The 16th Annual Murder Mystery Dinner: Page 3
2011 Donors: Page 5-8
Crickett’s Corner: Page 11
Inside: SASi’s New Executive
Director pg. 2
Thomas Becker announced his retirement as Executive Director from SASi effective May 17, 2012. This date also signifies 30 years to the day that Tom started his career with SASi. In 1982, SASi was a small organization that found itself in need of new leadership. On May 17, 1982, Tom Becker was hired as Executive Director. Little did he know where that role would take him. At that time, SASi had a staff of 23 that provided services for about 122 program participants at just three locations in Sardinia, East Aurora and at a Boston school building.
COMPASS What’s it all about? pg. 4
Community News pg. 10 Contributors: Tony Annunziato Tom Becker Mary Cole Karen Gustina Lynn Kelly Tim Pfohl Karen Vance
Over the past three decades, Tom has lead the growth of this successful, local, nonprofit human services organization from its humble start to a thriving organization with approximately 500 full and part-time employees offering services to more than 2000 adults and children with disabilities at more than 30 locations throughout Erie, Wyoming and Cattaraugus Counties.
Arial views above: Sardinia in 1982 and below as it appears in 2012
In addition, Tom has shared his knowledge and expertise serving as a member of the Board of Directors for Pioneer Central Schools, NYSRA, NYSID, Housing Options Made Easy, DDAWNY, and Moving Miracles, a dance program for children, adolescents and adults with special needs. Tom has also served on the advisory boards for Cornell University Rehabilitation Administration and the Genesee Community College, Arcade Campus. Tom’s presence will certainly be missed by all who have had the pleasure of working with him and learning from him during his career with SASi. From colleagues, board members, peers and staff to program participants and their families, we join together to wish Tom the very best in his retirement.
SASi Boards of Directors CORPORATE BOARD Mark Balus President Hillary Bowen Vice President Thomas Geisendorfer Secretary Timothy Madey Treasurer Deanna Briggs George Gebhard Lois Jackson Ron Kenyon
As you now know, I am retiring from SASi 30 years to the day that I first started. That first day will always be a momentous one for me. I had not even sat at my desk when I found out that our program certification was in jeopardy and that we were soon to be evicted from our Boston location. It has been an adventure ever since! Together we have accomplished many things. The agency has increased ten-fold in size and in revenues, and our programs and residences are some of the best in our field. We are respected; and, it is widely known that we truly care about the individuals that we serve and that we provide excellent care and programs. I am very proud of these accomplishments, but I could not have done it alone. It takes a team of dedicated, compassionate people and I wish to thank everyone at SASi for that. I am pleased to announce that Tony Annunziato will be the new Executive Director of SASi. Tony and I have worked together for many years and I feel that he is the right person to carry SASi into the future. I will count on you to give him the same support and loyalty that has been given to me. It has been a very rewarding experience for me to serve as the Executive Director of SASi for the past 30 years.
Michael Medden Linda Trzaska
FOUNDATION BOARD Frederick Marshall President Kevin Weber Vice President Michael Medden Secretary Suzanne Novelli Treasurer Don Bach Beth Downing George Gebhard Thomas Geisendorfer Jeffrey Markello William O’Connell Tammy Yekich
Page 2
On May 17th Tony Annunziato stepped into his new role as Executive Director. Tony started his career with SASi in 1978 as a Personal Adjustment Trainer/Team Leader at the Boston Work Training Center. At the time of his hire there were only seven agency staff and approximately 30 clients. In 1985 he moved into the position of Program Director and in 1999 he was promoted to Associate Executive Director. Since then, Tony has overseen all program areas including the Article 16 Clinic, residential and day services. He is also responsible for agency operations and sales. During the past 34 years, Tony has been involved to a great extent in program development and has played a leading role in SASi’s growth. His accomplishments have included the development of most of the agency's programs and residential facilities located throughout Western New York. Tony was instrumental in the development of the High Hurdles barn and riding arena and the acquisition of the Original Kazoo Company and Buffalo Box Kite Company. During his tenure with SASi, Tony has experienced the many changes in the funding and delivery of services to the disabled. Tony views this growth and development as being very positive for the individuals that we serve. “Although there have been many challenges, including over regulation, the array and quality of services has certainly improved. As a result, individuals are experiencing more opportunities to succeed while achieving greater independence in the community.” In addition to his role at SASi, Tony serves as an appointed member of the Wyoming County Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee and is past Chairperson of the NYSRA Clinic Services Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Moving Miracles and the Genesee Community College Arcade Campus Advisory Board.
The 16th Annual Murder Mystery Dinner
Is a Success! On Saturday, March 10, 2012, Michael’s Banquet Facility in Hamburg was the new location for this audience interactive, murder mystery production. More than 350 guests were in attendance which was the largest audience to date. Everyone enjoyed “Dying For A Date” an original production presented by the AM Lockport Players. In addition to the performance, there was an extensive theme basket raffle with more than 130 raffle items, some valued at more than $250! This year’s Murder Mystery Dinner raised more than $15,500. All of the proceeds from the event will be used to benefit the individuals who receive services through SASi. Save The Date: Saturday, March 9th is the tentative date for 2013. Call (716)805-1555 today for event and ticket information. SASi was pleased to have WIVB, Channel 4 “Call 4 Action” reporter Al Vaughters in attendance at the Murder Mystery Dinner. Mr. Vaughters served as the event emcee and our COMPASS spokesman.
Event guests, casting their vote for “Who Done It?”
SASi is proud to be working towards becoming a COMPASS agency. COMPASS stands for Consumerism Outcomes Management Plans and Self-Survey and is an OPWDD initiative that recognizes agencies that continually strive toward excellence in service delivery. Empowerment, preferences, choices and overall satisfaction are SASi’s primary objectives. The agency also concentrates on developing methods to measure the success of person-centered outcomes. Out of 750 provider agencies in New York, only 1% are currently COMPASS agencies. Being recognized as a COMPASS agency indicates that an agency has progressed beyond minimal regulatory compliance and is an Agency of Distinction. COMPASS agencies engage their entire organization by encouraging service recipients, board members, management, and staff to work together in a person-centered environment with the goal of promoting and achieving valued outcomes for the people served. SASi’s goal is working towards a future where individuals with mental or physical challenges are regarded for their ambitions and respected for their abilities. WIVB Channel 4 - “Call 4 Action” reporter, Al Vaughters
Special thanks to our event sponsors: Carrier Coach, Upstate Pharmacy & Arcade-Knight Insurance Agency Page 3
COMPASS
COMPASS Contest—“What Does COMPASS mean to me?” Earlier this year, we challenged everyone at SASi to come up with a creative answer to this question, and that they did! We received many different answers to our question and equally as many interpretations on how best to creatively express that answer. As difficult as it was, winners where chosen in three categories: Program Participants, Staff and Group. Program Participant Winner—Dawn Ballard “What COMPASS means to me… I can walk and I can speak-up for myself. I can speak-up for the ones that can’t talk for themselves too. It is very hard for the ones that can’t talk for themselves, it really is! I like doing things for others. I do a very good job by helping my friends out and I like to visit with other people. COMPASS can be a good thing for a person, it sure could. Maybe people could get out and do things outside when the weather is nice.” Dawn attends program at SASi’s Sardinia Workshop and lives at the George Street IRA. She works part-time as a cleaner at SASi’s Elma facility. Staff Winner—Renee’ Fleckenstein
Renee’ works as an LPN at the Sardinia Day Habilitation Program
What does COMPASS mean to me? We are an awesome agency. We strive to do our very best, With COMPASS we can pass the test. With all staff working as a team, We work on goals and even dreams. Individuality, shining stars for all to see Everyone can learn and grow, This includes staff, just ask me I know! Teams of peers who double check, No mistakes will they accept. Looking for ways to do it best, We continually strive for excellence. This is what COMPASS means to me, Being the very best we can be!
Group Winner—Eden DayHab
Please log onto www.sasinc.org and click on the COMPASS link to see the winning video slide show & music montage created by Eden DayHab. Page 4
Congratulations to the winners and special thanks to all who participated in the contest!
Special thanks to all of the individuals and organizations whose gifts helped provide programs and services for individuals with disabilities enabling them to lead meaningful lives and be as independent as possible. Individual Supporters Mr. Dave Allen Ms. Kathy Allen Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Annunziato Mr. Patrick Anthony Mrs. Jill M. Arrance Mr. & Mrs. Clement Arrison Mr. & Mrs. Craig Arrison Ms. Vera Arrison Ms. Sandra Aselin Mr. John Backus Mr. John Bailey Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Baker Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Baker Ms. Susan Baker Ms. Jennifer Ball Mr. & Mrs. Mark Balus Ms. Joy Bargy Mr. James Barons Ms. Amanda Barratt Mr. Joseph Barrick Ms. Tara Baschmann Mr. & Mrs. Matt Beals Ms. Barbara Beck Mr. & Mrs. Tom Becker Mr. James Beckerich Mrs. Marilyn Behm Mr. Daniel Bender Ms. Pam Bennett Mr. Edward Bernard Ms. Theresa Bernard Mr. & Mrs. David Bernhoft Ms. Patricia Bethin Mr. David Bialaszewski Ms. Lorraine Bieron Ms. Marion Biletsky Ms. Gretchen Bingham Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Birke Ms. Myrna Bishop Mr. Kenneth Blachura Mrs. Marion Blackowicz Ms. Coleen Blakeslee Ms. Arlene Bloom Ms. Linda Bly Ms. Lori Boerner Mr. David Bonk Ms. Vanessa Bookmiller Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Bowen Mr. John Bowles Mr. & Mrs. Donald Briggs Mr. Fonda Brigis Ms. Hollie Brooks Ms. Deborah Brubaker Ms. Barbara Brunn
Mr. Gerry Buchholtz Ms. Rebecca Buchnowski Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Burchalewski Ms. Melissa Burdic Mr. Paul Burdick Mr. & Mrs. Paul Burkett Ms. Amanda Burkett Ms. Kathy Burkett Ms. Jennifer Burton Ms. Donna Calabrese Ms. Heidi Carder Ms. Angela Carlevaro
Ms. Kathryn Doster Mr. & Mrs. Craig Downing Ms. Shirley Drennan Mr. & Mrs. David Dressel Ms. Leona Drumsta Mr. & Mrs. Walter J. Druzbik Ms. Betty Dubose Mr. Larry Duff Jr. Ms. Pamela Dunn Ms. Judith Dziedzic Ms. Kim Ebert Mr. Joe Eckl
“Giving pays the highest interest rate and has the longest term of any investment available!” ~Jeffrey K. Wilson Mr. & Mrs. Francesco Casillo Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Harry Caughel Mrs. Clara Cerquetti Ms. Lisa Chaney Mr. Brian Chapman Ms. DeAnna D. Chapman Ms. Dawn Charles Mr. John Chauby Ms. Kari Chelikowsky Mr. & Mrs. Patrick M. Clark Ms. Jodi Clark Mr. Garry Clugston Ms. Patricia Cobb Mr. Mike Coffman Mr. & Mrs. Michael Concannon Ms. Ellen Connell Mr. & Mrs. Mike Connors Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Coon Ms. Mark Cordz Ms. Daisy B. Cowan Ms. Linda Cowan Ms. Dawn Cress Mr. Shawn Cunningham Ms. Sandra Czajka Mr. Jerome T. Czajkowski Ms. Melissa Czerwinski Mr. James Czuprynski Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Daley Ms. Shirley Dalusio Ms. Charlotte Dark Ms. Sylvia Davey Mr. & Mrs. Bob Davis Mr. John Delude Mr. & Mrs. Tim Devine Mr. & Mrs. Larry Dewein Ms. Colleen Diebel Mrs. Georgiann Dieteman Ms. Laura Dodge Mr. & Mrs. George Dollas
Mr. & Mrs. Craig Ehnes Ms. Sharon Eich Ms. Callie Elsaesser Ms. Janice Emblidge Ms. Sarah Evans Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Falconer Mr. & Mrs. Tom Farr Ms. Judy Feine Ms. Barbara Feldman Ms. Joyce Ferger Mr. & Mrs. Mark Ferris Mr. & Mrs. Spencer Ferris Mr. Ben Ferro Ms. Amber Fiebelkorn Ms. Cindy Filighera Mr. Jack Finklea Mr. & Mrs. Raymond C. Fisher Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Fisher Ms. Joanne Fitzpatrick Ms. Renee' Fleckenstein Mr. Joshua Fleissner Mr. & Mrs. Roger Folts Ms. Barbara Franklin Ms. Melissa Frary Ms. Trisha Frazier Ms. Jennifer Freeman Ms. Tara Frentz Mr. & Mrs. Edward Fritz Mr. & Mrs. Greg Fronczak Ms. Heidi Frost Mr. & Mrs. Peter Frunzi Mr. Alan Frydrychowski Ms. Janine Fuerch Mr. & Mrs. George Gebhard Ms. Pamela Geib Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Geisendorfer Ms. Angela Geising Ms. Linda George Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Gerardi Ms. Cheryl Gernatt
Mr. Kenneth Glass Mr. Timothy Gleason Ms. Melissa Glowka Ms. Paulette Godios Ms. Harriet Gohr Ms. Bonnie Goodrich Mr. & Mrs. Glen Gordon Ms. Susan Gould Mr. Michael J. Greean Jr. Mr. Tom Greek Mrs. Charlotte Grey Mr. Dustin Griswold Mr. David Gronachan Ms. Robert A. Grzechowiak Ms. LuAnn Gugino Ms. Claudia Guilmain Ms. Tammy Gust Ms. Karen Gustina Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Hadley Mr. Ryan Haffey Mr. & Mrs. Larry Hageman Ms. Ashlee Hahn Ms. Angell Haight Ms. Anna M. Hale Ms. Julia M. Hall Mr. Henry Hann Ms. Deborah A. Hard Mr. & Mrs. Warren Hardy Ms. Marylee Harnden Mr. Eli Harris Mr. Roddy Harris Ms. Patricia A. Harris Ms. Georgina Hartman Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hawkins Mr. Terry Hayes Mr. Matthew Haynes Ms. Kelly Haynes Ms. Catherine Heck Ms. Ethel Heineman Ms. Bonnie Herbst Ms. Amy Lynn Hess Ms. Linda Hess Mr. & Mrs. Bill Heywood Ms. Mary Hilliard Ms. Vanessa Hines Ms. Michelle Hoffman Ms. Kathleen Hofner Ms. Jodi Hokenson Ms. Susan Holycross Ms. Pam Hrobocinski Ms. Michelle Hughes Ms. Mary Igielinski Mrs. Maureen Ishtiyyeh Mr. & Mrs. Darren Jackson Mrs. Lois Jackson Page 5
Individual Supporters—continued Ms. Francine Jackson Ms. Heidi Jankowiak Ms. Katherine Jarosz Mr. Corey Jarzyniecki Mr. & Mrs. John Jasulevich Mr. & Mrs. Randy Jasulevich Mr. Russell Jasulevich Ms. Amy Jaworski Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Johnsen Ms. Sally Johnson Ms. Tolshia Jones Ms. Karen Jordan Ms. Dorothy Judson Mr. & Mrs. John Kaminski Mr. Nick Kaminski Mr. Jeff Karabanowski Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kaufmann Ms. Evelyn Kazinski Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kazmark Ms. Theresa Kazmierczak Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Kearney Mr. & Mrs. Kent Keating Ms. Susan Kedzierski Ms. Michelle Keem Mr. Tim Keenan Ms. Ashley Kelley Mr. & Mrs. Sean Kelly Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Kelly Ms. Jessica Kibler Ms. Maureen Kinmartin Ms. Michelle Kloiber Ms. Kimberly Klosko-Sorrentino Ms. Tina Knapik Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Knarr Ms. Mary Kocsis Mr. Thomas Kohlhagen Mr. & Mrs. Norman Kopczynski Mr. Bruce Korotkin Mr. Tom Koszelak
Ms. Candy Langer Ms. Amy Lanigan Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Lariviere Ms. Renee LaRusch Mr. & Mrs. Samuel LaScala Ms. Ashly Lassitter Ms. Deanna Latulip Ms. Amy Layman Ms. Rebecca Layman Ms. Corinne Lazarz Mr. & Mrs. Chris Lee Mr. Shirley Lee Ms. Amanda LeFauve Mr. Dennis Lelek Ms. Janine Lemke Mr. Bill Lennert Mr. & Mrs. Bob Lepore Mr. David K. Lerner Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Lesinski Ms. Arda Letson Ms. Julee Lillis Ms. Louise S. Lipton Mr. Carey Litteer Mr. Dan Livingston Mr. John Lomeo Ms. Amy Loudenslager Ms. Karen Lougen Mr. Rick Lux Mr. Thomas Maclean Mr. & Mrs. George Maderer Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Madey Mr. & Mrs. Erik Maeder Mr. Joe Mallaber Mr. Earl Malone Ms. Nicole Maltby Mr. Jack Manley Ms. Joanne M. Manning Ms. Loretta Manthy Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Markello
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver ~ Maya Angelou Ms. Pamela Kowalewski Dr. David P. Kowalski Ms. Debra Kozak Ms. Tammie Krafchak Mr. Chris Krebs Mr. Ken Krebs Mr. Pat Krebs Ms. Patricia Krempholtz Mr. & Mrs. Tom Krug Mr. John Kruszka Ms. Meagan Krzemien Ms. Cynthia Kuras Mr. & Mrs. Ray Labruna Mr. & Mrs. Jim Lafferty Mr. Donald Lahrs Ms. Patricia LaLomia Ms. Tania Landis Page 6
Ms. Tami Marsh Hon. & Mrs. Frederick Marshall Mr. & Mrs. Robert Martino Mr. & Mrs. Dominic Massaro Ms. Holly Massett Ms. Annette Mayers Mr. Corey McAllister Ms. Patti McCarthy Mr. Brent McCaw Ms. Sandra McCloskey Mr. & Mrs. Doug McCormick Ms. Kathy McCubbin Ms. Brenda McDonald Ms. Betsy McGraw Ms. Marge McManus Mr. Harold McMaster Mr. Paul McPartland Mr. & Mrs. Michael Medden
Ms. Andrea Mellon Ms. Melinda Mellon Ms. Karen L. Merriam Mrs. Christine Metz Ms. Jennifer Mikoll Ms. Wanita Mikulski Mr. & Mrs. Robert Miller Mrs. Cathaline Miller Ms. Susan Miller Ms. Tracy Miller Ms. Robbi Mitravich Mr. & Mrs. Paul Mitri Mr. & Mrs. Richard Moesch Ms. Kristina Molisani Mrs. Barbara Moltrup Ms. Heather Moore Mr. & Mrs. Michael Moran Mrs. Joan Moran Ms. Dawn Morgan Ms. Karen Morgan Ms. Kathleen Morlock Ms. Sandy Morse Ms. Lynn Mosher Ms. Meggin Mosher Ms. Lacey Mulligan Ms. Ann Murphy Ms. Jennifer Muzzy Ms. Rebecca Myers Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Napierala Mr. Ken Naples Mrs. Gizela Naughton Ms. Cindy Naughton Ms. Claire Nelligan Ms. Kathleen Newman Mr. & Mrs. Robert Nicaise Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Nigro Ms. Rolinda Noeson Ms. Margaret Northrup Mr. Gregory Norton Ms. Jennifer Nourse Dr. & Mrs. David Novelli Dr. Stephen Novelli Ms. Gloria Nowak Ms. Lynn Nowosien Ms. Christiana Nuernberger Mr. & Mrs. John O'Brien Mr. Bill Ochocinski Mr. & Mrs. William O'Connell Mr. Tim O'Connell Ms. Debbie Odrobina Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Oelkers Ms. Elizabeth O'Mara Mr. Kevin O'Neill Mrs. Diane Oship Mr. & Mrs. Brad Pabst Ms. Kimberly A. Paddy Mr. & Mrs. John Paler Ms. Annette Panek Mr. & Mrs. Victor Pascell Ms. Dorothy Pattridge
Ms. Madonna Pawlik Mr. Robert Payne Ms. Denise Peck Mr. John Peffer Mr. & Mrs. Joe Pelino Mr. Rick Pendleton Mr. & Mrs. Peter Peresie Mr. Jason Pericak Ms. Joan M. Perry Mr. John Peters Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Pfohl Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Pietraszewski Jr. Ms. Pat Piotrowski Mr. & Mrs. Robert Piskothy Mr. & Mrs. William Piskothy Ms. Brenda Pleace Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Pordum Ms. Sharon Pouliot Mr. Tom Powers Ms. Angela Pryzbyl Mr. Martin Ptak Mr. Chris Purtell Mr. & Mrs. Larry Purtell Mrs. Camille Putnam Mr. & Mrs. Michael Quinn Ms. Shannon Radder Mr. & Mrs. Martin Rafferty , Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Rak Mr. Dan Ramirez Ms. Patricia Rammacher Ms. Marcia Ray Ms. Becky Regan Ms. Tammy Reinhard Mrs. Jeanette Reisdorf Ms. Susan Reisdorf Ms. Valerie Relyea Mr. & Mrs. Frank G. Richards Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Riggie Ms. Pamela Riley Mr. & Mrs. John Ring Mr. & Mrs. John Robertson Mr. Lawrence Robinson Mr. John Rodgers Ms. Darlene Rodgers Ms. Esther Rogala Ms. Deborah Rogers Ms. Cynthia Root Mr. & Mrs. Keith Rosier Dr. Ilene L. Rothman Mr. & Mrs. Al Rowell, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Sable Mr. & Mrs. Joe Salvatore Mr. Joseph A. Sambonski Ms. Donna Samit Mr. Bernie Sampson Mr. Thomas J. Schaeper Mr. James Schaffer Mr. Charles Scherer Mr. Thomas Schillaci Ms. Kristen Schilling
Ms. Virginia Schilling Ms. Bonnie Schloss Mr. & Mrs. Norbert Schmitt Ms. Florence Schneider Mr. Rick Schott Ms. Kimberly Schue Mr. Bill Schultz Ms. Anne Schultz Ms. Marilyn Schumacher Ms. Karen Schwab Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Schwartz Mr. Shawn Seekings Ms. Dana Selmensberger Ms. Suzanne Seneca Ms. Karen Sentiff Ms. Cathie Serbert Ms. Ann Seward Ms. Donna Shafer Ms. Jennifer Shaw Ms. Wendy Sherwood Mr. David Shutt Ms. Colleen Sikorski Mr. & Mrs. Richard Silvestri Ms. Rhonda Siminski Ms. Michelle Simme Ms. Mary Sion Ms. Kathryn Siwek Dr. & Mrs. Dale Skoog, MD Mr. William Smith Ms. Debora Smith Ms. Heather Smith Mr. John Squelch Ms. Jean Squelch Mr. Nicholas Stadler Ms. Denise Staffa Ms. Barbara Stangl Ms. Dannyel Stangl Ms. Lisa Stangl Ms. Diane Stanton Mr. James Starck Mr. & Mrs. Vern Stein Ms. Michelle Steiner Mrs. Mary Steinmetz Ms. Felicia Stiles Mr. James Stitt Col. & Mrs. J. P. Stokes Ms. Emily Streicher Ms. Rhonda Stroh Mr. Michael Strosky Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Stuhler Mrs. Cynthia Sullivan Ms. Laurie Sullivan Mr. & Mrs. Ruocco Surace Ms. Marie Sutton Mr. & Mrs. Peter Swart Ms. Melanie Swartz Ms. Dana Szalay Ms. Paige Taylor
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Theurer Ms. Patricia Thompson Ms. Christine C. Tocin Ms. Patricia Tomlinson Ms. Rachael Torgalski Mr. Ben Torres Mr. Ronald Toski Ms. Pamela Tritto Ms. Linda Trzaska Ms. Jeannette Trzesniewski Ms. Colleen Tucker Ms. Jill Turchiarelli Ms. Rebecca Uhteg Ms. Tracy Vail Ms. Karen Vance Ms. Lesa VanSon Ms. Doris Wagner Mr. Michael Wahl Mr. Brett Waite Mr. & Mrs. Roger Walczak Mr. & Mrs. Howard Wallace Mr. John Wallace Mr. Steve Walter Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Warner Mr. Josh Watkins Mr. & Mrs. Ritchie Watkins Mr. Jeffery Wattie Mr. & Mrs. Jack Wawzyniak Ms. Pamela Weaver Mr. Kevin Weber Mr. Robert G. Weber Ms. Brandy Weber Ms. Marcella Weber Mr. & Mrs. Howard Webster Mrs. Margaret Welker Ms. Cheryl Wenke Ms. Kimberly Whitcher Ms. Mary Wilkinson Mr. Daniel P. Williams Mr. Kevin Willis Mr. Charles Wilson Ms. Dawn Wilson Mrs. Beverly Winter Ms. Julie Wolcott Ms. Diane Wood Dr. Susan Wright Ms. Helen R. Wright Ms. Shirley Wright Mr. & Mrs. Steve Yekich Mr. & Mrs. Tammy Yekich Ms. Kimberly Yoke Ms. Christine Young Ms. Ann Zawadzki Mr. & Mrs. Paul Zdolinski Ms. Henrietta Zdrojewski Ms. Alberta Zientek Mr. & Mrs. Doug Zimmerman Mr. & Mrs. Mark Zuchlewski
Corporate Donors ADP Alliance Advisory Group, Inc. Amvets Buddy Knaus Post 14 Inc. Arcade - Knight Agency Attea & Attea Aurora Optometric Group Bach's Auto/Truck Repair Buffalo Alarm Buffalo Express Courier, Inc. Bunzl Buffalo Carrier Coach, Inc.
The Resource Center Tom Greenauer Development Toski & Assoc. Twin City Glass Corp. United Methodist Women Upstate Pharmacy W. M. Schutt & Associates Weinberg Campus Western Chapter NYS Horse Council Western New York Horse Council William L. Long Associates WINC Communications
“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” ~Albert Einstein Century 21, Ganey Chanderson's Steak & Seafood Children's Rehab Foundation, Variety Club Inc. Clement & Karen Arrison Family Charitable Foundation Concord Club Red Cutco Cutlery Corp Eaton Office Supply Emerling Chevrolet Enterprise Holdings Foundation Grandview Construction Grelak Mechanical Hamburg Council No.2220 Kof C Hammond Auto Sales Harlequin Sales Corp. Hays Enterprises, Inc. Heart of VA Educational Services Herritage Centers Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. Ingram Micro Inc. John & Mary's Restaurant KeyBank Kimmins Terrier Foundation Lions Club of Springville, Inc. M & T Insurance, Inc. Mighty Taco Moving Miracles Ontario Knife Co. Partners Press Penfold Family Foundation Inc. People Inc. Pepe Construction Co. Phil's TV & Appliance Pioneer Credit Recovery Pioneer Faculty Assoc. PPS Pension & Financial Svcs, Inc. Prosthetic Home Services Inc. Razl, LLC Robert G. Relph Agency, Inc. Sakowski & Markello, LLP Servotronics Smith Weismantel Funeral Home
Corporate In-Kind Donors A A A Vending Adam's Mark, Buffalo Niagara Adventure Landing A New You By Claire Anchor Marine Applied Fitness Auto Zone Biscuits & More Bob-O-Link BPO Buckwheats Farm Market Buffalo Alarm Buffalo Bills, Inc. Byrncliff Resort & Conference Cntr. Carrier Coach, Inc. Certo Bros. Distributing Co. Chiavetta's Catering Service Coca-Cola Bottling Company Cottrill's Pharmacy Creekside Fabrics Crosby's - K&K Food Mart Cy's Elma Pharmacy Darien Lake Elton Greenhouse Explore & More Fifty Four Flags Golf Flowers By Nature Gado Gado Greyside Grille & Flappy's Pub Harlequin Ilio DiPaolo Restaurant Kat's Meow Kelly's Cakes Kelly's Country Store Kent Nutrition Group KeyBank Lancaster Opera House LaScala Estates Laser Tron Majestic Pools & Spas Market In The Square Page 7
Honor/Memorial Contributions Corporate In-Kind Donors McCullagh Coffee Mighty Taco New Dimensions Hair Salon Oasis Bed & Breakfast Peek 'N Peak Pierce Milling, Inc. Pizza DelAurios Premier Wines & Liquors Russell's Steak, Chops & More Salvatore's Grand Hotel Tanning Bed Tantalo Photography Studio The Dog Bar Try-It Distributing Vidlers 5 & 10 Wegman's Wingate Inn WKBW Channel 7 You're So Vain Salon & Spa
Honoraria/Memorial Donors In Memory of: Flossie Ahrens Ms. Gloria Nowak In Honor of: Elizabeth Bailey Mr. John Bailey In Honor of: Tom Becker Col. & Mrs. J. P. Stokes In Honor of: Martha Bernard Mr. Edward Bernard In Honor of: Edith Bingerman Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Birke In Memory of: Bernard Blackowicz Mrs. Marion Blackowicz In Honor of: Margaret Bond Mr. Gary Bond In Honor of: Judy Brown Ms. Marion Biletsky In Memory of: Ennio Cerquetti Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Annunziato Mr. & Mrs. Mark Balus Mr. Joseph Barrick Mr. & Mrs. Tom Becker Ms. Linda Bennett Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Bowen Mr. & Mrs. Donald Briggs Mrs. Lois Jackson Mrs. Lynn Kelly Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Madey Mr. & Mrs. Michael Medden Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Nigro Mrs. Susan Purtell Ms. Denise Staffa Ms. Karen Vance Ms. Patty Watkins Page 8
In Honor of: Pearl Dewein Mr. & Mrs. Larry Dewein In Honor of: Judy Dziedzic Mr. Daniel Dziedzic In Memory of: Michael Everts Mr. & Mrs. Donald Briggs Mrs. Lois Jackson In Honor of: Judy Feine Ms. Karen Vance In Honor of: Paul Ferris Mr. & Mrs. Mark Ferris Mr. & Mrs. Spencer Ferris Mr. William Waldorf In Honor of: Shirlene Fuller Ms. Shirley Dalusio In Memory of: Gertrude Gentner Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Daley
In Honor of: Diane Livingston Mr. Joseph Barrick Mrs. Lynn Kelly Ms. Patricia Tomlinson In Honor of: Doug McCormick Mr. & Mrs. Doug McCormick In Honor of: Heather Moore Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kazmark In Honor of: Dan Nicaise Mr. & Mrs. Robert Nicaise In Memory of: John Nowak Sr. Ms. Gloria Nowak In Honor of: Guy Pattridge Ms. Dorothy Pattridge In Memory of: Bernice Pfarner Ms. Gloria Nowak
In Honor of: Jeffery Pietraszewski In Memory of: PVT Edward K. Hale Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Pietraszewski Jr. Granddaughters Lisa, Lindsay In Memory of: Cindy Reifsteck and Sara Hale Mr. & Mrs. Jay Hays Ms. Anna M. Hale Ms. Bonnie Herbst In Memory of: Sarah Hall Ms. Paula Hight Mr. Bill Daigler Ms. Arda Letson Mr. Thomas Maclean In Honor of: Kelly Heywood Ms. Claire Nelligan Mr. & Mrs. Bill Heywood In Memory of: In Memory of: Kevin Jackson Martha & Peter Robinson Mrs. Lois Jackson Mr. Lawrence Robinson In Memory of: Theodore Jarosz Ms. Lorraine Bieron In Honor of: Cedric L. Johnson Ms. Daisy B. Cowan Ms. Linda Cowan Ms. Betty Dubose In Memory of: Lelia Kearney Mrs. Gwendolyne Becht Mr. & Mrs. Donald Briggs Mrs. Lois Jackson Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Ploetz Ms. Bonnie Tober In Honor of: Kyle Knarr Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Knarr In Honor of: Kristen Koester Mr. & Mrs. Warren Hardy In Honor of: Larry Kowalik Ms. Esther Rogala In Honor of: Matt Lahrs Mr. Donald Lahrs In Honor of: Andrew Lerner Mr. David K. Lerner
In Honor of: Betsey Rogers Ms. Beverly J. Rogers Winter In Honor of: Charles Rothman Dr. Ilene L. Rothman In Honor of: Mike Santoro Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Sable In Memory of: John Schurr Ms. Sharon Ameis Mr. Gary Antonio Ms. Theresa Bernard Mr. & Mrs. Mike Connors Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kaufmann Mr. & Mrs. Erik Maeder Mr. & Mrs. John Robertson Ms. Patricia Thompson In Memory of: Joseph & Wilma Sheflin Ms. Myrna Bishop In Memory of: Milford Skinner Ms. Gloria Nowak In Honor of: Heather Theurer Mr. & Mrs. Robert Theurer In Honor of: Karen Webster Mr. & Mrs. Howard Webster In Honor of: Tricia Yekich Mrs. Mercedes Russow In Honor of: Norbert Zdrojewski Ms. Henrietta Zdrojewski
“The Individual Is Our Central Focus” It’s not just our motto, it’s the way we strive to do business. One of SASi’s objectives is to have individuals receiving services participate as active members of organizational boards and committees. In an effort to prepare individuals for these roles, SASi offers a program to train them in the skills they might need and educate them on the opportunities that are available at SASi and in the community. This six-week training program is taught by Darren Jackson, OPWDD Special Assistant to the Director. Darren also shares his expertise at similar training sessions offered through the DDSO. Currently, SASi program participants serve as active members on the Corporate Board of Directors and on the Safety, Building and Program Committees. Members of the class shared their thoughts about what they learned. “The training taught me how to be more involved and it raised my self esteem.” ~Paul Ferris
Graduates of the April Board Training Class pictured with SASi Executive Director, Anthony Annunziato, Director of the WNY DDSO, Kirk Mauer and OPWDD Special Assistant to the Director, Darren Jackson
“The training gave me good information about life. Not everyone is going to like you but they will judge you on the good and the bad. You can choose your own battles.” ~Mike Kartalis
If you have questions, comments, ideas or concerns you would like to share, please contact SASi via e-mail at
[email protected] or call (716)805-1555 and ask to speak to a COMPASS representative. We welcome your input!
SASi Invited to Participate in the OPWDD People First Waiver-Focused Case Study SASi is one of 21 agencies statewide selected to participate in the People First Waiver–Focused Case Study. The goal of the case study project is to implement and evaluate some of the concepts that are identified in the Statewide Comprehensive Plan. One of the other objectives is to do this within a limited capitated funding environment. The agency was selected because we are one of only a handful of agencies that have achieved or are working toward COMPASS status. All 21 agencies who are participating in this project were identified as high performers who engage in quality practices and have strong self assessment systems in place. The study outcomes will provide valuable feedback to the ongoing waiver implementation process and identify practices that are effective and those requiring change. Eligible individuals who participate in the Focused Case Study will receive their services within a global funding model which provides funding for the person to use for an array of service options or supports rather than funding which is geared towards a single program or rate. It is expected that with this type of funding an agency will be better able to provide supports that align with an individual’s interests and needs, create fiscal efficiencies, and develop innovative service models. The state is proposing this model to explore possible ways for providing comprehensive care with appropriate levels of personalized supports and expanded personal choice and control. The study is scheduled to run for a one year period beginning in July 2012. Page 9
In Our Community Mighty Taco Receives Recognition SASi nominated Mighty Taco Restaurants to receive recognition from New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) for their commitment to having a diverse workforce. In 2008, Mighty Taco formed a partnership with SASi that allows individuals enrolled in SASi’s Supported Employment Program to be hired. Mighty Taco and their staff are very flexible with the training process and allow as much time as needed for the individuals to learn their required duties. There is also the opportunity for each person to learn additional job skills at their own pace. Bounlome Dara & Alfreda Blackman
Kristen Roll & Joanne Sherman
OPWDD recognizes the positive impact that employment at Mighty Taco has on these employees and how they have become valuable members of the workforce. Pictured receiving the recognition are Mighty Taco’s Sheridan/ Delaware General Manager Bounlome Dara and employee Alfreda Blackman, and Eggert Rd. General Manager Joanne Sherman and employee Kristen Roll.
Cans2Cash Your cans can make money for SASi! Cans2Cash is a new, local business that aims to provide a clean, friendly way to return your bottles and cans without the wait, smell and the dreaded “bin full” message! In an effort to support the community, Cans2Cash also offers returnees the option to donate the money from their returns to local charities. Simply bring in your returnable bottles & cans and let the staff know that you would like to donate your money to SASi. In addition to helping SASi through their donation program, Cans2Cash is also working with SASi’s School to Work Transition Program. West Seneca High School students may soon have the opportunity to learn real work place skills in a supported setting. Cans2Cash is located in West Seneca at 5701 Seneca St., at the corner of Transit. For more information, visit them on Facebook. Page 10
SASi Collaborates with
SASi is now collaborating with Spectrum Human Services to provide supported employment services to individuals in Erie and Wyoming counties who have mental health disabilities. There are two main areas that SASi is addressing in relation to supported employment. The first area is Intensive Rehabilitation (IR) Goal Support which focuses on providing the assistance an individual needs to obtain employment. The second is On-going Rehabilitation and Support (ORS) which is the follow-along services that are needed to support a person and assist them in maintaining their employment in the community. The funding for this program is provided by New State’s Office of Mental Health (OMH) under their PROS (Personalized Recovery Orientated Services) initiative. We are currently serving 20 individuals in Erie County and 10 individuals in Wyoming County.
Supportive Apartment Housing for Persons with Disabilities SASi was recently awarded Section 811 HUD Funding in the amount of $1,696,500. The funds will be used to construct an independent living project consisting of 12 one-bedroom units for low-income persons with developmental disabilities. A Service Coordinator will be provided on-site. The residents will have access to many services available in the community including transportation, medical, shopping, recreation and employment opportunities. Green measures will be incorporated into the design and operations of the project. The apartments will be located on Abbott Road in the Town of Hamburg. Construction could begin as early as the fall with an estimated completion sometime in 2013. For additional information about the apartments please contact Wendy Sherwood, Intake Coordinator at (716)805-1555.
Suburban Adult General Enterprises - Grounds Maintenance Service Started Until recently SAGE has provided janitorial services throughout Western New York for a variety of local businesses including several Federal sites, the Army Corp of Engineers, The National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, and numerous State facilities. On April 1st of this year, in addition to janitorial services, SAGE also began offering grounds maintenance services. SAGE currently provides grounds care at The National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices for The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and for several of SASi’s facilities. This service provides spring and fall grounds clean up, mulching and lawn care. These new contracts have provided good paying jobs to the individuals we serve. For more information contact Corey Jarzyniecki at 716 474-8899.
Spring has sprung and things sure are busy around here at High Hurdles. Over the winter we had lots of changes in the office, the barn and the arena that are pretty exciting. I would like to tell you all about them. First of all, High Hurdles hired a new Equine Services Supervisor in January. Her name is Mary Cole. Mary has lots of good ideas for the program and for us horses too. For starters we have new footing in the arena, which was placed before classes started in March. Boy, it sure feels good on our hooves because it’s special sand with flakes of rubber mixed in it. Speaking of hooves, we have lots of new ones around the barn. Rudy, Princess, Maggie and Angel have all either retired or gone home to their owners so we now have four new friends for everyone to meet. Cody is a friendly bay Quarter Horse, Mic is a sweet black Standardbred, Eddie is a mellow chestnut Quarter Horse, and Morgan is a fun Paint horse. Shadow is our new barn cat. They are all great additions and now I have lots of new friends! The old gang of Babe, Penny,
Cody
Mic
Sassy and, of course, me are still here too. Sheila is still prowling the barn keeping it free of critters, but now she has Shadow to help. There have been many changes but many things have stayed the same. That is just fine with me, as long as I can still see smiling faces and get lots of treats and plenty of hay! Lessons have started, but there is still plenty of time to sign-up for one or more sessions. For more information about riding or becoming a volunteer please contact Mary at (716)496-5551 or email her at
[email protected]. Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older and be interested in helping children and adults who have cognitive, behavioral, emotional and/ or physical differences.
Shadow
Eddie
Morgan Page 11
Non-Profit US Postage PAID Arcade, NY Permit No. 1
960 West Maple Ct. Elma, NY 14059
