SHARE:  
MAY 2015 Number 2

Onward & Upward


For more information
about giving to Greystone Programs
  click here, use

or call
Michelle Hathaway
(845) 452-5772 
ext 119

You can also 
payable to Greystone Foundation to
36 Violet Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY
12601

Your 
donation 
is  fully tax deductible.

CAR & BIKE SHOW HONORED AGENCY FOUNDER

     The  2nd Annual Marc W. Kelley Memorial Car & Bike Show , in memory
of our agency founder, a car enthusiast,  was held May 17. Organized by Greystone employee Craig DeRevere , the event raised funds for programs for people with disabilities who receive services from Greystone Programs. 

     It was a beautiful day, with registrants from as far as New  Jersey and Connec-ticut, and spectators and friends from Florida. Mr. Kelley believed  passionately that people with Autism could thrive if taken out of traditional "institutions" and instead offered opportunities to live as "family"  in small, comfortable group homes with inspiring, compassion- ate staff. In 1979, he opened Greystone House, in Hyde Park, the first privately-run group home in NY State for people with Autism.  This gro und-breaking initiative was the first time people with Autism could live as neighbors in a community.   

     Mr. Kelley's family and friends presented the Kelley Family Favorite Award to Ray Kurasinski for his '64 Chrysler 300. The event, a fitting tribute to Mr. Kelley who passed away last year, was highlighted in an article in The Poughkeepsie Journal.

April Was Autism Awareness Month
Greystone "Lit it Up Blue"  to "Shine a Light on Autism" 

     April was  Autism Awareness MonthTo celebrate, Greystone took great strides to raise awareness about this pervasive disorder that affects  tens of millions of people worldwide, including 1 in 68 children in the United States. 

     We kicked off our celebration on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day , when we partnered with the  NY State Bridge Authority  to have the Mid-Hudson Bridge illuminated in blue lights as part of  Autism Speaks'  worldwide campaign to "Light it Up Blue" and  "Shine a Light on Autism." To celebrate, we hosted a  "friend raiser"  at  Shadows on the Hudson Attended by 60 staff, board members, family, and business partners, the event can be seen here   in a video interview by Hudson Valley News Network.  

    "We couldn't be more thrilled that one of our premier local architectural icons, the Mid-Hudson Bridge, partnered with us to "Light it Up Blue," said Michelle Hathaway , Greystone Director of Development. There has been a 10-fold increase in the number of Autism diagnoses in the past four decades , she said, adding that  Autism now affects 1 in 42 American boys. 

     By participating in "Light it Up Blue,"  Greystone and the bridge joined other iconic buildings and landmarks across the globe, including the  Empire State Building; the  Great Buddah Statue, Japan;  Niagara Falls Trafalgar Square, London; the  Oriental Pearl Tower, China; and the  Great Pyramid, Egypt.  Each of Greystone's 18 properties was illuminated in blue lights throughout the entire month  of April.This was the fifth year Greystone participated in "Light it Up Blue."    
 
     Also to raise awareness, Greystone:
  • Sponsored two roadside billboards
  • Did interviews on WAMC RadioHudson Valley News Network
  • Participated in the Autism Walk & Expo at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds
  • Tabled an event at the John G. Borden Elementary School
Take it From the Top
A Message from Greystone CEO Skip Pryce
 

   Throughout this issue Greystone staff can be seen as the catalyst of creative energy, developing innovative ways to provide quality services to individuals entrusted in our care. Surely, it is our staff that makes Greystone "great."

 

     As OPWDD transforms, so will Greystone. There will be an abundance of opportunity. No longer able to rely on old ICF/IRA models, we must find new ways to provide quality services in less restrictive settings. Individuals with the necessary skills must be given opportunities to live as independently as possible and be further integrated into their community of choice. We must continually push the boundaries and venture into unfamiliar territories to benefit our individuals and their families. I count on you to remain open minded and embrace these changes with us. 

 

     Speaking of change, we are now collaborating with New Horizons Resources on a number of fronts. We will co-host a two-day workshop led by The Leadership Institute at the University of Delaware, to explore options of service delivery, broaden our horizons, analyze our strengths and weaknesses, guide us toward a strategic plan, and favorably position our organizations for opportunities in our path. We are also collaborating on staff training to bring efficiency for both agencies.

 

     In this changing environment, we will do whatever it takes to keep Greystone a healthy organization.                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                          Onward & Upward,

 


Welcome, Congratulations & Farewell 
to Programs & Foundation Board Members
                 
     Greystone proudly welcomes new Board Members  Ellen Mallet and  Susan Htoo, congratulates Sylvia Thurber, says farewell to Lauren Wong and acknowledges Audrey Walker. Ellen, a realtor with Houlihan Lawrence, serves on our Foundation Board. Susan, a general practice attorney, joins the Programs Board. Each was elected during the March 11 annual board meeting. Also at that meeting, the Programs Board named Sylvia Thurber as the agency's very first Honorary Director. Sylvia, who lives in Greystone's Universal IRA, is chair of our Self Advocacy Group and has served eight years on the Programs Board. Foundation Board members Lauren Wong and Audrey Walker were recognized for their outstanding service. Both resigned from that board after completing full terms. Audrey continues to serve the agency on the Greystone Programs Board of Directors.

Ellen Mallet
Susan Htoo

Sylvia Thurber

Improving Lives - Independence Day! 
Greystone Residents Move into Apartment

Dreams really do come true. Sometimes, in less than a year! Last May,  John  and  Joe  told Greystone staff they wanted to "have their own place." Last month, it happened! It was a moment of intense pride -- for Greystone staff AND individuals -- as they moved into our agency's first apartment.

     John and Joe grinned ear to ear as they accepted keys to their own apartment.They couldn't be happier! Having acquired all the skills necessary, they moved from Greystone's Warwick IRA into Green Meadows.Their first night, they ordered pizza to celebrate. They are responsible for their own medications and household chores, paying their bills, doing their shopping, and getting themselves to work each day using public transportation. This is a fine example of how Greystone 
provides the necessary training to help individuals live as independently as possible, thus enabling them to reach their full potential.  John, works full-time at  Price Chopper.   Joe, who has a collection of fish-filled aquariums, next dreams of getting a driver's license and making more money while working in a pet store. Both men  dream of one day getting married. 

Teaching & Training: 
Learning to be Leaders
   
     Thirteen staff m embers participated in an agency-wide   Leadership Training Series in March and April. The seminar, held on four consecutive Tuesdays, was designed to inspire  staff and groom quality leaders. The series included sessions on Behavioral Interviewing Tech-niques;Communication & Team Building; Conflict Resolution & Mediation; Leadership & Motivation; and Coaching & Mentoring. See Kudos Column, left.

Individuals Learn Skills for Job Placement
     A s part of our com mitment to empower individuals with skills to acquire jobs at fair wages in the community, we now offer a new program called  Pathway to E mployment.  An extension of our Project FAME  day hab "without walls," Pathway to Employment is a job coaching, training and placement service in D utchess County that includes vocational  skill building, job readiness programs, volunteer activities, resume development, independent skill building
Trena & Jillian at Dutchess Outreach 
and interpersonal interviews and assessments. There is special emphasis on improving employment outcomes for youth transitioning from high school. Greystone believes that people with intellectual disabilities can be productive, contributing members of our working society. Our Pathway to Employment program will empower participants with job training and skills to overcome misconceptions, ignorance, and prejudice regarding the ability of people with disabilities to perform jobs. Integrating individuals in the community and finding them competitive employment will give them greater opportunities to develop ongoing meaningful relationships, increase their independence and improve their self confidence. Pictured above, Trena and Jillian sort and fold children's clothes at Dutchess Outreach
     
     In Orange County, similar vocational skills are learned at our Club ATLAS program for people who have aged out of school. Pictured below,  Matt and Tiffany  master prerequisite skills for supportive employment.

     Both programs focus on community inclusion.  For information about Pathway to Employment, in Dutchess County, call Gina Zullo, Job Developer, at (845) 297-3602 ext 110; For information about Club ATLAS, in Orange County, call Theresa Gaide at (845) 469-3760. 

Tiffany learns skills for job placement
Matt learns skills for job placement

Community Integration - The Price is Right!

           
     Some people have a "dollar and a dream."  Others prefer to win the "Showcase Showdown."  On April 7, Greystone individuals Keith (front in pic,above left), Michael (rear in pic, above left) and Joe (not pictured) went to The Price Is Right Live, at t he Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, a traveling version of the popular TV game show.  Though they didn't win any vacations or cars -- or even make it up onto the stage -- they had a fabulous time, fully integrated in the community, sharing the same dreams as everyone else.

Club Aspire kids

MUSIC THERAPY 
  
     Club Aspire kids at  Greystone Orange County participate in a music and movement class that is  called " Zylophone ." The weekly program brings joy and creativity through music, acting, and dance. It fosters creativity, socialization, and self regulation and reduced stress for children on the Autism Spectrum. 

     Similar music programs are offered to Greystone adults, too, through singalongs, voice lessons and drumming classes offered by  The Institute of Music and Health, Pete Crotty, and The Guitar Gal.

     All music lessons are part of the Greystone's Expressive Arts &Therapy Program, and are among the many services funded with proceeds from our annual wine event , Also included in Expressive Arts & Therapy is wheelchair yoga, Zumba, and arts and crafts.The 26th Annual International Wine Showcase & Auction will be held this year on  Sunday, September 20 at  The Grandview on the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. For reservations, call Michelle Hathaway at (845) 452-5772 ext. 119.  

Farewell Friends
Pat Cannizzaro (in red)
     It was with heavy hearts that Greystone staff and board said goodbye  to two loving friends. Board Member Patricia -- "Pat" -- Cannizzaro  pa ssed away February 13. An avid supporter of our annual wine event, Pat was firmly committed to assisting peo ple with developmental disabilities. She was a member of our Foundation Board and a former member and President of the Greystone 
Brunilda Gonzales
Programs Board. A tree will be planted in her honor this spring.  
     
     Brunilda Gonzalez, who lived at our Orchard View IRA in Milton, passed away February 18, with loving Greystone staff by her side.  Our beloved "Bruni," was remembered during a graveside service April 30 at Wappingers Falls Cemetery. 

     Both Pat and Brunilda will be dearly missed. 


You Shop.  Amazon Gives.  Greystone Gets!

When you shop online at Amazon, a portion of your purchase can come benefit Greystone, through the AmazonSmile program!  Start each shopping session at  http://smile.amazon.com. 
Amazon will then donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases back to  Greystone.

What is AmazonSmile?  
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.

How do I shop AmazonSmile?
Go to  smile.amazon.com . Add a bookmark to return and shop again. 

How do I select Greystone as my charitable organization?
On your first visit to   AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you must select a charitable organization. Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make will result in a donation.
One Man Finds His Passion -- 
In a Greystone Kitchen!

     For Lou, a resident at Harmony Hill IRA, things are really cooking. Literally! 

     Thanks to his residence manager, Brittany Wall, Lou has found his passion -- learning to prepare healthy meals in his home kitchen, and serving them to his fellow housemates. 

     The cooking lessons began in March. Lou was so excited about this new initiative that he used his personal spending money to buy a professional chef's jacket which he will have embroidered with his name. These new cooking classes are a fine example of how Greystone's forward thinking staff are integrating essential life   skills into our Individuals' lives, enriching their days and finding new ways for them to succeed and be productive.