What People Are Saying About Us

Maplewood Physical Therapy Assistant Stacie Jessmer received rave reviews this week from a patient who recently completed physical therapy there after having his second knee replacement surgery. The patient also completed rehab there several years ago following the same operation on his other knee.

Here's what he wrote when completing his comment card.

"Your faculty is very professional and you were great. I would like you to tell Stacie Jessmer how much I appreciate her personal efforts in my recovery. If everyone took the time to make you feel good about yourself like she did me, the world would be a better place to live. She is truly inspirational and helped an old man believe in himself again. Many thanks!"

Maplewood Residents Enjoying Summer Activities

CANTON - Residents of United Helpers' Maplewood Campus have been enjoying a busy couple of weeks as summer begins to wind down.

Last week a group of more than 30 residents, volunteers and staff made the trip to Clayton for a dinner cruise on the St. Lawrence River. This trip was funded through the EQUAL funding grant secured by Maplewood's ALP. In addition to dinner on board the ship, entertainment was also provided. 

This week, the residents enjoyed a special visit from Cubby T. and Cuddles the Clown.

The clowns put on a show for the residents, as well as children from the Canton Day Care Center. 

In addition to an hour of laughs, the children and residents were each presented with balloon, sword, hat, flower, bracelet or animal.

To view additional photos from each of these events, visit their respective albums on Facebook using the links below.

Cruise & Clowns

Welcome New Hires

RiverLedge

Jolean Compo - Task Aide
Shania LaFave - Task Aide
Sara Perry - CNA
Holly Hadfield - CNA
Paul Cash - LPN
Amber Duprey - Food Service Attendant

Maplewood

Mara Jerome - CNA
Megan Joubert - CNA
Taylor Gordon - LPN
Joan Hong - LPN
Sara Lynch - LPN

United Helpers Home Health Services
Kelli Barr - Food Service Attendant/Cook

Spruce Street ICF #1
Karlie Robertson - DSP

Rensselaer Falls ICF #2
Sandra Maimone - DSP

Flackville Road ICF #4

Shelbi Johnson - DSP

Irish Settlement Road ICF #5

Amber Crowley - DSP

Dominick Moore - DSP

Welcome New Hires

RiverLedge

Katherine LaRock - Food Service Attendant
Brooke Parrow - CNA
Margaret Randolph - CNA
Gerald Brabant - Maintenance I

RiverLedge Residence
Chelsey Duprey - Personal Care Assistant

Maplewood
Kayla Bassett - CNA
Alex Honyak - CNA
Sabrina Kelleher - CNA

Mosaic Staff Development Training Center
Mark Darou - Staff Development Specialist

Spruce Street ICF #1
Morgann Bova - DSP
Christina McGuire - DSP

Supported Housing
Danielle Amell - Care Manager
Elizabeth Kennedy - Care Manager

ICFs 4 & 5 Welcome Baby Sheep to UH Family

Isla, a member of the grounds crew at ICFs 4 & 5 in Heuvelton gave birth to a baby girl on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015. The Lamb, named Cookie (short for Cookies & Cream) will join the landscaping team there.

Life Improved Honorable Mention - Billie Jo Jackson & Jessica Gonyou

Billie Jo Jackson

Over the past few weeks we've honored our seven Life Improved Award winners and 14 other nominees. Today we're honoring our final recipients, Billie Jo Jackson and Jessica Gonyou, who worked together as members of the ACT team.

Here's what was said about Billie Jo and Jessica.

"I believe this message should be addressed to Meg Demers. I have wanted to write this for quite a while now. First of all, I am NOT Misti anyone. My actual name is Rebecca Goulart. I do not use my real name online so please forgive the deception. United Helpers graced me with a wonderful young woman, Jessica Gonyou, who helped to make my life so much better at a point when I was about as low as I could be. I came to UH's attention when I went to Massena Mental health (Wellness Center now) and I was homeless and at the end of my rope. I was connected with one young woman who seemed to be helpful, but she wasn't. I requested someone new, and was blessed with Jess. My life went uphill from that point onward. Jess helped me be more comfortable while I camped, and then helped me get into an apartment. I was given a subsidy to help me with rent, and that proved to be a true blessing. I had so many hopes and dreams that I thought would never pan out, but because I was helped so much, I have begun the process of seeing those dreams begin. At 54 years old, I still have a few long-term goals, and I fully expect to see them come to pass. I just want to thank all of you for being there. The programs you offer truly are the life-saving kind. With my health issues, I couldn't have survived a lot longer being homeless, and I also wouldn't have had enough money to help myself. Jess was with me every step of the way from having nothing to getting on my feet enough to actually leave Massena like I wanted to. She even took me to court and sat in on my hearing when I went for my disability. I have met a few of your staff since Jess took over as my case/care manager, and you have every reason to be proud of this crew. Billie Jo Jackson also assisted me greatly in the last few months before I left. Of all the gals I met, Jess had the deepest compassion, and a truly giving and caring heart. I feel blessed to have been in her care, and I think you are also blessed so much for having such a compassionate spirit on board. My thanks for all that has been done for me, on my behalf, and thanks for offering the programs that you do to help others. You are ALL angels on Earth. Wishing peace and blessings to all of you."

***Jessica is no longer employed by United Helpers and has taken a job with a different company.

Win $5,000 With the Raffle for the Residents

United Helpers Management Company Director of Development Lori Smithers sells a raffle ticket to the company’s Chief Information Officer Warren Bullock. Tickets are $10 and available at United Helpers RiverLedge Campus in Ogdensburg, NBT Bank in Ogdensburg, Ed Med Credit Union in Ogdensburg, North Country Savings Bank in Ogdensburg and all three branches of the St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union. Tickets may also be purchased online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/uhsociety/event/765128/. First prize is $5,000, with prizes of $2,500, $1,000, $500 and $100 also be awarded. Only 2,000 tickets are being sold, so buy yours today!

Life Improved Honorable Mention - Grace McMartin

Mosaic Residence Counselor Grace McMartin

Over the past several days we've honored our seven Life Improved Award winners. Now, we are honoring each of the nominees, all of whom have made valuable contributions to United Helpers and the lives of the people we serve.

Today's honorable mention goes to Grace McMartin. Grace is a residence counselor at Gateway Apartments in Ogdensburg.

Here's some of what was said about Grace.

"She works her forty hours a week at Gateway each week and also works at the I.C.F.'s sometimes on Saturday and sometimes on Sunday, sometimes both days. Grace is one of those employees that always shows up at least a half an hour early for her shift with a smile on her face."

"Grace always goes the extra mile for her Residents and her family. She is the most selfless person I know. I have worked with many different people over the last fifteen years and working with Grace is always a pleasure."

Twenty-one employees received nominations and each nominee will receive a small token of appreciation for the work they do to improve the lives of those we serve.

Life Improved Honorable Mention - Julia Brown

Program Director Lauren Peters with Julia Brown

Over the past several days we've honored our seven Life Improved Award winners. Now, we are honoring each of the nominees, all of whom have made valuable contributions to United Helpers and the lives of the people we serve.

Today's honorable mention goes to Julia Brown. Julia is a DSP at High Street ICF #6 in Morristown

Here's some of what was said about Julia.

"Not only does she help improve the life of the individuals we care for but she also helps out her co workers on an every day basis. She has been with the company since she was 16 and from what I have seen and understand from staff that have know her that she has been nothing short of amazing at what she does."

Twenty-one employees received nominations and each nominee will receive a small token of appreciation for the work they do to improve the lives of those we serve.

Life Improved Honorable Mention - Larry Worden

RiverLEdge Activities Director Larry Worden

Over the past several days we've honored our seven Life Improved Award winners. Now, we are honoring each of the nominees, all of whom have made valuable contributions to United Helpers and the lives of the people we serve.

Today's honorable mention goes to Larry Worden. Larry is the Activities Director at RiverLedge.

Here's some of what was said about Larry.

"He treats the residents like family and is always willing to go above and beyond."

"He has gone out of his way to make sure some of our residents have gotten to a funeral or a wedding on several occasions. He often comes in on a day off to make sure there is enough staff to cover to ensure these things can happen."

Twenty-one employees received nominations and each nominee will receive a small token of appreciation for the work they do to improve the lives of those we serve.

Life Improved Honorable Mention - Ricky Mason

Ricky Mason with Mosaic Director of Buildings
and Grounds Rick Pirie

Over the past several days we've honored our seven Life Improved Award winners. Now, we are honoring each of the nominees, all of whom have made valuable contributions to United Helpers and the lives of the people we serve.

Today's honorable mention goes to Ricky Mason. Ricky works for Mosaic in their maintenance department.

Here's what was said about Ricky.

"He is always willing to help out whenever I ask him.  He is pleasant and friendly and he never complains! Last week he dropped what he was doing to help me fix a wheelchair and even ran to Lowe's to get a part.  I am pretty sure he worked into his lunch break too.  He makes a huge difference in the lives of the residents and makes my job easier!"

Twenty-one employees received nominations and each nominee will receive a small token of appreciation for the work they do to improve the lives of those we serve.

When SWISH and Northern Lights Team Up Great Things Happen

Thanks to SWISH and Northern Lights, Cambray Courts resident Martha Daniels was able to rebuild strength in her upper body and become active once again.

To see Martha's story, watch the video above.

Life Improved Honorable Mention - Melissa Fuller

Program Director Lauren Peters with honrable mention
recipient Melissa Fuller, LPN.

Over the past several days we've honored our seven Life Improved Award winners. Now, we are honoring each of the nominees, all of whom have made valuable contributions to United Helpers and the lives of the people we serve.

Today's honorable mention goes to Melissa "Missy" Fuller. Melissa is a  LPN at ICF #1 in Ogdensburg.

Here's what was said about Melissa.

"She always goes that extra mile for our residents and staff. She is always willing to pitch in and help whenever needed."

Twenty-one employees received nominations and each nominee will receive a small token of appreciation for the work they do to improve the lives of those we serve.

Life Improved Honorable Mention - Kyle Ball

RiverLedge Assistant Administrator Stacey Cannizzo
with Kyle Ball, CNA

Over the past several days we've honored our seven Life Improved Award winners. Now, we are honoring each of the nominees, all of whom have made valuable contributions to United Helpers and the lives of the people we serve.

Today's honorable mention goes to Kyle Ball. Kyle is a CNA at RiverLedge.

Here's what was said about Kyle.

"He's brand new here, but is an experienced CNA. I've heard nothing but GREAT things from the staff in regards to how helpful he's been and he goes out of his way to assist anyone."

Twenty-one employees received nominations and each nominee will receive a small token of appreciation for the work they do to improve the lives of those we serve.

United Helpers Mosaic Dedicates Fitness Center to Dr. V. Prasad Yitta

Mosaic Administrator Michele Montroy present Dr. V. Prasad Yitta with a framed John Morrow print titled "Upward Bound." The print depicts a ship traveling under the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge.

OGDENSBURG – The contributions of Dr. V. Prasad Yitta were honored Thursday with a ceremony announcing 

the dedication of a new fitness center at the United Helper’s Mosaic complex to the man who has served as the 

agency’s medical director for the past 25 years.

 

Dr. Yitta’s tenure with United Helpers will be coming to an end this fall, as he has already moved to Texas to be closer to his family. He flew in on Wednesday for what he thought was a meeting.

“I’ve really enjoyed the past 25 years and taking care of my patients, but it’s coming to an end,” he said. “In October, they’re going to make a change. It’s hard to keep flying in from Texas.”

Dr.Yitta’s career with United Helpers began when he simply agreed to cover a weekend for Dr. Aranjyothi Kotha, who was serving as medical director at the time.

“I covered one weekend and then she asked me, ‘They really like you. Would you like to help me?’” he recalled. “I said that’s fine and I found it very easy.”

A short time later, Dr. Kotha would resign from the position and Dr. Yitta would take over.

During a time of tremendous growth within the organization, Dr. Yitta approached United Helpers CEO Stephen E. Knight, who was Mosaic administrator at the time and asked if it would be possible to hire a second doctor to share duties with him.

“It was a lot of work and he said, ‘How about bringing someone else in to help?’ Mr. Knight recalled.

After an exhaustive search to find another doctor to come on board, Mr. Knight said he can remember Dr. Yitta coming to him and saying, “‘I can take care of this.’ I think that sums up what he’s done for us for well over 20 years. He can take care of it.”

Mosaic Administrator Michele M. Montroy called the past 20 years she’s spent working with Dr. Yitta, “the best experience of her life.”

Dr. V. Prasad Yitta with United Helpers CEO Stephen E. Knight

“Over the past 25 years with our company you have literally made a difference in hundreds of lives,” she said. “In the years I’ve worked with you, I’ve witnessed first hand the depth of your compassion for others, your commitment, and the advocacy for others that you have shown to the people we serve. I appreciate that.”

In addition to the dedication, Dr. Yitta was presented with citations from Assembly Woman Addie Jenne Russell and Senator Patricia A. Ritchie. Ogdensburg Mayor William Nelson also spoke.

“I think giving 25 years to any one given cause is truly remarkable, but you have given it to those who are the most vulnerable in our community and those who need it the most in such an unselfish manner with such beauty and grace,” Ms. Russell said.

James E. Reagan, who represented Ms. Ritchie at the event said Dr. Yitta was someone the Senator holds in very high regard.

“She has a great deal of regard for Dr. Yitta, as do all of us who have watched his career in Ogdensburg over the years.”

While he was being honored for his commitment to United Helpers, Mr. Nelson noted United Helpers isn’t the only organization to benefit from Dr. Mitta’s kindness and generosity.

“He’s done so much for the community. There’s so much that’s been done visibly, but there’s so much more,” he said. “It’s kind of like the tip of the iceberg. You see the iceberg, but the majority, what you don’t see is the dangerous part. Well, in this case what we don’t see is the good things Dr. Yitta has done, not only for United Helpers Mosaic, but also the so much Dr. Yitta, his wife and his family have done for the community, the greater community, not just Ogdensburg, but the north country and St. Lawrence County. We miss you so much in this community.”

Life Improved Honorable Mention - Jamie Conant

Jamie Conant & RiverLedge Assistant Director of Nursing Brittany Thornton

Over the past several days we've honored our seven Life Improved Award winners. Now, we are honoring each of the nominees, all of whom have made valuable contributions to United Helpers and the lives of the people we serve.

Today's honorable mention goes to Jamie Conant. Jamie is a CNA in the Bosworth Neighborhood at RiverLedge.

Here's what was said about Jamie.

"She does an awesome job with one of out TBI residents. She shows a lot of patience and respect with him."

"She goes out of her way to be kind, courteous, and attentive to all residents on a unit with a variety of medical and behavioral needs."

Twenty-one employees received nominations and each nominee will receive a small token of appreciation for the work they do to improve the lives of those we serve.

Life Improved Honorable Mentions - Cody Porter & Lori Hilbourne

Over the past several days we've honored our seven Life Improved Award winners. Now, over the next week or so we are going to honor each of the nominees, all of whom have made valuable contributions to United Helpers and the lives of the people we serve.

Today's honorable mention goes to Cody Porter and Lori Hilbourne. Cody and Lori are both CNAs in the Milligan Neighborhood at RiverLedge.

Here's what was said about Cody and Lori.

"I would like to nominate a couple of my CNAs who do an awesome job at making sure the residents are safe and comfortable. Cody Porter and Lori Hilbourne are both exceptional employees."

Twenty-one employees received nominations and each nominee will receive a small token of appreciation for the work they do to improve the lives of those we serve.

Life Improved Honorable Mentions - Dawn Kimble & Patience Boswell

Over the past several days we've honored our seven Life Improved Award winners. Now, over the next week or so we are going to honor each of the nominees, all of whom have made valuable contributions to United Helpers and the lives of the people we serve.

Today's honorable mention goes to Dawn Kimble and Patience Boswell. Dawn and Patience lead the activities staff at Maplewood and, without the other person's knowledge, nominated each other.

Here's what Patience said about Dawn.

"She has the residents and staff concerns at heart. She is a great leader and so very thoughtful. She makes sure that the residents are comfortable and she is always willing to try new ideas for Activities. It is an honor to work with her and we are lucky to have her as the Activity Director at Maplewood."

And here's what Dawn said about Patience.

"She has been employed with UH for 10 years and has joyfully worked in several departments. She is a CNA and Activities Leader. She maintains a positive attitude, is very resident centered, and has been my right hand. She has taught staff and residents how to play handbells, has planned and participated with Remembrance Services and continues to help residents with computer problems and things they need help with. She does a great job playing "devil's advocate" and thinking outside of the box. It is her attitude that I find most commendable. When residents seem sad or need cheering up, she will use her sense of humor to lighten their moment. It is always apparent that she has a great love for the residents and for her job. She enjoys making people's LIFE IMPROVED!"

Twenty-one employees received nominations and each nominee will receive a small token of appreciation for the work they do to improve the lives of those we serve.

United Helpers: Offering Therapy for Everyone (w/video)

CANTON – When Sara Day-Schulz and her husband Ted left Boston and headed back home following an operation on their daughter Ruthy’s legs, they knew they would be in need of physical therapy.

What they didn’t know was how hard it would be to find a provider for their young daughter, who was only three at the time.

“I remember driving back from Boston and we were on the cell phone trying to find physical therapy providers in St. Lawrence County. There were several, and I don’t remember how many we called, who said, ‘We’re sorry, we just don’t take pediatrics,’” Mr. Schulz said. “United Helpers was someone willing to take on pediatrics and they were really great to work with.”

Ruthy was born with a larger than normal meniscus in each of her legs.

“Her menisci were too big for her knees, so they had to trim them up, because they were causing a lot of pain,” said Physical Therapy Assistant Stacie Jessmer.

Mrs. Jessmer worked with Ruthy for three months and helped transform a young girl in a wheelchair to a young girl who could ride her bike and run around in the yard with her sister.

“She went three times a week for two months and then after a follow-up visit in Boston they recommended another month of therapy,” Mrs. Schulz said.

Mrs. Jessmer detailed the progress Ruthy was able to make, noting now you would never even know Ruthy had surgery on her legs.

“When Ruthy first came to me she was in bilateral leg braces so she couldn’t bend her legs. Any exercises we did she had to keep her legs in the immobilizers. By the end of the therapy, she was able to bend, she was able to ride her bike again and she was able to do her everyday things,” Mrs. Jessmer said. “Ruthy’s biggest goal was her sister dances and plays basketball and soccer. Ruthy was hoping to do those things and now she’s able to.”

While the therapy wasn’t always fun, Mrs. Schulz said Mrs. Jessmer worked with her daughter in a way that truly got the best out of her.

“Her favorite line she would always say to Miss Stacie is, ‘This is not the fun stuff.’ She did a lot of her working exercises first and then they would do games and things like that,” she said. “I think that really helped Ruthy get as far as she did. Now she calls her knees her, “super knees.’”

For more information on therapy services for people of all ages contact Maplewood in Canton at (315) 386-4541 or RiverLedge in Ogdensburg at (315) 393-0730.

Life Improved Honorable Mention - Brett Amo

Over the past several days we've honored our seven Life Improved Award winners. Now, over the next week or so we are going to honor each of the nominees, all of whom have made valuable contributions to United Helpers and the lives of the people we serve.

Our first honorable mention goes to Brett Amo. Brett is a physical therapist, who works at both Maplewood and RiverLedge. His nomination was the lone nomination to from outside the company, coming from the mother of a young physical therapy patient.

Here's the text of that nomination.

"Our seven year old son, Wyatt Wilkinson had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Amo after he had double leg Achilles's tendon lengthening surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY. Wyatt was in a double leg cast for 6 weeks and after surgery he had lost his coordination and would have to learn it all over again. We were told it would be 6 months or more before Wyatt would be able to run or jump again the way he should. 2 days after the casts were removed Wyatt began out-patient therapy at Riverledge in Ogdensburg. The best decision hands down. Brett immediately developed a bond with Wyatt. It took a lot of hard work to get Wyatt to participate in his own therapy in the beginning. There was a lot of pain and tears. His spirit was broke. He was used to running and racing his bike with the neighbor children. They developed a fist bump and from there on in Wyatt worked hard every appointment he had. Brett would get to Wyatt's level and talk with him and walk him through the exercises encouraging him every step of the way even to the point of Wyatt complaining his feet were hot (an excuse to get out of the exercise that caused him pain) and Brett would take the time to remove his socks and fan his feet and ankles. Thanks to Brett it didn't take Wyatt 6 months or more to learn to walk, run and jump again. It took a little over 3 months. Wyatt has made a full recovery and you would not even know there was an issue to begin with..It seems good to see the smile back on Wyatt's face. I am forever grateful for Brett and his hard work and dedication to Wyatt."      

Twenty-one employees received nominations and each nominee will receive a small token of appreciation for the work they do to improve the lives of those we serve.

Life Improved Awards - Macy Wilson

The results are in and seven winners have been selected to receive Life Improved Awards. Today we're honoring our final recipient, Macy Wilson.

Nominations were scored based on four criteria - improvement to the lives of others, embodiment the U.H. mission, examples provided show work above and beyond the duties of their job description, and the number of nominations received.

Macy is a DSP at ICF #5 in Heuvelton. She was presented with a United Helpers Life Improved T-Shirt.

Here's some of what people had to say about Macy.

"Last week was the birthday of one of our residents. She worked her 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. shift and came back to pick up Frank at 4:30 p.m. She took this resident to her home for a birthday dinner. She lives on a farm and had our resident feedling a calf, watching the cows and sitting on a three-wheeled Harley Davidson. Macy, along with her family went above and beyond to have him enjoy his special day."

"We would all be lucky to have an employee like Macy Wilson in our ranks. She is a hard working, loyal and caring individual."

Macy joins Ron Sellers from ICF #4,  Jaime Ladison from Maplewood, Billie Jo Thornhill and Bonnie Hitsman from Mosaic, and Allen Mills and Cindi Corbine from RiverLedge, as already announced Life Improved Award winners.

Twenty-one employees received nominations and each nominee will receive a small token of appreciation for the work they do to help improve the lives of the people we serve. We will begin sharing those stories tomorrow.