Network Inc. Newsletter Helping Individuals with Special Needs Since 1991 Spring 2012

Network’s Continuous Improvement

I have been at Network, Inc. for over three months now and would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome and assistance in settling in to the agency. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the hard work that the employees do for this agency which was made apparent to me at a recent meeting with the Department of Developmental Services.

Every year the administrative team at Network, Inc. has to create a continuous improvement plan for the agency. We also have to review our progress on the plan with the resource managers at the Department of Developmental Services. I know I was not present this past year, but I did attend the review meeting and would like to share the outcome of it with all the Network staff. It was a very positive meeting and it spoke volumes about the care provided to the people we serve.

Our agency is rated in several areas that pertain to all our residential sites and day service programs. Compared to the Statewide ratings our agency was rated above in almost all of the categories. This would not be possible unless everyone involved was doing an exceptional job. Unfortunately we rarely take the time to think about all the people that contribute to the success of an agency. It truly is a team effort and I would like to recognize and thank all staff members for their continuous dedication and commitment to providing quality care and programming to the people we serve.

Susan Pearson

Celebrating Kids and Chocolate and a Spring Holiday at Network There’s nothing like a spontaneous idea born when a few people brainstorm together for just a few minutes and come up with something fun and meaningful. After a fund- raising committee meeting, some members continued to chat and conceived a small- scale event intended to bring community members to Network—an Easter Egg Hunt! Joining their forces, committee members donated scads of eggs, candy, and, with their predictable artistic talent, painted a placard to set on Route 6. The event occurred on April 7th, attracting staff and their children, as well as various community members. Randy Eaton, staff member at the Vernon Street CLA, attended the event accompanied by her grandson, and they enjoyed the event so much that she donated 500 plastic eggs for next year! Page 2 Winetasting Fundraiser at Cassidy Hill Vineyard

On April 21st, the Network, Inc. Fundraising Committee held its first Winetasting Fundraiser at the lovely Cassidy Hill Vineyard in Coven- try, CT. Diligent, creative, and talented members of the Fundraising Committee adeptly conceived of and planned this highly successful event. A ticket included a tasting of five wines or a full glass of wine, hors d’oerves like bread stuffed with brie and chicken kabobs, a souvenir wine glass, raffle items, a door prize, and live acoustic music. Finally, a baseball signed by Adrian Gonzalez was auctioned off. The Winetasting was a highly successful fundraiser. The ticket sales goal was exceeded by over a dozen, the overall proceeds goal was exceeded by $900.00, and numerous people, from Network and the community, remarked on quality of the food, the venue, and the logistics. Even a staff member from the Vineyard com- mented that as a nonprofit holding an event there, Network was the most organized.

Countless Network staff and Board members generously volunteered their time, donated themed gift baskets to raffle off, and worked hard to sell admission and raffle tickets. Thank you to all!

Network also thanks the following businesses who offset the cost of our menu: Rocky Hill Super Walmart, Manchester Highland Park Market, Dayville Target, Willimantic Edible Arrangements, Rocky Hill Stop & Shop, Putnam Price Chopper, and Big Y.

Andover Day Program and In-Home Day

In May, members of the Andover Day Program enjoyed a special trip to the Barnum & Bailey Circus compliments of the XL Center. It was Jahmal’s first ever time at a circus, and he sat right in front and clapped the whole time, not to mention displaying his best behavior. Also clapping enthusiastically was Ella H. Mark B. was thrilled with the light stick he purchased, and Jack and Eddie from Trowbridge also had a great time. A few of the acts included Asian acrobats and drag- ons. Many thanks to Kristen Connolly who facilitated the donation.

Page 3 Dayville Day Program The Dayville Day Program participants spent some time with Mother Nature over the last few months given the early spring weather, taking advantage of Pomfret Recreation Park, Owen Bell Park, and outings to walk at the local track, reducing winter’s “cabin fever.” Erik Adamcik, Dick Wilber, and Pete Maggi spruced up the room what is now the sen- sory room a rich burgundy color. This vital part of the Day Program, where participants can experience tactile, visual, and auditory stimula- tion that reduces stress and increases a sense of well-being, is being redecorated.

Diversity Training

On April 31st, Network, Inc. offered a Diversity Training facilitated by William Harris. Teams explored how inclusion or exclusion affects the overall morale, sustainability, and atmos- phere on interpersonal and organizational levels. Role playing and hands-on exercises involved experimenting with conscious and uncon- scious habits of negating or embracing difference, and how that affects an operation’s culture as a whole. Mr. Harris, an expert in his field, has offered trainings for Fortune 500 Companies and for Non-profit organizations in: Team-building, Cultural Communi- cations, Mentoring, Communications skills. M&M Oil & Plumbing Many thanks to our sponsors: Ted’s IGA, a loyal 271 Hop River Rd, Bolton, CT. Network supporter that prepared and deliv- Tel: 860-649-2871 ered lunch for over 40, and to Delta-T-Group, Total Remodeler, and M&M Oil.

THANK YOU—to the Tolland County Knights of Colum- bus for their ongoing support of Network at our Susan Drive location with their generous monetary donation. Susan Drive was able to purchase a canopy and swing for our residents to enjoy the outdoors! Page 4

Spring Gardens The Maintenance Department roto-tilled plots for vegetable gardens at the Andover Day Pro- gram, the Dayville Day Program, and the Ruth Street Group Home. Program participants and staff worked as a team to plant vegetables which will give everyone involved a unique experience working with the earth, seeing plants growing, and enjoying the fruits of their labor! Thank you to Network’s Maintenance Department and to the Greenhouses who donated plants: Woodward Greenhouses and Chase Road Growers.

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENT

Members of the Network Fundraising committee are currently planning a car wash/tag sale. From 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. you can get your car cleaned one minute and some cash for what might be one person’s trash or another person’s treasure the next. Tag sale spaces rent for $25.00 for a 10’x10’ space or $40.00 for a 20’x20’ space. Crafters and vendors welcome All proceeds will go directly to the client special needs fund. For details, call (860) 742-1313, ext. 0. Rain or shine. More to follow. . .

Please remember Network when making charitable donations or in memoriam of friends/family. Network, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible.