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FREE Times
FREE Aligns
with the
National
Employment
First
Initiative
FREE stands readily aligned with the national
Employment First Initiative. FREE’s
Employment Division currently partners with
OPWDD, the State Education Department/
ACCES-VR and OMH, supporting over 400
Affirmative
Business
individuals through supported employment
(SEMP), Career Builders and the innovative
Employment Training Program. Individuals
receiving services under the FREE umbrella
have been placed in employment settings such
as law and accounting firms, hospitals, retail
outlets and restaurants. Employers have
consistently reported a high rate of satisfaction
with the men and women we refer, and
contact us regularly when additional
opportunities become available. Individuals
served within the FREE network are also
afforded the opportunity to work and train in
actual business settings, such as Fancy FREE
(retail), Terry’s Place (food service), Bubbles
(vehicle washing) and Swept FREE (janitorial/
maintenance). The latter is currently in the
process of expansion, offering even more
opportunities for our folks. Additional
vocational training and paid employment
opportunities are offered by our landscaping
crews, the greenhouse at Saddle Rock Ranch
and The Farm at St. Joseph. In 2014, 407 men
and women within the Family of FREE
FREE is aligned with the NYS Office for
People with Developmental Disabilities
(OPWDD) and Office of Mental Health
(OMH) and fully embraces its Employment
First Initiatives. The initiative allows the
individuals we support to experience the
natural therapy inherent in meaningful,
purposeful and gainful employment
opportunities. We provide these opportunities
through these and other businesses:
Network are successfully employed. In our
first year of the new Core Rehabilitation
Services (CRS) contract, we have successfully
conducted 25 evaluations, and placed almost
80% of the individuals authorized for
supported employment or transitional
coaching supports. Additionally, seven paid
interns have gained employment
opportunities in settings of their choice. With
a highly trained and tenured staff, the
possibility of increased community-based
employment for our individuals appears
imminent, particularly due to the emphasis
placed on developing our affirmative
businesses.
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Fancy FREE
Swept FREE
Bubbles Car Wash
The Farm at St. Joseph
Terry’s Cafe
TRI Go-Green
TRI-Us Catering
Saddle Rock Ranch
Bubbles
Car Wash
Swept
FREE
In Partnership with TRI
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C O L L A B O R AT I O N . . .
PARTNERSHIPS...SYNERGY!!!
Common interests, passion for a cause and the ability to truly understand another citizen often are key elements that
define the difference between someone loving what they do or just getting by. The Family of FREE Network remains
rooted in the belief that a core part of our mission is to assist all those who comprise our family to realize their full
potential.
In many cases, this meaningful outcome is only achieved if the correct match in volunteer work and/or competitive
employment is realized. Hence, we remain committed to our Employment First philosophy and are so pleased to share that there continues to be
exponential growth in the number and types of matches created for those we support.
We hope you will continue to support this vital initiative and consider contributing directly to our continued success. Unable to create a direct
opportunity for volunteerism or employment? Not to worry, we have learned we all know someone! The range of interests is vast so don't rule
out any suggestion or idea. If each of us created just one opportunity we could potentially have thousands of options for those we support. Remember, Together... Creating the Right Solution for Any Need!
Synergistically Yours,
Robert S. Budd, President and CEO
“Everyone enjoys doing the kind of work
for which they are best suited”
- Napoleon Hill
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SAVE THE DATE:
JobExpo
Talent Connection: Uniting Long Island's Top Employers
With Differently-Abled Job Seekers
The "Talent Connection" Job Expo will offer men and women an opportunity to discuss their skills
and abilities with recruiters from key businesses on Long Island.
This event will be a great opportunity for individuals to become familiar with potential employers
as well as learn valuable information at our employment workshops.
The day will commence with an open forum of community leaders, followed by workshops
which include “Tax Credits for Businesses”, “Veterans’ Employment Issues”, “Hire Me-Interview
Preparation”, and “Employment and Your Benefits”, and a Job Expo with hundreds of potential
job candidates.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Registration: 8:00 - 8:30 am
(continental breakfast available)
Forum: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Workshops: 10:30 - 11:30 am
Job Expo: 11:30 - 2:00 pm
Hosted at:
Farmingdale State College- Roosevelt Hall
2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, New York
Register online at: http://goo.gl/tv9FRo
For questions please contact Patrice Radowitz [email protected] (516) 870-1621
or Marissa Espinoza [email protected] (516) 880-8170.
Hosted by FREE and YAI
We’d like to thank Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone for their support.
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Employment Highlights
Stanley
Stanley became a part of FREE’s OMH Supported Housing in May
2013. In October 2013, Stanley completed his Peer Specialist course
and began volunteering at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center earning him
high praise by hospital staff members because of his dedication to
patients. Most recently, Stanley was offered the position of Peer
Specialist with FREE’s Enhanced Mobile Crisis Team. Stanley is
excited about this new opportunity and very happy to be a part of
the FREE family.
Ajay
Ajay currently resides in FREE’s Apartment Treatment Program. In 2009 Ajay began to attend Terry’s
Place PROS Day Program at FREE. Through his continued hard work and participation he was
offered the opportunity to join the work arena.
In 2010 Ajay began working at Whitsons Culinary Group in Islandia. Whitson’s Culinary Group is a
frozen food company in which Ajay works to prepare food
shipments for delivery. Ajay works three days per week.
The past four years at Whitsons has afforded Ajay the
opportunity to grow in the work arena while gaining the skills to
be an effective part of the Whitsons team. Ajay is recognized as a
dedicated employee and continues to show consistency in this
commitment which has earned him a sense of great pride.
Mary
Mary from FREE’s Supported Housing is a "go getter" she has always tried to work, doing odd jobs,
cleaning apartments, collecting bottles, and although she is a very good worker, it had been difficult
for her to find a job without transportation.
This past year we fundraised money to secure a vehicle and insurance for Mary. At present Mary is
working three days per week as a home health aid, and continues twice per week at FEGS-which she
is getting ready to graduate from. Mary continues to help neighbors who are in our program and
provides transportation when needed.
Mary is a "natural" in caring for others. It is reported that her clients love her, and she is "making a
difference" in someone's life.
”Limitations live only in our
minds. But if we use our
imaginations, our possibilities
become limitless.”
-
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JamiePaolinetti
Allen
Allen has worked for the Nassau County Court
for the last 18 years in their Microfiche
Department. Allen travels from Sea Cliff by
public transportation to Hempstead.
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FREE is Busy Working...
Who... Where... How Long...
Larry
Stephen
Vincent
Christian
FREE Maintenance
Bubbles
Stop & Shop
Dollar Tree
2010
2011
2010
2014
John
Lindsay
Joe
McDonald’s
Stop & Shop
Mary Haven
2012
2012
2010
Julia
John
Linda
Fred
Stop & Shop
Home Depot
Bagel Shop
Bescor Video
2004
1998
2012
1981
Samantha
Roger
Kadeem
Molloy College
Pt, Jefferson Volunteer
Ambulance
Forever 21
2014
2014
2011
Mary
Dolores
Gliberto
Richard
Home Health Aid
NUMC – Records
RIDES
Applebee’s
2000
1999
2014
2013
Paul
Caryn
Amadeo
Skills Unlimited, Inc.
Stop & Shop
UCP
2007
2000
2011
Michael
Justin
Travis
Kathleen
PROS Reception
Coliseum Kitchen
Stop & Shop
TJ Maxx
2014
2014
2013
2000
Diane
Christmas Tree Shops
2010
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Try not eating at all after dinner…but if you want
something, try a hot cup of tea with stevia or a drop
of honey!! If you need to munch on something,
make a choice from the list above.
TAKE THE SNACK CHALLENGE…..LET US
KNOW HOW YOU’VE DONE!!!
Please email [email protected] with your
comments!
2015 TALENT CONNECTION JOB EXPO
JANUARY 30, 2015
FARMINGDALE COLLEGE - ROOSEVELT HALL
24TH ANNUAL DINNER DANCE
APRIL 22, 2015
CREST HOLLOW COUNTRY CLUB
DISABLE THE LABEL FASHION SHOW
FREE BETHPAGE
APRIL 23, 2015
Snack Attack
Challenge!
Snacking has gotten a ‘bad rap’ because of the
unhealthy choices many of us make with foods like
chips and candy. We all have times during the day
in between meals when we want or need to eat
something! With so many choices available, and so
many unhealthy choices, it’s very easy to go down
the wrong path…
Start with throwing out food in your kitchen that
isn’t healthy (you know what those foods are!) and
stock your refrigerator and pantry with healthy
food choices.
REMEMBER: IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN... PLAN TO
FAIL!!
Here are some suggestions which are satisfying,
healthy and under 200 calories:
Low-fat yogurt and a handful of walnuts or
almonds
Low-fat string cheese and a few reduced-fat
Triscuits
Air popped popcorn
Health bars that are high in protein and fiber
and low in sugar
Carrots and hummus
Sliced organic apples and 2 TBS of peanut
butter
Healthy single serving soups (like Healthy
Choice or Campbell’s)
Weight control instant oatmeal (like Quaker
Oats)
The most challenging time is after dinner… that’s
the time most people pack on those extra pounds.
Upcoming Events
24TH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
JUNE 25, 2015
MUTTONTOWN CLUB
HAIRSPRAY
JUNE 5, 6, 7, 2015
BROADHOLLOW THEATER COMPANY
Black Bean Chili
1 LG ONION, CHOPPED
5 CLOVES OF GARLIC, CHOPPED
2 TBS OLIVE OIL
3 CANS BLACK BEANS, DRAINED AND RINSED
WELL
1 28 OZ. CAN WHOLE TOMATOES, CHOPPED
1 ½ TSP CUMIN
¼ CUP FRESH CILANTRO, CHOPPED
1 TBS CHILI POWDER, OPTIONAL
¼ CUP LOW FAT SOUR CREAM
Cook onions in olive oil for 5 minutes, then add
garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add beans,
tomatoes and juice, cumin and ½ cup water, stirring
occasionally for about 12 minutes. Stir in cilantro,
chili powder (if using) and salt to taste.
Spoon chili into bowls, adding a tablespoon of sour
cream on top.
(If you prefer meat chili, add 1 lb. of low fat ground
beef, and reduce number of cans of beans to 2 cans.)
ENJOY!!
EVENING UNDER THE STARS
SEPTEMBER 2015
SADDLE ROCK RANCH
WIZARD OF OZ
NOVEMBER 13, 14, 15, 2015
BROADHOLLOW THEATER COMPANY
Amazon Smile
Every time you shop with amazon smile a portion of
your purchase is donated to Family Residences and
Essential Enterprises, Inc.
Buy the items you need and support a good cause at
the same time!
Type smile.amazon.com into your browser and select
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. as
the charity!
Parents Perspective
Hello, my name is Ondina Garcia, I am the mother of Eddy Garcia. Eddy graduated from high school in June 2013. He was employed at
The Ramada Inn at that time, working in maintenance. Eddy stopped working there in November 2013 as he was informed business
was slow. He was referred to FREE's Supported Employment Program in May of this year. Eddy was eager to start working and was
seeking a position in maintenance again. Job Coaches, Alanna Cameron and Jeannine Corsini began the search with Eddy to find him a
job where he would gain confidence and enjoy the opportunity to learn new tasks. In the month of June, the Job Coach brought Eddy to
Best Yet Market, which is a mile away from our home. The manager was friendly and open to having Eddy work at the store. There were
no openings at the time but the manager told Eddy's Job Coach to keep in contact with him 'until something opened up.' In August, there was an opening for Eddy
and the manager wanted him to start working immediately. Eddy was excited about the opportunity and was looking forward to starting.
Eddy has been working at Best Market for three months now and is really enjoying his job. I am very happy with Eddy's employment and I am thankful to FREE's
Supported Employment team for placing Eddy in a job close to home and that he enjoys going to. Eddy is happy working at Best Yet Market and it is building his
confidence. He is now working four days a week and his job responsibilities are, putting away carts, managing the bottle machine, and maintenance inside the
store. Eddy told me, "I have three friends at my job that I enjoy talking with." I am excited to see my son excel, feel comfortable and accepted by his managers and
co-workers.
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Did you Know?
• The Association for Community Living (ACL) held their 2nd Annual
Mental Health Recovery Event at FREE.
• Christopher Long has written a book Swimming in a Pool of Peanut
Butter from the perspective of his own children and graciously
donated all proceeds from the book to FREE’s youth service division .
• FREE’s very own Jessica “Big Guns” Gallone put the gloves on for the
11th Annual LI Fight for Charity event.
• Individuals attending Day Services East (DSE) made and donated
over 1,000 Wheelchair Buddies - allowing nursing home and assisted
living residents on Long Island to hold their personal items on
wheelchairs and walkers.
• The FREE All Star basketball team took on the Harlem Wizards to
raise money for FREE.
• FREE partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension to launch a
weekly farm stand in East Meadow, selling organic vegetables grown
by the men and women at The Farm at St. Joseph’s in Brentwood.
• FREE hosts movie screening of Kings Park an American Mental
Institution with filmmaker Lucy Winer.
• In October, the 37th Annual Celebration of Life Gala, emceed by
Kristin Thorne, honored Samantha P. Miller from the Zeitgeist
Foundation, Celebrating Youth Leadership.
• FREE Celebrated National Coming Out Day in October.
37th Annual Celebration of Life Gala
FREE Players Drumline - Columbus Day Parade
Advocacy at FREE
The definition of “Advocacy” is the action or process of supporting a cause.
Advocacy at FREE plays many roles… our men and women learning to
advocate for themselves, families advocating for their family member and
legislative advocacy.
The Self-Advocacy Department at FREE provides education, training and
guidance to the men and women we serve, encouraging them to become
strong self-advocates and future leaders. Individuals are taught about their
rights and responsibilities and encouraged to express their opinions at
various venues. Our men and women have advocated at St. Joseph’s
College, Suffolk County Community College, The Staller Center at Stony
Brook University and in Albany with our elected legislators to speak to
people about their challenges and experiences.
Another advocacy component is legislative action. With our elected officials,
we raise awareness of services offered and discuss accomplishments our men
and women have achieved. One-on-one meetings, participation in lobby
days, calls and letter writing campaigns by families, self-advocates and our
team members play an important role in educating our elected officials,
enabling them to make informed decisions regarding the budget and policy
changes. Many legislators visit our programs, attend our events and meet
with representatives from FREE when we are in Albany, Washington, D.C.,
and locally in their home districts. An example of the power of advocacy is
the amazing victory for the many family members, individuals and staff who
advocated passionately and relentlessly for the restoration bill last year for
OPWDD services. The bill passed the Assembly and Senate unanimously.
Our voices were heard!
FREE has established an active, involved Family Advocacy group whose
focus is varied. Families are there to support each other, to support and
advocate for their family member and to support FREE by communicating
with legislators. Currently a main focus of our Family Advocacy group
involves working with FREE to create a healthier, more active environment
for our loved ones. When our Family advocates brought this initiative to
FREE administrators, they took an active role in supporting our idea. They
began health and nutritional training of staff and hired a recreation specialist
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to encourage our men and women to become more active. Our voices were
heard again!
Advocacy benefits EVERYONE! If you would like to get more involved with
any of the branches of advocacy mentioned in this article, please contact
Mickey Michaels by email at: [email protected] or 516-870-1600,
ext. 1694.
FREE to Be
FREE To BE is a community of men and women with disabilities who
identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender (LGBT). The support network is
dedicated to socialization, advocacy and
education while providing a safe, engaging
space for LGBTQ individuals, families, staff,
friends and allies. We have established a
partnership with The Long Island GLBT
Network. We provide inspirational guest
speakers, workshops, open discussion, social
events and educational and support services.
Meetings occur on the last Tuesday of the
month and our next meeting with be on
January 27th in Bethpage @ 4:30pm. For more
information, contact Claire Miller
(516.870.1645) or at [email protected].
The generosity of many Valued Team Members
has offered Treasure Town the opportunity to
support over 650 Valued Team Members since
2009.
Get Involved! Sign Up!
Application available on the Intranet or contact
[email protected]
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What Will Your Legacy Be?
It’s easy to Create a Charitable Legacy that Lives Forever and Fulfills
Your Desires to Improve the Lives of Others!
The National Foundation for Human Potential (NFHP) is proud to provide direct financial support to
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), the Family of FREE Network Affiliates as well
as other organizations which promote educational, residential and support services for people in need.
All gifts made to NFHP for the benefit of FREE and the Family of FREE Network Affiliates are overseen
by NFHP to ensure 100% of these directed funds meet the donor's intentions.
Many of you have already established a Special Needs Trust (SNT) for your loved one(s). SNT’s are great
planning tools to take care of the “extra” things in life your loved one require which are not covered by
various programs which support the individual. If you do not have a Special Needs Trust please contact
Nancy Cohen and we will be happy to send you information. Also, did you know that if the SNT was
funded with third party funds (funds from a parent, a friend or other relatives, etc.) you may leave funds
(partial or full) from the SNT as a charitable gift to FREE?
Please call Nancy Cohen, Vice President - Development and Mission Advancement, at 516-870-1612 if you
have questions on these ideas or want to know what other type of Planned Gifts are available for your
needs.
The greatest use of life is to spend it
for something that will outlast it.
-William James
Vocational Grants Awarded
• AT&T Foundation – to support college and career
readiness program for at-risk youth for Adelante
of Suffolk County - $10,000
• Autism Speaks – Helping Hands Team Extreme
to provide adolescents an “Intro To Work”
experience - $2,800
• New York State Bar Association – to support our
summer intern program - $5,000
• NYS Balancing Incentive Program (BIP)
Innovation Fund – to address barriers to long
term services & supports for 100 individuals $530,069
• NYS Balancing Incentive Program(BIP) Mobile
Crisis – to enhance mobile crisis services in
Suffolk County - $ 599,041
Lenz Wine Label
One of our FREE artists, Laura Levy, designed a label for
wine bottles for the Lenz Winery, which were giveaways at
this year’s Gala in October 2014.
FREE, headquartered in Old
Bethpage, benefits more than
4,000 individuals with
developmental disabilities and/or
mental illness or
traumatic brain injury and their
families each year.
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Us on
Facebook!
516-870-1600
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