SEPTEMBER 2015 V OLUME IV, I SSUE II I
The Spectacular A Publication of Spectrum for Living Serving Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Spectrum for Living is Going Digital Due to the high cost of printing and postage, Spectrum for Living has made the decision to move all our printed material to a digital format. In the future, The Spectacular, Annual Report and our monthly newsletter (the Good News Initiative) as well as most other communications will be sent to you via email or you can view on our website. We have been very fortunate over the past several years that our friends at United Water provided the printing of this newsletter. Unfortunately, during their recent relocation, they closed their in house print shop and are no longer providing this generous service. In order to stay informed about Spectrum for Living, we are asking that you please send us your email address so that we can add you to our email list. You can use the form on the last page of this newsletter. Please be advised we will never sell or share your email address with any other organization. It will only be utilized by Spectrum so that we can share with you all the great things taking place here. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Kerry McConway, Sr. Director of Development, at 201-358-8000 or via email at kmcconway@spectrumforiving.org. We appreciate your continued interest in all we do for those with intellectual/ developmental disabilities and hope you will stay in touch via email.
Companionship Fund Receives $25,000 Grant from Oritani Bank Spectrum was recently approved for a grant in the amount of $25,000 that will be allocated to the Companion Fund. The Companion Program is not funded by the state, therefore it operates solely on monetary donations. We thank Oritani Bank for recognizing the importance of this program and their generosity! SFL President and CEO, Mark Michelson with Kevin J. Lynch, President of the OritaniBank Charitable Foundation and Chairman, President and CEO of Oritani Bank
Inside this issue: Letter from President/CEO Upcoming Events Welcome Board Members Golf Classic 2015 Clients in the Community ATC Spotlight: Carver SFL Goes to MetLife Supporting Spectrum
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Respite Week Program
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Matching Gift Challenge Walk With Us
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Appeal
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Letter from Mark Michelson, President and CEO For more than three decades, Spectrum for Living has leveraged its commitment to advance opportunities for ID/ DD individuals, particularly those having special needs. Beginning in 1982 through the early two thousands, Spectrum was at the forefront of program expansion. As the agency grew, systems, policy, and practices had to be developed. However, what remained constant are the visions and core values the agency was founded on. The deeply rooted commitment expressed by staff, support from families and the community at large, and foremost, the interest of those we serve all personify our ability to adapt and adjust to change. Today and for the years to come, Spectrum is at the crossroads of perhaps the most dramatic change we’ve seen that will impact every aspect of operation. Precipitous of new State policy and regulation, Spectrum amongst other providers, will be converting from a contract reimbursement system to Fee for Service, changing from what has been customary practice to a new way of funding services and administering reimbursement under Medicaid billing. This will require utilization of our resource capability to the fullest in the process of developing and implementing electronic health records for centralized billing in addition to policy and procedures. Fiscal discipline will be essential to manage cost and service efficiency under fixed rates for provided services. The backbone to Spectrum and its readiness as an organization to meet challenges has always been its dedicated staff and the support of others who value the care and services provided. With an eye toward the future, strengthening the workforce, broadening the network of community support and advocacy, and developing the financial means to sustain quality services will be the pillars to build upon as we move our legacy forward in time.
-Mark Michelson, President and CEO
Upcoming Events Walks 2015: Spectrum for Living’s Annual Northern New Jersey Walk is set for Sunday, October 4, 2015 at Van Saun Park in Paramus, NJ. Join us for lunch and various activities while showing your support! However, participants can either choose to walk or run at the Central New Jersey Spooky Sprint 5K. The event will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2015 at Johnson Park in Piscataway, NJ. All are encouraged to walk or run in their costumes as a costume contest will follow! The day will feature giveaways and much more. Much like our Annual Northern New Jersey Walk, this event is one of Spectrum’s most important fundraisers of the year. To register for the Spooky Sprint, please visit: https://runsignup.com/spooky5k
Tricky Tray: Save the date! Spectrum will be hosting a Tricky Tray Fundraiser at Seasons Catering in Washington Township, NJ on Wednesday, November 18, 2015. With over 300 prizes, almost everyone is guaranteed a winner! Tickets are $65 and include unlimited food and beverages.
For more information on upcoming events, please contact Kim Boyer at (201) 358-8000 ext. 246 or kboyer@spectrumforliving.org.
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Welcome Spectrum’s Newest Board Members! Spectrum for Living recently elected three new members to their Board of Trustees. Christine LaRocca, Board Chair, says she is very pleased to have three new members all of whom have contributed to the success of Spectrum over the years and are respected within their fields and communities. Mr. Steve Torrico is a Senior Vice President – Investments at UBS Financial Services. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business with advance education from several other schools. After working for 22 years at Smith Barney he joined UBS Financial in 2009 where he specializes in Gift and Estate Taxation and Planning. A long time resident of Glen Rock, NJ, Mr. Torrico and his wife Julie have two children.
Mr. Randy Csik is President of American Properties located in Iselin NJ. During his over 30 year tenure he has been actively involved in the development of hotels, residential communities and corporate sites. He is responsible for combined annual revenues in excess of $30,000,000. Mr. Csik is a member of the New Jersey Builders Association. He holds the Real Property Administrator designation from Building Owners and Managers Institute International and has successfully completed Commercial Investment Educational courses sponsored by The Realtors National Marketing Institute and is a candidate for the CCIM designation. He is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of New Jersey and is Past Distinguished President of the Kiwanis Club of Edison and is an Advisory Board Member of First Bank and Columbia Bank. Mr. Brian Todd is the President and CEO of the Food Institute in Upper Saddle River, NJ overseeing the day-to-day operations of the National Food Trade Association. Throughout his professional career he has made advances at the National Food Trade Association including working with universities and schools to give students access to institute data; launched seminars and webinars bringing together such groups as the USDA and FDA on issues such as Bioterrorism; and became spokesperson for the Food Institute on a variety of industry topics focused mainly on economic issues related to government data on pricing, production, sales and regulations. As Borough of Emerson- Past Council President and Councilman he spearheaded plans to eliminate a costly housing lawsuit by working with New Concepts for Living, to construct housing for the developmentally disabled population. As Police Commissioner he negotiated a new police contract that eliminated costly specialized health care plan for police officers, cutting cost of coverage by 35% to 40%. In his spare time Mr. Todd enjoys photography and volunteers at an annual four day workshop educating over 100 photography students. Spectrum for Living’s Board of Trustees welcomes these new members and looks forward to creating new possibilities for adults with developmental disabilities.
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11th Annual Golf Classic Despite the chilly weather, over 80 individuals came out to support Spectrum for Living by participating in the 11th Annual Golf Classic on May 18th, 2015 at White Beeches Golf & Country Club in Haworth, NJ. The day included lunch, a game of golf followed by dinner and a raffle portion. Spectrum has hosted the Annual Golf Classic since its inception in 1983. It is one of the major fundraising events for our organization bringing in $50,000 in 2009. Corporate sponsors this year included Inserra Supermarkets, Synetek Solutions, T-Mobile, Lakeland Bank and other many other generous donors. Raffles in addition to course challenges like Beat the Pro and Closest to the Pin raised over $5,000 alone! Residents from the Haworth Group Home came to event and were a huge a help passing out goodie bags and raffle prizes to the players.
Thank you to our 2015 Golf Classic Sponsors! Dinner Sponsor – $5,000 Bergen Brookside Auto Body The Kimmerle Group Sokol Behot, LLP Cocktail Sponsor – $5,000 Spectrum for Living Endowment, Inc. Lunch Sponsor – $3,000 Driscoll Foods Lakeland Bank RSC Architects Driving Range Sponsor – $2,000 Mark Jacobs (K&M Newspaper Services) Caddie Sponsor – $1,500 Atrium Pharmacy Provider Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Spectrotel Inc. Par 3 Sponsor – $1,200 HUB International Cart Sponsor – $1,000 Battinelli Farm & Garden Center Creston Electronics The Eagle Group Guevarra Electric Inserra Supermarkets Synetek Solutions T-Mobile
Print Sponsor – $800 HUB International
Putting Green Sponsor – $250 BCB Tree Services
Refreshment Sponsor – $500 Avant Garde Technologies Carrickmore P&D, LLC Fedway Associates Mandelbaum Foundation Normandy Real Estate Partners
SDK Apartments, LLC Solid Benefit Guidance Tee Sponsor – $100 All American Appliance Benjamin Bros., Inc. Car Guys Auto Repair Coppola Services, Inc. DJN Flooring Eighteen Glass Company Ellen Falvo First American Title Fun Truck’n Mobility HUB International Jim Moscone Plumbing & Heating, Inc. M&M Medical Sales, Inc. M&T Bank Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus NW Financial Group O’Shea’s Auto Repair R-Pac International Corp. Sherwood Dairy Solid Benefit Guidance Torrico Wealth Management W.B. Mason Zoller Construction
Hole Sign Sponsor – $300 Bergen Brookside Auto Body Berry, Verduin & Koch, LLC Cooper Pest Control Delta Dental of NJ Driscoll Foods East Coast Fire Systems Jack Kakolewski, Ed.S., LMFT Jimenez Landscape and Design Jomar Agency, LLC The Kimmerle Group Krutchkoff Mechanical Services Corp. Kuiken Brothers Company Lakeland Bank National Water Main Cleaning Co. Newmark Grubb Knight Frank RSC Architects Sokol Behot, LLP SSP Architectural Group
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Clients in the Community Community outreach plays a large role in the everyday lives of Spectrum clients, especially in 2015. At Spectrum, volunteerism is very much valued by all. From performing at the Champions of Disabilities awards ceremony to planting nesting boxes in the Meadowlands, a lot has been accomplished. Read about how Spectrum clients are giving back:
Ringwood resident, Mark, regularly attends Ringwood's Open Space Committee meetings which earned him an honorary position! The committee’s mission is to assist the Borough of Ringwood in acquiring or dedicating available lands for the joint purposes of environmental conservation, recreational development, farmland and historical preservation of the Borough's natural resources.
Back in February, ATC clients delivered cards of encouragement to patients of the Cardiac unit at Valley Hospital in honor of National Heart Month. The clients hand made each card and were proud to potentially lift patient’s spirits.
The Spectrum Chorus performed at the Champions of Disability Awards Ceremony on June 17, 2015. At the ceremony, Passaic County residents and service providers were honored for their support to the disabled community in 2015. To qualify, individuals and groups had to have significantly advanced the cause of people with disabilities, whether by being a model of perseverance and determination for their peers or by creating programs and spearheading efforts as a volunteer.
ATC clients paid a visit to the Meadowlands Environmental Center as they traditionally do every April, with nesting boxes they had decorated. The themes were very unique ranging from spring to a castle. Clients decorate these nesting boxes so that swallow birds in the area may have a safe place to land and take shelter.
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ATC Spotlight: Carver Maximizing the potential of our residents and community clients is the goal and focus of our Adult Training Centers. Our services are offered at six sites in Bergen (3), Passaic (2) and Middlesex (1) counties. Each program provides a variety of stimulating programs which teach and improve skills. In each coming edition of the Spectacular, we will highlight a different Adult Training Center and the qualities that make them extraordinary! The Carver ATC is the only specialized day program designed for individuals with behavioral challenges providing specialty and supportive services. Program areas include music therapy, recreation, computer education, socialization, community integration, behavioral intervention and sensory integration activities. Clients love participating in community integration activities which include daily trips to the bank, grocery store, and parks throughout town. Clients also take pleasure in their exercise/walking group in which they have the opportunity to explore the neighborhood and get fit. The training center also boasts a large fish tank that clients help maintain and enjoy for relaxation which help with sensory integration. Although the Carver ATC may be the smallest, it is always bustling with activity. Christina Aversa, Director of Psychological Services, says “Clients at Carver are always making progress”. Although she describes that improvements takes time, this group of individuals are doing great. Christina continues, “We have had clients who would not attend groups and in engage in non-compliance and now they follow the routine program schedule, attending groups daily. Clients have become more tolerable of changes and accept them.” Thank you to the staff at Carver ATC who are truly making a difference everyday.
Staff are pictured above doing various activities which include sensory integration and music therapy with Carver ATC clients.
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Spectrum goes to MetLife Stadium In late spring, several Spectrum for Living board members and supporters took to the field at MetLife Stadium. They gathered not to watch a game, but to serve as ambassadors of the organization as Spectrum was recognized by HUB International for all of its accomplishments serving those with developmental disabilities. The small affair was packed with fun and guests were invited onto the field to kick a field goal, run a 40 yard dash, and toss the ball to some “players”. The highlight of the evening was NY Jets Defensive End, Mo Wilkerson, joining the party to mingle with all the guests, take pictures and signed memorabilia. In fact one of the footballs and a pennant were later presented to Spectrum for Living residents. Special thanks to Mr. Robert Kleppinger and his staff for hosting us that memorable evening.
President and CEO, Mark Michelson surprised Closter Apt. resident, Gian with the football at his home.
Palestroni Fund Spectrum for Living was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from the Alfiero and Lucia Palestroni Foundation to be used to improve technology at the Group Homes and Adult Training Centers. In preparation for the new Fee for Service programs that the state has instituted, provider organizations, like Spectrum for Living, will be required to utilize special software that will record time spent on each consumer, regarding all their daily care. As part of the new programs, Spectrum needed multiple Chromebooks and laptops for each center. According to President/CEO Mark Michelson; “This grant will enable us to purchase the necessary hardware and bring us up to compliance. The expense to purchase all this equipment was greatly impacting our 2015 budget. Thanks to the Palestroni Foundation we are able to purchase the necessary tools and still focus our main funding on caring for those we serve.”
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Supporting Spectrum in 2015 It’s no secret that generosity goes a long way at Spectrum for Living. Our organization heavily relies on volunteers so that the services offered can continue. In 2015 thus far, we have been fortunate enough to receive repairs on group homes, kind monetary donations and even a piano to enhance the music therapy program that takes place at the Closter ICF (and much, much more). Spectrum is truly indebted to those who lend their support, thank you. Please read how the kindness of others have impacted our organization:
On Friday, July 10th, 2015, over ten volunteers from Benjamin Moore painted the interior of the Westwood Group Home giving it a much needed makeover! Areas painted included the kitchen, dining room, living room and hallways throughout the home that accommodates six individuals. The yellow and peach paints, which Benjamin Moore also donated, were chosen by the group home residents themselves! This particular location had not been painted since Spectrum acquired the home (16) years ago. Thanks to amazing volunteers and gracious donations, projects like these are made possible.
On Saturday, June 13th, Spectrum volunteer Eileen Bundz organized a group from the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains to plant a flower garden at the Wayne Group Home. The residents spent the morning gardening with Eileen, Karen Grimaldi, Pauline McKeown, and Hayley Bundz. After planting the beautiful garden, the volunteers and residents shared a lovely lunch and great fellowship!
The Eastern Bergen County Board of Realtors and Rebuilding Together Bergen County gave the Bergenfield Respite residence much needed repairs. From painting to other fixes around the home, volunteers and some SFL staff generously gave their time to make this home a special place for our clients.
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Spectrum for Living recently received a donation in the amount of $10,900.00 thanks to the Knights of Columbus St. Thomas More Council #2188. The donation was raised through their annual Canning Campaign, during which time the members blanket the streets of Westwood and solicit motorists and passersby for support of the individuals we serve. This year the money raised was matched by an anonymous donor bringing the total to $10,900.
Brian Masur, a volunteer at the Haworth Group Home, did not need to look very far in his search for an Eagle Scout project. The Haworth Group Home was one of a few Spectrum homes yet to be the recipient of a raised bed garden. So, Brian immediately inquired about the possibility of creating a garden space for his beloved friends at Haworth. After months of planning and construction, the project was completed. The residents enjoyed helping Brian plant flowers around the perimeter, at first, and then quickly adding tomato plants and basil in early June. Today, gardening is a regular daily activity at the Haworth home.
Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are an essential part of the Spectrum Family. Each individual who donates their time brings services to people that otherwise might not have been available. Spectrum volunteers make all the difference. We will always try to find an assignment that fits your schedule and matches your talents and interests with the needs of our clients. Please contact Marie Hacker for volunteer opportunities at 201-358-8000 or mhacker@spectrumforliving.org.
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Respite Week Long Program Recently, respite clients had a really fun and busy schedule! The Respite Week Long Program took place from Friday, July 10 to Wednesday, July 15 which brought clients to the Liberty Science Center, Creatively Yours, plays, sport outings and are pictured here at World of Wings Butterfly Museum. They also enjoyed hotel accommodations and eating out at a variety of different restaurants throughout the week. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, the “Week Long Program” has been cut to just (5) days. Spectrum is very appreciative of all donations that enable programs like these can continue.
If you are interested in learning more about the Respite Program at Spectrum, please contact Assistant Director, Mike White at (201) 358-8000.
We’ve Met the Match! Spectrum for Living is extremely thankful to everyone who supported us during the Matching Gift Challenge. As of now, you sent in $80,124 to which the Spectrum for Living Endowment will add $50,000. You helped us not only meet our goal - but surpass it! Your donations to the Matching Gift Challenge will be used to provide much needed services for those we serve. Programs such as recreation, companionship, advocacy, adaptive equipment enhancements, and other areas not covered by state funding, will receive this money. Because of you, our consumers will benefit from your love and compassion. Thank you everyone for believing in Spectrum for Living and supporting our mission.
Walk With Us Once again we are gearing up for the annual Spectrum for Living Walks. The first walk (for Bergen County participants), will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Van Saun Park, Paramus, NJ. Following a 1.75 mile walk around the lake, all are invited to join us for a light BBQ lunch and musical entertainment. On Halloween morning, October 31st, a Spooky Sprint 5K will take place in Central New Jersey. Runners, walkers and creepy strollers are invited to meet us in Johnson Park, Piscataway NJ. Prizes will be given in many categories including best costume, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place runners in several age groups. For more information about the run or to sign up for the Spooky Spring please visit https://runsignup.com/spooky5k. Look in your mailboxes or visit the website www.spectrumforliving.org for more information on both walks.
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Like us on Facebook Today!! www.facebook.com/spectrumforliving We are over 1,000 fans strong! Are you a part of the network on Facebook? The Spectrum for Living Facebook Page features many current events from the organization, as well as interesting articles, highlights, photos and company information. If you support Spectrum for Living, then LIKE the Facebook page today. Spectrum for Living is also on Twitter! Don’t forget to follow us at @Spectrum4Living.
Parent Ambassadors Program Parent and family support continues to be essential for Spectrum for Living to navigate new opportunities in 2015. The Ambassadors Program at Spectrum enlists family members from each residence who will serve as a liaison between Spectrum for Living and the Group Homes/Apartments. Ambassadors are responsible for calling family members in a Spectrum residence and asking for support at events, for appeals and just to keep an open line of communication. It is hoped that this program will extend eventually to Day Program and Community Client Programs. For more information about The Parent Ambassadors Program, please contact Spectrum at 201-358-8000.
Appeal Spectrum for Living is only successful because of our supporters. Your donations enable us to do so much for those we serve. Thanks to you we are able to provide specialized computers and iPads for our residents and clients to communicate with family and friends. We are able to fund our unique Companion Program and ensure that, if necessary, a staff member is at the hospital bedside around the clock acting as an advocate for our residents. Your donation enables us to ensure that the recreation program is designed to provide all our residents and day clients the opportunity to join in all activities. We ask that you please consider donating to Spectrum for Living today, so that we can continue serving those in our care tomorrow. Please cut this out and submit to The Development Office, Spectrum for Living, 210 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675 _____ YES! I am ready to start contributing to the 2015 Family of Supporters with a gift of $_________________. Name ____________________________________________ Address __________________________________________
PAYMENT ___ I have enclosed a check of $__________________ ___ Please charge my credit card $ _______________
City _______________ State _______________ Zip ______
___ MasterCard ___ Visa ___ Discover ___ AMEX
Phone __________________ E-mail___________________
Name on Card:_______________________________
I am a: ___ Parent ___ Sibling ___ Family Member ___Friend ___Other
Card #: ______________________________________
Staff___________________________ (please list location)
Exp: ____________ CID #: ______________________
This gift is in memory/honor of _____________________________________
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Development Office 210 Rivervale Road River Vale, NJ 07675
The Spectacular
Sign-up for Spectrum Emails! Do you have a child or sibling who is a client of Spectrum for Living? Please provide us with your email information in order to receive news alerts, event information, newsletters, photos and other Spectrum for Living content. Please mail to Spectrum for Living, 210 Rivervale Rd., River Vale, NJ 07675
Name:________________________________________________________ Phone #:_______________________________________________________ Email Address:________________________________________________ Name of SFL Resident/Client:___________________________________ Relationship:__________________________________________________ Residence or Facility Location:___________________________________
Contribute to the next edition of The Spectacular. Is there client news or a fundraising idea you would like to share? Let the Development Team know. For more information please contact Katie Curl, Marketing Associate, at (201) 358-8000 ext. 204 or kcurl@spectrumforliving.org.