News & Events November 2016 Empower Needs More Direct Service Professionals

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Patricia Wrobel, President NEWS & EVENTS NOVEMBER 2016 Robert DiFrancesco 1st Vice President Daniel Vitch, 2nd Vice President Russell J. Petrozzi, Corresponding Secretary Susan Kuznik, Recording Secretary Lora Allen * Dr. Ryan Boggs * Kevin Burgess, LMSW * Thomas J. Caserta, Esq. Stanley Fera * Dr. Alice Kozen * Marcus Latham Patricia Mulcahy Donald Napoleon Ernest Palmer * Anthony L. Restaino, Esq. Dr. Richard Sawicki, DPM Patrice Wells * New board member Empower Senior Staff (others listed under division news): Jeff Paterson Chief Executive Officer Diane Baehre, Director of Program Operations and Quality Assurance Administration Rita Tweedie, Chief Financial Officer Eric DesSoye, Director of Managed Care Readiness Kristin Minervini, Director of Human Resources EMPOWER NEEDS MORE DIRECT SERVICE PROFESSIONALS There are not enough direct service professionals (DSPs) to care for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Statewide, there is a 9% vacancy rate in the DSP field. Many Empower managers like those profiled here started as DSPs and stayed in the field. We need more people like them to ensure individuals with I/DD and their families receive the care that they deserve. box.” My co-workers also have taught me so much. I would like to thank Tim Teter, Diane Baehre, Eric DesSoye and especially, Kim Kiely. I followed my father’s footsteps in to a challenging but extremely rewarding career. Someday, I hope my children are served as well by my example as I was by my father’s. The following three individuals started as DSPs and stayed in the field because they love what they do. way to help people and get paid for doing it. I see what a difference working and earning money makes in the lives of the individuals we serve. It gives them dignity and self-worth. Another reason I love the work is my co-workers. We are like a family. We have each other’s backs. In the last five years, I faced some significant challenges in my personal life, and my co-workers (my family) always were there for me. That matters. It’s hard, but rewarding work. There are lots of opportunities at Empower. Bill Krayss, Director of Community Housing My dad worked in this field for most of his life. He was my hero, and I followed in his footsteps, and found enjoyment and success, using lessons he taught me: be persistent, work hard, and always do what you say. Dave Barry, Coordinator, Subcontract & Community Work Site Developer As the Program Coordinator at the Niagara ICF, I learned how to be a successful supervisor, how to interact with people, how to resolve crises, and how “to think out of the I started working part-time for Empower around the time my daughter was born. I wanted a job that allowed me to be there for my kids. What I got was so much more. I found a Amy Scott, Teacher’s Aide, Children’s Academy What particularly touches me is when a parent of a student lets me know that I have made a difference in the child’s life. I think the biggest accomplishment that anyone can have in what they do is to do that thing well, day in day out, year after year, for as many people as possible. Continued on next page. EMPOWER MOURNS THE LOSS OF DR. PASSANESE Empower Board of Directors President, Dr. Salvatore M. Passanese, passed away after a brief illness on August 23, 2016. Dr. Pasanese taught microbiology at Niagara County Community College for forty years before retiring in 2015. He authored a microbiology lab book that is still in use. During his presidency, Dr. Passanese always was mindful of the best interests of the individuals served by the agency. Every decision, no matter how small, was guided by this purpose. According to CEO Jeff Paterson “Sal was a gentle soul who ensured our individuals have a better quality of life. He will be dearly missed.”

Amy Scott, Teacher’s Aide, Children’s Academy (Continued from page 1) It’s about maintaining the passion. Many people tell me that I must be very patient to do what I do, but for me it’s more about being “stubborn,” as in determined to help my students achieve goals. While certain qualities are a must, an individual still needs to gain experience and knowledge. Learning should be continuous, even for the teacher. I would say that you have to want to teach because you feel it’s your calling, not because it’s a way to have a job that gives you summers off. I stay because I believe in the importance of what I do. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a DSP, please visit our website, www.empower-wny.org, where you can see positions available and fill out a job application. The experience has helped me to be a better advocate for the importance of early childhood education. COMMUNITY HEALTH NEWS Karen Smith, Director of Community Health Programs LOCAL SERTOMA CHAPTER DONATES AUDIOMETER NEW CLINIC HOURS AUDIOLOGY Wednesday and Friday mornings, please call for an appointment PODIATRY 3 Thursdays per month, please call for an appointment PHYSICAL THERAPY Wednesday and Friday afternoons, please call for an appointment WHEELCHAIR CLINIC Please call for an appointment Empower Health Clinic Phone Number: (716) 297-1478, ext. 189 or 154. The local chapter of Sertoma, a national organization dedicated to improving the lives of those at risk for or who have suffered hearing loss, donated a portable audiometer to Empower’s health clinic. An audiometer measures a person’s ability to hear different pitches, sounds or frequencies and identifies and pinpoints damage that has occurred. This equipment’s addition enhances the hearing assessment services EmEmpower CEO, Jeff Paterson, shows power provides to the Children’s Academy student, Noah Roman, hundreds of Niagara the inner workings of the audiometer, County residents that donated by the local Sertoma Chapter visit the health clinic each year. In addition, the audiometer will be loaned out to local schools so that students can receive hearing screenings.

COMMUNICATION, SPECIAL EVENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORNER Elizabeth Cardamone, Director of Communication and Development MATTHEW J. MURPHY JR. MEMORIAL DRIVE FORE EMPOWER GOLF TOURNAMENT New York State Senator Robert G. Ortt received the Chairman’s Award for his work on behalf of individuals with disabilities. From left to right, Jeff Paterson, CEO of Empower, and Senator Robert Ortt. CHILDREN’S ACADEMY NEWS Sherri Kaminski, Director of Empower Children’s Academy CHILDREN’S ACADEMY NOT JUST FOR PRESCHOOLERS WITH A DISABILITY Empower Children’s Academy is a wonderful school-like environment for 3 and 4 year olds of all abilities to grow and learn. It was actually sunny for this year’s golf tournament, held at the Niagara Frontier Country Club! Bright skies, a beautiful venue and generous and friendly comrades equaled a wonderful event, which generated 15,000 for Empower’s job training and day programs. Special thanks to tournament sponsors, including The Evans Agency (Gold), the Rotary Club of Niagara County (Silver), Integrity Auto Service (Bronze), VSCO, Inc. (Bronze) and Bond, Schoeneck & King Attorneys (Bronze). Also, thanks to event committee co-chairs, Neil Gruppo and Joe Mineo, and to our emcees: John Murphy, Jack Armstrong and Keith Radford. Finally, thanks to those who donated items to the ditty bags, basket auction and live auction. Typically-developing children have an opportunity to understand and embrace differences by having schoolmates with disabilities. In addition, the presence of specialists and specialized equipment extends learning beyond a traditional early education curriculum. For example, if a student needs a break from learning due to agitation or tiredness, he/she can spend time in the sensory room, getting valuable sensory stimulation, and return to the classroom refreshed and ready to take part in the lesson again. SPECTRUM THEATER PROGRAM Eight students with autism spectrum disorder took part in the first Spectrum Theater Program, held at Empower’s Children’s Academy, June-August. Led by theater instructor Brianna Lanoye and autism services coordinator Robin Stevens, students focused on gestures, eye contact, voice projection, listening to others’ perspectives and improvisational skills. During theatrical exercises, a play, entitled Dimensions, developed on its own out of students’ imaginations. During the final performance, students’ progress was obvious. They were at ease in front of a live audience and while interacting with each other, and the play was entertaining. The next Spectrum Theater session will take place October 4 through December 3, 2016. It is free and open to children, ages 7 to 15 who have autism spectrum disorder. For more information, please contact Elizabeth at (716) 297-0798, ext. 173, or ecardamone@empower-wny.org. Program is funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; administered by Arts Services Initiative of Western New York. Aquarium of Niagara Stopped by with some sea creatures which our students, including Robert Mohkiber and Lindsay McClure, got to touch.

BEFORE- AND AFTER-SCHOOL HOURS ADDED Working parents with young children will appreciate the addition of before- and after-school hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at a low cost (no more than 35 per day.) Your child will be nurtured, receive quality instruction and access a variety of play equipment. Whatever your childcare needs, Empower Children’s Academy is here to help provide a safe and resource-rich instructional environment for your child. CHILDREN’S ACADEMY ON DISPLAY Empower Children’s Academy held its first art show in May. Each class worked in different art media: from graffiti to still life to architecture, producing an impressive collection of original pieces showcased at the fair. JOB TRAINING & DAY PROGRAMS NEWS BEAUTIFYING NIAGARA . ONE FLOWER AT A TIME Niagara Beautification Commission (pictured at left), a volunteer group committed to cleaning up and planting flowers around the city of Niagara Falls, worked with staff and individuals to plant salmon-colored Knock Out roses in above-ground beds outside Empower’s Day Hab site on Buffalo Avenue. JOB PLACEMENT MOVES TO EMPTIES Empower’s job placement division moved to 4701 Military Rd., the same building where Empties for Empower is located. This move ensures that individuals are served in a more integrated, centrally-located setting and will provide more job training opportunities for individuals with disabilities through the Community Pre-Vocational Program. To contact us, please call (716) 299-0851. SUMMER PICNIC FUN Pictured at left: The heat did not stop individuals and staff like Becky Napoleon and Brandy West from having fun and enjoying food and games at the annual picnic held at the Hyde Park Pavilion.