A Closer Look 2017 Annual Report Early Learning Center – South Philadelphia, PA a Closer Look: a Message from Marian Baldini, President & Ceo
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A Closer Look 2017 ANNUAL REPORT Early Learning Center – South Philadelphia, PA A Closer Look: A Message from Marian Baldini, President & CEO This has been a pivotal year for KenCrest. After exploring the values, commitments, and themes in our work that will help us to move forward, we finalized a three-year strategic plan. It is not just a document, but a commitment to do our part in strengthening communities, working with a sense of obligation to others, wisely using our financial resources, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit that started our organization over a century ago. Throughout the strategic planning process, four guiding themes for the organization emerged: • Advocacy and Social Responsibility • Economic Accountability • Innovation • Strategic Growth We, the KenCrest Family, have begun taking a closer look at these themes and how they apply to each and every facet of KenCrest, the services we provide, the internal goals we set for ourselves, and how we interact with each other and the broader community. This process is something we believe sets us apart from other non-profit organizations in the Human Services arena. These themes fit together in many different ways, but most importantly, they help us take a closer look, creating new answers to old questions. I am excited to take this opportunity to share a closer look into our programs and how we are demonstrating our commitments in these key areas. This dedication will help KenCrest start a movement toward a more inclusive community, one that values everyone’s abilities and fosters opportunities for growth that we once never dreamed possible. Sincerely, Marian Baldini President & CEO 1 A WORLD OF POSSIBILITY A WORLD In April 2017, KenCrest was selected to partner with the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University for a High Impact Innovative Quality of Life grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The “Cardboard for Kids: Adaptive Design Greater Philadelphia” project trained occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists working with children in the Greater Philadelphia region to cost-effectively design and fabricate custom assistive technology using 3-ply cardboard. Alex Truesdell, 2015 MacArthur Fellow and founder of the Adaptive Design Association in New York, and her team shared their design methods in trainings at the ADA center in New York and Philadelphia Woodworks in Manayunk. Lisa Hudson and Denita Newsome-Johns, training participants and physical therapists in KenCrest’s Birth-to-Three/Early Intervention Program, learned how to design and fabricate assistive devices including chairs, benches, and standers. These devices support the children in many ways, allowing them to sit upright or stand longer and perform basic activities that are sometimes taken for granted. The adaptive design methods shared through the grant open a world of possibility by focusing on access, ability, teamwork, and community in a cost- effective manner. Adaptive Designs 2 ____________________________________________ A S So many of the families that we support need this type of adaptive UCCESSFUL equipment so that their children can participate as fully as possible across their daily lives. Commercial equipment can be cost prohibitive, challenging to access, and often does not meet the unique needs of a child and their family,” emphasized Julie Daly, OTR/L, Clinical Coordinator for Infant/Toddler Programs. Adaptive Designs Innovation: Pursuing innovation to maximize skills, overcome barriers and support achievement 3 T Thank you to the following individuals, companies HANK and organizations that volunteered this year: • Dave Akers • AON • CBIZ, Inc. • CubeSmart Self Storage • Davisville Church • Alan and Linda Eickhoff YOU • Enterprise • Gap • Insomnia Cookies • Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Willow Grove • Pfizer … • PNC • Salus University Speech-Language Pathology Program • SEPA Synod Youth Group • Tim Tebow Foundation • Travelers Insurance – Blue Bell The impact of volunteering at KenCrest is wide and deep. It strengthens not just our mission, but also the community around us. As more people come to KenCrest and witness our work, there is greater appreciation and acknowledgement of the importance of what our agency and staff do each and every day. Volunteers ____________________________________________ I was glad to be able to contribute to the wonderful work you do. — Travelers Insurance Volunteer at the West Center 4 Staff Event 2017: The Kennys Awards Over 375 employees gathered in May for the Oscars- themed annual staff awards. At “The Kennys,” members of the KenCrest team dressed to impress and celebrated one another and the work of the entire agency. The PRIDE Awards, representing agency values, were presented to the following recipients: Positive Approaches - Clifford Wrobeh of Chester County Community Living Reaching Higher - Kristy Scribner, Bucks Community Champions Awards County Birth-to-Five program In March, KenCrest staff, supporters, and community nclusion - Jamie Wyatt, Youth and Adult leaders celebrated KenCrest’s 2017 Community Employment Champions awards honoring individuals and Discovery - Marcia Berner, Executive Office organizations that have made a remarkable Excellence - Donna Ruley, Executive Office difference in the lives of those served by KenCrest. The recipient of the William Nolan Advocacy Award, The awards are not based on the size of a contribution, given for outstanding advocacy efforts on behalf of but on the sincerity of actions and desire to support the community, clients, and their families, was Rosaida individuals in realizing their dreams. Benitez, Program Coordinator of the KenCrest-South One of the winners, barber Justyn Gardner, generously Early Learning Center. gives his time and talents to the residents of a The Siebott/Hibbard Award, given in memory of KenCrest community living home. What started Marilyn Siebott and Rod Hibbard who championed out as just haircuts has become much more: Justyn staff support, achievement, and career development, has become a trusted friend. He provides haircuts was received by Gale Leonard, Assistant Director of on bi-monthly visits, enthusiastically chatting about Lifesharing. OUR Volunteers sports, and arriving with a group favorite – donuts – in hand! The highest award, the Sister Grace Jones award, created in memory of our longest tenured Executive From over 40 nominations, the following 12 award Director known for her dedication and service, was recipients were chosen: Justyn Gardner, Callis-n- awarded to Tonia McNeal, Chief Financial Officer. Callis Barber Shop; George and Liz Bieber, Shorty’s HEROES Sunflower Café; Dave Cipriano, DJ Rockin’ Dave; CBIZ; Rounding out the award presentations were 30 PNC; Pam Leiby, Phoenixville Hospital leadership individual awards for longevity of service ranging team; John Stewart, Sea Breeze, LLC; Dr. Ana Maria from 30 to 40 years. Congratulations to all! Garcia, Arcadia University; George Garcia and the Animal House Band; Wayne Fritzinger, Lifesharing provider; Bob and Patty Hendel, neighbors; and Bonnie Giordano, Abington Memorial Hospital. ! 5 INDEPENDENT LIVING During a routine visit to her community living home, Angela Marshall, Director of Supported Living, asked Lashana, “Have you ever considered living independently?” Lashanna was living self-reliantly, cooking for herself daily, and administering her own medications, making her a perfect candidate for the Supported Living services that would give her more independence and greater community access. As the fall of 2016 wrapped up, Lashanna ended her time in her community living home, and began her independent living journey. The planning team supported Lashanna to put her dreams into a plan for going forward to realize her life goals, such as finding just the right apartment and living in the neighborhood of her choosing, close to her job and the places she frequents, and close to the people in her life — friends and family alike. Enjoying a four day work week and receiving job coaching, Lashanna looks forward to realizing The staff went to work shopping with her for the her dream of having a career working with young items she needed for her new dwelling. Upon children. Lashanna’s request, they helped decorate and set up KenCrest advocates on behalf of all individuals to live a donated flat screen television to provide the final fully, in the most inclusive, cost effective community- touch to her new home. based setting, taking advantage of creative support Ongoing supports will be provided for Lashanna options such as Supported Living. KenCrest welcomed including meal planning, budgeting, shopping, and seven new individuals to Supported Living in 2017 and miscellaneous needs as appropriate and as they arise. expanded services into Chester County. A Place to Call Her Own Social Responsibility: Engaging families and supporting individuals is the key to achievement & quality of life. 6 A KenCrest Love Story destination, Atlantic City, and attending dances at Carousel House, dining out, and going to the movies. Rashida’s mother Gloria says, “Michael has become an important part of our family, and knowing him since he was 17, he is as much our son as Rashida is our daughter.” Rashida and Mike have wanted to be married since graduating high school. Despite the hesitation of some, they knew they could make it on their own through their love for each other and the support of their families, living together and having an everyday life. Finally,