Journeys - Summer 2012 by Saint Mary

JOURNEYS Because it is in the process, as much as the progress, that we measure each journey. A publication of St. Mary’s Home. ––––––––––––––––––

INSIDE

Summer 2012

PROM AND GRADUATION:

Rituals of Spring

You can help make possible The Albero House for adults

Young volunteer honored

St. Mary’s troop celebrates century of Girl Scouts

Son continues mother’s tradition of caring for children

6 Changing the lives

of children, one day at a time

St. Mary’s nurses honored, thanks to a parent

Virginia Opera brings sound of music to St. Mary’s ––––––––––––––––––

ABOUT US We provide quality, specialized care within a homelike environment for special children with disabilities, so each child can achieve his or her fullest potential. ––––––––––––––––––

On hand to crown Brandon as Prom King was Tiana Smith, a direct support professional at St. Mary’s. Brandon had asked Tiana to accompany him to prom. Brandon cannot speak but, during the dance, he used his computerized communication device to type out a message to Tiana: “I love you.”

usic blared and smiles abounded on a Sunday in April as residents at St. Mary’s danced the afternoon away at prom, with a little help from their friends. In what has become an annual tradition, students from Norfolk Academy decorated St. Mary’s Atrium and also served as dates for teens at St. Mary’s. The Auxiliary Board of St. Mary’s Home provided dresses, tuxes and flowers. A volunteer, Michelle Gabriele, came in to professionally apply the girls’ makeup. St. Mary’s staff and family members of the residents fixed the girls’ hair and helped the girls and boys get dressed up for the big dance. Brandon Sutton, a licensed practical nurse at St. Mary’s, served as deejay. Koko was voted Prom Queen, and her good friend Brandon was voted Prom King. Two weeks later, four young women — Rachel, Molly, Mercedez and Lauren — took part in another rite of spring: graduation. The ceremony, with speeches, music and a celebratory feast, marked the end of the students’ formal education. “Rachel has inspired me with her milestones — picking up a spoon, smiling, flipping a switch and mostly her unconditional love, tolerance and engaging social skills,” Eileen Scherzinger said as she Bruce and Eileen paid tribute to her daughter and the Scherzinger celebrate their daughter Rachel's graduaother graduates. tion with their son Andrew.

From our CEO

William C. Giermak, CEO

Thank you for making a difference

St. Mary’s Board of Trustees

Vincent A. Napolitano President Thomas Godfrey Vice President George L. Consolvo Treasurer Nancy Wilcox Secretary Richard N. Knapp Immediate Past President Carl M. Albero Michael P. Cotter Michael E. Duffy Sharon S. Goodwyn H. Gregory Kilduff Judi E. Luffman Alvin J. Schexnider, Ph.D. Norma J. Taliaferro Clare Davison Auxiliary President HONORARY TRUSTEES Theodore J. Broecker George Compo Joan Damsey, FACMPE Sandra R. Gordon Daniel J. Hurley Frederick J. Napolitano, Sr. Patricia Perry Cynthia Rector-Jones

St. Mary’s Foundation Board of Trustees Michael P. Cotter Thomas W. Godfrey Jr. H. Gregory Kilduff Judi E. Luffman Norma J. Taliaferro J. Hume Taylor, Jr. Joseph Toland, M.D., North Shore Pediatrics Medical Director

s you’ll see throughout this issue of our newsletter, volunteers, donors and friends of St. Mary’s make such an important difference in the lives of the children and young adults we care for here at the Home. Here are just three quick, but significant, examples: • The St. Mary’s Auxiliary has been an important part of the fabric of the Home for more than 60 years. The Auxiliary’s Gala in February was another success with excellent attendance and results. The Auxiliary contributes to projects that directly benefit the children. The Home appreciates the efforts of the Auxiliary. Thank you to Karen Hibbard, who recently completed four years of outstanding leadership as president of the Auxiliary. Please enjoy our • In 2007, the Nell W. Williams Charitable Lead Annuity Trust was newsletter, which established to benefit St. Mary’s. Currently, funds for the trust are being used to implement a tutoring program at the Home. Brandon has a fresh new and Koko are the first two students in the program. The program look and name. will help them develop their reading and writing. Thanks to Mrs. Thank you to Williams and the Williams and Blair families for their ongoing Portfolio Recovery support of the children of St. Mary’s. Associates • Finally, special thanks to Bill Ripley, a longtime member of the for sponsoring our Board of Trustees, who retired from the Board earlier this year. Bill newsletter. is an architect by profession and was directly involved in the planning and design of the current St. Mary’s Home, which opened in 2005. He also has been of great assistance in the planning for the Albero House for adults, which will open in 2013. We have a world-class facility at St. Mary’s and Mr. Ripley’s time and talent were instrumental in St. Mary’s ability to plan and build such a great Home for the children. These are but three examples. We thank all of you who give of your time, talent and treasure to help St. Mary’s provide excellent care and caring for the children and families we serve.

“ ”

From our President

Vincent A. Napolitano, president

Supporters, staff make St. Mary’s great

his issue of Journeys is dedicated to those individuals who support St. Mary’s in various ways: as volunteers, dedicated staff and donors. Without the personal support of so many, St. Mary’s history would not be as rich, and the Home wouldn’t be as vibrant as it is now. St. Mary’s entire nursing staff recently was featured in a special publication by The Virginian-Pilot newspaper in honor of National Nurses Week. While all the nurses work hard to provide excellent care for the children and young adults, Jennifer Stephens, LPN, literally goes the extra mile: she commutes 70 miles one way from her home in Como, N.C. Colleagues describe Stephens as a dependable, quick-thinking and passionate “sweet soul” who’s always looking for ways to help the children and other staff members. Stephens also is quick to recognize others for their thoughtfulness and good work. She recently commended Katie Gray, a newly hired direct support professional, for doing an amazing job with the children in her care. “I know that she has not been here long, but she worked like she has been here for years,” Stephens wrote. “I could really tell that she is here for the children.” We’d like to know more about your own personal history with St. Mary’s. You can share your thoughts via our Facebook page, at facebook.com/StMarysHome; on our blog, now under the News section on our newly redesigned website, saintmaryshome.org; or by emailing Sonja Barisic, marketing communications manager, at sbarisic@smhdc.org. Whatever your reasons for involvement, we thank you and hope that you will continue with us in the years ahead, especially as St. Mary’s expands to care for adults.

“”

At St. Mary’s, you make it personal.

From our Auxiliary Board

Karen Hibbard, immediate past auxiliary president

Auxiliary Gala raises funds, hopes

his issue of the newsletter is always my favorite, because it’s the time of year when the Auxiliary Board has concluded its annual gala and auction raising funds for the children and young adults at St. Mary’s Home. It’s a time to celebrate the work of St. Mary’s Home and give thanks to our community for the support that changes the lives of the children at St. Mary’s and renews hope for their future. Your commitment to these children is apparent through your generosity. This year’s gala, sponsored again by Checkered Flag Volkswagen, was no exception and was one of our most successful fundraising events to date, raising more than $75,000. The 7th Annual Gala and Auction at the Westin Town Center in Virginia Beach included a silent auction with more than 200 donated items, plus a dozen live auction items. Guests enjoyed music by the Josh Walker Trio during the cocktail reception and three-course meal. WVEC-TV personality Craig Moeller served as emcee, and Roxane Ward, the mother of a child at St. Mary’s, spoke about her family’s personal decision to place their son Colton in the care of St. Mary’s Home and the difference it has made in the quality of Colton’s life. The audience responded to her amazing story and heartfelt words with a standing ovation. The finale was a drawing for a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle donated by Checkered Flag Volkswagen in Virginia Beach. Congratulations to winner Katherine Dutlinger of William E. Wood and Associates. Other sponsors included Clark Nexsen, Monarch Bank, Mrs. Katheryn Mote, Wells Fargo Advisors, Roof Engineering, DRS Construction, Craig Technologies and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Oldfield. This year’s event was bittersweet as my term as the Auxiliary’s president came to an end in February. The past four years have been some of the most rewarding years of my life and it has truly been an honor to serve the board and St. Mary’s Home, but most of all, to serve the children. Words cannot fully express my appreciation to this board for all of their time and effort dedicated throughout the years, always done with genuine love and compassion. The Auxiliary Board strives to make a difference in the lives of St. Mary’s children and is doing just that. Under the leadership of our new president, Clare Davison, I am looking forward to continuing the mission of the Auxiliary Board by serving the needs of St. Mary’s children. The Auxiliary Board is thankful for Clare’s willingness to lead us into the future and wishes her all the best in her new position. We also welcome two new directors, Amy Dagnall and Amy Pavlik.

Meet St. Mary’s New Major Gifts Officer

llison Bough, CFRE, has become the major gifts officer, a new position, at St. Mary’s Home. Bough is helping to complete the $3 million campaign to build an adult home and also is working with individuals who want to support the children and young adults of St. Mary’s in a significant way. Bough came to the Home in September 2010 as the capital campaign coordinator. She has more than 18 years of fundraising experience, including as a consultant with The Kellogg Organization and director of development for two human services agencies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hollins University and a master’s degree in business administration from Meredith College.

lockwise from left, Immediate C Past Auxiliary President Karen Hibbard with some of the guests at the auction: Todd Collins, general manager of auction sponsor Checkered Flag Volkswagen; Collins’s wife, Alicen Collins; and Emma and Shanyla, residents of St. Mary’s Home. See more photos from the event at facebook.com/StMarysHome.

Keep up-to-date

WITH US Subscribe to our periodic email newsletter at saintmaryshome.org. For more news, visit: facebook.com/StMarysHome twitter.com/StMarysHome youtube.com/StMarysHome saintmaryshome.org (go to News>Blog)

You can help make possible The Albero House for adults ––––––––––––––––––

THANK YOU

TO MAJOR

SUPPORTERS

OF THE ALBERO

HOUSE and the

EMBRACE

ENDOWMENT

CAMPAIGN • Carl & Carole Anne Albero • Mary Ludlow Home • Hampton Roads Community Foundation • Meade R. Welch, Sr. & Mary R. Welch Fund • Auxiliary Board of St. Mary’s Home • The Beazley Foundation • The Cabell Foundation • Douglas & Marianne Dickerson Foundation • Dominion Enterprises • Steve & Mara Fredrickson • Mr. & Mrs. Chester F. Giermak • Sentara Healthcare • John “Dubby” & Susan Wynne • Amerigroup Charitable Foundation • John & Joyce Fain • Eddie & Sandy Garcia • Napolitano Family Foundation • Alison J. and Ella W. Parsons Fund • Mary Morton Parsons Foundation • Riverside Health System • TowneBank Foundation

our gift makes all the difference. At St. Mary's Home, children born with severe disabilities – many who can't speak or walk – defy expectations by attending prom, celebrating graduation and enjoying trips to the beach and other fun spots in the community. Until now, the success of these children often ended too early. When they reached age 21, they had to leave their home here. And it was difficult to find a comparable place for them to go. Now there will be one, thanks to generous

Isaiah checks out the construction site of The Albero House, with Ron Herrick, St. Mary’s facility maintenance manager.

people like you. The Albero House for adults on St. Mary's campus is so close to becoming a reality. To get there, the children need your help. Please take a moment to make your taxdeductible gift online at saintmaryshome.org. Or contact Martha Price Stewart, director of development, at (757) 446-6797, (800) 237-6555 or mstewart@smhdc.org. Thank you for your support.

YOUNG VOLUNTEER HONORED

ongratulations to one of our dedicated volunteers, Jenna Crumley, who was recognized with a Volunteer Hampton Roads Volunteer Achievement Award in the youth category at a ceremony in April. Jenna was just 9 years old when she created the Kid2Kid program for children in the community to reach out to the children and young adults of St. Mary's. Here’s Jenna earlier this year at the Tidewater Builders Association Home & Garden Show in Virginia Beach, where Kid2Kid sold some of their “duct tape couture” wallets and other creations. The group has raised more than $5,000 to support the children and young adults of St. Mary’s Home.

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St. Mary’s troop celebrates

century of Girl Scouts S t. Mary's Girl Scout Troop 5067 celebrated the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts with a ceremony in March. Former Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf spoke to the girls and guests about her memories of being a Girl Scout. Koko, a member of St. Mary’s troop, had the honor of introducing the former mayor using a specialized speaking device. Mary Murphy, who helped create St. Mary's troop, presented St. Mary's Home with a certificate of appreciation for sponsoring the troop.

SON CONTINUES MOTHER’S TRADITION of

CARING FOR CHILDREN

he housekeeper from the rectory at St. Mary’s Church in Norfolk knocked on the door. “Mrs. Garcia! Come quick. Father needs you.” Rosa Garcia grabbed her 5-year-old son Eddie by the hand and rushed to the rectory, where the priest who lived there was holding a newborn that had been left in a basket on the steps. He implored Mrs. Garcia to find the mother. A neighborhood search turned up empty, so Mrs. Garcia took the infant home and convened an emergency meeting of the Daughters of Isabella, the Catholic women’s organization she led. The members agreed to take turns caring for the baby in their homes. As word of the arrangement spread, more babies appeared on the rectory steps, and the women started taking care of them at the old Knights of Columbus recreation center. It was the early 1930s, near the start of the Great Depression, and a decade or so before the opening of St. Mary’s Home, which originally provided shelter for children who could not find it elsewhere. Today, the physical therapy room at the Home is dedicated in Mrs. Garcia’s honor. Eddie Garcia never forgot his mother’s kindness toward children in need. During the 1950s, Garcia and employees at his electrical contracting business set up Christmas trees at St. Mary’s Infant Home, as it was then called. They also would ask the Home for a list of clothing and toy suggestions and then buy Christmas presents for the children, a holiday tradition that many generous people continue today. Throughout the years, Garcia, a prominent developer, also has supported the children and young adults of St. Mary’s in other ways. Garcia and his wife, Sandy, made a gift to help build the current St. Mary’s Home. Most recently, the couple made a remarkable pledge to help St. Mary’s to get closer to the $3 million needed to build The Albero House, which will extend care to adults 22 and older with disabilities. “I love what they do … the fact that they do such good charitable work to help those in need,” Garcia said of St. Mary’s. “We all need to help where we can, as much as we can.”

In The News THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT May 9 St. Mary’s nurses were recognized as winners in a special Nurses Week publication.

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INSIDE BUSINESS

April 9 The Albero House at St. Mary’s was listed under major medical projects in the City of Norfolk's new annual report.

–––––––––––––––––– THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT April 5 Article in the newspaper’s “Compass” section featured St. Mary’s Girl Scout troop celebrating the Girl Scouts’ centennial.

–––––––––––––––––– WCTV-CHESAPEAKE TELEVISION April 5 CEO William C. Giermak and Marketing Communications Manager Sonja Barisic were interviewed on "Thinking Out Loud" with Mark Cox.

–––––––––––––––––– NORFOLK’S NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK week of Feb. 19 Auxiliary President Karen Hibbard and CEO William C. Giermak appeared on “City Slice” to discuss the Auxiliary auction and gave an update on The Albero House.

–––––––––––––––––– THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Dec. 25 Director of Development Martha P. Stewart and Foundation Trustee J. Hume Taylor were quoted in an article on the front of the “Hampton Roads” section about Mary Ludlow’s legacy. For links to these and other media mentions of St. Mary’s Home, see News Coverage in the News section of saintmaryshome.org.

CHANGING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN,

ONE DAYATATIME Come Learn

With Us T

hank you to Children’s Specialty Group for sponsoring the 2012 “Fifth Fridays at St. Mary’s” lecture series featuring physicians and other professionals who work with St. Mary’s Home. The lectures are free and open to the public. Susan G. Moritz, Esq., opened the series on March 30 with a discussion about guardianship. Dr. Marilyn Gowen spoke about sleep apnea on June 29. One more lecture is scheduled for this year. For more information, see the calendar on page 7 of this newsletter or the “Events” section of our website, saintmaryshome.org. Or call (757) 622-2208.

By Lauren Burnett TASH is an organization that advocates for human rights and inclusion for people with significant disabilities. In late 2011, Lauren Burnett, a support coordinator a St. Mary’s Home, traveled to Atlanta for a TASH conference on creating opportunities for people with disabilities. Here, Burnett, who would like to start a local chapter of TASH, shares how the conference inspired her. ASH taught me so many things over the course of four days. It taught me that the passion I have for the children and young adults here at St. Mary’s isn’t just my passion. The presenters — parents, educators, advocates, and children and adults with disabilities — all spoke with such enthusiasm about issues affecting children and adults with disabilities as well as successes. When asked, “How can we make the most out of each and every day we work?” I thought about that and smiled. I can say that I truly come to St. Mary’s each and every day to change the lives of all my kids, one day at a time. Smiles on

Lauren Burnett, a support coordinator at St. Mary’s, visits with D’Aviance, one of the children she works with at the Home.

our kids’ faces means more than anything in my book. TASH taught me that I need to continue to empower parents and guardians to be their children’s voices through their fears, anxiety and the unknown. I also learned about principles for the individual plans we develop for and with the children, including: • freedom to dream and to think outside of the box; • authority to control their own self-directed budgets, hire/fire their services and make decisions about their lives; • ability to choose their circle of support; and • responsibility and confirmation — the critical role people with disabilities and their families play in designing and operating the system they rely on. “Nothing about me, without me.” TASH gave me a boost of energy, knowing that the children and young adults who live at St. Mary’s are special and that they chose me, so less than my best will never be an option. Learn more about TASH at http://tash.org.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ST. MARY’S at OUR NEW WEBSITE

he address is the same, but much has changed. We’d like to invite you to check out our website, saintmaryshome.org. We’ve completely redesigned the site to make it friendlier and easier to use. You’ll find in-depth information about what St. Mary’s offers to help children and young adults with severe disabilities reach their fullest potential — and how donors like you make our mission possible. While you’re online, you also can sign up for our e-mail newsletter to keep up-to-date with us, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, and read stories about the children, staff and supporters on our blog, now conveniently built right into the website. We add new content frequently, so be sure to check back often. Thank you.

Kishaun and Jennifer Stephens, LPN, enjoy a beautiful spring day on St. Mary’s grounds.

Upcoming

Events

AUG. 11, 2012

ST. MARY’S NURSES HONORED,

THANKS TO A PARENT

ongratulations to the dedicated nurses of St. Mary's Home for being recognized in The Virginian-Pilot's special publication celebrating National Nurses Week in May. The newspaper sought nominations for individual nurses from healthcare organizations throughout Hampton Roads, but Roxane Ward, whose son Colton lives at St. Mary's, had something bigger in mind. She wrote a beautiful letter nominating St. Mary's entire nursing staff – and the staff won. Here's an excerpt from Mrs. Ward's letter: "Because of St. Mary's nurses, I can sleep at night knowing my most cherished possession is in the caring hands of these very special individuals. You see, not only do they provide the most amazing medical care that we have ever experienced, they possess a very rare gift of love for these kids that makes them the next best thing to 'mom' and if you look closely you just might see their halo and wings." If you haven't been to St. Mary's Home recently, we invite you to come for a tour to see for yourself the high quality of care that our nurses and the rest of our staff provide. Please call Melanie PérezLópez, director of social work, at (757) 622-2208 ext. 321 or email mperezlopez@smhdc.org.

Virginia Opera brings

sound of music to St. Mary’s

embers of the Virginia Opera’s Emerging Artists program performed “Little Red” at St. Mary’s in February, then toured the Home to meet with some of the children and even sing a bit of a cappella. Pictured here are Isaiah with singer Megan Marino (kneeling at left), singer Cairan Ryan, pianist and tour music director John Arida, and singer Julia Ebner. Thank you to Earl McLain and Wells Fargo The Private Bank for making the performance possible.

Charity Kicks soccer clinic for children grades K-8, presented by Harbor Front Kiwanis. The event also is a fundraiser that will benefit St. Mary’s Home and several other charities. Old Dominion University Soccer Stadium. Information: charitykicks.com

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SEPT. 6, 2012

Opening of art show by Cynthia Rector-Jones to benefit St. Mary’s Home. 6:30 p.m., Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach. Information: (757) 446-6793

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SEPT. 28, 2012

Puttin’ on the Ritz 6th Annual Club Corp Charity Classic. Proceeds to benefit St. Mary’s Home in part. 6-9 p.m., Town Club, 101 W. Main St., World Trade Center Building, Suite 300, Norfolk. $35 per person, includes open premium bars, heavy hors d’oeuvres, silent auction and live jazz. For registration information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Tiffany Cox, (757) 625-6606 ext. 126. Register online at http://goo.gl/oolcY.

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NOV. 30, 2012

“Fifth Fridays at St. Mary’s Home” lecture featuring Dr. Jean Shelton, St. Mary’s medical director of rehabilitation services, who will discuss “Spasticity Management in Children and Young Adults with Special Needs.” 1 p.m., St. Mary’s Atrium. Free. Information: (757) 622-2208 ext. 321

St. Mary’s Home

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Norfolk, VA Permit No. 2218

6171 Kempsville Circle Norfolk, VA 23502 saintmaryshome.org (757) 622-2208 | (800) 237-6555

Journeys is published by the nonprofit St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children. If you have questions or comments, contact the editor, Sonja Barisic, at (757) 352-2700 or sbarisic@smhdc.org.

Thank you to Portfolio Recovery Associates for sponsoring our newsletters in 2012.

Off the ice, hockey players play nice

Take a “Journey” with us online. If you would prefer

to read Journeys in a digital version instead of receiving a print copy in the mail, please let us know by emailing Sonja Barisic, the newsletter editor, at sbarisic@smhdc.org. We will email you to let you know when the next issue is available online.

hen forward Eric Neilson and seven other members of the Norfolk Admirals hockey team visited St. Mary's in December 2011, he jumped right in to help one of the young adults play indoor soccer. Colton is unable to speak, but he and Nielsen bonded right away and spent the entire visit laughing and smiling. Thank you to the Admirals for their time

and generosity. Players autographed photos and other items, while the team donated game tickets so the children and young adults could see the Admirals in action. Congratulations to Neilson for being named the team’s Man of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the community during the season. And congratulations to the team for winning the 2012 Calder Cup championship.

Eric Neilson with Colton. See more photos of the Admirals’ visit to St. Mary’s on our Facebook page.

lease help children with severe disabilities receive the very best care and live in a cheerful, homelike environment. You can make your life-altering gift by calling (757) 622-2208 or (800) 237-6555. You also can donate securely at saintmaryshome.org or send your contribution, with our deep thanks, using the envelope provided with this newsletter. Gifts to St. Mary’s Home are tax-deductible and benefit residents in many ways. For example, supporters like you helped make it possible for the children to take more than 200 field trips in 2011. You also are invited to create your legacy by making a planned gift to St. Mary’s Home and becoming a member of The Guardian Society. Gifts made through estate plans — for example, leaving St. Mary’s in your will — offer benefits to you and ensure that future generations of children and young adults will benefit from the excellent care at St. Mary’s Home. For more information, contact Martha Price Stewart, director of development, at (757) 622-2208 ext. 308 or mstewart@smhdc.org.

YOUR HELP

is NEEDED