A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
September 2013
THE
IN THIS ISSUE Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . 2 Interacting with the Blind . . . . . 2 Celebrating Grandparents . . . 4 Stay Safe in Your Car . . . . . 5 New Employees . . . . . . . . . . 6 Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Celebrate Nexday’s grand opening Campus in Bay View debuts to public us Sept. 26 for the grand opening of our Nexday Campus, 3333 J oin S. Howell Ave. The program will begin at 3:30 p.m., and after, the general public and other invited guests will be able to take a tour, meet our staff, learn more about the programs Nexday offered there and Campus enjoy light refreshments. Guests will also be among the first to see “Reaching Forward,” a book that celebrates MCFI’s 75th anniversary. All are invited!
3:30 to 7 p.m. September 26
September 2013
2 — A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
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Calendar of Events SEPTEMBER 14
DOs and DON’Ts when interacting with a person who is blind
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Briggs and Al’s Run and Walk for Children’s Hospital WHEN: 10:15 a.m. WHERE: 12th Street and Wisconsin Avenue
hen speaking with a person who is blind:
DO identify yourself, especially when entering a room. Don't say, "Do you know who this is?"
DO speak directly to the individual. Do not speak through a companion. Unless they are hard of hearing, they can speak for themselves.
DO give specific directions like "the desk is five feet to your right" as opposed to saying "the desk is over there."
DO give a clear word picture when describing things to an individual with sight loss. Include details such as color, texture, shape and landmarks.
DO touch them on the arm or use their name when addressing them. This lets them know you are speaking to them, and not someone else in the room.
DON'T shout when you speak; they can't see but often have fine hearing.
DON'T be afraid to use words like "blind" or "see." Their eyes may not work but it is still "nice to see you."
SEPTEMBER 19 All-Staff Meeting on MCFI Health Center WHEN: 3 p.m. WHERE: MCFI Main Campus Conference Center
SEPTEMBER 20 Disability Q&A/Self-Reflection WHEN: Noon to 1:30 p.m. WHERE: MCFI Main Campus Conference Center
SEPTEMBER 26 Nexday Campus Open House WHEN: 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. WHERE: Nexday Campus 3333. S. Howell Ave.
3 — A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
Join Briggs and Al’s Run For Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Since the run began in 1978
$14 million has been raised.
Children’s has
355,000 patient visits every year.
Register now!
more than 13,000 participants from across the J oin Midwest for the 2013 Briggs and Al’s Run, which raises money for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. The Sept. 14 run/walk starts at 12th Street and Wisconsin Avenue on the Marquette University campus. The wheelchair start is at 10:15 a.m., the runners start is 10:30 a.m., and walkers follow immediately after for the 3– or 5-mile option. MCFI employees interested in walking or running together are being asked to meet at 10 a.m. at 13th Street and Wisconsin Avenue. After the run, join the celebration at Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard at Maier Festival Park. Admission is free for all registered participants. Enjoy music and stop by the New Balance Health and Fitness Fair. Food and beverages will be sold.
September 2013
September 2013
4 — A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
A Commitment to Diversity MCFI’s Diversity Team works to provide opportunities in the workplace and community, because we believe diversity enriches us all.
Our mission is to foster an environment
Celebrating grandparents National Grandparents Day is Sept. 8
T
he Working Parenting Employee Resource Group and Diversity Team invite you to celebrate generational diversity by honoring your grandparents. Posters will be stationed at our Main, Northeast and Nexday campuses and TLS in West Allis. On those posters, you are invited to share a picture of your grandparents and grandchildren — and yourself. Next to your photo, jot down who is in the picture, and who the picture belongs to. The celebration coincides with National Grandparents Day, which originated with Marian McQuade, a housewife in West Virginia who was concerned about the lonely elderly and wanted grandchildren to cherish their grandparents’ wisdom and heritage. President Jimmy Carter, in 1978, proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
that reflects the community we serve, values the skills and talents of each individual, and ensures quality service to our clients with special needs.
Our vision is to be the benchmark of diversity and inclusion among nonprofit agencies in southeastern Wisconsin. MCFI will be the organization where clients want to receive services, funders want to provide support, vendors want to do business and employees see diverse opportunities.
Diversity recognitions National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 1: Israel Miraji Ascent of Prophet Muhammad Sept. 5-6: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) Sept. 14-15: San Gennaro Day (Italian-American) Sept. 16: Mexico's Independence Day Sept. 22: Autumnal Equinox and Mabon Wicca celebration Sept. 25: Yom Kippur (Jewish Day of Atonement)
5 — A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
September 2013
Stay safe in your car Reduce your risk of being a victim of a crime
W
hile crimes against property are far more common on employer grounds, some criminals target people as well. Not every crime against a person can be prevented, and victims should never blame themselves for a criminal's behavior. Still, you can help reduce your risk of being victimized in your car by following some commonsense tips like the ones listed here.
Park in well-lighted, busy areas. Avoid dark, secluded areas.
Always lock your car, even if you are in it at the time.
As you approach your car, be aware of other people around. If you see someone loitering near your car, do not go to it; instead, walk to an area where there are other people.
Have your car keys ready. Make sure you don't have to stand by your car fumbling for your keys.
Before you enter your car, look inside to make sure there is no intruder in the car. If you see another motorist stranded on the road, do not stop to help. Drive to the nearest
phone — or use your cell phone — and notify the police.
While driving, keep valuables out of sight, and not on the seat next to you. When you are stopped in traffic or at a stop light, some "smash-and-grab" thieves will break out the passenger window and snatch valuables from your car seat.
If you don't already have one, consider getting a cell phone so you can call for assistance in an emergency.
If you are stranded in your car, do not accept help from anyone. If someone offers help, stay in your car and ask him or her to call police. Do not accept help from the police unless they are in uniform and driving a marked patrol car.
If you are approached by a carjacker demanding your car, give it up. Your life and health are worth more than any vehicle.
If you have any concerns please contact Scott Curwick, Ext. 3973.
September 2013
6— A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
Welcome New Employees Rickie Kelly/Kitchen Helper Latoya Burns/Kitchen Helper Jeremy Kemp/Kitchen Helper April Albritton/Activity Assistant/CNA Daiquiri Williams/Teacher
Recovery Specialist Claudia Rohling/Outpatient Therapy Paula Wilson/Kitchen Helper Tiffany Hubbard/Primary Care Physician
Damischa Austin/CNA
Matt Queen/LTC L&D Coordinator Ashley Kellum/Client Coordinator/Case Manager
Christina Lewis-Lloyd/Food Service Driver
Tom Gossett/Client Coordinator
Lolita Johnson/CNA
Tyronica Laney/Kitchen Helper
Patrick Floyd/Community Living Specialist
Meghann Redford/Teacher Kimberly Johnsen/Special Ed Teacher
Valerie Wilson/Kitchen Helper
Jessica Walsh/Teacher
Alexander Agee/Kitchen Helper
Kevin Roquemore/Teacher Assistant Lakeshia Fleming/Kitchen Helper Marlene Ridgeway/Kitchen Supervisor/Cook Iesha Jernigan/Community
Markeisha Steel/CNA
Susan Hawkins-Masterson/ Special Education Teacher Sarah Sleider/Family Care Case Manager Lakeshia Fleming/Kitchen Helper
September Anniversaries Joan Blaney, 22 years Mary Rogowski, 17 years Kristi Kibler, 16 years Jennifer Fojtik, 12 years Shannon Bowman, 10 years Ella Burns, 10 years Alvin Hill, 9 years Scott Lefeber, 8 years Jason Horak, 7 years Glenn Czerwinski, 7 years Bao Thao, 6 years Andrea McKee, 5 years Gloria Reese, 5 years Robyn Kelley, 5 years Jodie Pryor, 5 years James Hill, 4 years Ann Martinek, 4 years Dana Blake, 4 years Rae Hansen, 4 years Michael Ivans, 4 years Jody Krainer, 4 years Bryan Pikalek, 3 years Jennifer Willms, 3 years Raven Cartagena, 3 years Margaret Kruse, 3 years
Scott Olsen, 3 years Alisa Rainey, 3 years Keosha Henderson, 3 years Steven Rosin, 3 years Michael Vandertie, 3 years Sophia Lewis, 3 years Wanda Valle, 2 years Pamela Olive, 2 years Sarah Aguado, 2 years Richard Blair, 1 year Emily Boerneke, 1 year Evelyn Erkins, 1 year Pamela Grzesk, 1 year Aaron Massey, 1 year Capreece Odebiyi, 1 year Marissa Reik, 1 year John Sims, 1 year Ericca Tillman, 1 year Bradley Newberry, 1 year Grant Heffelfinger, 1 year Rosalyn McFarland, 1 year Angela Sauvageau, 1 year David Schuster, 1 year Brigid Williamson, 1 year
News and Notes Save the date! Works of Heart, the name of this year’s Campaign for Kids benefit, will be held at the Main Campus from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 10. Tickets for employees are half price — just $25 — and can be purchased from Karen Chesser, Ext. 2043.
New library material The Working Parenting Employee
Resource Group is adding new books to our lending library — books that are of particular interest to parents and other caregivers. If you have suggestions for new material, or would like to make a donation, please contact Judy Williams, Ext. 2110.
Author! Author! Check out the article Ryan Hanson, MCFI psychometrist-research
associate, co-authored for the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. You can also read a Huffiington Post story that mentions Ryan’s work.
Health Center news School physicals and vaccinations are now available in the MCFI Health Center. Call 414-937-3971.