APRIL 2016 VOLUME IV ISSUE IV
The Spectacular A Publication of Spectrum for Living Serving Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH 2016 March was National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Spectrum for Living joined other organizations around the country in promoting awareness and understanding of those who have an intellectual and/or developmental disability. From a few dine to donate nights at local restaurants to an art exhibit in the Westwood Library, Spectrum for Living made a presence throughout various communities during the month. Blue Moon Mexican Café of Wyckoff and Panera Bread both hosted a dine to donate night which fundraised $245 dollars while raising awareness of intellectual/developmental disabilities. Volunteers from local colleges and businesses also lent a helping hand, participating in a series of events with residents and ATC participants including a volleyball tournament, craft projects and a St. Patrick’s Day party. In 1987 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.” The deinstitutionalization movement of the seventies and early eighties had laid the foundation for significant social change, and the presidential proclamation called upon Americans to provide the “encouragement and opportunities” necessary for people with developmental disabilities to reach their potential. Thank you everyone who celebrated National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with Spectrum for Living! Your support is very much appreciated. Table of Contents A Message from Kerry 2 McConway
BE AN ADVOCATE Over the years, Spectrum for Living has advocated for the rights of people with disabilities ensuring accessibility, opportunity, independence and dignity. Spectrum’s continued involvement and association with other provider organizations and advocacy groups creates a vast network of opportunities to better serve those individuals within the Spectrum family as well as those in the community in need of service. Together, we can continue to make an impact. If you are interested in joining our advocacy efforts, please contact us by calling 201-358-8000.
Annual Fund
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Staff News
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Project Giving Tree
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Volunteers Ring in Spring
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Spectrum Day
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Prom
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Holiday Thanks
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Endowment
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Tributes
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Events 2016
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New Website
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A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 2016 is well underway and we at Spectrum for Living are not letting any moss grow under our feet. From the re-launch of our updated website, to the addition of a new board member and promotion of several dedicated staff members, to a call for action from our supporters, the first few months have been busy. I would like to take a breath and thank each and everyone one of you who have made Spectrum a part of your life. 2016 is shaping up to be a very important year for those in our field. Mark Michelson, President/CEO, has dedicated much of his time this year to meet with local and state leaders to influence a change in funding from the government. For years you have heard us talk about the lack of funding service providers receive and how it has affected our organization. It has reached crisis level and we are feeling the strain at Spectrum. Our employee vacancy rate is very high, morale is low and programs have been reduced. We can no longer sit on our laurels and wait for change to happen – we must advocate for a change now! If you have not already done so, please reach out to your politicians and demand a Cost of Living Adjustment for our staff and the organization. On a positive note we are becoming more involved in the communities in which we live as you will see on the following pages. Our community of supporters continues to grow with many more corporations volunteering with us and bringing joy to those in the residences and ATC’s. I ask that you help us keep the ball moving by joining us for a special event, a lunch and learn seminar, painting party or any of the other small local gatherings we are offering. Most importantly please remember to call for action from those that provide funding to our organization. One short call will make the difference. -Kerry McConway
ANNUAL FUND HELPS WITH BUDGET SHORTFALLS Recently, you received a short appeal from Spectrum for Living telling you that your donation touches the lives of 818 people living with an intellectual/developmental disability at Spectrum. What we did not tell you was that your generosity is what drives our organization.
At Spectrum for Living there are no days off. Every hour, every minute, of every day our staff are caring for someone. Did you know that our current 2016 budget of $33 million dollars provides funding for only the basic necessary needs of our consumers? or… That programs such as recreation, adaptive equipment, the companionship program, capital improvement, certain therapies and respite, are only available because our family of supporters believe enough in the work we do at Spectrum to send us a donation. On the cover of our appeal are some of the faces of those of 818 individuals your donation touches. They are the faces of the people who need you the most. They are the individuals who are directly impacted because you care! If you have not done so already, we ask that you send in your gift today. If you already have, please consider a second donation in memory or honor of someone you love. I promise your gift will be used today to support a program that directly benefits our consumers. Please cut this out and submit to The Development Office, Spectrum for Living, 210 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675 _____ YES! I would like to contribute a gift in the amount of $_________________. Name ____________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ City _______________ State _______________ Zip ______ Phone __________________ E-mail____________________________________ I am a: ___ Parent ___ Sibling ___ Friend ___ Family Member (Please specify relationship)______________________
PAYMENT ___ I have enclosed a check of $__________________ ___ Please charge my credit card $ _______________
___ MasterCard ___ Visa ___ Discover ___ AMEX Card #: ______________________________________ Exp: ____________ CID #: ______________________ Name on Card: _______________________________
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STAFF AND BOARD NEWS Ann Long Promoted to VP of Programs
Frank D. Recine Added to SFL Board Frank D. Recine joined Newmark Grubb Knight Frank in May 2006, became the youngest Principal in the company in December of 2008 and is currently an Executive Managing Director located in the Rutherford, New Jersey office. With a strong background in market dynamics, transaction structures and lease negotiations, Mr. Recine is a highly valuable representative for tenants and landlords throughout New Jersey and the Tri-State area.
Ann Long was recently promoted to the Vice President of Programs at Spectrum for Living. In her new role she will oversee the group homes and supervised apartments in addition to continuing to supervise all Community Services including Adult Training Centers, Support Services and the Recreation Department. Ann’s career at Spectrum began in 1988 when she joined us as the Director of DDD Programs. Under her guidance, the agency increased the number of adult training centers to include 6, with sites throughout New Jersey. She helped create a Community Based Support Services Department that includes case managers, intake coordinators and respite service providers. In addition, she worked to bring about a comprehensive recreation program. Ann’s knowledge of the new Fee for Service Program, which is being implemented throughout the state, is comprehensive and she is very involved in guiding the organization through the process of executing all phases of the new program.
Matonda Foster Named Director of Day Programs It is with great pleasure we announce that Matonda Foster is the new Director of Day Programs. Matonda has been a part of our Spectrum Family for over twenty years and has held a variety of positions throughout his career with Spectrum in direct care, psychological and behavioral services, as well Program Director. In his new capacity, Matonda will be responsible for overseeing all of the agency’s Adult Training Centers, ensuring alignment with agency goals related to administrative processes, fiscal management and program development. We are confident his excellent background and skills will contribute to his success in this new role.
Previously Frank worked at CB Richard Ellis, where he developed a reputation for his motivation and commitment to clients and gained an in-depth knowledge of the New Jersey markets. Before entering the real estate industry, Mr. Recine was a case manager with the New York City law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, where he managed a team of ten paralegals in a two-year, multimillion-dollar arbitration. Following his tenure there, Mr. Recine attended Pace University law school, where he received a Juris Doctor, with a focus in environmental laws and regulations. In 2008, Mr. Recine was recognized by “40 Under 40: The Industry’s Rising Stars” by Real Estate New Jersey and is annually recognized as a CoStar Power Broker. In 2012, Mr. Recine received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for his continued commitment to the community. In 2013 and 2014, he was recognized by Real Estate Forum as one of the “Top New Jersey Brokers.” He currently serves as an Executive Board member on the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce; Business Advisory Board of ARC of Rockland and the Board of The Onyx & Breezy Foundation.
Welcome new staff and volunteers STAFF: Loreen Mwangi-Assistant Program Director-Norwood and Northvale Group Homes VOLUNTEERS: Central Rec./Events Leslie Barrios Michelle Abril Jovana Calalpa Isabelle Carrillo Closter Apts. Max Alweiss Closter ICF Olga Ivleva Olivia Nolan Rena Ashizawa
Special Events Christopher Boyle Victor Babin Kathleen Neumann Westwood ATC Stephanie Ray Teaneck ATC Carly Edelman Ringwood ATC Eileen Klingen Joyce Dean Susan Pettigrano
Haworth Group Home Nolan Carbone River Vale Apts. Debra Karrel Highwood Group Home Mandy Rosengren
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PROJECT GIVING TREE PRESENTED TO HACKENSACK UMC @ PASCACK VALLEY Project Giving Tree was an idea born from Spectrum's card making events for local hospitals. In response to such positive feedback, Recreation Coordinator, Samantha Simmons designed a new way to create and display cards for those in need of encouragement while improving the aesthetic quality of a hospital. With assistance from Spectrum Storefront Manager, Julia Smith, clients designed a "giving tree" using mixed media. The unique display has become an art piece featured exclusively at Hackensack UMC at Pascack Valley. The handmade, six-foot tree provides a means to display the cards in the admissions areas of the hospital. Those passing through are encouraged to stop and read the cards; which offer words of support and encouragement to patients, visitors, and anyone needing some words of inspiration. On April 6, those who helped create the Giving Tree delivered it to Hackensack UMC at Pascack Valley and were thanked by Chief Nursing Officer, Susan Giordano and Manager of Marketing and Community Events, Jenna Lowe. It was a wonderful event for the participants, who spent many months working on the project and were finally able to see it on display.
Julia Smith and Sarah in the early stages of constructing the giving tree
Susan Giordano, CNO thanks Spectrum as she stands beside the final product
VOLUNTEERS HELP WELCOME SPRING During the month of April, groups of volunteers from Coldwell Banker and Glen Rock High School have donated their time and energy to making our ATC’s and group homes a more beautiful place. Both the Westwood ATC and Highwood Group Home had help gardening in flower beds and pots outside each location. Ringwood ATC was a beneficiary of raised garden boxes from local Eagle Scouts. Spring has officially sprung! Thank you to our volunteers who make this all possible.
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ST. ANTHONY’S FRIAR HOSTS SPECTRUM DAY 2016 On March 16th, the St. Anthony's Friar Club hosted its “Annual Spectrum Day”. During this activity filled day, Spectrum residents are encouraged to participate in sports and recreation events such as hula hooping, catch, basketball, karaoke and more. The basketball teams from St. Anthony's and Our Lady of Victories competed in a game that gave residents a chance to join in as honorary team members for the day. To everyone at St. Anthony's Parish and the generous volunteers, we cannot thank you enough for putting this event on each year for us! You can tell by all the smiles that it was a fun and joyous day. Thank you!
SPECTRUM TO HOST PROM FOR RESIDENTS AND ATC PARTICIPANTS For the first time ever, Spectrum for Living will host an “Evening of Dreams” prom for our consumers. The group will be treated to the ultimate prom experience on Friday, June 10th, at the Teaneck ATC. Over a hundred residents from Spectrum group homes and apartments are expected to attend. The evening will feature a red carpet welcome, cocktail hour and buffet dinner. Entertainment will be provided by our DJ as well as some special surprises. On Monday, June 12th the event will be replayed on a smaller scale for ATC participants. Spectrum is grateful for the support of those who have contributed to help make this prom possible. Whether purchasing a candle through the Yankee Candle Fundraiser or donating evening wear for the participants, we thank you for helping us create an evening of dreams. Stay tuned through our social media for photos from the night!
FEIN SUCH KAHN & SHEPARD GIVE BACK Fein Such Kahn & Shepard PC was a huge support to Spectrum over the holidays. Residents who do not have family were given gifts from the kind individuals who make up the law firm in Parsippany, NJ. From coats, to bedding to many other fun items, residents were happy to be reminded that they were thought of during the holiday season. Thank you to those who helped make a difference!
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ENDOWMENT INVITES YOU Spectrum for Living Endowment wishes to invite you to be our guest for a “Lunch and Learn Seminar” presented by the law firm Hinkle, Fingles & Prior. The seminar will focus on providing for your loved one's future. The lunch will take place Wednesday, June 8, 2016 from 12-2pm at Stony Hill Inn in Hackensack. You must have a reservation. Please call Kerry McConway at 201-358-8000 to reserve your seat. We hope you will join us!
DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SPECTRUM FOR LIVING ANNUAL FUND AND THE SPECTRUM FOR LIVING ENDOWMENT? Gifts to the Annual Fund are donations of money, tangible items, volunteer time or other valuable resources that can be used immediately to support the mission of Spectrum for Living. While Endowment gifts are invested for long-term funding strategies, whose proceeds can be designated for use towards a specific purpose or during times of budgetary shortfalls.
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TRIBUTES 2016 Tribute gifts are a beautiful way to honor those you care for and still help those in need. Thank you to everyone who has made a contribution in memory of a loved one and for continuing to support Spectrum for Living’s mission.
IN MEMORY OF: Mildred Briguglio Mr. & Mrs. Frank LaRocca
Anthony Mazzella Ms. Kerry McConway & Ms. Patricia Sullivan
Zachary Edwin Bundy The Yarmus Family The McGovern Family
Richard W. Melosh Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey R. Bentzen Cambria Automotive Companies Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Victor Cannillo Mr. & Mrs. William F. Finnegan Mrs. Domenica Glielmi Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Goldman
Maxine Carbone Mr. & Mrs. John Leong
Augusto & Victoria Morte Act-Cess USA, Incorporated
Mel Davis Mr. & Mrs. Everett Walters
Kathleen Parian Mr. Craig Parian & Mrs. Rheisa Barres Mr. Jim Quadrini
Boris Buchak Mr. & Mrs. Victor Cannillo
Ann & Frank DePalma Ms. Rachel DePalma Ken Frishman Mr. Randi Reisfeld Mr. & Mrs. Everett Walters Ernest Heidelberg Ms. Isabel Kurlan
Donald Sisco Mr. & Mrs. John Leong Paul Wasielewski Mrs. Margaret Wasielewski IN HONOR OF:
Jimmy Lenaz Mr. & Mrs. John Leong
American Properties Columbia Bank
Mary Mannion Ms. Susan Beck Mr. Martin J. Brennan & Mrs. Barbara S. Romeo Mr. Lewis Campanaro Ms. Victoria Canaris Caring Neighbors of Four Seasons at Great Notch Mr. & Mrs. Michael Catrillo Ms. Marie Cordner Ms. Norma DeSalvo Ms. Marie Dolcemascolo Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Finkelstein Mr. & Mrs. Paul B. Healy Ms. Elaine Hoehl Mrs. Beatrice Lacava Mrs. Carol Meng Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence O'Leary Mr. & Mrs. Gerard Paternoster Ms. Arlene Shaller Ms. Jean Tennis Mrs. Susan Young
Maureen Finley Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hanratty
Patricia & John Matera Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Verderami
The Kleinman Family The Isseks Family Sheryl & Jack Morris Columbia Bank Joseph Pallatta Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Romano Frank Recine Mr. & Mrs. Pietro Barberi Ms. Allison Leuser Mr. Thomas Mikalouskas The Minatelli Family Mr. Sean Ryan & Mrs. Laura (Belvedere) Ryan Mr. & Mrs. Brian Wallace The Family of George Sabbagha Mr. & Mrs. Richard Fallon
UPCOMING EVENTS Paint & Pour
Annual Golf & Tennis Classic
The Paintbrush Studio in Maywood will host a fun night out for Spectrum supporters from 7:30-10:30P.M. on Thursday, May 19. Their professional painting instructors create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere with the step by step instructions you'll need to complete a painting to keep for yourself. Aside from having a great night out, you'll be astonished at what you create! This event is open to everyone. $45 per person, BYO. All are encouraged to bring a bottle of wine or snack.
On Monday, June 6th, 2016, Spectrum for Living is scheduled to host the 12th Annual Golf and Tennis Classic at Haworth Country Club in Haworth, NJ. The fundraising event will include lunch, golf, tennis, a cocktail reception and raffle prizes.
The selected painting for the evening will be “Sunset Reflection” pictured right.
Hope to see you there!
Interested in attending or sponsorship opportunities? Please contact Kerry McConway at (201) 358-8000 or kmcconway@spectrumforliving.org.
Tricky Tray– We are excited to announce our 2nd Annual Tricky Tray Fundraiser at Seasons in Washington Township on Wednesday, September 21. The Development Office is accepting basket and gift donations throughout the year. Please, new items and gift cards only will be accepted.
Spooky Sprint– With such an overwhelming amount of positive feedback, the Spooky Sprint 5K is back at Johnson Park on Saturday, October 29. Individuals of all ages are invited to walk or run in costume. Prizes Abound!
Spectrum Sprint– The Development Team has tweaked the annual Bergen walk into a 5K! The Spectrum Sprint will take place at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park on Saturday, October 15 where participants are encouraged to either walk or run. The day will begin with a “fun run” for children that morning followed by the 5K!
For more information about these events and how to register, please contact Kim Boyer at (201) 358-8000 ext. 246.
SPECTRUM’S WEBSITE HAS RE-LAUNCHED! We are thrilled to announce that Spectrum for Living’s website has been redesigned! The new website is aimed to be more user and mobile friendly. It is our hope that all visitors have an effortless experience whether it be making a donation or finding information about our services. Please visit www.spectrumforliving.org to check it out!