August 2013

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August 2013
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment & Recovery Services
H U M A N I T A R I A N
Lynne Abraham, former Philadelphia
District Attorney and Tobe Amsterdam,
Board Member greet Richard Max Bockol,
co-honoree.
Mary Bair, Director of Womens and
Children's Services, congratulates
Robert P. Kelly, co-honoree.
A W A R D
VOLUME 27, ISSUE
3
E V E N T
Mike Jerrick, co-host, Good Day,
at FOX 29 in Philadelphia served
as Master of Ceremonies.
Richard Z. Freemann, Jr.,
Chairman, Gaudenzia Inc.
Board of Directors.
On Tuesday, May 14, at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel in Philadelphia, in the
presence of 263 cheering participants, Gaudenzia’s prestigious Humanitarian
Award was presented to Richard Max Bockol, Esq. and Robert P. Kelly.
Mr. Bockol was part of the group of concerned citizens that helped found
Gaudenzia in 1968, together with individuals in recovery. He served as
Chairman of the Gaudenzia Inc. Board of Directors from 1978-79 and
served as Chairman of the Gaudenzia Foundation Board of Directors from
1980 until July 4, 2013.
Mr. Kelly served as Chairman of the Gaudenzia Inc. Board
Mike Harle, President and CEO, Negii Coffee,
of Directors from 1980 until December 2010. He then joined
Board Member, Louis Diehl, and Tyrone Smith,
Graduate Speaker.
the Foundation Board of Directors and recently succeeded
Mr. Bockol as Chairman of the Foundation Board.
Both gentlemen were acknowledged for their outstanding,
unselfish and generous contributions to Gaudenzia’s sustainability,
growth and expansion, as well as for their long term service and
dedication to substance abuse treatment, prevention and
education. Under their leadership, Gaudenzia experienced
unprecedented growth, becoming an industry leader in the
field of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services.
"Blue Crew" event volunteers from Independence Blue Cross.
Gaudenzia’s Humanitarian Award has been presented
only five times before. Previous recipients include the late
U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, the Honorable Estelle Richman,
Jeannie Day Roggio, Event
former Pennsylvania State Representative Peter Wambach,
Committee Chair with
Maureen Brennan-Miller,
Walter D’Alessio and the late Pennsylvania State
Board Member and Event
Senator James Rhoades.
Committee member.
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Graduation
For many, Graduation is an important moment
of accomplishment and recognition. The Graduation process
is completely voluntary. In grand total this year, 310 individuals
proudly walked across the stage at Gaudenzia Graduations
held in Baltimore, Erie, Harrisburg and Philadelphia.
Editor’s Note: Chesapeake Region Graduation occurs annually in Baltimore
in October and was reported in a previous issue of the Gazette.
“The struggle continues, the victory is certain.”
Annually Gaudenzia conducts Graduation
ceremonies in each region for individuals who:
• completed a treatment program and have maintained
a minimum of one year of sobriety
• are living in a stable environment in the community for
a minimum of four months
• have stable employment; or are involved in an education
program; or are doing volunteer work
• are crime free
• are attending Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics
Anonymous, ACOA or other 12-step meetings and have
an NA or AA sponsor and have met other stringent
eligibility requirements, including submission of a
Graduation Proposal that is reviewed by an evaluation
team made up of Gaudenzia professionals, other
Graduates and members of the community.
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Erie
On May 18, at the Bayfront Convention Center,
20 individuals were graduated. Keynote Speaker
was Jack Daneri, Erie County District Attorney.
Honorary Graduate medallions were presented
to Calvin Jackson, House Manager Supervisor at
Crossroads and Jean Criscione, Nurse at Crossroads.
Jack Daneri
Mark Sarneso,
Director of Central and
Western Region with
Dennis Marion
Central Region
Jennifer
Campbell
Janet Jones
Eastern
Region
Mary Bair with
Gerald Watt
Michael Payne
On June 22, in Harrisburg, at the Best Western
Premiere Hotel, 37 individuals were graduated from
programs within Central Pennsylvania. Keynote Speaker
was Dennis Marion, Deputy Secretary, Office of Mental
Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS).
Gerald Watt was recognized with the Donald Garnet
Humanitarian Award. Janet Jones, Program Supervisor
at New Options, was presented with an Honorary
Graduate medallion.
On June 29, in Philadelphia, at the Pennsylvania Convention
Center, 129 individuals were graduated. Keynote Speaker was
Roland Lamb, Director, Office of Addiction Services for the
Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities
at the City of Philadelphia. An Honorary Graduate medallion
was presented to Michael Payne,
Program Director, Joy of Living.
The Joe Lewis Award was
bestowed upon Cecilia Velasquez,
Eastern Region Director.
Cecilia Velasquez
Roland Lamb
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ADVOCACY
ON BEHALF OF THE
PEOPLE WE SERVE
On May 17, Matt Stehl,
(left) Manager of Corporate
Communications for
Highmark Delaware,
visited Fresh Start
in Wilmington. He was
received by James Howe,
Board Member.
On May 22, Ronald G. Waters (third from right),
Pennsylvania State Representative, toured Gaudenzia
programs at 1306 Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia.
He was received by Cecilia Velasquez, Eastern Region
Director and several Eastern Region Division Directors.
On June 7, the Caron Foundation, at its Greater Philadelphia Community Service
Awards Breakfast, honored outstanding clinicians and role models in the local
substance abuse treatment field.
Accolades to...
Lifetime Services Award
Albert J. Meyer, Gaudenzia's Eastern Region Referral Development Manager,
became the first recipient of the Caron Foundation's Lifetime Services Award.
This Award recognizes Al's exceptional career spanning 39 years of dedication
to helping others. Among Al's long list of accomplishments is the development
of the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team for the Philadelphia Fire
Department. This Team addressed the lack of available services for firefighters
experiencing cumulative stress syndrome as well as providing intervention
services to individuals struggling after the loss of a fellow firefighter in the
line of duty. To this day, the Philadelphia Fire Department
continues to call upon Al in emergency situations, and he does
so with Gaudenzia's full blessing.
Over the years, Al served as director for a chronic
relapse treatment center, director of clinical services at Giuffre
Medical Center and as a residential program director at
Gaudenzia. He continues to respond to critical incidents at the
Philadelphia Fire Department. His entire professional life has
been at the forefront of assisting victims of trauma, as well as
individuals overcoming the ravages of drug and alcohol use.
Al is also an adjunct professor at Community College of
Philadelphia.
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On June 12, Daryl Graham (second from right), Vice President,
Relationship Manager for Delaware and Pennsylvania at JP
Morgan Chase and Company, visited Fresh Start in Wilmington.
On June 24, Talmadge Branch (right),
Maryland House of Delegates, was received
at Gaudenzia's Woodland Avenue facility
in Baltimore by Clay Opara, attorney and
Gale Saler, Chesapeake Region Director.
Accolades to...
Unsung Hero Award
Richard Roisman, Chairman, Caron Philadelphia Regional
Advisory Board congratulates George Thomas, III.
George Thomas, III, program supervisor for the Eastern
Region Assessment Unit was recognized as an Unsung
Hero by the Caron Foundation. George’s empathy, caring
heart, strong recovery values and understanding of mental
illness and addiction to drugs and alcohol allows him to
connect with individuals who are affected by substance
abuse. He is staunchly dedicated to his team of co-workers
at Gaudenzia and the individuals they serve. George’s high
level of professional integrity is matched by his passion for
his work and the willingness to go the extra mile whenever
needed.
Honorary Doctorate Degree
On May 22, Ken Dickinson, Director of
Marketing received an Honorary Doctor of
Science degree from University of the Sciences
in Philadelphia. Ken was recognized for his life’s
work, helping individuals and their loved ones
attain long term recovery from addictions to
drugs and alcohol. He is a co-founder of SARPH
(Secundum Artem Reaching Pharmacists With
Help). SARPH is also known as Pennsylvania
Pharmacists Peer Assistance.
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Regional Activities
Throughout the year, Gaudenzia conducts activities aimed at engaging
the community, raising awareness about our work and showcasing our
leadership and expertise in the field of treatment and recovery.
EASTERN REGION
Prince or Princess?
A Royal Baby Shower.
On April 27, a unique baby shower was held in
Newtown Square in honor of Catherine, Duchess of
Cambridge, also known as Kate Middleton. The royal
baby is expected to become third in line to the throne of
the United Kingdom. As clothing is not likely to be an
issue in the newborn’s lifetime, shower participants
decided to donate their presents to Gaudenzia’s Kindred
House in West Chester instead. Gaudenzia extends
sincere appreciation for the thoughtfulness of organizers
Suzanne Valutas, Elizabeth Rooney and their friends,
who enjoyed guessing the baby’s gender, due date,
weight and name. The unexpected gifts were sincerely
appreciated by Kindred House program residents and
their children.
Gale Saler is presented
the Governor's Citation by
John Winslow, incoming MADC
President and Tracey Myers
Preston, MADC Executive
Director.
CHESAPEAKE REGION
On May 16,
Gale Saler, Chesapeake Region Director, was honored for her six years
of service as President of the Maryland Addiction Directors Conference (MADC) at this
year’s Mid-Atlantic Behavioral Health Conference, held in Annapolis. She also received
a Governor’s citation for her advocacy on behalf of substance use disorder treatment
professionals and patients. Mrs. Saler will continue to be active in MADC
by serving as President Emeritus and as Chairwoman of its Public Policy Committee.
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CENTRAL REGION
Elvis Night
On April 6, an outreach activity was held in Orwigsburg,
PA to promote Gaudenzia's work in Schuylkill County.
T.J. Fitzpatrick, local volunteer, entertained the crowd
with his dynamic impersonation of Elvis Presley.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
On June 4, in Harrisburg, the Central Region Office
was formally dedicated. The newly renovated building
features ample meeting space and also serves as a local
site for Gaudenzia’s Training Institute. Also located
on the premises are the administrative offices of
DELTA Community.
Joe O., Alumni speaker, Mavis Nimoh, Administrator, Dauphin County
Department of Drug and Alcohol Services, Mike Harle, Mark Sarneso and
Mary Bair officially declare the new Central Region Office "open for business!"
Palio Bike Ride
On June 29, in Lewisburg, the second annual Palio Bike Ride / Family Day was held on
the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail and at St. Mary's Street Park. The activity was organized by
volunteers and staff in Northumberland and Schuylkill County, drawing attention to
treatment and recovery services in rural communities served by Gaudenzia.
George Weller, event organizer,
also Clinical Supervisor
at Gaudenzia's Sunbury
Outpatient Program.
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Jayme Zimmerman, Division Director, Outpatient Services
with members of her family.
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GAUDENZIA, Inc.
Corporate Offices
106 W. Main Street
Norristown, PA 19401
www.gaudenzia.org
Production costs of this issue
have been paid by the employees
of Gaudenzia through the
2013 Staff Appeal
The Gaudenzia Gazette
is published by the
Community Affairs Department
of Gaudenzia, Inc.
Michael Harle, M.H.S.
President and CEO
Richard Z. Freemann, Jr.
Chairman,
Gaudenzia Inc.
Gadi Aronson
Director of Development
Sara Baumgardner
Julie Girsch
Andrew Keimig
Carole Lee
Lynanne Schaeffer
Carol Schonour
Contributors
Please forward
address changes to:
Gaudenzia Gazette
106 W. Main Street
Norristown, PA 19401
fmeis@gaudenzia.org
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GAUDENZIA GAZETTE
Legacy Giving
Are you passionate about the benefits of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery?
Consider participating in our Legacy of Recovery program, helping to ensure that
Gaudenzia’s services will remain available well into the future. There are several ways
in which you can help. One is by adding a gift of any size to Gaudenzia in your Will.
You’ll be joining other extraordinary individuals who have already done so, who wish
to “give back” and demonstrate how much they care about Gaudenzia.
Everyone can leave a Legacy of Recovery!
For more information, contact: Richard Nassau at (610) 239-9600 x241
or Rnassau@gaudenzia.org.
Follow us online!
www.facebook.com/gaudenziaorg
www.twitter.com/gaudenzia
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