Making Quality Matter
2014 - 2015
Annual Report
Table of Contents Mission, Purpose, Vision and Commitment
Page 1
A Message from our CEO
Page 2
2014-2015 Highlights
Page 3
Executive Leadership
Page 4
Board of Directors
Page 5
Programs and Services
Page 6
Business Services
Page 7
Overview of Quality Management Plan
Page 8
Overview of Quality Management Focus Areas
Page 9
Focus Area 1: Participant Access
Page 10
Focus Area 2: Participant-Centered Service Planning & Delivery
Page 12
Focus Area 3: Provider Capacity & Capabilities
Page 14
Focus Area 4: Participant Safeguards
Page 16
Focus Area 5: Participant Rights & Responsibilities
Page 18
Focus Area 6: Participant Outcomes & Satisfaction
Page 20
Focus Area 7: System Performance
Page 22
Agency Outcomes
Page 24
Financial Performance
Page 25
Client of the Year Awards
Page 26
Years of Service Awards
Page 27
Ways to get Involved
Page 28
Donors
Page 29
Demographics
Page 30
Executive Leadership Bios
Page 31
Our Mission Helping individuals become self-reliant and integrated into the community through greater independence, choice and opportunity.
Our Purpose To provide a continuum of rehabilitative services and supports for persons who meet barriers to employment.
Our Vision To continuously improve an effective system of accessible services and supports that are flexible, innovative and person-centered.
Our Commitment We are committed to supporting Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities and mental health concerns in “achievingâ€? an improved quality of life by‌
Acknowledging the right of all individuals to be treated with respect and dignity Creating high quality services and supports Helping all individuals to reach independence Individualizing the rehabilitative needs of those we serve Ensuring the health and safety of all individuals Valuing all individuals Inspiring diversity and cultural competence within the organization Nurturing teamwork Gaining optimum levels of employment for the individuals we serve 1
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CEO’s Message
ork and the right to work for individuals with disabilities has become a guiding force for the state and federal government. We here at Lark have always held dear the belief that everyone has the right to be gainfully employed. For us it is not a new concept that people with disabilities should hold the same right to employment. Our focus has always been on the best ways to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and other barriers to employment to meet with success in the world of work. As an organization dedicated to work, we embrace evidenced-based practices in employment that help our people to move forward. We are pleased that these beliefs and practices, which we hold so dear, are becoming a beacon of light for so many in our field. Moreover, we are excited to be living in a period of transformation that is leading our funding streams to rethink the rigidity of their systems. In order to continually embrace new evidence-based practices that fit the ever-changing needs of our consumers, we need a system that is as fluid as our consumers’ needs. We have seen incremental movement in this direction throughout this year as we have diligently worked with state and federal officials to enact change. While the journey to new service approaches is still a long one, filled with concern, there does appear to be some light shinning through. More and more there are resounding voices sharing the message that in order to remain person-centered we must offer a full continuum of services to support a person to move forward in employment. Our administrative team has worked diligently this year to design a model of service delivery that contains a full continuum of services. Throughout this year when approached by an individual and/or family, we have encouraged them to embrace our model that prepares the individual for greater inclusion in the community. Consumers are encouraged to sign-up for supported employment and home and community habilitation services to extend their learning from our prevocational program into the community. Our transitional recycling teams have spent more time in the community and given more individuals the opportunity to engage in this community-based work. We have embraced two Photo ID centers giving Lark a larger footprint in the community. Our outcomes are displaying success in moving people to greater community inclusion while still ensuring that their safety needs are met. We have moved further along in our dream to run an affirmative business capable of employing people with intellectual disabilities and other barriers to employment in positions that garner no less than minimum wage. The opportunity to venture further along this path occurred this past year due to our assembly and packaging 2
initiatives. Our expanding contracts in assembly and packaging allowed us to bring in workers through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Cray Youth and Family Services. Our people were given the opportunity to work alongside others in this more inclusive paradigm. This allowed us to more fully actualize our mission “helping individuals to become self-reliant and integrated into the community through greater independence, choice and opportunity.� As you read through this report you will see that our commitment to our mission is guiding us through this transformative period. Lark has always believed that work is one of the cornerstones to a full and productive life. What we have learned in this past year is how to infuse this belief into a model that blends the best of past practices with new evidenced-based practices embraced by all concerned. We are pleased to share this report with you and are grateful for all that you do to support our mission. It is in our coming together that we can best support the individuals to which our organization is dedicated.
2014 - 2015 Highlights Served 201 individuals Provided over 187,000 hours in client services Finalized our quality management plan Developed a new strategic plan Expanded the packaging department at our Green Ridge Drive location Updated our Emergency/Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Plan Established a peer mentor training program Developed and approved a new mission and vision statement Took over the supervision of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Photo License Centers in Beaver Falls and New Castle Welcomed 9 new staff members Expanded Specialized Services and Resources
Chief Executive Officer
Conducted our first-ever behavioral assessments Entered into a partnership with the New Castle Area Transit Authority to clean buses Celebrated retirements of Richard DiCaprio, Lois Smolnik and Donna McEwen 3
Executive Leadership Dr. Susan Lautenbacher Chief Executive Officer
Scott Campbell
David Freshcorn
Deb Leddon
Wendy McCutcheon
Transitional Services Director
Administrative Services Director
Darla Moser
Fiscal Director
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Production Services Director
Rehabilitation Services Director
Kris Russell
Community-Based Services Director
Board of Directors President Justin Bruce
Immediate Past President Greg Measel
First Vice President Roger Zallon
Bob Barella Georgene Barella Robert Christoff Jack Frazier Patricia Germanski Mary Hoffman Francis Manfredi Anthony Mastrangelo Ruth-Ann Mendel George Moses Matthew Saines John Seltzer Charlotte Sheffield Dan Vogler
Second Vice President Dennis Alduk Secretary Beverly Greenberg Treasurer Charlotte Bolinger Counsel Ryan Long
Pictured: Board member Francis Manfredi (2nd from left) plays Jenga with Jeffrey Doak (far left), James Hester (2nd from right) Tom Dominick (far right) and friend during game night sponsored by the Lark Auxiliary. 5
Programs and Services Behavior Support Services Assists individuals in learning and developing adaptive behaviors to further their integration into the community.
Home and Community Habilitation Helps individuals acquire, maintain and improve self-help, domestic, socialization and adaptive skills.
Prevocational Gives individuals the opportunity to gain work experience needed for competitive employment.
Specialized Services Provides individuals with a smaller setting and additional support to develop the life skills they need to be successful.
Supported Employment Helps individuals find, get and keep a job in the community.
Transitional Employment Helps individuals who are transitioning to competitive employment by giving them an opportunity to work for Lark in a community setting. 6
Business Services Certified UPS Shipping Center We offer a full-service certified UPS Shipping Center at our Ellwood Road location.
Food Service We operate a full-service food service department at our Ellwood Road location which prepares lunches for clients and staff.
Janitorial Our janitorial crews perform full-service cleaning tasks for businesses across the area.
Photo License Centers We supervise the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation photo license centers in New Castle and Beaver Falls.
Recycling Our recycling program offers low-cost, convenient and easy recycling programs for small and medium size businesses.
Safety We manufacture an ANSI-Compliant Class II T-Shirt with 3M Reflective Tape applied to the safety green shirt.
Screen Print We produce custom printed apparel and items for all occasions.
Subcontract and Packaging We offer packaging and other subcontract services to local and regional business and industry.
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Our Quality Management Plan Our quality management plan was created to help us gauge the effectiveness and functionality of our programs and services, pinpoint the areas that need greater attention and improve our outcomes. It guides us in the following areas: • • • • •
Collecting data in order to better direct individual experiences; Assessing our programs and services; Identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement; Taking action to remedy problems or concerns; Utilizing data and information to take actions that lead to continuous improvement.
Our plan is designed to ensure ongoing quality monitoring and management in seven focus areas.
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Focus Areas Focus Area 1: Participant Access Desired Outcome: Individuals have access to services and supports in their communities Focus Area 2: Participant-Centered Service Planning & Delivery Desired Outcome: Services and supports are planned and effectively implemented according to an individual’s needs, preferences and decisions concerning his/her life Focus Area 3: Provider Capacity & Capabilities Desired Outcome: We have sufficient staff who are capable of effectively serving our individuals Focus Area 4: Participant Safeguards Desired Outcome: Individuals are safe and secure in their homes and communities Focus Area 5: Participant Rights & Responsibilities Desired Outcome: Individuals receive support to exercise their rights and in accepting personal responsibilities Focus Area 6: Participant Outcomes & Satisfaction Desired Outcome: The individuals we serve are satisfied with their services and achieve desired outcomes Focus Area 7: System Performance Desired Outcome: Our system supports the individuals we serve efficiently and effectively
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Focus Area 1 Participant Access What’s Involved? • Making information about our services and how to apply readily available; • Ensuring referral, intake and eligibility processes are understandable and user-friendly; • Helping individuals apply for our services; • Promptly initiating services when an individual is determined eligible and selects Lark.
Examples Early Involvement When an individual inquires about our services and supports, we take steps to help them right away. These include: • Making prompt phone calls to the individual or their family to answer questions; • Setting up and conducting meetings; • Sharing up-to-date informational materials about our services and supports; • Making a referral to the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), when necessary.
“We give information to the family about what is available and services begin as soon as an authorization is received.” Kris Russell Community -Based Services Director
When an OVR referral is necessary, it is then up to OVR to determine the best available program for the individual. If Lark is selected, OVR verifies the individual’s eligibility and authorizes them to receive our services and supports.
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Timely Service Once we receive an authorization from the appropriate source, it is our goal for the individual to begin receiving services as soon as possible. Individuals receive a welcome letter notifying them of the authorization. We then identify and assign staff members to work with the individual and schedule an orientation. Time frames vary by program, but in most cases services begin in less than 45 days.
Our Stories Peggy Fleo
Peggy Fleo began receiving Home and Community Habilitation services in May. She said she was very happy with the process and the time it took to get started. Peggy’s goals include learning how to cook and improving her decision making skills. Since starting in May, Peggy has enjoyed bowling, shopping and going out to eat with her support worker. 11
Focus Area 2 Participant-Centered Service Planning & Delivery What’s Involved? • Using an individual’s preferences, goals, needs and abilities to develop a personalized individualized service plan (ISP); • Providing information and support so that individuals can make informed decisions; • Helping individuals manage their services; • Providing continuous access to assistance; • Obtaining an individual’s feedback; • Monitoring changes in an individual’s needs or circumstances; • Blending our facility-based and community-based services.
Examples Supporting the Transition from School to Work This year, we welcomed a local high school student preparing to graduate in June. He participated in our prevocational program one day a week. Along with his regular supports, our services helped prepare him for a successful transition from school to adult life. Expanding Services “SSR helps our folks enhance their confidence and learn how to become stronger self-advocates.” Wendy McCutcheon Rehabilitation Services Director
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We responded to changing needs this year by expanding Specialized Services and Resources (SSR) to our Green Ridge Drive facility. Individuals receiving SSR participate in activities related to health and wellness, communication and work performance. These activities occur in a smaller setting for additional support.
3-Month Reviews & Yearly Assessments Every individual we serve participates in regular reviews and assessments to discuss and manage their services with their support team. These meetings help determine if they are continuing to progress and gain independence, working at the highest level of their capabilities and building worker traits and skills. Peer Mentor Training Program We established a company-wide peer mentor training program as another way to help individuals reach their goals. Mentors provide social supports, peer modeling, training and other support to individuals who need assistance. Their leadership and experience helps others make informed decisions about working in the community.
“The peer mentor program is really about using the skills our clients have and helping the clients who don’t have them. It means so much more when it comes from a peer.� Wendy McCutcheon
Peer Mentor Mark Liberatore Every day, Mark uses the computer to research safety tips, weather forecasts and other information which he shares through our announcement system. As a mentor, he is teaching those computer skills to others.
Peer Mentor Brennon Lacko Brennon has experience working at a major retail store. As a mentor, he guides other individuals who are considering supported employment or finding a job in the community. 13
Focus Area 3 Provider Capacity & Capabilities What’s Involved? • Ensuring we have sufficient qualified staff to meet the needs of the individuals we serve; • Providing regular training to staff ; • Helping staff develop or maintain the skills, competencies and qualifications they need; • Providing services and supports consistent with each individual’s plan.
Examples Mandatory Trainings We comply with state and federal regulations that require us to hold specific yearly training sessions for all staff. These include sessions on fire safety, incident management, our grievance policy and more. In-Service Days “The expectations of our staff are pretty high. It’s our job to give them the tools they need. They need to know what to expect so they can do a good job of serving our individuals.” Debbie Leddon Administrative Services Director
At least once a year, we close our facilities to the individuals we serve and gather all staff members for an in-service training day. This allows us to conduct more in-depth trainings, host speakers and gather staff input on our policies, procedures and day-to-day operations.
Asking for Suggestions We develop some of our training in-house. Staff members are free to present ideas for training, such as videos or articles they feel would benefit the rest of the staff. Staff members can also request training in certain areas they or their coworkers may be finding difficult. 14
Our Stories Tracy Stevenson Tracy has been a job coach at our Green Ridge Drive facility since May. She appreciated the in-depth training she received during her first few weeks and said it was very helpful. Part of that training involved shadowing another job coach, which she found to be especially valuable. Thanks to her training, Tracy says everything has been going smoothly for her.
Pictured: Tracy (L) teaches Regina Steffler about cleaning pharmaceutical totes. The totes are used by a local company to transport pharmaceutical supplies and are cleaned by hand by individuals at both of our locations.
“I have to be out there actually seeing and doing and it helped me...I thought that was valuable. That on-the-job training.� Tracy Stevenson Job Coach 15
Focus Area 4 Participant Safeguards What’s Involved? • Assessing the health risks and safety considerations of the individuals we serve; • Identifying ways to promote health, independence and safety; • Having safeguards in place to protect individuals from accidents and dangerous situations; • Having safeguards in place to protect and support individuals in the event of natural disasters or public emergencies.
Examples Disaster Plan This year, staff and administration worked together to update our Emergency/Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Plan. The plan was reviewed during an in-service day, where staff asked questions and suggested changes. Evacuations
“They take it seriously. They know they have to get out. They all know what they’re doing. They do that exceptionally well at both locations.” Scott Campbell Transitional Services Director
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One of the most important safety skills for any organization is the ability to evacuate a building in the event of an emergency. At Lark, we know how to evacuate quickly and efficiently. We are required by law to hold fire drills every 90 days. During the drills, we evacuate from Ellwood Road in less than three minutes, and from Green Ridge Drive in less than two minutes. These times are a result of everyone in our organization knowing their role and understanding their evacuation routes.
Departmental Meetings Throughout the year, our job coaches and program specialists hold safety meetings in their departments. In September, they recognized Fall Prevention Awareness Week by leading group discussions and posting safety reminders in the production area. Safety Committee Our state-certified safety committee handles hazard detection and inspection along with accident investigation and prevention. Committee members represent all areas of the organization and are re-certified every year.
Pictured: The individuals we serve are very involved in our safety processes and procedures. Mary Berton participates in safety inspections at our Green Ridge Drive location, where she helps inspect fire extinguishers. James Cable removes trash bags containing solventsoaked rags from the screen print department. Renee Boughter assists Mary Jane Hall during fire drills and other evacuations.
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Focus Area 5 Participant Rights & Responsibilities What’s Involved? • • • •
Informing individuals about their rights; Supporting individuals in exercising their rights; Training and supporting individuals in decision-making; Informing individuals how to share grievances and complaints and seek a resolution.
Examples Open Communication Our staff is always available to individuals when they need or want to talk. This open office attitude gives individuals the opportunity to share what’s on their mind and get the support they need to make a decision. Individual Support Plan Every individual we serve has an Individual Support Plan (ISP). The ISP provides details about what is most important to them so that everyone on their support team can focus on those areas. This includes rights and responsibilities, personal preferences, and dreams and wishes. The ISP is reviewed and discussed regularly.
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“The biggest thing is building, encouraging and then strengthening their ability to voice their desires, their wishes and their choices.” Beverly Glitch Program Specialist
Our Stories Colt List Colt List has been an usher at the local movie theater for the past 10 years. He also works at Lark 5 days a week. He understands what it takes to be successful at both jobs, and says that responsibility comes naturally to him. Colt regularly shares his knowledge and experience with his coworkers at Lark. He strives to set the right example by helping others and being a good listener. Colt definitely enjoys his work, but knows he can speak up if something needs to change. He is a big believer in sharing one’s opinions, wants or needs, and does his best to encourage his coworkers to speak up when appropriate.
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Focus Area 6 Participant Outcomes & Satisfaction What’s Involved? • Providing services and supports that lead to positive outcomes for every individual; • Ensuring that individuals and their families are satisfied with their services and supports.
Examples Using the Right Approach As a vocational rehabilitation agency, it is our job to ensure that the individuals we serve are satisfied with their services and supports. In our production work, it is our job to fulfill customers’ orders accurately and on-time. Our staff excels in both of these areas. They all know the right approach to take to achieve results. Disclosing Change “I’ve been trying to keep them as informed as possible. When I know about a change, they know.” Tony Call Job Coach
“People generally like what they are doing. It’s nice to see that there is pride in the work that’s done. You don’t see that in the workforce.” Tony Call 20
In our production work, change happens all the time. Our customers may place new orders, give us new products to package or introduce new jobs. Our staff makes an effort to monitor these changes and prepare the individuals we serve for what’s to come. Developing the ability to accept change is necessary for competitive employment and engaging in the community. Offering Choice On any given day at our production work, there are multiple jobs and tasks that need to be completed. It’s important for each individual we serve to have a choice in which jobs or tasks they do. This leads to higher satisfaction and a sense of pride in their work.
Our Stories Dan Barbati You can tell that Dan Barbati enjoys his job just by looking at the stacks of boxes in his work area. Dan assembles boxes for the products we package at our Ellwood Road facility. Dan used to work in our furniture refinishing department. When it closed in 2013, he took on several other production jobs. Eventually, Dan asked if he could try box assembly. Now he’s one of the most productive individuals in the department. Dan takes great pride in his work and appreciates the paycheck that comes along with it. “Making boxes is good because I make more money so I can take my mom out to dinner.” Dan Barbati
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Focus Area 7 System Performance What’s Involved? • Providing services and supports effectively and efficiently; • Collecting data and analyzing program performance and impact; • Taking a system-wide approach to the continuous improvement of quality and giving individuals an active role in quality improvement activities; • Assuring financial accountability and making payments promptly.
Examples Software Upgrade This year, we were awarded grant funds from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust to upgrade to a full analytics software program through Vertex Systems. The new program includes applications for client payroll, case management, and tracking and analyzing financial performance. These applications will provide us with the analytics we need to increase the value of our services and improve our system performance. Features and Benefits “The fiscal department is willing to drop what they’re doing to handle what needs attention and they are always willing to put in the extra effort that’s needed to get something done.” Darla Moser Fiscal Director
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• Provides current information to improve service delivery; • Automates case files for better tracking of individuals’ preferences, needs and abilities; • Includes a function for creating unique goals for participants; • Offers convenient and secure way for direct support staff to monitor the individuals they serve and ensure services are being provided in accordance with each individual’s plan
Our Stories Beverly McConnaughy Beverly McConnaughy has worked for Lark for 7 years. She’s a job coach at our Ellwood Road facility, where she helps individuals who fold reflective shirts, assemble suction cups, package epsom salts and perform other tasks. Beverly collects data in a way that helps individuals understand their capabilities and grow their employment skills. She keeps track of everything an individual does in a given time period along with his or her total productivity for the day. This system teaches the individual how to be efficient and achieve better results.
Pictured: Beverly helps Scott Shetter count the materials he needs to package trash bags for the city of New Castle.
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Agency Outcomes Program & Service Growth
Age of Individuals Served
All Programs & Services
23% Increase - Age 18 to 30 23% Decrease - Age 51 to 60 14% Decrease - Age 70+
Home and Community Habilitation
Satisfaction Surveys
29% Increase Service hours provided
8% Increase Individuals served
Prevocational
18% Increase Individuals also receiving community-based services 10% Increase Individuals receiving specialized services
Recycling
5% Increase Hours spent in the community
Supported Employment 25% Increase Individuals served
Individuals Served by Program/Service/ Businesses
Prevocational: 143 ANSI Shirts: 31 Food Service: 8 Screen Print: 15 Janitorial: 9 Recycling: 54 Supported Employment: 69 Home and Community: 60 24
Individuals were given the chance to complete a satisfaction survey for each program in which they participate. Surveys were analyzed and scored as unsatisfactory, deficient, adequate or satisfactory.
Prevocational:
101/119 surveys completed 75% satisfactory 24% adequate 1% deficient
Home and Community: 26/52 surveys completed 69% satisfactory 31% adequate
Supported Employment: 12/46 surveys completed 75% satisfactory 25% adequate
Hours Provided by Service Behavior Support Services: 46 Home and Community: 17,574.5 Prevocational: 154,067.25 Supported Employment: 2,148.5 Transitional Employment: 13,501.5
Business Services ANSI Shirts
39 PennDOT Locations Served 9,787 Shirts Produced/Shipped
Janitorial
19 Customers 20 Locations Served
Photo License Centers
Beaver Falls: Average customers served per week - 853 New Castle: Average customers served per week - 427
Recycling
42 Customers 52 Recycling Stops
Screen Print
186 Customers 403 Orders Filled
Financial Performance Rehabilitative Services Revenue: Prevocational Training Services Transitional Services Home and Community Habilitation Services Supported Employment Services Behavior Support Services Production Sales Revenue: Assembly and Packaging Screen Print Safety Shirts UPS Food Service Transitional Sales Revenue: Janitorial Services Recycling Photo ID Transportation: Other Sources: Donations Grants United Way/Fund School Districts OVR Total Revenues:
$ 1,301,000. $ 157,000. $ 362,000. $ 211,000. $ 3,000. $ $ $ $ $
422,000. 179,000. 162,000. 6,000. 78,000.
$ $ $ $
131,000. 38,000. 9,000. 119,000.
$ 13,000. $ 94,000. $ 31,000. $ 1,000. $ 4,000. $ 3,321,000. 25
Client of the Year Awards
Pictured: Mary Berton poses for a photo with her nominators Victor Galmarini (L), Beverly Glitch (C) and Wendy McCutcheon (R).
Pictured: Mark Liberatore poses for a photo with his nominator, Wendy McCutcheon.
Green Ridge Drive Client of the Year
Ellwood Road Client of the Year
Mary Berton
Mark Liberatore
Green Ridge Drive Client of the Year Nominees
Ellwood Road Client of the Year Nominees
Danny Badger Scott Carpenter Stephen Doak Shane Metts Joe Retort
Dan Barbati Jamie Bromley Cody Lombardo John Raisley
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*Please note: The individual who received the Richard Furlong Award chose to have his name excluded from this report
Years of Service Awards 5 Years
Kim Howarth Jason Lewis Felix Mamaril Robert Perdue Amanda Reese Terry Taylor
10 Years
Peggy Matteo Gary Parks Sam Rapko Charlie Scurlock
35 Years
Homer Johnson Jim Pierog
40 Years Patty Brest
45 Years
Rick Morrison Bill Sperdute
55 Years
Tom Dominick
15 Years
Kathy Burgan Arlene Frasso James Hester Billie Jo Wellman
20 Years
Ed Mcmasters Keith Perrotta Kris Russell Barb Thompson
25 Years
Jon Bissell Peggy Fleo Donna McEwen John Raisley
30 Years
Russell Moore
Pictured: Tom Dominick receives a plaque for 55 years of service from Dr. Lautenbacher during our annual celebration. 27
Ways to get Involved Learn More About Us Visit our website at www.larkenterprises.org
Show Your Support 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.
Donate You can make a donation to any of our three funds. Our Endowment Fund was established in 2007 in affiliation with the Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern OH. To donate, visit the Foundation’s website: http://www.comm-foundation.org. Our General Fund supports the day-to-day expenses of our agency. Our Capital Fund funds our agency’s capital improvements. To donate, send us a check made payable to Lark Enterprises, Inc. Please designate whether your donation is for the general fund or the capital fund. We can also work with you to set up planned giving. Call us at 724657-2001 to request your free informational booklet.
Volunteer The Lark Enterprises Auxiliary offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Membership in the auxiliary is open to anyone. Annual dues are $10. Please contact Deb Leddon at 724-657-2001 if interested. 28
Donors Dennis Alduk Robert and Jean Barella Charlotte Bolinger Justin Bruce Bob Christoff Delores Conte Henry and Dianne DeEulio Alice Delorenzo Jack Frazier Patricia Germanski Edward and Linda Giannini Beverly Greenberg Lester P. Hauschild Reed Henderson Deborah R. Hennon Mary Hoffman Thomas and Rebecca Johnston Guy Laurenza Debbie Leddon Francis and Debbie Lynch James Maricone Ralph and Margaret Martone Anthony Mastrangelo Linda Maxwell Paula and Bob McCracken Melissa McCurdy Janet and Jeffrey McCurdy Steven and Donna McEwen Mary Miller Jack and Nancy Sadler John Seltzer Charlotte Sheffield Janora Slifko Gary Snow Dan Sosso Terri Squeglia Fred Stoner Laurie Valenta Dan Vogler Robert Wushinske Marilyn and Roger Zallon
Lark Enterprises Auxiliary ESB Bank Cialella & Carney Florists Independent Methodist Church Bruce Foundation Almira Foundation Del’s Garage, Inc. Allied Rubber & Supply Company Civilian Conservation Corps. Rotary Club No. 89 of New Castle Joseph Y. Moses Foundation Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 455 Ladies of the Dukes Mother Christophora and the Nuns of the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration D & G Mechanical, Inc. Richardson Cooling Packages LLC In-Kind Donations Nisource, Inc. FirstMerit Bank United Way Day of Caring Volunteers Drew McDowell Dar Huey Howard Thompson Scott Vidovich Designated through United Way Beverly Glitch Victor Galmarini Grants United Way of Lawrence County Ellwood City United Fund NALCO Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust 29
Demographics Agency Demographics 201 Individuals Served* Beaver County: 1 Butler County: 5 Lawrence County: 190 Mercer County: 5
Male: 118 Female: 83 Asian: 2 African American: 9 Caucasian: 189 Other: 1 Age 18-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 70+
48 48 32 36 31 6
*The number listed here is an unduplicated count. Some individuals are included in multiple program/service counts on page 6. 30
Ellwood Road 91 Individuals Served *
Green Ridge Drive
Male: 54 Female: 37
49 Individuals Served Male: 33 Female: 16
Age 18-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 70+
16 20 17 19 17 2
Age 18-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 70+
14 11 7 9 6 2
*This number includes individuals in the janitorial program.
Staff Demographics 75 Staff 9 New Hires Staff Per Program* Home & Community: 33 Supported Employment: 4 Transitional Employment: 5 Prevocational: 40 *Please note: Some staff work in multiple programs. These numbers contain duplicates.
Tenure 0-5 32 6-10 25 11-15 4 16-20 4 21-25 2 26-30 5 31-35 1 36-40 1 41-45 1
Executive 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. This past year has found Dr. Lautenbacher becoming more involved at the state and national level in the redesigning of employment services for adults with disabilities. Internally, she has spearheaded Lark’s initiative to move programming forward in order to meet future needs as they emerge. 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.
Scott Campbell, Transitional Services 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 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. 31
David Freshcorn, Production Services Director David Freshcorn has been the production services director at Lark since March of 2006. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in business management from the University of Phoenix in 1998. David spent the first 15 years of his career in a manufacturing setting as a production supervisor for a desiccant company near Albuquerque, NM. During his time there, he helped the company grow 35 times larger, resulting in several expansions and equipment automations. In 2002, David and his family left the desert southwest and moved back home to western Pennsylvania. After working at other companies too far from home, he decided to join Lark. David has focused on growing production at Lark and teaching the production staff how to produce a quality product consistently and work together as a team.
Deb Leddon, Administrative Services Director Deb Leddon began her Lark career in 1977 working as the receptionist. Since that time she has served as the clients record clerk, secretary to the CEO and currently holds the position of administrative services director. Her responsibilities include human resources, information technology, office management and clerical support. She holds a degree in business administration.
Kris Russell, Community-Based Services 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. 32
Wendy McCutcheon, Rehabilitation Services Director Wendy McCutcheon is in the full-circle phase of her career working as the rehabilitation services director for Lark. Wendy started out in the social services field after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts 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 has been the Rehabilitation Services Unit Director since June of 2012. Over the past 3 years, rehabilitation services has increased Lark’s service lines by developing a peer mentor program, re-opening the doors to students who are transitioning, and increasing Lark’s specialized supports services. In addition to helping individuals become more independent (and having fun while doing it!), Wendy enjoys a good book, cooking for her family and friends and anything fun in the sun. Wendy lives in Mt. Jackson with her husband Mike of 28 years, and their dogs Harry and Wilson.
Darla Moser, Fiscal Director Darla Moser was promoted to fiscal director after serving as fiscal technician for the past four years. Prior to Lark, she worked as senior accounting staff for Nashbar and Associates, Inc., assistant controller for B.J. Alan, Inc., and controller for Dramex International. Darla’s experience includes wholesale and retail accounting management, general ledger management, end of month/year financial reporting, payroll, loss prevention, accounts payable and receivable, customs, foreign currency exchange, inventory management, credit card management and much more. She studied at Youngstown State University. Her volunteer experience includes serving as treasurer, secretary, and Bethel Guardian for Job’s Daughters International, and as Ohio Coordinator for HIKE (Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment). She has also served on the Relay for Life committee in Austintown, Ohio, and as a member of a fundraising team for the Relay. Darla currently lives in Austintown with her Husband Mark of 29 years. They have two daughters, Angela, 27, and Rachel, 20.
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