Knight’s Tenure at United Helpers, one of Growth, Change and a Commitment to Mission

OGDENSBURG –Over the past 33 years, United Helpers Chief Executive Officer Stephen E. Knight has witnessed unprecedented growth at an organization that has been serving the people of the North Country in some capacity since 1898. 

“The most rewarding thing about working for United Helpers was working for a mission-driven organization. I hope the ten ladies who started the Society of the United Helpers would approve and be proud of our work,” Mr. Knight said, as he sat down to discuss his career with the company, which began in August of 1988, and will end later this month.

 

“What I’ve experienced in my 30 plus years is the board has always been willing to step up and support our community,” he said, before quoting a portion of the United Helpers Mission Statement. “To serve the community and help those in need.”

 

Mr. Knight then listed many of the services United Helpers developed during his time with the company… “pre-vocational day habilitation service, transitional, clinical, and housing services for people with severe and persistent mental illness, IRAs (Individualized Residential Alternatives), management of more than 500 units of subsidized housing, outpatient rehabilitation services, a market rate retirement community, the county’s only assisted living program, two outpatient behavioral health clinics, care management and case management services, and certified home care.”

 

“It was my privilege to work for a very committed board of directors and with a group of committed, caring professionals,” he said. “Together, we created a unique continuum of post-acute care and community-based services that support more than 2,400 people in our county every day.”

 

Mr. Knight’s career with United Helpers began when he was hired as an assistant administrator for what was then known as United Helpers Care, Inc. Today that portion of the company is known as United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills.

 

“I had heard about the job with United Helpers, because it was in the newspaper,” he said, noting at that time he was living and working in the Boston area. “My mother would send me job ads because she wanted me to move back home.”

 

Mr. Knight grew up in Lisbon and graduated from St. Lawrence University. He then spent “three or four” years in Massachusetts before moving back home.

 

After spending two years as assistant administrator, Mr. Knight was promoted to administrator in 1990 by then CEO John Turongian.

 

“As the company continued to grow, John made some changes to the leadership team, and I was promoted to Director of Systems Development in 1996, so then I had responsibilities company wide,” he said. In 2001 Mr. Knight was promoted to Director of Operations.

 

“From the moment I first met Steve in 1990, I was impressed with his leadership skills and "can do" attitude. With each promotion, it soon became apparent that Steve was destined to take on greater responsibilities,” Mr. Turongian said. “The business of Health Care is very challenging and ever-evolving, and Steve knew where we needed to go.”  

In 2009, Mr. Turongian would retire from United Helpers and Mr. Knight became the company’s third CEO.

 

“It was an honor and privilege to work with him for nearly 20 years at United Helpers,” Mr. Turongian said. “My best wishes to him and Lianne for a happy and successful retirement.”

 

While he may be ready to retire, Mr. Knight said he will not stop advocating for the North Country and the people United Helpers serves.

 

“Over the years, we’ve continued to see an increase in the number of people relying on Medicaid or Medicare. One of my biggest worries is that during this same time we’ve also seen a waning of support at the state and federal level for these folks. It is up to us to continue advocating for those in need. They’re our friends and neighbors,” he said.

 

Mr. Knight said he’s planning on taking the summer to work on projects around his home, while also noting his oldest daughter is getting married this summer. He plans to do some traveling and participate in a lot more of the outdoor activities that he enjoys doing like biking, hiking, snow skiing and water-skiing.

 

He resides in Colton with his wife, Lianne. The couple has three adult children, Hannah, Daniel, and Sadie Rose. His last day with United Helpers will be Friday, May 28.

Welcome New Hires

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

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care in Canton

Mandy Beth Bright-Lovell - Task Aide
Selena Negron - Food Service Attendant

McIntyre Road IRA

Brendon Arsenault - DSP

Riverwood Acres IRA
Ria Amo - DSP

High Street IRA
Justine Burns - DSP

Ellie Gagner - DSP

Ashley Scott - DSP

Massena Woman Receives 125-plus Cards to Celebrate 90th Birthday

CANTON – Walking into Lucia Johnson’s apartment in the Assisted Living wing of United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton, one can’t help but to notice the unique décor on her walls.

 

There are funny cards and serious cards, religious cards and heartfelt cards, many even from strangers, on display. Some of the cards contain handwritten notes, while others just have a signature, but they all say one thing, “Happy Birthday.” 

Lucia (Catanzarite) Johnson with just a few of her cards.

 

Mrs. Johnson turned 90 years old on Tuesday, April 13, an occasion highlighted by Ellen Emery in her weekly column “Over Coffee with Ellen.” “So far I’ve received 125 cards,” Mrs. Johnson said. “I don’t know what to do with them all, but I have read each one.”

 

In addition to birthday cards, there are a couple of other items plentiful in her apartment… recipes and poems.

 

“I worked as a field editor for Taste of Home for 10 years or so,” she said, adding that over the years she’s had several of her own recipes published in the magazine. “If you go online, you can find my picture and some of my recipes there.” (see recipes at end of article)

 

“I’m full-blooded Italian, so you know that means I love to cook,” she said, noting her maiden name is Catanzarite. “Whenever we had guests or friends over I would always make something I had never made before.”

 

Mrs. Johnson even noted she’s self-taught in the kitchen. “My mother had six children, and she never wanted us in the kitchen while she was cooking, so I had to learn on my own,” she said. “I think I did alright.”

 

As for the poetry, Mrs. Johnson published a book of her poems as a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, raising over $500 through sales of her book. That’s only a drop in the bucket though when considering that with three of her daughters, Marilyn, Stephanie, and Charlene, the family has raised more than $50,000 for Alzheimer’s research.

 

“That’s something we’re very passionate about,” she said. “My husband Leon passed away from that.”

 

Prior to moving to Assisted Living just over a year ago, she lived in Massena, where she was born and raised. “I lived there my whole life, until I came here,” she said. “I love it here though, everyone is always so nice.”

 

Mrs. Lucia said she’s not planning to go anywhere anytime soon.

 

“I had an Aunt who lived to be 108,” she said. “Her mind was fine all the way to the end. We used to love to hear her tell stories about Italy, because she grew up there.”

 

Mrs. Johnson also said that history was also a popular topic of conversation with her aunt. “She remembered when the Titanic sank and she would often tell us about that or other major events from her lifetime,” she said.

 

Now Mrs. Johnson is the one telling stories, looking back at an incredible life full of accomplishments, and changes in the way we live that no one could have ever imagined when she was growing up.

 

“One of my daughter’s wanted to post something on Facebook as a way to thank people for all of the cards. She asked me what to write. “I told her to say, ‘I had a wonderful 39^th birthday,’” Mrs. Johnson recalled with a laugh.

 

On the web:

 

Quick Potato Corn Chowder - https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/quick-potato-corn-chowder/

 

Zucchini Onion Pie - https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/zucchini-onion-pie/

Hamilton Gardens Offers Affordable Senior/Disabled Housing Just Blocks from St. Lawrence River in Waddington

Hamilton Gardens in Waddington

WADDINGTON – Have you been thinking about downsizing your home, and enjoying all the benefits of maintenance-free living?

Hamilton Gardens in Waddington currently has vacancies available and can help your dreams of never mowing the lawn or shoveling snow again come true.

 

Apartments are available for those 62 and older, or those who have a disability. Each apartment includes a kitchen with refrigerator and stove, living room, bathroom, and bedroom. An on-site laundry room is also available for use.  

The building, which houses 32 apartments over two floors, is equipped with an elevator, a community room, raised gardening beds, and flowerbeds around the property. It is located in close proximity to the St. Lawrence River, as well as the village’s stores, restaurants, and events, including the free Summer Concert Series.

 

Hamilton Gardens is a pet-friendly complex and rent subsidies for those who quality may be available.

 

If you would like a housing application, or for further information, please call (315) 714-3129.

Paquette Honored With Fannie Frank Distinguished CNA Award

CANTON – Longtime United Helpers CNA Helen Paquette was recently honored with of the “Fannie Frank Distinguished CNA Award.”

Ms. Paquette, of Hammond, has been a United Helpers employee caring for residents at the company’s facilities in Ogdensburg for more than 30 years.

She was nominated for the honor by United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons. 

Barbara Gordon, Helen Paquette & Dr. Ed Gordon

In his nomination, Mr. Parsons wrote, “She has stood out to me since working with her as a physical therapist at Cedars Nursing Home, where we both began our careers with United Helpers.”

He continued, “As a therapist, I would always try to seek out staff I could trust for their opinion and feedback regarding our residents. Helen was one of those aides. She knows her residents better than anyone.”

More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Paquette has really shined, he said.

“When we know a resident is in need of something, Helen is who we often ask, and usually she has already taken care of it, many times using her own resources,” he said. “She is the one we ask when some “pampering” is needed, and when our salon had to shut down, she began cutting hair in addition to her other duties. She is the type of employee I cherish and I believe she is deserving of this honor.”

The Fannie Frank Award, which is a $1,000 cash bonus, is awarded based on the following criteria:

• A remarkably caring demeanor
• Remarkably competent care
• Continuous employment with UH for five or more years
• Nomination by the Vice President of Operations at her respective facility

According to Dr. Gordon, Ms. Frank was a Polish immigrant who moved to the U.S. prior to World War I with her parents and six of her nine siblings. Three of her older siblings were already married and stayed behind, he said. They perished in World War II.

Dr. Gordon grew up in New York City in close proximity to his grandmother and credits her with instilling in him a love of animals that would eventually lead to his career as a veterinarian, noting that he and his grandmother were the only “animal lovers” in his family.

In addition to paying tribute to his grandmother, Dr. Gordon said the award will serve as a way to honor his family’s legacy.

“Now, her name will live on forever,” he said.

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. 

Merrifield Honored with Wayne N. Ladouceur Award

OGDENSBURG – One of the highest compliments any nurse or caregiver can receive is, “you’re the kind of person I would want caring for my parents.”

That’s a compliment received by this year’s Wayne N. Ladouceur Award winner, Robert “Bob” Merrifield, a long-time LPN at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg.

At the close of this year’s presentation, which was held in front of a small audience made up of Mr. Merrifield’s family and co-workers, United Helpers Vice President of Development Christa Carroll shared the sentiment which was passed to her by a member of the nominations review committee.

Mr. Merrifield received two nominations for the award, one from Director of Nursing Brittany Thornton, and another from his nurse supervisor Marie Woods. 

CEO Stephen Knight, Robert Merrifield, & Cheryl Ladouceur

Criteria for the award includes 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.

These are all areas where those who know Mr. Merrifield say he excels.

“One of Bob’s greatest qualities is his generosity,” wrote Mrs. Thornton in her nomination. “I have worked with Bob since 2013 and have witnessed this on many occasions.”

When a co-worker was studying for her GED exam, Mr. Merrifield tutored her, on his own time, to help ensure she would pass the test. When another co-worker’s home was lost in a fire, he was the first person to suggest, and establish a fundraiser to assist her and her family.

Another time, several employees shaved their heads in support of a co-worker with cancer. Mr. Merrifeld was one of the first to participate.

More recently, employees of the facility were fit-tested for N-95 respirators to allow them to work with resident whom had COVID-19. Mr. Merrfield typically sports a “chinstrap,” however, his facial hair was interfering with the mask’s ability to provide a proper seal on his face.

“Bob was unable to secure the seal the first few times, so I told him we would try again later. A short time later, he returned to my office after going into the bathroom and shaving his facial hair. He said, ‘I’m ready now,’” Mrs. Thornton recalled. “While many people were scared about the possibility of being exposed to the virus, Bob was determined to be there for his residents.”

Mr. Merrifield has been a nurse in the United Helpers family for 30-plus years. He resides in Heuvelton with his wife. He has two grown daughters.

Mr. Ladouceur’s wife, Cheryl, chose the criteria for the award picking traits exhibited by her husband and things he was known for, not just in the United Helpers family, but also across the entire city of Ogdensburg.

Each nomination must also include an additional letter of support from someone other than the nominator. 

In her letter, Bobbi Jo Holmes noted that Mr. Merrifield works in the building’s dementia unit, something that requires patience, caring, and a special set of skills.

“He is one of the most caring and generous people I have ever known. He is always there for his co-workers, and his residents. He is very deserving of this honor,” she wrote.

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 created by Mrs. Ladouceur and more than 80 other friends and family members.

Video of the presentation may be viewed at, https://youtu.be/9aSRqDTdin4.