Another Trip Taken to the Big Apple
For a second year in a row, Community Housing visited NYC. Empower Coordinator of Community Support Services Robin Stevens and Empower Direct Service Professional Deanna Turco took a trip with Stacey to see The Lion King performed on Broadway and to visit Times Square and to see a penguin-feeding exhibit at the Bronx Zoo. Aside from a near-brush with Godzilla, everyone had a great time and checked a few items off of their bucket lists!
Weekend Respite Adventures
One weekend a month, Empower staff and people supported who live at home with family spend the weekend at an area hotel and enjoy a variety of activities that they choose from shopping to arts and crafts activities to eating out. Whatever your abilities, Empower has taken steps to make sure you can participate. For example, thanks to a Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy grant received in 2019, Empower purchased two electric Hoyer Lifts, ensuring that people who use a wheelchair to get around also can take part. Hoyer Lifts are used to transport a person to and from their wheelchair which is especially needed during overnights, and avoids the chance of a staff member being injured during a manual lift.
Holiday Celebrations
Santa took time out of his busy schedule to visit some Community Housing residents. As is evident from their smiles, they loved his visit and receiving gifts. Thanks, Santa!
Improvements Made to Empower Homes
Empower works hard to ensure its group homes are nice looking, have a homey feel and are safe for residents. Most recently, new flooring was installed in the Mapleton home which brightens up the rooms and ensures the safety of residents, staff and visitors.