Many volunteer opportunities are available at Elwyn. For further information, please contact Dawn O’Neill at dawn_o’neill@elwyn.org or 610-891-7689. To receive the “Elwyn Experience” by email, please contact Karen_chominski@elwyn.org

Elwyn Experience: A Quarterly Publication of Elwyn Managing Editor: Elliott W. Simon, Ph.D.

Photography and Layout Editor: Walter Fernandez

Photography: Kunil Park

Copy Editors: Candy DeMarco

Tony Catania

Content Editors: Dennis Ritrovato

Brian Boxall

Angela Sands

Jane Detweiler

Denise Cole

Bruce Tarkoff

Kendra L. Johnson

James Hahn

Thank You Your generous and thoughtful donations this past holiday season created magic for the individuals supported by Elwyn. Through the use of technology, people now have a voice to express themselves in ways that could never have been imagined. The adults who live in Elwyn Community Homes attended numerous holiday outings. Students in our Educational programs are learning with technology and adults are working in numerous locations earning a wage. Whether you have volunteered, donated items for our programs, attended an event or supported us financially, your actions have had a life changing effect on those we support. Thank you for choosing Elwyn.

March 2015 A publication for family and friends of Elwyn.

Everyone needs some level of support to accomplish their goals and fulfill their dreams. Elwyn provides varying levels of support to people according to their needs in order to improve the quality of their life. These supports can include different modalities and address differing aspects of a person’s life. Whether it is assisting a person in completing their daily living skills, providing specialized behavioral and physical healthcare or supporting people in their workplace, school or residence, Elwyn becomes a “Partner in Living” with that person. Elwyn cannot accomplish this in isolation and we work hard to engage families, neighbors, businesses, civic organizations and community agencies in support of the person. The goal of these community partnerships is to enable a person to live as independently as possible as a contributing member of their own community. This edition of the Elwyn Experience salutes not only Elwyn’s partners but the concept of “partners in living” as it is through these connections that Elwyn’s community based support network continues to develop. While this may sound complex, integrating Elwyn based services and supports with existing family and community resources has increasingly become the pri-mary method in developing a viable person centered system of supports.

We do this when we assist adults to access public transportation so that they can go to work; we do this when we support behavioral needs so that people can attend community func-tions; we do this when Elwyn provides an education to children that gives them the skills for living more independently in the community; we do this when community organizations get to know us better through volunteering; we do this in all that we do. Through these partnerships with families, communities, and government, Elwyn will continue to be the provider of choice for people with diverse challenges.

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ARTICLE PAGE

Partners in Living 1 From the President 2 Elwyn NJ Partners 2 Educational Partners 3 Community Partners in Living 4-5 Shared Living Partnerships 6 Adaptive Technology-Design Challenge 7 Events 8

IN THIS ISSUE

Malvern Prep School Students Partner with Elwyn as volunteers.

2 ELWYN

Most of us thrive on having strong connections to others, variety in our daily activities and having a central role in designing our future. We witness awakenings in both consumers and staff when they move from restricted environments into settings where family and friends are important participants, staff can energize many resources and consumers help craft their lives. This approach is the gold standard at Elwyn. Approaches are being individualized and partnerships are always being sought and cultivated. In this edition of the Elwyn Experience, you will read of examples of creative and effective partnerings. These are a few of many, innovative, effective and rewarding examples of how Elwyn approaches life improvement. Please partner with us to craft full, interesting and fulfilling lives. Please come play a part. Sincerely, Sandra S. Cornelius, Ph.D. President

Elwyn New Jersey

PARTNERS

Elwyn New Jersey is fortunate to have extraordinary supporters both inside and outside the organization. We are con-stantly cultivating new friends – people who are passionate about our cause. Our “Partners in Living” in-clude area businesses, service organizations, families and ENJ staff members who truly care about our mission. So many people provide supports each and eve-ry day to ensure that individuals lead the most rewarding lives possible.In the business realm, Cumberland Mall (PREIT Services) has always been supportive of our endeavors. They welcome the ENJ choir each year during the holidays and we have been the recipient of the “Giving Tree” award for many years. We partner with Boscov’s department store each year for “Friends Helping Friends” day. Mall Management staff work diligently to obtain auction items from various businesses for our premier fundraiser, the Art of Two Palettes. Wheaton Arts partners with us for this fundraiser, as do many business leaders from the community who sponsor the event, and numerous area restaurant owners who donate food.The Work Ser-

vices Department partners with local busi-nesses that need our services. Individuals at Elwyn New Jersey Work Services gain work experience and feel good about con-tributing to the community when they ac-complish assignments from Comar and Gerresheimer Glass and help with pack-ing jobs from A Cheerful Giver and Sir Speedy Printing. ENJ mobile work crews

from Supported Employment perform custodial services for various government entities in the surrounding area such as the Bridgeton Public Defenders Office, Port Norris State Police, and Buena Mu-nicipal Complex, just to name a few.Our partnerships include service clubs and youth groups in the region, such as “Smart Girls,” a division of the Boys & Girls Club, who have embraced our mis-

sion and are willing to donate their time and talents to help with special events. Many other community organizations part-ner with us as well. Our friends at Inspira Medical Center Auxiliary have given us numerous ideas for fundraising activities and several of their members work with us on various committees that include The Art of Two Palettes, The Elwyn NJ

5K, and our upcoming Murder in the Mansion fundraiser. These sea-soned community volun-teers are very effective at acquiring financial sponsorships and we are glad to have their help. But it’s no less important when ENJ employees give of their precious time to help make an event successful. Often direct care professionals or management person-nel will volunteer to take on time-consuming and strenuous work, such as sorting through clothing for a yard sale; setup and clean-up for various

events, including Founders Day and Self-Advocacy activities. We at Elwyn New Jersey, with the help of our community partners, believe that by focusing on the key principles that are the foundation of our philosophy: Accountability, Communi-ty, Normalization, Communication, and Quality of Life, we can fulfill our mission and continue on our quest to be true “Partners in Living.”

7

Elwyn Industries and Employment and Adult Day Services have developed a unique partnership with high school engi-neering students to participate in a nationwide Adaptive Technology competition. Source America is the national non-profit organization designated to administer the U.S. Congress’ AbilityOne Program. This program offers em-ployment opportunities to people with disabilities through federal contracts for services and products. They sponsor an annual nationwide competition that encourages high school students to develop assistive technologies that em-power people with disabilities to break through barriers in the workplace. Students from Concord High School The AbilityOne Design Challenge requires high school stu-dents to build a prototype of their device in order to be con-sidered for contention. High school teams must complete an online training module and work through research, de-sign and submission of a discussion paper and video presentation featuring their device. The device must be in use by the end of the school year in order to be considered. Kendra Johnson, Elwyn’s Executive Director of Employ-ment and Adult Day Services, was contacted by Jordan Estock who is Wilmington, Delaware’s Concord High School Engineering teacher, about participating in the SourceAmerica competition.

Kendra arranged a meeting with Mr. Estock at the OTC Work Center located at Elwyn’s Bridgewater facility and arranged a tour of the Delaware Elwyn Work Center. In September 2014, Mr. Estock and his high school engi-neering students spent time with the staff at OTC and Dela-ware Elwyn observing manufacturing processes that are engineered into the many work contracts that are produced at these two facilities. Part of Mr. Estock’s Level 4 Engi-neering Design Lab curriculum for high school seniors is to participate in this Design Challenge. The goal was for the students to work as engineers for the design, building, and testing phases of assistive technologies to help people with disabilities be more productive in the work place and gain competitive employment. Both Kendra and Bruce Tarkoff, Executive Director of Elwyn Industries, were very impressed with the talent and creativity of the students as they developed original ideas designed to empower the people that Elwyn supports. Dur-ing the OTC tour, students asked to see individuals try jobs that were difficult to complete in order to inspire creative engineering solutions. Elwyn is awaiting the final designs but preliminary results are very encouraging. Students have addressed problems such as the folding of the pleat and the use of the handle that operates the pressure and torque applied to the medal sets which Elwyn manufactures for the Defense Logistics Agency in Philadelphia. It is through these type of community partnerships, that Elwyn is able to continue to enable people with disabilities to work and gain employment.

Adaptive Technology-Design Challenge

ELWYN

6 ELWYN

Shared Living Partnerships

Supports for Living, by the very nature of the relation-ships that are developed in order to effectively support a person’s life, engenders and requires partnerships. There are many ways we partner in living, including: family support, fundraising, and direct support. Partnering with families through fundraising is one way in which we become partners in living. As the name im-plies, the Friends of Cottage 2 was initiated by the fami-lies and friends of the individuals who live there. Their wish was to raise funds to increase the functionality and beauty of Cottage 2. Their goal is to benefit the people who live and work there by making their lives and work easier. The Friends of Cottage 2 have already had a Hoyer lift tracking system installed in one of the bed-rooms. This was for the health and safety of an individu-al who lives there as well as the safety of the staff who work with her. With funds raised, one bathroom was completely renovated and two other bathrooms will re-ceive a mini makeover with new sinks. Wireless internet was installed and iPads have been purchased. Mrs. Donna Witzleben was an integral part of this project! Her daughter, Ella, lives in Cottage 2 and Mrs. Witzleben is a strong advocate for all the people who live

and work there. Mrs. Witzleben also partners with Elwyn by participating on the Elwyn Human Rights Committee. The Elwyn Human Rights Committee is an oversight body that monitors and assures that the rights of the indi-viduals who receive supports from Elwyn are protected.

James Rooney, a Residential Living Staff, exemplifies

this special “partners in living” philosophy. Mr. Rooney

has been with Elwyn for almost 19 years supporting indi-

viduals to complete activities of daily living and develop-

ing relationships to ensure full meaningful lives. He has

partnered with many individuals, but has a special rela-

tionship with Kevin Smith. Mr. Rooney takes Kevin for

walks during lunchtime and brings him to use the

adapted swings at Wechsler Hall.

During the holiday season, Mr. Rooney and his family

dress up as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and elves for every-

one’s holiday enjoyment. Each Supports for Living part-

nership plays a significant role as a team is built to work

for the benefit of the people we support.

James Rooney and Kevin Smith

3

Educational

Partnerships The diverse and comprehensive portfolio

of services and programs provided by

Elwyn’s Education Division is predicated

on the vision of “Influencing Today…

Shaping Tomorrow.” Over the years, this

dedicated professional initiative has expe-

rienced expansion, revisions and challeng-

es but has remained focused on the needs

of the individual students who are referred

to our programs. Students and their fami-

lies may receive educational, therapeutic

or transitional services at the Davidson

School on Elwyn’s Media campus, at The

Opportunities School in Berks County, in

Philadelphia non-public schools served by

the Non-public Schools Program, in local

school district classrooms served by Edu-

cation Division staff or in community-based

transition sites supervised by Education

Division staff. Throughout the array of pro-

gramming, the critical component to suc-

cess is recognizing the importance of es-

tablishing and maintaining partnerships

with parents, school districts, colleges and

universities and members of local busi-

ness communities. The collective focus of

the Education Division has been and con-

tinues to be the provider of choice at the

local level for special education services

and programs for students with special

needs and their families. School district

referrals to the Davidson School have

grown based on the school district’s part-

nership with Davidson School to provide

the most appropriate education program

for their students. Parents, school district

personnel and Davidson staff collaborate

to provide an educational experience for

the student that will foster academic

growth, independence and preparation to

become a contributing member of his or

her adult community. All stakeholders par-

ticipate in the program decisions that will

impact this transition to adult life.

The Education Division has been proactive

in building educational partnerships with

colleges and universities.

Built upon the outstanding reputation of

the Davidson School serving special edu-

cation students with significant education-

al, behavioral and emotional challenges,

colleges and universities sought to estab-

lish collaborative relationships for student

teacher and intern placements. These

institutions of higher education realized

that their special education majors could

experience very unique field placement

assignments at the Davidson School. Giv-

en this opportunity of working with stu-

dents ages 3 to 21 and a diversity of low

incidence disabilities, the university stu-

dents could access professional experi-

ences not available in local school dis-

tricts.

These university partnerships have ex-

panded into collaborative projects that

enhance the growth of the Davidson

School students as well as the students

enrolled in various programs at the univer-

sity. Unique community service projects

involving the Davidson School students

include peer mentoring and on-campus

social interactions. One of the most signif-

icant outcomes for the Davidson School

students is the opportunity to engage in

activities and programs of campus

life. These experiential learning activities,

which can occur over several weeks or as

a semester long schedule, influence life-

planning decisions and have profound

benefits for all individuals.

ELWYN

Tr a n s i t i o n P r o g r a m The Transition Program at the Elwyn Davidson School estab-

lishes community partnerships for our students to foster a variety

of enriching and engaging experiences.

With thirty-three current work sites, a number that steadily

grows, our youth venture out into the surrounding communities

supported by Davidson School Community Integration

Specialists to explore the potential career paths that the region

has to offer.

Our students are placed in sites that include retirement commu-

nities, churches, supermarkets, and environmental centers such

as John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, garden centers, librar-

ies, courthouses, retail stores, and more. During ten-week rota-

tions through these community sites, our students can make

comparisons that enhance their decision-making process and

promote self-determination as they navigate the transition from

school to adult.

Our students enjoy many benefits from these partnerships with

community sites. Through the assessment of work habits, behav-

iors and site-specific skills, teachers, families, and Transition

staff assist students to identify their strengths and needs. Follow-

ing the student from age 14 to 21, this ongoing assessment pro-

cess shapes the decisions that affect future site placements, tran-

sition planning, and life-long career choices beyond graduation.

Fortified with and encouraged by the confidence that self-

discovery promotes, our students leave school with a deeper

understanding of their identity and their potential for creating

unique partnerships of their own as they continue their journey

into adulthood.

ELWYN 4

LifeSharing provides an individual

with support in a newly created loving family unit willing to make the commitment to sup-port and embrace the person within their ex-isting family structure. Simply put, “It’s similar to an adult adoption program; however, it’s equally important that the person feels com-fortable with the family and vice versa,” states

Laura Cannon, Program Director of LifeSharing at Elwyn. “We have 26 awesome families who’ve welcomed one or two people into their daily lives” she says with a smile. Since its inception in 1992 as Elwyn Family Living, Elwyn LifeSharing, has partnered and shared experiences with many families in Delaware, Phila-delphia, and Chester Counties. Laura volunteered that we have someone in the LifeSharing Program that has supported an indi-vidual within her home for over 20 years.

Elwyn’s LifeSharing partners might be individuals or families or even empty-nesters who found they had room and time to support someone else. They decide to open their homes and hearts and provide an alternative to campus or group home liv-ing. “It’s exciting to see people thrive in their new family envi-ronment and watch their quality of life go up,” Cannon contin-ues, “for some, this is their first true family experience.”

To succeed, Elwyn and its partner families must work to culti-vate a relationship that will last a lifetime. It begins with an intro-duction to the program facilitated by Elwyn’s LifeSharing Pro-gram administrative team. Cannon states, “This is a complete overview of the program where there’s open dialogue and plenty of questions and answers.” For those individuals and families still interested in partnering with us, we ask them to complete an

application so we can better understand their situation. If there’s mutual interest, we will set up time to conduct a home study. We inspect the home to ensure it meets regulatory guidelines as well as the needs of the person we’re considering for placement. “Fortunately, most of the homes don’t require much renovation states Cannon, “sometimes in some of the old-er homes the old key locks will need to be changed.” Once all the regulatory guidelines are met, we can schedule our first in-take meeting that will involve the consumer, his or her biological family, the potential LifeSharing family and a team member from Elwyn”, Laura stated. “We spend quite a bit of time forging these relationships and ensuring that the person is okay with the opportunity of moving in with a LifeSharing family.” As things progress, we schedule transition visits at the Lifesharer’s home where everyone gets to see the house layout, the bedroom, common areas, and yard. Next, we schedule a few dinner meetings where the consumer and family spend time getting to know each other. Once there appears to be a natural fit, we schedule several overnight visits so everyone can see what it’s like during the course of a routine day. These overnight visits could last for a few weeks or even a few months depending on how comfortable everyone is with the new living arrangement. Finally comes move-in day when our new family takes shape.

Ferron has five successful grown children and applied to be a LifeSharer in 2012. She attended orientation sessions and kept in touch to let us know that this was something she truly wanted to pursue. Ferron expressed that she has been incredibly blessed in her own life and she wanted to take those blessings and the love she has and share with others. In March 2013, an individual was identified that the team felt would match beautifully within Ferron’s current family structure. Having never pursued LifeSharing before, she took on this re-sponsibility with grace, poise, a warm caring heart, and her nursing background allowed her to support the person’s various medical needs. In the short time she has shared her home and heart with the individual she supports, they have grown a close bond. The individual is very protective of Ferron and shows great pride when the two are out together. He has actually reached out to a few other individuals at his workshop and told them about the LifeSharing program. This new family enjoys going to church together, taking walks, going to the store to shop, and sitting down together at the din-ing room table for a family dinner.There are many stories like Ferron’s and we know that there will be many more to come. “People in the program get more opportunities to go places and stay busy doing family activities. We’ve had people going every-where from the shore to Hawaii; they go on cruises and spend time in the islands. I’ve seen many of them gain more inde-pendence when they get a family who loves them.” Cannon said. If you are interested in partnering with Elwyn’s LifeSharing Program, please contact Laura Cannon at 610-891-7095.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN LIVING

5 ELWYN

Parents and Children Together (PACT) Nutrition Links is teaching a 4 week nutrition series at PACT that focuses on: My Plate, How to Plan Healthy Meals, How to Shop on a Budget, How to find Resources, i.e. Food Banks, Couponing and How To Read Food Labels. Along with the educational/classroom component of the program, the instructor has been cooking with the PACT Group to provide instruction in healthy meal preparation. At the end of the 4 week session, group members will receive a certificate of completion and a bag of resources for their home.

Mobile Crisis Crisis services is an active community partner because we provide daily outreach to the community’s crisis needs. The Mobile Crisis Program dispatches to the Delaware County community 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The most dramatic evidence of our effectiveness as a community partner comes from the nu-merous stories of children and adults who are now living productive lives in their communities because we helped link them to the resources they needed. We also support our community through a peer to peer support phone service. Crisis Services also provides a suite of commu-nity education programs including applied suicide intervention skills training, assessing and managing suicide risk training, and Mental Health First Aid.

Welcome House The Supported Employment Unit at Welcome House has collaborated with Elwyn Work Services and the Office of Vocation and Rehabilitation in order to provide job opportunities to members at Welcome House. As a result of the collaboration, Welcome House Clubhouse has developed community relationship with SpArc Services of Philadelphia. SpArc Services provides programs and services that complement the employment support services at Welcome House Clubhouse. Our programs support community inclusion, independence, and maximum life satisfaction for persons with mental health disabilities. Today, the partnership has helped to create job opportunities for Welcome House participants including the Pennsyl-vania Department of Transportation (PennDot) as Photo Technicians and Pennsylvania Industries for the Blind and Handicapped (PIBH) Janitorial Services at PennDot locations in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties.

Partners in Recovery Partners in Recovery provides peer services to individuals living in Philadelphia. Peer Support is a mental health service provided by a person with lived experience. Through this service we have been able to assist people to participate more fully in their community. One of our folks is now volunteering doing janitorial work at a church and has learned that he does not have to be held back because of his illness. He is more social and is doing more things to enjoy himself Another individual lives in a locked facility, and was not able to go out alone. After working with him for four

years he now goes to New Visions and is participating in groups and making friends outside his facility. We have taught at least 15 people how to get around on Septa who are also in locked facilities. After five years of work, they have privileges to go out on their own. They now go shopping and out to eat, which were things they were not able to do before. Five individuals are now studying for their GED. Two of them had poor writing skills after working with them, they now write and read and want to go to school.

Adult Residential Behavioral Health (ARBHS)

The residents of the ARBHS have partnered with several community organizations over the years. Currently, ARBHS is partnering with Surrey Services in Media, PA, to deliver meals to aging seniors in the community. The resi-dents enjoy this community activity. Which aids in building their self-esteem as they help others. Another partnership is with Safe Harbor in West Chester. The residents of ARBHS create baked goods during their day program then donate their creations to Safe Harbor to be served during the meals they provide to the homeless. This partnership has enabled our residents to improve their cooking skills as well as provide food to those in need. ARBHS has a long standing partnership with the Leukemia Society. Our residents are able to assist with their mailings by labeling and stuffing enve-lopes for the organization. Each partner-ship with community organizations is valued and all contribute to different skills and needs that help to improve the lives of our residents.

ELWYN 4

LifeSharing provides an individual

with support in a newly created loving family unit willing to make the commitment to sup-port and embrace the person within their ex-isting family structure. Simply put, “It’s similar to an adult adoption program; however, it’s equally important that the person feels com-fortable with the family and vice versa,” states

Laura Cannon, Program Director of LifeSharing at Elwyn. “We have 26 awesome families who’ve welcomed one or two people into their daily lives” she says with a smile. Since its inception in 1992 as Elwyn Family Living, Elwyn LifeSharing, has partnered and shared experiences with many families in Delaware, Phila-delphia, and Chester Counties. Laura volunteered that we have someone in the LifeSharing Program that has supported an indi-vidual within her home for over 20 years.

Elwyn’s LifeSharing partners might be individuals or families or even empty-nesters who found they had room and time to support someone else. They decide to open their homes and hearts and provide an alternative to campus or group home liv-ing. “It’s exciting to see people thrive in their new family envi-ronment and watch their quality of life go up,” Cannon contin-ues, “for some, this is their first true family experience.”

To succeed, Elwyn and its partner families must work to culti-vate a relationship that will last a lifetime. It begins with an intro-duction to the program facilitated by Elwyn’s LifeSharing Pro-gram administrative team. Cannon states, “This is a complete overview of the program where there’s open dialogue and plenty of questions and answers.” For those individuals and families still interested in partnering with us, we ask them to complete an

application so we can better understand their situation. If there’s mutual interest, we will set up time to conduct a home study. We inspect the home to ensure it meets regulatory guidelines as well as the needs of the person we’re considering for placement. “Fortunately, most of the homes don’t require much renovation states Cannon, “sometimes in some of the old-er homes the old key locks will need to be changed.” Once all the regulatory guidelines are met, we can schedule our first in-take meeting that will involve the consumer, his or her biological family, the potential LifeSharing family and a team member from Elwyn”, Laura stated. “We spend quite a bit of time forging these relationships and ensuring that the person is okay with the opportunity of moving in with a LifeSharing family.” As things progress, we schedule transition visits at the Lifesharer’s home where everyone gets to see the house layout, the bedroom, common areas, and yard. Next, we schedule a few dinner meetings where the consumer and family spend time getting to know each other. Once there appears to be a natural fit, we schedule several overnight visits so everyone can see what it’s like during the course of a routine day. These overnight visits could last for a few weeks or even a few months depending on how comfortable everyone is with the new living arrangement. Finally comes move-in day when our new family takes shape.

Ferron has five successful grown children and applied to be a LifeSharer in 2012. She attended orientation sessions and kept in touch to let us know that this was something she truly wanted to pursue. Ferron expressed that she has been incredibly blessed in her own life and she wanted to take those blessings and the love she has and share with others. In March 2013, an individual was identified that the team felt would match beautifully within Ferron’s current family structure. Having never pursued LifeSharing before, she took on this re-sponsibility with grace, poise, a warm caring heart, and her nursing background allowed her to support the person’s various medical needs. In the short time she has shared her home and heart with the individual she supports, they have grown a close bond. The individual is very protective of Ferron and shows great pride when the two are out together. He has actually reached out to a few other individuals at his workshop and told them about the LifeSharing program. This new family enjoys going to church together, taking walks, going to the store to shop, and sitting down together at the din-ing room table for a family dinner.There are many stories like Ferron’s and we know that there will be many more to come. “People in the program get more opportunities to go places and stay busy doing family activities. We’ve had people going every-where from the shore to Hawaii; they go on cruises and spend time in the islands. I’ve seen many of them gain more inde-pendence when they get a family who loves them.” Cannon said. If you are interested in partnering with Elwyn’s LifeSharing Program, please contact Laura Cannon at 610-891-7095.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN LIVING

5 ELWYN

Parents and Children Together (PACT) Nutrition Links is teaching a 4 week nutrition series at PACT that focuses on: My Plate, How to Plan Healthy Meals, How to Shop on a Budget, How to find Resources, i.e. Food Banks, Couponing and How To Read Food Labels. Along with the educational/classroom component of the program, the instructor has been cooking with the PACT Group to provide instruction in healthy meal preparation. At the end of the 4 week session, group members will receive a certificate of completion and a bag of resources for their home.

Mobile Crisis Crisis services is an active community partner because we provide daily outreach to the community’s crisis needs. The Mobile Crisis Program dispatches to the Delaware County community 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The most dramatic evidence of our effectiveness as a community partner comes from the nu-merous stories of children and adults who are now living productive lives in their communities because we helped link them to the resources they needed. We also support our community through a peer to peer support phone service. Crisis Services also provides a suite of commu-nity education programs including applied suicide intervention skills training, assessing and managing suicide risk training, and Mental Health First Aid.

Welcome House The Supported Employment Unit at Welcome House has collaborated with Elwyn Work Services and the Office of Vocation and Rehabilitation in order to provide job opportunities to members at Welcome House. As a result of the collaboration, Welcome House Clubhouse has developed community relationship with SpArc Services of Philadelphia. SpArc Services provides programs and services that complement the employment support services at Welcome House Clubhouse. Our programs support community inclusion, independence, and maximum life satisfaction for persons with mental health disabilities. Today, the partnership has helped to create job opportunities for Welcome House participants including the Pennsyl-vania Department of Transportation (PennDot) as Photo Technicians and Pennsylvania Industries for the Blind and Handicapped (PIBH) Janitorial Services at PennDot locations in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties.

Partners in Recovery Partners in Recovery provides peer services to individuals living in Philadelphia. Peer Support is a mental health service provided by a person with lived experience. Through this service we have been able to assist people to participate more fully in their community. One of our folks is now volunteering doing janitorial work at a church and has learned that he does not have to be held back because of his illness. He is more social and is doing more things to enjoy himself Another individual lives in a locked facility, and was not able to go out alone. After working with him for four

years he now goes to New Visions and is participating in groups and making friends outside his facility. We have taught at least 15 people how to get around on Septa who are also in locked facilities. After five years of work, they have privileges to go out on their own. They now go shopping and out to eat, which were things they were not able to do before. Five individuals are now studying for their GED. Two of them had poor writing skills after working with them, they now write and read and want to go to school.

Adult Residential Behavioral Health (ARBHS)

The residents of the ARBHS have partnered with several community organizations over the years. Currently, ARBHS is partnering with Surrey Services in Media, PA, to deliver meals to aging seniors in the community. The resi-dents enjoy this community activity. Which aids in building their self-esteem as they help others. Another partnership is with Safe Harbor in West Chester. The residents of ARBHS create baked goods during their day program then donate their creations to Safe Harbor to be served during the meals they provide to the homeless. This partnership has enabled our residents to improve their cooking skills as well as provide food to those in need. ARBHS has a long standing partnership with the Leukemia Society. Our residents are able to assist with their mailings by labeling and stuffing enve-lopes for the organization. Each partner-ship with community organizations is valued and all contribute to different skills and needs that help to improve the lives of our residents.

6 ELWYN

Shared Living Partnerships

Supports for Living, by the very nature of the relation-ships that are developed in order to effectively support a person’s life, engenders and requires partnerships. There are many ways we partner in living, including: family support, fundraising, and direct support. Partnering with families through fundraising is one way in which we become partners in living. As the name im-plies, the Friends of Cottage 2 was initiated by the fami-lies and friends of the individuals who live there. Their wish was to raise funds to increase the functionality and beauty of Cottage 2. Their goal is to benefit the people who live and work there by making their lives and work easier. The Friends of Cottage 2 have already had a Hoyer lift tracking system installed in one of the bed-rooms. This was for the health and safety of an individu-al who lives there as well as the safety of the staff who work with her. With funds raised, one bathroom was completely renovated and two other bathrooms will re-ceive a mini makeover with new sinks. Wireless internet was installed and iPads have been purchased. Mrs. Donna Witzleben was an integral part of this project! Her daughter, Ella, lives in Cottage 2 and Mrs. Witzleben is a strong advocate for all the people who live

and work there. Mrs. Witzleben also partners with Elwyn by participating on the Elwyn Human Rights Committee. The Elwyn Human Rights Committee is an oversight body that monitors and assures that the rights of the indi-viduals who receive supports from Elwyn are protected.

James Rooney, a Residential Living Staff, exemplifies

this special “partners in living” philosophy. Mr. Rooney

has been with Elwyn for almost 19 years supporting indi-

viduals to complete activities of daily living and develop-

ing relationships to ensure full meaningful lives. He has

partnered with many individuals, but has a special rela-

tionship with Kevin Smith. Mr. Rooney takes Kevin for

walks during lunchtime and brings him to use the

adapted swings at Wechsler Hall.

During the holiday season, Mr. Rooney and his family

dress up as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and elves for every-

one’s holiday enjoyment. Each Supports for Living part-

nership plays a significant role as a team is built to work

for the benefit of the people we support.

James Rooney and Kevin Smith

3

Educational

Partnerships The diverse and comprehensive portfolio

of services and programs provided by

Elwyn’s Education Division is predicated

on the vision of “Influencing Today…

Shaping Tomorrow.” Over the years, this

dedicated professional initiative has expe-

rienced expansion, revisions and challeng-

es but has remained focused on the needs

of the individual students who are referred

to our programs. Students and their fami-

lies may receive educational, therapeutic

or transitional services at the Davidson

School on Elwyn’s Media campus, at The

Opportunities School in Berks County, in

Philadelphia non-public schools served by

the Non-public Schools Program, in local

school district classrooms served by Edu-

cation Division staff or in community-based

transition sites supervised by Education

Division staff. Throughout the array of pro-

gramming, the critical component to suc-

cess is recognizing the importance of es-

tablishing and maintaining partnerships

with parents, school districts, colleges and

universities and members of local busi-

ness communities. The collective focus of

the Education Division has been and con-

tinues to be the provider of choice at the

local level for special education services

and programs for students with special

needs and their families. School district

referrals to the Davidson School have

grown based on the school district’s part-

nership with Davidson School to provide

the most appropriate education program

for their students. Parents, school district

personnel and Davidson staff collaborate

to provide an educational experience for

the student that will foster academic

growth, independence and preparation to

become a contributing member of his or

her adult community. All stakeholders par-

ticipate in the program decisions that will

impact this transition to adult life.

The Education Division has been proactive

in building educational partnerships with

colleges and universities.

Built upon the outstanding reputation of

the Davidson School serving special edu-

cation students with significant education-

al, behavioral and emotional challenges,

colleges and universities sought to estab-

lish collaborative relationships for student

teacher and intern placements. These

institutions of higher education realized

that their special education majors could

experience very unique field placement

assignments at the Davidson School. Giv-

en this opportunity of working with stu-

dents ages 3 to 21 and a diversity of low

incidence disabilities, the university stu-

dents could access professional experi-

ences not available in local school dis-

tricts.

These university partnerships have ex-

panded into collaborative projects that

enhance the growth of the Davidson

School students as well as the students

enrolled in various programs at the univer-

sity. Unique community service projects

involving the Davidson School students

include peer mentoring and on-campus

social interactions. One of the most signif-

icant outcomes for the Davidson School

students is the opportunity to engage in

activities and programs of campus

life. These experiential learning activities,

which can occur over several weeks or as

a semester long schedule, influence life-

planning decisions and have profound

benefits for all individuals.

ELWYN

Tr a n s i t i o n P r o g r a m The Transition Program at the Elwyn Davidson School estab-

lishes community partnerships for our students to foster a variety

of enriching and engaging experiences.

With thirty-three current work sites, a number that steadily

grows, our youth venture out into the surrounding communities

supported by Davidson School Community Integration

Specialists to explore the potential career paths that the region

has to offer.

Our students are placed in sites that include retirement commu-

nities, churches, supermarkets, and environmental centers such

as John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, garden centers, librar-

ies, courthouses, retail stores, and more. During ten-week rota-

tions through these community sites, our students can make

comparisons that enhance their decision-making process and

promote self-determination as they navigate the transition from

school to adult.

Our students enjoy many benefits from these partnerships with

community sites. Through the assessment of work habits, behav-

iors and site-specific skills, teachers, families, and Transition

staff assist students to identify their strengths and needs. Follow-

ing the student from age 14 to 21, this ongoing assessment pro-

cess shapes the decisions that affect future site placements, tran-

sition planning, and life-long career choices beyond graduation.

Fortified with and encouraged by the confidence that self-

discovery promotes, our students leave school with a deeper

understanding of their identity and their potential for creating

unique partnerships of their own as they continue their journey

into adulthood.

2 ELWYN

Most of us thrive on having strong connections to others, variety in our daily activities and having a central role in designing our future. We witness awakenings in both consumers and staff when they move from restricted environments into settings where family and friends are important participants, staff can energize many resources and consumers help craft their lives. This approach is the gold standard at Elwyn. Approaches are being individualized and partnerships are always being sought and cultivated. In this edition of the Elwyn Experience, you will read of examples of creative and effective partnerings. These are a few of many, innovative, effective and rewarding examples of how Elwyn approaches life improvement. Please partner with us to craft full, interesting and fulfilling lives. Please come play a part. Sincerely, Sandra S. Cornelius, Ph.D. President

Elwyn New Jersey

PARTNERS

Elwyn New Jersey is fortunate to have extraordinary supporters both inside and outside the organization. We are con-stantly cultivating new friends – people who are passionate about our cause. Our “Partners in Living” in-clude area businesses, service organizations, families and ENJ staff members who truly care about our mission. So many people provide supports each and eve-ry day to ensure that individuals lead the most rewarding lives possible.In the business realm, Cumberland Mall (PREIT Services) has always been supportive of our endeavors. They welcome the ENJ choir each year during the holidays and we have been the recipient of the “Giving Tree” award for many years. We partner with Boscov’s department store each year for “Friends Helping Friends” day. Mall Management staff work diligently to obtain auction items from various businesses for our premier fundraiser, the Art of Two Palettes. Wheaton Arts partners with us for this fundraiser, as do many business leaders from the community who sponsor the event, and numerous area restaurant owners who donate food.The Work Ser-

vices Department partners with local busi-nesses that need our services. Individuals at Elwyn New Jersey Work Services gain work experience and feel good about con-tributing to the community when they ac-complish assignments from Comar and Gerresheimer Glass and help with pack-ing jobs from A Cheerful Giver and Sir Speedy Printing. ENJ mobile work crews

from Supported Employment perform custodial services for various government entities in the surrounding area such as the Bridgeton Public Defenders Office, Port Norris State Police, and Buena Mu-nicipal Complex, just to name a few.Our partnerships include service clubs and youth groups in the region, such as “Smart Girls,” a division of the Boys & Girls Club, who have embraced our mis-

sion and are willing to donate their time and talents to help with special events. Many other community organizations part-ner with us as well. Our friends at Inspira Medical Center Auxiliary have given us numerous ideas for fundraising activities and several of their members work with us on various committees that include The Art of Two Palettes, The Elwyn NJ

5K, and our upcoming Murder in the Mansion fundraiser. These sea-soned community volun-teers are very effective at acquiring financial sponsorships and we are glad to have their help. But it’s no less important when ENJ employees give of their precious time to help make an event successful. Often direct care professionals or management person-nel will volunteer to take on time-consuming and strenuous work, such as sorting through clothing for a yard sale; setup and clean-up for various

events, including Founders Day and Self-Advocacy activities. We at Elwyn New Jersey, with the help of our community partners, believe that by focusing on the key principles that are the foundation of our philosophy: Accountability, Communi-ty, Normalization, Communication, and Quality of Life, we can fulfill our mission and continue on our quest to be true “Partners in Living.”

7

Elwyn Industries and Employment and Adult Day Services have developed a unique partnership with high school engi-neering students to participate in a nationwide Adaptive Technology competition. Source America is the national non-profit organization designated to administer the U.S. Congress’ AbilityOne Program. This program offers em-ployment opportunities to people with disabilities through federal contracts for services and products. They sponsor an annual nationwide competition that encourages high school students to develop assistive technologies that em-power people with disabilities to break through barriers in the workplace. Students from Concord High School The AbilityOne Design Challenge requires high school stu-dents to build a prototype of their device in order to be con-sidered for contention. High school teams must complete an online training module and work through research, de-sign and submission of a discussion paper and video presentation featuring their device. The device must be in use by the end of the school year in order to be considered. Kendra Johnson, Elwyn’s Executive Director of Employ-ment and Adult Day Services, was contacted by Jordan Estock who is Wilmington, Delaware’s Concord High School Engineering teacher, about participating in the SourceAmerica competition.

Kendra arranged a meeting with Mr. Estock at the OTC Work Center located at Elwyn’s Bridgewater facility and arranged a tour of the Delaware Elwyn Work Center. In September 2014, Mr. Estock and his high school engi-neering students spent time with the staff at OTC and Dela-ware Elwyn observing manufacturing processes that are engineered into the many work contracts that are produced at these two facilities. Part of Mr. Estock’s Level 4 Engi-neering Design Lab curriculum for high school seniors is to participate in this Design Challenge. The goal was for the students to work as engineers for the design, building, and testing phases of assistive technologies to help people with disabilities be more productive in the work place and gain competitive employment. Both Kendra and Bruce Tarkoff, Executive Director of Elwyn Industries, were very impressed with the talent and creativity of the students as they developed original ideas designed to empower the people that Elwyn supports. Dur-ing the OTC tour, students asked to see individuals try jobs that were difficult to complete in order to inspire creative engineering solutions. Elwyn is awaiting the final designs but preliminary results are very encouraging. Students have addressed problems such as the folding of the pleat and the use of the handle that operates the pressure and torque applied to the medal sets which Elwyn manufactures for the Defense Logistics Agency in Philadelphia. It is through these type of community partnerships, that Elwyn is able to continue to enable people with disabilities to work and gain employment.

Adaptive Technology-Design Challenge

ELWYN

Many volunteer opportunities are available at Elwyn. For further information, please contact Dawn O’Neill at dawn_o’neill@elwyn.org or 610-891-7689. To receive the “Elwyn Experience” by email, please contact Karen_chominski@elwyn.org

Elwyn Experience: A Quarterly Publication of Elwyn Managing Editor: Elliott W. Simon, Ph.D.

Photography and Layout Editor: Walter Fernandez

Photography: Kunil Park

Copy Editors: Candy DeMarco

Tony Catania

Content Editors: Dennis Ritrovato

Brian Boxall

Angela Sands

Jane Detweiler

Denise Cole

Bruce Tarkoff

Kendra L. Johnson

James Hahn

Thank You Your generous and thoughtful donations this past holiday season created magic for the individuals supported by Elwyn. Through the use of technology, people now have a voice to express themselves in ways that could never have been imagined. The adults who live in Elwyn Community Homes attended numerous holiday outings. Students in our Educational programs are learning with technology and adults are working in numerous locations earning a wage. Whether you have volunteered, donated items for our programs, attended an event or supported us financially, your actions have had a life changing effect on those we support. Thank you for choosing Elwyn.

March 2015 A publication for family and friends of Elwyn.

Everyone needs some level of support to accomplish their goals and fulfill their dreams. Elwyn provides varying levels of support to people according to their needs in order to improve the quality of their life. These supports can include different modalities and address differing aspects of a person’s life. Whether it is assisting a person in completing their daily living skills, providing specialized behavioral and physical healthcare or supporting people in their workplace, school or residence, Elwyn becomes a “Partner in Living” with that person. Elwyn cannot accomplish this in isolation and we work hard to engage families, neighbors, businesses, civic organizations and community agencies in support of the person. The goal of these community partnerships is to enable a person to live as independently as possible as a contributing member of their own community. This edition of the Elwyn Experience salutes not only Elwyn’s partners but the concept of “partners in living” as it is through these connections that Elwyn’s community based support network continues to develop. While this may sound complex, integrating Elwyn based services and supports with existing family and community resources has increasingly become the pri-mary method in developing a viable person centered system of supports.

We do this when we assist adults to access public transportation so that they can go to work; we do this when we support behavioral needs so that people can attend community func-tions; we do this when Elwyn provides an education to children that gives them the skills for living more independently in the community; we do this when community organizations get to know us better through volunteering; we do this in all that we do. Through these partnerships with families, communities, and government, Elwyn will continue to be the provider of choice for people with diverse challenges.

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Partners in Living 1 From the President 2 Elwyn NJ Partners 2 Educational Partners 3 Community Partners in Living 4-5 Shared Living Partnerships 6 Adaptive Technology-Design Challenge 7 Events 8

IN THIS ISSUE

Malvern Prep School Students Partner with Elwyn as volunteers.