Catalysts News Catalysts Anniversaries 15 YEARS Margie White 6 YEARS Stephanie Hernandez Norma Bognuda Randy Denton 5 YEARS Jennifer Mansfield Jane Schadeck 4 YEARS Patricia Hazen Joann Holliday 3 YEARS Maria M. Savageau 2 YEARS Lydia Melendez 1 YEAR Marcia Clark Emanuel Encarnacion Brendan O’Leary Amy Kawabata Cynthia Simmons Community Catalysts of California October 2007 Jim Jenkins announced today that Daisy Gordon Crompton has joined the Community Catalysts Housing Alliance board of directors. “Daisy’s experience and familiarity with affordable housing policy at both the local and federal levels will be a tremendous asset to our organization,” said Jim Jenkins, President and CEO of Community Catalysts. “I’m very pleased with the many dedicated and capable leaders who have joined our Housing Alliance board since its inception this past May. Together, the board is making a tremendous difference in the lives of the disabled throughout San Diego.” Daisy worked most recently as housing policy advisor to City Council- member Toni Atkins, analyzing proposed affordable housing projects that required council approval. She also served as launch manager of 211 San Diego, a nonprofit super-hotline that connects county residents with com- munity, health and housing services. Prior to moving to San Diego, Daisy worked in Washington D.C. as an economic development official at the U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development, the State Depart- ment, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Daisy holds a joint MBA and Masters in international economic policy studies from Stanford and Bachelor of Arts from U.C. Berkeley. She is an active supporter of two San Diego-based charities, Project Concern International and Second Chance. In May 2007, Community Catalysts announced the formation of an independent 501(c)(3) subsidiary, Community Catalysts Housing Alliance, to develop partnerships, seek financing and undertake fundrais- ing to create affordable housing in the San Diego area. The Housing Alliance’s first project will not only fill a void in San Diego’s affordable and disabled housing market, but will create an innovative model that can be replicated in all Community Catalysts service areas. Board Corner We had our first state wide Case Management and Su- pervisor Retreat on September 27th and 28th in Mo- desto, California. Staff from all offices attended this day and a half training. On Thursday we found out that we have many stars among us! We also enjoyed a training from Dr. Pomeranz on Friday. It was a star studded affair to remember! Take 2007Take2007Take2007Catalysts News Catalysts Anniversaries 15 YEARS Margie White 6 YEARS Stephanie Hernandez Norma Bognuda Randy Denton 5 YEARS Jennifer Mansfield Jane Schadeck 4 YEARS Patricia Hazen Joann Holliday 3 YEARS Maria M. Savageau 2 YEARS Lydia Melendez 1 YEAR Marcia Clark Emanuel Encarnacion Brendan O’Leary Amy Kawabata Cynthia Simmons Community Catalysts of California October 2007 Jim Jenkins announced today that Daisy Gordon Crompton has joined the Community Catalysts Housing Alliance board of directors. “Daisy’s experience and familiarity with affordable housing policy at both the local and federal levels will be a tremendous asset to our organization,” said Jim Jenkins, President and CEO of Community Catalysts. “I’m very pleased with the many dedicated and capable leaders who have joined our Housing Alliance board since its inception this past May. Together, the board is making a tremendous difference in the lives of the disabled throughout San Diego.” Daisy worked most recently as housing policy advisor to City Council- member Toni Atkins, analyzing proposed affordable housing projects that required council approval. She also served as launch manager of 211 San Diego, a nonprofit super-hotline that connects county residents with com- munity, health and housing services. Prior to moving to San Diego, Daisy worked in Washington D.C. as an economic development official at the U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development, the State Depart- ment, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Daisy holds a joint MBA and Masters in international economic policy studies from Stanford and Bachelor of Arts from U.C. Berkeley. She is an active supporter of two San Diego-based charities, Project Concern International and Second Chance. In May 2007, Community Catalysts announced the formation of an independent 501(c)(3) subsidiary, Community Catalysts Housing Alliance, to develop partnerships, seek financing and undertake fundrais- ing to create affordable housing in the San Diego area. The Housing Alliance’s first project will not only fill a void in San Diego’s affordable and disabled housing market, but will create an innovative model that can be replicated in all Community Catalysts service areas. Board Corner We had our first state wide Case Management and Su- pervisor Retreat on September 27th and 28th in Mo- desto, California. Staff from all offices attended this day and a half training. On Thursday we found out that we have many stars among us! We also enjoyed a training from Dr. Pomeranz on Friday. It was a star studded affair to remember! Take 2007Take2007Take2007 Consumer Anniversaries 17 YEARS Martin P.—San Diego 15 YEARS Chris A.—San Diego Jack B.—San Diego 13 YEARS Ramiro S.—Fresno Janice P.—San Diego 11 YEARS Soua Y.—Fresno 9 YEARS Jeffrey S.—Santa Clara Earl L.—Santa Clara Rebecca C.—Fresno 8 YEARS Douglas R.—San Diego 6 YEARS John R.– Coalinga 5 YEARS Jolette R.—Merced Tracy M.—Stockton Norma R.—El Centro 4 YEARS Angela A.—Fresno 3 YEARS Lucinda J.—Merced 2 YEARS Jesse M.—Santa Clara Broderick K.—San Diego Antonio P.—Santa Clara 1 YEAR Marie R.—Stockton Debra M.—Stockton Jennifer B.—San Diego Jennifer L.—Merced David R.—Merced ALL DRESSED UP: • Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. • Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility. • Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. • When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant. • If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips. • Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. • Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or be- come lost. CARVING A NICHE: • Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting. • Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins. • Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable ob- jects, and should never be left unattended. HOME SAFE HOME: • To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. • Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. • Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps. • Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater. ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL: • A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. • If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. • Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat. • Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters: • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going. • Carry a mobile phone for quick communication. • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. • Never cut across yards or use alleys. • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recog- nized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways. • Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will! • Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity. HEALTHY HALLOWEEN: • A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats. • Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tamper- ing is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween. -Adapted from American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Halloween Tips to ensure your kids are safe Consumer Anniversaries 17 YEARS Martin P.—San Diego 15 YEARS Chris A.—San Diego Jack B.—San Diego 13 YEARS Ramiro S.—Fresno Janice P.—San Diego 11 YEARS Soua Y.—Fresno 9 YEARS Jeffrey S.—Santa Clara Earl L.—Santa Clara Rebecca C.—Fresno 8 YEARS Douglas R.—San Diego 6 YEARS John R.– Coalinga 5 YEARS Jolette R.—Merced Tracy M.—Stockton Norma R.—El Centro 4 YEARS Angela A.—Fresno 3 YEARS Lucinda J.—Merced 2 YEARS Jesse M.—Santa Clara Broderick K.—San Diego Antonio P.—Santa Clara 1 YEAR Marie R.—Stockton Debra M.—Stockton Jennifer B.—San Diego Jennifer L.—Merced David R.—Merced ALL DRESSED UP: • Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. • Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility. • Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. • When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant. • If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips. • Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. • Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or be- come lost. CARVING A NICHE: • Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting. • Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins. • Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable ob- jects, and should never be left unattended. HOME SAFE HOME: • To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. • Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. • Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps. • Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater. ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL: • A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. • If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. • Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat. • Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters: • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going. • Carry a mobile phone for quick communication. • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. • Never cut across yards or use alleys. • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recog- nized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways. • Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will! • Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity. HEALTHY HALLOWEEN: • A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats. • Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tamper- ing is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween. -Adapted from American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Halloween Tips to ensure your kids are safe Our Loss is Stockton's Gain Supported Living Case Manager, Chris Korelin has been transferred to the Stockton office. Chris has taken a new position as Case Man- ager of Independent Living Services in Stockton. The Modesto staff will miss her sense of humor, lunch time conversations, and the support she gives to her staff. We wish Chris the best of luck and hope that she will visit us occasionally. Once Again, Case Manager Philip Henry is going on vacation! This time his travels will be taking him to the East Coast. Philip will be visiting Washington and will be lucky enough to get a guided tour of the White House. He is also going to New York City, Atlantic City and the Amish Country. Have fun Philip and take lots of pictures. R.E.S.T. The R.E.S.T. staff has been very busy this past month and dealing with a wide variety of challenges. Philip would like to extend his appreciation and thanks for all the hard work they have done. Advisory Modesto Staff and Consumers enjoyed a rather "hot" evening at the Modesto Nuts Ballpark which included Pizza from Figaro's Pizza and ended the night with a fire- works show. The temperature soared to 107 degrees that day, so kudos to all that at- tended and endured the heat, they are loyal fans!. Modesto The Stockton office staff are pulling their sweaters from the back of their closets with mixed opinions about the change of weather. But along with the change in weather, comes fun “inside” activities like Supported Living's movie night, hud- dled around a big screen T.V., passing around giant bowls of buttery, freshly popped, popcorn. The Supported Living staff are also anxiously planning their Hal- loween party and consumers are already excited about it! We celebrated Judy Powell (SLS Program Leader) & Vanessa Orr's (Financial Support Staff) Birthdays this month...Happy Birth- day you two! We'd also like to wish Carolyn McKinley a Happy Birthday! The Stockton office is also preparing for an expansion and everyone is excited to see the new addition to the office. Stockton Birthday Celebration! We would like to con- gratulate House Manager Katie L. who recently got married . We are all very happy for her. A group of consumers have been having fun participating in the Special Olympics bowling. Darryl C. recently bowled a 142. The Plum House staff and consumers are looking forward to moving into the new house. JoAnn has been talking with land- scapers and construction workers to make the modifications needed before the move. The consumer advisory committee is still selling 50/50 raffle tickets. The profits will go towards a trip to Six Flags at the end of October. Ukiah Home The Home Office would like to welcome Veronika Borinsky back from her pregnancy leave. Her son is now six months old and she is very happy she was able to spend so much time at home with him. She had a great relaxing time away but has said she is happy to be back with her “work family”. She is adjusting very well to being back and is also happy to have Eunice here as well to share the accounting duties. It makes things much easier. Welcome back Veronika! On August 31st the Salinas office held an end of Summer BBQ at the Monterey Beach. The consumer’s enjoyed the beautiful weather, all the good food and activi- ties such as potatoes sack races, and various carnival games where staff and consumers participated. The Salinas office population is BOOMING! Maria (Lead Case Man- ager) delivered a healthy little girl Izabella on September 12th and Karen M. and Danny A. (Consumers) deliv- ered their little boy Mathew on Sep- tember 18th 2007. Happy Birthday Jeannie Leauma. The winner of the August safety raffle was Iliana Contreras. Salinas We would like to welcome our Program Leader, Shelley Cook, back from her vacation. She was greatly missed by us all! We would like to congratulate Merced Wolf Pack for coming in first place in the Community Catalysts 2nd Annual bowling Competition and 2 thumbs up to the Fresno Fireflies for their awesome bowling skills. Merced would like to welcome their new Direct Service Aide for the Community Activities Program, Chavella Dobbins. Welcome aboard! Congrats to Ve- ronica Aguayo for being the winner of our Saftey Meeting Incentive and last but not least, Welcome Back Annabell Saldana (Direct Service Aide), from her maternity leave, you were so missed! Merced Consumer Catalysts of the Month Daniel Williams participates in our Independent Living Services program in Santa Clara. He has been with us since November of 2002. Daniel is very independent and rides VTA (community transportation) independently and also rides his bicycle to Blockbuster, Starbucks, Togos and Rite-Aid. Daniel is friendly and outgoing and enjoys meeting new friends. He is also very artistic and enjoys doing art with markers. Daniel is very social as he participates in recreational activities through Sunnyvale Parks & Recreation, Friday- Nite Fun and Thursday bowling league at Homestead Bowl. He also often travels to visit friends in Las Vegas. Daniel is a member at YMCA (Central) and has fun swimming and using their water slide. Daniel has a library and extensive collection of the latest CD’s and DVD’s and enjoys his Play Station 3. He has become an accomplished video game player, too! We want to recognize Daniel for being independent and active in his community! Congratulations, Daniel! Community Catalysts of California; 6050 Santo Rd., Suite 145; San Diego, CA 92124 Phone: (858)569-1055 Fax: (858)569-1064 Email: catalyst_home@sbcglobal.net Star of the Month Melissa has been with Community Catalysts for a year and half and holds a very challenging role at The Home office. She is both Office Manager and Administra- tive Assistant which means she has to deal with a variety of people not only in the Home Office but in all the Community Catalysts of California offices. We have a very diverse staff and Melissa is very good at communicating with everyone. Melissa is very adaptable and flexible in providing support to people and is always willing to help out to assure that tasks get completed. Many staff call Melissa the “go-to-person” for any and all information regarding the Home Office. If one isn’t sure who gets what form, ask Melissa, and if she doesn’t know she will go out of her way to find out. Melissa does all this with a positive attitude and even on the most stressful days Melissa is patient and helpful. Melissa is incredible at multi-tasking and never seems to loose track even when juggling multiple tasks. Recently Melissa took on additional job duties due to the reorganization of the Home Office while still completing her own job duties. Then when the HR Assistant was hired she helped train and transition duties over to her. She really helps assure the Home Office runs smoothly. Overall, Melissa is a very detail oriented team player who takes wonderful care of the staff she supports. All the staff here at Community Catalysts of California TRULY appreciate her! Congratulations, Melissa!