Artist Co-op Show A Success

The Blended Creative Opportunities Artist Co-op had a Spring Art Show & Sale last Wednesday, May 9th at the Wolf Life Transitions Center, to raise funds for the group and display their talents. A total of 16 artists participated in the show and sold their work, earning a portion of the proceeds for themselves. The sale was a huge success, bringing in almost $300.

All of the artists would like to thank everyone for supporting their creative endeavors and the pursuit of their personal dreams.

The Artist Co-op will continue to rotate artwork in the display cases located in the front lobby at the Wolf Life Transitions Center. If you are interested in purchasing a piece please contact Nan Mazzuco or Wanda Rodgers by calling (585) 341-4600.

Day of Caring Highlights

Check out the highlights from the Day of Caring at CDS Monarch!
Thanks again to all of our volunteers!

VFW Post #5465 Sponsors a Nucor House Room

On Monday, May 14th representatives from VFW Post #5465 (based in Henrietta, NY) came to CDS Monarch to present a check for $3,000 to Warrior Salute. This donation is a sponsorship that will cover the costs of remodeling one of the bedrooms in the Nucor House - which is scheduled to open in July 2012 for Warrior Salute participants.

Post Commander Joe Jakus and Vice Post Commander/Service Master Kevin Woodbury presented the check to President/CEO Sankar Sewnauth, expressing their appreciation for what CDS Monarch is doing to support Veterans.

VFW Post #5465 is the smallest chapter in the area, and with their donation, they have put out a challenge to other Rochester Area VFW Posts to match their gift.

35th Anniversary: Harris Road

Harris Road is one of CDS Monarch's oldest residences - opening in 1986. A few years ago half of the residents from Harris moved when CDS Monarch opened it's Turk Hill II home.  Harris was remodeled and the change provided more space for each of the 12 individuals.

Many fond memories have been made at Harris over the years.

Community Supports CDS Monarch on the Day of Caring

CDS Monarch had 10 teams of volunteers working at five different locations for the United Way’s Day of Caring on Thursday, May 10th. Community businesses like the Xerox Corporation, Thomson Reuters, Lifetime Care, and the Rochester Area Community Foundation helped out with landscaping, yard work, maintenance and general cleanup at several CDS Monarch residences, including the new Warrior Salute “Nucor House”, which is scheduled to open for Veterans in July.

“We are very grateful to these local businesses for volunteering their time and energy to come out and support CDS Monarch on the Day of Caring,” stated Sankar Sewnauth, CDS Monarch President/CEO. “The projects they are working on will make an impact in the lives the people we serve. May their actions be a positive example to the rest of our community of what we can accomplish together.”

Staff Highlight: Jennifer Betteridge

Jennifer has been with CDS Monarch for the past 20 years. She began as a direct care relief staff, and then transitioned to full-time and became an assistant manager. She also worked as a receptionist, before returning to school to continue her education and become a Behavior Specialist. She works hard everyday to ensure that the right supports are in place for her individuals. She has also done training on Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention for the past 16 years, and teaches other instructors here at CDS Monarch and throughout Monroe County through OPWDD.

Her favorite thing about her job is “the variety - there is no typical day, everyday brings something unique and challenging. And I also love to see someone who gets what they need so that they are able to keep moving forward in their life.”

Jennifer’s advice to other staff at CDS Monarch is to “remember that you’re here to help people, and it isn’t about you. You can find a lot in helping other people to achieve their goals and overcome their challenges.”

One of Jennifer’s favorite memories is seeing the individuals faces light up at Christmas time when Santa comes to visit.

In her free time Jennifer enjoys spending time with her three-year-old son and her dog Lily, who recently retired from being a therapy dog at CDS Monarch.

Unistel Receives Customer Recognition

Last week, Unistel had two major customer visits - one on Thursday from the VA and NISH, and a second one on Friday from Supreme Foodservice. Both visits went extremely well, thanks to all the hard work and preparations by staff and individuals at Blossom Road and the Wolf Life Transitions Center.

Unistel does a lot of consolidation and spice packaging work for Supreme Foodservice, which they deliver to our troops who are fighting in Afghanistan.

During the visit, Ipek Serengil, Senior Procurement Manager from Supreme Logistics, presented a special Certificate of Appreciation to the individuals and staff on the Unistel team at the Blossom Road Spice Plant for all of their excellent work in 2011. The plaque reads:

“This Certificate is presented to CDS Monarch, Inc. as a token of our appreciation for your sincere efforts and contributions to our success in the Afghanistan Subsistence Prime Vendor Program 2011. We value your association and continuous support.”

Congratulations to the entire Unistel team for receiving this recognition and for making the visits special for our guests!