Presentation of The MENTOR Network’s
Ripple of Hope Awards November 9, 2011
Museum of Science Boston, Massachusetts
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.�
Photo: Zev Fisher
- Robert F. Kennedy, Capetown, South Africa, 1966
Presentation of the 2011
Ripple of Hope Awards
November 9, 2011 Museum of Science Boston, Massachusetts
Evening Program 6:30 PM Dinner Reception 8:00 PM Ripple of Hope Awards Ceremony Opening Remarks Edward M. Murphy Chief Executive Officer Introduction of 2011 Ripple of Hope Award Winners Bruce F. Nardella President and Chief Operating Officer Presentation of Awards David M. Petersen President, Redwood Operating Group Robert Melia President, Cambridge Operating Group
Kathleen Federico Chief Human Resources Officer
Jamison J. Ashby President and CEO, CareMeridian
Performance by Donald Perry Individual served by California MENTOR 9:15 PM Dessert Reception
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A Special T hanks Many thanks to The MENTOR Network’s first Network Nightingale, Donald Perry, for traveling across the country to honor the 2011 Ripple of Hope Award winners with a musical performance. Donald, who receives support through our California MENTOR Family Home Agency (FHA) program in Orange County, regularly performs at his day program, Creative Identity, where he is also in a band. In addition to guitar and vocals, Donald plays the base guitar and is learning the cello.
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Ripple of Hope Awards The MENTOR Network’s Ripple of Hope Awards were created in 2005 to recognize employees, Mentors and other independent contractors whose compassion, energy and skill create ripples of hope in the lives of others. Award winners are nominated by their peers and selected by The MENTOR Network in recognition of their unwavering commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of others, whether through small, meaningful acts or dynamic systems innovations. The award’s name echoes words spoken by the late United States Senator Robert F. Kennedy in his 1966 address at the University of Cape Town in South Africa during the height of Apartheid. Recipients of our 7th annual Ripple of Hope Awards are heroes among us. Their legacies of caring extend beyond themselves to touch the lives of many.
Linda Hahn Annette and Erick Gilliam Patricia Kane Lucas Lawrence Rita Pathmanaban Jodi Haram Robert Hollingsworth Jeannie and Harvey Compton
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Linda Hahn
Program Coordinator
REM Ohio Akron, Ohio
For more than 10 years, Linda Hahn has been successfully connecting individuals and communities. “I was born for this,” thought Linda when she started her career as a Direct Support Professional with REM Ohio. Her colleagues agreed. She was soon promoted to Program Coordinator and joined REM’s Akron Opportunities Program, a vocational program serving individuals with a wide range of challenges, including adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those with a criminal history. Linda’s inspiration comes from people that need the most help. “I’ll take the ones nobody wants,” she says. Linda is credited with quadrupling the size of the vocational program since she joined its staff five years ago. “Linda’s personal connection to individuals with disabilities, her community linkage to volunteer opportunities, and enduring mission to connect people together has strengthened not only the confidence and sense of accomplishment in the people she serves, but undoubtedly enhances the local community,” says Larry Cassidy, Program Director of REM’s Day and Supported Employment Programs in Akron. Many of Linda’s clients are struggling with disabilities and violent behavior, but Linda has faith they will succeed in the workforce and helps them realize the importance of social skills. “We’re always in ‘relationship training,’” she explains. Part of that training includes opportunities she creates that benefit the community and help participants build real world skills. When seasonal jobs – like gardening and mowing – taper off, or a participant is unable to find work, Linda arranges for them to volunteer. Participants fill holiday boxes and deliver them personally to needy families, bus tables and wash dishes at soup kitchens, and care for animals at a shelter. Linda also shares her own interests with the participants. She’ll take them to visit her horses; bring her foster dogs to the center; and invite participants to parties hosted by her Christian motorcycle group, another outlet for her to help people. “She has the most chaotic life I have ever seen and yet she gets everyone to laugh,” says Larry. “People are her priority.” 6 | The MENTOR Network
Annette & Erick Gilliam Mentors
Indiana MENTOR Merrillville, Indiana
Annette and Erick Gilliam have been licensed foster parents with Indiana MENTOR for more than 10 years. They have fostered 14 children successfully – all of whom they keep in touch with regularly. Annette and Erick’s commitment to helping others is evident not only in the children they foster, but also in the careers they have chosen. Annette is a social worker at an elementary school and works part time counseling individuals and families at a crisis center, where Erick also lends a hand while maintaining the full time job he’s held for the past 25 years as an Indiana State Trooper. “Annette and Erick understand that a child’s future is not defined by their past,” says Julie Villarreal, Program Manager at Indiana MENTOR’s Children’s program in Merrillville. “They consistently take on difficult cases.” They even successfully advocated for a young teen to be placed in their home who wasn’t in the foster care system, but on his way to becoming custody of the Department of Corrections. “The belief is that all children belong in a family if they are to be successful,” says Julie. “Annette and Erick emphasize academic success and push the children to be the best they can be.” The family’s strong military history and experiences living abroad help bring order to the disorderly and promote a strong work ethic, but laughter is also an important part of the equation. “I like to joke that we could do a sitcom every week,” says Annette about their busy Merrillville, Indiana household. They are not only there for their foster children, but for their foster children’s children. At any time of day, on any day of the week, they can expect a phone call or a knock on the door from one of them asking for advice, needing a hug, or just a listening ear. And the kids return the love. One foster son opted to stay in their home when given the opportunity to leave because he said, “I need structure. I need to know there are consequences.” And a former foster daughter, while on tour in Iraq, sent Annette flowers on Mother’s Day. These are their treasured rewards. The MENTOR Network | 7
Patricia Kane
Director of Operations
New Jersey MENTOR Somerset, New Jersey
Patricia Kane didn’t intend to work in human services; she was planning on law school when a group home hired her during her senior year of college. Since then, she has dedicated more than 15 years to serving individuals with developmental disabilities and working with at-risk youth searching for a place to call home. Patricia first came to New Jersey MENTOR in 2008 to work on the Specialty Bed Program, a youth program consisting of seven group homes serving 35 youth with complex medical and behavioral needs. Today, she is Director of Operations for New Jersey MENTOR’s Residential Services for at-risk youth and Host Home Services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In just a few years time, Patricia redefined New Jersey’s at-risk youth services. By late 2009, more and more children were reunited with their families or placed in supportive host homes. Multiple adoptions resulted from her efforts and rarely does a child now move to a higher level of care. “Patricia has a tremendous work ethic and a deep compassion for staff and clients alike,” says Wilfredo Coriano, Case Manager at New Jersey MENTOR. “A natural born leader, she provides innovative insight and superior supervision to all who seek it.” In her early years at New Jersey MENTOR, Patricia went out in search of kids who had run away from a group home or host home in the middle of night. She listened to them and got to know their needs. She empowered the young people in her care by developing a youth leadership group, creating a safe place where kids could share concerns and celebrate victories. Thankfully, chasing kids down is something she has had to do less and less over the last few years – a sign of her hard work and the respect she has earned from both the kids and her colleagues. Patricia wants every child and adult who comes into the program to know it is a place they will be safe and can grow. She tells them, “I’m invested in you and you will flourish.” 8 | The MENTOR Network
Lucas Lawrence Licensed Practical Nurse
REM Iowa Marion, Iowa
Lucas Lawrence started in a direct support role at REM’s Eighth Street house in Marion, Iowa in 2007 while earning his nursing degree. This particular house is home to a group of clients known as the Eighth Street Guys. They are very active and love sports, music and hanging out in the community, but they are also working on personal challenges as a result of their severe and profound intellectual disabilities. According to Lucas’ colleagues, when Lucas came to the Eighth Street house he quickly became a role model to the guys. “He saw past their disabilities and saw them as equals,” says Staci Siddell, a Program Director at REM Iowa. “Luc wears whatever hat he needs to wear so that he can assist each of these guys to achieve success, no matter what they are doing. He believes in them.” Lucas’ approach is straightforward: He quickly establishes boundaries, sets expectations and communicates to his clients in a way that conveys equality and friendship. His colleagues attest to the success of his approach and applaud him for his ability to bring calm to stressful situations. Lucas also recognizes the benefits of close friendships, especially long-term ones, for these Eighth Street guys. It is one reason he decided to stay on at the Eighth Street house after receiving his nursing degree. “They know they can come to me. I’m right there with them,” he says, adding that his clients aren’t the only ones that benefit. “It’s nice when you can go to work and eight people are excited to see you.” Lucas finished his nursing degree in December of last year. As Eighth Street’s Program Nurse, he is now charged with managing the residents’ medical care and maintenance of their health. “Keeping eight guys healthy – I take that very seriously,” he says. “I try to think what I would want for someone I loved if they needed to be taken care of and try to give these guys that.”
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Rita Pathmanaban
Vice President, Clinical Programs and Quality Assurance
CareMeridian Aliso Viejo, California As the Vice President for Clinical Programs & Quality Assurance based in Aliso Viejo, California, Rita Pathmanaban has added her personal touch to internal auditing, raising audit scores significantly; she has overhauled nursing policy and procedures, aced accreditation processes, re-worked staff training, and created a student nursing program. This is all since moving into the position in 2009. Much of her success can be attributed to her focus on the individual – both employees and those served by CareMeridian’s post-acute care and rehabilitation services – along with her hands-on approach to teaching and her clinical background. “Rita is known for showing a true personal interest in everyone she comes in contact with – patients, family members and a staff,” says Toni Bethke, Clinical Programs Student Coordinator at CareMeridian. “Because of her efforts, all of those involved in a facility feel like a member of one family.” Her genuine interest in the individual is apparent in her training sessions. “Even if you are in a room full of people, you feel like you are receiving one-on-one training,” explains Sheila Weeks, CareMeridian’s Administrator in Las Vegas. “Rita emphasizes that although we are clinical, we are healers with a loving touch. She raises the bar and increases our appetite for knowledge.” Trained as a nurse in England, Rita finally found her chance to spend more time with patients and their families when she left a surgery floor at an American hospital to join CareMeridian’s predecessor. That was 23 years ago, but it’s still her clinical background and her dedication to serving patients that guides her training style. “All training is hands on,” explains Rita. “We don’t talk about disaster drills; we do them then and there. We don’t just read out of the manual; we go to the bedside.” Patients and their families have always been her priority, but teaching is her passion. “I find excitement in a person, and I grow it…fertilize it,” says Rita of her teaching style and motivation. “I love seeing employees grow with the organization.”
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Jodi Haram
Program Coordinator
REM Minnesota Community Services St. Paul, Minnesota
Jodi Haram, Program Coordinator for REM Minnesota Community Services in St. Paul, found her calling in human services after leaving a career in accounting. While working as a direct support professional, she was offered a case from In-Home Parenting Services, which serves families involved with child protection, many of whom are parenting with disabilities. “I fell in love with it,” Jodi says of that first case. That was just the start. “This is your child,” she tells her consumers. “This is your fight, and I’m willing to help.” And help she does. From guiding parents through the basics of childcare to advocating for their rights through child protective services, Jodi steps in to help when they have nowhere else to turn. She allows them to feel comfortable with the enormous challenge of parenting, all while assisting them in the day-to-day management of medical appointments, supervised visits, and general well being. She works to understand their disability and their unique challenges – challenging others to do the same. “She is incredibly honest and respectful, which helps them let down their guard and trust her,” says Kristen Keuhl, Program Director at REM Minnesota Community Services, of how Jodi approaches her consumers. “She reaches out to parents with a concern and compassion that others around them lack. She has an honest and straightforward approach that allows people to trust her in their scariest of moments.” This dedication, passion and energy overflows into her personal life, too. She spends much of her time outside of work volunteering in her community. From district Girl Scout leader, to carnival chair, to coordinator of Ride for Wishes, which raises money for the Make a Wish Foundation – her life is focused on helping children and families in need. “It’s kind of like the punch bug game I play with my kids,” she says, referencing the childhood game of searching for yellow Volkswagen Beetle cars and then lightly punching your fellow passenger when you find one. “You never know how many yellow cars there are until you are looking for them.” The MENTOR Network | 11
Robert Hollingsworth Direct Support Professional
REM Ramsey Maplewood, Minnesota
Robert Hollingsworth, a direct support professional with REM Ramsey, can be found at the McKnight House in Maplewood, Minnesota along with a group of very grateful men. A former database manager turned forklift operator and taxi driver before coming to REM 12 years ago, Robert has worked with people with a wide range of disabilities. From serving individuals with high needs and limited communication skills early on in his career, to his current clients who are faced with challenges requiring physical rehabilitation, Robert says he finds satisfaction in all of it. “I guess I enjoy succeeding in the overall goal of improving people’s day-to-day life experiences,” he says. Others enjoy it too. “I know that when he wakes up in the morning, Robert thinks of us and thinks what he will do to make our lives better that day. He is selfless,” says one McKnight resident. “He maintains my privacy and dignity and just respects me for who I am.” Robert sees each client as an individual and his self-proclaimed stubborn personality keeps him searching for unique ways to help them. “People are dynamic. They change and grow,” he says. “You can’t get too set in your ways.” In order to succeed and understand his clients, Robert is sensitive to the need for boundaries, but willing to push when appropriate. This determination, persistence and attention to the individual makes all the difference, according to his clients. In addition to the trips to physical therapy, cooking of meals and help with everyday activities, Robert respects their personal relationships and individuals needs. He brings them to visit the graves of loved ones and makes sure they see their children graduate. “He has seen me from not being able to walk to mobility, from total dependence to independence and from hopelessness to hope. Without him, in all honesty, I would have given up a long time ago,” wrote another resident. “ I love him very much and I will forever be grateful to him.” 12 | The MENTOR Network
Jeannie & Harvey Compton Mentors
Ohio MENTOR Columbus, Ohio
Jeannie and Harvey Compton have seen firsthand the rewards of unconditional love, dedication and hard work as foster parents. The young man who came to them six years ago continues to defy his autism diagnosis by working towards his college degree and attending an employment program. “He has gone from a scared, withdrawn child to a young man who will walk into a room with a smile as big as Texas and introduce himself,” says Joseph Bowman, Program Manager at Ohio MENTOR’s Columbus office. Emancipated by the system – but still living with the Comptons – the young man is slated to graduate next year. And then there is the sibling group of four between the ages of three and 15, whom the Comptons welcomed into their home when the youngest was 18 days old. The baby, now three years old, is on track developmentally and receiving the support he needs. Their 13-year-old was recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and the two other siblings have similar success stories. Jeannie and Harvey recently finalized the adoption of the four siblings. “Jeannie and Harvey celebrate their kids where they are in their life – developmentally, emotionally and physically,” says Joseph. “Not only do they encourage the children to be the best they can be, but they model that behavior as well.” They are advocates for their children, holding those around them to a high standard, while urging members of the community to help other children. “It’s amazing what structure, love and stability will do for a child,” says Jeannie. Their children agree and openly recognize everything Jeannie and Harvey have given them. Their 15-year-old adopted daughter recently wrote in a school essay about the moment Jeannie and Harvey asked her and her siblings if they would like to stay and make theirs a Forever Home. “After all the years of pain we have been through, we finally belonged and knew what it was like to be truly loved,” the teen wrote. “Love is truly stronger than blood.” The MENTOR Network | 13
Ripple of Hope Awards Thank you to all those who submitted nominations for The MENTOR Network’s 7th annual Ripple of Hope Awards. Please join us in congratulating all of the 2011 nominees: Chester Aanden Allyson Adair Maria Adams Angela Alexander Frederick Alizomar Jennifer Amaya Doug Anderson Rafila Antimie Amy Elizabeth Averkamp Ruta Kristina Beach Karen Bechlem Christine Bennett Elaine Benson Michael Benson Donna Bland Jiberson Bordes & Christlene Villefranche Larry Borg Melinda and Paul Brady Loretta Lynn Bronsteatter Olivia Brookins Mathew Brown Andrea Bryant Tammie Michelle Bunch Anita Bush Ronda Elaine Butcher Abella Gloria Mangrobang Cabanayan Richard Calkins Ulanda Sekaya Canady Darlene Casavant Miller Cenat Elizabeth Anne Christenson Dale Christian 14 | The MENTOR Network
Naomi Clark Peggy Conard Edwin Cortez Anne Marie Crites Shaelyn Crooks Antonette Natalie Dalberry Shalon Davis Edna Davis Daisy Dawkins Janet DeBoard Julie Deloughery Jara Lynn Dengg Norberto Devera Veronica Diaz Rosemary Diaz Robert Doede Barbara Donaldson Kelly Anne Dougherty Brad Doughty Felicia Drayton Susan Duncan Karen Dunn Selami Dzelili Willa Edwards Logan Ehlmann Elsienor Fernandez Elopre Kay Erbes Westphalia Espinosa-Lopez Margarita Estrada Debora Feldmann Charles Flanary Dawn Marie Foster Jessie Freeman Susan Gaffney
Cassara Gayhart Judy Gebben Emily Gerdes Sheila and Dean Gibbs Daina Glasson Rebecca Graves DeAnn Griffin Linda Griffith Rosa Grissett Barbara Gruver Eva Guillen Malinda & Tim Gunn Tanya Haessly John and Vivian Hagans Alice Harrington-Cutter Inita Michelle Harris Kenneth Harris Tom Hartline Christina Lynn Hawkins Cheryl Lorine Herdman Ernesto Caburhl Hernaez Warren Jay Herzog Ruth Ann Hogg Betsy Holmes Courtney Howard Shelia Kay Hughes Sally Humphreys Peggy Igleheart Shelby Lynn Ishcomer Jessica Jacuinde Dean Jakes Debra Johnson Catalino and Merlie Joya Stephanie Paige Judy
Brenda Kent Joy Kerek Marta Ketter Peter Kimbrough & Barbara Williams Kaylene Klaassen Jesus Koch Rachel Kramer & Tanya Carter Kathleen Lancanilo Lea Langham Deborah Latterell Sandra Lee Patricia Lefler Cynthia Lemberg Olga Lopez Aaron David Lozano Tina Lukefahr Rosa Luna Dyamond Manire Bonnie Manuel Casey Martin Xiomara Martinez Michelle Rena Maruyama Maranda Mathews Jerry McGowan Larry McNeley Rosemary Wilshire Morgan Lourdes Morris Juanita Mungin Angela Munoz Jeffrey Murphy Lisa Myers Kerri Joann Neil Brenda Niess Lisa Olson Jacqueline Olson-Leon Lisa Ortiz Lana Parham
Beatrice Parks Adrienne Perdigao Stella Gladys Perry Sandra Peters Kristine Phelan Sherley Pierre-Louis Bobbie Plaia Janae Polish Maribel Powers Tina Rager Sierra Rassier Mary Ann Reed REM Ohio Potts Drive Home Staff Christina Remstad Michelle Repka Rhode Island MENTOR Shared Living Staff Sunny Richards Nicole Richardson Jeremy Riffel Linda Riley Amanda Robinson-Brennan Ray’londa Romero Monica Salazar Jason Schlotz James Seabridge Anita Semanko Marcia Shabazz Angie Shaffer Donna Shuttie Jessica Singer Victor Smith Dawn Sowle Cindy Squire Julia Starr Janet Stoneking Patricia Strom Mary Stueber
Janice Szczech Nancy Tabalba Brenda Marie Taylor Jackie Thomas James Thomas Jurian and Rose Thomas John Tigano Donald Timian Nicole Toto Kelly Turner Lori Ann Vacchiano Arlyn Valdez Savonte Kemp Van Dassor Mary Varela Patricia Vignart Mary Visor Sandi Vreize Roberta Wachlin Kristine Wainright-Tadych Delilah Warner Susan Lynn Whited Dianna Wiles Elizabeth A. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Willie Williams Valiere Wilson Delores Wilson Carolyn Woods Darrell Wright Cindy Young Tina Zirbes
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The mission of The MENTOR Network is to offer adults, adolescents and children, as well as their families, innovative, quality services and supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual or behavioral challenges they face. The Network’s philosophy emphasizes partnerships – with those we serve, their families, our employees, Mentors, payors and the communities in which we work – in an effort to help people shape the direction of their own lives in community-based settings.
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