Denesha Honored with Harry E. King Award

OGDENSBURG – One of the longest tenured volunteers in the history of the United Helpers organization was honored at this year’s annual meeting with the Harry E. King Award, an award named for another long-time volunteer of the organization.

Susan Denesha of Dekalb Junction, who has been a United Helpers volunteer since 2005, was surprised with the honor earlier this month.

Mr. King’s daughter, Marti MacArthur nominated her for the honor. 

“My father was quite soft spoken, yet always spoke up when he had something to say, had a great sense of humor and belonged to many community groups. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He was loved because he helped anyone who needed it and expected nothing in return,” Mrs. MacArthur said. “You could use those same sentiments to describe Sue. He would be honored to have an award in his name presented to someone like her.”

According to United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Mrs. Denesha’s time with United Helpers began when her father was a patient at the United Helpers Canton Nursing Home.

“Her journey with us began as a result of her wanting the best for her father, but she has continued on with us and quite literally helped enhance the quality of life for hundreds of North Country seniors along the way,” Mr. Parsons said.

In addition to assisting activities staff on lunch outings and field trips, Mrs. Denesha has been preparing and serving home cooked meals for residents multiple times each month for nearly 20 years.

“Our residents look forward to these meals perhaps more than anything on the calendar,” said Activities Director Patience Boswell.

In addition to being an active volunteer herself, Mrs. Denesha also helps recruit other volunteers for activities. Mrs. Boswell said she would bring in so many volunteers, that they eventually named Mrs. Denesha Volunteer Coordinator.

“We give her a list of our activities every month and she makes sure they all happen by supplementing our staff with people from her roster of volunteers,” Mrs. Boswell said.

Prior to presenting Mrs. Denesha with the award, Mr. Parsons read through a lengthy, but incomplete list of ways she has helped the facility including leading an Alzheimer’s support group, participating in resident council meetings, fundraising, casino outings, lunch outings, arranging for preferred seating at the county fair, bake sales, help with trick or treating, and more.

“Sue is our biggest cheerleader, but will not hesitate to inform us when we can do better for our residents. She makes it possible for us to offer more activities and programing,” Mr. Parsons said. “She inspires us all to do more and be better people.”

This was third time the Harry E. King Award has been awarded, previously going to Dr. Edward Gordon in 2020 and Wayne Ladouceuer in 2017.

Mrs. MacArthur established the award in honor of her father as a way to recognize outstanding board members.

According to the award’s description, written at the time it was created, “The award is not an annual award by definition. It is to be presented only rarely, in the case of a desire to recognize a volunteer to UH who is virtually unrivaled and exceptional in his/her commitment to UH and his/her service to UH’s residents, clients, and families.”

For only the third time in the award’s history, the Harry E. King Award was presented. Susan Denesha of Dekalb Junction received the honor at this year’s annual meeting. Mrs. Denesha has been a volunteer with United Helpers since 2005 when her father was a resident at the United Helpers Canton Nursing Home. From left, United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors member Marti MacArthur, Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Mrs. Denesha with her husband Larry Denesha, and Activities Director Patience Boswell.

United Helpers RiverLedge Campus now has Six EV Charging Stations

OGDENSBURG – Thanks to a grant of more than $22,000 United Helpers was able to install six Level II charging stations at its RiverLedge Campus in Ogdensburg.

United Helpers RiverLedge Campus is located just off State Route 37 at 8101 State Route 68. The chargers are available for members of the public to use whether they’re locals or traveling through the area. 

United Helpers employees may also use the stations to charge their vehicle during the workday. United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills Director of Residential Services Kim S. George takes advantage of this opportunity almost every day.

Ms. George drives a Toyota Rav-4 Hybrid, meaning her vehicle can use gas, but she prefers to use the vehicle’s electric battery when possible. “Being able to charge my vehicle while I’m at work is beyond convenient,” she said.

The stations do charge 35 cents per kilowatt hour, but Ms. George said that’s still cheaper than gas and in line with what other stations in the area are charging.

According to JD Power & Associates, an electric vehicle with a range of 300 miles would use between 75 and 100 kilowatt hours meaning a full charge is less than $30.

JD Power & Associates also notes a Level II charger, such as those located here can fully charge a completely drained battery in roughly four hours.

Payment for the service is conveniently done entirely through the EV Connect app, which may be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play. A credit or debit card is then linked to the app with payment deducted at the time of the charge.

United Helpers Director of Facility Operations Rick J. Pirie said he’s glad to see United Helpers installing EV charging stations.

“With electric vehicles becoming more and more common, even amongst our staff, it’s important for people to have a place where they can charge their vehicle’s battery,” he said. “With these charging stations located conveniently just off of the highway people can stop by to charge their vehicles and then be back on the road in no time.”

Ms. George who travels from Massena to Ogdensburg for work each day said her car will reach a full charge in 2.5 hours for less than $6.

Sparx Construction and General Contracting completed the work for this project. 

United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills Director of Residential Service Kim S. George connects her car to the newly installed EV charging stations at United Helpers RiverLedge Campus in Ogdensburg. RiverLedge is located just off State Route 37 at 8101 State Route 68.

Memory of Charlene Hall to Live on Through Charlene's Fund

OGDENSBURG – For more than 40 years Charlene Hall received care from staff at United Helpers, whether it was at Cedars Nursing Home in Ogdensburg or at one of several different Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs).

During that time she made an impact on the lives of those who cared for her as well as her housemates. Now thanks to a generous gift from her family, that impact will continue for many years to come through a scholarship fund that bears her name.

Charlene’s cousins Russell and Peg Hall, of Gainesville, Fla. created the fund as a way to say thank you to all those who cared for her over the years prior to her passing in January. 

Peg and Russ Hall with a photo of Charlene

“We were always impressed with the level of care Charlene received,” Mr. Hall said. “We were particularly impressed with the caregivers who chose to make this their life’s work.”

The fund, which was created with the assistance of, and is managed by the Northern New York Community Foundation, is designed to help direct care staff attend webinars, seminars, conferences, and even earn additional certifications that may bolster their careers and enhance the services provided by United Helpers.

Misty Thomas, a Licensed Master Social Worker at the Behavioral Health Clinic in Canton, is the first employee to utilize these funds. She will be attending a six-day class where she will earn certification enabling her to provide EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy. United Helpers currently does not have a provider on staff who can perform this service.

According to EMDR Institute, Inc., EMDR therapy is a valuable tool used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Information from the Institute’s website, emdr.com, states, “Some studies show that 84%-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder after only three 90-minute sessions. Another study, funded by the HMO Kaiser Permanente, found that 100% of the single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple trauma victims no longer were diagnosed with PTSD after only six 50-minute sessions. In another study, 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD in 12 sessions.”

“I want to help provide more access to trauma focused therapies in an effort to reduce mental health triggers, increase physical health and wellness, improve client safety and relationships, and increase the effectiveness of established mental health care,” Ms. Thomas said. “This opportunity offers me a chance to help my community and my clients by having additional education and therapeutic techniques to support the needs in our area.”

Charlene was born and raised in Watertown, living a typical childhood until an abscess on her brain at the age of four stunted her growth and development. Mr. and Ms. Hall say despite the physical impairment, their cousin “had a sharp mind and a quick sense of humor.”

The Halls say she lived with her parents until shortly after her mother’s passing in 1976. It was at that point, Charlene moved into Cedars Nursing Home. When United Helpers opened its first Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) in 1982, her care then transitioned to what is today known as United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills. That portion of the company operates 11 IRAs across St, Lawrence County.

Charlene continued to enjoy visits with her father until his passing in 1996. According to her obituary, she always enjoyed a nice cup of coffee and going out to eat.

Assistance from Charlene’s Fund is available to anyone working at United Helpers in a “direct care role.” “We thought it was important for them to have staff development opportunities without finances being an obstacle,” Ms. Hall said. “There are people out there waiting for an opportunity to make things happen and we hope this fund can help with that.”

Assistant Director of Corporate Services Jordan Downing-Duke presents Licensed Master Social Worker Misty R. Thomas with a certificate from Charlene’s Fund. Each recipient of assistance from this fund will be presented with a certificate, which also includes a picture of Charlene Hall, for whom the fund is named. From left, Mrs. Downing-Duke, Ms. Thomas and Lead Social Worker Daniel Knight.

United Helpers Hosts Annual Summer Awards

OGDENSBURG – Employees from across the United Helpers organization recently gathered to honor and recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond and are representative of the company’s Always Caring tagline.

Two direct care employees, two behavioral health employees and one member of the organization’s office staff were honored.

The company’s oldest honor, The Margaret R. Spies Award was presented to Patricia Brothers and Kimberly Shaul.

Ms. Brothers, of Potsdam, works as a shift supervisor and MDSP at the Rensselaer Falls IRA. She was nominated for the honor by then Residential Manager Paul Linden.

“Patty is deserving of this award, because she demonstrates every day at that the job she does is “more than work” and not just a paycheck,” said Director of Residential Services Kimberly George while reading form Mr. Linden’s nomination letter. “She is being recognized today for her personal sacrifices and for helping to make UH a great place to work and for the program members to call home.”

Ms. Shaul, of Madrid, is a CNA at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care. When it came time to speak about Ms. Shaul and why she was deserving of this year’s award, Director of Nursing Alysha Troiano turned to people in her care.

Reading a quote from a resident identified as R.H., Mrs. Troiano said, “I don’t even need to ring my call light. Half the time, I don’t know where it is, but just as I think of something I need, she comes walking in before I get the chance to look for it.

This year’s Spies Awards were presented by Margaret’s granddaughter, Elizabeth (Spies) Clayborne. Mrs. Clayborne recalled visiting her grandmother at the nursing home in Ogdensburg.

“She always appreciated the staff who cared for her and had nothing but great things to say about them,” Mrs. Clayborne said.

Mrs. Clayborne noted she also has a brother with developmental disabilities, so her family understands what it’s like to care for folks from that population, as well.

Vice President of Corporate Services Michelle Matthews can remember being among the staff who cared for Mrs. Spies.

“She had difficulty sleeping and I was a CNA on the midnight shift, so often times she would keep me company,” Ms. Matthews recalled. “She was one of those residents that I remember to this day.”

On the behavioral health side of the organization, Licensed Master Social Worker Kurtis Ellison and Specialized Care Coordinator Dallas Bastien were recognized with Behavioral Health Heart Awards.

Mr. Ellison, of Canton, has spearheaded the company’s efforts to bring behavioral health care to students in school districts across the county. Currently United Helpers provides care to students at Edwards-Knox, Parishville-Hopkinton, Colton-Pierrepont, Norwood-Norfolk and Madrid-Waddington. Starting this fall, they will also be providing care to students in the Potsdam Central School District.

Lead Care Coordinator Kaitlyn Rayburn nominated Mr. Ellison. Reading from the nomination, Behavioral Health Director of Operations Breanne Snyder said, “Kurtis has gone above and beyond to implement counseling services into the school system making it easier to access for students and families in the community.”

The second Behavioral Health Heart Award went to an employee who began his time at United Helpers as an intern in the Care Coordination Department. Today he still works in that department, now as a Specialized Care Manager.

Mr. Bastien, of Canton, was nominated for the honor by his supervisor, Audrey Plourde.

“His skills do not end with his office work. In the community, he goes out of his way to help people in need. I have seen him resolve conflicts and handle other difficult situations with remarkable patience,” Mrs. Plourde said. “I feel that Dallas is a great representative of what the Behavioral Health Heart Award stands for.”

The organization’s Exemplary Professional Services Award went to someone who may very well be the first face new employees see once they’re officially hired.

Human Resources Assistant Jennifer Parker, of Lisbon began her career at United Helpers as a DSP before transitioning into an office position.

Ms. Matthews, who oversees the human resources department, said she couldn’t think of a better recipient for this award.

“She is a warm, friendly face who welcomes new employees into the United Helpers family and goes to any length possible to help them through the orientation process,” Ms. Matthews said. “Her focus is making sure that when she is done with her part in this brand new employee’s first day they think to themselves, ‘I really want to work here.’”

As United Helpers’ Behavioral Health Services continue to expand, the company wanted to create a way to recognize staff working in this department. Last year the first two Behavioral Health Heart Awards were presented. This year’s recipients were Licensed Master Social Worker Kurtis Ellison and Specialized Care Manager Dallas Bastien. From left, Mr. Ellison with his daughter Phoebe, Behavioral Health Services Director of Operations Breanne Snyder, Mr. Bastien and Health Home Care Coordination/Supportive Housing Program Manager Audrey Plourde.

The recipient of this year’s Exemplary Professional Services Award is among the first people new employees meet when beginning their career with United Helpers. Human Resources Assistant Jennifer Parker earned this year’s honor. From left, CEO Todd R. Amo, Human Resources Manager Jennifer LaFlair, Ms. Parker and Vice President of Chief Corporate Services Officer Michelle R. Matthews.

The winners of this year’s Margaret R. Spies Award represent the best in direct care. Representting Behavioral Health and Life Skills was Resident Supevisor and MDSP Patricia Brothers. Kimberly Shaul, a CNA at Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton won the award for the skilled nursing side of the company. From left, Director of Nursing Alysha Troiano, Ms. Shaul, Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Director of Residential Services Kim George and Ms. Brothers.

Two Recognized for 50 Years of Service

CANTON – In July of 1974 Charles Bronson’s “Death Wish” was playing at drive-ins across the country, gas was only 53 cents per gallon, and Richard Nixon was in the final days of his presidency.

July of 1974 also marked the beginning of careers with United Helpers for both Joyce Simmons and Cynthia “Cindy” Cota, the first two employees in the 126-year history of United Helpers to hit the 50-year milestone.

Both women have worked in a variety of roles for the organization, something that Mrs. Cota said made working 50 years a bit easier than holding one position for that long.

Mrs. Cota has worked in Canton as a CNA, a therapy aide and a home health aide, while Mrs. Simmons has worked, mostly in Ogdensburg, as a cook, as a laundry aide and then as a housekeeper first for Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg and then for both Sparx and Northern Lights Home Health Care.

United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons has worked with both women, working with Mrs. Simmons during his time as building administrator at the skilled nursing facility in Ogdensburg.

Mr. Parsons recalled celebrating Mrs. Simmons’ 40^th work anniversary. “She brought in cupcakes for everyone,” he recalled. “I asked her when she was retiring and she mentioned wanting to hit 45 years.”

Now on the occasion of her 50^th anniversary, Mrs. Simmons said she wants to be the first United Helpers employee to celebrate 51 years with the company. A feat that will made easier by the fact, Mrs. Cota is retiring at the end of this month.

“I work with a great bunch of girls and I just really love working,” Mrs. Simmons said. “I think I’m going to keep going as long as I’m healthy and able,” she said.

As for Mrs. Cota, she said the first few months of her retirement will be tied up with an ongoing home renovation project.

Mr. Parsons said he remembers the first time he met Mrs. Cota, noting it was his very first day on the job. “Whoever introduced me to Cindy said something like, ‘This is Cindy and she’s been here forever,’” he recalled with a laugh. “And that was 23 years ago.”

The careers of both Mrs. Cota and Mrs. Simmons were recently celebrated at the United Helpers Summer Awards ceremony, where each were presented with an engraved clock. Both women were also given a cash bonus.

This month Cynthia “Cindy” Cota and Joyce Simmons both celebrated 50 years of service with the United Helpers organization, becoming the first two employees in the company’s 126-year history to hit that impressive milestone. Mrs. Cota will be retiring at the end of the month, while Mrs. Simmons said she wants to become the first person to celebrate their 51^st anniversary. From left, United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Mrs. Simmons, Mrs. Cota and Sparx Vice President of Operations Katherine Race.

Three Honored with Helen S. Randles Scholarships

OGDENSBURG – This year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarship winners represent students entering the fields of nursing, occupational therapy and speech pathology, including one student whose career in healthcare is already underway. 

Jordan Downing-Duke with
Scholarship recipient Kathryn Cunningham

Erica Bates of Madrid has already been working as a CNA at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton for just over a year. She will be graduating from Madrid-Waddington Central School and attending the nursing program at Elmira College. She is the daughter of John and Andrea Bates.

Clara Cole of Ogdensburg will graduate from Ogdensburg Free Academy as this year’s valedictorian. She is attending Nazareth College, where she will major in Communication Sciences and Disorders while working towards a degree in speech pathology. Clara is the daughter of John and Sally Cole.

Kathryn Cunningham of Heuvelton will graduate from Heuvelton Central School. She is then planning to major in Professional Health and Wellness while at SUNY Plattsburgh with an eye on an eventual master’s degree in occupational therapy. She is the daughter of Cory and Jan Cunningham.

The $1,000 scholarships are funded through an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles, who established the scholarship more than 45 years ago to provide merit-based aid for students looking to enter the health care field.

United Helpers CEO Todd Amo told the winners they are the future of health care in the North Country. He also challenged them each to be leaders in the classroom and in the health care field.

“We’re counting on you,” he said. “I’m 53 and it won’t be long before I’m needing your services.”

The chair of this year’s scholarship committee Molly Pressey introduced each of the students and spoke briefly about their accomplishments after addressing the group as a whole.

“As we reviewed these scholarship applications, there were three names that kept rising to the top in everyone’s rankings and they Clara Cole, Erica Bates and Kathryn Cunningham,” she said. “Both you and your parents should be proud. The future is in good hands.”

The winners of this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarships came from Ogdensburg Free Academy, Heuvelton Central School and Madrid-Waddington Central School. Three $1,000 scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers each year from funds generated by an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles. Front row, from left, scholarship recipients Clara Cole of Ogdensburg and Erica Bates of Madrid; second row, Scholarship Committee members Diana Dancause, Darlene Liscum, Molly Pressey and United Helpers CEO Todd Amo; absent from photo Kathryn Cunningham of Heuvelton, who was unable to attend the presentation.

Dr. Galen Pletcher Recognized Posthumously with Emeritus Status

OGDENSBURG – For nearly 10 years until illness led to his resignation, Dr. Galen K. Pletcher served the United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors with style and grace that led him to become a mentor to many within the United Helpers organization. 

Speaking on behalf of United Helpers at an intimate ceremony where Dr. Pletcher was recognized posthumously with Emeritus status, Board President Darlene Liscum called him “a leader, a mentor and a friend to many.”

“Galen’s legacy lives on in the work and services offered by United Helpers. He was a beacon of support who never dissuaded from challenges, sought solutions and helped guide us all in the quest for excellence,” she said.

In recognition of Dr. Pletcher’s contributions and support to United Helpers, a memorial brick was installed in his honor at United Helpers RiverLedge Campus in Ogdensburg.

“This wall behind me includes the names of those who believe in and support United Helpers in our mission. In memory of Galen, I would like to present his wife Helen Pletcher with this proclamation declaring his Posthumous Emeritus Award and a commemorative brick in his honor,” Mrs. Liscum said. Dr. Pletcher passed away on Sept. 21, 2023.

Dr. Pletcher enjoyed a 45-year career in education, retiring in 2011 as the Dean of Arts and Sciences at SUNY Potsdam.

“Although Dr. Pletcher may have retired, he never stopped teaching and serving as a mentor,” said United Helpers CEO Todd Amo. “I am just one of the many people grateful to have worked with and learned from such a great man.”

Joining members of the United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors and administrative team at a ceremony honoring the late Dr. Galen Pletcher were Bill and Molly Amaral. Mr. Amaral served on the board with Dr. Pletcher and was among his closest colleagues on the board. From left, Molly and Bill Amaral look on as Helen Pletcher points to the memorial brick bearing her husband’s name.