New York State 2011 Respite Program of the Year
- Joan Richardson, Carrin Swanson, Ricky Melendez
On November 17, Catholic Charities Senior Services’ Dayhaven program was recognized as New York State’s “2011 Respite Program of the Year”. The award is given by the New York State Caregiving & Respite Coalition, selecting Dayhaven from programs throughout New York State. The award was accepted by Dayhaven’s Director Carrin Swanson, along with Joan Richardson and Ricky Melendez from her staff.
Dayhaven is an adult day program located in Schenectady, specializing in the care of disabled seniors and those with cognitive and/or memory impairments, including Alzheimer’s disease. The program affords many caregivers the ability to continue working, to manage their households, and/or have time for their own hobbies, knowing that their loved one is in capable hands throughout the day, and a safe environment where their needs are taken care of. The professional and compassionate staff assists participants with personal care needs and provides nutritious snacks and meals throughout the day. And there is never a dull moment at Dayhaven. Staff and volunteers host a string of activities through the course of the day—from exercise sessions, to games, arts and crafts, karaoke, live musical entertainment and dancing. The energy of the participants is plain to see when you walk through the doors of Dayhaven. An infectious spirit of revelry permeates the room, borne out of the energetic and caring staff, as well as the hearts of the participants who are bringing their own joy into the world.
Congratulations and thank you to Carrin and her team!
Franciscan Heights Residents Respond to Flooding
Residents of Schoharie lost many things destroyed by Hurricane Irene flood waters, not the least of which were hundreds of books from the bottom two plus shelves of the Schoharie Public Library’s collection. Residents at Franciscan Heights Senior Community in Rensselaer, learning of the tragic loss, responded by donating 14 boxes of assorted books this month to help replenish the lost stock. The boxes included everything from fiction to non-fiction and children’s books, hard covers and paperbacks. The books were drawn from the Franciscan Heights community library, as well as private donations from residents at the community. Residents additionally donated six bags of linens to Catholic Charities to further assist families and individuals in the area affected by flood damage. Thank you to the residents of Franciscan Heights for this caring support to your neighbors in need!
HOPE for the Homeless . . .
Catholic Charities CEO Vincent W. Colonno, Albany County Executive Mike Breslin & Bishop Howard Hubbard
Vincent W. Colonno, Congressman Paul Tonko, CCHO Executive Director Deborah Damm O'Brien & Honoree Mike Breslin
CCHO Site Manager Charles Rockwell & Our Sponsor John Bishop
CCHO Site Managers Charles Rockwell & Don Arnold
Our Staff: Jill McLellan Phelps, Emily Pethic, Glynis Walker-Alston, Alexis Mitchell
On November 7th Catholic Charities Housing Office’s supporters and staff celebrated our annual Hope for the Homeless at the Brown Derby in downtown Albany. This year we honored Albany’s County Executive Mike Breslin as our Partner of HOPE, recognizing his commitment to the needs of all people in the community he serves. Mike understands the catastrphic effect of homelessness on individuals and famlies, and he understands how important it is to make an economically sustainable means possible for all members of our community to make their way–including those with limited incomes due to disabilities and the working poor. He is a true Partner in HOPE to those we serve and supporter of our mission!
Read more about recent Diocesan Housing, Services, and Property Management news and events in our latest newsletter
Reflections Fall/Winter 2011
