The “CR Family” on the Front-Lines
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Like all of our fellow Staten Islanders, during this uniquely challenging time and far from usual daily life, Community Resources has been doing our very best to make sure that all of the people we serve…those who make their home with us, participate in one of our programs, or attend our preschool are safe, healthy and continuing to be served...in a new way...but also in the most rewarding way possible.
First and foremost, our Direct Support Professionals have been on the front lines 24/7 since this started, risking their own health and safety and that of their families, to insure the well-being of the men and women who live in one of our residences. Their efforts are tireless and selfless! Just like health care workers and first responders, they are essential workers, in normal times and now more than ever. They are “miracle workers” and they are heroes! Like other agencies that share our sense of purpose, Community Resources is not able to fulfill its mission and commitment of service without these dedicated men and women. They are everyday heroes, they are our heroes!
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Although we are considered an essential business, as of March 18
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, our oversight agency, the NYS Office of People with Development Disabilities (OPWDD), mandated the closure of all Day Habilitation programs. We were no longer able to meet on site, and with the closure of most public places a few days later, there has been no way to continue any regular programs or activities. Undeniably this presented an obstacle. Most people, especially those with an intellectual and/or developmental disability, rely on the intellectual stimulation, the social interaction and the reassurance of a consistent routine of activities and experiences. So despite the challenge, we have needed to come up with ways to keep everyone engaged and active. Many of our Day Hab DSP’s accepted re-assignment to our residences throughout the Island and have been working on the individual’s personal goals and introducing new activities. We are also streaming yoga and baking classes from the main campus to the houses and will soon re-introduce our “Tuesday Night Social” at home, complete with DJ and pizza!! While at home, people are keeping busy with arts and crafts, planting projects, card games and outdoor sports.
The students of the Joan P. Hodum Early Learning Center/ Community Resources Preschool, which offer general and special preschool education, Universal Pre-K, and Pre-K 3, smoothly switched to learning at home when the NYC schools were closed and all students are continuing to enjoy classes and therapies which our teachers are providing remotely. We have received many encouraging messages from the youngsters' families on how well they are doing at home, for example…Mr. Ron Critelli wrote to thank teachers and teacher aides who
"...have been in constant contact with our granddaughter through virtual learning which has has a positive impact on further developing her, even though schools have been closed. They also lift her spirits during this dark time in our country as this too is testimony to their teaching skills..."
Special Tees has been operating with a skeleton staff throughout this crisis producing personalized masks, tee shirts and other merchandise. We have been the “go to” screen printers for many businesses and local non-profits.
As a result of the partnerships we have formed with other organizations who share our sense of purpose, the agencies representing voluntary providers in our field (Advance of Greater New York, Interagency Council), government agencies (NYC Dept. of Health/Mental Hygiene) and our relationships with our elected officials (NYS Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, NYS Senator Senator Andrew Lanza, District Attorney Michael McMahon, and Borough President James Oddo) we have been fortunate, and are very grateful, for the many contributions of PPE’s we have received which have greatly helped supplement what we have been able to order…face masks, shields, hand sanitizers, gowns, sanitizing wipes… to keep our individuals and staff protected and our residences and other facilities clean.
Stephanie Nichols and twenty of the Island’s bakeries donated and delivered freshly baked goodies to all of our residences and we were gratified to receive gifts from many generous individuals in response to the May 5
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“Giving Tuesday” online campaign and we would like to express our sincere appreciation to Michael Arvanites, Antoinette Balzano, Sharon Berkowitz, Henry Ciafone (Econo Prime Meats), Carmen Cognetta, Barbara Devaney, Salvatore Locicero, Thomas Niesi, Mr. & Mrs. Carmine Sturniolo, Lisa Tenneriello & Richard Ruzycka ... and Cara Buonincontri of Assemblywoman Malliotakis’ Office, who through the trust of Helen Bartoshuk, donated $2,500 toward the purchase of much needed supplies.
“Thank you to all”
for your generous support and confidence in
Community Resources!
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We have been following all official health guidelines and safety precautions and have put measures in place to insure the health and safety of everyone at Community Resources. Sadly, as have many others, we have lost several members of the “CR Family” since the crisis started and have not yet been able to properly celebrate their lives and mourn their loss. As soon as we can do so, we will hold a memorial service to remember Jay Daly, Grace Valdez, Meryl Moskowitz and Irving Kalish who all made their home with us. One died suddenly at home, two were in nursing homes and one in the hospital, so there was no chance to say goodbye or even be there to comfort them in their final days…they are missed and will always be in our hearts and will be remembered with a brick in “Karen’s Garden”. A new bench at the main campus will be installed and dedicated as “Jay’s Bench” since Jay Daly sat there every morning and was the first person anyone saw when arriving for work.
We have also lost several of our colleagues and supporters during this time of separation and we will remember their many contributions to the community and always be glad that they also touched our lives…the Honorable Anthony Giacobbe,Sr., Bea Victor, Scott Salinardi of Lifestyles for the Disabled, and Dominic Brancato of the New York Center for Interpersonal Development.
Out of an abundance of caution, we cancelled our annual “Pasta Bowl” which was scheduled for March 15
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and still hope to have it sometime before the year is out; and while we realize that this is not an ideal time to fundraise, we had already initiated our annual “share raffle” campaign before the pandemic was announced and are still hoping to reach our goal of selling 250 chances at $100 each by June 29
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. All of the proceeds will go toward giving our Direct Support Professionals an additional reward for their tireless and brave efforts…
By the way, you could win $10,000!
Please see the letter and downloadable subscription form and call Barbara (ext. 206) or Tori (ext. 237) in the Development Office at (718) 447-5200 for more information. If we are able to host a small gathering, you will be invited to the drawing on Monday, June 29
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but you do not have to be present to win.
ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR HARD WORK, GENEROUS SUPPORT AND CONTINUED CONFIDENCE IN COMMUNITY RESOURCES...TOGETHER WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS STRONGER AND READY TO FACE THE FUTURE!
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Community Resources
| www.cr-si.org
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