Spring 2014

AccoladesArea Residential Care’s Quarterly Newsletter

In this issue of Accolades...

Bringing characters to life in storytime

Baconfest Awardspage 4

Corporate & Community Gamespage 2

New Staffpages 3 & 6

Denny Trierweiler reads to children at Little Treasure Preschool and Daycare

“Today I’m going to read you a book called Spongebob Manpants,” says Denny Trierweiler to the preschool class sitting patiently on their carpet squares. Denny has intellectual disabilities and through his support at Area Residential Care, he has found a passion for volunteering his reading and voice skills to the children at Little Treasures Daycare and Preschool.

As Denny read each page to the children, he looked up and smiled with his big grin while the children listened intently to the story line. Anyone that knows Denny knows that he has a heart of gold and passion for Nickelodeon Television shows and Dr. Seuss characters. He expresses his love of these characters and story lines through drawings, music and reading books filled with these characters.

continued on page 2

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Silly games for a serious mission

June 19, 2014 | Port of Dubuque5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

We are just a few weeks away from the 2014 Corporate and Community Games. The games committee has been working hard, meeting on a monthly basis, testing out the games and spreading the word. We hope you are ready for a night of fun, silliness and laughter!

We currently have 50 teams signed up for the event and only 25 spots remain, it is on a first come/first service basis. So don’t delay; sign your team up today! Team registration is due by June 1, 2014.

Don’t have a team, but still want to be a part of the event? Become a volunteer!

REGISTER TODAY at arearesidentialcare.org!

Jamie Wallace, an individual plan supervisor for Area Residential Care says, “One of the goals we have at Area Residential Care in the Day Habilitation Program is to have people that utilize our services share their passions with the community through volunteering. We always knew Denny liked to read and I thought it would be great if we could find a place for him to read to others. I contacted Morgan Budden of Little Treasure Daycare and she was more than willing to give Denny a chance at coming to their facility and reading to their preschool classes.”

Before each visit to Little Treasures, Denny goes with an Area Residential Care staff member to pick out his own books to read from the library and practices weeks in advance with a staff member. He enjoys reading books out

loud and showing the pictures after he finishes each page to the children. “Pairing Denny with Little Treasures was a no brainer. This opportunity allowed Denny to share his passion with others,” said Wallace.

Morgan Budden the Director of Little Treasures Preschool and Daycare could not agree more. “The kids love having Denny come and read to them. The children are able to interact with Denny and enjoy hearing his dynamic voice while he reads some of their favorite books to them. It also teaches the children that no matter what hurdles you have to overcome, that having disabilities does not put limitations on your passions. You can do anything your passionate about,” says Budden.

Continued from page 1: Denny reads to preschoolers

With your assistance...The following list of items are currently needed in our homes and offices. Please contact the Marketing & Public Relations Department at 563.556.4743 if you would be willing to donate.

Recreational Equipment• Adaptive Bike• Recumbent Exercise Bike (2)• NuStep Bike

Medical Items• Oximeter (finger tip pulse)• Blood pressure cuff• Hoyer Lift

Furniture• Folding Banquet Tables (2)• Dining Table• Lobby Furniture• Chairs for conference rooms

• Large book case• Large canvas or wall artwork• Office chairs (8)• Filing Cabinets

Office Equipment• Small paper shredder (3)• Overhead projector & screen

Electronics• Flat Screen TV• Digital Camera

Production Equipment• Delivery Carts (6)• Heavy Duty 4 Wheel Cart• Tool Box and Tools (screwdriver,

wrenches, cordless drill and more)

Misc.• Window Treatments• Floor Fan (2)• Storage Containers

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We are pleased to announce that a new Supervisor/IPC has been hired in the Vocational Services Department. Nathaniel Hargrove joined Area Residential Care in February. He brings with him a variety of experience including working as a QIDP for an agency in Minneapolis, MN; as a group facilitator and educational coordinator in an alternative school program, and in the office of drug probation and counseling.

Nathaniel is originally from Minneapolis and completed his college education in the Minneapolis and University of Wisconsin – Superior area. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

His job duties at Area Residential Care include supervision and coordination of quality service delivery within day program and vocational training environments for people with intellectual disabilities. He also is a primary contact for individuals served and assures the needed supports are in place for them to reach their personal goals and outcomes.

Nathaniel is happy to be in the Dubuque area with other family members while remaining a Minnesota Vikings fan! He is anxious to get on board with all of the various duties involved with the supervision of multiple enclave/crew sites as well as with getting to know each and every person assigned to his caseload. Please stop by and say hello as you are walking in the back hallway at the main building.

Welcome to Area Residential Care, Nathaniel!

Area Residential Care is pleased to announce that Pamela Steffensmeier has joined our team as the new Marketing/Public Relations Administrative Assistant and Residential Scheduling Secretary.

Pamela is a 2012 graduate of Clarke University and has interned at the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce for America’s River Festival and for the Dubuque Area Girl Scouts.

While she was student at Clarke, she was the editor for the student magazine, “Clarke Catalyst” and newspaper, “Clarke Courier.” She participated on a service trip to New Orleans during spring break, was an Antioch retreat leader, organized and planned Clarke’s semi-annual volunteer day, “Into the Streets” for Clarke students, faculty, and staff. In addition, served as president of the Campus Activities Board and Going Green group on campus.

In her free time she enjoys photography, craft projects, watching football with her family and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, GO HAWKS!

Welcome to Area Residential Care, Pamela!

Welcome, Pamela Steffensmeier

Hargrove, new Supervisor/IPC

Pamela SteffensmeierMarketing/Public Relations Administrative Assistant

and Residential Scheduling Secretary

Nathaniel HargroveSupervisor/IPC

On Tuesday, March 4, Dubuque365 presented the 2014 365ink Impact Awards at the Mississippi Moon Bar inside the Diamond Jo Casino to celebrate the people, events, organizations, and businesses who are making an impact in the community.

“At 365ink we get to do a lot of fun stuff. We get invited to just about everything. We’ve seen the very best of events and we’ve been there for the best intentions going not quite right,” said Bryce Park, owner of Dubuque 365.

Area Residential Care was one of many who were honored and recognized at the event.

Area Residential Care’s Baconfest was awarded the Best New Thing in 2013. This event was new to the Dubuque area and it made an IMPACT in the minds of many people in the community.

“With the inaugural hosting of Dubuque’s own Baconfest, our hopes were very high for the folks at ARC. And by our hopes, I mean MY HOPES. And let me tell you, they knocked it out of the park. Not only was this a nice addition to the food basedfestivals in the area, this may have been the best foodie fest Dubuque has ever tasted. Somehow ARC lit a fire under these chefs to bring the A+ game to the Dubuque County Fairgrounds and the laid down the flavor gauntlet. Not only did everyone

in attendance literally stuff themselves with bacon love, but ARC had an instant success on their hands, destined to only get bigger and better,” said Parks.

Baconfest is coming back to Dubuque on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets will go on sale on August 9, 2014 and can be purchased online at dbqbacon.com.General Admission Tickets: $25 eachVIP Tickets: $40 each – VIP Tickets allow attendees to enter the venue at 5 p.m. and get a taste of all of the food before everyone else.

Interested in being a sponsor or vendor for the Baconfest? Find out how by going to our website at arearesidentialcare.org. Hope to see you there!

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Baconfest wins 365ink IMPACT Award

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Baconfest logo wins ADDY Award

The Baconfest Logo, designed by Shelby Wartick of Area Residential Care, received a Silver ADDY at the American Advertising Awards Competition on February 7, 2014.

The American Advertising Awards is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting over 40,000 entries every year in local AAF Club competitions. The mission of the American Advertising Awards competition is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.

Judges evaluate all of the creative dimensions of each entry and follow a special scoring process to select the most creative entry in each category.

A Gold American Advertising Award is recognition of the highest level of creative excellence and is judged to be superior to all other entries in the category. A Silver American Advertising Award is given to those who are outstanding and worthy of recognition.

Shelby Wartick, Jill Barden and Teri Pitzen receiving the Dubuque365ink Impact Awards Ceremony on March 4, 2014

Dubuque Area

A Fundraiser for Area Residential Care

Baconfest

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Diane Ellerman

Thank you to all those that gave and supported the Fill Our Homes Annual Appeal! With your support we were able to raise $19,184 to provide new, high quality furnishings for all the agency-owned community living homes.

Area Residential Care provides many individualized residential options for people with intellectual disabilities. One of these options includes community living homes, a home that usually contains 5-8 other individuals with intellectual disabilities. The agency has many homes located throughout our community, making these homes accessible to transportation, work, shopping and a perfect way for an individual to work toward maximum independence.

Many of the homes had pre-owned kitchen tables, chairs, recliners and sofas that showed major signs of wear and a need for replacement. Also, many furnishings require special adjustments to meet the needs of the individuals we serve. For examples, standard kitchen tables need to be raised to fit wheel chairs underneath them comfortably. Thanks to your generous support we are able to replace the outdated and worn out furnishings with new, high quality pieces.

On behalf of all the staff and people we serve at Area Residential Care, we would like to thank you for your heartfelt contribution to this program and making a difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

Fill Our Homes Annual Appeal raises more than $19,000

Looking for a career that will make a difference?Go to arearesidentialcare.org today to see our open positions.

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Please welcome Ryan FitchArea Residential Care is pleased to announce that Ryan Fitch joined our team as a Supervisor/IPC in the Residential Services Department.

Ryan graduated from the University of Iowa in 2010 with his bachelors degree. Before stepping into his new supervisor role, Ryan worked at Area Residential Care as a Quality Mentor in the Community Services Department where he assisted in daily planning of activities for consumer groups based on their program plans and mentored staff on appropriate program implementation.

His job duties at Area Residential Care include supervision and coordination of quality service delivery within residential environments for people with intellectual disabilities. He also is a primary contact for individuals served and assures the needed supports are in place for them to reach their personal goals and outcomes.

Welcome to Area Residential Care, Ryan!

Ryan FitchSupervisor/IPC

Lieb, new Quality Service CoordinatorPlease welcome Gladen Lieb to our team as the new Quality Service Coordinator.

Gladen received her Bachelor of Science in Custom Administration in the Philippines. Recently, she transitioned from Chicago, IL where she held a position in Quality Assurance with a home health care company for many years.

Gladen’s job duties at Area Residential Care include developing, coordinating, and implementing the overall agency intake and referral process. She conducts agency tours and facilitates the admission committee. Gladen implements and monitors the agency quality service programs, as well as, the training programs for staff members. Her position is the point person for all persons inquiring about agency services.

Welcome to Area Residential Care, Gladen! Gladen LiebQuality Service Coordinator

In February we had to say good-bye to Diane Ellerman, a dear individual and friend.

Diane began services with Area Residential Care in August 1968. Throughout her forty-five years with us she participated in a variety of programs such as residential, vocational, and adult day services.

Diane will be remember for her curiosity for new experiences, her love of puzzles, bright bold pink colors, ice cream, the outdoors and a genuine joy for life.

Remembering our friend, Diane

Diane Ellerman

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The following people and organizations have contributed to Area Residential Care this winter quarter. Their contributions allow us to continue fulfilling our mission of empowering people with intellectual disabilities to achieve their highest quality of life. All gifts, no matter the size, are always welcome and are greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in learning how you can contribute to our cause, please contact our Marketing & Public Relations Department at 563.556.7560 or go to www.arearesidentialcare.org. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes to the full extent provided by the law.

In appreciation

DirectoryArea Residential Care

3355 Kennedy CircleDubuque, IA 52002

[P] 563.556.7560 [F] 563.556.7565www.arearesidentialcare.orginfo@arearesidentialcare.org

Executive Director | Jon RomaineAssociate Executive Director | Christina Steele-Lietz

Financial Director | Tammy HendricksMarketing and PR Director | Shelby Wartick

Human Resources Director | Teri PitzenResidential Services Director | Elly Day

Community Services Director | Cindy LeifkerDubuque Vocational

Services Director | Jean WuertzerFacility Operations Director | Karl Stieglitz

ICF/ID Services Director | Rachel WallManchester/Dyersville

Services Director | Michelle SteegeQuality Service Coordinator | Gladen Lieb

Board of Directors The agency’s Board of Directors is a group of volunteers

dedicated to promoting the vision and mission of Area Residential Care. For more information about them,

please contact our Executive Director.

President | Kevin StevensVice-President | Kandice Kerr

Treasurer | Duane FrickSecretary | Mark Rellihan

Charles DavisKaren Dorshkind

Guy GardTeresa Johannsen

Tim O’Brien Jim SchillingJohn Splinter

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Benefactors ($1000 and up) Weber Paper CompanyAmerican Trust & Savings BankJanet Efferdering

Patrons ($500-$999)Dennis & Connie Deutmeyer in memory of Rita Deutmeyer

Advocates ($250-$499)Sarah LatimerHarry BlewettMorrison Brothers Company

Companions ($100-$249)

Associates (Up to $49)

In-Kind Donations

John & Mary ParkinAvalon Body Inc.

Evadeen Strang in honor of Dale Meier and in memory of Edward Meier

Widner Drug in memory of Mary Ressler

Stephan & Kris RodhamMary Ann RichardsonSue QuinlanDaniel & Linda Deutmeyer in memory of Rita Deutmeyer

Jim PancratzMarcelline Capesius in memory of Fr. Tom RhombergGerald & Marilyn PrierRobert Jasper

Jim BalkVern BrombergWayne & Nancy Ellerman

Supporters ($50-$99)

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

― Mother Teresa

3355 Kennedy Circle | Dubuque, IA 52002www.arearesidentialcare.orgAccolades Spring 2014 Edition

EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES TO ACHIEVE THEIR HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE

Dubuque Area

A Fundraiser for Area Residential Care

Baconfest

Baconfest is Back!October 2, 20146 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Dubuque County Fairgrounds

Tickets will go on sale Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 9 a.m. and can be purchased

online at dbqbacon.com.

General Admission Tickets: $25 eachVIP Tickets: $40 each – VIP Tickets allow attendees to enter the venue at 5 p.m. and get a taste of all of the food before

everyone else.

Don’t delay. These tickets won’t last long!

Call now to become a sponsor or vendor!

563-556-7560