2014 stairways annual report by Stairways

thinking differently about wellness about our programs as a business 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

THINKING

differently A

s I read the stories in this report to our community, I am struck by the importance of persistence. Gary and Trisha’s stories (pages 6-7) affirm that recovery from illness and adversity is not only possible, but likely. The terrain, however, is almost always uncharted, uneven and demands new attitudes, new approaches and new behavior patterns – thinking and doing things differently.

I am grateful as I read the reports from our professional staff as they also embrace new and more efficacious approaches, thereby creating innovative and vastly improved outcomes for the people we serve. Thinking differently continues to further our commitment to achieving a dynamic learning environment requiring all of us to be nimble and open to the next truth as it emerges. Particularly this past year I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the men and women who compose our board of directors – amazing, talented, committed, passionate, and loyal citizens leading beyond all reasonable expectations. These individuals, having guided and protected our mission for many a decade, have once again, as you will read, charted a new course for our organization. After 18 months of planning, and very thoughtful deliberation – thinking differently – we have established an altered trajectory for our future while keeping our mission safely in tow. As this report goes to print we can enthusiastically announce our affiliation with our sister organization Beacon Light. This decision has already created new, jointly populated governance boards dedicated to creating possibilities for each organization that neither would have achieved on its own. The people we serve, the people we employ, and the many communities who support us will all be the beneficiaries of our commitment to thinking and doing things differently.

William F. McCarthy President and CEO Stairways Behavioral Health

Mission Statement Stairways Behavioral Health assists persons with mental health care needs at any stage of life in their recovery by providing comprehensive rehabilitation, treatment and supports essential for living, working, learning and participating fully in the community.

Joint Commission Accredited

Stairways is accredited by the Joint Commission. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. Stairways has earned and maintained certification since 1999.

Board of Directors Wayne Koble Chair Dr. Kristine Nelson, D.C. Vice Chair William F. McCarthy President James T. Ryan Treasurer Laura Schaaf Secretary Harold Simmons III Immediate Past Chair Kate Bender Kurt Hersch Andrea Hoffman, M.S.N., R.N., C.N.A. David E. Holland, Esq. William Kennedy Amy Woods Rechtenwald James P. Renshaw Dr. R. Anthony Snow, M.D. Phil Zacks

Annual Report Contributors William F. McCarthy, CEO/President Heather May Caspar, Director of Strategic Communications/Marketing Joseph Cuneo, Communications/Marketing Specialist Dale Shidemantle, Grant Specialist Kim Stucke, Chief Development Officer Jill Corey, Chief Operations Officer Trisha Cloyd, Manager of Family Education Deborah Grill, Supervisor of Program Outcomes Juanita Gangemi, Development Specialist Christine Linkie, Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Lee Steadman, Director, BLOOM CollaborativeSM Pam Knouse, Customer Support Administrator

Ashley Gleason, Manager of New Opportunities EAP Heather Filson, Director of the Personal Care Home Richard Gacka, Director of Education Services Wayne Koble, Chair, Board of Directors Kristine Nelson, D.C., Vice Chair, Board of Directors David Holland, Esq., Board of Directors Kurt Hersch, Board of Directors Photography Mark Fainstein Print & Design Printing Concepts, Inc.

THINKING

differently A

William F. McCarthy President and CEO Stairways Behavioral Health

Joint Commission Accredited

THINKING DIFFERENTY ABOUT

INTRODUCING

wellness

Wellness is a buzzword in healthcare reform.

n fact, a culture of wellness is one criterion for providers seeking the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic designation, as proposed in the Excellence in Mental Health Act of 2014. For the recovering individual suffering from mental health and substance use disorders, however, wellness is not merely a buzzword or just the absence of illness or stress. Rather it is an active process that promotes health and enhances quality of life. At Stairways Behavioral Health, clients are immersed in wellness and engage in activities designed to enhance a sense of purpose, satisfying work and play, joyful relationships and healthy living. We promote physical, emotional and community wellness through activities on the 3 1/2-acre campus of BLOOM Collaborative, an expansion of our former Center City Arts program that was renamed during this past year.

At Stairways, wellness involves a new way of thinking about care through an innovative framework for delivering mental health services. Based on a model developed by Peggy Swarbrick, PhD, OT, CPRP, and endorsed by SAMHSA, our programs and clinical departments have introduced activities addressing the Eight Dimensions of Wellness – emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual. Using this framework and these wellness principles, we address a full complement of quality of life issues and an overall sense of well-being in a holistic approach to mental health: Clients practice Yoga in the Emotional Intensity Group at Erie Outpatient Clinic. The Residential Treatment Facility for Adults regularly schedules visits to the Erie Zoo. Fairweather Lodge residents develop budgeting and shopping skills, and soft skills for job hunting. Art therapy in our Drug & Alcohol outpatient programs helps clients discover creative abilities and expand knowledge and skills. YMCA exercise groups and nutritionist consultations are offered in our Assertive Community Treatment program. A recovery group for mood disorders at Crawford County Outpatient Services helps clients develop a sense of connection and belonging. Positive Psychology sessions at Erie Outpatient Clinic help clients expand their sense of purpose and meaning in life. These and many more activities involve creative, practical, and effective methods that encourage wellness in every aspect of the lives of our clients, who learn to change their status quo. The possibilities are endless, their outcomes measurable, and the result is more vibrant, meaningful and self-sustaining lives.

BLOOM Collaborative’s programs, classes and experiences are dedicated to promoting growth and positive change — for individuals, groups and neighborhoods within Erie and surrounding communities. Program offerings include art, alternative wellness therapies, yoga, sustainable agriculture, and opportunities to explore, grow and thrive.

For all, BLOOM CollaborativeSM offers opportunities to explore the many dimensions of wellness — to help people find more meaning and feel more fullness in their lives.

For some, Bloom Collaborative’s programs may be a supportive and understanding first step in cultivating new habits, new behaviors, learning new skills and connecting with the world in new ways. For others, BLOOM CollaborativeSM may be a great place to

The potential to grow and to flourish exists within everyone. BLOOM CollaborativeSM is a citywide effort that infuses personal lives, professional endeavors and our neighborhoods with energy, joy, inspiration and the nourishment needed to BLOOM!

experience and further develop a sense of well-being and to explore activities that deepen life’s richness.

THINKING DIFFERENTY ABOUT

INTRODUCING

wellness

Wellness is a buzzword in healthcare reform.

For all, BLOOM CollaborativeSM offers opportunities to explore the many dimensions of wellness — to help people find more meaning and feel more fullness in their lives.

experience and further develop a sense of well-being and to explore activities that deepen life’s richness.

WHO KNOWS MORE ABOUT

thinking differently

THAN THOSE WE SERVE?

In the language of recovery, it means a necessary and gradual process of self-discovery.

MEET GARY CORBIN

MEET TRISHA CLOYD

Gary Corbin has endured the peaks and valleys of life in a way few people have a chance to experience.

When I read Gary Corbin’s story, I thought, “Déjà vu.” My recovery journey begins in a strikingly similar way: I was a top student with a scholarship in Pitt’s honors program when first hospitalized in 1967 for a psychotic episode with many of the same symptoms; my first psychiatrist recommended further treatment at Warren State Hospital; for years I also engaged in a struggle to accept my diagnosis and need for medication, which led to multiple relapses as well as hospitalizations and turned my life upside down.

And at just 25 years old, he is not only a reminder of the nondiscriminatory nature of mental illness but ultimately the resiliency of the enduring human spirit. A multisport athlete, captain and quarterback of the football team and class valedictorian at Fairview High School, Gary was the archetypal All-American boy. In the ensuing years, however, mental illness would impede Gary from the seemingly straight path he had been on and launch him on a journey toward recovery and rediscovery. “I often struggle with ‘how could I get so far off track?’” he said, reflecting. “It’s been a rough road.” Due to his athletic and academic accomplishments in high school, Gary would attend on scholarship the University of Pittsburgh, where he enrolled in the honors college and planned to double major in physics and neuroscience. However, as is the case for many young adults with mental illness, it was during his time at college that Gary experienced his first psychotic symptoms. With few friends and coming off a painful breakup, he began skipping meals and exercising in excess. Gary’s erratic behavior coincided with hallucinations that came under the guise of correspondence with God. All told, Gary lost more than 70 pounds while his psychosis worsened. He was eventually hospitalized, the first admission in a three-year period that was fraught with persistent symptoms, numerous hospital stays as well as countless attempts to cease medication and sabotage therapy. Ultimately, last fall, he was admitted to Warren State Hospital, where he would spend more than seven months—a stay he would later credit for helping him to better manage his illness and life. “It helped me realize how important it is to stay on my medication and set me up to walk a straighter line than what I had been,” Gary said. That line had not always been so clear for Gary, who admittedly struggled accepting the idea of having a mental illness. “For a while, I was trying to get undiagnosed,” he said. “I was playing it off as if nothing was wrong. I would try to get off of my meds and not follow through with appointments.” Thanks to medication and treatment with Stairways Behavioral Health’s Assertive Community Treatment team, Gary is steadily accepting the process that is his mental wellness while coming to peace with the realities of his past. “It gets frustrating at times,” he said, “but I feel like I’m moving in the right direction.”

I totally relate to Gary’s difficulties, frustration and uncertainty. The chaotic and devastating beginning Gary and I share is a common one for people who live with mental illness. It is important to keep in mind that it’s only the beginning, not the end, of our stories. During life’s journey to find wholeness and well-being, each of us has the power to change and grow, to think differently and make choices that will lead us to a better, more satisfying life over time. There were many things I needed to unlearn, relearn and think differently about. I had to understand my diagnosis, accept it and continue to educate myself about it; realize that medications are a necessary part of my toolbox for achieving wellness and recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Trisha Cloyd is the Stairways Behavioral Health Manager of Family Education

It was important to look at all aspects of my life and sort out what was helpful and what was not, while taking baby steps— not leaps— that build on strengths, all the while understanding that there would be a lot of trial and error. In the process, I found a balance between too much and too little and discovered a way to take direction and stay humble. This learning process is lifelong. Every day there are new discoveries, new medications, new therapies, new insights that can help those of us living with mental illness to recover. There is so much help and hope available. No one needs to go it alone. Now, more than 40 years after my first psychotic break, I am living a full and satisfying life with family and friends, meaningful work and enjoyment. There is a path for each one of us. Our challenge is to find it, put our best effort into it and keep on trekking.

“Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would come to be different.” – Katherine Mansfield

THINKING DIFFERENTY ABOUT

INTRODUCING

wellness

Wellness is a buzzword in healthcare reform.

For all, BLOOM CollaborativeSM offers opportunities to explore the many dimensions of wellness — to help people find more meaning and feel more fullness in their lives.

experience and further develop a sense of well-being and to explore activities that deepen life’s richness.

INCREASING COMMUNITYWIDE SOCIAL AND SPIRITUAL

wellness

In February 2014, BLOOM CollaborativeSM was honored to host Ibiyinka Olufemi Alao, awardwinning Nigerian artist and Ambassador of Arts to the United Nations. Alao stopped by BLOOM to learn about our mission and to talk about his quest of achieving peace using creative expression to build global understanding.

FUND

Stairways Behavioral Health launched the inaugural Tread on Stigma Walk/Run for Wellness in an effort to think differently about how we can help clients achieve their goals of wellness of body as well as mind. This walk for employees, clients, family and friends was a way to address wellness, build camaraderie, and inform our community about the diseases affecting the people we serve. We wanted to step out against the mortality rate of persons with serious mental illness, give our clients tools to help them in their own wellness journeys and provide a funding source to help them do that.

Later that evening, Ambassador Alao presented “Visions of True Colours” to an assembled audience at Gannon University. Alao shared his personal experience of conflicts and peace talks in which he has motivated and inspired policy makers, peace negotiators and the public to see the relationship between the arts, language, geography, culture, science and the quest for peace. Alao was named Nigeria’s Ambassador of Art in 2001. His works have been exhibited at numerous prestigious settings across the United States, including Harvard Business School, the Martin Luther King Art Center, the Office of the Consulate General of Nigeria in Atlanta and the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., as well as the United Nations and World Bank headquarters.

STAMPING OUT STIGMA AND INTRODUCING THE CLIENT

Proceeds from the Walk/Run were used to establish a new Client Wellness Fund.

THE CLIENT

Lee Steadman (l), Director of BLOOM CollaborativeSM with Ibi Alao (r)

wellness

BUILDING FINANCIAL

THROUGH FINANCIAL LITERACY TRAINING Hilda DeJesus, 62, was raised by her father and grew up in poverty in Puerto Rico. In 1966, her family moved to the mainland for a better life. Hilda, who has a serious mental illness and receives services from Stairways Behavioral Health, was one of our first clients to graduate from the Financial Education and Savings. Students in the program learn basic financial literacy skills, while saving toward a declared goal. Stairways secures grant funding to match students’ savings dollar for dollar, up to $500. Hilda also was one of 17 Stairways clients who participated in and completed a pilot research titled Step Ahead based on financial principles. She has learned how to set short-term goals for herself and used her savings and matched money to buy a car, which she needed for work and school. She has since accomplished her long-term goal of purchasing a house, for which she recently hired a contractor to install a new floor in her renovated kitchen. She also continued her education with certification as a nursing assistant and became a Certified Peer Specialist through Stairways.

wellness

FUND IN ACTION

Close your eyes and remember the excitement of getting your first bicycle. At Stairways Behavioral Health, our new Client Wellness Fund made this dream come true for a client and his family. Moving to America just two years ago to make a better life for his family, Joseph was looking for ways to keep his family united in a new land. After discussing his goals for his family with his caseworker, Joseph used Stairways’ Client Wellness Fund to purchase bikes for his children ages, 5, 6, 9, and 10. The Client Wellness Fund, which encourages personal wellness initiatives by providing resources such as nutritional activities, new sneakers and fitness memberships, was established in 2013 with meaningful causes like Joseph’s in mind. After witnessing the joy a ride around the block brought his children, Joseph eventually joined them atop his own bike, which he purchased with the support of the Client Wellness Fund. Each member of the family enjoyed their new hobby of spending time bike riding together all summer while reaping the benefits of a healthy activity. Coming home from riding, each child takes time to store their bike in a safe place—a true testament to their pride of ownership.

INCREASING COMMUNITYWIDE SOCIAL AND SPIRITUAL

wellness

FUND

STAMPING OUT STIGMA AND INTRODUCING THE CLIENT

Proceeds from the Walk/Run were used to establish a new Client Wellness Fund.

THE CLIENT

Lee Steadman (l), Director of BLOOM CollaborativeSM with Ibi Alao (r)

wellness

BUILDING FINANCIAL

wellness

FUND IN ACTION

our programs THINKING DIFFERENTY ABOUT

or 53 years Stairways has met the behavioral health care needs of Erie and Crawford Counties, growing side-by-side with our evolving community. Since our very first social reintegration program located up a steep stairwell to the second floor of Nobil Shoe Store on Erie’s State Street, our founders and hundreds of mental health professionals have provided that Stairway to a better life. We are proud of our many strong programs, and our current 400+ employees whose passion for making a difference drives our culture of continuous improvement. In these following pages, we share examples of how Stairways professionals meet the new challenges of a new year, enriching programs and lives.

“We like to say that mental illness is a disease like cancer or heart disease. And for years now the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society have been teaching us to practice better nutrition, good lifestyle habits and early screening to prevent or detect these illnesses. What about mental illness? Do we teach better nutrition and an active lifestyle to decrease the incidence of disease? Do we focus on research or early screening? Do we teach our children that the choices they make have consequences— and yes—they have to live with them? Education, funding and continued research are needed for these efforts to switch the focus to prevention rather than treatment. As we move toward affiliation and combine our passion with important affiliates like Beacon Light, we strengthen our position to implement and manage the shifting paradigm of the future of behavioral health. That is exciting!” Dr. Kristine Nelson, D.C., Vice Chair, Stairways Behavioral Health Board of Directors

STAIRWAYS PROGRAMS Traditional Outpatient Services • Crawford County Outpatient Center • Erie Outpatient Center • Erie Counseling Center for Uninsured Crisis Services • Crawford County Mobile Crisis Services Substance Abuse Services • Erie Dual Diagnosis Outpatient Center • Gage House Dual Diagnosis Residential Treatment Forensic Outpatient Services • Crawford Forensic Outpatient Center • Erie Forensic Outpatient Center • Erie County Prison Outpatient Services • Erie County Prison Drug & Alcohol Treatment and Education Mobile/Rehabilitation Services • CROMISA (Community Reintegration of Offenders with Mental Illness and Substance Abuse) • Certified Peer Specialist Services • Mobile Medications Monitoring • Assertive Community Treatment • Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services • Blended Case Management for Youth and Adults Residential Treatment/ Supported Housing Services • Residential Treatment Facility for Adults • Personal Care Home for Adults • Homestead Apartments • Fairweather Lodge Affiliated Community Programs • Adult Basic Education and GED prep • BLOOM CollaborativeSM • New Opportunities Employee Assistance Program • Opportunities Unlimited of Erie

A UNIQUE APPROACH TO

Community REINTEGRATION

hinking differently at Stairways Forensic Outpatient Clinic means questioning the status quo and exploring alternatives to try something new. In Fiscal Year 2013-2014, this approach led to better care coordination, more effective medication assistance, and a more diversified revenue stream. Integration of psychiatric services into Stairways’ Outpatient Drug & Alcohol license was the outcome of a question posed by Wendy McCullough, Director of Forensic and Prison Services, and Erin Mrenak, Director of the Dual Diagnosis Drug & Alcohol Clinic. Having both served on a state D&A Advisory Regulations Committee, McCullough and Mrenak wondered whether regulations allowed a psychiatrist to meet with clients on-site rather than at another Stairways clinic or with another service provider, which had been the standard practice. They learned that regulations didn’t address this question, neither permitting nor prohibiting such a one-stop shop. Subsequently, psychiatric services were integrated into Stairways’ D&A license, resulting in better coordination of care for clients. Stairways’ Erie County Prison Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Program started working closely with Erie VA Medical Center’s criminal justice liaison, who coordinates access to community services for incarcerated veterans with mental illness after they’re released. The prison population of veterans has increased significantly in recent years and coordination of services with the VA liaison has helped both systems – federal VA and community-based Stairways – gain a better understanding of each other’s operations. Forensic Outpatient (FOP) also received approval to begin providing medication treatment for up to 70 individuals with naltrexone, a nonaddictive drug sold under the trade name Vivitrol. Most effective for clients in frequent relapse, Vivitrol meets the need for nonopioid medication assistance to individuals with drug and alcohol diagnoses and co-occurring mental illnesses. FOP sought approval to use Vivitrol in wake of participation in a statewide study of behavioral health care providers. Finally, Stairways executed its first active contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) to provide forensic outpatient mental health services at the Erie and Meadville clinics. This new revenue stream enhances Stairways’ ability to provide mental health services in the community. The state contract recently was amended with DOC approval to provide mental health services at the DOC sanctioning center that houses parole violators.

our programs THINKING DIFFERENTY ABOUT

A UNIQUE APPROACH TO

Community REINTEGRATION

programming WITH A NEW WELLNESS MODEL

uilding on Dr. Peggy Swarbrick’s model of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, Stairways’ Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (PRS) began to offer skill-based groups, or classes, offered on a semester schedule and following an adult learning model. Classes are holistic and developed with the Eight Dimensions of Wellness in mind to encourage socialization, wellness, and problem-solving as well as provide participants opportunities to develop and integrate skills in a supportive creative environment. Examples of skills targeted by classes include: cooking and food preparation, job-related skills, parenting, healthy relationships, exercise, developing meaningful activities, holistic wellness, cognitive skills and strategies (e.g., memory, emotion perception, planning), coping skills, etc. These new classes are held on the Stairways’ BLOOM CollaborativeSM campus, but class participants also work with individual PRS practitioners, who work collaboratively with them to integrate skills into their daily lives. Developing this new PRS group program has been a team effort. PRS leadership and staff, interns from Gannon University’s Occupational Therapy and Edinboro University’s Social Work programs, and individuals in the PRS program have contributed, along with BLOOM Collaborative’s staff. Our PRS “students” have been instrumental in developing new classes by suggesting topics and providing feedback. One cooking class participant shared that in addition to class topics being informative and interesting, the group format has helped her to find new activities for socialization. She is now using daily the cooking lessons she learned in class to increase her social skills. In fact, appreciation for increased opportunity to meet new people has become a theme, regardless if participants attend class to learn about safety, parenting or managing stress. With such encouragement, we plan to continue to develop and grow this new PRS program, creating and adapting patterns of learning and behavior that lead to improved health in all dimensions of life.

SEEKING INCREASED

outcomes

MEASUREMENT AND TRACKING

eginning in June 2013, Stairways launched a new outcomes program, aimed at capturing measurable data and charting trends to track our clients’ progress toward recovery and to help us identify areas for program quality improvement. Three new survey tools were implemented in our clinical programs to collect uniform outcomes data across the organization. These tools were chosen to provide insight into customer satisfaction, review clients’ progress toward goals and track quality of life trends. Individuals complete these survey tools upon admission to a program, to create benchmarking data – every three months during active participation, to afford program directors opportunity to monitor progress and identify trends – and upon graduation or discharge from a program, to provide a final point of reference. The tools were built directly into Stairways’ Electronic Health Record (EHR), Credible, to make the regular task of data collection easy to accomplish and archive. Additionally, capturing the responses through Credible meant data can be pulled into the EHR’s Business Intelligence component, providing visual graphics and dashboard tracking. After a full year’s cycle of data collection, we have begun to identify trends (see example below). Overall, the individuals we serve report a high level of satisfaction with both the services they are receiving and with their interactions with staff members. Additionally, the majority of individuals report feeling confident in their ability to meet goals and make positive changes in their lives.

QUALITY OF LIFE STATEMENT: I feel confident in my use of coping skills.

This new measurement and tracking process has proven to be informative and instructive, and has expanded collaborative relationships between program supervisors, program staff, MIS staff and the outcomes department. The internal process will continue to improve as more programs are able to utilize Credible, and as the practice of data retrieval becomes more familiar and streamlined. The global outcome of this new and ongoing process, of course, will be better informed services as we assist our clients in their recovery journey.

2013-14 SE-QoL Statement 7: I feel confident in my use of coping skills 100

Percentage

ALIGNING

80 1- Strongly Disagree

2- Disagree

3- Agree 20 0

4- Strongly Agree

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Jun - Aug Sept - Nov Dec - Feb Mar - May

programming WITH A NEW WELLNESS MODEL

SEEKING INCREASED

outcomes

MEASUREMENT AND TRACKING

QUALITY OF LIFE STATEMENT: I feel confident in my use of coping skills.

2013-14 SE-QoL Statement 7: I feel confident in my use of coping skills 100

Percentage

ALIGNING

80 1- Strongly Disagree

2- Disagree

3- Agree 20 0

4- Strongly Agree

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Jun - Aug Sept - Nov Dec - Feb Mar - May

STAIRWAYS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) The ACT team has introduced an innovative and interactive biofeedback smart phone application as a means to reduce stress across the program. Since February, the ACT team has been using HeartMath Inner Balance, an iPhone app that seeks to reduce tension by improving one’s heart rate and breathing. ACT has integrated the tool’s use in its work with clients as well as staff members. InnerBalance works by using an ear lobe clip that monitors heart rate variability (HRV) — changes in the heart’s rhythm that often reflect present emotions. The HRV is then visually represented on screen as a flowing wave, while the user is encouraged to breath in a slower, calmer manner by following along with a breath-pacing tool. Clients have also utilized virtual computer games that can simulate using the app in life situations.

“A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

Blended Case Management

Adult Education

Opportunities Unlimited

The Blended Case Management program placed renewed focus this year on the hiring and training of case managers for specialized teams designed to meet the unique needs of individuals. Expert and dedicated teams serve with Stairways forensic and drug and alcohol clinics, providing appropriately tailored service coordination for clients of these outpatient programs.

The end of this fiscal year also marked a shift in Adult Education programs at Stairways, with the planned cessation of Adult Basic Education and GED preparation classes. This change became necessary due to a number of factors, including a necessary relocation of programming as well as new funding-related expectations, which move program outcomes away from its original mission. Stairways will continue to oversee the statewide services of a cadre of regional and content specific consultants and instructional coaches whose role is to provide direct contact with all agencies funded to operate Adult Basic Education programs; and all existing students were individually referred to other local Adult Basic Education providers.

In April, Opportunities Unlimited of Erie Inc. (OU), Stairways’ affiliate program designed and dedicated to providing employment resources for individuals with disabilities, acquired Young’s Cleaners, 4001 W. Ridge Road. Young’s has been an established leader in dry cleaning and laundry for 29 years, and now serves as a work location for OU where employees can work in an authentic business setting, performing day-to-day operations under the supervision of staff. The site serves as a place for job training, job assessment and job placement, and provides a valuable stream of income for OU.

As Stairways serves all ages – children, transitional youth and adults – another specialized family team of case managers provides a new approach for families with more than one member struggling with mental health issues. Replacing an old model that can overwhelm a home with visits from multiple providers, Stairways’ family team streamlines the service; one cross-trained professional provides cohesive service, identifying and meeting the needs of all family members, regardless of age.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Our New Opportunities EAP moved operations to 1359 W. 6th St. within Frontier Place. The move allows visitors greater confidentiality, and the individuals we serve feel more comfortable attending services at our new location. This site has also helped to increase our knowledge of available local referral sources, as many neighboring offices within Frontier Place are rented by local counseling professionals operating private practices. As an added benefit, our new offices are directly behind Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park, and many of our clients comment on the natural therapeutic value they feel from simply gazing out our window.

During the years of its operation, the Stairways Adult Education program received several statewide awards, including one Teacher of the Year award winner, two Outstanding Adult Educator award winners, and several recognitions for high levels of student performance gains and project goal achievement.

Mobile Medication Management It can become overwhelming to individuals when they are prescribed new or changed medications for managing symptoms of their mental illness. Stairways’ Mobile Medication Management team helps in a way unlike any other provider in Erie County, focusing on skills development to empower clients toward the goal of fully managing their own medications. Introducing smart phone technology to open new avenues of teaching and pharmacology, professionals design a curriculum based on levels of engagement, along a spectrum from basic skills such as proper medication handling and reading a prescription bottle, to advanced communication with doctors, proper medication storage and packing medication boxes.

“I was fortunate to have been raised in a loving family with a wonderful mother and father. My father was the moral compass in our family and my mother the sense of humor. When I was about 12 years old, my mother began to struggle. She was eventually hospitalized and diagnosed with bipolar disorder. As can be imagined, this had a dramatic effect on our family. But we also got to experience the competence and compassion of dedicated mental health professionals. Eventually, with proper medication and therapy, my mother was able to live a full life of health and happiness. Every day, Stairways employees dedicate themselves to finding the best ways to make recovery a reality for every single one of their clients. From improving the ways they provide traditional treatment and rehabilitative services to offering a whole new set of arts-centered activities at the BLOOM Collaborative campus, these amazing individuals are constantly thinking differently about how best to serve their clients.” Kurt Hersch, Stairways Behavioral Health Board of Directors

Dual Diagnosis Outpatient Clinic Our Dual Diagnosis Drug & Alcohol clinic has undertaken an effort to expand its use of Vivitrol, an inventive drug used to treat opiate and alcohol addiction. Vivitrol, the trade name for Naltrexone, is an extended-release injection administered every 28 days that blocks the euphoric feelings associated with opiates and alcohol by attaching to certain receptors in the brain. In contrast to methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone), which have been the standard agonist treatments used during recovery, Vivotrol is an antagonist, meaning it blocks the brain’s neurotransmitters. Methadone and buprenorphine, which are opiates, activate the effects of neurotransmitters naturally found in the brain. Stairways has used Vivitrol with clients in conjunction with stress and medication management for more than two years and has seen its effectiveness on multiple occasions.

Outpatient Services Stairways’ outpatient clinic in Erie developed a pilot, team-delivered service model to enhance engagement in treatment, establish long-term trusting relationships between the client and assigned clinicians, promote continuity of care and consistency in facilitating a treatment regimen, and improve communication and collaboration among service providers. The core team includes a psychiatrist, mid-level medical professional, care coordinator, nurse, therapist and a certified peer specialist. After nearly a year of implementation, client satisfaction surveys show that the team-delivered approach has been successful in accomplishing its goals. As a result, we are working toward implementing this model across all outpatient services.

STAIRWAYS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

“A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

Blended Case Management

Adult Education

Opportunities Unlimited

STAIRWAYS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

Gage House LP Dual Diagnosis Residential Treatment Gage House LP, formerly known as the Deerfield Dual Diagnosis program, enjoys a new location at 1813 Holland Street, in addition to its new name. Gage House LP is dually licensed for as a mental health residential treatment facility for adults and drug and alcohol non-hospital based treatment. The location change supports an expansion of offerings which now include two levels of care: a 90-day (3C level) and a 30-day (3B level) maximum stay. Gage House LP completes a full spectrum of substance abuse services now available to Erie County residents through Stairways and partner Millcreek Community Hospital.

Fairweather Lodge While Stairways’ Fairweather Lodge support staff focused this year on getting back to the basics of this evidencebased best-practice program, admission criteria was opened to younger adults, aged 18-19. The principles of Fairweather Lodge adhere to the four domains of housing, employment, social interaction and group autonomy. The addition of younger adults to the Lodge culture produced unanticipated benefits. Younger adults learn more quickly from their older peers, who are more savvy and advanced along the recovery journey. The benefits are reciprocated, as seasoned Lodge members revisit and model the four fidelity principles for the new and younger members.

Residential Treatment Facility for Adults (RTFA) The RTFA program implemented a number of changes during the 2013-14 fiscal year, including the addition of a clinical supervisor position and a new bed, bringing the facility’s client capacity to 15. The clinical supervisor position added in January was part of a greater effort to develop enhanced curricula as a way to better attend to the varying levels of mental illness among clients. The supervisor also works with the therapists to help continue to develop RTFA and better respond to referrals and increased demand. The extra bed was added to the first floor of the two-story facility to accommodate the mobility and medical needs that often afflict clients.

Personal Care Home The Personal Care Home for adults added new and diverse wellness activities and groups. Following feedback and requests of our residents, these activities are scheduled throughout the day and evening to give residents opportunity to be involved in as many things as possible. Our most popular groups, also created based on the request and feedback from our residents, are a Healthy Living group, an Inspirational group and a Relationships group. Additionally this year, we began to work with occupational therapy interns from Gannon University in cooperation with Stairways’ Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services. This has helped to expand focus and awareness to on-site programming to include a range of activities across all dimensions of lifelong wellness.

Targeted Outreach Seasoned blended case manager Laurie Bizzarro provides a new service to inpatient and partial patients at Millcreek Community Hospital, Saint Vincent Hospital and the Safe Harbor Crisis Residential Unit. Each of these important community partners has generously welcomed Bizzarro into their facilities, where she introduces patients to the many Stairways programs available to them upon discharge. Bizzarro’s outreach helps individuals to better understand and consider their support options, and aids their conversation with the hospital social workers responsible for external patient referrals.

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

STAIRWAYS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

thinking differently AS A BUSINESS

hat changes we’ve seen in this country this past year regarding health care! States are enacting the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and everyone from care providers, insurers, businesses and covered individuals are experiencing the growing pains of conversion. As a result, conversation has escalated, and more air time than ever has been devoted to the importance of comprehensive health care. The nation has been talking more about mental health care as well, due to reports of military veterans awaiting treatment and a spotlight on the plight of the people struggling with mental illness from within our prison systems. Through heartrending stories transmitted across miles in a millisecond, we’ve watched as the aftermath of tragic events brings the inevitable headline, like “Fort Hood: Yet another tragedy from our broken mental health care system.” (Published April 03, 2014 | FoxNews.com) These macro level changes have caused us to think differently as a provider charged with the care and keeping of our own community. We consider how the Affordable Care Act might affect our business and expand our reach; we have created programs in partnership with the region’s prison systems that are unlike any other in the country; we’ve changed our thinking about how we use our brick-and-mortar space, and have expanded community partnerships

in order to address the unique needs of under-served populations in our neighborhoods. In short, we’ve done the hard work required to think differently about how we operate as a business. The 2013-14 fiscal year is a landmark in the history of Stairways, as our board of directors approved a resolution to affiliate under a common Support Corporation with Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems, a Bradford, Pa. – based provider of similar size and with great history and mission match with our own. This affiliation helps answer our call to sustain quality, life-changing services for an everexpanding number of clients, while holding steady administrative costs. All of these measures have been enabled by an affirmative transition in local government, including a new, forward-thinking Erie County Executive and Director of Human Services. Erie County government has renewed its focus and dedication to serving its citizens who lack many of the benefits that some take for granted, such as access to a comprehensive system of care and resources. Read on, as we share how we think differently as businesses, pursuing an enduring mission to join with forward-thinking leaders and like-minded entities to promote wellness and contribute to a healthy community.

“When I first joined the Stairways Board over 30 years ago, it was a much smaller organization, with smaller programs and a smaller budget, funded almost exclusively through its contract with the County of Erie. Through the years Stairways began to offer more and different programs, and with more than 20 programs and multiple funding sources, Stairways today is a dramatically different organization than it was 30 years ago. With new programs has come a concerted effort to seek alternative funding sources by both the Board and the CEO. The new BLOOM CollaborativeSM project is a good example of this change at Stairways, with BLOOM offering different programming and demonstrating a need to become more—if not entirely—self-sufficient from a financial standpoint. Change has continued to accelerate and our pursuit of a new affiliation with Beacon Light is a prime example of that. I am confident that Stairways will continue to change for the better, and will continue to be the dynamic organization it has historically been.” David Holland, Esq., Stairways Behavioral Health Board of Directors

“Scientists have determined that geese flying in formation can fly up to 72 percent farther than an individual goose flying by itself. In many cases this phenomenon also applies to individuals and institutions. In this time of limited resources and tight budgets, many nonprofit, social service agencies are finding it difficult to survive by trying to fly alone. The pursuit of affiliation between our agencies, Stairways Behavioral Health, and Beacon Light of Bradford, Pa., will begin the process of our own in-flight formation. Many hours have been spent by board members, the executive team and individual staff members to ensure a successful and lasting collaboration. As the outgoing Board Chair I wish to thank all involved for their tireless and selfless effort in bringing this affiliation to completion. We all look forward to a successful journey together!” Wayne Koble, Chair, Stairways Behavioral Health Board of Directors

thinking differently AS A BUSINESS

pursuing AFFILIATION

t the heart of Stairways Behavioral Health’s effort to consider an alternative and better way of thinking is a planned affiliation that harnesses the resources and passion of two like-minded organizations. The Boards of Directors of Stairways and Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems of Bradford, Pa., have mutually approved a resolution to affiliate under a common Support Corporation. With twice the size, footprint and manpower, this affiliation will result in remarkable community impact for both entities in the form of a larger client base, a greater human resources contingent and improved fiscal valuation. All of these factors will increase the political and financial leverage vital to providing the highest level of behavioral health care. Through affiliation, Stairways and Beacon Light board members and administrators will share an active role in governing the affiliated system, integrating administration in the areas of finance, information technology and human resources, among others. Stairways will continue to maintain local governance of its programs and services, as will Beacon Light maintain local governance of its existing, distinct companies.

The two organizations have already enjoyed a long-term working partnership in Warren County, providing both private and inpatient psychiatry and substance abuse services. This affiliation expands upon that successful partnership. Stairways currently employs approximately 400 people in Erie and Crawford counties and generates yearly revenues of $26 million through comprehensive behavioral health programs, including adult treatment and rehabilitation, forensic, substance abuse and crisis services, child and adolescent programming, housing and vocational support, arts and community wellness. Beacon Light employs more than 650 people in McKean, Warren, Forest, Clearfield, Jefferson and Bradford counties, with a wide spectrum of child and family programs in residential and community settings. Beacon Light generates over $30 million in annual revenue. This affiliation makes Stairways and the Beacon Light companies the largest and most comprehensive behavioral health services provider across the entire Northwestern Pennsylvania region.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending” – Maria Robinson

“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.” BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEMS

– Chinese proverb

pursuing AFFILIATION

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending” – Maria Robinson

“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.” BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEMS

– Chinese proverb

1&1?)

BY THE

numbers TOTAL COMBINED SERVICE HOURS: 186,216

DIRECT SERVICE HOURS PROVIDED BY PROGRAM

OUTPATIENT SERVICES Erie Counseling Center Crawford County Mobile Crisis Svs Erie Co. Prison Outpatient Svs Crawford Co. Outpatient Center Erie Dual Diagnosis Outpatient Center Erie Outpatient Center Erie Co. Forensic Outpatient Center

92,393 90 2,727 3,000 13,981 21,245 24,139 27,211

49.62% 0.05% 1.46% 1.61% 7.51% 11.41% 12.96% 14.61%

50.38% 0.79% 2.15% 3.55% 8.83% 8.98% 26.09%

HOURS BY TYPE OF SUPPORT

186,216

100%

Psychiatric, Medical & Nursing Care Individual & Group Talk Therapy Rehabilitation & Recovery

12,780 76,902 96,534

6.86% 41.30% 51.84%

93,822 1,472 3,995 6,602 16,440 16,723 48,590

PROGRAMS AND INDIVIDUALS SERVED Adult Services Adult Education ................................................... 269 Assertive Community Treatment ....................105 Blended Case Management .........................1,687 BLOOM CollaborativeSM................................. 1,098 Certified Peer Specialist ..................................... 154 Counseling Center ................................................ 37 Crawford County Mobile Crisis Svs ...............752 Crawford County Outpatient ......................1,464 CROMISA ..................................................................45 Erie Co. Prison Drug & Alcohol Svc .............. 240 Erie Co. Prison Services ................................. 1,828 Erie County Outpatient ................................. 3,679 Fairweather Lodge ................................................. 52 Forensic Outpatient ........................................1,618 Gage House Dual Diagnosis ............................198 Homestead Apartments .........................................4 Mobile Medication Management .................. 269 Outpatient Drug & Alcohol ..............................784 Personal Care Home ............................................46 Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services ................ 449 Residential Treatment Facility for Adults....... 197

MOBILE STAFF SERVICES CROMISA Erie Certified Peer Specialist Svs Mobile Medication Management Erie Assertive Community Treatment Erie Psychiatric Rehabilitation Svs Erie Blended Case Management

REVENUE BY SOURCE Managed Care Partners Erie Co. Dept. of Human Services Crawford Co. Dept. of Human Services Medicaid and Medicare Dual Diagnosis Residential PA Dept. of Education Miscellaneous Income Housing Revenue Erie Co. Office of Drug & Alcohol Private Pay Insurance CROMISA Grant Revenue New Opportunities - EAP Investments, Interest, Dividends Adult Probation Revenue Donations BLOOM CollaborativeSM Revenue Total Revenue

57.12% 22.04% 2.43% 3.44% 3.25% 3.20% 2.17% 2.10% 1.21% 0.88% 0.42% 0.39% 0.36% 0.35% 0.34% 0.22% 0.08% $26,069,721

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Services Blended Case Management ............................166 Crawford Co. Mobile Crisis Services .............227 Crawford County Outpatient .........................293 Erie County Outpatient .......................................94

Total Served ...............................................10,632 Total Adults Served ..........................................9,928 Total Children Served .........................................704

EXPENSES BY CATEGORY

1974 13% 36% 51%

TOTAL VISITORS Stairways & BLOOM Staff Mental Health Services Clients Community Members

Salaries, Wages and Benefits Professional Consultants Occupancy Supplies and Equipment Other Depreciation Travel Total Operating Expenditures

71.98% 8.53% 6.86% 4.17% 3.31% 3.05% 2.10% $25,759,624

1&1?)

BY THE

numbers TOTAL COMBINED SERVICE HOURS: 186,216

DIRECT SERVICE HOURS PROVIDED BY PROGRAM

92,393 90 2,727 3,000 13,981 21,245 24,139 27,211

49.62% 0.05% 1.46% 1.61% 7.51% 11.41% 12.96% 14.61%

50.38% 0.79% 2.15% 3.55% 8.83% 8.98% 26.09%

HOURS BY TYPE OF SUPPORT

186,216

100%

Psychiatric, Medical & Nursing Care Individual & Group Talk Therapy Rehabilitation & Recovery

12,780 76,902 96,534

6.86% 41.30% 51.84%

93,822 1,472 3,995 6,602 16,440 16,723 48,590

MOBILE STAFF SERVICES CROMISA Erie Certified Peer Specialist Svs Mobile Medication Management Erie Assertive Community Treatment Erie Psychiatric Rehabilitation Svs Erie Blended Case Management

57.12% 22.04% 2.43% 3.44% 3.25% 3.20% 2.17% 2.10% 1.21% 0.88% 0.42% 0.39% 0.36% 0.35% 0.34% 0.22% 0.08% $26,069,721

EXPENSES BY CATEGORY

1974 13% 36% 51%

TOTAL VISITORS Stairways & BLOOM Staff Mental Health Services Clients Community Members

Salaries, Wages and Benefits Professional Consultants Occupancy Supplies and Equipment Other Depreciation Travel Total Operating Expenditures

71.98% 8.53% 6.86% 4.17% 3.31% 3.05% 2.10% $25,759,624

community ESTABLISHING IMPORTANT

PARTNERSHIPS

Bhutanese Community Association of Erie BLOOM Collaborative’s relationship with Erie’s Bhutanese community continues to bear great fruit for all groups involved. The Bhutanese people have cared for BLOOM’s community garden for the past four years. In 2013, through a grant from Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, a space in the BLOOM campus’ anchor building was renovated into offices to house the new Bhutanese Community Association of Erie. There are over 4,000 Bhutanese refugees in Erie, and 124 families live in BLOOM’s neighborhood. Their peaceful nature and quick smile are a great addition to our campus.

Thank You, Eriez Magnetics! Tresler (r) with award nominator Heather Filson (l)

Congratulations, Joyce Tresler! YMCA- Two Collaborative Partnerships Each summer, BLOOM and the YMCA of Greater Erie collaborate on a summer lunch program to ensure sufficient nutrition for local children while school is out of session. Combining food and fun, the program provides nutritious meals and healthy activities to keep our neighborhood youth smiling all summer long. Since October 2013, the YMCA has partnered with Stairways’ development office to provide easy access to Y memberships for clients and families at a discounted rate. Stairways’ Client Wellness Fund is currently paying for 18 memberships for clients. Laura Powierza, Business Director of the Downtown Y, has been instrumental in setting up a cost-effective and efficient system of processing between the two organizations.

Joyce Tresler, a nurse at Stairways Behavioral Health’s Personal Care Home, was bestowed the 2013 Laura Wallerstein and Jerry Cline Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor for a Stairways employee. At our 15th annual employee recognition celebration at the Bel-Aire Conference Center in April, Tresler became the 23rd recipient of the Distinguished Service Award since its inception in 1996. The award, named after Stairways founder Laura Wallerstein and the late Jerry Cline, a longtime human resources director, is given to the employee who best exemplifies the mission, vision and values of Stairways. A licensed nurse since 1962, Tresler has maintained an active license for over 50 years and has focused her continuing dedication toward the treatment of substance abuse.

Through a generous donation from Eriez Magnetics, Christmas was made a little more special for 275 Stairways Behavioral Health clients who attended the 2013 Candy Cane Ball. Each person took home a gift of gloves and a hat to keep them warm during the winter season. Eriez Magnetics’ bountiful generosity also made Christmas gifts possible for the children served by the Blended Case Management program. Stairways is grateful for the considerate support it receives from benefactors like Eriez Magnetics.

“Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision.” – Cecil Beaton

community ESTABLISHING IMPORTANT

PARTNERSHIPS

Thank You, Eriez Magnetics! Tresler (r) with award nominator Heather Filson (l)

“Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision.” – Cecil Beaton

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Stairways Supporters THANK YOU Laura Wallerstein Stairways to Hope Society

The Moshe Lifshen Fund for Arts & Humanities

Anonymous Donors (2) David & Cecile* Armor John Bloomstine Gary & Donna Boetger Trisha Cloyd Joseph B. Dahlkemper Mary Ellen Dahlkemper Ed Dawson Atty. Ed & Rita Goebel Joan Harf Andrea Hoffman Atty. David & Patricia Holland Ida Jean Holman Robert & Margaret* Huber Annette Kimmel* Patricia Liebel Rabbi Leonard & Faith Lifshen Lindemuth Family Trust Kathleen Longley Thomas Masters, DO William F. & Mary Ann McCarthy Ben* & Betty* McCloskey Emma Lee McCloskey Ellen Callahan Wilfred Noel* Catherine O’Mara* Nancy O’Neill in memory of Chelsey* Joanne O’Neill Barbara & Albert* Pett Corinne Ray* Al & Peggy Richardson Lillian Roudebush* Herb & Jessie Rubinfield Charles* & Lita Schaaf Mary E. Schaaf Gary & Susan Schneider William M.* & Frances* Schuster Harold “Skip” Simmons & Jennifer* Pool Kim Stucke Laura W.* & Leon* Wallerstein Jr. David Wooledge Edward* & Ruth* Zacks - The Zacks Family Fund *Deceased

Laurette Heger David & Eta Howell Mary Ellen Dahlkemper & Edward Lesser

Stairways Behavioral Health Endowment Fund Kathy Thomas-Ibemere Henry Krol

Annual Appeal Drs. Mary Ann Albaugh & Dennis Broczon Marco & Edith Alberico James Allman Laurie Bizzarro Mr. & Mrs. William Bloomstine Jacqueline Breakstone David & Dr. Nancy Briggs Leo & Teresa Brugger Chiropractic Works Charles & Candace Curie Mary Ann Curtze Edward & Christine Dahlkemper Ernest & Elizabeth DiSantis Keith & Linda Donati Gary & Mary Dudenhoefer Duggan’s Service & Appliance Center Robert & Christine Ferrier Cathy Gage Michael & Janis Gage Rev. Leo Gallina Dr. William Garvey Paul & Barbara Gmuer Atty. Edward & Rita Goebel Rich Griffith Patricia Gustafson Thomas & Susan Hagen Dennis & Danna Hartwig Andrea Hoffman Hubbard-Bert, Inc. Dr. Charles & Dawn Joy Thomas Kennedy Scott Kern & Amy CuzzolaKern Kiwanis Club of Erie Wayne & Robin Koble Koldrock Waters, Inc. Charlett Kohler John Laird Lord-NW PA Contributions Committee Brian & Susan McGrain Elizabeth McLauren Janice Niebauer Jerome & Mary Ann Pelkowski Michael & Carol Perry

Barbara Pollock Amy & Dave Recenwald James & Anne Ryan Theodore & Sally Scarlett Nicholas & Kim Scott Greta Shaffer Siebenburger Club Harold “Skip” Simmons Michael & Susan Simon Ronald & Dianne Slomski Sportsmen’s Athletic Club Alan & Carol Smith Edward Staab Jacqueline Staab Nicole Barclay Swanson David & Mary Ann Tempestini James & Mary Ann Toohey Philip & Cheryl Tylkowski Vantage Healthcare Network, Inc. Weber Electric Supply, Inc. Merle & Phoebe Wood David Wooledge

Client Assistance Fund American Legion Aux. East Erie Unit 771 Deborah Anthony Scott Baldi Bianchi Motors, Inc. Laurie Bizzarro James Borowy Carlene Boykin Kimberlea Casey Heather May Caspar Khadijah Clanton Rebecca Clark Patricia Cloyd Christine Colao-Nickson Joseph Corapi Nicole Cowan Joseph Crotty Mary Custer Mary Ellen Dahlkemper Jeanne Daugherty Robin Dowling Kelly English Ann Marie Ernst Amanda Ferguson Shirley Ruth French Juanita Gangemi Wilson Garcia William Gartner Lisa Gingenbach Ashley Gleason Daria Grabowski

Sona Hernandez Alicia Hodges David & Patricia Holland Kathy Ibemere Rose Johnston Thomas Kirkwood Knights of St. John Christopher Knoll Wayne & Robin Koble Linda Krahe Henry Krol Lori Kruszewski Michael Lawson Joshua Leopold Janine Lethaby Christine Linkie Tina Loomis Lord Corporation Cynthia Lorelli Gary Lucht Marquette Savings Bank Kim Marsh Cheryl Martin Celeste McCallum Margaret Mechlenburg Patricia Montie Azzam & Cecelia Muhanna Ninoska Navarro Janice Niebauer Robert & Pamela Nolan Lynn Oborski Benjamin Okey Aubrey Onorato Dr. Jennifer Pasternack Stacey Petruso Frank Quinn Stephanie Rice Andre Ritchie Robert Ross Kerry Roward Joan Roland Patricia Rowley St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Sharon Sandberg Brenda Sanford David Sawtelle Amy Schwartz Karl Seman Patty Seman Andrea Sheckler David & Amber Shenk Erika Shepard Sportsman Athletic Club Jennifer Stahon Stairways’ Education Department Kim Stucke

Dr. Sean Su Kathleen Sullivan Sunflower Club Margaret Taylor Robert Thayer Jennifer Valerio Brent Vargo Loretta Verga Mary Viglione Julie Warren Susan Werle Rebecca Wilczynski Chad Work Jennifer Wright Rochelle Youkers Mary Zamierowski Andrea Zeiber Nancy Zohns Jana Zybowski

Grants and Foundation Support Anonymous AON Foundation Achieva Family Trust Arts Erie The Black Family Foundation The Britton Family Foundation Erie Community Foundation Erie County Department of Human Services Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program Kern Family Foundation Fund of Erie Community Foundation McBrier Foundation PNC Financial Services Group Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Pennsylvania Department of Education: Division of Adult Education Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Pennsylvania Partners on the Arts The William M. & Frances Schuster Fund of the Erie Community Foundation Staunton Farm Foundation Zacks Charitable Foundation

In-kind Donations Achilles Running Shop All that Glitters Bloom Collaborative Delta Sonic Eat’n Park Elk Valley Golf Course Fun Fitness Tony & Darlene Grandinetti

Rabbi Leonard & Faith Lifshen Maria’s Tasty Delights Metz Outback Steakhouse Pampered Paws Joe Root’s Grill Patricia Rowley Dennis Sabot Sparta’s Mini Spa Texas Road House Dave & Betsy Wiest Zaris Tatoos A Stairways partnership with the Erie County Adult Probation and Community Service Program has resulted in 3,300+ hours of community service work dedicated to a variety of property management projects. Special thanks to: Tom Burkett John Maloney Jancy Garman

Special Events: Candy Cane Ball Eriez Magnetics Charitable Contributions Committee

Erie Gives James Allman Anonymous (6) Mr. & Mrs. Barclay and the Barclay Family Laurie Bizzarro David & Dr. Nancy Briggs Jim & Heather May Caspar Rebecca Clark Gene & Maxine Cudny Bill & Sally DeWitt Donna Douglas & David Bennett Walter & Joan Harf John Harkins David & Lindsey Holland David & Patricia Holland Holly Kayser Eugene W. Kennedy Bruce & Nancy Kern Keystone Research Corporation Wayne & Robin Koble Fred & Marietta Kuehn Michael & Denise Lawson Gary & Cheryl Lucht Gina Menz Kristine Nelson Janice Niebauer Denis & Patti O’Brien Colleen Lynn Prittie Al & Peggy Richardson Roth Marz Partnership, PC

Jim and Anne Ryan Sallie Shipley Ronald & Dianne Slomski Dr. Tony Snow & Kathy Iorio Kim Stucke Nicole Barclay Swanson Drs. Sam & Janet Trychin Scott & Linda Whalen Phil & Joy Zamierowski Cathy & Philip Zacks

Memorials In memory of Matthew Bitting Carol Bitting In memory of James Carey James & Kathi Longley In memory of Barbara Chiaramonte Mary Ellen Dahlkemper & Edward Lesser In memory of Jerry Cline Felix & Gloecker, PC In memory of Vera Cole Siebenburger Gesang Verein In memory of Daniel E. Desser Norma Desser In memory of Rose DiLoreto Bradley & Jamie Sage In memory of Martha Eichenlaub Leigh Kostis James & Katherine Nuber Palmer Financial LLC In memory of Barbara French Atty. Edward & Rita Goebel In memory of Rachel Zacks Gage Barbara Gage & Andrew Laughland In memory of Mikey Kader Jack & Phyllis Komora In memory of Annette Kimmel Ester Cohen Rick & Mindy Cohen In memory of J. Howard Klebes Daniel Klebes In memory of Jay Komora Christopher & Gail Komora In memory of Robert “Bob” Reedy, Melissa Monacello & Marcus W. Holden Kara Onorato

In memory of Joanne Rowland Joan Rowland In memory of Trudy Rushin Richard & Jo Laurie In memory of Sean Shimp Carolyn Melby In memory of Jennifer “Jenny” Singer Christina Allen Rick & Mindy Cohen David & Felice Oppenheim Len & Roberta Schoenberg Dr. Thomas & Annette Wittmann Philip & Cathy Zacks In memory of Charles E. Stiles, Jr. Dr. Charles & Beatrice Stiles, Sr. In memory of Audrey Twiss Judie Lamberton In memory of Charlene Wheeler David Dahlkemper

Tribute Gifts In honor of Marc Alberico Norma Herbstritt In honor of John Carey and the Carey and Dunlop Families James & Kathi Longley In honor of Mary Therese Goebel Betty Motsch In honor of Bill McCarthy’s work Barbara Stoler In honor of Ron McIntosh Elynor McIntosh In honor of Lori Page Mary Olivere In honor of Lee Steadman Theresa Steadman In honor of Karen Trost David & Cheryl Trost In honor of Anna Catharina Van Kerken & Yaap Van Hal Richard & Catharina Buys In honor of Ronald Vash Maurice & Dorothy Vash

For more information on any of these giving opportunities, visit our website at www.StairwaysBH.org or contact Kim Stucke at 814-878-2170. All financial contributions listed within these pages include donations received between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014. Although we have taken great care to make sure names are spelled correctly, sometimes errors or omissions do occur. We sincerely apologize for any errors. Please let Juanita Gangemi know if mistakes have been made. She can be reached at 814-878-2071 or jgangemi@ StairwaysBH.org. Thank you.

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Stairways Supporters THANK YOU Laura Wallerstein Stairways to Hope Society

The Moshe Lifshen Fund for Arts & Humanities

Laurette Heger David & Eta Howell Mary Ellen Dahlkemper & Edward Lesser

Stairways Behavioral Health Endowment Fund Kathy Thomas-Ibemere Henry Krol

In-kind Donations Achilles Running Shop All that Glitters Bloom Collaborative Delta Sonic Eat’n Park Elk Valley Golf Course Fun Fitness Tony & Darlene Grandinetti

Special Events: Candy Cane Ball Eriez Magnetics Charitable Contributions Committee

www.StairwaysBH.org 2185 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505

BE A PART OF OUR STORY . . . Stairways Behavioral Health has gone digital and you can be a part of it! Stay connected with Stairways by registering for our eNewsletter, a monthly publication that provides compelling personal stories, event information, useful health and safety tips as well as the latest news and updates from the field. New and great things are always happening at Stairways Behavioral Health and we want you to know about them. Visit www.stairwaysbh.org/newsletter to sign up and you will receive a 1 GB USB flash drive as a token of our appreciation for your support (while supplies last).