Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County
2015 Year in Review/Spring 2016 Newsletter
Community Rehabilitation Center
250 Tuytenbridge Road
Lake Katrine, NY 12449
Business Office
25 Webster Street
Kingston, NY 12401
Hillcrest Residence
Keresman Apartments
Koenig Residence
Lasher Residence
Lewis C. Kirschner Residence
Oberkirch Children’s Residence
Pamela Carroad Residence
Ulster Accessible Apartments
Board of Directors
Julie Krieger, President
Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County is grateful for the contributions of the individuals,
businesses, foundations, and organizations whose support make it possible to achieve our mission—
thank you for believing in what we do.
Joseph Beichert, First Vice President
Mission Statement
Paul V. Geary, Second Vice President
Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County partners with communities
throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley to empower people with
disabilities to achieve their highest potential by providing
Innovative community, educational and residential services.
Howard Whitaker, Secretary
Donna Rocap, Treasurer
Joseph M. Beichert, At-Large Member
Joseph H. Tremper, At-Large Member
Donald Holzhammer, At-Large Member
Core Values
Professionalism – Integrity, Honesty, and Dependability drive a
high level of quality services and consumer / staff satisfaction.
Lewis C. Kirschner, At-Large Member
James McCasland, At-Large Member
Frances "Linda" Reuter, At-Large Member
Terry Parisian, At-Large Member
Dignity – Every life that we touch is treated with respect,
compassion, and caring.
Integration – Everyone participating in our services has the right
to full community integration in the least restrictive setting.
Leadership Staff
Gerard Dohrenwend LCSW, MNA
Chief Executive Officer
Accountability – Accuracy, Consistency, Reliability, Fiscally
Sound Practices and responsiveness to consumers, staff, the
community, and to our funding sources.
2015 Donor and Sponsor Spotlight
Adams Fairacre Farms
Ande Rooney
Barclay Damon LLP
Blue Stone Roasting Company
Columbiettes-Kingston Council
CUNY Charitable Giving
D&D Automotive
Dedrick’s Pharmacy
Don’s Auto body
DUSO Food Distributors
Edward Guziak
Facilities Maintenance Corp.
Gerard Dohrenwend
Hannaford Helps—Bags4mycause
HEALTHQUEST
Herzog’s Home Center
Home Plate Deli
IBM
Inspire
Jackson Lewis
John and Linda Reuter
Johnston & Pulcher, Inc.
Kevin Cozi
Kingston Elks 550 Community Activities
Klock Kingston Foundation
Marks Paneth
M&T Bank
Michael S. Johnston, LLC
NY Elks Association
Olive’s Country Store and Café
P&G’s
Paul Geary
Rose & Kiernan, INC.
Rondout Savings Bank
Savona’s Trattoria
Stewart’s Foundation
Timely Signs
The Benevity Community Impact Fund
TRUIST
Ulster County Glass & Mirror
Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation
Vietnam Veterans of America
4Imprint
92.9 WBPM
Pamela Wells
Chief Financial Officer
Innovation – We strive to empower staff to be resourceful and
creative allowing our programs to continually adapt to meet the
changing needs of our consumers and collaborate with
community partners to offer the most comprehensive services
possible.
Erin Crowley MPA, MBA
Vice President of Operations
Frances Laden
Corporate Compliance, HIPAA Officer
To make a donation, please contact Amanda Metichecchia by phone at 845-336-7235 ext. 2202
or email [email protected]
Your gift, no matter how large or small, is greatly appreciated by our staff, families, students and residents alike.
A Note from Michael Nardelli, Principal
Welcome to our Spring 2016 newsletter!!
CRC has developed a full array of curriculum for use in the school program. We have a school age common core
curriculum for grades K-12 for English language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies that emphasizes the learning
units and grade level standards to be taught during the school year. We also have a functional skills curriculum to
assist students with development of the basic skills for independence, communication, and vocational domains.
Teachers also have access to a thematic curriculum to provide lesson ideas for all of the popular themes that are typically covered during the school year. We also have a health curriculum to address all health learning standards which
is provided during weekly health instruction by our adapted physical education teacher. This year we have developed
a preschool common core curriculum which, like the school age curriculum, maps out the topics of instruction for English Language Arts, math, Science, and Social Studies, as well as the common core learning standards that are required for learners aged 3-5. Our future goals are to finalize our Physical education curriculum as well as a music instruction curriculum. Go Eagles!
Student Spotlight
Galing is a 19 year old student at our Community Rehabilitation Center and is a resident at Oberkirch. She is known as
the “teacher’s helper” because every morning she helps the teachers set up and get the supplies they need to get
ready for the school day. Galing enjoys multiplication and mathematics along with reading and art. She loves karate
and word searches and in her spare time likes to make bracelets and card decorations for fellow classmates and
housemates. She is looking forward to spring break where she will take a trip to a museum in Albany and also get
some spring cleaning done. Galing is excited for prom and Halloween and is looking forward to her future graduation.
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Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County will officially turn 65 on December 1st 2016. Our
founders Dr. Henry Bibby and Rabbi Herbert Bloom would be proud of that their vision lives on in the amazing work that our staff provide each day to the individuals
who participate in our programs. What started in an office rented from the Department of Health in 1951, Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County now provides services to
over 300 people each day through our spectrum of residential, community and educational services. We have also expanded our service area beyond Ulster County.
Today, we are truly a Mid-Hudson agency providing services to individuals from Columbia, Dutchess, Orange, Greene, and Ulster Counties.
During our first decade of operation services included speech and physical therapy for children as well as referrals for medical services. Our founders were innovator. They would have been excited to see the array of
services that we offer today. Over the years we have expanded and diversified services to include:
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IRA and ICF Residential Services
Preschool Education
K-12 NYS Licensed Educational Services
Day Habilitation
Wraparound Community Services
Supportive Home Services
Shared Living Services
Self Directed Family Care
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Community Habilitation
Medicaid Service Coordination
Individualized Support Services
Family Support Services
Respite
SEMP and ACCES VR Employment Training and Job
Coaching
TRAID Technology Assistive Equipment Loan Program
Dr. Bibby and Rabbi Bloom were true advocates for individuals with disabilities receiving quality services
through community based services. At the time this was unique as many individuals with developmental disabilities were placed in institutional settings far away from their families and home communities. In many ways
they embraced the concept of person centered services and they would have applauded the four year accreditation that we received in 2015 from the Counsel on Quality Leadership (CQL) for our commitment to excellence in the field of person centered planning for every person who participates in our programs.
An example of this innovation is our new Wraparound Community Services Program (WCS) that was launched
in February of 2016. As detailed in this report WCS will provide individuals with disabilities living with families,
or on their own, with the intensive supports that they need in order to avoid residential placement. Services
that include 24 hour direct support professional and medical supports, coordination and prescription ordering,
and scheduling and individual services dedicated to helping each individual achieve the goals on their service
plan are included in the array of services offered in this program.
Being a part of Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County means advocating and celebrating the right for individuals with
disabilities to have equal access to community programs and services. On September 10th 2016 we will host
our 4th Annual Access Awareness Day on the Walkaway over the Hudson to champion the need for accessibility recreational space for individual with disabilities throughout the Hudson Valley. At the event we will celebrate our past, advocate for our cause, enjoy food, music and presentations on a wonderful fall day. I hope to
see you there.
Gerry Dohrenwend LCSW, MNA
CEO
Mary Merritt
Welcome our New Board Member Terry Parisian
2015 Employee of the Year
Terry Parisian is the General Manager of the Hudson Valley Mall. He resides in Saugerties with his wife, JoAnne
and has two adult sons, Robert and Daniel.
“Mary is all about providing quality care by attending to every detail no matter how big or small it might
be. Mary supports people by listening and then following through with whatever they need. Mary has a
creative touch that brightens up whatever area she is in.” - Lisa Wilson, Day Habitation Coordinator
Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County would like to recognize Mary Merritt who was named our 2015 Employee of the
Year.
Mary Merritt grew up in Yardville, NJ located in Mercer County. She is the oldest of three siblings and describers herself an “Army brat,” being raised by her father who was a retired Army Major and her mother who was
an Army corporal. She describes her upbringing as being like a Norman Rockwell.
She is a mother of three children, two of which are married and with two grandchildren. She is also a proud
show woman of Great Danes nationally and internationally. In 1987, Mary had the number one Great Dane in
the United States. Being a lover of animals, Mary has been a member of the SPCA of Ulster County for the
past 15 years and is also a member of the Masonic Fraternity, Order of the Eastern Star for 20 years.
Mary attended Dutchess Community College and started her career at St. Francis Hospital and Devereux before joining our team at Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County as a Developmental Specialist. She has over twentyone years with our agency since her start date on October 31, 1994.
The best part of Mary’s day is walking into work so she can start planning out exciting activities with the individuals that we serve. She finds her work experiences very rewarding and strives to make a difference in the lives
of the individuals who attend out Day Habilitation program.
“Sometimes seeing the tiniest change and achievement in someone I am working with is most rewarding.”
Patience is something that Mary describes as one of the most important things she has learned through her
time here at our agency. She has learned what patience is and the acceptance of diversity. She has realized
that everyone is unique and she can accept everyone for who they are. This is a principle that she follows every day and will continue to follow for the rest of her life. She also offers our individuals longevity and trust. She
says, “They can count on me and I can ask Mary.” Time determines if you can trust someone and that is certainly something that Mary has given over the years and will continue to give.
Mary also recognizes Lisa Wilson, our Day Habitation Coordinator for providing inspiration to carry out our mission statement which allows her and the staff to fully embrace the true meaning of it.
Thank you Mary Merritt for all that you do and congratulations on earning Employee of the Year for 2015!
Terry is an experienced board member. Most recently he served on the Ulster County Regional Chamber of
Commerce board for nine (9) years and recently completed a two-year term as Chair. For five years he chaired
the Chamber's major fundraising event, the Wing Fling. He currently is a Trustee on the Saugerties Village
Board and is a member of the Operations Committee for the Saugerties Stallions Collegiate Baseball team. In
addition to two terms on the Board of Education for the Saugerties Central School District, Terry has also served
on a number of not-for-profit boards, including Junior Achievement and he has held leadership roles on boards
for various youth soccer and baseball teams.
Upcoming Events for 2016
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Murder Mystery Fundraiser at Diamond Mills in Saugerties on
June 3, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
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Our 4th annual Accessibility Awareness Day at the Walkway Over
the Hudson will be on Saturday, September 9, 2016 from 7:00 AM
to 1:00 PM.
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Employee Picnic will be on October 1, 2016 from 12:00 PM to 4:00
PM at the Robert Post Park located in Kingston.
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Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County will be celebrating 65 years on
December 1, 2016.
In the Spotlight:
A Year in Review: Accomplishments of 2015
Wraparound Community Services
Wraparound Community Services (WCS) is an innovative program which provides intensive in home supports for persons with disabilities and their caretakers. The program offers a community
based alternative to residential care without compromising quality or safety for OPWDD eligible individuals. Wraparound Community Services is comprised of three distinct programs: Family Care Services
(FCS), Shared Living Services (SLS) and Supportive Home Services (SHS).
Family Care Services – Find Your Forever Family
Through the Family Care Services (FCS) program, individuals with disabilities are
matched with caring, supportive families to provide them with residential housing in
certified private homes.
From the matching process, to the provision of services and planning, to day habilitation, vocational, employment and recreational services, the FCS team will deliver
high-quality support ensured to create a strong, positive relationship between the
individual participating in the program and the family.
Shared Living Services – Find Your Forever Home
Shared Living Services (SLS) provides an innovative option to residential care. Per-
sons with disabilities will live in apartments, condominiums, and houses on their
own or with a person who they have chosen to provide caregiver services.
Through this program, the person with disabilities is fully in control of the residential
space. While an individual’s caregiver may change, the person with disabilities will
remain in their home with SLS coordinated supports. If a caregiver is selected, the
SLS team will utilize a comprehensive screening and training process to ensure that
the match is a good fit for both the individual and the caretaker.
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Day Treatment became Day Habilitation
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We received a 4 year CQL Accreditation
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PBIS Implementation (positive behavior intervention and support)
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Our 3rd Annual Accessibility Awareness day raised $19,000
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Wraparound Community Services began providing intensive community based services to people with
disabilities
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Strong Audit Performance in 2015
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College of Direct Support—Web Based Direct Support Professional Training. We have initiated training
for staff to get their national accreditations
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We added a new board member Terry Parisian
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We reorganized the administration by creating CFO and Vice President of Operations
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Awarded TRAID proposal
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Run4Me—Pairs runners with disabled individuals in the spirit of friendship and community.
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Enhanced Staff Recruitment—Job fairs, college attendance, advertising and staff payment for referred
staff
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Installed new playground equipment at Webster Street office
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Increased tuition assistant amount for staff to attend college
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Created a fundraising position
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Implemented an electronic timeclock system
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Community Habilitation—We are approved to provide this service from OPWDD
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Family Care—We are approved to provide this service from OPWDD
Supportive Home Services – Your Circle of Support
The Supportive Home Services (SHS) program is designed to provide the routine and
emergency supports necessary to prevent the need for an out of home placement.
The SHS team will work closely with individuals in the program to address specific
needs and ultimately create a stable and safe environment. Through in-home and
community based services, the SHS program offers a well-coordinated spectrum of
services designed to ensure wellness.
DAY HABILITATION SERVICES:
Programs and Services
INDIVIDUAL RESIDENTIAL ALTERNATIVES (IRA):
Established in 1994, Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County’s IRA’s were developed to ensure that individuals have the
support they need to live as full a life as possible. The programs range from 24-hour “total care” to supportive
apartments that allow individuals to care for themselves with reduced staff support. Our IRA’s include: The
Kirschner Residence, serving young adults with multiple disabilities; The Koenig Residence, serving individuals
who need supervision and training primarily in independent living skills and may require physical assistance; and
the Keresman Apartments, which serves individuals who have achieved a significant level of independence.
Day Habilitation programming provides a planned combination of onsite and offsite activities and rehabilitative services to adults ages 21 and over at our main campus. We strive to provide a well-rounded program that targets
each individuals specific interest by survey what activities they would like to participate in. Individuals go out and
explore community activities enhancing their lives while expanding their world.
MEDICAID SERVICE COORDINATION (MSC) AND QUALIFIED INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES PROVIDERS
(QIDP):
Service Coordination provides coordination of services for individuals with disabilities to promote choice of
services and support appropriate to their needs. Using person-centered planning, MSC’s develop, implement, and
maintain individual service plans to help individuals lead a fulfilling life. QIDP’s ensure that adequate environmental supports, service design and delivery promote independence, health, and safety.
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT SERVICES (ISS):
INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES (ICF):
ISS is a housing subsidy program that assists individuals with developmental disabilities that are looking for options to live independently in an apartment by providing support through housing stipends.
Intermediate Care Facilities offer greater staff support and often utilize clinical models for individuals that are medically fragile. ICF’s include: The Hillcrest Residence, located in Ellenville, a spacious facility for fourteen medically
fragile men and women that offers ample space for recreation and relaxation; the Lasher Residence, in Saugerties, an eight-person facility known for its high level of community involvement; the Carroad Residence, in New
Paltz, which addresses the need to provide a home for young adults who “aged out” of programs suitable for children; and the Oberkirch Residence, in Lake Katrine.
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES (FSS):
CHILDREN’S RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM:
The Oberkirch Residence, opened in May 1989, and provides the opportunity for 12 children with disabilities, ages
five to twenty-one, to live in a home-like environment in a facility staffed 24-hours a day. The program offers a
wealth of resources for each child's needs.
A short-term reimbursement program, FSS assists families with the care of a developmentally disabled child who
is living at home by helping to purchase services and goods with are not funded through Medicaid. Purchases
may include adaptive equipment, toys, etc.
ARTICLE 28 CLINIC:
Out-patient care is provided by qualified healthcare providers in neurology, audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech/language therapy.
SCHOOL AGE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES:
VOCATIONAL SERVICES:
Our School Age Educational program, located at our main campus at 250 Tuytenbridge Road is fully licensed by
New York State, with Special education certified teachers utilizing curriculum aligned with the Common Core learning standards. Our adaptive classrooms are 6:1:3, providing high levels of support to enact individualized education plans allowing students to increase independence while building academic progress.
Supported Employment Services offers individuals with the disabilities the ongoing support, job development, job
coaching, appropriate services, and training necessary to obtain and maintain employment in a competitive work
environment. Many individuals are employed at Taco Bell, Wendy’s, McDonalds, Burger King, Red Lobster, Shop
Rite, Marshalls, Burlington Coat Factory, and the Dollar Store.
TRAID :
PRESCHOOL EDUCATION SERVICES:
Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County operates several integrated classrooms serving children ages three to five with
and without disabilities. Aligned with Common Core learning standards, the curriculum addresses social, emotional, pre-academic, play, self-help, communication, gross and fine motor, and visual motor skills required for a
smooth transition to Kindergarten.
Cerebral Palsy of Ulster Counties TRAID Project exists to provide individuals with disabilities in Orange, Ulster,
Rockland and Sullivan counties, access to assistive technology on a loan basis that allows them to maximize independence in the home, school, employment and community environments. Each person can loan up to three
pieces of adaptive technology for one month, extensions are possible if needed. We also accept equipment that is
no longer needed to be reutilized for others in the community.