Live Learn Work Play “We energize people with disabilities, individually and within communities, to lead independent and fulfilling lives through innovative services” BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS KAREN TUSSING President

JoAnne Hudecki Vice President

WILLIAM STACHURA Treasurer

MARGARET STEFFAN Secretary

DIRECTORS KEvin BRZEZINSKI joNATHAN hart bruce d. heine Frederick Henssler Eileen McCallister Rosemarie rubin peter savarino marc shatkin, esq.

Embracing Change

While serving the last eight years on the board of Southeast Works, I have seen a great deal of change. The constant challenges of our state’s financial structure has forced many of our necessary changes. Our most recent transformation in leadership, however, has been the most “non-mandated” change I have been through. It was such a rewarding experience to work with so many friends of Southeast Works to choose our new leader, Pamela Hayes. The process was actually completed over the last year, with our first step being a new strategic plan. It was imperative to put Southeast Works’ mission at the forefront in choosing our new leader, as well, having a solid foundation in place so that all of us at Southeast Works could embrace this change. The most important part of this mission was to make it a seamless process for our clients. Our clients are the reason we have worked so hard at building our values – The 5 C’s: Character, Compassion, Competence, Creativity and Community. When we face any decision with our 5 C’s as our top priority, we will be able to weather any change as an opportunity. Change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing; most often at Southeast Works it has been a great thing. Either way it will always be an adventure: this will be my last year serving Southeast Works, and I feel so confident that all the hard work that the employees and board have done will allow Southeast Works to flourish for years to come. I would like to thank you for a wonderful adventure!

KAREN TUSSING Board President

2011 ANNUAL REPORT

www.southeast-works.org

181 Lincoln Street Depew, New York 14043 716.683.7100 Fax 716.683.7086

Meet Our New Executive Director, Pamela Hayes Pamela Hayes, PhD. began as Southeast Works Chief Executive Officer in late December, 2011.  Relocating to Western New York with over 35 years of experience in the non-profit industry, Pamela is known for excellence in service provision and her visionary approach to community inclusion.   Pamela was Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s appointee to the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities as well as the Governor’s Committee for Employment of Persons with Disabilities.  As a Surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), she is cognizant of best practices throughout the U.S. and Canada. Although it has been just a few months, Pamela already senses the vision for Southeast Works. “Coming to an organization that has such a solid foundation and reputation for excellence has allowed me to take stock of our opportunities for the future. I believe that my experience, passion and dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities will connect in a very meaningful way to our stakeholders.  I am committed to ensuring that the outstanding culture that is so pervasive within this agency will be carried forward in the most respectful and productive manner possible. I look forward with a great deal of enthusiasm, optimism and excitement as we move into to the next chapter in the lives of our staff, our community and most importantly, to those who seek our services.” PAMELA HAYES, PhD.

Chief Executive Officer

Southeast Works STAFF Pamela J. Hayes PhD. Chief Executive Officer

Susan Mentecki Chief Operating Officer

Kara Murphy Director of Human Resources

Lani Churley

Director of Work and Business Development

Kristin Knopeck Director of Fiscal Management

Eileen Dietsch Director of Administration

Michelle Smith Director of Residential Skills and Services

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State Collaboration Expands Employment Opportunities in the Community September 2011 was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, so to speak, between Southeast Works and Immediate Mailing Services, Inc (IMS). Brought together in a joint collaboration by New York State Industries for the Disabled, a private company that manages state contracted services, the Buffalo based company jumped at the opportunity to give back to their community and increase the diversity of their workforce. The collaboration could not be more of a success. IMS has hired 10 individuals to date to perform duties in this fast-paced mail distribution center, with plans to increase the numbers of employees with disabilities to 25% within the next year. The partnership is one of flexibility, accommodation and teamwork. Stephen Schiano, IMS General Manager, collaborates with Southeast Works staff to match the strengths of the individuals hired to specific tasks at IMS. When asked about his experience partnering with Southeast Works, Mr. Schiano responded “Having Southeast Works employees at our facility is an incredibly positive experience for all of us. It’s easy for my other employees to take life for granted, but when they see how hard the Southeast Works’ employees work every day, I can’t help but notice that the environment has changed for the better. Just seeing someone who works so hard to overcome such obstacles really makes my employees think twice about what being a dedicated employee really means.” Gwen is among those successfully employed by IMS. Although her wheelchair initially presented some accessibility challenges, these were quickly resolved by supportive co-workers. An unused ramp provided Gwen easy access to her work station, where she labels mail that has been identified as requiring special care. Over the winter, her colleagues voluntarily shoveled the walk so that Gwen could easily enter the building. Rebecca is hearing impaired, but signs to anyone who takes the time to observe her work that she loves her job at IMS. Several employees are voluntarily learning sign-language so that they can communicate with her. Sean held several jobs over the years as a dishwasher. The work was hard, isolating and sporadic. Now at IMS, he is just “one of the guys”, teasing those who don’t keep up with their workload as he does his. “Southeast Works’ partnership with IMS is just one of the ways $10.01
‐
 we’re trying to meet the goals of our commitment to Individual
Placement
Wages
 $11.00
 $11.01
‐
$12.00
 community based employment”, says Lani Churley, Director of Work and Business Development. “We are looking $9.01
‐
$10.00
 to expand opportunities for our participants to explore work in the community, as a means of recognizing the benefits that this population provides to businesses.” $8.01
‐
$9.00;
20


For more information, or to hire a person with a developmental disability, contact Lani at extension 203. $7.25
‐
$8.00


Wages Breakdown for 2012 $10.01
‐
 $11.00


Individual
Placement
Wages


Individual
Placement
by
Occupa6on
 Breakdown



$11.01
‐
$12.00


$9.01
‐
$10.00
 Unemployed;
16


Lobby
A;endant;
 15


$8.01
‐
$9.00;
20
 $7.25
‐
$8.00


Dishwashing;
14


Misc.;
21


Dietary/ Laundry
 Aide;
5


Retail;
6


Cleaning;
6


Stock
;
2
 Customer
 Service;
4


Individual
Placement
by
Occupa6on
 Breakdown



Mail
Runner;
7





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Thank You…

Each year we acknowledge those who supported us in meeting our mission through generous contributions of time, talent and donations. In addition to our Board of Directors, Foundation Board and Southeast Support Association and Staff, we would also like to acknowledge:

A Snail’s Place AAA Adams Nurseries ADP Advanced Body Care Adventure Landing Albright Knox Art Gallery Amherst Police Club Ann McCarthy Anna Wetherby Anne and Neal Lavigne Anthony Ogorek Anton Wopperer Appliance Repair Service, Inc. Aquarium of Niagara Art Gallery of Ontario Avenue Art Bank of America Bart Mazzariello Bead Creative Betty Kemp Bicycles and More Bill and Norine Stachura Bill Muth Bill Snyder - Hyatt Hotels BJ’s Wholesale Club Board of Directors SEW Bob and John’s La Hacienda Bob Emser Bonadio Group LLC Brad Stamm Brian and Wendy Lewandowski Brian Hutton Brian Vanderbrook Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society Buffalo Athletic Club Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bisons Buffalo Chophouse Buffalo Crushed Stone Buffalo Fire Department Buffalo Harbor Cruises Buffalo Lacrosse Academy Buffalo Museum of Science Buffalo Sabres

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Burchfield Penny Art Center Cadex Carol Tomczak Carolina Furniture Carolyn Houghton Carpet Care Professionals Cecilia Ryll Cheryl Testa Cindy and Dave Pecynski Clay Hands Pottery CMH Counseling CN Tower Cohen & Lombardo Coles Columbia Central Medical Building Corp Colvin Draperies Complete Heat CS Business Systems, Inc. Custom Auto Works Cynthia and David Pecynski D’Arcy McGee’s Darien Lake Theme Park Resort Darwin Martin House Dave Aston David Jablonski Delacy Ford Delaware Camera Mart Delta Sonic Denise Mlynarick Dennis and Lorraine Cannon Dental Shop Depew Milk Co. Inc Diamond Hawk Golf Course Diana Augspurger Creative Storage Diane Tiveron Dobmeier Janitorial Supply Dolores and James Myers Don Festaiuti Don Fitzgibbons Don Powers Donald and Elizabeth Kusz

Donna Schober Door Specialties Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Tussing Dr. Thomas Foels Eaton Office Supply Ed Wargala Edward Guzdek Edward Schunk Edwin and Marcia Wienckowski Eileen McCalister Elizabeth Weinberg Emil Krieger Explore and More Children’s Museum Fred and Margaret Henssler Freed, Maxick & Battaglia G&L Flooring Center Gale Schmidt Gary Jones Gentle Dentistry George and Florence Johnson George Johnson Gordon Cumming Grasso’s Pizza Gregory Zaepfel Ham-r-time Construction Hans Lampl Harris Hill Golf Center Health Strategies Group Heather Ryan Hogan & Willig Homer Wilde Hutch’s Independent Health inspiredIT LLC Insty Prints Interactive Health Solutions Irene Murray Irish Classical Theatre J&L Premiew Landscape Jack and Theodosia Hallnan Jack Catanzaro James and Linda Walleshauser James and Mrs. Reidy James Murray Jr

Jamie Sturtz Jay and Sara Smith Jeff Sanderson Jen Zamer of SEW Compliance Jenelle Sneed - Avox Systems Jim and Barbara Braun Jim Frost Jim Pasek Jody Miller Joe and Dorothy Smith Joe D’Angelo Joe Orlowski Joe Rindfuss John and Bonnie Monninger John and Ginny Dehler John and Laurie Kennedy John and Noreen Visone John and Theodosia Hallnan John Devirgilio John Mallia John Militello John Ott John Rodgers John Schober Joseph and Janice Anzalone Joseph Boylin Joseph Petruso Joyce DeLong Judith Feldman Judy and Steve Shanley Karl and Jane Wilde Kathleen and Jody Miller Kathy Brunner Keith Schleicher Orvilles Appliances Ken and Margi Stachowiak Ken Shuman Kenneth and Jill Syracuse Kenneth Clark Kevin and Janet O’Leary Kevin Dikeman Kevin Georger Kevin Hahn - Barton Hill Hotel and Spa Kevin Impastato Kevin Snieszko Kimil Construction

Company, Inc Kostas Restaurant Lancaster Womens Civic Club Lancer Door & Glass Laughlin’s Laurie Menzies Lawrence Zygaj Lee and Marilyn Filbert Lee Baldwin Lee Cadby Leo Hammerl Leon Seibel Leonard and Ruth Scott Lewandowski & Associates Linda Dobmeier Linda Kowtalo Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria LLP Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises Lori Sojka Louis Vacanti LPL Financial M&H Construction Co. M&M Masons M&T Bank Maple Leaf Foods Marc Shatkin Marcella Campagnolo Margaret Steffan Maria Santiano Marie Sperrazza Marilyn Filbert Mark and Mary Johnson Mark Derringer Martin Bray Marv Hanash Matthew Gryta Medieval Times Meg and Tom Steffan Michael and Jane Choo Michael and Lois Cropp Michael and Susan Donovan Michael and Susan Przybyl Michael Crisanti Michael Honeyman Michael Morgulis Michelle and Tom Worthington

MidCity Office Furniture Mighty Taco Mother Nature Plant Emporium Mr. and Mrs. Warren Mr. B- Master Handyman Multisorb Technologies Muscato & Shatkin N. Choops Painting Nancy Case - Dalyn Rugs Nancy Fultz Nancy Miller Nancy Snyder National Fire Adjustment Neal Choops Neth & Sons Roofing New England Financial Niagara Frontier Niagara National Inc. NOCO North Park Theater

Northeast Paving Ogorek Wealth Management, LLC Old Fort Niagara Pamela Belile Parkview Health Services Partners Press Paths, Peaks, and Paddles Paul and Elizabeth Bartolone Paul Graham Paul Graham & Associates Paul Murphy Paul Snyder Penny Fenar Peter Curtis Peter Hart Peter Katez Peter Savarino Pfalzgraf, Beinhauer and Menzies LL innacle Orthopedics P

Plumbing Help Now Professional Land Surveyor Proves and Luci Banks Proves Banks QuadGraphics Quest Services Inc. R.J and Laura Vanner Ray Barrett RelianceRX Renasiiance Warrantied Services Ribco Inc. Richard and Elsa Peters Richard Brownell Rivershore Robert Sendziak Rocco Lucente Rolando and Norma Velasquez Romeo and Juliet’s Bakery and Café Ron Papa

Ronald Kozlowski RoseMarie and Warren Rubin Rosemarie Peters Roy and Gloria Doel Rural Metro Russel and Kathy Moyer Sally Paprocki Salon Excel Salvatore’s Italian Gardens Sammy’s Auto Sandy’s Management, Inc. Seibel Modern Manufacturing Shawn Frier ShrubCoat Shuman Plastics SnowbirdsSonoma Grille Stachowiak Family Stamm Reynolds & Stamm Stanley and Nina Jok Stanzko Automotive Starr Business Services Stephen and Penny Fenar Sterling Optical Steve Detwiler Steven and Kelly Main Susan Albrecht

Susan and Erik Mentecki Ted and Christine Morton Thomas Wetzen Tom and Jane Qualey Tom Mercure Tom Phillips Tops Trost Fire Equipment Univera Healthcare Valu Muffler & Brake Vanner Insurance Agency Vincent Binder Virginia Olszewski Visual Audit Walter and Ruth Powell Ward Fitsch Waterbourne Group Wegmans William and Erica Prudden William Brown Williamsville Lions Club Winnie Morrison WNY Jobs WNY MRI Yvette Suarez Zaepfel Development

Revenue and Expenses for 2011 Revenue 2011 Revenue 2011

Expenses 2011Expense

2011 Expense

Pre-Vocational/Sheltered Workshop Supported Employment/Acces VR Administration Residential Recreation/Respite/Cafeteria/Other Day Hab Service Coordination Community Hab/ISS/ISE

3,333,511 919,203 1,057,728 5,285,627 312,916 Medicaid 816,844 341,604 286,765 State & Federal Government

2011 Pre-Vocational/Sheltered Workshop Supported Employment/Acces VR Administration Residential Recreation/Respite/Cafeteria/Other

12,354,197 Production/Supported Employment

Day Hab Service Coordination

Fees, Donations, Other

Community Hab/ISS/ISE

2011 Revenue Medicaid State & Federal Government Production/Supported Employment Fees, Donations, Other TOTAL

2011 Expenses $8,692,067 $2,904,782 $494,729 $1,021,234 $13,112,812

Pre-Vocational / Sheltered Workshop $3,333,511 Supported Employment / AccesVR $919,203 Administration $1,057,728 Residential $5,285,627 Recreation / Respite / Cafeteria / Other $312,916 Day Hab $816,844 Service Coordination $341,604 Community Hab / ISS / ISE $268,765 TOTAL

$12,354,197

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Service Shines at Southeast Works The following story illustrates the outstanding staff service for which Southeast Works is known. Late one evening, a staff member witnessed a resident have a grand mal seizure just prior to her shift ending. Putting the resident’s needs before hers, she didn’t worry about the time clock or her plans for the evening; rather, her concentration was focused solely on the resident under her care. As the resident was being transported to the emergency room, she initiated contact with the nursing staff along with the family, and maintained this communication throughout the night from the resident’s hospital bed.  It wasn’t until 8:00am the next day that she went home. The family stated “We know firsthand how much our daughter is cared for not as a client but as a person,” and that “we know the best place for our daughter to live is with such caring people.” Sometimes a job is just a job. We can teach people to perform certain duties, but not to demonstrate the compassion, flexibility and commitment seen late one evening into the wee hours of the morning.  This story demonstrates that the attributes to which Southeast Works subscribes are more than just words… and that working here is more than just a job.

The Art of Creative Services Over the past year, our staff has worked diligently to recognize the strengths and discover the hidden talents within the hearts of our participants. We have used these moments as opportunities to encourage creativity and growth. Amidst the array of options that promote skill enhancement and community inclusion, we have also recognized and responded to the desires and aspirations of the people we serve, resulting in the opening of our Arts Program. Beginning as a pilot program in late 2010, the opportunity to express oneself through the arts has gained notoriety with showings at the Albright Knox Art Gallery as well as collaborations with Buffalo Re-Use and Main Street Studio. In November of 2011, the program expanded to include a theater component, allowing participants to explore a new avenue for expression and building self-esteem. In conjunction with our Tech4Life computer lab, participants have also learned to create digital self-portraits and explore other forms of art within the technological realm. It is our hope to expand these services to include music and dance in the coming year.

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Southeast Works Staff Presents at National THERAP Conference THERAP is an online software system promoting efficient documentation and communication for service providers. Despite being relatively new to the system, six of our staff members were selected to present at this years national conference in New Jersey, resulting in a visit to our agency by the THERAP founders.

Home Sweet Home Our Residential Department provides opportunities for individuals to live in a setting consistent with their needs. Each resident is encouraged to achieve their personal goals utilizing a person-centered process. In 2011, several residents successfully moved into less restrictive environments as their expanded capabilities resulted in less need for support. As part of our emphasis on the full circle of support, Focus on Fun provides opportunities for residents at each of our locations to interact with their peers, including activities such as a BBQ cook-off, holiday parties, picnics and game nights.

Planned Giving It is an easy way to support us in continuing our mission. By naming Southeast Foundation as beneficiary in your will, your legacy will allow future generations to receive services through your generous contribution. Planned Giving can also include: GIFTS OF CASH

GIFTS OF LIFE INSURANCE

GIFTS OF STOCK

CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST

GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE

GIFT ANNUITY

Planned Giving can be a great tax-reduction tool; please consult with your tax advisor or attorney before making any planned gift.

Ask how you can Bring

Lives Full Circle

by contacting Amanda Baumler at 716-683-7100 ext.212

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NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

Upcoming Events in 2012

PAID

Buffalo, NY Permit No. 4663

181 LINCOLN STREET DEPEW, NY 14043

Challenge 2012

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Candidates Hour

Friday, October 12, 2012

Music of the Heart Friday, October 26, 2012

Southeast Support Association (SESA) Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month, September – June. Membership is open to any parent, friend or family member of an adult with developmental disabilities who particpates in the programs at Southeast Works. For more information, contact Lindsay Elia at 716-683-7100 x222

Visit our website at

2011

Our 12th Annual Challenge Dinner

and Auction was another huge success! Over $120,000 was raised thru the evening’s silent and live auction, and sponsorships.

Thank You To Our Sponsors Event Sponsor:

www.southeast-works.org

to see our

NEW

strategic plan

SM

Platinum Sponsor: Parkview Health Services Univera Healthcare Vanner Insurance Agency Waterbourne Group Gold Sponsor: ADP Eaton Office Supply Sterling Optical Bonadio Group, LLP LPL Financial Wegmans Carolina Furniture NOCO Silver Sponsor: CS Business Systems N. Choops Painting DeLacy Ford National Fire Adjustment Dobmeier Janitorial Supply, Inc

Partners Press Freed Maxick & Battaglia Quest Services Hogan and Willig Rural Metro Medical Services

inspiredIT, LLC WNT MRI, LLP M&H Construction Zaepfel Development Co., Inc.