Our 2024 Independence Day stories:
Jeff moved to Rochester from Long Island 20 years ago and has been with CP Rochester ever since. Along with living in one of the CP Rochester houses, Jeff attends the Day Habilitation Program. He likes to help out and stay busy. At the Winton Campus, he can be found helping to deliver packages, monitoring equipment that needs replacing and many more important jobs. When he is not working, Jeff enjoys visiting with his friends and being creative through his artwork and storytelling.
Emily was a Division 1 Field Hockey Athlete going into her senior year when she experienced a tonic-clonic seizure while training. A few months later, she woke up in the hospital after a second seizure and was diagnosed with epilepsy. That’s when she says “life took a bit of a left turn.” Instead of playing field hockey in Europe after graduating college, she moved back to Upstate NY to be closer to family. Emily found Empowering People’s Independence (EPI) and joined a structured support group for adults with epilepsy.
“Before I started, I didn’t realize all of the services Medical Motor Service provides,” says Melvin, who started driving to help stay busy during retirement. “I work with all ages, from babies just a few months old to 90 year olds,” he says with a laugh. “There are a lot of rewarding moments on the job,” he adds. “I like to say we’re helping to deliver people, not packages, so you have to be flexible. Some riders need a bit more time. We might knock on the door or ring the doorbell. We assist them getting in and out of the vehicle,” he says, “It feels good to help.”
Suzanna had been living with MS for 15 years when she reached the point where she could no longer work. “It was a scary time,” she remembers. “MS Navigators from the National MS Society guided me through challenges with my employer and health insurance. They also helped me find safe, affordable, accessible housing.” Suzanna is a loyal Buffalo Bills fan and a top fundraiser at WalkMS in Canandaigua. “As a Team Captain, hosting fundraisers has helped me overcome the stigma of using a mobility scooter in public. Now, every time I roll into a Bills game and take my place amongst the crowd that’s on its feet … that is my Independence Day.”
Jakobe is a two-year-old who has been learning to communicate with others at Rochester Hearing & Speech Center. He has learned how to identify photos on the screen and connect them to words to ask for items at snack time, to listen to his favorite songs in class, and more. “Using this device has made him much happier, as he can express his opinions now,” shares Speech Language Pathologist Debra Cecere. “It goes everywhere with him–from class to home and then to the next program he will attend when he ages out of Early Intervention.”
Marianna recently moved to Rochester from Poland with her husband and two children. In addition to being a full-time student at Brockport College, Marianna is learning to drive using Low-Tech Hand Controls with Rochester Rehabilitation Center’s DriveOn Program. The push/pull hand controls and left-hand wheel spinner help Marianna become independent in a vehicle without the use of her lower extremities. Marianna is 15 hours into her training and has a goal of obtaining
her license by the end of the summer.
For Renee and many others, Community Habilitation is a vital resource, offering support and empowerment within their community. Renee thrives under the support of Elisha, a dedicated member of the Starbridge team. Renee and Elisha take part in activities like exercising, not just for physical health but also to boost confidence. Budgeting is another key area the two work on, allowing Renee to budget for necessities, and plan for her needs. Through Person-centered support, Renee is gaining vital skills, independence, and a vibrant social life within her community. She is truly creating a fulfilling and enriching life.
Please consider making a gift to help celebrate the accomplishments of these individuals, and to encourage thousands more.
Our thanks to the young artists served by RHSC’s Early Intervention Developmental Group for sharing their colorful artwork to brighten our Independence Day message!
Al Sigl Community of Agencies is a non-profit organization. A copy of our latest annual report may be obtained, upon request, by contacting us at 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 300, Rochester, NY 14620 or from the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, located at 28 Liberty Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10005, online at www.charitiesnys.com, or by calling (212) 416-8401.