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Chester County Life Magazine
Features Melmark

Be sure to pick up the January / February copy of Chester County Life Magazine, where Melmark is featured as the cover story. Learn more about "The Home that Love Built" in this in-depth article.

Students' Artwork on Display
at Case Gallery in Ardmore

On Wednesday, January 18th, students from Melmark will attend an art reception, featuring their work alongside artists from across the region. The Melmark Traveling Art Show is on display at Case Gallery, located at 14 West Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore. The students' artwork will be on display at Case Gallery throughout the month of January. We hope you will stop by the gallery or attend the reception to meet the artists.

Art Reception
Wednesday, January 18th
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Case Gallery
14 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore
|

Artwork by Maggie

ABA Graduate Certificate Program

Temple University, in conjunction with Melmark, Inc., offers this unique program to Bachelors and Masters prepared professionals and staff members.

Current staff members, external candidates and those interested in working with children an adults with special needs will study the latest principles, practices and skills for using behavior analysis to improve learning and social behaviors.

Course sequence consists of 6 university semesters (2 years). Course topics could include:

• Behavior Theory and Learning
• Single-Subject Research Design
• Applied Behavior Analysis in the Schools
• ABA and Autism
• Verbal Behavior
• Ethics and Professional Practice Issues

For further information, contact:

Amanda Guld, Ph.D., BCBA-D

AmandaGuld@melmark.org or 610-325-4745

Young Professionals for Melmark

Making a Difference for Children and Adults with Special Needs

Melmark is excited to announce the creation of Young Professionals for Melmark, or YP4M. The group is comprised of young professionals from throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region who live or work in the Main Line area and want to make a difference for children and adults with special needs.

YP4M provides volunteer opportunities as well as a chance for young leaders in business to network with one another. Involvement in this group creates new friendships, increases awareness of local business ventures and, most importantly, provides meaningful moments for both volunteers and people with special needs.

Volunteers participating in Young Professionals for Melmark work alongside children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities who Melmark supports. To learn more, get involved or to attend our next networking event, email MichaelDonovan@Melmark.org .

Budget Agreement Reached!

News from PAR - June 29, 2011

The Details:
Funding for Community ID Services increased over Governor's Proposed Budget

Funding for ICF/ID and Early Intervention increased over FY10-11 ( Less than the Governor proposed)

Funding for Autism services decreased over FY10-11 (The same as the Governor proposed)

Funding for Base services increased over FY10-11 (The same as the Governor proposed.)

In light of the tight budget environment, the GREATEST VICTORY relates to the
restoration of funds related to the proposed cuts to food, housing, etc. $22M of the $27M from the Proposed Cap on Room and Board was RESTORED!

PLEASE THANK YOUR LEGISLATORS AND THEIR STAFF.

A proposed Pennsylvania budget line-item detail was released to lawmakers by the House Republican Appropriations Committee on June 28, 2011. If all goes well, we could have a state budget prior to the June 30th deadline.

The following analysis is based on budget spreadsheets released to legislators today by the House Republican Appropriations Committee and from conversations with key staff in the House and Senate. PAR is receiving reports that these spreadsheets reflect a tentative final budget agreement among the House, Senate and Governor's Office.

You can view the entire budget spreadsheet here: http://www.par.net/portals/0/Mailman/Budget2011.0627finalprintout.pdf  Budget line items specific to autism, early intervention and intellectual disabilities are on page 12 of 19.

We have confirmed with key budget staff in both the Senate and House Republican caucuses that:

• $22 million of the $27 million cut for room and board expenses for group homes has been restored. (The list of efficiencies related to ineligibles that we discussed with DPW should close this $5 million gap. See 2011.0609 PAR List of Room and Board Efficiencies) We are grateful to the legislature and to ODP for understanding the devastation that the cap would have caused.

• $13.1 million, or 1.5%, of state funds was cut via a challenge to DPW to find fraud, waste, and abuse in the community ID waiver program; this cut is unrelated to room and board. However, the charge to DPW is to find fraud, waste and abuse throughout ALL of DPW and this cut is just one of many that DPW is facing that they are to relate to fraud, waste and abuse.

• A total of nearly $9 million was therefore added to the Governor's Budget figures for the Community ID Waiver appropriation, which was increased from $845,957,000 proposed by the Governor to $854,863,000 in the final budget. 

• The $2.57M cut to autism funding originally proposed by the House was restored, bringing the autism services total to $13,549,000. This $13,549,000 level was the amount originally proposed by Governor Corbett.

• Early intervention services are funded at $112,926,000. This is $4.87M less than proposed by Governor Corbett, but $5.335M (4.7%) more than the FY10-11 level of funding. 

• Funding for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/ID) were funded at $143,803,000. This is $1.45M less than what Governor Corbett proposed but $306,000 more than FY10-11.

• Base funding for intellectual disability services is funded at the same level proposed by the Governor: $166,520,000.

PAR and Melmark sincerely thank the thousands of people who reached out and made numerous contacts with your legislators and their staff as well as administration officials. These levels of funding NEVER would have found their way to final budget spreadsheets had there not been constant and focused advocacy and education by you. It is evident that legislators heard the need to support autism and intellectual disabilities services in the community and responded.

Please take a few minutes to call, write or email your legislator to thank him/her for their work. This is an extraordinarily important part of your outreach; please do not forget to thank the legislators for making funding for people with autism and intellectual disabilities a priority.

Not over yet....
While overall the budget numbers that impact people with autism and intellectual disabilities as well as the restoration of most of the funds related to the proposed food and housing policy, appear to be sufficient to avoid massive displacement and institutionalization of individuals, and all can rejoice, the fact remains that there is still a waiting list that needs to be funded.

PAR will need to be actively involved with ODP as strategies are developed to find fraud, waste and abuse in the community ID system to ensure that any cost-saving measures that DPW might implement clearly fit the definition of "fraud, waste and abuse" and are not simply across-the-board cuts to rates or revenue targets.

Budget Proposals Threaten Homes for People
with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

June 16, 2011

More critical news from Pennsylvania lawmakers today, concerning the future of people with special needs.  More than 16,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live in community group homes in Pennsylvania.  But if some state lawmakers and administrators have their way, many lives will be interrupted, while others could even lose their community homes, due to caps in room and board rates.

Deputy Secretary Kevin Friel has confirmed that interim rates in June 16th rate letters were calculated using a "sliding scale".  This “scale” is different than the "up to $7,000 plus 72% of SSI" proposed earlier as the reimbursement cap for room and board (basics like food, housing, utilities, home maintenance, etc.).

The original method used to calculate the caps skewed the negative impact toward one-person homes. The sliding scale method now appears to move, on average, the negative impact toward three-person group homes. The sliding scale methodology also appears to result in a bigger loss overall -- more than the $27M cut proposed in the Governor's budget. 

The community system already provides services at half the cost of Pennsylvania's state-run institutions.  Yet, the proposed cap would cut more than 26% out of room and board for its most cost-effective option.

This policy is likely to force many persons with intellectual disabilities out of the community into the state's own institutions.

In the annual study of the states, in which all states contribute information to directly, Pennsylvania falls in the middle of all states in its costs of services for people with intellectual disabilities. Pennsylvania's community system has remained dedicated over the years to be efficient.

Pennsylvania's community system has lost 30-40% of its buying power over the last 15 years because funding has not kept up with inflation. Pennsylvania cannot take this additional hit to the community system without seriously impacting the lives of individuals and their families whose homes are the foundation of their residential services.

Budget negotiations are moving forward at a very fast pace. It is critical that decision makers continue to hear from the community and their constituents.

ODP's Informational Memo #074-11 transmits information related to the proposed  rates, as well as Medical Assistance (MA) fee schedule rates and Department-established fees: http://www.par.net/portals/0/Mailman/074-11_InfoMemo_FY11-12_Updates.pdf.

Sports Court Dedication

On June 11, Melmark received a $25,000 Ronald McDonald House Charities ® grant during a check presentation held at the organization’s Spring Festival in Berwyn. The grant helped fund a newly restored, state-of-the-art recreational area that provides opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to play tennis, basketball, kickball and to participate in therapeutic recreational activities as well as Special Olympic endeavors.  Melmark President and CEO, Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., along with executive team members and adults and children the organization serves, were on hand to accept this grant.

Read more about the Sports Court dedication in Main Line Suburban Life.

Pictured from left to right: Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., President and CEO, Melmark and Marlene Weinberg, McDonald’s® Owner/Operator and RMHC Board Member

2011 Graduation Services

Graduation is the time we celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of our children. On June 10th, Mary Beth, a young lady from Wallingford, graduated from the Melmark School in Berwyn. She celebrated her accomplishments with her parents and brother. Mary Beth graduated alongside twelve of her classmates.

Often the accomplishments of graduating young adults are measured in academic terms, but Mary Beth and her family focused on a different set of accomplishments during graduation ceremonies. Mary Beth has physical and intellectual disabilities from an injury at birth. She is not able to hold a pen and write her name, and she cannot name the capitals of the fifty states. Mary Beth has been in special education classrooms throughout her school years. Having spent the past five years in classes at Melmark, Mary Beth has developed into a wonderful young lady, with many of the skills and attitudes she will need for life ahead of her.

“We see Mary Beth in terms of where she started and how far she has come,” says her dad, Tom. “With the help and support of her wonderful teachers and staff at Melmark, she has come a very long way.”

Mary Beth’s educational program at Melmark focused on teaching her the activities of daily living – providing the skills she needs to function as independently as possible in a complex world. “Many people get frustrated with things they can’t do, and that could have happened to Mary Beth but throughout school, she has had great teachers who gave her a real can-do attitude, and that will help her in the future,” says her mom, Mary.

Mary Beth loves to work, to show off her skills to others, and to try new things. Those new things include doing more to prepare her meals, being more independent in choosing a movie to watch or music to listen to, and also being more independent when she is out in the community.

One of those community activities is visiting her favorite pizza shop, Little Anthony’s in Media. “All the guys there know her name and give her a big ‘hi’ when she comes in,” said her father. “Mary Beth orders her pizza and a drink, and pays for the food.”

Her parents say these things that most people take for granted are very important and rewarding for Mary Beth. They hope the skills and attitudes she has developed so far will not be lost and that they serve as the basis for future accomplishments.

Melmark’s President and CEO, Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., says Mary Beth has a bright future ahead of her. “Mary Beth is simply an amazing young lady who beams with joy every time you see her,” said Gillis-Donovan. “She has worked very hard on developing skills that will help her be more independent in the future. We are all so very proud of her accomplishments and know great things lie ahead for her.”

In terms of Mary Beth’s future plans, she will enter Melmark’s Adult Day Program, and her parents are working to find a volunteer or vocational activity that will give her the opportunity to continue developing her personal and social skills.

Mary Beth's graduation was featured in City Suburban News.

MaryBeth was among 13 students graduating from The Melmark School in 2011.

Melmark’s Traveling Art Tour

Davie is nine years old and loves to get messy when he paints. Harrison is 20 years old and selects colors carefully before he places them onto the canvas. Maggie is 20 and creates beautiful collages made from mixed media. All are creative students who love to show off their abilities in art class at The Melmark School. All are diagnosed with autism.

This month, to coincide with National Autism Awareness Month, Melmark is kicking off its student art tour at MilkBoy Coffee’s Ardmore location. When you visit the café and music venue, located at 2 East Lancaster Avenue, you’ll see ten framed pieces of artwork, each created by students at The Melmark School and each showing individual techniques, color selection and media.

“Our students were thrilled when we told them that MilkBoy had so generously agreed to display their art,” said Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., Melmark’s President and CEO. “Our students are very talented, and here at Melmark, our mission is to showcase their abilities instead of their disabilities. MilkBoy’s support of April as Autism Awareness Month truly shows this company’s commitment to the community.”

Also during the month of April, each to-go cup of coffee served at MilkBoy will come with a recycled coffee sleeve that includes Melmark’s logo and website.

“We are proud to support an organization like Melmark, which is doing such wonderful things in the community for children and adults with disabilities,” said Jamie Lokoff, who co-owns MilkBoy Coffee and Recording Studio with Tommy Joyner. Lokoff went on to say, “This art exhibit is not only showcasing these students’ talents, but it is also raising awareness of a very important issue.”

National Autism Awareness Month began in the 1970s and is designed to raise awareness of autism, the impact it has on children and adults, their families and caregivers as well as educators.

Melmark, based in Berwyn, PA and with a location in Andover, MA, provides residential, educational, vocational and therapeutic services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other neurological and genetic disorders. Melmark’s programs and services are offered in an environment of warmth, care and respect.

MilkBoy is an all-ages venue that serves coffee, breakfast and lunch as well as providing live music shows and art exhibits for children and adults. Founded in 1994, MilkBoy now has locations which include coffee houses in Ardmore, Bryn Mawr and Center City.

At the close of April, Melmark’s art exhibit will move to various locations on the Main Line, so be sure to visit MilkBoy to see this wonderful display of talent and abilities.

Melmark's Expert Speaker Series
for Behavior Analysts 2010-2011

Earn CEUs for your BCBA or BCaBA!

Monthly trainings will be held at Melmark and are open to the general public. View our training brochure to get a peek at the exceptional presentations planned for 2010-2011. Click here to download our brochure and learn more.

You can also register by contacting Amanda Guld, Ph.D., BCBA-D., Melmark's Director of Professional Development and Training at amandaguld@melmark.org.

Click here to learn about more Professional Development Opportunities

Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic Benefits
Melmark's Children and Adults

Read full article by Chester County Daily Local Business Editor, Brian McCullough

Leaders of Philadelphia Region’s Biotech Industry Present Check to Melmark

On Thursday, January 6, 2011, leaders of the Philadelphia life sciences and business community presented Melmark with a check for $365,000.00. The money, raised during the Fifth Annual Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic with Cephalon serving as the Title Sponsor and Accenture and Oracle Health Sciences the Co-Presenting sponsors, will help Melmark, a non-profit organization, in its mission of supporting children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities including autism.

At the check presentation event, Leslie Russell, MB., ChB.,MRCP, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Cephalon, joined the Schoemaker Classic Co-Chairs Laura Liotta, President of Sam Brown, Inc. Corporate Communications, Shawn P. O’Brien, President and CEO of AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Denny Willson, President and CEO of Cytokine PharmaSciences, Inc. and Melmark’s Executive Vice President and COO, George P. Linke,Jr.,Psy.D.

The Classic is an annual event honoring the late Hubert J.P. Schoemaker, Ph.D., leader and advocate in the region’s life sciences community. Schoemaker, whose eldest daughter lived at Melmark from 1982 until her passing in late 2010, dedicated his life to giving back to the community, especially to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Melmark is the Berwyn-based, non-profit organization that provides residential, educational, vocational and therapeutic services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, developmental and intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other neurological and genetic disorders. The proceeds from the 2010 Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic brings net total donations to over $2 million for this five-year event.

“We are extremely grateful for the dedicated support our organization continues to receive from Hubert’s family, friends and colleagues,” said Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., President and CEO of Melmark. “The Schoemaker Classic truly makes a difference for our students and adults.”

In addition to Title Sponsor, Cephalon and Co-Presenting Sponsors Accenture and Oracle Health Sciences, other major sponsors of the Schoemaker Classic include Radnor Benefits Group, Olson Research Group, ACE USA, Devon Hill BMW, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., BioClinica, Cytokine PharmaSciences, Inc., C. Raymond Davis and Sons, Inc., Pennsylvania Biotechnology Association, The Simkiss Companies, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Pilot Freight Services.

Above Photo:

Schoemaker Classic Co-Chairs Shawn P. O’Brien, President and CEO of AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Denny Willson, President and CEO of Cytokine PharmaSciences, Inc., Leslie Russell, MB., ChB.,MRCP, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Cephalon, Laura Liotta, President of Sam Brown, Inc. Corporate Communications and Melmark’s Executive Vice President and COO, George P. Linke,Jr.,Psy.D. at check presentation event.

The Melmark Players Perform Holiday Show

The Melmark Players performed before a standing room only crowd at the Family Holiday Party on December 12th, 2010. Video of the Players' performance was even shown on NBC10's "Your News" segment. The actors and actresses, who perform two full-length musicals each year, performed A Christmas Spectacular. The troupe is led by director, Melanie Tabakin and volunteers on Melmark's staff.

(Above photo: Meg, Dan, Sara and Marc dance on stage.)

Watch Video

Christmas Carolers Serenade Staff

On Tuesday, December 21, 2010, participants in the Melmark Meadows Program visited the Main Mansion, singing Christmas Carols. The singers stopped from office to office, delivering holiday cheer along the way.

Above: Participants of the Melmark Meadows Program deliver holiday cheer.

Christmas Around the World

Students from Classroom 13 at The Melmark School invited all students, residents and staff to a very special holiday celebration on December 22, 2010. The students took turns on the microphone, sharing stories of Christmas traditions around the world. After the educational and festive event, everyone was invited to enjoy delicious treats, enjoy music and dance.

Golf Classic Honors Biotechnology Pioneer,
Hubert J.P. Schoemaker

On Monday, September 20, 2010, join the Philadelphia life sciences and business community for the Fifth Annual Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic with Title Sponsor, Cephalon. The event, which benefits Melmark, honors the late Hubert J.P. Schoemaker, leader and advocate in the region’s life sciences community. Schoemaker, whose eldest daughter has lived at Melmark since 1982, dedicated his life to giving back to the community, especially to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In addition to Cephalon, Accenture and Oracle Health Sciences are this year’s Co-Presenting Sponsors.

Melmark is the Berwyn-based, non-profit organization that provides residential, educational, vocational and therapeutic services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, developmental and intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other neurological and genetic disorders. Estimated proceeds from this year’s Classic are expected to bring total donations from this five-year event to over $2 million. For more information, visit www.schoemakerclassic.com

The Schoemaker Classic includes a day of golf on one of three premier golf courses: Waynesborough Country Club, The ACE Club and St. Davids Golf Club. Golf is followed by a cocktail reception, silent auction and dinner with a live auction at Waynesborough. This event has quickly emerged as the major charity event for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Founded in 2006 by Lee Ahrensdorf, President of Ahrensdorf and Associates, the Schoemaker Classic keeps Hubert’s compassion for individuals with developmental disabilities alive. “It is with great pride that each of us on the Schoemaker Classic Advisory Board continues with Hubert’s work in support of children and adults with developmental disabilities,” said Ahrensdorf. “We are thrilled to see this event grow with strong corporate support from the region’s life sciences community.”

Co-chairs Laura Liotta, President of Sam Brown, Inc. Corporate Communications, Shawn P. O’Brien, President and CEO of AltheRx Pharmaceuticals and Denny Willson, President and CEO of Cytokine PharmaSciences, Inc. all agree with Ahrensdorf. “Hubert was such an inspirational man, both in work and in his family life,” said Willson. “We feel honored to raise funds in Hubert’s name for Melmark, an organization so well known in the community for making a difference in people’s lives.”

“We are extremely grateful for the dedicated support our organization continues to receive from Hubert’s family, friends and colleagues,” said Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., President and CEO of Melmark. “The Schoemaker Classic truly makes a difference for our students and adults.”

In addition to Title Sponsor, Cephalon and Co-Presenting Sponsors Accenture and Oracle Health Sciences, other major sponsors of the Schoemaker Classic include Radnor Benefits Group, Olson Research Group, ACE USA, Devon Hill BMW, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., BioClinica, Cytokine PharmaSciences, Inc., C. Raymond Davis and Sons, Inc., Pennsylvania Biotechnology Association and Pilot Freight Services.

Sponsorship opportunities for the annual Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic are available. To learn more, contact Ellen Donohoe at 610-325-4996 or visit www.schoemakerclassic.com.

The Melmark Joybells in New York City

The Melmark Joybells are ringing with excitement after a recent performance in New York City. Valerie, Janet, Lisa, Marc, Meg, Patrick, Ronnie, Anne, David, Cindy, Bill, Joy and Doug performed at St. Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church this month.

St. Malachy’s, also known as “The Actors’ Chapel”, is located on 49 th and Broadway and was founded in 1902. Joybells Director, Sue Graves, says performing at this historic New York City landmark was an honor for all members of the bell choir. “Everyone was so excited about this concert. We met at 5:15 a.m. at Melmark and had a full schedule ahead of us. Despite the early ‘crew call’, all of our performers gave a stunning performance. We’re very proud of them.”

Sue Graves and Joyce Klinck led the bell choir before an audience which included church members at St. Malachy’s, New York City residents, Brother Joe Payne’s second grade class and Melmark family members and friends.

After the concert, the Joybells enjoyed lunch at John’s Pizzeria and a matinee showing of “Mary Poppins”, which Sue Graves says the performers absolutely loved. “It was fantastic! Everyone was dancing in their seats!”

The Joybells would like to thank Gary Burgwald, the Joybells’ tour bus driver, chaperones Becky Burgwald and Lisa DiDomenico as well as the trip’s hosts, Clay and Garrett Kirk, Jeanine Ward and Brother Joe Payne.

Delaware County Special Olympics

Melmark swimmers train year-round to maintain fitness and socialization goals and to develop a sense of pride and self worth. Team values are taught and encouraged such as supporting each other and the value of work and practice toward a common goal. The Melmark Swim Team is made up of youth and adult swimmers ages 14-60. Melmark has three different practice groups that meet weekly and sometimes combine to practice together.

Recently, the Melmark Swim Team participated in the Delaware County Special Olympics Swim Meet at Radnor High School. Competing alongside teams from Upper Darby High School and Delaware County Middle School, Melmark’s swimmers won many 1 st and 2 nd place awards in all four competitive strokes.

Newcomers to the swim team this year, Alyssa C., Sarah W., and Megan P. performed very well, winning awards in both freestyle and backstroke events. Melmark entered two freestyle relay teams that finished 2 nd and 3 rd in their events, and our medley relay team of Molly M., Marc D., Ron G. and Meg G. took first place at the meet. Freestyler/breaststroker Marc D. also took three first place ribbons in his individual events and relay. Backstrokers Robert N. and Brian G. got out of their wheelchairs and had incredible performances swimming their best times of the season in the 25-yard backstroke event. Backstroker, Ron G. won first place awards in both the backstroke and 100-yard Medley Relay events.

Congratulations to the entire Melmark swim team for a wonderful competitive season.

All Aboard!
Melmark Ads Featured at SEPTA Stations

The next time you hop on a train at your hometown SEPTA station, look around. You may see some of our Melmark family members. Currently, Melmark is participating in an advertising campaign that includes posters at Regional Train Stations like the R5 stop in Ardmore, the Regional Rail Station in Paoli and others. The ads, which were designed to increase awareness of admissions opportunities, feature Jeff E. and other members of Melmark’s Adult Programs.

Chicken Dances, Project Runway & Bling
Diverse Performances at the 2010 Talent Show

Parents, siblings, faculty and staff watched from the audience in the Multi-Purpose Center as students took center stage, performing, on Talent Show Day, an array of acts including a solo rendition of “Rhinestone Cowboy” by Wilfredo S., a fashion show by Classroom 11 and a boys-girls dance competition by Classroom 8. The boys and girls tied despite the ladies’ blinged-out efforts to out-dance the guys to Beyonce’s “Single Lady”. Melmark Music Teacher, Justin King emceed the talent show, which he organized with the help of staff in individual classrooms. Great job to everyone involved!

Honoring Our Teachers
Making the Melmark Difference

Normally, Melmark teachers are putting all of their focus on their students, but on May 3 rd, the teachers were in the spotlight as Melmark celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week.

The Melmark School honored all of our teachers with a breakfast celebration in The Eatery. The Melmark School employs 17 full-time teachers, all whom are dedicated to making the Melmark difference for our students.

At the May 3 rd celebration, each teacher received a plaque with a quote of gratefulness for our teachers. Dr. George Linke also gave his personal message of thanks for all that Melmark teachers do for our clients.

Melmark would like to commend all of our teachers for their commitment to the children we serve.

Children’s Family Picnic
Families Celebrate with Melmark

More than sixty families gathered in Center Circle on May 22 nd for Melmark’s Annual Children’s Family Picnic. Students enjoyed the day with their parents, brothers, sisters and even grandparents.

The weather was a little cloudy with a few sprinkles of rain, but that didn’t put a damper on the fun. Children and their families enjoyed hamburgers and hotdogs, played baseball, made crafts and even took a crack at a piñata filled with treats.

We extend a big thank you to all of our Melmark families for participating and to Melmark’s staff for organizing this event.

6ABC at 2010 Dream Maker's Ball

Melmark's Dream Maker's Ball was recently featured on 6ABC, Action News. The event, held every other year, is a fundraiser in memory of Katie Trainor, a young lady who lived at Melmark and left our lives at the age of 20. Click here to see the story on Action News.

DAILY LOCAL NEWS
Serving Chester County

By DAN KRISTIE, Staff Writer

WEST CHESTER — A group of West Chester University graduate and undergraduate students have designed a series of exercises intended to help people with autism stay active.

At an event held at the university on March 30, the students led a group of eight autistic men under age 21 through the exercises. The students customized exercises for each autistic participant, depending on the participant’s abilities and needs.

The participants were men under age 21 who reside in a home on Rosary Lane in West Goshen. The home is overseen by Melmark, a Berwyn-based school for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Jim Barry, a student in the university’s Adaptive Physical Education graduate program, helped design the exercises. He said one challenge was finding ways to motivate the autistic participants to complete them.

Barry said the young man to whom he was assigned has limited verbal abilities and does not like to exercise. So, Barry said, he had to develop a reward system.

“He likes to read magazines, so I used magazines as reinforcement,” Barry said. “I would have him do 10 sit-ups, then give him time to look at a magazine. Then I would have him do 10 more and let him look at the magazine again.”

This technique, Barry said, helped the student he worked with to make physical gains. The goal, he added, is to encourage sedentary people with autism to engage in activity that will improve their physical health.

Brian Haney, Melmark’s program director, said that the Rosary Lane home is community-based. The residents, he said, live as a group and are overseen by caretakers. Some, he said, work part time.

One goal of the home, he said, is to get residents to become independent enough to participate in an adult vocational program and work on a job site.

To contact staff writer Dan Kristie, send an e-mail to dkristie@dailylocal.com.

Posted on Thu, Apr. 8, 2010
In the Philadelphia Daily News

Dave Roberts will emcee the 2010 Dream Maker's Ball to benefit Melmark, a Berwyn-based nonprofit that aids children and adults with developmental disabilities. The recently retired 6 ABC weatherman has been a longtime friend of Melmark. "The May 1 event at the Hyatt at the Bellevue will honor John Durante, president of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Philadelphia. Tickets are $250 per person. For info, call 610-325-4976, or e-mail cgm@melmark.org .

News about Melmark's Vocational Program

Melmark’s Vocational Program is taking on a new and exciting endeavor, and it’s all about teaching our clients valuable job skills that could lead to employment within our campus and in the community.

Right now, individuals in the Vocational Program are working on an electronics demanufacturing program. For instance, our individuals work to disassemble used computers received from an electronics recycling company in Westville, NJ in order to recycle components such as hard drives, memory boards, CD/DVD drives, as well as scrap metal and plastic. Ultimately, all of the parts are separated then returned to the company in exchange for a payment that benefits the individuals in the Vocational Program. This job program not only provides a means of chanelling their interests and abilities into functional job tasks, but also teaches our individuals about the importance of recycling.

The Melmark Vocational Program addresses the needs of students and adults with intellectual disabilities who require individualized instructional, vocational, and behavioral supports in order to achieve a maximum level of independence and community integration. The program comprises The School Vocation Program (serving students 14 to 21 years of age) and the Adult Vocational Program (serving adults 18 years of age and older).

Instruction takes place in both the campus and community settings and addresses a number of areas including job skills training, service learning, life skills training, transportation training, self-determination and decision making. Several of our clients have achieved part-time employment through the Vocational Program at businesses like McDonald’s, Genuardi’s, Villanova University and Wawa.

Elise Cummings:
Learning Life Lessons from Her Little Brother

When Elise Cummings talks about her little brother, Matthew, she glows with joy, and a smile stretches wide across her face. “I like when he’s happy, and we sit and talk. I love to make him laugh”, said Elise, who’s a seventh grader at Garnett Valley Country Club.

Elise recently spent the day at Melmark with ten year old Matthew, who’s diagnosed with Autism and is a student in Classroom 14. The day of volunteering was Elise’s service project for her school. She began the morning by reading to Matthew and his classmates. Afterward, she got to be part of Matthew’s therapy team, helping him learn to better maneuver the steps leading from the Main House’s second floor to the first floor. The two then enjoyed lunch with mom in the Eatery before heading to the locker rooms to get changed for pool therapy.

In the swimming pool, Elise helped Matthew’s therapist work with him in the water. Using colorful and brightly lit necklaces and balls specially designed for the pool, the two helped Matthew swim in order to strengthen his arms and legs. Elise says watching Matthew work so hard to do things many of us take for granted has made her especially proud of her little brother.

“Having Matthew as a brother has made me realize that even though people are different, they’re still people and have different personalities. He helps me see things from a different perspective.”

Elise is not sure exactly what she wants to be when she grows up but says she knows that she always wants to work with children who have special needs. “I want to be a scientist or do something with kids, but regardless of what I decide to pursue, I will always volunteer with children. It’s just important to me.”

Melmark Again Named Best Places to Work in PA

Berwyn, PA, December 14, 2009 - For the second time in three years, Melmark, the Berwyn-based not-for- profit provider of services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania for 2009. Melmark was one of only 50 large sized companies to be recognized in this statewide program.

“This is a proud moment for everyone connected to the Melmark community,” said Joanne Gillis-Donovan Ph.D., President and CEO of Melmark. “It reinforces what I see everyday - an exceptional group of people who are dedicated to both those children and adults that we serve and to their fellow employees. It makes for a great work environment when we are focused on our mission and a commitment to teamwork.”

Created in 2000, the Best Places to Work in PA awards program is one of the first statewide programs of its kind in the country. The survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places to be employed in Pennsylvania. The Best Places to Work in PA list is made up of 100 companies divided into two groups: 50 medium sized companies with 25-250 employees and 50 large sized companies with 251 or more employees. The awards program consists of a two-part process. The first Part evaluates each company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophies, systems and demographics. The second part of the process consists of an extensive employee survey.

“It is particularly rewarding to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in PA for both 2007 and 2009,” said Colette Brown, Vice President of Human Resources for Melmark. “The awards underscore the importance of open communication with our staff, and they serve as valuable benchmarks as we recruit new staff members.”

Melmark provides residential, educational, vocational and therapeutic services for children and adults with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, acquired brain injuries, and other neurological and genetic disorders.

Corporate Sponsors of the
2009 Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic Honored

The Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic Advisory Board and Melmark will host a kick-off reception on September 10, 2009 to recognize the corporate sponsors supporting the fourth annual Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic to benefit Melmark. Honorees include GlaxoSmithKline, this year’s Title Sponsor, and Cephalon Inc. and Accenture who are serving as Presenting Co-Sponsors. The reception will be held on Melmark’s campus, the Berwyn-based not-for-profit organization that serves children and adults with special needs.

The Classic is scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2009 at Waynesboro Country Club and the ACE Club. The event was created in honor of the late Hubert J.P. Schoemaker, Ph.D., a dynamic leader in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields and the founder of Centocor and Neuronyx. Dr. Schoemaker was also a generous supporter and board member of Melmark, where his oldest daughter has been in residence since 1982.

“We are grateful for the strong support and commitment that we have already received from sponsors like GlaxoSmithKline, Cephalon and Accenture,” said Shawn Patrick O’Brien, President and CEO, Profectus BioSciences, Inc and one of this year’s Co-chairs. “It is a great testament to Hubert that the Schoemaker Classic continues to grow and attract a wide range of corporate support from the region’s life sciences community.”

Co-chairs Laura Liotta, President of Sam Brown Inc. Corporate Communications and Denny Willson, President and CEO of Cytokine PharmaSciences, Inc. both agreed. “Raising funds in Hubert’s honor for an outstanding organization like Melmark serves as an inspiration for all,” said Willson. “The Classic also provides a great opportunity for reconnecting with friends and business associates.”

“We are very grateful for the dedicated support that Melmark has received from Hubert’s family, friends and colleagues. The generous contributions directly benefit the children and adults we serve,” said Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., President and CEO of Melmark. “We look forward to another great Schoemaker Classic this year.” To date, the Classic has raised $1.1 million for Melmark.

For further information and available sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.schoemakerclassic.com

Miss America Pageant Makes Summertime Fun Sizzle at Melmark

This summer, five Miss America Pageant contestants visited Melmark for some great summer fun. Under the leadership of former Miss Maine, Valerie Crooker Clemens, the delegates of the Miss America Pageant entertained the residents of Melmark and joined in on some poolside fun.

“The Miss America Pageant volunteer their time to bring fun and great companionship to the youngsters and to the adults we serve. These five talented young women demonstrate exhibit diverse musical and performing arts talents that inspire our Melmark audience. It really is fun for everyone,” says Cyndie Martin, Melmark Director of Corporate and Community Affairs.

As they stepped onto the stage of the Melmark Center for Wellness and Learning, Valerie C. Clemens introduced Miss Maine, Susie Stauble; Miss Virgin Islands, Shayla Solomon; Miss Connecticut, Sharlynn Kuziak; Miss Rhode Island, Julianna Strouts and Miss New Hampshire, Lindsey Graham.

Following their performances, contestants and residents shared a delicious luncheon. Later, the fun moved poolside as the contestants put away their sashes and crowns. Everyone jumped in the pool for games and swim races. Melmark residents, volunteers and staff delighted in the photo opportunities and autograph session. For the tenth consecutive year, the charming Miss America Contestants made quite a splash at Melmark!

Melmark recognizes the invaluable contribution of community support made by the Miss America Pageant, one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women.

Berwyn Meets Broadway:
The Melmark Players Perform at The Arden

For the first time since its formation as a theater troupe, the Melmark Players performed at the award-winning Arden Theatre Company in Old City Philadelphia on Monday June 8, 2009 at 6:30 P.M. The Melmark Players are a talented group of adults with developmental disabilities who have traditionally entertained local audiences from their stage on Melmark’s campus in Berwyn. Their debut at the Arden marks the first time they “have taken the show on the road”.

Thanks to the training and coaching they received from the Arden volunteers, The Melmark Players performed“My Fair Lady” on the main stage of the Arden Theatre Company as part of an evening recognizing Melmark’s outstanding donors.

“Today’s challenging economic climate and its impact on not-for-profit organizations like Melmark, underscores our deep appreciation for the generosity of our donors. This theater production and many other Melmark programs and services continue to grow as the result of their extraordinary financial support. We were honored to welcome Mayor Michael Nutter and most grateful to the Arden Theatre Company for making our dreams come true,” says Joanne Gillis-Donovan, PhD, Melmark President and CEO.

The Melmark Players grew out of The Meadows at Melmark a program for adults. The Meadows Program offers a wide range of therapeutic activities including The Joybells, an English hand-bell choir; a crafts program that includes dried flower arrangements, woodworking, and card stenciling; and food preparation and hospitality services.

Liza Jones, Director of The Meadows Program at Melmark adds: “Art truly knows no disability. The Joybells have performed at The White House, and now the Melmark Players have opened at a renowned regional theatre. We are very proud of our amazing cast, thankful to our dedicated supporters and look forward to a truly memorable evening”.