Issue: 6
CORTNEY’S PLACE
Making A Difference Living with a disability is not a life-sentence, but rather a life-style
Summer 2012
Positive Growth & Change
Cindy Carpenter, President & Founder
Board of Directors Cindy Carpenter
President & Founder
Jim Carpenter
Vice-Chairman
Vincent Burke
Secretary & Finance Committee Chair
Benée Hilton – Spiegel Chairman of the Board
Laurie Blair Director
Rob Cimato Director
Melissa Lehman Director
Stephanie Lyons Director
Michael Mallace Director
Justin Ogburn Director
Lorence Zimtbaum Director
Staff Donnette Hermes
Chief Operating Officer
Circle Of Friends Tom Lehman PGA Tour Professional Jon Flora, President Fry’s Food Stores Tony Phillips Retired MLB Player Tara Hitchcock, Host TV Personality
The past few months have been filled with positive changes for Cortney’s Place, me personally and for our distinguished Board. We have seen exciting movement, in both programming and governance, together with experiencing positive recognition that we are a viable and sustainable non-profit organization adding an important dimension to our community. This is evidenced by significant and important grants received from the City of Scottsdale, Desert Foundation Auxiliary and the Thunderbirds just to name a few. In February, we were awarded the “12 Who Care Award” by Channel 12 in recognition for making a difference in the community and I was nominated for the MASK Award for “Moms Making a Difference” in the community. This acknowledgement is validation of the impact we are making to raise awareness of social services being offered to individuals with Special Needs. In addition, we held our 3rd Annual “Let the Good Times Roll & Help Us Grow” event at the Penske Racing Museum on February 25th. This fundraiser has a direct impact for our growth and expansion to 50 individuals at our program center. We raised $50,000 and put $25,000 toward our growth initiative to enlarge the center. In doing so, construction has begun and we hope to be in the expanded facilities by July. We have welcomed two new board members: Lorence Zimtbaum, Attorney at Law, and Michael Mallace GM, Sierra Broadcasting. Together they bring several years of serving on various other non-profit boards, and without question they will help Cortney’s Place facilitate our mission to create a nurturing environment to challenge and stimulate our students. In our last newsletter, we also welcomed new board members Laurie Blair, Executive with the Phoenix Suns and Stephanie Lyons, Social Media Consultant. Our board stands strong and committed to achieving endless possibilities for the program. Lastly, we extend a warm welcome to Liz Carr, our new Program Director, who brings a wealth of experience after spending 20+ years working with Special Needs individuals. We were so excited to receive our permit to begin renovating the new space in March! We started construction on March 21, 2012 and we’ve been doing e-blasts every other week to announce the expansion updates. In our e-blasts, we include a Wish List of items still needed for the Center. Please let us know if you’re not receiving the eblasts or send me your email if you would like to be added to these announcements. Cindy@CortneysPlace.org. Stay tuned for more updates, as we will be announcing our grand opening! Since Jim and I started Cortney’s Place in 2007, we are so proud of what’s been accomplished over the past 5 years. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our Board of Directors, to Marc Center (our Premier Service Provider), and to all the wonderful people who continue to believe in and support Cortney’s Place.
Our Program’s Value Statements • We support each individual to actively
A Personal Hello from Liz Carr
New Program Manager for Cortney’s Place I would like to take an opportunity to introduce myself as the new Program Manager for Cortney’s Place. On December 19th, 2011, I began my incredible journey into the world of what can be and should be for an adult day training program. I was taken back with the design of the program site, technology available, programs offered and the constant engagement of the students; Cortney’s Place is like NO other program I have ever seen!!
My passion for working with individuals with different abilities began at an early age. I grew up in Normal, Illinois and I was privileged to go to a fully integrated grade and high school on the campus of Illinois State University, enriched experiences as part which happened to be the home to the State Special Olympic Games. I began volunteering for this event when I was in 8th grade and quickly realized that working with people with differing abilities was my calling in life. I of his/her daily life. graduated from Illinois State University with a major in Parks and Recreation with sequences in Therapeutic Recreation as well as Program Management. With this degree I have been afforded the opportunities to work in many environments including programs, day programs, parks and recreation departments, hospitals, homeless shelters and • We ensure that families are residential childcare. With each new experience I have acquired additional skills such as website development, outcome creation, supervision, marketing and special event planning and creative program development.
participate in community
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.
Now, having worked in the social services field for over 20 years, I have seen many typical residential and adult day programs. I can comfortably tell you they are nothing remotely similar to Cortney’s Place. Oftentimes the centers look more like a large cafeteria filled with old tables and chairs, a non-attentive staff, very few if any technology aids, and an environment non-condusive for procuring any skills. But, I know this does NOT have to be the norm - Cortney’s Place has proven there is a better way to provide for those with Special Needs. My acclimation into this program seemed so natural, so ‘normal’, and so comforting to be part of an environment that can make a difference. We have all the right tools, support, and positive energy. I have come to the realization that I too was at ‘home’ here at Cortney’s Place. While it is not very common to hear someone say “I cannot wait to go to work” - I can honestly tell you that’s exactly how I feel. It’s comforting to know that the people who surround you at work have the same values as yourself and goals to make a positive difference for others. On Sunday nights, I think; “I cannot wait to get to work tomorrow!” I look forward to bringing my personal and professional skills to Cortney’s Place and have already set several short term goals including: getting the message of Cortney’s Place out to as many people as possible, recruiting students for our expansion, and increasing the amount of technology utilized in the program. I know together we can continue to make Cortney’s Place the premier day program for adults with disabilities.
Serving Cortney’s Place Vincent Burke
• 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.
I began to serve on the Cortney’s Place Board of Directors in July 2010 for several reasons. My wife, Joycelee, has volunteered her time to numerous different non-profits groups over the years and I never thought I had the time. It constantly amazed me with her busy schedule that she could devote so much time to others. Her dedication to helping others motivated me to make time in my schedule to help others, too. In January 2010, my good friend, Rob Cimato, asked me if I wouldn’t mind helping out on a fund raising event he was coordinating (“Let the Good Times Roll”). Rob has been involved with Cortney’s Place since its inception almost five years ago. Although I was thinking it would be fun to help a good friend with a fund raising event, I was not familiar with the organization the event was to benefit. After meeting the amazing group of people that are on the Board of Directors, I wanted to learn more. As I have found out since then, once you learn about Cortney’s Place and take a tour of the beautiful facility, you want to get involved! When you visit Cortney’s Place and meet the special young adults that spend their day in this fulfilling, nurturing environment, you are motivated to find a way to make a difference in their lives. The program at Cortney’s goes beyond the standard of care and dignity that should be afforded to everyone that has physical and mental disabilities. Cortney’s Place provides stimulating activities and educational opportunities that allow each of these young adults an opportunity to reach their individual potential and experience a more fulfilling, quality of life. The staff at Cortney’s Place is compassionate, caring and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the young adults that participate in the program. In addition to being on the Board of Directors, I also lead the Finance Committee. I am very thankful that my wife showed me that helping others should be a priority,and not something you fit into your schedule when it’s convenient. I encourage everyone to consider devoting time to helping others. The difference you can make in their lives is very rewarding to them and to yourself as well. I am proud to be part of such an important fixture in our community.
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
Through the Eyes of a Friend Lisa Riley
I had taken my 11-year-old son to the foot doctor for a simple procedure – an ingrown toenail. Like most parents, we feel so bad if our loved ones are in pain. The procedure was going to be quite simple when we got to the doctors… he sprayed something very cold on his foot and them gave my son an injection to numb the area. While his foot was numbing, the doctor politely excused himself to attend to another patient in the other room next to us, who we could both hear was another boy as well. What was so unique was that this boy next to us in the other room kept recanting to the doctor how he was hurting him – we could hear everything as the discussion became louder and louder. My son and I could hear the doctor assure the boy that he wasn’t even touching him yet, and in the same sentence, the young patient insisted he needed to get home to watch Jeopardy. It was obvious this young boy was one with Special Needs, as I could just hear it in his voice. I used this opportunity to explain to my own son how there are different people with Special Needs and what that may entail for a doctor to help someone. I never have to be reminded of how truly lucky I am to have healthy children of my own, but I do need to be reminded that others have more challenges than I. The mother of this boy was a prime example of strength and perseverance. To me it’s simple – if you have healthy children then it should be enough reason to get involved to help those who don’t. They are in our community and deserve to live full and rich lives despite disabilities. Have you ever asked yourself how to get involved, where do you start? These are questions to ask yourself - so you can make a difference. For me, it’s been very simple. I saw my best friend Cindy Carpenter trying to make a difference for her child and many others. My best friend is extremely strong, and I often tell her she is my Oprah, because if anyone can do it she can! Cortney’s Place has an important presence in our community and for the future. I wanted to be part of that, and started by getting involved in the annual golf tournament with Tom Lehman of the PGA. I loved particpating and donating my time to something so meaningful - my boys witnessed first hand my commitment to this organization. As their mother, I want to set an example in life. We want to see those with Special Needs have a meaningful day, a safe environment, and be able to procure their life skills whatever they may be. I loved every single minute of working on the event and looked forward to working with wonderful committee members who were equally as committed. Getting yourself involved, your family, your friends and members of the community together, as a support network will enhance another life. It’s that simple.
individuals.
•We support each individual to achieve their highest level of personal independence.
Check Out Cortney’s Place!
A Report of our 3rd annual
Matt Jung & Rob Cimato, event Co-Chairs
& Help Us Grow Charity Event Matt.. tell us a little bit about the event, your background and involvement….. For those of you who don’t know me, I had the honor and privilege of co-chairing this event. Doing so was an honor and a privilege: my many thanks to the Board and the Carpenter family for entrusting me with such an important responsibility. I’m sure there’s a million different reasons as to why someone gives their time and energy to a cause or charitable organization, but for me it’s simple; my parents. My mother, an occupational therapist who still teaches that discipline at a college in New York and my father a social worker who until recently, directed the New York State program that ensures students, like those at Cortney’s Place, a program providing quality services and care. I still recall as a young lad visiting nursing homes with my mother and special care facilities with my father and feeling completely helpless. I can remember on occasion my father interjecting his wisdom by telling me that the best thing he or I could do to help people with special needs, was to make sure they had the best environment that society could afford them. I carry that message with me today and whether you know it or not, by attending our events, you do as well. This year, with your support, we raised over $50,000 and are able to put $25,000 of that to the expansion that will afford more Phoenix area students the opportunity to come to Cortney’s Place. And Rob, give us some insight as to how the event came about, and why you are so involved….. Prior to meeting Cindy, Jim, Chelsea and Cortney over 4 years ago now, there was something missing in my life and I was searching for that unknown piece. I own two successful businesses and I have a beautiful wife and 2 boys. Then, I met Cindy. She introduced me to what she was planning to do to start the non-profit organization we now know as Cortney’s Place. It really hit me in the heart: it touched me in a way and I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it. From that moment I helped Cindy in any way possible. I am happy to say I have been involved from the beginning and it’s amazing to see what has transpired from there. Cindy, Jim, Chelsea and Cortney Carpenter completed that missing piece. I have been honored to be the Co-Chair for the 3rd straight year for our fundraising event. I’ve been involved in this event for from the beginning and I will continue this trend for many more years. This event evolved a little over 3 years ago when a few coaches of my son and I were very successful in raising money for their hockey team. We held a similar event in my garage and all proceeds went to support the team. I took this idea to our Board of Directors at Cortney’s Place and from there we developed the “Let The Good Times Roll” Event. We wanted to add another annual special event to raise funds and awareness. Finally, I am always excited to introduced friends, family and business colleagues to this wonderful organization which does so many great things for disabled adults in Arizona. I continue to spread the news about Cortney’s Place to everyone I encounter who may have an interest in supporting our efforts to provide a nourishing environment that respects these young adults as an important part of our community. And, a special Thank – you from Matt and Rob…….. Our special thanks are extended to our sponsors: Porsche of North Scottsdale, Crescent Crown Distributing, Hot 97.5, Coca-Cola, Fry’s, Southern Wine and Spirits, SO Scottsdale, Marc Center, 1st Impressions, Alliance Beverage, DPR Construction, Meridan Bank, Aspen Construction, Southwest Building Materials and Georgia Pacific. Your support is the foundation for making this event possible. In addition, this event would not have been possible without the efforts Rob, Donnette, Cindy, Justin, Drew, Stephanie, Michelle, Laurie , Casey, Liz, Nina, and Bryan. You are all incredible talents and make chairing this event all the easier. Lastly, thank you to our many volunteers who gave us their day and evening, so that we could enjoy the event with all of you.
Yes, your support makes all the difference!
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Issue: 5 Spring 2012
Together WePlease CanAccept Make A Difference My Donation o $100 o $250 o $500 o $1000 o $5000 o Other Donation: o In Honor Of o In Memory Of
Cortney’s Place is a 501 (c)3 not for profit charity. Tax id #42-1745079
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Phone: 480-419-5852
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Fax: 480-451-1506 www.CortneysPlace.org Facebook.com/CortneysPlace Twitter.com/CortneysPlace Contributors: Kay Ziplow Tyler Ludwig Editor Design
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Detach and Mail to: Cortney’s Place • 7000 E. Shea Blvd. Suite #1430 • Scottsdale, AZ 85254
A Parent’s Perspective Marsha Kenney
It’s been almost 3 years since my son, Grant, started at Cortney’s Place. We moved our family here from Illinois, just so we would be able to secure a spot. I think back to the many months of wondering what there would be for him after he aged out of high school. After being with his peers in the school system for 20 years, suddenly, he was left alone with nowhere to go everyday. After high school, these young adults with multi-needs are often forgotten about. How could we as his parents provide a meaningful life for him, yet still have a life of our own? Finding a good day program for disabled adults in the state we lived in, usually meant a long waiting list. Some of his friends are now sitting at home because of the lack of quality day programs. One friend’s mother will be forced to quit her job to take care of her daughter next year when she’s out of high school. One friend waited at home several years for a spot to become available in a day program. We knew there was a better choice when we visited Cortney’s program on vacation, and we opted to relocate, come to Arizona and give our son an opportunity by getting into the program. If only ALL special needs young adults whose parents/caregivers were searching for a day program, had a Cortney’s Place. Being a part of Cortney’s Place opens up a new stage of life for these young adults who deserve a chance like everyone else. It will carry them through adulthood with a sense of purpose and inclusion in our community. For Grant, it gives him his “own” life. For us, finding Cortney’s Place offered the exact environment that so many of us as parents of special needs young adults are searching for. There is such a huge need for programs like Cortney’s Place across the country. The people involved with Cortney’s Place are my heros; they dedicate their time, talents and resources to give Grant and others like him an amazing program to attend each and every day. They are making a difference in the lives of those who aren’t always able to chase a dream on their own. My hope is that someday ALL disabled young adults will have a program like Cortney’s Place to go.
What is Cortney’s Place?
Cortney’s Place 7000 E. Shea Blvd. Suite #1430 Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Cortney’s Place is dedicated to providing physically & mentally challenged persons an array of opportunities through education and programs for life.
Supportive Thoughts & Sentiments “We had so much fun at the charity event “Let the Good Times Roll”, my husband raved about it, and together we thought it was such a cool event! We deeply appreciate you involving the Miss Arizona gals in the Cortney’s Place fundraiser, because their work in the community is important and Cortney Place mirrors just that. They had a great time and you can definitely call them to come and visit the students at Cortney’s Place - they would love it. “ -Diana Zellers,(mother of Alexa Zellers Miss Arizona Teen USA).
“My daughter and I had a terrific time at the “Let the Good Times Roll Event”. It was one of the most engaging fund raising events we have ever attended. There were so many great activities from the games to the fashion show and even the nationally known recording artist, JoJo. All of this for such a great cause. - I’ll definitely recommend it to my friends next year.” -Robert Rice, Board Member - Chandler Unified School District
“Porsche North Scottsdale was very impressed with The 3rd Annual “Let The Good Times Roll” Event at the Penske Museum for Cortney’s Place – just fabulous – so well done. We were honored to be the title sponsor for this worthwhile fundraiser: an important part of our community.” -Vivian Wahl, Representative - Porsche North Scottsdale
Your Support Makes All the Difference!