to PersonNewsletter of Saratoga Bridges and their families. PersonSummer 2011 Bridges to Skidmore Program ‘Bridges to Skidmore,’ our modified college experience between Skidmore College’s Social Work Program and us, had a very successful second year. Last fall 19 of our students and 9 Skidmore students took computer science, foreign language, psychology and business in Ireland classes. This spring students took art history, government and The premier community resource for people applied anthropology. Crystal Moore, the Anthropology, Sociology with disabilities and their families and Social Work Associate Professor who formulated the program, taught abroad spring semester so senior student John Mendenhall was the Coordinator. In 2 years, we have twice as many of our students involved, better consistency with their students, developed more meaningful friendships and received incredibly positive feedback. One Skidmore faculty said, “Thank you for inviting me to participate in your excellent program. It was very meaningful and I really am glad I had the opportunity.” Pictured below are the students with their certificates of achievement. When ‘Bridges to Skidmore’ continues this fall, some of our students will graduate after completing 4 semesters. Crystal and her team are exploring other opportunities for our students to remain involved with Skidmore. n Supported Apartments Saratoga Bridges is proud to announce our 2 new supportive apartments. Jenny Middlebrook and Kathy Rychick (pictured above l to r) moved in in February and Phyllis Podesva and Kelly Ross moved in in June to a complex in Clifton Park. The ladies have become fast friends and have enjoyed going shopping, visiting friends and sharing meals as any good neighbors do. They are happy to have support staff to ensure that they can attend their many social activities and maintain their busy life style. n SAVE THE DATES! August 27 October 22 22nd Annual Travers Day at the Races September 17 The 11th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge 2nd Annual All Car & Truck Show This exciting afternoon includes premium 5K & 10K races and Fun Run for kids 12 & seating and hospitality with a delicious Firebird Nation of North America, Inc. under at the Saratoga State Park, bountiful buffet and beverage service presents the 2nd Annual All Car and Truck refreshments & great raffle prizes. in the Carousel Restaurant at Show at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway Register before 10/1, and receive a long- Saratoga Race Course. on Route 9 in Malta. sleeved moisture wicking t-shirt. For information or to make reservations, visit www.saratogabridges.org Tel (518) 587-0723 • Fax (518) 871-9497 • [email protected] • www.saratogabridges.org [email protected] • www.saratogabridges.org Autism Awareness Month Events April is National Autism Awareness Month. At Saratoga Bridges, we celebrated by: • Beth Mormando, Speech and Language Pathologist, Wendy Ashe, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Cassie Estey, Behavior Specialist (pictured right), held a panel discussion entitled, “Communication, Sensory Diets, Positive Behavior Supports and other Treatment Methods to Address the Unique Challenges of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders,” for Skidmore College students on April 12. • On April 23, we joined ASPIRe, NY and the Autism Society of the Capital Region at an informational booth at Wilton Mall. • YNN Reporter CJ Spang interviewed Senator Roy McDonald and his daughter at the ‘McDonald Family Discovery and Resource Center’ on April 28. n Kites Jim from ‘Kites in Central New York Skies’ and Deb from ‘New York Kite Enthusiasts’ visited the Alpha site in May to educate and instruct the 40 participants on kite making. Many decorated and created sled kites with bamboo spears, Tyvek material and string. Then Above: Jacob St. Louis shows off his new kite. they flew their kites under a Right: Greg Ziegler flys his kite on this gorgeous day. beautiful sky. n CONGRATULATIONS! Michelle Young All of Michelle Young’s hard work, loyal dedication and conscientiousness have been recognized by her employer – Wesley Health Care Center. She was promoted to Night Lead Supervisor in the Housekeeping Department. Michelle supervises 3 people and handles any problems that occur at night. She says that she is ultimately responsible if the others are not there. Her Job Coach Debbie Barrett says, “Michelle has come so far since she came into our Supported Employment Program, Alpha Career Options. We are all extremely proud of her accomplishments and believe she truly deserves this promotion!” DID YOU KNOW? Saratoga Bridges has a Planned Giving Program called “The Beacon Society“ to recognize donors who make gifts to the agency from their estates. Please call Heather Varney at 587-0723 ext. 1266 for more information. [email protected] • www.saratogabridges.org A message from: Our direct support staff must have a case, including findings, conclusions, minimum of a High School degree or a and recommendations for change, GED because of the significant reading is reviewed by our Special Review required for programs and regulations. Committee as well as OPWDD, Mental Patricia We believe the ability to read and Hygiene Legal Services and the NYS Poklemba understand job responsibilities are Commission on Quality of Care. Our Board President essential to excellence. policies are based on regulations from All of our employees are re-trained OPWDD, and we are mandated to follow and annually on incident reporting -- them, we very much agree with their particularly on allegations of abuse and intent. neglect. When an allegation of neglect or In closing, we truly appreciate your abuse is reported, our first responsibility support and advocacy efforts. Together, Valerie is to protect our individuals and suspend the employee pending the outcome we can accomplish our mission! Muratori of the investigation. If the allegation Executive Director is criminal in nature, we notify local law enforcement immediately. When As President of the Board of Directors we have an incident to investigate, and Executive Director, our goal is always we assign an independent trained to provide the highest quality services. investigator to handle the case. The You may have read The NY Times articles investigator never has direct oversight pertaining to our field. We want to to the alleged employee or the worksite delineate a few of our practices as a where the event occurred. Once the private voluntary provider. investigation is completed, the entire When did your relationship with Saratoga Bridges begin? a local organization that provides the breadth of services We have been a longtime supporter of theirs and began they do, such as residential options, day programs and work our relationship with them as we learned about the services training and placement, benefits our community and makes they provide to the residents of Saratoga County. us proud to be their partner. What moved you to start giving? What would you say to another business or individual who might be Our support is based on their mission interested in supporting the agency? and services. To have an organization WHY WE GIVE of this caliber in our county is a The Adirondack Trust Company This is a great organization. Everyone resource that we are very thankful for associated with them, from the and one that provides our residents consumers that participate in the with services close to home. programs to the staff and professionals, are all top-notch. They are very What ways do you support Saratoga passionate about what they do and Bridges? work very hard each day to help make We are proud to support them a difference in the lives of the people each year and know that our they work with. There is no greater donation helps fulfill their objectives reward then seeing how people’s for delivering services to their lives are improved by the work that consumers. Also, we are fortunate Saratoga Bridges does. that Jay Shupe, an officer of ours, How would you encourage others serves on their Foundation Board. to give? Jay works diligently with other board members to help raise awareness Learn more about Saratoga Bridges. of the agency and its mission, See how your interest may be aligned while helping to sustain the many with theirs as you may find a program, programs they offer. a cause or a person that you would like to support. What do you get out of supporting Saratoga Bridges? By supporting them we know that Debbie Pieper presented Charles Wait, we are contributing to sustaining Honorary Guest at last year’s Travers and expanding the excellent programs they provide to Day at the Races, with a piece of artwork from our Saratoga their consumers and the fine work performed by their Photo Club and a certificate to thank him and The Adirondack dedicated and professional staff. Knowing that we have Trust Company for their continued support. n [email protected] • www.saratogabridges.org ‘Let’s Dance!’ Saratoga Bridges Dancers (Chrissy Culnane, Ricky Zieniuk and Doug Halter – pictured on right) presented their first recital to a packed audience in our Administrative building on March 30. Directed by Judy Fiore (pictured left with Bobby Myers and Greg Ziegler), the 14 dancers presented Zorba the Greek, Virginia Reel, South African Jabulani, Ragtime and Jazz. Judy feels their hard work produced results as they learned to move their bodies to the music, increased their exercise level and improved their stamina – all while having a lot of fun. n Saratoga Bridges benefits from Scallions Restaurant Program Scallions Restaurant in Saratoga Springs generously donated close to $400 on May 18 as a result of the benefit held there. They instituted a program where diners enjoy a delicious meal while having a portion of their bill support area non-profits. A raffle was held that evening and Erica Walker won 2 tickets to our Gala. Jim Cunningham, Michael Rowland, Vicky DeNew and Erica Morocco (pictured l to r) are with owner Michele Morris center.