United Helpers to Offer IV Therapy

Ogdensburg –Beginning January 1, 2015, United Helpers’ Maplewood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center will become the first skilled nursing facility in St. Lawrence County to offer Intravenous or IV Therapy.

Where Are Your Energy Dollars Sneaking Off To?

Recommended reading from our Sustainability Committee.

Every day, every night, all year long money is slipping away from you. It is sneaking out the window one dollar at a time through lost energy. Your heaters and air conditioners are begging you to do something as they work overtime to make up for all the warm and cool air that is not just escaping out the window, but hitting the window and getting colder or hotter depending on the season, creating a cycle that works against them, and you!

You know it's time to give your wallet, heaters, and air conditioners a break, but what is the best option? There are dozens of fixes, but let's concentrate on three popular solutions.

Click here to read the full article. 

Cathy Hilfigure has found meaning living at Cambray Courts in Gouverneur

Post by United Helpers.

Check out photos from the 2014 Mosaic and RiverLedge Christmas Party!

Post by United Helpers.

 

Mosaic staff spreads holiday cheer with ugly sweaters

Pictured are Supportive Housing Case Manager Billie Jo Jackson, Supportive Housing
Case Manager Danielle Bartholomew, Assertive Community Treatment Team
member Kasey Backus, Assertive Community Treatment Team Registered Nurse
Tammy Tulip, and Care Manager Jessica Gonyou.

Members of Mosaic's Supportive Case Management and Assertive Community Treatment Team services held an ugly sweater competition on Dec. 19. Danielle Bartholomew won a Walmart gift card for her sweater.  

Maplewood Handbell Choir brings holiday cheer

Residents and staff in the Maplewood Handbell Choir played holiday classics for friends and family on Dec. 22. Audience members sang along and tapped their feet to the rhythm.  

Kinney Drugs supports Maplewood residents

Maplewood Activities Director Dawn Kimble, Kinney Drugs Shift Manager Cyndi Streit,
and Maplewood Activities Leader Patience Boswell.

The Canton and Potsdam Kinney Drugs stores and their customers donated more than 250 gifts to residents at United Helpers Maplewood campus this year. This is the fourth year Kinney Drugs has collected gifts purchased by customers on behalf of Maplewood residents.

Community Bank donates gifts to Maplewood residents

The Canton branch of Community Bank, N.A., donated two boxes of gifts for United Helpers Maplewood residents to enjoy for the holiday season on Dec. 22. Pictured from left to right are Maplewood Activities Director Dawn Kimble, Community Bank Compliance Assistant Matt Turnbull, Community Bank Compliance Manager Melissa Cloce, Community Bank Compliance Assistant Liza Aldous, and Maplewood Activities Leader Patience Boswell.

Mosaic's Spruce Street Intermediate Care Facility staff gets festive

Most Elaborate - Made by the Night Crew: Jamie Chase,
Amanda Lawrence, Kendra Stacie, and Bridgett Fananzie.

Staff at the Spruce Street Intermediate Care Facility in Ogdensburg decorated doors for the holidays. The door decorations bring a festive atmosphere to the building. Check them out for yourself and let us know which one you like most!

United Helpers Donates to PJs for Christmas

United Helpers' employees donated more than 30 pairs of pajamas to PJs for Xmas. Pictured is Camille Marshall, co-founder of PJs for Xmas and Robin Logan, United Helpers Management Company employee.

Fine Line Jazz brings good vibrations to Maplewood Campus

Fine Line Jazz played a show for residents of Canton's Maplewood Campus on December 12. The band features Bill Vitek on piano, Dan Gagliardi on bass, and singer Laura Brown.

Potsdam-based musicians play for residents at Maplewood Campus

The Potsdam-based musical group, New Horizons, played a special Christmas concert for residents at Canton's Maplewood Campus on December 12.

Welcome New Hires!

New hires as of Dec. 13, 2014.

Ogdensburg Odd Fellows donate to RiverLedge Health Care and Rehabilitation Center

Pictured are Liz Brassard, Left Support to the Grand Noble, Larry Worden, RiverLedge Activities Director, and Devon Crosby, student volunteer at the IOOF Seaway Lodge #41. 

The International Order of Odd Fellows Seaway Lodge #41 in Ogdensburg presented the RiverLedge Health Care and Rehabilitation Center with a check to purchase three iPod shuffles and an iTunes gift card. The iPods will be used with the RiverLedge Music and Memory program for the residents. For more information about the RiverLedge Music and Memory Program, please contact RiverLedge Activities Director Larry Worden, 393-0730.

Mosaic Care Management Team donates to Canton's Renewal House

Mosaic's Care Management Team donated Christmas gifts to two women served by Canton's Renewal House, an organization focused on caring for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Pictured from left to right is Jessica Gonyou, Karen Dodge, Amy Perretta, Trina Bedford, Meg Demers, and Allison Tulp of Renewal House.  

Edwards Senior Court apartment reopens after spring fire

Sandra Whitford.

The rebuilding is complete. Nine months after a fire damaged the apartment complex, building two at Edwards Senior Court, Edwards, has been refurbished and residents have moved back.

Employee Recognition Day at Basta's

On Dec. 17 United Helpers employees with the proper identification will receive 20% off all merchandise* at Basta's Flower Shop, 619 Main Street, Ogdensburg, and the Basta's RiverLedge Gift Shoppe.

It's the perfect place to get that final Christmas shopping taken care of!

FREE Certified Nurse Aide Training

United Helpers and BOCES are teaming up to offer a FREE Certified Nurse Aide training program starting Jan. 26, 2015. The program will be held for six weeks, Monday through Friday, from 3:15 to 7:15pm. Program graduates will be eligible for employment with United Helpers in the Ogdensburg and Canton area. 

United Helpers leadership donates to Toys for Tots

Members of the United Helpers leadership team donated $180 to Toys for Tots this year to help make the Holiday season special for children across St. Lawrence County. Pictured from left to right are Toys for Tots volunteer Shannon Furgison, Toys for Tots Coordinator Christina Reynolds, Toys for Tots volunteer Jamie Furgison, United Helpers Director of Fund Development Lori Smithers, United Helpers Executive Assistant to the CEO Kim Putney. 

To find out how you can support Toys for Tots, call Christina Reynolds at 315-261-9933 or log onto the Toys for Tots website. 

Mosaic Nurses and Maintenance Staff Members Light up the Night

Members of the Mosaic Nursing and Maintenance staff braved the chilly winter temperatures to set up their display for the Lights on the River, slated to open this weekend.

From food service to IT - Allen Mills encourages others to reach for their dreams

Allen Mills is a fighter. Years ago he set his sights on a job in Information Technology and took the first chance he could to get his foot in the door at United Helpers. His perseverance paid off and now he's encouraging other people to keep pushing toward their goals. 

RiverLedge hosts craft sale to support the residents

Residents and staff at RiverLedge Campus made dozens of crafts that were on display and on sale Friday, December 5, in the main lobby to support projects and programs organized by the residents. Pictured in the front are residents Robert Bouchey and Betty Dier. In back are Jennifer Bouchey, activities, and Larry Worden, activities director.

RiverLedge residents donate to Ogdensburg Neighborhood Center

RiverLedge Campus residents Barbara Lang and Shirley Parody oversaw the collection of more than 130 cans of food they're donating to the Ogdensburg Neighborhood Center.

Come see how much we've grown at Basta's Flower Shop!

Check out Basta's online at: www.bastasflowers.com 

Welcome New Hires!

New hires as of Nov. 29, 2014. 

Mosaic employees and residents donated to families in need on Thanksgiving

Employees and residents at Ogdensburg's Spruce Street Intermediate Care Facility, run by United Helpers' Mosaic, donated turkeys for Thanksgiving to two families who get assistance through Mosaic's Medicaid Service Coordinator program. Pictured from left to right are Theo Gagnon, Lonnie, Andrew, and Brittany Redmond.

Happy 85th Birthday Mildred!

Mildred Duvall celebrated her 85th birthday with staff and residents at Ogdensburg's Spruce Street Intermediate Care Facility in November.

Beating the Heat (and the Hot Air)

Recommended reading from our Sustainability Committee. 

Severe, pervasive, and irreversible. Those are three words you definitely do not want to hear said in relation to global warming. But that’s how the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) characterizes what’s coming if we don’t clean up our act. The good news is that things are changing. Even if some don’t want them to.

Click here to read the full article.

United Helpers is a drop-off place for PJ's 4 Xmas

As the days grow shorter and the weather gets colder we're beginning to think about holiday gifts for our friends and family. While we're rushing from sale to sale and making plans to see loved ones, it's easy to forget about those less fortunate. 

That's where PJ's 4 Xmas comes in.

Mosaic joined in the fun at the Light Up the Night Parade in Ogdensburg

Pictured are Sarah Truax, Smylin Dooley, Amanda Thompson, Alyssa Simmons,
Corky Hewitt, Zach, and Colby. 

The 2014 Light Up the Night Parade, organized by the Lion's Club, saw more than 60 organizations and businesses march through downtown Ogdensburg, ending at the Dobisky Center where children got a chance to speak with Santa and warm up with some holiday music. 

Fill Your Home With the Scents of Fall - Naturally

Recommended reading from our Sustainability Committee.

As cooler air makes its way across the country, we’re reminded that the holidays are quickly approaching. From Thanksgiving decor to Christmas trees, our homes start to feel the holidays approach, too. This year, skip the artificially- scented candles and sprays and create your own simmer pot! Using fruit, liquid and spices, a simmer pot is an easy, natural way to make your house smell like fall.

Click here to read the full article. 

United Helpers Therapy Services Built on Collaboration and Teamwork

Ogdensburg –When occupational therapist, Patti L. Prouty began her employment quest, she knew she was looking for more than the next job, she was looking for a team that shared her vision.

Staff and Residents at Morristown Intermediate Care Facility Enjoyed the First Snow

Pictured are Sam Hoffman, Randi Gillman, Michele Cox and Erin Livingston. 

Spruce Street Intermediate Care Facility Staff Has Fun With Team Building Exercises

Deatta Young, Vicki Spooner, Brittany Redmond, Stephanie Lancto, Trish Amo,
Sarah Duvall, Theo Gagnon, and Laurie Cummings.

Digging out at Edwards Senior Courts

Pictured is Caretaker Jimmy Aldous digging out on Nov. 18 at the
Edwards Senior Courts after a big snow storm.

Welcome New Hires!

New hires as of Nov. 15, 2014.

Mosaic Leaders Team-build in the Cold at 2014's "Get Your Leadership On" seminar

Dozens of leaders from Mosaic gathered at the Quality of Working Life building in Lisbon for this year's Get Your Leadership On seminar where they heard about the successes of the past year and gained a vision for 2015.

This year's highlight was a full-scale Foosball tournament that required teamwork, communication, and strategy to progress.

United Helpers employees celebrated for their years of service

CEO Stephen Knight.

Long-serving employees at United Helpers were celebrated at the Annual Employee Recognition Luncheon at the Grand-View Restaurant on Nov. 13. CEO Stephen Knight thanked the 74 employees being recognized for their work over the years, noting that they’re the ones who put the organization’s mission statement, “Serving our community and helping those in need,” into action. Knight said he’s grown accustomed to being taken aside in his travels throughout the North Country by people wanting to praise the work United Helpers employees do. Management Company Board of Directors President Wayne Ladouceur echoed that sentiment and thanked employees for always putting residents first. 

Recycle old clothes and fabrics!

Starting Nov. 15 people across New York will participate in "America Recycles Day." This year there will be a special focus on promoting awareness about reusing or recycling textiles called "Clothes The Loop NY." 

Mosaic Celebrates Direct Support Professionals Week

Mary Donavan and Miranda Drechsel 

Staff at United Helpers Mosaic's Heuvelton-based Intermediate Care Facilities celebrated Direct Support Professional Week on Sept. 9.

T-Shirts for Sale!

Although the 4th Annual Costumed Prediction Run/Walk managed to raise more than $4,000 for United Helpers residents, we still have a number of shirts left over. Any money we raise through selling the shirts will also go right back to our residents. 

Shirts cost $10 each and are maroon, long-sleeved, and made by Gildan. 

Shirts are available in all sizes (small to XXL) and we'll be selling them on a first-come first-serve basis. 

Call Jane Rector at (315) 393-3074 ext. 4271 or 4230 to purchase a shirt! 

Mosaic Employees Learn About Teamwork

United Helpers Mosaic Employees spent time on Nov. 4 undertaking teamwork exercises as part of the Attitude of Gratitude program.

Feed the birds

Recommended reading from our Sustainability Committee.

It's the end of October, and the cold is settling in for more northern states. By now, many of your backyard bird neighbors may have departed southward, and you might be thinking of doing the same. Not every bird leaves for the winter, though. Even though birds who stay while the snow flies don't really need help from humans, feeding birds is a great way to get to know them better. Read on for tips on who to feed and how, and keeping birds safe and healthy while they enjoy your offerings.

Read the full post here. 

Society of the United Helpers Annual Board Meeting discussed new ventures for 2015

Society of the United Helpers President Ed Gordon.

Members of the Society of the United Helpers gathered at The Club Restaurant, Canton, to hear from Society President Ed Gordon, CEO Steve Knight, and CFO Jim Morrison on the progress United Helpers has made over the past 12 months and what the organization will focus on in 2015.

Can a nursing home operator in St. Lawrence Co. build a hamburger plant?

Story from North Country Public Radio

United Helpers CEO Steve Knight addresses members of the
Society of the United Helpers at the Nov. 6 board meeting at Canton's
The Club Restaurant.

One of the North Country’s largest health care providers wants to spin off an unlikely business.

Welcome New Hires!

New hires as of Nov. 1, 2014

Canton Day Care Trick-or-Treats at Maplewood Campus

Pictured is Jessica Fugg, Connie Sawyer, Laken Hitchman (as a turtle),
Marilyn and Neil Coir, and Dawn Lashomb.

Residents at United Helpers' Maplewood Campus, Canton, handed out candy to children from the Canton Day Care, which shares the building, during a costume parade on Halloween.

Mosaic Celebrates Halloween in Style!

Clifford and Grace.

Residents at United Helpers' Mosaic Day Hab program celebrated Halloween with colorful costumes and lots of sweets. Face-painting, games, and music added to the holiday atmosphere. 

4th Annual Costumed Prediction Run/Walk nets United Helpers residents more than $4K

Maranda Rowley, Alyssa Murphy, and Amanda Rowley.

The organizers of this year's Annual Costumed Prediction Run/Walk at SUNY Canton want to send a special thank you to everyone who participated. The event, co-sponsored by United Helpers and SUNY Canton's Employee Assistance Program, raised more than $4,000 for residents at United Helpers facilities. 

Why I like living at Maplewood by Helen Thomas

A resident's letter

Helen Thomas

I think everyone should stop and think about what you have. You don’t have to pay any school/land tax, water, your heating or electric bills. You don’t have to shovel snow, go to the store and stand in line; we have Minnie Flanagan [activities aide] to shop for us. We don’t even have to pay our bills as Emily Wilson [in the business office] does this for us. 

Faces to Names: United Helpers' Mosaic leadership team

Pictured is the Mosaic leadership team at a retreat on Oct. 21.

In the first row are Program Manager Kim George, Assistant Administrator Michelle McGaw, Program Manager Lauren Peters and Behavior Intervention Specialist Barry Berghaus. In the second row are Director of Physical Therapy Terry Micelli, Assistant Administrator Colleen Aldridge, Secretary to the Administrator Betsy Porter, Children’s Services Coordinator Michelle Durham, Program Manager Smylin Dooley, Program Manager Alison Thornhill and Basta’s Flower Shop Manager Laurie Lafaver. In the third row are Program Manager Meg Demers, Staff Development Coordinator Jason Matthie, Program Manager Corky Hewitt, Director of Buildings and Grounds Rick Pirie, Assertive Community Treatment Team Leader Nicole Kennedy, and Administrator Michele Montroy.  

Swing donated at Maplewood to honor the memory of Marilyn Scanlon

The family of Marilyn Scanlon, a past resident at United Helpers' Maplewood Campus, Canton, donated a swing to the facility. 

Preserving Your Fall Harvest

Recommended reading from our Sustainability Committee

Sure, summer weather is over, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop enjoying all our favorite things about summer! If you’ve been busy in the garden for the past few months, don’t let that last harvest of fruits and veggies go to waste. We’re here to tell you about different methods of preserving your harvest, so you can enjoy that fresh sweet corn in the middle of winter.

Click here to read the full article.