ENTERPRISES, INC.
A Dedicated Life
2013 - 2014 Annual Report
“To accomplish great things we must not only act, but dream; and not only plan, but believe.” Anatole France
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s we reflect on Lark’s 57 years of serving adults with disabilities we realize the tremendous effort that has gone into creating an organization dedicated to “helping individuals become self-reliant and integrated into the community.” Over the years, the prior Chief Executive Officers Marion Furlong and Alice Sankey dedicated their lives to providing cutting edge services that supported individuals to reach their greatest employment potential. While some of these offerings had dedicated funding streams, most were funded through the creative initiatives of these two forward thinking individuals. Marion and Alice were able to dream of new service lines, new programming, and new funding streams. They also had the conviction to act, turning their dreams into realities. Lark once again finds itself with a need to push the creative boundaries to design services that will reach the needs of individuals now and many years into the future. New and innovative funding streams will need to be developed to ensure Lark’s future successes. As such, the Board of Directors and the administrative team of Lark have entered into a reflective phase, studying what is going on around us, the problems facing us now and into the future, and how we can respond to these challenges so individuals will have the resources they need. We have begun the process by listening to the stories of our individuals and staff, analyzing our current programming, and researching future trends in employment services for individuals with disabilities. This year has been about moving forward in these areas in an environment made challenging by federal and state funding cutbacks and other changes to employment services for individuals with disabilities. With that said it is even more remarkable that 2013-2014 has
been a year of major accomplishments and progress for Lark. Our administrative team and staff have worked hard to develop viable outcome measures. The implementation of progress monitoring is giving us hard data concerning the success of our people and programs. We are now able to determine the correlation between our programming and individual progress. This knowledge allows our clients and their support teams to select programming that furthers the goals of independence. The Lark auxiliary also continues to support our clients in their goals towards independence. The auxiliary’s mission is to enhance the services provided by the organization. During the past year, four special events were provided for our clients; a movie night, a health and beauty presentation, a holiday gathering and a Spring Fling dance. Socializing with coworkers is an important part of the work experience. The Auxiliary provides this opportunity free of charge to clients. They are able to do this by spearheading fundraising activities throughout the year. We are grateful for their dedication and enthusiasm. On the production side, we have expanded our recycling and e-recycling businesses; now serving 39 businesses with over 47 recycling stops. Our two shuttle presses are in constant demand as our packaging program continues to grow. Our clients have assembled and packaged over 6,500,000 suction cups in our pre-vocational program. This year we were once again involved in the production and sales of ANSI safety shirts to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Our clients produced over 30,000 shirts for the 67 PennDOT locations we served. As you read through the annual report you will note the vibrant business environment supporting our clients to develop the skills needed for productive employment. Furthermore, the information contained within this report shows an organization willing to not only dream but to act; an organization which plans for and believes in the viability of employment services for people with disabilities.
Chief Executive Officer
Our History 1957 Established as the PARC Training Center by Marion Furlong
1982 Established Adult Development Center
2000 Chief Executive Officer Marion Furlong retires. Alice Sankey hired as new Chief Executive Officer
1983 Established first Transitional Employment Program 2003 Mobile Work Force (MSL) Received Congressional grant for Autism program. 1985 Established Lark Shenango 1960 Established In-Home Shipping Center Moved to Oak Street School Vocational Therapy building Program 2004 Established Home and 1961 1986 Community Services Established as Larc Established Janitorial Workshop for the Services Training Program 2006 Handicapped. as part of Transitional Two service locations Began serving clients with Employment Program established - 2665 Ellwood all disabilities Road and 315 Green Ridge 1990 Drive 1969 Established facility Move to West Washington for Community-Based 2007 Street Programs Established Lark Endowment Fund with the 1970 1991 Lawrence Received federal grant to Adult Development Center Community Foundation build own facility closed 2013 1976 1993 Chief Executive Officer Alice Groundbreaking for new Established Adkins Life Skills Sankey passes away. Susan facility at 2665 Ellwood Program Lautenbacher, Ph.D. named Road new Chief Executive Officer 1997 1979 Established Action for 2013 Lark Auxiliary established Personal Choice Program Changes in state and (APC) federal funding and laws 1980 for employment services Name changed to Lark 1997 for people with disabilities Enterprises, Inc. New warehouse dedicated functions as an impetus at Ellwood Road facility for the creation of a new strategic plan for Lark. 1959 Name change to Larc Industries. Board of Directors established
Our Mission Helping Individuals become Self-Reliant and Integrated into the Community
Our Values Appreciating the value of individuals within the organization. Treating individuals with respect and dignity. Ensuring the health and safety of all individuals. Individualizing the rehabilitation needs of those we serve. Promoting teamwork. Providing high quality and cost-effective services and supports. Diversity and cultural competence within the organization.
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Dedication: Alice Sankey
ark Enterprises, Inc. has been fortunate to garner the dedication and leadership of two outstanding Chief Executive Officers over the course of its 57-year history. The first was the founder, Marion Furlong, who knew in her soul that there had to be a better future for people with intellectual disabilities. The second was Alice Sankey, who took over the reins upon Marion’s retirement. That transition could have proven a daunting task, as Marion had set the bar rather high. Alice proved to be more than up to the task of following the legacy of Marion. Alice had her own background in the Lawrence County service providing family. She entered Lark with a strong background and a depth of understanding that held her in good stead as she worked to transform the agency. Alice’s own words in August of 2012 speak to her passion and knowledge of the agency’s needs as it moves forward. It seems only fitting that we share Alice’s own words as the means to dedicate this year and the transformation of Lark to this remarkable woman. SPEAK UP By Alice K. Sankey, CEO Fiscal Year 2011-2012 has been one of the most incredible years that I have experienced in my 40+ years in this business. A major shift has occurred over the past few years as Department of Public Welfare, Office of Developmental Programs has been in the process of transforming itself from a county-operated system to a state-operated system. This transformation has resulted in a year of uncertainty, confusion, and instability for community provider agencies. Throw into the mix a change of administration at the state level and it becomes more complex. When I’m feeling weary of the bureaucracy I have found a way to become inspired and to re-energize myself. I walk through the production sites at either the Ellwood Road site or RIDC at Neshannock Business Park. These walks remind me why we are here at Lark- to help individuals become more self-reliant and integrated in the communityLark’s mission statement. As I look into the faces of the 140 individuals who attend Lark’s vocational program to develop the skills that might result in employment in the community, I realize that we must speak up for these individuals. As I look into the eyes of Homer who tells me he never wants to return to Polk Center, I realize we must speak up.
As I visit local businesses and note that one individual who is receiving support by Lark is employed at that establishment, I realize we must speak up. As I notice an individual who is receiving support and training by Lark with his Home and Community Habilitation Worker, learning new community skills, I realize we must speak up. The government promises to protect and care for the most vulnerable of populations. Individuals with disabilities deserve that protection and care. As they work toward becoming contributing members of society, don’t allow government to shirk their responsibilities because their eyes are on the “bottom line” of the budget sheet. Speak Up and Speak Out. Community provider agencies need to know you are out there. Government officials need to hear your voice.
Former Chief Executive Officer Alice K. Sankey
State Representatives by County Lawrence County
Butler County
Mercer County
Michele Brooks 800-457-2040
Brian Ellis 724-283-5852
Michele Brooks 800-457-2040
Jaret Gibbons 724-752-1133
R. Lee James 814-677-6413
Mark Longietti 724-981-4655
Daryl Metcalfe 724-772-3110
Richard Stevenson 724-458-4911
Christopher Sainato 724-656-1112
Richard Stevenson 724-458-4911
Awards
Client of the Year 2012-2013 Ellwood Road Client of the Year: Cindy Rooks (Pictured above left with job coach Tony Call and Dr. Lautenbacher) Green Ridge Drive Client of the Year: Stephen Piper (Pictured above right with job coach Lois Smolnik and Dr. Lautenbacher) Ellwood Road Nominees: Charlie Brightshue Charlie Burton Ryan McKim
Michael Stitt Patrick Waldman
Green Ridge Drive Nominees: Daniel Badger Debbie Bell Stephen Doak Please note: Some award nominees and recipients chose to have their names excluded from this report.
Years of Service 2012 5 Years Julia Allay Tom Boni Heather Funera John Hamer Ed Lenhart Mark Malachina Angelina Nocera Stephen Piper Mary Lou Snedden 10 Years Rebecca Hilliard Kevin Mooney Carrie O’Day Joe Swietlicki
15 Years Tom Costa Lynda Deemer Cindy Jones Andy Kelly Anna Lucchini Lois Smolnik Tom Thompson 20 Years Dan Barbati Debra Bell Kathy Maher Phyllis Johnston Randy Sachetti Regina Stiffler
25 Years Charlie Brightshue Charlie Burton Nick Funera Rona Hilliard David White Ora Wimer 30 Years Homer Bowden Jim Heasley Richard Higgins Mary Morrison 35 Years Mark Boyd Ron Ferree Debbie Leddon Carmen Tomasello
Years of Service 2013 5 Years Ed Anderson Brenda Clements Lauren Firmi Chelsea Guidish Bill Kastner Beverly McConnaughy Casey McCready Sara Rendos 10 Years Lucas Fisher Cerrie Hazen Jesse Hermanowski Susan Marsh Jeremy Pacella Matt Weber
15 Years Jeffrey Doak 20 Years Chris Ciccone Victor Huff Keith Romesburg 25 Years Pam Garrett Mac McCampbell David Walsh 30 Years Mary Jane Hall Cindy Rooks
35 Years Melvin Jackson Chuck Zona 40 Years Nancy Latcheran
Programs and Services Facility-Based Rehabilitation Services Our Facility-Based Rehabilitation Services assist individuals in developing the skills necessary for placement into higher level vocational programs and ultimately into competitive employment. The focus is primarily on developmental work training activities.
Supported Employment Our Supported Employment program assists individuals who need ongoing support in a work setting due to a disability. The program is designed for individuals who are competitively employed and also for those who are seeking competitive employment.
Programs and Services Home and Community Habilitation Our Home and Community Habilitation program provides services in the home and community to assist individuals in acquiring, maintaining, and improving self-help, domestic, socialization, and adaptive skills.
Transitional Employment Our Transitional Employment program supports individuals who are transitioning to integrated, competitive employment by providing real work experience in community locations. We offer this real work experience via mobile work crews, which provide janitorial and recycling services to local business and industry.
Supported Employment Pam Hernandez
Dedicated to Family
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hen asked why they want a job in the community, the individuals at Lark have a variety of answers. Some want to make more money. Some enjoy the social interaction. And some like the independence that comes with being competitively employed. For Pam Hernandez, working means helping out her family, which is something she cares about deeply. Pam has had a long and interesting 52 Clients Served career. Throughout the years, she has 3,031 Client Hours worked in three different states - Alaska, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. She’s gained experience in janitorial work and food service, and developed many other skills. Most recently, Pam worked for a Pittsburgh-based company, which hired her to do janitorial work at an office building in New Castle. Unfortunately, an injury left her unable to do her job and she had to resign. But Pam didn’t let that get her down. When she was hired for the job in New Castle, Pam was receiving assistance through our Supported Employment program. After her injury, she knew she still wanted to work, so she looked to us again for support. Pam now works at Lark four days a week, and also spends time working in the community. She is one of many clients who work at Independent Methodist Church in New Castle, where she helps prepare meals for the church’s Saturday evening fellowship hour. Working at the church is a great way for Pam to continue developing the skills she has already acquired. She is grateful for the opportunity, and happy to be helping her family along the way.
Pam Hernandez dries dishes at Independent Methodist Church in New Castle, where she works as part of our Supported Employment program. Pam has experience in food service and janitorial work, and continues to learn and develop her skills.
22 Clients Competitively Employed 21 Different Employers
Types of Employers: Church Federal Office Food Distributor Grocery Store Home Health Agency Hospital Plastics Company Movie Theater Restaurant Retail Store Specialty Shop University
Employer Spotlight Every Saturday night, a participant in the Supported Employment program has the chance to work at Independent Methodist Church in New Castle, where they earn $10.00 per hour.
Transitional Employment Recycling Ed Anderson - Dedicated to Independence
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here is more to our recycling program than picking up cardboard, paper, and cans from our customers. All of those materials must also be unloaded, sorted, and processed at our Green Ridge Drive facility. There are many steps to learn and many different tasks to complete. All of those steps and tasks are no problem for Ed Anderson. On any given day, you may find Ed at Green Ridge Drive making a bale of cardboard, sorting paper, or crushing cans. In the 4 years since he began recycling, Ed has learned how to do most of the recycling tasks. “Ed catches on very quickly and retains tasks learned,” said Program Specialist Beverly Glitch of Ed’s skills. 42 Clients Served Those skills have helped Ed succeed in several ways. Ed is currently 4,032.5 Client Hours the only client on the recycling crew who 39 Customers knows how to make a bale of cardboard from start to finish. In addition, Ed is 47 Recycling Stops often able to work independently on some tasks without the direct supervision of a job coach. Ed is very proud of his accomplishments, but knows he has more to achieve. Together with his support staff, Ed is working toward the goal of becoming competitively employed in the community. His job coach thinks he’d be a perfect fit for a recycling center!
Ed Anderson loads a piece of cardboard into our recycling van. Ed is a member of the recycling crew in our Transitional Employment program. He does pick-ups in the community every Wednesday and participates in other recycling tasks at our Green Ridge Drive facility throughout the week.
Materials Recycled (Pounds)
Customers By Location
Aluminum Cans: 716 Steel Cans: 9,649
Lawrence County Shenango Township: 7 Ellwood City: 4 New Castle: 22 Neshannock Township: 6 Union Township: 3 Bessemer: 1 New Wilmington: 2 Mercer County Hermitage: 1
Other Materials Recycled 217 Toner Cartridges
Materials Recycled (Tons) Corrugated Cardboard: 106 Office Paper: 3.25 Mixed Paper: 7 Newspaper: 5
Transitional Employment Janitorial Keith Perrotta - Dedicated to Team Work
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t takes a team to make our janitorial program successful. Our crew members must be on time and reliable. They must work well together but be independent enough to complete their own tasks. And they must be efficient, able to clean a space in a given amount of time, no matter how dirty. Keith Perrotta exhibits all of these characteristics and more. Keith is a member of our afternoon janitorial crew. He works five days a week and is extremely reliable. In the 20 years he’s been with Lark, Keith has rarely called off. He arrives on time for work every day, and always looks well dressed and professional. When it comes to team work, Keith is an excellent team player. He likes the other members of the crew, and will often fill in for them when needed. Keith always focuses on getting the job done, and shows a high quality of work. Most importantly, Keith says he enjoys his job, and is proud of the afternoon janitorial crew and the work they are able to accomplish as a team.
9 Clients Served 9,778.25 Client Hours 18 Customers Served 19 Locations Served
Named Runner-Up for Best Janitor Service in the 2014 New Castle News Best of the Best Awards
Keith Perrotta stands in the cafeteria at our Ellwood Road facility. Keith is a member of the afternoon janitorial crew in our Transitional Employment program. As part of the crew, Keith gains work experience in the community while cleaning area businesses.
Customers By Location Mahoning Township: 1 Neshannock Township: 4 New Castle: 6 Shenango Township: 5 Union Township: 3
“The service provided by Lark’s janitorial service is far superior than what is provided by civilian contractors at other Army Reserve facilities...They always do a great job.” William Morgan, Facility Manager New Castle Army Reserve Center
Home and Community Habilitation Stephen Piper - Dedicated to Volunteering
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art of our mission at Lark is helping individuals become integrated into the community, which we support by encouraging clients in our Home and Community Habilitation program to volunteer. For Stephen Piper, volunteering is both a lot of fun and a great experience. Every month, Stephen volunteers at Jameson Health 55 Clients Served System in the central services 15,012 Client Hours department. Stephen’s job is to prepare 30 Clients Received nurse service bins, which contain Level 2 Services personal hygiene items for each patient who is admitted to the hospital. Each bin must contain a specific amount of items, which requires plenty of preparation and counting. Together with his support worker Richard Fritz, Stephen spends several hours either filling bins or readying supplies. This has improved his vocational skills, as he has learned to be more efficient by turning his workspace into a mini assembly line. Stephen truly enjoys his time at Jameson, where he always socializes and laughs with the staff. He is grateful for the opportunity to volunteer, and has made a positive name for himself in the community. “He has a great sense of humor and is a very friendly person. From listening to him talk and watching him work you can tell he likes what he does when working at Lark or volunteering at Jameson . . . He is outgoing in the community. Seems to know everyone and everyone seems to know him,” said Fritz. Overall, volunteering has been a positive experience for Stephen. “I can tell he likes what he does helping others and the satisfaction of a job well done,” said Fritz.
Stephen Piper holds a nurse service bin in the central services department at Jameson Health System. Stephen volunteers at the hospital every month as part of our Home and Community Habilitation program, which helps individuals develop selfhelp, domestic, socialization, and adaptive skills.
Program Highlights Clients in the program each received $5 to give away to a stranger as a random act of kindness. Many purchased gift cards, and someone took flowers to a nursing home and treats to the Crisis Shelter.
Stephen Doak was the recipient of the Determination Award during the program’s annual awards dinner.
One client improved her health and got her diabetes under control this year by attending diabetic classes, doing moderate exercise, and eating a healthier diet.
Pre-Vocational ANSI Shirts Scott Shetter - Dedicated to Work 30 years, our clients have been preparing safety F orshirtsmorefor than Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
workers throughout the state. Since 2009, our job has been to affix the reflective striping to the shirts. Our clients complete the process from start to finish, including measuring and cutting the strips and folding and packaging the final product. Recently, we received this feedback from a customer: “Whoever packaged these is FABULOUS. . .Every box had the correct amount and [was] neatly folded and packed. . . Whoever filled this order did an exceptional job. You can tell they take pride in their work and really care.” Scott Shetter is one of our clients who folds the PennDOT shirts, and his level of pride and care is exceptional. Scott has been with us for just over a year. In the past, he participated in other vocational rehabilitation and training programs. But he wanted to do something more with his time. He wanted to work. Scott displays his desire to work and dedication to his job every day through the quality of his work. “Scott listens intently and possesses a strong work ethic,” said Program Specialist Nancy Latcheran. “[He] absorbs training quickly and he is very consistent with quality.” It is dedication like Scott’s that produces the type of quality work recognized by our PennDOT customers statewide.
Scott Shetter folds a PennDOT shirt at our Ellwood Road facility. Scott came to Lark for the opportunity to work after spending time in other vocational rehabilitation and training programs, and has excelled ever since.
32 Clients Served
30,634 Shirts
8,686.5 Client Hours
Produced
67 PennDOT Locations Served
Pre-Vocational Screen Print Donna George - Dedicated to Quality
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creen printing is a skill that requires patience, concentration, and an eye for detail. The quality of the work matters, and the final product has to look just right. That’s where Donna George excels. Donna works in our screen print department and is a valuable member of the screen printing team. According to her job coach Chelsea Guidish, Donna takes pride 8 Clients Served in producing a quality product for the 5,574.25 Client Hours customer. She is never afraid to ask for help and will often have someone 244 Customers review her work to make sure it looks 490 Orders Filled right. Donna’s dedication shows in her ability to complete difficult tasks on her own, such as placing and printing names on shirts or setting up screens. She works independently and is very reliable. Donna also enjoys her work. She likes to see the variety of the designs we print, and gets along well with her coworkers and job coaches. On her days off, Donna will often come in to help out in other departments. She is working toward her goal of coming in one more day per week. It’s clients like Donna who support the outstanding reputation and success of our screen print department, and who contribute to the satisfaction of our customers.
Donna George centers a sweatshirt on a platen to prepare it for printing at our Ellwood Road facility. Donna has been working in our screen print department for eight years, where she has learned to complete difficult and detailed tasks on her own.
Items Printed Aprons Beanies Bib Overalls Binders Can Koozies Cooler Bags Decals Golf Towels Hats Hoodies
Infant Creepers Jackets Lunch Bags Mugs Onesies Pants Polo Shirts Rain Jackets Safety Vests Sashes
Shorts Signs String Bags Sweatshirts Tank Tops Tote Bags Towels Travel Bags T-Shirts
Pre-Vocational
Suction Cups & Blister Packs Tim Yakubik - Dedicated to Overcoming Obstacles
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here are many characteristics that make a great employee, one of which is the ability to overcome obstacles. The individuals and staff at Lark face obstacles in their lives every day. Sometimes, those obstacles prevent them from coming to work. That’s not the case for Tim Yakubik. 125 Clients Tim has been at Lark since 1971, and has dealt with many personal, family, and Served health-related struggles throughout the years. But you wouldn’t know it from his attendance. “Tim is dedicated to his role at Lark. He believes it’s important to be at work, and no matter what the obstacle, he forges forward,” said Program Specialist Nancy Latcheran. Tim works in our subcontract department, where he does a variety of different jobs. One of Tim’s jobs is to act as a handler, picking up and delivering materials such as suction cups throughout the production floor. Tim also has an exceptional memory, and knows where supplies are stored throughout the facility. He can find the right tool for a job when needed. Tim is proud of the work he does and is always willing to try something new. When asked about the obstacles Tim has faced and his dedication to his work, Latcheran had a simple explanation. “This place means the world to him,” she said.
Suction Cups Blister Packs 533,310 Completed 2,687 Client Hours
Size Small Medium Large Large (Rotohook)
# Assembled 1,632,359 3,889,896 1,029,190
# Client Hours 10,500.5 22,212.5 6,114.75
11,676
69.75
Tim Yakubik selects materials to be delivered throughout the production floor at our Ellwood Road facility. Tim acts as a handler in our Pre-Vocational program, where he picks up and delivers materials to other clients. He also performs a number of different jobs in our subcontract department, including assembling suction cups. Production Volume: Suction Cups Small
Medium
Large
Large (Rotohook)
1000000 900000
# Cups Assembled
800000 700000 600000 500000 400000 300000 200000 100000 0 July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb March April
May
June
Pre-Vocational Mary Berton Dedicated to Leadership
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eaders are an important part of every workplace. They set a good example for others and are extremely helpful when needed. At Lark, we have several clients who take on a leadership role, including Mary Berton. Mary has been with Lark for almost 33 years. In that time, she has learned how to do many jobs in our subcontract department with great success. 138 Clients Served “She has always caught on quickly and retains tasks learned,” said 115,726 Client Hours Program Specialist Beverly Glitch of Mary’s skills. Because of those skills, Mary is able to take on difficult jobs. One example is the sand blaster bags that we assemble and package for a local company. For a while, Mary was the only client who knew how to do the job, which includes very specific and detailed steps. Knowing that Mary was a leader, Rehabilitation Services Unit Director Wendy McCutcheon recommended that Mary mentor other clients and teach them how to do the job. Since then, Mary has taught three clients how to assemble and package the sand blaster bags. She has also mentored her coworkers on other jobs, such as cleaning the kitchen. Mary is truly dedicated to setting a good example for her coworkers and leading them on the path to success. She cares about others and wants to see them do their best. She is a great example of leadership in our Pre-Vocational program.
Mary Berton cleans tables in the lunchroom at our Green Ridge Drive facility, where she acts as a peer mentor in our Pre-Vocational program. Mary has taught other clients how to do the difficult job of assembling and packaging sand blaster bags, among other tasks.
Types of Jobs Assemble & package clipmen Assemble & package materials for steel making Assemble & package suction cups Assemble & package vacuum bags Assemble light boxes Assemble oxygen/temperature sensors Assemble proximity sensors Assemble stocking hooks Attach pins to scaffolding braces Clean pharmaceutical totes & lids Collate items and place in envelopes Drill out scaffolding braces
Weigh & package Epsom salt Fill race bags with promotional items Fold & package garbage bags Heat seal blister packs on shuttle press Package all-purpose light holders Put together warranty packs for manufacturing company Remove platinum from scrap parts Roll calendars and place in tubes Screw nuts onto studs Seal & label envelopes Staple header card to wreath hooks
Quality Management Quality management encompasses three functions as set out by the Office of Developmental Programs in the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Quality Framework: Discovery: Collecting data and direct participant experiences in order to assess the ongoing implementation of the program, identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement. Remediation: Taking action to remedy specific problems or concerns that arise. Continuous Improvement: Utilizing data and quality information to engage in actions that lead to continuous improvement in the HCBS program. Quality management allows us to gauge the effectiveness and functionality of our program offerings and pinpoint the areas in which greater attention is needed in order to secure improved outcomes. Participant Access In the focus area of participant access we tracked our response rate to individuals, families, and referring entities. • In the 2013-2014 year we responded within two business days to all inquiries 97.7% of the time. • In Pre-Vocational Services, individuals who expressed an interest received written notification within 30 days of the preadmission interview 100% of the time. • In Home and Community Services, 100% of individuals were served within 45 days of receiving official confirmation of the services from the state or county. • 100% of the families in Home and Community Services were offered counseling and guidance on the processes needed to be completed for implementation of services. Participant-Centered Service Planning In the focus area of participant-centered service planning and delivery: • Assessment occurred as specified 97.8% of the time. • Lark staff provided services in accordance with a participant’s plan 100% of the time. • Lark staff systematically and objectively monitored the effectiveness of HCBS in helping an individual to achieve his/her personal goals 100% of the time.
Demographics Age
205
Ellwood Road
*Clients Served
Gender
Beaver: 1 Butler: 6 Lawrence: 194 Mercer: 4
Age Range 18-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 70+
# Clients 39 47 32 47 33 7
19
Gender
24 18
Male: 51 Female: 39
Ethnicity
County
12
13
Clients Served: 90
Male: 119 Female: 86
Asian: 2 African American: 8 Caucasian: 195
3
Age
2 8
13
10
76
Staff
31-40 61-70
31-40 61-70
41-50 70+
Green Ridge Drive Clients Served: 48
10
5 18-30 51-60
18-30 51-60
Gender Male: 32 Female: 16
41-50 70+
12
New Hires
Staff per Program Facility-Based: 46 Home and Community Habilitation: 24 Supported Employment: 4 Transitional Employment: 2
Tenure Years 0-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45
# Staff 37 19 5 5 3 4 1 1 1
*Our clients are afforded the opportunity to participate in more than one program or service. The number listed here is an unduplicated count. Some clients may be included in multiple program/service counts listed on the previous pages. *The high number of staff with a tenure of 0-5 years can be attributed to the recent growth of the Home and Community Habilitation program.
Financial Performance Program/Service
Revenue
Rehabilitation: Facility-Based Rehabilitation Services Supported Employment
$1,345,594.75 $196,543.67
Home and Community Habilitation
$373,487.40
Community Based – Ceers
$157,529.98
Production: Transitional Program – Custodial Transitional Program – Recycling
$129,910.68
$38,265.24
Subcontract – Production
$415,617.39
Subcontract – ANSI Shirts
$365,466.09
Subcontract – Screen Print
$194,203.82
Food Service
$77,421.68
Lark Shenango Shipping Center
$6,417.74
Transportation: Transportation
$156,010.80
Total Revenue:
$3,456,469.24
Total Expenditures for the Providing of Programs and Services:
$3,456,469.24
Tina Rockenstein (L) and Job Coach Brigid Kapfhammer pose for a picture during the 2013 Celebration, held at The Villa in December.
Anna Lucchini fills blister packs on one of two shuttle presses that were installed at our Ellwood Road facility this year.
Leadership Dr. Susan Lautenbacher Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Susan Lautenbacher was appointed Chief Executive Officer in September of 2013. Prior to coming to Lark, Dr. Lautenbacher was a professor in the College of Education, Department of Special Education at Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA. Her research interests are in the holistic approach in the providing of disability services, Applied Behavior Analysis, and family engagement and support. Dr. Lautenbacher is a certified special education teacher and supervisor of special education. She began her career as a high school special education teacher, later becoming a Director of Special Education, K-12. Dr. Lautenbacher also spent time in her career overseeing the provision of community-based services for children with autism. She has been responsible for the development and implementation of educational and therapeutic programming for children with autism, intellectual disabilities, and severe emotional support needs. Dr. Lautenbacher earned her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Education, Administrative and Policy Studies in Pittsburgh, PA. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Education in Special Education from Slippery Rock University.
Wendy McCutcheon
Rehabilitation Services Unit Director
Wendy McCutcheon is in the full circle phase of her career working as the rehabilitation services unit director for Lark Enterprises and helping to change people’s lives. Wendy began her career in the social services field after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. After a 19 year career in the staffing industry, the time was right for her to return to social services by joining Lark in December of 2011. Wendy began her career with Lark as the home and community habilitation supervisor and was promoted to her current position in June of 2012.
Donna McEwen Fiscal Manager
Donna McEwen has been Lark’s fiscal manager for 25 years. She is a graduate of Grove City College. Donna came to Lark from the City of New Castle, where she was employed for 12 years. During her time with the city, she held the accounting position for the city’s redevelopment authority, and at the end of her time there, she served as the city’s business administrator.
Debbie Leddon
Administrative Services Unit Director
Debbie Leddon began her career at Lark in 1977 as the receptionist. She holds a degree in business administration. Her current duties include human resources, information technology, office management, and clerical support. Debbie’s claim to fame is that she and Lark are the same age.
Scott Campbell
Customer Service Unit Director
Scott Campbell began working at Lark in January of 1984 as a floor supervisor in the wood refinishing department. He left for two years in the late 1980s to work as a sales representative for a National Safety Product company. Scott then returned to Lark, where he worked in a variety of different positions before becoming a unit director. In 1996, Scott was elected to the Board of Directors of UniqueSource (formerly PIBH), where he has served for 18 years in all board offices, including Chairman of the Board for two years.
David Freshcorn
Production Services Unit Director
David Freshcorn has been Lark’s production services unit director since March of 2006. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in business management from the University of Phoenix in 1998. He spent the first 15 years of his career as a production supervisor for a desiccant company near Albuquerque, New Mexico. During his time there, David helped the company grow 35 times larger, resulting in several expansions and equipment automations. In 2002, David and his family moved back to western PA, where he eventually joined Lark Enterprises.
Kris Russell
Community-Based Services Unit Director
Kris Russell joined the staff of Lark in 1994. Prior to then, she was a partner in Sotus Candies in Union Township, PA. Kris also operated a full service employment agency in Youngstown, OH, which specialized in clerical positions. She is a past president of the Lawrence County Council of Community Services, and has served on the advisory boards of Allied Coordinated Transportation Service, Challenges - Options in Aging, and Independent Monitoring for Quality. Kris is originally from Bradford, PA, and currently lives in a restored cottage along the Slippery Rock Creek.
Board of Directors Justin Bruce Dennis Alduk
President
Second Vice President
Charlotte Bolinger
Treasurer
Beverly Greenberg
Secretary
Ryan Long
Counsel
Greg Measel
Immediate Past President
Pat Barbati Robert Christoff Jack Frazier Patricia Germanski Mary Hoffman Francis Manfredi Anthony Mastrangelo Ruth-Ann Mendel George Moses Matthew Saines Jack Seltzer Charlotte Sheffield Dan Vogler Roger Zallon
Donors Terry Squeglia Ladies of the Dukes Almira Foundation Lawrence Community Foundation Mr./Mrs. Jeff McCurdy Melissa McCurdy Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration Bruce Foundation Trees Charitable Trust Barrel of Monkeys Melissa Bohr Rotary Club #89 of New Castle Lark Auxiliary CCC Moses Foundation
To Learn More About Us: Visit our website at www.larkenterprises.org To Donate: Call us at 724-657-2001 to receive your free informational brochure and donation form. Other Ways To Help: We’d like to make sure the services we provide are always available to those who need them. Please show your support by contacting your state and local representatives and telling them how important our services are to individuals with disabilities.