HR NEWS:
2012
HR
News:WINTER-SPRING
FHR News: Fall-Winter
2011
all-Winter 2011
Community Action CHANGES people’s lives, EMBODIES the
spirit of hope, and IMPROVES COMMUNITIES
Save the Date:
Action for a Better Community Annual Meeting
HR Staff Members
Paulette Washington
HR Director
Cynthia Powell
HR Manager of
Employment & Diversity
Cassandra Kelley
HR Benefits
ABC’s 47th Annual Meeting
Date: Wednesday-May 23, 2012
Time: 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Place: Rochester Museum & Science Center
Eisenhart Auditorium - 657 East Ave.
Coordinator
Deborah C. Brown
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
HR Special Projects
Coordinator
Newsletter Editor
Deborah Mott
HR Administrative
Assistant
Desiree Wilson
HR Clerk
Thomasina Jones
HR Intern
Inside this Issue:

Director’s Corner

Benefits Corner

HR Tips &
Reminders

Staff & Program
Updates

Administrative
Assistant Tips

Special Projects

Continuous
Learning

ABC Opportunities
*ABC Annual Meeting information is also available at www.abcinfo.org
ABC’s “FOCUS” Program
Focusing on Education through GED Preparation & Tutoring Services
FOCUS (Family Opportunities Created Utilizing Supports) is offered through ABC’s
Community Building in Action Program. It gives us great pleasure to announce that the
FOCUS program now offers tutoring assistance for individuals in our community who do not
have their GED or high school diplomas.
After establishing a successful partnership with the Rochester Educational Opportunity
Center (REOC), FOCUS staff are now even more determined to make a significant difference
in the community through this wonderful initiative. Helping individuals achieve greater
self-sufficiency through education and training are key outcomes for FOCUS. With early
school withdrawal being a major deterrent to success, we congratulate the FOCUS program on
responding to a vital need in the Rochester community through this effort.
FOCUS staff as well as other ABC staff are all excited about this opportunity. So much so,
that tutoring services are administered through a collaborative effort of staff members from
various ABC Departments.
Tutorial assistance is available Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am-10:30 am at the
FOCUS Offices located at 917 E. Main Street. For more information or to serve as a
FOCUS volunteer, please contact program staff at 325-7550.
HR NEWS LETTER
Winter-Spring 2012
*HR DIRECTOR’s CORNER*
Greetings Everyone,
As we enter into the season of spring, we can’t help but be grateful for making it through an easy
winter, especially for Rochester. Despite the recent cold spell, spring has sprung, and with it comes
those wonderful thoughts of flowers, vacations, birds singing and all sorts of good things.
The timing is perfect for “thoughts of good things,” for over the past few months, we as a nation
and as a community have experienced many ups & downs. From Sanford, Florida to right here in
Rochester, we were faced with searching for answers for a variety of unfortunate and unspeakable acts. While our
search has created tension in some cases, it has also lead to advocacy efforts and community mobilization in others.
What we are certain of, is that the times continue to “Call us to Action” - now more than ever. As staff members of
a Community Action Agency, I commend you all for responding to that call through your hard work here at ABC.
As HR Director, I stand by my HR Team in supporting you as we respond to your personnel needs.
As always, in closing, I offer my continued encouragement to you, as I partner with you in keeping our “Promise of
Community Action.” Here’s to wishing for continued success, growth, and progress through service.
Sincerely,
Paulette Washington, HR Director
Congratulations and Best Wishes to Genny Morris !
Photos Above: G. Morris; Finance Staff, M.
Winterhalter offering
congratulatory words as
B. Zuber, G. Martin &
J. Carson look on.
Below: Finance Staff-A.
Aweis & J. Carson: G.
Morris; S. Hlywa & G.
Morris sharing a moment as L. Chase looks
on at Mrs. Morris retirement luncheon.
On January 26th, ABC staff gathered together to celebrate the retirement and the beginning
of a new season for ABC’s Finance Department’s Payroll Manager, Genny Morris.
Mrs. Morris has a long history of dedicated service with ABC, having joined the agency in 1996
in Accounts Payable.
ABC staff will fondly remember this sixteen year veteran for her courteous service, patience and
willingness to extend herself whenever needed. At her retirement luncheon, Mrs. Morris offered
her thanks to the agency for giving her “opportunities for personal and professional development.” She also thanked her colleagues for their continued support and shared how grateful
she was for this career experience.
I had an opportunity to share a moment with Mrs. Morris about her experiences at ABC
and her future plans as a retiree. Here is what she had to say:
DCB: What are your fondest ABC memories?
GM: The people—so many - so different – great group-especially in the Finance Dept.
DCB: What was your greatest ABC moment?
GM: Being the recipient of “ABC’s Whole New World Award.”
DCB: What are your future plans?
GM: Travel-travel-travel! Myrtle Beach, a cruise, and my dream trip is to visit Russia-St.
Petersburg. I would just love to travel all over the world! I also want to spend time with
my grandchildren. Reading and playing with them and spending time with my family.
Maybe even do some writing - “A History for My Granddaughters.”
DCB: Do you have any words for Laura Chase, ABC’s new Payroll Manager?
GM: Take each day as it comes. In working with people, remember you can get more
flies with honey than with vinegar.
DCB: Do you have any departing wishes for ABC?
GM: Prosperity and Growth for a great agency!
HR NEWSLETTER
WINTER –SPRING 2012
*ABC to host NYS Point & Insurance Reduction Program*
In conjunction with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, ABC will be offering a Safe Drivers Course
for ABC staff members, families & friends. This course is intended to do the following for participants:

Reduce 4 points on your driving record for convictions incurred within the past 18 months
 Receive 10% discount on insurance premiums for the next three years on autos, cycles, four wheelers & motor
homes.
WHERE: ABC Central Office-550 E. Main Street
*Pre-registration
* WHEN: Saturday, May 19. 2012
*TME: 9:00 am–3:00 pm
and an advance payment fee of $25.00 is required by May 11th.
*For more info, contact Cassandra Kelley at [email protected]
*SAM’s CLUB MEMBERSHIPS*
*ABC employees. enjoy the value of a Sam’s Club Membership Certificate- offer valid through 4/30/12 .
ABC - HR Department Road to Wellness Update

The Big Four-Habits for a Healthy Lifestyle: So what does a healthy lifestyle consist of?
-Here are the basics. If you eat a nutritious diet, get regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, and stop
smoking, you will be able to keep your heart healthy and strong. It is vital to adopt and practice all FOUR lifestyle
habits as an action plan in making a positive difference in your heart health.

Stress Management 101 - Assess Your Stress:
Stress management involves controlling and
reducing tension that occurs in stressful situations by making emotional and physical changes. To help you
create your own personal stress management plan, take a look at the FIVE AREAS that can help reduce stress.
1). Attitude: Find the positive in situations and don’t dwell on the negative; plan fun activities; and take regular
breaks.
2). Diet/Nutrition: Eat foods that improve your health and well being. Fruits & Vegetables are a must!
3). Physical Activity: After FIRST consulting with your doctor, try to start a physical activity program. Most experts
recommend 20 minutes of aerobic activity three times per week. Decide on a specific type, amount, and level of
physical activity that makes you feel better and less stressed. Fit this into your schedule so it can be part of your routine. Find a
buddy to exercise with-it is more fun and it will encourage you to stick to your routine.
4). Social Support Systems: Almost everyone needs someone in their corner that they can rely on when they are having
a hard time. Make an effort to socialize. Even though you may feel tempted to avoid people when you feel stressed, meeting
friends usually helps people feel less stressed. Be good to YOURSELF & OTHERS.
5). Relaxation and Hobbies: Use relaxation techniques such as guided imagery, listening to music, or meditation.
Listen to your body when it tells you to slow down or take a break. Make sure to get enough sleep. Good sleep habits are
one of the best ways to manage stress. Take time out for personal interest and hobbies.

If these don’t work, there are licensed professionals and doctors that you can talk to about stress
management options. For more info on health, check out The National Library of Medicine and
National Institute of Health website at www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
Info Courtesy of : The Well Workplace Health Letter-The Wellness Council of America, February 2012
HR NEWSLETTER
WINTER-SPRING 2012
HR Tips and Reminders
Cynthia Powell, Manager of Employment & Diversity
Successful On-boarding
Making New Hires’ First Days Count
Turnover-related expenses can create huge financial burdens for any organization, creating
substantial losses that no organization can truly justify. However, there are solutions to reducing
costly turnovers while at the same time, demonstrating to new employees your willingness to invest
in them as a future part of your organization. An effective on-boarding program drastically
increases the odds that your new hires will stick around for the long haul.
What exactly does the term “On-boarding” mean?

On-boarding, also known as organizational socialization, refers to the mechanism through which new
employees acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviors to become effective organizational
members and insiders.
Tactics used in an on-boarding process can include formal & informal meetings, tours, lectures,
videos, printed materials, or computer-based orientations to introduce newcomers to their new
jobs, colleagues and organizations. Research has demonstrated that these socialization techniques
lead to positive outcomes for new employees such as higher job satisfaction, better job performance, greater organizational commitment, reduction in stress and intent to quit. These outcomes
are particularly important to an organization looking to retain a competitive advantage in an increasingly mobile and globalized workforce. In the United States, for example, up to 25% of workers
are organizational newcomers engaged in an on boarding process.
Successful on-boarding with a new employee is your first and best opportunity to engage them as
part of your team. So take a minute and do some research on effective plans or talk to HR about
some best practices. Increase your chances of a guaranteed return on your employee investment.
*Research Info Courtesy of: Workplace Training Center and Wikipedia-Creative Commons Attribution.
*The Other Side of On Boarding*
You planned carefully, created an orientation program, readied the workspace and welcomed
your new workers in style. Those are important steps in the on boarding process. Yet when you
bring new employees onboard, you do not bear all the responsibility for workplace success.
While you can do much to ensure that your new employees succeed, you can’t do it all. They must
also commit to reaching their goals, being a part of the team and becoming a great employee.
Bottom line: Let new hires know that you expect them to speak up and ask questions. Put the onus
on them to seek clarity and advice. Creating two way conversation is another important element in
building a strong team.
*Research info Courtesy of: Adapted from “Orientation Important for Employee, Firm, ”The Leader-Post (Regina, Saskatchewan),
www.leaderpost.com.
*HR Reminders*

STAFF ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
APPRAISALS:
by APRIL
27th.
“WELCOMING
NEWAppraisals
FACESare
INdueABC
PLACES
“

CHANGE of STATUS: Please alert HR of any change in address, name, telephone number, beneficiary, dependents, etc.

CREDENTIALS/TRAINING : Please submit copies of any certificates, credentials, degrees, transcripts, etc. to HR
HR NEWSLETTER
WINTER-SPRING 2012
ABC STAFF & PROGRAM UPDATES
“Dedicated to Helping People Help Themselves & Each Other”
*ABC STAFF on the MOVE*
*Kudos to Information Technology Director, Dan “The Man” Callahan*
Interviewed: Thomas Green, Deputy Director -Information Technology, Housing & Workforce Development
Pictured Above:
Information Technology
Director, Dan Callahan..
Please join us in congratulating Dan Callahan, Director of ABC’s Information &
Technology Department on earning several Microsoft Technology Associate
Certifications (MTA’s).
Dan recently attended a condensed two-day training and examination program and distinguished himself by passing ALL 4 certification tests! Mr. Green, Dan’s Supervisor,
was very proud of his staff member and expressed his sentiments over this wonderful
accomplishment. “Very few of the students were able to pass these rigorous examinations, especially on the first go round. The skills acquired through this coursework and training, are essential in providing the technological support that our organization needs to best serve our customers.”
Earning his Microsoft certifications demonstrates Dan’s proficiency in the following areas:
*Networking *Database Administration *Security * Windows Server Administration
In addition to this great accomplishment, Dan was accepted into ABC’s 2012
Leadership Academy. We are so very proud of Dan and look forward to his further
contributions in leading the Information Technology dept. and as a member of
ABC’s Team.
WELL DONE DAN!
Familiar Faces in New ABC Places
ABC’s Action Front Center Staff Member Ambrose Nwaimo
Congratulations to Ambrose Nwaimo upon his recent promotion to the position
of Criminal Justice Services Coordinator with ABC’s Action Front Center. Ambrose
came to ABC in 2001 and worked in a former agency program known as the Enterprise
Center. In 2006, he joined the staff of AFC as a Health Educator & Transitional Planner
for the Criminal Justice Initiative Program.
Prior to joining ABC, Ambrose worked in Nigeria as a teacher, Vice Principal and also
a Principal for various schools. Ambrose holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration, and enjoys traveling, soccer and reading.
Pictured Above: AFCCJI Coordinator,
Ambrose Nwaimo.
We extend further congratulations to Ambrose for being accepted into ABC’s
2012 Leadership Academy Program.
Kudos to Ambrose Nwaimo, an ABC Leader on the MOVE!
HR NEWSLETTER
WINTER-SPRING 2012
ABC STAFF & PROGRAM UPDATES
Contd.
“Dedicated to Helping People Help Themselves & Each Other”
*Welcoming
NewPlaces
Faces
Familiar
Faces in New
in ABC Places*
*Brittany Rumph –Teacher
*Jennifer Carson-Accountant
*Kassabli Newton-ECP Intern
*Kevin Louis-ECP Intern
*John Brewer-ECP Intern
*Marcus Smith-ECP Intern
*Terry Nesmith-ECP Intern
*Richard Quinones-ECP Intern
*Wayne Levert-ECP Intern
*Schirone Smith-ECP Intern
*Jocelyn Jeffries-ECP Intern
*Martinhouse Miller-ECP Intern
*Andrea Guck-Teacher Asst.
*Cynthia Matthews-Teacher Asst.
*Bethany Havey-Teacher Asst.
*Courtney Bossie-Ed/DBL Specialist
*Cameron Hebda-Policy Specialist
*Alicia Johnson-BSO Admin. Asst.
*Deborah Palumbo-Volunteer Specialist-Employment Skills
*FAMILIAR ABC FACES in NEW PLACES*
*Jennifer Nottell
*Alice Jones
From BSO to Head Start-Clifford Ave.
Center-Administrative Asst.
*Hulando Howard
From CBA –FOCUS Program to Workforce
Development-Career Coach
From Head Start -Jefferson Ave. Center
to Head Start- Hart St. Center-Teacher
*Jemeul Thompson
From Micrecycle to Workforce Development
Training Specialist
Promise of Community Action
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope,
improves communities, and makes America a better place to live.
We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to
helping people help themselves and each other.
HR NEWSLETTER
WINTER-SPRING 2012
Watch Your Tone
by Desiree Wilson, HR Clerk
Ever feel like what you say to someone goes in one ear and out of the other?
There are basically three elements to any face to face communication. Words (7%), body
language (55%)and tone (38%) with each accounting differently for the meaning of the message.
While most people are largely aware of the first two elements, many fail to realize just how much
the tone of their voice, can influence the outcome of their statements and discussions, even more
than the actual words you use.
Research shows that the receiver of communication will usually accept the predominant form of
communication, the non-verbal (93%)rather than the literal meaning of words (7%).
Whether your tone is positive, negative, or monotone, people will respond to each differently.
*Below are a few pointers to achieve better results when communicating:

Use a good voice tone: Research shows that people often respond better when the person speaking talks in a
deeper tone. It is suggested that a deeper tone lends more authority, respectability and power to the statements
being made. No, I am not suggesting that you use a fake deep voice. However, you should examine the voice range
that you commonly use and examine your tone when preparing to deliver messages.
This is especially important when delivering a message in public or in a group setting.

Speak Slowly: Sometimes it is important to just slow down. This is especially important when giving a coaching or
counseling session. Speaking slower gives the listener a chance to clearly hear you and digest your words.
Hearing clearly can assist in someone understanding the message you are conveying.

Let what you say sink in. Give enough time for your message to sink in. When you do this, it allows your listener
(s) to take in what you say, and gives you time to select the right words and phrases. This can contribute to your having a more meaningful and productive exchange of dialogue.
In closing, I encourage you to pay closer attention to the tone in your voice. You as the deliverer of a message, are
the one who can truly have an impact on the outcome of the communication exchange. Remember, while you may
say and mean one thing, your tone could send a completely different message.
Research Info Courtesy of: The Steve Gavatorta Group Inc.-Speaking, Training & Coaching
*ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT CORNER*
Deborah Mott, HR Administrative Assistant
The Office Organizer: Clutter Control - Document Management Tips
*Follow these three document management strategies to keep paper from taking over
your desk:
1.
Organize your files around retrieval. Your goal is easy retrieval. After all, if you can’t find a file, you might as well not
have it at all.
2.
Assign toss-out dates to your files. If you never throw anything away, you’ll make the filing cabinet manufacturers
very happy, but you’ll waste time trying to find anything. You simply do not have to keep every scrap of paper forever.
3.
Move your paper –don’t let it pile up. To avoid huge piles of paper on your desk, make it a habit to go through the
stack several times a week. Start at the top of the pile and do something-anything– with each piece . If you can’t figure
out what to do with it, then place it in a holding file, assign a date and deal with it later.
H R N E WS L E T T E R
W I N T E R - S PR I NG 2 0 1 2
Special Projects at Action for a Better Community
Debbie Cummings-Brown, HR Special Projects Coordinator
ABC 2012 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Greetings to All,
HR’s last Newsletter celebrated the culmination of ABC’s 2nd Leadership Academy with 11 staff members
graduating from the 12 week program. In January, a new L.A. Planning Team was convened to start coordinating activities for
the 2012 Leadership Academy Class. The Team reviewed everything from past participant evaluations and curriculums to
feedback on the facilitators in designing this year’s program. We are very excited about the curriculum this year. A brand
new Module has been added and revised, others have been revised to ensure that we offer the best practices in leadership
development to our staff members. In addition, we opened the application process for class enrollment to the entire agency.
This year, we are very excited to have both management as well as direct service staff members from all over the agency
participating in the program.
On March 23rd, ABC officially launched its third annual Leadership Academy with a traditional “Kick-Off Celebration.”
ABC Board Chairperson, Jerome Underwood opened the celebration with a wonderful presentation titled “What
Constitutes a Leader? A Board Perspective.” That afternoon, ABC Pres. & CEO, James H. Norman, spent an
informative afternoon with the participant leaders where he shared the history of ABC and Community Action Agencies as
well as his vision for the leadership of this organization. Participants enjoyed hearing about Mr. Norman’s own leadership
journey and responding to questions about the vision he has for ABC and our community.
ABC Deputy Director Thomas Green, successfully responded to our request for a new Module titled “Leadership,
Supervision & Management” which focused on strategic leadership in providing unity, focus and direction in assuming
these roles. The “Effective Communications” Module has been expanded to include a new segment on Public Speaking.
This year, Dr. Arlette Miller-Smith has joined our great team of facilitators which includes Nyron & Elizabeth Prescod
of Prescod Leadership Enterprises, Margaret Sanchez of Sanchez Associates and Toni Zeiser of Rochester Business Alliance. Dr. Smith will be delivering the communication segment along with “Diversity and Cultural Competence: Beyond Race” Module. The “The World in Which We Live: Advocacy & Policy for Social Change” Module
has been revised to include an overview of current world, national and local conditions that contribute to our quality of life.
Advocacy strategies designed to affect public policy decisions are also included in this segment. L.A. participant leaders will
also be afforded an opportunity to increase their knowledge about ABC and it’s staff members through the Agency Site
Visits, also new to the L.A. agenda.
ABC’s Anthony Yeung, Acting CFO and members of the Finance dept., staff members from the Human
Resources department and Chris Bell , Asst. Deputy Director of Technology, Housing & Workforce Development,
were added to our team of internal facilitators. We offer our thanks to these volunteers and commend those
rejoining us for a second year which includes Aaron Wicks, Tanya Thurman, Jon Greenbaum, and Naimah Sierra.
Pictured Above: Far Left: ABC Board Chair, Jerome Underwood speaking at the L.A. Kick-Off: Center Photo: Board members
Jerome Underwood and Victoria Scott congratulating AFC staff member Brooks Benton (center); and Pictured Right: ABC
Pres. & CEO James H. Norman conducting a presentation at the Leadership Academy Kick Off Celebration.
HR NEWSLETTER
WINTER-SPRING 2012
ABC: CREATING OPPORTUNITIES AIMED at CONTINUOUS LEARNING
*CONGRATULATIONS*
ABC
2012 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PARTICIPANTS
*Brooks
Benton, Health Educator-Action Front Center
*Janice Brown, Disability Specialist- Head Start-Hart Street Ctr.
*Dan Callahan, Director of Information Technology -Technology,
Housing & Workforce Development Division
*Estella Copeland, Assistant Center Director-Head Start-Hart Street Ctr.
*Jack Dees, Family Developer–Head Start-Jefferson Ave. Ctr.
*Clintona Gordon, Family Developer-Head Start-Clifford Ave. Ctr.
*Jon Greenbaum, Program Coordinator-Community Building in Action
*Chanel Hernandez, Lead Resource Specialist-Lead Resource Center
*Okechukwu Ikpeze, Community Builder-Community Building in Action
*Linda King-Bronner, Program Director-New Directions
*Deborah Mott, Administrative Assistant-Human Resources
*Ambrose Nwaimo, CJI Coordinator-Action Front Center
*Betty Penn, Planning & Evaluation Specialist-Planning & Evaluation
*Kim Robbins, Volunteer Administrator-Head Start-Stone Street
*Special thanks and acknowledgement to the 2012 Leadership Academy Planning Team: Camille Aidala,
Chris Bell, Debbie Cummings-Brown, 2011 & 2012 L.A. Chairperson, Shawn Futch, Peter Ochi, Cynthia Powell,
Tanya Thurman, Steve Turner and Paulette Washington, 2010 L.A. Chairperson.
ABC’s
2012 Leadership Academy
HR NEWSLETTER
WINTER-SPRING 2012
ABC: Creating Opportunities Aimed at Continuous Learning
*Mandatory
ABC SAFETY TRAINING
Safety DVD’s
1.Office Safety
2.Slips, Trips & Falls
3.Back Safety
4.Bloodborne
Pathogens
5.Emergency
Evacuation
6. Winter Safety
We ask that you review the list and sign out any videos that fit your program’s/department’s Driving
needs. Desiree Wilson, HR Clerk is available to assist you with the sign out process.
Greetings, ABC’s Safety Committee, BSO and HR departments have made great strides in
implementing the agency’s Safety Training Program. To date, this effort has sponsored viewing
sessions with close to 413 staff participants.
We are very pleased to announce, that we have developed an on-site Safety Library for
your convenience which is housed in our HR Suite. This benefit is designed to increase your
accessibility and opportunities for meeting the agency safety viewing requirements.
*Please see the listing to the right and note that there are 6 SAFETY DVD’s that ALL AGENCY STAFF are mandated
to view. There are additional topics that are required for staff viewing based on specific job duties/department (HS/BSO/ECP).
A listing of those topic areas was previously distributed to all staff members.
ABC L.A.N.T.S Project
ABC
Leadership Academy Noon Time Seminars
EMPOWERMENT TRAINING
L.A.N.T.S. Presentations Coming Soon
*Expanding Adult/Youth Leadership:
Patricia Terziani-5/4/12
*The “Emotionally Healthy “Workplace :
Michael Samuel-5/18/12
*Effective Delegation: Eric Binazeski-TBD
*A Day at Head Start: Mustapha Berhan– TBD
*HIV & AIDS Awareness: Isabel Rosa -TBD
*Humor in the Workplace-Pt.2: Darlene WilliamsTBD
*Dealing with Change-Pt.2: Chris Bell-TBD
*Are You Smarter Than A Smart Board?:
Camille Aidala– TBD
On Empowerment
“An empowered organization is a mission
focused entity that fosters a work environment of respect, integrity, equality
and opportunity; wherein relevant information, knowledge and power is broadly
shared; wherein individual excellence can
strive in a team-oriented environment;
and where organizational hierarchy is
minimized.”
*The
next Empowerment Training Sessions are tentatively
scheduled for July and December. Please let Desiree Wilson,
HR know if you have not attended a session so that we may
schedule accordingly.
*Please look out for e-mails and posters announcing upcoming ABC Leadership Academy events, LANTS
presentations, Empowerment Sessions, Safety trainings, work shops, Webinars, info sessions and a variety of
opportunities for continuous learning offered at ABC.
HR NEWSLETTER
WINTER-SPRING 2012
ABC: CREATING OPPORTUNITIES AIMED at CONTINUOUS LEARNING
*ABC MANAGEMENT RETREAT *
On March 9th, close to 60 members of ABC’s management staff gathered together for ABC’s
Management Retreat. This forum, which is held on a quarterly basis, serves as a great vehicle where
management can come together to exchange information and discuss issues which affect us all, both
nationally and locally. It also affords us with an opportunity to strategize on service methods and
advocacy efforts necessary in responding to community needs.
Presentation topics included “Structural Inequality and Racism” and “Getting the Big Picture on
Poverty” took center stage at the retreat. New Directions Director, Linda King-Bronner provided a
wonderful presentation on her department and introduced their new “NY SOARS” program to the
group. Community Building in Action staff member, Jon Greenbaum co-facilitated the presentation on
poverty with Dr. Margery Saunders of SUNY Brockport.
ABC’s own Dr. Aaron Wicks, Dir. of Planning & Evaluation, was also on hand to conduct a wonderful
presentation on structural inequality. Dr. Wicks announced that ABC was very successful in maintaining
the many organizational partnerships created through the R.I.S.E. initiative last year (Rochester
Initiative for Structural Equality). He announced that in January 2013, ABC, the Rochester Area
Community Foundation, the Rochester Museum & Science Center, along with a variety of other
committed organizations and individuals, will be bringing an award winning, national touring museum
exhibit on race to Rochester. The group is now in the process of planning a variety of activities to
coincide with this event that will foster further community engagement on issues of race and equality.
Coupled with a fantastic lunch and great conversation with colleagues, we all were in agreement, that
this was one of the best retreats ever.
*Special thanks to ABC Administration staff and all the presenters for planning a wonderful afternoon.
Photo Top: Jon Greenbaum:
Right: ABC Managers attentively listening to speakers; P& E Dir., Aaron Wicks; Top Right: ABC
staff member Jon Greenbaum leading staff in a “Jeopardy” activity:
Bottom Right: ABC staff member Kim Robbins and SUNY Brockport
presenter, Dr. Margery Saunders sharing a moment at the retreat.
ABC : CREATING OPPORTUNITIES for CONTINUOUS LEARNING
ABC Tuition Assistance Programs
The Agency provides assistance to Agency personnel actively working to advance their formal education. Emphasis is placed on full-time
school calendar employees who are seeking job related training and who are engaged in a planned career path. In the event that staff are in need
for tuition assistance, please refer to ABC’s Personnel Policy Handbook Section 4.5-Tuition Reimbursement Policy.
*ABC currently offers four (4) different opportunities for staff under this policy. Employees participating in the Education Reimbursement program are eligible for reimbursement of no more than a total of $1,800 per year, which is contingent upon the availability
of funds.
HR NEWSLETTER
WINTER-SPRING 2012
ABC:WEBSITE UPDATE
ABC now has Face Book, Twitter and YouTube Accounts
https://www.facebook.com/ABCINFO
http://twitter.com/ABCCAA
http://www.youtube.com/ABCINFOCAA

Video of ABC’s Signature Luncheon Keynote Address is posted on
the website, Face Book and Twitter pages.
ABC’s goal is to have the “best in class” website
The new website concentrates on seven categories: design: ease of use; copywriting; interactivity; use of technology; innovation and content
 The website will also serve as a web portal. The portal by definition provides
a link of access to a multitude of services incl. program services; applying for
employment; and access to ABC’s goods and services bidding process
 The website features a Human Resource Module that allows individuals to
learn about job vacancies and submit an application for employment on-line
 Other website features include: Enhanced Content; Enhanced Navigation;
Training Registration; Event Registration; Enhanced Donation Capability;
Viewable Mobile Devices; Language Translation; Search Engine Organization; Business Services Module; and Easy Maintenance.

BECOME AN ABC VOLUNTEER !
*FOCUS Program : Seeking Tutors in math, English, reading, etc.
*The FOCUS Program staff has been working with FOCUS participants (and others) to prepare them for their GED. To
date, 34 individuals enrolled in the GED tutoring program and nine successfully qualified to take the pre-test. The number
of participants is increasing and we need your help by devoting one hour of tutoring assistance per week. The schedule is
flexible and your help would mean that we can provide this much needed service without having to pay for an instructor.
*Days: Monday -Thursday

*Time: 9: 00 am-10:30 am
*Location: FOCUS Office-917 E. Main St.
Please contact Shawn Futch, FOCUS Coordinator at 325-7550 if you are interested in volunteering as a
tutor with ABC’s FOCUS Program. Join us in helping our customers take a step towards self-sufficiency by
achieving their educational goals-the rewards are priceless.
*HEAD START PROGRAM: Seeking childcare, maintenance, clerical and kitchen assistants.
*ABC’s Head Start Program positively affects over a thousand low income families and their children in the Greater
Rochester area. The program offers early childhood education, family activities, parent involvement initiatives and health
screenings for enrolled children. ABC’s Head Start Program has a variety of volunteer opportunities available and welcomes community engagement at all levels.
 Please contact Kim Robbins, Head Start Volunteer Administrator, 49 Stone Street, Rochester, New York,
14604– or via telephone at 325-5116, ext. 3335 if you are interested in an internship or volunteer opportunity
with ABC Head Start .
HR NEWSLETTER
WINTER-SPRING 2012
ABC FACES in the NEWS
Promise
Hope
Commitment
ABC
Community
Action
Agency
ABC sending out well
wishes to SHERRY !
LEADERSHIP
WISDOM
KINDNESS
EMPOWERMENT