Inside this issue:

Easter Seals TriState

TriState Update Special Points of Interest: Hometown Huddle • Keys to Progress • Staff Bowling Party

December 2015

Celebrating Brighter Futures

The annual Easter Seals TriState Brighter Futures Celebration was a huge success this year, achieving a new fundraising record, while raising awareness of the work of Easter Seals Tri-State and the individuals served. The event honors the unique talents,achievements, and ambitions of three individ-uals served by Easter Seals, and one business that has helped to remove barriers and provide opportunities for people with disabilities and disadvantages who desire a brighter future. The Kroger Company received the Outstanding Community Partner Award for its long-standing commitment to em-ploying individuals with disabilities and veterans. A champion for ability in our community, Kroger has supported Easter Seals Tri-State’s mission with great job opportunities for the individuals we serve, employing hundreds of individuals with disabilities in our community over the years. In addition, Kroger has generated financial support totaling more than $800,000 over the past decade. Kaylen Parsons, an LPN at Diversicare Bradford Place in Hamilton, received the Upward Mobility Award for his ability to overcome personal and financial barriers to obtain the appropriate education, training and support needed to obtain his degree and full-time employment. Parsons received services from Easter Seals Butler County youth services, a partnership with Butler County Job and Family Services and the area workforce investment board, which aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing resources for edu-cation and job training for young people out of school. Jessica Hammonds, who works security for both the Duke Energy Convention Center and Securitas, received the Upward Mobility Award for her significant progress toward greater independence. Hammonds worked with Community Link, a collaboration be-tween Easter Seals TriState and Talbert House and funded through Hamilton County Job and Family Services. Community Link as-sists in resume writing, computer skills development, connecting to community resources for work attire and child care, access to job postings and online employment applications. Through the skills she built in the program, she went from a part-time minimum wage job to earning a living wage to create a better life for herself and her two children. Justin Glover, a member of the maintenance crew at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, received the Spirit of Easter Seals Award for his hard work and dedication during an internship with Project SEARCH. After completing ICAN, a job and life-skill program through Cincinnati Public Schools, he spent one year in Project SEARCH, an immersion program for students with disabilities, to fine tune his job skills. The sheriff's department decided they liked him so much that they offered him a full-time position, the first offer of its kind within the department for a Project SEARCH graduate. Click the invidividual links to view the stories of Kaylen, Jessica, Justin and Kroger.

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To honor heroes for their service, Progressive Insurance Company in association with the National Auto Body Council's Recycled Rides project, donated more than 130 vehicles to veterans across the country this Veterans' Day.

Locally, two veterans received vehicles, one of which went to Betty Pierson, a former Marine served by Operation Vets THRIVE. For Pierson, owning her own vehicle had been her greatest wish. The donation is a life changer, she now has greater independence without having to rely on

others or public transportation.

In addition, Enterprise Rent-A-Car provides insurance for the vehicle for the first six months, written through Progressive. Other organizations teamed up to fill the back seat and trunk with other household items to assist the veterans with day-to-day needs.

Building Ability Showcases Work During Hometown Huddle

Building Ability recently participated in Hometown Huddle, an NFL/United Way initiative that happens in each NFL market to promote volunteerism and create a lasting impression in the community. Teaming with the Bengals and other local organizations, Building Ability constructed new flower beds, and refurbished and refinished picnic tables and planters at Taft Elementary as part of a new play-ground project. Thanks to the Marvin Lewis Community Fund for con-tinuing this tradition! Photo Credit: McDaniels Photography

Keys to Progress

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“Janet”

Employee SPOTLIGHT on Angie McFate - HR Assistant

New Hires

If you’re an Easter Seals employee hired in the last 20 months, odds are that on your first day on the job you met Angie McFate and her positive, infectious personality during your orientation. Welcoming new ESTS staffers to the family is what she enjoys the best in her work. Angie and her husband relocated to Cincinnati from Tennessee, due to the tremendous opportunities and the desire to be involved in the Queen City’s renaissance. Even in a city like Cincinnati, as a small town Alabama girl, Angie remains an avid supporter of small businesses and all things local. That’s why you didn’t see her participating in any Thanksgiving or Black Friday shopping, but rather checking her list twice on Small Business Saturday. With an entrepreneurial spirit of her own, Angie enjoys creating small businesses, and buying domains and creating websites. One day she would love to create a successful startup, sell it and retire. On weekdays and in the evenings, she and her husband of 32 years enjoy going to art openings around town, visiting local breweries, listening to live music and shopping at local thrift stores. That’s when she’s not spending time with her longtime canine companion, Joshua, who loves taking her on long walks. She lists her favorite movies as “The Pursuit of Happiness” and “A Trip to Bountiful.” Perhaps in the pursuit of

happiness, we should all follow Angie’s advice – relevant to both orientation and in life: Dream big, say please and

thank you, try your best, always be grateful, chose to be happy, smile and hug often, sing, laugh and dance!

John Clancy, Director of Veterans Services, Morgan

Steven Best, Workforce Development Specialist, Rossplain

Richard West, Transportation Specialist, Rossplain

Susan Mordigal, Service Coordinator, Rossplain

Nicole Austin, Fulfillment Specialist, Gilbert

Laura Seeley, Job Coach, Project Search

Angelique Berry, Direct Support Specialist, Rossplain

Deborah Greenlee, Service Coordinator, Rossplain

Stephanie Goodpaster, Lead Job Coach/Developer, Project Search

Jennifer Fischer, Accounting Assistant, Gilbert

Sarah Veness, Job Coach, Project Search

Rachael Shepler, Lead Job Coach/Developer, Project Search

Jennifer Sparks, Job Coach, Project Search

Melissa Webber, Job Coach, Project Search Charlie Landis, Rural Rehabilitation Coordinator Tonya Hicks, Direct Support Specialist, YMCA Blue Ash Donald Stammer – Direct Support Specialist, Rossplain Rikkia Black, Service Coordinator, Rossplain Jacqueline Smith, Workforce Development Specialist, Clermont County Youth Services Floyd Hayes, Fulfillment & Logistics Specialist , Gilbert

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Actions For Excellence

Logistics Certification Program Available Through ESTS

The end of the year has always been the time to talk about things for which we are thankful. It usually involves spending

time with family, but we think this should include your co-workers! This month show your co-workers how thankful you are for all they do. Some ideas include: Take a co-worker out to lunch Create a space to show your appreciation in your

joint work area Bring them leftover Thanksgiving turkey Write them a thank you card Nominate them! :) How will you show your co-workers you are thankful? We’d love to hear about them. We want to highlight some of these ways in next month’s Tristate Update so email us a picture or story!! One person we are thankful for is Sophie Charlton. Sophie was nominated in the Progress category for being

“an amazing addition to the Clermont team!” Sophie is a Job Developer with the Clermont County Youth Services program. “Sophie is always seeking new ideas and encouraging her coworkers to think outside the box.” Also, “This summer Sophie really proved she is extremely creative in her recruitment endeavors.” This completely aligns with the category description for Progress: We actively innovate to meet the challenges of the future. Way to go Sophie! Keep up the good work!!

DON’T DELAY, NOMINATE TODAY!

- Virginia Aylward

Did you know Easter Seals TriState has a logistics certification program? Housed at our Morgan and Gilbert locations, the program is open to low income residents who have obtained a high school diploma or GED. It’s a unique program that bridges the gap for folks who want to work but don’t have recent or related work experience. Upon completion of the program, the associates receive the Certified Logistics Techni-cian credentials from the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) - a certification that is industry-defined and nationally recognized. Logistics Associates spend half of their day working at our Gilbert fulfilment center scanning, doing quality control, packing orders and shipping. The other half of their day they spend at Morgan Street, in a classroom that’s a blend of online coursework, group discussions, lecture and hands-on practice. “We get a great mix in the classroom of people with lots of related work experience along with individuals who have just

finished high school or don’t have much work history,” said Jennifer Jones, our MSSC Certi-fied Instructor. “It’s always wonderful to see each person develop in the classroom and increase both their confidence and their knowledge.”

Students take what they learn in the class-room and can quickly apply it to the work they do every day. “I can see the change when our logistics associates start picking up the ma-terial in class,” said Bob Behr, Gilbert’s Fulfillment Center Production Supervisor. “They show a dramatic increase in quality of work, attention to detail and understanding of how their role fits into our fulfillment center.” Completion of the certification and work experience spring-boards our graduates into employment in the areas of ware-house, manufacturing, shipping/receiving at companies like Amazon, Tristate Wholesale Building Supplies, Duro Bags and others. It is a great opportunity for individuals looking for careers, not just jobs. Our next class will be starting soon and there are still several spots available. Think you know some-one who has what it takes? Contact Adriana Zambrano at 513-386-6841 azambrano@easterselastristate.com for more information.

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“Janet”

Staff Holiday Bowling Party

On November 12 the Easter Seals TriState staff gathered at Crossgate Lanes in Blue Ash for an afternoon

of fun and celebration! The gathering is a great opportunity for staff from all offices to get together while

having a little friendly competition. Congratulations to Erwin McIntosh for taking home the high score

trophy!

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A Small Change Makes a Big Difference

It’s true; small changes make lasting impressions espe-cially when it comes to health. Just ask Beth Lohner, a member of the ESTS Enclave work force at Powell Cros-ley, Jr. YMCA. Beth recently completed the 10-week wellness program that ESTS developed through a grant from Bethesda, Inc. Her small change of increasing her water intake while also reducing pop intake translated to a whopping 30-pound weight loss! (Yes, that says 30 pounds in 10 weeks.) Her secondary goal of exercising regularly, includes three sessions per week walking on a treadmill and lift-ing weights. Conveniently, Beth is able to do this at the YMCA where she works. Adding more movement to her day, she also walks to the bus stop from her apartment. “I feel less tired during the day,” Beth shared. “I do feel like I have more energy.” “Beth is very proud of her results,” said Lois Drizen, the direct support supervisor at Powell Crosley, Jr. Y. “She has displayed an increase in her self-esteem and posi-tive attitude since losing the weight. I could not be more pleased with the results of this program.”

Beth concurs about feel-ing good about herself and more in control of her emotions. “When I get mad, I color, or I lis-ten to music. Or when I’m at home, I go into my room and talk to God or call my Mom.” Beth is on the right track. She still wants to try to eat more fruits and vegetables and has started buying salads. She thinks the program has helped her take charge of her health. “Being healthy makes me feel really happy with life.” All it takes is one small step.

Lauran McHaffie Be Well and Thrive Fitness Instructor

Technology Tip - Updating Your Security Software

Keeping your security soft-ware up-to-date can help prevent major catastro-phe! Like technology, internet threats evolve. Cybercriminals are always look-ing for new forms of attack, and new ways of accessing your money and in-formation. Consider that 100,000 new malware samples were detected daily in the second quarter of this year alone! That is why it’s critical to keep your security software current. Up-dates protect you from new threats and increase overall internet security. When you first install your software it protects you against threats known at

that time. After that, you receive up-dates via the internet, in a timely manner. If you are not regularly up-dating your security software, you are leaving yourself open to all threats that have evolved since your last up-date or initial installation, and that can be a lot! Fortunately, security experts and pro-viders are working around-the-clock to detect new threats and anticipate future attacks. Comprehensive securi-ty software can help you be proactive. Follow these tips to make sure that your software is always up-to-date and that you are protected:

Check to see if your security soft-ware updates automatically. If your software doesn’t offer automatic updates, check for up- dates at least once a week. You can usually do this through your

software control panel.

Check your security vendor’s website periodically for the latest security advisories and critical updates.

Regularly update your browser and other software, since soft-ware updates often include secu-rity features or fixes for vulnera-bilities.

Doing these proactive preventative tasks can not only protect yourself from malware and virus attacks, but prevent company-wide data loss and corruption. Keep in mind that internet security is also evolving along with these types of threats. As long as you do your part in keeping your software up-to-date you can stay protected!

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Employee Birthdays

12/3

Deborah Brown

Production Rossplain

12/7

Colby Coleman

OES Symmes

12/9

Sophie Charlton

Clermont County WIA

12/10

David Daniels

Building Value

12/10

David Dreith

Administration Gilbert

12/12

Sonal Shackelford

Connecting the DOTS

12/13

Le’Nikka Howell

Therapeutic Social Rec

12/13

Debbie Smith

Administration Morgan

12/14

Troy Woodlan

Production Symmes

12/16

Garrick Berkhalter

Youth Build

12/18

Cassandra Pegues

WorkLink/Community Link

12/19

Jennifer Sparks

Project Search

12/20

Holly Humphrey

Home Choice

12/20

Anita Smith

OES Symmes

12/23

David Jones

Retail

12/24

Avis Mims

OES Symmes

12/26

John Erpelding

RSC Programs Rossplain

12/29

Josh Reed

Production Rossplain

12/30

Nicole Boreing

OES Rossplain

Employee Anniversaries

Callie Amann OES Gilbert 12/20/1995 Chris Ballentine Production Gilbert 12/3/2007 Mark Brislin RSC Programs Gilbert 12/117/2001 Sophie Charlton Clermont County WIA 12/8/2014

Russell Earhart OES Gilbert 12/22/2011 Holly Harris OOD Programs 12/4/2006 Donna Keith Transportation Symmes 12/1/2010 Jennifer Kemme Adult Day Services 12/4/2013

Kelly Lovette OES Gilbert 12/7/1999 Robert Lundy OES Symmes 12/28/2010 Chris Miday Deconstruction 12/8/2003 Paul Schneider YMCA 11/1/2009

Tona Sims WorkLink/Community Link 12/12/2005 Mike Stewart Transportation Rossplain 12/15/2009 Peter Stitsinger RSC Programs Rossplain 12/6/2011

Scott Beard Alexander Brandt Michael Burnett John Clancy Dave Daniels Jason Earhart Roger Ferris Jeff Giblin Chris Govan John Guttierrez Steve Martin Erwin McIntosh David Owens Michelle Phillips Tom St. Arnold Michael Sears David Shell William Simpson Richard West

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Compliance Corner – Robin Totsch, Compliance Officer

COMPLIANCE HOTLINE

513-347-1587

It’s Compliance & Ethics Week! Happy Compliance and Ethics Week 2015! I hope as many of you as possible are participating in our Compliance and Ethics Week Celebration! I wanted to take a minute to review why Easter Seals TriState celebrates Compliance and Ethics Week. We are required by a number of our funders and CARF, our accreditation body, to have Compliance and Ethics Plan, a Code of Ethics, a procedure for reporting violations of our Code of Ethics, written policies and practices, and to ensure that we regularly train staff on these documents. Easter Seals takes these requirements very seriously. Our Code of Ethics, Compliance Plan, Policies & Practices, as well as other important documents can be accessed by all staff in one of the two Easter Seals TriState Common drives (both V and S) in folders entitled “Easter Seals Tristate P & P”. In addition, all staff are required to annually complete Compliance and Ethics training through our Relias Learning System and to sign off on the Code of Ethics, indicating that they have reviewed it and agree to abide by it. Additional training, required by our many funding sources or federal law, is also easily available for all staff to complete in Relias Learning. Compliance and Ethics Week provides an opportunity for all staff to review this information in ways that are perhaps a bit more fun and frivolous than simply reading a policy and signing off on it. After all, who doesn’t love to complete a puzzle and win a prize! How can you make Compliance and Ethics Week a success? First, participate in all the activities and encourage your co-workers to do the same. We will have drawings for daily prizes for those who complete the daily activity and a special prize drawing for the people who participate in ALL of the activities! Log into Relias Learning and make sure that all of your training is completed up to date (or maybe even a little ahead)! Each department whose training is completely up to date by the end of the day Friday, November 6th, will be put into a drawing for a pizza lunch! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Compliance hotline at (513)347-1587.

Employee Giving

As an employee of Easter Seals, you already give so much everyday through the work you do. But many staff members wish they could do more for the individuals we serve. Here’s your chance! Please consider making a donation to Easter Seals TriState. You know firsthand the power our work has on the lives of the people

we serve. You know that your do-nation to Easter Seals will make a difference to someone in need, and will support a cause that is close to your heart. Employee giving shows the com-munity, including our major fun-ders, that you - the people who know us best - truly believe in the work we do.

Making a donation is optional, con-fidential, and easy. You can make a one-time gift, or give through pay-roll deductions which start in Janu-ary 2016. Thank you!

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Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken

Six ingredients, five minutes of hands-on cooking, and dinner is served! Minutes to Prepare: 5 Minutes to Cook: 240 Number of Servings: 6

Ingredients 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 packet Italian dressing mix 1/2 cup water 1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese 3 cups cooked long grain rice (white or brown)

Directions Place chicken in crock pot. Mix together Italian dressing mix and water. Pour over the chicken. Cover and cook on high for four hours OR low for eight hours. Mix together cream cheese and soup in separate bowl. Carefully remove chicken from crock pot to plate. Pour cream cheese/soup mixture into crock pot and mix together with dressing in bottom. Return chicken to crock pot and mix gently to shred the chicken. Cook on LOW until heated through. Serve with rice or noodles.

* You may add skim or low fat milk in very small quanti-ties to thin the sauce a little. It does not significantly affect the nutritional value if you use up to 2 table-spoons. Makes 6 servings. Approximately 2/3 cup mixture with 1/2 cup of rice or noodles. ** This recipe can be made with FAT FREE cream cheese and it saves about 6 grams of fat. However, the dish benefits from the flavor of the low fat over the fat free. Nutritional Information: Calories: 385.4, Total Fat: 12.5 g, Cholesterol: 121.5 mg, Sodium: 720.2 mg, Total Carbs: 24 g, Dietary Fiber: 0.9 g, Protein: 41 g.

Ugly Sweater Day

Friday, December 18 is National Ugly Sweater Day so let’s celebrate by wearing

our ugliest holiday sweaters. Feel free to bring in a sweet treat to share with

your department! Make sure you take pictures and send them to

ebusch@eastersealstristate.org So we can share them on social media and in the

TriState Update.