Gaudenzia Gazette Winter 2014

January 2014 VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1

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Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment & Recovery Services

1 G A U D E N Z I A G A Z E T T E J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 www. g a u d e n z i a . o r g

Gaudenzia Foundation Elects New Board ChairMaureen Q. Dwyer, a retired attorney formerly with Pepper Hamilton LLP,

was elected Chair of the Gaudenzia Foundation Board on November 7, 2013.

Maureen was interviewed recently about her vision and the challenges she sees

ahead for the agency. The entire Gaudenzia family wishes Maureen much success

in her new capacity.

How did you get involved with Gaudenzia?

As a friend of Richard Max Bockol who at the time was Chairman of theFoundation Board, I often heard him talk about Gaudenzia. About three years ago, Richard asked if I would be interested in joining the FoundationBoard. Being from Erie, PA originally and about to retire from the practice of law, the timing of Richard’s question was perfect. I was pleased to acceptthe offer to join the Foundation Board.

What are Gaudenzia’s strengths?

Gaudenzia has many great strengths, such as its sound financial foundation,but the most important strength to me is the dedicated and experiencedemployees. I am continually impressed by the wonderful staff who work so hard to achieve the goals of Gaudenzia.

What do you foresee will be Gaudenzia’s most important challenges?

I believe the greatest challenges relate to the economic situation faced by local and

state governments. Gaudenzia’s services are provided in significant part by public

funds, so, as governments look for ways to cut back on expenditures, it will be vital

to continue to maintain these funds and to develop new funding sources. Gaudenzia

is very fortunate to have a talented and dedicated management team and Board

membership to face this challenge. An additional challenge will be for Gaudenzia to

develop its current and new employees who can transition into leadership positions as

needed. Finally, the implementation and future of the Affordable Care Act will impact

the services that Gaudenzia provides to its clients.

How do you envision Gaudenzia five years from now?

Gaudenzia will continue to be an outstanding and well respected organizationwhich provides excellent addiction treatment to those in need of theseservices. Gaudenzia’s sound financial position should allow the organization to thrive and to develop new programs for the treatment of addiction and for the deterrence of abuse of alcohol and drugs.

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On November 16, Jack and Carla

Markell, Delaware Governor and

First Lady, performed a one-night

reading of A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters.”

The event was in honor of Delaware

Theatre Company’s 35th year of

providing impactful programming to

the community at large. Gaudenzia

Fresh Start residents were in

attendance, lending a hand with event

set-up and clean-up. Event staff

commented on how prompt, efficient,

and eager the volunteers were to help,

adding that they “were a true pleasure

to work with.” Gaudenzia not only

strives to break the cycle of addiction,

but prides itself on the ability to create

productive members of society through

a continuum of care.

GIVING BACK in Delaware

Photo: Elisa Morris

In Loving MemoryGeorge M. DavisEastern Region Drug and Alcohol Programs Division Director

With great sorrow we note the passing of George Davis. George began

working at Gaudenzia in 1983. His career path spanned a variety of

positions including Counselor, Clinical Supervisor and Program Director.

Loved by everyone who met him, George was a true role model, mentor

and friend. His firm yet gentle style touched the lives of thousands of

individuals, helping people overcome their addictions and remain in long

term recovery.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.

Happy45thBirthdayGAUDENZIA

The Gaudenzia Ball is an annual celebration marking the agency’s

founding on December 8, 1968. The Ball brings together all of Gaudenzia’s clients and

staff, encouraging them to depict aspects of recovery and healthy living through skits,

dance and song. This year’s theme was “It’s Magic.”

Since 1968, the number of individuals in our care as well as Gaudenzia programs

has grown significantly. The organization is now spread throughout Pennsylvania,

Maryland and Delaware. Accordingly, this year’s Ball was conducted in

three sections: on December 5 in Harrisburg, on December 7

in Philadelphia and on December 14 in Baltimore.

help us honor his memory...A public memorial will be held Wednesday, February 26 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at

the Nelson Center, Gaudenzia’s West Chester Campus, located at 1030 S. Concord Road

in West Chester.



LANCASTER

Each year, the Best Kept Secrets organization identifies local businesses that have

great products or services but may not be well-known. With a tour ticket purchase,

interested shoppers are provided a map and offered opportunities to win door

prizes, receive discount coupons at these businesses and more. Best Kept Secrets

operates in several Pennsylvania counties, designating a different nonprofit

organization in each area to be the recipient of a portion of the tour tickets.

This fall, Gaudenzia was named the designated charity for the Lancaster County

tour. $2,500 was raised for drug and alcohol treatment at Gaudenzia.

Vantage, Gaudenzia’s first residential program for addicted women

and their young children, was featured in Fig Lancaster Magazine’s

Winter 2013 edition. Veteran staff members Florence Paige,

Lancaster Division Director and Paula Kiernan, Program Director

were highlighted for their endless devotion to the program and

the individuals served.

To read the full article

about Gaudenzia Vantage

in Fig Lancaster, visit:

http://figlancaster.com/

giving-back-gaudenzia-house/

Teddie Chairsell, Board member with Deb Brandt,Fig Lancaster Owner and Publisher

Gaudenzia staffand friends at the Fig Lancasterwinter 2013 launch party atMiesse Candies

Lawrence Reich, Lisa Spuhler, and Jeff Bleacherof Ross Buehler Falk & Company

Gaudenzia Vantage staff participatedin the event

Best Kept Secrets

Extraordinary Give

Featured in Fig Magazine

On November 22, the Lancaster County

Community Foundation facilitated support

for over 250 nonprofit organizations during

the 2013 Extraordinary Give Campaign.

Gaudenzia/Lancaster participated for the

second year, raising $5,675 in one day.

Gaudenzia is grateful to the local community

for giving so generously and for the friends

and volunteers who joined in the spirit of

the day. Special thanks to Ross Buehler

Falk & Company for offering us the use of

their conference room for our headquarters.


On October 17, LaRhonda Brunson, Counselor Assistant at

Gaudenzia’s New Beginnings program in Philadelphia, was

recognized at the JEVS Human Services 2013 Strictly Business

event. The activity recognized

the local business community,

including the best workplace

problem solvers and

extraordinary individuals who

have overcome significant

obstacles to achieve their

personal and professional goals.

In October, Mark Sarneso, Director of Gaudenzia’s Central

and Western Region, was appointed by Governor Tom Corbett

to the Pennsylvania Advisory Council

on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. The Council

is responsible for advising the state’s

Department of Health on drug and alcohol

issues. Mr. Sarneso has over 30 years of

progressive healthcare management

experience and senior leadership.

Gale Saler (right), Director of

Gaudenzia’s Chesapeake Region

and immediate past President

of the Maryland Addiction

Directors Council, was recognized

with the Leadership Award

at the State Association of

Addiction Services Conference

in San Diego, CA.

Dr. Julia Monaco, Eastern Region

Fiscal/Intake Compliance Director

presented “Impact of the Philadelphia

Recovery Model on Admission to

Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment”

at the 141st American Public Health

Association Annual Meeting, held

in Boston from November 2 – 6.

Congratulations...Gaudenzia GalaGAUDENZIA STAFF

Harrisburg

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Mary Ellen Baxter with Sheila Ross, Board member, and Rev. Nathan R. Baxter, Bishop of the EpiscopalianArchdiocese of Central Pennsylvania

Graham Hetrick, Dauphin County Coroner, Pete Wambach,Honoree, Gary Tennis, Secretary, Pennsylvania Departmentof Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Dickie Noles,Employee Assistance Counselor, Philadelphia Phillies

On November 2, the Gaudenzia Gala was held at

the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. With

more than 300 guests in attendance, the event

raised $53,655 net for treatment at Gaudenzia.

Pete Wambach, former Pennsylvania State

Representative, was this year’s Community Champion

award recipient. He was the sponsor of Act 152 of

1988 and Act 106 of 1989, landmark legislation

guaranteeing a commercial insurance policyholder’s

right to treatment as well as payment towards it. Jen

and Chris Zampogna served as event Co-Chairs. A

highlight of the evening was the moving remarks of

Rick P., Graduate speaker, who underwent treatment

at Gaudenzia’s Chambers Hill Adolescent Program

more than 10 years ago.


On November 7, treatment referral

sources, funders, and community

friends attended an Open House at

Gaudenzia’s Chambers Hill Adolescent

program in Harrisburg. Participants

toured the facility and learned about the valuable service being

provided to adolescents who are in treatment to overcome

the ravages of addiction to drugs and alcohol.

On November 20, in

Camp Hill a dinner was

held for Harrisburg area volunteers

in appreciation for their outstanding

effort in support of Gaudenzia.

The evening recognized Gala

committee members as well as

additional volunteers for their help

with other projects such as open

houses and community education

outreach activities.

Adolescent Program Holds Open House

VolunteerAppreciation

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Mike Harle presents the 2013 CommunityChampion Award to Pete Wambach

Linda Dengler, Chair and Cindy Heathof the Harrisburg Area Community Affairs Council

Paula Ruane, Central Region Director,Gail Hamilton, CRNP, Milton S.Hershey Medical Center, and RuthMoore, Pennsylvania PsychiatricInstitute Polyclinic

John Sponeybarger, Dauphin CountyDrug and Alcohol, Dionne Baylor,Prevention Service Dauphin CountyDrug and Alcohol, Brian Humphrey,Harrisburg District Office Director,Office of Senator Rob Teplitz

Cindy Foreman and her daughterAndrea Foreman

Negii Coffee, Board member, with Jen and Chris Zampogna

Jen and Chris Zampogna, Event Co-Chairs

Janet Jones and Sue Houseal

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Philadelphia

Baltimore


In mid-December, at the request of the

City of Philadelphia's Office of Supportive

Housing, Gaudenzia opened emergency

shelters for homeless women. According to

Toni Montier, Gaudenzia Eastern Region

Director of Housing, "we're pleased to

address the issue of homelessness among some

of Philadelphia's most vulnerable populations,

single and parenting women with young

children. Every family deserves a place to lay

their heads, safe and warm from the bitter

cold weather through the city's Winter

Initiative program."

An important aspect of Gaudenzia’s

continuum of care is to help individuals in

recovery learn or regain fundamental social

and economic skills. On December 12,

the vocational department in Gaudenzia

Chesapeake Region hosted a “lunch

and learn” event in conjunction with the

Baltimore City Department of Social

Services. There, residents received

information about becoming current on

child support responsibilities or how

to receive their benefits.

While in town for a concert recently, Lil’ Kim, hip hop

songstress and rapper conducted a surprise visit to residents

at Gaudenzia's House of Passage in Philadelphia. Kim posed

for photos and signed autographs as she shared her own

experience with them,

encouraging the ladies

to "never give up."

House of Passage is

a 100 bed womens

emergency housing

shelter operated by

Gaudenzia.

Winter Initiative Lil’ Kim Visits

Erie

World AIDS Day December 1, 2013

A handmade quilt was pieced together byindividuals who have lost a loved one to the diseaseand sent to Gaudenzia Erie in their memory.

eSteve Simulkjaer, Shout Outreach Program Director, displays quilt

7 G A U D E N Z I A G A Z E T T E J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 w w w. g a u d e n z i a . o r g

Holiday Activities around GaudenziaEach year, friends and businesses in areas served by Gaudenzia help ensure that our residents have a

special holiday season. From Northern Pennsylvania to Baltimore, countless individuals brighten the

season for children and adults, alike. This is just a glimpse of the support that was shown this year.

Baltimore:• WBAL donated coats

and gifts to children

of residents who are

in our care.

• Giving Back, Linda's

Legacy donated food, clothing, shoes,

backpacks to all of the programs in Baltimore.

• The New Psalmist Baptist Church donated

new children’s gifts and Walmart gift cards.

Greater Philadelphia:• St. Norbert’s Parish included the residents of

West Chester House, Kindred House, Concord Place

and Union Court on their angel tree. Each resident

was given a holiday gift and some clothing essentials.

• The Caron Treatment Centers Alumni & Parent

Support Group members collected gifts for the

children of New Image in Philadelphia.

• Our friends at Pajama Buddies donated handmade

bags with pajamas, books and other essentials for

each child living at Kindred House in West Chester.

• Santa visited Kindred House bearing gifts for each

child. Gifts were donated by members of the

West Chester community.

• Urban Gorilla Orchestra conducted its second

toy drive to benefit the families of Tioga Arms

Apartments. Additional co-sponsors included

the Office of Senator Vincent Hughes, the ADAC

Foundation, Tioga Arms Inc., and Foundation

2,000 Inc.

Harrisburg:• On Dec. 12, the Community Affairs Council

held a holiday activity at Chambers Hill Adolescent

Program, providing dinner, gifts and singing carols

with the residents.

• The Peace of Mind quilting group donated handmade

pillow cases to the Chambers Hill adolescents who were

grateful to have something made especially for each

person with super hero fabrics and other prints specific

to their interests.

North Central Pennsylvania:Gifts and essentials donated to the local programs by:

• Women Who Care, a local service group,

• Ray & Michelle Walsh, community volunteers,

• Blue Mountain 7th Day Adventist Church.

“I don’t need anything for Christmas because I’vealready gotten what I wanted; I’m here with my mom.”11 year old boy, New Destiny, Ashland, PA

“Thank you for showing me how thoughtful people can be.”A teen at Chambers Hill Adolescent Program in Harrisburg, PAstates after receiving handmade gifts this holiday.

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eLancaster:• Vantage alumni

celebrated the holiday

season with current

program residents.

Recovery Tree CelebrationIn Pennsylvania, the Montgomery County Commissioners and The Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs held their 10th Annual RecoveryTree Celebration at the Montgomery County Courthouse. Bruce L. Castor Jr.,Commissioner welcomed the crowd, and Gaudenzia's Al Meyer shared his

message of strength and hope to over200 attendees. Ornaments on the tree held names of individuals celebrating or seeking recovery, agencies or individuals who have assisted those on their path to recovery, and remembering those we’ve lost.

The Gaudenzia Gazette is published by the Community Affairs Department of Gaudenzia, Inc.

Michael B. Harle, M.H.S.President and CEO

Richard Z. Freemann, Jr.Chair,Gaudenzia Inc.

Maureen A. DwyerChair,Gaudenzia Foundation

Gadi AronsonDirector of Development

Sara BaumgardnerJulie GirschAndrew KeimigCarole LeeLynanne SchaefferCarol SchonourContributors

Production costs for this issue have been paid by the employees of Gaudenzia through the 2013 Staff Appeal.

GAUDENZIA, Inc.Corporate Offices106 W. Main StreetNorristown, PA 19401

www.gaudenzia.org

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Gaudenzia Gazette Winter 2014

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