Dog Days of Summer
Where does this saying come from? Believe it or not, It doesn't have to do with dogs lying around in the hot summer.
According to Greek mythology, Sirius was the dog of the hunter Orion, and the ancient Romans placed the star in the constellation Canis Major (Latin for "Greater Dog"). The Romans thus referred to the sweltering period when the rising of the sun and Sirius converged as the "dies caniculares" or "days of the dog star." By the 1500s, the English world began to call the same summertime point on the astronomical calendar as the "dog days."
Now that you know this, I'm sure you are just thirsting for more knowledge. In this edition of Enable E-News you will learn about what we've been up to over the past few months.
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Enable Expands Roszel Day Services
We are thrilled to announce that Enable has expanded our Princeton Day Services program to address the growing need for services for adults with special needs who are aging out of the school system. The expanded program has the ability to serve up to 60 individuals and is divided into two separate centers. The new space has been designed for individuals with disabilities who may require higher levels of behavior supports, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The space includes
several breakout rooms, a sensory room available for dedicated activities including sensory awareness, functional curriculum, and art & music therapy, and on-site Behavioral and Nursing services. We are accepting admissions for our expanded program. For more information, or to schedule a visit, email [email protected] or call admissions at (609) 987-5003.
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Painting for a Purpose
Get ready for our 2nd Annual
Painting for a Purpose fundraiser on Tuesday, November 14th. This year, we will be painting "Winter's Glow." We hope you will join us for painting, wine and snacks as we raise money for the programs and services we provide to the individuals we serve.
The event will take place in our newly expanded Day Services program located at 13 Roszel Road, Suite B110, Princeton, from 6-8 pm. Admission is only $55. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Click Here to register. For more information call (609) 987-5003 ext. 138.
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For the months of July and August Enable was the beneficiary of
Princeton Center for Health & Yoga's community classes. Donations from those who participated in community classes benefited Enable. Thank you so much to all who donated and thank you Princeton Center for Health & Yoga for including Enable in your charitable endeavors.
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Pictured Left to Right: Luke Rattan, Chief Operating Officer, Aileen Kornblatt, Director of Marketing & Special Events, Robyn Steinman, Director of Program & Business Development, Anthony Camuso, Director of Day & Employment Services.
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HR Recruitment
This past summer, Enable added a new twist to their regularly scheduled job fairs - Hot Dogs & Hiring and Italian Ices & Interviews. It is no secret that agencies in the human services industry are in constant need for qualified direct support staff. Enable, Inc., is a nonprofit that provides programs and services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We currently operate 21 community-based group homes and four day programs. Enable continues to grow and is expecting to open four more homes by the end of the year. The need to hire qualified, caring individuals to staff Enable homes is a top priority. If you know anyone who might be interested in making a difference contact [email protected].
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| Pictured L to R: Krystina Cifelli, Enable Recruiter, Stephen Smith, Enable Recruiter, and Kerri Wright, VP, Human Resources. |
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Pictured L to R: Stephen Smith, Recruiter, Kerri Wright. VP, Human Resources, Gargi Oza, Recruiter, Krystina Cifelli, Recruiter. |
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| NJSO entertains consumers at our Middlesex Day Program |
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| NJSO entertains consumers at our Princeton Day Program. |
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| Pictured above are volunteers from Bristol Myers Squibb who painted an Enable Group Home. Photo on right is a BMS volunteer in action. |
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A Mission of Giving
Bhavna Ravani, Enable's Billing Specialist, has been a member of Shrimand Rajchandra Love & Care (SRLC) for more than 10 years. Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care (SRLC), is an initiative of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur to offer service and bring joy to the lives of the underserved sections of society. Inspired by Shrimad Rajchandraji and guided by Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai Jhaveri, SRLC's multi-program development care is driven by volunteers genuine compassion, love and support. SRLC's headquarters are located in Gujarat, India - with over 50 centers worldwide.
Bhavna is a member of the Princeton Center. Each year, SLRC focuses on a specific area of need. This year's focus is Hunger Relief. The members of the Princeton center, collect money to buy groceries for local organizations. Each month, Bhavna and several members of SRLC visit one of Enable's Somerset or Mercer County based group homes and deliver non-perishable grocery items. "I wanted to add the personal touch to our deliveries and see the people we are helping first hand - that is why we make it a point each month to go visit the homes and see the Enable consumers," says Bhavna.
We are so grateful to Bhavna and her group for thinking of us and are deeply appreciative of their generosity and kindness. To learn more about SLRC visit www.srloveandcare.org.
Click Here to Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Enable.
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Enable polo shirts are now on sale!
Just $18.00 each. These 100% cotton Jerzees Polo Shirts are the perfect opportunity to show your Enable spirit. Available in small, medium, large, X-large and 2XL.
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Enable in the Community
Mid Summer Marketing Showcase
Director of Marketing & Special Events, Aileen Kornblatt and Volunteer Coordinator, Rob Graham enjoyed meeting the area residents who stopped by the Enable table at the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual mid-summer marketing showcase at Palmer Square in Princeton.
Trenton Thunder
Take me out to the Ballgame! This past summer, Enable staff and consumers had a blast at the Trenton Thunder game. The team may have lost, but as far as fun was concerned we hit a Home Run!
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| Left to Right: Luke Rattan, Chief Operating Officer, Pedia London, Residential Director, Region II, Louis Moserowitz, Chief Compliance Officer. |
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Pictured left: Amy Weaver (l), Office Manager, Boomer, and Aileen Kornblatt (r), Director of Marketing & Special Events. Pictured above: Pedia London catches a foul ball! |
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Coalition for a DSP Living Wage
For the past year, The
Coalition for a DSP Living Wage
has been lobbying to increase state funding so that Direct Support Professionals can be paid a living wage. DSP work is not minimum wage work.
Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of all agencies who committed themselves to enriching the lives of those with disabilities. Providing direct care for society's most vulnerable population requires staff who are caring, competent and compassionate.Enable participated in the online movement with posts and videos on Social Media and we are happy to report that this summer, NJ Governor Murphy signed into law a $20 million increase in state funding for DSP wages (which will generate an additional $20 million with the federal Medicaid match.)
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Meet the Newest Members of our Team
Luke Rattan - Chief Operating Officer
Luke
has more than 30 years of experience serving individuals with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities in both the US and UK. Prior to joining Enable,
Luke
served as Assistant Executive Director of a local chapter of a national organization overseeing the Residential and Day programs as well as the Quality Assurance department. As COO,
Luke
will oversee all Enable program operations.
 Mike DeGasperis, MA, ABA - VP, Clinical Services
With more than 40 years of experience in the field of Human Services, Mike has served as a clinical psychologist, behavior analyst, therapist, and substance abuse counselor in both areas of developmental disabilities and mental health. He has also served as a consultant and trainer with community providers, and has overseen clinical services in other agencies. Mike will be leading a team of clinicians to enhance services to Enable's individuals and to assist with Enable's growth with individuals who require these services.
Matt Lanese, Residential Director Region I 
Matthew Lanese has been dedicated to Human Services for over 12 years. He began his career as a Direct Support Professional before going on to serve his country as Navy veteran, where he completed two tours of duty during Operation Enduring Freedom. After returning to civilian life, Matthew earned his bachelor degree of business administration from Lehman College. He has moved on to become a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP), a residential coordinator, and an assistant director of employment services for a Dept. of Vocational and Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) funded facility. He is also a proud father to his 11-month old daughter Patricia, with his wife Emma. Matthew hopes to bring his experience and knowledge of the Human Services field to Enable and become a positive addition to the team.
Pedia London, Residential Director Region II 
For more than 25 years, Pedia has been employed in the special needs and mental health fields, working with both children and adults. A year and half ago, Pedia became an integral member of Enable's staff after the organization's merger with Life Skills Resource Center, Inc. She came to us as a Regional Manager, but management quickly recognized the knowledge and abilities Pedia possessed and she was promoted to Assistant Director of Residential Services. As Enable continues to grow and open additional group homes, it was decided to divide the Director of Residential Services positions into two regions. Pedia was the perfect person to fill one of these roles. So as of this past July, Pedia London was once again promoted and is now the Residential Director of Enable's Monmouth and Ocean regions (Region II). We are so proud and happy to have her as a member of our team.
Welcome New Board Members
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of three new members to Enable's Board.
Dr. Rogelio M. Pin
é, Parent
Dr. Piné is a cardiologist, Emeritus Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, a master clinician and teacher. He has served on several boards including The American Boychoir School and The Lewis School and Clinic of Princeton. Dr. Piné's son Marc is a consumer in Enable's programs. Marc resides in an Enable community based group home and attends Enable's Princeton Day Program. Dr. Piné joined the board to help further develop Enable's mission of making it possible for individuals with disabilities to live full and independent lives. "
We are thankful for Enable who gave me and my family the security that Marc has a home when my wife Teresa and I are not around for him. Marc can live a fulfilled life with people who will treat him with respect and dignity."
Erinn Hansen, NRG
Erinn currently works at NRG in Princeton in corporate accounting and payroll. She has worked in various roles within finance in the 11 years she has been with NRG. Prior to that she worked for many years with Pricewaterhouse Coopers in the audit and tax departments in Philadelphia. Erinn attended the College of William and Mary. Erinn's goal in joining the Enable board is to work on her mission of giving back to a community not-for-profit by using the skills she has gained in the finance area, "
I have personal passion for improving the lives of people in our community and I believe in the power of individuals to perform the work to enact positive change. I have had family members and close friends with family members who have needed services offered by Enable specifically so I feel particularly empowered by Enable's mission."
 Maryann Lewis, Investors Bank
Maryann brings over two decades of financial experience in banking, corporate finance, asset based lending, international finance and commercial real estate financing to Enable, Inc. Currently employed by Investors Bank, Maryann focuses on the growth and development of middle market companies in NJ, NY and PA. Prior to Investors, she was Regional Lending Leader at Berkshire Bank, Director of Global Supply Chain Finance and Director of Capital Markets at UPS Capital Corp. Maryann is a member of the Association for Corporate Growth, member of the Commercial Finance Association and is on the Financial Advisory Council for Lower Makefield Township (Pennsylvania). Maryann earned a BBA in International Trade from Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, and an MBA from St. Mary's College, Moraga, California.
If you are looking to make a difference and are interested in learning more about joining Enable's board, call (609) 987-5003 or email [email protected].
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SAVE THE DATE!!!
Enable's 2020 Gala will take place on
Friday, April 24, 2020 from 6-10 pm
at the Stone Terrace by John Henry's in Hamilton, NJ. Be on the lookout for more information.
Here's a sneak peak - Prepare yourself for a night of magic, Skeeball, fortune telling and fun!
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