Lauren Nardini, Chairman of the Board From the Desk of the Chief Executive Officer (cont’d)………………. 2 Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies……………………………….. 2 Welcome our New Early Intervention/Respite Coordinator…………. 2 Let Me Introduce Myself………………………………………………... 3 Recipe Corner……………………………………………………………. 3 Need of Residential Placement………………………………………... 3 Day Support Services Update…………………………………………. 4 Day Habilitation Happenings…………………………………………... 4 Introducing the New and Improved Self-Advocacy Committee……. 4 Lots of Things Happening………………………………………………. 5 Weekend Respite Program Corner……………………………………. 5 Upcoming Events………………………………………………………... 6 Word Scramble…………………………………………………………... 7 Board of Directors/Executive Staff……………………………………... 7 Help Wanted……………………………………………………………... 7 Thank You for Your Support……………………………………………. 8 THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT This year’s Annual Recognizing Excellence Awards Dinner Dance was held on April 20, 2018 at La Reg- gia in Secaucus, NJ. The event was a huge success both socially and financially with nearly 300 people in attendance, including those we honored! The best part of the evening though was seeing the clients, staff, Board and community members enjoying themselves. I’d like to thank all of those who sup- ported us. It is with the kindness and help of people like yourselves that Hudson Milestones is able to continue to provide services to individuals who are developmentally disabled. Just a reminder to all Hudson Milestones Members — the next Bi-Annual Member Meeting will be held in June of 2019, at which time a new slate of officers will be elected. VOLUME 28 — ISSUE 1 SUMMER EDITION 2018 Article Excerpts from Human Services Com- missioner Johnson Unveils Tax-Free Savings Accounts for Individuals with Disabilities Murphy Administration NJ ABLE Launch Welcomed by Individuals, Families & Advocates June 18, 2018 (TRENTON) – New Jersey Human Services Com- missioner Carole Johnson on Monday announced the launch of a major new program to help individ- uals with disabilities become more independent and better thrive in their communities. With the newly launched NJ ABLE program, individuals with disabilities can save tax-free for eligible expenses such as education, housing and transporta- tion without losing eligibility for Medicaid and oth- er benefits. Residents can now visit https:// savewithable.com/nj/home.html to learn more and begin saving. ABLE stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience. The tax-free NJ ABLE accounts will not be included as an asset or income when determining an indi- vidual’s eligibility for state assistance programs. The program also offers a range of investment op- tions. The NJ ABLE accounts can be used to pay for expenses incurred as a result of living with a disa- bility. Qualified expenses include, but are not lim- ited to, education, health and wellness, housing, transportation, legal fees, (Cont’d on Page 2) From the Desk of the Chief Execuve Officer Teresa Maie
Transcript
Lauren Nardini, Chairman of the Board
From the Desk of the Chief Executive Officer (cont’d)………………. 2 Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies……………………………….. 2 Welcome our New Early Intervention/Respite Coordinator…………. 2 Let Me Introduce Myself………………………………………………... 3 Recipe Corner……………………………………………………………. 3 Need of Residential Placement………………………………………... 3 Day Support Services Update…………………………………………. 4 Day Habilitation Happenings…………………………………………... 4 Introducing the New and Improved Self-Advocacy Committee……. 4 Lots of Things Happening………………………………………………. 5 Weekend Respite Program Corner……………………………………. 5 Upcoming Events………………………………………………………... 6 Word Scramble…………………………………………………………... 7 Board of Directors/Executive Staff……………………………………... 7 Help Wanted……………………………………………………………... 7 Thank You for Your Support……………………………………………. 8
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT
This year’s Annual Recognizing Excellence Awards Dinner Dance was held on April 20, 2018 at La Reg-gia in Secaucus, NJ. The event was a huge success both socially and financially with nearly 300 people in attendance, including those we honored! The best part of the evening though was seeing the clients, staff, Board and community members enjoying themselves. I’d like to thank all of those who sup-ported us. It is with the kindness and help of people like yourselves that Hudson Milestones is able to continue to provide services to individuals who are developmentally disabled. Just a reminder to all Hudson Milestones Members — the next Bi-Annual Member Meeting will be held in June of 2019, at which time a new slate of officers will be elected.
VOLUME 28 — ISSUE 1 SUMMER EDITION 2018
Article Excerpts from Human Services Com-missioner Johnson Unveils Tax-Free Savings
Accounts for Individuals with Disabilities
Murphy Administration NJ ABLE Launch Welcomed by Individuals, Families &
Advocates June 18, 2018 (TRENTON) – New Jersey Human Services Com-missioner Carole Johnson on Monday announced the launch of a major new program to help individ-uals with disabilities become more independent and better thrive in their communities. With the newly launched NJ ABLE program, individuals with disabilities can save tax-free for eligible expenses such as education, housing and transporta-tion without losing eligibility for Medicaid and oth-er benefits. Residents can now visit https://savewithable.com/nj/home.html to learn more and begin saving. ABLE stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience. The tax-free NJ ABLE accounts will not be included as an asset or income when determining an indi-vidual’s eligibility for state assistance programs. The program also offers a range of investment op-tions. The NJ ABLE accounts can be used to pay for expenses incurred as a result of living with a disa-bility. Qualified expenses include, but are not lim-ited to, education, health and wellness, housing, transportation, legal fees, (Cont’d on Page 2)
From the Desk of the
Chief Executive Officer Teresa Maietti
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(Cont’d from Page 1 “From the Desk of…”) financial management, job training and support, as-sistive technology and personal support services. The earnings on NJ ABLE investments are federally tax-deferred and tax-free, if used for qualified disa-bility expenses. This can help savings compound. “With NJ ABLE, individuals with disabilities will have a new option to help plan for real-life costs that con-cern every family,” Johnson said. “Saving for the fu-ture has never been more important, and just as families save for retirement or college, NJ ABLE will help provide fiscal self-sufficiency - without putting eligibility for benefits at risk. The Murphy Admin-istration looks forward to seeing individuals with disabilities benefit from NJ ABLE for years to come.” The launch was welcomed by families and advo-cates. Individuals with disabilities who receive sup-ports from DHS said they’re excited by the idea of being able to save without losing access to benefits and the opportunities they will have as a result.
WELCOME OUR NEW EARLY INTERVENTION/RESPITE COORDINATOR!
Marisa Lione, Director of Day Support Services
Jasmine Overton joined the Hudson Milestones Department of Day Sup-port Services in March 2018. She attended The College of New Jersey, where she studied Journalism/Professional Writing. Jasmine never expected her path would lead here, to helping families receive much needed services. In a short time, she has helped link several needy
families to our Early Intervention practitioners and Respite providers. The Early Intervention Program currently employs 22 practitioners of different therapeutic disciplines (developmental intervention, physical therapy, occu-pational therapy, speech therapy, and social work). The practitioners provide services to children, ages 0-3 who are not meeting their developmental mile-stones. Presently, Hudson Milestones serves a case-load of 31 children across Hudson County. The Early Intervention System strives to provide therapy in a child’s natural environment, which makes families an integral part of the process. The services being pro-vided will serve as a foundation to be built upon be-yond the 3-year mark. Jasmine is looking forward to reaching the cap of 50 children in the near future, and one day surpassing it. The first step in reaching this goal is expanding the roster of dedicated, and pas-sionate practitioners. The Respite Program seeks to grant caretakers and clients moments of reprieve from the stresses of life. Eligible clients, which includes youths (ages 6-20) and adults (ages 21+), are matched with providers who engage with them both in their homes and out in the community. Providers assist clients with varying life skills that range from homework and housekeep-ing to meal preparation, shopping, and utilizing pub-lic transportation. Jasmine aims to continue to staff the program with considerate and responsible pro-viders and serve those in need of the services. In life, everyone needs a break and deserves a bit of “me time.”
Jasmine Overton
New Jersey Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies—6/8/18
Theresa Curio, Special Olympics Coach
Ewing, NJ. It was an amazing evening to look into the stands and see Hudson Milestones CEO, Teresa Maietti, as well as clients of our Weekend Respite Program, and staff supporting our athletes. This was the first time we had supporters in the stands cheer-ing us on. They also made a beautiful banner to rep-resent our team.
The Mile Post SUMMER 2018 Page 3
IN NEED OF RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENT? Teresa Maietti, Chief Executive Officer
I am writing to extend an invitation to all families, in need of placing a family member into a New Jersey Di-vision of Developmental Disabilities residential facility, to visit one of our homes that currently has availability.
If you are interested in hearing and seeing what we are all about and most proud of, please call Aja Johnson at (201) 434-7783 to schedule a visit.
LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF Chee Chee Washington
Director of Residential Services It gives me great pleasure to introduce myself as the new director of Residential Services. I must say that much of my attraction to Hudson Milestones stemmed from your focus on maintaining person-hood. Personhood can be defined in various ways, however, the overarching theme always relates back to the following commonalities; the individual hav-ing access to meaningful activities and opportunities to feel useful and valued. Over the past three weeks I have had the pleasure of seeing these undertakings carried out by residential and day habilitation staff. These actions were displayed through both physical and emotional support of the clients, both of which form the foundation for good quality care. It is evi-dent that the clients of Hudson Milestones have a clear and active “voice” in their care planning, ulti-mately allowing them to exercise choice, freedom and self-determination. It is with great pleasure that I join the Hudson Mile-stones Residential Services Department in a contin-ued effort to provide outstanding service to the cli-ents and community. I am honored to become a part of Hudson Milestones’ family, culture, and mission. With gratitude, Chee Chee
QUICK AND EASY ONE -POT CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP Submitted by Ronald Marques
Residential Services Program Member
I N G R E D I E N T S
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced 8 cups chicken broth 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 sm 14.5 oz. can fire roasted diced toma-
toes w/ green chilis* 1 lg 28 oz. can black beans, drained and
rinsed 1 cup frozen corn 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro juice of one lime optional fixings for serving: tortilla chips,
sour cream, shredded cheese, more cilantro, hot sauce, sliced avocado
I N S T R U C T I O N S Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno
pepper in olive oil over medium high heat in a large pot until softened and starting to brown.
Add the chicken broth; bring to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and tomatoes.
Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
Remove chicken and chop or shred into pieces. Return to the pot, and add the beans, corn, cilantro, and lime juice.
Simmer for 5 more minutes or until beans and corn are heated through.
Serve topped with optional fixings.
Page 4 SUMMER 2018 The Mile Post
DAY SUPPORT SERVICES UPDATES Marisa Lione, Director of Day Support Services
The Day Habilitation Programs of Hudson Milestones continue to welcome new participants when an open-ing becomes available and/or an opportunity for over enrollment occurs. While the Day Habilitation Pro-grams are filled to capacity, we welcome tours and meet & greets with prospective new participants es-pecially now that it is high school graduation time. If for some reason we cannot readily serve a prospec-tive participant, we can add them to our waiting list. The Fee-For-Service conversion continues in the day programs, and now more than 70 of the participants are part of the Supports Program. Our staff are participating in meetings, reviewing plans and providing important insight into the devel-opment of the PCPTs. The Respite Program at Hudson Milestones is looking to expand and grow! If you know someone with a need for companionship, recreation, and some much-needed respite time for their caregiver – give us a call. Our compassionate providers will come to a home and play games, go for a walk, or take a trip to the mall as part of the care for a loved one. This program serves youth as well as adults and is looking for inter-ested applicants. This program is also always looking for kind individuals to provide this part-time, atten-tive care, so apply today!
The Early Intervention Pro-gram is flourishing, and we want it to continue to do so in the second half of 2018! If you are in need of early interven-tion services for your child such as speech, OT or PT, we can help. Our qualified practi-
tioners are skilled to help in various areas of need. Our amazing therapists have helped make miracles happen. So, if you have a family member in need of these services, talk to your Service Coordinator to link you to Hudson Milestones.
DAY HABILITATION HAPPENINGS Marisa Lione, Director of Day Support Services
Coming Soon! The Department of Day Support Services is on the verge of unveiling a brand-new Day Habilitation Pro-gram! Soon the former Child Development Center space, now known as the Monmouth Day Habilitation Program will house a small program for Supports Pro-gram clients. This program will provide classes re-garding skill development such as advocacy, asser-tiveness, communication, choices/decision-making, problem solving, boundaries, health, and relationship building. In addition, community experiences will be offered including shopping, restaurants, libraries, sports/fitness activities, and community festivals to name a few. Services will be age-appropriate, offer variety and choice, emphasize community experienc-es, and focus on small groups. Activities will be indi-vidualized based on likes, dislikes, areas of interest, desires, and dreams as documented in the partici-pant’s NJISP and PCPT. We are close to receiving the final approval from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to open and look forward to fur-thering the quality of services Hudson Milestones is known for. (Cont’d on Page 7)
INTRODUCING THE NEW AND IMPROVED SELF-ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
Kathleen Ruiz, Community Experience Specialist/Supervisor of Bayonne Day Habilitation
The Bayonne and Jersey City Day Habilitation Pro-grams have recently combined efforts to bring the ex-isting two committees together in order to further de-velop discussion topics and enrich the clients’ experi-ences. The combined committee is facilitated by the Day Habilitation Supervisors, Kathleen Ruiz and Mo-rena Talley and comprised of interested clients from each day program. The committee meetings are a place where clients gather bi-monthly to discuss current events and other real-life topics that directly affect them. The commit-tee members take turns offering opinions, suggestions and asking thoughtful questions. Popular discussion points include newsworthy topics such as the Presi-
(Cont’d on Page 5)
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LOTS OF THINGS HAPPENING Jose Rosario, Director of Operations
This year there has been so much going on through-out Hudson Milestones! New and valuable employees have been brought on board by our Chief Executive Of-ficer. This came with some restructuring in order to make room for the new staff members. However, when great minds come together there is sure to be a great plan, and that is exactly what happened! We are cur-rently in the process of relocating several personnel to different locations and offices due to this restructuring. We were also pleased to receive the great news that once again we were approved for Bayonne’s Economic Opportunity Foundation’s, Community Development Block Grant. This will help offset the costs of making several needed repairs to another one of our Bayonne Group Homes. This is a process that takes some time to complete, due to the timely application process. Thank you to our Executive Secretary, Tracey Belvedere who ensures this gets done properly and on time due to strict deadlines. An additional thanks to our Chief Ex-ecutive Officer who is responsible for discovering that this Grant was available. Under her guidance and knowledge, this process has been a successful one. Fur-thermore, thank you to the individuals who have assist-ed the agency with this Grant from the Bayonne Eco-nomic Opportunity Foundation including, Ashley Lam-bert the Program Monitor, Joe Bencart the Code Official, and Samantha Howard the Executive Director. We ap-preciate all you do for us at Hudson Milestones! Stay tuned for updates once this work has been com-pleted!
(Cont’d from Page 4 “Introducing the New and Improved...”)
dent, the Royals, and local elections. In addition, a meeting topic is chosen by the members and these may include health, fitness, relationships, and man-ners. Co-Chairpersons are voted on annually and assist the facilitators with meeting topics, attend-ance, and the overall running of the meeting. The meeting minutes are then shared with the Residen-tial Programs to provide consistent dialogue among the interested clients both at home and the day pro-gram. Hudson Milestones is thrilled to offer a forum where the clients can have a voice. We look forward to the future of expanding the committee and its ac-tivities to include community experiences such as visiting meetings and town halls concerning the is-sues that matter most to them.
WEEKEND RESPITE PROGRAM CORNER Marisa Lione, Director of Day Support Services
The Weekend Respite Program is looking forward to a fun summer ahead. Our FY19 schedule has just been finalized, and we can’t wait to visit some new, exciting venues while enjoying some of our favorite, familiar staples. New for 2018, we will be making pottery at Express Yourself Art Studio, learning about music history at the Grammy Museum, and how to care for horses at Legacy Riding Stables. Returning favorites include Sterling Mine Museum, Classic Thyme Cooking Class, and Wild West City. The program will be changing slightly this year, now offering 30 events a year. Some Friday events will be added, and new members will be welcomed. Highlights this year included a new venue called Rizzo’s Wildlife World. Here, the clients learned about various animals and got an up close and per-sonal tour of them and their habitats. Members of the group were able to pet the animals and ask many curious questions. Rizzo’s employees were patient, knowledgeable and really showed our cli-ents a great time. The Annual Dinner Dance was also enjoyed by the participants, and included danc-ing, a yummy dinner, and loads of fun for all. This is a memorable time each year where the clients get to dress up, socialize with friends, and dance the night away. The pictures always speak volumes. The Weekend Respite Program is a fabulous way for clients to en-joy community experiences, make new friends and live life to the fullest!
JULY 7/4 Independence Day (AGENCY CLOSED) 7/4 Residential GHs will have 4th of July BBQs 7/6 DH Freaky Friday Summer Theme Days Begin 7/14 WRP Jersey Shore Pirates 7/20 DH “Yay Summer” Ice Cream Sale 7/21 WRP In-House Musical Performance with Residential 7/21 Kensington GH Hosting Movie Night for Miller St. GH AUGUST 8/4 WRP Express Yourself Art Studio 8/11 WRP Tai Chi Class 8/11 Secaucus GH Hosting Karaoke Night for Kearny II GH 8/20-24 DH “Weird Week” Fun Activities 8/26 Ave. E GH Hosting Bake Night for Lord Ave. GH 8/27-31 DH Summer Break (DHs CLOSED) SEPTEMBER 9/3 Labor Day (AGENCY CLOSED) 9/3 Pleasant Place GH Hosting BBQ for Lord, Kearny I & Kearny II GHs 9/8 WRP Dance Designs Studio 9/15 WRP Candle-Making Class 9/19 Annual DH Fishing Trip with Jersey City Police Department 9/21 DH Staff Training Day (DHs CLOSED) 9/22 WRP Staten Island Zoo 9/23 Kensington GH Hosts Game Night for Ave. E GH OCTOBER 10/7 North Bergen GH Hosting Ice Cream Social for Secaucus GH 10/8 Columbus Day (AGENCY CLOSED) 10/13 WRP Pumpkin Picking @ Schaefer Farm 10/20 WRP Montclair State University Football Game 10/24 Annual Staff Training/Appreciation Day 10/27 WRP In-House Pound Fit Exercise Class 10/31 DHs Halloween Celebration 10/31 Residential GHs Baking Cupcakes for Halloween
NOVEMBER 11/3 WRP Sterling Mine Museum 11/11 Lord Ave GH Hosting Bingo Night for Kensington GH 11/14 Musical Milestones Performance 11/17 WRP Bowling 11/20 DHs Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon 11/22 Thanksgiving Day (AGENCY CLOSED) 11/22-23 Thanksgiving Holiday (DHs CLOSED) 11/23 Thanksgiving Holiday (AGENCY CLOSED) 11/23 Kearny I, North Bergen & Miller GHs Host Thanksgiving Dinner 11/26 DH “Stocking Stuffer” Fundraiser Production & Sales Begin DECEMBER T/B/A Expanded Management Team Training 12/1 WRP & Residential Holiday Express Party at The Moose Lodge 12/3 Residential GHs Make Homemade Greeting Cards 12/8 WRP & Residential Holiday Show at Villagers Playhouse 12/19 Board of Directors Holiday Dinner Meeting 12/20 DHs Holiday Celebration/Ugly Sweater Day 12/21 DH Staff Training Day (DHs CLOSED) 12/24 Christmas Eve (AGENCY CLOSED) 12/24 Residential GHs Bake Cookies for the Holiday 12/24-28 Christmas Holiday & Winter Break (DHs CLOSED) 12/25 Christmas Day (AGENCY CLOSED)
Page 6 SUMMER 2018 The Mile Post
ACRONYM KEY: DH = Day Habilitation DSS = Day Support Services RES = Residential Services EIS = Early Intervention Services GH = Group Home WRP = Weekend Respite Program
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www.facebook.com/hudsonmilestones
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman of the Board Lauren Nardini
Vice Chairman Feliciano Lim
Treasurer Karen Gray
Secretary Arlene Rutkowski
Parliamentarian Nat Amadeo, Esq.
Past Chairman of the Board Sally Medeiros
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Chief Executive Officer Teresa Maietti
Director of Operations Jose Rosario
Director of Day Support Services Marisa Lione
Director of Residential Services Chee Chee Washington
FOR AVAILABLE POSITIONS VISIT www.hudsonmilestones.org/employment-opportunities
1. UNHOSD SINMETOEL
2. ULAYQTI RSACAENUS
3. AYD BTIHOAINIALT
4. NIRDIASLETE
5. LERYA TVNIEONINETR
6. PETEIRS
7. CITRDE PUPTSRO SFONIALPEORS
WORD SCRAMBLE Donna Dolan, Director of Compliance
Answers: 1-Hudson Milestones; 2-Quality Assurance; 3-Day Habilitation; 4-Residential; 5-Early Intervention; 6-Respite; 7-Direct Support Professional
(Cont’d from Page 4 “Day Habilitation Happenings”)
Spring Semester of The After Hour The 2nd semester of the newly formed adult evening program was another big success! We had an increase in participation for the eight-week program that ran twice weekly from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. The clients spent Monday nights exercising, dancing and singing, while Wednesdays were for creating artistic crafts. Holidays such as Cinco De Mayo and Memorial Day were celebrated with “happy hours” that included fruity smoothies and endless socialization be-tween close pals. The program would not be such a big hit amongst the clients without the strong leadership of Supervisor Kathleen Ruiz, generous volunteers and the enthusiastic Day Habilitation and Residential staff that help bring out the very best in the program participants during each class. We hope to add more clients to our Fall roster, so be on the lookout for details soon!
HUDSON MILESTONES
365-381 Clendenny Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07304
Page 8 SUMMER 2018 The Mile Post
MONETARY DONATIONS: 22nd Street Meat Market Inc.; A1A Restoration Group, LLC; AAA Fire Protection; Aceti, Bianca; Aceti, Jerome; Aguirre,
