The Beacon

Published by:  Bethesda Day Treatment Center, Inc.

 

 ...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good

deeds and praise your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:16

November/December 2006                      Vol. 10 Issue #10    

From the President’s Desk…
 

Intimacy – All Four Levels Are Vital

 At Bethesda we teach that the foundation of all strong, healthy relationships is based upon the depth of the 4 Primary levels of Intimacy – Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Spiritual.  Montoursville Day Treatment Supervisor Gary Shipman has come up with a method to remember these dimensions.  He uses the acronym PIES as a way to easily remember each level.

 

Board of Directors

Joseph Pugliese

Chairman

Jerilyn Keen

President

Timothy Gage

Director

Fred Martin

Director

Mary Tiffin

Director  

Chris Bingaman

Director  

Collette Benner

Secretary

Gene McCarty

Treasurer

 

Advisory Committee

Jerilyn Keen

Scott Constantini

Stephen Gaito

Robert Vanderwall

Jennifer Napp

Don Coleman

Connie Shoop

William Rossnock

Joseph Talarico

Dr. Elizabth Ciaravino

Thomas Bell

Agent William Weber

Larry Weidman

 

Consultants

Dr. Vikas Passi

D&A Medical Director

Dr. Frederick Maue

Mental Health Director

It is important to understand that all relationships are dual (husband to wife, mother to son, father to daughter, friend to friend and so on).  Healthy relationships are designed to begin with each individual having a mutual and trusting spiritual relationship with God and then with each other.  The health of our spiritual relationship with God determines the health of our relationship with every other person.  

Inside the soul of every man, woman and child, God has planted an insatiable craving to know our creator.  In order to have true inner peace, each one of us must develop spiritual intimacy with the One who created us.  It is not your responsibility to tell those you counsel who or what to believe in; however, not addressing this important dimension of intimacy would be like giving someone a recipe for a delicious dessert and leaving out the main ingredient.  Not addressing the importance of spiritual intimacy with our clients and families is leaving out a main ingredient to the make-up of who they are. 

Sharing your beliefs about who created you, your understood purpose on this earth and where you will go after you pass away with another person can bring you closer to that person than you ever dreamed possible. 

Any method you choose to remember the 4 dimensions is fine with us.  If you truly desire to build the best relationship possible with another individual, one that will endure tests and trials, you must have intimacy built upon each of these 4 levels.  Don’t be surprised if you leave out spiritual intimacy and end up getting an end result that is much less than you hoped for.

 

From my heart to yours,

Jerilyn

Jerilyn A. Keen, M.A.

President

 

News from our Administrative Office…

The months of November and December were busy at the Administrative Office with staff preparing for the Holiday Celebration and our yearly DPW inspections.  We thank all the staff for their hard work to prepare for both!  Your dedication and commitment is truly evident!

As we close on another year, we would like to thank all our staff, Board of Directors, and Advisory Committee Members for their devotion and faithfulness to our agency.  Our organization has been blessed this past year.  This would not have been possible without the great group of individuals that are committed to our mission!  Thank you all for a great year.  We look forward to 2007!

On behalf of all the Bethesda employees, we extend our gratitude to the Board of Directors for their approval of the cash incentives this year.  Thank you!

Bethesda Highlights

President Keen and Regional Manager Steve Gaito conducted Individual Counseling and On-Call Intervention training respectively on November 29th.  The staff were very receptive to the information presented at the training.  Thanks Jeri and Steve for conducting these trainings!  Check out the pictures!

The Annual Holiday Celebration was a great success!  There were 96 staff in attendance, in which 18 of those brought a guest to this year’s event.  Board Chairman Joe Pugliese and Director Fred Martin were in attendance as well as Medical Director Dr. Frederick Maue.  We were also pleased to have Advisory Committee Members Larry Weidman and his wife, Janet; Agent Willy Weber and his wife, Rae; and Joe Talarico and his wife, Julie in attendance with us.  It was a wonderful evening of fellowship with our staff and a chance to give some well-deserved recognition.  Please see the line-up of awards at the end of the newsletter!

On December 6th, the Milton and Montoursville foster parents were honored with a banquet at Country Cupboard as a way to say “thank you” for their service during the past year.  There were twelve families in attendance including Becky & Jim Koons, Clara & Dennis Kuhns, Jeromy Snyder, Jim & Penny Irvin, Ethel & Rod Pentz, Nancy & Roger Zettlemoyer, Kurt Eck, Leroy & Janet Gotshall, Toni & Lester Miller, Lee & Charles Austin, Becky Taggart, and Elaine & Floyd Swartz.  

In addition, President Keen, Bob Vanderwall, Stephanie Rice, Jenn Riley, and Heather Heiny were in attendance.  Staff kept the foster clients at the center so the foster parents could enjoy the evening.  After a time of fellowship and a wonderful meal, Stephanie expressed her gratefulness to each of the foster parents for all they do for the kids and for giving us the opportunity to work with committed Christians.  She also presented each family with a scripture verse.  The foster parents enjoyed themselves immensely!

On November 16th, Day Treatment Supervisor Gary Shipman conducted a Family Systems training for the foster parents and clients at the Milton Center.  We also hosted John Gigunto, a parent of a former Bethesda client at the Montoursville Center.  John shared his testimony as to how Bethesda helped to restore his relationship with his son.  

Gary assisted John and his son through the Family Systems process.  Unfortunately, his son was diagnosed with cancer, fought a brave fight but went to be with the Lord.  John is an advocate for Bethesda and is the one who stated “Bethesda… is a place where healing begins.”

This is “What’s Happening” at Our Centers…

Bloomsburg:  The Day Treatment held a Thanksgiving Dinner for the clients.  Everyone enjoyed the meal!  On December 19th, the Bloomsburg Day Treatment staff held a parent's meeting with a special Christmas dinner for the parents and clients.  There was a great turnout.  Thanks to the staff for their efforts in getting the families to attend!

East Stroudsburg:  Both the AEP and Day Treatment Programs continue to make positive strides!  The staff continue to work as an efficient and productive team to keep programming running smoothly.  A very talented and artistic Day Treatment client is working on a mural on the wall at the center.  Reports are it is looking great!  The clients have taken a break from assisting a local elderly gentleman through the RSV Program due to the weather becoming colder.  We congratulate the East Stroudsburg Center for receiving the Outstanding Teamwork Award for 2006 (pictured on the right)!  The staff were very deserving of this award for pulling together and overcoming many obstacles this past year!  Great job, gang!

Honesdale:  The AEP continues to grow and the center is looking to hire a teacher and a teacher's aide.  Community service continues to occur weekly at the Waymart Recycling Center and around the center.  To celebrate the Holiday Season, the Day Treatment decorated a Christmas tree, enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner and received stockings from the staff.  The AEP students with positive ratings and above were able to enjoy a day of Christmas movies and were rewarded with milkshakes.

Lehighton:  Referrals continue to be made to the Day Treatment Program.  Referrals are also being made for the next Competency Class which will be offered in January.  The staff and clients enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner and a great time of fellowship.  We thanh Day Treatment Supervisor Megan Goff for her efforts in arranging this meal and preparing the turkey!  We thank Elmer's wife for making the excellent stuffing.  The AEP students and Day Treatment clients enjoyed a time of fun making gingerbread houses.  The kids were each blessed with a gift card from the local Wal-Mart. 

Lewistown:  The Reading Program continues to be a big focus with the AEP students.  Each day a time for reading is scheduled for the students.  A Holiday meal was prepared on December 19th for the clients to enjoy.  We welcome Erica Penepacker to the Lewistown Center as their new caseworker!  We are anxiously awaiting the birth of Hillary Worley's baby.  Her due date is January 11th.  We wish her a safe and speedy delivery!  The Lewistown Center had their DPW inspections on December 21st with positive results.  The Day Treatment clients have been focusing on writing their confrontational letters and doing a good job with completing these letter as part of the Relational Healing process.

Group Home - Middleburg:  All of the residents shared a Thanksgiving meal before going to their home visits.  The boys were treated to pumpkin pies made by Ms. Getchen from Midd-West High School.  All of the boys were able to visit with family over the Christmas Holiday also.  They enjoyed the house inside and out and received stockings from the staff.  They received a DVD/VCR combo from a little elf!  Various individuals dropped off McDonald's gift cards for the boys too.  The boys continue to assist at the Soup Kitchen and recycling centers when available.  Way to go!  Program Manager Erica Frey would like to acknowledge all of the Group Home staff for a great year.  We welcome back an old face to the Group Home.  James Kline has returned as a Support Staff.

Milton:  Teacher Karen Heyler and the AEP's Life Skills class did a tremendous job preparing a Thanksgiving meal for the students.  We thank Foster Care Coordinator Stephanie Rice for obtaining most of the food through donations.  The AEP students were showered with Christmas presents from members of the congregation at the Mifflinburg Assembly of God Church.  The Day Treatment clients enjoyed a Christmas meal at the center and were blessed with a Play Station 2 donation by Circuit City.  We congratulate Drug and Alcohol Counselor Christina Poff on receiving her Certified Addictions Counselor Certification.  Great job!

Montoursville:  We welcome Teachers Sara Cronin, Jonathan Weaver and Michael Mahon to the Montoursville AEP.  We also welcome two new caseworkers to the Day Treatment – Brianna Milholin and Jeremy Eck.  We are excited about the addition of these new staff and look forward to working with them!  The Be Challenged Program has seen an increase in referrals from Sullivan and Northumberland Counties.  Way to go, Jason!  Fort Muncy Nurseries graciously donated a Christmas tree to the center.  Thanks!

Scranton:  The Center has hosted many speakers to present to both the AEP and Day Treatment Programs including recovering addicts and a community outreach specialist to speak on communicable diseases.  The center will be hosting an individual from the Career Link in January to speak to the junior and senior AEP students about the procedure for completing college applications as well as financial aide.  We thank Drug and Alcohol Counselor Heather Thorburn for arranging these special events!  Program Manager Cindy Wohlken would like to thank the staff for all their determination, dependability, and tenacity during the past couple of months.  You have shown what teamwork is all about!  The Scranton staff would like to extend well wishes to Teacher's Aide Gail Pearson who recently had surgery.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her for a speedy recovery. 

South Montrose:  Caseworker Dan Beesley has been busy orienting the two new clients in the Day Treatment Program.  The staff and clients enjoyed a Holiday dinner and invited the probation officers from their referring agencies.  Dan has also been busy coordinating new community service projects.  Several of the AEP students spent their Friday afternoons ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at the area supermarkets.  A representative from the American Red Cross spoke to the students on HIV and gave them pamphlets.  The students were very interested and receptive of the information.  As part of their drug and alcohol education, the students continue to watch movies on the history of drug and alcohol.  They will be using this information to make posters and present to the entire student body.  The students remain busy with their academics and are learning a vast array of topics.  They took the time to decorate the center for Christmas.  The students also made Christmas cards and ornaments for their "Holiday Tree".

On the left are  some of our Scranton Team and on the right is part of our South Montrose team at this year's Holiday Celebration.

Congratulations To…  

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH….

Brandy Erb, Dean of Students at the Lewistown Center, was selected as Bethesda's Exceptional Employee of the Month for November.  Brandy has been an instrumental and integral part of the Lewistown Center.  She has demonstrated her true commitment and dedication to Bethesda during the transition of hiring a new Program Manager.  Her efforts are to be commended!

The following staff were also nominated for Employee of the Month for November.  Dolores Frick, Teacher's Aide at the Honesdale Center; Robin Johnson, Special Education Teacher at the East Stroudsburg Center; Renee Dunbar, Secretary at the Lehighton Center; Curt Keihl, Dean of Students at the South Montrose Center; Jon Gamble, Case Manager at the Group Home; and Chris Fritz, Caseworker Trainee at the Scranton Center.  We thank these staff for their hard work and dedication.

Samantha Varkanis, Caseworker at the East Stroudsburg Center, was selected as Bethesda's Exceptional Employee of the Month for December.  We are honored to recognize Samantha.  She has been a key component to keeping the East Stroudsburg Day Treatment running smoothly.  In addition to her casework duties, Samantha has also worn the hats of secretary, van driver and chef!  She ahs been a true team player, as demonstrated by her willingness to help out wherever and whenever she can!

The following staff were also nominated for Employee of the Month for December.  Renee Dunbar, Secretary at the Lehighton Center; Doreen Armitage, Teacher at the South Montrose Center; Hillary Worley, Caseworker at the Lewistown Center; and Dolores Frick, Teacher's Aide at the Honesdale Center.  We extend our appreciation to these and encourage them to keep up the great efforts!

Welcome to our family…

Sara Cronin, Teacher, Montoursville

Erica Penepacker, Caseworker, Lewistown

Brianne Milholin, Caseworker, Montoursville

Jim Downy, Teacher, Milton

Wayne Currie, Community Monitor, Scranton

Michael Mahon, Teacher, Montoursville

Jeremy Eck, Caseworker, Montoursville

Jonathan Weaver, Teacher, Montoursville

James Fields, Head Community Monitor, East Stroudsburg

 

We extend our gratitude to Kellogg’s for their donation of 5 cases of Strawberry Nutri-Grain Bars.  We were also blessed with a generous donation from Con Agra of 24 cases of Chef Boyardee Beefaroni and 96 cases of Healthy Choice Chicken Noodle Soup.  Thank you!

President Keen and her family continue to offer their financial support to the clients and staff for various needs.  We cannot express our gratitude enough for the commitment and dedication of the Keen family to our mission.  The staff and clients appreciate your generosity!

We extend our appreciation to Foster Care Coordinator, Stephanie Rice who graciously took on the duty of requesting donations for our staff to be given as door prizes at this year’s Holiday Celebration.  Hundreds of dollars in prizes were donated this year.  Thank you, Steph, for all that you do!
 

Montoursville AEP Staff (left) and Lehighton Staff (right) at the Holiday Celebration.

Our Group Home Staff at the Holiday Celebration (left).   On the right, Bloomsburg Staff - Lisa Vandermark, Casework Trainee Denny Dietterick and guest.

Each month we will be sharing about a member of our Management Team as a way to learn a little more about the lives of the dedicated and committed team of managers who make Bethesda the best it can be!  This month we will be highlighting our President, Jerilyn Keen.

Jeri and her husband, Bill, are the proud parents of three girls – Kelly, Alexis and Kate.  They also have two chocolate labs, Nia and Bailey, to extend their family.  Jeri and Bill are very active in their daughters’ activities with soccer, basketball, school plays, etc.  Jeri is also active in her church and does a lot of public speaking and counseling throughout the area.  

Since graduating from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, Jeri has worked continuously at Bethesda and has just celebrated her 21st year of employment with us.  Jeri received her Masters of Arts in Counseling from Liberty University in May 2003.  During high school and college, Jeri worked in a nursing home, at Wendy’s, Mister Donut and also babysat. 

In her free time, you can find Jeri reading, writing, baking and spending time with her family and dogs.  She loves to take pictures of her family and friends as well.

Jeri offers these thoughts on what Bethesda means to her:  “From my very first experience as an intern from Penn State University, I knew this work and this agency were special.  We provide opportunities to heal that go to the deepest, most painful wounds and have the opportunity to restore relationships with the most important people in our clients’ lives – their families.  It is a privilege to be doing the most critical, essential work possible.  To do this everyday and get paid to do it has blessed my heart immensely.  I am a true believer in Bethesda and all of the wonderful people associated with it.”

We thank you, Jeri, for all that you have given and continue to give to this organization!  There is no doubt that Bethesda would not be where it is today if it wasn’t for your hard work, dedication and commitment to make Bethesda “a place where healing begins.”
Milton Staff and guests at the Holiday Celebration.

Service awards presented at the 2006 Holiday Celebration

Attendance Awards were presented to:

John O’Brien, Drug & Alcohol Counselor, Bloomsburg

Gary O’Neal, Dean of Students, Bloomsburg

Lisa Vandermark, Program Manager, Bloomsburg

Steve Rizzo, Program Manager, Honesdale

Chris Baines, Program Manager, Lehighton Center

Eli Stevens, Caseworker, Milton Center

Gary Shipman, Day Treatment Supervisor, Montoursville

Collette Benner, HR Executive Assistant, Administration

Scott Constantini, Regional Manager

Steve Gaito, Regional Manager

Jerilyn Keen, President

Stacey Kifolo, Corporate Business Manager, Administration

Jennifer Napp, Regional Manager

Robert Vanderwall, Regional Manager

Length of Service Awards were presented to:

For five years of service:  

¨      Eric Roberts, Day Treatment Supervisor, East Stroudsburg

¨      Jeanine Marcello, Day Treatment Supervisor, Honesdale

¨      Brandy Erb, Dean of Students, Lewistown

¨      Jon Gamble, Case Manager, Middleburg

¨      Kenneth Kaufmann, Support Staff, Middleburg

¨      Jon Sharpe, Day Treatment Supervisor, Milton

¨      Chad Kirkendall, Caseworker, Montoursville

¨      Jason Lamay, Outreach Coordinator, Montoursville

¨      Mike DiMattia, Day Treatment Supervisor, Scranton

¨      Gail Pearson, Teacher’s Aide, Scranton

 

For six years of service:  

¨      Jennifer Napp, Regional Manager

¨      Barb Weibley, Community Monitor, East Stroudsburg

¨      John Dunne, Program Manager, Milton

¨      Sally Edler, Secretary, Montoursville

¨      Deb Nelson, Drug & Alcohol Counselor, Montoursville

¨      Jaquellyn Ross, Teacher, Scranton

For seven years of service:

¨      Stacey Kifolo, Corporate Business Manager, Administration

¨      Yvonne Mudlock, Foster Care Coordinator, East Stroudsburg

¨      Steve Rizzo, Program Manager, Honesdale

¨      Nicole Bingaman, Teacher’s Aide, Milton

¨      Erica Frey, Program Manager, Middleburg

¨      Tiffany Hessek, Dean of Students, Milton

¨      Gary Shipman, Day Treatment Supervisor, Montoursville

For eight years of service:

¨      Esther Zeager, Accountant, Administration

¨      Gary O’Neal, Dean of Students, Bloomsburg

¨      Lisa Vandermark, Program Manager, Bloomsburg

¨      Jeff Hontz, Community Monitor, East Stroudsburg

¨      Dave Rose, Community Monitor, Honesdale

¨      Robert Vanderwall, Regional Manager

¨      Deb Fisher, Secretary, Scranton  

 

For nine years of service:

¨      Collette Benner, HR Executive Assistant, Administration

¨      Gene McCarty, Accountant, Administration

¨      Scott Constantini, Regional Manager

¨      John O’Brien, Drug &Alcohol Counselor, Bloomsburg

¨      Lisa Alfieri, Program Manager, East Stroudsburg

¨      Chris Baines, Program Manager, Lehighton

¨      Lance Evina, Dean of Students, Lehighton

¨      Stephanie Rice, Foster Care Coordinator, Milton/Montoursville

 

For ten years of service:

¨      Steve Gaito, Regional Manager

 

For eleven years of service:

¨      Michelle Finck, Administrative Assistant, Administration

¨      Doug Luisi, Drug &Alcohol Counselor, East Stroudsburg

 

For thirteen years of service:

¨      Michele Barrows, MA Specialist/Drug & Alcohol Counselor Supervisor, Administration

For seventeen years of service:

¨      Dwight Evans, Family Systems Specialist, East Stroudsburg

For twenty-one years of service:

¨ Jerilyn Keen, President

Recipients of our two longest Length of Service Awards - President Keen for 21 years and Dwight Evans for 17 years!
Stephanie Rice - Spirit of Bethesda Award Recipient

The Spirit of Bethesda Award was presented to Stephanie Rice, Foster Care Coordinator, Milton/Montoursville Centers.

The Relational Healing Award of Excellence was presented to Erica Frey, Program Manager, Middleburg Group Home.

The Employee of the Year Award was presented to Pete Charney, Dean of Students, East Stroudsburg Center.

The Outstanding Teamwork Award was presented to the East Stroudsburg Center.

The President’s Award for Perseverance was presented to Scott Constantini, Regional Manager.

The 2006 Manager’s Leadership Award was presented to Steve Rizzo, Program Manager, Honesdale Center.

In addition, many center awards were presented as well as giving recognition to the 2006 Employees of the Month, the 2006 Caught in the Act of Caring Recipients, the Risk Management Committee and the Camp Committee.

Regional Manager Scott Constantini - Recipient of the President's Perseverance Award - with Michelle Finck

Employee of the Year - Pete Charney, Dean of Students at the East Stroudsburg Center

Program Manager Erica Frey - Recipient of the Relational Healing Award of Excellence - with Regional Manager Jennifer Napp
Our Administrative Management Team Steve Rizzo - 2006 Manager's Leadership Award Recipient