CDS Monarch

VOICESV O L . 2 - 2 0 1 2 a p u b l i c at i o n f o r fa M i l i E S , f r i E n D S a n D E M p l o Y E E S o f c D S M o n a r c h

The Nucor House A Home for our Veterans

The Wolf Family Leaving a Legacy

Celebrating 35 years!

A Message to our Friends, Families and Employees

So many exciting things have happened at CDS Monarch since our last issue. Goals are being accomplished, and dreams are coming true - for one person, this meant making the move from a group home to their very own apartment. For another it has been the opportunity to make an impact in their community through volunteering. Our Warrior Salute™ Veterans have a new place to call home where they can relax in a safe and supportive environment. Unistel introduced its very first retail spice line, and celebrated the accomplishments of a few outstanding employees. We have also had the joy of welcoming new residents into the apartments at CDS Monarch Senior Living. You will learn more about these successes and others, in the pages that follow.

Another tremendous goal we have been working on as an agency is Compass, a prestigious status awarded to only the best agencies throughout New York State. It recognizes and promotes agencies that have progressed beyond minimal regulatory compliance and have demonstrated superior service delivery. The person receiving supports and services is the central figure in Compass. Empowerment of the individual, supporting their choices and preferences, and ensuring their overall satisfaction are the primary objectives. This has been the culture at a CDS Monarch for the past 35 years. We are pleased to announce that CDS Monarch has been awarded Compass status by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

“Journey to ACHIEVE” has been adopted as the name individuals supported by CDS Monarch came up with to describe our process for continuous improvement. ACHIEVE is an acronym for: Advocacy, Choice, Happiness, Inclusion, Empower, Victory and Excellence - these words describe what is important to us at CDS Monarch. Journey to ACHIEVE is incredibly important, as it establishes us as a high quality organization by OPWDD standards and it empowers individuals.

Thank you for supporting CDS Monarch in its efforts to build a culture of community and advocacy where everyone is treated as equals. We hope that you enjoy the stories of success and achievement in the pages that follow. They are the motivation for the mission and vision of CDS Monarch.

Sincerely,

Mark PetersonCDS Monarch Board Chair

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Sankar SewnauthPresident/CEO, CDS Monarch

WELCOME CDS Monarch, Inc. provides support and opportunities for people with disabilities, Veterans, and seniors to build fulfilling and independent lives as

active members of their community.

CDS

Mon

arch

Vol. 2

-2012

www.cdsmonarch.org

CDS Monarch’s websites got a facelift! We hope you will visit the new page (www.cdsmonarch.org) and check out some of the new features, highlighted below:

A closer look at

OUR NEW WEbsitE

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important announcements from CDS Monarch.

Social Media: Join us on

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kedIn,

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ep up with

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ngs at CDS

Monarch. Or check o

ut the

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s for

featured stories.

Events: Check out the cale

ndar

to see what activities are

coming up. We're sure that you'll

find something that interest

s you!

Donate: Make a gift to The Wolf Foundation in support of the people we serve.

Careers: Find out what positions

are available and submit yo

ur

application to get started

with a

great, new career!

Feature Stories: Click "Read More" on a banner to learn more about the people supported by CDS Monarch.

About Us: Read about CDS

Monarch's background,

meet the Board and

Executive Team and check

out our Photo Gallery.

Services: Interested in our services? Select

a division to learn more about what is offered,

or fill out an application to receive services.

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what’s inside...tAbLE OF CONtENts

Life Transitions: in the CommunityResidential: Evan achieves his dream of independent living (p.5)Day Services: Giving back to the community through volunteer work (p.7)Family Support: Building awareness for autism services and supports (p.6)

Warrior Salute: Coming HomeVeterans have a new place to call their own (p.11)

Unistel: Honoring Achievements & innovationMeet some of our outstanding employees, and learn about our brand new line of seasonings for your home kitchen (p.9)

Senior Living: settling inSpotlight: Carol and Ella share what life is like at 840 Holt Road (p.12)

The Wolf Foundation: Events & informationFundraising and event successes, and ways to support CDS Monarch through giving and volunteer opportunities (p.13)

35 Years at a Glance

1977 - Continuing Developmental Services is incorporated

1978 - 1st Residence Opens on West Henrietta Road

1979 - CDS begins its first Day Program

1988 - CDS’ Sheltered Workshop rebrands as Unistel

1998 - CDS begins offering Traumatic Brain Injury services

2000 - CDS begins offering Medicaid Service Coordination

2007 - The Wolf Foundation is incorporated

2008 - The Wolf Life Transitions Center opens

2010 - Warrior Salute is created to help Veterans

2012 - CDS rebrands as CDS Monarch

2012 - CDS Monarch Senior Living opens its doors

2012 - The Nucor House opens for Veterans

what’s inside...

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CDS MONarCH CDS Monarch, Inc. provides support and opportunities for people with disabilities, Veterans, and seniors to build fulfilling and

independent lives as active members of their community.

Celebrating 35 Yearsparents put into creating CDS, Inc.

The first residence opened in 1978 on

West Henrietta Road in Henrietta, NY.

The demand for residential services

from other families in the community

was high, and because Daryl needed a

more intensive level of care, he did not

move into a group home until almost

10 years after CDS Monarch began.

Shortly after the first residences were

established, the founders identified other

needs, which were realized through

services now recognized as Unistel, Day

Services and Family Support Services.

Beginning with just one residence,

CDS Monarch has grown to a total of

28 homes, five Day Services locations

and two Unistel employment sites.

After Life Transitions (Residential,

Day and Family Support Services) and

Unistel (Vocational Training) were well

established, CDS Monarch sought to

diversify its services in order to reach

even more people. In 2010, Warrior

Salute™ was created to assist Veterans,

returning home with Post Traumatic

Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain

Injury, with the transition back to

civilian life. In 2012, CDS Monarch

Humble Beginnings

CDS Monarch was founded 35 years

ago, to fill what parents, Lew and Phyllis

Wolf, saw as a profound need within

the community. It was the need for

housing and services for people with

developmental disabilities, like their

youngest son Daryl.

For years, the Wolfs struggled with

what Daryl, who was born with brain

damage and Cerebral Palsy, would do

as he progressed into adulthood. “The

path was not clear, but they had the

same vision that all parents shared for

their children,” recalls Lew and Phyllis’

youngest son, Mark Wolf. “They wanted

their child to have the best life possible,

the best opportunities to succeed,

to be happy and to have a fulfilling

life.” So, with the help of friends like,

Bob Donahue, Connie Dorscheid and

Everett and Sandy Quackenbush, who

also saw the gap in services for people

with developmental disabilities, they

established the beginnings of Continuing

Developmental Services (now known as

CDS Monarch).

“We did this for our kids. They were

inspiration enough,” recalls Bob

Donahue, about the hard work the

Senior Living was opened to offer

an integrated setting for seniors with

and without disabilities. Today, CDS

Monarch provides services to more than

1,700 people from all walks of life.

Daryl continues to celebrate the

everyday of life and achieve his

personal goals through the support

of Day Services at CDS Monarch’s

Blended Creative Opportunities, and in

his home at CDS Monarch’s Roxwell

Court residence. Through years of hard

work and determination, the founding

families, truly made a life for Daryl and

his peers, and built a lasting legacy for

their families.

A Home of His Own

Evan accomplished a long time dream of his: Move into an apartment of his own. It took a lot of hard work on Evan’s part over the past few years, to make this possible.

Evan initially moved from living at home, with his mother and grandmother, into CDS Monarch’s Matthew Drive residence. He had told staff at Matthew Drive that he really wanted to learn all that he could to become independent. When Evan moved into the home, he and his four housemates helped in making several of the design choices, in order to customize it for their specific needs.

During his four and a half years at Matthew Drive, Evan was a great housemate, assisting his friends with tasks like: using the microwave or reaching something up in a cabinet. Evan always worked hard at maintaining and increasing his levels of independence. Even though Evan is legally blind and had to learn how to accomplish many tasks by touch, that did not deter him from his goal. He met with a Nurse and LPN regularly to learn to administer some of his medications safely by himself, and also took responsibility for re-ordering his prescriptions each month. Evan also learned how to cook and made dinner for his house once per week. Through practice, Evan taught himself a number of different recipes and has learned to safely and effectively use various kitchen appliances and utensils. Besides his independence at home, Evan has also worked for Walmart for over 10 years, as a greeter, and completes a variety of other tasks at work.

This summer, Evan knew he was ready to make the move to an apartment of his very own. Evan worked closely with his Service Coordinator to identify housing options suited to his financial and personal needs. He was also very proactive in calling and emailing these apartments to find out more information and to setup tours. Eventually Evan’s hard work paid off and he found the apartment just for him in Brockport, where he currently resides. “All of the residents and staff at Matthew Drive made sure that I was doing all that I was capable of, and because of them I am happy to be living independently now,” says Evan.

LIFE TraNSITIONS A service of CDS Monarch providing Residential, Day Habilitation, Family Support Services,

Service Coordination, Transition Services, and Community Recreation services.

Achieving Independence

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Evan enjoys showing off his new apartment to family and friends when they stop by.

our therapeutic pool. About 100 people attended the event to learn more about, and raise awareness for, autism in our community.

Voices for Autism Conference

The Voices for Autism conference, presented by CDS Monarch and Nazareth College, brought together the expertise and experiences of family members, professionals (including keynote speaker Dr. Paula Kluth) and individuals on the spectrum in order to address a variety of topics relevant to promoting lifelong advocacy and self-advocacy including: supporting communication, increasing knowledge regarding available services and supports, and developing strong supportive relationships across the community.

FOCuS ON

Autism has become one of the fastest-growing disabilities in the US—affecting an estimated 1.5 million Americans—that’s 1 in 88 children, and 1 in 54 boys. With this disability, both children and adults will be faced with a range of issues and challenges throughout their life. At CDS Monarch we provide a variety of services for people on the Autism spectrum.

Autism Skill Building

“Autism Skill Building has expanded my social life tremendously,” says Matthew, an Autism Skill Building participant. In his group, Matthew has made new friends with peers who understand his difficulties.

CDS Monarch began offering award-winning Autism Skill Building services in 2007. Since then more than 100 children on the Autism Spectrum have been served in our community. The goal of the Autism Skill Building service is to increase overall social skills, teach individuals how to handle emotions and cope with stress. It also helps them develop self monitoring techniques through sensory integration, art therapy, play therapy, team building games and activities, field trips, fine and gross motor activities, and an exploration of nature and animals.

Autism Awareness Fair

The 3rd Annual Autism Awareness Fair was an April evening filled with fun, educational activities for the whole family including: face painting, therapy animals, a magician, a juggler, Wii games, art, sensory and music activities, a bounce house, and open swim in

Autism Services

If you would like to learn more

about Autism Services, please call

585-347-1075.

Art therapy serves as a creative outlet for kids with Autism to express themselves.

Presenters covered a wide range of Autism related topics during breakout sessions at the Voices for Autism Conference.

Day SErvICES Artist Co-op

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Michelle shows off a few glass pots she painted for the Artist Co-op.

Pictured below right:Sarah made this US Marine Corp. plaque out of clay in memory of her aunt.

Pictured below left:Butch loves to paint with acrylics on canvas and has his own unique style.

Expression Through Art

“Art is one of the ways that I can express myself,” says Michelle. At Blended Creative Opportunities (BCO) Michelle and her peers are able to work one-on-one with a BCO Art Instructor, or participate in the group classes offered throughout the week. During these sessions, much more than just art is being learned. The artists are also developing skills such as abstract reasoning and mechanical analysis, with the most important of these being self discipline - the ability to develop an idea from concept to completion. For Sarah, this meant finishing a clay plaque in memory of her aunt and her service in the Marine Corps.

A few people wanted to explore their interests in arts and crafts more deeply, and so the Artist Co-op was created. The group’s goals are to expand it’s members’ exposure to arts and crafts, and to help them develop projects that encourage them to achieve their own personal creative goals. Now in its second year, the Artist Co-op has hosted several successful art shows with funds going back to the artists and towards the purchase of new supplies for the Co-op.

“I am excited that we get to meet with other artists in the community and visit art shows set up by other local art clubs,” says Jacanna. The Co-op has already visited the Western Wayne Art Group (WWAG). Each year WWAG has two shows, one of which is an open show in which people outside of the art group are permitted to join. This year the Artist Co-op set up a display of their work at the WWAG holiday show, in addition to hosting their own show and sale at CDS Monarch.

The artists would like to thank all of the people who help to support the Co-op through their donations, encouragement and interaction.

gIvINg baCk

Artist Co-op

Scottsville Adoptions Center

Blended Creative Opportunities has been volunteering at the Scottsville Adoptions Center once per week since October of last year. Being able to lend a “helping paw” to a few four-legged friends can really make a difference. “It makes me happy to go to the shelter and take care of these animals who did not deserve to be abused,” says Chrissy. During the visits Chrissy, Elliot and Linda play with the cats and take the dogs out for walks on a nearby trail.

Volunteering at the Scottsville Adoptions Center gives Elliot a good feeling about what he and his peers are doing to help out in their community. “Going to the animal shelter gives me a sense of humanity and makes me feel human. I want to adopt a cat from there someday,” he says.

Habitat for Humanity

Two years ago, Penbrooke Creative Opportunities began volunteering at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Every Thursday Chris and Paul, along with a few of their friends, spend time helping to organize and clean the ReStore. They have built relationships with the staff there, including Eldwin, who always has a smile for them every time they sign

in. Chris really enjoys volunteering at the Restore. “It’s nice coming here and doing work to help out somebody else.”

Foodlink

The Creative Arts Program Without Walls has been going to Foodlink for about 3 years now and it has certainly been a favorite. Last year the group made arrangements to volunteer twice per week, instead of just once. In the warehouse Jimmy, Dorothy and Kevin go through boxes and check expiration dates, throwing out any expired foods and placing the good ones into categorized boxes, which are then weighed and placed on pallets for delivery. Meanwhile, Mark and Drequan help to empty soda bottles. Foodlink empties donated soda because it’s not healthy, however they do return the cans for refunds.

“I see different people, make new friends and I like helping people,” says Peggy about her experience. The group has built relationships with many of the Foodlink employees, as well as volunteers from other organizations. The group likes to be productive, and decided that the best way to give back what better was to volunteer whenever possible.

CDS Monarch’s Day Services are always

looking for new volunteer opportunities

and ways to get involved in the local

community. If you have any ideas to

share, we would love to hear them!

Please contact us at (585) 341-4600.

to the Community

Warrior Salute Seasonings

In May of this year, Unistel launched its very first retail spice line: Warrior Salute Seasonings. Adding Warrior Salute Seasonings to our product line up has created new jobs for people like Stephanie and Nikki. “I’m proud of the work I do because I know that I am helping our Veterans,” Stephanie says.

These local, exclusively developed gourmet blends not only provide fresh and unique seasonings, but Unistel also donates a portion of the proceeds to help support Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and their families, regain their lives through services offered at CDS Monarch, Inc.

Warrior Salute Seasonings currently offers a selection of 12 seasoning varieties, including three gift packs: The Griller’s Creation, The Kitchen Collection, and our newest addition, The Baker’s Signature Collection. Warrior Salute Seasonings are sure to spice up any kitchen, and purchases will help support Veterans in our community. Look for Warrior Salute Seasonings at your local grocery store, or buy them online (free shipping included) at www.warriorsaluteseasonings.com. You’ll receive 20% off all gift packs when you shop online with promo code SPICE20!

Spice up the kitchen

uNISTEL A subsidiary of CDS Monarch providing Workforce Training, Vocational Counseling, and Job Placement services for individuals.

Craig

The William M. Usdane, AbilityOne Program Employee Recognition award honors an individual who has excelled on an AbilityOne project. Unistel’s nominee for this award was Craig, who has worked at Unistel’s Blossom Road facility since 2003, holding a variety of positions. He started on the manual lines, moving to the semi-automated line and is now mastering the packaging of spices for shipment. He is a hard working, valued, and respected employee and always accepts new job assignments readily. In his free time, Craig is an avid Special Olympics athlete and enjoys yearly vacations to Disney World. Overall, Craig says that he loves knowing he is “relied upon by his team members to get the job done right for our Military!”

Congratulations Craig! Tyrone

The OPWDD Works For Me award celebrates the partnership between employers and valued employees with disabilities, honoring selected businesses for their commitment to workforce diversity. Unistel’s nominees for this award were Tyrone, and Scott of Chartwells at Nazareth College. Unistel began their partnership with Nazareth more than 10 years ago through an enclave relationship. Nazareth showed commitment to the hard work and dedication of individuals with disabilities and an inclusive workforce. This allowed for a full time, independent employment position for Tyrone. Tyrone has been working hard in his position at Nazareth for the past 10 years.

Congratulations Tyrone!

The Highest of StandardsUnistel was awarded a safe Quality Food Certification (sQF) in December 2012.

sQF is recognized by retailers and foodservice providers around the world who require a rigorous, credible food safety management system.

sQF allows Unistel to enter into retail and commercial markets for new business opportunities. We are part of a standardized benchmark, placing us at the highest level of safe quality food management, joining the company of well-known retailers such as Wegmans, Wal-Mart, HEb Foods, and many more. Congratulations Unistel!

ExCELLENCE ON THE JOb

The Nucor House

After six months of preparation and hard work, CDS Monarch opened its 28th residence, The Nucor House, for participants enrolled in Warrior Salute™. Veterans moved into the residence on Friday, July 6th, and an opening ceremony took place on Tuesday, July 10th at the home, located in Penfield, NY.

“The opening of The Nucor House is a great milestone for CDS Monarch and Warrior Salute™. The collaboration with individuals and businesses from the local community have made this home a reality and we could not have done it without their support,” said Sankar Sewnauth, President/CEO of CDS Monarch, Inc. “We can all be proud to welcome our Veterans into a home that they deserve.”

The Nucor House provides participants with twenty-four hour support, as well as the warmth and sense of camaraderie and community that a home provides.

“We don’t see it as a house. The other Veterans and I see this as a home,” says Shawn, who came to

Warrior Salute in March.

Shawn is still currently enlisted in the US Army, and has served almost eight years on active duty, with one combat tour in Afghanistan. He graduated from Warrior Salute in November 2012, and is employed full-time at Unistel.

“Warrior Salute has given me coping skills and taught me how to address my PTSD. I am now able to do things I have not been able to do in years, such as going shopping, or being in crowded areas. This program has also shown me the meaning of having a productive and joyful life.”

a pLaCE TO CaLL HOMEJon, John, Will, Kurt, Steven and Justin call The Nucor House their home.

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WarrIOr SaLuTE A service of CDS Monarch providing Workforce Training, Clinical & Recreational Therapy, Family Support &

Housing Assistance to Veterans and their families.

Recent Graduates

Roy served as a Marine and graduated from Warrior salute in April. since then he has moved into his own apartment, and has secured a full-time position with Unistel.

James served in the Army and graduated from Warrior salute in June. He has reunited with his family in texas and is living and working there on the family farm.

ben served in the Army and graduated from Warrior salute in June. He is currently attending school full-time at Monroe Community College.

Justin served in the Army and graduated from Warrior salute in October. He is now working as a site manager for a construction company in Oswego, NY.

barry served in the Army and graduated from Warrior salute in November. He is working full-time as a handyman for a local contracting company.

steven served in the Army and graduated from Warrior salute in December. He now has his own apartment and enjoys spending time with his kids.

Meet Carol

Carol moved into CDS Monarch Senior Living when it first opened in February 2012. She absolutely loves her apartment, as it offers her accessibility and all the comforts of a home. Accessibility is important to Carol, and she is happy with the open layout of her home, where she has a roll-in shower and is able to cook and wash dishes on her own once again. “I’m happy here, I love it here and it’s a dream come true for me,” she says.

At CDS Monarch Senior Living, Carol has made many friends with the other residents, and together they enjoy regular activities like coffee hour or bingo in the community room. “Everyone here is friendly. There are always people coming and going, so if you want company you can have it,” Carol says.

Carol is also active in the local community, serving as a coordinator for Meals on Wheels and as a member of the Board of Directors at the Bayview YMCA, and providing various ministries at her church. She also enjoys visiting the park just outside her doorstep. “This place has everything,” says Carol. “I never would have imagined that I could afford to live in such a wonderful place.”

Meet Ella

Ella fell in love with CDS Monarch Senior Living the moment she set foot inside for her initial tour. She moved in at the end of April, and has enjoyed getting to know her neighbors.

Ella likes to keep herself busy, whether it’s sitting in on a game of bingo in the community room, or taking a walk down to the nearby Wegmans. “There a lot of social activities going on, which is great, because

you will never get bored.” Once per week, Ella heads over to the Wolf Life Transitions Center for evening activities. “My favorite thing is to go swimming in the therapy pool.”

Ella is proud of her beautiful, new home, and enjoys having company over to share it with. “I have my grandkids over, and I love taking them out to the pond, and I know that they look forward to coming here to visit me,” she says.

Learn more about CDS Monarch Senior Living at: www.cdsmonarchseniorliving.org

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SENIOr LIvINg A division of CDS Monarch offering affordable housing to Seniors.

Settling In

Carol is able to get out and about more at her new home because of its accessibility.

Ella enjoys sitting outside on her porch or taking her grandchildren for walks by the pond.

2012 EvENT HIgHLIgHTS

THE WOLF FOuNDaTION

Golf Tournament

On Monday, July 16th, The Wolf Foundation hosted the 25th Annual “Teeing Off for Abilities” Golf Tournament at Locust Hill Country Club.

The tournament was a huge success. An incredible $87,000 was raised in support of our Veterans in Warrior Salute and everyone on the golf course had a wonderful time.

Congratulations to this year’s first place team: Vision Automotive Group (Terry Smith, Bob Stevenson, Scott Tedrow, and John Ventura)! The Zweigles team (Kevin Salva, Chris Thompson, Paul Robbins and Mike DeCorey) came in second, followed by Chamberlin Rubber Company (Bill Lanigan, Jim Kraus, Joe Kraus and Sam Pennacchio) in third.

The Wolf Foundation is grateful to everyone who participated and to all of the event sponsors, especially Relph Benefit Advisors and Supreme, our diamond sponsors. Additional thanks go out to the event planning committee, volunteers, and staff who helped to organize and ensure the success of the tournament. Your generosity and support has made a significant impact in the lives of Veterans.

Pancake breakfasts

CDS Monarch held two “Shortstack Saturday” pancake breakfasts to raise money for the Families in Need Fund. A total of 400 people were served, and approximately $3,100 was raised. At the December event, Santa and a number of local Rochester mascots stopped by to visit breakfast attendees.

The Families in Need Fund assists families with expenses for basic necessities and ensures adequate care for an individual with a disability, thereby enhancing family stability and preserving family unity.

The Wolf Foundation and Family Support Services would like to thank everyone who came out to support these events, including the volunteers and staff who came together to make the breakfasts a success. We look forward to seeing you all at the next one!

save the Date

6th annual Strikes for abilities bowling partySunday, March 10, 2013Clover Lanes2750 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY

26th annual “Teeing Off for abilities” golf TournamentMonday, July 8, 2013Locust Hill Country Club2000 Jefferson Rd., Pittsford, NY

Bowling Event

On Sunday, March 11th The Wolf Foundation held the 5th Annual “Strikes for Abilities” Bowling Party at Clover Lanes, presented by North Forest Office Space. The event celebrated CDS Monarch’s 35th Anniversary with a birthday theme and raised a record amount of $25,000 for unfunded recreational activities for individuals supported by CDS Monarch. Lanes were filled with 250 bowlers, plus an additional 50 guests in attendance.

President/CEO, Sankar Sewnauth and his wife Yvonne, once again hosted the “CEO Strikes Challenge!” On the 5th frame of the first game, they donated $20.00 for every strike bowled. The Wolf Foundation thanks the generous businesses and individuals who matched their donation. Together, they added an additional $1,800 to the event!

The Wolf Foundation would like to thank all of the bowlers, committee members, volunteers, staff and Board members for making this the biggest bowling event yet!

Top FundraiserMr. Chuckie Dell with $2,500.

Top BowlerMr. Keith Muller with a combined score of 452.

The Wolf Foundation, Inc. is a community-sustained endowment established in support of CDS Monarch, Inc.

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LOCaL prOvIDErScollaborate on community services

The Wolf Foundation, Inc. is a community-sustained endowment established in support of CDS Monarch, Inc.

iCircle Services of The Finger Lakes

The State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), in consultation with the State Department of Health (DOH) and other stakeholders, has begun the process of seeking significant programmatic and fiscal improvements to our service system through the development of a new waiver, called the “People First Waiver.”

Under this Waiver, OPWDD will contract with newly formed entities, called Developmental Disabilities Individual Support and Care Coordination Organizations (DISCOs), whose goal will be to provide quality care and services for people with developmental disabilities through a provider network in the community.

With the goal of being the most responsive and inclusive of the people we serve regionally, CDS Monarch has joined together with a group of service providers in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions to work towards establishing a DISCO. This group is working together, as an entity called iCircle Services of The Finger Lakes, to plan for and apply to become a DISCO during the pilot phase in 2013. Staying ahead of the changes that are coming and working with OPWDD during the pilot phase will help shape, and gain understanding of, how the new system will function.

iCircle Services of The Finger Lakes’ goal is to support people with developmental disabilities as they self-direct the services that best fit their interests and needs. We will provide a team of dedicated, highly skilled care coordinators that will work with each person individually to help manage their care. We have an extensive provider network of organizations in the Finger Lakes region who will deliver the highest quality of services centered on individual choice in their community. It is important that people with developmental disabilities and their families have a partnership with a managed care organization that serves their existing communities. With close proximity to the people we support in a 14-county region, iCircle Services can assure access of services will be efficient, personalized, and community based.

We will continue to update the community through mail, newsletters, emails and the website www.icirclefl.org. Join our mailing list by emailing info@icirclefl.org or call 1-855-775-3778 or (585) 347-1616.

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Organizations Represented on the iCircle Board of Directors:

Catholic Charities Community ServicesCDS MonarchGrace Community ServicesHappiness HouseIbero American Action LeagueLifespanSouthern Tier Independence Center, Inc.Stepping Stones Learning CenterUnited Neighborhood Centers of Greater Rochester (Settlement Houses)Urban League of Rochester

CDS MONarCH CDS Monarch, Inc. provides support and opportunities for people with disabilities, Veterans, and seniors to build fulfilling and

independent lives as active members of their community.

CDS MONarCH aCTIvITIES & EvENTS

the Family Advocacy Network (FAN) is a group of CDs Monarch families and community members advocating for services and funding for their loved ones with disabilities. it is a changing time in New York state as it relates to services for people with disabilities, but together we can become one powerful voice and work to preserve what we have. together we can increase awareness, advocacy and connections among families served by CDs Monarch.

Anyone interested in becoming a part of the group is invited to contact Melissa Mulcahy:

Email: melissa.mulcahy@thewolffoundation.org Phone: 585-347-1208

FaMILy aDvOCaCyNETWOrk

Evening & Weekend ActivitiesCDs Monarch offers a variety of evening and weekend activities, for all ages and abilities, open to the general public. to view the Evening & Weekend Activities Guide, please visit www.cdsmonarch.org.

CDS Monarch, Inc. 860 Hard RoadWebster, NY 14580

6th annual Strikes for abilities bowling partySunday, March 10, 2013Clover Lanes2750 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY

autism awareness FairFriday, April 26, 2013Wolf Life Transition Center860 Hard Road., Webster, NY

26th annual “Teeing Off for abilities” golf TournamentMonday, July 8, 2013Locust Hill Country Club2000 Jefferson Rd., Pittsford, NY

veterans ConferenceOctober 2, 2013RIT Inn and Conference Center

Upcoming Events

Autism AwarenessSpeak out.Speak up.

HONOr