Pines of Sarasota – Academy at Glengary, Inc. https://www.academysrq.org/en/ The journey to recovery starts here Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:35:38 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 The Academy Awards https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/happenings/the-academy-awards/ Wed, 12 Apr 2023 18:04:43 +0000 https://www.academysrq.org/?p=3322 We have always known that our employment partners are among our A-list VIPs, so it was fitting that our first “Academy“ Award was bestowed upon Pines of Sarasota for their starring role in our Transitional Employment (TE) program. The award was accepted by the Pines´ Human Resources Director Helen Kuenzner and Employment Manager Anna Cerniga. The Pines was our first TE partner and Anna was there from the beginning. She spoke on behalf of the Pines and was clearly moved to see and hear the transformation in her former employees.

The Pines took a chance on us when we were an unknown entity with no track record. Their trust in us enabled some of our members to take their very first steps into paid employment while others returned to work after lengthy absences. Both scenarios can be anxiety-producing, but the Pines nurtured our members´ talents and set the stage for them to become at ease in the workplace. They are, in fact, star-makers! Among those who formerly worked a TE at the Pines, eight are currently working in competitive employment. One member has gone off government benefits and is working full time. 

This is the power of Transitional Employment. While the Pines were the first to partner with us, they are not our last. Thus far, six renowned local businesses- Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sunset Cadillac, Gettel Automotive, the Public Defender´s Office and Doctors´ Hospital- have followed suit, and that number is growing. These opportunities are major turning points in our members´ lives. Even better than a shiny trophy, Transitional Employment has the potential to launch members into productive, fulfilling careers. In this sense, everyone is a winner.

(left to right) Eric Broderick, Greg Agnacian, Ian Churchill, Chantel Gingrich, Stewie Bitterman, Aaron Collmer, Anna Cerniga and Helen Kuenzner.

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Glengary Times – April 7, 2023 https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/weekly-newsletters/glengary-times-april-7-2023/ Fri, 07 Apr 2023 19:55:40 +0000 https://www.academysrq.org/?p=3316 ]]> Bee the Change Spring Luncheon https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/happenings/bee-the-change-spring-luncheon/ Tue, 04 Apr 2023 19:40:22 +0000 https://www.academysrq.org/?p=3303 Our Bee the Change Luncheon, sponsored by Northern Trust, was a day to remember!  After months of planning, we were well-prepared and able to enjoy the day with our guests, while sharing with them the possibilities of mental health recovery. Our guests saw us in our element, service-driven workers, creatives, and consummate hosts who know how to have fun.

Music by Keaton Williams and Chris Cournoyer of the Jazzberries wafted through the room as guests dined. The meal – perfectly cooked salmon, Moroccan-spiced chicken, falafel, roasted tri-colored carrots, couscous and more (honey-kissed baklava complimented our bee theme) – was beautifully presented and efficiently served by our culinary team. 

The program included our first-ever “Academy” Award; a special tribute to Pines of Sarasota for being our first-ever Transitional Employment partner, while those members who have worked at the Pines joined the stage to honor them. Member Ian Churchill was among them, and he later returned to the stage to speak about the role the Academy has played in his personal development, and how employment has transformed him. When our director William McKeever spoke, he posed the thought-provoking question: “what if?,” painting a vivid picture of a world where we lead with empathy and “slow down the train enough so that everybody can get on.”

The world premiere of our Academy-produced animated short “Colony at Glengary: Return to the Garden” was shown, and two members, Erika Schlunk and Benjamin Foreman were acknowledged for their tireless efforts in creating the animation.  Member Stephen Anderson added humor and warmth when delivering the ASK along with culinary instructor Ben Burnside. The whole event was seamlessly held together by our emcees, Academy member Holden Seguso and enrollment coordinator Patty Haltinner. They were charming and engaging and had great chemistry on stage. 

Our Luncheons are as much friend-raiser as fundraiser, so we were delighted to have so many new faces in the audience. We watched as heads nodded in solidarity and eyes turned wistful with compassion, and we could see clearly that our members’ graciousness and talents have an impact.  

Speaking of impact, Paul, Sharon and Jeff Steinwachs of the Steinwachs Family Foundation were in attendance. They have been integral in our success since our inception. Their 1:1 financial match all but ensured we would exceed fundraising expectations. We are grateful for their support which goes far beyond financial. They are extraordinary people and we are honored to call them friends. 

To all who attended, supported, or helped create our luncheon, we thank you for opening your hearts and minds to the power of mental health recovery. You are the change we all hope to see in the world.

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The Academy Works https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/happenings/the-academy-works/ Wed, 14 Jul 2021 19:12:07 +0000 http://127.0.0.1/github/bayfrontmedia/academysrq.org/web/posts/happenings/the-academy-works/ Academy members have grit, and they don’t let difficult circumstances keep them down. Nowhere is this more evident than in the number of members currently working and earning a paycheck. Some members were able to keep their jobs throughout the pandemic while others jumped back into the workforce as soon as it felt safe to do so.

Transitional employment sites are welcoming us back. Members have already hit the ground running in positions at Pines of Sarasota and Sunset Cadillac, with Sarasota Memorial Health Care System next to begin. In Supported Employment, there is a wide array of employers and job fields. Members hold positions in industries such as social services, administration, customer service, food service (both front of house and back of house), retail and more. Members in Transitional Employment receive the highest level of job support; however, all working members are supported by Academy job coaches as is appropriate and necessary for success.

The Clubhouse model is a fertile training ground for those who seek employment. The transformation from new member to experienced mentor to wage earner is gratifying and inspiring for all of us. Those who hold positions in the community almost always continue to attend the Academy, acting as a role model and motivator for those just beginning their journey. As this cycle continues, more and more members are regaining their footing in the culture of work, and able and proud to answer the age-old question: “what do you do?

Pictured above are just a few members of the members who are back at work: Ian Churchill, Chantel Gingerich, Eric Broderick, Rebecca Wolsfon, Matthew Thomas and Carolyn Robinson.

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Glengary Times – June 18, 2021 https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/weekly-newsletters/glengary-times-june-18-2021/ Mon, 21 Jun 2021 14:32:57 +0000 http://127.0.0.1/github/bayfrontmedia/academysrq.org/web/posts/happenings/glengary-times-june-18-2021/ ]]> Congratulations Eric Broderick! https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/happenings/congratulations-eric-broderick/ Thu, 10 Jun 2021 18:08:22 +0000 http://127.0.0.1/github/bayfrontmedia/academysrq.org/web/posts/happenings/congratulations-eric-broderick/ Eric Broderick is back to work! As a Dining Room Assistant at the Pines of Sarasota, he is responsible for keeping the servers on track. He rolls silverware, stocks the drink carts and plates salads and desserts.  Eric is well-deserving of this opportunity. He has been an Academy member since we opened in 2017. Since then, he has stretched himself by trying out different teams and has been willing to step outside of his comfort zone and broaden his skills. These are some of the qualities we look for when choosing a member for Transitional Employment (TE) opportunities.

Slowly but surely our TE program is rebuilding! The Pines is the second employment partner to resume our partnership, with Sarasota Memorial Healthcare on board to be next. These positions are highly supported by Academy staff, and are instrumental in building confidence, stamina, job skills and experience in our members. They serve as a building block for eventual competitive employment for those who wish to pursue it.

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Transitional Employment at Pines of Sarasota Resumes https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/happenings/transitional-employment-at-pines-of-sarasota-resumes/ Tue, 20 Apr 2021 18:43:47 +0000 http://127.0.0.1/github/bayfrontmedia/academysrq.org/web/posts/happenings/transitional-employment-at-pines-of-sarasota-resumes/ Speaking strictly programmatically, our Transitional Employment program was probably the hardest hit in the throes of the pandemic. A little over a year ago we had eight members working at a diverse array of Transitional Employment jobs, from clerical to food service to environmental. During COVID, every one of those jobs came to a halt. We can now see the light at the end of that dark tunnel as our employment partners are reaching out to invite us back.

Sunset Cadillac was the first, opening up the scanning position that keeps their service departments running like a charm. This week, Placement Managers Jeff Jean and Patty Haltinner are out at the Pines of Sarasota getting properly trained in two positions: Dietary Aide and Sandwich Maker. These jobs will employ two of our members in entry-level work that will build employment skills, stamina and confidence.

The Pines of Sarasota resides on a 25-acre campus with 19 buildings, offering capacity for 243 residents, and over 400 employees, and is the preeminent provider in the fields of rehabilitation, geriatric care, education and support in Sarasota County. The Pines was one of the first employers to partner with us for Transitional Employment. They share our values of service and wellness. It is an ongoing pleasure to work with their staff as they support our mission and foster positive work experiences for our members. Their positive impact on our community is indelible.

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