2017Summer

N E W S L E T T E R

2 | Summer 2017

Highlights

Governor’s Budget ................ 4Medicaid Crisis ......................5.Community Employment .......6.ABLE Act ............................. 11The Story of Lucas ............... 12Summer Fun ........................ 15.ACHIEVA Supporters ............ 16.

Summer 2017 | 3

Dear Friends,

Each year we face new challenges in the disability community. I am proud to be a part of an organization that meets those challenges head-on to ensure we are fostering our mission to support and empower individuals with disabilities and their families.

ACHIEVA believes in providing inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We take pride in offering opportunities that provide complete exposure to the world around us, giving individuals the chance to live the best life possible. For over 65 years, ACHIEVA has been a leader in providing comprehensive support services. From the young child with a speech delay, to the young adult in need of employment in the community, to the aging caregiver in need of respite support, to the family that needs to plan for the future, ACHIEVA is here to help.

I am proud to share this Summer Newsletter with you, highlighting just some of our many accomplishments during our fiscal year. This year, we’ve lead the pathway to inclusive employment opportunities, launched our public art studio for passionate artists in ACHIEVA services and gave advocates a voice as we recognized the first 100 days of the new administration in Washington D.C. This newsletter will also give you a glimpse of what’s to come, because we are not done. Our advocates are staying focused on local and state legislation to ensure funding needs for individuals are being met. ACHIEVA leadership is also working to get the doors of Pennsylvania’s remaining state institutions closed, to give everyone an inclusive living environment.

We are continuously inspired by those for whom we provide support as well as our boards of trustees, staff and stakeholders who help us do the work that needs to be done.

We are pleased for your interest in ACHIEVA and thank you for your continued support as we strive to ensure that all individuals with disabilities are fully included in their communities.

With highest regards,

Marsha Blanco President and Chief Executive Officer

DEAR FRIENDS

4 | Summer 2017

Tuesday, April 4th, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 218 which includes all of the funding proposed by Governor Wolf for intellectual disability and autism services (ID/A). This budget bill increases funding for intellectual disability and autism services for the first time in 10 years, including rate increases to address the direct support workforce crisis and the waiting list.

Highlights of Governor Wolf’s proposed budget and House Bill 218 include:

• $54.7 million to provide for rate increases from the renewal of the waiver program

• $109.7 million to provide for increases in utilization and costs

• $15.4 million for the Community Living Waiver to create a new program for family caregivers to ensure 1,000 individuals currently on the waiting list can continue to live at home

• $8.5 million to expand services for individuals with disabilities to provide home and community-based services for 820 students graduating from special education - a figure that is projected to cover every such student this coming year

• Funding to begin to transition individuals from the Hamburg State Center to home and community-based services

• $9.3 million for new community participation services from the renewal of the waiver program

• $782,000 to provide targeted services management state plan services to 1,545 individuals with autism on the autism interest list

• $642,000 for home and community-based services for 50 additional adults with autism spectrum disorder

• $230,000 in the ID-Community Base Program to provide targeted services management state plan services to 455 individuals on the waiting list

$5.4.7 millionto provide for rate increases from the renewal of the waiver program

2017-18 Budget Proposal

Summer 2017 | 5.

2017-18 Budget Proposal

Looming Medicaid CutsMedicaid is the nation’s primary health insurance program for people with disabilities and low-income populations. The program currently covers over 10 million non-elderly people with disabilities. The federal government pays for nearly 60 percent of Medicaid costs, on average, with a match rate that varies from state to state. Nationwide, state and federal Medicaid collectively provide more than 75 percent of the funding for services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

What Could Change?• The federal government would

provide a fixed amount of money to each state based on the number of people enrolled

• Unlike the current funding system, the amount provided will not automatically increase when the cost of services to eligible individuals increases

• With this funding system, the federal government will limit spending, regardless of the needs of people receiving Medicaid services

• With states receiving a reduction in federal support to run Medicaid they will be forced to possibly raise taxes or limit access to services and supports to the most vulnerable populations

Important facts about Medicaid:• Medicaid provides health care for

1 in 5 Americans, including people with disabilities, working families, children and seniors

• Medicaid gives states flexibility to design their own programs based on the needs of their communities

• Medicaid provides long-term supports and services for people with I/DD and generally is the only source of funds for them to actively participate in their communities and avoid more costly and segregated nursing homes or institutions

• Medicaid is a necessity for most people with significant disabilities who generally do not have access to employer-based or other private coverage, have greater medical needs and often require assistance with activities of daily living throughout their lifetime

What could cuts mean to the I/DD Community?• The waiting list for individuals

with disabilities in need of services would drastically increase, creating a crisis for individuals and aging caregivers

• A decrease in services for those who rely on Medicaid

• Individuals could be forced into institutions in an effort to find a more economical support system

• Limited early intervention services for infants and toddlers, limiting their ability to live full and active lives

• Loss of access to health care services

To call your Member of Congress: U.S. Capitol Switchboard 202.224.3121

To locate your Senator: www.senate.gov

To locate your Representative: www.house.gov

Join ACHIEVA in our efforts to stop any cuts to Medicaid. Call your Senators and Representatives today.

6. | Summer 2017

From the Mailroom to the Museum

This summer, Sharon celebrated like she does every June. She had an important lunch with Debbie Goldberg, honoring her fourth year of employment as a Visitor Services Associate at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

Debbie is an Employment Specialist at ACHIEVA. Her role is to assist vocational participants as they seek and maintain competitive integrated employment. Sharon’s relationship with Debbie and her position at the Children’s Museum are the trifecta of supported employment. Sharon

exclaimed, “I have the best job coach going!” Debbie supports Sharon every other week during one of three scheduled days at the museum. Her role is to assist with training Sharon on new exhibits and to advocate for Sharon. Sharon’s managers Eric Rummel and Whitney French are always willing to listen - they help her fulfill her dreams.

Sharon enjoys her job at the museum - more so than her previous role in a mailroom workshop. She is thrilled by the opportunities her job provides and added confidently, “They love

me working here.” Eric gives responsibilities to Sharon, noting that she is always learning and growing. Her greatest asset is her promptness. Working with large groups of energetic children, she has developed another virtue…patience!

Sharon has worked throughout the museum in both the permanent and temporary exhibits, learning about each of them in order to educate and engage visitors. In the arts studio, she prepared easels and followed a checklist of duties. At the “Garage” exhibit, she overcame her fear of

“I have the best job coach going!”Sharon

ACHIEVA Employment Specialist, Debbie Goldberg and Sharon

Summer 2017 | 7

Sharon and her brother Patrick, Manager of Community Employment at ACHIEVA.

Jeff Rummel, Children’s Museum Visitor Services Manager, helps Sharon to fulfill her dreams.

heights when it was necessary to climb the open stairs to assist visitors. She has the foresight to assist guests of all abilities. When asked how she would communicate with visitors who are hearing impaired, she stated matter-of-factly, “I would bring paper and a pencil.” Recently, Sharon conducted her first group tour. She enjoyed guiding the tour and did so well Eric agreed to add that to her list of responsibilities.

Sharon has another tie to ACHIEVA; her brother Patrick Joyce is the Manager of Community Employment. Pat supervises a dedicated team of employments specialist, like Debbie, who work to support an individual’s choice and right to fully participate in

their community. His sister, Sharon, has been the biggest influence in his career.

Sharon worked in a sheltered workshop for almost 15 years and always had a desire to work in her community. Pat stated, “As a brother and professional in the field, I had many conversations with Sharon, our parents and her support team, about their goals and fears. Sharon eventually became an ACHIEVA client and worked with our Employment Specialists to participate in community-based work assessments. Through that experience, our team discovered many of Sharon’s skills, talents and interests that I had known for years, as her brother.”

You don’t have to be an Employment Specialist, or the brother of a compassionate and loving person (who happens to have an intellectual disability), to invoke change. Pat concluded, “We can all be advocates for the rights of individuals to work in competitive, integrated employment. People with disabilities, professionals in the field, employers, family members, co-workers, friends, neighbors, etc. We all benefit when everyone is included.” We need your continued advocacy and support.

“We all benefit when everyone is included.”Patrick Joyce

8 | Summer 2017

S T U D I OVAULTART

ACHIEVA Introduces Public Art Studio

ACHIEVA Creative Arts opened its first public studio and gallery in the heart of the Bloomfield Penn Avenue Arts District. Inspired by its history as a former bank, the 15 artists of ACHIEVA Creative Arts produced the name VaultArt Studio.

VaultArt Studio isn’t just a facility for creative expression - it’s a corridor to a career. Participants train in advanced fine art materials with a foundation of drawing, painting, sculpture, textile work and even digital art. Each artist creates an online portfolio and is provided exhibit space at VaultArt Studio. After building public speaking and networking skills and learning about art as a vocation, participants are encouraged to transition out of the studio, exhibiting in non-disability specific exhibitions as competitive professional artists.

VaultArt Studio is located at 5.100 Penn Avenue and is open to the public.

Darian JohnsonJem, 2016Felt

TOP: Sarah Harris Beach, 2017 Linocut on Burlap

BOTTOM: Ken Solomon Hot Bike, 2017 Acrylic on Canvas

Summer 2017 | 9

Throughout the years, people with disabilities have gained in terms of disability rights and community inclusion. However, Medicaid and other government funding for people with disabilities is under a major threat in Washington D.C. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) stand to lose access to services and supports that are crucial to their lives in the community.

Thanks to a grant from The Sprout Fund’s 100 Days of US, ACHIEVA had the opportunity to produce a series of videos representing issues that affect the lives of people with I/DD. ACHIEVA’s project, titled #100DaysOfVisibility, enabled self-advocates to discuss issues that affect them and their community. Topics ranged from education and health care to living and working in the community.

Watch self advocates share their victories and express their concerns about the following topics:• Medicaid• Elementary Education• Post-Secondary Education• Community Integrated Employment• Living in the Community• Dental Care

View online at www.achieva.info/100DaysOfVisibility

100 DAyS

ACHIEVA Introduces Public Art Studio #100DaysOfVisibility

Darian JohnsonJem, 2016Felt

10 | Summer 2017

Planning For the FutureConcerns about the future are very real for families of loved ones with disabilities. Where will your child live after you and your spouse are no longer alive? Who will care for your child and where will the money come from? Thinking about the future can be challenging and emotional.

When planning for the future, families have to consider, among other things: Last Will and Testament; Advanced Directives; Power of Attorney; Guardianship; Government Benefits; Future Living Situation; Special Needs Trust and ABLE Accounts. Meeting with an attorney who is knowledgeable in Special Needs Planning and aware of state disability laws is the first step in planning for the future.

At ACHIEVA Family Trust, our core focus is working with individuals with disabilities and their families to help them plan for their futures and enhance their lives through Special Needs Trusts.

Special Needs Trusts enable an individual with a disability to save money and protect assets without compromising vital government benefits, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). ACHIEVA Family Trust manages three kinds of trusts: Common Law; Pooled; and Payback.

Unlike other trustees, ACHIEVA Family Trust adds a unique and vital case management and social work component to the traditional role of the trustee. ACHIEVA Family Trust staff works closely with individuals with disabilities and their families to ensure that proper government supports and services are being provided and the funds are managed and distributed in a responsible manner.

Another part of future planning is creating a guide for a person with a disability that will help them lead a life as independently as possible. A plan is important throughout all stages of life, especially after a parent or caregiver is no longer able to provide support.

ACHIEVA Family Trust offers a free Future Planning Guide for families to use as a resource in their future planning efforts. The Future Planning Guide assists in developing a plan to help families ensure their loved one’s needs are met day to day, on special occasions and in times of emergency.

For additional information, please contact ACHIEVA Family Trust at achievafamilytrust.org or by phone at 1.888.272.7299 or 412.995.5000 x565.

Summer 2017 | 11

ABLE is Open for BusinessThis Spring, Pennsylvania officially launched its ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program in a media and legislative event in the Capitol Rotunda. On that day, the PA Treasury ABLE program officially began accepting accounts for enrollment. ACHIEVA has been one of the statewide organizations working to pass both the federal and state ABLE legislation. Amy Dolan Strano, President of the ACHIEVA Family Trust and Nancy Murray, President, The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, serve on the PA ABLE Advisory Committee.

The ABLE Act creates a new provision under §529 of the IRS code to establish ABLE accounts. ABLE allows individuals with disabilities to save for qualified disability related expenses, much like a traditional 529 plan allows people to save for education-related expenses.

An individual who receives certain government benefits would only be allowed to have $2,000 in financial resources before losing government benefits such as SSI and Medicaid. Now, a disabled individual can have up to $100,000 in an ABLE account.

When comparing an ABLE account to a Special Needs Trust (SNT) it is important to consider the following:

ABLE ACCOunTS SPECIAL nEEDS TruSTSContributions Only $14,000 in total from all sources

each yearNo contribution limit

Contributors Any person, including beneficiary, may contribute

Contributors depend on what type of trust

Maximum Account Value • $100,000 to retain SSI

• Otherwise, max 529 account amount per state (PA max $511,758)

No maximum account value

Number of Accounts One ABLE account per individual An individual may have more than one type of SNT

Benefit Eligibility • SSI payments will be suspended if account value is more than $100,000

• MA & Waiver are not impacted

SSI, Medicaid, Waiver eligibility will not be impacted if properly drafted

Disability Onset Disability must occur before 26 Onset age is not a factorEligibility Receiving SSI/SSDI benefits or submit

disability certificationMeets the SSA definition of disabled

Uses For “qualified disability expenses” as defined by federal and state regulations

Generally can be used for the supplemental needs and sole benefit of the beneficiary

Remaining Funds • Federal law requires funds remaining at beneficiary’s death to pay back state(s) for Medicaid paid on beneficiary’s behalf

• PA waives Medicaid payback, but there may be Estate Recovery in certain cases

Use of remaining funds depends on type of special needs trust

Please contact ACHIEVA Family Trust at 412.995.5000 with any questions you may have concerning ABLE accounts and/or Special Needs Trusts.

12 | Summer 2017

The Story of Lucas

As an infant, I was adopted. The first 15 years of my life told a typical life story, until I hit the 9th grade. I was in a car accident that left me paralyzed from the waist down. My commonplace and conventional life of a teenager became anything but normal during that year and several years after.

I am now 29 and my story is amazing. After the accident, I spent three months at the Children’s Institute learning how to, again, become an independent teenager. After months of hard work and dedication, I received my driver’s license, made my way back to the dating scene and coached both girls and boys high school basketball teams.

Because of the accident, I needed a lot of assistance, including financial. I was introduced to ACHIEVA and

their specials needs trust services and a trust account was opened for me. The funds in my trust account allowed me to not only get the assistance I needed, but achieve my goals of college, a job, a vehicle

that would be adaptive for me, a home and a life.

While working with ACHIEVA Family Trust, the staff has always been attentive to

my “wants” while being conscious of my “needs”. ACHIEVA Family Trust has helped me with living a good lifestyle, despite my disability. Now, I would be remiss if I said everything went smoothly. It didn’t. When I was that teenager and young adult, I sometimes did feel sorry for myself. I was sorry for myself for having a disability, sorry for having to deal with painful and life threatening conditions, like skin ulcers. Yet, I

never gave up, I never once quit! As my condition improved, ACHIEVA Family Trust was right there to help me lead the most normal life possible.

In 2012, I started college at the University of Maryland. My online field of study was Cyber Security. Now, wanting to be an independent teenager turned into wanting to be an independent adult. I did not want to become lazy and knew that I needed and wanted to get a job. So that’s what I did. In fact, I had several jobs after college. I did not want to have to rely on governmental benefits for the rest of my life. However, I still needed some financial guidance. ACHIEVA Family Trust stayed with me and became part of my family.

That same year, I met a great woman, Katie. She would become a school teacher and my best friend. ACHIEVA Family Trust was also there for the ride. They assisted me in buying a home that was not too far from my parent’s house. They also helped as

After the accident, I spent three months at the Children’s Institute learning how to, again, become an independent teenager.

“I have the life I have because ACHIEVA Family Trust listened to what I wanted for my life. They assisted me in achieving my goals and helped me become independent.”

Summer 2017 | 13

I wooed Katie with a beautiful trip to Hawaii, topped with a wedding proposal. She said yes! October 12, 2014, we were married.

My story is about the life of a typical teenager who became a disabled teenager and, then how this teenager overcame many problems life threw at him. Now, I am living a typical life with some adaptations with my wife and our son, Dean Joseph, born February 2017.

I have the life I have because ACHIEVA Family Trust listened to what I wanted for my life. They assisted me in achieving my goals and helped me become independent and not rely on anyone or anything to have a happy life.

14 | Summer 2017

The Time Has ComePennsylvania’s Five Remaining State Centers Due for Closure

As of April 2017, there are about 868 people with intellectual disabilities and autism who are still living in one of Pennsylvania’s five state centers and we must not forget about them. Most of these people have lived in one of these institutions for decades; and some have lived in one for most of their lives.

ACHIEVA is providing the leadership and working with members of the Pennsylvania Legislature to introduce legislation to close the remaining state centers.

You may hear that a state center is a home - an institution is not a home as most people would define a home. People who live in institutions have very limited choices of what to eat, how they live and who they live with.

They eat what is served in the cafeteria and after decades of living in a state institution, there is not much variation in the food that is served. Some may share a bedroom with another person or may live in a cottage setting with a group of people who share a large bathroom. Most people, if given a choice, would not choose to live in an institution. Would you?

People living in institutions may only go on weekly or monthly community outings. On the other hand, people who live with their families or in community homes supported by provider organizations go to school, attend a day program or have a job, attend a place of worship, go to the movies and out to restaurants, go grocery shopping and choose the food they like to eat and enjoy taking part in community events alongside people who do not have disabilities. Most people, if given the choice, would rather live that kind of life.

In addition, the average per person cost per year currently ranges from $350,000 at Ebensburg Center to $516,000 at Hamburg Center. On the other hand, people with intellectual disabilities or autism who live at home with their families may be eligible for a Medicaid waiver with a cap of $33,000 per year while the average annual cost for a person living in a licensed community home is about $150,000. Many of these people also receive the same level of medical care or behavioral support as people living in the state centers. It’s just that families or providers generally don’t receive $350,000 to provide these services.

And, the average per person annual cost at Pennsylvania’s five state centers increases substantially each year. This is because the number of people decreases due to death or a move to a community home while at the same time there are increased costs for staff wages, benefits and costs to maintain the five large, old facilities where many buildings are now boarded up or in disrepair.

Therefore, the time has come for Pennsylvania to close the remaining five state centers. It is time for the 868 people living in them to live in real homes and enjoy community life. And, it is time that the system is rebalanced so that one person’s annual budget is not $516,000 while more than 13,500 people and their families remain on the waiting list for desperately needed services.

86.8

You may hear that a state center is a home- an institution is not a home as most people would define a home.

people are still living in one of Pennsylvania’s five state centers.

Summer 2017 | 15.

The Time Has ComePennsylvania’s Five Remaining State Centers Due for Closure

Sensory Bags• Ziploc Bags• Hair Gel• Food Coloring

• Glitter• Packing Tape

Instructions:1. Put ½ cup of hair gel into the Ziploc bag,

and add a few drops of food coloring2. Add glitter to the bag3. Squeeze out all the excess air and seal

the bag4. Using the packing tape, seal off the top

of the bag so that it is not able to be opened

5. Children can try writing letters, numbers or tracing shapes in the bag

Early Intervention Summer FunSlime• Elmer’s Liquid Glue• Liquid Starch• Water• Food Coloring

Instructions:1. Measure ½ cup of Elmer’s glue2. Add 2 tablespoons of water3. Add 3 drops of food coloring (optional)4. Stir everything up5. Add ¼ cup of liquid starch and stir.

If still runny add more starch until a ball forms

ACHIEVA Early Intervention was excited to partner again with the United Way for the Annual Sensory Exploration Picnic. Held at the picturesque Schenley Plaza, the event hosted families who receive early intervention services through ACHIEVA Early Intervention, as well as many others.

ACHIEVA Early Intervention is excited to announce a new partnership with WQED/PBS Kids and the Ready to Learn Program. Look for ACHIEVA Early Intervention to be featured on your favorite PBS Kids television shows beginning in July. As a part of the Ready to Learn initiative, ACHIEVA Early Intervention will be out in local communities participating in educational programming in the early fall. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting partnership!

NEWpartnership!

Try these popular sensory activities featured at the event >>

16. | Summer 2017

Family Supports ACHIEVAEach year, ACHIEVA is able to support thousands of families thanks to the generous support of our trusting donors. Donors choose to support ACHIEVA because of its reputation of being a trusted steward of their donations. ACHIEVA is also known as a leader in the disability community, using funding from our donors to promote and provide inclusive programming and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Beth and LeeAnn Fulena are cousins and supporters of ACHIEVA. They both serve on one of ACHIEVA’s boards of trustees. Over the years, Beth and LeeAnn have not only supported ACHIEVA but they’ve enlisted their family to support as well. They’ve even turned ACHIEVA’s Pittsburgh Promenade into an annual family event that they wouldn’t miss for anything.

Why did you become involved with ACHIEVA? “At the time I was working with Amy Dolan Strano, who is now the President of ACHIEVA Family Trust. Amy was on the board and told me about all the great work they were doing.”

Beth and current ACHIEVA Family Trust president, Amy Dolan Strano, used to be co-workers. Amy asked Beth if she’d be willing to bring her social service background to the board. Beth didn’t hesitate to join.

After Beth joined the board, LeeAnn learned about the great work the organization was doing. As an estate attorney and litigator, LeeAnn realized that she could help, too. Eventually, she also joined the ACHIEVA Family Trust board and has helped with issues related to the operation, management and growth of the Trust.

Why do you volunteer on the board for ACHIEVA? “I believe it is a privilege to be involved with ACHIEVA and all that the agency accomplishes.”

The organization provides such a valuable and necessary service for its customers and she hopes that her contribution helps in some way to meet their goals.

In her work, LeeAnn encounters many families of people with disabilities. She understands the special guidance and assistance that these families need and knows that many of them would be lost without the services of ACHIEVA Family Trust.

What has surprised you most about being involved with ACHIEVA? “Initially I was astounded by the many, many services that ACHIEVA offers.”

Over the years, Beth has been so impressed with ACHIEVA’s ability to develop, innovate and maintain such a high level of services and programs.

Being involved with ACHIEVA has opened LeeAnn’s eyes to the challenges people with disabilities face on a daily basis. She considered herself to be aware of the financial and legal issues, but she had no idea! LeeAnn has gained a tremendous amount of insight after attending The Arc US Disability Policy Seminar with Nancy Murray, President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, who has become one of her heroes.

“Everyone has to be active in volunteering in order to make things better.”

Summer 2017 | 17

Did you ever have anything happen to you that showed you the meaning of what you do for ACHIEVA? “When I read notes from individuals and families about how some interventions from ACHIEVA have changed their lives for the better.”

Beth is touched to know that she may have contributed in some way to make such an impact.

LeeAnn has also seen first-hand the difference that ACHIEVA has made in someone’s life. One of her clients, who has a son with severe mental health issues, is widowed and has no other children. Her son lives in a group home, but she handles most of his financial affairs as he is not fully able. She feared what would happen to her son when she is gone. She has extended family members, but was reluctant to burden them with what she currently does for her son. When she came to LeeAnn for estate planning advice, she was told about ACHIEVA Family Trust. As she

listened, LeeAnn could actually see the relief on her face - that there would be someone to help her son when she is gone and even before.

Where do you see ACHIEVA moving in the future? “ACHIEVA is a leader in advocacy and I see them continuing to be involved in unique and innovative ways at the local, regional and even national level.”

ACHIEVA’s advocacy will become even more important with any potential changes that may be on the horizon with Medicaid and Healthcare funding.

Similarly, LeeAnn feels that with the current state of government, ACHIEVA will have an increased role in advocacy and helping families conquer challenges which may arise from budgetary issues and the cut-back on programs essential to people with disabilities. ACHIEVA Family Trust must work with individuals and families trying to

protect and preserve wealth to care for themselves and their family members whose resources will be affected by the current state of affairs in Harrisburg and Washington.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering? “Do it!”

People are in need and as members of society, everyone has to be active in volunteering in order to make things better. It’s a pleasure for them to be part of such an incredible organization that does so much for so many.

18 | Summer 2017

SAVE THE DATES

August 21, 2017ACHIEVA’s 19th Annual Million Dollar Golf Outing Valley Brook Country Club, McMurray

Golfers return each year to play this pristine 27-hole course. The day includes brunch, buffet dinner, prizes and gifts, including a chance at the Million Dollar Hole-in-One prize.

To become a sponsor or participate, contact Jamie Rhoades at 412.995.5000 or jrhoades@achieva.info.

December 4, 2017 ACHIEVA’s Awards of Excellence Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh The ACHIEVA Awards of Excellence honors a group of extraordinary and talented individuals, organizations and community groups who go above and beyond on behalf of people with disabilities. All nominees exemplify ACHIEVA’s vision of a community where disability is a distinction that makes no difference.

For more information or to nominate someone, contact Peggie Watson at 412.995.5000 or pwatson@achieva.info.

March 17, 2018 ACHIEVA’s Pittsburgh Promenade Auction Westin Convention Center Hotel, Pittsburgh This annual event benefits the children and adults and their families who turn to ACHIEVA each year for services and supports. The evening includes a live and silent auction with one-of-a kind and highly sought after items, as well as a $10,000 raffle drawing.

For additional information, contact Jamie Rhoades at 412.995.5000 or jrhoades@achieva.info.

Summer 2017 | 19

Board of TrusteesACHIEVA Board of Trustees Chair: Michael L. Dever, Esq. Vice Chair: Chaz R. Kellem Chair Elect: Mary D. Richter, CPA Immediate Past Chair: Rob McDowell

TruSTEES: Sean Carmody, Esq. Lou Dinardo Greg Fajt, Esq. Beth Fulena Meghan Gannon Anderson Mary Lou Gegick Gary Grysiak Jennifer Johnson, Esq. Michael Meyer Jeremy Shapira Lisa G. Silverman, Esq. Steve Spolar, Esq. Gary Teti Ronald Toncini Rob Unkovic Dr. Reed Van Deusen The Honorable William Ward, Esq. James Woll

ACHIEVA Support Board of Trustees Chair: Mary Richter, CPA Vice Chair: Thomas M. Lee Chair Elect: Paul Long Immediate Past Chair: Chaz R. Kellem

TruSTEES: Joanne Christopher Nancy Gannon Raymond Giarrusso Jerry Goodrick John S. Lynch John B. Matlak Matt Oxenreiter Alexandra Robinson Gary Scalise Josh Scott Cheryl Simchak

ACHIEVA Family Trust Board of Trustees Chair: Jennifer C. Johnson, Esq. Vice Chair: Holly Hoff Chair Elect: Stephan P. Hubbard, CLU, ChFC Immediate Past Chair: Beth Fulena

TruSTEES: James Calhoun Phoebe Downey Bernard C. Caputo, Esq. Julie Dever Brandon Dudt-Mulzet LeeAnn A. Fulena, Esq. Foster S. Goldman, Jr., Esq. Jeffrey Hantz, Esq. Kimberly Jackson The Honorable Lee Mazur Suzanne Parks Joan Shoemaker, Esq. Kristen Stokes, Esq. Coy Thompson Scott Yochum Martha Zatezalo, Esq.

SAVE THE DATES

The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh Board of Trustees Chair: Michael G. Meyer Vice Chair: Dr. Nina Butler Chair Elect: Jillian F. Zacks, Esq. Immediate Past Chair: Meghan Gannon Anderson

TruSTEES: Robie Bruesewitz Fran Carter Carla Devlin Stacey Diaz Robert L. Kelley Ted Meyer

Dan Morgan Nancy A. Parker Elizabeth Powers Rebecca Ward Kitty Williams

The Arc of Westmoreland Board of Trustees Chair: Ronald Toncini Vice Chair: Jerry Moschetti, Jr. Chair Elect: James M. Duffy, Esq. Immediate Past Chair: Gary Teti

TruSTEES: Gregory C. Moore, Esq. Edward W. Price Gary L. Sellers David Tilstone

20 | Summer 2017

Combined Federal Campaign ACHIEVA: 48463

The Arc of Westmoreland: 28623

United Way Contributor’s Choice Campaign

ACHIEVA (161) and The Arc of Westmoreland (390) are partner

agencies of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania

The Arc of Beaver is a partner agency of the United Way of Beaver County

ACHIEVA News 711 Bingham Street Pittsburgh PA 15203www.achieva.info

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