The Bethesda

ISSUE 1 • JUNE 2013

June 4, 2013

Welcome back to the “Bethesda Link”. We hope you enjoy this edition and that the articles help to keep you informed.

We remain encouraged by the results of Bethesda’s recent Dinner Auction held April 26, 2013. This year, we highlighted the Bethesda Foundation’s contribution to our Children’s Programs, specifically the Respite Program. The over 400 people in attendance responded by donating over $31,000. A great evening!

Our next fundraising opportunity is set for August 21, 2013 - a golf tournament at the beautiful Whirlpool Golf Course. Registration is now available by visiting our web site or contacting Candace at 905-684-6918 ext. 271 or via email golf@bethesdaservices.com.

On behalf of the Bethesda Board of Directors, I want to thank you for your ongoing support of Bethesda. With your help we are making a difference.

Brian DaviesChief Executive Officer

IN THIS ISSUE

Hi My Name Is DanPAGE 2

The WaitPAGE 3

Building a Better BethesdaPAGE 4

PackagingPAGE 6

Bethesda NotesPAGE 7

Hi my name is Dan...

I would like to share with you a little about myself. I have 3 much older brothers. One of them is here with his wife tonight. To support me as well. I am a grade nine student at Lakeshore Catholic High School in Port Colborne .

In 2006 my parents and I found out that I have a form of Autism . I always knew I was a little bit different from other kids. I also seemed to have a hard time fitting in and socializing. I have since learned, by coming to these programmes, its ok to be different.

My experience unfortunately has shown me that many people have not treated me very nice. I have been beaten up, Bullied and excluded from a lot of things. I even missed out on my Grade Eight over night graduation trip, as the School Board could not provide supports for me.

The one place that I do feel safe and accepted at, is the Respite program at Bethesda. The other kids that go to the program are very much like me. We have things in common. When I talk about things that interest me. They listen. When I share things I have done. They listen and share experiences. They don’t yell at me and tell me to get lost, or swear at me and tell me where to go. Here I feel like I can be myself and not worry someone is going to hurt or judge me. At this program, we are shown ways to become more independent and make good choices for ourselves. The staff also show us new ways of how to cope with challenges and issues we face in life. My parents also get a well deserved break from me, and I from them. There are a lot of kids on a list waiting to come to these programmes, but are only able to access them maybe once a year.

So I tried to figure out a way that I could help to try and get the message out and help kids like me. I could share my story and speak for the many kids who sit in silence and

are not able to speak for themselves.

Thank you all for coming out tonight and listening to my story but most of all for supporting the great Bethesda Programs.

By Daniel Crandall

PAGE 2

Guests of honour Daniel Crandall and alicia Burnett

alicia receives a high five from Pinball Clemons

Bethesda opened its’ doors to Children’s Services in 2001. We started with one staff who provided behavioural services to children with a developmental disability. Over the past twelve years, Children’s Services at Bethesda has grown to include six programs that are supported by over 60 dedicated staff. Across all our programs, we serve over 1200 children each year.

Services for children at Bethesda include assessment, respite, behavioural supports, in-home consultation, intensive treatment, workshops and skill building groups for children and parents. We offer service at our Schmon location and we access space in Early Years Centres, Churches, Schools and other community agencies to offer service across the Niagara Region.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Respite Services opened at Bethesda in 2007. This program provides a range of options for children between the ages of 2.5 up to their 18th birthday, including After School Social Skills Programs, Saturday Recreation Programs, Preschool Programs, Seasonal Camps, Intensive In-home Respite Services and Flex Funds. Funding from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services allow us to provide service to approximately 270 children each year.

The following quotes have been shared by parents who completed a Satisfaction Survey on their experiences with Bethesda’s Respite Program.

“Thank you for the peace of mind. I know she’s in good hands and is trying different things in the community.”

“I learned how to use Social Stories, a visual schedule and an activity book. Thank you for all your ideas and the time and energy you put into your job.”

“Thank you for helping him work through a severe meltdown when everyone else would have sent him home”

“Great staff as always! Summer camp was the highlight of his summer. The activities and skills he used at camp helped him gear up for school.”

We recognize that the need for Respite in our community significantly exceeds our funding capacity to meet the demand for service. There are currently 830 children on the wait list for Respite at Bethesda. Fundraising dollars will enable program expansion within Respite Services. The theme for Bethesda’s 14th Annual Dinner Auction held on April 26, 2013 was “Celebrating Family.” The evening was an incredible success, raising $31,000 for Bethesda’s Respite Program. Thanks to the generous donations we will be able to offer more opportunities for children to attend Summer Camp, After School Social Skill Programs and our Saturday Recreation Programs.

By Alyson Wilson

(Director of Children’s Services at Bethesda)

THe WaiT

Home Depot and the ice Dogs

Having Fun

Daniel and alyson (Director of Children’s services)

PA

GE 3

BuilDinG a BeTTer BeTHesDa…. THrouGH aCCreDiTaTion

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

~Henry Ford~.

Bethesda has been successful in its bid to be accredited

by FOCUS Accreditation and has received a four year

accreditation (September 2012 – September 2016).

“I am so proud of Bethesda for their hard work….and we got accredited, thank you! “ Dorothy, person supported.

We know Bethesda provides good quality service to individuals with a developmental disability, but we want to provide great quality service. Volunteering to undergo the accreditation process was one way to go from good to great. The process provided a roadmap to identify what we currently do well and open up pathways to ensure we are providing exceptional service to the people we support, because ultimately, that is why we are all here.

What is accreditation? • A process that looks at both quality improvement and quality assurance. • A process that will ensure people are benefiting from the services Bethesda provides. • A process to ensure that our services are effective, efficient and visible throughout the organization and the community. • A process to ensure that we meet the standards that reflect the best practices in Human Services.

Pearl norton (Bethesda’s Volunteer of the year 2013)

Pinball recognizes Francisco Fernandez (Bethesda’s employee of the year 2013)

PAGE 4

Focus Accred 4YR LOGO.pdf 1 12/11/12 4:41 PM

Pinball Clemons auctioning off a signed football with auctioneer luke Passmore

Thank you for all of your help!

michael “Pinball” Clemons and Brian Davies Ceo

We worked together to rethink many of our policies and practices; we collaboratively made improvements to many of our processes; we created new educational tools for people we support, staff and other stakeholders; we transformed the culture of our organization as well as the manner in which we provide support, and ultimately we improved the quality of life for the people who matter most. This achievement is an expression of everyone’s collective efforts and ongoing commitment to excellence.

“With the CARE committee and Accreditation, people learned about their rights and responsibilities”. Edith, person supported and member of CARE committee. Bethesda has been on a transformational journey to provide services that are recognized as exemplary within the developmental services field, and meet the best practices within the province of Ontario. This milestone is not a destination, but merely a stop along our journey. We will continue to strive to provide the very best services and supports.

“To hear the great news that Bethesda received Accreditation means a lot to me because it shows me that Bethesda really does everything in their power to support us. Wonderful job by every staff that does their best to keep supporting us. We love you all.” Jeremy, person supported and member of CARE.

The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime. Three cheers for Bethesda’s team. Hip Hip Horray !!!

by Sandie Narsansky Quality Assurance/ Training CoordinatorHuman Resources, Bethesda

mPP Jim Bradley offers kind words to Bethesda.

momentum Choir debuts the hit song Ho Hey by The lumineers

PA

GE 5

What a beautiful time of year! Flower gardens are full again with colour

and new growth. Seeds in the garden and in the farmer’s fields are

sprouting through the ground and bringing forth new life. The smell of

fresh cut grass is in the air. Hopefully you have plans to get away and

enjoy the beauty of God’s creation or just spend some quiet time at

home with family and friends.

There are many reasons to stop and be thankful and take in God’s

many blessings. But as we know, life can get in the way. Our eyes can

become clouded by the busyness of routines and stresses coming in a

variety of forms. And yet, God is present and pouring out his blessings

into our lives.

Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that “Because of the Lord’s great

love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. They are new

every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Consider this short illustration and may it remind

you to stop and look for the little blessings

around you.

“There will be showers of

blessings” (Ezekiel 34:26)

PaCkaGinG

Board member Josie martens and her liFe Team Group with southridge Church adopted Bethesda in april as their cause to support. Prayers

were raised and baked goods were delivered to several group homes. Bethesda thanks you for your continued efforts and support for our

agency.

Chaplains Corner by mike Gilmore

The man whispered, “God, speak to me”, and a meadowlark sang;

but, the man did not hear.

So the man yelled, “God, speak to me!” And, the thunder rolled

across the sky, but the man did not listen.

And the man shouted, “God show me a miracle!” and a life was born;

but, the man did not know.

So, the man cried out in despair, “Touch me God, and let me know

you are here!” Whereupon, God reached down and touched the

man; but the man brushed the butterfly away… and walked on!

Don’t let the packaging of your blessings fool you!

May our eyes, ears and hearts be open to the many wonderful

blessings from God, our Father each and every day!

Blessings

Chaplain Mike Gilmore

Jen Lagerwerf along with other members of The Village Church volunteer their time through RAKE (Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere) at the grounds of the Bethesda Children’s Center. The Village Church has partnered alongside Bethesda by keeping the grounds clean and litter free.

Five garbage bags and six bags of compost were collected in and around the children’s outdoor play center. Bethesda thanks The Village Church for their kindness.

After 28 yrs of service to Bethesda, Chris Lepp put on his work boots for the last t ime. In honour of all his hard work and dedication, staff and long time coworkers came out to a communal BBQ. Chris was celebrated with song, kind words, a stunning caricature and a mantle clock as gifts from Bethesda. Chris Lepp you sure will be missed!

BethesdaNOTES

BirdiE

for BEThESda

Golf TournamenT

SAV

E T

H

E DATE

12th annual Charity Golf Tournament

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Niagara Parks Whirlpool Golf Course Registration: 11:30 am to 12:45 pm Shotgun Start: 1:00 pm sharp

$150.00/per person INCLUDES LUNCH AND DINNER

Completed Registration Forms to be emailed to golf@bethesdaservices.com

GOLF COURSEEST. 1951

Bethesda’s Adult Services Program is holding its ...

family PiCniCSunday August 11, 2013 4:00 - 7:00 pmThe grounds at Fly Road. Looking forward in seeing you there!

PA

GE 7

Please accept my gift of : q $50 q $100 q oTHer ___________________

name:

address: City:

q i have enclosed a cheque payable to the Bethesda Home Foundation

i prefer to use my q Visa q masTerCarD

Card number

expiry Date CVs

name on Card

Card Holder signature

OR i want to be a monthly supporter in the amount of $________________________ month

*Tax receipts issued for donations over $10

3280 Schmon ParkwayThorold , ON L2V 4Y6 T : 905.684.6918F: 905-684-5866

www.bethesdaservices.com

MY GiFT

3280 Schmon Parkway, Thorold , ON L2V 4Y6 T : 905.684.6918 F: 905-684-5866

www.bethesdaservices.com