at Sarah A. Reed Children's Center

We love it when parents reach out to us and share good news about their son or daughterwho has gone through one of our programs! Recently we received an e-mail from a parentwhose 14-year-old daughter completed the Acute Partial Hospitalization Program at ourHamilton Campus this Spring and is now back at her local middle school in Erie County. She wrote:

First I want to tell you what a great experience we had at Hamilton. The staff was

amazing with [my daughter] Karen and she misses them everyday. Thank you so

much for putting her in that classroom and giving her a chance. Karen is working

on a poster called "Good things in my life." Her teacher in the Acute Partial Program,

Mr. Jake, was wonderful. Nobody has ever made an impact on her like he has.

Karen tells me, "He is the only one that let me be myself and listened to what I had

to say." That speaks volumes. Thank you!

2445 West 34th StreetErie, PA 16506(814) 835-7602

www.SarahReed.org

Summer 2019

Celebrating Success! The Acute Partial Program 

Do you have a Sarah Reed success story that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Please contact Gary Bukowski,associate vice president of development, at (814) 835-7602 or GBukowski@SarahReed.org. Thank you!

Shining Bright Sarah A. Reed Children's Center

Interview with Long-Time Board Member and Board Chair, Bill Miller

William Miller, III is thepresident of Sabella'sCatering in Erie and hasserved on the Board at SarahReed for over 20 years.

Bill, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

We are very fortunate to have a dedicated Board of Directors led by Board Chairman William Miller, III, the president of Sabella's Catering.Bill has been making a difference at Sarah Reed since we met him at our first Souper Bowl back in 1998, and this is his second time servingas Board Chairman. Recently Bill shared his thoughts and insight with us (as one of our longest-serving Board members!), and how he'sseen the agency transform over the past two decades.

"I was born and raised in Erie, PA, where I was surrounded by wonderful cooks like my mother andgrandmothers. They were great teachers in the art of cooking! I started Sabella's Catering in 1983 withmy wife, Janet, and was also working at Erie Insurance at the time (I retired from ERIE after 30 years)."

"I always say, you're only as good as your staff, and Sarah Reed has an amazing group of 360+ staff members who come to work eachday ready to make a difference. Everyone truly cares - from the direct care staff to the CEO - and they're great at what they do. I thinksome of the challenges these children face today are more severe, and we create a pathway to healing for them and their families."

What are you most proud of during your 20+ years of service?

What sets Sarah Reed apart from the other mental health agencies in the area?

"We've always been an agency that sets goals and makes things happen, like the new James N. HerrHall that's now helping 25 more kids annually. We create a strategic plan, and we stick to it. It's greatto see results and to see the impact we're having on so many children and families. I'm proud to say thatwe've taken this agency to a level no one ever thought possible, and we have more great plans in store!"

"The agency approached me to host their first Souper Bowl event at Sabella's of Union Station in 1998. I was thrilled to be part of it and donated the space, linens, and everything they needed to get the eventoff the ground. Shortly after, the CEO at the time asked me to join the Board. I have a diversebackground and was glad to bring my business and marketing skills to the table. I'm happy to say I stillparticipate in the Souper Bowl each year! It's an Erie tradition for so many people and one of theagency's biggest fundraisers."

How did you first get involved with Sarah Reed and then join the Board of Directors?

Patrick Herr, MSWThe Erie Community Foundation

Director of Community Impact

Wilson Brown, Ph.D.Penn State Behrend

Program Coordinator, Applied Clinical Psychology M.A. Program

Assistant Professor of Child Clinical Psychology, Applied Clinical Psychology M.A. Program

Assistant Professor of Child Clinical Psychology, Psychology

Board &Staff Spotlight

In the News Congratulations to our Board member, Aubry Regan DeMarco,and staff member, Davona Pacley, for being recognized in the

Erie Reader's "40 Under 40: Class of 2019!" We are so proud ofthe difference Aubry and Davona are making at Sarah Reed and inthe community. To read more about their many accomplishments, please check outthe full article at www.ErieReader.com. aubry regan demarco davona pacley

Staff Member Spotlight: Dr. Kirstin Brunner, Medical Director

Kirstin Brunner, DO, FAPA,FAAP is the agency's medicaldirector and a Board CertifiedPsychiatrist. She has beenhelping children and familiesat Sarah Reed since 1998.

Page 2

Sarah Reed Welcomes New Board Members

Sarah Reed is one of Erie County's Top 50 Employers, with more than 360 staff members serving 1,700 children and their families annually.We sat down with Dr. Kirstin Brunner, our medical director and a Board Certified Psychiatrist, to learn more about her and the differenceshe is making.

When did you know you wanted to be a child psychiatrist?"I've wanted to be a child psychiatrist since I was 10 years old. Growing up, I spent a lot of time atmy local library in Allentown, PA. I loved reading books about children, and in the stories it seemedlike whenever there was a problem, they'd turn to the child psychiatrist for help. At the time I wasalso a mother's helper to a family with seven kids, and it was a great feeling knowing I was making adifference."

"At Sarah Reed, we provide treatment for the most severely affected children and adolescents, particularly inthe younger age range. I believe strongly in early intervention, and we are fortunate in this community thatchildren and families have access to such a great resource."

~Dr. Kirstin Brunner, medical director at Sarah Reed

What is the most rewarding part of your job?"My relationship with the children and their families. I truly enjoy getting to know each of them andfiguring out how to help them help themselves. Establishing those relationships is so important.Ultimately it's the relationship with the children and families that has the power to make the impact."

What advice would you give to a parent who believes their child may be struggling with behavioral or emotionalchallenges? "The best thing you can do is seek help as soon as possible. Early intervention is key, and the quicker you are able to

begin a treatment program, the greater your chance of success will be for both the child and your family."

What makes working at Sarah Reed special to you?"The people who work at Sarah Reed have a strong desire to help others. We have a unified teamapproach, where staff from all disciplines work together to help a child and their family, and thatreally sets our agency apart."

Page 3

Around Campus

Residential Treatment Program & Ridgefield Campus

The “Hollywood Red Carpet Prom" atResidential was a success! 25 childrenenjoyed dinner at Serafini's Restaurant,music from Star 104, and riding in a limofrom Burton’s Limo Service.

Thank you to our Sarah Reed Women’sAuxiliary members who fulfilled theTherapeutic Recreation Department’s wishlist with the help of an anonymous donor.

Patty Puline of LECOM Safe Kids (left)and Christine Rush from Rep. Pat Harkins'Office (right) presented awards to ourstudents who placed 1st, 2nd and 5th inthe 2019 Bullying Prevention Contest.

Did you know that our PsychologicalTesting Clinic in the Professional Buildingnow serves adults? We can test for autism,anxiety, depression, and more. Call us at(814) 480-8985 to see how we can help.

These weighted blankets are a hit with ourPre-K Program at Emerson-Gridley! Theywere made possible through a gift from theSlovak National Club and help kids withanxiety, ADHD, and sensory challenges.

Made in Erie!

The Outpatient Program provides anarray of therapies and support services to over 730 Erie County children and theirfamilies each year who are strugglingwith loss, trauma and other challenges.

Lori Eaton (left) and the children at ourEmerson-Gridley Program celebrate theopening of the new "Little Free Library"alongside Collette DiAngi (right) and Dr.Kathleen Dailey of Edinboro University.

Alternative Education Programs

Outpatient Behavioral Health Services

We are excited to share our 2019-2024

Strategic Plan Summary with you! OurBoard of Directors and administrative teamhave worked diligently on this project, andthere are lots of exciting developments as weprepare for our 150th Anniversary in 2021. This report outlines our mission, vision, andidentifies the core competencies andstrengths of our agency. It also furthers ourvision for a special 150th Anniversary

Expansion Project that includes thefollowing improvements: 

Construction of a sixth residence hallRenovation of two existing hallsCreation of a Research & TrainingInstitute

You can read our summary report online atwww.sarahreed.org/giving-sarah-reed-childrens-center/learn-more or contact GaryBukowski at (814) 835-7602 or 

Strategic Plan Approved

GBukowski@SarahReed.org to receive ahard copy of the report via mail.

Around Campus

Hamilton Campus - Partial & Acute Partial Hospitalization Programs

Before the Summer Program began for

our Partial Hospitalization Program, the

staff used one of their in-service days for

a team-building scavenger hunt at

Waldameer Park. 

Dr. Brittany Hayden, director of community

clinical services, was accepted into the PA

Psychological Association's "Emerging

Leaders Program," a dynamic training

program for future state leaders. Congrats!

Lisa Kalagassy (left) and Karen Amon

kicked-off the first day of summer by

adding a few plants to the garden!

Materials were donated by Carter Lumber,

Sally McAfee, and the Women's Auxiliary.

Shining Bright - Summer 2019

Page 4

We recently created a new media library for the children in our Residential TreatmentProgram, and we need your help stocking the shelves! 

Here’s how it works – with every gift of $25.00, we’ll create a special bookplate with yourname on it using artwork created by our students and insert the bookplate into the frontinside cover of a book.  You can even make gifts in memory of a loved one or in honor ofsomeone’s birthday, wedding, or other special occasion. All members will be invited for a special tour of the media library to see your support inaction! To learn more or make your gift, please visit www.SarahReed.org/library.

Become a Friend of the Sarah Reed Library

from

A GIFT TO THE CHILDREN

Your Name Here

The artwork for this bookplate was created byDanielle, a child at Sarah Reed.

Annual Appreciation Event Held at Chautauqua Institution Jim and Cindy Mando hosted their annual"Evening at the Chautauqua Institution" onJune 28th, recognizing Board members, donors,staff, and volunteers who do so much for theagency. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception at theAthenaeum Hotel with a special performanceby classical pianist, Jeffrey Myers, followed bya concert in the Amphitheater featuring Scott

Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox.

Guests enjoy the evening's festivities in

the parlor of the Athenaeum Hotel.

Jeffrey Myers performs a medley of songs

by composers Schubert, Gottschalk, and

Beethoven during the cocktail reception.

The children we serve have challenging needs, and they count on usto save the day. But we need more heroes! Sarah Reed offers four-day work weeks and tuition assistance, plusopportunities in both residential and classroom settings. If you orsomeone you know would like to apply or learn more about what it'slike to be a hero to our kids, please visit www.SarahReed.org or giveus a call at (814) 835-7741.

We're Hiring!

Shining Bright - Summer 2019

What's New at Sarah Reed

Ann Scott, manager of community outreach at Erie Insurance, andDavid Russo, senior vice president of services operations &support and Sarah Reed Board member (right), presented a checkoutside the new James N. Herr Hall to President/CEO Jim Mando(second from left), and Gary Bukowski, associate vice president ofdevelopment. Erie Insurance contributed $200,000 in support ofthis project and gave an additional $10,000 to purchaseChromebooks for the children’s Summer Program.

James N. Herr Hall Now Open!

James N. Herr Hall opened its doors on June 10th to six adolescent boys fromErie, Clearfield and Westmoreland Counties. We will soon have an additionalsix children residing on the east wing of the residential unit, making this new 12-bed facility complete. Herr Hall is the fifth residence hall for children in our Residential TreatmentProgram, located in Millcreek Township. Since 2008, we've served 641children from 47 counties across Pennsylvania. With the opening of Herr Hall,this program can now serve approximately 70 children and teens annually.

UPMC Health Plan generously donated $200,000 for the new 12-bed residence hall and $100,000 for the new Sanctuary forIntegrated Health & Wellness Park at our Hamilton Campus. Pictured here (L to R): James Mando, president/CEO of SarahReed; Jenny Weigold Geertson, community relations manager atUPMC Health Plan; Ki Kim, senior account manager at UPMCHealth Plan; Gary Koenig, Board member; and Gary Bukowski,associate vice president of development at Sarah Reed.

Erie Insurance & UPMC Health Plan Donate $400,000 to Herr Hall

An Inside Look! Herr Hall features a community room with sofas and chairs at the entrance of the building, six single bedrooms on

the east wing, six single bedrooms on the west wing, restroom facilities, and office space for our residential staff members.

Special Thanks to All Our Donors Who Made This Project Possible!

2018 Roar on the Shore2018 Erie Gives Day DonorsB&L Wholesale SupplyBKD FoundationThe Black Family Foundation

The Britton Family FoundationBuehler & Associates, Inc.The Erie Community FoundationErie InsuranceMr. Robert FrenzelHarley-Davidson of Erie

KeyBank FoundationHenry A. & Mary J. MacDonald FoundationM.J. Surgala TrustPA Dept. of Community & Economic DevelopmentSportsmen's Athletic ClubUPMC Health Plan

Page 5

2445 West 34th StreetErie, PA 16506(814) 835-7602www.SarahReed.org

Welcome to Our Inaugural Issue!

Mark Your Calendars & Join Us!

2019 Women's Auxiliary Luncheon

2019 Erie Gives Day

Tuesday, August 13th • www.ErieGives.org

22nd Annual Souper Bowl

Sunday, January 26th at Zem Zem Shrine Club

2019 Trail of Treats

October 23rd & 24th at the Millcreek Mall

Tuesday, December 3rd at the Watson-Curtze Mansion

Con���t wi�� Us!

/SarahReedCC

www.SarahReed.org

/SarahReedCC

/Sarah A. Reed Children's Center

@SarahReedCCErie

The halls of the Watson-CurtzeMansion will be decked in theirholiday best, so grab your friendsfor a special luncheon catered bySabella's! There will also be a giftbasket raffle, and all proceedswill benefit the children at SarahReed. Please call Molly Myers at(814) 835-7606 for details.

Always a fan favorite! This isyour chance to sample soup froma variety of local restaurants andcast your vote to see which cheftakes home the coveted "BestSoup" trophy. Will the Skunk &Goat Tavern win again in 2020?Stay tuned for updates and ticketinformation!

It's Erie's biggest day of giving! Ifyou'd like to make a difference forSarah A. Reed Children's Center,log onto www.ErieGives.org onAugust 13th from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.Your gift will receive a specialmatch from The Erie CommunityFoundation. Questions? Call GaryBukowski at (814) 835-7602.

Sarah Reed partners with theAchievement Center each year toprovide this safe, indoor trick-or-treat event for the children of ourcommunity. The proceeds benefitchildren at both agencies. Detailswill soon be available online atwww.SarahReed.org or call MollyMyers at (814) 835-7606.

In 1871 at age 33, Sarah founded the Children's Centeralongside a group of 30 women who were passionateabout helping Erie's most forgotten women and children.At the time, the agency was called the "The Associationfor Improving the Conditions of the Poor, and a Home forthe Friendless," and Sarah dedicated her life to making adifference for local children and families. She served aspresident of the agency for 45 years and was on the Boarda total of 61 years. After her death in 1934, the Board voted to change thename to "The Sarah A. Reed Home" in her honor, achange Sarah would not allow during her lifetime. Stay tuned for special updates as we prepare for our 150th

Anniversary in 2021!

Did You Know....Sarah Ann Reed wasborn on March 16, 1838,in Ashtabula, OH. Sarahmoved to Erie with herparents (and sevenbrothers and sisters!) in1845 when her father,William Reed, becameSecretary-Treasurer ofthe Erie Canal.