Welcome to Thrive, the Benchmark employee newsletter. Enjoy, and please share any stories you would like to include in a future issue with Courtney Heiser or Larissa Whitaker!
Message from the CEO
By Doug Beebe, Benchmark CEO
We have three important assets: people, reputation, and finances. The most important of these is people and we will develop practices that reflect that fact.
This Corporate Principle is central to how I want our company to operate. On October 11, we had a massive payroll issue. It was truly unprecedented. That does not decrease the impact but highlights the importance of it. Despite rigorous testing and a good-faith effort, payroll was late. On top of that, other pay issues caused a great deal of disruption, anger, and distrust. In short, we did not deliver on a basic promise we made as your employer.
As I write this, we have a team working to correct these errors and ensure they do not happen again. As a leader, I have strived to develop a culture where people speak their minds. When problems occur, I also have to figure out the causes of those problems and communicate them to you as clearly as possible. Despite that, in times like this, details can get lost, and the stories that result may provoke additional anxiety and anger.
I want to be frank with you. This was a one-time event. It was gut-wrenching and disruptive, but it will not happen again. I am confident the next payroll will slide back into the rhythm we have come to expect. I apologize that you personally experienced upheaval in your lives because of this episode.
You are the heart and soul of this company and my main goal is to create an environment where you can provide the supports and services you do so well. Thank you for all you do and I will do everything in my power to ensure this does not happen again.
I Am Aware
Abuse, neglect, and exploitation (ANE) are a horrible product of institutionalization and other efforts that create an “us and them” mentality. When people are referred to as a collective, they start losing their humanity, and it becomes easy to treat them poorly, disrespectfully, and abusively.
Since May, Benchmark has been consulting with a state-run facility that had rampant abuse in some of its units. Police arrested multiple staff and the long-time administrator was fired. More importantly, the impact of this abuse on the people living there will leave them scarred and traumatized for the rest of their lives. Many of the people we support have endured similar treatment in various settings throughout their lives. The people we serve have entrusted us with their lives. We must do everything we can to prevent incidents of ANE.
Eight years ago, Benchmark’s rate of substantiated abuse was .3 per 1,000 days of service. That means, on average, every 3,333 days of service, someone we support experienced abusive behavior. Our rate has dropped to .025 per 1,000 days of service or one incident per 40,000 days of service. This is a great improvement, but it isn’t enough. Our goal is ZERO. To get there, we must be diligent in reporting.
Hear from Ryan Knodel, Benchmark Director in Ohio, as he talks about our responsibility to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation in the video below:
From the Front Lines
Hear from Benchmark employees across the country.
Kala, what do you love most about your job?
I love having the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives during some of their toughest moments. Being part of a team that provides immediate support and compassion can help individuals feel seen and heard. It’s incredibly rewarding to guide someone through a crisis and help them find a path to recovery and stability.
What is the most challenging part?
Navigating complex systems—like connecting individuals to ongoing resources or dealing with varying levels of cooperation—can be daunting. Each crisis is unique, requiring quick thinking and adaptability. It is also difficult to see individuals in distress with minimal support. However, it is special and unique when we have the ability to connect and build a rapport to better assist and help them navigate crisis.
What is one topic you wish you knew more about?
I wish I knew more about the use of music therapy in mental health treatment. I’m fascinated by how music can be a powerful tool for healing, emotional expression, and connection.
Tyson, what do you love most about your job?
I love being able to better the lives of the individuals we serve.
What is the most challenging part?
The most challenging part is being able to communicate sometimes.
What is one topic you wish you knew more about?
I wish I knew more about investments.
Imani, what do you love most about your job?
Being able to feel the growth of our individuals that typically goes unnoticed.
What is the most challenging part?
Seeing the hardships that the individuals go through on their own, that we cannot help them with.
What is one topic you wish you knew more about?
Neuroscience and further education in nursing.
Tasker, what do you love most about your job?
I love the relationships I have with the individuals, and I love the work environment that allows me to be both professional and fun. I love that my heart is “an anchor” for the people we serve who are going through a rough time in life, being displaced and away from family and friends. It is an award in life that money cannot buy.
What is the most challenging part?
There are days when you have individuals in an ongoing state of crisis, and you are not able to reach them, calm them down, comfort them, or redirect them. Those are the days that you have to master not matching them, not taking things personally, remaining calm, and keeping your own mind in check.
What is one topic you wish you knew more about?
I would like a more in-depth look at how the mind works and more knowledge of mental/behavioral disorders, especially post-traumatic stress syndrome, so I could hone in on my skills to be better acclimated to my work environments and community. Outside of that, I would love to learn more about managing finances and budgeting. Oh, wait, that’s two, and a bonus on anything tech.
Kim, what do you love most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the incredible opportunity to work with children and their families during such an important stage of their lives. It’s truly a privilege to be able to support and guide them, and I hope the coaching I provide leaves a lasting, positive impact on both their development and their relationships. I absolutely love and treasure the funny and precious moments that come with working with children too.
What is the most challenging part?
Learning to listen deeply and intentionally to caregivers, rather than focusing on trying to “fix” everything right away. It’s also hard to say good-bye when families eventually leave the program, after building such strong connections.
What is one topic you wish you knew more about?
I would love to be multilingual!
Social Media Highlights
You know, you don’t have to wait until Thrive comes out to see some great photos of the individuals we serve from all over the country! Follow us on social media, just search Benchmark Human Services on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Also, if you would like to share any photos you’ve taken of or with the individuals in your area on social media, please add them to the new Social Media Upload form on the Intranet.
In its first year, employee resource group, Queer Unity for Employee Education and Resources (Q.U.E.E.R.) has put action behind its mission statement: Through education, activism, and compassion, we seek to expand acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community by asserting our humanity to become a force of positive change throughout Benchmark and within our communities.
In June, Q.U.E.E.R. worked with the DEIA committee to offer employees a PRIDE month webinar featuring Nikki Fultz, director of Fort Wayne Pride. Nikki gave an excellent and informative presentation, available here. In July, officers volunteered at Fort Wayne Pride and handed out Benchmark & Q.U.E.E.R. swag, promoted Benchmark’s services, and helped individuals have a chance to “sparkle.” Justin Amos, current chair for Q.U.E.E.R., explains:
“We decided to create a DIY body glitter station. Our table was popular! People of all ages came by to ‘get glittered up’ and hear about Benchmark. Kids and adults of all different gender identities, orientations, ethnic backgrounds, as well as several with disabilities went from hesitantly glancing over our table to beaming with excitement. It was a day of connecting people with Pride and we were able to direct prospective applicants to Benchmark’s career page.”
Adele Allen, co-chair said: “This year, Q.U.E.E.R. came together in a powerful way to celebrate with the LGBTQIA+ community at Fort Wayne Pride. We had a photo booth featuring stickers that represented many beautiful identities in the LBGT+ spectrum. It became a space where people could connect, share stories, and embrace the spirit of Pride. In exchange for a small donation, participants received a Polaroid picture. All proceeds went to Positive Resource Connections, a nonprofit doing critical work in HIV education, testing and prevention. We are thrilled to share that we raised over $200, and we were able to match that and donate over $500!”
Following FW Pride, Q.U.E.E.R. was invited to participate in the first ever “Take Pride in your Health” Fair in Fort Wayne. Q.U.E.E.R. collaborated with Indiana Mobile Crisis and Home Pointe Healthcare to further Benchmark and AWRC’s impact at the event earlier this month. When reviewing Q.U.E.E.R.’s first year so far, Justin and Adele admitted they feel good about the group’s accomplishments. Q.U.E.E.R. is hoping to participate in one more community event prior to the end of 2024 further impacting the communities Benchmark provides services!
If you are interested in joining Q.U.E.E.R. click here.
New Employee Resource Group for Veterans and Allies
Benchmark is launching a new Employee Resource Group (ERG) for veterans, the families of veterans, and allies. The focus will be on improving mental, physical, emotional, and financial well-being for the veteran community. If you’re interested in learning more and/or joining, please contact the Diversity Committee at [email protected]. You can also call Dr. Antoinette Thornton at 404-938-6161 with any questions.
Benchmark Wins 2024 Rosie Award
Last month, Eric Weeks, Benchmark Vice President of Human Resources, accepted a Rosie Award on behalf of Benchmark at the 2024 RosettaFest in Washington, DC. The Rosie Awards, given by Health Rosetta, recognize leading organizations’ commitment to maximizing the value of employee benefits and revolutionizing healthcare delivery through enhanced access to transparently-priced, superior quality, cost-effective healthcare. Health Rosetta helps public & private employers and unions provide better care for 157 million Americans while reducing health benefits spending by 20-40%.
The Health Rosetta ecosystem comprises 25,000 employer-offered health plans. Of those, 2,000 employers have received a Plan Grade. And of those 2,000, 4% will receive a Rosie Award. Weeks said, “It is an honor to win this award. The landscape of employer-offered healthcare is ever-changing, and our team works tirelessly to offer the best benefits available to our employees.”
Celebrating National DSP Recognition Week
Benchmark celebrated National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, September 8 – 14. Individual departments celebrated with lunches, cookouts, t-shirts and other gifts, etc. The Company held a contest on social media asking DSPs what animal best represents their personality. Of the more than 300 submissions, 20 winners were randomly chosen to win $500 each. We understand that our frontline staff are the backbone of the organization, and we are grateful for each DSP who dedicate their time to ensuring those we serve live life to the fullest!
Here are a few examples of the DSP Week celebration posts.
Anne Titus, Benchmark Vice President, was recently named a member of the Indiana DDRS Advisory Council. The DDRS Advisory Council was established to assist the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services in ensuring individuals with disabilities are as independent and self-sufficient as possible. Titus has extensive experience helping individuals served at Benchmark do just that. She joined Benchmark as a DSP in 1992. She has been at the forefront of leading deinstitutionalization efforts since the early 2000s, successfully transitioning hundreds of individuals with disabilities, including those with the most intensive behavioral and medical needs, from institutional care to community living.
Recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. 64 years ago, Benchmark was founded with the goal of helping people with disabilities find employment opportunities. Today, our Employment Services division continues this mission as they work to connect those we serve with equitable and fulfilling work in their communities.
Promotions
Below is a list of employees who were promoted in July, August, and September and the position to which they were promoted. Congratulations to all!
Arkansas
Lena Adams, Service Coordinator
Georgia
Marina Tighe, BCBA Supervisor
Indiana
April Clerkley, Employment Consultant
Brittany Moore, Activities Coordinator
Catrina Garcia Lemus, Supported Living Manager
Daniel Thomas, Supported Living Supervisor
Holly Eykholt, Community Connections Coordinator
Kendra Kolkman, Program Coordinator
Kim Bolen, Manager of Health Services
Magen Bernier, Activities Coordinator
Nakia Robertson, Assistant Director
Nicole Hicks, Supported Living Manager
Nicole Tucker, Community Connections Coordinator
Phillip Boyd, Residential Manager
Sarah Nimtz, Program Coordinator
Shaun McCaulay, General Clerk
Missouri
Amy Morff, Lead Service Coordinator
Andrew Wall, BCBA
Courtney Schaffner, Lead Service Coordinator
Jodi Phillips, Lead Service Coordinator
Juanequa’ Hardieway, Lead Service Coordinator
Kelly Johnson, Team Coordinator
Logan Weaver, Lead Service Coordinator
Lacesha Jeffers, Team Coordinator
Meghan Perry, Lead Service Coordinator
Missouri (continued)
Shannon McAllister, Lead Service Coordinator
Timothy Stewart, Lead Service Coordinator
Montana
Amanda Moriarity, Team Leader
Benjamin Abrego, Team Leader
Melissa O’Neill, Team Leader
New Jersey
Jennifer Rodriguez Capetillo, Residential Manager
Mariah Evans, Residential Manager/Coordinator
Modou Ngalland, Team Leader
Nikeya Ennis, Assistant Director
Rose Gibbons, Residential Manager
Siahni Still, Team Leader
Sycilla Smith, Program Coordinator
Ohio
Aimee Brendle, Office Coordinator
Jennifer Kinnaird, Team Leader
Kelli Saine, Team Leader
Michelle Hasbrouck, Team Leader
Moneai Krugh, Team Leader
Stephanie Dennis, Supported Living Supervisor
Milestones
Thrive honors employee hire anniversaries for October, November, and December celebrating those who have worked at Benchmark for five years and longer.
Aimee Brendle – 5
Amy Davenport – 5
Ana Banegas – 5
Anna Gray – 5
Ashli Prosser – 5
Broderic Kartholl – 5
Christina Miller – 5
Christopher Monghan – 5
Claudette Nwefo – 5
Darnell Smith – 5
Dawn Forney – 5
Emelie Reed – 5
Eric Quoi – 5
Erin Thorsen – 5
Gisanabagabo Nkusi – 5
Iyabo Olaleye – 5
Jeannette Merica – 5
Jennifer Rodriguez Capetillo – 5
Johanne Jean-Baptiste – 5
Jonathon Hansen – 5
Juanequa Hardieway – 5
Kara Spurlock – 5
Karen Dye – 5
Kenneth Williams – 5
Kiara Givens – 5
Kristen Sappe – 5
Kristen Tamargo – 5
Leslie Sanders – 5
Linda Eldridge – 5
Lindsay Waller – 5
Magalie Brun – 5
Mary Brown – 5
Mellissa Prescott Crawford – 5
Ngardie Tarawally – 5
Noedely Saint-Louis – 5
Paul Emmins – 5
Peaches Hollie – 5
Robert Eldridge – 5
Rosaline Brown – 5
Ruth Banda – 5
Seth Sheren – 5
Shannon Buum – 5
Sr Yollanda Gervase – 5
Stephane Jean Felix – 5
Timika Gaines – 5
Tracy Runyan – 5
Virgie Compton – 5
Virginia Cole – 5
Yvonne Dyer – 5
Alexus Aubuchon – 6
Alice Njoroge – 6
Alyssa Rupp – 6
Bianca Jainagerker – 6
Brandi Novak – 6
Cathleen Baudendistel – 6
Cedrick Cox – 6
Charles Harris – 6
Connie Parrish – 6
Demetria Hill – 6
Dennis Smith – 6
Haymanot Tariku – 6
Jennifer McGillicuddy – 6
Kaitlyn Chainey – 6
Karen Belgrave – 6
Kristi Scheer – 6
LaQunietta Andrews – 6
LaShawn Brown – 6
Leena Nair – 6
Lisa Ford – 6
Lori Stethem – 6
Markevia Barber-Paschal – 6
Mary Kungu – 6
Mildred Davis – 6
Odalys Barnett – 6
Overton Chiphwanya – 6
Patrick Iyakaremye – 6
Shannah Schnur – 6
Teaera Newson – 6
Tramayne Lyons – 6
Whitney Marcum – 6
Alexander Wanney – 7
Alhaji Kargbo – 7
Angela Cook – 7
Anita Proxmire – 7
Barbara Montgomery – 7
Brenda Gomillia – 7
Brittany Harrison – 7
Chanise Harris – 7
Cynthia Marvel – 7
Deja Brown – 7
Denesha Green – 7
Dennis Arnos – 7
Diane Ziegenfelder – 7
Donald Cross – 7
Elizabeth Wambu – 7
Grace Gblende Otoo – 7
Jill Prishivalko – 7
Kimberly Saffold – 7
Kiona Mayweather – 7
Krisoula Taylor – 7
Mary Waymire – 7
Megan Kosters – 7
Nancy Johnson – 7
Nathan Gadson – 7
Nicholas Keitzer – 7
Penny Bennett – 7
Qualin Redd – 7
Raad Al Mandil – 7
Sarah Brown – 7
Sarah Miller – 7
Shameria Jones – 7
Shanqua Smith – 7
Shari Barnes – 7
Tabatha Crawford – 7
Timika Owens – 7
Tracy Friend – 7
Yusuf Issack – 7
Amy Bean – 8
Amy Williamson – 8
Brian Hegg – 8
Brianna Frankman – 8
Burie Carmichael – 8
Caryn Rice – 8
Cassandra Krebs – 8
Colleen Allison – 8
Daniel Becher – 8
Ja’Kyra Cole – 8
Jamikah Kelsaw – 8
Jermika Jackson – 8
Kassanesh Belay – 8
Kelli Burrous – 8
Kenna Bauer – 8
Laura Sanchez – 8
Leigh Watson – 8
Linda Danielson – 8
Marc Daniels – 8
Mary Gardeman – 8
Michael Shinkle – 8
Myasia Young – 8
Nicholas Webster – 8
Nicole Henderson – 8
Odumamwen Egharevba – 8
Oluwayemisi Fawumi – 8
Samuel Nkopuruk – 8
Sana Kendrix – 8
Sara Scholten – 8
Steven Janson – 8
Susan Brown – 8
Susan Sofferin – 8
Wendy Machado – 8
Amy Gant – 9
Angela Kirchner – 9
Ashley Woods – 9
Austin Thomas – 9
Brian Graham – 9
Danny Boatner – 9
Erica Daniels – 9
Jacob Strole – 9
Jordan Bruner – 9
Kristy Holloway – 9
Latonya Sanchez – 9
Leales Rapp – 9
Mark Vella – 9
Monique McRae – 9
Nadia Pronik – 9
Ousmane Diallo – 9
Quentin Horton – 9
Rebecca Smith – 9
Rita Klosterman – 9
Sarah Meagher – 9
Stacy Vann – 9
Susan Cook – 9
Tamara Parchment – 9
Audrey Cooper – 10
Breanna Saylor – 10
Calandera Smith – 10
Daniele Quintavalle – 10
Ebere Uko – 10
Elizabeth Fasbinder – 10
Georgetta Mason-Brown – 10
Gwendolyn Suggs – 10
Janelle Archer – 10
Jennifer Patterson – 10
Jessica Wesley – 10
Jolene Pettigrew – 10
Joseph Gallagher – 10
Kehinde Adeoba – 10
Nichelle Powell – 10
Oluwakemi Adedoyin – 10
Pamella Munson – 10
Robin Kinney – 10
Samantha Brown – 10
Sol Laboy – 10
Anette Houghton – 11
Beth Mills – 11
Cynthia Lewis – 11
Damon Dear – 11
Daniel Linger – 11
Ethan Oakes – 11
Helene Ettang – 11
James Paul – 11
Jessica See – 11
Jose Morales – 11
Kimberly Galaviz – 11
Mario Baker – 11
Michael McKinney – 11
Ruth Perez – 11
Thomas Stark – 11
Amber Moppin – 12
Cherrie Hawes – 12
Debora Baskerville – 12
Diane Smith – 12
Jeffrey Nicholson – 12
Jennifer Gilbert – 12
Jessie Rush – 12
Kathy Cesar – 12
Katie Noel – 12
Latoya Jackson – 12
Shannon McAllister – 12
Stephen Agyeman – 12
Stephen Gyasi-Mensah – 12
Adrienne Norman – 13
Brenda Kromah – 13
Camille Solga – 13
Carolyn Cuffer – 13
Chantal Cardriche – 13
Dericka Jones – 13
Edward Agyemang – 13
Jeffery Gootee – 13
Margarita Espinosa – 13
Robert Mtika – 13
Wendy Harris – 13
Abdul Barrie – 14
Amanda Richardson – 14
Amie Mansaray – 14
Angelia Glosser – 14
Bessie Sanders – 14
Craig Schmitt – 14
Crystal Toney – 14
Dawn McPheron – 14
Donald Pozil – 14
Dorothy Wesley – 14
Jana Bunch – 14
Jennie McAllister – 14
Judy Lattanzi – 14
Laura Wadsworth – 14
Linda Griffy – 14
Lisa Hicks – 14
Melissa Taylor – 14
Michelle Whalen – 14
Mikeion Ewing – 14
Nakia Robertson – 14
Nicole Price – 14
Patricia Everage – 14
Paul Hicks – 14
Selam Ayele – 14
Theodore Hamilton – 14
Valerie Showalter – 14
Harold Graham – 15
Sharon Ward – 15
Abimbola Olugbenga – 16
Andre Ottley – 16
Andrew Bostic – 16
Brandon McGill – 16
Charone Logan – 16
Jasman Lyles – 16
Tyra Poindexter – 16
Frank Rousey – 17
Joshua Slone – 17
Lois Dada – 17
Michael Burdine – 17
Ryan Knodel – 17
Christine Henderson – 18
Linda Thomas-Carlisle – 18
Lucille Sweet – 18
Mamon Trotter – 18
Mary Crawford – 18
Melissa Dykes – 18
Natujwa Kivaria – 18
Deborah Ungemach – 19
Eric Weeks – 20
Josiah Chisale – 20
Karen Lewis – 20
Kimberly Bolen- 21
Shannon O’Connell – 21
Charity Shumba – 22
Jennifer Welch – 22
Julie Kent – 23
Lucy Maina – 23
Shari Bail – 23
Sandra Ffrench – 24
William Kartholl – 26
Ada Wilkinson – 27
Carol Telley – 29
Carl Lampton – 30
David Ross – 32
David Howe – 38