Fall 2012 Accolades Area Residential Care’s Quarterly Newsletter In this issue of Accolades... Annual Awards Dinner page 4 Vocational Services Gives Attendance Awards page 5 Real lives. Real Abilities. What words come to mind when you think of Area Residential Care? When we asked ourselves this question, the words “perseverance,” “dreams” and “pride” kept coming up. Within our mission of empowering people to achieve their highest quality of life, both staff and consumers continue to push on or persevere to reach their dreams. When those dreams come true or if we make a monumental step toward a goal, we are proud of who we are in that moment. Recently, on the radio and on billboards, you may have seen or heard some stories about the remarkable people Area Residential Care serves. Over the past year, we have been working to tell consumers’ stories to our entire service area including Dubuque, Dyersville and Manchester. They are fun, heartwarming and true stories about people we serve. Perservance. In the image to the right you see Denise with a huge smile on her face. There’s a very good reason for it. What you’re seeing is Denise walking on her own, something she has never been able to do until this year. With new braces, support from ARC staff, and her own stalwart perseverance, Denise is literally taking steps toward a better life. Denise’s story of perservance is an inspiration to all of us to keep working hard toward our goals. Dreams. Everybody has dreams. For Denny, it’s using his artistic talents to express himself. He enjoys drawing his cat and pictures of his favorite cartoons. Drawing allows him to think about and communicate all the things that make him most happy. When we asked Denny to show us his drawings, you can see his passion and love for it through the details in his drawings and the grin on his face. Pride. For most people, being able to make it on one’s own is a source of pride. Check out the image at the bottom. The women who work on the NICC Cleaning Crew take great pride in their job. They enjoy their work, enjoy being part of a team, and with the income they earn, they also enjoy a level of independence they take pride in. Here you can see the pride in their eyes as they pose with their team. Three words are certainly not enough to convey the totality of what makes the staff and consumers of Area Residential Care so special, but look again at the pictures below. Wouldn’t you just love to see them in the dictionary next to the words “Perseverance,” “Dreams,” and “Pride”? Life Choices Adult Day Center Open House page 6
Real lives. Real Abilities.What words come to mind when you think of Area Residential Care? When we asked ourselves this question, the words “perseverance,” “dreams” and “pride” kept coming up. Within our mission of empowering people to achieve their highest quality of life, both staff and consumers continue to push on or persevere to reach their dreams. When those dreams come true or if we make a monumental step toward a goal, we are proud of who we are in that moment.
Recently, on the radio and on billboards, you may have seen or heard some stories about the remarkable people Area Residential Care serves. Over the past year, we have been working to tell consumers’ stories to our entire service area including Dubuque, Dyersville and Manchester. They are fun, heartwarming and true stories about people we serve.
Perservance. In the image to the right you see Denise with a huge smile on her face. There’s a very good reason for it. What you’re seeing is Denise walking on her own, something she has never been able to do until this year. With new braces, support from ARC staff, and her own stalwart perseverance, Denise is literally taking steps toward a better life. Denise’s story of perservance is an inspiration to all of us to keep working hard toward our goals.
Dreams. Everybody has dreams. For Denny, it’s using his artistic talents to express himself. He enjoys drawing his cat and pictures of his favorite cartoons. Drawing allows him to think about and communicate all the things that make him most happy. When we asked Denny to show us his drawings, you can see his passion and love for it through the details in his drawings and the grin on his face.
Pride. For most people, being able to make it on one’s own is a source of pride. Check out the image at the bottom. The women who work on the NICC Cleaning Crew take great pride in their job. They enjoy their work, enjoy being part of a team, and with the income they earn, they also enjoy a level of independence they take pride in. Here you can see the pride in their eyes as they pose with their team.
Three words are certainly not enough to convey the totality of what makes the staff and consumers of Area Residential Care so special, but look again at the pictures below. Wouldn’t you just love to see them in the dictionary next to the words “Perseverance,” “Dreams,” and “Pride”?
Life Choices Adult Day Center Open House
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Periodically the Glass has to be RefilledJon Romaine, Executive DirectorContinuing these newsletter columns with a theme of movie quotes that at least in my mind, connect with my often disjointed thoughts, I thought I would give Dan a challenge from a slightly different type of movie heroine. The actual quote goes, “… is like a glass of water. When you’re young the glass is small and easy to fill up. But the older you get, the bigger the glass gets, and the same amount doesn’t fill it anymore. Periodically the glass has to be refilled.” To me, this quite accurately describes non-profit organizations and their missions; and perhaps where Area Residential Care is.
In 1968, seven youngsters moved into Area Residential Care, returning from faraway institutions in Woodward and Glenwood, Iowa. Early on the people who created this organization filled it with enthusiasm, struggle, and enough determination that there was little room for doubt as to what they were trying to accomplish. Now the organization has grown, grown in size and in diversity; trying to meet the needs, desires, and visions of all kinds of stakeholders. No longer is it clear to everyone what ARC does and does not do. Does it have “group homes”? Yes, but not just homes where 5 or so people with disabilities live together. Now it has ICF/ID (Intermediate Care Facility for People with Intellectual Disabilities) licensed homes, RCF/ID (Residential Care Facility for People with Intellectual Disabilities) licensed homes, apartment buildings where some people served by ARC live and some who are not served by ARC. It also has visiting services for people with disabilities who live in their parents’ homes, other relatives homes, or their own apartments. Does it have a “sheltered workshop”? Yes, but the people with disabilities who work there are training to move into enclaves that work in other
companies’ plants, or work crews that provide janitorial services to dozens of businesses, or to become individual employees of other businesses helped only by a job coach from ARC. ARC also offers a relatively new program for persons with cognitive impairments due to aging related factors, drawing upon the experience of staff members who have been dealing with cognitive impairments for years. From seven youngsters in 1968 the organization has grown to serving almost 300 individuals with disabilities annually.
As we approach 45 years of Area Residential Care’s “glass” being filled, I believe it is one of those periodic times when it needs to be re-filled. Young, or not so young, people who are compassionate about helping others; parents and family members of people with disabilities; business professionals who want to give back to their community; and anyone who has the sense that “asking not what the government can do for you, but what you can do for others” should be looking for an organization like ARC to join. Not just Area Residential Care, but all kinds of non-profit organizations need all kinds of people to help refill their glasses. Board members, volunteers, and paid staff positions are just some of the opportunities waiting for those who care to join those who have filled the glass for the past 40+ years.
“Early on the people
who created this organization
filled it with enthusiasm, struggle,
and enough determination...”
Tis the season for givingArea Residential Care is currently working on a capital campaign to raise four million dollars to cover the purchase of our new facility at 3355 Kennedy Circle. Capital campaign committee members have been out hitting the pavement requesting large donations to support our efforts and to continue our mission of empowering people with intellectual disabilities.
Taking on a campaign of this magnitude is not an easy endeavor and is new territory for our non-profit organization. Over the past 44 years our fundraising efforts have been minimal because of ongoing support from governmental funding sources. With changes happening at the state and county level to reorganize the funding streams, for the first
time ever there is a question on where the funds to support our mission may come from next. That is why it is more important than ever to raise the money to pay off the debt from the new facility and use that other income to support our ongoing programming efforts.
Soon you will see a request in the mail for you to support the efforts of our capital campaign “Uniting for a Promising Future”. We ask that you not ignore this request, but make a thoughtful contribution to our mission of empowerment.
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” Lao Tzu
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Cornwell, Spahn, Reisen, Stumpf, and Thein Receive STAR AwardsIt takes exceptional people to carry out the mission of empowering people with intellectual disabilities to achieve their highest quality of life. Area Residential Care is proud to present Lolly Cornwell, Dave Spahn, Traci Reisen, Stacia Stumpf, and Kellie Thein with STAR awards (Staff Tribute Administrative Reward) for their exceptional efforts toward this mission.
Cornwell showed willingness to take on additional responsibilities outside her normal work roll. Assisting with the new job skills class in Manchester, training consumers on a new work project, and finding volunteer opportunities for day habiliation participants were just a few of the duties she took on while a coworker was on a six month leave.
Spahn and Thein far exceeded the regular duties of their job description while taking care of an individual during an illness.
They were very flexible in their work schedule to accommodate daily medical
appointments during the ten-week treatment. In addition, Spahn and Thein
were very attentive to the individual who experienced side effects from treatments. While providing this level of care, Spahn and Thein still managed to accomplish their
regular responsibilities at the community living home in which they work.
With her wealth of knowledge and dedication, Reisen maintained Area Residential Care’s high standard of service during the extended absence of a supervisor in the Residential Services department. Reisen ensured the needs of the individuals were at the forefront and that community living homes followed all licensing standards.
Stumpf went beyond her human resources duties by making contact with the manager of Panera Bread for possible employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. The contact has resulted in one consumer being hired and future employment opportunities for others
The STAR Award was established in 1986 to recognize special efforts and contribution of time and/or effort on behalf of the agency, which enhances services to the people served or efficiency of agency operations. All STAR Award recipients have shown their commitment to Area Residential Care’s mission of empowering people with intellectual disabilities through their efforts.
With Your Assistance...The following list of items are currently needed in our homes and offices. Please contact the Marketing & Public Rela-tions Department at 563-556-4743 if you would be willing to donate.
Office Equipment• Laminator• Projector for TV• Heavy Duty 4-wheel cart.• Delivery Carts
Furniture• Folding Banquet Tables (2)• Folding Chairs (15)• Lobby Furniture• Dining Table and Chairs for 8
People• Large couch
Electronics• Digital Cameras (4)• Projector for TV• DVD Player• Electric Piano Keyboard• Wii System and Accessories• Flat screen TV
Medical Items• Otoscope• Oximeter (finger tip pulse)
Shelby Wartick presents Guy Gard with Triplett Furnishings the Benefactor of the Year award.
Jon Romaine presents Carol Waul a Recognition of Retirees award.
Russell Wolf is presented the Dubuque Worker of the Year award from Jean Wuertzer
On Thursday, October 18 the annual Area Residential Care Board of Directors Dinner was held to honor those who support the mission of empowering people with disabilities through employment, business partnership, donations, contracted work and much more. The evening included a delicious meal prepared by the Diamond Jo Casino, awards presentation and entertainment by mentalist, Don Marlette.
Area Residential Care staff were recognized for their ongoing commitment and years of service by presenting each one with a gift of appreciation based on the number of years served. Outgoing board members Barbara Ogden, Connie Werner and John Stevens were recognized for their leadership skills and dedication to the board and the mission. Also, special businesses were recognized for the continuous support of the Area Residential Care mission.
Don Marlette provided the evening entertainment by performing mind reading and metal bending tricks. Marlette turned some skeptics into believers and managed to preform a mind blowing show.
In the end, we want to sincerely thank each person for their support in empowering people with intellectual disabilities.
Vocational Services Gives Attendance AwardsJean Wuertzer, Vocational Services Director
The Vocational Services Department at the Dubuque location has once again awarded consumers for excellent attendance who work either at the Dubuque Main Building, one of the enclave sites, or one of the crews in the Dubuque area.
The vocational department is committed to helping consumers achieve good attendance on the job. Attendance awards are being given to each consumer who had three or fewer days of work missed for the period July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012. Being at work when scheduled is a very important trait employers look for in their employees. It shows dedication, desire, and a work ethic. This trait of good attendance is one of the things that will help a consumer obtain a job working for another company outside of Area Residential Care.
There were 14 consumers who did not miss one single day of work. They are recognized by an (**) in front of their name. These folks were recognized through presentation of a certificate, an “Achievement” pin, and an Area Residential Care memo pad. Other winners received certificates and a pin in two different styles. Congratulations to all of the following 45 consumers for their excellent attendance records this past year.
**Ken Balk Sheltered I James Bees Center RedemptionKeith Bye Center RedemptionClaude Callaghan Sheltered IRoger Donovan Sheltered Ed Durey AM Mobile Crew Sean Finn Sheltered I Gene Fisher Sheltered III Sue Flachmeier Stonehill Becky Friedman Stonehill Nate Geraghty Sheltered I Frank Goins Sheltered I **Todd Grant Sheltered II **Wayne Greve Center Redemption Norman Hird Sheltered I Amy Jasper Center Redemption **T.J. Kelly NICC Crew **Lacey Kutsch Center Redemption **Vince Leytem Center Redemption Gidget Maas Sheltered III/Center Red.**Lhonda Manning PM Mobile Crew **Jamie Maus Stonehill Barb McVay Sheltered I **Bill Middleman Sheltered III Tom Mickelson Sheltered II Betty Mootz Sheltered I **Christine Neyens Sheltered II Jon Paradiso Sheltered III Becky Pfeiffer NICC CrewJolene Recker Stonehill **Amanda Richmon Sheltered I Beth Sear Sheltered IShannon Sitzman Sheltered I Ayery Smith Sheltered II**Don Stumpf NICC Crew Larry Tharp Sheltered IChris Thoma Sheltered I Leo Tillman Center Redemption**George Walton Sheltered II **Tom Walton Sheltered IIIHeather Wolf Sheltered II
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Don Stumpf working the cash register in the coffee shop at Northeast Community College
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Life Choices Adult Day Center Open House
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Area Residential Care hosted a ribbon cutting and open house for its new Life Choices Adult Day Center. The event took place on Tuesday, July 24 from 4 pm – 6 pm at 3355 Kennedy Circle. The new center is a coordinated program of professional and compassionate services for adults in a community-based group setting. It provides a safe place for adults who would like to remain in the community and with their family, but cannot be home alone during the day due to physical, social or cognitive impairments.
The Dubuque Chamber of Commerce did a ribbon cutting followed by a short presentation by Area Residential Care staff and supporters. Tours were provided by staff. There were more than 100 people that toured and learned more about the Life Choices program.
“The Adult Day Center is a natural step for Area Residential Care. The natural aging process impacts persons with
disabilities as well as those without, often bringing our needs closer to each other than they were earlier in our lives. With this program we will not only be able to continue to provide our consumers services, but also begin to help fill a much needed service in our community,” said Jon Romaine, Area Residential Care Executive Director.
A Makeover Courtesy of DRA GrantSeptember 12, 2012 - Area Residential Care’s Life Choices Adult Day Center is sporting new furniture, flat screen TVs, state of the art appliances and more with the help of a $39,428 grant from the Dubuque Racing Association. When the Life Choices program was recently opened in February, Area Residential Care utilized current and donated furnishings and appliances to get the program off the ground. “Knowing that there was a high demand for adult day service programs for the people we currently serve and aging individuals in our community we felt an urgency to get the program up and running,” stated Cindy Leifker, Community Services Director.
Along with the grant, Area Residential Care partnered with other companies including Triplett Furnishings, Floor Show, Murphy Construction and Silkers to allow the makeover to happen. The makeover included:
• Recliners, sofas and lift chairs in the main living area• Tables and chairs in the dining room• Storage, work tables and chairs in the activity room• New paint scheme to create a comfortable environment for those showing signs of dementia• State of the art appliances in the kitchen for cooking activities• Items to create a “Music center” to allow active enjoyment of music privately or as part of a group activity• Large flat screen TV, Wii and games for the main room
• ADA picnic tables and park benches for the outdoor green space• Lighted flag pole in front of the day center
“We are very grateful for the support of the DRA and other business partners on this project. It has given us the opportunity to enhance the community-integrated program and make it comfortable for each person we serve,” said Leifker.
Brian Southwood, Mystique Casino and Todd Moyer, Diamond Jo Casino representing the
Dubuque Racing Association. Southwood, Moyer and Karl Stieglitz helped raise the US flag for the
first time at our new Kennedy Circle location.
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The following people and organizations have contributed to Area Residential Care this fall quarter. Their contributions allow us to continue fulfilling our mission of empowering people with intellectual disabilities to achieve their highest quality of life. All gifts, no matter the size, are always welcome and are greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in learning how you can contribute to our cause, please contact our Marketing & Public Relations Department at 563.556.7560 or go to www.arearesidentialcare.org. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes to the full extent provided by the law.
Benefactors ($1000 and up) Terry and Paula FriedmanThe Friedman GroupWest Side Business Association Advocates ($250-$499) Carol Ann Connolly Memorial FundKay MoserResidents and Staff of West 32nd CLHJohn Tillman Companions ($100-$249) Dubuque Bike ClubDubuque Home ImprovementsPremier Bank
Supporters (Up to $99) Tamarack Business Park
Associates (Up to $49) Dixon GolfAlan HattelSt. Luke’s Methodist Women
In-Kind DonationsLolly CornwellJoyce CottrellEagle Country MarketMcKessonJean MottetSilker’sElaine Sawvel
Thank You!
Board of Directors
Area Residential Care3355 Kennedy CircleDubuque, IA 52001[P] 563.556.7560 [F] 563.556.7565www.arearesidentialcare.orginfo@arearesidentialcare.org
Executive Director | Jon RomaineAssociate Director | Maggie WidmyerQuality Services Coordinator | Susie Freese Financial Director | Tammy HendricksMarketing and PR Director | Shelby WartickHuman Resources Director | Teri PitzenICF/ID Services Director | Dara FishnickResidential Services Director | Elly DayCommunity Services Director | Cindy LeifkerDubuque Vocational Services Director | Jean WuertzerFacility Operations Director | Karl StieglitzManchester/Dyersville Services Director | Michelle Steege
The agency’s Board of Directors is a group of volunteers dedicated to promoting the vision and mission of Area Residential Care. For more information about them, please contact our Executive Director.President | Duane FrickVice-President | Kevin StevensTreasurer | Virginia Von TalgeSecretary | Karen DorshkindChuck DavisKen HaugenRoger HoegerTeresa JohannsenSean MurphyTim O’BrienJim Schilling
Foundation BoardKevin Stevens | Foundation Board PresidentChuck DavisMike DugganDuane Frick Cheryl KramerMarv MulertTim O’BrienJim Schilling
In Appreciation Company Directory
3355 Kennedy Circle | Dubuque, IA 52002www.arearesidentialcare.orgAccolades Fall 2012 Edition
EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES TO ACHIEVE THEIR HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE
June 20, 2013Port of Dubuque
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