25th Anniversary

The Path

"Guiding People on the Path to Change"

A Publication by PA Treatment & Healing

 

www.pathtochange.org

 February 2010, Volume 2, Issue 8

From the President’s Desk...

12 Foot Spoons and the Golden Rule

Those of you who know me, know that one of my favorite quotes or meaningful words to live by is the Golden Rule ~Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  I find the rule is as applicable today as it has been for virtually thousands of years. I believe it should be practiced in all relationships from friends, to spouses, to coworkers and children.  The “Rule” has existed for thousands of years and although the form may be slightly different, it’s been embraced by most religions and nationalities as insightful and a valuable key to successful living. There is a brief story that beautifully illustrates the Rule’s concept. I have abbreviated it for editing purposes.  It goes something like this: 

There was a man who died and was being taken to heaven by angels. But first, they wanted to show him what hell would have been like. The angels took the man to a place where there was a great bowl, so great that it was as big as a lake. The bowl was filled with a delicious and nutritious stew. All the way around the sides of this bowl were people who were emaciated, starving, and miserable. These people had spoons to eat the stew with, that were long enough to reach it from the shore (about 12 feet long). The trouble was, while they could scoop up the stew into the spoon, they could not get it into their mouths because the spoons were so long the stew would fall off before they could get it to reach their lips. So here were all these pathetic people, suffering and moaning in agony, constantly trying to eat the food that was abundantly in front of them but their arms could not get to reach their mouths.

Next, the angels took the man to heaven. To his surprise, he saw the same scene! There it was; the same giant lake-like bowl of the stew, surrounded by people with 12 foot long spoons. Yet something was different here - all these people were smiling, happy, and healthy looking!  The difference in heaven was that they were the unselfish people who had learned to take care of others first~ to treat others as they wanted to be treated.  They figured out that by feeding each other they would in turn be fed. The angels smiled and said, "Here the people feed each other. Here are the people that learned the way of Love."

This is a striking allegorical story which clearly illustrates a fundamental difference between a world of people who are looking out for themselves first, and a world of people who make caring for others their first priority.  Essentially, the story exemplifies living by the Golden Rule.  But it’s more than just a story. It truly represents the real difference that we can make both for ourselves, and in our world by caring for the needs of others and having tolerance.  Ever noticed that how you treat others is exactly how they will treat you? In China it is said: The person who loves others will also be loved.  Jesus is quoted as saying "So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them." (Matthew 7:12)

Thank you for feeding each other!

 

All my best,

Jerilyn

Jerilyn A. Keen

President

 

Board of Directors

Timothy Gage

Chairman  

Jerilyn Keen

President  

Fred Martin

Director

Chris Bingaman

Director

Dr. Chris Boyatzis

Director  

Ted Hancock

Director

Gene McCarty

Treasurer

 

Erica Frey

Secretary

 

Advisory Committee

Jerilyn Keen

Scott Constantini

Stephen Gaito

Robert Vanderwall

William Rossnock

Joseph Talarico

Dr. Liz Ciaravino

Thomas Bell

William Weber

Larry Weidman

John Gigunto

Matthew Yonkin  

Joshua Weisen

 

Mental Health Director- Dr. Frederick Maue

Medical Director- 

Dr. Vikas Passi

 

Psychological Consultants

Dr. Matthew Emery & Associates

Dr. Antoinette Hamidian

Roger Smothers & Twin Tier Psych Services

Dr. Sara Camaerei

Lycoming Therapuetic Wrap Around Services, Inc.

Pamela McCloskey

Dr. Hugh Smith & Associates

Karen Livingood

Dr. Elizabeth Ciaravino

Dr. Jennifer Hartey

Dr. Kenneth Kindya

News from our Corporate Office...

Congratulations to Bloomsburg’s Program Manager, Jodee Strine on being awarded the Program Manager of the Quarter Award.  Jodee is an elite Program Manager that maintains a high level of professionalism and is always punctual with deadlines. President, Jerilyn Keen stated that “Jodee is always willing to help out at any time, as she has been performing as the Clinical Supervisor at the Bloomsburg center.  Jodee always gives 100% to the kids and the agency.” Jodee is well respected among her peers and supervisors and the PATH family congratulates her on a job well done. 

The Management Team Member of the Quarter honor was awarded to Corporate Business Manager, Joshua Weisen.  President, Jerilyn Keen stated “Josh has picked up and adapted quickly to the position with ease.  Josh is very diplomatic and has a ‘can do’ and ‘will do’ attitude!  Josh is a strong motivator and has motivated me with his words of encouragement and his work ethic”.  Josh started with PATH in April of 2009 and is looking at building a career in his position.  Josh stated “I love this company. It is a great feeling to get up everyday and know that you are going to make a difference for the children, and that in itself is rewarding enough”.

Human Resources Manager, Heather Bickhart volunteered her time to become a certified CPR, First Aide, and AED trainer for the agency.  Heather has already performed her first training at the Scranton center and had a 100% “pass” rate.  This will help PATH save in training costs.  Thank you to Heather for her generous volunteer efforts!

A special thanks to Office Assistant, Bonnie Stoltz, for helping the agency save over $5000 in certain supply costs since April of 2009.  Bonnie diligently monitors prices and always strives to find the best deal possible!  Great job Bonnie!

This is “What’s Happening” at our Centers…
PATH – Bloomsburg: Intensive Adolescent/After School Evening Day Treatment clients have been embracing the spirit of Valentine’s Day. The clients have been utilizing communication tools and the 4 Cornerstones of Intimacy as methods to improve and mend their personal relationships in their lives and move forward in their journey to overcome the emotional obstacles they face.  The Alternative Education Program students have been “rock steady” in their studies of Tectonic Plates as well as other fascinating facts and elements of the earth!  IA clients braved the cold weather and lent a hand to the town of Bloomsburg by taking the holiday bows off the parking meters on Main Street as a community service project! Best of luck to Sean D. who is returning back to his home school after successfully completing a year in our AEP program, showing us that he is ready to start again with his new found path for success.  Congratulations to the Day Treatment Staff on their DPW Inspection score of 100%!  Excellent job in your efforts to achieve excellence!

The Bloomsburg staff would like to welcome newly appointed Dean Of Students, Kirk Lehman to the family!  His leadership and skills will certainly add strength to the team.  A special thanks to Case Worker, Dave Munson, for taking on the role of interim Dean of Students while the hiring process for the position was in progress. Also, special thanks to Teachers Aide, Heidi Bennett for helping Dave while acting as the interim! Outstanding team work! The Bloomsburg staff would also like to welcome Community Monitor, Connie Williams and Bloomsburg University interns Lindsay and Marta to the PATH family! 

 
PATH – East Stroudsburg: February in East Stroudsburg was a month of new beginnings.  The center tested a new color system to identify the status level of the clients in lieu of the former ratings system.  In honor of our great country, PATH will now use the Red, White, and Blue colors of the American flag to identify the levels along with stars and stripes to identify pledge and honor club.  The staff and clients in East Stroudsburg feel this is a positive change to the previous system.  East Stroudsburg would like to welcome to the family two new interns, Crystal and Ashley, from East Stroudsburg University. They both look forward to observing and assisting at the center as they grow in their education through PATH.

The Day Treatment and Intensive Adolescent clients were a part of a presentation from the New Covenant World Outreach Church in Broadheadsville, PA.  The group focused on teaching the clients the importance of being a leader and not a follower in their lives.  Clinical Supervisor, Dwight Evans and Case Worker, Yvonne Clay, worked with the clients after the presentation to help drive home the key points which gave the clients the encouragement needed to start a new beginning in their journey and utilize these concepts to build strength in themselves.  The AEP Students have been adapting and showing great success with the new block scheduling system.  Students now participate in 90 minute periods in preparation for a successful return to their home schools.  Keep up the intensity!

 

PATH – Honesdale:  The Honesdale center has started a Restorative Justice group. This group is specifically for our clients that are on probation. This group will serve as a powerful tool to help the clients get on the right path to success.  The Honesdale center is in the process of applying for a Competency Development grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.  If awarded, the Honesdale center looks forward to using the grant monies to improve the community service program and the summer program to improve the real world experience for the JPO clients.  The Wayne County Foodbank was on the reciprocal end of giving as four clients donated their time and performed community service efforts at the Foodbank.  Way to pay it forward! The Honesdale center would like to congratulate Nick, Indy, and Sam for all making Stars (Honor Pledge) status this past month! 


PATH – Lehighton:  The AEP would like to congratulate Tiff R. on her successful completion of the AEP program.  Outstanding job Tiff and best of luck!  The AEP students had a “special treat” this month when a student’s mother, volunteered to come in and teach the students how to make pierogies.  The class had an absolute blast learning how to make a favorite food of theirs and then of course, getting to sample their creations. 

The AEP & Day Treatment Program would like to congratulate Taylor H. on her successful discharge from the Day Treatment Program after being enrolled only 10 months.  During her time in the DT program, she achieved Stars (Honor Club) status and made incredible improvements during her time in program and at home. Taylor also achieved Stars (Honor Club) Status in the AEP program! Taylor has been diligently studying and giving 100% effort in and out of the classroom. Incredible performance Taylor!  The Day Treatment program held a talent show which showcased a few “rock stars” in the program.  Congratulations to the winner Cody B. who was rewarded with his choice of a sub for dinner!  Lehighton continues to push forward with their Pennies for Patients fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with bake sale donations.  Program Manager, Kevin Loch would like to thank everyone who has given to this cause and is looking forward to the continued success with the fundraiser.

Lehighton would also like to welcome to their team Caseworker, Dana Ottalagano.  Dana was a former intern at our Halfway House in Middleburg.  Welcome back Dana!

 

PATH – Middleburg:  The 1984 Rocky 4 movie theme “Eye of the Tiger” is the theme song for Middleburg this month. Program Manager, Michael Burns has taken current resident Dylan, under his wing and has been training with Dylan as he becomes a serious competitor in weight lifting competitions. Michael is a Lacrosse coach at Susquehanna University and has vast knowledge in strength and conditioning training.  As a positive incentive for Dylan’s positive behavior, Michael has been utilizing that training to motivate Dylan to strive for excellence not only in his personal journey at the Halfway House, but in his passion for this sport.  Dylan went up 200 pounds in three core events: dead lift, bench press, and squat lift.  As mentioned in the January 2010 issue of The Path, Dylan was getting ready to compete in a tri-state competition. Through hard work and determination, Dylan placed 1st in the 198lb, under 19 years of age bracket!  Congratulations Dylan!!

The Middleburg Halfway House is also proud of the residents as they are making strong efforts in their path to recovery.  Program Manager, Michael Burns wants to thank the support of the referring agencies for building trust and an active working relationship with PATH. The Halfway House would also like to welcome Susquehanna University intern, Kim Rubino, to the team at Middleburg and look forward to her contributions to the program.

 

PATH – Milton:  The Milton center would like to welcome new Clinical Supervisor, Amanda Rathburn to the Milton team!  Amanda brings a positive attitude and experience to strengthen the Intensive Adolescent Program at the Milton center. The Milton center would like to thank Clinical Director, Denise Scott for “jumping in” during the transition and allowing a successful transition to take place! Awesome teamwork Denise!  The Alternative Education Program is proud to announce the successful discharge of 3 clients Nevin B, Nick L, Zane S. All three of the students had earned Stars Status (Honor Club) before their discharge! Congratulations and best of luck! Students from the AEP and clients from the Day Treatment programs have been giving back to the community and helping out at the St. Andrews church. They have been helping set up and preparing the community meal that is offered by the church for all of those who wish to come together in worship!  

 

PATH–Scranton:   “There is no I in team” is the motto for the Scranton center as the clients and staff have been utilizing team work to accomplish greatness at the Scranton center.  The clients have been hard at work participating in team building exercises as a way to enhance their social skills and sportsmanship.  Several of the AEP students have been pitching in and earning community service hours by helping out with tasks around the center to improve the appearance and productivity at the center.  Way to go team!   The AEP students focused on the history of the Civil War.  They learned about the importance of great leaders such as President, Abraham Lincoln, which coincided with Lincoln’s Birthday and President’s Day. The students were rewarded for high levels of performance this month with a special treat going out for lunch.  Scranton would like to welcome new Clinical Supervisor, Andrea Brancati, to the team and look forward to her contributions and experience.

 

PATH – South Montrose:  In celebrating President’s Day in February, the AEP students have been studying the Independence of America and the icons involved with the process.  Like the fore fathers when they drafted the Bill Of Rights and other documents, the AEP Students have been participating in comparative writing and honing in on their writing skills.  The South Montrose center celebrated Black History Month.  The students were engaged in learning about the different African American leaders who have an imprint in history and helped to tear down the walls of segregation.  The Pennsylvania Fish Commission was pleased to have the clients begin assisting in the stocking of trout in the approved game waters as a community service project. This project begins in February and runs through the middle of June.  Congratulations to Clinical Supervisor, Tiffany Benedict on the birth of her baby girl Abigail on February 15th!

PATH – State College:  “Think Spring” is the mindset at the State College center. Thoughts of new beginnings, growth, and of course, warmer weather, is keeping the staff and clients motivated as winter winds down. The inclement weather hasn’t kept the AEP students down however, as they have been taking advantage of the more frequent “indoor time” to study and prepare themselves for excellence as they look forward to the PSSA testing this spring. In their efforts to achieve greatness in the testing aspect, three of the students have achieved Stars (Honor Club) Status. The AEP students were featured in the Centre Daily Times newspaper for their efforts in the “Eat A Ton This Holiday Season” food drive!  The Community Service program has begun planning its Spring activities which include building bird houses for nursing homes and state parks as well as liter clean up! Also this past month D&A Facility Director, Michele Barrows and Program Manager, Kevin Ransom met with Clinton County Juvenile Probation Offices and gave Clinton County a very in depth look at the programs that PATH has to offer. Growth among the students and the staff is a sign of promising things from Happy Valley! 
 

PATH – Williamsport:  “Lean on me” is an appropriate theme for the Williamsport center as the center diligently comes together to achieve understanding and comfort.  The Day Treatment clients recently have been processing the effect of the loss of a loved one with the support of the staff and each other.  In an effort to assist the clients to help process the feelings and emotions, the kids watched the movie “The Guardian” and discussed the key points that relate to this process. After the group, the clients were treated to a pizza party to cap off the group and allow a chance for open conversation among everyone and reflection.  The Williamsport center would like to congratulate Day Treatment Supervisor, Shannon Tagliaferri on her recent engagement!    


Scott Pomicter, Caseworker at the Lehighton center has welcomed the new I.A. Progress Notes with open arms and has done an outstanding job thus far.  In order to meet the needs of our clients he completed a home visit on a Saturday after Day Treatment.  Overall, Scott is a great team player!  Thank you for all that you do to make a difference!

          

The following staff were also nominated for Employee of the Month for February:

   Ø  Gail Pearson, Teacher’s Aide, Scranton
    Ø  Heidi Bennett, Teacher’s Aide, Bloomsburg
 Ø  Jim Shoemaker, D&A Counselor, East Stroudsburg

        We thank these staff for their dedication to our Agency!

Welcome to our family….

Julie Bozar, Teacher’s Aide – Williamsport
Andrea Brancati, Clinical Supervisor – Scranton
Diana Feyen, Teacher’s Aide – East Stroudsburg
Ashley Johnson, Teacher – Williamsport
Kirk Lehman, Dean Of Students - Bloomsburg
Dana Ottalagano, Caseworker - Lehighton
Amanda Rathburn, Clinical Supervisor – Milton
Shawn Redanauer, Teacher – Bloomsburg
Mary Stewart, Community Monitor – Williamsport
Jennifer Tressel, Teacher – Scranton
Connie Williams, Community Monitor – Bloomsburg

“In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins”

-Ulysses S. Grant

            LuAnn Becker, Scranton, March 10th                   Robert Mattioli, Scranton, March 11th 
    Frank Swartwout Jr., Honesdale, March16th              Jonathan Sharpe, Milton, March 20th 
       Amy Baxter, State College, March 20th                 David Munson, Bloomsburg, March 23rd 
   James Shoemaker, East Stroud, March 24th                Jennifer Wolfe, Milton, March 27th 
         James Strahan, Milton, March 28th                   Gail Benio, South Montrose, March 29th 
            Tara Gillick, Scranton, March 29th               Shannon Tagliaferri, Williamsport, March 30th