sites
funded by the New York State
including: the Dale Association
Council on the Arts with the
in Lockport; the Buffalo
support of Governor Andrew
Philharmonic Orchestra, and the
Cuomo and the New York
Riviera Theatre and Buffalo Suzuki
State Legislature. This year, the
Strings in North Tonawanda.
program will further expand
Spring and summer also takes
the scope of the workshops
program participants to the
(glassmaking, sculpture, sewing,
Albright-Knox Art Gallery. The
music, and theatre) to include
museum provides Access AK:
the historic Riviera Theatre in
Creative Connections, a program
North Tonawanda and the Buffalo
for persons with disabilities where
Philharmonic Orchestra allowing
we are provided with tours and
our individuals to experience new
connected art-making adding a
cultural venues as well as expand
community aspect to the Fine Arts
their artist experience.
Program.
The 2015 project entitled,
A major technology
Lisa
Lawrence
works
on
a
self
portrait
in
glass
“Reinforcing the Scope of Fine
during a 2014 grant-funded workshop.
purchase, thanks to the generosity
Arts Programming through Visual,
of some exceptional donors, is on
Music and Theater Arts”, will
the horizon for the program, too, and will involve iPads, color
feature collaborative workshops
printers, and art applications that will integrate traditional
with musician, performer, and composer, Rey Scott. Each
art-making with technology. The addition of technology to
of Scott’s workshops will be a progressive journey toward
the program will enable our individuals to do stop-action
creating a band and working as a team. Program participants
animation and make mini-movies. The purchase of adaptive
will be making choices, choosing an instrument, and will
devices is also being looked into to benefit our individuals
follow Scott’s lead in the development and tone of the music
and will be tailored specifically for and appropriate to our
with physical disabilities.
individuals. The variety of instruments available are accessible Coming in September, the Lockport Library will be
for our individuals, including those using wheelchairs. To
hosting an exhibition featuring our artist’s creations for the
complement Scott’s workshop, Marcia Ross, Opportunities
entire month.
Visit the website for new on-line sales and community sales locations.
Your chance to purchase unique prints and art items and support arts programming.
3
Customer Service
Your Business Resource
At Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, we provide
subcontracting services, supported employment services and
environmental services/custodial maintenance . Our services
meet your needs and your schedule with quality work completed
every time. References are available on request.
each position your business offers; assess the skills and interests
of each candidate who is looking for work, and provide a job
match and supports to ensure success for all parties. We also offer
training to your employees on how to successfully work with their
new colleagues.
Qualified individuals are placed in a variety of careers
including (but not limited to) food service, housekeeping,
secretarial, customer service, custodial maintenance and
bookkeeping.
Benefits of this program include: a job coach to provide
on-site training assistance at no cost to your company; qualified
and well trained employees to meet your unique business needs;
decreased advertising costs for open positions, and information
on tax credits for hiring full- and part-time individuals with
disabilities. A job coach becomes your partner to address training
and/or performance concerns. Employers involved with the
Supported Employment program
report that the employees with
disabilities are more likely to report
to work on-time and remain in their
position for the long-term.
This is an opportunity for your
business to help an individual become
a more independent member of
the community while your business
succeeds.
Let us introduce your business
to this concept for hiring your next
employees. We have successfully
offered this services for more than
20 years. To join the growing list
of satisfied customers contact
Kim Wagner at (716) 297-6400 or
kwagner@oppunlimited.org.
Subcontracting Services
Our light industrial work facilities in Niagara Falls and
Lockport are ready to meet your business needs – large or small.
Offered through our vocational services program, individuals with
developmental disabilities earn a wage based on their productivity
while your business receives a finished quality product. The
experience and training our participants obtain in our workshops
helps to prepare them to transition to a job in the community.
Our goals are-–quality,
dependability and customer
satisfaction. Across WNY we partner
with dozens of area businesses
providing both short-term and longterm resources to help your business
achieve its optimum growth. Our
qualified and trained workforce of
more than 150 people is ready to
meet your specifications for service,
excellence and on-time delivery. We
offer competitive pricing and pickup/
delivery services.
Services include:
· Packaging: Promotional
items/gift baskets; breaking down
bulk product/repacking to your
specifications; polybagging, and
shrink wrapping
· Mailing operations: Includes
Environmental Services
bulk/promotional; labeling, inserting,
Jason Gansworth packages sponges for the subcontracting
Opportunities Unlimited provides
folding and collating; zip sorting;
business. He earns a paycheck and enjoys his work.
professional custodial maintenance
bundling; hand stamp or meter
(environmental and janitorial services)
· Manual & mechanical assembly: Includes parts
with supervised, experienced workers, supplies, equipment
and kit assembly
and quality assurance to meet your contract specifications and
· Carton & partition assembly
your schedule. Services are available Monday to Friday – days
· Sorting, salvage & inspection
and evenings. Only safe, effective and environmentally friendly
· Hand polishing & buffing
cleaning solutions are used.
To arrange a tour and receive a quote, contact Andrew LaBarber
· Regular commercial options: general office at (716) 434-4050 or alabarber@oppunlimited.org.
housekeeping, restroom, floor & carpet cleaning, dusting,
sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and washing windows.
Supported Employment
Matching individuals who are seeking community-based
· Periodic commercial options: carpet extraction/ work with area employers who are seeking dedicated and eager
cleaning, floor stripping, waxing, and buffing.
employees is the mission of the agency’s Supported Employment For a quote or more information, please contact Kelvin Agee,
program.
Environmental Services Program Coordinator, at (716) 297-6400
When you partner with us, we: assess the skills needed for
or kagee@oppunlimited.org.
4
Everything Green
Enhancing lives one plant at a time
Coming Up to benefit the horticulture program
The horticulture therapy program – and its retail arm the
Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse – at Opportunities
· Vines & Wines will be held on Thursday, May 21 from
Unlimited of Niagara is in high
3 to 8 pm at the Merani Hotel
gear celebrating spring and
Group’s Four Points by Sheraton,
planting for 2015 and 2016
7001 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara
holidays.
Falls. Pre-sale tickets are $20
More than 150 people with
and are available at the agency’s
disabilities visit the greenhouse
administrative/programming
weekly to plant, nurture, and
buildings in the Town of Niagara,
care for plants in every stage of
Wheatfield and Lockport, select
growth. They also prepare silk
area businesses and on-line at
flowers, decorations and bows
www.opportunitiesunlimited.
for the arrangements which are
org (greenhouse store). Tickets
sold through holiday cart sales in
at the door are $25. Admission
the public and pre-orders. Working
includes wine tasting from Vizcarra
with plants promotes dexterity,
Vineyards and others, samples
enhances motor skills and develops
from Jacolatte and one sheet of
socialization. Assisting with cart
tickets for an extraordinary Home/
sales promotes customer service and
Interiors and Gardening auction.
money skills, as well as meaningful
experiences in the community. The
Other activities include a wine
“Mobile Greenhouse” sponsored by
raffle, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar,
Ingram Micro enables greenhouse
and organic gardening hints from
coordinator Bob Bracikowski to
National Garden expert David
take horticultural activities on the
Connie Greer volunteers in the greenhouse
Clark.
road to day program participants
with Bob Bracikowski.
·
Mother’s Day Floral
who are not able to visit the agency’s
Arrangement pre-orders are due by
greenhouse in Wheatfield.
May 1. One may order through the secure on-line greenhouse
Seminars and special events which are open to the public
store on the agency’s website or download the order form
supplement the funds raised by the holiday sales. Additionally,
and mail in with payment.
many individuals, garden clubs, organizations and businesses
· “Hands-On” Seminars for 2015 begin with a
have adopted the needs of the program and donate funds,
June 4 window box; introduce children ages 6 to 12 to
goods and/or their time. Covanta Energy in Niagara Falls
floral arranging on July 11; create an arrangement in a fresh
has provided a major gift to support the expansion of the
horticulture program and ensure that it will meet the needs of pumpkin on October 22, and decorate a holiday tree on
December 17. Full class descriptions are available on the
many individuals in the years to come. Look for more news
on this exciting donation in the late spring or early summer.
agency website.
Statewide Award Winners
At the recent annual conference for NYSARC, Inc. statewide awards were presented to:
· 914th Airlift Wing at Niagara Falls Reserve Station received the Western Region Employer Recognition
Award for their greater than 20 years of outstanding support and providing meaningful work for individuals with
developmental disabilities who participate it the agency’s environmental services program.
· Robert Bracikowski, greenhouse coordinator at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, received the Thomas
A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award for the Western Region for consistently demonstrating
excellence, creativity and commitment while supporting people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
Certified as both a horticulturist and horticulture therapist, he founded in 1995 and continues to direct the
horticulture therapy program at Opportunities Unlimited.
5
Educating the community
Hosting Workshops for Parents
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara is partnering with
Parent Network of Western New York and the Early
Childhood Direction Center at Women & Children’s Hospital
of Buffalo to present a four part series for parents/guardians
of children with intellectual and
other developmental disabilities:
· May 19: The paper chase.....
Organizing all your stuff! Where
did you put that paper? It’s here
somewhere!
Participants will learn which
papers or documents to keep,
organizing tips and understand
how having the right paper at
your fingertips can lead to a
successful education plan.
· June 18: Stress.....Dealing
with Stress and Tips to have a
successful summer
Being a parent can be
stressful. Being a parent of
child with special needs can be
overwhelming. Learn ways to recognize your stress triggers
and how to deal with them. · September 17: Pathways to Graduation: What does
it mean to get a Regent’s diploma? A local diploma? An
IEP diploma? A SACC? What can you do? What can you
not do? How much effort does it take? Can your child do
the work?
This workshop explores the options and outlines the updates
to NYS regulations. · October 7: Guardianship, Wills & Trusts: Does your child
need a guardian? When do you begin the process? Why do
you need a will? How do you protect your child’s future
services? An overview of who needs a guardian and the different types
will be provided. Participants will learn about trusts for a
child with special needs and have an understanding of the
various processes.
Painting Uncorked visited the agency’s Wheatfield location in January.
The class, which was open to the public, tapped into each person’s creative
side. Adults who are supported by the agency’s recreation program through
the supportive services program, reside in one of the agency’s community-based
homes or live elsewhere in the community participated along
with new friends from the area.
6
The workshops are all free, will run from 6 to 8 pm and
will be held at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara’s Town
of Niagara location at 1555 Fashion Outlet Boulevard.
To register: call 716-332-4170, or online at info@
parentnetworkwny.org or www.parentnetworkwny.org.
If you have ideas for other
topics you would like addressed,
please contact Roxane AlbondBuchner at 297-6400 or info@
oppunlimited.org.
About Parent Network
of WNY – A not-for-profit
agency that provides education
and resources for families of
individuals with special needs
(birth through adulthood) and
for professionals. They also
provide 1-on-1 support and
education through resources,
workshops and support groups
to assist families of individuals
with disabilities to understand
their disability and navigate the support service system. The
majority of Parent Network of WNY’s staff and board
members are parents of children with disabilities, which
provides a unique perspective, personal experience and
empathy to the families we reach.
About Early Childhood Direction Center at Women &
Children’s Hospital of Buffalo – Provides free information,
referral, technical assistance, training and support to families,
professionals, and community agencies concerned with
children birth to five with suspected or diagnosed delays or
disabilities. They also provide assistance to early childhood
programs to improve options and opportunities for preschool
children with developmental delays or disabilities served in
typical early childhood settings.
Informed and active
Advocacy – Making Your Voice Count
Advocacy efforts are coordinated through our parent
organization — NYSARC, Inc. and our national affiliation
with The Arc.
At present families, individuals receiving supports and
friends are encouraged to reach out to elected officials
through the Families Cannot Be Caregivers Forever campaign to
share their personal stories. To learn
more, visit NYSARC’s Advocacy Action
Center at www.nysarc.org.
Many families of people with
developmental disabilities have
been caring for their loves ones for
years. This can be a very challenging
job requiring 24-hour attention.
Occasionally, it entails coping with
significant behavioral challenges. Some
parents, particularly elderly parents,
can no longer provide the care they
once did. As a result, they and their
loves ones are in need of new day and/or residential services.
Now, more than ever, we need to advocate on their behalf.
This is not just a budget issue. Educating New York’s state
and federal elected officials about the needs of people with
disabilities is a year-round activity!
We need to reach out...not only about this issue, but other
areas of concern for which the New York State Legislature
and Governor Cuomo are responsible for through the
budget, legislation and/or oversight of the various State
departments affecting the support and care of people with
intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
We appreciate the many families, friends and individuals
who have written or called their elected representatives,
written letters to the editor, signed e-petitions and otherwise
shared their stories. Some of these stories are posted
at NYSARC.org as well as videos on the Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara YouTube
channel.
We know that our elected leaders are
listening – they report to the Governor
and legislative leadership the number
of calls, letters and visits they receive
on important issues. Family concerns
were also noted by New York State
Senate and Assembly representatives
during the February 27, 2015 joint
legislative budget hearing on Mental
Hygiene.
Please continue to send your stories to NYSARC through
the Advocacy Action Center so that they can share them
on the website and other social media sites to increase the
public’s awareness of important issues facing the disability
community. Also, those who would like to submit a photo
related to their stories are welcome to do so.
For more information, please contact the Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara Community Relations department at
info@oppunlimited.org or call (716) 297-6400.
Keeping Informed – Keeping in Touch
Did you know that we have a website, Facebook page, Twitter account and a
YouTube Channel? We are communicating advice, news, advocacy alerts, special
events and greenhouse sales/classes through these media. They offer an immediacy
that traditional print newsletters cannot match. While we will continue to print
newsletters a couple of times a year, we plan on increasing our use of these and
other e-media.
We invite you to check us out today. We will give away an Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara logo item to one lucky new “friend” who registers with
us through one of the following ways from today to May 31. You will receive
one “entry” for each media type you “register” for. We do not sell or trade our
subscribers’ information.
· Subscribe to our newsletter at www.opportunitiesunlimited.org.
· Like and Follow us on Facebook
· Follow us on Twitter @OppUnlimited
· Subscribe to us on YouTube
We welcome your feedback and suggestions on what advice, resources, and
other information you would like to see in our print and electronic newsletters and
social media posts buy contacting us at info@oppunlimited.org or (716) 297-6400.
7
Great time for a great cause
Special Events 2015
Event season is in full swing for the Foundation.
Proceeds from all events benefit the individuals with
intellectual and other developmental disabilities the agency
supports. For more information about any of the events
below, please contact Cindy Hyde at (716) 297-6400,
extension 335, or chyde@oppunlimited.org , or visit www.
opportunitiesunlimited.org.
Baskets O’Plenty
Sponsored by Wegmans, Town of Niagara Business
& Professional Association, Tedesco Construction, and
the Lewiston Service Guild, the annual Baskets O’Plenty
Auction was a great success raising nearly $12,000. Chaired
by Foundation board member Christine S. O’Hara, Executive
Director of Alumni Engagement at Niagara University, this
year’s event attracted more than 300 people.
Last year’s Main Prize winner, Kelly Besaw, had this to say
about the trip: “This golf trip is a once in a lifetime experience. Palm
Desert is a stunning location to play golf. The accommodations at the
Shadow Ridge Golf Resort are first class. The golf course is beautiful
and challenging but playable for all levels of golfers. Best of all was
the instruction from Mike Ellis, Senior Golf Instructor. Mike is a
former resident of Niagara Falls and we were treated like family. The
instruction was excellent and it was a pleasure spending time with Mike.
Our entire foursome left with lasting memories and a desire to return.”
Niagara Open Golf Tournament
The Niagara Open Golf Tournament sponsored by
Upstate Pharmacy will be chaired by Kathy Cassetta
of Cassetta Insurance and Joanne Pearl-Barbati of JM
Management Services Inc. The annual tournament will be
held on Monday, June 8th, at the Niagara Frontier Country
Club. In addition to golf, attendees will also enjoy lunch, a
cocktail hour, buffet dinner, and raffles.
Celebrity Bartending
This year’s event will be
returning to the Brickyard
Pub and BBQ in Lewiston.
Chaired by Foundation board
member Gary Strenkoski of
Strenkoski Brothers, the event
will take place in August (day
still to be determined) and will
Golf Raffle
Celebrating its
16th year spearheaded
by honorary chair,
by Joe Cecconi, the
Golf Raffle will be
held Sunday, April 26,
2015, at the Sanborn
Fire Hall. Sponsored
by Upstate Pharmacy,
WGRZ-TV Channel
2, Compu-Mail and Niagara Falls Coach Lines, the event
will feature a grand prize golf trip for four to Palm Desert,
California as well as golf related prizes such as: Titleist AP1
Irons, Taylor Made Rocketbladz Irons, Cobra Full Set of
Clubs & Golf Bag, and Ladies Tour Edge Full Set of Clubs
& Golf Bag.
8
feature local sports, television, and business
celebrities who will serve as bartenders
for the evening. Attendees will also enjoy
entertainment, buffet dinner, basket raffle and other prizes.
Photos: Members of the Voices of Niagara Self Advocacy Group
volunteered at the recent Baskets O’Plenty. Kevin O’Connell congratulates
grand prize winner Kelly Besaw at the ‘14 Golf Raffle. Ruben Brown
and Adam Benigni were Celebrity Bartenders last August.
WGRZ-2 On Your Side’s Niagara Open Foursome.
Supporting the Community
NYSARC Gives Back
Thursday, March 26, 2015.
Upon receiving the donation, Suzanne Shears, Executive
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara celebrated
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month this March
Director of the Niagara Community Action Program, Inc.,
with a month-long special project. Under the banner of
presented a certificate of appreciation and stated, “This is
“NYSARC Gives Back” our program participants and
the fifth year of receiving such a large food donation from
employees joined together, with the leadership of our two
the employees and participants of Opportunities Unlimited. Self-Advocacy
On behalf
groups from
of the board
Niagara Falls
of directors
and Lockport,
for Niagara
to collect nonCommunity
perishable food
Action Program,
donations for
Inc., we are
the Niagara
Community
truly grateful to
Action Program
them for their
(NCAP) of the
support and
Food Bank of
dedication. Thank
Western New
you so much.”
York.
Kimberley
“As
O’Grady, Family
Opportunities
Development
Unlimited of
and Nutrition
Niagara serves
Supervisor,
individuals with
developmental
Pictured are left to right: Peter Drew, Associate Executive Director of Day, Employment & Supportive Services
Niagara
at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara; Christopher Rifenbark, Jessica Dunham and Cathy Tubinis, members
disabilities and
Community
of Voices of Niagara, the Niagara Falls Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Self Advocacy Group; Kimberley
their families
Action Program
O’Grady, Family Development and Nutrition Supervisor, Niagara Community Action Program Inc.; Yolanda Porter,
from across
Outreach Worker for Word of Life Food Pantry in Niagara Falls; MaryAnn Cox, Outreach Worker for Niagara
Inc. added, “On
Niagara County,
Community Action Program, Inc. in Lockport, and Suzanne Shears, Executive Director of the Niagara Community
behalf of the
Action Program, Inc.
it was a priority
Niagara County
to partner with
Food Providers
an organization like the Niagara
I would like to thank Opportunities
Community Action Program that
Unlimited of Niagara in collecting
served people county-wide as well.
and donating non-perishable
We are proud to join with our sister
agencies statewide in support of
food products to assist Niagara
local food banks,” remarked Kellie
County residents who are in need.
Spychalski, MSHA, Executive
Approximately 36,000 households
Director and Chief Executive
rely on the food pantries each year.
Officer of Opportunities Unlimited
Partnerships like this make our
of Niagara.
community stronger.”
Christopher Rifenbark, Jessica
Also on hand to accept the
Dunham and Cathy Tubinis,
donations were representatives of
members of Voices of Niagara,
the 40 providers who receive food
the Niagara Falls Opportunities
each year through Niagara County Food Distribution Center:
Unlimited of Niagara Self Advocacy Group, and Peter
Yolanda Porter, Outreach Worker for Word of Life Food
Drew, Associate Executive Director of Day, Employment
Pantry in Niagara Falls; Maritza Campos, Outreach Worker
& Supportive Services at Opportunities Unlimited of
for Niagara Community Action Program, Inc. in Niagara
Niagara delivered more than 178 pounds of donations
Falls, and MaryAnn Cox, Outreach Worker for Niagara
to representatives from the Niagara Community Action
Program at their Niagara Falls Distribution Center on
Community Action Program, Inc. in Lockport.
9
Add your voice
2015 Membership –
Together, we make a difference!
substantially reducing their support of programs for people with
intellectual and other developmental disabilities – and that means
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara will be adversely affected.
Membership is an easy and important way that one can
support the hundreds of individuals with intellectual and other
We must work together to ensure that the quality of life for
developmental disabilities Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara
people with disabilities is not diminished and that their value as
works with every day.
citizens is fully realized.
Membership directly
Becoming a member of
supports our 600+
Opportunities Unlimited
program participants
of Niagara will help us do
in achieving their goals
and dreams. Members
this!
also receive invitations
With membership
to events, newsletters
support, our individuals
and informational
will also be able to:
mailings. When you
· Participate in
enroll as a member,
one also automatically
archery, rock climbing,
becomes both a member
boating and more at Camp
of NYSARC, Inc., our
Happiness of Niagara
statewide organization,
County, held each year
and The ARC of the
at the Lockport Family
United States, our national
YMCA’s Camp Kenan
organization.
As our membership
in conjunction with the
increases, so does our
Lockport Elks;
Agency’s voice and
· Plant and
strength. Ultimately,
nurture greenery grown in
the more members we
the Niagara Floral Center
have, the more influence
and Greenhouse;
we have, the more our
policymakers will listen
· Develop their
to our positions and
creative talents through
platforms, which is
our fine arts program;
essential to our long-term
· Volunteer to
survival and growth.
deliver hot meals to shutPerhaps most importantly,
ins throughout Niagara
your membership is a
statement that you believe
County, and
in the importance of
· Become a Purple
Opportunities Unlimited
Eagle for a year at Niagara
of Niagara and support
University through our
our mission – to maximize
Transition Readiness
the quality of life for
people of all ages with
for Employment in the
Support. Education. Advocacy.
intellectual and other
Community program.
developmental disabilities
Become a
and provide the resources for them to reach their greatest
member of Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara today! Please
potential, achieve their goals, learn to live independent lives and
contact the Foundation Office at (716) 297-6400, extension
become active participants in their communities.
335, foundation@oppunlimited.org or online at www.
Now, more than ever, membership matters! Governor
Cuomo has made it clear that New York State will be
opportunitiesunlimited.org.
10
Community Support
Purchases Support Agency
Special Day of Giving April 25
Giveback Day—a day where WNY comes together
supporting our local and national charities through
“As a mother of a child with developmental differences
meaningful gift-giving is becoming an annual event at
I am well aware of the many challenges faced each
ReedsJenss.
day by people with chronic illness, physical, emotional
On Saturday, April 25th, 10% of proceeds from every
and developmental disabilities. I designed the Embrace
purchase at ReedsJenss on Maple Road in Amherst and
The Difference® symbol to show support, acceptance
ReedsJenss on Abbott Road in Orchard Park will be donated
and kindness no matter what differences we may have.
to the participating charity of your choice. There will be
Embrace The Difference® is a simple, yet powerful
representatives on-site to answer any questions you may
reminder that we are all connected, no matter what
have about their respective charities/organizations and their
differences we may have.” ~ Robyn Zimmer
worthwhile missions. As an added bonus (and THANK YOU for your
support), there will be
From one idea, Zimmer
a free surprise gift with
created an entire line
any $90 Embrace the
of jewelry and giftware.
Difference® purchase, as
The Embrace The
well as free catered lunch
Difference® symbol was
at both locations, clowns,
developed to promote
and appearances by local
acceptance, as well as
sports celebrities! to raise funds for the
Please join us for
organizations that work
this worthwhile event and
to make this vision a
help make every purchase
reality. The ultimate
at ReedsJenss become
goal of this line is to
even more meaningful.
make Embrace The
Opportunities Unlimited
Difference® a universal
of Naigara will be at the
symbol of acceptance
Maple Road store so stop
and kindness.
in and see us.
Every Embrace the
Please note: If you are
Difference® purchase
closer to the Niagara
is accompanied by
Sam
Zimmer
relaxes
with
his
mother
Robyn
Zimmer.
Falls store you can still
a special donation
shop at Reeds Jewelers
card. Each donation
on Military Road on
card has a unique code, and an
Giveback
Day
and donate 10% to your
explanation of the meaning behind
charity of choice!
Embrace the Difference®. Each item
No matter which location you visit
comes with a $10 - $100 donation
on April 25, Opportunities Unlimited
card. When the code is entered at
of Niagara would be honored if you
embracethedifference.org/redeem.php,
would select us as your chatity that day.
the user will specify which participating
Our more than 600 people we support
charity will receive their donation.
and their families say “Thank You”.
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara
is proud to be a participating charity
and we thank our community friends
who have shown their support of our
mission with their purchases.
11
Building a strong foundation
With Gratitude
Each year many give generously to Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara through the Foundation. I would
like to take this opportunity to thank all who have donated
in some way this past year. Your support helps ensure that
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara will continue to thrive
in its mission—started by parents—maximizing the quality
of life for people of all ages with intellectual and other
developmental disabilities and providing the resources
for them to reach their greatest potential, achieve their
goals, learn to live independent lives and become active
participants in their communities.
As with many non-profit organizations, raising funds
has become very challenging. As expenses continue to
rise, we have done our best to respond accordingly. We are
dedicated to being good stewards of all our donors’ gifts.
On behalf of the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara
Foundation, thank you for your loyalty and generosity. It
is our sincere hope that you will continue to support the
agency generously during the years ahead.
Every effort has been made to ensure that this listing
reflects gifts made to the Opportunities Unlimited of
Niagara Foundation between January 1 and December
31, 2014. We apologize for any errors. Should you
have any questions regarding this list or wish to make a
philanthropic gift, please contact me at (716) 297-6400
ext. 331 or eduquette@oppunlimited.org.
~ Elaine Duquette,
Associate Executive Director of Foundation & Communications
Unrestricted Gifts
AT&T Employee Giving Campaign
Accardo Realty, Inc.
Mr. Dave Adams
Mrs. Priscilla Addoms
Mr. Anthony Agostino
Mr. & Mrs. John Agugliaro
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Albone
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Aldous
Mr. Robert Aleksiejuk
Allied Mechanical, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. William Amacher
Mrs. Pearl Amra
Mr. Dennis Anderson
Mr. Kyle Andrews
Mr. Robert Andritz
Ms. Linda Antczak
Mr. John Antone
Mr. Modesto Argenio
Ms. Karen Armstrong
Mr. & Mrs. John Armstrong
Mrs. Allison Armusewicz
Mrs. Jeanne Ashby
Mr. Robert Ashcroft
12
Mr. Alan Aszkler
Mrs. Ermina Atkinson
ATTO Technology, Inc.
Auto Collision & Glass
Mr. Craig Avery
Mrs. Louise Babcock
Mr. John Baird
Ms. Jaime Balogh
Mrs. Donna Bandinelli
Ms. Beverly Barry
Ms. Gina Basile
Ms. Sandra Basile
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Bates
Ms. Rebecca Baxter
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Beich
Ben & Jerry’s
Ms. Sherry Bennett
Mr. Anthony Bernasconi
Mrs. Adele Berti
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Bertini
Mr. Kelly Besaw
Mr. William Bevacqua
Mr. David Bielski
Ms. Patricia Blanchard
Mr. Roger Blanchard
Blue Ox Roofing
Bonadio & Co., LLP
Mr. Timothy Boos
BPO Elks Lodge #41
BPO Elks Lodge #346
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bradley
Mr. Tim Braun
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Braunscheidel
Broda Machine Company Inc.
Mr. Steve Broderick
Mr. Antonio Bruni
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Bruno
Mr. & Mrs. Dan Buchner
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Bucholtz
Mr. Lucien Buck
Mrs. Elisabeth Buck
Mr. James Buczkowski
Buffalo Alarm
Mr. Donald Burns
Mr. Robert Burns
Mr. John Burridge
Mr. & Mrs. George Byrns
Ms. Jeanette Caffo
Mr. & Mrs. Leo Campanella
Mr. Vincent Cancemi
Capital Management Group of Niagara, Inc.
Mr. Mike Capizzi
Mrs. Melanie Carder
Mr. & Mrs. Duane Carlton
Mr. Duane Carlton, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Carter
Mr. Anthony Casero
Mr. Tom Caserta
Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Caso
Cassetta Agency
Ms. Kathleen Cassetta
Mr. Gary Casten
Ms. Angela Castillo
Mr. & Mrs. Baltazar Castillo
Mr. & Mrs. A. Catalano
Mr. Jim Catanese
Mr. Robert Cavallari
Mr. Albert Cavallari
Ms. Mary Jo Cecconi
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cecconi
Mr. Kevin Chambers
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Chiappone
Mr. Brendan Chiarilli
Ms. Teresa Cichon
Ms. Elaine Ciechoski
Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Ciraolo
COACH
Coca Cola Bottling Company
Mr. Gregory Collesano
Mrs. Joanne Collins
Mr. Frank Colucci
ComDoc
CompuMail
Conestoga-Rover & Associates
Mr. & Mrs. Doug Conlin
Cooper Planning Group
Ms. Cynthia Corsaro
Mr. Joseph Costanzo
Mr. David Costanzo
Ms. Caroline Costello
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Costo
Crown Benefits Group
Ms. Janet Cummins
Mr. Jared Cummins
Mr. & Mrs. John Cunningham
Ms. Nancy Custo
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cutting
Mrs. Eileen Czarnecki
D&H Paving, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Dabney
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Dalba
Mr. Paul D’Aloise
Damon Morey LLP
Mr. Rich Daubney
Ms. Connie Davis
Mr. Rick Dean
Mr. & Mrs. Andy Dekker
Ms. Helen DelSignore
Mrs. Anne Despres
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Devantier
Mrs. Mary DiBartolomeis
Diedrich Builders
Dobmeier Janitor Supply, Inc.
Ms. Patricia Domagala
Mr. Adam Donner
Mr. Michael Donovan
Drake Lawn & Garden
DuBois Physical Therapy
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Duquette
Mr. & Dr. Edward Downey
Mrs. Heather Earl
Employer Services Corporation
Ms. Tonya Enzinna
Mr. Joseph Esch
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Eugeni
Mr. & Mrs. David Evans
Mrs. Eileen Evert
Mr. & Mrs. Ed Evert
Exchange Club of Lockport
Exigence TEAMHealth Group
Mr. Joseph Fabian
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Faiola
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Fallon
Falls Auto Spring
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Faltyn
Mr. John Fancher
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Fedak
Felton Machine Company, Inc.
Ferguson Electric
Mr. & Mrs. James Fernandez
First Niagara Bank Foundation
First Rehabilitation Life
Mrs. Lori Flaugher
Mrs. Debbie Fleck
Ms. Marie Fleischman
Ms. Patricia Freling
Mr. & Mrs. C. Anthony Frieri
Ms. Lois Frizzell
Mr. Mike Furman
G&S Auto
Many Thanks
GMA Properties LLC
KeyBank, NA
Mr. Anthony Gara
Kifowit Consulting
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Garde
Ms. Gwendolyn King
Mr. John Gatto
Mr. Christopher King
Mr. Steven Gerhardt
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Kinsley
Mr. Kevin Germy
Mr. Raymond Kiser
Ms. Lillian Gerstman
Kiwanis Club of Lewiston
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Giarrizzo
Kiwanis Club of Lockport
Mr. Gary Girard
Mrs. Jennifer Klein
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Girard
Mr. & Mrs. John KloostermanMr.
Ms. Lyla Goodberry
Robert Kloss
GoodSearch Ms. Gillian Klute
Ms. Ingrid Goodwin
Mrs. Mary Knotts
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Goodwin
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Koban
Ms. Sarah Gordon
Ms. Julie Kosikowski
Mr. & Mrs. Randy Gorzka
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Kozuch
Mrs. Karen Graap
Mr. & Mrs. Ernie Krell
Mr. James Greer
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kudela
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Greisler
Mr. Joe Kulikowski
Mrs. Melody Griffith
Mr. & Mrs. James Kuryak
Mr. Jeff Gruarin
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Landry
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Hackett
Ms. Margaret Langlois
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Haight
Ms. Patricia Lank
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Hannan
Mr. & Mrs. Steven LaRock
Hardison Funeral Homes, Inc.
Mr. Donald Laurie
Mr. Gerald Harrington
Mr. Joseph Ledwin
Mr. Marc Hartley
Mr. Dan Leffler
Health System Services, LTD
Ms. Mary Len
Mr. David Heim
Mr. William Lewis
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Heller
Lewiston Service Guild
Henwood Construction
Mr. Robert Linhart
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Higgins
Lions Club of Barker
Mrs. Marilyn Hiwiller
Lions Club of Wheatfield
Mrs. Barbara Hodgkinson
Mr. & Mrs. Gary LoBene
Ms. Margaret Hojnacki
Mr. Robert Lojacono
Home Helpers
Ms. Christine Lorenc
Hovey & Massaro Attorneys
Mr. & Mrs. James Lorenc
at Law
Mr. Peter Lovering
Howell Motors
Mr. Kevin LoVullo
Ms. Linda Hulsizer
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Luczak
Mr. Gregory Hutten
Mrs. Dawn MacDonald
Independent Health Association
Macri’s Italian Grille
Mr. Tim Ingraham
Maid of the Mist Corporation
Ms. Frances Iusi
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Magner
Ms. Linda Ivancic
Ms. Linda Malczewsky
Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Jacobs
Mr. & Mrs. David Mallam
Jaeckle Fleischmann &
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Mamon
Mugel, LLP
Managed Care Network, Inc.
JM Management Services, Inc.
Ms. Jessica Mancuso
Mr. Ronald Jarvis
Mr. David Mansour
Ms. Allison Jensen
Mark Cerrone, Inc.
Joe Cecconi’s Chrysler Complex
Ms. Jennifer Martin
Ms. Linda Johnson
Ms. Lori Martin
Ms. Mary Kay Jordan
Mrs. Margaret Martinez
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Joslyn
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Martino
Mr. James Julias
Mrs. Lori Martinucci
Mr. Michael Julias
Ms. Paula Marvel
Mr. Michael Kalita
Ms. Sandra Maslen
Mr. & Mrs. Thaddius Kania
Mrs. Joy Massaro
Ms. Linda Kantor
Ms. Marcia Masters
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kargatis
Mr. Paul Masters
Mr. David Karwick
Miss Lucy Mastromatteo
Dr. Tej Kaul
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Kawski
Mr. Donald Maulucci
NYS Senator George Maziarz
Mr. Frank Previte
Pro Benefits Administrators
Ms. Patty McCalister
Psychotherapy Associates of Mr. James McCann
Niagara
Mr. Brian McDonald
Mrs. Mary Puff Ms. Jane McDonough
Ms. Diane Quarantello
Ms. Kerri McGinty
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Quarantillo
Mr. Rod McLeod
Ms. Lorna Quarantillo
Mr. Don McLeod
RAC Engineering PC
Ms. Julie Mecklenburg
Mr. Ken Rademacher
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Minarcin
Razl LLC/Embrace the Dr. Robert Minkoff Difference
Mr. Kevin Mislin
ReedsJenss
Modern Corporation
Mr. Jack Reese
Mrs. Gay B. Molnar
Ms. Pat Regan
Mr. & Mrs. Beverly Moran
Mr. & Mrs. David Rhinehardt
Monsignor Thomas Moran
Rhoney Funeral Home
Ms. Louise Morden
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Ricco
Mount St. Mary’s Hospital & Mr. Kenneth Rideout
Health Center
Mr. Charles Rignall
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mylchreest
Mr. Jr. Rivera
Mr. Neil Nall
Robert Miller Construction, Inc.
Ms. Marie Nassoiy
Mr. Chad Robertson
National Maintenance Contracting Ms. Mary Robinson
Corp.
Ms. Kelly Rohrback
Ms. Ruth Naylor
Ms. Mary Rolle
Mr. Hugh Neeson
Mr. Kyle Rookey
Mr. Ryan Neidrauer
Mrs. Frances Rosati-Mullen
Mr. Donald Neri
Ms. Patricia Rose
Network for Good
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Rosenbaum
New York State United Teachers Mr. John Rossi
(NYSUT)
Ms. Cathy Ruggerio
Niagara Falls Coach Lines, Inc.
Ms. Mary Ryan
Niagara Falls Redevelopment LLC
Ms. Marlise Ryding
Niagara Lawn & Garden Ms. Barbara Sadler
Equipment
St. Paul’s UCC - Shawnee
Niagara National Insurance
Ms. Jennifer Salciccioli
Niagara Supply Corporation
Santo Candella Construction Co.
Niagara University
Continued...
Mr. Russ Nixon
Nooch’s Golf Shop
Norampac
2014-2015 FOUNDATION
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Nortz
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mr. David Noto
OFFICERS
Ms. Christine S. O’Hara
Peter Lovering,
Ms. Mary Margaret O’Hara
President
Mr. & Mrs. J. Oliver
Dawn MacDonald,
Ms. Marie Olson
Vice President
Mrs. Pamela Onesi
Christine S. O’Hara,
Treasurer
Mr. Hector Otero
Kyle R. Andrews,
Mr. Robert Palia
Secretary
Mr. John Pallaci
Mr. Louis Pallotta
DIRECTORS
Mr. & Mrs. Ive Palmer
Craig Avery
Ms. Tracy Paonessa
Robert W. Burns
Jamie Ingham
Mr. & Mrs. Albert Paonessa
Frances Iusi
Ms. Sharon Paquette
Andrea Klyczek
Mrs. Lisa Paschen
Patricia Minarcin
Mr. Thomas Pascoe
Joanne Pearl-Barbati
Mr. Robert Peace
Gary Strenkoski
Mr. Phil Petoniak
Justin Tedesco
Mrs. Marsha Piccirillo
Gary Tucker
Mr. Cory Piechowski
Mr. William Plau
13
Creating a strong future
Mr. Frank Sardina
Ms. Denise Schaefer
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Schmitt
Ms. Theresa Schul
Mrs. Viola Scinta
Judge & Mrs. David Seaman
Ms. Carol Sembert
Seneca Gaming Corporation
Mrs. Gerianne Serchia
Sevenson Environmental Services
Dr. Bruce Shields
Mr. Marty Shimmel
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Shore
Mr. Gerard Signore
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Simpson
Mr. Randall Sinatra
Mr. Henry Sloma
Mr. & Mrs. Dale Smeal
Mr. Darrell Smith
Mrs. Bonnie Smith
Mr. Donald Smith
Mrs. Karen Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Smith
Mr. Christopher Smolka
Mr. Eugene Smolka
Mr. James Smolka
Ms. Helen Snyder
Ms. Debra Snyder
Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Snyder
Mr. Ronald Soluri
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Spira
Mr. Christ Sposito
Mr. Daren Springer
Mr. Richard Spry
Mr. & Mrs. Ron Spychalski
Mr. Jeffrey Stahlman
Ms. Letitia Stephens
Steve’s Heating & Air Conditioning
Mr. Marty Stevens
Ms. Karen Stewart
Ms. Jackoline Stoll
Mr. Robert Stone
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Streb
Strenkoski Brothers Inc.
Ms. Carol Stroh
Stuart Sports
Ms. Judith Stybak
Mrs. Jennifer Suitor
Ms. Anna Marie Sykes
TC Rose Company, Inc.
Ms. Diane Tardibuono
Mr. John Tattersall
Tedesco Construction Services
Mr. Justin Tedesco
Mr. Frank Tedesco
Mr. Cedric Thornton
Mr. Charles Thrall
Tim Hortons - CRB Holdings
Mr. & Mrs. James Toellner
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Tomlin
Mr. Carmen Tonellato
Ms. Marie Toscano
14
Mrs. Margaret Touma
Ms. Melissa Tower
Town of Niagara
Town of Niagara Business & Professional Association, Inc.
Town of Niagara Lioness Club
Ms. Sheila Tracy
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Travis
Mrs. Janet Treat
Ms. Rosalie Trowman
Mr. Dave Truesdale
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Tucker
Mr. Gary Tucker
Ms. Margaret Tyran
UAW – GM Center for Human Resources
United Lodge No. 98 I.O.O.F.
United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
Upstate Pharmacy, LTD
Mr. Courtland VanDeusen
Ms. Susan Vandrei
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Vanich
Vanner Insurance Agency
Dr. Edward Ventresca
Mr. Ronald Villani
Viola, Cummings & Lindsay LLP
Mr. Michael Violante
Dr. Mario Violante
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Vitagliano
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Vitch
Ms. Kim Wagner
Mr. William Wall
Ms. Connie Walmsley
Mr. & Mrs. Eric Walton
Washington Mills Electro Minerals Corporation
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Wasley
Waste Technology Services, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Watts
We Care Transportation
Ms. Beverly Webb
Webster’s Restaurant LLC
Wegmans
WGRZ-TV, 2 On Your Side
Mrs. Lorena Williams
Mr. William Winiatowski
Ms. Betty Witczak
Mr. Markus Wolcott
Mr. Jerald Wolfgang
Woods Oviatt Gilman
Ms. Barbara Wurzler
Xpedx
Mr. & Mrs. William Young
Ms. Cheryl Zabel
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Zabel Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Zabel Sr
Zajac Funeral Home, Inc.
Ms. Diane Zmudzinski
Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Zolyome
Restricted Donations
Ms. Nancy Burns
Cassetta Agency Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Baltazar Castillo
NYS Assemblyman John Ceretto
Cert Brothers Distributing Company Inc.
Chateau Niagara Winery
ChrisFit Personal Training
Mr. David Clark
Coach
Coca Cola Buffalo Bottling Corp.
Comfort Inn
Mr. & Mrs. Doug Conlin
Cooper Planning Group
Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union
Mr. & Mrs. John Cunningham
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cutting
CWM Chemical Services, LLC
Mrs. Eileen Czarnecki
David Chevrolet Buick Pontiac
Davison Road Optical
Mr. & Mrs. Andy Dekker
Drake Lawn & Garden
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Drew
Grants
DuBois Physical Therapy
Arts Services Initiative of Western Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Duquette
New York, Inc./ New York Entercom Radio of Buffalo
State Council on the Arts
Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA
Grigg-Lewis Foundation, Inc.
First Niagara Bank
Ingram Micro
Firth Jewelers
NYSARC Trusts Remainder Funds
Floral Accents
Niagara Falls Episcopal Urban Ms. Elaina Galba
Ministry
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Garde
Target
Gary Optical
United Way of Greater Niagara
Greater Niagara Newspapers
United Way of the Tonawandas
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Greisler
Mrs. Melody Griffith
In-Kind
Hair Chateau
Advantage Physical Therapy
Herschell Carrousel Factory AFLAC
Museum
Anonymous
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Higgins
Mr. & Mrs. Dan Buchner
Holiday Valley Resort
Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Mr. Geoffrey Holly
Anderson’s Frozen Custard
Mr. David Holly
Mrs. Allison Armusewicz
Ms. Donna Huggins
Mr. Craig Avery
Ms. Cindy Hyde
Banchetti by Rizzo’s
J.A. Brundage the Drain Doctor
Ms. Rebecca Baxter
JM Management Services Inc.
Bellazza Skin Care
Jacolatte
Ms. Elizabeth Bevacqua
Ms. Ellen Joseph
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Billera
Kiwanis Club of Lewiston, N.Y.
BlueCross Blue Shield of Western Mr. & Mrs. Ernie Krell
New York
Kwik Klean of Wheatfield, Inc.
Mrs. Cynthia Bootz
La Galera Mexican Restaurant
Ms. Connie Borgese
LaBelle of New York
Bowl-Inn Bowling Center
Lasertron
Mr. Bob Bracikowski
Ms. Laurie Laurrie
Brooks Brothers
Lewiston Service Guild
Buffalo Bandits
Lewiston Stone House
Buffalo Bisons Baseball
Ms. Jamie Lindsay
Buffalo Harbor Cruises
Lindt & Sprungli
Buffalo Sabres
Mr. Kevin LoVullo
Anonymous
ARCEU Local 4265
Mr. David Ashton
Mrs. Charlotte Brown
Mrs. Beverly Brownell
Covanta Niagara, L.P.
Mr. & Mrs. C. Anthony Frieri
Kiwanis Club of Niagara Falls
Mount Zion Baptist Church
New York State United Teachers
Niagara Orleans AFL-CIO Labor Council
OUN Self Advocates
Painting Uncorked
Mr. Matthew Petraetis
Mrs. Nancy Repich
The Tatler Club
Mr. Thomas Turk
United Steelworkers of America Local 9434
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Walinski
Wheatfield Physical Therapy
Building a strong foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Lytle
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Magner
Maid of the Mist Corporation
Mark Cerrone, Inc.
Mrs. Joy Massaro
NYS Senator George Maziarz
Ms. Patty McCalister
Merani Hotel Group
Merritt Estate Winery
Stephanie Michalski
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Minarcin
Monro Muffler Brake
Niagara Falls Golf Club
Niagara Frontier Country Club
Niagara Landing Wine Cellars
Niagara Parks Commission
Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation
Ms. Fay Northrop
Ms. Christine S. O’Hara
Ms. Mary Margaret O’Hara
Old Fort Niagara
Pane’s Restaurant
Ms. Tracy Paonessa
Pendleton Republican Committee
Mr. Andrew Peters
Mrs. Marsha Piccirillo
Mrs. Andrea Pitruzzella
Mr. John Pollock
Mr. Pat Proctor
Rainbow Air Inc.
Reeds Jenss
Mr. & Mrs. David Rhinehardt
Riviera Theatre
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Rodgers
Ms. Jaclyn Rossi
Salvatore’s Italian Gardens
Schulze Vineyards & Winery
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Serchia
Ms. Audrey Shedd
Sheldridge Country Club
Sheraton at the Falls
Sherwin-Williams Co.
Shipman Print Solutions
Singer Farms
Ms. Michele Smith-Link
Mr. Eugene Smolka
Mr. & Mrs. Ron Spychalski
Stefik Realty Co., Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. H. Stevens
Mr. Gary Strenkoski
Strenkoski Brothers Construction
Stuart Sports
Supermarket Liquors & Wines
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Swift
Tantalo Photography
Mrs. Mia Tedesco
Ms. Lorie Tedesco
Ms. Ann Texido
The Buffalo News
Tim Hortons – CRB Holdings
Mr. & Mrs. James Toellner
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Tomlin
Tony Martin Awards Inc.
Tops International
Mrs. Janet Treat
Mr. Gary Tucker
Mrs. Cathy Tybor
Upstate Pharmacy LTD
Valu Home Centers Inc.
Mrs. Susan Violante
Vizcarra Vineyards
Ms. Karen Wallace
Walmart
Ms. Jill Webb
Webster’s Restaurant LLC
Wendy’s Restaurant
WGRZ – TV, 2 On Your Side
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Zabel Jr.
Ms. Cheryl Zabel
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Zabel Sr.
Memorials
For Leonard Bevilacqua
Ms. Geraldine Amendola
Ms. Linda Augustino
Ms. Sandra Basile
Mrs. Cheryl Bevilacqua
Mr. & Mrs. Baltazar Castillo
Mr. Robert Cavallari
Mr. Albert Cavallari
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Costo
Mr. David Curtiss
Mr. Daniel Elia
GMA Properties LLC
Mrs. Ellen Joseph
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Minarcin
Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Morreale
Mr. Victor Muto
Mr. & Mrs. J. Oliver
Ms. Nancy Palmieri
Ms. Vivian Pokrzyk
Ms. Lorenza Pusateri
Ms. Susan Rhodenizer
Mrs. Jean Stirling
Ms. Marcia Urbaniak
Viola, Cummings & Lindsay LLP
For Frances Deeter
Mr. Robert Braham
Mr. Frank Deeter
Mr. & Mrs. C. Anthony Frieri
Ms. Gail Pendergast
For Aldine Finley
Mr. & Mrs. C. Anthony Frieri
Niagara County
Chapter of:
Who We Are
For 60 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a
United Way agency, has provided habilitation and supportive
services to people with intellectual and other developmental
disabilities of all ages and their families. We are dedicated
to maximizing the quality of life for individuals with
disabilities by providing them the resources to reach their
greatest potential including training, job placement and
employment support, recreation (youth and adult), service
coordination, school to work transition, day programming,
clinical services, horticulture therapy, fine arts, communitybased volunteering opportunities, on-campus programming
at Niagara University, self-advocacy groups, exceptional
parenting supports and residential opportunities. More than
600 individuals lives are enriched through the programs at
Opportunities Unlimited each year. For more information
visit www.opportunitiesunlimited.org.
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara is the Niagara
County chapter of NYSARC, Inc. which brings advocacy
and assistance with programs and services to our members.
NYSARC advocates with the State legislature, the Governor,
key state agencies and Washington for laws, rules and
regulations to promise equal rights, dignity and full citizenship
for our program participants. We are also an affiliate of The
Arc.
As a membership organization, we ask members to renew
their commitment annually each year. Thanks to member
support, we have been able to provide ever-increasing
options, opportunities and an improved quality of life for
individuals with disabilities and their families.
The Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation’s
mission is to provide a long-term source of financial support
for the people supported by the agency.
For Edith Garde
Mr. & Mrs. C. Anthony Frieri
While every effort has been made to
ensure the accuracy of this listing,
we apologize for any errors. Please
contact the Foundation Office at
(716) 297-6400 or
foundation@oppunlimited.org so
that we may check our records and
make any necessary corrections.
One lucky person will win a trip to this golfer’s paradise on April 26.
Will you be there? Details on page 8.
15
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara
1555 Fashion Outlet Blvd., LPO Box 360
Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0360
Non-profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Permit No. 368
Niagara Falls, NY
YMCA Camp Kenan
director Luke Kantor,
Howell Motors Ford
president Mike Landers,
Camp Happiness director/
Elks treasurer
John Zieziula and
Opportunities Unlimited of
Niagara executive director/
CEO Kellie Spychalski.
Camp 2015
Camp Happiness of Niagara County is a traditional one-week day camp
experience for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities from
Niagara County, aged 12 to 90. It is offered at Camp Kenan on Lake Ontario
from June 15 to 19 this year through a collaborative effort of the Lockport Elks
Lodge #41, the Lockport Family YMCA and Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara.
Additional Elks Lodges are supporting the endeavor by providing volunteers,
philanthropy and recruiting new campers.
For the third year in a row, Howell Motors Ford of Wrights Corners donated
a major gift to the upcoming camp. Driven by Mike Landers—a member of the
Lockport Elks, President of Howell Motors and proud parent of a Camp Happiness
and Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara participant—the $10,000 donation supports
activities during the camp and assists with costs. While presenting this gift Landers
said, “Keep the camp going. You don’t know how much it means to a lot of people.”
Participants from across the County, regardless from whom they receives supports
and services, are invited to attend each year. Registration is now open with forms and
payment due by May 29, 2015. More information on the week and registration forms
are available at www.camphappiness.org.
16
BREAKING
NEWS...
Regional Award
“Celebrating Those Who Ignite
Arts & Culture”
Arts Services Initiative
of Western New York (ASI)
announced that following
more than 100 nominations
from the field, a panel of
cultural representatives from
throughout Western New York
selected the Fine Arts Program
at Opportunities Unlimited of
Niagara as the DEC Program of
the Year. This prestigious award
will be presented at the second
annual “Spark” Cultural Awards
on Wednesday, May 20. More
information on ASI and the
event may be found at
www.asiwny.org.