| OUR THANKS TO A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY |
The “Liberty Bells” performed at the Annual Holiday Party on December 11 at Elks Lodge #101. This is one example of ongoing community support. The Elks have sponsored this party for Liberty staff and people in program for over 30 years. The “Bells” give back by providing entertainment at nursing homes and community events.
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Year end is the traditional time for looking back on what has occurred during the past year. There were many positive happenings at Liberty throughout 2009 of which we are proud. The introduction of our strategic plan, development of internal processes to meet and measure the goals we have set, and accreditation by the Council on Quality & Leadership are some of the major accomplishments. These are all important achievements and are key to the assuring the quality and future of Liberty’s programs.
There is one very important basic element that is just as vital to the success of the individuals in our programs and Liberty as whole. It is the support we receive from our local communities. We feel very fortunate to live in an area where so many individuals, business owners and organizations go out of their way to offer people with disabilities the opportunity to work, become involved in and build relationships within the community.
People with disabilities are working in local businesses, volunteering with area organizations, assisting municipalities and building social relationships with citizens in various settings throughout the county. Many have come to rely on the people in Liberty’s programs to fulfill vital roles. It is a win-win situation.
There is still much progress to be made and barriers to conquer. Yet, it cannot be denied that we have made great strides over the last 50 years. We feel confident that the generous people in our community will continue to reach out to individuals with disabilities so that they can continue to grow and enjoy their rightful place in society.
Our sincere thanks. Posted 011910
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| LIBERTY HELPS CELEBRATE NYSARC'S 60th ANNIVERSARY IN AMSTERDAM |
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Take me out to the ballgame! It was a sea of blue at Shuttleworth Park, Amsterdam, on July 21 with more than200 Liberty supporters in attendance to help celebrate NYSARC’s 60th anniversary and cheer our own local collegiate team, the Amsterdam Mohawks.
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NYSARC, Inc. is Celebrating its 60th Anniversary.
People. Progress. Potential.
As the largest not-for-profit organization serving people who have developmental disabilities and their families, we welcome you as we celebrate this milestone throughout the summer. "NYSARC, Inc. 60th Anniversary Celebration Run/Walk: People, Progress, Potential.", events will be held all across the state to raise public and legislative awareness of our mission and our work, culminating in a rally at the Capital steps in Albany on September 17, 2009. Posted 090109 |
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| LIBERTY RECEIVES TOP LEVEL ACCREDITATION |
Liberty recently received a four year accreditation of its programs by the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). Liberty is one of 200 organizations accredited by CQL worldwide and one of only three organizations in New York State.
In addition, Liberty’s subsidiary corporation in Delaware, Choices for Community Living, Inc., also received a four-year accreditation. It is the first organization in the state of Delaware to be accredited by CQL.
Based in Maryland, CQL is a recognized leader in developing and measuring quality indicators and standards for services for people with disabilities, emphasizing values-based supports and services, individualized planning and personal outcomes.Liberty received a two year accreditation from CQL in 2005 and again in 2007. This is the first time CQL has bestowed its highest level of accreditation to Liberty. “Our organization sought review of its services and support by this internationally respected agency to provide an outside and objective look what we do well and where we can improve”, said Liberty’s CEO Frank Capone. “CQL holds to standards and principles that are the most person-centered and quality-driven in our field and we feel very proud to have accomplished this level of recognition.”
Liberty hosted the first of two open house events to celebrate the accreditation on Tuesday, November 10 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Arkell Library & Museum. A second celebration was held on Thursday, November 12 at Liberty Day Support Center at 47 Liberty Drive in Amsterdam. The public was invited to attend. Posted 111809 |
| DECKER NAMED TO NATIONAL BOARD |
MICHAEL DECKER |
Liberty’s Chief Operating Officer, Mike Decker, has been elected to a two-year term on the Board of Directors of ANCOR (American Network Community Options and Resources). Mike’s election to this national board post was held in Washington D.C. on September 13, 2009. Having served with ANCOR’s Performance Excellence Task Force before the election, Mike brings this experience to the Board, along with an array of involvement with committees over his twenty years in the field of improving the lives of individuals with developmental needs and other disabilities. He has served as Chairman of the Montgomery County Industrial Development Agency, President and Board member of the Greater Amsterdam School District’s Board of Education, and the YMCA among many others. Mike also currently serves on the Board of NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled). About ANCOR The ANCOR is a nonprofit trade association representing and advocating on behalf of the more than 800 private providers of services and supports for nearly 500,000 Americans with disabilities that employ more than 400,000 direct support staff in 49 states and Washington, D.C. In a recent letter to ANCOR, Mike stated, “I firmly believe that ANCOR’s vision of ‘advancing excellence in supports and services leading the way to communities of choice’ is critical to the lives of the individuals we all support. This vision is in close parallel with our focus at Liberty.” Congratulations, Mike! Posted 111909 |
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| A CLEAN SOLUTION |
ROB SPAGNOLA,
KIMBERLY RICKARD,
& JANICE RORICK
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Earlier this year, Bill Sikora, Liberty Enterprises’ Director of Manufacturing Operations read about the City of Amsterdam’s graffiti situation and thought, “We can help them solve this problem.” And so, he spoke to Mayor Anne Thane and offered a gift from Liberty Enterprises which she gratefully accepted on behalf of the city. The gift is a case of Liberty’s D4680 Citrus Degreaser & Graffiti Remover, one of over 40 cleaning products manufactured at the organization’s 43 Liberty Drive facility. D4680 is a water-based blend of natural occurring citrus oil extract, plus biodegradable, grease cutting detergents. It is ready-to-use and can be mixed with water to effectively remove graffiti or heavy grease and dirt deposits from a variety of surfaces, such as: brick, concrete, elevator shafts, heavy equipment, floors, showers, tile, grout, and kitchen stoves. The product was originally developed for the NYC Housing Authority for use throughout the New York City Metropolitan area. Liberty has sold more than 20,000 gallons of D4680 to date. Liberty’s manufacturing department provides employment and training to individuals with disabilities. In addition to the janitorial line that includes D4680, the agency also produces and markets a line of spill absorbent products, green-certified cleaning products, office products, and personal care products. For more information about the variety of items manufactured by Liberty Enterprises go to www.libertyarc.org and click on the “Products” tab. Posted 090109
Kimberly Rickard (center), an individual employed in the Liberty Enterprises cleaning products manufacturing area and her supervisor Janice Rorick (right) formally present a case of Liberty’s D4680 Citrus Degreaser & Graffiti remover to Rob Spagnola of the City of Amsterdam’s Recreation Department. |
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| BACKYARD BARBECUE FUN |
L to R—Background: Laura and Maurice St. Louis, and Barbara Tuite. Front and center: Micki LaCoppola and Andy Hall. |
George Jagielski, Beth Tegnander and the individuals and staff at Liberty’s Lindberg Avenue, Amsterdam, staff, in conjunction with St. Mary’s Hospital’s Community Education Department, proudly hosted a barbecue for members of the Brain Injury Support Group in their backyard on September 15, 2009. Some of the individuals who live at the home participate regularly in the support group meeting and have hosted other get-togethers at the home.. Posted 111809 |
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| 2009 SOLLECITO SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED |
Letah Graff and Heather Williams
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Letah Graff (left), President of Liberty, presented a $1,400 check to Fultonville resident Heather Williams, recipient of the 2009 Christopher Sollecito Scholarship. Named for the son of Vincent and Rosalyn Sollecito of Amsterdam, since 1968 the Scholarship has awarded thousands of dollars to students pursuing careers in human services, special education, and related vocations. Williams’s degree is in Childhood Inclusive Education, with a concentration in Social Studies. She plans to attend graduate school in order to pursue a teaching degree. The awards program is administered by Liberty and includes a paid summer internship working in one or more of the agency’s local programs for people with developmental disabilities. The recipient is selected by a committee, chaired by Letah Graff, of Liberty’s Board: Donna Canestraro, sister of Christopher Sollecito; Patricia Seren, Sollecito family friend; Claritza Reyes-Malave and Sally Romano, a Liberty Advisor and Board member, respectively. The scholarship is open any student from Montgomery County entering his or her 3rd or 4th year of college or graduate studies. For information about applying for the 2010 Sollecito Scholarship, see www.libertyarc.org.
"This internship has been a great learning experience where I have been given the opportunity to see how a group of people can work together to improve the daily lives of our consumers. Throughout my internship, I have observed how incorporating Liberty’s values such as teamwork and becoming person-centered are essential to working to improve the supports we give to the consumers.” Heather Williams Posted 111909 |
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| LUSH GARDENS BEAUTIFY 7 CANAL STREET IN FORT PLAIN |
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On June 19 the “7 Canal Street Gardens,” located adjacent to the Ft. Plain Senior Center, were part of the Fort Plain Women’s Auxiliary Garden Tour. The individuals in the program and staff are very proud of the beautiful results their collective “green thumbs” have produced. The raised beds have made it easier for everyone to participate in weeding, watering, and nurturing the plants. It is truly a labor of love...and a source of pride for all involved. The tour raised over $800 to help support the local school library. More than 30 area residents toured the gardens, with greeters Scott Whitbeck and Renee Cosme providing commentary on the plants and their care. Posted 111909 |
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