Adaptive Switches Helping Residents At Rensselaer Falls IRA Enjoy New Activities

RENSSELAER FALLS – Rolling dice while playing a game with our friends or family, mixing ingredients while baking, watering flowers, and creating an arts and crafts project are all things that many of us could do if we wanted to without having to put much thought or effort into it.

 

Imagine though if that wasn’t the case. For many of the individuals residing in United Helpers’ 11 Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) across the county this used to be the case, but now thanks to the help of Adaptive Switches, anyone can do almost anything that an able-bodied person is able to do. 

Crystal Teneyck, Billy O'Hara, and Richelle Mann

 

United Helpers Occupational Therapist Assistant Crystal Teneyck recently spent a morning with residents at the Rensselear Falls IRA, helping both the residents and staff learn how to use several types of Switches recently purchased by the home.

 

“Some of the Switches they have here in this house will activate scissors, roll dice or spin game spinners, pour measuring cups, or even sprinkle water from a Switch-activated watering can,” Ms. Teneyck said. “These switches allow the people we serve to become more engaged and independent. They also allow our staff to interact with them on a whole different level.”

 

To date, Ms. Teneyck said two of the IRAs have purchased Switches, but she’s hoping that once people from the other houses see what they can do, more IRAs will follow suit.

 

Depending on an individual’s personal needs, Ms. Teneyck said they may use a Switch that it activated by pushing a button, tapping it with their head or nose, or even blowing or sucking through a straw attached to the device. Some more advanced Switches are even activated and operated by tracking a person’s eyes or voice, she said. Once a switch is activated, it may complete a task, such as rolling dice, turning something on or off, or even dumping a measuring cup into a mixing bowl.

 

“Two years ago when we would do activities like this, if we’re being honest, staff was really doing almost everything,” Ms. Teneyck said as a group of people worked on art projects using Switch-activated paint spinners. “Now they get to play a large part in what’s going on. Their reactions are priceless, and it’s rewarding, both for us and them.”

Matthie Celebrates Success of DSP Apprenticeship Program, Recruiting New Apprentices Now

CANTON – Like a proud father, Jason Matthie took to the stage at a recent graduation ceremony held for United Helpers’ first class of Direct Support Professional (DSP) Apprenticeship program graduates.

He wasn’t a graduate, rather Mr. Matthie, who serves as United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills QA-CQI Coordinator, and has worked with the developmentally disabled for more than 20 years, was celebrating the success of a program he helped create.

He said the apprenticeship program, which was created in collaboration with the administrative team at United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills, St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES, and the New York State Department of Labor, was designed to create a career path for people working as DSPs. 

Jason Matthie

 “I’ve always wanted people who work as DSPs to be able to do this as a career and have a clear career ladder,” Mr. Matthie said. “I feel this helps us accomplish this and I’m immensely proud of this program.”

“Jason had a vision for this program and was able to bring that to fruition,” said United Helpers CEO Stephen E. Knight. “He says he’s proud of this program and he should be. The development of these apprentices has been remarkable, and would not have been possible if it weren’t for the efforts of Jason and everyone involved with this program.”

One of the program’s students has already been promoted and is now working as a Habilitation Coordinator.

Mr. Matthie is now recruiting for the next class of DSP apprentices.

“You do not have to be a DSP now to enroll in the program, but by doing so, you would become a DSP,” he explained, adding that DSPs work with individuals who have developmental disabilities.

A typical day for a Direct Support Professional or DSP may include providing personal care: feeding, showering bathing, grooming, nail care, changing clothes, assisting with ambulation, etc. DSPs may also attend medical appointments and participate in outings or field trips.

If you enjoy working with and helping people and working as part of a residential care team, this may be a good entry-level career path for you, he said.

For those who are already DSPs, United Helpers cover the entire cost of tuition. If you’re not already a DSP, Mr. Matthie said you would take a short introductory course at your own expense. Following the completion of that course, you would go through the United Helpers hiring process. If hired, you would become a DSP, and United Helpers would pay for the remainder of the program.

Aside from the benefits of furthering your education, Mr. Matthie said the program also offers several other benefits, including being paid for the time you’re in class, mileage for the commute back and forth to class, periodic incentive bonuses, and a $2 per hour raise that comes at the completion of the program.

“This program isn’t just a United Helpers thing either,” he said, noting the apprentices will each receive a journeyman’s card that is recognized anywhere in the U.S.

“Once students complete the program, they’re not only in a position to empower themselves, but they can mentor other DSPs, and better advocate for the people we serve,” he said. “We are now supporting people with a much greater variety of needs, many of whom are able to self-advocate. The skills learned in this program are things that they can apply to their job right away.”

Edwin “Ed” Fisher recently completed the program and agreed.

“This program raised our level of awareness to not only help our residents, but also fellow staff members,” he said.  “By taking up this challenge, we pushed ourselves to step out of our comfort zones which built up our confidence in our abilities to do the job and step up and meet the challenge of being a journeyman DSP.”

Challenge is a good word to describe the program, because Mr. Matthie warned it will not be easy, but that’s by design, he said.

“This class is designed to be taught at a junior college level,” Mr. Matthie said, adding though that as long as students remain dedicated to the program, there are supports in place to help them get through it.

“BOCES has been very supportive of our students, some of whom struggled in school, or maybe even had a learning disability,” he said. “If people remain committed to the program and they work through it, they will succeed. The program is designed to be challenging, but it’s not meant to be exclusive.”

Patrick Flagg also graduated from the program, and he said the support received from St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Adult Education Coordinator Alex Pacific, who led the classroom portion of the program, Mr. Matthie, and his other classmates helped him make it to graduation.

“Everyone helps everyone,” Mr. Flagg said. “We really became kind of a family as we worked our way towards graduation.”

Mr. Fisher and Mr. Flagg were joined in the class by six others including, Patricia “Trish” Amo from the Centennial IRA in Ogdensburg, Jason Cameron and Jamie Fields from the Kendrew IRA in Rensselaer Falls, John Gammon and Victoria Dewey, from the Flackville IRA in Heuvelton, and Deborah “Deb” Smith from the Lisbon IRA.

Applications for the program are available now by contacting your program leader, Mr. Matthie, or any member of the staff development office. Applications are due in January with a new class slated to begin in February.

Mr. Matthie may be reached via email at jrmatthie@unitedhelpers.org. Mr. Matthie or another member of the staff development office may also be reached via telephone at (315) 394-6702.

Free Defensive Driving Course Again Offered for United Helpers Employees

OGDENSBURG – United Helpers will be hosting a New York DMV approved National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 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. 

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, class size is limited to 20 people. Participants will be seated at their own table. When not seated the wearing of masks will be required. Participants may remove their mask when seated during instruction.

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 $35, payable in cash, check or money order made out to United Helpers Care, Inc.  United Helpers employees may attend the class free of charge.

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

Next month’s class will be held on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Advanced registration is required. To register please contact Mark Darou at (315) 394-6702 ext. 303 or madarou@unitedhelpers.org.

ISL Member Celebrates 99th Birthday With Help From Madrid Volunteer Fire Dept.

 CANTON - United Helpers Independent Senior Living member Burt Beswick turned 99 on Thursday, and the day was made extra special with a little help from the Madrid Volunteer Fire Department.

Joe Finnegan, a 50-year member of the department, as well as United Helpers Society Board member helped organize a drive-through parade for Mr. Beswick, who was also a longtime member of the department. 

"Burt is our oldest living past chief," Mr. Finnegan said, after stepping out of a 1955 Ford fire engine that was donated to the department by Mr. Beswick many years ago.

According to Mr. Finnegan, Mr. Beswick helped to rebuild the truck after it was damaged in an accident while owned by another department.

In addition to the antique fire engine, one of the department's active trucks, as well as several members of the community attended the parade, waving and shouting birthday wishes at Mr. Beswick, who watched with his wife, Betty and daughter, Marilyn McDermott, who filmed the event, by his side.

Prior to hopping back in the truck and returning to Madrid, Mr. Finnegan offered birthday wishes to Mr. Beswick, as well as the promise of another parade next year for Mr. Bewsiwck's 100th birthday.

"See you next year," Mr. Finnegan said.

"You bet," Mr. Beswick replied.

Free Defensive Driving Course Offered for United Helpers Employees

OGDENSBURG – United Helpers will be hosting a New York DMV approved National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020 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.

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, class size is limited to 20 people. Participants will be seated at their own table. When not seated the wearing of masks will be required. Partipants may remove their mask when seated during instruction.

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 $35, payable in cash, check or money order made out to United Helpers Care, Inc.  United Helpers employees may attend the class free of charge.

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

Next month’s class will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, also from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Advanced registration is required. To register please contact Mark Darou at (315) 394-6702 ext. 303 or madarou@unitedhelpers.org.

Trio of Staff at Canton Behavioral Health Clinic Advance Licenses

CANTON – A trio of clinicians at the United Helpers Behavioral Health Clinic in Canton have recently advanced their licenses with two becoming Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), and a third becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).

 

Shawn Henry and Jeanine Forrester have both recently earned the designation of LCSW. Brianna Foster recently earned the LMSW designation.

 

Director of Behavior Health Services David Nelson, noted that in order for a LMSW to advance to LCSW they need to have 3,000 hours of clinical service experience. They must also pass an exam. 

Front row, Brianna Foster, LMSW, Jeanine Forrester, LCSW;
second row, Director of Behavior Health Services David Nelson,
 and Shawn Henry, LCSW.

 

Mr. Henry has been a social worker for 36 years, but he says it wasn’t until he came to United Helpers that he felt like he could take the next step in his career.

 

“I just never have the supervision and support needed to take that next step,” Mr. Henry said. “Here at United Helpers, there is an emphasis on employee development. This really is a great place to work.”

 

Mr. Henry, who specializes in chemical dependency and behavioral health services for adult clients, earned his Master’s Degree from SUNY Albany.

Ms. Forrester actually holds two Master’s Degrees, one in Education from St. Lawrence, and one in Social Work from Syracuse University. She has been a social worker for seven years and is a general practitioner with a focus on family therapy services.

 

And it’s that family therapy that Mr. Nelson said sets United Helpers apart from other providers, noting that when Ms. Forrester is seeing a family, it’s as if that family is just one patient, and not three or four people from the same household who just happen to all be receiving services.

 

Ms. Forrester said their LCSW designation now allows her and Mr. Henry to supervise interns, which in turn allows the clinic to expand the number of patients it is able to see.

 

“It also gives us an experienced pool of people to hire from,” Mr. Henry said.

 

Ms. Foster earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California, completing the first half of her degree in person, and the second half on-line after moving to Northern New York. In order to earn her license, she also had to pass an exam.

 

She is also a general practitioner, although she focuses on therapy services for adolescents and children.

 

While the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented counselors and therapists at United Helpers’ Behavioral Health Clinics in Canton and Ogdensburg from seeing patients in person, it has not prevented them from holding virtual visits, something which they continue to do five days a week without a waiting list. That is something that Mr. Nelson said is very rare for behavioral health service providers, with some providers having a waiting list that is a year or more in length.

 

“We also have access to intra-agency services such as care coordination,” he said, adding that an after-hours hotline is also available for established patients.

 

“I always tell people that it’s one of us answering the phone,” Ms. Foster said, referring to the after-hours hotline. “For many providers, that is something they contract out.”

United Helpers operates behavioral health clinics in both Canton and Ogdensburg with both locations offering confidential mental health services to treat and diagnose those suffering from depression, anxiety, anger, abuse, chronic mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder or co-occurring disorders.

Both clinics are licensed to provide children’s therapy, and also offer individual, group or family therapy, as well as psychoeducation, psychiatric diagnostic assessments, psychiatric medication management, care coordination, coping skills training, and wellness promotion.

To schedule an appointment in Canton, call (315) 386-0264. To schedule an appointment in Ogdensburg, call (315) 541-3042.

UH Employee Activity Team Sponsoring Free Outdoor Movie!

That's right, grab your popcorn, blanket, and your family. It's time for another United Helpers Employee Activity Team Movie Night! Trolls: World Tour will be shown at 7:15 pm on Friday, October 2nd at the Eleanor Burke Pavilion next to UH Independent Senior Living and the United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care located at 205 State Street in Canton. 

 

Poppy and Branch discover that there are six different troll tribes scattered over six different lands. Each tribe is also devoted to six different kinds of music -- funk, country, techno, classical, pop and rock. When rockers Queen Barb and King Thrash set out to destroy the other music, Poppy and Branch embark on a daring mission to unite the trolls and save the diverse melodies from becoming extinct.

 

We're sorry, due to physical constraints and the current guidelines for social gathering, this event is only open to UH employees and their family members. In the event of rain, the movie will be shown on Saturday, October 3rd, same time. 

United Helpers Offers Employees Free Defensive Driving Course

 

OGDENSBURG – United Helpers will be hosting a New York DMV approved National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 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.

 Due to COVID-19 guidelines, class size is limited to 20 people. Participants will be seated at their own table. When not seated the wearing of masks will be required. Partipants may remove their mask when seated during instruction.

 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 $35, payable in cash, check or money order made out to United Helpers Care, Inc.  United Helpers employees may attend the class free of charge.

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

 Next month’s class will be held on Thursday, Oct. 29, also from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 Advanced registration is required. To register please contact Mark Darou at (315) 394-6702 ext. 303 or madarou@unitedhelpers.org.

Spies Award Winners Honored

 

OGDENSBURG – As an organization, United Helpers employs well over 1,000 people. Each year, three of them are recognized as winners of the Margaret R. Spies Award.

“The award is only given to three employees, out of more than 1,000,” said United Helpers CEO Stephen E. Knight during a zoom meeting where the awards were presented. “It’s safe to say we’re recognizing the best of the best.”

“The best of the best” is also a phrase often used by Ann Spies to describe her mother, Margaret, for whom the award is named. Ms. Spies created the honor in memory of Margaret, a one-time resident of what is now United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg, as a way to honor and recognize direct care staff, such as those who cared for her mom.

This year’s awards went to Amber Evans, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Ogdensburg, Crystal Klimowicz, a CNA in Canton, and Sherry Friot, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) from the Lisbon IRA, each of whom were nominated by their peers for the honor.

Timothy Parsons, who serves as Vice President of Operations in Ogdensburg where Ms. Evans works, said he was pleased to see her selected for the honor. 

Timothy Parsons, Amber Evans, & Marie Woods

"I am so happy for Amber,” he said. “She has been nominated several times by her co-workers over the past few years indicating that she is clearly one of our best CNAs.”

Mr. Parsons also had no shortage of stories to share when citing examples of things that make Ms. Evans a great CNA, but perhaps the most telling example wasn’t even included in her nomination packet.

“While we were accepting nominations, I received an unsolicited phone call from the daughter of a resident who had recently passed away,” Mr. Parsons said. “They wanted to make me aware of how special Amber was and what she meant to the resident and their family. They told me that their mother was so close with Amber that on more than one occasion she called Amber by her daughter’s name.”

The fact that Ms. Klimowicz was selected as Canton’s recipient is something that came as a surprise to no one, said Canton’s Vice President of Operations Kimberly Blair, who recalled a conversation with Ms. Klimowicz’s immediate supervisor. 

Kimberly Blair, Crystal Klimowicz, & Jessica Barr

“I spoke with her supervisor yesterday and she said that even before Crystal was a CNA, when she was working as a task aide, she knew she was going to shine,” Mrs. Blair recalled.

Citing another example, Mrs. Blair reflected on Ms. Klimowicz’s work as a mentor to other CNAs even before she was officially a part of the building’s mentoring program.

“She has helped us train new employees without being recognized or compensated for many weeks until she was able to attend mentor training,” Mrs. Blair said, reading from a nomination submitted by Robin L. Leonard, who oversees the building’s mentoring program.

Ms. Friot is one of the most impressive DSPs that her Program Leader Brady Dullea says he’s ever seen. 

Brady Dullea, Sherry Friot, & Michele Montroy

“In all my time working with OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) programs, I have never met anyone with all the abilities she has,” Mr. Dullea said. “There is no one who better embodies, ‘Always Caring.’ She never has an off day.”

Mr. Dullea said the opportunity has even arisen several times for Ms. Friot to be promoted to a supervisory position, but each time she politely declines, noting she doesn’t want to give up the level of involvement with direct care she enjoys now.

“Despite declining leadership positions, Sherry has never shied away from taking control when times get tough,” he said. “She has successfully handled many difficult situations, not because she wants to step up and take charge, but because she wants the best outcomes for the people living and working in the house.”

Each year since 2001 the Margaret R. Spies Awards has been presented to three employees — one each from United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg, United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Canton and United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills — who embody the most desirable qualities in direct care staff: dedication to the people they care for and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.  Nominations for the honor come from fellow United Helpers employees.

A plaque that lists the names of all the Spies Awards recipients hangs at United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Ogdensburg.

To view video from this year's presentation, which was held via Zoom, please visit... https://zoom.us/rec/play/vcYkf-2op2g3SdSQ5ASDC6N9W426LqOs0XIa_6IEmEnhVXEGYVGhZ7sUZ-K_dKg4KszXBiA1Sk1tiOJG?startTime=1597165386000

Visitation Guidance from NYS DOH: Coming soon!

United Helpers received word last Friday that New York State issued guidance related to rehabilitation and nursing home visitation.

The Department of Health has not approved our facilities for visitation at this time but we are working hard to submit a safety plan and put the necessary protocols in place to initiate visitation.

Visits will have to be scheduled in advance and will be held outside, for limited time periods, to accommodate all residents. Health screening upon arrival, social distancing, and masks will be required during the visits.

Our residents and families will be among the first to know when we will be able to welcome visitors and how they can schedule visits.

We are very excited that our residents will have the opportunity to see loved ones in person once again!

Society Awards Helen S. Randles Scholarships

OGDENSBURG – Three high school seniors who furthering their education and planning to work in health care were recently 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, who served as a volunteer with United Helpers for 46 years.

Melissa Barr

Speaking about Ms. Randles, Scholarship Committee Chairman, Dr. Ed Gordon, who also serves as Society Board President said, “Education was very important to her, particularly for young people looking for careers in health care.”

This year’s winners included two students from Ogdensburg Free Academy and a student from Madrid-Waddington.

Melissa Barr, of Ogdensburg, will be attending Russell Sage College with a dual major in biology and physical therapy. She is the daughter of Nicholas and Annette Barr. 

Courtney Baker

Courtney Baker, of Ogdensburg, will enroll in the dual degree nursing program at SUNY Canton. She is the daughter of Arthur Baker Jr. and Brandy Baker. 

Alexis Sullivan

Alexis Sullivan, of Madrid, will be attending SUNY Potsdam where she will major in exercise science. She is then planning to enroll at Clarkson to receive her degree in physical therapy. She is the daughter of  Jennifer Sullivan and Michael Sullivan.

Dr. Gordon said the decision on whom to select is never an easy one.

“The quality of applicants this year was excellent,” he said. “All 15 were definitely worthy, but you three rose to the top.”

Dr. Gordon also said that he hoped the Zoom meeting where the scholarships were “presented” would not be the last time United Helpers hears from the students.

“Part of Helen’s hope in establishing this scholarship was that you would come back and work with us,” he said. “We certainly hope you keep us in mind and let us know how you are doing throughout your careers.”

From the Desk of Stephen Knight, United Helpers CEO

Good Afternoon Everyone,​

Today North Country Now posted the following headline: United Helpers CEO says organization in danger of closing without state aid.  That is not what I said if you read the article. Please do not panic or think that our demise is close at hand.

New York State's lack of funding for nursing homes and community-based services is not a secret.  The board, the management council and I have spent the last several years communicating our concerns over inadequate funding, a lack of funding equity with respect to nursing homes (especially rural nursing homes) and our other community-based services and the financial impact of unfunded mandates. 

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the devastating effects of long-term financial neglect and the media may be able to assist us in our efforts to gain adequate funding. Do not waste this opportunity. I urge you to call your elected officials and voice your concerns over the lack of funding for nursing homes and community-based services!

Stay Safe,

Steve

The Race to Reopen the Region

           

OGDENSBURG  - As regions across New York state struggle to meet requirements for reopening, United Helpers and other area long-term care providers raced to secure testing supplies in line with the regulations to comply with the latest Executive Order.

Since mid-March, United Helpers and other providers have continued to respond to rapid-fire directives and newly imposed state mandates, all while developing strategies for coping with a potential outbreak.  

“The amount of preparation and planning that has gone on behind the scenes for United Helpers have been staggering,” said Stephen Knight, United Helpers CEO. “Although necessary, many of the changes have not been easy for residents or staff members.” Knight cited the discontinuation of visitation and the struggles of securing a more reliable and sustainable supply chain for PPE as just two examples. 

Instead of increased funding and targeted staff support, an approach that neighboring states have adopted, in NY, long-term care has been noticeably missing from the list of operations receiving financial reimbursement or provisions.

“We are seeing across the state and country the lack of funding and support for our most vulnerable,” Knight added.  “Although we agree with most of the measures being taken for safety, there is currently no financial relief.  The most recent mandate, as an example, will potentially cost upwards of $60K per week for employee testing.” 

There are many examples of this occurring across the state. Without increased resources, many of the already fragile operations across the state will be in jeopardy of closing.

Keeping Our Most Vulnerable Safe

Theresa Kuca, who resides at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg enjoys a window visit with her son, Keith

OGDENSBURG - In mid-March, as the threat of COVID-19 moved slowly north, area schools closed, many businesses were shuttered and hundreds of St. Lawrence County residents relocated their offices to their homes. At the same time, United Helpers issued a no visitation policy that would affect their Rehabilitation and Senior Care facilities in Canton and Ogdensburg and the Behavioral Health and Life Skills Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) that are located throughout the county. Visitation was also restricted at the 20 senior/disabled housing complexes United Helpers manages to further discourage the spread of the virus. 

            While families were separated from their loved ones, nothing could stop the flow of support that immediately arose from all over the North Country. Local quilting groups and sewing enthusiasts began sewing and donating hundreds of masks to be used by UH staff members and those residing in senior housing complexes managed by United Helpers. Area hospitals, US Customs and Border Patrol donated hard to find hospital-grade masks and gowns. Local distillers and shops donated cases of hand sanitizer. Dinners, snacks, and sweets arrive on a daily basis, donated by caregivers, family members, friends, and staff members.

“The outpouring of support over the past two months from our community, resident family members and staff has been overwhelming,” said Stephen E. Knight, United Helpers CEO. “The encouraging videos, the cards, and letters supporting both our staff and residents, the donations of masks, food for the staff, it’s really incredible to see the support.”

After weeks of planning and preparation, the team at United Helpers would face their worst fear. On April 13^th United Helpers issued a press release citing the agency’s first COVID positive staff member, less than a week later, United Helpers would see positive cases at their Behavioral Health and Life Skills IRA in Lisbon, and another at its Rehabilitation and Senior Care facility in Canton.

Today, all of the staff and residents that had tested positive have recovered and many of the staff have returned to work. “We have been very fortunate and I cannot say enough about how proud I am of the United Helpers team,” Knight said. “Through diligence and a very quick, all hand’s on deck response, we were able to avoid a catastrophic outcome. But let’s be clear, we’ve dodged what could have been a very devastating bullet, and, if we are not prudent, we could find ourselves in that position once again.”

As New York State and the north country prepares for reopening, Knight cautions us to remember our most vulnerable populations, including our seniors. “It is imperative that we keep the safety of our seniors and those who cannot care for themselves at the forefront,” Knight said.

           

According to Knight, the organization must have an ample supply of personal protective equipment, including masks, face shields and gowns, and have access to rapid testing and resulting for both residents and staff. Wait times for hard to procure items like gowns, face shields and testing supplies are unpredictable and the costs to purchase these items are staggering, putting significant strain on an already stressed financial situation. He urges the Governor and the NYS Senate and Assembly to address the significant gap in priority and funding disparities laid bare by the pandemic.

Knight says United Helpers will continue to diligently follow the governor’s mandates and there is no clear timeline for when visitation restrictions will be lifted. “We are not out of the woods yet,” he said.

United Helpers Unveils "Always Caring" Playlist

Thanks to assistance from dozens of United Helpers employees and supporters from across the region music fans now have access to a free playlist of tunes made up entirely of uplifting, inspiring,  motivational, or positive songs.

"When I started putting this list together I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know if we would get 10 songs, 30 songs or 100 songs, but to get well over 100 tracks far exceeded my expectations," said United Helpers Marketing and Communications Coordinator Benny Fairchild. "What we ended up with was a playlist that includes country music, rock music, pop music, and gospel music from the past 50 or more years."

Several other artists also appear on the playlist that you may not have heard of such as Home Free, Israel Kamakawiwo’oi, and Johnny Diaz. Two suggestions for the list, "Heroes" by The Wallflowers and "Atlas Fall" by Shinedown were unable to be added.    The list consists of 117 tracks from all genres of music and covers nearly seven hours of listening. Included in the playlist are many well-known songs from such artists as Queen, who makes five appearances on the list, The Beatles, Elton John, Tim McGraw, Josh Groban, Louis Armstrong, and Bruno Mars.

"This playlist truly includes something for everyone at a time when I think everyone could use a little bit of positivity," Mr. Fairchild said. "And if there's a song you don't like, Spotify allows free users to skip up to six songs per hour."

The playlist may be accessed through Spotify at, https://spoti.fi/3btCnZm.


A complete list of tracks appears below.

"Good Job" by Alicia Keys

“Today's a New Day" by Common Kings

"Keep Your Head Up" by Ben Howard

"I Want to Thank You" by Otis Redding

“Things Can Only Get Better” by Howard Jones

“Land of Confusion” by Genesis

“Break My Stride” by Matthew Wilder

“Get Back Up Again” by Anna Kendrick

“Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti

“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban

“We Are The World” by Various Artists

“I Just Want to Celebrate” by Rare Earth

“Atlas Fall” by Shinedown (unable to add)

“Come Together” by Godsmack

“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers

“Rise Up” by Andra Day

“Hallelejuah” by Jeff Buckley

“Angels Among Us” by Alabama

“The Climb” Miley Cyrus

“Count on Me” by Bruno Mars

"Remember This” by Home Free

“Everything Will Be OK” by Home Free

“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

“Kind and Generous” by Natalie Merchant

“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

“Fight Song” by Rachel Platt

“Proud to be An American” by Lee Greenwood

“Feeling Good” by Michael Buble

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams

“What the World Needs Now is Love” by Jackie DeShannon

“Wind Beneath my Wings” by Bette Middler

“Imagine” by John Lennon

"Bridge Over Troubled Waters” by Simon & Garfunkle

“You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor

“Brave” by Sara Bareilles

“I Lived” by One Republic

“Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw

“Don’t Stand so Close to Me” by The Police

“Come Together” by The Beatles

“If You’re Going Through Hell” by Rodney Atkins

“Atlas” by Coldplay 

“Carry on” by Fun 

“A Dailey Anthem” by David Cook 

“Hallelujah” by Paramore 

“High Hopes” by Panic at the Disco 

“Just Like Fire” by Pink 

“A Million Dreams” by Pink 

“Brother” by NeedtoBreathe

“Praise You in the Storm” by Casting Crowns

“Stayin’ Alive” by The BeeGees

“Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin

“Let it Be” by The Beatles

“Let Me Be There” by Olivia Newton John (Live performance)

"Hold On” by Wilson Phillips

“Roar” by Katy Perry

“Let It Go” by Idina Menzel

“Under Pressure” by David Bowie and Queen

“Believe” by Cher

“Holy” by Florida Georgia Line

“I Feel Good” by James Brown

“Chain Breaker” by Zach Williams

“Breathe’ by Johnny Diaz

“Carolina On My Mind” by James Taylor

“We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions” by Queen (2 tracks)

“One Day at a Time” by Christy Lane

“Fly” by Maddie and Tae

“Riser” by Dirks Bentley

“We Stand Together” by Nickleback

“We Are All in This Together” by Ben Lee

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child

“Heroes” by The Wallflowers (unable to add)

“The Show Must Go On” by Queen

“Lose Yourself” by Eminem

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley

“Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba

“Learn to Fly” by Foo Fighters

“Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson

“I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty

“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi

“Stand By Me” Ben E King

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’oi

“Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson

“Geronimo” by Sheppard

“Long Black Train” by Josh Turner

“It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” by Travis Tritt

“Life Aint Always Beautiful” by Gary Allan

“Every Storm” by Gary Allan

“A Feeling Like That” by Gary Allan

“Make Them Gold” by Chvrches

“Have it All” by Jason Mraz

“Drift Away” by Uncle Cracker

“Good to be Alive” Andy Grammar

“September” by Earth, Wind and Fire

“Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith

“Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith

“You’ll be in My Heart” by Phil Collins

“Something About The Way You Look Tonight” by Elton John

“Boogie Shoes” KC and the Sunshine Band

“Still the One” by Orleans

“Dance With Me” by Orleans

“The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert

“The Prayer” Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli

“To Where You Are” by Josh Groban

“We’re Here For a Good Time” by Trooper

“Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran

“Castle on the Hill” by Ed Sheeran

“Shower the People” by James Taylor

“How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor

“My Next 30 Years” by Tim McGraw

“Just to See You Smile” by Tim McGraw

“The Good Stuff” by Kenny Chesney

“The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson

“Faith” by George Michael

“Close to You” by The Carpenters

“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong