Spring 2017
LifeLong Learner
Anderson Family Partners Anderson Family Partners (AFP) had the honor and pleasure of introducing Patrick Paul, the new CEO/Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism (ACA) on January 28th. The inaugural address took place at the Anderson Education Center auditorium. Patrick spoke to a full audience composed of Anderson family members, Anderson staff, local community supporters, and invited press. Patrick stated that a main focus will be on the continued growth and development of both Anderson’s Quality of Life initiative and LifeLong LearningSM system. To emphasize this commitment, he spoke of the recent work done in partnership with Dr. Caroline Magyar formerly of Rochester University. Dr. Magyar has been reviewing current programming and participating in the development of new methods and systems. The audience also learned of an extended collaboration with Marist College to improve ACA’s information technology platform, with the aim of enhancing service delivery and productivity. Having established his commitment to Anderson’s ongoing growth and
excellence, Patrick turned to issues of evident concern. At this point, he spoke openly of significant funding issues facing Anderson. Given the changing political landscape, he explained that reduced government funding and resources are anticipated. This includes government mandates for which there are no funds. Additionally, and of grave concern, there is already a problem of retaining quality staff, particularly Direct Support Professionals (DSP). With the increase in minimum wage, continued deferments on COLA increases and a lack of needed funds in the current proposed NYS budget, Anderson, like many other notfor-profit providers, is challenged with offering competitive salaries to recruit and retain qualified staff. The impact of this cannot be overemphasized, given the specialized training and commitment of DSPs working with the most vulnerable populations. Essentially, Patrick advised, staffing levels will directly affect Anderson’s programming. Addressing these issues will necessarily be a critical part of our new CEO’s and all parents’ role. It will involve active advocacy and time in Albany.
As CEO, Patrick will also be present and involved with day to day planning and development. He will work closely with staff and members of both the Anderson Center and Anderson Foundation Boards. A lively Q & A followed Patrick’s address. Parents were eager to find out how best to support Anderson as it faces these ongoing challenges. Patrick explained that parents/families are constituents and, as such, have a great deal of power. There is much that can be done through parent advocacy and fundraising. He encouraged all families to attend upcoming meetings of the AFP and work together to become a united force. In closing, Patrick stated with confidence that Anderson is very healthy and that stewardship will continue with a seamless transition. He and his executive staff are committed to Anderson’s future as a leader in the autism community.
Letter from Patrick Anderson Center for Autism’s mission “Optimizing the Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism” is truly an honorable concept and objective. It declares our commitment to help individuals whose lives are forever impacted by autism to have a full life of quality. There tremendous dedication by staff, families, management, volunteers and the boards of trustees in partnership with donors, grantors and government funders working together to achieve this common goal. Our mission will require continuous rededication to overcome significant challenges, in pursuit of the success of this mission. I am proud and privileged to have shared in this collaboration over many years with ACA, especially today as the new Executive Director and CEO. We are grateful to all our partners, past, present and future, as we carry out this essential work.
CEO PATRICK PAUL
Thank You! We would like to thank and acknowledge the following businesses, all of who supported Anderson in 2016 by hosting 3rd party fundraisers. Hyde Park Brewing Company
Pamal Broadcasting
Kayla’s Art Supplies
Jeep Run for Autism
Poughkeepsie Nissan
Celebrating Difference
Grace Kollar
Gail and David Siller’s event at Sojourn in NYC
Mill House Brewing Company
Zackery’s Hanukkah Collection
Fox 103.1 & Fox Oldies
Hannaford Supermarkets
Monday Football Party with Joel Levine and Debbie Danuff Levine
This is an easy and impactful way to support the Foundation, especially if you are a business owner or employee, or someone who frequents restaurants and shops in your hometown. In total, 3rd party fundraisers raised nearly $40,000 in 2016.
AEDs On Campus
New Parent Perspective
In keeping with Anderson’s mission to optimize the quality of life for our students, adults, and staff, Health Services is pleased to announce that we now have AEDs located throughout our campus! These devices, which are also located in every LifeLong LearningSM Centers and adult homes, can be used to restore a normal heart rhythm in someone experiencing cardiac arrest. No training is required, however, it is incorporated in the CPR training provided to all Anderson staff. AEDs can be found in the following locations on campus: •
Spruce Business Center (right of reception desk)
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AEC (right of reception desk)
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Rec Center (bathroom hallway)
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Village Center (1st floor, next to elevator)
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Every residence (back wall of office)
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Dellinwood (right wall upon entrance)
Emergency instructions, along with an owner’s manual, can be found with each device. Inside each AED you will find the supplies needed in the event usage is required. These supplies include a razor, face shield, disposable washcloth and a pair of nonlatex gloves. The primary RN will be providing routine maintenance, however, in the event that the device beeps, please contact Health Services as this may indicate that the batteries need replacing. A big thank you to our Operation Department for their assistance with this project!
Are you interested in hosting an event for Anderson? Thank you! It is a great way to support the agency, increase awareness for Anderson and autism. We have created some easy guidelines to help you set up your event here: http://andersoncenterforautism. org/thirdparty and since we know that a lot of the fun of events like these stems from the opportunity to be creative, we are here to help! Give us a call at (845) 889-9208 and speak to Kelly Dooley today to get your event underway!
New Anderson parent, Leah H. shared this after receiving a picture of her son Mendy from Anderson’s admissions team. “I’m still smiling giddily since receiving that precious photograph. I show it to everyone I meet! Since I got that picture my ability to adjust to Mendy’s absence has greatly improved. In fact, I’m going out tonight with my mother to see a play. I haven’t gone to a play or concert in about 12 years! Next week, my husband and I are heading to Florida for a long weekend. We have talked about nothing but Mendy for the past six years and we have to reconnect again!” We are so glad that your adjustment to Anderson is going well, Leah! Many new parents are likely experiencing the same mixed emotions. Thank you for sharing your personal experience with others.
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Serve! Volley! Bump! Dig! Bond! Laugh! Sweat! Support! Volleyball at Anderson Brings People Together and keeping track of stats and team needs. While struggling with these potential risks, Claude also began to directly observe, and hear about how playing on the AC Volleyball team was helping teammates relate with each other off the court. Directors played with Direct Support Professionals, Assistant Principals played with teachers, Speech Pathologists played with Transition staff. Claude noticed in the cafeteria that suddenly staff who never sought each other out to share a meal, were sitting together comfortably, happy to have the common bond of volleyball bringing them together. At once, Claude’s decision was obvious. Address the risks and open this up for all of Anderson. Staff sports teams are nothing new at Anderson, but when Anderson Center Volleyball Started in 2007 no one knew the incredible impact it would have. Starting as a pick-up game by Anderson’s Staff Development Specialist, Claude Porter, volleyball at Anderson has grown in size and purpose over the past 10 years. At Anderson, students and adults have, for many years, come to the AEC gym to watch their teacher, their instructor, their residence manager, their TA, their Nurse transform from the professional, dedicated and caring staff into a kneepad wearing volleyball superstar, right before their eyes. In 2008, after watching a staff basketball game, an Anderson staffer asked Claude whether there was something for “the older people” to play. I’m not sure when volleyball became the game that “older people” play but in that one moment, with that single question, Anderson Center Volleyball was born. That is also the year when Anderson Assistant Principal Jayson Pistritto got involved. Never one to shy away from an opportunity for fun, a good workout and
an opportunity to connect with staff, Jay is now a veteran of the team and was one of the first 11 players. He remains very involved today, noting “I joined volleyball because I wanted to meet people. I was working as a QMRP and I felt a bit isolated from other staff. A few years in I experienced first-hand the power of the connections I made. I went from asking for coverage help from ‘Staff’, to asking people I met through volleyball who now were a friendly face and not just a name. Because of our connection on the team, I heard ‘yes’ from them far more often than ever before.”
In 2010 that is exactly what Claude did. Taking safety and space use into consideration, Claude moved forward with agency approval. Recruitment was done with fliers, emails, sent everywhere-department by department. Claude called on some key team members asking them to use their good relationships with other staff to recruit and build more teams. The initial response was 34 interested people, enough to form 4 solid teams of about 6 people. Somewhat surprising to Porter and Pistritto, the only players left from the original team, staff of all ages and walks of life showed up to play.
From 2008-2010 the team grew, mostly through word of mouth and the continued growth of the number of students, adults and staff who would stop by to see what was going on in the gym on Thursday nights. As the crowds grew, so did the teams. As the teams grew, so did the word of mouth referrals. Soon, Claude realized he had a volleyball explosion on his hands, and he took a risk, opening it up to all staff.
Directors playing alongside line staff, some might think, could lead to interpersonal challenges. Instead, Claude proudly notes, with some skilled communication offered by him, all of the players discovered that sharing volleyball expertise and advice, as well as encouragement, was often easier than tackling some the work-related issues that we address here every day. Divisions disappeared and teamwork became the name of the game. Kathleen Marshall, Division Director for Program Services comments, “I come to cheer on everyone as often
The risk had several components. More people, more risk of injury. More teams, more time spent organizing
as I can mainly because the teams represent a wonderful cross-section of all departments at Anderson, and I see evidence of the interdisciplinary teamwork that happens on the court play out beautifully in meetings. Staff who have played on the team improve in their ability to communicate and problem-solve, which leads to relationships in the workplace that otherwise might not have formed. I think Anderson Volleyball is the greatest!” By 2011 the number of players had grown to 48. Volleyball took on a life of its own with Claude barely able to keep up with the number of people asking to play. The strong interest among staff of various skill levels then lead naturally to the creation of different team levels, allowing people to play competitively regardless of skill level. In 2012 Claude took another step, obtaining a trophy. Yes, one trophy that is presented to the winning team each year. Even this aspect of AC Volleyball is unique! 4 years later, in 2016 each player on the winning team took selfies sleeping with the trophy. Staff posted these pictures on their personal Facebook pages, demonstrating the immense pride that they take in their participation on the team. Fast forward to 2017 and Anderson Center Volleyball is still going strong! Porter says, “We have 7 teams this year, the most ever. We play back to back games on Thursdays and the fans in the
stands are now a mix of true observers, and those who are eagerly awaiting their opportunity to join. This year I had 92 calls of interest, for 58 spots! Our Draft, led by Teacher, Anthony Esposito, is a much-anticipated summer day when teams are formed, T-shirt colors are chosen and Team Captains are identified. It’s a fun way to start the preseason, but people also take it seriously, and I am proud of that.” Claude often receives inquiries from people in the community, and other Volleyball leagues, seeking to compete with Anderson. After Anderson teams played in the Casperkill Volleyball League in 2012, and won the whole tournament, the rest of the Volleyball community started paying attention! While it is flattering to be sought after, Claude explains his reason for limiting community (external) involvement. “We opened the teams up to one external player per team in 2015, to allow for friends and family of staff to participate. However I am cautious about expanding the program further into the community outside of Anderson because I believe that the core of this is really for and about Anderson staff. Incredibly, about 8 former Anderson staff who remain in good standing with the agency come back on Thursday nights to play. That, to me, is dedication, teamwork at its best, and a true testament to the extraordinary benefit of creating bonds with one’s co-workers.”
Esposito and Pistritto have also brought their own unique additions to the game, namely the use of technology, and a whole lot of fun. Players can check out the app, “Game On” to see current stats, messages, game schedules, Team of the Week, Player of the Week and of course, Pistritto’s Preposterous Predictions. Asked what this experience has meant to him, Esposito responds, “I met my closest friends at Anderson in the league. We look forward to the games we get to play against each other. That competitive spirit is always there, and grows as each player improves, raising their expectation of themselves and their teammates. I’ve witnessed that kind of growth many times in my life, as I began coaching sports teams when I was 16. Lastly, the part that I think gets overlooked because of how competitive the players are, is that ultimately it is a wellness program. I myself, have lost 25 pounds since the season I began playing, and there are other players who have done the same thing. Just last week, I complimented a friend about his weight loss and his response started with “Well week 1 I was so out of breath….” And he described the change in his diet and workout schedule. His response just shows how being a part of this program can jump start a healthier life style.” As a long-time member of Anderson’s Staff Development department, Porter shares his view that the work of his department should be pervasive and expand well beyond the training room. Claude and his colleagues in the department are the first people that new staff meet and engage with at Anderson. Some might never have acted on the understanding that through these early and significant relationships, one can have positive impact in other areas. Too often, we keep to our own small area of expertise. Claude, Jayson, Anthony, the players, and the fans all have shown us that anything is possible if we step towards opportunity and step towards each other.
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ONE OF THE MANY REASONS WHY IT IS SO GREAT TO BE AN ANDERSON CENTER FOR AUTISM EMPLOYEE! Wear your badge proudly and enjoy these generous discounts from many of our community partners. Do you own a business or know someone who does? Let them know about this opportunity to publicize their business while doing a wonderful thing for everyone who works here!
Antonella’s Restaurant 4245 Albany Post Road Hyde Park, NY, 12538
Golds Gym Hudson Valley 258 Titusville Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
plumbenefits.com Customer service: (877) 868-7758 Email: contact@plumbenefits.com
Ashley HomeStore 1895 South Road #90 Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Harvest Moon Gifts 4158 Albany Post Road Hyde Park, NY 12538
Poughkeepsie CrossFit 84 Page Park Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Blown Away Unisex Hair Salon 417 Violet Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Hawthorne Suites 14 Schuyler Boulevard Fishkill, NY 12524
Body Be Well Pilates 7578 N. Broadway Red Hook, NY 12571
Holder Enterprises (845) 505-1389
Body Be Well Pilates 401 Main Street Catskill, NY 12414 Coppola’s 4167 Albany Post Road Hyde Park, NY 12538
Hyde Park Brewery 4076 Albany Post Road Hyde Park, NY 12538 Hyde Park Florist & Gifts 4204 Albany Post Road Hyde Park, NY 12538
Cranberry’s at Tilley Hall 1 West Market Street Hyde Park, NY 12538
Hyde Park Jeweler 4258 Albany Post Road Hyde Park, NY 12538
Create Your Yoga & Dance LLC Located in Astor Square Plaza 6811 Route 9, Rhinebeck, N.Y. 12572
I Kneaded This 6454 Montgomery Street Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Crunch Fitness 2 Neptune Rd Poughkeepsie, NY
Innerlight Health Spa 1 East Dorsey Lane Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Earthgoods Market 4246 Route 9 Hyde Park, NY 12538
Minuteman Press 4246 Albany Post Road Hyde Park, NY 12538
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Mizu Sushi 4246 Albany Post Road Hyde Park, NY 12538
Red Cap Cleaners 4214 Albany Post Road Hyde Park, NY Roosevelt – Vanderbilt Historic Site Gift Shops Pavilion at Vanderbilt & Val-Kill 119 Vanderbilt Park Road Hyde Park, NY 12538 Samsung Shear Magic Hair Salon 600 Violet Avenue Hyde Park, NY 12538 S&S Vac, Appliance, and Sewing 420 Violet Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 StubZero.com Call Toll Free 844-425-1061 Surviving Sisters Boutique 4412 Albany Post Road Hyde Park, NY 12538 Waddle N/ Swaddle, LLC 32 Raymond Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Zound’s Hearing 1289 Route 9 Suite #2 Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
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4885 Route 9, P.O. Box 367 Staatsburg, NY 12580 PHONE: (845) 889-4034 ADMINISTRATIVE FAX: (845) 889-3104 andersoncenterforautism.org
2017 ANDERSON CENTER FOR AUTISM
Learn More and Register Today! AndersonCenterForAutism.org/AndersonClassic
CLASSIC
You’re Invited! 2017 Anderson Center for Autism Golf Classic When: Thursday, June 15, 2017 Where: The Links at Union Vale • Lagrangeville, NY 7:45AM Registration and Full Breakfast 9:00AM Shotgun Start/Scramble Format, Lunch at the Turn
For More Information
Contact Kelly Dooley at 845-889-9208 or KellyDooley@ACenterForAutism.org
2:00PM Cocktails, Dinner, Awards, and Raffles Proceeds benefit the children and adults of Anderson Center for Autism