2016 Winter Newsletter
Main Office
Phone: 734-240-0185
Fax: 734-241-5015
Email: [email protected]
Address: CHS Group, LLC
115 E. Front Street
Monroe, MI 48161
First Annual Christmas Fundraiser
Washtenaw Office
Phone: 734-480-1870
Fax: 734-480-1872
Email: [email protected]
It all started with a thought a staff had on how some CMH clients don’t
have family or friends during Christmas. How depressing must this time
be? How could CHS make a difference?
Calhoun Office
Phone: 269-282-1213
Fax: 269-969-7244
Email: [email protected]
With a quick thought and a turn of their heads, staff came up with a
fundraiser consisting of a roast beef feast, a silent auction of donated
items, and a 50/50 drawing.
Accredited since 2008
2008, 2009 & 2012 Monroe County
Provider of the Year
Member of the Better Business Bureau
www.chsgroupmichigan.com
Recipe for Success
PASSION:
You've got to love what you do. Mental Health refers people to us because we can help
change their lives. That is powerful.
ATTITUDE: You've got to have the attitude....the faith....the belief that you are going to change the their
lives. Come to work with a positive attitude, and wanting to make a difference. It really starts with making it
happen EVERY DAY.
LISTENING: Listen to their stories. Listen for the emotional needs. Spend 70% of your time listening and
30% talking. When you do talk, let that person know that you are LISTENING...that you care about them
reaching their goals.
COMMITMENT: One of the main things that we do at CHS is to show our commitment to the people we
serve. We promise them services…..promise them results…..and CHS is committed to living up to that
expectation!
TEACH
ASSIST
PROMPT
With no time to waste, staff went to work finding a sponsor and within
days one was found. The great men from St. Anne’s Men’s club
sponsored the event. This sponsorship meant no hall fees and they also
offered their services for helping out with the function. Next came
ordering the beef. Denise and Mark Vinciguerra stepped up and found
Stepping Stones to cover the cost. The rest of food costs were flushed
away by Steve Peterson of Peterson Plumbing. Other generous
donations were given by Carter Lumber, Durocher’s, and Go Mad Fitness.
Bright and early on November 5th, volunteers piled in to prepare the dinner. Over 20 volunteers served food,
organized the raffle, took care of the silent auction, and filled in where needed. The whole event was a smashing
success as many people entered the hall hungry and left happy and full.
As a result $1,758 was brought in which was used to buy gifts for over 30 Community Mental Health clients, and
because of people passing the word, St. Gabriel Knights of Columbus of Ida (pictured above) and St. Gabriel Church
of Dundee donated gifts and necessities graciously. Large trash bags filled the main floor of the CHS office. Hopefully
we will see this annual event service many clients for years to come.
CHS sincerely thanks Barb Peterson for organizing the event and helping to make a difference in the season of
giving.
Battle Creek Christmas Party — Huge Success!
CHS Group really enjoyed themselves for the 2016
Biggest Christmas Party Ever! It was an awesome
event. There were prizes, picture drawings, bingo,
games, pianist and singing quartet (pictured right).
One of our client’s guardian, Karmel Puzzuoli, was so
excited about the Christmas party she asked her
church, St. Thomas Episcopal, to assist us in obtaining a location to hold the
festivities. Karmel gathered $1500.00 and donated it to all 35 clients.
Thank you Karmel!
Letters of Love
Nathan and Shauda
My brother Nathan is a good packer. Actually, he is too good at packing.
When he was a kid, Mom would pack his stuff for a camping trip. The
next morning, he had added all kinds of books, magazines, rocks, can
openers, and whatever clothes he could find. Mom would scream, and
she had to re-pack his stuff.
When I took over Mom’s place helping him pack for trips, it was the
same. I finally just gave up. I said, “Put whatever you want in the car,
just don’t make the car explode.”
This summer I took Nathan on a trip to Kentucky for a family wedding. I
got to Nathan’s place nice and early, so there would be time to have a
screaming match and sort through bushels of junk to get him ready for
the trip.
Imagine my shock and amazement when he and his staff, Shaunda, were standing outside waiting for me, smiling,
with just one bag of clothes packed. No rocks, no can openers. I was totally speechless!
As Nathan got into the car, Shaunda handed him his lunch, all ready to go.
I don’t know how, but Nathan’s CHS staff were able to do something that his family has never been able to do—get
him ready for a trip with just one bag of stuff!
“That was truly amazing!”
Beverly and Victoria
Victoria started working at CHS in August of 2016. She has been working with
Beverly Acquilla who is in the vocational program in Washtenaw. Beverly is
deaf and an only child who went through a lot last year. Her father died of
cancer and he was the one that took care of her before she started receiving
community living services. Beverly had become a quiet and distant person
according to her mom, she didn’t want to go many places or communicate
with staff.
Victoria has been working with Beverly since September and during this time
they have become very close. Beverly has taught Victoria how to do sign language so they can talk to each other. They enjoy going to the mall and for
walks. Victoria stated that Beverly has taught her so much since she has
been working with her.
Mrs. Acquilla is very happy that Victoria is working with her daughter, and is
happy to see her daughter smiling again since the passing of her father.
CHS Group Giveaway Locker
In August of 2016, CHS started receiving items for our day program in Washentaw from a gentlemen who owns and
operates estate auctions, business liquidations, and cleanouts. Joe Carli was that man
and ever since then he donates items to CHS from his business transactions. These
are items that don't sell or items he would donate to the Salvation Army or other
similar groups taking donations. In October he approached us saying he had furniture, beds, kitchen items, dressers and anything that you could need to furnish a
starter apt, for our consumers or anyone in need.
In November, CHS leased a storage locker near Joe's
business and every time he had items to donate he
would put them into the CHS locker. The locker has quickly filled up and we have
many items available for consumers.
If you know of a consumer who needs furniture items you can call Rick Barbier at
734-480-1870 or visit the giveaway locker Facebook page at CHS Group Give Away.
National News
Service dog helps South Carolina Rhodes Scholar succeed
Rhodes Scholarship recipient Jory Fleming attributes a great part of his success to
his service dog, Daisy, which tags along most everywhere he goes.
Fleming, 22, a University of South Carolina senior, suffers from autism and a genetic condition that requires a feeding pump.
“She’s really a grounding presence,” said Fleming, who is majoring in both geography and marine science. “There are few occasions when I leave her home. I pretty
much take her everywhere.”
The five-year-old Daisy is trained to alert Fleming if his feeding pump is not working correctly.
She also helps Fleming concentrate. Social situations — particularly those involving
crowds, bright lights and loud noises — can be challenging for those on the autism
spectrum.
“Autism affects people differently, so my experience certainly isn’t indicative of
everyone’s,” Fleming said, speaking by phone from Alabama, where he was visiting family.
“It makes everyday things a little more challenging,” Fleming added. “I have to really concentrate mentally to hold
conversations with people and to be in an environment that most people would consider normal. Daisy understands
my reaction to the environment and she serves as a barrier for me and also is a calming presence. She’s always very
calm regardless of the social situation. That’s very comforting.”
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious academic honors, with only 32 awarded every year.
Recipients are given the opportunity to study for two years at Oxford University in England.
“I am elated for Jory and Daisy for this incredible opportunity,” said Jean Ellis, one of Fleming’s mentors and the director of graduate studies in USC’s geography department and the School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment. “Not
only is Jory brilliant but more importantly he is the most kindhearted person you will encounter. He positively impacts
all those around him. Oxford doesn’t yet appreciate their good fortune.”
Consumer Spotlight
Martha and Linda
A Year in Pictures
Here’s some of the activities CHS was proud to be apart of in 2016
Martha and Linda are perfect roommates and
best friends. They do everything together.
Fun, happy, and outgoing are three words to
describe Martha and Linda. They live in Monroe
County with their dog Riley. In the home they
enjoy playing with Riley, watching sports, dancing and listening to music. When they go out
they love going to the Toledo Zoo, watching
concerts, eating and making new friends.
6 pic
Mo
201
n r oe
nic
‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’ in Lansing. This rally enhances public awareness
on mental health matters and saw over 3000 attendees in 2016.
Martha and Linda are very nice so if you see
them please say ‘hi’, and if you can sing the
Beach Boys, you’ll make instant friends.
Monroe Christmas Party
Yakini Tucker
Yakini started at CHS in 2010 and from day one Yakini showed that he had what it took to succeed in the work place.
Throughout the next couple of years Yakini showed that he could learn the skills needed to aid him in finding work
outside of CHS. A job placement, the goal he was seeking, became a reality. In the fall of 2015 Yakini got his first job
at Meijer. He was very excited and couldn’t wait to get started. Yakini was going to work as a cart attendant. After
about a month on the job, Yakini lost the job. Yakini was devastated but he had learned a valuable lesson, there are
consequences to his actions for not following company rules.
Consumers enjoying the
Toledo Walleyes hockey game
Yakini returned to skill building at CHS and worked on becoming a better employee ie; following all rules that are
required of him. In 2016, he tried independent employment again. Yakini acquired another job with the assistance
of CHS and in Feb. of 2016 he was hired by Marsh Plating, a small factory within walking distance from his apartment. Yakini worked 1st shift hanging metal parts for painting. He was a “natural” according to his supervisor. Yakini
continued to work and moved from 1st to 2nd shift. He really seemed to enjoy this job, but in late April, production
was down and layoffs begun. Yakini was hoping that they would keep him, yet he learned yet another lesson about
working, no job is forever. Yakini was laid off. Job searching began, and in May 2016 Yakini acquired a job at Dos
Hermanos. He began stocking shelves and unloading trucks, Yakini was also used as a dishwasher at their restaurant
on the weekends. Nick, the owner, was very impressed with Yakini,
especially that “he arrives to work on time every day”. Since working at the grocery store, Yakini has begun to learn Spanish.
Yakini continues to work at Dos Hermanos and has become like one
of the family.
I asked Yakini what he could say to other consumers trying to find
work and he states, “never give up on your dreams” and “always
listen to your boss”.
Mark Rosenthal shares his Exotic Animals
at the Monroe Christmas Party
Chestnut picking day
at the farm
Winners of the 2017 Scavenger Hunt.
Andrea, Eric, Rick, Linda
Managers searched the Ypsilanti area for a list
of objects.
Camping at the KOA!
Letter of Thanks
For CHS Group:
I appreciated that your caregivers took the time to bring
the people they care for to the Carhartt versus Wings hockey
game several weeks ago.
I was originally struck by how enthusiastic Danielle was
to sign everyone up and plan to attend the event. I said “it's a
long way and the roads might be bad”. Daneille replied, “we
bring our people everywhere, that's just what we do”.
When I encountered your staff at the game, I couldn't have met
a more loving, caring group of colleagues. They doted on their
people like they were family.
What is most memorable for me, and it is something I
will not soon forget, is how happy your people were. I discovered it wasn't really about them just being at the event. It was about being there with their staff. They took such nice care of
them and your people looked up to your staff. You could see it in the way they looked and smiled at them.
I've always felt it’s not where you go or what you are doing, it's who you are with that counts. Perhaps, some of your
people like hockey. But clearly, being together with your staff, laughing, joking around, getting popcorn, all sitting together,
meant more than the world to them.
Your staff also seemed very attentive. They weren't tied to their phones, texting which is what many caregivers seem
to do these days. They recognized the time with their people is a shared time together.
Again, I am impressed with Danielle and all your staff. The enthusiastic spirit and devotion to others is something we
should all exhibit every day, not just as caregivers. I think it is the way we should just go through life.
CHS Group must be a fine organization to have such loving, attentive, devoted caregivers.
Joe Dzenowagis
Meet Virginia Orange
It is such a pleasure to have Virginia part of CHS Group. Her beautiful smile and contagious
laugh bring such joy to everyone she meets.
One of Virginia’s greatest accomplishments is having worked at CMH for 13 ½ years. She does
light office work, such as shredding papers, organizing, and cleaning. She loves telling everyone
the entire name, “Monroe Community Mental Health Authority Agency”. Her biggest pet peeve
is people with misconceptions about those with handicaps. She feels some people can be mean
and opinionated, and believes they would be kind if they spent time getting to know others.
Virginia has been a motivational speaker in several classrooms to educate others about people
with handicaps. One of her favorite quotes is, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but
words may never hurt me”.
Virginia says to never give up on your future, because it does get better. She did not have the
opportunity to go to college, but had always wanted to. She says, “If I would have, I would have
strived to become like the CHS staff, because they are all so nice and helpful”. One of her favorite sayings is, “Look to the future, don’t dwell on the past”. Virginia also says she loves the staff
and looks up to them as role models. She feels that she has an extended family at CHS.
Saturdays are her favorite at CHS, because she loves to just have fun. One of the best times for Virginia was going to Cedar
Point, and she also really enjoys the parties at St. Isadore Farms. Virginia would like to see CHS South County add a volunteer
site, like the Humane Society, to their weekly schedule, because she loves to play with dogs.
CHS Congratulates Virginia on her success at Community Mental Health and wish her many more years!
South County had a Great Year!
A lot of exciting, new opportunities have opened up for
CHS South County since August. It was very sad to see
Ann, the previous program director, leave us but she had
other opportunities knocking at her door. Ann still keeps
in touch and visits now and then. We are growing and
expanding in many ways, and have so much to be thankful for. Many clients have said they are so happy we have
more staff now, and it makes them feel more comfortable at CHS. We are glad to welcome the talents, caring
and positive attitudes of the new staff; so our thanks go
out to Carol, Cricket, and Cadi for their diligence and
examples they set for all the participants here at CHS.
We applaud the efforts and dedication of our new program coordinator, Linda, and our new site lead, Audrey.
We are very glad to have Cheri back from her long vacation to her home in Canada.
The last few months have been full of enjoyable activities and learning experiences for all of our clients. We regularly
take everyone on fun excursions, such as bowling and movies, but this year we were able to include a trip to Cedar
Point. We were able to enjoy many rides, including some water rides which felt great, as it was a hot day. Since
many of us were already soaked, we didn’t let a little rain, “rain on our parade”. We just danced in the rain, and a
good time was had by all.
CHS would like to express our appreciation to Virginia and her parents for the fun spaghetti dinner in their home. A
huge thank you goes out to her father for building a ramp to accommodate our wheelchair clients. We played
games, won prizes, frosted cupcakes, and really enjoyed the food.
Our gratitude goes out to the Knights of Columbus for their
generous contribution of admission to Indian Creek Petting
Zoo, where we got to meet giraffes, wallaby’s, reptiles, goats,
alpacas, and so many other delightful creatures they have to
offer. It was due to this event that we are now doing volunteer
work at the petting zoo on Mondays. Thank you to the Knights
of Columbus and Indian Creek Petting Zoo.
Our office expansion has been a work in progress for the last
few months, and has created much more room and a much
better atmosphere for everyone who enters. Thanks to everyone for their patience and efforts.
We had a fun Halloween party at the office that was attended by clients, staff, friends, and families. They all thoroughly enjoyed the amazing decorations, dressing up in costumes, games, and refreshments. CHS is so blessed to
have many wonderful people who contribute much of their time, and we look forward to all of the adventures this
year will bring.