ACHIEVA 2014 Summer Newsletter

A ugus t

2014

August

2014

I

August Table of Contents

2014

Dear Friends of ACHIEVA.......... 3 ACHIEVA Parents...................... 4 ACHIEVA Parents, pg. 4

ACHIEVA Welcomes Senator Robert Casey, Jr.......... 6 ALL for ACHIEVA....................... 8 Capital Campaign Progress.... 10

Senator Robert Casey, Jr., pg. 6

ACHIEVA’s Transition Report... 13 ACHIEVA Strategic Planning... 15 Hannah Speciale, pg. 8

Capital Campaign Progress, pg. 10

2

August

2014

Boards of Trustees.................. 18

Dear Friends of ACHIEVA This year has been an extraordinary year for ACHIEVA. We have begun new ventures and excelled in existing ones. We have kept up with the constant changes in the human services field while staying true to our mission to provide excellence in lifelong supports and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.

We owe our success to the investment of dedicated supporters as well as staff who support children and adults with disabilities and their families each and every day. Without their dedication, we would not be able to continue to support the more than 14,500 people with disabilities and their families ACHIEVA has supported over the last year.

Looking ahead, we are excited to unveil the new programs and service opportunities ACHIEVA has planned for people with disabilities and their families across southwestern Pennsylvania.

Through these new endeavors, ACHIEVA will continue to celebrate abilities and exceed expectations while we ensure that people with disabilities fully participate in their communities.

As the largest provider in southwestern Pennsylvania to provide lifelong services for people with disabilities, ACHIEVA is committed to staying ahead of the curve and supporting changes in education, housing, transportation and other community-based services to assure individuals with disabilities live the best quality of life possible.

We thank you for your continuous support and dedication and look forward to another great year.

Sincerely,

Marsha Blanco President & CEO

August

2014

3

ACHIEVA Parents ACHIEVA’s staff play a large role in the agency’s success. Many staff members are parents or family members of individuals with disabilities. They work off of their own experiences to ensure that families receive the highest quality care.

Rose (ACHIEVA Home

Care Director) & Derek

‘‘We work 24/7, we educate the community every time we step out our doors. I think it’s extremely helpful to have parents on staff at ACHIEVA. We’ve been there; we understand what parents are talking about and we have that compassion. It’s easier for us to understand their feelings and their hesitations.”

4

August

2014

“As the mother of a person with disabilities, I want the same things that other mothers want; quality, compassion, consistent and reliable care. Being a parent in this field allows me to help ensure that we hire people that have the right mindset, who have that compassion.”

Karen (ACHIEVA Supp

orts) & Veronica

tional) & Mallory

Kevin (ACHIEVA Voca

“It’s always better if you have experience in something, no matter what your job. I get to share my experiences with families and I have a job that works out perfect for me and my family, it’s a life job. No one wants to be an advocate, its not something you necessarily go to school for, you just become an advocate.

First, for your child, then for others.”

“Switching careers from a for-profit to a non-profit, there is a different feeling of reward. ​The ability to provide a job skill and a paycheck to those folks that might find it difficult to find employment, that’s t​he reward at the end of my work day. I hope​​w ​ hen Mallory becomes of age,​that ACHIEVA is still the frontrunner in providing services to her and all friends like her.”

Regina (ACHIEVA Advocacy) & Nic

k

August

2014

5

ACHIEVA Welcomes Senator Robert Casey, Jr. ACHIEVA thanks Senator Casey for his commitment to individuals with disabilities and their families through his work with the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act).

Joining the senator from left to right, Nancy Murray, Reid Wolfe, Marsha Blanco and David Tinker of ACHIEVA.

April 2013, ACHIEVA hosted Senator Robert Casey, Jr. at ACHIEVA’s vocational training and employment site in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Senator Casey discussed the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act). The legislation would amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service Code and allow use of tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. The ABLE Act would allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save money and cover expenses such as medical care, employment training, assistive technology, housing, education and transportation.

“The ABLE Act now has support from a strong majority in both parties because it is a commonsense approach that will help families of children with disabilities save and pay for their long term care. Passing the ABLE Act will help give these families peace of mind in knowing that they can better save for their loved ones.” -Senator Robert Casey, Jr. As of June 2014, the ABLE Act has 72 sponsors in the Senate and 363 in the House.

6

August

2014

2014-2015 Pennsylvania State Budget ACHIEVA thanks Governor Corbett and the Pennsylvania Legislature for continuing to make funding for the waiting list a top priority. With more than 13,000 people still waiting, we hope that it will be a top priority for Fiscal Year 2015-2016!

On July 10, 2014, Governor Corbett signed a $29.1 million state budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-2015 (HB 2328). The new spending plan is about a 1.7 percent increase over Fiscal Year 2013-14, but less than Gov. Corbett’s original budget proposal in February.

The budget does not include any new sources of substantial and recurring revenue. Rather, it relies on a mix of one-time transfers, revised revenue projections and a delay in payment to Medicaid managed care organizations. If the revenue assumptions don‘t meet expectations, Pennsylvania could be faced with a need to make mid-year budget cuts in order to balance the budget.

Budget information that was available regarding programs of importance to the disability community as of July 15, 2014: Early Intervention, which provides services for children with developmental delays and disabilities, received level-funding for the infants and toddlers program and an increase to serve 1,500 additional children in the preschool program.

Special education funding, which totals $1.046 billion, was increased by $20 million over Fiscal Year 201314, with the majority of that funding to be distributed to school districts using the new funding formula that was unanimously endorsed by the Legislature in December, 2013. The formula now bases a school district’s new

special education allocation on three separate weights for three different cost categories of special education students. These categories are reflective of the range of disabilities and corresponding costs. The formula appropriately accounts for other factors that influence the cost of providing special education services and a local community’s capacity to support its special education students. Proposed changes for special education payments to charter and cyber charter schools were not included. Charter and cyber schools will continue to receive payments for special education students in the same manner. However, $200,000 of the $20 million is budgeted for extraordinary special education costs in districts and charter schools.

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was level-funded at $111.094 million.

One of the Governor’s top goals had been reducing the waiting list for those with intellectual disabilities (ID).

The final FY budget contains $40M more for the community intellectual disability waiver than the FY1314 final budget (the starting point of HB2328) but $20M less than what Governor Corbett proposed back in February. As last fiscal year, it is anticipated that the funding will provide services for 700 new special education graduates and 400 families in which there is an elderly caregiver. However, the funding will only be available during the last two months of FY 2014-2015, which is May and June of 2015.

In addition, the budget also provides funding for 50 residents of Intermediate Care Facilities for those with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/ID), or state centers to move to community homes and 90 people to move from state hospitals to community homes. Autism waiver services will be expanded to 100 additional adults.

More detailed information will be included in ACHIEVA’s electronic newsletter, “Now You Know”, as it becomes available. If you do not currently receive this weekly newsletter and wish to, please visit www. achieva.info to sign up.

August

2014

7

ALL FOR ACHIEVA

Hannah Speciale hosted a fundraiser “All for ACHIEVA” as part of her Senior Project at Ambridge High School. Hannah raised $6,768.27.

For decades ACHIEVA has served families throughout southwestern Pennsylvania and many times those families give back in unique ways.

Hannah Speciale was no stranger to ACHIEVA. Her late sister, Madison, was born 14 weeks premature, spending her first 6 months of life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). At just 18 and 20, Madison and Hannah’s mom and dad were frightened by all that could or could not happen to their newborn baby girl. They reached out to ACHIEVA (then Arc Allgeheny) for support.

Madison received physical therapy services from ACHIEVA as an infant and ACHIEVA provided support services to Madison’s family following her unfortuante passing.

8

August

2014

Madison Speciale

“ACHIEVA helped my family and I wanted to give back. Little did I know, this senior project would change my life. Everyone I met from ACHIEVA and everything I learned about the services amazed me.” - Hannah In 2013, Hannah and ACHIEVA were reunited. Remembering all the support ACHIEVA provided for her sister and family, Hannah chose ACHIEVA as the beneficiary for the fundraiser for the school project.

Hannah’s plan was to raise $3,000 and better educate her community on the services and supports ACHIEVA provides. Not only did she surpass her goal, she also aced her senior project, scoring 98 percent.

“The event was a huge success and so much fun. I never imagined I would be able to raise as much money as I did.”

Interested in Volunteering for ACHIEVA

• Looking for a rewarding way to become a part of your community?

• Do you have unique skills to share?

• Interested in hosting an event on ACHIEVA’s behalf?

• Do you have some new ideas to help ACHIEVA expand?

For more information, contact Jamie Rhoades at 412.995.5000 x526 or jrhoades@achieva.info.

August

2014

9

ACHIEVA’s Capital Campaign Summer 2014 Update Progress Innovation in Support of People with Disabilities:

ACHIEVA’s Commitment to the Community ACHIEVA has reached 95 percent of its $8 million capital campaign goal, raising $7.6 million dollars from 339 donors (as of 7-1-14).

Contributions to ACHIEVA’s Capital Campaign will help to enhance the lives of people with disabilities and their families. This successful campaign will advance the well-being of hundreds of people with disabilities and their families and contribute to the economic vitality and the overall quality of life in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Bridgeville Construction

A Home of My Own Customer 10

August

2014

Delivery of ACHIEVA’s New Saw Line

This campaign consists of four objectives to develop and implement services to enhance the life experiences of people with disabilities and thier families. Each initiative of this campaign is already being implemented within ACHIEVA. Campaign Objective Updates: • $2.5 Million Waiting List Reduction

ACHIEVA launched A Home of My Own in December 2013. A Home of My Own offers choices and person-centered planning for people with disabilities and their families, making the dream of having a home of their own a reality.

To date, ACHIEVA is working with 50 individuals and their families and have assisted three individuals with moving into a home of their own.

• $1.6 Million Social Entrepreneurship ACHIEVA’s pallet manufacturing facility

now has 2,500 square feet of additional space, 5,300 square feet of covered storage, a new kiln, new saw line, upgraded electrical service, complete new fire suppression system and new fire alarm system. This expansion will result in increased employment opportunities for the individuals ACHIEVA serves.

• $700,000 ACHIEVA Family Trust

ACHIEVA has created a five-year marketing and promotional plan targeting three groups: attorneys; service providers and family members of people with disabilities. Under this plan, ACHIEVA foresees 1,500 additional beneficiaries will join ACHIEVA Family Trust.

• $3.2 Million Sustainability

With the help of Honeywell and PNC, ACHIEVA went through a comprehensive sustainability audit to identify conservation opportunities. The audit revealed roofs, windows, doors, lighting and HVAC systems in need of repair. Changes in each of these areas is creating healthier living and working environments for ACHIEVA customers, while also reducing ACHIEVA’s energy costs.

August

2014

11

Early Signs of Autism Having a child diagnosed with autism can be a difficult time. As a parent or caregiver, one of the most important things to do is to educate yourself and become familiar with the developmental milestones of your little ones’ life. As we know, there is currently not a cure for autism but with early intervention and treatment, symptoms related to autism can greatly improve.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills and cognitive function. Individuals diagnosed with the disorder experience difficulty with communication and social skills and often engage in repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. Since the first diagnosis of autism in 1943, we have learned a lot more about the disorder. In fact, doctors throughout the United States have seen and treated an increase in patients with autism. Currently one in 88 children is diagnosed each year. A diagnosis can range from very mild to very severe and occur in all ethnic, socioeconomic and age groups. However, males are four times more likely to have autism than females. Autism generally appears before age 3, although some children can show no signs before age 1 or 2 and then suddenly digress.

Some early signs of autism:

No babbling by 12 months No words by 16 months No meaningful, two-word phrases by 24 months Does not reach out to be picked up Does not smile when smiled at Lack of interest in playing with other children Little or no eye contact Does not ask for help or make other basic requests Fixates on an activity or object If you have concerns and would like to have your child evaluated, in Allegheny County, call The Alliance for Infants & Toddlers at 412-885-6000. In Westmoreland County, call Westmoreland Casemanagement & Supports, Inc. at 724-837-1808. Ask that ACHIEVA be your early intervention provider.

12

August

2014

“Transition from Pediatrics to Adult Medical Systems for Young Adults with Disabilities or Special Health Care Needs.”

2014 Report from ACHIEVA’s Disability Healthcare Initiative ACHIEVA’s transition report was written to explore the issues facing families and providers, but more importantly to propose solutions that could pave the way for improvements to the system. The Disability Healthcare Initiative will use the guiding principles in this report over the next several months to work with many stakeholders across the Commonwealth to inform, collaborate and work towards resolution to address the concerns.

Currently in the United States, there are approximately 10.2 million people with special health care needs under 19 years of age. Each year, approximately 750,000 adolescents with special health care needs cross into adulthood. Health care transition, the process of moving from pediatric medicine to adult oriented medicine is a necessary process; however, it is often extremely difficult when a child with complex, chronic needs has been cared for by the same pediatric team for many years and the family has been supported through some difficult health crises.

ACHIEVA received survey responses from medical practices employing more than 160 physicians that provide care for more than 232,000 patients throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, conducted one-on-one interviews with practices caring for an additional 45,000 patients and more than 30 young people with special health care needs and their families. They corroborated the literature and research on health care for people with disabilities and special health care needs.

The major barriers revealed included access to affordable and comprehensive health insurance, a shortage of physicians with experience in caring for patients with complex medical issues, health care not being part of the educational transition process, a lack of pediatric and adult medical homes for people with complex medical issues and a lack of didactic and clinical training in medical schools.

ACHIEVA has identified a list of solutions including: communication between physicians; the role of insurers in ensuring access to health care for people with special health care needs; the development and use of appropriate billing mechanisms; physician education and training and public policy changes.

For a complete look at the transition report visit www.personfirsthealth.org.

August

2014

13

ACHIEVA’s Recognition Program recognizes employees dedicated to always providing the highest quality of Customer Service to our customers.

ACHIEVA’s “STAR” – Satisfaction, Totally, Achieved and Recognized – program is designed to acknowledge employees when they go the extra mile to provide exceptional customer service.

We are pleased to introduce you to our featured “STAR” winners:

Jeff Ash Jeff is a Family Trust Coordinator in the Family Trust Department.

Karen Hronec Karen is a Home Care Provider for ACHIEVA.

Nancy McMillan Nancy is a Trust Administrator in the Family Trust Department.

Monica Gardner Monica is a Residential Supervisor in Greensburg.

Susan Quigley Susan is a Weekend Coordinator for Residential in Pittsburgh.

Jessica Chandler Jessica is a Developmental Specialist for ACHIEVA Early Intervention Program.

Karen Vodenichar Karen is an Advocate and Family Supports Coordinator for ACHIEVA/Beaver.

Colleen Sokira Colleen is a Parenting-Education Specialist for the ACHIEVA Parenting Education Program.

Linda Kovach Linda is an Employment Specialist for ACHIEVA Vocational Supported Employment Program.

Alisha Vereen Alisha is a Program Specialist for ACHIEVA Vocational Program.

14

August

2014

ACHIEVA’s Strategic Planning: Creating Better Opportunities for People with Disabilities and their Families.

ACHIEVA’s Boards of Trustees have adopted a new strategic plan to respond to the ever changing environment in human services. This plan is designed to provide more individualized and independent support services for ACHIEVA customers and families.

This plan addresses many of ACHIEVA’s challenges and opportunities, including: • Transforming ACHEVA’s vocational supports to real work for real money in the real world • Positioning ACHIEVA as a leader in human services by promptly adjusting to statutory and regulatory changes • Ensuring ACHIEVA has top-notch leadership and human capital to accomplish its objectives • Embracing innovation throughout ACHIEVA ACHIEVA’s Boards of Trustees also approved new statements of mission and vision for ACHIEVA, as well as new Core Values for the entire organization.

ACHIEVA’s Mission - ACHIEVA supports and empowers individuals with disabilities and their families.

ACHIEVA’s Vision - ACHIEVA envisions a community where disability is a distinction that makes no difference.

ACHIEVA’s Core Values Respect, value and celebrate everyone.

Embrace and drive change toward innovation and inclusive practices.

Infuse integrity, ethics and best practices in everything we do.

Inspire, challenge and support each other.

Demonstrate passion about ACHIEVA’s mission and vision.

August

2014

15

Rain, Sleet, Snow or POLAR Vortex.....

During the winter of 2013-14, more than 200 million people were affected by temperatures that fell to unprecendented levels. If you didn’t know anything about a Polar Vortex, you do now.

While leaving the house and keeping travel plans was a challenge for the masses, ACHIEVA’s direct care staff saw no other option but to find a way to the people they support.

“I can’t let the weather stop me from getting to the families I support, they need me. When I report to work, I give the family that little break and peace they so deserve. I have a commitment to my customers. They look for that support and at times it’s critical for the family and the individual. You know the families want you there because they show their appreciation by telling you how thankful they are.”

-Renee (ACHIEVA)

“If Renee didn’t show up for work on those cold days I would have been left without help. I was absolutely elated when she showed up, she really came through for us. My daughter needs assistance with everything and we truly rely on our caregivers support. I’m so thankful for their efforts. I can’t say thank you enough.”

-Faith (Mom)

Candra & Renee

“It’s not a job to me, it’s a way that I can give of myself to other people. When I am with my customers that gives their loved ones time to take care of their own needs. It gives them a little free time. I knew when I arrived, despite the weather, they would enjoy having me there and I would enjoy being there as well. They count on me. When I walk in the door, I get a big hug.”

-Pam (ACHIEVA) 16

August

2014

Karli & Pam

“She is irreplaceable. Even with the terrible weather she makes time for us and makes sure she does the things my daughter likes to do. It can be 100 degrees outside and they’ll go play basketball because Pam knows that’s what my daughter likes to do. Pam is really a saint in my eyes. She’s so good, patient and dedicated to her work.”

-Judy (Mom)

Dates to Remember August 18, 2014

ACHIEVA’s 16th Annual Million Dollar Golf Outing Valley Brook Country Club, McMurray

Golfers return year after year to play this outstanding 27-hole golf course. The day includes brunch and dinner, prizes and gifts, including a chance at the Million Dollar Hole-in-One prize.

To become a sponsor or participate, contact Jamie Rhoades for additional information at 412.995.5000 x526 or jrhoades@achieva.info.

17th Annual Golf Outing is August 17, 2015.

December 8, 2014

ACHIEVA’s Annual Awards of Excellence Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh

The ACHIEVA Awards of Excellence honors a group of extraordinary and talented individuals, organizations and community groups who go above and beyond on behalf of people with disabilities.

Contact Peggie Watson for additional information or nomination form at 412.995.5000 x420 or pwatson@achieva.info.

January 15 - 25, 2015 ACHIEVA is proud to be a spsonor of the 28th Anniversary of WTAE’s Winterfest at Seven Springs Resort in Seven Springs.

Join the fun and take part in some of these great events: • • • •

Special learn to ski day and discounted snow tubing Contests, prizes and giveaways Winter wonderland fireworks Action News Weekends weather reports live from Seven Springs Resort

March 21, 2015 ACHIEVA’s Pittsburgh Promenade Auction Westin Convention Center Hotel, Pittsburgh This annual event benefits the more than 14,500 children and adults and their families who turn to ACHIEVA each year for services and supports. The evening includes both a live and silent auction of one-of-a kind and highly sought after items as well as a $10,000 raffle drawing.

Contact Jamie Rhoades for additional information at 412.995.5000 x526 or jrhoades@achieva.info.

August

2014

17

ACHIEVA Boards of Trustees ACHIEVA Board of Trustees

Chair, Robert McDowell Chair Elect, Michael L. Dever, Esq. Vice Chair, Mary D. Richter, CPA Past Chair, William E. Lestitian, Esq., CPA Trustees Mark Brown Sean J. Carmody, Esq. Louis DiNardo Greg Fajt., Esq. Beth Fulena Mary Lou Gegick Jon Haglund Dorothy M. Horvath Chaz Kellem Suzanne Parks Edward W. Price Jeremy Shapira Lisa G. Silverman, Esq. Stephen B. Spolar, Esq. Gary Teti James Woll

ACHIEVA Support Board of Trustees Chair, Chaz Kellem Chair Elect, Mary D. Richter, CPA Vice Chair, Paul E. Long Past Chair, Raymond Giarrusso Trustees Michael L. Dever, Esq. Nancy Gannon Elizabeth Hall Thomas M. Lee John S. Lynch Matt Oxenreiter Alexandra Robinson Josh Scott Cheryl Simchak

18

August

2014

The Arc of Westmoreland Board of Trustees

Chair, Gary L. Teti Chair Elect, Jerry Moschetti, Jr. Vice Chair, Ronald Toncini Past Chair, Edward W. Price Trustees James M. Duffy, Esq. Gregory C. Moore, Esq. Gary L. Sellers David Tilstone

ACHIEVA Family Trust Board of Trustees

Chair, Beth Fulena Chair Elect, Jennifer C. Johnson, Esq. Vice Chair, Stephen P. Hubard, CLU, ChFC Past Chair, Neal R. Shipley Trustees James Calhoun Phoebe Campbell Bernard C. Caputo, Esq. Sean J. Carmody, Esq. Julie Dever LeeAnn A. Fulena, Esq. Foster S. Goldman, Jr., Esq. Holly Hoff Kimberly Jackson Honorable Lee Mazur Dr. Irving J. Oppenheim Richard S. Scott, Esq. Joan Shoemaker, Esq. Kristen Stokes, Esq. Arun J. Thomas, Esq. Robert Wisner Robert Woeber Scott Yochum Martha Zatezalo, Esq.

2014 - 2016 ACHIEVA Resource Board of Trustees

Chair, Robert McDowell Chair Elect, Michael L. Dever, Esq. Vice Chair, Mary D. Richter, CPA Past Chair, William E. Lestitian, Esq., CPA

The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh Board of Trustees Chair, Meghan Gannon Anderson Chair Elect, Michael G. Meyer Vice Chair, Jillian F. Zacks, Esq. Past Chair, Jon Haglund Trustees Helen Aldisert Robie Bruscwitz Nina Butler Fran Carter Carla Devlin Stacey Diaz Diane DuFour-Gaudio Robert L. Kelley Daniel J. Morgan Catherine Williams

ACHIEVA is now featured in the Giving Library, an online video archive that connects donors to nonprofits.

The Giving Library was developed by the Laura and John Arnold Foundation to give donors and philanthropists an innovative way to enhance their strategic, charitable giving. The Giving Library, offers non-profits a chance to exist on a level playing field. Through the Giving Library, ACHIEVA will be able to reach more people, impacting families nationwide.

“This will allow us to showcase ACHIEVA, southwestern Pennsylvania and all of the amazing work this community does on behalf of people with disabilities and their families. This opportunity also gives ACHIEVA’s loyal supporters the chance to share all the great things that ACHIEVA does on behalf of people with disabilities in hopes of them joining ACHIEVA’s mission.” -Danielle Parson, Director of Communications, ACHIEVA. To view ACHIEVA’s Giving Library video, visit www.givinglibrary.org.

August

2014

19

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1983 Pittsburgh PA News DisabilityACHIEVA Healthcare Initiative 711 Bingham Street Access.Policy.Education.

Pittsburgh PA 15203 www.achieva.info 412.995.5000 1.888.272.7229 Address Services Requested

Combined Federal Campaign ACHIEVA: 48463 The Arc of Westmoreland: 28623 United Way Contributor’s Choice Campaign: ACHIEVA: 161 (Allegheny County) The Arc of Westmoreland: 390 The Arc of Westmoreland is a partner agency of the United Way of Westmoreland County

Like us on Facebook:

ACHIEVA 20

August

2014

Follow us on Twitter:

@ACHIEVA

www.achieva.info