Providing quality services since 1964 www.abilitiesnetwork.org 1

News

Spring/Summer 2012

The Offi cial Newsletter of

Providing quality services since 1964 www.abilitiesnetwork.org 1

Abilities Network Acknowledges Top Individualsand Businesses in the Community

Keep current with all of the trainings, events, and resources that Abilities Network has to offer! “Like” us on Facebook • Follow us on Twitter

Abilities Network held its 2012 Annual Awards Breakfast at the Towson Sheraton Hotel on May 16, 2012. Every year, Abilities Network recognizes businesses, individuals, and families that have successfully partnered with Abilities Network over the past year. Over 100 people were in attendance to enjoy a morning of networking, breakfast, speakers, and the awards ceremony. Dr. Eric Kossoff discussed a recent study regarding epilepsy from the Institute of Medicine Epilepsy Report and John Mackey, a parent of an individual who receives services from Abilities Network, spoke about his experiences with Abilities Network and how the staff have helped his son achieve his goals. Mike Harris, Abilities Network Board President and Abilities Network staff members then presented the awards.

Thank you to all of the award recipients for going above and beyond to

support the mission of Abilities Network!

More about the 2012 Annual Awards on Page 4.

Rob Baynard, Program Director at Abilities Network’s Silver Spring, MD Office, presents the Community & Employment Partners Program Partner Award to Kim Humphries with Wegmans in Largo, MD.

Heather Murphy, Dire

ctor of

Move Management Services a

t

Abilities Network, pr

esents the

Senior Services Progra

m Partner

Award to Cindy Zonies

of Weinberg

Senior Living.

Mike Harris, Abilities Network Board President, presents the Outstanding Corporation Award

to Pepsi Beverages Company. Award recipients include Becky Heller,

Delores Colonese, and Chris Ward.

Are you looking for further resources offered from Abilities Network?Visit our website at www.abilitiesnetwork.org.

2 Spring/Summer 2012 News

Support our Garden of Services

100% of your donation is tax deductible and benefits the 12,000 individuals in Maryland who receive services through Abilities Network.

Ways to make a donation:

• You can donate online at www.abilitiesnetwork.org.

• You can make a credit card donation by phone at 410-828-7700 ext. 1229.

• You can donate by mailing a check, made payable to Abilities Network, and send to: 8503 LaSalle Rd., Towson, MD 21286 in the enclosed remittance envelope.

Looking for a special gift to give someone?

You can make a donation to Abilities Network in honor of a special person’s birthday, anniversary, or in memory of a loved one. We will send a card to the individual or family indicated on the donation.

For more information, please call the Development Office at 410-828-7700 ext. 1229 or e-mail ldunn@abilitiesnetwork.org.

Please consider making a donation to Abilities Network this spring. Your donation will support Abilities Network’s growth and mission to challenge the community to acknowledge the value and equality of people of all abilities. Autism

Services

Community and Employment Partners

Epilepsy ServicesHealthy

Families

Project ACT

Senior Services

We are pleased to announce the launch of Abilities Network’s Online Training and Education Services, which you can access at www.antraining.org!

The trainings available on the online training website are created from the same trainings that Project ACT staff present to child care professionals throughout Maryland and provide Core of Knowledge Hours that child care professionals need. Some training topics include: Developmental Delays, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Learning the Basics, and many other topics that support the inclusion of young children with special needs in their child care settings.

The website was developed with the adult learner in mind, making it easy to navigate the topics and complete the trainings quickly, while gathering the relevant information. Abilities Network’s Online Training and Education Services provides yet another opportunity for Abilities Network to challenge the community to acknowledge the value and equality of people of all abilities.

Abilities Network is looking to expand the Online Training Website to include a larger selection of training topics. Stay tuned for more information!

Online Training

You can now access the same high quality

trainings that Abilities Network

has to offer with the use of your work or

home computer.

www.abilitiesnetwork.org 3

Jamaal Matthew

s receiving his

award at the

MACS Conferen

ce

SeniorServices

Outstanding Employer AwardCongratulations to IKEA Baltimore for being the recipient of Abilities Network’s Outstanding Employer Award! Abilities Network relies on the positive support and partnerships of Outstanding Employers like IKEA in order for our job seekers to become successful, gainfully employed individuals. The staff, supervisors, and managers at IKEA have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support Joan M. with maintaining successful paid employment.

Joan M. has worked within the Food Service Division of IKEA since September of 2009 and she is truly a valued member of the team. Joan’s hard work throughout the years, preparing food and maintaining the dining area, has been acknowledged with regular advancements in pay and increases in scheduled hours. In fact, IKEA provided Joan with additional hours when it became apparent that her other job was not providing her with a supportive work environment. This increase in work through IKEA allowed Joan to end her employment at the other job.

The staff at IKEA are very kind to Joan and consistently treat her with dignity and respect. This seems to come naturally to the staff and supervisors and is inherent of the culture of IKEA. There is even a sign posted in the work area that reads “We love Joan”.

Managers have consistently made sure that Joan is included in all functions and events outside of the “big blue building”. There have been instances when supervisors have contacted Abilities Network staff to ensure that Joan has proper arrangements in order to attend.

In return, Joan holds up her end of the bargain by giving her best effort in every task given and does so with a smile on her face. She takes pride in her work!

Through this partnership, IKEA has supported inclusion within the work place and independence for individuals with disabilities within a competitive employment setting.

With this award, IKEA is acknowledged as a leader in promoting awareness and recognizing the abilities, skills, and challenges of individuals with disabilities.

Thank you IKEA!

Every year, The Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS), a private nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening agencies to better support people with developmental disabilities and their families in their own communities, allows organizations to nominate individuals with disabilities for their annual awards based on their work, personal, or artistic achievements. This year, Abilities Network nominated Jamaal Matthews, an individual who receives services from Abilities Network, for this year’s MACS Achievement Award! Jamaal is an outstanding individual who epitomizes what it means to work for an achievement. Jamaal was without employment for almost 4 years before coming to Abilities Network. In the past, he held cleaning and food services jobs when what he really wanted was to work with electronics. Jamaal loves video games, and it was always his dream to work at GameStop. With the support of Abilities Network staff, Jamaal was able to speak with GameStop managers and apply to every GameStop in the area. Brad Sarro, Abilities Network Employment Specialist, worked with Jamaal to practice mock sales pitches and scenarios which could occur if Jamaal worked at GameStop. Jamaal impressed one manager so much that the manager created a customized greeter position for him which eventually turned into a permanent position! Jamaal is still working there today, his hours are increasing, and it won’t be long until he is completely independent at GameStop.

Congratulations Jamaal!

effort in every task given and does

Staff from Abilities Network and Ikea with the Outstanding Employer Award

For more information about Abilities Network’s Employment Services program and opportunities

for your business, contact our Employment Services Director 410-828-7700 ext. 1209, or

e-mail jhughes@abilitiesnetwork.org.

Congratulations to the 2012 Annnual Award RecipientsContinued from front page.

4 Spring/Summer 2012 News

Mike Harris presents

the

Outstanding Fundraiser

Award

to Ramsay Whitworth,

Abilities Network Bo

ard

Member, and his fathe

r John

Whitworth, for their

efforts in

fundraising through t

he Annual

Ramsay Golf Tournam

ent.

Mary Wontrop, Epilepsy Education Coordinator with Abilities Network, presents the Epilepsy Services Program Partner Award to Doris Eller, School Nurse, and Deborah Glinowiecki, Principal, at Jacksonville Elementary.

Partner Award

Tomeaka Jupiter, Director of

Abilities Network’s Healthy

Families program, presents the

Healthy Families Baltimore County Program Partner Award to Linda Grossman, M.D. and

Elizabeth Bennett, with the

Baltimore County Department of Health. Mike Harris presents the

Outstanding Foundation Award

to Betsy Ringle with

The David and Barbara B.

Hirschhorn Foundation.

The Lawrence M. Garten Luminous Award for Leadership Excellence

Maxine SeidmanOutstanding Foundation Award

David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation

Outstanding Corporation AwardPepsi Beverages Company

Mid-Atlantic Region

Outstanding Fundraiser AwardRamsay Whitworth

Outstanding Fundraiser AwardJohn Whitworth

Outstanding PublicAwareness Award

Diane PetersOutstanding Public Awareness AwardMyron Polischuk

Outstanding PublicAwareness Award

Brian BennettAutism Services Program

Partner AwardCarol Kuchar

Epilepsy Services Program Partner Award

Doris EllerJacksonville Elementary School

Healthy Families Program Partner Award

Baltimore County Department of Health

Project ACT Program Partner Award

Sarah FederSenior Services Program

Partner AwardCindy Zonies

Weinberg Senior Living

Community and Employment Program Partner Awards

GiantColumbia, MD

Waynetta FleetwoodUpper Chesapeake Medical Center, Environmental Services Department

Kim HumphriesWegmans, Lanham, MD

Chuck BryantClarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel

Camille KimeKaraoke Buddies

Mike HurstYMCA, Cumberland, MD

Sarah SoulderGiant, Crofton, MD

Waldorf AstorWaldorf, MD

• The Allegis Group, Inc. awarded a $25,000 grant to Healthy Families for the Tax Credit Program.

• The Henry and Ruth Blaustein Foundation, Inc. awarded a 2 year $30,000 grant to Healthy Families to provide vulnerable families with the skills and support needed to raise healthy children.

• The Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA) awarded the Epilepsy Foundation of the Chesapeake Region a $3,000 grant for the Nationwide Volunteer Program to establish and implement a successful volunteer program.

• The David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation, Inc. awarded Move Management Services a 2 year $30,000 grant to provide one-on-one support to low-income seniors.

• The National Inclusion Project awarded a $10,000 grant to Project ACT to support the inclusion of children with special needs in child care settings.

• The HSC Foundation (LEAP) awarded Community and Employment Partners a $6,000 grant to enrich the lives of youth and young adults with chronic illnesses.

• The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc. awarded Project ACT a 2 year $100,000 grant to provide services for children with autism.

• Move Management Services received a $21,000 contract from Levindale to transition residents into a new facility.

Grants UpdateAbilities Network would like to highlight and acknowledge several grants that have recently been awarded

in support of enhancing the lives of the individuals and families we serve.

Providing quality services since 1964 www.abilitiesnetwork.org 5

SAVE THE DATE

Keynote Speaker Ken Capone, Disability Advocate, Assistive Technology (AT) User

• Morning and Afternoon Breakout Sessions

• 6 Core of Knowledge Hours

• Information and Resource Tables

• Raffl es

• Continental Breakfast and Lunch Included

• Free Parking

• Zumba! Energizer

3rd Annual Project ACT Early

Childhood Conference When: Saturday, September 29, 2012 8:30am - 3:30pm

Where: The Arc of Baltimore’s Seton Business Park 6151 Metro Drive Baltimore, MD 21215-3205

For more information, please contact Alexandria Ryce at

410-828-7700 ext. 1275, or e-mail aryce@abilitiesnetwork.org,

or visit our website at www.abilitiesnetwork.org.

Students from Hampstead Elementary celebrating Purple Day

The Global Day of Epilepsy AwarenessThe Global Day of Epilepsy Awareness, also called Purple Day, is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. Every year, on March 26th, people in countries around the world are invited to wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness!

Why Get Involved in Purple Day?

Epilepsy affects nearly 3 million people in the U.S. and 50 million worldwide, or approximately 1 in 100 people! This year, another 200,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with epilepsy. Some 40 percent of people with epilepsy are severely affected and continue to have seizures despite treatment.

How did Purple Day get started?

Purple Day was founded in 2008, by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada, with the help of the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia (EANS). Cassidy chose the color purple after the international color for epilepsy, lavender. The lavender flower is also often associated with solitude, which is representative of the feelings of isolation many people affected by epilepsy and seizure disorders often feel. Cassidy’s goal is for people with epilepsy everywhere to know that they are not alone.

For more information about epilepsy and Abilities Network Epilepsy Services, please

visit www.abilitiesnetwork.org.

http://www.purpleday.org/index.php

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

2nd Annual C&O Canal Bike Ride A group of eight volunteers and Abilities Network staff members rode their bikes from May 9th – May 12th along the C&O Canal Trail! The trail is 184.5 miles long, and they pursued this adventure to create awareness and raise funds for Abilities Network! They raised $2,860 in support of the services Abilities Network provides. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event and all of the donors who contributed to their challenge.

5th Annual Ramsay Charity Golf Tournament On May 11th John Whitworth and Ramsay Whitworth, Abilities Network Board Member, hosted the 5th Annual Ramsay Golf Tournament. The weather was beautiful as teams golfed to benefit Abilities Network. After playing golf, participants attended an awards ceremony where individuals were recognized for their time and effort in support of the golf tournament. Abilities Network Board President, Mike Harris, also said a few words about the importance of the services Abilities Network provides. The golf tournament raised $10,000, breaking previous years records! Thank you to everyone who participated in and sponsored this great event.

Tournament organ

izers,

Ramsay and John

Whitworth

pictured with golf

ers Commander

Kevin Watkins, Mike Lave

rty,

and Len Stanton

. Network provides. The golf tournament raised $10,000, breaking previous years records! Thank you to everyone who participated

Mike Harris, Pat Travers, Ron Whitworth, and Jim

Scopoletis golfed in support of Abilities Network.

Abilities Network is pleased to announce that Jennifer Hopp, M.D. and Leete Garten, have been appointed to the 2012 – 2013 Board of Directors.

Jennifer Hopp, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Maryland Epilepsy Center at University of Maryland Medical Center. Jennifer has her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and did her residency at University of Maryland Medical Center, Neurology. Jennifer has been on the Epilepsy Services Professional Advisory Board for 7 years and will now be the Chair of the Professional Advisory Board for the 2012-2013 Board of Directors.

Leete Garten is an attorney at Fedder and Garten Professional Association. In 2002, Leete graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University and in 2009, Leete graduated from University of Baltimore School of Law. Leete is a member of the American Bar Association, the Maryland State Bar Association, Baltimore Estate Planning Council, a volunteer at Jewish Big Brother Big Sister program and Executive Vice-President of Syracuse Alumni Club of Greater Baltimore.

To learn more about Abilities Network’s Board of Directors and other volunteer opportunities, contact the Development Office at 410-828-7700 ext. 1229, or e-mail ldunn@abilitiesnetwork.org.

Welcome New Board Members

5th Annual Ramsay Charity Golf Tournament On May 11th John Whitworth and Ramsay Whitworth, Abilities Network

From the Left: BJ Spiker,

Myron Polischuk, Tracey Kaplan,

Brian Bennett, Betsy Weaving,

Chris Van Horn, Carly Psioda, and Robin Eastman

6 Spring/Summer 2012 News

Save the Date5th Annual DeOFest • November 17, 2012 Baltimore Museum of Industry

Look Who’s Supporting Abilities Network in the Community!

Thank you to sponsors University of Maryland National Trial Team, The Coleman Family, Blue and Obrecht Realty, Network Building & Consulting, LLC, Hargrove Experience, ABIS, Revere Strategies,Commercial Interiors, Courthouse Copy Service, Ramsay and Kristen Whitworth, Gebhardt & Smith, LLP, and Shade Construction, Inc.

2012-2013 Board of Directors

Providing quality services since 1964 www.abilitiesnetwork.org 7

Autism Services The Autism Services program enables children with autism to function as meaningfully and independently as possible in their homes and community, while providing their families with the strategies and resources necessary to assist their children in reaching their maximum potential. Autism Services provides individual support, respite care, family training, and transition planning into adult services.

Community & Employment PartnersThe Community and Employment Partner’s program is designed to support adults with disabilities to live and work as independently as possible in their communities. Community and Employment Partners supports individuals interested in living independently to gain the life skills essential for finding and maintaining a job that fits their individual needs and skills, maintaining a home, budget, health, and happiness.

Epilepsy ServicesThe Epilepsy Services program serves individuals, families, and the greater community with epilepsy education, information and referral services, assistance with medical issues, advocacy, support groups, and scholarship support.

Healthy FamiliesHealthy Families Baltimore County offers in-home support to expectant families and new parents. Services are designed to assist families with developing supportive, enriching parenting practices that will help children grow to realize their fullest potential.

Project ACTProject ACT means All Children Together. The goal of Project ACT is to make it possible for families, child care professionals, and other education and service agencies, to collaborate in successfully including children of all abilities in community settings.

Senior ServicesThe Senior Services program provides a variety of supports to individuals in the community. The Senior Services program offers a Speaker Series which includes a range of educational topics related to the health and well being of seniors. In addition, our Move Management Services is a fee-based program which assists seniors as they navigate their way into and through retirement living options and choices, from identifying a community that meets their needs, to completely organizing, packing, and resettling into their new home.

Lee KinghamExecutive Director

Sonya BajwaDirector of Finance

Lauren DunnDirector of

Development

Lyn Elliott Director of Human

Resources

Kathy NaviaskyDirector of Program

Administration

Joan RumenapDirector of Special

Projects

Betsy WeavingDirector of Program

Services

PresidentMichael S. Harris

Vice PresidentKim West

SecretaryPaul Trinkoff

TreasurerTracy L. Pruitt

Past President Matthew T. Murnane

At LargeMark V. Dyer

Jennifer Hopp, MDChair, MD. PAB

Sam ColemanMona Criswell

Leete A. GartenAndrew Hahn

Trish KaneEric H.W. Kossoff, MD

Michael W. Lochte, CPA

Chris McBrideRyan M. McConnell

Pete MeddClement K. Miller, CFA

Paul F. Obrecht, IIIDavid R. Paulson

Diane PetersMichael A. ReadyMaxine Seidman

Trent Stroup Ramsay M. Whitworth

Who We AreTo promote more inclusive communities, these services are provided through six main programs:

Our MissionTo challenge the community to acknowledge the value and equality of people of all abilities.

Look Who’s Supporting Abilities Network in the Community!

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #5954

Baltimore, MD

8503 LaSalle RoadTowson, Maryland 21286

Return Service Requested

Charles County9375 Chesapeake Street, Suite 103LaPlata, Maryland 20646Phone: 301.392.3554 Toll Free: 866.323.7615Fax: 301.392.3558

Eastern ShoreP.O. Box 1692Berlin, Maryland 21811Phone/Fax: 410.641.8605

Garrett & Allegany Counties317 Beall StreetCumberland, Maryland 21502Phone: 301.777.2895 Toll Free: 866.513.5757Fax: 301.777.2897

Harford County401 Market Street, Suite 100Aberdeen, Maryland 21001Phone: 410.272.3712 Toll Free: 866.454.9677Fax: 410.272.3892

PG/Montgomery County1738 Elton Road, Suite 205Silver Spring, Maryland 20903Phone: 301.431.7740 Toll Free: 800.808.1682Fax: 301.431.7742

Southern Maryland132 Holiday Court, Suite 211Annapolis, Maryland 21401Phone: 410.266.7941 Toll Free: 800.966.7940Fax: 410.841.2476

Western Maryland5104 Pegasus Court, Suite EFrederick, Maryland 21704Phone: 301.695.9505 Toll Free: 800.394.9504Fax: 301.695.3340

Maryland Relay711 in Maryland (TTY/ Voice)1.800.735.2258 from anywhere (TTY/ Voice)

SAVE THE DATE6th Annual

Registration is now open! Go to www.abilitiesnetwork.org and click on the Walkabout Abilities banner on the front of the website.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

For more information, contact The Development Office at 410-828-7700 ext. 1229 or e-mail ldunn@abilitiesnetwork.org.

Walkabout Abilities raises awareness and funds to support the services Abilities Network provides.

Goucher College Campus 1021 Dulaney Valley Road

Baltimore, MD 21204

We are currently sending out legislative alerts, event updates, services information, and other informational updates through e-mail! If you would like to be on our e-mail list, please send your e-mail address to ssweeney@abilitiesnetwork.org.

Would you like to be on our e-mail list?

Phone: 410.828.7700Toll Free: 1.800.492.2523Fax: 410.828.7708www.abilitiesnetwork.org