Welcome to the electronic edition of Thrive, the Benchmark employee newsletter. Enjoy, and please share with Courtney Heiser or Simon May any stories you would like to include in a future issue!
From the Front Lines
Darlene Johnson, DSP, Ohio Day Services
What is the best part of your job?
Being able to help individuals be the best that they can be individually, with others, and out in the community.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Just dealing with the variety of challenges that come day by day.
What game show or reality competition show would you be super awesome at, and why?
Wheel of Fortune, because I am very good at guessing phrases.
Success Faturoti, DSP, Indianapolis, IN Supported Living
What is the best part of your job?
I like taking the clients out and about in the community. I even like going with them to doctor’s appointments because I think it’s interesting. I also like the feeling of teamwork and family I get from my job.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Trying to figure out what is causing the issue if a client is upset or acting out.
What game show or reality competition show would you be super awesome at, and why?
The Price is Right, it’s the favorite show of one of my clients, so I watch it with him and I like it and think I could do well on it.
Celebrating 30 Years of Thriving
By Julie Kent, Residential Manager, Fiesta Way Group Home – Fort Wayne, IN
I recently was given a copy of a news article from 1989 that two of the current Fiesta Way (Fort Wayne Group Home) residents were featured in. That got me thinking about how much they have changed over the 30 years they have received services from this agency.
Janet moved into the home in March 1989 and James in May 1989. One is 85 now, and the other 68. I realized the care they both have been given over the last 30 years is one reason they are both still here. They get along – the majority of the time, but after 30 years I would be tired of seeing the same face each day too. Ha! They spend nearly 24 hours a day together and make each other laugh (even when they are both laughing at staff).
A huge shout out to all the Benchmark DSPs who care for each of the people we serve. Treating them with dignity and respect and seeing them as individuals; wanting them to be a part of society is what matters the most. Just ask James and Janet – they have been around a long time.
Here’s a few words from Janet and James’ guardians.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Janet in 1983 and she moved into Fiesta Way in 1989. She was so happy in her new home. She spent every holiday with our family – my young children loved her. In 2002 I became her guardian so she would have someone if she ever needed someone to have her back. Over these past 30 years she has grown and changed so much. She is happy, content, and so well taken care of. When I see Julie interact with Janet I see genuine love between the two. Knowing Janet is a blessing to me and everyone who meets her.”
Susan P. – Guardian
“30 years ago our family was fortunate to find a group home for James. We have been extremely blessed with the care and love James has received. He has always been extremely happy and treated with utmost respect.”
Teresa K. – Guardian
Georgia Begins Autism and ABA Services
Benchmark recently began providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services, particularly to children with autism in Georgia. These services help reduce aggressive or difficult behaviors, increase social and communication skills, and help children with autism succeed at home, at school, and in the community. Services began this month in Savannah, Georgia, led by Director of Autism and Behavior Services, Jade Lewis, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, and Regional Director, AJ Beyrer, Ph.D., LCSW, LBA, BCBA-D.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer this critical service in Georgia,” Lewis said. “ABA is an important component in the treatment of autism as it teaches the learner independence as well as provides vital training to parents and caregivers.”
Celebrating National Disabilities Awareness Month
In March, Benchmark celebrated Disabilities Awareness Month by posting a series of videos on our company Facebook page from employees throughout the company, talking about what they’ve learned about people with disabilities from working in the field. The overarching message was that people with disabilities are simply people, like anyone else – ready and willing to explore all that this great life has to offer them!
Doug Beebe, President/CEO of Benchmark, closed out our month with a powerful message in his video. You can view the video by clicking the image below or by visiting our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/BenchmarkHumanServices.
National Disabilities Awareness Month
This past month, Benchmark celebrated National Disabilities Awareness Month on social media with videos from management, however we continue to celebrate the individuals we serve all the time! Check out some of the great photos from the past quarter we’ve posted below. Also, if you would like to share any photos you’ve taken of or with the individuals in your area on Facebook, please send them to Simon May!
Cheers All Around!
Benchmark Human Services recently received a three year accreditation after this year’s CARF survey. The Compliance team would like to thank all of the staff who supported their preparation for this process, cooperated with changes, and made it run smoothly. Congratulations!
Finding Her Voice at Work
Ashley, an individual served in Benchmark’s residential program in St. Louis, Missouri, is thriving at her job at the Marriott Hotel. Her job coach from her vocational services provider, Shelley Gardner, recently shared this story with us.
“What a wonderful experience I had with Ashley during her mandatory training today at the Marriott – West. Ashley has been off work for several weeks due to a slow time at the Marriott. They finally scheduled her this week and she was excited to get back to work. Ashley picked up where she left off, doing a great job, staying on task, and managing her time. The employees at the Marriott have been a wonderful, natural support system for Ashley. They are patient, answer her questions, and show her how to master tasks she is unfamiliar with. This support has helped Ashley find confidence, meaning, and a future in integrated employment.
Today, at the mandatory training program, Ashley raised her hand when the group was talking about teamwork. She spoke with confidence and appreciation about and to the employees she works with in laundry, calling some of them by name. She stated how she appreciates their support and kindness. There was not a dry eye in the room. Ashley continued to contribute to the meeting, offering correct answers and observations. She won a prize for most engaged and another from a co-worker who said she appreciated her help in laundry. The General Manager was in attendance, along with the HR executives, and Ashley’s supervisor. You should have seen her smile at everyone from the front of the room! I am so proud of the person Ashley has become and I know will she will continue to thrive.”
Milestones
Thrive honors employee hire anniversaries for April, May, and June, celebrating those who have worked at Benchmark for five years and longer.
Amrit Jot Khalsa – 5
Andrew Starr – 5
Andrew Young – 5
Anna Marie Ensley – 5
Anthony Tsampis – 5
Ardra Harris – 5
Ashley Hockersmith – 5
Barrington Scott – 5
Betty Asabea – 5
Brittney Andorfer – 5
Busayo Olufunmiwa – 5
Carly Smith – 5
Clovest Munson – 5
Colleen Esterline – 5
David Cogdell – 5
Dedra Pickett – 5
Derrick McKinney – 5
Donna Gregory – 5
Eugene Bekoe – 5
Funke Adebiyi – 5
Gloria Winston – 5
Hannah Maxson – 5
Helen Turner – 5
James Hilgemann – 5
Jarred Sisler – 5
Jasmine Smith – 5
Jeanette Hawks – 5
Jennifer Sims – 5
Juwanda Boughton – 5
Keith Wheat – 5
Kelley Duvall – 5
Kenneth McKee – 5
Kimberly Mattix – 5
Lora Robinson – 5
Lorenza Torrez – 5
Lori Pettit – 5
Lucretia Campbell-Rogers – 5
Mamie Addison – 5
Mara Schwab – 5
Marinena Shirah – 5
Marisela Ornelas Mariscal – 5
Martine Constant-Gilles – 5
Mary Arikawe – 5
Melanie McDowell – 5
Melinda Butts – 5
Mia Maxey – 5
Michele Bishop – 5
Philbert Mucyo – 5
Pinkie Peete – 5
Priscilla Palmer – 5
Sean Farrelly – 5
Selina Popovich-Evans – 5
Shydell Magana – 5
Simon May – 5
Sonny Hughes – 5
Veronicah Asuta Hernandez – 5
Wayne Hill – 5
Abebe Mulat – 6
Allah Young – 6
Amy Roush – 6
Andrew Beyrer – 6
Andrew Bushong – 6
Aneisa Young – 6
Antoinette Thornton – 6
Ashley Putt – 6
Barbara Frier – 6
Beth Bowman – 6
Chris Meyer – 6
Davanda Talton – 6
Deborah Lamb – 6
Donna Dunbar – 6
Edward Valentin – 6
Ella Hooks – 6
Eugena Flannery – 6
Foby Akoi – 6
Gregory Cox – 6
Gwendolyn Oglesby – 6
Jaimee Melanson – 6
James Fricks – 6
Jane Bauer – 6
Jennifer McLaurin – 6
Joni Staton – 6
Jose Galaviz – 6
Joseph Kageche – 6
Karen Fraysier – 6
Kelly Doseck – 6
Kenneth Herbert – 6
Kira Witte – 6
Kristina Phillips – 6
Krystal Williams – 6
Latanagela Overstreet – 6
Latesha Taylor – 6
Lydia Gray – 6
Marissa Portee – 6
Mary Behrends – 6
Michael Dean – 6
Michael Rector – 6
Nancy Chamberlain – 6
Oluwagbenga Adekanmi – 6
Richard Rowe – 6
Roxanne Jastrzemski – 6
Sabrina Dutch – 6
Sandra Ford – 6
Shirl Bragg – 6
Stanley Peaslee – 6
Tangrill Varner – 6
Willean Frazer Gray – 6
Angela Jackson – 7
Bernadine Dominguez – 7
Brenell Christian – 7
Carla Hanson – 7
Carol Minnerick – 7
Cassandra Smith – 7
Cindi Liechty – 7
Darrell Masterson – 7
Davina Logan – 7
Irene Allen – 7
James Cummings – 7
Jeffrey Rector – 7
Jerjuana Chambers – 7
Juanita Watson – 7
Julius Karanja – 7
Latisha Ellerton – 7
Maria Graham – 7
Michelle Waldecker – 7
Nicko Benson – 7
Nikki Groll – 7
Olatoye Itaniyi – 7
Sedrick Totton – 7
Sharon Whitham – 7
Tai Rhodes – 7
Terri Beard – 7
Veronica Lawrence – 7
Carey Baragiola – 8
Christopher Briggs – 8
Constance Beck – 8
Danielle Austin – 8
Danny Large – 8
Gayle Garr – 8
Lorian Schneider – 8
Masresha Adugna – 8
Melinda Gray – 8
Melody Richardson – 8
Nicole Headlee – 8
Patrick Kagarama – 8
Paula Kelly – 8
Rachael Mitchell – 8
Shelley Campbell – 8
Tarena McClure – 8
Teresa Bartnik – 8
Terresa Garner – 8
Tori Kitchell – 8
Wayne Cripps – 8
Deborah Tartaglia – 9
Dina Smith – 9
Elvira Loya – 9
Jason Borkholder – 9
Lisa Sawyer – 9
Rebecca Jones – 9
Rita Griesdorn – 9
Sherry Royse – 9
Stella Waithaka – 9
Amanda Beeks – 10
Anna Bustamante – 10
Cecilia Rubio-Miramontes – 10
Dawn Thompson – 10
Howard Smith – 10
Joseph English – 10
Kevin Sholley – 10
Kimberly Chestnut – 10
Kimberly Gillihan-Potter – 10
Kyna Johnson – 10
Miriam Kimani – 10
Miriam Ngwarai – 10
Olivia Alvarado – 10
Patricia Ibarra – 10
Paula Spall – 10
Regina Romero – 10
Stephen Mndalila – 10
Stephen Walker – 10
Teresa Ronquillo – 10
Terry Gibson – 10
Barbara Handley – 11
Bernadette LaMaster – 11
Betty Hudgins – 11
Bree Cannon – 11
Cynthia House – 11
Dawn McVay – 11
Garnett Goodwin – 11
Harold Kirby – 11
Julie Kenney – 11
Kay Davis – 11
Kimberly Muhlenkamp – 11
Kris Cooley – 11
Lorraine Hall – 11
Marebate Batoma – 11
Mary Agba – 11
Nancy Waweru – 11
Nola Lakamp – 11
Peggy Fowlkes – 11
Stephanie Ayers – 11
Susan Achten – 11
Terri Hendon – 11
Wanda Hart – 11
Barbara Nakiganda – 12
Deborah Keita – 12
Ebrann Kinnie – 12
Holly Cotton – 12
Jessie Johnson – 12
Jose Gonzalez – 12
Lucy Murei – 12
Michael Snook – 12
Misty Abbott – 12
Sandra Foster – 12
Shelly Detcher – 12
Tomeka Smith – 12
Travis Boggs – 12
Deborah Jarrett – 13
Glenda Agostino – 13
Carrie Moden – 15
Kathleen Bradshaw – 15
Melissa Holycross – 15
Shelley Johnson – 15
Thiola Moyo – 15
Tiffany Smith – 15
Carrie Perry – 16
Mai Bond – 16
Maureen Dow – 16
Elizabeth Chege – 17
Jeffrey Birnell – 17
Jessica Quarles – 17
Julia Kill – 17
Lindsay Moore – 17
Ennette Gose – 18
Justin Weber – 18
Mark Flegge – 18
James Tengbeh – 19
Laura Mc Farland – 19
Linda Morrison – 19
Pamela Jenkins – 20
Lily Compton – 22
Lisa Rector – 22
Randy Hoium – 23
William Swiss – 34
Movin’ On Up!
Below is a list of employees who were promoted in January, February, and March and the position to which they were promoted. Congratulations to all!
Georgia
Kimberly Anthony – Registered Behavior Technician
Pamela Walker – Registered Behavior Technician
Dericka Jones – Registered Behavior Technician
Katherine Gaskin – Registered Behavior Technician
Latina Niles – Registered Behavior Technician
Indiana
Melissa Taylor – Talent Acquisition Specialist
Nicole Headlee – Highway Safety Sales
Matthew Marshall – Team Leader
Emily Luce – Residential Manager
Lisa Wiegand – Supported Living Supervisor
James Bain – Residential Manager
Catherine Shilue – Team Leader
Michelle Knight-Deaton – Senior Team Leader
Cheryl Holt – Team Leader
Trevaona Winston – Team Leader
Heather Groves – QDDP
Jerica Holloway – Team Leader
Shannon Carrasco – Registered Nurse
Stephanie Mulevu – Team Leader
Maryland
Gorette Mwiseneza – Job Coach
Missouri
Erica Jones – Supported Living Manager
Hillary Palmer – Registered Behavior Technician
New Jersey
Yazkalee Guzman – Team Leader
Alisha Zephy – Team Leader
Pamela Barr – Team Leader
Kaitlyn Chainey – Team Leader
New Mexico
Christopher Gutierrez – Client Financial Specialist
Jacey Gonzales – Supported Living Manager
Ohio
CaRina Smith – Team Leader
Christina Reese – Supported Living Supervisor
Amy Reed – Team Leader
Josie Bowdle – Team Leader
Ismael Razo – Day Services Supervisor
Victoria Kohler – Team Leader