Fall 2024 Spirit Newsletter

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A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Friends,

It’s appropriate that Heritage Christian Services received its highest level of community engagement in 2024, the 40th anniversary of our agency’s founding. We also received the greatest gift in our agency’s history from Thomas Golisano and his family foundation, who have been longtime supporters of our mission.

We have cut ribbons for nine homes included in the Homes with Heart campaign, including four this year. This work will impact an estimated 400 people over the next 60 years and we are so thankful for the community whose support has allowed us to bring the vision of Homes with Heart to life!

Of course, a home isn’t really a home without people living there, and the compassionate staff who support them. We continue to make elevating the direct support profession an area of focus, building career ladders that allow for advancement and providing wages that allow for greater self-sufficiency. Joe Macbeth, president & C.E.O. of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, spoke directly to members of our workforce about the establishment of a federal occupation code. This code is fundamental in predicting what the direct support workforce needs, and addresses all the challenges they face.

We must do this kind of work now, to push forward the change that needs to happen in our industry. Direct support professionals have demonstrated that they will embrace the chance to learn new skills and engage with the people they support on a deeper level. In turn, we need to care about their self-sufficiency and career advancement, as the consequences of not doing so are dire.

When I look back on what has led to our success for the last 40 years, it’s been our priority to put people first. Your support is what gives us the platform we need to do this important work, and I am thrilled that we can once again share what it means when you support Heritage Christian Services.

Sincerely,

Marisa Geitner

President & C.E.O

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: The Hoselton Family

For more than 17 years the Hoselton family, including the late Dave Hoselton, his wife Coralie, and their son, Drew and his wife, Riley, have shown unwavering support to Heritage Christian Services. Through their multi-generational commitments personally, and through Hoselton Auto Mall and the Hoselton Foundation, they have created countless possibilities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most recently, they contributed to the Homes with Heart campaign, helping to ensure people can age in place in a safe, comfortable home.

Drew has served on the Heritage Christian Services Foundation board of directors for 15 years, and he and Riley have served as honorary chairs of the Heritage Hero Run + Stroll + Roll and on the committee of Heritage Christian Stables events. Their dedication extends across the agency and its programs, including the paving of a pathway at the day habilitation program on Nine Mile Point Road in Penfield, and the provision of accessible bicycles so everyone can participate. They also have employed people supported by the agency in collaboration with our Employment Alliance, and personally funded an employee assistance grant for our staff. We are profoundly grateful for their enduring partnership.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Cheryl Kline

We are thrilled to honor Cheryl Kline as the recipient of the 2024 Gail Otto Community Service Award. Named after Gail Otto, one of the founders of Heritage Christian Services, this award celebrates someone whose volunteerism has made a significant impact on our organization. Cheryl has been a steadfast advocate for Heritage Christian Services for more than 18 years, bringing her expertise as a nurse practitioner to the Trust and Guardianship Committee. Her deep knowledge of the aging process and complex health conditions faced by those we support has been invaluable.

Cheryl’s person-centered approach, strong relationships and unwavering availability for guidance have profoundly shaped our organization. Her dedication embodies the spirit of this award, and we are incredibly grateful for her ongoing commitment to our mission.

HERITAGE HAPPENINGS

Retro Rewind Celebrates 40 Years of Heritage Christian Services

Retro Rewind was held on Sept. 27 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. The event brought the staff, community partners and people supported by the agency together celebrating 40 years of service by paying tribute to the decades of the agency’s operations, especially its start in the 1980’s! The night featured a photo booth, dancing and good times for all.

Wellness Wednesdays Bring People Together

Wellness Wednesday events bring the agency together to participate in activities that benefit physical, social and mental health. The HCS Challenger day habilitation in Lockport held an Olympic-themed day, complete with medals and ceremonies, in August. Earlier in June, a number of Buffalo area programs participated in Food Fest, with each program contributing delicious dishes to be voted on.

Women and Allies Unite for Women of Color Summit

Hundreds of women and allies gathered in Niagara Falls for the sixth annual Women of Color Summit to hear from keynote speakers and explore this year’s theme of “R.I.S.E., Recognizing Our Influence, Success and Essence: Why We Matter.” Started in 2018 by Eleversity community liaison and training specialist, Sara Taylor, the summit began as a way for women of color to unite and tackle systemic barriers keeping them from entering executive and leadership roles. Attendees convened for a two-day kick-off event in Niagara Falls and then two days of virtual sessions.

A Fun Evening at Rotary Sunshine Camp

Friends and families gathered at Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp in Rush on Aug. 21 to enjoy a variety of fun activities, including music, carnival games and face painting. The evening was made even more exciting with a surprise guest appearance from Spikes, the mascot from the Rochester Red Wings. More than 200 people joined in the fun, creating a truly special evening!

ERN Success Coach Gift Drive

Open for 2024 Spread goodwill this holiday season by contributing to the Employer Resource Network gift drive, organized by the ERN success coaches. Last year’s drive supported over 90 families, which included Heritage Christian Services employees. Click here for the Amazon wish list or drop off donations of new and unwrapped gifts at the Heritage Christian Services offices.

Shadi Sifain Joins as Senior V.P. of Finance

Shadi Sifain brings 18 years of leadership experience in financerelated roles at organizations including League, Sharecare, ACV Auctions, Paychex and Ryder to his position as senior vice president of finance. Shadi holds a bachelor of arts degree in international business and economics, a master of business administration and a doctorate in education in executive leadership.

Jen Gaffey Named Controller

Jen Gaffey was named the Heritage Christian Services controller last spring. In this role, Gaffey oversees key accounting, finance and reporting functions within the organization. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in accounting.

Celebrating DSP Recognition Week

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, created by ANCOR, was celebrated from Sept. 8-14, and was an opportunity to recognize caring professionals throughout the agency. Frontline leaders joined in the celebration with treats, decorations and gratitude.

Stall Break Returns to Heritage Christian Stables

Volunteers did a little time to make a big difference at this year’s Heritage Christian Stables Stall Break on Oct. 5. Participants spent an hour in a horse stall raising “bail” to be released. The more than $3,000 in proceeds raised help to provide riding scholarships, purchase trained horses, tack and more for those who enjoy the riding program at Heritage Christian Stables. Thank you to everyone involved.

SAVE THE DATE

Dec. 3, 2024: Giving Tuesday/ROC the Day

Dec. 4, 2024: Holiday Tree Lighting at the Pieters Family Life Center

Dec. 19, 2024: Gala Holiday Pops with the RPO at George Eastman Theater

April 26, 2025: Sheep Shearing Festival at Springdale Farm

Spring 2025: Spaghetti Dinner & Basket Raffle

Aug. 4 2025: Golf Classic at Monroe Golf Club

Summer 2025: Heritage Hero Run + Stroll + Roll

Refreshing Our Workplace Values

It is a blessing to have reached 40 years of service to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and so many others. The opportunity we have now is exploring how to evolve our services to meet a growing need for diverse supports, while remaining committed to the mission and vision of our founding.

With the input of our staff, senior leaders and board members, we refreshed our agency values to capitalize on this exciting time for our agency. These refreshed values are integrity, inclusion, compassion, excellence and joy. Our staff is already embodying these workplace values in their daily responsibilities, which forges deeper connections between staff members and the people we support.

If you have seen an interaction where a staff member exhibited one of these values, share it with their manager or director at HeritageChristianServices.org/HighFive.

It’s easy to remember our refreshed list of workplace values, from left:

5. Have more integrity in your pinky finger than others have in their whole body,
4. Inclusion means bringing everyone into the circle, which is a reminder of our ring finger,
3. Compassion is at the center of all we do;
2. We’re #1 in excellence;
1. Thumbs up = joy!

Opening Nine Homes with Heart

Of the 12 homes included in the Homes with Heart campaign, we’re thrilled to share that nine are now complete! To celebrate the ongoing accomplishments of the campaign and the completion of the work on these four newest homes, we held ribbon-cutting ceremonies at Hoover Road in Sanborn, Names Road in Chili, Scribner Road in Penfield and Crittenden Road in Brighton.

Our most dedicated community supporters, from families to business leaders, were able to speak about why the work matters so much to them. We cannot thank them enough for bringing this vision to life. “The older our son got, the more we worried about him taking the stairs,” said Karen Benningsohn, whose son Adam recently moved into the West Herr Automotive Home on Names Road. “When the Homes with Heart campaign was first announced, the agency reached out to Adam and asked him if he wanted a new home with no stairs. It was like a prayer answered, for him and for us.”

Donations to the Homes with Heart campaign support the well-being and happiness of people like Adam. With support from community partners such as the Golisano Foundation, West Herr Automotive Group, the Larrabee Family and so many more, we can impact an estimated 400 people over the next 60 years, and establish homes that can support them in all phases of life, including the twilight of their lives. We are so incredibly thankful for their gifts and for sharing the work of our campaign with others. Visit HCSHeart.org to learn more about the campaign, and how you can support it.

EMPOWERING OUR DSPs WITH A FEDERAL OCCUPATION CODE

The future of our industry lies with direct support professionals (DSPs), and the lack of investment in their needs at the national level has had, and will continue to have, dire consequences on our industry. In New York state alone, 38% of nonprofit providers reduced programs or services in the past year due to a lack of staffing necessary to keep them open (source: New York Disability Advocates).

Joe Macbeth, who serves the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals as its president & C.E.O. and on President Joe Biden’s Committee for People with Disabilities, visited Heritage Christian Services in June. He considers the establishment of a federal occupation code to be a crucial first step in understanding the needs of people in this profession.

“With a federal occupation code, we can bring the many direct support professionals, no matter their title, under one, allowing us to research their financial and career advancement needs and respond appropriately” – Joe Macbeth

On June 12, legislation was passed in the United States Senate and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, opening the door for the Department of Labor to consider establishing this occupation code. Still, this is only the first step. We encourage you to advocate for direct support professionals and their right to financial stability and recognition for the work they do, and tell your family and friends to do the same. Visit our advocacy page to learn more: HeritageChristianServices.org/advocacy-disabilities. Every voice counts.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Donna Mostiller, senior vice president of people and culture, was named a 2024 Women of Influence honoree by Buffalo Business First, and was recognized for her nonprofit leadership, business acumen and community spirit.

Heritage Christian Services has been named to the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Top 100 list for the third year in a row. Our final ranking will be revealed at a ceremony on Nov. 6 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

Marianne Durrant, director of our Employment Alliance, was named the president of the Association of People Supporting Employment First in June. She is responsible for overseeing the APSE board of directors, executive committee and annual membership meeting, and supporting the organization’s mission of facilitating the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community.

Tiffany Basamon, director of nursing, was named to the Rochester Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 list for her tireless advocacy for people with disabilities, her efforts towards optimizing our nursing department and the relationships she has formed with people who choose to be supported by the agency.

Paul O’Leary, president & C.E.O. of Parkview Health Services and a member of the Heritage Christian Services Foundation Board of Directors, was inducted into the Buffalo Business First C-Level Hall of Fame.

REMEMBERING THOSE WE’VE LOST

Chris Thanos was wise, generous and loving. He passed away on May 18 at the age of 76.

David Hull had a warm sense of humor and loved adventures. He passed away on May 30 at the age of 36.

Erik Walters impacted so many lives with his infectious laughter and smile. He passed away on Aug. 24, at the age of 40.

Carol Thompson leaves a legacy of kindness. She passed away on Sept. 2 at the age of 62.

Bill Watt was a gentle spirit, filled with gratefulness and joy. He passed away on Aug. 11 at the age of 75.

MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS

Often, people will make a donation in memory of a loved one who has passed away. The agency sends the bereaved family a note of sympathy and informs them of the gift, without disclosing the amount. People also mark joyous occasions – like birthdays, anniversaries and weddings – by donating in honor of a friend or family member.

Questions? Email info@HeritageChristianServices.org.

View memorials & honorariums

GIFTS OF SUPPORT

On Sept. 17, Thomas Golisano and his family foundation made the largest donation to Heritage Christian Services in our agency’s history: a $5 million contribution that will be paid out over the next five years. We are incredibly thankful to be included in his philanthropic tidal wave of $360 million that was granted to more than 80 regional nonprofits.

We are grateful to the Walter Hubbell Employment Services Fund and the Rochester Red Wings which, over the last 11 years, have generated $365,000 in support of our Employment Alliance.

Rotary Club of Brighton, Toyota Dealer Match Program and Waldron Rise Foundation have played a crucial role in advancing the Homes with Heart campaign. Their dedication speaks volumes about their commitment to enhancing lives through thoughtful, sustainable support.

By backing Eleversity’s 2024 Workforce Inclusion Roundtable Series, ESL Charitable Foundation is fostering a more inclusive workforce. Their investment is driving conversations and change, creating pathways for underrepresented communities in the workplace.

We deeply appreciate Hoselton Chevrolet and Lawley for their unwavering dedication to Heritage Christian Stables. Their generosity provides scholarships and ensures the horses receive the highest standard of care, directly benefiting all who take part in our therapeutic riding program.

A heartfelt thank you to the Heath Foundation for Western & Central NY, KeyBank, RG&E, Roswell Park and Wegmans. Their backing of Eleversity’s Women of Color
Summit made it possible to spotlight and empower the experiences of women of color and promote professional growth and equity.

Heritage Christian Services Golf Classic Putts Donations into Perspective

The 34th Annual Golf Classic, presented by Lawley, took place on Aug. 5 at Monroe Golf Club in Pittsford. We welcomed over 130 golfers from the Rochester and Buffalo areas. As the premier fundraising event for Heritage Christian Services, the tournament successfully raised over $171,000 to support our mission and services. Many thanks to our sponsors who helped make this event possible:

Lawley | KeyBank | Parkview

• LMT Technology Solutions & Threatlocker
• Seneca Financial Advisors
• Nexo Group
• The Bonadio Group
• Harris Beach
• Douglas Electric Co.
• Western Concrete
• Adams Leclair LLP
• Crosby Brownlie, Inc.
• B&L Wholesale
• Essex Hotel Management
• ProArch
• The Larrabee Family
• Marathon Engineering
• LeFrois Builders & Developers

Heritage Hero Run + Roll + Stroll held in Rochester

On Saturday, Sept. 7, the Heritage Hero Run + Stroll + Roll brought together our community to run, walk and roll in honor of heroes in their lives at Seabreeze Amusement Park. The rain did not deter the over 350 participants in the 5K, 10K or stroll and roll. The event raised more than $65,000, which is funding to continue high quality services to people with disabilities, renovate and rebuild our supported homes to make them accessible through every stage of life, and advance the direct support profession. Special highlights included a performance by the Heritage Hurricanes, who captivated the crowd with their enthusiasm and talent, and appearances by Rochester Red Wings mascot Mittsy and the All-In Brass Band. Many thanks to all of the sponsors that helped make this event possible, including:

• Comprehensive Dermatology of Rochester
• Eklego
• Lewis Tree Services
• Best Times Financial
• Douglas Electric Co.
• The Bonadio Group

People of Pasta-bility Together at the Spaghetti Dinner

After a five-year hiatus, the Spaghetti Dinner & Basket Raffle returned on June 4 at Banchetti by Rizzo’s in Amherst. Heritage Christian Services welcomed over 350 guests from the community and programs throughout the Finger Lakes and western New York. Thanks to our generous sponsors, donors and attendees, over $25,000 was raised. These critical funds support programming for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.