Cortney's Place 4th Quarter Newsletter

Issue: 4

CORTNEY’S PLACE

Making A Difference Being handicapped is not a life-sentence, but rather a life-style

October 2011

QUARTERLY REPORT

Our Future is Filled with Opportunity....

Cindy Carpenter, President & Founder You know, I always thought that Albert Einstein put it best, “There are only two ways to live your life – one as though nothing is a miracle and the other as though everything is a miracle.”

Board of Directors Cindy Carpenter President

Jim Carpenter

Vice-Chairman

Vincent Burke Secretary

Pamela Covella, Esq. Counsel of Record

Benée Hilton – Spiegel Chairman of the Board

Rob Cimato Director

Melissa Lehman Director

Justin Ogburn Director

Michael Pradia 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 “Good Morning Arizona” 3TV

That just about sums up our mantra at Cortney’s Place. We have an opportunity to start our day as though it is a new chance, a new beginning and the possibilities are endless. With that in mind, I am so very pleased to share with you some wonderful and exciting news. »» In July, we changed our name from Cortney’s Foundation to Cortney’s Place! We have chosen to do this because Cortney’s Place defines who we are: a destination program for those young adults with Special Needs. We provide a safe, warm, loving and educational environment for those who are less able to take care of themselves and we help these individuals grow, improve and flourish. »» On behalf of the Board Of Directors, we are thrilled to announce the addition of Donnette Hermes to our leadership team at Cortney’s Place. Donnette is the Chief Operating Officer and comes with over 20 years of non-profit experience at both the YMCA and the Chamber of Commerce. Donnette brings a variety of professional skills to our organization and will be assisting in transitioning from a solid start-up operation to one with long term sustainability. »» Our Board unanimously appointed Benée Hilton-Spiegel as Chairman of the Board.

Benée has been involved with Cortney’s Place from the very beginning. She is a longstanding and honored member of the community who has served on various boards, and a tireless champion who works to ensure that those individuals with Special Needs are given opportunities through quality programs and services. Benée, along with the entire Board of Directors are committed to making Cortney’s Place a fixture in Maricopa County, giving way for years to come so that no one is forgotten or left behind. »» Benée, Donnette, the Board of Directors and I will work with our amazing “Circle of Friends” to keep the organization on track to serve more students and build awareness in the community for those with Special Needs. Our Circle of Friends includes four very important individuals who continue to support Cortney’s Place. They are: Former PGA Tour Player of the Year and Captain of the Ryder Cup Tom Lehman, President of Fry’s Food Stores John Flora, former MLB World Series Champion Tony Phillips and Host “Good Morning Arizona” 3TV Tara Hitchcock. These wonderful people donate their time to Cortney’s Place and speak on our behalf whenever they have the chance. »» Our next endeavor involves the upcoming expansion where we will be doubling the size of our facility to serve more students. We only have $50,000 left to raise and we are now seeking the remaining funds needed to move forward on this exhilarating growth initiative.

We have room-naming and program-naming opportunities available so please call me to be a part of our upcoming expansion. With your support we can begin providing more programs for those with Special Needs very soon. Special thanks to Mark Coble of Coble Construction, our Architect Dean Washicheck, and Interior Designer Kim Creamer for all their work in association with this expansion.

Our Program’s Value Statements

Cortney’s Place: Keenly Attuned to our Community

By Terry Wideman, Program Manager

As medical technology becomes more advanced, those with disabilities are living longer. With that in mind, we hope to give opportunities to provide for fuller, and richer lives. The only way to do that however, is • We support each by providing more sustainable programs that are committed to specialized, individualized and supportive individual to actively enviornments for those with Special Needs. And that’s just what Cortney’s Place is all about: our programming participate in community reflects the unique and individualized attention to the enriched experiences as part needs of a young adult with disabilities. Facilities like Cortney’s Place are vital in the community to assist our of his/her daily life.

Special Needs population in the development of skills required to live an enriched lifestyle.

• We ensure that families are What makes us so distinctively different is that our goals focus on enriching people’s lives, building upon their individual skills, knowledge, and unique abilities and strengths. We are committed to providing specialized support (use of adaptive equipment, communication devices, multi-senactively engaged with the sory equipment, etc.) and training (self-advocacy, life skills, etc.) in order to assist people on their program in support of the journey to experience life to their fullest personal potential. And that’s what makes Cortney’s Place stand out- we are keenly attuned to seeing that each individual is provided with individual. individualized attention, because that way, personal goals and achievements are truly possible.

•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.

As a result of more high school students and parents becoming aware of our mission and high standard of services, they are planning in advance to have their son/daughter with Special Needs enrolled at Cortney’s Place. Several of the students and parents have requested to be put on a “wait list” for services - these demands for services increase our initiatives for expansion.

However, as we experience growth, we are also faced with an era of less funding from the state with substantial budget cuts in addition to the previous 10% reduction. It is unbelievable to thinkour Special Needs individuals who require more medical, behavior intervention, and specialized training, have less funds to take of their basic needs. Cortney’s Place is not willing to surrender the quality of a program to the lack of funds. We are motivated and committed to provide the resources necessary for people with disabilities to sustain the lifestyle they deserve.

A Note from The Chairman of The Board

By Benée Hilton – Spiegel

As a resident of Arizona for over 18 years, I have witnessed many changes regarding the growth and development of services for our community and it’s population. However, there exists a fundamental component to also provide for those with Special Needs through programs, community outreach and services. Cortney’s Place does just that; giving those young adults with Special Needs a daily program specifically tailored to their personal abilities, and I am proud to be part of such an organization that makes such a distinctive difference for someone’s life.

Fifteen years ago, I met a very special person; Cindy Carpenter, the founder of this organization. She opened my eyes to a level of commitment and perseverance that I had rarely seen from any young woman.

Cindy taught me about living, she showed me things I had NEVER seen, and for that, I will be forever grateful as it has truly changed my life.

Cortney’s Place is a beautiful organization that is made up of special friends, wonderful teachers, and caring individuals. It is a program where each individual student can achieve his or her own unique potential. Cortney’s Place has no limits. Our mission is to allow our young adults with Special Needs to go above and beyond their dreams.

As Chairman of the Board, my hope is to have many more adults at our wonderful program and give those less –abled more chances to live fuller and more enriched lives. However, we can only do this by raising funds and public awareness and having all of our community involved. I hope that you will join me and all of the Board members as we move forward to assist in sustaining Cortney’s Place for future generations to come.

Hydrotherapy Makes a Splash!

Our Program’s Value Statements • We encourage

Once a week our students at Cortney’s Place have an opportunity to be with Zane Arters a certified Hydro Therapist (Theraputic Aquatic Concepts) of the Aqua Safe Swim School held at the McDowell Mountain Ranch Pool Center. In order to see that each student gets the individual attention so deserving and important for the therapy program, our young adults at Cortney’s Place alternate attendance so that every other week they are receiving Hydrotherapy.

individuals to build

Aquatic therapy consists of an exercise program that is performed in the water.

It is a beneficial form of therapy which is useful for a variety of medical conditions. Since water supports the body, stress to the joints is greatly reduced, and so therefore, those with Special Needs can be moved and exercised with the least amount of physical resistance.

While submerged in water, buoyancy assists in supporting the weight of the patient. This decreases the amount of weight bearing which reduces the force of stress placed on the joints.

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

In addition, Aquatic therapy also utilizes hydrostatic pressure to decrease swelling and improve joint position awareness. Those who are wheelchair bound or with limited movement can find long term benefits through this therapy program, providing strength, muscle relaxation, and increasing blood flow to the muscles and joints. Our students are ecstatic about being in the water, and we know that having Aquatic therapy is an important and integral part of meeting the necessities of those with Special Needs.

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.

Calendar Highlights

Events, special destinations, activities and more… all make our program, at Cortney’s Place unique and well rounded for our young adults. It’s all about life experiences and inclusion which builds fuller and richer lives. The students have been really busy and enjoyed : • • • • •

As You Wish Ceramic Studio Movie Viewing of “Cars 2” Lunched at Paradise Bakery & Café Attended The Arizona Science Center Hawaiian Cultural Day and Luau

• • • •

Mexico Cultural Day Amazing Jakes theme park in Mesa Lunch at Ono’s Hawaiian BBQ Restaurant The Museum of Natural History in Mesa.

A Perfect Blend

&

“Supporting nonprofits has always been part of Fry’s Food Stores culture,” says Fry’s President Jon Flora.

“Our company believes in supporting the communities where we work and raise our families.”

“The first time I visited Cortney’s Place, I was deeply touched at the array of services provided and the caring staff. The young adults tugged at my heart and I walked away with a happy grin on my face and wanting to do more,” adds Jon. After that first visit, Jon became a friend and advocate for Cortney’s Place.

“I especially like the nonprofit’s approach to customizing programs to meet the special needs of its participants,” says Jon. “Additionally, each person is treated with respect and dignity – all in a warm, friendly environment. Today, I am proud to belong to Cortney’s Circle of Friends and personally know how important it is to support Cortney’s Place. I consider Cortney’s Place one of the most rewarding investments an individual or corporation can make.”

Fry’s quickly realized Cortney’s Place provides an unmet need in our community. The company supports Cortney’s Place with leadership, funds and opportunities for persons with disabilities to accomplish individual goals and enjoy activities such as Suns Games or a trip to the Arizona Science Center. For the past two years, Fry’s also provides Cortney’s Place participants with a cake-decorating event, which brings a smile to everyone’s face.

“Fry’s realizes the full potential of Cortney’s Place and urges others to get involved,” says Jon. “Your contributions count and can help Cortney’s grow and reach more individuals needing a hand up. Cortney’s Place is an important part of our community.”

REGISTER NOW!

Questions or Information, contact Cindy Carpenter at: 602-363-0500 Visit our website at www.CortneysPlace.org to register & find out more!

Issue: 4 October 2011

Together We Can Make A Difference Please Accept My Donation

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

Check Out Cortney’s Place!

September Talent Show- A Major Hit

In September, everyone had the pleasure of enjoying our talent show at the program center.

Julile Murillo, the music therapist spearheaded the event, engaging all our students where they performed with musical instruments, had a ‘camp-fire’ sing-along, and gave solo performances as well involving dancing and jokes, just to name a few. Attendees included the families and friends of Cortney’s Place who also enjoyed homemade s’mores and punch.

As you can see from the photos; everyone had a blast!

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.

Inside this Issue ~ Our Future is Filled with Opportunity

by Cindy Carpenter President and Founder ~ Cortney’s Place: Keenly Attuned to Our Community

By Terry Wideman, Program Manager ~ A Note from The Chairman of The Board, Benée Hilton – Spiegel

~ Hydrotherapy Makes a Splash! ~ Calendar Highlights ~ A Perfect Blend! Fry’s & Cortney’s Place Interview with Jon Flora, President ~ SAVE THE DATE! Play Like a Star Golf Event Nov.7th Register Online Today or Call!

Your Support Makes All the Difference!