Centers Success Story: Saving Grace
Justin Coke Activities, Buffalo Center I was born and raised on the east side of Buffalo, and for two years straight, it was party city—drinking, doing drugs, and just going crazy. But the more I partied, the darker things became. I started having blackouts and waking up in the ER. I used to pass by Buffalo Center all the time. I remember one time going past while I was drunk, I struck up a conversation with this resident. She was so nice, and I told her that one day I was going to come in and read her a story. As for the drinking—I just got tired of being lost.
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Centers Health Care introduces the Hispanic Care Community at Ellicott Center
I went to Buffalo Center and offered to volunteer. They gave me a chance. Volunteering, giving myself to people who needed help, is what saved me—and continues to save me every day. Everything fell into place. I applied for a job and they gave it to me. Working at Buffalo Center is my rehabilitation…and my redemption. Buffalo Center has healed me and made me whole again. I want to make lonely people feel loved, and sad people feel happy. I want to do for others what Buffalo Center has done for me.
This summer may be different from past summers, but there are still some fun, positive, wonderful things you can do while social distancing.
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Have a story you’d like to share in a future Centerpiece? Send an email to centerpiece@gcnymarketing.com and we’ll do the rest.
In partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, Ellicott Center has created the only dedicated Hispanic Care Community in the Buffalo region. The Center has developed a holistic approach to the healthcare and culture of Buffalo’s thriving Hispanic community. The program features a Spanish-speaking staff,
a menu influenced by neighborhood Hispanic restaurants, and events and celebrations inspired by Hispanic tradition. Jennine Sauriol, Regional Director of Admissions says, “This is one more example of Centers Health Care’s outreach and dedication to the diverse communities we serve.”
Parades of Honor From Boro Park Center in Brooklyn to Triboro Center in the Bronx to Fulton Center in Upstate New York, first responders—local firefighters, police and EMTs—came out in force to salute Centers healthcare heroes. The Bronx Patch described one event: “New York’s emergency first responders paraded up the hill honking and sounding their sirens as a tremendous thank you to Triboro Center’s clinical team.” The Center’s team returned the salute.
News from the Centers
Kenny’s Corner
Making a world of difference—creatively. I am continually amazed by the creative exuberance demonstrated time and again by our Centers Health Care teams. Especially now, faced by the unique challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic— restricted visitation and social distancing among them—the creative juices have been flowing throughout our facilities. Patients, residents and staff at eight of our Upstate New York Centers enjoyed a vibrant game of Centers Virtual Bingo, hosted by former Buffalo Sabres great Marty Biron. It was an outstanding way to create a connection, build excitement, and just plain have some fun! But that is only one example of the resourceful and imaginative ways that Centers staff have responded to the challenge. At Triboro Center, several members of the team had a great time adapting the Baby Shark Dance as a way to remind all how to take preventive measures against the virus. At Cooperstown Center a lively round of karaoke proved to be the perfect antidote to the quarantine. Meanwhile, Essex Center invited Joe the Artist to come out and do some entertaining caricatures of its residents. Albert Einstein said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” By that measure, intelligence is going strong among all of our #CentersHeroes.
Kenny Rozenberg
The Art of Hope
Residents at Topeka Center painted their hearts out, decorating the windows throughout the facility with beautiful colors and images. Friends and family from throughout the region have come to look at and admire the improvised art gallery.
101 and Going Strong
At 101, Juan beat Covid-19, and Beth Abraham Center threw him a party when he went home to his family. And he walked out on his own. That’s a story of the century!
This Little Piggy Went to Centers
Bacon Bits, Tammy Swine-ette, and Albert EinSwine—the three therapy pigs—paid a visit to Warren Center. Reports from the Center state that all three really enjoy playing the ham.
CEO, Centers Health Care
Zoom Bingo with former Buffalo Sabres great Marty Biron
Shout-out to Outback
The local Outback Steak House donated 40 meals to Glens Falls Center. It was a wonderful gesture of gratitude from the community, and our thanks go out to them for their generosity.
It’s All Good
The Richmond Center team delivered an assortment of cookies and other baked goods as a small token of thanks to the police officers at the 121st Precinct in Staten Island. We are all in this together!
Comfort Zone
National Skilled Nursing Care Week was celebrated throughout Centers Health Care with various themes and parties. The #CentersHeroes at Ontario Center hosted a grand Pajama Day for staff and residents—because as we all know, life is better in pajamas!