ISPRING 2013

Disability Healthcare Initiative Access.Policy.Education.

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2SPRING 2013

Table of Contents

Dear Friends of ACHIEVA ........3

Trusting in ACHIEVA ................4

When Howard Met Patti ...........6

Prepared, Confident and Independent .............................8

ACHIEVA’s Capital Campaign Progress .................................10

ACHIEVA Welcomes Governor Tom Corbett ...........12

HealthMeet™..........................14

Star Program ..........................16

Board of Trustees ...................18

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Kara and Terri, pg. 4

Howard and Patti, pg. 6

Nancy and John, pg. 8

Governor Corbett, pg. 12

Front Cover Photography provided by: Martha Rial ©

3SPRING 2013

Dear Friends of ACHIEVA

We are staying busy at ACHIEVA, keeping up with the ever changing times and the financial challenges facing all human services organizations. We face these obstacles head-on, all the while staying true to our mission to provide excellence in lifelong supports and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.

New doors open for ACHIEVA each year and we face new opportunities with success and gratitude. Built on a strong foundation of advocacy, ACHIEVA is a leader in providing innovative and industry changing programs and services. We owe our success to the investment of dedicated supporters as well as staff who support children and adults with disabilities and their families.

As we look to the future, I foresee more positive changes in education, housing, transportation and other community-based services. I also foresee more families getting the supports and services they need to assure that their loved ones with disabilities live the best quality of life possible.

ACHIEVA is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve as southwestern Pennsylvania’s largest provider of lifelong services for people with disabilities, currently serving over 14,500 individuals and families.

As we continue to grow and thrive, we look forward to your support and direction.

Sincerely,

Marsha BlancoPresident & CEO

4SPRING 2013

It was a picturesque summer day, the birds chirped, children played in the park and walking trails were full of chatting adults. It was the perfect scene for a day of fun. For Kara, fun equaled a day at the neighborhood pool. It was a place Kara knew well; she had enjoyed swimming since she was four years old. She had competed for district titles and traveled across the state displaying her talent. With Kara’s passion for the water, a summer day at the pool was far from abnormal. However that day, just a week after her 12th birthday, would be far from normal. In fact, it would become life changing.

On August 23, 2000, Kara climbed the starting block at the local pool and plunged into four feet of water, hitting her head on the bottom of the pool. Kara suffered a spinal cord injury and was told she would never walk again. “I remember it like it was yesterday. I got the call telling me Kara had been hurt and asking if I could come to the pool,” recalls Kara’s mom Terri. When Terri got to the scene, Kara was out of the water and in the care of paramedics. Kara was taken to the local hospital and later flown to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for further treatment.

According to researchers, spinal cord injuries are most often traumatic. Symptoms vary depending on where the spinal cord is damaged. “Everybody’s accident or incident is totally unique. When you have a spinal cord injury there are so many different degrees to the injury,” says Terri. Treatment normally starts with restraining the spine to prevent further damage. In Kara’s case, she was placed in a halo for three months, which kept her head and neck immobile. In a matter of seconds, the active pre-teen and avid swimmer was introduced to a new way of life. “Everything changed, from Kara getting up in the morning, taking a shower, to transportation, to getting around her own home,” Terri recalls. “For Kara, one minute she was walking and an “abled body”

and the next two seconds she was disabled and needed a wheelchair to get around and a nurse to help her do daily functions that everyone else could do. Things that before her accident, she didn’t even think about.”

The months following Kara’s accident, she was not the only one dealing with some adjustments, so was her mom. Terri now had to learn how to make the best decisions for Kara. “My biggest thing was having to become Kara’s advocate and finding out what was available for her, finding what help was out there.”

It didn’t seem to take long for Terri to adjust. She found the nurses and the home care Kara needed. The day-to-day necessities to keep their family on track were in place; however, there was a piece

of the puzzle missing. Terri needed to ensure that her daughter would have the financial stability she needed to continue her care for the rest of her life.

A lawsuit and settlement following Kara’s accident gave them the financial means, but if that money were to go only to Kara’s personal needs, it would run out fast.

“There are a lot of people who take the settlement and they have this money and go out and spend it and they’re not thinking about 5, 10, 15, 20 years down the road,” Terri explains. Using that money would also limit Kara’s access to Medical Assistance or other government benefits.To ensure Kara’s money was put to good use, Terri reached out to ACHIEVA Family Trust.

In order for a person with a disability to become eligible for Medical Assistance and benefits there are certain limits to what that person can have in their name and still qualify for benefits. By law, a person with a disability is not allowed to have more than $2,000 in assets at any time in their name. There are some exceptions, but that

Trusting In ACHIEVA

You feel like you are out there by yourself, and then once you find out that there is so much out there, you have to try to get that information and get people to help you. ”

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–Terri

5SPRING 2013

primarily includes anything of cash value. However, assets put into a trust fund do not count for purposes of calculating assets to qualify for government benefits and services. In Kara’s case, the settlement money received from her accident took her over the $2,000 limit, but by entrusting her money to ACHIEVA Family Trust she was able to maintain her benefits and use her settlement money to live independently. Terri sees the trust fund as protection. “ACHIEVA protects her money from her going out and blowing it, or anyone else getting their hands on it. It helps her use that money and feel normal to do the things she likes. With the trust, Kara can do the same things that other kids can do.” The cost of care can be substantial for a person with a disability, so a loss of Medical Assistance could be detrimental. With ACHIEVA Family Trust, a person with a disability is still able to afford the added expenses that come with their disability, without depleting their personal assets.

ACHIEVA Family Trust was instrumental in helping Kara have everything she needed to establish her independence. One of the projects the Trust supervised was making Kara’s home completely accessible. ACHIEVA worked with Terri and contractors to help build an additional wing to Terri and Kara’s home and make enhancements to parts of the existing home. The goal was to make sure Kara could move about freely. “They tore it out from wall to limb, they made everything accessible. Kara can get in the refrigerator, she can open the cupboards, the doors are electric,

there’s an intercom system and she has a scrolling closet. It’s really a beautiful house,” Terri explains. Another very important task ACHIEVA made sure was accomplished was Kara’s transportation. A vehicle for a person with a disability, equipped with motorized doors, a chair lift, special seating and other necessary accommodations can be expensive. For Kara, it would be an expense of at least $60,000. With the

help of ACHIEVA Family Trust, Kara was able to get a vehicle that fit all of her needs and afford the maintenance and repair. “Kara is able to get out and about a lot because of the help of ACHIEVA,” Terri explains.

Despite her health restrictions, Kara keeps her spirits up. “She has never complained a day; she never got depressed. People would stare at her and she would stare right back,” Terri remembers. Kara never let her disability get in the way of her aspirations. In December 2012, Kara graduated from Edinboro University with a Bachelor’s in Science and Health and Physical Education and is actively seeking employment. At 24, she is just as lively as she was when she was 12. She hangs out with friends, attends Pittsburgh Pirates and Penguins games and makes the occasional trip out of the state, with her next destination being the Big Apple. “The trust helps Kara be more independent. The money is there and available for her to get

out and do what everybody else does. She needs to feel like she can still go and have fun.” -Terri

ACHIEVA was among the first organizations in the United States to receive approval from the federal government to provide family trust services. ACHIEVA Family Trust now serves over 1,800 individuals, helping families plan and privately finance support for loved ones with disabilities. For more information contact Rebecca Tyers, Family Trust Assistant, at (412) 995-5000 x565 or rtyers@achieva.info.

6SPRING 2013

Meet Patti Patti Peterman is a mother of six, a wife, a good friend and an all around great person. Patti has many of the characteristics ACHIEVA looks for in a Home Care caregiver. For two years, Patti has shared her smile and friendship with individuals with disabilities in Westmoreland County. If you watch her work, you have no choice but to admire her dedication and kindness. For Patti, her job as a caregiver appears to come naturally, part of her commitment comes from her familiarity with the disability community. In 1997, Patti gave birth to a child with a disability, Maddy. She had Trisomy 13, a rare genetic disorder. 99 percent of children born with it die before they are six months old. Maddy lived to be 12 years old. Patti says “She lived on love, she was a miracle.” After losing Maddy, Patti felt like she had more to give, “I felt like I wasn’t done, I knew I could do more.” She applied to become a Home Care provider and has not looked back. “I always said I wish I had a me when my daughter was alive, someone to help me out.”

Meet Howard Howard Schmitt is 70 years old and lives in Westmoreland County. Howard has several passions, but there are a few that you will learn about within minutes of meeting him. He loves to fish, likes to be outdoors, thinks of himself as an avid photographer and absolutely loves country music or “cowboy music” as he calls it. Howard was born with a learning disability which limits some of his abilities, but not his charm. His infectious laughter and beaming smile has made Howard a joy to work with. Through ACHIEVA’s Home Care services, Howard is not only able to do the things he loves, but he has met friends that are now more like family to him.

When Howard Met Patti

7SPRING 2013

When Howard met Patti

Howard and Patti met at one of The Arc of Westmoreland’s monthly dances. According to Patti, they just clicked, “I just felt a connection to Howard and I still do.” By the end of the following month Patti was meeting with Howard three times a week. At the time, Howard was living in an assisted living facility. Although he and Patti had a good relationship, Howard had noticeable troubles. “He was very depressed and very emotional,” Patti recalls. “There were times when he would get so worked up from the caregivers at that place that we would get in the car and he would punch the dashboard out of frustration. He would cry. He had no enthusiasm to do anything.” As Howard’s behavioral issues grew, so did Patti’s curiosity. Patti began to notice changes in more than just Howard’s mood. For instance, she started to notice a decline in his health care and hygiene. “I would pick Howard up and his legs would be so swelled that his pants would be like spandex. He would cry constantly because his legs hurt.” Concerned for Howard’s health, Patti and Howard’s physical therapist agreed new living arrangements were needed for Howard.

In November 2011, Howard was moved to a new house. It was meant to be a new start for him.However, it was 15 miles further away from Patti. The decision of where Howard lived was out of Patti’s hands, but she was determined to keep caring for Howard, so she made the trip. “I want him to always be with someone who will care for him like I do,” says Patti. Howard now had a new place to live and would still have Patti to depend on, so he was happy, but it was short-lived. Things took a turn very early in the move, Patti remembers, “His care there was 10 times worse. It was to the point where I would cry when I dropped him off. He would call me at three o’clock in the morning and ask me to call the staff to come and help him change his diaper.” Committed to Howard’s well-being, Patti started taking pictures and documenting the bad conditions. She found

herself in familiar territory, once again looking for a new place for Howard to live. For Patti it was not just about a new home for her client, Howard was now family. “He’s a tossup between my dad and my brother, he’s probably more like a brother, but age makes me want to say dad.” For Patti, being with Howard was a rewarding experience, an experience she was not ready to give up. “The excitement he has when he sees me, I just would never take that away from him.”

A major turn of events happened when the home Howard was living in was sold. Now, all the residents had to move and in a hurry. “At one point they thought he was going to have to move out of Westmoreland County,” recalls Patti. “I said he can’t go to Allegheny County, he has to stay here so I can take care of him. I even asked if he could stay with me.” Patti even did her own research on local homes; she got her son, a certified nurse, involved. “I would ask him, what about this house? Is it nice for Howard to live in?” Patti wanted to make sure Howard’s next home would be a good one.

That date came in October 2012. Patti and her family packed up all of Howard’s belongings and moved him into his new home, just four minutes away from their own home. Almost instantly, Patti could see the changes in Howard. “Now he is a completely different person. It saved him, it saved his life,” Patti explains. No longer is Howard angry, he is having fun, enjoying life and happy to have Patti as his caregiver. However, if you ask Howard, he will tell you with no problem. “I want to live with Patti, in her house.”

ACHIEVA Home Care has been a family support for children and adults with disabilities since 1980. ACHIEVA Home Care is committed to providing individuals with the support they need to live their lives as independently as possible. For supports in Westmoreland County, please call (724) 837-8159 x225. For all other counties, please call (412) 995-5000 x505.

8SPRING 2013

Prepared,

Nancy and John’sstory

confident independent:

and

Prepared, confident and independent: Three simple words that Nancy can now use to describe her experience as a mom. 19 years ago, Nancy was introduced to ACHIEVA, then known as Arc Allegheny. As an adult with a learning disability and a mother-to-be, Nancy had doubts, fears and questions. She was in search of somewhere to turn, a place that understood her needs. That was when Nancy was introduced to ACHIEVA’s Parenting-Education program. Nancy remembers her first call, “So I called and they said, would you be interested in joining our program? I said sure, I’m going to be a new mom and I need a little guidance and help.” Nancy wanted to know, would her child have a disability or if her own disability would limit her as a mother. “I was scared, I was stressed out. I was worried I was not going to be a good mom because I had a disability. I did not know if I would be able to take care of him.”

ACHIEVA’s Parenting-Education program provides parenting instruction and assistance as well as independent living skills to parents with

disabilities. Staff guide families through the “do’s and don’ts” of parenting. The goal is not to do the work for the families, but to show them how it is done and how it should be incorporated into their day-to-day living. The mission of the program is to develop safe and healthy families. However, the

program’s first priority is for the safety of the children. From Nancy’s first day as a parent she had ACHIEVA’s support.

On January 10, 1995, Nancy welcomed her son John into the world. “When John was born they (ACHIEVA staff) came every week. They taught me everything.” Staff members were available by phone and in person anytime and for any reason. During the early months, Nancy focused on a list of goals, including sterilizing bottles, giving John

a proper bath, how to determine if he was ill and how to give him medicine if he was ill. Her training and assistance was not limited to just John’s needs, but also how to maintain a healthy home. There were grocery shopping tasks, coupon clipping and cooking lessons. “It showed

There was a time it was assumed that a person with a disability could not handle raising a child. The purpose here is to keep the child at home and get them through school and we’re pretty successful.–Ed, ACHIEVA Coordinator

”

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9SPRING 2013

me how to take responsibility and not forget. I knew that there were people watching behind me, so I had to keep an eye on things,” says Nancy.

The help of the Parenting-Education staff does not just stop at the home. The program also works with families towards creating individual, family and educational goals. For Nancy and John, staff was there during one of Nancy’s most trying times of parenting. John started having problems in school and Nancy noticed a dramatic change. “John was different, he wasn’t the person I knew, he was mean and disrespectful,” recalls Nancy. For some parents, this time may have appeared as just those teenager years. For Nancy, she saw more. “I felt like I was failing as a parent.” With no end in sight, things appeared to go from bad to worse. John

was facing expulsion from school and Nancy was falling into depression trying to deal with it all, but she did not give up. Instead she worked the program. “We scrambled to come up with a plan.” There were meetings with John and ACHIEVA staff. There were also meetings with John, Nancy, school officials and ACHIEVA staff. “Without Parenting-Education staff I would have been by myself, I didn’t have someone to just call.” Thanks to Nancy’s call 19 years ago, she was not alone and today John is in school, back to himself and looking forward to graduation next year. As for mom, she appreciates the extra help. “They’re not there to ruin your life. They’re there to support you and it’s good to have that help on the side, that backup, in case something goes wrong. It’s not a controlling thing; they’re just there to guide you in the right direction.”

ACHIEVA’s Parenting-Education program currently serves 22 adults with disabilities with 49 total children and/or grandchildren. Staff typically meets with parents 6 to 12 hours a week. Dedicated to helping families have healthy lives, four current families are working with the Office of Children, Youth and Families to assist parents in regaining custody of their children. For more information on ACHIEVA’s Parenting-Education program, contact Colleen Sokira at (412) 995-5000 x426 or csokira@achieva.info.

ACHIEVA Is Looking For Volunteers

We Can’t Do It Without You!For all volunteer opportunities, please contact Jamie Rhoades at jrhoades@achieva.info or (412) 995-5000 x526.

Looking for a rewarding way to become a part of your community?

Do you want to work directly with the families and individuals ACHIEVA serves?

Are you good with hands-on activities?

Do you have unique skills to share?

Do you have some new ideas to help ACHIEVA expand?

10SPRING 2013

If you have not had the opportunity to support the campaign in reaching its fundraising goal, it’s not too late.

For more information, to volunteer your time or to contribute to the campaign, please contact the campaign office at (412) 995-5000 x459 or campaign@achieva.info.

ACHIEVA is enjoying great success in its $8 million capital campaign – Innovation in Support of People with Disabilities: ACHIEVA’s Commitment to the Community.

Bill Demchak, President of the PNC Financial Services Group, is the campaign chairperson. Former U.S. Attorney General and Pennsylvania Governor and First Lady Dick and Ginny Thornburgh serve as honorary co-chairs. With their assistance, ACHIEVA has built and deployed an impressive volunteer team of 50 of southwestern Pennsylvania’s civic and corporate leaders that have spearheaded fundraising efforts for this campaign.

Thanks to the strong leadership of this team the campaign has reached 66% of its goal, raising $5.3 million from over 245 donors (as of 3-31-2012).

ACHIEVA’s Capital CampaignSpring 2013 Update Progress

The campaign has received major funding from PNC Bank Foundation, Edith L.Trees Charitable Trust, Henry L. Hillman Foundation, the Heinz Endowments, Highmark and the Highmark Foundation, Bank of America Foundation. Other major supporters of the campaign include: the Massey Charitable Trust; Reed Smith; Oxford Development Corporation; Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney;Bayer USA Foundation; Calgon Carbon Corporation and The Pittsburgh Pirates. ACHIEVA thanks the many volunteers and donors for helping to make this important project a success.

Dick and Ginny Thornburgh and Marsha Blanco

Left: Erin Gannon, ACHIEVA, presents to campaign leadership

11SPRING 2013

Innovation in Support of People with Disabilities: ACHIEVA’s Commitment to the CommunityThe objectives of the campaign are to develop and implement services that will enhance the life experiences of people with disabilities and their families. Therefore, ACHIEVA is relying on the following four initiatives of this campaign to further advance the full inclusion of people with disabilities.

Accomplishing these objectives requires the following investments:

• $2.5 million to launch and implement the Waiting List Reduction Initiative and provide families the services they desperately need, to help them leverage their collective resources for the benefit of family members with disabilities, to reduce institutionalization and to keep family relationships intact.

• $1.6 million to invest in equipment and add new space to expand production capacity, increase earnings and create competitive jobs for young people with disabilities at ACHIEVA’s growing Bridgeville pallet manufacturing facility.

• $700,000 to expand the ACHIEVA Family Trust, increasing long-term financial security for 1,500 more people with disabilities, offering peace of mind to more families and decreasing reliance on public welfare systems.

The success of Innovation in Support of People with Disabilities: ACHIEVA’s Commitment to the Community will advance the well-being of people with disabilities and their families and will contribute to the economic vitality and the overall quality of life in southwestern Pennsylvania.

• $3.2 million to repair and replace materials approaching the end of their useful life through sustainable practices at ACHIEVA’s largest commercial and residential properties. This component of the project will create safe, comfortable, and environmentally sustainable workplaces and living spaces for many people with disabilities in the region.

Linda Dickerson, Capital Campaign Consultant and Bill Demchak

12SPRING 2013

February 13, 2013, ACHIEVA was delighted to host Governor Corbett at ACHIEVA’s vocational training and employment site in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Corbett shared more of his plans and desires to join ACHIEVA in its mission to continue to provide the best quality of supports and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Governor Corbett showed his dedication to ACHIEVA and the State in his 2013-14 budget proposal which includes $20 million to

ACHIEVA thanks Governor Corbett for his continued commitment to individuals with disabilities and their families.

ACHIEVA WelcomesGovernor Tom Corbett

Joining the governor from left to right, Tom and Patrick Niederberger, ACHIEVA Family and Kathy Brady, Supports Coordinator

Governor Corbett tours ACHIEVA’s Strip District site with Reid Wolfe and Marte Novak, ACHIEVA

13SPRING 2013

“We have an obligation to help Pennsylvanians, who in many cases, don’t have the resources to get the care they need and are being cared for by elderly or single parents,” Corbett said. “As we prioritize our funding, they must come first.”

address the waiting list for people with intellectual disabilities and an additional $20 million for people with autism and physical disabilities.

The Commonwealth’s investment will provide ACHIEVA the opportunity to refine the way the State helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independent lives integrated in their communities. These incremental dollars will help ACHIEVA, in conjunction with the State, to create a new and sustainable model for transitioning people with disabilities into homes of their own or other independent living environments.

Joining the governor from left to right, Cindy Shapira, Chair for 21 & Able, Nancy Murray, ACHIEVA, Fred Lockuta, Office of Developmental Problem and Tom Niederberger, ACHIEVA Parent

Kerry Cannon gets a photo with Governor Corbett

14SPRING 2013

HealthMeet™ is a project of The Arc of the United States, funded through a million dollar grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that works to reduce health disparities and increase the longevity and quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities. To achieve this, HealthMeet™ offers free community-based health screenings for individuals with with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD); provides training and education to individuals, their families, direct service professionals, medical providers, and medical students; and raises public awareness of health issues that impact people with I/DD across the country.

Through this project, five Chapters of The Arc, including ACHIEVA, will have the opportunity to pilot local health screenings and to promote health and wellness activities for people with I/DD.

These sites will play a critical role in national efforts to collect and analyze data regarding health outcomes and issues for people with I/DD, to promote information regarding health disparities for people with I/DD and to improve health care access for all people with I/DD. The pilot sites are:

• ACHIEVA - Pittsburgh, PA • The Arc of Massachusetts - Waltham, MA • The Arc of New Jersey - North Brunswick, NJ • The Arc of North Carolina - Raleigh, NC • The Arc San Francisco - San Francisco, CA • Find out more about HealthMeet™ services and why it’s needed by visiting www.thearc.org/healthmeet-events

HeathMeet™Project of The Arc of the United Sates

TM

Martha Rial ©

15SPRING 2013

ACHIEVA will also distribute an electronic newsletter every few weeks to promote HealthMeet™ events and provide wellness information. More HealthMeet™ resources can also be found on www.personfirsthealth.org.

To sign up for the HealthMeet™ e-newsletter, please email Melissa Allen at mallen@achieva.info.

ACHIEVA will offer free health screenings to adults with intellectual and

developmental disabilities throughout the Allegheny County region and surrounding communities. At these

screenings, individuals will be screened for basic demographic information, height, weight, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory health, vision, hearing, foot and mobility health and a visual dental assessment. Any concerns will be referred for proper follow-up.

ACHIEVA offers web-based educational programs that

provide useful information on health care topics. For a list of

current webinars visit www.achieva.info. You will find a link to ACHIEVA webinars on the Services and Support page.

Martha Rial ©

Martha Rial ©

16SPRING 2013

In 2012, ACHIEVA introduced its Employee Customer Service Recognition Program to recognize employees dedicated to always providing the highest quality of Customer Service to our customers.

ACHIEVA’s “STAR” – Satisfaction, Totally, Achieved and Recognized – program is designed to acknowledge employees when they go the extra mile to provide exceptional customer service.

We are pleased to introduce you to our featured “Star” nominees:

Margaret ScottMargaret is a Community Homes Supervisor in the Residential Department.

“Margaret has always been attentive to the healthcare needs of the people that she supports. However, her dedication and caring for this particular person while he was recovering from a very significant medical situation defines excellent customer service. Margaret went above and beyond in her attentions to the individual’s needs while in the hospital and subsequent transfer to a skilled nursing facility.”

Every “Star” nominee will be entered into a drawing to win $500.00. If the person you nominated is selected, you win $125.00. To nominate or get more information about the program, go to the ACHIEVA website at www.achieva.info and click on ACHIEVA Customer Service Recognition Program under ACHIEVA News. You can also contact Michelle Bowser, Director of Quality Assurance, at (412) 995-5000 x517 or mbowser@achieva.info. Nominations must be submitted by the 5th of each month to nominate someone for the previous month.

“STAR”Put a

in the Spotlight

Look Who HasSTAR

Quality!

Nominate an ACHIEVA employee and become eligible to win $125.

17SPRING 2013

Colleen SokiraColleen is a Parenting-Education Specialist for the ACHIEVA Parenting Education Program.

“Colleen truly exemplified excellent customer service on this occasion. Though it was the worst experience a parent has to endure, Colleen helped to make it easier for the parent. Colleen went above and beyond the call of duty. She assisted a parent through an extremely difficult and distressing time.”

Estella WalkerEstella is a Home Care Provider for ACHIEVA.

“Estella has been the best provider my son has had. She genuinely cares and it shows. My son takes some getting used to, but she said she would not give up on him that easily. It is refreshing to know that someone else can care about your child like that, and I can totally relax when he is in her care. Thank you for finding her as my son’s provider. She is a perfect fit.”

Mary BarnettMary is a Residential Counselor in Greensburg.

“Mary is a very loyal and dependable staff member. She is loved by the ladies she supports because of her attentiveness to their needs and the wonderful rapport she has with each and every one of them. She spends time planning outings that she feels the ladies will enjoy and has taken the ladies to her home for the holidays. Mary remembers every birthday and holiday. She has always given the ladies gifts and made their day special in one way or another. She has stayed later for work on countless occasions at a moment’s notice to attend to the needs of the ladies she supports.”

18SPRING 2013

ACHIEVA Board of TrusteesACHIEVA Board of TrusteesChair, William Lestitian, Esq., CPAChair Elect, Robert McDowellVice Chair, Michael L. Dever, Esq.Past Chair, Suzanne Parks

TrusteesHelen AldisertMark BrownSean J. Carmody, Esq.Gregory Fajt, Esq.Pete Fuscaldo, Esq.Mary Lou Gegick Raymond GiarrussoFoster S. Goldman, Jr., Esq.Jon HaglundDorothy M. HorvathEdward W. PriceMary D. Richter, CPAGary L. SellersNeal R. ShipleyLisa G. Silverman, EsqStephen B. Spolar, Esq.Arun J. Thomas, Esq.James WollMichelle Wright

ACHIEVA Resource Board of TrusteesChair, William Lestitian, Esq., CPAChair Elect, Robert McDowellVice Chair, Michael L. Dever, Esq.Past Chair, Suzanne Parks

ACHIEVA Support Board of TrusteesChair, Raymond Giarrusso Chair Elect, Chaz R. Kellem Vice Chair, Mary D. Richter, CPA Past Chair, Arun J. Thomas, Esq.

TrusteesWilliam Bodnar, CPAFran Carter Mel Delposen Michael L. Dever, Esq. David DonohueNancy GannonKimberly JacksonRobert L. KelleyThomas M. LeePaul LongDan MorganAlexandra RobinsonMatt Stewart

ACHIEVA Family Trust Board of TrusteesChair, Neal R. Shipley Chair Elect, Beth Fulena Vice Chair, Jennifer C. Johnson, Esq.Past Chair, Sean J. Carmody, Esq.

TrusteesBernard C. Caputo, Esq.Julie DeverLeeAnn A. Fulena, Esq.Holly HoffStephan P. Hubbard, CLU, ChFCHonorable Lee MazurAlan Meisel, JDDr. Irving J. OppenheimRichard S. Scott, Esq.Joan Shoemaker, Esq.Kristen Stokes, Esq.Robert WisnerRobert WoeberScott YochumMartha Zatezalo, Esq.

19SPRING 2013

The Arc of Greater PittsburghBoard of TrusteesChair, Jon HaglundChair Elect, Meghan Gannon AndersonVice Chair. Scott BishopPast Chair, Lisa G. Silverman, Esq.

TrusteesPam DeGeorgeStacey DiazDiane DuFour-GuadioTana FordNancy GreenMichael G. MeyerCheryl SimchakJillian F. Zacks, Esq.

The Arc of WestmorelandBoard of TrusteesChair, Edward W. PriceChair Elect, Gary TetiVice Chair, Jerry Moschetti, Jr.Past Chair, Gary L. Sellers

TrusteesJames M. Duffy, Esq.Gregory C. Moore, Esq.David TilstoneRonald Toncini

2013 - 2014

ACHIEVA has partnered with AEC Group’s Staffing Services for the Hire with Heart™ program. Through this program when a business hires staff through AEC Group Staffing Division, AEC will make a contribution to ACHIEVA. ACHIEVA will be able to use the donations for any programs and services. ACHIEVA will be the featured charity this Spring. Your support could have a great impact on ACHIEVA’s work.

If you or your company is interested in the Hire with Heart™ program, please contact AEC’s Staffing Services at (412) 678-1440 or via email at staffing@aecgroup.com.

We wish to thank Rob Hazlett of AEC Group for his help making ACHIEVA their featured charity.

The AEC Group is a certified Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (W/DBE) company that offers technology, infrastructure, construction management and staffing services in our region. Many charitable organizations are getting much-needed help through Hire with Heart™.

Hire with Heart™

The corporations of Western Pennsylvania have historically been very generous donors but, many organizations have been forced to cut back or suspend their contributions. This program makes it possible for them to continue to give. Community support is an essential part of AEC Group’s corporate identity. Hire with Heart™ is not a short term project, but a new way of doing business. AEC Group is the first organization to directly tie charitable donations to Staff Augmentation Services. This is truly a unique opportunity which offers unmatched value to our clients and our community.”

– Chris Marshall in Business Development with AEC Group

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20SPRING 2013

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Combined Federal CampaignACHIEVA: 48463The Arc of Westmoreland: 28623

United Way Contributor’s Choice Campaign:

ACHIEVA: 161 (Allegheny County)

The Arc of Westmoreland: 390The Arc of Westmoreland is a partner agency of the United Way of Westmoreland County

Disability Healthcare Initiative Access.Policy.Education.

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