Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur ad-ipiscing elit. Quisque ac ligula sem. Mauris scelerisque, lacus eu tristique molestie, odio dui consectetur felis, eu ultrices metus justo ac nisi. Nullam vulputate bibendum sem, vitae pretium quam vehicula eget. Duis vel felis nisl. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, con-sectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum id mattis risus. Sed lectus dui, sodales nec commodo eu, euismod a purus.

Vestibulum a dolor purus. Mauris lobortis adipiscing magna, a vulputate metus blandit a. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Nam hendrerit dapibus placerat. Donec ut malesuada velit. Curabitur laoreet sem nec feugiat elementum. Cras euismod volutpat quam, sit amet vehicula sapien ultrices eu. acinia neque.

Aenean ac tellus felis, sit amet posuere tor-tor. Aenean lobortis sagittis risus vel lobor-tis. Aenean felis libero, mattis quis cursus eu, sodales ac massa. Morbi laoreet odio quis urna cursus e convallis massa nunc eget ligula. Integer porta pretium dolor, vel porttitor nisl aliquet a. Nunc tristique mollis lectus ut pharetra. Fusce luctus est a massa pharetra ullamcorper ut eget quam. Nunc tellus urna, rutrum vitae suscipit non, placerat id mauris.

Duis id lectus justo. Sed consequat cursus nisi, et rutrum justo aliquet nec. Duis ut dapibus tortor. Quisque placerat laoreet metus, non vulputate neque pharetra sed. Mauris tincidunt semper molestie. Morbi consectetur metus nec lorem fringil Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque ac ligula sem. Mauris sceleris-

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, constetur adipiscing elit.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque ac ligula sem. Mauris scelerisque, lacus eu tristique molestie.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, con-sectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque ac ligula sem. Mauris scelerisque, lacus eu tristique molestie, odio dui con-sectetur felis, eu ultrices metus justo ac nisi. Nullam vulputate bibendum sem, vitae pretium quam vehicula eget. Duis vel felis nisl.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consec-tetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum id mattis risus. Sed lectus dui, sodales nec commodo eu, euismod a purus. Vestibulum a dolor purus.

Mauris lobortis adipiscing magna, a vulputate metus blandit a. Vestibu-lum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cu-bilia Curae; Nam hendrerit dapibus placerat. Donec ut malesuada velit. Curabitur laoreet sem nec dui sus-cipit scelerisque.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit

amet, consectetur ad-

ipiscing elit. Quisque

ac ligula sem. Mauris

scelerisque, lacus eu

tristique molestie, odio

dui consectetur felis, eu

ultrices metus justo ac

nisi. Nullam vulputate

bibendum sem, vitae pretium quam vehicula eget. Duis vel

felis nisl. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing

elit. Vestibuamet, consectetur aus. Vestibulum a dolor pu-

omentsMMelmark Congratulates Kylee Merendino Our December Employee of the Month

A Monthly Newsletter for the Melmark Community

December 2011

EmployEE NamE positioN locatioN HirE DatE

NEW HIRES

Katrina Askew Residential Aide Melissa A 12/5/2011

Sable Felder Residential Aide Aston B 12/5/2011

Kady Gahman RSS Martha 12/5/2011

Henry Hill Joybells Bus Driver Meadows 12/5/2011

Esther Tholley Residential Aide Widener 12/5/2011

Dorothy Baptiste ABA Counselor, Res. Engle 12/19/2011

Michelle Daly ABA Counselor, Res. Rosary 12/19/2011

Oluwadamilola Ekundayo Nurse - Pool All areas 12/19/2011

Melanie Farrell ABA Counselor, Ed. Classroom 12 12/19/2011

Mohamed Fofanoh Residential Aide Spruce A 12/19/2011

Fatima Muhammad ABA Counselor, Voc. Marcus PR 2 12/19/2011

Jhinhee Shin Staff Nurse Miller/Melissa 12/19/2011

Deshauna Taylor ABA Counselor, Voc. Marcus 12/19/2011

Mohamed Tunis Shift Supervisor Miller A 12/19/2011

Ann Zabinski Instructor Assistant Meadows 12/19/2011

On Monday, December 19th, Melmark honored employees who recently reached 90 days of service. The event recognized new staff members and their peer mentors.

Melmark’s Peer Mentor Program gives staff the opportunity to mentor new team members. Employees who serve as mentors get a bonus for participating in the program.

To learn more, contact Human Resources.

January 25, 2012 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Multi-Purpose Room

90 Day Celebration

From the nation’s capitol to the state capitol, legislators are recog-nizing the rights of the children and adults we serve at melmark. president obama declared December 3rd as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The president made the announcement from The White House this month, calling america “a global leader in advancing the rights of people with disabilities.” president obama is not the only leader calling attention to the rights of people who so often don’t have a voice. in Harrisburg, pennsylvania lawmakers in both the House and the senate unanimously passed a bill amending the mental Health and mental retardation act of 1966 by renaming it the mental Health and intellectual Disability act. The bill replaces the terms “mental retardation” with “intellec-tual disability”. chris tabakin, melmark’s Direc-tor of Quality management and advocacy, says the developments are a step in the right direction. “our job at melmark is not only to care for people with develop-mental disabilities, but to advocate for their rights as well.” tabakin added, “it is our charge to call at-tention to the needs of those we serve. Without our voices, how can decision makers know what our children and adults need to reach their fullest potential?” For regular updates on advocacy issues concerning people with disabilities, visit www.melmark.org .

Employees celebrating 90 Days of Service with peer mentors

January 31, 2012 9:15 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. February 1, 2012 2:00 p.m. / 3:30 p.m. / 9:30 p.m.

Multi-Purpose Room

Advocacy Corner Presidential Declaration and State Developments

Kylee’s supervisors and the families of the individuals she serves describe her as genuine, patient, ambitious and dedicated. She has

incredible energy and a great sense of hu-mor, which is probably why she has such an excellent rapport with the children she serves.

Kylee is an excellent coworker; she hap-pily assists in training new staff about our clients’ special needs and keeps current staff updated with any changes or issues. She’s always willing to pitch-in and offer assistance in a variety of situations. Kylee is also very conscientious; she recently volunteered to attend a conference on Autism and extreme feeding challenges just so she could gain more insight into some of the individuals’ more challenging

behaviors. This illustrates amazing initiative on her part to help and to understand her clients better.

Kylee constantly updates families with issues like replenishing their supplies or just contacts them to tell a funny or special story about their child. One fam-ily member in particular mentioned that Kylee is always professional, respectful and patient and says she is truly a source of support for her family.

Please join us in congratulating Kylee on being named our December Employee of the Month!

congratulations...

All applicants are encouraged to complete the online application at www.melmark.org/careers. Just click on available positions and apply.

Do you know someone who would make an exceptional member of the Melmark team? Tell them about Melmark! We’re looking for motivated and caring people who want to make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. An existing Melmark employee gets $250 when the new hire is here for three months and another $250 when the new hire is here for one year. You can refer new hires all year long!*

*Fill out the pink employee referral form, found in HR, before new hire begins at Melmark.

A Message from Our President Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D.

as we welcome 2012, i would like to reflect on a year filled with great accomplishments by the individuals who call melmark home. How could anyone forget the wonderful performance by The melmark players, as they acted out scenes from West Side Story. The only thing that could top it is their most recent performance of White Christmas. What an amazingly talented group of actors and actresses we have in our midst. The Joybells continue to inspire us with their close attention to cues and their strives

for perfection at each concert. members of the adult Day program have also done amazing things this past year. From giving back to the community by ringing The salvation army bell outside the Exton mall to donating proceeds from their various craft and bake sales to support the autism speaks walk. When people who have to work harder to get where they’re going give back in such meaning-ful ways, it makes me especially proud to be part of the melmark Family.

Happy holidays and best wishes for 2012!

Job Fair / Open House All-Staff Meetings

Save the Date!

90 Day Celebration Monday, Jan. 9, 2012

2:30 p.m. Modell Lounge

Safety in the WorkplaceSAFE T Y ZONE

Employees and supervisors alike have the ability and responsibility to reduce workplace injury by following simple environmental safety rules. By using the following prevention strategies, you can minimize risk of injury to yourself, your co-workers and the individuals we serve.

General ConditionsAre walking surfaces clean, clear of debris and dry?Are stairs, steps, handrails and landings in good condition?Is area lighting adequate (and no bulbs burned out)?Is general housekeeping acceptable and storage neat and orderly?Is furniture in a good condition? Is trashed removed regularly?Are chemicals and medications labeled and locked securely? Are medications within acceptable expiration dates?

Building Evacuation and Life SafetyAre exits properly identified and lighted? Are they clear of obstructions?Are exit doors operable and equipped with panic-bar hardware?Are handrails solidly secured?Does the emergency lighting work? Has the fire alarm been tested recently?Are evacuation floor plans posted?Are emergency phone numbers visibly posted throughout the building?

Fire PreventionAre portable fire extinguishers available? Are they serviced/tagged annually?Is the sprinkler system operable and tested regularly?Are fire doors self-closing? Are combustibles and trash controlled?Are flammables properly labeled and stored in locked cabinets?Is there any evidence of electrical equipment overheating?Is there a smoke/heat detector located near the furnace and laundry room?Are holiday decorations noncombustible?Are there signs of electrical wiring overheating, blown fuses or tripped breakers? Are multiple-plug power strips and use of extension cords kept to a minimum?Is carpeting smooth, flat, and secure (free from frayed edges or bumps)?Is the lint filter in the dryer cleaned after EVERY use?

Kitchen Fire PreventionAre cooking ventilation filters clean with no grease build-up? Is there a dry chemical fire extinguisher in the immediate cooking area?Is the stovetop, oven and microwave free of debris that could catch fire?

Outside GroundsIs parking area well maintained?Are exterior walkways in good physical condition?Is exterior illumination adequate? Are all lights functional (no burned out bulbs)?Are winter walkways free of ice and cleared of snow?

Melmark Staff Holiday Party Celebrating the Season

The melmark staff Holiday party proved, once again this year, to be a spectacular night of dinner, dancing and celebrating. more than 400 people attended the event, held at The springfield country club and hosted by melmark’s Human resources Department. The evening began with the invocation, led by yves ceron. after dinner, Dr. Donovan shared her holiday thoughts, praising the melmark family for their hard work and compassion for the people we serve. colette Brown, Vp of Human resources, led the presentation of awards throughout the night. in addition to recognizing the Employees of the month and presenting Employee years of service awards, the following staff were also honored:

Mohamed DaffiaDirect Support Professional of the Year

Mildred Gordon Employee of the Year

Jessica ZambelliSupervisor of the Year

Dancing at the holiday party a night with friends and colleagues celebrating with loved ones

Congratulations, Jennifer Ferguson! Jennifer is the win-ner of our monthly Safety Zone giveaway. An ABA Counselor in Education, Jennifer participated and scored 100% on last month’s Safety Zone Quiz. She won a snow shovel, which should come in handy during the upcoming months.

The Melmark Players Present White Christmas

“sisters”, performed by Grace and meg

The cast from White Christmas at The melmark Family christmas celebration

santa at the players’ cast party

Domenic as a television announcer

tommy in White Christmas

Denny Willson, melmark charitable Foundation Board member, watches the show with wife, claudia.

Jerry Block, member of the schoemaker classic advisory Board

A Message to YOU Families Share Notes of Thanks

recently, family members of the people we serve were given the opportunity to share their messages to melmark staff. Here are some of their heartwarming notes to you.

Thank you to the Melmark staff for all of your work on behalf of the resi-dents. Your effor ts are greatly appreciated. Best wishes for an enjoyable holiday season, and the best of everything throughout the coming year. -From the sister of John, Aston Resident

To all of Melmark staff in deepest appreciation for your kindness and caring of my grandson. I wish you all a blessed and happy Christmas Season, and a healthy and peaceful New Year.

-From the Grandmother of Robbie H.

Thank you for all the love you show, talent and spirit you bring to work each day. Thank you for all you do for Christopher and the entire Melmark family. -From Christopher’s Sister

We feel very blessed that you have chosen to work to make our son’s and his friends’ lives better. By your services, you are making a wonderful difference in this world. We wish you a very happy holiday and a terrific new year.

-From Patrick G.’s Family

Thanks to the entire staff for your interest, help and undying devotion to all the children, especially the group that helps with my nephew, Matthew. He just loves school so much. Thanks and God Bless. Happy Holidays.

-From Matthew H.’s Aunt and Godmother

How can I express my hear tfelt gratefulness for each one of you and the impor tant par t you have played in Joy’s life with such love and patience? Thank you all.

-From Joy’s Mom

With love and gratitude to everyone at Melmark who treats our angel, Daniela, with the love and respect she deserves! Many thanks and a very Merry Christmas!

-From Daniela’s Family

We hope each and every one of you have a joyous holiday season. You are all greatly appreciated by our family for all your help and hard work with our son. Thank you for the wonderful work you do and the special people that you are.

-From Eric’s Family

artwork by melmark students

Celebrating Together A Season to Remember

adult Day christmas luncheon

melmark’s annual santa sing-a-long

at The philadelphia chamber orchestra meadows & Vocational Holiday party Helping others in need

Tis the Season! Holiday Festivities

members of the melmark service league

meg leading the chester county concert Band

Doug on the harmonica at melmark’s Hanukkah party mrs. claus’ visit for afternoon tea

The Joybells at milkboy coffee in ardmore

a day of food, music and celebration Everyone got into the spirit!

santa’s grand entrance The gift of song and friendship

msl volunteer, Dot Wilhelmy, decorating center Hallway

Celebrating Together A Season to Remember

adult Day christmas luncheon

melmark’s annual santa sing-a-long

at The philadelphia chamber orchestra meadows & Vocational Holiday party Helping others in need

Tis the Season! Holiday Festivities

members of the melmark service league

meg leading the chester county concert Band

Doug on the harmonica at melmark’s Hanukkah party mrs. claus’ visit for afternoon tea

The Joybells at milkboy coffee in ardmore

a day of food, music and celebration Everyone got into the spirit!

santa’s grand entrance The gift of song and friendship

msl volunteer, Dot Wilhelmy, decorating center Hallway

The Melmark Players Present White Christmas

“sisters”, performed by Grace and meg

The cast from White Christmas at The melmark Family christmas celebration

santa at the players’ cast party

Domenic as a television announcer

tommy in White Christmas

Denny Willson, melmark charitable Foundation Board member, watches the show with wife, claudia.

Jerry Block, member of the schoemaker classic advisory Board

A Message to YOU Families Share Notes of Thanks

recently, family members of the people we serve were given the opportunity to share their messages to melmark staff. Here are some of their heartwarming notes to you.

Thank you to the Melmark staff for all of your work on behalf of the resi-dents. Your effor ts are greatly appreciated. Best wishes for an enjoyable holiday season, and the best of everything throughout the coming year. -From the sister of John, Aston Resident

To all of Melmark staff in deepest appreciation for your kindness and caring of my grandson. I wish you all a blessed and happy Christmas Season, and a healthy and peaceful New Year.

-From the Grandmother of Robbie H.

Thank you for all the love you show, talent and spirit you bring to work each day. Thank you for all you do for Christopher and the entire Melmark family. -From Christopher’s Sister

We feel very blessed that you have chosen to work to make our son’s and his friends’ lives better. By your services, you are making a wonderful difference in this world. We wish you a very happy holiday and a terrific new year.

-From Patrick G.’s Family

Thanks to the entire staff for your interest, help and undying devotion to all the children, especially the group that helps with my nephew, Matthew. He just loves school so much. Thanks and God Bless. Happy Holidays.

-From Matthew H.’s Aunt and Godmother

How can I express my hear tfelt gratefulness for each one of you and the impor tant par t you have played in Joy’s life with such love and patience? Thank you all.

-From Joy’s Mom

With love and gratitude to everyone at Melmark who treats our angel, Daniela, with the love and respect she deserves! Many thanks and a very Merry Christmas!

-From Daniela’s Family

We hope each and every one of you have a joyous holiday season. You are all greatly appreciated by our family for all your help and hard work with our son. Thank you for the wonderful work you do and the special people that you are.

-From Eric’s Family

artwork by melmark students

Safety in the WorkplaceSAFE T Y ZONE

Employees and supervisors alike have the ability and responsibility to reduce workplace injury by following simple environmental safety rules. By using the following prevention strategies, you can minimize risk of injury to yourself, your co-workers and the individuals we serve.

General ConditionsAre walking surfaces clean, clear of debris and dry?Are stairs, steps, handrails and landings in good condition?Is area lighting adequate (and no bulbs burned out)?Is general housekeeping acceptable and storage neat and orderly?Is furniture in a good condition? Is trashed removed regularly?Are chemicals and medications labeled and locked securely? Are medications within acceptable expiration dates?

Building Evacuation and Life SafetyAre exits properly identified and lighted? Are they clear of obstructions?Are exit doors operable and equipped with panic-bar hardware?Are handrails solidly secured?Does the emergency lighting work? Has the fire alarm been tested recently?Are evacuation floor plans posted?Are emergency phone numbers visibly posted throughout the building?

Fire PreventionAre portable fire extinguishers available? Are they serviced/tagged annually?Is the sprinkler system operable and tested regularly?Are fire doors self-closing? Are combustibles and trash controlled?Are flammables properly labeled and stored in locked cabinets?Is there any evidence of electrical equipment overheating?Is there a smoke/heat detector located near the furnace and laundry room?Are holiday decorations noncombustible?Are there signs of electrical wiring overheating, blown fuses or tripped breakers? Are multiple-plug power strips and use of extension cords kept to a minimum?Is carpeting smooth, flat, and secure (free from frayed edges or bumps)?Is the lint filter in the dryer cleaned after EVERY use?

Kitchen Fire PreventionAre cooking ventilation filters clean with no grease build-up? Is there a dry chemical fire extinguisher in the immediate cooking area?Is the stovetop, oven and microwave free of debris that could catch fire?

Outside GroundsIs parking area well maintained?Are exterior walkways in good physical condition?Is exterior illumination adequate? Are all lights functional (no burned out bulbs)?Are winter walkways free of ice and cleared of snow?

Melmark Staff Holiday Party Celebrating the Season

The melmark staff Holiday party proved, once again this year, to be a spectacular night of dinner, dancing and celebrating. more than 400 people attended the event, held at The springfield country club and hosted by melmark’s Human resources Department. The evening began with the invocation, led by yves ceron. after dinner, Dr. Donovan shared her holiday thoughts, praising the melmark family for their hard work and compassion for the people we serve. colette Brown, Vp of Human resources, led the presentation of awards throughout the night. in addition to recognizing the Employees of the month and presenting Employee years of service awards, the following staff were also honored:

Mohamed DaffiaDirect Support Professional of the Year

Mildred Gordon Employee of the Year

Jessica ZambelliSupervisor of the Year

Dancing at the holiday party a night with friends and colleagues celebrating with loved ones

Congratulations, Jennifer Ferguson! Jennifer is the win-ner of our monthly Safety Zone giveaway. An ABA Counselor in Education, Jennifer participated and scored 100% on last month’s Safety Zone Quiz. She won a snow shovel, which should come in handy during the upcoming months.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur ad-ipiscing elit. Quisque ac ligula sem. Mauris scelerisque, lacus eu tristique molestie, odio dui consectetur felis, eu ultrices metus justo ac nisi. Nullam vulputate bibendum sem, vitae pretium quam vehicula eget. Duis vel felis nisl. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, con-sectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum id mattis risus. Sed lectus dui, sodales nec commodo eu, euismod a purus.

Vestibulum a dolor purus. Mauris lobortis adipiscing magna, a vulputate metus blandit a. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Nam hendrerit dapibus placerat. Donec ut malesuada velit. Curabitur laoreet sem nec feugiat elementum. Cras euismod volutpat quam, sit amet vehicula sapien ultrices eu. acinia neque.

Aenean ac tellus felis, sit amet posuere tor-tor. Aenean lobortis sagittis risus vel lobor-tis. Aenean felis libero, mattis quis cursus eu, sodales ac massa. Morbi laoreet odio quis urna cursus e convallis massa nunc eget ligula. Integer porta pretium dolor, vel porttitor nisl aliquet a. Nunc tristique mollis lectus ut pharetra. Fusce luctus est a massa pharetra ullamcorper ut eget quam. Nunc tellus urna, rutrum vitae suscipit non, placerat id mauris.

Duis id lectus justo. Sed consequat cursus nisi, et rutrum justo aliquet nec. Duis ut dapibus tortor. Quisque placerat laoreet metus, non vulputate neque pharetra sed. Mauris tincidunt semper molestie. Morbi consectetur metus nec lorem fringil Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque ac ligula sem. Mauris sceleris-

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, constetur adipiscing elit.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque ac ligula sem. Mauris scelerisque, lacus eu tristique molestie.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, con-sectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque ac ligula sem. Mauris scelerisque, lacus eu tristique molestie, odio dui con-sectetur felis, eu ultrices metus justo ac nisi. Nullam vulputate bibendum sem, vitae pretium quam vehicula eget. Duis vel felis nisl.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consec-tetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum id mattis risus. Sed lectus dui, sodales nec commodo eu, euismod a purus. Vestibulum a dolor purus.

Mauris lobortis adipiscing magna, a vulputate metus blandit a. Vestibu-lum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cu-bilia Curae; Nam hendrerit dapibus placerat. Donec ut malesuada velit. Curabitur laoreet sem nec dui sus-cipit scelerisque.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit

amet, consectetur ad-

ipiscing elit. Quisque

ac ligula sem. Mauris

scelerisque, lacus eu

tristique molestie, odio

dui consectetur felis, eu

ultrices metus justo ac

nisi. Nullam vulputate

bibendum sem, vitae pretium quam vehicula eget. Duis vel

felis nisl. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing

elit. Vestibuamet, consectetur aus. Vestibulum a dolor pu-

omentsMMelmark Congratulates Kylee Merendino Our December Employee of the Month

A Monthly Newsletter for the Melmark Community

December 2011

EmployEE NamE positioN locatioN HirE DatE

NEW HIRES

Katrina Askew Residential Aide Melissa A 12/5/2011

Sable Felder Residential Aide Aston B 12/5/2011

Kady Gahman RSS Martha 12/5/2011

Henry Hill Joybells Bus Driver Meadows 12/5/2011

Esther Tholley Residential Aide Widener 12/5/2011

Dorothy Baptiste ABA Counselor, Res. Engle 12/19/2011

Michelle Daly ABA Counselor, Res. Rosary 12/19/2011

Oluwadamilola Ekundayo Nurse - Pool All areas 12/19/2011

Melanie Farrell ABA Counselor, Ed. Classroom 12 12/19/2011

Mohamed Fofanoh Residential Aide Spruce A 12/19/2011

Fatima Muhammad ABA Counselor, Voc. Marcus PR 2 12/19/2011

Jhinhee Shin Staff Nurse Miller/Melissa 12/19/2011

Deshauna Taylor ABA Counselor, Voc. Marcus 12/19/2011

Mohamed Tunis Shift Supervisor Miller A 12/19/2011

Ann Zabinski Instructor Assistant Meadows 12/19/2011

On Monday, December 19th, Melmark honored employees who recently reached 90 days of service. The event recognized new staff members and their peer mentors.

Melmark’s Peer Mentor Program gives staff the opportunity to mentor new team members. Employees who serve as mentors get a bonus for participating in the program.

To learn more, contact Human Resources.

January 25, 2012 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Multi-Purpose Room

90 Day Celebration

From the nation’s capitol to the state capitol, legislators are recog-nizing the rights of the children and adults we serve at melmark. president obama declared December 3rd as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The president made the announcement from The White House this month, calling america “a global leader in advancing the rights of people with disabilities.” president obama is not the only leader calling attention to the rights of people who so often don’t have a voice. in Harrisburg, pennsylvania lawmakers in both the House and the senate unanimously passed a bill amending the mental Health and mental retardation act of 1966 by renaming it the mental Health and intellectual Disability act. The bill replaces the terms “mental retardation” with “intellec-tual disability”. chris tabakin, melmark’s Direc-tor of Quality management and advocacy, says the developments are a step in the right direction. “our job at melmark is not only to care for people with develop-mental disabilities, but to advocate for their rights as well.” tabakin added, “it is our charge to call at-tention to the needs of those we serve. Without our voices, how can decision makers know what our children and adults need to reach their fullest potential?” For regular updates on advocacy issues concerning people with disabilities, visit www.melmark.org .

Employees celebrating 90 Days of Service with peer mentors

January 31, 2012 9:15 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. February 1, 2012 2:00 p.m. / 3:30 p.m. / 9:30 p.m.

Multi-Purpose Room

Advocacy Corner Presidential Declaration and State Developments

Kylee’s supervisors and the families of the individuals she serves describe her as genuine, patient, ambitious and dedicated. She has

incredible energy and a great sense of hu-mor, which is probably why she has such an excellent rapport with the children she serves.

Kylee is an excellent coworker; she hap-pily assists in training new staff about our clients’ special needs and keeps current staff updated with any changes or issues. She’s always willing to pitch-in and offer assistance in a variety of situations. Kylee is also very conscientious; she recently volunteered to attend a conference on Autism and extreme feeding challenges just so she could gain more insight into some of the individuals’ more challenging

behaviors. This illustrates amazing initiative on her part to help and to understand her clients better.

Kylee constantly updates families with issues like replenishing their supplies or just contacts them to tell a funny or special story about their child. One fam-ily member in particular mentioned that Kylee is always professional, respectful and patient and says she is truly a source of support for her family.

Please join us in congratulating Kylee on being named our December Employee of the Month!

congratulations...

All applicants are encouraged to complete the online application at www.melmark.org/careers. Just click on available positions and apply.

Do you know someone who would make an exceptional member of the Melmark team? Tell them about Melmark! We’re looking for motivated and caring people who want to make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. An existing Melmark employee gets $250 when the new hire is here for three months and another $250 when the new hire is here for one year. You can refer new hires all year long!*

*Fill out the pink employee referral form, found in HR, before new hire begins at Melmark.

A Message from Our President Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D.

as we welcome 2012, i would like to reflect on a year filled with great accomplishments by the individuals who call melmark home. How could anyone forget the wonderful performance by The melmark players, as they acted out scenes from West Side Story. The only thing that could top it is their most recent performance of White Christmas. What an amazingly talented group of actors and actresses we have in our midst. The Joybells continue to inspire us with their close attention to cues and their strives

for perfection at each concert. members of the adult Day program have also done amazing things this past year. From giving back to the community by ringing The salvation army bell outside the Exton mall to donating proceeds from their various craft and bake sales to support the autism speaks walk. When people who have to work harder to get where they’re going give back in such meaning-ful ways, it makes me especially proud to be part of the melmark Family.

Happy holidays and best wishes for 2012!

Job Fair / Open House All-Staff Meetings

Save the Date!

90 Day Celebration Monday, Jan. 9, 2012

2:30 p.m. Modell Lounge