Direct Support Professionals week is a nationally recognized week (http://www.nationaladvocacycampaign.org/newsroom/news/2016-direct-support-professionals-week-september-11-17) that observes the dedication and accomplishments of outstanding Direct Support Professionals and expresses appreciation for their vital contribution to communities across the country. KenCrest is the workplace for over 1,300 DSPs and we would like to recognize them for the valuable role they play each and every day at KenCrest. All we will be blogging about different areas of Direct Support Staff at KenCrest. Here is a story about staff in the Western Montgomery County Community Living.

Mohamed is an overnight RA that has worked at his current location for 9 years.  Most recently, he came in to work to do his regular shift and after getting report from his colleague Helen Means who proceeded to leave, Mohamed heard a loud noise in one of the client’s room.  He immediately checked and found the resident laying in the bed, flat on his back and his chest partially on top of the resident.  He immediately lifted the chest and then assisted the resident up.  The resident was unsteady on his feet and started to fall.  Mohamed assisted the resident to the floor and resident had bouts of vomit and diarrhea.  Mohamed moved fast and called 911 then proceeded to contact on call nurse, PD and house PD.  Mohamed cared for the resident until the resident was taken by the ambulance to the hospital.  He then started to clean up, his coworker Helen called and he informed her of the emergency.  She came back to the house, took all necessary documents and then proceeded to go straight to the hospital.  Helen stayed at the hospital with the resident, who already had a pre-existing heart condition, till 7am.  Ms. Helen made it a point to relay all relevant information to the nurse, supervisor and PD.  She went home only to change and was back at the hospital.  Ms. Helen stayed in contact with the resident’s family ensuring them as they fear for his life.  Unfortunately the resident passed and both Ms. Helen and Mohamed visited the hospital to say their good byes.  Ms. Helen continued her exemplary work once again when another resident at the house got sick.  She took her time went with the other resident to the hospital then stayed with him.  She continued constant communication with the team.  She once again stayed late ensuring that the resident stayed calm since he has a history of physical aggression and in most cases will only calm down for her.

During all this trying time at the house, all the staff working at the house put away their differences and worked effortlessly as a team to care for the residents.  I have to say I am blessed to work with such great individuals who treat our residents as a family member.  The staff at this house has showed me another reason why Ken crest is the best agency to work for, I will not trade my job for the world.

Virginia Oliver

Prior to being a CHS Virginia worked as an RA for years, during her time at her house one of her resident became quite ill and was given very little time to live.  Sissy, as everyone calls her, took her time to ensure that the resident gets his wish by accompany him to Disney.  Sissy went along after cancelling a planned vacation she already requested.  Sissy made sure the resident had the time of his life and returned with all smiles.

Another reason why I love my job, the people that I’ve had the pleasure to work with are god sent.

Monica Campbell

Monica Campbell is what I call the Iron lady and here are just a few reasons why; Monica started as an RA and then a CHS.  When I first started working for Ken crest I had the pleasure of shadowing her and learned about being a good CHS.  Monica not only was a CHS but also does family living.  She retired from Ken crest only to return back as a part-time RA.  Monica worked with an elderly client and being an amazing woman, she encourages the resident and was able to get our resident that does not like doing many outings to become the outing queen.  A couple of months back, the resident got very ill and has been out of the CLA at the hospital then nursing home.  Monica took her time to visit the resident daily while at the hospital then when transferred to nursing she continued her visits.  She decline any form of payment or reimbursement for mileage as she makes the trip to the nursing home.  The resident loves Monica and looks forward to her visit daily.  Family and friends were fearful that the resident will not come back to us however with Monica’s care and affection the resident has gotten much stronger and we are all looking forward to her return.  Monica had a planned vacation and went away, instead of her enjoying her vacation; Monica called from Jamaica to check on her resident.  Once again, passion, dedication and care that is beyond words.  The ken crest way!

Direct Support Professionals week is a nationally recognized week (http://www.nationaladvocacycampaign.org/newsroom/news/2016-direct-support-professionals-week-september-11-17) that observes the dedication and accomplishments of outstanding Direct Support Professionals and expresses appreciation for their vital contribution to communities across the country. KenCrest is the workplace for over 1,300 DSPs and we would like to recognize them for the valuable role they play each and every day at KenCrest. All we will be blogging about different areas of Direct Support Staff at KenCrest. Here is a story about an RA in Eastern Montgomery County, submitted by a supervisor.

Moses Logan-Outstanding DSP 2016 – RA Crosswicks

Moses was hired in February of 2014, you would think this young man has worked for us 20+ years given his loving spirit and great energy! From his early months with us Moses was curious and eager to do his best. Moses has been dependable, consistent, trustworthy and a DSP that has all the makings of a future leader at Kencrest. Moses embodies our core values of positive approaches, choice, promoting family connections and insuring his individuals experience all the community has to offer.  Moses has excellent relationships with his individuals both male and female, his supervisors, and Moses sets the bar high for his peers. Even though the individuals he supports are medically needy they are treated and respected as Moses’ family. Moses often shares his stories with others to train and show new employees at his Kencrest home, this is how we care for our folks. Moses is a go getter, on the toughest weather conditions, you can count on Moses. I have nicknamed him “the mailman” because he always delivers. Moses has a special fondness for his individuals often staying past his shift, already clocked out just to hang out and visit. One of his individuals is living with lung cancer, and Moses is very vigilant, sensitive, and vocal about changes, or needs Ms.Dickson may have  . Moses also has a special friendship with another housemate, Mr.Pyle who is very medically needy, so much he needs massage therapy two days a week, and aqua therapy three days a week to keep him moving and functioning at his best. Moses willingly stepped up to be his “buddy” on these visits and Mr. Pyle adores Moses. When you witness a family bond of unconditional love such as this, the lines are blurred and that to me is success. When I can no longer feel I am present in a community living program, then we have done our work. Moses has brought all this great energy and spirit to Crosswicks since his time with us. He is one special young man, and I am honored to have him a part of our Eastern Montgomery County team. I am greatful to Moses for his great spirit and gentle ways, and his wonderful smile he shares with all of us. Moses is enrolled in school to further his education and is reaching for the stars, he is driven, and gives his all when present. The example his immediate supervisor, Stephanie Joyner has set for him has paved the way for Moses success. Crosswicks is a home full of love, compassion, blurred lines and very happy, content individuals whom they call their family, all living their best lifeJ Moses makes us great!

Vivian S.Reese

Director Residential Services- Eastern Montgomery County.

Every parent thinks about the day their child grows up and leaves home, but for the parents of children with intellectual disabilities this is especially challenging, both emotionally and financially. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to visit Andrew, a young man in his twenties, who was born without eyes and has autism.

When I met him, he greeted me warmly and led me to the dining room of his home. Andrew doesn’t communicate through speech, but instead he uses a system of textured blocks. For example, there is a block with cornflakes glued to the top, one in the shape of a cookie, or a block for popcorn and so on. His choice that day was popcorn.

While Andrew polished off his popcorn, his mother, Mary Anne, told me about the house. Andrew rooms with a young woman named Caitlin, who is the same age and was also born without eyes. The two families worked with KenCrest to establish the group home.  KenCrest provides caregivers and maintains the house. The men and women who assist Andrew and Caitlin have become like family to them. Mary Anne described the obstacles which she and Caitlin’s parents had to overcome before Caitlin and Andrew could move in to their new home. However, no matter what the obstacles, providing their kids with this level of independence was worth it.  Now almost two years later, she gave me a tour of the modern, cheerfully decorated rancher. Andrew’s bedroom is decorated with a Beatles poster on one wall and a Bob Marley poster on another, fitting for someone who loves music as much as Andrew.

As I was about to leave, we went out on the front porch. I’m a notoriously bad selfie taker and Andrew tends to angle his head down. Yet, with a little prompting Andrew managed to lift his head and grin at just the right time, providing me with a nearly perfect selfie in front of the welcome sign, on his and Caitlin’s front porch, the place that they now both call home.

About the author: Joe Flood is a member of the KenCrest Centers Board and the father of two, Julia and Leo. Leo was born with Down Syndrome and received early intervention services through KenCrest.  Joe is also a member of Doylestown Borough Council, stay at home Dad and a huge fan of the Phillies and Eagles.

We all appreciate remembrance days and months. They challenge us to be better informed, make us grateful to the people who got us this far, and often make us more determined to carry on their work. We just finished Black History Month, and now, in the month of March Women’s History month. KenCrest has some excellent contributions from women in our history. Here are the stories of two:

Sister Maria Roeck

In 1905, Sister Roeck served her family first, and then looked for new purpose. She found this purpose in the Kensington community, which was struggling with tuberculosis, an incurable disease at this time. She persevered, gathering donors and volunteers to meet the needs of the people who were ill, and their families. She was one of the early pioneers in our region of the country, and one of the earliest women to lead a nonprofit organization. 110 years ago, a women leader was rare indeed.

Sister Grace Jones

Sister Grace knew that strengthening our community was not over when tuberculosis was cured. She led us to a new purpose. She, too, spoke out reminding the leaders of her time that education and support was an obligation, not an option. She too was a pioneer in our region of education and opportunity for people with special needs and helped KenCrest to begin providing services to these people in the 1950s.

Who are the important women in your circle?

All women make someone’s history, whether they are someone who loved us and helped raised us, or someone we served.

As I find my own way into KenCrest history and the history of women’s leadership, I too have a goal. We are not finished with our work on inclusion.  While as a society we have passed laws regarding equal rights, we see evidence of injustice every day.

My greatest goal is to lead us forward by inspiring and challenging us all to do what President Obama has reported …everyone deserves full participation in our society.   Our part in that goal as KenCrest staff is the inclusion of the people we support and the strengthening of the neighborhoods of the employers, family and friends who surround them.

What’s your greatest goal at KenCrest? What do you imagine will be needed to push forward on inclusion?

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION (an excerpt)

Throughout history, women have driven humanity forward on the path to a more equal and just society, contributing in innumerable ways to our character and progress as a people.  In the face of discrimination and undue hardship, they have never given up on the promise of America:  that with hard work and determination, nothing is out of reach.  During Women’s History Month, we remember the trailblazers of the past, including the women who are not recorded in our history books, and we honor their legacies by carrying forward the valuable lessons learned from the powerful examples they set.

For too long, women were formally excluded from full participation in our society and our democracy.  Because of the courage of so many bold women who dared to transcend preconceived expectations and prove they were capable of doing all that a man could do and more, advances were made, discoveries were revealed, barriers were broken, and progress triumphed.  Whether serving in elected positions across America, leading groundbreaking civil rights movements, venturing into unknown frontiers, or programming revolutionary technologies, generations of women that knew their gender was no obstacle to what they could accomplish have long stirred new ideas and opened new doors, having a profound and positive impact on our Nation.  Through hardship and strife and in every realm of life, women have spurred change in communities around the world, steadfastly joining together to overcome adversity and lead the charge for a fairer, more inclusive, and more progressive society.

During Women’s History Month, we honor the countless women who sacrificed and strived to ensure all people have an equal shot at pursuing the American dream.

Read the full proclamation here:

http://go.wh.gov/KMiB7R

“First airport, first plane, first hotel.” This is one of my little sister Catheryn’s favorite sayings because she associates it with going on vacation. My family used to tell Catheryn this social story when we were going through an airport so she would know what would be happening throughout the day.

Fast forward about ten years later, Catheryn knows what to expect when it comes to flying and how to get through the airport. She knows that first you get your boarding pass, and then you go through the metal detector in security before you can go on to your gate and board the plane. However on a recent trip to Dubai, the security step was a little different for Catheryn. Security was tougher in Dubai Airport than in most airports we have flown through with most passengers being subject to pat-downs and extra questioning. Catheryn had set the metal detector off twice and needed to get pat down. This would be new for her, and we didn’t know how she would react because she does not like to get touched by anyone.

“I don’t know how she will handle this because she has special needs.” My mom explained to the security guard. Catheryn was a little confused about what was going on and was looking at everyone so she could figure out what to do. The guard seemed to notice Catheryn’s confusion, asked my mom for Catheryn’s name, got down to her level to make her feel better, and smiled.

The guard said a few words to Catheryn quietly through the pat down, using her name and did not resist when Catheryn was pushingthe guard’s hands away. Soon, we were allowed to go on our way and wait at the gate to board the plane. These small gestures that the guard went out of her way to do made Catheryn more comfortable and meant so much to us. On the other side of the world, we received not strange looks, but an equal treatment.

“First airport, first plane, first hotel?” Catheryn asked as reassurance that the rest of her expected routine was not going to be any different. We confirmed this, knowing that the social story was going to be the same.

About the author: 

Victoria Priest is a part time web marketing assistant at KenCrest and a full time marketing student at Saint Joseph’s University. In her free time, she loves to travel and have a good time with her sister.

The holiday season has a different meaning to a lot of people. At KenCrest, many of our programs celebrated with parties, music, and visits from Santa.

One of the best, most fulfilling things I have seen in working for a nonprofit is how staff treat the people they work with like family. KenCrest is a fairly large organization. We support over 10,000 people with special needs in the Philadelphia area, Delaware and Connecticut. However, within this large number of support systems lies several small groups of families. Staff at a community living home, staff that support individuals at work sites with groups of 50 or more, early childhood development centers.. everyone, at each site, has made their life at KenCrest so much more then a job.

This holiday season, staff have gone above and beyond their jobs: supporting and providing gifts to over 300 families that are in need through our family fund, visiting houses that they work at to bring holiday meals on their own time, and, some of the sweetest moments: dressing up as Santa Clause to bring joy to our individuals at holiday parties.

This holiday season, we hope your families were as blessed as ours here at KenCrest. Have a safe, and happy new year!

Author: Eileen P. Falchetta

The following list was generated by the parents of kids with autism. The No. 1 item listed by parents is the iPad, which can be used with kids of all ages. The survey was conducted MyAutismTeam and the results are listed below…

• iPad
• Legos
• Sensory Toys
• Gift Cards
• Video Games
• Play Dates
• Puzzles
• Books
• Educational DVDs, toys and games
• Quality Time

Enjoy Your Holiday!

References:

• http://www.myautismteam.com/