Joseph and Phyllis Gotleib were best friends and husband and wife.

It was love at first sight for Joseph and Phyllis, a beautifully married couple who first met at AHRC's Bronx Supportive Apartments and spent their last years together at AHRC's Mitchell and Susan Bloomberg Apartments in Jamaica, Queens. This August, the couple celebrated their 14-year anniversary!

 

Joseph was born in New York City on December 29, 1934. He moved into AHRC's Bronx Supportive Apartments in 1991. Joseph quickly adapted to his surroundings, and worked as a messenger for over 10 years.

 

Phyllis was born in Brooklyn on December 15, 1948. Phyllis' family moved around quite a bit growing up. In 1990, she too moved into AHRC's Bronx Supportive Apartments.

 

It didn't' take long for Joseph to propose to Phyllis. The couple married in 1995.

 

After spending many happy years together, Phyllis's health began to deteriorate, and she had to be moved to the Brooklyn Rehabilitation Center. Joseph fell ill shortly after and once again joined his wife at the nursing home.

 

The couple was not happy at the Brooklyn nursing home. They had lived on their own for so long, and the living arrangements left much to be desired. Both Phyllis and Joseph became depressed due to the home's lack of stimulation.

 

In September of 2008, AHRC stepped in and placed them at the Bloomberg Apartments, which provides 24-hour nursing care to elderly individuals who are medically fragile and in need of 24-hour nursing care.

 

Phyllis and Joseph were much happier in their new home. Until Phyllis' recent passing this summer, the couple resided in apartment 2A. They attended day program and enjoyed going out to the movies, dinner, and the Queens Center for Progress' (QCP) disco.

 

For their 14-year anniversary, Joseph took his wife to dinner at Red Lobster. It was one of their last night's out together before Phyllis passed away.

 

With unconditional support from AHRC staff, Joseph has been "coping remarkably well under the circumstances," said Residential Coordinator, Peter Jones. "She will be greatly missed by all of us."

 

"They are model residents and their marriage is a model for everyone. If every relationship has an ounce of love that these two have, the divorce rate would surely be cut in half," added Karl Pierre, Recreational Therapist/QMRP, AHRC's Residential Department.

Taken in New York, a Photography Exhibit at the Dumbo Arts Center

 

AHRC New York City is pleased to present "Taken in New York" - a new group photography exhibitionby artists who also have developmental disabilities, On view Sunday, August 21, 2011, at Dumbo Arts Center, located in downtown Brooklyn, 35 photographers will display photos which capture the uniqueness of many neighborhoods' throughout the five boroughs.

 

AHRC Art Consultant and professional photographer, Nancy Robinson, leads the photographers in learning shooting techniques in a photographic exploration of the world around us. Independency, development of creativity, and a uniquely individual self-expression are emphasized. Participants also learn traditional photographic printing techniques in the digital darkroom, and they have produced a fascinating and varied collection for this exhibit.

 

Engagement with the local community has also helped strengthen relationships between residents and business owners and those with developmental disabilities. AHRC art teachers work in all 14 Adult Day Programs, introducing new projects and providing hands-on guidance.

 

Sponsored by AHRC

Dumbo Arts Center

www.dumboartscenter.org

111 Front Street, Suite 212

Brooklyn NY

 

Sunday, August 21st

11 AM to 5 PM

 

Elevator access at 55 Washington Street

F Train to York Street. When exiting the station turn right on Jay Street, make a left onto Front Street and walk three blocks. 111 Front is on the right.

 

Individuals who call AHRC's Fierstein Residence "home"

 

AHRC's Fierstein OPTS IRA Celebrating its 20th Anniversary!

 

On August 21, AHRC's Fierstein OPTS IRA will celebrate its 20th Year Anniversary! Fierstein was opened in March of 1991. At the time, Fierstein's Manager was Sandra Moody Powers. The house has since undergone major renovations which included the installation of a lift, re-doing of the kitchen, and laying new tile in back ways an in the kitchen.  The residence is expecting 80 to 100 guests on Sunday to celebrate the many of years of excellent service for individuals with developmental disabilities.

 

Assistive Augmentative Communication Training for Community Support Professionals

 

The first of several workshops for Community Support Professional's (CSP) who work directly with people who use high-tech communication devices throughout the Adult Day Services Department was held on Wednesday, August 17th at 156 William Street. Eight CSP's from six ADS Centers attended.  Those in attendance included: Vanessa Pinott, Mayflower; Sasang Fnu and Paul Khokan, Cyril Weingberg; David Alexis and Vasile Cheptenair; Fisher Center; Monica Rosado, Bronx Day Hab; Surovi Mallick, Joseph B. Weingold Center; and Christina DeMel, New York League-B. Karen Deckmen from Saltillo Corporation and Lorraine Cohen, M.S., CCC-SLP, Assistive Technology Specialist, were co-trainers.

 

The next workshop will be held on Wednesday, September 14th for those CSP's who work with Dynavox device users. ADS Centers are also encouraged to send any staff member who express an interest in supporting AAC users or who may want to know more about assistive technology for communication to the upcoming workshop.

 

Lorraine Cohen would like to thank ADS Directors and Program Supervisors for supporting this workshop. Assistive Technology staff are very excited about providing training support to CSP's, enhancing services to AAC users, and inviting new employees to participate in AAC!

 

ShredAbility Achieves Prestigious NAID AAA Certification!

 

ShredAbility, AHRC's shredding company, has successfully achieved NAID AAA Certification. The NAID Certification Program establishes standards for a secure destruction process including such areas as operational security, employee hiring and screening, the destruction process, responsible disposal, and insurance. This is the highest standard recognized in the industry. Interested parties can find out more by visiting www.naid.org, where ShredAbility is now listed as a certified member. More information? Visit www.shredability.org!

 

 

ShredAbility Featured in Bronx Times Reporter!

 

ShredAbility was recently featured in the Bronx Times Reporter! A photo of staff and information on the company was included. ShredAbility employees were very excited. One individual even exclaimed, "We are famous!" 

 

Sonia Augustin began working at AHRC's Betty Pendler New York League as a substitute in August of 2000. She was soon hired as a full-time Skill Development Trainer. Since her initial start, Sonia has gained experience in almost every area of this program. She has excelled and shown genuine enthusiasm for her work and for the people that she serves.

 

In 2004, Sonia began working with the senior group at the Betty Pendler New York League. She spearheaded a brand new seniors program which provided for the different needs and desires of our aging population. Sonia's involvement has been instrumental in the success of the program.

 

Sonia took part in a major facility relocation the following year. Many individuals were transferred from the New York League to AHRC's Evelyn and Walter Redfield Center. Though the transition was difficult, Sonia's presence and participation eased the changes.

 

"What could have been an unsettling period for older individuals turned out to be an enjoyable and exciting time. Sonia approached every problem in a positive manner and her strong, steady hand provided a reassurance that was appreciated by all," said Eamon O'Tuama, former AHRC Evelyn and Walter Redfield Day Program Facility Director, and current AHRC New York League Program "C"' Director.

 

"Her enthusiasm and willingness to help others make the most of their lives has been inspirational for our individuals and staff. Sonia has always been first to volunteer for extra work when an individual's safety or well being is involved. She regularly extends herself beyond the call of duty. Whether setting up community senior center visits or helping people with disabilities capture their life experiences in a memory book project, Sonia has shown herself to be a remarkable employee who is respected and appreciated by both individuals and staff. She is the heart of the Evelyn and Walter Redfield Program," boasted Eamon.