“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.

Melmark Announces Colette C. Brown As Vice-President of Human Resources

Berwyn, PA, December 1, 2009 – Melmark, the Berwyn-based not-for-profit provider of services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities has announced the appointment of Colette C. Brown to the new position of Vice President of Human Resources for both the Berwyn and Andover, MA programs.

“Melmark is very fortunate to have a human relations professional with Colette’s strong experience join our organization”, said George P. Linke, PsyD, Melmark’s Executive Vice-President and COO. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to the human service field. We welcome her to Melmark and look forward to her leadership in support of Melmark’s staff and those children and adults we serve.”

Prior to joining Melmark, Ms. Brown served as Vice President of Human Resources at Presby’s Inspired Life, an organization that provides continuing care and affordable housing to over 2,600 residents in over 30 communities. She was responsible for formulating the strategic direction of the Human Resources department, as well as implementing and managing operational initiatives. Ms. Brown’s professional experience also includes 22 years with the Crozer-Keystone Health System, where she assumed a number of increasingly responsible human resource leadership roles.

Ms. Brown received her Master of Science in Human Resources from Widener University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Adelphi University; she also is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources. Ms. Brown and her family reside in Glen Mills, PA.

“ I am very pleased to be joining Melmark and contributing to its mission ”, said Ms. Brown. ”I look forward to working closely with our 800 employees and to continue to attract exceptional staff members for this exceptional organization”.

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

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.

Melmark residents enjoy aquatic games organized by (L to R) Miss Connecticut, Miss New Hampshire, Miss Maine, Miss Virgin Islands and Miss Rhode Island.

Berwyn Meets Broadway:

The Melmark Players to Perform at The Arden

For the first time since its formation as a theater troupe, the Melmark Players will be performing 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 that they “have taken the show on the road”.

Thanks to the training and coaching they received from the Arden volunteers, The Melmark Players will be performing “My Fair Lady” on the main stage of the Arden Theatre Company as part of an evening that recognizes 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 are 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 that 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 are opening 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”.

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Melmark Shines in Center City

In honor of National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Month, Melmark recently presented a three-day interactive information booth at the Liberty Place Rotunda in Center City, Philadelphia. Staff members and clinical psychologists were available each day to discuss the services provided by Melmark for adults and children with special needs.

On Monday, March 23, the Melmark Joybells, an English hand-bell choir of 12 adults with developmental disabilities performed twice in the Rotunda in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Following the concert, Melmark was recognized by the Office of the Mayor, City of Philadelphia. Roger Margulies, Assistant Deputy Mayor, Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities presented a mayoral proclamation to Melmark’s leaders, Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., President and CEO and George P. Linke, Jr., Psy.D., Executive Vice President and COO.

“Melmark honors individuals with intellectual disabilities by sharing the extraordinary accomplishments of the young adults who learned to express themselves in a powerful manner through painting and collages, music and theatre,” said Joanne Gillis-Donovan, PhD, Melmark President and CEO.

Melmark’s presence at Liberty Place was indicative of its continuous efforts to maintain its dialog with the community and those who seek program options for individuals with disabilities.

Melmark serves children and adults with a broad range of educational, therapeutic, vocational and residential programs. As demonstrated by the remarkable Melmark Traveling Art Show exhibited at Liberty Place and by the concert, Melmark places a high priority on the performing arts.

“Art truly knows no disability and our extensive art therapy program led to the creation of the Melmark Theatre Players, the Joybells choir and the Melmark Traveling Art Show. We are most grateful to The Shops at Liberty Place for hosting this month-long show in honor of individuals with special needs,” said Liza Jones, Melmark Director of Meadows Program at Melmark.

(L to R): In front of the Joybells, Dr. George P. Linke, Jr., Joy Sussman, member of the Melmark Board of Directors, Roger Margulies, Dr. Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Charles Horton, Director, The Mayor’s Commission On People With Disabilities, and Anne Faulkner Schoemaker, member of the Melmark Board of Director.

Melmark Residents Win Honorable Mention at the
2009 Philadelphia Flower Show

This year, inspired by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society theme “Bella Italia”, four adults in The Meadows at Melmark program - David K i, Tom B., Jean S. and Marc D.- entered plants in the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show. Two of the adults, Jean and Marc received honorable mention for their work.

In this highly competitive event, only 50% of all submitted entries are selected by the judges for the show. The Meadows participants worked in the “challenge plant” category, meaning that they received a plant from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and were challenged to produce an attractive and thriving plant in time for 2009 Flower Show. The fact that the plants nurtured by the four Melmark gardeners were selected is a tribute to their patience and creativity.

“We are thrilled that Jean and Marc received honorable mention for their work. They made the entire Meadows program proud once again”, said Barbara Stuehling, the Horticulture Coordinator who works with the adults in the program.

Melmark gardeners are no strangers to the Philadelphia Flower Show competition. In 2007, Ron G., Janet B., Michael L. and Patrick G., competed in the Show; Ron G. and Patrick G. were awarded honorable mentions. In 2006, Meg G. won an honorable mention ; in 2005 Anne J. won an honorable mention and Jeffrey E. won a blue ribbon in the Harvest show.

Established in 1976, the Meadows at Melmark is an innovative, work-centered program for adults with mild-to-moderate disabilities. Participants live with friends in staff-supervised, single-family homes, or in the community with their families. They perform creative, fulfilling work while enjoying a full range of social, recreational, and athletic activities.