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January-March 2016 |
Number 4
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Onward & Upward
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| Staff and leadership of the new Whispering Oaks IRA |
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| Tiffany in her new bedroom |
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note:
text
GREYSTONE (all caps).
845.452.5772
development@greystoneprograms.org
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April 2
Light it Up Blue: World Autism
Awareness Day
Greystone leads
local charge as part of worldwide campaign
to "Light it Up Blue,"
and "shine a light on Autism." We
do our
part
all
month long - across three counties,
across the water, and even in a glass!
Mid-Hudson Bridge will be illumi
nated in
blue lights, at our request.
Each
of our 18 properties will also be illuminated in blue,
just like monuments and landmarks across
the globe.
You can too! Buy
blue bulbs
at
April 2
Greystone's "Light it Up Brew" Beer
Release Party
7 - 9 pm; No cover charge; live music
1571 Route 9, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Info: (845) 297-2190
April 15
Greystone Orange County First
Anniversary Celebration/Open House
10 am - 2 pm
199 Kings Highway, Warwick 10990
RSVP by April 1: 845.469-3760
April 21
BOCES Transition Fair, Orange County
3 - 7 pm
53 Gibson Road, Goshen, NY 10924
April 23
Take a Leap for Autism Skydiving Event
Time TBA (depends on number of skydivers)
55 Sand Hill Road, Gardiner, NY
April 24
15th Annual Hudson Valley Autism Walk
& Expo
9 am - 1 pm, rain or shine
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Info: 845.331.2626
April 30
Rain/Wind Date: Take a Leap for Autism
Skydiving Event
May 6
Nurse's Appreciation Day
Mid May
Donor Appreciation Cocktail Reception
Details forming
complimentary
Info/RSVP: (845) 452-5772
May 22
Third Annual Marc W. Kelley Memorial Car
& Bike Show
CANCELED THIS YEAR
June 11
Think Differently Dash
10 - 11 am; $10.00
1-mile race along Poughkeepsie's Main Street
for people with physical and developmental disabilities. Official kickoff to Walkway Over
the Hudson Marathon weekend.
Info/Register:
Respite
Respite is a free service that enables parents
to leave their children with disabilities in a
fun, safe environment while they shop, run
errands or spend quality time with another
loved one.
Offered once monthly in Warwick
and twice monthly in Wappingers Falls. All
f
amilies must be eligible and screened with an advance reservation
in order to attend.
Orange County Respite
9 am - 2 pm
Call (845) 469-3760
March 12;
April 9;
May 14;
June 11
Dutchess County Respite
9 a.m. - 5 pm
Call (845) 297-3602
March 12 & 19; April 2 & 16; May 7 & 21; June 4 & 18; July 9 & 16
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CONGRATULATIONS
ARE IN ORDER!
Steve Diener,
Caren O'Briend Edwards,
and the entire Greystone team for leading the way in Greystone
becoming a
CQL-accredited agency
Shahinda Ghaly,
promoted to Residential Specialist at Orchard View IRA
Helen Reynolds
- Salt Point
Olive Simms
- Staatsburg
& Annette Mattino - Universal
All named Greystone's new
Healthcare Coordinators
Marie Nester and
Veronica Mott
for becoming certified CQL POM interviewers
Chris Barrow
Mount Saint Mary College,
IT intern
SUNY Dutchess,
Club COOL intern
SUNY Dutchess,
Club COOL intern
SUNY Orange,
Club ATLAS intern
Good luck and thank you to Former Director of Development
Michelle Hathaway
Welcome aboard to our new
Director of Advancement
Jessica Higgins
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When you shop at
Amazon
,
a portion of your online purchase can benefit our Greystone individuals -- through the Am
azonSmile
program!
Start your shopping
at
Amazon will then donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases back to
Greystone.
AmazonSmile
is a
simple,
automatic way for you to support us,
every time you shop,
at no cost to you, and
at the same low prices.
On your first visit, select Greystone Programs as your charitable organization. Amazon will then remember your selection. Add a bookmark to return and shop again.
It's that simple.
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Know someone affected by Autism or other developmental disabilities who should hear about the great work of
Greystone Programs?
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New Year, New Beginning:
Greystone Opens 14th Group Home
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Karena and Chynna with a collage of housemate handprints |
The turn of the new year brought a new beginning for Greystone and a new lease on life for five young women as we opened our 14th group home - Whispering Oaks - on January 27. This beautiful home will enable these young women to live as "family," supported by skilled, compassionate staff to help them flourish and become contributing members of their new Highland community.
"Already, my daughter is blossoming, and it is so nice for me to see" said
Gloria Jorge, of her daughter
Tiffany. "She's wearing dresses now, and make up, and even making her own lunches, things she never did when she lived at home with me."
Barbara Passaro couldn't agree more. She used to travel 280 miles round trip to visit her 20-year-old daughter,
Nicole, but found her to have grown "sheltered and stifled" where she had been living for seven years. "Though it was a beautiful place and I do have so much gratitude, she just was not growing any more, as a person," Barbara said.
The women will be supported 24 hours a day by a staff of 11, ably led by Division Director, Stevi-Lee Hewitt; Residential Manager, Brittany Wall;Co Residence Manager, Livia Zimmerman; and a team of Direct Support Professionals.
Tiffany and Nicole are joined in their new home by
Karena and
Chynna, who arrived with her pet hamster, Izzy.The women bonded as they began to create artwork for their cozy, four bedroom, three bath, split level home on a quiet cul de sac. Their handmade "home" sign now adorns the front porch, and a colorful collage of their collective hand prints will soon hang in the front foyer.
The house is filled with personal touches, but so much more has gone into making this house the women's home. "It's all of the little things, like holding my daughter's hand at 3 am when she couldn't sleep," Gloria said, "I know Tiffany is in good hands here, and that this where she needs to be."
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Take it From the Top
A Message from Our CEO
I am eager to announce our exciting new Career Ladder at Greystone Programs, Inc.
Greystone Programs has supported and joined many alliances over the years to raise the status of our Direct Support Professionals. Now, Greystone Programs and the Transport Workers Union of America have joined together to develop a Career Ladder to support professionalizing and raising salaries for our workforce.
The Career Ladder will offer a series of courses enabling our DSPs to move through the levels (DSP I, DSP II and DSP III) with each level providing an opportunity for a salary increase to be awarded. As Gov. Andrew Cuomo struggles with funding the minimum wage for workers in our field, we will do the "Right Thing" by our workforce, ensuring they can earn a decent living wage working here at Greystone.
At Greystone Programs, Inc., we embrace life-long learning to ensure our services are always of the highest quality and consistent with our mission and values. Our Career Ladder program supports our mission of life-enriching opportunities to help each staff member realize their professional potential.
We might not be the biggest organization, but we have the best, professional, qualified workforce in the Mid-Hudson Region.
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Let's Raise Awareness!
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In 1987,
President Ronald Reagan declared March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
. Though the deinstitutionalization movement of the 1970s and early 80s laid the foundation for significant social change, the presidential proclamation further called on Americans to provide the "encouragement and opportunities" necessary for people with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential.
Greystone and other agencies work hard to ensure that people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities are living, working, and thriving in our communities, that they are becoming increasingly visible and accepted in our daily lives. Today, people with I/DD are pursuing higher education, developing their faith, becoming strong self-advocates, and making their voices heard in all aspects of life.
Developmental disabilities awareness starts now.
Please join us as we celebrate the lives of people with I/DD, and use #DDAWARENESS on your social media.
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Spring Into Action: Take a Leap for Autism
April is
Autism Awareness Month.
Just like the people we serve, Greystone Programs thinks differently
. We don't host golf outings or walkathons. For us, the sky is the limit!
Please join us for Take a Leap for Autism, an exhilarating SKYDIVING adventure to raise funds and awareness about this pervasive developmental disorder that now affects
1 in 68 American children
. Led by members of our agency's executive team -- including CEO Skip Pryce and Assistant Executive Directors Rich Swanson, Michele Lawrenson and Tracilyn Vaticano, who all will be skydiving -- we have set an ambitious fundraising goal of $68,000.
You can support us by signing up to jump and starting your own fundraising campaign, by making a donation, attending the festivities, or by helping us spread the word through social media. The event takes place Saturday, April 23 at Skydive the Ranch in Gardiner, NY (Ulster County).
J
oin us in the air -- or -- on the ground. There will be festivities for one and all. Novice participants will jump "tandem," meaning they will be harnessed to an experienced instructor. Experienced jumpers, skydiving professionals/teams are also welcome. We need spectators, too! Simply make a donation of $25 or more online, or the day of event, to be included. Bring a lawn chair and settle in for mouth-watering BBQ, live music by
The Band SLICE
, and a specially brewed Greystone beer.
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Micro Brew Created As
Agency
Fun
draiser
"Light it up Brew" on Tap 4/2
Greystone Programs is delighted to partner again with
North River Hops & Brewing
to create another specially crafted, limited-edition beer as a Greystone fundraiser during Autism Awareness Month.
"Light it Up Brew"
will be released
Saturday, April 2 - World Autism Awareness Day
- and will remain on sale at the brewery until all 100 gallons are sold.
Brewery Owners Nicki & Brandin Stabell
will split the proceeds from the batch with Greystone Programs.
 The beer, named by Greystone Programs' Program Analyst Steve Diener, is a play on words to coordinate with the worldwide "Light it Up Blue" campaign where landmarks across the globe are illuminated in blue lights to "Shine a Light on Autism."
Curious? The beer will be blueberry brown ale.
This batch follows Greystone's "Orchard View Brew," released by North River last October.
Join us for a special beer release party, 6-9 pm, Saturday, April 2, at the brewery, 1571 Route 9, Wappinger Falls.Live music will be performed by the acoustic duo
Kevin Lyons
and
Bobby Diorio
of
The BK Project
. Commemorative growlers will be available for purchase and for fills to take some beer home with you.
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Greystone Urges Politicians for Better Wages for DSPs
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Greystone advocates with Assemblywoman Didi Barrett
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Recognizing that Direct Support Professionals comprise the backbone
of our agency workforce, Greystone sent a team of advocates to Albany last month to meet with politicians and request better wages for staff who support our Individuals.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo will raise the minimum wage for fast food employees and state workers to $15 per hour by 2021. Greystone feels strongly that DSPs should be entitled to the same pay increase. However, this increase must be funded through our reimbursement rates, as voluntary agencies cannot afford another unfunded mandate. Failure to do this would mean our workforce would leave in droves to other higher paying jobs. The DSP workforce is an important part of the Hudson Valley economy.
Greystone values the work our DSPs do every day. O
n Feb. 9, former
Director of Development Michelle Hathaway
, and
Residential Mentor Donna Mae Hamilton
led a team of staff and residents to have Greystone voices heard. They met with
Assemblywoman Didi Barrett
, and
Assemblyman Kieran Michael Lalor
. They also met with representatives from
Senator Sue Serino
and
Assemblyman Frank Skartados'
offices.
"I chose this profession because I love working with the Individuals and making dreams come true...I work hard to ensure they have a worry-free life, in a clean and safe environment"
Chris Edwards, DSP and Co-Residence Manager at Salt Point told Assemblyman Lalor. He said the biggest challenge of his job is DSP retention. Greystone resident
Jonathan N. credited
DSP Buddy Boland for the important work he does every day. "He does transport for me and the guys so we can deliver Meals on Wheels. It is an important job, for Buddy and me," he told Assemblywoman Barrett.
Alyssa B. said DSPs help her learn new things every day. "They teach me how to take care of myself, to eat properly and make better food choices." Self-advocate
Sylvia Thurber said, "If I didn't have staff around, I do not know what I would do...I'd be so lost." Greystone resident
Lisa Dirago credited DSPs for teaching her right from wrong. "DSPs work really hard," Lisa said, "They deserve better pay."
DSP Taneisha Stewart-Nelson explained her job requires a huge amount of responsibility to ensure individuals are safe live fulfilling lives and receive proper attention to complex medical and therapeutic Still, m
ost DSPs could work in retail and make more money. Many work two, or three jobs, just to make ends meet.
Indeed, supporting Individuals is a labor of love. But it also requires skill, and entitles them to a fair living wage. Failure to "do the right thing" will have a catastrophic affect on the lives of our Individuals. In 1972, Geraldo Rivera documented Willowbrook as, "The Last Great Disgrace." Let's not let this issue become the "Next Great Disgrace."
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Tuition Assistance Returns!
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We are very happy to announce that, beginning March 1, 2016, Greystone employees will once again be offered financial assistance in continuing their education as we reinstate our Tuition Assistance Program.
Employees may receive up to $2,000 per year in reimbursement for tuition, fees, and books for approved courses of study. To apply for Tuition Assistance, contact Human Resources for an application or
download it from our website
.
Applications for the SUMMER 2016 sessions must be received by May 1, 2016. Applications for the FALL 2016 semester must be received by August 1, 2016.
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Agency Accredited by CQL
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| Veronica Mott, Marie Nester and Caren O'Brien-Edwards, Greystone's certified CQL interviewers |
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Greystone has been accredited by the
Council on Quality Leadership
! This revered title comes after lengthy preparation and a four day review last month by two members of the
Council on Quality and Leadership
(CQL).
CQL is an agency dedicated to the definition, measurement, and improvement of personal quality of life for people receiving human services and supports.
The evaluation will be extremely comprehensive and include interviews with service recipients, document reviews, and discussions with senior staff. Two focus groups are also being formed to meet with reviewers: the first group includes 6-10 Direct Support Professionals; the second comprises self-advocates who will get a chance to voice their concerns, sing praises, and raise any issues that come to mind, with no staff of any kind present. CQL staff may also visit our program sites to get a good look at where people live, where they go during the day, and how they are treated in both settings.
Greystone prepared for this visit by completing two self-assessment tools that CQL staff used during the course of their stay. CQL certification will enhance Greystone's credibility in the field and in our community. Greystone currently has three certified CQL interviewers on staff --
Caren O'Brien-Edwards, Marie Nester, and Veronica Mott -- who internally assess how well our agency identifies and fulfills the dreams and desires of those we serve; an additional 18 staff are trained interviewers but not yet certified. The in-depth review entailed all aspects of Greystone and required a true team effort on everyone's part.
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OUT & ABOUT: Individuals Enjoying Life
Adam,
from Anthony John IRA, was one of 33 people who attended the February meeting of
Greystone's Self Advocacy Group
. Adam chose the clothes he wanted to wear. The group, consisting of 40 members, has been running since 2009 and focuses on teaching Individuals about their rights, making choices, public speaking, socialization, and the importance of community volunteer work. The group meets monthly and is chaired by
Jon
, of Staatsburg IRA, and co-chaired by
Sylvia
, from Universal IRA. Secretaries are
Michael
, from Van Kirk IRA, and
Lucy
, from Universal IRA. In December, the group delivered toiletry bags to veterans at
Hudson River Housing, Inc.
T
his month they will prepare & provide lunches for the veterans.
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Steven, of Anthony John IRA, enjoyed outdoor art therapy with
DSP
Deanna Cherry
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Participants in Greystone's
Project FAME
, our day habilitation program without walls, have established a partnership with the
Ridley Lowell Esthetics/ Cosmetology Clinic
in Poughkeepsie. One
day each month, FAME ladies help students at the school clinic perfect their craft. In exchange, our ladies receive free manicures and hair styles. Pictured here,
Nina
(left, front),
Ellen
(left, center),
and
Pamela
(left, rear),
had their nails done. T
he partnership is a win-win situation for both the students and Greystone.
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Earl, from Anthony John IRA, took a break
during an afternoon of paddle boating and ice cream at Round Lake in Monroe.
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Cory and
John
, from Warwick IRA, participated in a cooking class at
Orange-Ulster BOCES
. Under direction of
Chef Andre
, and accompanied by
Residence Manager Veronica Mott,
they made homemade ravioli stuffed with lobster, four-cheeses, sausage and mushrooms.This month they will make an Asian dish; in April they will focus on German cuisine.
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Happy First Anniversary, Greystone Orange County!
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| Club ATLAS participants |
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March 2016, Greystone celebrates our first year anniversary at our new Orange County site where we offer Club ATLAS, a day habilitation program for adults, Club ASPIRE, an after school program for children ages 6-21, a school break program, and a weekend respite program.
Our new location at Kings Elementary School offers larger rooms and added space, as well as outdoor playgrounds. With the extra space our day programs have been able to engage in new experiences that are fun and therapeutic such as Chair Yoga with Margaret Johnson, RN and certified professional; art therapy with Patricia Quin
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Club ATLAS animal assisted therapy
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n MS, LCAT, CASAC; music therapy with the Zylofone program, and animal assisted therapy with Jessica Giordan
o and her dog Nala. The participants also participate with the organization Smooches and Smiles which is an animal therapeutic center that is located in Montgomery, NY. They have also come to our program and brought animals to our school age participants. Club ATLAS is also in the process of opening their own café, which program participants have named and are working.
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| Club Aspire music therapy ATLAS |
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The move from our for
me
r Sugar Loaf site has enabled our Orange County programs to collaborate with another tenant in the building Grace Church for such things as Thanksgiving food drives and Christmas box drive, where they fill a box with toys or clothes for people in tough situations. The people that attend our programs have been involved in assisting in volunteer opportunities out in the community as well at different Food pantries, Friendly Visitor (shopping for the elderly), recycling centers, and the Meals on Wheels program. The programs are also pairing up with local homeless shelters currently to collect items for people in need.
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COLLABORATION:
Working with Community Partners
Greystone Programs is committed to collaboration and welcomes working with community partners.
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Greystone CFO Steve Kelly accepts a check from KeyBank's Vivian Morales
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Our partnerships with
KeyBank,
The Richard P. O'Beirne Memorial Foundation, and
The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, will enable us to enhance our
Pathway to Employment Program, created last year as an opportunity to support Individuals in their desire to grow. Pathway provides opportunities for job training for people with disabilities and helps them develop vocational skills, with a goal of achieving competitive or self-employment - outside of sheltered workshops - at or above minimum wage. With the support of the bank and the two foundations, we will be able to enhance Pathway this year to offer more pre-employment training with use of computers with specialized technology. Greystone believes strongly that people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities can be productive, contributing members of our working society. Pathway to Employment works hard to help overcome any misconceptions, ignorance, or prejudice regarding the ability of people with disabilities to perform jobs.
Also in February we partnered with
New York State Special Olympics to act as a Bronze-level
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Greystone residents Jeff and Lou with floor hockey competitors |
sponsor for the winter games right here in the Hudson Valley. We sent a team of volunteers to support and cheer on the more than 800 athletes who participated. Greystone's "Fans in the Stands" were at floor hockey, at
Stewart Air National Guard base, in Newburgh, and at figure skating, at
McCann Ice Arena, in Poughkeepsie.
Our Orange County adult day habilitation program,
Club ATLAS, and our Orange County after school program,
Club Aspire are partnering this month with the
Helping Others who Need Our Resources (HONOR) program, to support local homeless shelters. Greystone is collecting any size socks, T-shirts, hats, mittens, and gloves; as well as any size underwear for both men and women. We are also collecting toothbrushes, travel size toothpaste, and dental floss; feminine hygiene products, and travel size shampoo, conditioner and deodorant. Blankets, baby wipes, and diapers (excluding newborn size) are also appreciated. All items must be unused and dropped off by March 31 at
Greystone Orange County, 199 Kings Highway, Warwick 10990. Questions? Call: 469-3760 ext. 3. In Dutchess County, our
Project FAME is collecting similar items for veterans at
Hudson River Housing, Inc. Items can be dropped off at 36 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie.
COLLABORATION
(Continued):
Working with MORE Community Partners
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Greystone staff and Individuals proudly wearing the green
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On March 5, Greystone staff and Individuals proudly marched in the
21st Annual Dutchess County Saint Patrick's Day Parade.
Our rainbow float caught lots of eyes and cheers as we tossed candy to the crown and the parade meandered through the Village of Wappingers Falls where we host our Club COOL after school program. We also offer a social skills group, respite, and school break programs in the Village at our Annette Heslin Community Center at 5 Givans Avenue.
Finally, although the new
Think Differently Dash
doesn't happen
until Saturday, June 11, preparations began months ago as Greystone
joined forces with eight like-minded nonprofits that include the
Walkway Over the Hudson
, the City of Poughkeepsie and
Dutchess County Executive Marcus
Molinaro
. The Dash is a 1-mile run for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. An expansion of the Sunday, June 12th Walkway Marathon, the Dash will spotlight people in our community with a physical or developmental disability and ensure that every individual, regardless of ability, has access to community
resources. Any and all people are welcome to run or walk in the Think
Differently Dash.
Greystone is a proud event sponsor, planning event organizer AND participant of the Think Differently Dash. We invite you to join us Saturday, June 11! The race starts at 10 a.m. The course - out and back on Main Street, Poughkeepsie - will be open for 1 hour. An award ceremony follows, at 11 a.m. The cost is $10.00 per racer. Race participants should pick up their packets from 8:45-9:45 a.m. at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center Lobby, 14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie.
For more information or to register for the Think Differently Dash, click here:
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