FREE Blast: August 2018

Hello All,

Although this summer has been hotter than normal, it has not prevented our Valued Team Members and the Individuals we are so proud to serve to go outside and have fun! This past month focused a lot on team work, from major events, such as DCI, to more intimate settings, including backyard picnics and friendly competitions. Keep cool and stay hydrated!

Respectfully,
Chris
 
 

Click HERE for the poster-sized version!

 
 
DSW/PWW Lakers Basketball Team Take First Place
The DSW/PWW Lakers Basketball Team recently took first place in a league where they play teams from seven different sister agencies between March and June every year. This year, there was eight teams in the A Division and eight teams in the B Division. The Lakers are in the A Division and recently participated in a Trophy Luncheon where their accomplishments were formally recognized. Values of Interdependence, Innovation and Quality

Skills Clinic Appreciation Lunch
The Skills Clinic Appreciation Lunch was recently held to celebrate their hard work and reaching a major milestone of 250 clients. The team looks forward to expanding and helping another 250 clients in the future. Values of Responsiveness and Innovation

FREE Nation Has Another Great Season
This was FREE Nation’s third season. All the players had a wonderful time and found that playing on this softball team was a great way to get to know your coworkers better, learn skills to work together as a team more efficiently, and help get exercise to keep everyone happy and healthy. FREE Nation can’t wait for the next season to begin! Values of Diversity and Interdependence

DOH Team Celebrates Program Success
The Department of Health (DOH) Team took a moment to acknowledge their hard work and for bringing in more than 25 new individuals, as well as breaking 110 within six months. With this kind of momentum, the DOH Team will be successful for many years to come. Congratulations!!! Values of Responsiveness and Interdependence

PrideAbility Workshop
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) program participants recently attended a PrideAbility workshop. PrideAbility has been holding two-hour workshops during which attendees hear about and discuss options for the formation of an LGBTQ Advocacy Coalition in New York State. Values of Integrity, Diversity and Responsiveness

Thank You Rewards
As a way to extend DSP Appreciation Week, FREE has been sharing with everyone the Thank You Rewards, showcasing the Valued Team Members who go above and beyond what is required of them. It is our honor to announce August’s nominees: Jenifer Barone, Ian Batchelor, Nia Brown, Ariel Burt, Shelby D’Anna, Essence Fowler, Steve Fox, Rhiannon Jacobsen, Pamela Moss, Michael Pacifico and Erik Wikstrom. These Valued Team Members have exhibited behavior that inspire all of us to go the extra mile. If you would like to nominate someone for a Thank You Reward, please contact Pat Hogan at PHogan@FamilyRes.org. Winners of a Thank You Reward receive a gift card and thank you card to show our appreciation. Values of Integrity, Diversity, Responsiveness, Stewardship, Interdependence, Innovation and Quality
 
FREE Players Drum & Bugle Corps Perform at Drum Corps International
The Drum Corps is essentially a professional marching band that requires the musicianship of a symphony, combined with the athleticism of a professional sport, mixed with the pageantry of a Broadway show. Since its inception, they have made history on several occasions by traveling across the country to perform at world class events, now including Drum Corps International (DCI). This is the first time a differently abled drum corps has performed at DCI. Special thanks to all the members, staff, volunteers, families, sponsors, Tri-Valley Brass and DCI. Values of Diversity, Stewardship, Interdependence and Quality
 
Pronto Honors Students in STEM Enrichment Program
Recently, Pronto of Long Island, Inc. held a Culmination Ceremony for middle school students that participated in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) summer program focusing on healthy eating, environmental science and water conservation, botany and consumer education, and cooking. Values of Responsiveness and Innovation
 
Wine Label Unveiling Held at Prime Restaurant
FREE and The LENZ Winery hosted a Wine Tasting Dinner at Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar in Huntington where they unveiled their latest collaboration, a wine label featuring a piece designed by Anthony A., a differently abled artist from Lindenhurst, supported by FREE. His painting, “Letters and Polka Dots,” is being featured on a LENZ 2014 White Table Chardonnay. Values of Diversity, Responsiveness, Stewardship, Innovation and Quality
 
FREE Staff Take Part in Team Building Exercise
OMH (Office of Mental Health) Supportive Housing and MRST (Mobile Residential Support Team) recently held a Team Building exercise. The two teams came together and spent the afternoon enjoying activities designed to foster their professional relationships. This is part of an ongoing effort to continue to improve upon the supports provided to the men and women in OMH Supportive Housing. Values of Responsiveness, Interdependence and Innovation

3rd Annual Field Day
During Field Day 2018, Team Lori, Team Trish and Team Anne battled against each other, with Team Trish coming in first place. Events included a caterpillar walk, a cups relay race, a frozen T-shirt contest, and the best one: Hungry Hungry Hippo. Everyone had an excellent time and can’t wait until next year’s Field Day. Values of Innovation

Family Picnic Held at Belmont Lake State Park
The various groups that attended the Family Picnic had a wonderful time, regardless of the heat. Sports, games and activities were enjoyed by all. To stay cool, participants would take breaks in the shade and enjoy a nice slice of watermelon. Values of Responsiveness and Innovation
 
Skills Unlimited Holds Auto Showcase Fundraiser
Recently, the Auto Showcase Fundraiser was held at Skills Unlimited, in Oakdale. Highlights of the day included a judged car show with a Best in Show prize pack, raffles and open house, with food and drink provided by Master Chef contestant and Skills Unlimited culinary instructor Chef Christopher Ciccone. Values of Responsiveness, Stewardship and Innovation