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Dear Staff,
This month we are celebrating Black History Month here at ACLD, and in this edition of the Limelight, we have reflections from our staff on "What does Black History Month mean to me?" Take a moment to read these powerful reflections and join us in our commitment to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
We are excited to announce that ACLD was named a finalist in the Innovation Award category for the 11th Annual Imagine Awards! Winners will be announced LIVE at the awards gala at the Crest Hollow Country Club on Tuesday, April 25th from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Learn more about this special event here.
In this edition of The Limelight, you will see coverage of ACLD staff and adults supported at a rally in Albany on Monday, watch the first video of the new Enviable Life News video publication highlighting Candleworks by ACLD, and other news and highlights from across the agency.
Sincerely,
Rob, Gerard, Anne Marie and Kim
Robert Ciatto, President / CEO
Gerard DiMuro, Vice President of Administration
Anne Marie Sime, Vice President of Adult Services
Kim Leonard, Chief Financial Officer
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What does Black History Month mean to me? | |
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"This period of time, unlike any other reminds me to take a moment to pause and reflect on my heritage and its accomplishments. No matter how grandiose or minute. I think about how far we have come in regards to freedom and opportunities. This is not to be taken lightly. My focus today is on moving forward along a progressive path. One that promotes positivity, peace and gratitude. One that keeps forgiveness at the forefront and does not hold on to past hurts and pain. I firmly believe that the Proverb that says 'A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing' still holds true today."
- Tonya Seaton, Human Resources Generalist
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"As an African American it always gives/makes me proud to see or hear about accomplishments and successes of People of Color. I feel this pride whether it be in the arena of entertainment, sports, athletics, religion, science, education, finance, literature, entrepreneurship, benevolence, engineering or any other areas of life.
As Wednesday, February 1, 2023 - Wednesday, March 1, 2023 has been designated as African American History Month, and the theme for 2023 is Black Resistance, and in the current climate of today, African American History Month for myself and many others will mean our focus is on looking for avenues to resist and rid society of oppression in any and all forms.
So, as I view and enjoy the accomplishments and success of African Americans which will be broadcasted and advertised in many forms of the media during this month, my desire this year will also be that WE can work towards and pray for a truly “dignified - self determined life in a just democratic society in the United States and beyond.” (DU Libraries)
- Cathy Green, Direct Support Professional, Hawthorne
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"As an Immigrant from the island of Jamaica, the value of Black History is two-fold for me, and its impact is evident throughout my life. While we do not celebrate Black History month, we do celebrate our National Heroes on Heroes Day; they were our Freedom Fighters. Growing up we were taught the history of the slaves who were brought to the island to work on the plantations; I lived on one of those plantations as a child because of my father’s job. We had a firsthand view of the remnants of the history of the slaves; the cellars, horse/donkey cart tracks and the slave dwelling quarters in the village. Looking back, I was too young to appreciate the fact that the slaves who worked there over a century before us, put us on the other side of history.
For me, Black History in America comes with deep reverence because the journey was so different, and has not ended. In Jamaica, our motto is 'Out of Many, One People', and holds true for the most part. Regardless of your ethnicity you should be welcomed, treated equally and with respect. I feel that while the gains from Black History in America are so significant, each generation still has to prove our worth beyond the color of our skin each and every day. I am grateful to my ancestors on the island of Jamaica, and the Black Freedom Fighters in America for their hard work and sacrifices, of which I am a beneficiary. Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas, Marcus Garvey and Martin Luther King Jr. to name a few. I must also mention our gains with our first black President, Barack Obama.
I am proud to be Black, and as my late father would say, to be made from 'sterner stuff'."
- Mona Cassells, Office Manager, Bethpage Day Services
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"The past is such an integral part of what shapes our future. Black History Month often invokes a sense of reverence and many people use this time to remember and honor those who have sacrificed to create a brighter future for the generations to come. Black History Month also gives us the opportunity to have open dialogue about parts of this country’s history and to celebrate progress that has been made while also acknowledging that there is still a lot left to be done.
On a personal level, Black History Month is a time for self-reflection and to ensure that the life I am living is worthy of all the sacrifices that were made. I always think of the younger generation during Black History Month and hope that all the celebrations and discussions will invoke a sense of pride and respect and inspire those who are struggling to make better choices. There is also a sense of sadness to realize that after all this time we have not achieved Dr. King’s dream of living in a country where a person is judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin."
- Carolyn Wakeland, Assistant Director, Hauppauge Day Services
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On Friday February 3rd, the Organizational Care Committee organized a day for our staff from across the agency to dress in red for Wear Red Day in observation of American Heart Month! | |
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Congratulations to our recent Employee of the Quarter winners! Last month we celebrated these amazing men and women at our Employee of the Quarter Lunch and thanked them for all they do for the children and adults we support.
🔵 RESIDENTIAL: Joel Brea, Residential Administrator; Hassan Bouderra, Direct Support Professional at Chichester; Tashia Coston, Manager at Syosset; Minerva Kim, Nutritionist for Residential Services.
🔵 DAY HABILITATION: Keira Finnell, Job Coach in Vocational Services; Raul Vega, Day Habilitation Specialist at Bethpage Day Services.
🔵 CHILDREN'S SERVICES: Melissa Santana, Teacher Aide at Kramer Learning Center; Roseanne Tast, IEP Coordinator at Kramer Learning Center.
🔵 ADMINISTRATION: Karen Davella, Accounts Receivable Supervisor in the Finance Department.
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We are thrilled to announce that ACLD is one of just 17 agencies selected to be part of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals’ (NADSP) NYS E-Badge Academy Pilot for 2022/2023! This program provides organizations with an opportunity for their staff to pursue certification as a Direct Support Professional.
Our 20 DSPs, DHSs and Frontline supervisors participating will complete online learning modules and submit writing samples detailing how they have used their skills, knowledge and ethics to provide quality supports and services to people with I/DD. As staff complete online coursework and earn their E-Badges, they can over time achieve various certification levels, as well as receive bonus money for each level.
In December we held a kick-off lunch with our 20 staff in the academy, and we are very happy to announce that during this first month, we have many staff actively pursuing certification!
Please join us in spreading the word about this exciting pilot as we seek to continue to elevate the status of Direct Support Professionals for all of the incredible and highly skilled work they do. Thank you to the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities for providing the grants needed to fund this initiative, and we hope that this pilot moves our field closer to having a nationally recognized Direct Support Professional certification in the future!
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The Organizational Care Committee organized an employee engagement day last month to celebrate our agency with staff wearing their favorite ACLD apparel! | |
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On Monday we were at the capitol building in Albany again following the proposed New York State Executive Budget that falls woefully short of providing the needed DSP Wage Enhancement and 8.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for provider agencies.
The rally was organized by New York Disability Advocates and was attended by provider agencies, self-advocates and their families from across the state. NYS Senators John Mannion and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Assemblymembers Rebecca Seawright and Angelo Santabarbara also addressed the crowd and assured us that they are fighting for our sector!
CLICK HERE to send a message to your representatives and let them know that the 2023-24 Executive Budget needs to include:
1) A Direct Support Professional Wage Enhancement, otherwise the already massive staffing shortage will continue, and we will risk the long term sustainability of I/DD services!
AND
2) Increase the Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) for provider agencies so they can keep up with the rising costs of providing services.
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Joel Blair, SLF Assistant Manager and Yolanda Burroughs, SLF Direct Support Professional, made signs to bring with us to the Capitol. | |
Shout out to the Center for Learning (CFL) for always training and keeping our direct care staff up to date with their certifications! Check out one of the CPR classes taught last month by Lead Trainer Anne Stanton posing with their certificates at the end of the class. | |
Introducing the new Enviable Life News! | |
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If you haven't already, join us NOW for the inaugural episode of our brand-new Enviable Life News video publication to get an inside look at ACLD's programs like never before!
This first-of-its-kind monthly video series will take you on a journey to see how our Residential Services, Day and Community Programs, Vocational Services and Children's Services are helping people with learning and developmental disabilities live Enviable Lives!
Today's video takes you behind the scenes to our newest business initiative that’s creating jobs for adults with different abilities - Candleworks by ACLD!
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Congratulations to Rhoan McDonald, newly hired Day Habilitation Specialist at Choices-Bethpage Day Program, and his fiancée Ashani Milles, on the birth of their son, Cairo McDonald on 1/27/23.
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Congratulations to Timothy Chelius, son of Jeanne Chelius, Assistant Director of Day Services, on receiving his Master's of Science Degree in Special Education from Molloy College in Rockville Centre in May 2022. Timmy (Mr. Tim) worked at ACLD's Kramer Learning Center as a 1:1 Aide and then as a Teacher Assistant from March 2014 - August 2015. He now works in the Rockville Centre School district with children on the spectrum ages 5 - 9 in their RISE (Reaching Individual Success Everyday) Program.
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Congratulations to Chatasia Shepherd on her promotion to Lead Day Habilitation Specialist at the Golden Opportunities day program on 2/6/23. Chatasia had been a Day Habilitation Specialist with us since June 2018.
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Employee Referral Program | |
Don't forget about the EMPLOYEE REFERRAL PROGRAM! You can now earn up to $6,750 when you refer people to work at ACLD. See the flyer below for details. | |
Help the people we support find employment | |
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Do you know of a job opening in your area that would be a good fit for the men and women we support who are seeking employment in the community?
If so, please send an email to the Vocational Services department at Millerl@acld.org
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Discounts for ACLD Employees | |
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Did you know that by being an employee of ACLD, you can take advantage of exclusive discounts at different businesses such as Splish Splash, Verizon, P.C. Richard, Six Flags and a lot more?
You can also register as an ACLD employee on PlumBenefits.com to get even more discounts on vacations, entertainment, online shopping and other services. Use company code ac0825520 to register.
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Don't forget to give a SHOUT OUT to recognize someone at your location for something special they did for you, your department or a person we support. | |
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The Organizational Care Committee is always looking for new ideas and suggestions from all of YOU to continue to make ACLD one of the best places to work, and for children and adults to receive supports and services.
Now it is easier than ever before to share your bright ideas. Just click here and your Bright Ideas will be sent directly to the Organizational Care Committee. A representative from the committee will respond to you promptly, and if your idea is implemented, you will earn a $25.00 gift card!
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Anniversary Milestones - February 2023 | |
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5 years
Tonya Seaton Human Resources Generalist Bethpage 807
Tricia Gillard Residential Assistant Manager Roslyn Heights
Lisa Morse Residential Manager Ontario
LaToya Beckles Direct Support Professional Bethpage 857
Jamaal Isbell-Arsenec Direct Support Professional Bethpage 857
Jackson Pierre Direct Support Professional Nichols Road
Keisha Simon Direct Support Professional Brighton
10 years
Joel Woodard Direct Support Professional Oceanside
Stephanie Faustin Chery Residential Manager Spur Drive
20 years
Anastasia Brillis Director, Residential Services
Paulette Campbell Lead Day Habilitation Specialist Bethpage 837
35 years
Charlotte Farinella Curriculum Coordinator Kramer Learning Center
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Welcome January New Hires! | |
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Johanne Armand Direct Support Professional, Johnson Ave
Patricia Bellevue-Pierre Day Habilitation Specialist, Hauppauge
Matthew J Bond Lead Maintenance Worker, Bethpage 857
Quinton L Boykin Direct Support Professional, Louis Kossuth
Webster C Bristol Building Services Coordinator, Bethpage 857
Venice L Caine Day Habilitation Specialist, Levittown Strive & Day Hab
Mariah T Colon Job Coach, Bethpage 857
John P DeFrancisci Day Habilitation Specialist, Bethpage 837
Beana Derisse Direct Support Professional, Malts Ave
Carl-Edris S Desroches Direct Support Professional, Johnson Ave
Jean Fritz Dorval Direct Support Professional, Johnson Ave
Icesis U Garrett Teacher Aide, Kramer Learning Center
Leavena Geffrard Direct Support Professional, Dix Hills
Guerda Gelin Direct Support Professional, Oyster Bay
Lexis S Glover Job Coach, Bethpage 857
DaQuan S Greene Direct Support Professional, Calvert Avenue
Renard D Holder Jr Direct Support Professional, Johnson Ave
Romelene Hyppolite Direct Support Professional, Eastover Drive
Vadim Janvier Direct Support Professional, Johnson Ave
Betina Laclotte Direct Support Professional, Phelps
Christma Lafaille Direct Support Professional, Johnson Ave
Elena C Lugo Speech Language Pathologist, Bethpage 857
Rhoan K McDonald Day Habilitation Specialist, Bethpage 837
Michael J Pierre Day Habilitation Specialist, Bridges Day Hab Westbury
Ishri Prashad Registered Nurse, Bethpage 857
Wilberte A St. Rosia Direct Support Professional, Johnson Ave
Delius Sylvain Direct Support Professional, Long Hill Road
Mideline Valmyr Direct Support Professional, Hawthorne
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Submit YOUR stories for the Limelight | |
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Each month we include stories in this newsletter about YOU and all of the incredible staff here at ACLD!
BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP to find out about these stories. Please send us anything to include such as:
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A story about how you or someone else went above and beyond to help the people we support, organized any fun or educational activity, or did anything to further our mission in any way
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Information on any staff member or team who you would like to see spotlighted for their exceptional work.
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Information or news useful for staff across the agency. Anything important or fun.
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Proud moments for you or your family (Personal or professional milestones, awards, weddings, educational degrees or works in the community)
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Employee Engagement day photos of you and your team.
- Or anything else you can think of!
AND - if you submit a story that is also appropriate for Social Media, we can post it on our pages too!
DON'T be shy about submitting stories - we need new ones every month!
DON'T worry about writing it perfectly. Just give as much information as you have.
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The Limelight is produced by the Development and Community Relations Department.
For questions, comments or suggestions, please email the Editor, Jonathan Dolan at dolanj2@acld.org
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Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc.
807 South Oyster Bay Road, Bethpage, NY 11714
516.822.0028 ~ www.acld.org
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