Another Milestone Anniversary Coming Next Year

 By Benny Fairchild

ALBANY – While this year marks the 125^th anniversary of United Helpers welcoming its first resident, it wasn’t until 1899 that the Society of the United Helpers was officially incorporated.

The incorporation came following the adoption of a charter and bylaws, which occurred in April of 1898 when 12 women, two each from the Baptist, Congregational, Universalist, Episcopalian, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches came together to form what would be known as the Society of the United Helpers. This was just mere weeks before accepting their first resident.

Articles of Incorporation

The Catholic church operated its own children’s home, and while Franklin and Lewis counties each had a protestant home, there was no such home in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, or Clinton counties, meaning the new United Helpers Home was definitely filling a need in the community, something United Helpers has continued to do over the years, whether it be through creating a retirement community, homes for people with developmental disabilities, or behavioral health services.

The Society’s articles of incorporation would officially be approved by the State Board of Charities on Feb. 22, 1899, giving us another anniversary to celebrate next year.

The articles read:

In the matter of the Incorporation of the Society of the United Helpers:

WHEREAS, Application has been made to the State Board of Charities for its approval of the incorporation of the Society of the United Helpers, and

WHEREAS, On due inquiry and investigation it appears to said Board desirable and proper that such Society shall be incorporated,

NOW, THEREFORE, In pursuance of, and in conformity with, the provisions of Chapter 559, of the Laws of the State of New York passed May 8, 1895, the said Board of Charities hereby certifies that is approves of the incorporation of the said Society of United Helpers, the certificate of incorporation of which hereunto annexed.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The said Board has this 23^rd day of February, 1899 caused these presents to be subscribed by its officers and its official seal to be hereunto affixed.

WM. R. Stewart,

President.

Welcome New Hires

  

United Helpers Management Co.

Kelly Bedore - Maintenance II (Housing)

Sparx

Rachel Stillwell - Maintenance I

Lizabeth Troiano - Maintenance I

United Helpers Independent Senior Living

Haley Stevenson - Hospitality Coordinator

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Gateway Apartments

Adam Bullock - RN Nurse Manager

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

High Street IRA

Amy Rowe - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Flackville IRA

Heather Spell - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Irish Settlement Road (B) IRA

Elizabeth Filiatrault - DSP

Independent Senior Living Celebrating 25 Years of Retirement the Way it Should be; Open House Coming Soon!

Program members share a hug during a recent cornhole tournament held at the building.

 By Benny Fairchild

CANTON – As United Helpers was in the midst of celebrating its 100^th anniversary, a new venture joined the family, when was then known as Partridge Knoll opened its doors.

To this day, the property now known as United Helpers Independent Senior Living remains St. Lawrence County’s only retirement community. 

United Helpers Independent Senior Living

Spread out across more than 2.5 acres just outside the village of Canton rests this piece of Adirondack paradise. Whether it’s the stone fireplace that greets you upon arrival or the aroma’s emanating from the kitchen, whatever it is that draws you in today has been attracting people to the property since 1998 when it first opened its doors.

Apartments on the backside of the building offer beautiful woodland views, while apartments on the front of the building offer quick and easy access to your vehicle which can be parked only steps away.

United Helpers Independent Senior Living offers a wide variety of apartment styles with both one and two-bedroom options available.

Jazz ensemble performing for members

There’s always something to do, whether it’s playing cards with your neighbors, enjoying a concert, an outing, or perhaps some wine and cheese, but if you would prefer to enjoy a book or puzzle in your apartment, that’s OK too.

If you would like to take a glimpse into just how great your retirement can be, Independent Senior Living will be hosting an open house on Friday, June 16 from 1-3 p.m. Private tours may also be scheduled by calling (315) 379-1428. A virtual tour is available at www.unitedhelpers.org.

A beautiful gazebo, constructed by students from BOCES in 2022, adorns the property allowing members to sit comfortably, enjoy the wildlife and take in some fresh air.

United Helpers Hosting NSC Defensive Driving Course

OGDENSBURG – United Helpers will be hosting two New York DMV approved National Safety Council Defensive Driving Courses in the large staff development classroom at the former United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care (RiverLedge), 8101 State Highway 68, Ogdensburg.

The first class will be held on Friday, June 2 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A second class will be offered on Saturday July 8 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Both classes are open to employees of United Helpers, who can attend for free, as well as members of the general public. The cost for non-employees is $35. People only need to attend one session to receive course credit.

The class serves as a refresher course for drivers of all ages and includes safe driving tips and an overview of today’s vehicle and traffic laws.

Successful completion of the class makes attendees eligible for a mandatory insurance premium reduction of up to 10% for three years on the base rate for their automobile or motorcycle insurance premiums, provided you are listed as the principal operator. Participants may also be eligible to have up to a four points removed reduction with the NYS DMV. The class may be taken once every 18 months for point reduction.

Registration fees may be paid with cash, check or money order made out to United Helpers Care, Inc. Classes may be paid for on the day of the class.

Please bring your driver’s license with you to class.  It is a requirement that you have it with you for documentation purposes.

Advanced registration is required. To register please contact Mark Darou at (315) 393-3072 ext. 5303 or madarou@unitedhelpers.org.

History Comes to Life, as United Helpers Teams Up with City School District to Recognize 'Early Residents'

 By Benny Fairchild

OGDENSBURG - United Helpers teamed up with the Ogdensburg City School District this week to pay tribute to the organization's 'early residents.'

Early resident is a term used by United Helpers to describe individuals who lived in the United Helpers Home on State Street in the city.

The late Ron Collins

From 1901 through 1972 the lot next door to Ogdensburg Free Academy served as the site of the United Helpers Home. Today the parcel is connected to the school building and houses the Edgar A. Newell II Memorial Golden Dome.

Prior to the Board of Education meeting on May 17, officials from the city school district and officials from Untied Helpers came together to recognize the hundreds of children who grew up on that site with the dedication of a print in the dome's lobby. 

The print, drawn by the late Ron Collins depicts the home as it stood in the 1950s with a group of children playing on the building's front lawn. Mr. Collins grew up in the home, and each child represented in the drawing is actually someone he remembers from his time there.

Early residents William "Bill" Poole and Doris Ferris unveiled the print. Mr. Poole is represented on the print, while Ms. Ferris, who is in her early 90s, lived at the home prior to Mr. Collins' residency.

Board of Education President Ron Johnson, who grew up nearby the home said he can remember playing with the children who lived there when he was a boy their age.

Mr. Poole and Mrs. Ferris unveil the print.

Ron Collin's print depicting the United Helpers Home

Front row, from left, Diane Baxter, Dorris Ferris, Dottie Poole, and William "Bill" Poole; second row, Beth Wyatt and her sister, Eunice Curry.

VP of Human Resources Michelle Matthews and Marketing Manager Jordan Downing-Duke pose with Early Resident Doris Ferris, for what she said was her "first selfie."

United Helpers Staff Clean Up Village Park in Canton

CANTON - Employees from across the United Helpers organization came together to clean up Village Park in Canton, as well as the playground area across the street at the First Presbyterian Church.

Roughly a dozen people spent two hours raking leaves, picking up sticks, and picking up trash.

“I was amazed at how much we were able to accomplish in just a short period of time,” said United Helpers Marketing Manager Jordan Downing-Duke.

Chief Operating Officer Stacey Cannizzo said the project was part of the organization’s efforts to give back during their 125^th anniversary year.

“Celebrating 125 years is an incredible accomplishment, but it’s one that would not be possible if it weren’t for the support we have received from our friends and neighbors from across the region,” she said. “For that, we are thankful.”

Mrs. Cannizzo said United Helpers is also planning to complete a service project in the Ogdensburg area at some point this year.

“While United Helpers has a presence in many communities across St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties, it is safe to say that Canton and Ogdensburg have always served as our home base. We are honored to call these communities home, and we are glad that we could do something to help give back to the people and places who have given us so much over the years.”

To learn more about United Helpers and the organization’s history, please visit www.unitedhelpers.org/about-us or like us on your favorite social media platform.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/unitedhelpers

Instagram: @United_Helpers

It was a nice day to be outside, when employees from across the United Helpers organization left their offices to spend a couple hours cleaning up Village Park in Canton. From left, Marketing Manager Jordan Downing-Duke, Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Chief Operating Officer Stacey Cannizzo, Residential Manager Lauren Peters, Administrative Assistant Tapanga Barr, Marketing Specialist Benny Fairchild, Vice President of Human Resources Michelle Matthews, MDS Specialist Pam Beaudette, Independent Senior Living Community Manager Jennifer Dean, Staff Development Assistant Robin Leonard, and Vice President of Development Christa Carroll. Absent from photo, CEO Todd Amo and Administrative Assistant Christine Crowley.

City of Ogdensburg Celebrates 'United Helpers Day'

From left, Mayor Jeffrey M. Skelly, Councilman Steven M. Fisher, Deputy Mayor John Rishe, United Helpers Marketing Specialist Benny O. Fairchild, United Helpers Marketing Manager Jordan M. Downing-Duke, United Helpers Vice President of Human Resources Michelle R. Matthews, United Helpers Chief Operating Officer Stacey L. Cannizzo, United Helpers CEO Todd R. Amo, Councilman Daniel E. Skamperle, Councilwoman Nicole L. Kennedy, and City Manager  Mohideen Buharie.

Members of the United Helpers leadership team attended the city council meeting on Monday, April 8 to receive a copy of the official proclamation declaring May 4, 2023 United Helpers Day in the city of Ogdensburg to honor United Helpers 125 anniversary.

Following the presentation, they posed for a quick photo with Mayor Jeffrey M. Skelly, members of City Council and the City Manager. The proclamation, signed by Mayor Skelly, was framed and now hangs on the wall at our 100 Ford Street building. 

A similar proclamation passed 25 years ago and signed by then-mayor Richard Lockwood hangs in the lobby at the Management Company building, 732 Ford Street in Ogdensburg. 

Stefanik Recognizes United Helpers for 125 Years of Always Caring

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik recently thanked United Helpers for their 125 years of service while speaking on the floor of Congress.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize United Helpers for their 125 years of giving aid to those in need across the North Country,” she said on Wednesday, April 26. Less than a week later a bound copy of her remarks were presented to representatives from United Helpers.

“While we certainly don’t work in health care for the purpose of seeking recognition, 125 years is an impressive milestone, and it’s nice to be acknowledged on a stage such as this,” said United Helpers Chief Operating Office Stacey Cannizzo. “This isn’t a group of employees being recognized, this is anyone who has ever worked for or supported United Helpers being recognized.”

The presentation was made on Monday by Constituent Liaison Joanne McClusky, with Marketing Manager Jordan Downing-Duke accepting the document on behalf of United Helpers.

During her time speaking about United Helpers on the floor of Congress, Mrs. Stefanik touched on several aspects of the organization’s history, as well as its growth.

“For over a century, the organization has provided care for those who were impacted by unprecedented times and has always sought to provide value to their community in any way possible,” she said. “Their organization continues to grow and become even more successful in their mission to contribute necessary and vital services to individuals and families in need.”

Today those services include mental health services at clinics in Canton and Ogdensburg, in-home care coordination services for people across St. Lawrence County, physical and occupational therapy, independent senior living, assisted living, skilled nursing, dementia care, home health care, care for people with developmental disabilities, affordable housing for seniors and people with disabilities, and more. The organization employs more than 700 people across St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties.

“On behalf of New York’s 21^st Congressional District, I would like to congratulate United Helpers on their 125 years of extraordinary service to North Country residents, and I would like to thank every community member who has supported the organization’s mission to help those in need,” Mrs. Stefanik said.

To learn more about United Helpers and its history, please visit www.unitedhelpers.org/about-us.

Joanne McClusky, constituent liaison for Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik presents United Helpers Marketing Manager Jordan Downing-Duke with a copy of the Congressional Record containing remarks made by Mrs. Stefanik on the floor of Congress last week. Mrs. Stefanik spoke about the organization’s history and offered congratulations on United Helpers reaching its 125^th anniversary.

Welcome New Hires

 

United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care

Regina Delorme - RN

Michele Cutway - Task Aide

Hailey Ashley - Task Aide

Christina Powell - Task Aide

Mark Ashley - Food Service Attendant

Kayla Crowder - Food Service Attendant

Kori Key - Food Service Attendant

Nikolas Rauch - Food Service Attendant

United Helpers Management Co.

John Page - Maintenance II (Housing)

Terry Pray - Office Tech

Sparx

Lynn Turner - Housekeeper

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Mental Health Clinics

Misty Thomas - Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Health Home Care Coordination

Azia Hart - Care Manager

Erin White - Care Manager

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

High Street IRA

Caysie Lampett - DSP

Morgan House - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Spruce Street IRA

Alison Thornhill - Utilization Coordinator (internal hire)

Heather Worden - QA Coordinator (internal hire)

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Lisbon IRA

Tiffany Legault - Cook/Housekeeper

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Flackville IRA

Linda Paxrton - DSP