july newsletter 2008 Community Catalysts of California employee anniversaries 8 years Maria De Leon - SAL Joanne Moffett - SM 7 years Luat Nguyen - SC Sharon Knivila - UK 6 years Jaime Rodriguez - MDO Luz Velarde - EC 5 years Sandra Gayles - SC Lori Krieger - SC 4 years Estella Hill - RH Steven Menicucci - UK 3 years Diana Ragan - UK 2 years Daniell Fox - RH Pearl Gallardo - FSO 1 year Laurie Cable - SC Ronald Clayton - SD Gissell Lopez - SC Kasey Rabin - SD Michael Weidner - PH central valley News from the Merced and Fresno Office Merced staff would like to welcome our new Case Manager, Nicole Dahlgren! We look forward to working with her and having her on our team. Merced staff would also like to send a shout out to The Valve Burners and their two very special team mates, Regional Manager, Shelley Cook and Direct Service Aide, Jane Wilkinson. GO TEAM! The Merced consumers enjoyed a day at the lake in Merced and a day at the Science & Technology Center in Atwater. They experienced hands on fun with science and technology. They had a BLAST! Day at the Science & Technology Center Fresno is staying busy! We would like to welcome Nasheka Green who will be working with Supported Living. Congratulations to Cathy Taylor on her new granddaughter. Cathy is a proud grandma of beautiful Leilah Desiree born on June 16, 2008, weighing 8 lbs. 3 oz. We are anticipating the return of Martha Castaneda who has been on leave. We miss her and will be happy to have her back at work. Social Rec. is staying busy with exciting events. A group of 25 consumers from Visalia and Fresno ILS, Social Rec. and Supported Living programs will be attending A Day at the Beach in Santa Cruz on July 19, 2008. Fresno Social Rec. consumers will also be attending the Circus on July 10, 2008. A very exciting month! Baby Leilah Desiree Cathy Taylor’’s Grandaughter north valley News from the Stockton Office June was a baby month for the Stockton area. ILS DSA Kamilah McDonald welcomed her new baby boy on June 19, 2008. Her son, Jahkai, weighed 7lb. 6 ounces and is 19 inches long. Kamilah and her baby are doing well, and Kamilah says she is looking forward to returning to work soon! One week later, Janice Tucker officially became a first time “Granny”, as her son Richie and daughter-in- law Regina had a baby boy! This is their first child, as well as the first Tucker grandchild for Janice and hubby Richard. Baby Richard “Eston” Tucker arrived on June 26, 2008. He weighed 6 lbs 13 ounces and was 19 inches long. Both Mom and baby are doing well, although new Daddy Richie looks a little “tuckered” out! Congratulations to both families, and we look forward to meeting both Jahkai and Eston soon! On June 19th and 20th, the Stockton CAC enjoyed their Third Annual Camp out at Rancho Seco park. Although the weather was in the 100’s that week, the staff and consumers had a lot of fun just relaxing and taking time out from their regular routines and schedules. They enjoyed swimming, fishing, campfires with smores, as well as many other games and team activities, including a surprise water balloon attack! For many, just being able to sleep outside in a tent was a highlight. As in the past, one of the best activities seemed to be the eating!! As everyone knows, you can’t have a camping trip without plenty of BBQ’s and lots of junk food and snacking! All seemed to have a great time, and the consumers have come to look forward to attending this event each year. Looking forward to next year! Philip Henry just returned from a two week vacation where he attended a big family reunion in Colorado. During the trip he also visited many other areas along the way, including Moab, Utah , which has some of the most beautiful National Parks, and breathtaking natural canyons. June also seemed to be a Vegas month for Stockton, too. Nicole Barber, Simone Vosburg, Vanessa Orr, and Philip Henry all made appearances in Sin City during the month. Although they were there separately, it just happened to be within two weeks of one another. Except Nicole, who was in Vegas for a CARF Conference, the trips were intended for just a few days of fun and to enjoy a break. No one came back a millionaire, but there were a few funny stories that were shared! I guess not everything stays in Vegas, after all! Jahkai - kamilah’s beautiful boy Daddy richard, Granny janice & Baby Eston Consumers Enjoying Their Third Annual Camp out north valley News from the Modesto Office The Modesto Advisory has been busy setting up events and fundraisers. On June 29th, they had a BBQ at Beyer Park for consumers and staff. Marisa E. was recognized for 5 years with Community Catalysts and was awarded her 5 year pin and certificate. Everyone enjoyed BBQ hot dogs, chips, soda, then cake and ice cream for dessert. Program Leader Jan Todd showed off her artistic ability by painting arms and faces and everyone cooled off by participating in a water balloon toss. Advisory Fundraiser plans for July include a Pizza night, July 1st at Round Table Pizza, a car wash on July 13th, and a Cookie Lee jewelry sales. The Advisory Committee is hoping to raise money to plan a fun trip for this year for the consumers. Modesto DSA, Andrea French’s little boy won runner up in the Hawaiian Tropic baby contest. He was crowned Mini King! He is so adorable! Congratulations! On Thursday, June 26th, consumers Marisa E., Thelma C. and their staff attended the annual Hawaiian banquet for their program at Howard Training Center. Marisa E. - Congratulations on 5 years! Keeping Cool with a Balloon Toss! Travis looking tough with his painted flame tattoo Andrea French’s Mini King How cute!! Marisa & Thelma at the annual Hawaiin Banquet south bay News from the Santa Clara & Salinas Office Santa Clara has a new Office Manager. Welcome aboard Wendy Willoughby! The basket fundraiser ended on June 1st and raised a total of $385. It ran for 2 months. The top three sellers were James W. at 36 tickets, Chloe A. at 35 tickets, and Earl L. at 27 tickets. All 3 will be receiving a certificate, and 2 will get a cookbook to fit their needs and one Disney comic book. Janice H. won the Pasta Night Basket, Andrew G. won the Light, Camera, Action Movie Basket, and Alice C. won the Green Thumb Gardening Basket. Thanks to all our supporters! On July 12, the Santa Clara Office is having their Annual Summer Celebration. The winning theme this year is an Asian Style. More news on this to come in the next newsletter! Ruben O. - First Prize! Great Job! Dylan C. - Employee of the Month Congratulations! Salinas had an unusually quiet month. This is the first month with no birthdays to celebrate, which means no birthday cake! The staff meeting just was not the same without the cake!! Congratulations to Dylan C. for receiving the Employee of the Month award for good attendance and great overall job performance. Also, congratulations to Ruben O. for winning the First Prize Amateur Drawing at the Salinas Valley Fair in King City. The winner for this month’s safety drawing was Loreley Salazar who was the recipient of 10 lotto tickets. redwood coast News from the Ukiah Office & Plum House The Ukiah Office has settled into their new office nicely. Everyone is enjoying having more space and privacy. There are still a few boxes to unpack and changes to be made. A new comfort height toilet is going to be installed thanks to the Butterfly Club, this will greatly benefit our consumers. A group of Consumers attended the yearly People First Conference. The group enjoyed eating, dancing, going in the hot tub, running the information booth, and attending seminars. The Plum House was very busy in June. One weekend they went to Montgomery Woods for a picnic and a walk. The next weekend they went to the beach on Saturday and the Fair on Sunday. Happy Birthday to: Fini T., Margaret K., and Electra G.! Congratulations to Sharon Knivila, the Safety incentive winner for June!! The New Ukiah Office consumer anniversaries 17 years Nick A., SM 16 years Edward R., COAL Russell T., SD 15 years Annette F., EC Carol F., SM 13 years Eduardo B., EC Mary M., EC Dora N., EC Charles T., EC Rene S., EC Karen R., FSO James C., SM 11 years Ryan L., SM David H., SM 10 years Mollie W., EC Aaron W., COAL 9 years Raymond R., EC Melissa F., COAL Barbara D., SC Greg M., SAL 8 years Rebecca M., MCD 7 years Michael M., STK 6 years Albert B., UK William D., STK Jami S., SD Joylene L., SAL 5 years Nathan H., SM Joe L., SM 4 years Lowella M., FSO Monica C., FSO Juan R., COAL 3 years Samer M., SAL Anthony H., MCD Kurt W., MCD Ihanh D., SC Jay R., SC 2 years Jose A., SM Diane H., SC Charles M., FSO Yu-Tse K., SC Christian B., FSO Donald S., SC Lalayeh E., SM 1 year Sierra V., COAL Hunseng S., MCD Juanita G., MCD enjoyable car travel Magellan Employee Assistance Program Traveling by car with your family can be like a slice of Americana or like a toothache depending on how you plan for it. Getting to your destination can be half the fun if everyone starts off well rested, well organized, and prepared for the days to come. Travel tips that can help: Plan ahead and encourage input• - Planning ahead is not only important, but it can build excitement long before the trip begins when everyone is included in the initial planning. Make a check-off list so family members don’t forget the things they need for the trip. Safety first• - Keep a working flashlight, fire extinguisher, blanket, and first-aid kit in your car. Cellular phones (and blue-tooth) are becoming an important option. Remember family members’ prescription medications and your health insurance information card. Bring things to do while enroute• - Each child should bring a backpack filled with some favorite toys, reading, listening, and activity materials. Soothing music and books on tape are great for adults and kids alike. You can borrow them from your local library. Bring along a well-stocked cooler• - Fill it with favorite healthy snacks, fruits, and beverages. Take extra water if you’re in hot climates. You’ll save money and be able to stop, stretch your legs, and relax, instead of searching for a roadside restaurant. Take frequent breaks• - Cramming a day and a half of driving into one day is a guaranteed stress-builder. Be realistic about your miles per day. Stop and take in the scenery. After all, isn’t that why you’re on vacation? Share the driving• - If other family members drive, take turns at the wheel. This can add to the safety and enjoyment of everyone. Keep a daily travel log• - Write down the day’s events and capture moments on film for a great post-trip scrapbook that will keep the vacation memories alive for years to come. Let everyone add their unique perspective. getting help: If you would like more information, you can call our Employee Assistance Program toll-free number 800-523-5668. © 2007 Magellan Health Services Laurie Cable Community Catalysts of California is proud to announce that Laurie Cable was selected to receive the Catalyst P.R.I.D.E. Award~Leading by Example for June 2008. Laurie has been with Community Catalysts of California for almost a year now as a Direct Service Aide for the Santa Clara area. Laurie is being recognized for her professionalism and ability to make good choices on a regular basis. She has shown her knowledge of procedures in emergency situations and is an example of someone who can think quickly and stay calm. Her actions prove that she possesses each of our Core Values and therefore, is able to better serve her consumers. Both her supervisors and her consumers are confident that she is capable and trustworthy. She has excellent communication skills and leadership abilities that are evident to her supervisors and peers. Laurie is admired for her overall job performance and commendable qualities. We appreciate the great service and dedication to the vision of Community Catalysts of California that Laurie has provided and would like to recognize her for her hard work and for Leading by Example. Thanks for Leading Us In the Right Direction! Consumer Catalysts of the Month July 2008 Linda Wray Linda has been a consumer in the El Centro Office Independent Living Program since 1997. She currently lives with her spouse, a consumer from another agency, in their own home. Linda is a very compassionate and tender person. She loves dogs and both she and her spouse have a small breed dog that they are allowed to keep in their home. Linda is currently working with another agency performing production work at a recycling center. She enjoys her job but loves to spend time at home on her days off. Linda also enjoys being part of social recreation activities during the consumer group outings and is polite and supportive to the peers she is with. She is outgoing and speaks her mind freely. Linda enjoys watching movies at home with her spouse and together they rent action and thriller videos on the weekends. She enjoys eating fast food but is aware she can only splurge occasionally as it is bad for her health. Linda also enjoys sharing her experience to live independently in the community. She is very aware of her consumer rights and is firm on the decisions she makes. Linda has a hidden talent to advocate for other people with disabilities. She makes sure she knows and is aware of other’s needs and will help recommend the right programs and people to speak with. She is truly dedicated to helping herself and others and that is why she has been chosen as our Consumer Catalyst of the Month for July! Congratulations Linda! July 2008 Teresa Grenawalt Teresa Grenawalt is a valuable member of Community Catalysts of California. She has been with the company for a mere 4 months, but has already made a great contribution to the management staff as a Case Manager for the Independent Living Program in the San Marcos Office. Teresa has demonstrated her excellent leadership abilities by jumping right into the program and establishing great rapport with those that she works with. She has been recognized by both staff and peers for her strong communication skills. Whether it be in her interaction with the SDRC or communicating expectations and encouragement to her staff, Teresa truly has what it takes to be a great leader. She has worked tirelessly to assist our consumers in advocating and rewriting CSP’s to enhance their quality of life and is willing to go above and beyond in her position to accomplish the vision and mission of Community Catalysts of California. Teresa is extremely professional, pro-active and effective in meeting the needs of our services, consumers and staff. This is why she is being given the Award of Excellence for the second quarter of 2008! Congratulations to Teresa for being a Model of Excellence! Mission Statement: “To enhance the quality of life for people with special needs in their quest for self-sufficiency.” Vision: To be recognized as a premier provider. Values: Compassion • Empathy • Respect • Trust • Resourcefulness July 2008 Special Recognition We would like to take the opportunity to recognize those who were also nominated for their commitment to excellence in the second quarter of 2008: Shelley Cook • Central Valley • Regional Manager Daniell Fox • Ray Hyde House • Administrator Chris Korelin • Stockton • Case Manager Ann Marie Miller • Santa Clara • Case Manager Diana Ragan • Ukiah • Case Manager Mission Statement: “To enhance the quality of life for people with special needs in their quest for self-sufficiency.” Vision: To be recognized as a premier provider. Values: Compassion • Empathy • Respect • Trust • Resourcefulness