FALL 2018SHARING STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGEHeritage Christian Services275 Kenneth Drive, Suite 100 Rochester, NY 14623

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDRochester, NYPermit No. 228

SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE

HCS recognizes long-serving employees | PG. 4

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Partnership with Home Leasing

celebrated | PG. 3

CHRISTMAS AT THE RPO

A special invitation to a private concert on Dec. 20 | PG. 12

SEND A HIGH FIVE Recognize HCS staff right

from our new website | PG. 7

2 SPIRIT | FALL 2018

Friends,We wouldn’t be where we are, nearly 35 years

later, without strong partnerships. In fact, the first home we ever built was on land donated by United Church of Christ in Webster. This edition of Spirit celebrates the power of those relationships – and the ones we create every day by working side-by-side.

The work we do together is big and meaningful. It is not work that is easily described through the success of projects and tasks, but the sum of our parts BUILDS COMMUNITY! In the pages that follow you’ll read about many of our accomplishments and about the partners who have made a difference with us. You’ll learn about award winners and donors and volunteers. You’ll read stories about how people have grown and been offered new experiences. And you’ll see satisfaction in the faces of people who are thriving because they are employed – like Adam Whiteman, pictured on the cover, who works in asset protection at Wegmans. Hopefully you’ll be inspired and encouraged.

It’s good work that we’re doing. All of us.Thank you for standing with us.

Sincerely,

Marisa GeitnerPresident & C.E.O.

SPIRIT is a bi-annual publication of Heritage Christian Services.

At Heritage Christian Services, people come first.

HCS partners with thousands of people throughout Rochester and Buffalo to ensure everyone – including children and people with developmental disabilities – feels valued and respected. Most of the agency’s 2,500 employees work to support people who have disabilities so they can find the best place to live and work and build strong community connections.

The agency offers residential support, respite, community habilitation and employment supports.

Heritage Christian Services is known for community impact programs that address health and wellness, education and skill building, and international ministries to name a few.

Visit HeritageChristianSerivces.org.

About Us

CORPORATE OFFICE275 Kenneth Dr., Suite 100

Rochester, NY 14623Telephone: (585) 340-2000

REGIONAL OFFICE3790 Commerce Ct., Suite 800

N. Tonawanda, NY 14120 Telephone: (716) 743-2020

TDD: (800) 662-1220 A Compass Agency

A Second Thought Resale Shop • Springdale Farm Center for Human Services Education • Employment Alliance Expressive Beginnings Child Care • Heritage Christian Stables

Ferncliff Apartments • Pieters Family Life Center International Ministries • Retreat Center

Heritage Gardens

Bobby Terry, Marisa Geitner

A LETTER FROM THE Share fellowship with us in 2019 at these great events. Find details at

HeritageChristianServices.org/calendar.

Basketball Classic - Feb. 9

Finger Lakes Extravaganza - Apr. 27

Spaghetti Dinner - May 14

Boots & Barrels - June 8

Camp Kenan - June 17-21

Golf Classic - June 24

Respite Camp - June 24-28

Springdale Kids Camp - Weeks July 8-12 (ages 4-6), 15-19 (ages 7-9), 22-26 (ages 4-6) and Aug. 12 -16

Summer Reunion at Rotary Sunshine - Aug. 5-9

Heritage Hero 5K + Mile Stroll & Roll - Sept. 7

Family Dinner - Sept. 19

Annual Dinner - Oct. 3

Stall Break - Oct. 19

When you see this icon it means there’s a video at HeritageChristianServices.org/spirit-newsletter.

3SPIRIT | FALL 2018

A Second Thought Resale Shop • Springdale Farm Center for Human Services Education • Employment Alliance Expressive Beginnings Child Care • Heritage Christian Stables

Ferncliff Apartments • Pieters Family Life Center International Ministries • Retreat Center

Heritage Gardens

PARTNERS IN Friendship AND IN Financial GrowthEach year Heritage Christian honors two community partners with awards, one in the Buffalo area and one in the Rochester region. This year the Community Partner Award recognizes St. Brendan on the Lake Roman Catholic Parish and Home Leasing. †

HOME LEASINGDebt and financial strain affect employees at work with stress and health-related challenges, according to the Consumer Financial Protection

Bureau. That’s one of many reasons why Heritage Christian Services has supported its employees to achieve better financial health and wellbeing.

The most recent initiative is Heritage Gardens in Henrietta, which is Home Leasing’s new apartment community constructed with people from HCS in mind. While entry to Heritage Gardens is open to all income-eligible applicants, its original vision was to offer quality, affordable living to both direct support workers and people served by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.

This Home Leasing project adds to Heritage Christian’s efforts to assist employees with their personal economic development. For example, HCS offers an agency-funded retirement plan, a 403B option, free tax preparation and a first-time homebuyers club, tuition assistance and more.

As the agency grows to assist more people, a capable and reliable workforce must grow as well to meet the needs. Anything that can be accomplished to help employees is a win for the people they serve as well. †

ST. BRENDAN ON THE LAKE ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISHSometimes a spur of the moment decision can result in an amazing new beginning. That was the case when Rabecca Ortiz, manager of an HCS Without Walls day program in Buffalo, decided to pay an impromptu visit to St. Brendan on the Lake Roman Catholic Parish. A lifelong friend of hers, who also has two grandchildren who choose services from Heritage Christian, suggested that she visit the church, thinking that the women that she supports would enjoy being a part of the community there.

When she and the women who attend the day program - Missy Weiser, Lisa Downing, Lesile Bohall and Nicole Susco – stopped in to introduce themselves to the staff at St. Brendan, an instant friendship was formed. “The staff at the church knew that the ladies were interested in volunteering at the parish, so they decided they would ‘give us a try’,” said Ortiz. “That ‘try’ has developed into a deep friendship that goes well beyond the time that the women spend there volunteering.”

It’s now been two years since the women first arrived to help clean the church, but to the Rev. Józef Dudzik, it feels like their partnership has existed for much longer. “We want to express the gratitude that we have,” said Dudzik. “Their dedication and work ethic show through in the time and care of every project.”

But beyond the time and talent that the women give in their volunteer work, true and lasting friendships have been formed. “Father Józef prays for the women each week during Sunday service, and likewise, Leslie invites Father Józef and the staff at St. Brendan to join her in devotions each week,” Ortiz noted. “We celebrate holidays and birthdays together, and the staff at the church even came out to Camp Kenan this summer to spend time with the ladies.”

Home Leasing partners with HCS to provide affordable housing to employees and people who receive services through the OPWDD.

Leslie Bohall, Missy Weiser, Nicole Susco and Lisa Downing pay a visit to their dear friend in rehab.

What has left the most lasting impression on Ortiz is how each woman is valued and recognized as an individual by their friends at the church, not just as a group that comes to volunteer. She also notes that the friendships that women have formed at the church have changed their lives in tangential ways, by giving them the confidence and courage to be comfortable and open with other new people that they meet as well.

“This program has not only proven its success in the fact that it allows personal growth in skills and learning, self-confidence, purpose and pride but has become such a blessing in immeasurable ways,” Ortiz said. †

4 SPIRIT | FALL 2018

COOK

ANNE WOLF AND JOBINA BRUINSMA AWARDS ANNOUNCED

The agency recently honored MARC O’MARA and RENEE PRADIA with its top awards:

The Anne Wolf Memorial Award and the Jobina Bruinsma Memorial Award. Both awards recognize Christian leadership and outstanding advocacy.

O’Mara has worked at HCS for 19 years as a direct support professional and is known for his steadfast dedication. Pradia has served as a direct support professional at HCS for 12 years and is known for how she focuses on what is most important to each person. †

O’MA

RA

PRAD

IA MER

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BOARD MEMBER WINS VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISING AWARDCongratulations to Foundation board member GEOFF COOK for winning the 2018 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley Chapter. He was recognized for his volunteer efforts at Heritage Christian, the Seneca Waterways Council of Boy Scouts and more. †

LIDA MERRILL HONORED WITH NATIONAL AWARDCongratulations to LIDA MERRILL, director of our Faith Community Inclusion team, on receiving the 2018 Henri Nouwen Award! This prestigious award recognizes her for ensuring that people with disabilities are welcomed, supported and engaged in learning and living lives of faith. It is given by the Religion and Spirituality Network of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. †

CONGRATS TO THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE INDUCTEESIn 34 years, HCS has grown from one home to serving more than 22,500 people a year, and at the heart of that growth is a core group of long-serving employees who have rarely been recognized with awards and recognitions. They’ve always been appreciated, though, and that’s why they’ve been inducted into the inaugural Spirit of Excellence class. We worked closely with agency founders, and in particular with former HCS President Bob Pieters, to select this group, and they are all certainly worthy of our honor and our gratitude: Jane Kitchenman; Bob Pieters; Ruth Benjamin; Ron Little; Diane Sturmer; Maureen Phillips; Nancy Dwyer; Ann Meyer; Kathy Schlegel; Terry DeMar; Kris Garcia; Julie Owen; and Joanne Case-Green.

To read about their specific accomplishments, visit HeritageChristianServices.org/blog. As with these inductees, future Spirit of Excellence members will have significant tenure within the organization and have demonstrated great

impact through their devoted support. †

The inaugural Spirit of Excellence class.Founders Marie and Bob Pieters with Marisa Geitner.

5SPIRIT | FALL 2018

From offering job coaching to high school students to providing dozens of new housing opportunities,

Heritage Christian and its partners have reason to celebrate.

“We’re meeting people’s needs, which is causing us to grow,” said Drew Bielemeier, senior vice president of operations. “We’re being creative and stretching ourselves to try new things.”

For years, the state has pulled back on opening new certified homes. In those homes people typically live with five or six roommates and receive 24-hour staff support. Recently, though, HCS received funding for three new certified homes that will serve 18 people.

In addition, the agency works with people who would like to choose the number of roommates they have and decide what staffing works best for them. In the last seven years, 28 people have moved from certified homes to more customized homes – and that gave 28 other people the opportunity to live in certified homes operated by Heritage Christian.

More customized homes are planned, including one where a donor gave $125,000 to ensure people with complex medical needs had the opportunity to live independently.

In the past, HCS served mainly adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Today, the agency offers behavioral services, self-directed plans and job coaching to young people with disabilities – and is preparing to open its fourth child care center to serve

children of all abilities.“More than one-third of the people we

support with a self-directed plan are under the age of 18,” said Julie Owen, director of customized supports. And the number of people interested in mapping out the supports and services that are most important to them is growing as well. Already HCS supports

more than 300 people with self-directed plans.

Thanks to a grant from our partners at the Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation, HCS’ Employment Alliance is sharing its work preparedness expertise with high school students at Edison High School in Rochester.

A grant from the Walter Hubbell Employment Services Fund is also helping the Employment

Alliance provide a job coach for people who are moving beyond a job and into a career.

Heritage Christian is also focused on its own employees. In fact, the agency invested more than $3 million in raises and other monetary rewards to help retain and attract dedicated staff members. It also partnered with Home Leasing to open Heritage Gardens, which is affordable housing adjacent to the campus of the Pieters Family Life Center.

All of that makes a difference because 30 percent of employees have been at HCS five years or longer – and that percentage includes employees in our newer services that haven’t been available for five years yet.

“We know that keeping our staff members means we are able to offer better support,” Bielemeier said. “We’re proud of the relationships we’re building every day.” †

PARTNERING TO GROW RELATIONSHIPSLast November the day program at Ellison Park moved into a space inside Expressive Be-ginnings Child Care in Webster and brought with them a new opportunity for partnership.

“We believe that the diversity that the day program contributes is so important because we want the children and families of EBCC Webster to be a part of a context where each person’s uniqueness is appreciated and val-ued,” said center director Kelly Giudice.

The people who attend Ellison have given presentations on bullying and Martin Luther King to some EBCC classrooms, and during the summer camp season they helped serve lunches. In the process, real relationships have formed.

“It’s been so positive, it’s great to see the kids call people by their name and say hi,” said day program manager Lezlie Singleton. For exam-ple, one woman reads to a class of preschool-ers on Wednesdays. “The kids really enjoyed Ms. Lisa coming to read to them. At the end of the year they invited her to their graduation and gave her a card and flowers, which she hasn’t stopped talking about!” †

PARTNERING TO GROW CAREERSMara Wright told her

Employment Alliance job coach that she loved working with food, and when a job became available at a DiBella’s Sub shop, it was a perfect fit. Wright has worked at DiBella’s now for seven years, and works mostly inde-pendently from her job coach.

“When we can find a company that really wants to work with people and respects their individual gifts and talents, then we’ve found a place where people can really flourish,” said Maria Kirkpatrick, associate director of the Employment Alliance in WNY.

“We love the partnership that we have with Heritage Christianˮ, said Lisa Dowd, manag-er at DiBella’s. “Mara is hard working, kind, courteous and always willing to do whatever we ask of her!” †

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in

advance for us to do.”- Ephesians 2:10

Mara Wright

Years of Service

Number of Employees

Total Employees 2569

30 + 5

20-29 57

15-19 131

10-14 227

5-9 349

< 5 1800

6 SPIRIT | FALL 2018

Volunteer Spotlight

Heritage HappeningsDonor Spotlight

GEOFF TUCKERGeoff Tucker has been a volunteer with Heritage Christian Stables since 2009. After retiring from his job he wanted to fill some time. He has always loved horses and thought the stables would be a good fit.

Over these past nine years Tucker has made connections with riders, fellow volunteers and riding instructors through encouragement and friendship. He continues to volunteer twice a week, all year around. He was even the judge for the annual Heritage Christian Stables Stall Break event.

Those who work with Tucker say he is dedicated, has a great sense of humor and is fun to be around. Tucker encourages anybody who has a little time to come see what Heritage Christian Stables is all about and volunteer. Thank you Geoff for choosing to volunteer with the stables! †

Geoff Tucker attending Boots & Barrels at Heritage Christian Stables.

Evelyn and Mary Ann Miller celebrate a birthday.

EVELYN MILLEREvelyn Miller – a faithful donor to Heritage Christian Services, a Leadership Circle member, a mother, grandmother and great grandmother – recently celebrated her 100th birthday! She has accomplished so much in her lifetime and is always looking for ways to give.

Miller and her family came to know the Pieters and Bruinsma families almost 40 years ago, when they were just starting Heritage Christian Services. She said, “We just wanted to belong somewhere, and we finally did. It was really exciting!”

Her daughter, Mary Ann, now lives in a home on Hillrise Drive. When asked why she gives to HCS, Miller said, “We really had faith in what HCS was doing and I still do.”

She believes people have a responsibility to do their part to help others. “I hope that my donations, even if they are small, help HCS reach and care for people that don’t have the resources for services.” †

7SPIRIT | FALL 2018

Heritage HappeningsINTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES HCS International Ministries volunteers recently served children and adults at a retreat camp in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. They also helped match people with suitable wheelchairs. This mission follows the work of 11 people who worked with area neighbors to accomplish a wheelchair distribution plus built two homes in the Central Highlands of Purulhá in August.

SMALL GIFTS, BIG DIFFERENCE

causewash.com ■ donate a car gifts in kind ■ thrift store purchases

employer matched gifts ■ monthly donations onlineWith the parable of the mustard seed in mind, we recognize how even the smallest seed can grow to fill a countryside. Many people support Heritage Christian Services in little ways that are realized as a tremendous collective contribution. A gift of any amount shows your belief that all people deserve dignity and respect. For ideas, visit: Heritagechristianservices.org/donate/more-ways-to-give.

GIVE A HIGH FIVE TO HCS STAFFVISIT HERITAGECHRISTIANSERVICES.ORGPlease recognize the hard work and dedication of a Heritage Christian employee by sending a High Five. To forward your appreciation to the staff member and supervisor, visit the link at the top of our new website. In addition, we launched a second website with direct support job seekers in mind. If you know people who should apply, share with them: jobs.HeritageChristianServices.org.

Day of Caring volunteers make a difference by helping with everything from gardening to building benches.

Donors support HCS in a variety of ways, like raising $106,000 at the Heritage Hero 5K + Mile Stroll & Roll.

International Ministries in Purulhá

Ruth Mann, Dena Spence, Nakia Hall and Olivia Glover celebrate at the 2018 Annual Dinner.

WOULD YOU LOVE HCS APPAREL FROM LANDS' END?

Visit business.landsend.com/store/heritagechristianservices

Show your spirit by purchasing a quality shirt or hat with the Heritage Christian logo on it.

GREAT CAREERS START HERE. It's easy to start a job application at HCS.

TO APPLY TEXTHIREME@HCS

TO 97211

8 SPIRIT | FALL 2018

MEMORIALS HONORARIUMS

Often people will make a donation in memory of a loved one who has passed away. The agency sends the bereaved family a note of sympathy and informs them of the gift, without disclosing the amount. People also mark joyous occasions - like birthdays, anniversaries and weddings - by donating in honor of a friend or family member.

Sue Hoh, donor relations coordinator, can help you through the process. She can be reached at (585) 340-2045.

M AY - S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 8

Christopher Wesley, a man known for his love of music, the outdoors and especially for the love he had for his family – passed away in April. He was 53.

Joe Klosek, passed away in May. He was 51, always made it a priority to stay close to family and loved to dress like the Fonz.

Barbara Klisz, passed away in June. She was 28, and she enjoyed making dog treats and toys to donate to local animal shelters. Her infectious smile will be missed.

Wesley KliszKlosek

MEMORIALSIn Memory of Margaret Berens Elaine Tantalo

In Memory of Marge Brenneman Jennison and Drew BielemeierDavid DesmondMarisa GeitnerMarie and Bob PietersOlga Strilec

In Memory of Peter and Jobina BruinsmaJoAnne Frelier

In Memory Of Gerald “Jerry” Cassin Sandra and John Cassin

In Memory of Mary Lu Cassin Sandra and John Cassin

In Memory of Morgan Coe Darlene CarrollCarole Ann and Charles CollardKathy CoeLisa and Michael KistnerAnnette ParutaJudy ShutwellStarfish Ministry of WNY

In Memory of Janet Cole Terry Sprague

In Memory of Bill Dwyer Jennison and Drew BielemeierJoanne Case-GreenDavid DesmondMarisa GeitnerMichelle Labossiere-Hall and Scott HallLeigh and Ron LittleJoan and Jim Parker

Marie and Bob PietersNancy and Mark Zawacki

In Memory of Mary Fay Patricia and Ronald GravesJoan MatznerVirginia Sullivan

In Memory of Carol Giunta June Ivanick

In Memory of Marlena Graf Barbara Goldsmith

In Memory of Ruth Huscher Betty NelsonHelen and Ken ScottShortsville American Legion Auxiliary Unit 34Erma Yonker

In Memory of Albina JarvisAngela CataldiBonnie and Joseph MazzeoMary NapoliMary RinereMary Ann Sementelli

In Memory of Joanie JohnsJennison and Drew BielemeierDavid DesmondBarbara DurfeeMarisa GeitnerNorma McLernonJan StewartMeg UpsonGretchen Young-Zeh

In Memory of Ralph JohnsonConnie and Bill Evert

In Memory of Dick Jones Joan Jones

In Memory of Kevin Kerr Maureen Mooney-Myers

In Memory of Barbara KliszJennison and Drew BielemeierDavid DesmondMarisa GeitnerMichelle Labossiere-Hall and Scott HallJoan and Jim ParkerNancy and Mark Zawacki

In Memory of Joseph KlosekMarcia AustinJoanne and Silvio Bellissimo Jennison and Drew BielemeierDavid DesmondGloria, Douglas and Glenn FislerMarisa GeitnerRose Geraci and Andrea and Ed NettninAlice and John GuckerMichelle Labossiere-Hall and Scott HallPatricia LuppinoDavid MillerCris Morton and your Friends at Havas Health & You Andrea and Ed NettninJoan and Jim ParkerPhyllis PastuszkaMarie and Bob PietersMichele StillmanVirendra and Rajni TarnejaNancy and Mark Zawacki

In Memory of Sarah Kulp Heritage Christian Services Family AdvocatesGlenda, Dave, Paula and Sue Roberts

In Memory of Nancy LeonardoCharlotte FurnitureSandy and Louis FenicchiaMary Ann HrankowskiCarol and Eugene InzanaLeonardo’sJanice and Lawrence PudneyWilliam Reddy

In Memory of Ryan MarshallJan and Michael Hamill

In Memory of Richard MeansSusan and James Swingle

In Memory of Rita Odachowski Sandra and Mark Kopera

In Memory of Dave RobertsJennison and Drew BielemeierLouise Brown

Irene and Ted CaporaleDavid DesmondElaine and David FlintKaren GreerJoan and Jim ParkerMarie and Bob PietersLorraine Roberts and FamilyTimothy SpohrerNancy and Mark Zawacki

In Memory of Shari RogersJennison and Drew BielemeierDavid DesmondDody and Jeff FlynnJean FullerJames GehmanArdell GehmanDonna GeneskyKatie and Dave GeorgeAngelo Gugino and FamilyTom HartrickSue HurlbutSandy and Joe KauffmanCathy and Michael KauffmanShirley KingElizabeth KmiecinskiTina and Wally KornowDr. Megan MonahanKimberly and John NovakSuzanne and Jeff PhelpsKacy PrinziShirley and William ReberSally Mae RobinsDonna and Jim RogersMr. and Mrs. Donald SeamesMary and Don Webster, Robin Dixon, Tamara and Justin MyersShirley and Hubert WestbrookNancy and Mark Zawacki

In Memory of Anne Ruske Elaine Tantalo

In Memory of Jimmy Sassenhausen’s Birthday Barbara and Werner Sassenhausen

In Memory of Jimmy Sassenhausen Diane Woodhams

In Memory of Julianne Schierer Joan and Tom Schierer

In Memory of Margaret Scott Susan and Frank BasnettMr. and Mrs. Paul BrownJanet and Ronald StefflerLucille and Gary Wurth

In Memory of Bethann SeliceFran AllenJanet ArvaKristen BalivaKathy BallentineJennison and Drew BielemeierDiane and Paul BishopIrene and Ted CaporaleJoanne Case-GreenDavid DesmondLori DiRisioJudy FelterBarb Gammiero Marisa GeitnerJane GreuleThomas JacksonTony JohnsonNancy KaneJane and Kitch KitchenmanMichelle Labossiere-Hall and Scott HallLeigh and Ron LittleRuss LoughryJoan and Jim ParkerMarie and Bob PietersDr. and Mrs. William PumJennifer and Patrick Repard-DunneRandi, Bill and Jamie RhinehartAnn Marie Simm Donna ThesingNancy and Mark Zawacki

In Memory of Svetlana ShalesKelly DeMayThe Family of Stuart DunphreyMatheny Medical & Education CenterOur Lady of Mercy Class of 1973Eugene Schwenger CPA

In Memory of George SnyderMargaret CherkaskyPeggy and Richard EganMarie FernerThomas HendryJoanne MorseGerald MutoLana PaustTerri RennerNancy, Bernard and David Williams

In Memory of Daniel SuterHelen BartosSharon and Mel DiamondRobert DobbinMichele DryerRose HansenKimberly and John KaneLaura Kaufman

Robert LinderNancy and Tom SpeedyJohn Spoto and FamilyFrancis ValentiWendi and David WebsterBarbara WhitneyKimberly Miller Wilborn and Derrick Wilborn

In Memory of Joan TheodorBarbara and Jonathan Abbe, Christopher and Matthew Abbe and FamiliesEugene Stefanucci

In Memory Of Robert ToellnerBetty and Beth Stanbro

In Memory of Chris WesleyJennison and Drew BielemeierIrene, Ted and Joe CaporaleMargaret and Mark DaddDavid DesmondMarisa GeitnerAlice and John GuckerJoan Jones Michelle Labossiere-Hall and Scott HallJoan and Jim ParkerPatti and Ron PenepentMarie and Bob PietersElaine TantaloPeter TantaloNancy and Mark Zawacki

In Memory of Anne Wolf Ernie Wolf

In Memory of Lois L. Wolf Ernie Wolf

In Memory of Charles WrideWilliam Morris

HONORARIUMSIn Honor of Joe Caporale’s 50th Birthday Betty and Mel BeimelJennison and Drew BielemeierIrene and Ted CaporaleEileen, Phil and Joe CichettiThe Cowan Family

In Honor of Nancy Cataldi’s BirthdayMary Rinere

In Honor of Michael Chiariello’s BirthdayMary Rinere

9SPIRIT | FALL 2018

In Honor of Sue and Bob DeSarra’s 50th Wedding Anniversary Marie and Bob Pieters

In Honor of Peter Devello Valerie Shelter

In Honor of the DiBella FamilyHeritage Christian Services Family Advocates

In Honor of Jennifer DiJamesAnn and Norm Francavilla

In Honor of Dr. Joseph Di Poala’s 80th Birthday Mary Rinere

In Honor of Matthew Ford Pauline Fitzpatrick

In Honor of Rachel Gebell Barbara and Sidney Sobel

In Honor of Marisa Geitner’s 25th Work AnniversaryMelinda and Phil Andolina

Gloria and Mike BansbachJeffrey BartkoskiRuth and Paul BenjaminThe BestsJennison and Drew BielemeierKaren and Don BonnerLouise BrownIrene and Ted CaporaleAngela CataldiLinda and Neil CieminisKim and Tim ClarkJamie ColumbusBonnie CrawfordJimena CubillosBarbara and Jon DeLongDavid DesmondDoris and Ward DonahueJoyce and Ron DrzewieckiEileen FarlowSandy and John FordBill GaventaJulie and Jeff GerstenbergerChristine GibsonRuby Givens and Judy AustinTurner Hahn

Bev, Dave and Jen HartDonna and Michael HassenfratzMargaret and Fred HensslerHeritage Christian Services EmployeesThe Hilfiker FamilyHoselton Auto MallSelina JacksonCynthia JohnsonJudy and John JorgensenAllison and James KilleenCarole KingstonJane and Kitch KitchenmanBetty KruchinskyMichelle Labossiere-Hall and Scott HallLawleyThe Little FamilyClara and Richard MarcheseEileen McCallisterMary Ellen and Bob McDowellChris MullerAnna and Scott MulcahyBarrie Nenno

Jackie and Brian NicholsonPat and Bill O’NeillJoan and Jim ParkerOnni, Donna and Michael PeckAnn Marie PetrellaMarie and Bob PietersScott Piper, Heidi Gregory, and Harris Beach PLLCBev, Bill and Matt ReedBarb and Larry RitzenthalerGlenda, Dave, Paula and Sue RobertsLaura RyanPeter SarratoriFrances SchneebergerLinda, David and Justin SchottJohn Sherburne and FamilyLinda and Joe StannardNancy SwansonElaine TantaloSusanna TessoniSusan Van Der BeckKaryn, Ken and Erin-Kate WalshMarilyn and Robert WarmusNancy and Mark Zawacki

In Honor of Vicki Hanson’s Birthday Angela Cataldi

In Honor of Drew Hoselton’s Birthday Coralie and David Hoselton

In Honor of Ogdon JohnsonAudrey Malesky

In Honor of Carol Kulp’s 80th Birthday Cathi GrayJudy and Ted Hutchings

In Honor of Adam McDowell’s Birthday Kathie and Dick Duncan

In Honor of Myson Patrick’s 32nd Birthday Elaine Perry

In Honor of Jenny Reitz Marcia Ann and Bruce Reitz

In Honor of Jamie Rhinehart Kim Mellema

In Honor of Joan Rinere’s Birthday Angela CataldiLucille Rinere

In Honor of Glenda Roberts’ Gail Otto Community Service Award Joyce and Ron Drzewiecki

In Honor of Darlene and Ed Simmons’ 25th Wedding Anniversary Daniel McInerney

In Honor of Marian and Chuck Turner Patricia and Gary Hettrich

In Honor of Joanne WestfallElaine Westfall

In Honor of Mike Wolf Becky and Kevin Weber

ATTRACTING THE BEST NURSES

Economists and market experts predicted a shortage of human services workers for years – including

nurses – and that prediction has come true. Heritage Christian Services is recruiting RNs, LPNs and on-call nurses.

“While some nurses carry on with patients day-to-day, perhaps not having an opportunity to get to know people, our nurses get to experience the joy of being in people’s lives throughout their lifetimes,” said Ruth Benjamin, a 30-year Heritage Christian veteran and director of health management and research. Benjamin said that unlike some medical settings, the HCS nursing staff is a total team network where colleagues are encouraged to rely on each other with the same dedication and trust as they extend to people they support.

As a show of her sincerity, Benjamin recently held for her staff a capping and pinning ceremony of olden charm. The donning of a nurse’s cap was once symbolic of a nurse’s passage from studies to the profession. Benjamin added to her staff meeting by encouraging the nurses to create caps and then take part in an uplifting ceremony.

Benjamin said, “To bring other nurses into…the family of Heritage means everything to me. And I think these times together just build a better team.” †

Ruth Benjamin caps Charmaine Pemberton alongside Jane Kitchenman, a retired agency RN.

The nurses of Heritage Christian Services together for the capping and pinning ceremony.

10 SPIRIT | FALL 2018

Spaghetti Dinner & Basket AuctionThe Spaghetti Dinner and Basket Auction, presented by Parkview Health Services, was a record breaking success, raising $22,000. More than 140 theme baskets were raffled off and over 400 spaghetti dinners were sold. We are grateful for the support of: Integrity Auto ■ West Herr Automotive Group ■ Wegmans

Boots & BarrelsMore than 200 guests attended the 2nd annual Boots & Barrels at the Heritage Christian Stables and raised over $60,000 for the program. The event featured a barbecue dinner, craft beer tastings, line dancing, auctions and live music. Special thanks for the generous support of Lawley.

HCS Golf ClassicThe 28th annual Golf Classic raised more than $160,000 through its sponsorships, auctions and cash call. More than 160 golfers participated in the day of golf at Monroe Golf Club-- including longtime agency friends Steve and Sarah Tasker. Thank you for the support of:

ESL Charitable Foundation ■ Kasperski Dinan & Rink CPAs, LLCePlus DELL ■ Douglas Electric ■ ImageNow by Mahar

M/E Engineering, P.C. ■ Medline Industries ■ Northwest BankRochester Lead Works ■ Sage Rutty ■ The Bonadio Group

Toshiba Business Solutions ■ Vision Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Wahl Media ■ Western Concrete

Heritage Hero 5K + Mile Stroll & RollHeritage Christian Services was excited to partner with Seabreeze Amusement Park to host the Heritage Hero 5K + Mile Stroll & Roll. It was the first 5K run and mile walk to start and finish inside of Seabreeze! More than 600 people came out to run, stroll and roll and raised $106,000 for the Foundation. Race director Kelly Nash said, “The Rochester area is saturated with 5Ks and having our event at Seabreeze definitely added some excitement and uniqueness to our race. The staff at Seabreeze were equally excited about this debut and the runners, walkers and rollers loved it!”

FUNDRAISING REPORT

Events like Boots and Barrels wouldn’t be a success without dedicated volunteers!

Peter Sweltz, Michael Carter, Steve Tasker and Don Munn

Team Addie at Heritage Hero

Join the millions of others across the globe for #GivingTuesday, a day that celebrates giving and philanthropy. We hope that you’ll choose to kick off the giving season by making a gift to HCS to benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT: HeritageChristianServices.org/GivingTuesday

BLACK FRIDAY. CYBER MONDAY.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2018

11SPIRIT | FALL 2018

Gifts of SupportThanks to the generosity of our partners and donors, people touched by HCS have the opportunity to learn and grow and to be respected for their individual gifts and strengths. Thank you for making a difference.

The Office of People With Developmental Disabilities awarded Heritage Christian Services a $100,200 grant for five years to provide supportive services to families that care for a family member with a developmental disability who lives at home.

The Hoselton Foundation provided HCS with a $15,500 grant to repurpose a walk-out basement at an HCS program site into a repair and maintenance shop for wheelchairs, allowing Heritage Christian to more quickly and efficiently service the wheelchairs of the individuals we support.

HCS’ International Ministries program received support from The Chapel’s Kingdom Come initiative, which will allow Heritage Christian staff to continue the organization’s mission and serve individuals with developmental disabilities in developing countries.

Through a grant from the ALSTOM Signaling Foundation,

HCS will be able to provide scholarships and subsidies to individuals in the therapeutic horseback riding program.

We are grateful to the Walter Hubbell Employment Services Fund and the Rochester Red Wings, who, for the fifth consecutive year, provided funds to Heritage Christian Services’ Employment Alliance to support employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A donation of $500 was made for each individual that played for the Red Wings in 2018, for a total of $33,500.

Bob and Marie Pieters recognized four staff members, nominated by their HCS peers, with the Pieters Family Award of Excellence: Joseph Starling, Christenia Hemstreet, Kelly Horschel and Teresa DeMar. The special guests were recognized for their unwavering support of people with disabilities and for their lasting contributions to the field of human services.

CORPORATE SUPPORT:Many corporations have philanthropic programs in which they match charitable donations of their employees. Consider asking your employer how your gift to the Heritage Christian Services Foundation can have twice its impact!

ON DAY OF CARING, MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORKSalt Road is a busy place. It boasts a residential home, a day program and Heritage Christian Stables, so when United Way Day of Caring comes around, they appreciate the help!

This year 75 people came together from Excellus BCBS, Excellus EPMO2, Paychex, Webster Chamber of Commerce and Xerox to pitch in at all three sites. Landscaping was weeded and mulched, fences were repaired and painted, doors were stained, stalls were cleaned and much more, including building a brand new bench.

“Xerox has been coming for years and they have a group of people who are great builders and problem solvers. I will give them something we want built and they just draw up the plans and give me a materials list,” said Lorrie Renker, director of the Heritage Christian Stables. † Volunteers from Xerox spend another year at Heritage Christian Stables.

12 SPIRIT | FALL 2018

Find undiscovered talent at our Employment Alliance so that workers with disabilities can access equal opportunities.

Patron our enterprises by enrolling in our child care, renting Springdale Farm or shopping at A Second Thought Resale Shop.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SERVICES

Share the gift of your time at places like our therapeutic riding center to keep the programs operating.

Make a donation or join our fundraisers like the Golf Classic and Heritage Hero 5K + Mile Stroll & Roll.

Educate our lawmakers so that our staff can earn a living wage and stay in the direct support jobs that they love.

Learn About Partnering with HCSFrom the very beginning, Heritage Christian Services has relied on working with other organizations and faith partners. Let’s join forces to be sure all people are treated with compassion and respect.

Together we’ll make our community a better place to live and work.

A fun way to show your support of our mission is to taste our Pace Bar snacks and complete the survey. Visit PaceBar.org to

email a request for a sample.

Pace Bar - Setting the pace for inclusion.

LET'S BUILD A STRONGER COMMUNITY

Advocate for caregivers

hire job seekers

support programs

Volunteer Time

Raise Funds

Gala Holiday Pops Concert with the RPO Thursday, December 20

Buy tickets at RPOwithHCS.org

Christmas with Santa at Springdale FarmSaturdays on Nov. 24, Dec 1 and 8

Buy tickets at Wegmans

Don’t miss an enchanted Christmas celebration with Santa and Mrs. Claus, three Saturdays during the holiday season. Hour long seatings

are 9, 10, 11 and noon. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, children’s crafts and a visit to the petting zoo. Details are at SpringdaleFarm.org/santa.

HCS partners with Rochester Rotary to present a private concert with the RPO. You’re sure to see familiar faces at the Dec. 20th show. We’d love for you to celebrate Christmas with us. Invite your friends so that they can

experience it, too. Premium seating is first-come, first-serve.

Stronger TogetherStronger Together is a sculpture located at the Pieters Family Life Center in Rochester. Artist: Juan Carlos Caballero-Perez