Page 1

SASi Board of Directors and Foundation Board Members 2

A Note from Our Executive Director 2

A Note from Our Corporate 3 Board President

Did You Know

SASi Going Green 3 NYSID CEO Visits SASi 3 Community Matters

SASi 14th Annual Golf Tournament 4 Something New to Celebrate Arts & Abilities 5 Nick Lake, Master of Ceremonies 5 Moving Miracles Dance Program 5

Making A Difference Occupational Therapy Program Receives Honors 6 Genesee Rd. IRA 6 Aids Flood Victims Significant Milestones 6 Crickett’s Corner 7 Shrubs Donation Initiates Memorial Garden 7

Newsletter Committee

Karen Vance ~ Editor Tony Annunziato

Tom Becker Karen Gustina

Lynn Kelly Tim Pfohl

Patty Watkins

Contributors Judy Feine

Georgiann Hirsch Maureen Kinmartin

Susan Purtell

Making a Difference in the Lives of the Disabled 2009 Issue II

In This Issue:

Direct Support professionals provide services to individuals with disabilities by helping them with their everyday needs in a variety of settings including their homes or day programs. Direct Support professionals train, teach, assist and support individuals to live more independent lives. All of the trainees have the potential to work in a variety of positions with health and human service organizations throughout the greater Buffalo area. The job of Direct Support Professional is considered an “in demand occupation” with the seven involved agencies projecting over 700 job opportunities in the next year alone.

One of the graduates who happens to be a great-grandmother stated, “I am excited to re-enter the work force. This training has given me the chance at a second career and I have already gotten a job offer.” In fact, many of the graduates had job offers by the time they completed the training. SASi and People Inc. plan to continue the Direct Support Professional Training and Placement program in collaboration with the other five agencies during the upcoming year.

SASi & People Inc. Celebrate 10 years of Collaboration On August 6th, SASi and People Inc. celebrated the graduation of 18 individuals from their Direct Support Professional Training and Placement Program. This event marked ten years of collaboration between the two agencies and with five other leading human services agencies including Aspire of WNY, Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled, Baker Victory Services, Heritage Centers and Autistic Services.

This was the largest class to graduate and was made possible through the generosity of the John R. Oishei Foundation which has provided the funding for the program since 2006. This funding has enabled over 200 people to be trained over the last three years and a total of 700 over the ten year span.

This issue is Dedicated in Memory of SASi Employees Kelly Willard, Deborah Haagsma and Steven Avery

What the heart has once known, it shall never forget. ~Author unknown

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The impact of the current economy on our Agency is tremendous. With the economic slowdown, work orders for the workshop have dwindled. As it is, SASi receives very little funding for workshops and it is anticipated that funding will be further reduced. We are also expecting general cuts due to a reduction in revenue anticipated by the State. SASi has an apartment building and two day program facilities proposed. There is no movement on these projects. There is a brand new house sitting empty because we do not have the final approval to open. The State notified us that, except for emergencies, there will be no funds available for maintenance and repairs on existing buildings. Funding was

requested for a much needed addition to our Genesee Road IRA, but the request was rejected.

What is SASi doing? We are not just sitting back! We asked our Foundation Board to approve funding for the addition to the Genesee Road IRA. We discovered that HUD funded projects continue to be approved, and we are in the process of submitting a HUD grant to fund the Abbott Road apartment building project. HUD is a new funding source for us, and if secured, would make the project viable.

We are also working on ways to bring in new revenue. SASi has started the process of converting some day program services to pre-voc services, contracted with other agencies and school districts to purchase services from us, started a new Enhanced Supported Work program and added a grant to serve out of school youth in Erie County. We have also expanded our NISH sales. Contracts are in the works with the Navy, General Services Administration (GSA) and the Department of Defense which could potentially double our current production volume.

Other moves that we have taken to protect the Agency in this economy include reducing staff overtime, keeping the Foundation’s funds as “rainy day” funds, and evaluating everything for efficiencies. We have also been carefully monitoring employee injuries and have been able to reduce our Worker’s Compensation by $54,000. Right now, SASi is in the black and we are stable. We should be able to survive any mid-year cuts.

There are some things that you can do, as well. Make yourself aware of the type of programs that OMRDD is proposing as a cost-savings plan. These proposed new programs are less expensive, but they may not be the programs you want. Join with other parents and groups, be vocal and let our representatives know that you are not happy with the loss of funding for workshops, that there are no new facilities opening, that waiting lists for services will only get longer, and that services are lacking for children aging out of school.

Our goal at SASi is to end the year with the individuals we serve continuing to receive the programs they need. The unfortunate reality is that some people who are waiting for services may not get them until the economy improves.

Thomas Becker, Executive Director

CORPORATE BOARD

Hillary W. Bowen President

Mark Balus Vice President

Thomas Geisendorfer Secretary

Timothy Madey Treasurer

Deanna Briggs

Ennio Cerquetti*

Marge Gaske

George Gebhard*

Lois Jackson

Lelia Kearney Honorary Member

Ron Kenyon

Michael Medden*

FOUNDATION BOARD

Frederick Marshall President

Kevin Weber Vice President

Michael Medden

Secretary

Suzanne Novelli

Treasurer

Ennio Cerquetti*

Michael Cirocco

Beth Downing

George Gebhard*

Jeffrey Markello

William O’Connell

Tammy Yekich

*Serving on both boards

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As I reflect on six plus decades of life, I am continually reminded that success is built on relationships. As John Maxwell states, “You add value to people when you value them.”

SASi’s success is ultimately the result of relationships – relationships with consumers, with fellow staff, with administration, with board members and with state funding agencies. Each group is continually dependent on the others. These relationships build a foundation for success. Yet this success is only possible if each group devotes time to the journey. In our busy information overloaded lives, we need to step back and reflect on our relationships. Giving some of your best time to SASi relationships will bring value to your life and value to the lives of others. Let your journey begin now and bask in the worth you will ultimately bring to others within our organization.

Hillary Bowen, President Corporate Board of Directors

SASi is Going Green Occasionally someone asks, “What is SASi doing to go green?” Some of you might be pleasantly surprised to know that the Agency is doing several things to help the environment. For years, our cleaning crews with SAGE have been using biodegradable products not only in our buildings but in all other buildings where their services are contracted. Another project that SASi is undertaking is moving toward becoming a paperless operation. This concept is a little scary for some of the older staff members to accept, but ultimately our records will all be computerized. Since SASi has so many locations, this will make accessibility to each individual’s records much easier. Not only will this help save a lot of trees it will also make information storing and sharing more efficient. Of the paper products that we use, 30% of them are made from recycled materials. This includes everything from lined pads to file folders, and most of the kitchen related paper products. Toner cartridges are recycled as are used cell phones. The Sardinia Workshop recycles all of their cardboard with Waste Management. Recently, SASi has contracted with a company that certifies that all of the paper we give them will be recycled.

Perhaps the most interesting of our green programs is the one involving the “Fly Eliminators”. This biological fly control program is used around the High Hurdles barn to eliminate manure breeding flies in their cocoon stage before they hatch into annoying, disease-carrying adults. A new shipment of Fly Eliminators is received and released every 3 to 4 weeks under a fly control program that lasts throughout the duration of the fly season. This has proven to be a very successful, natural method of controlling flies.

NEW YORK

STATE INDUSTIRES FOR THE DISABLED INC.

NYSID, which stands for New York State Industries for the Disabled, is an organization that provides preferred source contracts between disability provider organizations and state or local government entities.

Ken Ringler, the new President and CEO of NYSID visited SASI on July 2, 2009. Mr. Ringler took over the position with NYSID in April of this year and stopped by to meet staff and learn first hand about the capabilities and strengths of SASi’s workforce.

SASi has worked with NYSID for over 20 years on numerous janitorial and custodial contracts. Through our SAGE Janitorial Services, workers with disabilities have been employed providing janitorial and custodial services in state and local government facilities throughout Western New York. A few examples of facilities currently under contract with SASi include the State University of New York at Buffalo, Genesee Community College, the Buffalo Psychiatric Center and the Western New York DDSO.

Mr. Ringler stated that he was impressed with all that we do, including the manufacturing of commodities for the federal government, and that he looks forward to working with us in the future.

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SASi’s 14th Annual Golf Tournament & Inaugural Wine Tour a Success!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success including the following event sponsors:

Join us in 2010 ~ it’s not too early to register. This tournament fills up quickly and space is limited! The event date is Friday, June 25, 2010.

For more information and updates, please call (716)805-1555 or log on to our events page at www.sasinc.org

Mike Hoy, Kevin Kelly, Jennifer Davis & Shannon Reeves

Wine tour guests (front) Matt & Cherrish Beals, Becky Myers and Julie King (back) Kathy Nigro & Denise Staffa

On Friday, June 12, 2009, a sold out field of golfers enjoyed a great day of golf at Arrowhead Golf Club in Akron, NY. The weather was kind enough to hold off on what threatened to be a rainy start to the tournament and opened up the skies to a beautiful day for golf. The tournament featured some local sports celebrity golfers including Cory Smith of the Buffalo Sabres coaching staff and son of Buffalo Sabres Alumni, Derrick Smith. Buffalo Sabres Alumni Terry Martin and Hockey Night in Canada Legend Harry Neale were also in attendance. This year’s winners included the foursome of Mark Kantowski, Kevin Kush, Dave Escot and Andrew Cieslica for the top men’s group and Linda Jasulevich, Nancy Gerovac, Pam Gieb and Shirley Fazekas took the top ladies’ group. Sixteen guests joined in the fun as SASi launched its inaugural Niagara Trail Wine Tour Event held in conjunction with the Annual SASi Golf Tournament. The tour took guests to several wineries along the Niagara Wine Trail including Vizcarra Vineyards, The Winery at Marjim Manor, Honeymoon Trail and Freedom Run. Registration fees included lunch, registration gift, limo bus tour of the Niagara Wine Trail, tastings at each winery, open bar and dinner at Arrowhead after the tour. There were also drawings and raffles for great prizes!

Alex Wehr, Laura Monte, Dawn Cress & Shelia Marzucco

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Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora was the proud host site of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) from June 25 – 29, 2009. This traveling exhibit is the largest replica of the original Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington D.C. The AVTT exhibit also honors those who served their country from World War II through the current Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

Thousands of visitors came to the park grounds to see and touch the wall and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure American freedom.

There were several special events that took place during the week including presentations by various Veterans groups and politicians.

The East Aurora AKTION Club, which is part of the Kiwanis Club, had the honor of hosting the closing ceremonies. Nick Lake from SASi’s Heiler Road IRA was the Master of Ceremonies for this occasion. It was particularly meaningful for Nick to take part in these ceremonies because his brother Brandon is currently serving with the Marines in Afghanistan.

Enroll Now!!! Moving Miracles Dance Program

WNY’s Leader in Providing Quality Dance Education

to Children, Adolescents, & Adults with Exceptional

Challenges

Now Celebrating Our 12th Season!!!

Offering Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Creative Movement, & Non-Ambulatory Classes

Open Registration Classes Begin Thursday, September 10th

Moving Miracles, Inc.

2305 Union Road ~ West Seneca, NY 14224 (716) 656-1321 ~ www.movingmiracles.org

We are pleased to announce that we have a wonderful opportunity this year to partner our annual fall “Celebration” event with the classic entertainment of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) and the artistic beauty of Kleinhans Music Hall.

For almost 30 years now, SASi has offered hope and promise to people with developmental disabilities. In celebration of the life-altering breakthroughs that we have witnessed in that time and in gratitude for the progress to come, we invite you to enjoy an exceptional evening of wonderful dance, art, food, cocktails, and cinema. One of the most celebrated films of all time “CITY LIGHTS” will be shown while the Orchestra, under the direction of JoAnn Falletta, plays the musical score.

From 5:30 - 7:30pm guests will enjoy cocktails & gourmet food stations, catered by Oliver’s Restaurant and served in the Mary Seaton Room. This portion of the event will offer a silent auction and will feature an inspiring performance by the Moving Miracles Dancers and the Greater Buffalo Youth Ballet. At 8:00 pm, the evening will culminate with a truly unique cinematic and musical experience. Charlie Chaplin’s personal favorite silent film, “CITY LIGHTS,” will be shown in the Main Music Hall. Please join us. We promise you a great time!

Celebrating an Excep�tional

Evening of

ARTS � ABILITIES

Saturday� October ��� ����

Kleinhans Music Hall

Something New to Celebrate!

Nick Lake, Master of Ceremonies

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On May 8, 2009 the Occupational Therapy (OT) Program at the University of Buffalo presented SASi’s occupational therapists with the Clinical Facility Award in recognition of excellence in clinical supervision of OT students. This prestigious award was gratefully accepted by Georgiann Hirsch, OTR/L; Maureen S. Kinmartin, OTR/L; and Fred Andres, SASi participant. Fred was included because each year he assists Maureen in giving a presentation to the OT students at which time he tells them about his participation in SASi work, residential and clinic programs. Judy Feine, High Hurdles Equine Services Supervisor, was not present at the ceremony but was also recognized as an integral member of the clinical team since she provides OT students with an introduction to therapeutic riding and how the horses can be used as a treatment modality.

SASi recently had two staff members celebrate monumental achievements. Arlene Bloom, Coordinator of Community Support Programs, reached her 25 year mark with SASi. Mary Jane Miess retired on August 7th after working at SASi for over 20 years. She assumed several different roles in the agency in both the Day Programs and the Article 16 Clinic. CONGRATULATIONS are extended to both Arlene and Mary Jane for their long term commitment toward making a difference in the lives of individuals who have disabilities.

SASi Celebrates Significant Employee Milestones

Georgiann, Fred, Maureen

Genesee Road IRA Helps Gowanda Flood Victims

After hearing the news about the damage and devastation in nearby towns, several of the individuals who live in the Genesee Road IRA expressed interest in doing something to assist the people in Gowanda whose lives were affected by the recent flood.

Brian and his mother, Marge Gaske (SASi Corporate Board member), spearheaded the campaign by working with the Gowanda Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Team. Brian helped by loading a variety of items that were donated by the Williamsville Walmart into his mother’s truck. Other residents in the IRA decided to collect food to donate. All of the donated items were taken to Gowanda where they were distributed to a very grateful community. Back row: Sally, Brad, Kristina, Nancy, Donald Kneeling: Brian

Not pictured: Jennifer, Terry, Amanda, Ben, Meggin

Occupational Therapy Program Receives Honors

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For more information about becoming a rider, volunteer, or supporter of High Hurdles, please contact Judy Feine (716) 496-5551

or by e-mail at: hhurdles@sasinc.org.

Olivia Berenson, age 12, of Springville, New York donated two Viburnum shrubs to the High Hurdles Therapeutic Riding Program of SASi. With her donation, Olivia provided a tangible background for the newly created High Hurdles Memorial Garden which is located between the SASi workshop and the High Hurdles facility on Route 39 in Sardinia, New York. The Viburnum shrubs were planted in memory of the riders and the horses that are no longer with us. Future development and care of the garden will be maintained with the assistance of SASi consumers.

As part of a school project under the direction of her 7th grade Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Brooke Grant at the Springville-Griffith Institute Middle School, Olivia decided to make the donation to High Hurdles as a result of studying the Reform Movement of the 1800’s. This movement was based upon making small changes that would grow and have a larger impact.

Olivia’s donation was also influenced by her visit last fall to High Hurdles with her Maple Valley Girl Scout Troop #1642. The troop assisted the program’s volunteers during the Erie County Special Olympics Competition which High Hurdles hosts annually. As a result of her interest in High Hurdles, Olivia’s mother, Mary Beth Witherow, became a volunteer at the program.

Olivia earned the money for the shrubbery by working for a neighbor and purchased them from Mrs. Christiane Canfield of Canfield Landscaping who is also a teacher at the Springville-Griffith Institute Middle School. Mrs. Canfield gave Olivia a discount when she learned of the young girl’s project, and Olivia was able to purchase two shrubs instead of one.

Shrubs Donation Initiates Memorial Garden

Olivia Berenson, Christiane Canfield & Dave, Judy Feine, Brooke Brant

This has been quite a summer between dodging rain drops and keeping up with all the activity around the barn and arena. Over 150 riders kept all of us horses (as well as Judy, Megan and Chris) very busy during the summer sessions. Of course, that many riders also meant lots of carrots and apples, too! Our barn is kept clean and comfortable with the help of Dan from the SASi supported work program and Carl and Nicole who are part of the OPTS supervised work program. We’re now gearing up for the Special Olympics Equestrian Competition that will take place on September 27th at the SASi arena. This is always a fun-filled day when the riders get to show their skills and when we horses get to shine a bit too. Once the school year starts up again we’re also looking forward to having the students return from Silver Creek Central School District and Sweet Home Central School District.

I almost forgot to mention that the barn is FILLED with hay. Lots of people worked very hard to unload and stack it during the hottest weeks of the summer. Boy, it sure smells good in the barn! Life is grand when you know there’s plenty of hay for everyone. A very special “thank you” is given to each of you who helped make this possible.

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960 West Maple Court Elma, New York 14059

Non-Profit US Postage

PAID Sardinia, NY Permit No. 1

Celebrating an Exceptional Evening of

ARTS � ABILITIES

Saturday� October ��� ���� Kleinhans Music Hall

See inside for more details

2010 Murder Mystery Dinner

Saturday March 6, 2010 At McKinley’s Banquet and

Conference Center

Stay tuned for more

information