M-W's Plumley Eyes Return to the Court With Help from United Helpers

OGDENSBURG – Coming off the best season of her young athletic career, Madrid-Waddington’s Emma Plumley was looking forward to using the AAU season to continue strengthening her game in preparation for her junior season with her eyes also set on taking the court at the next level.

Ms. Plumley’s sophomore season included a sectional title, first-team All-NAC, and Second-Team Watertown Daily Times All-Northern honors. 

Physical Therapist Brett Amo works on a drill with Emma Plumley.

Heading into the 2019-2020 season Ms. Plumley, a guard on the school’s basketball team, knew she would again be an important piece to the Yellow Jackets success, as the team’s only returning starter. However, the start of her junior season was pushed back when she tore her right ACL while “crossing-up” a defender during an AAU game last April.

“I felt my knee cap move and I thought I had dislocated my knee,” she said. “They carried me to the bench and then they carried me to the car, so I really hadn’t put any weight on it until I got home. When I got home and tried to walk to the house I experienced what was probably the worst pain I’ve ever felt,” she said.

Ms. Plumley then had surgery in Boston with former New England Patriots team physician Dr. Thomas Gill performing her operation. However, prior to her surgery, she came to United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg for “prehab.”

“Those two months were focused on getting my leg stronger and improving my range of motion in preparation for surgery,” Ms. Plumley said, noting that prehab consisted of a lot of stretching and simple exercises that would help strengthen her leg without exacerbating her injury.

Two weeks after surgery and already off her crutches, Ms. Plumley returned to United Helpers to begin working towards the resumption of her athletic career.

“I knew I was going to come back, but I was super upset at the news (diagnosis of a torn ACL) and did briefly think what if I can’t play anymore,” she said. “But I only questioned myself for a little while and then got to work.”

Physical Therapist Brett Amo watches as Emma Plumley runs on a treadmill.

 Her therapy consisted of strength and flexibility training three times per week with Physical Therapist Brett Amo, who also worked with her prior to the surgery.

“Therapy was very challenging, but in a good way. It’s hard work, but I like to be pushed and Brett does a great job,” she said. “I’m actually probably in the best shape of my life.”

As she wrapped up what would be her final physical therapy appointment, Ms. Plumley said that her doctors have cleared her to return to action on Jan. 1, about a month-and-a-half after the season begins.

“After this, I want it more than ever,” she said. “I can’t wait to get back on the court.”

Adding to the excitement is the fact that Emma’s younger sister, Grace will also be joining the varsity team this year.

“I’m so excited because basketball is the one sport I really love (she also plays soccer) and I want to play in college,” she said. “I’m going to be a little nervous, especially the first time I do a crossover, but I am glad to be back.”

For more information regarding therapy services in Ogdensburg, please call (315) 393-0730 ext. 2156. For information regarding therapy services in Canton, please call (315) 386-4541 ext. 3217. You may also like United Helpers on Facebook or visit www.unitedhelpers.org.

United Helpers Hosting Defensive Driving Class Nov. 16

OGDENSBURG – United Helpers will be hosting a New York DMV approved National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 16 in the Staff Development Training Room at the Behavioral Health/Life Skills (formerly Mosaic) Complex, 100 Ford St. in Ogdensburg.

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.

The cost of the class is $30, payable in cash, check or money order made out to United Helpers Care, Inc.

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) 394-6702 ext. 303 or madarou@unitedhelpers.org.

Potsdam Man Able to be Closer to His Wife After Moving Into ISL

CANTON – Two years ago Lynn Warden’s wife, Shirley moved into the skilled nursing wing at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton. The move left Mr. Warden alone in the home the couple had shared for more than 50 years.

Lynn Warden

Following his wife’s move, Mr. Warden, a retired state trooper, said his children began encouraging him to find a smaller place closer to their mother where he wouldn’t have to be alone most of the time, and have to worry about everyday things like mowing the lawn, preparing meals or clearing the driveway.

“I had heard about this place (United Helpers Independent Senior Living, formerly Partridge Knoll), and if I ever had to go somewhere this is where I wanted to go, but honestly I didn’t want to leave my home,” he said. 

Looking back though on his move, Mr. Warden acknowledges now that his children were correct. “When you’re here you don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn or snow blowing the driveway. It means a lot to have that stuff taken care of. It’s nice to have a break from those things that you’ve been doing your whole life.”

Mr. Warden also said he enjoys having dinner prepared for him each night.

“I never enjoyed preparing my own meals and the dinners here are fantastic,” he said, adding he also enjoys coffee hour each morning with a group of “15 or so” other members.

Mostly though, Mr. Warden said he enjoys being closer to his wife and once again having an active social life.

“I was driving 30 miles round trip each day, almost every day, so having her next door is very convenient,” he said, noting that while he usually goes to visit her, there have even been times when his wife has been able to come visit him.

Mr. Warden resides in a one-bedroom apartment at United Helpers Independent Senior Living, but amongst the building’s 38 apartments are a variety of both one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment styles, which he said are all very nice.

“These rooms are really nice, but the people really are something else, and that starts right at the top with Cindy (Community Housing Manager Cindy Lawrence) and Jenn (Housing Assistant Jennifer Dean). When you see them or any of the other employees here in the hall, it’s not just a “hello,” they actually stop and have a conversation with you.”

The building’s other residents have also made him feel at home.

“The people who live here are very nice,” he said. “It’s like a family. These people are my family now.”

Mr. Warden has been busy preparing his home in Potsdam to be sold, so he said he hasn’t yet had the opportunity to participate in a lot of the activities held at the building, but he said once his home is sold and he has more free time that’s something he’s hoping to do.

“I do look at the activities calendar every month, and if there isn’t something on that list you enjoy, I don’t know what to tell you. The activities here are really unlimited,” he said. Activities each month range from musical entertainment to shopping trips, card games, educational presentations, community outings and more.

“Anyone would be fortunate to get in here. The place really sells itself,” he said.

Mr. Warden also said he would like to caution people against getting sticker shock when advised of the monthly rates.

“I was paying property taxes, utilities and having to prepare my own meals,” he said. “When you look at all of that, it isn’t too bad, and that doesn’t even include not having to worry about maintenance anymore,” he said. “You certainly are getting what you pay for.”

To schedule a tour or learn more about United Helpers Independent Senior Living, including how you can get on the waiting list, please visit www.unitedhelpers.org or give them a call at (315) 379-1428. You may also like United Helpers on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/unitedhelpers.

City Man Comes Out Ahead After Battling Insurance Company To Cover Inpatient Therapy

OGDENSBURG – This past summer William O’Brien had knee replacement surgery for the second time and given his difficult recovery the first time, he knew he wanted to do things differently.

After receiving physical therapy from another provider following surgery on his right knee, he opted to come to United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care following the operation on his left.

“There are a lot of choices out there for therapy and I am really glad I came here,” Mr. O’Brien said. “I was blown away by their knowledge and attention to detail.” 

His therapy began with a six-day inpatient stay, something that Mr. O’Brien said he had to fight with his insurance company for. 

United Helpers Physical Therapist Brett Amo uses a goniometer (similar to
 a protractor) to help measure the flexion in William O’Brien’s knee. Mr.
O’Brien, who has been receiving therapy for just over a month said his progress
is well ahead of where it was at the same time following his last surgery.

“My insurance company didn’t want to approve an inpatient stay, but it’s worth fighting for,” he said. “If I would have gone home I would have had therapy three times per week as an outpatient, but with an inpatient stay you receive therapy two or three times per day and that is a game changer.”

Following his first procedure, Mr. O’Brien said he had swelling in his knee for eight weeks.

“Now, it’s almost gone,” he said. “I’m so much further along this time than I was last time at this stage.’

Part of the reason, Mr. O’Brien said is the attention to detail paid by the staff at United Helpers.

William O’Brien works on stretching out his left knee 

with United Helpers Physical Therapist Brett Amo. 

Mr. O’Brien, who has been receiving therapy for 

just over a month said his progress is well ahead of 

where it was at the same time following his last surgery.

“With other providers a leg press is a leg press. You just put your feet up and push,” he said. “At United Helpers they work with you to make sure your feet are positioned properly and the right distance apart. That’s made a major difference.”

While Mr. O’Brien said everyone he has dealt with at United Helpers has been great, he wanted to especially thank physical therapist assistants Breanna Clement and Adam Soller for their assistance to him during his inpatient stay.

Now that he is receiving outpatient therapy, Mr. O’Brien is meeting three times per week with Physical Therapist Brett Amo.

“When I heard Brett was at United Helpers, that’s when I decided I wanted to go there. His reputation really does precede him,” he said. “Donna and Joe (Physical Therapist Assistants Donna Donnelly and Joseph Longshore) have been great too.”

When asked if he would recommend United Helpers to others, Mr. O’Brien replied, “There’s not a question in my mind.” 

For more information regarding therapy services in Canton, please call (315) 386-4541 ext. 3217. For information regarding therapy services in Ogdensburg, please call (315) 393-0730 ext. 2156. You may also like United Helpers on Facebook or visit www.unitedhelpers.org.

Northern Lights Experiences Second Baby Boom in as Many Years

It was déjà vu all over again for the staff at Northern Lights in Canton with the home health care agency experiencing its second baby boom in as many years. During the spring and summer of 2018, six Northern Lights employees welcomed babies. This time around, five employees welcomed new babies into their families, with a sixth welcoming twins into her family as a grandmother. All of the babies range in age from three to seven months old. From left, Physical Therapist Assistant Chelsea Reed and her four-month-old daughter Briar, Registered Nurse Kim Salton with her six-month-old grandchildren, Quinn and Dalton, Registered Nurse Tiffany Mitchell with her seven-month-old daughter Madelyn, Registered Nurse Courtney Perry with her six-month-old son Wyatt, and Licensed Practical Nurse Alexis Porter with her three-month-old daughter Rory. Absent from photo, Registered Nurse Jaclyn Pernice and her son Declan, who is five-months-old. 

Woman Returns to United Helpers for Physical Therapy

CANTON – When Roxann Koch’s husband David was receiving skilled nursing care he lived at what was then known as Maplewood Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in Canton.

“The care my husband received was great,” she said. “All of the staff were very nice to him and very understanding.” 

Physical Therapist Assistant Jena Cryderman w/ Roxann Koch

​So when the time came for Mrs. Koch to decide where she would like to spend a brief inpatient stay after knee-replacement surgery, the choice was a simple one.

Three days after her surgery she was discharged to United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Canton.

“I spent ten days here and everything was very good,” she said. “I received my pain medication when I asked for it and all of my needs were taken care of by the staff. I was very pleased.”

When Mrs. Koch first came to United Helpers following her surgery, she was using a walker all of the time. However, after a ten-day stay, she was able to switch to using a cane, at least most of the time.

“I still do sometimes use my walker in the house, but when I go get the newspaper I use my cane,” she said, explaining that to get the paper, she must walk down her driveway, across the street and back.

Physical Therapist Assistant
Jena Cryderman w/ Roxann Koch

Physical therapy now consists of outpatient appointments three times a week, and if all goes well, Mrs. Koch said she is hoping to once again walk without the assistance of a cane or walker, although for her own peace of mind, she said she is not planning to get rid of her cane.

“I will always have my cane, just for the comfort of knowing it’s there if I need it,” she said.

Physical Therapist Assistant Jena Cryderman, who has been working with Mrs. Koch, said walking without a cane is a good goal to have. 

“That’s certainly reasonable and a goal we’re working towards,” Ms. Cryderman said.

When asked if she would recommend United Helpers to others, Mrs. Koch said it did not matter what the service was, whether it be skilled nursing, inpatient therapy services or outpatient therapy services, she would, and she has recommended United Helpers to “anyone and everyone.”

For more information on therapy services in Canton, please call (315) 386-4541 ext. 3217. For information on therapy services in Ogdensburg, please call (315) 393-0730 ext. 2156. You may also like United Helpers on Facebook or visit www.unitedhelpers.org.

Welcome New Hires

Please welcome the following new employees to the United Helpers family.

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg

Austin Brooks - Task Aide
Danielle St. Dennis - Task Aide
Chelsy Corrice - Food Service Attendant

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Canton

Shelbi VanOrnum - Task Aide
Jessica Moore - Task Aide
Tracey Coffey - Food Service Attendant

McIntyre Road IRA

Sandi Jo Foster - DSP

Riverwood Acres
Kaitlyn Wison - DSP

Rensselaer Falls IRA
Bailey Coffey - DSP

Lisbon IRA
Savannah St. Pier - DSP

Welcome New Hires

Please welcome the following new employees to the United Helpers family.

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg

Kelsey Feeney - Task Aide
Keegan LaFlair - Task Aide
Jamie McDonald - LPN

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Canton

Tara Adams - RN
Erica LeGrow- LPN
Alexis Porter - LPN
Brittany Ward - CNA
Joanna Denesha - Task Aide
Karlee Donahue - Task Aide
Brittney Dority - Task Aide
Danielle Jackson - Task Aide
Gaynor McCollum - Task Aide
Christa Charland - Food Service Attendant

United Helpers Management Co.

Scott Fuller - Maintenance II (housing)

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills
Joanne Carkner - Director of Nursing

 A.C.T. Team
Nurse Manager - Sarah Driscoll

Centennial Manor
Crystal Cole - DSP

Behavioral Health Clinic (Ogdensburg)
April Loffler - Office Tech

 Basta's Landscaping
Joshua Morrow - Laborer

Pleasant Valley IRA
Krista Bickford - DSP

Rensselaer Falls IRA
Michael Azzarone - Maintenance II

Lisbon IRA
Jacequelynn Caskinett - DSP
Cheryl Grant - Nurse Manager

Assisted Living Makes Life a Whole New Ballgame

CANTON – Each night during the course of the Major League Baseball season, Hilda Smith sits in her recliner and watches her beloved New York Yankees on television.

That routine has gone on for years, first from her home in Hannawa Falls and then from apartments in Madrid and Canton. Today, she watches the games from the comfort of her room in the Assisted Living wing at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care.

Hilda Smith enjoys the game.

While Ms. Smith is largely independent, there were a couple of areas of her life, where she could use a little bit of help. Enter United Helpers. 

“I’m 93 years old and I’ve reached the age where I wanted someone to clean my apartment for me. I like to keep things tidy. I’m kind of fussy like that,” she said.

Last year Ms. Smith gave up her driver’s license, and while she says her son was more than happy to help her out and take her shopping or to appointments, she hated feeling like she was a burden on him or other members of her family.

Ms. Smith also said she really enjoys having someone cook for her.

“If it wasn’t for the microwave and TV dinners, I wouldn’t have survived,” she said, explaining that since she’s moved to Assisted Living, where breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even nutritious snacks are served throughout the day, her diet had improved dramatically.

Ms. Smith is also utilizing another service available to her, outpatient physical therapy, for pain and stiffness in her neck, a result, she jokes comes from “watching too many ballgames.”

“If I was still in my apartment I would have needed a driver to take me to and from my therapy appointments. It would have been a giant inconvenience,” she said. “In fact, I don’t think I would even be doing therapy, if it wasn’t here.”

Now instead of having to rely on a driver to get her to and from therapy​ appointments, Ms. Smith simply takes a ride on the elevator and walks down the hall. “The convenience of everything is amazing,” she said. “This is a great place, I couldn’t ask for anything more. I’m glad I made this choice.”

For more information on Assisted Living or any of United Helpers other senior living options contact our Navigator at (315) 714-3117. 

You may also like United Helpers on Facebook or visit www.unitedhelpers.org.

Welcome New Hires

Please welcome the following new employees to the United Helpers family.

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg

Natalie Apple - Task Aide
Jennifer McNamara - LPN
Andrea Schaefer - RN

United Helpers Management Co.

Brian Ervay - Maintenance II (housing)

Flackville Road IRA

Emily Geer - DSP
Donna Sharpe - DSP

Health Home Care Coordination

Jeanette Spicer - Case Manager
Donnellda Todd - Case Manager

Welcome New Hires

Please welcome the following new employees to the United Helpers family.

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg

Joshua Clothier - Food Service Attendant
Hunter Hamilton - Food Service Attendant
Erik Lamay - Food Service Attendant
Jordyn Tupper - Food Service Attendant
Rhian Dunham - Task Aide
Jeremy Dutton - Director of Facility Operations

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Canton

Kevin Capito - Task Aide
Annaliese DeZalia - Task Aide
Destiny Durham - Task Aide
Jonnilyn Pierce - Task Aide
Pamela Thompson - Task Aide
Hali Walrath - Task Aide
Selena Swinyer - Food Service Attendant
Jacey Phelps - CNA

Pleasant Valley IRA

Garrett Griffin - DSP

Irish Settlement Road IRA

Michael LaMere - DSP

Welcome New Hires

Please welcome the following new employees to the United Helpers family.

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg

Anne Snyder - LPN

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Canton

Cynthia Murdock - Task Aide

Irish Settlement Road IRA

Clark Zanker - DSP

Health Home Care Coordination

Brianna Foster - Specialized Care Manager
Angie Lancor - Care Manager

Welcome New Hires

Please welcome the following new employees to the United Helpers family.

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg

Diamond Marshall - Task Aide
Lois Toland - Task Aide
Macy Young - Task Aide

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Canton

Michael-John Russell - Food Service Attendant
Madison Simser - Food Service Attendant
Peyton Dafoe - Task Aide
Hannah Degraw - Task Aide
Mary Lobdell - Task Aide
Makayla Meilleur - CNA
Charissa Plourde - CNA
Shova Pathak - RN
Chelsea Parmeter - LPN

Flackville IRA

McKenzie Hazelton - DSP
Christina McGuire - DSP

Welcome New Hires

Please welcome the following new employees to the United Helpers family.

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg

Mandy Brown - Task Aide
Breanna Clement - Physical Therapy Assistant
Corrina Crosby - LPN

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Canton

Robert Bard - Task Aide
Kendra Hays - Task Aide
Brittany Snyder - Task Aide
Kyra Graham - CNA

Cherry Street IRA
Alison Kimble - DSP

Spruce Street IRA
Joshua Morriow - DSP

Irish Settlement Road IRA
Taylor Briggs - DSP

Health Home Care Coordination

Molly Aznoe - Care Coordinator

United Helpers CEO Presented with Leading Age New York's Highest Honor

OGDENSBURG – United Helpers CEO Stephen E. Knight was the recipient of the Lawrence E. Larson Memorial Award of Honor at this year’s LeadingAge New York Conference.

According to a description of the honor on the organization’s website, this award is LeadingAge New York’s highest honor.

“LeadingAge New York’s highest award honors the late Larry Larson, the organization’s first chairman and pays tribute to his distinguished service, dedication and foresight in aging services. This award is given to a member who has made outstanding contributions to the field and is a recognized leader at the state and national level with a reputation for humanitarian achievement and professional vision.”

Mr. Knight was nominated for the honor by United Helpers Vice President of Quality Improvement & Clinical Services Stacey Cannizzo. In her nomination she wrote, “Steve is a tireless advocate of his community, co-workers, staff, and those we serve. He embodies the definition of a trusted leader in health care.”

Many of the qualities Mrs. Cannizzo attributed to Mr. Knight are also the same qualities behind United Helpers’ new “Always Caring” tagline. “I truly believe that Always Caring is much more than a tagline and accurately describes United Helpers and all of our employees from maintenance to food services, from nursing and direct support professionals to therapy staff. It does not matter who you are. If you work for United Helpers, you are always caring.”

Mr. Knight’s advocacy often extends well beyond St. Lawrence County; in fact, in the days leading up the conference, Mr. Knight was in Albany speaking with elected officials and Department of Health staff about the challenges facing many of the companies and organizations providing services similar to United Helpers.

“I have a vision of pay and benefits equity for all health care and community services workers, not just a few. The chasm between reimbursement for state and public workers and those doing the same job for private, not-for-profit community-based organizations is an injustice that can no longer be tolerated,” he said. “United Helpers has a responsibility to take care of the people we serve and we can’t take care of them, if we can’t take care of the people who work for us.”

As CEO of United Helpers, Mr. Knight oversees operations at United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care, which operates two skilled nursing facilities; United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills, which oversees several programs for those with mental illness, as well as programs and homes for those with developmental disabilities; United Helpers Independent Senior Living, which is St. Lawrence County’s lone independent retirement community; and United Helpers Management Company, which oversees the administrative, financial and clerical work associated with those operations.

“I am proud to say that I work for United Helpers,” Mr. Knight said. “I am also proud to have spent the last 30 years of my career serving seniors and those in need in my community. I am grateful to work with more than 1,000 amazing and committed men and women. I am a lucky person.”

To learn more about Leading Age, visit www.leadingage.org.

To learn more about United Helpers, visit www.unitedhelpers.org.

United Helpers CEO Stephen E. Knight was joined at this year’s Leading Age New York Conference by several members of his administrative team, as well as volunteers from the United Helpers Board of Directors. From left, United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Ogdensburg Vice President Timothy Parsons, United Helpers Vice President of Quality Improvement & Clinical Services Stacey Cannizzo, United Helpers Board of Directors Past President Nancy Rehse, Mr. Knight, Board of Directors Secretary & Treasurer Francine Naccarato, Board of Directors member Martha K. McArthur, United Helpers Director of Rehabilitation Terry Micelli, United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care Canton Vice President of Operations Kimberly Blair, and United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care Ogdensburg Director of Nursing Brittany Thornton.

Helen S. Randles Scholarships Honor Health Care Workers of Tomorrow

OGDENSBURG – Three high school seniors from a field of nearly 30 applicants were honored with Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

The scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers using funds from an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles. 

This year’s winners included two students from Ogdensburg and a student from Massena.

Elizabeth Peo, of Ogdensburg will be attending LeMoyne to enter the school’s nursing program. She is the daughter of Michael and Sheila Peo. She is planning to become a nurse practitioner.

Riliegh Planty, of Ogdensburg will be attending SUNY Oneonta this fall. She will major in biology and is planning to become a physician assistant. She is the daughter of Jennifer Pratt.

Jackson Halladay, of Massena will be attending the University of St. Joseph’s where he will be a health sciences major with aspirations of becoming a physician assistant. He is the son of Shane and Cristen Halladay.

Scholarship Committee Chair Ed Gordon said the decision on whom to select is never an easy one.

“This award isn’t just about academic achievement. It is also about community service. Each applicant must also write a letter explaining why they would like to go into the health care field,” he said before telling the students a little about Ms. Randles, for whom the scholarship they just received was named.

“Education was very important to her,” he said, adding Ms. Randles served as a volunteer with United Helpers for 46 years. “I don’t think anyone has ever served longer.”

The scholarships are awarded each year to students from St. Lawrence County who are furthering their education and planning to enter the health care field.

DSPs celebrated at bFair2DirectCare Rally

OGDENSBURG – More than 100 employees, residents, people who receive services through United Helpers and their family members attended the organization’s first bFair2Direct Care Rally where nearly one dozen speakers spent more than an hour detailing how their lives and the lives of their loved ones have been impacted by Direct Support Professionals.

Sitting in the front row at the event were representatives from Senator Patricia Ritchie’s and Assemblyman Mark Walczyk’s offices. Neither Senator Ritchie nor Assemblyman Walczyk could attend due to obligations in Albany, but both James Reagan, who represents Senator Ritchie and Nick Friot, who represents Assemblyman Walczyk said they would report back on the day’s events.

Michael Sarkin, an Ogdensburg business owner, whose brother Charlie lives in one of the 13 IRAs operated by United Helpers said his brother wasn’t always lucky enough be a member of the United Helpers family. 

Mr. Sarkin said he could recall visits to his brother at another facility. “We would go and visit him and they would always bring him out to us. Then we would play and walk around the grounds,” he said. “I was happy, because I got to see my brother.”

However one day, when he was a little older, Mr. Sarkin said his father asked him if would like to go back to Charlies’ room with him. What he saw there, is an image that now, even more than 30 years later continues to haunt him.

“We walked down a long hallway then we went into this really big room. In that room there was probably 16 beds and one aide sitting in the corner reading the newspaper. Those people weren’t doing anything. They were just there in their beds. As soon as we left that room I began to cry,” he recalled.

In the 1990s though, Charlie was fortunate enough to come to United Helpers, and Mr. Sarkin said it didn’t take long for him to notice positive changes with his brother’s demeanor and even some of his skills.

“When Charlie came to United Helpers, he got the home that he deserved. The people who work in those houses become their family members and they deserve to be paid a living wage for the amazing work that they do,” he said.

IRAs are staffed largely by direct support professionals, who in many instances are making just a little bit more than minimum wage.

Victoria Dewey has been a DSP with United Helpers for more than 12 years, and while she loves her job and the people she cares for, she noted she is paid only slightly more than a worker at a big box store or fast food restaurant.

Ed Fisher has been a DSP for even longer, close to 30 years and he too voiced frustrations with the pay, which sometimes makes putting food on the table and paying bills difficult. “I’ve been here for 30 years, but only make a little but more than new people just starting,” he said.

Several people who receive services through United Helpers, including, Esther Ransom Amanda Thompson, Grace Mancini, Timothy Victory and Emily Peters also spoke at the rally, noting how DSPs essentially become their family. 

Ms. Ransom, who is in a wheel chair said she’s fearful of the quality of life she would have if it wasn’t for the staff at Rensselaer Falls IRA, where she lives. “The quality of life they’re able to give me is amazing. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to do anything,” she said.

Ms. Thompson noted she just recently celebrated a birthday, which included a birthday party for her thrown by the staff at the IRA in Ogdensburg, where she lives.

The rally concluded with a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace sung by Ms. Mancini.

United Helpers CEO Stephen E. Knight also spoke at the event, and said he feels like all workers do deserve a living wage, but without an increase in what the state pays in Medicaid reimbursements in more than a decade, the type of raise and benefits direct support professionals and other health care workers deserve is impossible.

“The chasm between reimbursement for state and public workers and those doing the same job for private, not-for-profit community based organizations is an injustice that can no longer be tolerated,” Mr. Knight said. “I believe there is enough money in the health and human services continuum, but only if it is allocated properly and spent wisely.”