January 2012

Issue: 5

Living with a disability is not a life-sentence, but rather a life-style

Our Growth & VisionAs I sit at the beginning of a New Year, I not only look forward to what lies ahead for the future of Cortney’s Place, but also spend so much of this time reflecting. Together with the Board of Directors, and our Circle of Friends, I am overwhelmed at how much of a mark we have made in our community in just four short years since Cortney’s Place evolved. It has truly left me speechless. I am deeply touched by the outpouring of support from our business community as well as those who have given so much to our program from volunteers, sponsors, and staff, as well as every donation made to our program. Our heartfelt thanks to our many sponsors includ-ing: Fry’s Food Stores, Coca Cola, Hensley Beverage, Anheuser-Busch, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Alliance Beverage, and Pabco Gypsum to name just a few. It would take another newsletter just to express all the thanks to each and every one of you for all the ways you have helped us throughout the year. YOU are the reason why Cortney’s Place is what it is, YOU are the reason we are making a difference in so many lives, YOU are the reason why future generations will benefit, and YOU are the reason why our community will be more well- rounded by providing those with Special Needs inclusion, opportunity, and a rich full life. I thank you all.Our Fourth Annual “Play Like a Star” Golf Tournament was held on November 7th at The Country Club of DC Ranch and was a huge success. We are proud to report that approximately $150,000 was raised despite the rain, hail and lightening! With the help of Professional Golfers such as Tom Lehman, Duffy Waldorf, Kevin Streelman, and Michael Allen, the live auction was very exciting. Some of the items that created a frenzy included a handmade platter artistically completed by the students of Cortney’s Place, a photo of all past Ryder Cup Captains, signed by most, and a golf experience to play with Tom and Duffy at an exclusive course in Southern California with private jet transport. We also had a Half-Million Dollar Hole-in-One Contest, but unfortunately no one won… maybe next year!In some ways, without sounding trite, together we have awakened our community by bringing together ideology and putting it into action regarding our disabled population as they mature. With that, a silence has been broken, and we making great strides with all our efforts. I don’t want this momentum to ever slow down or be forgotten. I want us together to continue in this journey so that we will set a stage for the future. There are no limits when the commitment to sustain a much-needed program is supported.We also have some exciting news to share! Construction is underway to merge adjacent space with our current location, and expanding from 2500 sq. feet to 5500 sq. feet. As a result, we will have several new additions to our curriculum including therapy areas, designated art stations, additional computer labs and technology-based programs to enhance the potential of each and every student attending Cortney’s Place. One visit to our program center and I am convinced you will understand how these young adults can achieve new heights given the opportunities to which we are deeply committed.We would also like to welcome three new Board Members and look forward to their involve-ment: Justin Ogburn of Fry’s Food Stores, Laurie Blair of the Phoenix Suns, and Stephanie Lyons, a Marketing/Media Consultant. Thank you for making a difference.

Board of DirectorsCindy Carpenter President & Founder

Jim Carpenter Vice-Chairman

Vincent BurkeSecretary

Benée Hilton – SpiegelChairman of the Board

Laurie BlairDirector

Rob CimatoDirector

Melissa LehmanDirector

Stephanie LyonsDirector

Justin OgburnDirector

Michael PradiaDirector

Staff

Donnette HermesChief Operating Officer

Circle Of Friends

Tom LehmanPGA Tour Professional Jon Flora, PresidentFry’s Food Stores

Tony PhillipsRetired MLB Player

Tara Hitchcock, HostTV Personality

CORTNEY’S PLACE

Making A Difference

Cindy Carpenter, President & Founder

It’s difficult to imagine, but every facet of daily life for an individual with Special Needs is a contest of strength, determination, physical and personal ability. Often times, as they grow and age, they are unable to understand the rapid aging process and what that entails. While those of us who are able-bodied can take steps to attend to our aging, or find comfort, these individuals often lack the cognitive ability to understand the process of bodily and behavioral changes.

The supportive staff and team who make up Cortney’s Place, are trained to be keenly aware as these changes present themselves and affect those individuals in the program. Because there are no steadfast guidelines, or benchmarks to establish milestones in which a family member or caregiver can follow, it’s even more difficult to predict exactly what our loved ones may face in their own personal aging and progression.

The concept of developmentally delayed doesn’t stop at age 22. This delay follows an indi-vidual for many years after 22, often resulting in some adolescent-type behavior occurring in their late 20’s or early 30’s as individuals begin to exercise and practice more indepen-dence. All of these can interrupt future independence, and social inclusion. We strive to be sensitized to all of the above for these individuals and their families as well. Cortney’s Place provides not only an educational outlet in order to track an individual’s progress, but we also take into account their personal aging and changes which occur.

The medical health of those with Special Needs is much more fragile and complicated. Persons with a lifelong history of certain medications (e.g. psychotropic, anti-seizure., etc.) may be at a higher risk of developing secondary conditions such as osteoporosis as an example. So, with this in mind, the onset of these age-related changes may occur earlier in years, as well as the loss of sensory, cognitive and adaptive skill losses. There is an even higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s in adults with Down Syndrome and is likely to occur at an earlier age compared to that of the general population. But again, no steadfast medical rule of thumb to know when this onset can occur, because many of these aging issues are coupled with their underlying medical issues.

It is up to us to explore and discover what is causing some of these changes, and we may find that it is not what we first thought. Staying aware, educated and open minded helps us to search and explore the possibilities. Cortney’s Place is devoted and attuned to the aging progress of their students; after all, it is our mission to see each individual reach their own personal potential. In doing so, we must be poised and aware at all times: this way, we can truly help to make a difference in their lives.

An Insight into Mother NatureOur Program’s Value Statements

• We support each

individual to actively

participate in community

enriched experiences as part

of his/her daily life.

• We ensure that families are

actively engaged with the

program in support of the

individual.

•We provide individuals with

a modern innovative

environment providing

stimulation in order to

procure growth and

development.

• We empower the

individuals to have control

over their environment.

• We create a positive and

nurturing environment where

individuals are treated with

compassion.

• We focus on the desires,

preferences, strengths and

choices of each individual

first and foremost.

Kay Moore, COO of Marc Center

In support of Cortney’s PlaceAs neighbors and friends of the Carpenters, we have come to know first hand the daily needs and activities of a Special Needs child/young adult. And we have also witnessed the Carpenter’s lives through the years as they have adapted with every challenge. While we are blessed with three healthy children, who have and continue to go through the normal rigors of school and beyond, our lives are truly touched by the Carpenter’s efforts. With Cortney’s Place they bring together a fuller and richer com-munity by attending to those young adults who comprise our disabled population. It was no surprise that Cindy and Jim developed Cortney’s

Place (formerly Cortney’s Foundation). We knew from the start that we would support them with whatever they needed from us and help to raise awareness with other members of our community. We have enjoyed being supporters of their annual Golf Tournament (a sell-out every year!), and jumped in to volunteer as well.

We hold a strong belief that education and growth is for everyone, and Cortney’s Place does just that. The program provides a much needed foundation in order to accomplish everyday tasks and life skills. There are so many facets of the program; and as a matter of fact, we proudly display a framed painting in our home done by some of the students.

We feel very blessed to be able to support Cortney’s Place and look for future generations to benefit from this footprint.

Brad & Lisa Berry

Our Program’s Value Statements

• We encourage

individuals to build

relationships with

family, peers, friends, and

community.

•We support and

encourage individuals to

discover new interests and

activities and to try new

skills.

• We celebrate selfworth

and individualized

accomplishment.

•We maintain an ongoing

awareness of the evolving

individual needs of those

with disabilities.

•We support the rights,

worth and dignity of all

individuals.

•We support each individual

to achieve their highest level

of personal independence.

Food For ThoughtIn order for the young adults in our program to achieve personal goals and function at their own optimal level, we are proud to incorporate a *Healthy Cooking and Nutritional Program at Cortney’s Place. This is an integral part of having a successful day: giving way to the blend of a healthy mind and body. The importance of healthy choices and education about nutrition helps with physical attributes such as better digestion, oral health, good concentration and development of a well rounded healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Cooking is a daily part of our curricu-lum; it’s a program encouraging the students to eat healthy foods. Everyone enjoys the oppor-tunity to go to Fry’s Food Stores with the meal plans and shopping lists prepared as a group with the staff. It’s a wonderful time where the individuals can choose foods for the meals using photos of food and recipes. They learn about the nutritional value of the various foods and become more aware of the choices they are provided with. So many of the young adults can participate in the actual preparation of the meals, smoothies, salads, and sandwiches.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are an important part of our meal planning which promotes clean

blood and good blood flow. All the attendees need to drink water not only for thirst, but also for hydration and there is a strong emphasis on such. Our smoothies are made with un-sweetened almond milk and fresh fruit, which satisfy a sweet craving, but with more healthful results! We make fresh dips such as Hummus and Tahini; and use an all time favorite – avo-cado. All of these have no added sodium or oils and utilize the ‘good fat’ ideology. In addi-tion, Quinoa, a complex carbohydrate and protein is a part of our meals, as are so many other nutritionally sound foods.

Cortney’s Place is home away from home; where everyone feels welcomed, loved, accepted and understood. Thoughtful nutrition adds to the fullness and enrichment of their daily lives. As a Nutritionist, I love coming to Cortney’s Place and feel that through the instruction pro-vided, they will make healthier food choices when faced with options. And at day’s end when I leave Cortney’s Place, I feel happy knowing they have been provided with an incredible environment which promotes success and personal achievement.

* The Healthy Cooking And Nutritional Program benefit from funds received byThe Jewish Youth Philanthropy. We appreciate their graciousness and generosity.

Sel Shuster, Certified Holistic Nutrition Specialist

Mark your calendars for Let The Good Times Roll!

Cortney’s Place deeply appreciates the support of all who made our 4th Annual Play Like a Star Golf Tournament a huge success!

Presenting Sponsor

Hope SponsorsAnheuser-BuschCoca-ColaHensley Beverage Co

Imagine SponsorsAlliance Beverage Distributing CompanyBlue Bell Creameries, L.P.Crescent Crown Distributing Delta Diversified Enterprises, Inc.Dr. Pepper Snapple GroupFerrero, USA & Co-Sales Taylor FarmsValley of the Sun Fine Wines

Aspire SponsorsAmerican GypsumAvnetCemco Certainteed GypsumClark Dietrich Building SystemsDeer Valley DentistryDoug & Lynn TorrelEverett & Paulette DavisJJAG/Adobe DrywallMarc Center of Mesa, Inc.MKB Construction, Inc.Mr. David Lorsch and Cindy Lubin National Gypsum CompanyPabco GypsumRoadrunner DrywallShamrock Foods CompanySharp Drywall, Inc.Southwest Building Materials-PhoenixSouthwest Building Materials-TucsonUnited Metal Products

Raffle SponsorsSenior Living Options

Hole in One SponsorsAdobe Drywall, LLCTel Tech Networks, Inc.

Valet SponsorsAmerican GypsumPete King Construction

Hole SponsorsCoppola WineryInterwest Sales and MarketingLawrence and Susan DeRogatisMidFirst Private BankSteven and Suzanne HIltonSWF, LtdTOCA

In Kind Sponsors123 PrintAlanna Mack, PLCBrett RobersonCasey McGinty, All-In-One OrganizerCDS Insurance, Rob CimatoDean Washichek

Janet GilbertJeff HechtKen & Randy KendricksKim Creamer InteriorsMark Coble, Coble ConstructionRandy Raskin

Stephanie LyonsThe Country Club at DC RanchTyler LudwigVideo Porter, Kevin McKeever

Additional SponsorsC. WeinbergCarrol Gottfried Contractors Wholesale Supply - Tim DeMoreCrew WinesDebbie Waitkus

Elizabeth FeldmanGary & Catherine KauffmanJohn & Megan VicariMarilyn J. PlathMary Jo Colorafi

Medical Gas Services, Inc.Mr. Ernie BairdMr. Daryl WilliamsPurple Wine CompanyRalph & Maxine Henig

Day Of VolunteersAllison LehmanAustin LehmanCarmen PortelaCarolyn HarveyChelsea CarpenterCourtney SiddowayCrystal McPheeDeb BrunkeDenise LehmanDonnette Hermes

Erin GrahamGuy MancusoHelene MelnickHolly TruxellJeff HechtJerry LehmanJim BellJo EllisJoe EricksonKen Melnick

Kevin McKeeverKim CreamerLaurie BlairLisa KlemovageLiz ChernakMadison RaskinMichelle EricksonShelley WalkerStephanie LyonsSue DeRogatis

Golf Committee MembersPresident and Founder-Cindy Carpenter Event Chair-Joan RaskinGolf Chair-Jim Carpenter Dinner Chair-Lisa RileyAuction Chair-Wendy Langerman Sponsorship Chair-Benée Hilton-Spiegel

Arlene LehmanBonnie CanigliaCheri ShortCheryl SolanoColleen KatzConnie PurcellDebbie LosoleDiane Lehman

Jay SpiegelJenna RaskinJennifer ZweifelJim & Sue AdamsKaren LaDouceurKerry GrossoehmeLea Ann FayLisa Berry

Lisa GoldsteinLisa RileyLisa ShugrueLynn TorrelMaria RodriguezMarsha KenneyMelissa LehmanMichael Pradia

Paula SmalleyRob CimatoSharon BrennerSue DeRogatisTracy StupiVince Burke

$500k Hole in One SponsorTom and Melissa Lehman

Rick & Diana RewRobin & Michelle Yount Sheila HandwerkerTom & Andrea Panozzo

Tammy FrazierVincent Burke

Issue: 5 Spring 2012

Please Accept My DonationTogether We Can Make A Difference

Name:

Credit Card #:

Expiration Date:

Signature:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Email:

Detach and Mail to: Cortney’s Place • 7000 E. Shea Blvd. Suite #1430 • Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Cortney’s Place

is a 501 (c)3 not for profit charity.

Tax id #42-1745079

Phone: 480-419-5852

Fax: 480-451-1506

www.CortneysPlace.org

Facebook.com/CortneysPlace

Twitter.com/CortneysPlace

Tyler Ludwig:Design

Contributors:Kay Ziplow:Editor

Karen LaDouceur:Photographer

$100 o $250 o $500o

$1000 o $5000 o Other o

o In Honor Of o In Memory Of Donation:

A glimpse of our4th Annual Play Like a Star Event

Cortney’s Place 7000 E. Shea Blvd. Suite #1430Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Supportive Thoughts & Sentiments

What is Cortney’sPlace?

Cortney’s Place is dedicated to providing physically & mentally challenged persons an

array of opportunities through education and programs for life.

Your Support Makes All the Difference!

“I got the sense that golfing was just a very small reason why people supported yours and Cindy’s event. Let me know of other opportu-nities to support your efforts throughout the year.”

-Ryan Lucchetti, President & CEO Pabco Building Products

“ I will forever be changed by Cortney’s Place. The visit opened my eyes and made me realize how important pro-grams like Cortney’s Place are and how special it is to be involved.” -Tori Rosenblum, Senior from U Of A

Completing research on programs for the disabled

“ It was our pleasure to support the (golf) event, and I want to commit Crescent Crown in a bigger spon-sorship role next year. After learning more about the organization and witnessing the passion and energy that the Carpenters along with Fry’s puts behind Cort-ney’s Place, how could you not want to do more to give these Special Needs adults a place to go to have a more fulfilling life.”-James ‘ Bubba’ Moffett, Jr., President Crescent Crown Distributing