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.

Remembering David Margeson

Several members of the Ogdensburg Fire Department recently attended a brief ceremony in memory of David Margeson held at the Spruce Street IRA. The ceremony included the unveiling of two shrubs, appropriately named fire chief arborvitaes and a small plaque. From left, Ogdensburg City Firefighters Jack Lake and Brian Sias, Peayton Stark, who wrote an essay earning a grant for the IRA where David lived, Spruce Street IRA Residential Manager Karen Howie, and Ogdensburg City Firefighters Scott McCormick, Brian Kirby and Aaron Charlton.

When David Margeson first came to United Helpers in August of 2007, he arrived with a shoebox containing his personal belongings – some magazines, family photos, a few dollar bills and several toy firetrucks.

As he began to adjust to his new surroundings, it didn’t take staff at the Kendrew IRA in Rensselaer Falls very long to realize that David loved both firetrucks and firefighters.

According to Spruce Street IRA Residential Manager Karen Howie, he would eventually become an honorary member of the Rensselaer Falls Volunteer Fire Department. He would help wash trucks and even ride in them with other members of the department during parades.

In 2018 David moved to the McIntyre IRA and in 2020 he moved into the Spruce Street IRA in Ogdensburg. Those two moves just introduced him to more firefighters to become friends with.

In fact, when he celebrated his 85^th birthday, a party was held in his honor. In attendance was a truck from the Ogdensburg Fire Department along with several members of the city’s fire department.

Just over a month later, David would pass away.

“Every time David saw a fire truck his face would light up,” Mrs. Howie said. “Sometimes when David was having a bad day, he would even pull the fire alarm at the IRA, which of course would sound the alarms and then the local fire department would show up. A smile would begin to creep across his face as he could hear the sirens and then when the truck pulled up, his day would instantly turn around.”

It was while living in Ogdensburg that David met Peayton Stark. Peayton’s mother, Colleen Stark is a Medical Direct Support Professional (MDSP), and she would often bring Peayton to visit with program members.

“During those visits Peayton developed a special bond with David,” Mrs. Howie said.

This bond led her to write an essay nominating United Helpers for a $1,000 grant through the Northern New York Community Foundation’s Youth Giving Challenge.

In that essay she wrote, “I would like to donate to the IRA in Ogdensburg, because I have a really good connection with some of the residents there and the employees,” she wrote. “This one resident is so nice; he always called my sister and me ‘his girls.’”

Her essay was selected and in memory of David, United Helpers used a portion of the grant to purchase two shrubs to plant at the IRA. Those plants, appropriately titled fire chief arborvitaes, were planted in the home’s front yard adjacent to a small monument, which of course includes a picture of a fire truck.  

The monument reads, “In Memory of David Margeson, a Friend & Inspiration to us all. 1938-2023.

Prior to the unveiling of the monument, both Mrs. Howie and David’s Advocate Stacey Cannizzo recalled David and the impact he had their lives, as well as those around him.

“One thing I’ll always remember about David is how much people loved him and how much he loved people,” Mrs. Cannizzo said. “Today is a testament to what David stood for which is family and friends.”

While his brother Paul was unable to attend the unveiling, David did have many friends in attendance, including staff who had cared for him, fellow program members and several members of the Ogdensburg Fire Department, who of course arrived in a shiny red fire truck with lights and sirens, just the way David would have liked.

Forever a Champion: Superman Sam

MORRISTOWN - For professional wrestling fans the words, “and new heavyweight champion of the world,” are designed to elicit emotion. Sometimes it’s a rousing ovation with lots of cheers, and sometimes it’s booing and anger.

For Sam Hoffman when he heard those words on Wednesday, April 19, the emotion he experienced was tears of joy, similar to that that of Shawn Michaels when he won his first World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania 12. 

Superman Sam

The announcement came as the culmination of an afternoon that included the gift of an “official” Superman Sam t-shirt, a visit from Independent Wrestling Champions Mike Skyros, who visited in-person, and Jay Freddie, who visited through a Facebook video chat.

“Superman Sam,” as he had been dubbed by friends and caregivers days prior, sat in his wheelchair with his arm raised and a championship belt across his lap, Mr. Skyros stood by and applauded Mr. Hoffman’s championship moment.

“I was honored to even be asked to take part in an event like this for Superman Sam,” Mr. Skyros said. “People like Sam are the reason that we do what we do. Not everyone will get rich off of professional wrestling, but putting a smile on someone’s face is often just as rewarding as a big paycheck.”

Just a few days prior to this Mr. Hoffman, who considers superheroes and professional wrestling two of his favorite things, had been placed on Hospice Care.

Residential Manager Lauren Peters, who has known and helped care for Sam since he first came to United Helpers in 2011 said she wanted to help do something special for him.

“I reached out to a staff member who I knew was a professional wrestling fan to see if we could do a little something for Sam, but neither of us expected things to take off the way they did.”

“I contacted a few guys I knew from being a fan of the North Country Independent wrestling scene,” said Benny Fairchild, who also serves as Marketing and Communications Specialist for United Helpers. “Within minutes of chatting with both Mike and Jay, I knew we would be able to do something.”

Mr. Fairchild then reached out to dozens of other wrestlers through their social media accounts securing videos from Jake “the Snake” Roberts, Kane, Abdullah the Butcher and Fandango.

However, it was a message to Indiana-based independent wrestling promoter Jason “the Hurricane” Mayples that set the wheels in motion for what would follow next.

“Mr. Mayples was kind enough to ask me about Sam and he asked for a picture of Sam to share on his social media,” Mr. Fairchild said.

Following that posting videos for Sam began pouring in. Within the next 24 hours more than 30 videos came in from professional wrestlers located all over the country, including ECW legend Pitbull #1, former WWF and WCW wrestling star Sam Houston, and Gregory Iron, a gentleman who call himself the world’s only professional wrestler with cerebral palsy.

When all of the videos were put together they totaled nearly 30 minutes in length.

Mr. Mayples created a video where he did several impressions for Mr. Hoffman, leading Superman Sam, who is non-verbal, to shout “Hoeee,” like Hacksaw Jim Duggan, “La Raza,” like Eddie Guerrro, and even flap his tongue like The Rock when Mr. Mayples said, “If you smell, la, la, la, what the Rock is cookin’.”  Superman Sam was even named “an official Heroes and Legends wrestling champion.”

Another promotion, Florida-based Knockout Wrestling named Superman Sam an honorary member of their roster.

Jason Davis, who lives outside of Alexandria Bay and wrestles under the name “Myzery the Barbarian,” sent along a video, noting the next time he defended his “Fight for the Mind heavyweight championship,” he was going to have Superman Sam “in his corner” to make sure it was a fair fight.

Mr. Roberts also said he may need to call in Sam for back-up. “There’s a bunch of bull crap going on that I want to straighten out and I think you’re just the guy who can help me do it.”

Prior to being named the new Heavyweight Champion of the World, Superman Sam, together with staff from the Morristown IRA, where he lives, and Mr. Skyros watched the videos stirring up a range of emotions that included laughter, tears, and plenty of smiles.

Ms. Peters said Superman Sam would spend lots of time over the next two days watching those videos and smiling almost every time he heard a wrestler say his name.

Sadly though, Superman Sam will not get the opportunity to back up the Barbarian or travel to Georgia to help Jake “the Snake” Roberts take care of whoever it is that’s giving him a hard time.

Superman Sam passed away peacefully just two days later on Friday, April 21.

Mike Skyros, Superman Sam, Benny Fairchild

Sharpe Honored with Ladouceur Award

OGDENSBURG – One of United Helpers’ longest tenured employees was also recognized recently as one of its best, with the presentation of the annual Wayne N. Ladouceur Award to Sheri L. Sharpe.

Mrs. Sharpe, of Richville, has been an LPN with the organization for 43 years, earning a reputation, not only as one of United Helpers’ best nurses, but as one of the best nurses in the area.

United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors member Nancy Rehse submitted the nomination, which also contained a letter of support from Program Leader Paul A. Linden, written on behalf of the staff at the Rensselaer Falls IRA.

Ms. Rehse knows firsthand the impact Mrs. Sharpe has on the lives of program members and their families. Her son, Jason resides at the Pleasant Valley IRA.

“Sheri stays at the hospital with us long past her work hours. She has given me her phone number and assures she is always available to talk, and she always has been. She has never failed to answer a call or text, even in the evening or on weekends when she is not on duty.” Ms. Rehse said. “She certainly does all of this on her own. She seems to be everywhere, helping everyone. She is a Godsend.”

The Ladouceur family chose the criteria for the award, picking traits exhibited by Mr. Ladouceur and things he was known for, not just in the United Helpers family, but also across the entire city of Ogdensburg. That criteria includes giving generously of oneself, the ability to see beyond one’s own needs, a strong personal drive to provide the utmost in care, the ability to feel and express empathy, and exuding a love for life.

Those are all areas where Mrs. Sharpe excels.

Citing a specific example, Mr. Linden recalled an evening from two years ago when Mrs. Sharpe was on vacation.

“I received a phone call at 2 a.m. while covering a midnight shift. The call was from another IRA letting me know they were sending a program member to the hospital. Already short staffed, I placed a dreaded middle of the night phone call to Sheri,” he said. “I wasn’t dreading it, because I was afraid of waking her up, nor was I worried about bothering her while she was on vacation. I was worried because I knew if I called her, she would get up and proceed directly to the hospital, which is exactly what she did. She went to help that night because that’s who she is and that’s what she does.”

The Wayne N. Ladouceur Award was created in memory of and in honor of Mr. Ladouceur, a longtime United Helpers volunteer, board member and former board president. The award is funded through an endowment with the Northern New York Community Foundation created by Mrs. Ladouceur and more than 80 of the Ladouceurs’ friends and family.

Sheri L. Sharpe, a 43-year United Helpers employee was honored with this year’s Wayne N. Ladouceur Award. The award is presented annually to an employee who exemplifies traits exhibited by Mr. Ladouceur, including, giving generously of one’s self, the ability to see beyond one’s own needs, a strong personal drive to provide the utmost in care, the ability to feel and express empathy, and exuding a love for life. From left, Vice President of Human Resources Michelle Matthews, Program Leader Paul Linden, Mrs. Sharpe, Director of Residential Services Kim George, Chief Operations Officer Stacey Cannizzo, and Management Company Board of Directors member Nancy Rehse.

Flackville IRA Residents Complete 10 5K Races in 2022, Hoping for 12 or More in 2023

HEUVELTON – As the calendar turns from 2022 to 2023 millions of people all around the world will be setting goals for the New Year with varying rates of success.

While the goal set by program members residing at the Flackville IRA in Heuvelton wasn’t technically a New Year’s Resolution, given it wasn’t set until five months into the year when they participated in United Helpers’ annual Mental Health Awareness Walk, it was a long-term goal successfully completed.

“The program members had such a great time,” said Program Leader Whitney Atkins, referring to the first walk. “They loved everything about the day. Getting outside, the fresh air, the sunshine, seeing their friends from the other houses, interacting with people from the community, and of course the walk, which in this case took them along them through a wooded nature trail in Canton. 

As they were riding back to the house, Ms. Atkins said she could hear program members talking amongst themselves about how they would like to do that again. Following a brief “family meeting,” she said the goal was set of completing 10 such events before the end of the calendar year.

The next walk came just a few weeks later, followed by another, and another, and before long program members had become local celebrities.

“We were able to get involved in so many different communities, meet new people, and see familiar faces at each event,” Ms. Atkins said. “Program members were often treated as celebrities when crossing the finish line. The cheers they received down the home stretch of each ‘race’ were right out of a Hollywood movie.”

 The completion of the goal, Ms. Atkins said, would not have been possible if not for the staff at the Flackville IRA, who in many instances came in on days off to accompany program members to these events.

“Staff could tell how much this meant to the residents, and as we were getting close to completing the goal, I could tell it really meant something to them too,” she said. “This past year was one we’ll never forget, but we’re already talking about trying to do at least 12 races in 2023.”

Mrs. Atkins said the goal of completing 10 5K races took them to communities across the North Country including Canton, Waddington, Lisbon, Rensselaer Falls, Heuvelton, Ogdensburg, Hammond, and even Sackets Harbor for a fall-themed event at Old MacDonald’s Farm.

Six program members from the home completed all 10 events, including Mary Fenimore, Joey Friot, Billy Bartlett, Thelma Swinyer, Sherry Forsythe, and Charlie Sarkin. Tammy Donnelly completed seven of the races. Two other program members whose names cannot be published also participated.

Staff involved included Mrs. Atkins, as well as Assistant Program Leader Wendy Baker, and Direct Support Professionals, Jess Brown, April Streeter, Jenn Davison, Brook Duprey, Renee Hooper, Susan Hooper, Pat Flagg, and Beth Bishop.

IRAs are homes for people with developmental disabilities. Each home is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. United Helpers currently operates 11 such homes in communities across St. Lawrence County.

Billy Bartlett is all smiles upon completing his 10^th 5K event of the 2022 calendar year. Program members at the Flackville IRA in Heuvelton set a goal of completing 10 such events during the course of the year and were able to do so, starting with the United Helpers Mental Health Awareness Walk in Canton and wrapping up with Heuvelton’s Gobble Gallop. Celebrating the accomplishment with Mr. Bartlett is Flackville IRA Program Leader Whitney Atkins.

United Helpers Receives $611K Grant To Expand Behavioral Health Services

CANTON – As part of the Village of Canton’s $1,186,974 Community Development Block Grant, United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills will receive more than $600,000 to help the organization expand its reach in the community.

United Helpers will specifically receive $611,974, which will be used to hire six new mental health clinicians and six new care coordinators.

Director of Behavioral Health Services David K. Nelson noted that more than 60% of the patients receiving mental health services through United Helpers do so from its Canton location, located at 22 State Highway 310. United Helpers also operates a Behavioral Health Clinic at 221 Hamilton Street in Ogdensburg. 

“Since 2019, we have built and grown mental health services in Canton, currently serving the community with four full-time clinicians and a part-time psychiatric nurse practitioner, who provides care for six hours each week,” Mr. Nelson said. “Presently, we receive as many as 50 referrals each month and have a wait list of more than 200 people. The average wait time for services is two weeks.”

United Helpers Health Home Care Coordination currently provides community-based services to 260 clients across the county, including many in the Canton area. Mr. Nelson said each care coordinator has a caseload of roughly 30 individuals, while each clinician is seeing as many as 80 patients at any given time.

“This grant will allow us to provide these much-needed mental health and care coordination services to as many as 432 new people,” Mr. Nelson said.

United Helpers Vice President of Development Christa J. Carroll worked together with Mr. Nelson and officials from the village on the grant application, which was submitted as part of the New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal’s Community Development Block Grant CARES Program.

“We are thankful to the State of New York for this grant funding, and their recognition of our efforts to provide behavioral health services to the people of Northern New York,” Ms. Carroll said. “I am thankful to Dave and everyone from the village, especially Leigh Rodriguez, who worked so very hard on this grant application. We are excited about helping many more people.”

New York State Commissioner of Homes and Community Renewal Ruthanne Visnauskas said this particular version of the Community Development Block Grant was awarded to municipalities for efforts related to COVID-19 pandemic response.

In a letter announcing the awarding of the grant, Ms. Visnauskas wrote, “The projects selected for award will assist in the recovery of New York State communities by improving the resiliency of businesses and safety of homes and public facilities serving its residents.”

While United Helpers had been providing behavioral health and mental health services prior to the pandemic, Mr. Nelson said the pandemic led to a dramatic increase in the need for these types of services.

“United Helpers is seeing the highest levels of anxiety and depression we have ever seen since the pandemic hit in March of 2020. This is a troubling trend fueled by loneliness and isolation,” Mr. Nelson said. “We are beyond thankful that the state is recognizing our efforts.”

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or feel like you could benefit from counselling or therapy, give United Helpers a call. For services in Canton call 315-386-0264, for services in Ogdensburg call 315-541-3042. Services are offered to people of all ages, with Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurances accepted. Services may also be offered in-person or remotely.

Staff from the United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills Mental Health Clinic in Canton are thrilled to hear their team will soon be expanding thanks to a grant from the New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal’s Community Development Block Grant Cares Program. The grant of nearly $612,000 will allow for the hire of up to six new mental health clinicians and six new care coordinators. Front row, from left, Medical Assistant Danielle Jackson, Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Programs Brea Snyder, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Director Stacey Ryan; back row, from left, Director of Behavioral Health Services Dave Nelson, LCSW-R, Canton Clinic Receptionist Alicia Vallance, Clinical Social Worker Lisa Van Kirk, LMSW, and Supervising Social Worker Jeanine Forrester, LCSW.

Kendrew Program Member Honored for Actions During Fire Alarm Activation

Brian Burk with Program Leader Paul Linden

RENSSELAER FALLS – Imagine sleeping peacefully and being awoken by the sounds of a smoke detector going off in your home.

The first thing you would do is rush to get you and your family out of the house.

That task however is easier said than done when your home is an Individual Residential Alternative (IRA) with six guys with varying degrees of developmental disabilities, including two in wheelchairs. 

This scenario played out on Jan. 27 when an alarm was activated at the Kendrew IRA. Brian Burk and his housemates, along with two staff members had to evacuate their home, in some instances leaving in just their pajamas.

Luckily it was a false alarm triggered by a rush of heat from the home making its way onto the porch when the home’s back door was opened. However, this was not immediately apparent, and not determined for nearly 20 minutes as Mr. Burk, United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills staff, and the home’s other residents waited for the fire department to respond and give them clearance to go back inside.

Making matters worse, the temperature was -20 degrees.

As the home emptied varying degrees of irritation could be detected among those residing there, and that’s where Mr. Burk sprang into action.

“Brian has a huge heart and is always very helpful to everyone in the house,” said Kendrew IRA Program Leader Paul Linden. “That night was no different.”

Mr. Linden explained that as the home was evacuated program members were loaded into a van located a safe distance from the house. 

“Brian gave one of the guys his coat and used his own cell phone to provide a hot spot so another could play on his tablet while they waited to go back inside,” Mr. Linden said.

Those two simple gestures helped ease tensions and provide a much needed sense of calm, both for his housemates and for staff attempting to manage the situation.

For his actions on that night, Mr. Burk was recently presented with a gift card and a certificate at a surprise meeting held at the Behavioral Health and Life Skills complex in Ogdensburg.

As the clock ticked towards 2:30 p.m. and people began to file into the room, one could tell that Mr. Burk was curious about what was going on.

“I guess now I can tell you this is for you,” Mr. Linden told him, eliciting a surprised reaction.

“I never expected so much attention for doing what I did on that day,” Mr. Burk said. “If it happened again, I would do the same things all over again.” 

Following a ceremony honoring Brian Burk for his actions during an alarm activation at the Kendrew IRA, Mr. Burk posed for a photo with Kendrew IRA Program Leader Paul Linden, and several of his housemates. From left, Mr. Linden, Nate LaPlante, Mr. Burk, and D.J. Bellinger.

Halloween Costume Leads to Special Gift for Officer Danny

LISBON – A Halloween costume crafted from a large cardboard box led to a Christmas to remember for Danny Adams, who resides at the Lisbon IRA, operated by United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills. 

The costume, a police car, was crafted from the box in order to fit over Mr. Adams’ wheel chair. It was created by Jordan Downing-Duke, who serves as program manager at the IRA.

Mrs. Downing-Duke’s father-in-law, Terry Downing serves as a police officer in Taunton, Mass., and was inspired by a picture of a smiling Mr. Adams in his “police car.” He mentioned the photo to some of his fellow officers and what came next is enough to put a smile on the face of even the most hardened criminal.

Mr. Adams is now the proud owner of an official officer’s uniform shirt, hat, toque, and reflective vest from the Taunton Police Department.

“He loved how excited Danny was to be a police officer,” Mrs. Downing-Duke said, referring to Mr. Downing’s reaction to the photo of Mr. Adams in his costume.

Earlier this week Mr. Adams was presented with his new police gear and the Halloween smiles returned. Mrs. Downing-Duke then took some photos to share with her father-in-law.

“We brought a smile to someone's face and made his day a little brighter. It doesn't get any better than that,” Mr. Downing said after seeing photos of Officer Danny. “Unfortunately, in my job I seldom see smiles or happy people. So, spreading a little sunshine is a thrill."

United Helpers Hosting Open Interviews First, Last Wednesday Each Month

OGDENSBURG – United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills is hosting open interviews on the first and last Wednesday of each month for those interested in working as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

 

Bi-monthly open interviews will begin on Wednesday, September 29 from 1-3 p.m. The following week on Wednesday, October 6 open interviews will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Open interviews will always be from 1 to 3 p.m. on the final Wednesday and from 9 to 11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. 

Interviews will take place at the Behavioral Health and Life Skills complex, 100 Ford Street in Ogdensburg.

Earlier this summer staff and residents from the Centennial IRA in Ogdensburg attended a Luke Bryan concert in Syracuse.  

The primary role of a DSP is to promote skills development and act as a role model to those with developmental disabilities residing in one of United Helpers 11 Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs). DSPs also inspire involvement and participation in recreational, community and/or social activities.

“Direct support professionals are the backbone of our IRAs,” said United Helpers Director of Residential Services Colleen S. Aldridge. “A good DSP serves as a friend and mentor, as well as a caregiver to the people residing in the house where they work.”

A typical day for a DSP may include assistance with personal care, interactions and daily activities such as travel to medical appointments, attendance at religious services, concerts, sporting, or other community events.

The starting salary for DSPs is $15 per hour, however, for those working evening and midnight shifts, a shift differential is available, bringing the wage up to $16 and $16.50 per hour.

 

While vacancies exist across the county, the greatest area of need is currently in the Rensselaer Falls and Potsdam areas.

 

United Helpers operates IRAs in Ogdensburg, Heuvelton, Lisbon, Morristown, Rensselaer Falls, Potsdam, and Norwood.

Earlier this summer staff and residents from the Centennial IRA in Ogdensburg attended a Luke Bryan concert in Syracuse. From left, clearly enjoying the show, Crystal Osborne and Direct Support Professional Tapanga Gotham, who also works in the United Helpers Human Resources Department. Other outings enjoyed by DSPs include fishing trips, movies, fairs, parades, amusement parks, and more. 

Recognize the Signs, Take Action

OGDENSBURG – The COVID-19 pandemic has had a very strong impact on our lives and the way we live. There are times when it seems like everything has changed. Certainly, things have become more difficult for many of us in the state's largest county.  

Since 1898, United Helpers has risen to meet the ever-growing needs of the north country, providing care and assistance, aiding the most vulnerable members of the communities they serve. Now more than ever United Helpers’ programs contribute to the strength and vibrancy that makes the North Country great. 

 

Since the beginning of the pandemic last March, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression have increased, as well as thoughts of suicide or suicidal ideation.  

 

“It’s important to know the signs of someone struggling with mental health issues and that there is help available here in St. Lawrence County,” said Dave Nelson, Director of Behavioral Health Services at United Helpers.  

 

According to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), some of the signs that may indicate that a person is struggling to maintain their mental health are: 

 

• Excessive worry or fear 
• Avoiding friends or family 
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits 
• Overuse of substances – drugs or alcohol 

 

Recognizing behavioral changes in children may include: 

 

• Changes in school performance 
• Frequent nightmares 
• Increased disobedience or aggression 
• Excessive worrying or anxiety 

 

“The pandemic has changed our ability to stay in touch the way we used to. Maybe we work or attend class from home now, versus going into work or school,” said Nelson. “While we may not gather and keep up with each other the way we used to, it’s important to check in with friends and family to make sure they are doing Ok.”  

 

Sometimes that connection is enough to help someone who is struggling. But when issues arise, know that help is available.  

 

United Helpers offers a continuum of mental health services including outpatient clinics, located in Canton and Ogdensburg. The clinics offer a variety of treatment options including depression, anxiety, abuse, co-occurring substance use, and post-traumatic stress disorder. To schedule an appointment, call 315-541-3042 in Ogdensburg and 315-386-0264 in Canton.