Paladin quarterly news & updates November 2019

Exceptional things are happening at Paladin and here is their regular update provided to the community. Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and learn how you can get involved if you’re moved to support the cause.

Introducing Kim Latchford, Interim President

Kim has been with Paladin for 23 years (starting at Michiana Industries). She began as a Direct Support Professional and went on to serve in roles such as Case Manager, Intake Specialist, Habilitation Manager, Director and Vice President of Participant Services. She is a hands-on leader with a great depth of knowledge and capacity to adapt to Paladin's ever-changing environment. The Leadership Team and Board of Directors have the utmost confidence in her ability to lead Paladin. We are fortunate to have her at the helm during this transition.

The Arc of Indiana's Direct Support Professional of the Year Award goes to...

Congratulations Theresa Stanback, Direct Support Professional for Paladin, for being nominated and winning this year's award! She was recognized in Indianapolis for this accomplishment.

Service News

Day Services

  • The Drama Club has presented two plays to their peers
  • Learned "You Are My Sunshine" in sign language
  • Created many fall art projects (i.e. decor, comic strips, building designs)
  • Reins of Life visited the Hobart location and then arranged for Paladin participants to visit them at the stables!
  • Hosted Halloween parties! Hobart's theme was 70's and 80's and Highland's themes was 60's and 70's
  • Practiced language skills (i.e. vocabulary, sight words, and reading) and money management skills (i.e. addition, writing checks, and paying bills)
  • Willie Rosendaul was re-elected to serve a third term for region 1 on the state board of self-advocates
  • Several participants volunteered and have potential job opportunities!
  • Learned about anatomy, Election Day, Veteran's Day, and the history of Thanksgiving
  • Premier Barbers visited the Hobart location on November 18th and gave individuals free hair cuts in preparation for the holidays
  • Learned how to make soup and brownies by following recipes
  • Donna Moore and Sue Pizarek were nominated by their peers for the Direct Support Professional of the Year award. Awards were given out at Paladin's Annual Dinner in October

Residential and Group Homes

A group of individuals and Paladin staff went down to Indianapolis for a WWE Smackdown event! It was quite an experience and everyone had a great time.

Several individuals also participated in the Special Olympics bowling tournament on November 2nd and a few are heading to State in December!

Paladin participants visited the pumpkin patch and went on a leaf hunt for fall collages. In addition, they also had Halloween parties and are looking forward to other holiday gatherings coming up.

A Group Home site will be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner equipped with football for individuals who may not have family to spent time with.

Participants also took a trip to the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum.

Other News:

  • AED's are now in each Group Home site! Thank you, Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte!
  • Another individual was welcomed into one of Paladin's Group Homes
  • There are eight new individuals that joined Paladin in Lake County. These individuals are living in three different houses

Employment

Terri S. and Latashaza S. were recipients of the Surber Award at Paladin's Annual Dinner in October. Surber Awards are given to participants who have achieved great success over the course of the year.

  • Latashaza started working at the Life Care Center in Valparaiso
  • Terry S. started working at Pizza Hut in Michigan City
  • Tashia K. started working at McDonalds in Michigan City

Paladin is always looking to partner with businesses in LaPorte and Lake County. If you have an interest in collaborating, please contact Diane at downs@paladin.care

Transportation

  • Hosted a food drive during the month of November that benefited local food pantries
  • Added a new "Pantry Bus" for seniors in need of assistance getting to the local food pantries. Specific routes are listed on Paladin's website under the COA eligibility: http://www.paladin.care/services1.html

Children's Waiver

  • Winter Camp will be held at the end of December. Paladin looks forward to seeing old and new faces!
  • Paladin has started scheduling presentations within the community to discuss the benefits of their program and the partnership potential. If you would like Paladin to come and present to your school or organization, please contact jessica.macius@paladin.care.
  • The program at Baker Woods Enrichment Center features: family caregiving training; behavior supports; community educational & recreational inclusion; small group activities; caregiver relief; and in-home supportive care.

Imagination Station

Imagination Station has been focusing on the Reggio Emilia concept Progettazione, long-term projects. This concept encompasses learning that is individual, authentic, and meaningful. It requires teachers to constantly observe their students' interests and actions and is adjusted through continuous dialogue.

They also hosted the Michigan City Chamber and community members on November 21 for a ribbon-cutting honoring Wendy Rae Englander, a person whose remarkable life inspired Imagination Station's mission to fulfill the development potential of all children and families.

Head Start

  • School is in full swing! Everyone has adjusted, begun making friends, and is have a great time
  • Garwood's and Coulter's donated pumpkins and apples for all of Paladin's Head Start children - 189!
  • Hosted two successful family and community events - Back to School Night and Harvest Night
  • Hosting a four-week comprehensive training opportunity for staff focused on best practices

Other Department Updates:

The Compliance Department had gone through its annual Desktop Audit for Butterfly Gardens. The audit came back with no issues. The department is also waiting for the results from the State's Provider Re-approval. The next big item on the agenda is CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). The three (3) year accreditation will end in June 30, 2020.