June, 2025

Updates From Us

One team. One community.

A whole lot of support.

Finally, summer is here! The rain has passed, and we are left with sunshine. As always, the Governor’s budget is on our radar and due to the uncertainty with the federal budget many Legislators do not feel that it will be finalized anytime soon. There are no proposed funding increases with this budget, but we continue to stay abreast of any federal budget challenges that will affect the state’s ability to fund services. As always, we are dedicated to continuing to support individuals to their fullest. We continue to support many individuals through Waiver and Base funding and will work with the County Office to continue to provide the support needed.

ODP has enacted Performance Initiatives for Providers across the state, and MCAR is engaged in all three. The first initiative is assisting our Residential Direct Support Professionals to become credentialed through NADSP. NADSP E-Badge credentialing provides additional training and resources for our staff to learn and give credit for the competencies they have mastered through their experiences. The second initiative is through increased technology in our residential group homes. Currently all our group homes are “Smart Homes” through providing alerts, reminders, and safety functions for individuals to maximize their independence. We continue to look for additional technology that can assist both the individuals in their homes and our staff. The third and final ODP initiative is increasing Community Integrated Employment for our residential individuals. Currently, our Community Employment Department is helping our individuals look for gainful employment. If you know of any employers hiring, please reach out to Ryan Maurice in the Community Employment Department to discuss the job.

For a second Spring season, the Sharon Varsity Softball team has requested our individuals come and work in their concession stand during home varsity softball games. We are thankful we received this opportunity to work, plus interact with our community. Thank you Sharon Varsity Softball and we hope this is the start of a long-lasting partnership.

Our Community Participation Support Department has been busy with outings, summer activities, and picnics. The individuals have been planting their flowers and gardens while at the day program, plus keeping busy with the basketball court. Just recently we purchased an educational Virtual Reality system that will be implemented to continue to educate and provide visual opportunities that many will never experience. In July all individuals have been offered the opportunity to go to a Scrappers game!

We are very excited to announce that we will soon begin a major renovation project that will give our Older Adult Day Center an updated new look. The renovations will include the Older Adult Day Center kitchenette, learning area, and relaxation room. Additionally, we will be installing two new ADA ramps for the day program building. MCAR is experiencing some exciting changes, stay tuned for renovation photos!

I encourage all individuals and families to take the time to know and understand the choices that are available to you. Please feel free to call our office and speak with us if you have any questions.

Thank you for this opportunity to serve you,

Lyndsey Vogan

CEO

Donations Received:

GOLF OUTING DONATIONS:

Achieva Family Trust

Anderson coach & travel

Barr & Shaffer

Carefill LTC

CTR/payroll

Fringe Benefit Services, Inc.

Hudson Construction

Jac's Kitchen & Counters Inc.

J&J Enterprises LCD LLC

J&J's Fire Protection Co. Inc.

Joy Cone Co.

McGonigle Ambulance Service

McGonigle Funeral Home & Crematory

Mitcheltree Bros Lumber

PNC Bank

Reinhardt’s Insurance

UPMC Jameson

Unique Source

IN MEMORY OF

Robert & Janet Goodrick:

Jim & Paulette Joyce

OTHER DONATIONS RECEIVED:

Tom Burich

Freddie Faraone

Tim McGonigle

Susan Piccirilli

Dr. Albert Scott

Deborah Vechnak

DONATE

Please Join MCAR in Welcoming the Newest Members to Our Team!

March, 2025

Essence Brooks – AWC

Renee Dahlstrom – CPS Program Specialist

McKenzi Glenn – Clinical Specialist

Linda Klamer – AWC

Tammy Odem – AWC

Kristen Shearer – AWC

Brittany Tarr – AWC

Katie Weimert – Hab Aide

April, 2025

Danielle Augustson – CPS

Crystal Friedl – LPN

Ashley Helms – Residential Program Worker

Tracy Kenny – AWC

Deanna Macri – AWC

Barbara McGonigal – AWC

Caitlin Ponziani – Residential Program Worker

Hannah Reiber – AWC

May, 2025

Andrea Johnson – Residential Program Worker

Lisa Maxwell – CPS/ Hab Aide

Rose Nale – AWC

Jillian Priester – CPS

Martha Rugani – Residential Program Worker

Hannah Yates – Residential Program Specialist

Thank you all for joining the team!

Brian Engelmore, Human Resource Director

Clinical Department

Greetings from the Clinical Department! In March, we had the pleasure of adding a new Clinical Specialist to the Clinical Department at MCAR! As many of you may know, McKenzi Glenn MA began the training process on March 3^rd and has hit the ground running. Since then, McKenzi has facilitated trainings with both the Residential Staff and CPS on Positive Approaches. Her optimism and forward-thinking perspective makes her an excellent addition to the MCAR family! The following is an introduction McKenzi wrote to tell everyone a little bit about herself. Please give her a warm welcome if you see her in the homes or around the halls of MCAR!

Allysen Byers, Clinical Director

Hello MCAR!

I’ve recently joined MCAR as a part of the clinical team, and I am thankful to begin this new chapter. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share a little about my background.

I graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2015 with a BS in Social Work and in 2018 with an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Working in the field for the past 10 years has given me the opportunity to build strong skills in helping a diverse population navigate emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges, and I’m eager to bring that knowledge to my new role here. Prior to joining MCAR, I had the privilege of working at HSC in Lawrence County. I’m particularly excited about getting to know all of you and look forward to collaborating with such a passionate team. It takes a village.

As I settle into my new position, I’m looking forward to meeting and continuing to work with everyone. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, ideas, or just to say hi! I’m always open to connecting and sharing ideas.

Thanks for the warm welcome, and here’s to a great journey ahead.

McKenzi Glenn, MA.

64th Annual Membership Meeting

Congratulations to the following for their years of service!

35 Years:

Celeste Lewis

20 Years:

Katie Bodien

Dave Multari

15 Years:

Diane Snyderwine

10 Years:

Brandon Chambers

Kelly Dickey

Jayne Hollingsworth

5 Years:

Belinda Adams

Lisa Hughey

William Kerola

Shelly Luckel

Khadijah Rogers

Gina Shaffer

Jessie Taylor

Compliance Connection

MCAR is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities through comprehensive support and advocacy. A crucial component of this commitment is the work of Certified Investigators (CIs). These CIs conduct thorough investigations into incidents of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other significant events affecting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. MCAR’s CIs are certified by ODP and possess the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct investigations in accordance with established protocols.

To further support individuals with disabilities and their families, MCAR encourages you to review ODP’s Incident Management Reviewer Guide for Families. This guide provides valuable information on recognizing and reporting incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It outlines the Incident Management Bulletin and its purpose, defines what constitutes an incident, and details the steps involved in reporting and investigating such incidents.

Doug Blazer, Compliance Director

Celebrating Freedom: Understanding Juneteenth

As June approaches, it's vital to remember and celebrate Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history. Observed annually on June 19th, this day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, it wasn't until June 19, 1865, that the news of freedom reached Galveston, Texas, the last Confederate stronghold. This momentous occasion marked the true end of slavery in the nation and is a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey towards equality and justice.

Juneteenth is a time for reflection, celebration, and education. Across the country, communities come together for parades, festivals, barbecues, and educational events to honor the resilience and contributions of African Americans. It's an opportunity to learn more about this significant historical event and its lasting impact. Let's all take time this June 19th to acknowledge Juneteenth, celebrate freedom, and continue to work towards a more equitable future for all.

Doug Blazer, Compliance Director

In Home and Community Supports

Dianne M. enjoyed participating in her community Cinco de mayo celebration with her MCAR IHCS staff. Dianne takes pleasure in socializing and community activities with MCAR IHCS support.

Angela McMath, Administrator of Hab. Aide

Community Employment

MCAR Community Employment Department would like to thank the Sharon Girls Softball Program for allowing MCAR to work the concession stand for a second season. Our staff and individuals look forward to the opportunity. The community members and families that attend the games are always welcoming and friendly to us. Congratulations on another great season and we cannot wait until next year!

Ryan Maurice, Administrator of CE/AWC

Residential Department

The month of April brought the beginning of the New Supportive Living Program in the Residential department. We are currently offering services to a single individual but are looking forward to expanding the program to more individuals as they show interest in becoming independent. The program is indented to provide support in the areas of medical needs, money management skills, and daily living skills. We have continued to provide opportunities for individuals to take part in open swim sessions as well as aquatic exercise classes at the Buhl Club on Wednesday and/or Friday Evenings. Some of the individuals enjoy the swimming so just like the socializations. We had a new individual move into our 22 Trees location on April 2^nd. His name is Michael “Mike” Perret, and his is originally from Pittsburgh.

Matthew Dietrich, Administrator of Residential Services

CPS Day Program Highlights

April was a month full of joy, celebration, and meaningful experiences at the CPS Day Program.

We kicked things off on April Fools’ Day with a bit of light-hearted fun! The night before, over 60 helium balloons were decorated with silly faces and placed on each individual’s chair throughout the program area. As individuals arrived that morning, the room was soon filled with laughter and cheer—an uplifting way to start the day.

We also had the pleasure of celebrating Easter with a delicious catered meal from Mr. D’s Food Fair. Individuals enjoyed a warm, homestyle menu featuring ham, green beans, cheesy potatoes, and cake. As we gathered together to share the meal, conversations flowed about Easter traditions and upcoming holiday plans. An indoor Easter egg hunt followed, which brought out excitement and smiles from everyone involved. Some individuals also decorated paper Easter eggs, which beautifully caught the sunlight, adding festive cheer to the space.

With spring in full bloom, both staff and individuals have been embracing the warmer weather. As part of our seasonal programming, participants explored the topic of flowers and learned how to care for them to help them flourish all summer long. The hands-on learning experience was not only educational but also a source of pride and accomplishment, especially as compliments poured in from those who passed by.

Taking advantage of a recent 82-degree day, the CPS Day Program visited the Buhl Community Recreation Center for a refreshing swim. Individuals participated in water-based exercises including leg movements, floating techniques, and even practiced going underwater. Staff were actively engaged, creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. It was especially heartwarming to see our individuals interacting with community members, reinforcing the importance of inclusion, physical activity, and social connection.

Another highlight was MCAR’s Annual Luncheon on May 8th, which brought together individuals and staff for a day of great food, music, and celebration. A lively DJ kept the energy high as everyone danced, smiled, and made memories together. The event was filled with joy, and many individuals made new connections and friendships along the way—a truly special day for all who attended.

To round out the month, on May 9th, staff member Mona Novak led a group of individuals back to the Mercer Root House to begin their seasonal volunteer efforts. The Root House, a nonprofit ministry, provides vital support and resources to churches, ministries, and community organizations. It was an honor to accompany Mona and her team and witness firsthand the dedication, teamwork, and compassion that our individuals brought to this meaningful work.

Coming Up…

Mark your calendars! On Wednesday, July 9th, the MCAR Day Program will be attending a Scrappers baseball game! More information will be made available and mailed out to each individual soon—so be sure to keep a close eye out for it. We’re looking forward to a fun-filled day at the ballpark with plenty of summer spirit!

Kamala Sham, CPS Program Director

42nd Annual Golf outing

The annual golf outing was held Friday June 6, 2025, at the Avalon. The rain held off and it was a great turn out. This year, we raised about $9,000. There were 18 teams and 8 Corporate sponsors who participated in the event. Care-Fill LTC came in first place with a score of -10, followed by Sully Brown's team in second and Joe Walsh's team in third. The next golf outing is scheduled for Friday May 29th, 2026, at the Avalon with an 8 am tee time.