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Year End Service Report 2009
“Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what
it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love...”-Anais Nin
Special People In Northeast, Inc.
Do you remember fl ying a kite as a child? It was usually
a huge challenge, particularly for the person supporting
you to accomplish this new skill. Picking out the best
possible kite in your price range, assembling it, waiting
for the wind, running fast and furiously in hopes of a
take off … were all part of the process. Of course the
moment the wind caught the kite and it soared upward
was the best! And with practice, you didn’t need as
much help, could compete with other kite fl yers for
height, doing curliques and other tricks and of course
bringing it in without crashing it. On any given kite
fl ying outing, you never knew what would happen. You
could have great fun or you could need to buy another
kite. But there was always another day.
At SPIN, we continue to dream of what could be, and
should be, with those we support and indeed in our
own professional lives. Like fl ying a kite, we know we
face many challenges but the successes are exhilarating
and bring us to new heights.
Read about our Award Winners and Susie White and
about Patti Gross in the Everyone Communicates
article. Th e dream of a modern playpark is now a
reality; Children’s Services achieved the highest
possible Keystone Star rank in all locations, and SPIN
is # 31 internationally in the Training Magazine Top
125. You will be inspired by Maryanne Di Giovanni
and Allen Johnson who took charge of their health
issues to have a better quality of life. Friendships have
been forged in neighborhoods, at work, at church and
with the mailman. People have stepped out of their
comfort zone to achieve things they may never thought
they could.
Many kites were fl own this year and many reached new
heights. Of course, there were crashes along the way
but the learning that comes from a downturn helps us
to get up and try again. Th ere’s always another day.
Ruby’s story captures the essence of what dreaming and
kite fl ying is all about. We all have to work hard to make
it happen. Ruby brought to life Winston Churchill’s
quote, “Don’t be afraid of opposition. Remember, a
kite rises against, not with the wind.”
So go fl y a kite soon!! You never know what it will bring
back and enjoy reading about our kite fl ying adventures
in this year’s service report.
Trina Losinno
Executive Director
A message from the Executive Director
…….. a new experience, a new opportunity, a new challenge.
Early in my career at SPIN, I was introduced to a very hardworking,
strong-minded, person named Allen Johnson. Allen was in his early
forties, full of vim and vigor and living an independent life. I knew
immediately that Allen was someone who would not let too much
get in the way of what he wanted to do including me! At times, Allen
would remind me that popular opinion was not always his opinion
and he expressed this quite adamantly by saying “that is you not me”.
Today, in my household because of Allen, that phrase is used quite
oft en by my darling teenage children. It is a reminder to me that each
person is diff erent and what works for one person is not necessarily
the answer for another. Th is lesson was taught to me by Allen.
Allen’s steel determination to lead a self-directed life has never faltered
through the years. Unfortunately, because of growing health issues,
the independent quality to his life has been challenged. Because of
this, he has had to rely more on others to assist him with the everyday
things that most people take for granted.
It was clear that what Allen treasured so much in his life was being
lost. With the support of his family, friends and team at Marsden, he
decided to explore a “no guarantee” surgical procedure to alleviate
some of his struggles. It was something Allen wanted. We were
nervous because of the risks involved with the surgery, but Allen
with the resolve that has carried him through all of his life decided
that this was worth it.
Just recently Allen had the fi rst part of a two part procedure and
the outlook is very positive. His desire and determination to regain
his independence and live the life of his choosing is probably a good
lesson for all of us.
A Simple Life Lesson
“Don’t be afraid of opposition. Remember, a kite rises against, not
As a home visitor, my job is to work together with a
child’s parents or guardians to ensure that activities
we do on a weekly basis help enrich the child’s view
of learning in all developmental areas: cognitive,
language, gross and fi ne motor, social-emotional and
self help. Th ere are two families that forever changed my
outlook on making connections in and outside of the
workplace. Th e fi rst was with two parents, Niajuwa and
Michael Hooker. With dad always working to provide
for his family, my visits are mainly with Niajuwa. Every
week we worked together to help their two children,
Naieem and Ta”ziyah develop all the tools they need to
succeed in their educational life. Secondly, was another
family, Maranetta and Reginald Marshall who provide
for their son Rashad. Th e connection that I have with
these parents is not just on a professional level, but a
personal one as well.
With both families, we are able to talk about anything
that goes on in our lives and we all look to each other
for support from the Early Head Start division at
SPIN Frankford as well as their individual lives. Part of
my job is to have parents attend parenting workshops,
socializations, and other events going on at Frankford.
At one of our socializations, both Niajuwa and
Maranetta attended along with other families. Both
of these ladies started talking about similarities about
their children and talking about education itself. Aft er
the socialization, I informed families that a new Policy
Council was forming and that volunteers were needed.
Both Niajuwa and Maranetta were glad to step up to
the plate. Since they already had met each other, they
formed a new bond that, I believe, will never go away.
Not only do they talk to each other when at workshops
and meetings, but they talk over the phone and go out
with each other with their children. Th ey invite each
other over for family aff airs and always think of each
other.
I am so happy that these two individuals found each
other because in this world today, we need parents
to work together instead of opposite of each other in
providing excellence in education for their children.
Both Niajuwa and Maranetta show that when parents
work together for the benefi t of their children, they
also form a great collaboration and support for each
other.
Early Head Start
with the wind”
Award Winners
Th ere are people in this world who live every minute trying to make the
world a better place, off ering opportunities to people, caring for and
about people, teaching skills that change the lives of others, believing in
people and the power of possibilities. SPIN, Inc. is fortunate enough to
have many of them in its midst. Some of them, individually or in groups
have been recognized by SPIN, Inc., the City of Philadelphia and state,
national and international organizations.
We are incredibly proud of all of our employees and especially our award
winners.
William (BJ) Carolan
Andrea Davies
2009 Points of Transformation Award
City of Philadelphia
Bea Cooper
ANCOR’s 2009 DSP of the Year from
Pennsylvania
Debbie Geissel
Edna Crane
Represent SPIN
Training Top 125
Ranked #31 internationally
Laura Fekete Colon
SPIN’s Excellence in Leadership Award
Peter Sabasino
Sue Gallagher
Ms. Pat’s Dance Studio
Brighter Futures Award
City of Philadelphia
Th e presidential election held in 2008 made history not
only in our nation, but in our agency. On November 4,
2008, our nation enthusiastically elected its fi rst African-
American president. Barack Hussein Obama became the
44th President of the United States, winning with a wide
margin of victory in both the popular and Electoral College
votes. His campaign was built on a platform with a new
vision of “Hope” and “Change” within America.
Locally, many of the individuals supported by SPIN were
celebrating their own signifi cant victory in their personal
campaigns of “hope” and “change.” An agency-wide
initiative in which a broad coalition of SPIN community
members worked to educate individuals and staff on their
rights and responsibilities as citizens within the elective
process culminated in an unprecedented number of
individuals voting in one of the most historic elections this
country has ever experienced…
….and what an experience it was! Th ere were educational
seminars, legislative forums, posters, fl ags, sample voting
booths, and even participation by SPIN members in the
production of a state-wide fi lm educating individuals with
disabilities on their rights, as citizens, to vote. Th e excitement
built to a crescendo as the countdown to Election Day saw
everyone reminded to “get out the vote” via email blasts and
postings on the SPIN portal. People spoke excitedly about
their plans for voting, while recognizing that selecting the
candidate of their choice was a highly personal and oft en
private decision. It was invigorating!......especially with the
realization that for many individuals we support this election
would mark the fi rst time in their lives they had been able to
cast a vote for anyone……let alone the president.
To mark the occasion, many in the agency planned special
celebrations. In the Behavioral & Developmental Services
Department, individuals, support staff , and management
celebrated the voting experience together with a reception
within the department. Th e room was fi lled with energy,
as all discussed excitedly their experience voting and their
hopes and predictions for the election’s outcome. It was an
“SPIN-spirational” moment……and marked that yes, truly,
change has fi nally come to America in more ways than one!
Historic in So Many Ways
Every day, new parents face the diffi cult dilemma of balancing
parenthood with their careers. Th e choices of being a stay-at-
home parent or continuing to work and enrolling their child
or children in daycare both have their good and not so good
points. Being a stay-at-home parent means taking a break
from a career path while going back to work encompasses the
anxiety of leaving children in someone else’s care. However,
every day, new parents, who are also SPIN employees, are
able to come to work and accomplish their daily tasks while
their children are under the watchful eye of their colleagues
in Children’s Services at SPIN’s daycare.
For Lucy Corker,
Assisting Director,
P r o f e s s i o n a l
D e v e l o p m e n t ,
who didn’t have
family that lived
close by, it was
important that she
had reliable and
consistent daycare
for her daughter, Lauren, who was three months old at the
time. She wanted to continue to work at SPIN and was
relieved when she was told that there was space for Lauren
in SPIN’s daycare. “Being a new Mum at the time, I did not
realize how much I would miss Lauren when I went to work.
Knowing that she was in the building right next door to mine
was a gift . I could go and have a lunch time cuddle whenever
I missed her, which was quite oft en in the early days! I believe
that the level of support and easy access to Lauren ensured
that I could give 110% of myself to my job, and I was a better
employee for it,” says Lucy. Her worries were eased because
she always knew Lauren was in good hands, helping her settle
into her new role as a working mother easily.
Lucy developed meaningful relationships with Lauren’s
fi rst teachers and came to appreciate how important it is for
parents to have a sense of trust for the people caring for their
children. She was thrilled when Lauren’s next teacher was
just as skilled, patient, loving and caring as the fi rst. Because
of the openness, good listening skills and patience of the
employees in Children’s Services, Lucy was able to continue
to work for SPIN and grow as an employee professionally.
Although Lauren is getting ready to enter Kindergarten,
Lucy is thankful and excited that her six month old son,
Braydan, is following in his big sister’s footsteps at SPIN’s
daycare.
Alexandra Ranieri-Deniken,
Psychology Fellow, Behavioral
& Developmental Services,
feels incredibly lucky to have
her son, Mikey, in SPIN’s care.
Returning to work aft er seven
weeks of maternity leave was
somewhat overwhelming, but
she felt like she never had to worry about Mikey, which made
the transition much smoother. During his very fi rst day,
Alexandra was working off site and greatly missed her baby
boy. She called his teachers who comforted and reassured
her. Th eir patience and tenderness completely calmed her
nerves.
She stated, “Whenever I stop by to say hi and get drooled
on, they are always doing something new and fun to help
the children learn. Th e teachers are incredibly helpful, calm
and supportive and are fi lled with good ideas.” When Mikey
was ten weeks old, his teacher sent Alexandra a picture of
him smiling from ear to ear. Whenever she looks at it, she
is reminded of how happy he is at SPIN. Since she knows
that Mikey is so well cared for, it is easy for her to focus on
work instead of worrying. “People always tell me how lucky
I am to know that Mikey is in such good hands and only a
short walk down the hall from my offi ce, and I couldn’t agree
more!”
Being a working parent can certainly be nerve-racking, but
having your child only steps away while you’re at work surely
helps balance the two. It is truly the best of both worlds.
SPIN Day Care
“The optimist pleasantly ponders how high
Since coming to SPIN in January of 2008, Chris Hartman,
Support Specialist in the IT Department, has quickly
discovered how rewarding his work can be. Assisting SPIN
employees as well as individuals supported by SPIN has, in
his opinion, provided him with opportunities he feels he
wouldn’t normally receive from other jobs in the Information
Technology fi eld. Th rough helping others, Chris is exposed
to new people on a daily basis and learns something new from
each interaction. One such lesson resulted from meeting
Donny Rappo.
In 2008, Donny graduated from Temple University’s
Academy for Adult Learning where he focused on computers.
Aft er graduating, Donny hoped to gain some experience by
interning in SPIN’s IT Department. Chris worked with
others throughout the agency to develop an internship for
Donny that would focus on his interests and develop his
skills. Chris and Donny met once a week for a month so
Donny could gain an understanding about working in the
IT fi eld and so he could have a better idea of the direction he
wanted to follow in a computer-related career.
Chris planned to evaluate Donny based on his ability to
complete assigned tasks and would note how much support
was needed. To Chris’s surprise, he was rarely called upon to
assist Donny. Since Donny uses a wheelchair, there were the
occasional instances where something was out of his reach,
but otherwise, he performed his work quickly and effi ciently.
Th ey began to construct a computer, and Donny performed
every task as needed in a timely manner. Before they knew
it, the four weeks were fi nished and they had set up an entire
computer. Donny assembled the hardware, installed the
operating system and confi gured all of the programs needed
for the employees. Th e computer is now being used on a
daily basis in Children’s Services.
Despite some physical hurdles, Donny was able to push
through and not let them aff ect his work. Donny always had
a smile on his face when he was working and even boasted
to others about how he built a PC. Donny took away many
lessons from the internship. Besides the technological
aspects of the work he did, he learned how to work together
in a team, what it’s like to work in the computer fi eld and
how to deal with the expectations of an IT job.
Donny wasn’t the only one who gained something from
this experience. Chris learned a great deal from Donny in
return. Seeing how Donny handled the internship showed
Chris that anyone can exceed their own expectations with
the right amount of dedication and hard work. When faced
with an obstacle or setback, Donny never gave up. He is an
inspiration to anyone with or without a disability who is
passionate about their ambitions. Donny had a goal, set his
sights on reaching it and is now on the path to seeing that
goal become a reality. He is proof that anything is possible
when you set your mind to it.
Donny Rappo and Chris Hartman
his kite will fl y; the pessimist woefully wonders how soon his kite will fall.”
During the week of September 8 – 13, 2008 a celebration
honored the Direct Support Professionals who are at the
heart of SPIN’s mission. Th e agency as a whole took
advantage of this opportunity to demonstrate how proud
everyone is of their hard work and dedication. SPIN
DSPs were delighted and appreciated the well deserved
“fuss”. Some of the ways SPIN celebrated included:
Th e United States Senate passed Resolution 613 and • designated the week of to honor the DSP workforce
throughout the nation!
Two of SPIN’s DSPs participated in ANCOR’S • Governmental Aff airs Seminar conference in
Washington D.C. Th ey also visited Capitol Hill
to thank PA Senators Casey and Specter for their
support and to speak with them about the rewards
and challenges of working in this fi eld.
Each DSP received a congratulatory letter from • David and Trina Losinno.
A Citation from the City of Philadelphia, prepared by • Councilwoman Joan Krajewski acknowledging our
DSPs, was presented by Councilwoman Krajewski
and Michael Covone, Deputy Director, Department
of Behavioral Health, to a packed audience of Direct
Support Professionals joined by the individuals they
support and SPIN management.
Board Members, Corporate Offi cers, and Senior • Managers visited DSPs at all residential homes
and Norcom Community Center to thank and
congratulate them in person and to present a token
of appreciation.
All families were contacted to let them know about • DSP week so that they had the opportunity to
acknowledge staff .
Green ribbons were made for all managers and • administrative staff to wear in support of the DSPs.
A picture montage featuring our DSPs was put to • music and placed on our Employee Web Portal.
Signs recognizing and thanking SPIN’s DSPs were • hung throughout the buildings.
Letters of gratitude were sent by all managers in Adult • Services to their staff and were placed on SPIN’s
employee portal.
Individual departments were congratulated and • recognized by their own management teams through
varied activities including pretzels and water ice,
baked goods, fl owers and balloons.
Aft er the week ended, we kept all information on • the Employee Web Portal and posted a video of the
citation presentation
It was a week fi lled with celebration! Th is recognition
eff ort had no budget impact, but the human impact was
huge; our DSPs know that we appreciate and care about
them and the work they do.
DSP Week
SPIN’s Employee Services Department has been hard at
work supporting the SPIN community through “time with”
opportunities with our new hires, fundraising activities
and special events. Th ree initiatives this year refl ect the
Employee Services customer service commitment to the
agency.
Since June 2008, SPIN, Inc.’s Employee Services
Department has taken on a major initiative to visit new
employees at their work sites within their fi rst year of hire.
Since the start, about 100 employees at the Drummond
Road campus, SPIN Frankford, Norcom Community
Center and over 35 residential homes have been visited by
an Employee Services representative.
As SPIN’s newest hires learn various policies, adapt to
their work schedules and become a part of the agency’s
culture, they may not always have the opportunity to
visit Employee Services for information. Site visits allow
new hires to speak one on one with an Employee Services
representative to ask questions and obtain information. At
each visit, employees are provided with a packet including
information about retirement, on site college courses
at SPIN, Inc., tuition assistance, contact numbers, the
employee referral program and much more. Not only
do visits help the staff , but they also allow the Employee
Services Team to get to know our employees, see how
well they are adapting to their new positions at SPIN and
receive feedback about what supports they may need.
On Tuesday, December 9, 2008 during the annual
Employee Benefi ts Fair, the Employee Services Department
organized a bake sale. But our bake sale had a twist; it was
also a food drive to support families in need from the SPIN
Frankford Head Start program during the holiday season.
Along with cash donations, SPIN employees were invited
to donate canned goods that would be used to fi ll holiday
baskets. Th e meeting room smelled like a bakery and drew
in many benefi ts fair visitors as we were able to collect over
$150 in cash donations alone. As well, we received many
canned good donations overfl owing the three storage
boxes! We used the money raised to purchase additional
food items for the ten families. Beautiful holiday baskets
were fi lled and Community Access staff volunteered to
deliver the holiday baskets. It was inspiring to see the
number of people from our SPIN community who visited
the bake sale. Th is team eff ort demonstrated that the spirit
of giving is thriving in the kind hearts of those who work
for SPIN!
When the weather heats up in Philadelphia, so does Phillies
Phever and the employees at SPIN, Inc. have caught it! On
Friday, June 19, 2009, enthusiastic SPIN fans came out
in full swing wearing their Phillies gear to show support
for the World Series Champions, and attended SPIN,
Inc.’s annual group night at the Philadelphia Phillies at
Citizens Bank Ball Park. As we all cheered for the Fightin’
Phils, who took on the Baltimore Orioles, it allowed the
opportunity for staff members to connect with each other
outside their work environments. Employee Services has
coordinated a group night at the Phillies since 2001 and
has averaged 75-100 SPIN attendees each year. Th ough
the Phillies lost to the Orioles, with a score of 2 to 7, all the
attendees will take with them their memories of the game
and the connections they made.
Employee Services
As the fall foliage reached
its peak in October 2008,
SPIN embarked on an
ambitious endeavor
to put into practice an
electronic version of
the Progress Note, a
key ingredient of our
new automated Health
Information System
called Total Record. Th e
old paper-based Progress Note system would be replaced
with the new electronic Daily Journal to record “A Day in the
Life” activities for individuals supported at all of our SPIN
homes. To accomplish this task, SPIN gathered more than six
hundred and fi ft y (650) Direst Support Professionals (DSPs)
and Managers in Adult Services Residential, provided over
78,000 hours of training in Professional Development and
supplied countless hours of Help Desk support from the
staff in the IT Department over the course of the next six (6)
months. SPIN was successful in its implementation of the
Daily Journal, but we’re getting ahead of the story. Th e story
is really about the courage and willingness of SPIN employees
and how the adoption of internet technology led to quality
enhancement at the agency.
Early on in the project, Judy Dotzman, Corporate Offi cer
for Professional Development suggested that we create a
video journal of our pilot group as they progressed
from computer novices into profi ciency with the
web-based Daily Journal. We used the video
journal as an important part of our training
to show other staff what can be accomplished
by embracing the new technology. Susie White
was in the pilot project and also part of the video
journal. Th is is her success story…
Being a new computer user, Susie was nervous about using
Total Record for electronic Progress Note documentation.
Susie had surfed the internet previously, but was clearly not
as experienced as she would have liked to be going into the
pilot project. She allowed herself time to learn something
new, practiced self discipline as she documented daily, and
became more skillful at managing her time. Susie’s comfort
level using the computer soared once she pursued and put to
use the “tips” she learned from the resources made available
to her. She gained confi dence as she put into place more
chronological thinking, concise documentation, and even
started to off er tips and short cuts to her peers. Aft er a
few months of “paper independence,” Susie was pleasantly
surprised when she recognized that she was able to spend
more quality time with individuals she supports aft er
becoming more profi cient using Total Record for her Daily
Journals. She also learned that she was able to securely look up
information and review information quickly in Total Record.
She attributes her success to keeping an open mind, asking
questions, listening to suggestions, and having the desire to
fulfi ll expectations.
As of this writing, 71,263 Daily Journals have been
completed by SPIN Direct Support Professionals in Total
Record across the entire agency. Th e DSPs’ transition
from handwritten paper Progress Notes to Total Record
Progress Notes is analogous to the butterfl y emerging from
the chrysalis. Th e growth of SPIN support staff and timely
succinct documentation are attributed to the peer to peer
support and mentoring, quality professional development
training, eff ective communication, strong Assisting Director
supervisory support, and Information Technology customer
service excellence ---resources collectively associated with
success.
Esteam Pilot Project & Susie White
“No one can prepare you for what heights you will soar until you spread your
It is diffi cult to imagine what it is like to be unable to
communicate one’s wants, needs and aspirations. However,
many people struggle each day without the opportunity
to express themselves. SPIN strongly supports the MRS
initiative that Everyone Communicates; however, aft er
genuine refl ection we realized that many individuals
supported in SPIN services, who are non-verbal, did not
truly “have a voice”. In 2008, aft er being inspired by the
presenters and resources at the Brighter Futures presentations
and resource tables, SPIN created a Communication Team
consisting of individuals, Direct Support Professionals,
health service members and managers who believe in the
essence of communication in everyone’s life and the critical
need of resource development and access to support its
achievement. Th is workgroup developed a survey to assess the
communication needs of individuals that was implemented
with all residential teams. Th e results were compiled and
analyzed and the outcome was the design of a Point of Service
training to create a shared understanding and assess the need
and priority of communication assessments. SPIN has three
people who have been trained through Networks’ Mentor
Program to implement communication assessments.
In addition, the Communication Team entered into a
partnership with the PA Institute on Assistive Technology
(PIAT) to support the awareness and access of AAC
equipment as well as the Telecommunication Device
Distribution Program (TDDP). Th e NCC is a new location
for PIAT to provide exploration activity regarding AAC
equipment and phones. A core group of people from the
Communication Team have been trained to assist in the
implementation. Th e equipment is requested through the
Lending Library and is available at the NCC for exploration
by individuals, families and SPIN workforce. People are
encouraged to schedule a Communication Exploration
session at the NCC to be introduced to the many assistive
technology resources available. PIAT has presented four
excellent AT presentations at the NCC on the topics of
Assistive Technology for people with low vision, Assistive
Technology for employment, Assistive Technology for
people with Autism and Assistive Technology for Transition.
All presentations were well attended and well received.
SPIN greatly appreciates the partnership with PIAT as it has
opened doors regarding enhanced communication for many
people.
On March 6th, Patti Gross, Jennifer Williams and Elinore
Spiotta, Communication Champions, were invited to be part
of an expert panel at the MRS First Friday Event highlighting
communication. Th eir presentation was powerful and
reached each member of the very large audience. Champions
they are!
Claire Hall has been attending NCC for over a year. In that
time she has had the use of a communication device on loan
to her from the Temple Lending Library. Elinore Spiotta
introduced her to Jennifer Seale, a Speech Pathologist from
Temple and she came out to see Claire for an evaluation.
Claire and her family and support staff appreciate the
partnership of SPIN and PIAT as it has supported her
increased independence and enhanced communication.
Th e communication team continues to support people to
achieve personal outcomes ensuring that people always have
a voice.
Everyone Communicates
wings.”
SPIN’s Corporate Offi cers have too many years of leadership experience to count! Many have served or are currently serving in
leadership positions in our industry’s many affi liate organizations. Th ese partnerships are benefi cial to our mission because it
gives us an opportunity to help shape the future of service and supports for people with and without disabilities. Having a voice
at federal, state and local levels is important and learning from others is critical to our programs as well. Th ese are our current
crop of Corporate Offi cers serving in leadership roles:
External Leadership
Philadelphia Interagency Coordinating Council for Early InterventionProfessional Co-Chair
Katie Dougherty
Mayor’s Early Learning Advisory CouncilMemberAdvisor to Mayor Michael Nutter
Annemarie Clarke
PARBoard Member/Executive CommitteeImmediate Past ChairPAR is SPIN’s Statewide Industry Association
Trina Losinno
Judy Dotzman
ANCOR FoundationBoard MemberANCOR is SPIN’s National Trade Association
Philadelphia AllianceBoard Member/Executive CommitteeSecretaryThe Alliance is our local Industry Organization
Kathy Brown McHale
“I made you a kite so you would have to look up”
In terms of social capital one way to get acquainted in
a neighborhood is to host a yard sale. Some may say
that yard sales are more trouble than they are worth,
but most people who participate in this activity would
disagree. Yard sales are fun, interesting and a great
way to meet people. Th e old adage that “one person’s
junk is another person’s treasure” is true and it is oft en
witnessed at a yard sale. Th ere is a nice feeling that
occurs when someone “fi nds” something that they feel
will be useful to them or when they stumble on an item
that reminds them of their dear great grandmother.
Th e stories that are told about the items for sale can
capture the imagination and make a person feel that
he is walking away with something of great value. It
doesn’t matter if you are buying or selling; yard sales
create conversation and an opportunity to get to
know who lives in the home and experience a sense of
community.
Last September, Matt Ercolino, Th omas Foley and Sean
Fitzgerald had the opportunity to participate in this
great American past time with their fellow neighbors
who reside on Benson Street. Th e night before the
event they excitedly priced their items and then they
phoned their families and friends to invite them.
On the day of the sale, Matt was eager to carry the sale
items outside and set them up. Sean and Tom joined
him later. It was a neighborhood event and the energy
on the block mounted as the coordinators Kim and
Maria introduced themselves and placed a balloon on
the front lawn to indicate that they were participating
in the sale. Matt and Sean walked around to see what
the “competition” was selling and while observing the
fl urry of activity they made a couple of purchases as
well!
As the day progressed many of the neighbors came to
visit Matt, Sean and Tom. Maria, the block captain,
talked with Matt about his job. Another neighbor, who
just moved in stopped over to introduce himself. Th e
block was fi lled with people enthusiastically stopping
by each house to fi nd something special.
At the end of the day, the guys proudly boasted over
$40.00 in sales, but more importantly they gained a
priceless amount of new friends on the block. Th ey
all agreed that it was well worth it and next year they
would like to do it again.
Getting Acquainted with the Neighborhood
Th ree years ago, as the newly constructed Members’ Hall opened,
people inquired about the exterior walks, entrances, driveways and the
short answer was: no money! In truth, there was no money but there
was enormous interest, motivation, need, desire and an expectation
that the exterior of our Northeast Campus would be as beautiful as the
interiors. Just having “no money” would not suffi ce. It never has; it’s
just not our culture.
Very quickly a design team was put together which would handle all
the psychic energy from so many diff erent stakeholders. In short order
a working plan for a new playpark, leisure areas, children’s gardens
and walking path took shape. Everyone knew the plan could not be
done in the same conventional way- drawings, plans, bids, bid awards,
construction documents for the entire area. A safe playpark had to
be continuously present, entrances and egresses of the four buildings
could never all be closed and the projected $450,000 budget was
nowhere in sight. Th e plan became a three year venture. Th e CEO
committed all fund-raising dollars for two fi scal years in support.
Children’s Services had their eye on public funds related to Keystone
Stars Program and the parents and staff of the preschool programs had
their own ideas for making it all happen. And it all happened indeed.
Just look at the beautiful outcomes “working together” created. Th anks
to all who participated.
Working Together Still Works!
About four years ago, John Buehner enrolled in Arcadia’s
Masters Program through SPIN. Th is past spring marked
the end of the program, and for his fi nal project, John
decided to establish a music appreciation program
for SPIN Frankford. He thought it would be fun and
benefi cial for the children and would help increase SPIN’s
Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS)
score, which is an assessment tool used in conjunction
with Keystone Stars.
John contacted the Frankford Friends School and spoke
with one of their teachers, Diane, who embraced his idea
with a great deal of enthusiasm. Th ey eventually decided
on a four week program in which ten 6th grade volunteers
would visit the children at SPIN Frankford to teach
them about music. Th e visits were to be broken up
according to instruments- the fi rst week was the
brass group followed by strings, guitars and
fi nally, the percussion group.
Music Appreciation began on March
25th when Teacher Diane and her
students walked down Orthodox St. to
visit Classroom 6 at SPIN Frankford where Miss Elaine
and Miss Denise’s classroom greeted the students with
enthusiasm. Th e 6th grade volunteers kicked off the
program with an excellent demonstration and played a
few sing along songs. Everyone was able to participate
by pushing the buttons of the trumpet and sliding the
trombone. Th e visit concluded with a question and
answer session between the volunteers and the teachers
and children.
Th e second week brought the string instruments to SPIN
Frankford. Th is time, the volunteers stroked and plucked
beautiful music using the cello, viola and violins. Even
Teacher Diane was coaxed into playing! Th e next session
focused on guitars, and each student was able to strum
a few notes. Any question a student had was happily
answered by the young volunteers who were eager to share
their knowledge and passion for music.
Th e volunteers’ fi nal lesson concentrated on percussion
instruments, which seemed to be the favorite of many
students. You could hear the animated banging on the
drums throughout all of SPIN Frankford.
Overall, music appreciation was a huge hit and the
children were excited for weeks to follow. Everyone
involved greatly enjoyed the entire experience and looks
forward to more collaborative eff orts in the future.
Frankford Friends
“True courage is like a kite; a contrary wind raises it”
Customers today want top quality in everything and
now parents in Pennsylvania can fi nd early childhood
centers with recognized top STAR quality. Keystone
STARS, (Standards, Training, Assistance, and Support),
a Quality Improvement initiative for early education
programs across Pennsylvania rates centers from one
to four stars. SPIN’s three children’s centers have been
moving up the star ladder rapidly. Th is year SPIN is
proud to announce that we have achieved STAR 4 status
for all three centers! Th is has been accomplished by
exceeding rigorous professional development training
goals in all areas, being highlighted for early learning
programming, leadership development and partnering
with families. Employees exceeded the number of
required training hours through our on site college
programs and annual training. Th is participation
and achievement of STARS status is rewarded with
money from the Commonwealth to support supplies,
training opportunities and bonus enhancement for our
childcare staff . Our journey to this level of excellence
involved great collaboration as SPIN Children Services
staff exceeded the rigorous professional development
plan established by Keystone Stars. Th e following
Best Practice accomplishments enabled SPIN to be
recognized at this top level:
10 Paraprofessionals received their Child • Development Associate (CDA) Certifi cate
through SPIN’s on-site program increasing the
total to 16 in three years to receive a $500 salary
increase.
All staff with CDA Certifi cation are enrolled in • TEACH program and are receiving a $600 Bonus
from SPIN each year for their participation and
completion of the program’s requirements.
Two Directors completed their Director’s • Credential Certifi cation and the additional
Directors are completing the certifi cation through
the on-site program
Chosen as 2008 Delaware Valley Association for • the Education of Young Children (D.V.A.E.Y.C.)
Best Place to Work.
Became an Act 48 approved provider to maintain • certifi cates as active.
Added to Pennsylvania’s Quality Assurance • System (PQAS) statewide registry of Professional
Development Instructors meeting quality
standards.
Exceeded the requirement that 66% of fulltime • staff are enrolled in or completed a CDA,
Associates Degree or higher in Early Childhood.
Exceeded the 24 hour annual training requirement • for all classroom staff .
All CS staff utilize the PA Pathways Professional • Development Record (PDR) to guide their annual
professional development plan.
STARdom has not stopped the Children Services Team
from continuing to reach for the stars in all that they
do. We congratulate everyone on this collaborative
accomplishment as we know that everyone benefi ts
from this hard work!
Celebrating Excellence, Keystone Stars
Parents in the Northeast love to get their kids involved. For
many it’s sports and that is why the NCC off ers peewee soccer
and hockey. Peewee soccer and hockey are coordinated
by William Carolan and coached by volunteers from the
community. Th is year we sponsored two soccer leagues for
ages 3-5 and one hockey league for ages 5-7. Our hockey
league boasted six teams and over 50 kids, our biggest hockey
program yet. Each year more and more people get involved
because they enjoy the learning environment that the NCC
leagues off er.
Our summer camp also off ers education (disguised as fun)
with everything from sports and fi tness to trips and creative
arts programs. In just a few weeks of summer camp the
activities help kids learn from each other; things they will
carry with them for years aft er. We know this because many of
our campers stick around in their teens to participate in our
Counselor In Training program. Th ey enjoy helping others
have fun at camp the way they did. Th e CIT’s learn valuable
job skills while volunteering with the camp. Teen programs
are something the NCC is always looking to enhance. We
like to think we can help make a diff erence by off ering fi tness,
cultural and education activities that will help them with
their life experiences.
William Carolan our Fitness Specialist has played a key role
in keeping our beginners fi tness program fun, interesting
and challenging for many teens year aft er year. Th ey learn
everything from how to get their heart rate up to what
exercises build their muscles and what they should do when
they want to tone up or slim down. Good nutrition and why
they need to drink a lot of water for a healthy body is also
part of the discussion.
Good nutrition is also echoed in our very popular kid’s
cooking class. Sure it’s food and of course a lot of fun but
the kids are learning so much more and they must not mind
it because they keep coming back to the tune of nearly 70
kids participating in the last 12 months. With seven classes
a year and a waiting list every month, we oft en get requests
for added classes or a class for teens which we are working on
for the future. Kids in the Kitchen off ers an opportunity for
kids to be creative and a little messy in a social environment.
Th e classes are typically run by the NCC Th erapeutic
Recreation staff , well trained to focus on abilities so there is
always something for everyone to do, no matter what their
previous cooking knowledge. Each class concentrates on a
diff erent preparation skill; one week we might be measuring,
another week we practice cutting and using sharp utensils. In
addition to learning some tasty recipes the kids learn to take
turns, be patient, use their table manners, and the importance
of a clean kitchen, a skill they will always remember.
Kids at NCC
Larry Brownstein loves people. He sits by his window
or out on his porch and waves to his neighbors as they
pass by his home. Larry has a few hobbies he enjoys
doing during his leisure time. Aside from “people
watching”, Larry also has a fascination for magazines
and papers and therefore has become the offi cial mail
collector for himself and his roommates. He always
looks forward to mail being delivered to his home.
When it gets close to delivery time he sits by the
window to wait for the mail. Th is is how he became
connected with Michael, his friend from the U.S Postal
service.
Michael delivers mail to Larry’s home each day.
Whenever Larry sees him, he is happy! Larry’s staff
initially thought that this was because of the mail,
but everyone soon realized that it is also because he
enjoys seeing his new found friend. When Michael
approaches to deliver their mail Larry waves and claps
to show how pleased he is.
As this continued, the two friends bonded. If the
mailman came to Larry’s home and he was not at his
usual spot, either by the window or outside on his
porch, he would ask for Larry and about his wellbeing.
All of the staff began to observe this friendship and
thought it was awesome!
During a visit to Larry’s home, while relaxing at his
dining room table aft er a snack, we heard someone at
the front door asking for Larry. It was Michael. Upon
hearing the voice, Larry promptly got up and started
rushing as best as he could to the front door with the
broadest smile on his face. I was compelled to go and
meet the gentlemen who made Larry so happy. It was
such a heart warming sight to see Larry so eager to
greet his friend.
Michael is a very good friend to Larry. Th ey have taken
keen interest in each other. Michael takes time to talk
with Larry and, because he knows that Larry likes to
collect the mail, he ensures that he gives the mail to
Larry if he is around. Th ey truly care for each other and
have enriched each other’s lives by becoming buddies.
Larry’s Friend, Michael
“Be wise; soar not too high to fall; but stoop to rise.”
“Having vision and seeing where you fi t in the big picture is like getting a gift that you like. Only later, you really appreciate it.”
–Bea Cooper
Th ere they were, the four of them, speaking to an intense
audience at the 7th Annual DSP Conference: Bea Cooper,
Activity Specialist at Norcom Community Center; Sandi
Gilreath, Paraprofessional in the Autism Support Class at
Drummond Road; John Corker, Direct Support Professional
at the Ryan Avenue home; and Dealmond “DJ” Johnson,
Direct Support Professional at the Argyle Street home.
What a powerhouse of experience and knowledge! Th eir
topic was “Preparing, Organizing and Presenting Powerful
Presentations”. Th e conference was attended by over 700
Direct Service Professionals at the Hilton Hotel on City Line
Avenue.
Th is presentation was an opportunity for Bea, Sandi, John and
DJ to share the skills that they have developed as Leadership
Opportunity Representatives in Human Resources. For Bea
and Sandi, this is their second year in the Leadership program;
John and DJ began in October of 2008. Combined, they
have 61 years of experience supporting adults and children as
employees of SPIN, Inc. Th is was their fi rst time presenting
together and DJ’s fi rst experience presenting on behalf of the
agency at an external event.
What does it feel like to take on this responsibility? What
does it do to you as a person? Bea feels like something is
coming alive in her. She feels more a part of the “We” in
SPIN, Inc., because she is able to share her experiences with
others. John enjoyed the whole process. Speaking with DSPs
outside the agency, having the opportunity to work directly
with the other Leadership Opportunity Representatives and
the brainstorming session where the four of them planned the
presentation were all wonderful learning experiences. Sandi
feels the team was able to maintain balance and complement
each other and that each team member was able to fully use
his or her individual strengths. DJ learned that people will
listen to you if you know what you’re talking about and are
confi dent when speaking. He realized that there’s power in
sharing knowledge, and that kind of power is exciting! He
enjoyed working with his teammates and learned a lot from
them. Th ey made him feel incredibly confi dent and like he
had been doing this for years.
Th e presentation was a true success. Th e audience asked
wonderful questions and received insightful answers from the
team. SPIN’s culture of “each one, teach one” was multiplied
exponentially that day. At SPIN, leadership is defi ned as
taking others where they have never been. Bea, Sandi, John
and DJ are learning and living this concept every day. Th ey
have taken the Human Resources department where it has
never been by strengthening our commitment, reinforcing our
values and supporting employees to be more today than they
were yesterday. Th ey view presenting at the DSP conference
as an opportunity, a responsibility really, to share the gift s and
skills they’ve gained to show others a wonderful way to live
and grow professionally.
Presenting... Leadership Opportunity Representatives
Maryanne DiGiovanni is 66 years young with a heart of gold and
an appetite for laughter! She lives at Lansing Street with her two
wonderful housemates, Shawn and Alice. Aft er her ISP in January of
2008, Maryanne decided that she wanted to adopt a healthier lifestyle
and lose weight but was unsure about how to approach the subject.
Maryanne’s nurse, PJ Walkling, helped her develop a plan of eating a
soup and salad each day for lunch instead of fast food and to try to take
walks daily. Maryanne also looked toward Sametta Dahn, her Home
Life Coordinator, for assistance. Together, they began implementing
Maryanne’s goal to lose weight by her next physical with Dr. Artz.
Sametta included variety in Maryanne’s choices of soup and ingredients
in her salad such as sunfl ower seeds and bits of ham to not only spice up
the healthy greens, but to also adhere to the liberalized sodium criteria
of Maryanne’s diet.
Maryanne strictly followed her diet and increased the length of her
walks. She was so committed that she even spaced out her daily visits
to Dunkin Donuts for iced coff ee. Although she wasn’t always able to
take walks because of her arthritis, she made up for it with double the
amount when she was able to. Monthly weigh-in at triage became not
only a marker toward her goal but a conversation starter for anyone who
made eye contact with her. She would say, “I lost weight!” with a gleam
of achievement in her eye. She continued to steadily lose weight, and
Maryanne, as well as her team, was delighted to see the amount of her
weight loss at her physical in January of 2009. In only one year, Maryanne
had been able to lose almost 30 pounds!
Dr. Artz was incredibly proud and commended Maryanne for her
dedication and determination. Maryanne walked out of the offi ce with
a new sense of confi dence and immediately asked, “Now when am I
getting new clothes?”. Because of her perseverance and the support from
various people around her, Maryanne was able to achieve her goal, and
she has a brand new wardrobe to show for it!
Maryanne DiGiovanni
When you fi nish
your weekly
shopping trip at your
local supermarket,
you notice an
energetic young
woman bagging your
groceries. She is
quite effi cient and is
friendly to her co-workers and customers! What you don’t
see are the many natural supports that she receives that help
to make her a productive, dependable employee. Before her
Mom leaves for work in the morning, she makes sure she has
everything she needs for her workday. At 9am a neighbor
calls her to make sure she leaves for the bus on time. When
she arrives at work, a co-worker helps her clock in. She starts
her bagging job and gets so involved that she forgets it is time
for her break until the checker she is working with reminds
her! She goes to the break room and takes out her change to
use the vending machine. Looking a little confused, the deli-
manager who is taking her break asks her if she needs help.
She helps her fi nd the right amount to purchase her soda.
Her day continues like this with natural supports stepping up
whenever the need arises.
Th ese natural supports are essential to the successful
employment for people with disabilities. Th e support comes
in many forms and happens naturally. Th e Community
Integrated Employment Department at SPIN, Inc. is always
trying to fi nd ways to thank these individuals that step-up
to provide a multitude of various supports. Th ese are the
unsung heroes of the supported employment world!
SPIN, Inc. was awarded a $5000 mini-grant to support
Philadelphia’s Vision for Employment 2010. Th e purpose
of the project was to increase the number of people with
intellectual disabilities who are employed. Th ere were several
approaches designed to support this project.
Th e main focus of the grant proposal is to recognize and
reward natural supports. Seventy-fi ve natural supporters
were recognized with a $25 gift card. Th ey included parents,
friends, neighbors, co-workers, managers, etc. SPIN, Inc. also
wanted to recognize residential staff that provide positive
support at the workplace, or support to facilitate successful
employment. Th ese individuals were nominated by the
employee, employment specialists, managers, etc. Cards
were presented with a personal note of thanks. People were
pleased and totally surprised. As we expected they did not
feel that they were doing anything extraordinary. Th at is a
sign of a true “natural support”. $100 gift card was presented
at the Employment Banquet to Hazel B. a parent who has
provided extensive natural support to help maintain her son’s
job of seven years.
Worksites that foster a supportive environment and an
inclusive culture were given wonderful baskets brimming
with a wide variety of snacks for all employees to share during
their breaks! Th e baskets were a hit! Th e employees were
grateful and truly enjoyed the “thank you”.
Another way to recognize the roll that the natural supports
play was to provide each person supported by SPIN
Employment Services a ticket to bring a person who provides
them with support to the Annual Employment Recognition
Banquet as a guest. Sixty-one tickets were provided to natural
supports for the banquet.
To provide an incentive to the Employment Specialist to fi nd
jobs, a gift card was given for each job secured. Th ere were
12 jobs secured during the grant time frame. Th e incentive
sparked “friendly competition” in the department! At the
11th Annual Employment Recognition Banquet, Andrea
Davies was given a $100 gift card for fi nding the most jobs!
Th is grant provided the opportunity to reward those that
help make employment successful for the people supported
by Spin Employment Services. It was a pleasure to add a
small reward along with our “thank you”!
SPIN Employment Services
A core value at the foundation of SPIN is a culture of
learning and a genuine thirst for knowledge. Realizing
that the essence of quality services and supports for people
is harvested in a highly qualifi ed, prepared and trained
workforce who develop personal and professional outcomes,
SPIN developed partnerships almost ten years ago with
the Community College of Philadelphia and Arcadia
University to off er customized on-site college programs
to its workforce. Exciting career path opportunities and
endless possibilities for growth and development have
emerged.
SPIN’s Corporate University, SPIN Institute For Service
Excellence, off ers employees an opportunity to participate
in a variety of unique on-site higher education programs
with concentrations including a Child Development
Associate certifi cate (CDA), an Associate’s degree in
Behavioral Health and Human Services, a Bachelor’s
degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Human
Services and Master’s Degree programs in Education
with a concentration in Special Education or Educational
Leadership.
To date, SPIN has supported 15 employees in earning their
CDA, 7 employees in earning their Associates Degree
(all of whom are enrolled in the on-site Bachelor Degree
program) and 22 employees in earning their Master’s
Degree. Currently, there are 11 employees enrolled in the
CDA program, 25 employees enrolled in CCP Associates
program, 9 employees enrolled in the Bachelor’s program
and 7 enrolled in the Master’s programs totaling 52
employees.
SPIN cherishes its successful partnerships with the
Community College of Philadelphia and Arcadia
University and is very proud of those employees who have
chosen to take advantage of this unique benefi t. Following
are encouraging words from instructors who have happily
been a part of this journey:
Spencer Davis (Arcadia University Professor) writes: “For
the past several years I have been privileged to serve as an
Arcadia University Graduate School Adjunct Professor
working with students from SPIN, Inc. My association with
SPIN and Arcadia has been personally and professionally
rewarding. SPIN has embraced the concepts of professional
development, individual opportunity, and lifelong learning
in ways that have allowed its staff to grow professionally,
advance their careers, and expand their interests. SPIN
employees have been engaged, inquisitive, curious, and
serious about self-improvement. Th ey undoubtedly make
a greater contribution to SPIN and those the organization
serves as a result of their participation in the on-site college
program.
David Blyweiss (Community College of Philadelphia
Professor) writes: “As an English teacher of more than 37
years, I have had the pleasure of teaching students of all
ages. I was more than happy to instruct at SPIN, but never
did I envision the joy I would receive by working with this
particular group of adults. Th e ladies and gentlemen in
my class all work for SPIN, meaning that they work long
hours during the day and then attend English 101 for three
hours on Tuesday evenings. Th e fact that SPIN off ers them
the opportunity to earn college credits on-site refl ects the
professionalism and dedication of the organization. Th ey
seem more confi dent about their writing than ever before,
and they crave knowledge. Most importantly, I appreciate
the hard work and enthusiasm each and every one of these
students has demonstrated. I am very fortunate to have the
chance to be part of this wonderful story. ”
Academic Partnerships Prove to be a Success!
“Imagination is the highest kite one can fl y”
Last fall, Roy Crankshaw was introduced to a new Assisting
Director, Dave Elker. Roy is non verbal but can communicate
with gestures, eye movement, facial expressions and shaking his
head or answering “yea” to questions. Communication can be a
huge barrier when Roy is introduced to new staff and supports.
One day, Roy entered the house from work and was looking
at the television. Dave studied his motions and witnessed that
Roy was unable to use the cable remote. Aft er moments of
looking at the television and then the remote, Dave knew he was
frustrated and wanted to be able to manage the television on his
own. Dave assisted Roy with fi nding the station he wanted and
asked Roy if he was frustrated with not being able to control
the television. Roy responded “yea”. Remembering the training
and suggestions made by Carla Higgins, Terri Ottaviano, and
Deb Geissel during his orientation, Dave decided to fi nd an
assistive technology device that would allow Roy to control the
television himself.
Deb and Dave were able to purchase a remote with fi ve buttons
(channel up and down, volume up and down and power on
and off ). Th ey taught Roy how to use the remote and he was
so excited he could not stop smiling and jumping around. He
fl ipped through the channels for about an hour every time he
picked up the remote. He was amazed that he could do it! He
fi nally had full control of his television and did not have to rely
on anyone else to put on the show he wanted to watch.
Roy might not be able to say much verbally, but he is patient
with you and he oft en will motion to you that he appreciates
your time and friendship. Roy’s smile is contagious and it
inspires people around him to do their best and to smile right
back! It is natural to want to communicate and make someone
happy. Roy’s staff and family are able to continue to make Roy
one smiling, happy man!
Roy Crankshaw, Smilin’ Man
Sheila Cole has oft en expressed an interest in attending church and has
tried quite a few churches in the past, none of which seemed to fi t Sheila’s
expectations. She would grow tired of them and decide she did not want to
go back. One day while discussing other church options, she mentioned that
her good friend Shawn Bradley from Lansing Street was attending a church
in Frankford with Laura Fekete, a manager from Norcom Community
Center and she thought she would enjoy attending with them.
Laura was contacted and she said she would love to have Sheila attend with
them but it would be hard to pick them both up because her family is in
the car. Sheila’s staff suggested they pick up Shawn and meet Laura at the
church. Th is has worked out wonderfully. Other members of Saint James
oft en off er to help give the ladies a ride home from church. Sheila attends
St. James Lutheran Church every Sunday and looks forward to it. She carries
her Bible with her every week and enjoys socializing with fellow church
members before and aft er the services. Sheila loves to go out shopping for
new Sunday best clothes and especially likes showing them to her staff and
hanging them in her closet. She gets a lot of attention and compliments on
her outfi ts from the people at St. James. She has fi nally found a church that
meets her expectations. She offi cially joined the congregation this year.
Sheila has socially met her match and is getting involved as a volunteer
for the church and in attending group meetings with Laura, one of which
is the Women of Faith. Both Sheila and Shawn have also become quite
friendly with a few of the parishioners and sit with them during the services.
Recently the Women of Faith sponsored a bake sale to purchase supplies
to benefi t their preschool. Sheila made a cake the day before to donate
and also purchased some goodies while attending the bake sale. Sheila is
always happy when she speaks of going to church, singing at church, and
spending time with her fellow parishioners’. Sheila has found her place in
this church and it has given her so much to look forward to. It has opened
the possibilities of new experiences and allowed Sheila to embrace her faith.
Th at is a beautiful thing!
Sheila Cole, a Woman of Faith
Margie is a self-advocate and a strong young woman. She is
very independent and works in the Municipal Courts Civil
Listings Unit. Margie has lived with her parents all of her
life. In 2008, aft er her mother passed away, she decided that
it was time for her to move out on her own to gain more
independence, to create her own life. In October, with the
help of SPIN’s SLA team, this dream came true.
She started the process by speaking to her case manager, Ellen.
Aft er they researched which organizations would be the best
fi t for her needs, Margie decided on SPIN for her Supported
Living Needs. Supported living is diff erent because she only
has staff a few hours a day rather than 24 hours. Ellen helped
Margie tell her father her plans and, to Margie’s relief, he was
happy for her.
Bob Lutts, a Director in Adult Services, and Margie toured a
few apartments and found the perfect place. It met all of her
requirements: a microwave, a dishwasher, a big bedroom, and
a ramp with no steps. Margie’s family loved it. Bob prepared
Margie’s apartment, making it safe and ready for her. Th ey
put in an alarm system and made emergency evacuation
plans. Th ey always lock the doors so she feels secure.
Margie can do most things independently. She writes her
own checks from her own accounts, handles her own money,
and administers her own medication. She makes her own
ParaTransit appointments to get to work, stores, or to go
visit family or friends. She also makes her own doctor’s
appointments, which she gets to with the support of SPIN’s
nurses.
She takes care of the apartment too. Margie does her
laundry, cooks, and cleans. Her staff , who come for 2 hours
in the evenings and during the day on weekends, help her
to lift things and assist her with her daily tasks aft er she gets
home from work. Her staff will sometimes go shopping with
her and help her with whatever she can’t do – but she can
do a lot. She even set-up a Christmas Tree to celebrate the
holidays. She says that the only thing her apartment needs
now is pictures on the wall, and she’ll be getting them soon.
Margie has met with SPIN’s SPARC (Self Promotion and
Advocacy Resource Community) Group to talk to her peers
about her experience with Supported Living. She explained
her story and answered all of their questions. Some people
were concerned about money, bills, and medical issues, others
exclaimed that they would never want to live on their own,
and others were excited and happy for her. She explained
that she is able to take care of herself with some help from her
staff . When asked when they can come visit her new place,
Margie said “Whenever you want to!” just e-mail and make
plans!
Margie feels great living on her own. She says she sometimes
gets lonely, but she loves living as a single lady and says that
she might get a goldfi sh - but she doesn’t want any children
or big pets. Her dad visits every weekend and she still likes to
visit her family and go home for holidays.
Margie is very happy in her new home and thrilled that she
was able to accomplish her dream!
Margie Berger Talks to SPARC
During their younger
i n s t i t u t i o n a l i z e d
years, so many
individuals lived lives
of hushed desperation
– inadequate support,
safety and education.
By dwelling in places
that limited their
potential, ideas and
hopes for the future
usually dimmed. But sometimes, the circumstances
did just the opposite – empowered them to seek to be
understood, to live the life of their own choosing and not
accept what was off ered. Th ese people are our change
agents, who, in quiet moments of refl ection, are the true
reason that we have grown in our skill development,
learned to see what is in front of us without fi lters and
hear the intended message. Th ey have always been our
teachers, instructing us to be patient, to listen and to be
persistent in our eff orts.
Th ink of Ruby, who was institutionalized at fourteen. She
moved from a dysfunctional life of freedom to an angry
life of confi nement. Years passed, years of negotiating
for privileges and fi ghting for survival. She became very
skilled at fi ghting. As an adult, she left the institution,
but the institutional mentality of how she acted and how
she was supported persisted because we did not hear her.
We were doing what we thought was best. When she
understood that good behavior would “buy” privileges
and freedom from the daily doldrums, we used those
privileges and freedom as reinforcement. We noticed that
she was happier when she lived with less people, so she
moved from living with four other people to living with
one other person, to living alone in her own apartment,
always with staff support.
Ruby established control over everyone who entered her
home and threw people out on a regular basis. Eventually
it was decided that she needed less staff to support her.
She worked at a workshop everyday for over 15 years
and was easily angered by changes and co-workers who
did not share her work ethic. When she felt heard and
understood she shared her insights. Th e more she learned
the more curious and resourceful she became. Th e less
we hovered, the more valued and beloved she became in
her community. She made friends at the K-Mart, the nail
salon, the local pizza shop. She could turn a rope and wear
anyone out jumping double dutch. She loved children,
particularly the children at Trinity Baptist summer camp.
She didn’t need help communicating – she found her way
by being pleasant, coy, quietly wary and unyielding in
her desire to get what she wanted. Th e photographs she
took by the thousands depict love and valued friendships
in her life and are the proof of the lessons she has taught
us. She created the need for change. Th e strength of the
relationships Ruby developed became the vehicle for
providing creative supports for her. She also inspired us to
be courageous and innovative in our decision-making.
Th e people we support
are our change agents.
Th ey will show us the
way to provide quality
supports with whatever
resources we have and can
create. Ruby is no longer
with us; she passed away
in June of 2009. Her
message will live on at
SPIN forever.
Ruby Evans, the Change Agent
Adult�Services #�of�PersonsHours�in�Residence #�of�Persons
Hours�in�Residence #�of�Persons
Hours�in�Residence
Residential��Services 163 1,329,984 175 1,462,698 186 1,545,144Total 163 1,329,984 175 1,462,698 186 1,545,144
B�&�D�Services #�of�PersonsHours�of�Service #�of�Persons
Hours�of�Service #�of�Persons
Hours�of�Service
Autism�Diagnostic�Services n/a n/a 118 381 146 447
CBH�Autism�Grant n/a n/a 19 5,955 24 7,077
Developmental�Pediatrics n/a n/a 110 182 317 518
Outpatient�Behavioral�Health n/a n/a 92 257 183 379
Pew�Grant n/a n/a 246 1,900 306 2,065
Therapies 87 2,815 98 2,980 113 3,040
Total 87 2,815 683 11,655 1,089 13,526
Children�Services #�of�ChildrenHours�of�Service #�of�Children
Hours�of�Service #�of�Children
Hours�of�Service
Fee�Based�Services�������������������������������������������������(Including�PreK�counts�for�FY�08) 154 88,868 166 117,312 236 145,978
Early�Intervention�(0�3) 523 8,873 422 5,559 303 5,126
Early�Head�Start 85 8,346 71 8,052 86 7,218
Elwyn 1,118 56,735 1,160 56,633 1,173 59,808
Head�Start 319 138,016 256 129,805 323 136,725Total 2,199 300,838 2,075 317,361 2,121 354,855
Day�Services #�of�PersonsHours�of�Service #�of�Persons
Hours�of�Service #�of�Persons
Hours�of�Service
Employment 51 49,387 n/a n/a n/a n/a
Community�Integrated�Employment 111 11,200 112 10,090 119 10,511
NCC�Day�Programs 172 95,870 192 91,135 205 96,360
Total 334 156,457 304 101,225 324 106,871
Grand�Total 2,783 1,790,094 3,237 1,892,939 3,720 2,020,396
Norcom�Community�Center #�of�Persons #�of�Persons #�of�Persons
Membership 601 823 860
Usage/Visits 77,272 78,105 85,236
Volunteer�Services#�of�
VolunteersHours�of�Service
#�of�Volunteers
Hours�of�Service
#�of�Volunteers
Hours�of�Service
Volunteer�Services 525 18,678 728 22,403 821 23,215
Early�Head�Start� n/a n/a 208 11,519 149 13,301
Professional�Development #�of�PersonsHours�of�Service #�of�Persons
Hours�of�Service #�of�Persons
Hours�of�Service
Certification�Training 16,981 45,532 14,980 47,573 17,678 51,164
Fiscal�Year�2009
Special�People�In�Northeast,�Inc.Units�of�Service�Provided
(unaudited)
Fiscal�Year�2008Fiscal�Year�2007
“Keep your feet on the ground, but let your heart soar as high as it will.”
“Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.”-Anais Nin
“Don’t be afraid of opposition. Remember, a kite rises against, not with the wind.” -Winston Churchill
“The optimist pleasantly ponders how high his kite will fl y; the pessimist woefully wonders how soon his kite will fall.”-William Arthur Ward
“No one can prepare you for what heights you will soar until you spread your wings.”-Anonymous
“I made you a kite so you would have to look up.”-Anonymous
“True courage is like a kite; a contrary wind raises it.”- John Petit-Senn
“Be wise; soar not too high to fall; but stoop to rise.”-Phillip Massinger
“Imagination is the highest kite one can fl y.”-Lauren Bacall
“Keep your feet on the ground, but let your heart soar as high as it will.”-Arthur Helps
Quote Index: (in order of appearance)
Special People In Northeast, Inc. | 10521 Drummond Road | Philadelphia, PA 19154215.613.1009 | www.spininc.org
Special People In Northeast, Inc. (SPIN) www.spininc.org is a nationally recognized provider supporting nearly 3,000 infants, children and adults with disabilities and developmental delays each year. SPIN’s mission since its inception in 1971 is to establish and provide community resources, services and initiatives in support of people with mental, physical or sensory impairment, their families and those who provide support so that they may exercise responsibly their choice, preference and right, without limitation, to a fully integrated life as citizens of Pennsylvania. The culture of SPIN is rooted in the belief that each person has unique strengths and seeks opportunities to share them with others in pursuit of an inclusive, meaningful life. At SPIN, there is a compelling reason to believe in the power of possibilities as everyday we witness what once would have been considered miraculous. We support each person and each family to believe in those possibilities as we create an environment of inclusion and hope. Our culture has led us to develop services that incorporate current leading practices; are person-centered and family-focused; outcomes oriented; culturally relevant; inclusive and delivered by teams of qualified, dedicated professionals.
