Grand Opening Celebrated at United Helpers Behavioral Health Complex

In 2023 United Helpers Behavioral Health programs provided service to more than 1,300 unique people through a variety of offerings that treat people in their homes, at our clinics, in an apartment owned by United Helpers, or even at school.

That number has steadily increased since 1991 when Gateway Apartments opened becoming the organization’s first behavioral health program. Today United Helpers also offers care coordination, supportive housing, Assertive Community Treatment, and outpatient treatment at one of two clinics, located in either Canton or Ogdensburg.

All of these programs and more were recently celebrated with the grand opening of the United Helpers Behavioral Health Clinic in Ogdensburg, which earlier this year, relocated from its original home at 221 Hamilton Street to the former United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Building at 8101 State Highway 68, just outside the city.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention roughly 40% of Americans at any given time would benefit from mental services of some sort.

“In St. Lawrence County, 40% is equal to almost 44,000 people,” said Director of Behavioral Health Services David K. Nelson. “There is a tremendous need for these services in our community and this moves helps us streamline that process of provide these services to more people than ever before.”

With the exception of Gateway Apartments, the clinic and Canton and several newly opened satellite clinics at the Madrid-Waddington, Colton-Pierrepont, Edwards-Knox, and Parishville-Hopkinton school districts, these services are now all located under one roof.

In addition to the services provided at these satellite clinics, Mr. Nelson said nearly one-third of the roughly 900 patients receiving services at either the Canton or Ogdensburg clinic are under the age of 18.

In Ogdensburg, those patients now have their own designated waiting area, just one of the benefits that came with the move.

Outlining each of the services provided out of this new locations, Mr. Nelson noted that the supportive housing program was able to provide aid to nearly 100 people last year. The care coordination program served almost 300 people across St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties and the Assertive Community Treatment Team has provided services to a full case load of 48 individuals.

When all of those numbers are added up, Mr. Nelson said that equals out to be nearly 24,000 patient contacts, a number that he said isn’t going to get lower anytime soon.

While many of the programs are referral-based programs, Mr. Nelson said anyone in need of behavioral health services is encouraged to contact either the clinic in Canton or Ogdensburg.

Both clinics are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with early morning or evening appointments available upon request. To schedule an appointment in Ogdensburg, please call (315) 541-3042. For an appointment in Canton, please call (315) 386-0264.

Patrons receiving services in Ogdensburg are asked to enter the building through its main entrance on the back side of the property by the flagpole. Guests will be greeted upon entry and accompanied to the clinic space. 

All things behavioral health were celebrated at a recent grand opening celebration for the United Helpers Behavioral Health Complex, which has moved into the former Rehabilitation and Senior Care space. The building houses many of United Helpers’ behavioral health programs, including its Ogdensburg Behavioral Health Clinic. Front row, from left, Kurtis Ellison, LMSW, Practice Manager Sarah Matthie, Director of Behavioral Health Services David K. Nelson, Care Coordination Program Leader Audrey Plourde, Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services Breanne Snyder, Society Board Member Yvonne Lewandowski; second row, Clinical Supervisor Jeanine Forrester, LCSW, ACT Team Assistant Program Leader April Randall, Financial Assistant Alice Van Schiack, Vice President of Corporate Services Michelle Matthews; back row, Interim City Manager Andrea Smith, CEO Todd Amo, ACT Team Leader Amy Chisolm, Care Coordination Assistant Program Leader Kaitlyn Rayburn, CFO Kelly Lowery, Mayor Michael Tooley, and Director of Facility Operations Rick Pirie.

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.

United Helpers Hosts Celebration for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

HEUVELTON – Holding signs that said things like, “The only disability is a bad attitude,” “My ability is stronger than my disability,” and “Keep staring, I might do a trick,” a group of nearly 50 individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers took to the streets of Heuvelton for a walk to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills operates 10 Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) across St. Lawrence County, providing employment to more than 250 individuals, while also caring for nearly 50 individuals with developmental disabilities.

One of those IRAs is located in the village of Heuvelton, with two more scheduled to open later this year. Whitney Atkins organized the event and serves as program leader at the Flackville IRA located in Heuvelton. 

Jen Davison, Whitney Atkins, Brook Duprey & April Streeter

“The people we care for in these IRAs are just that, people – just like you and me,” she said. “An IRA is a home – their home. IRAs have a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, and each individual who resides there has their own personalized bedroom.”

Ms. Atkins explained, “The primary responsibilities for those of us who work in their home, are centered on supporting the individuals in leading self-directed lives. We do this by working with them to maximize their potential by assisting with maintaining and/or developing skills and abilities.  These skills are what helps the individuals interact in their community to the maximum degree that they are interested.”

Prior to the walk program members and IRA staff from across the organization gathered for a barbecue at the Heuvelton Fire Hall with those present signing a large, tie-dyed banner with the words “Developmental Disability Awareness 2022” on it.

Developmental Disability Awareness Month is celebrated each year in March. According to the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), activities during the month of March are designed to “highlight the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.”

“United Helpers has been caring for individuals with developmental disabilities for more than 30 years,” said United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills Director of Residential Services Colleen Aldridge. “It always has been and always will be our mission to provide the people we care for with the highest quality of life possible. Whether it be helping them find jobs in the community, trips to concerts, fairs, and amusement parks, or simply being there for them with a hug or words of encouragement, we really are, as our tagline says, “Always Caring.”

While not everyone who attended the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Barbecue participated in the walk, a group of nearly 50 heary souls took off on a walk from the fire hall across the State Street Bridge and back to promote developmental disability awareness. The walk and barbecue were organized by United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills Program Leader Whitney Atkins, who oversees the Flackville Road IRA in Heuvelton.

United Helpers Enhancing Residential Opportunities for People with Developmental Disabilities

HEUVELTON – The vacant Individual Residential Alternative (IRA), located on the Irish Settlement Road in Heuvelton will soon be reopening its doors as two, six-bedroom IRAs.

Renovations at the property, which has been used periodically as a quarantine site during the COVID-19 pandemic, began earlier this month and are scheduled to be completed by mid-summer.

“Each home will have its own entrance, kitchen, dining area, and six single bedrooms,” said United Helpers Director of Buildings and Grounds Rick Pirie. “The homes will share a common gathering that includes another full kitchen, with that space being used for parties, meetings, educational events, and other large gatherings.”

United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills Director of Residential Services Colleen Aldridge said the opening of the new house will allow increased flexibility both for staffing and residential placements.

“This is being done to better serve our community and to meet the needs for people with developmental disabilities and their families,” she said. “Our leadership team is currently working on a plan for allocating these new beds, as well as a plan for any restructuring that may take place.”

United Helpers currently operates 10 IRAs which employ 260 people and provide residential services to nearly 50 individuals with developmental disabilities across St. Lawrence County.

For more information on Behavioral Health and Life Skills or any of United Helpers programs, please visit www.unitedhelpers.org.

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.

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. 

United Helpers Welcomes Stacey Ryan to Behavioral Health Team

OGDENSBURG – Stacey Ryan, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner recently joined the United Helpers Behavioral Health Team. Specializing in comprehensive medical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment, Ryan sees patients of all ages. 

Stacey Ryan, PMHNP-BC

Ryan completed undergraduate studies in psychology at SUNY Plattsburgh in 2011. She then attended Yale University in New Haven, CT, earning her registered nursing degree and then her Master’s of Science in Nursing, graduating magna cum laude. She completed internships at Yale Behavioral Health Services, Yale Internal Medicine Group, and Cassena Care in Connecticut. Ryan joins United Helpers following employment with Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center.

“My passion is making quality mental health care accessible to North Country residents,” said Ryan. "The opportunity to help improve mental health within our community is a true privilege." A native of northern New York, she graduated from Massena Central.

Ryan is Board Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practice. She treats anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, insomnia, stress-related conditions and has a special interest in the areas of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR).

In the spring, Ryan will be completing her yoga instructor certification and is looking forward to integrating more holistic approaches into her daily practice.

“Stacey Ryan is a very welcome addition to the team,” said David Nelson, Director of Behavioral Health Services for United Helpers. “She’s a North Country native who returned to serve her community. This is how dedicated and committed she is to the North Country.”

Ryan will see patients at the United Helpers Behavioral Health Centers located in Canton and Ogdensburg. To schedule an appointment, call 315-541-3042 in Ogdensburg and 315-386-0264 in Canton.

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.

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

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.”