ThresholdResidentialServices,Inc.

Crossing the Threshold

ISSUE 24

QUARTER 4

2014

What’s Inside:

Page 1

A Son’s Devotion

Page 2

Welcoming New Executive Director

ODO Staff Spotlight

Page 3

A Trip to the Zoo

Page 4 & 5

Vacation Trips

Page 6

ODO Halloween Party

Page 7

2015 ODO Council Election

ODO Staff

Page 8

Touched by an Angel Contact Info

Dates to Remember

Threshold Residential

Services, Inc.

Serving individuals with

Disabili�es of Northeast Ohio

ThresholdResidentialServices,Inc.

OpenDoorOpportunities

P.O. BOX 351, EAST PALESTINE. OHIO 44413

We’re on the WEB! www.threshold75.com Check us out!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Larry Duck, Executive Director

Sarah Reed, Program Director

Frank Thompson, Finance Director

Vickie Baker, Nursing Director

Sam Valentini, Workshop Director

Teresa Howard, Detail Shop Director

Phone Office: 330 - 426 - 4165 Workshop: 330 - 426 - 4553 Detail Shop: 330 - 426 - 9694 Fax: 330 - 426 - 4006

E-Mail: info@threshold75.com

DATES TO REMEMBER:

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Watch for dates and details for the Client Prom

Mandatory In-Service: January 15, 2015

See posting in the homes for times.

Touched by an Angel...

On December 8, 2014, during a routine shopping trip at the Columbiana Save A Lot store, the home 24 guys were “touched by an angel”, as described by the home staff.

The woman standing behind John, Bill and Bonnie in the checkout line swiped her card and paid for the homes

groceries. The staff tried to explain that they had an account there and could pay, but the woman replied, I’m paying for your groceries...it’s done. Their response was “Thank you”

and “God Bless You!”

The encounter and generosity of this “Angel” caught them off guard and

touched them in a way that renewed their faith that kindness, generosity and com-passion still exists in the world and are expressed when least expected and in

unexpected ways. We very much appreciate this selfless, kind hearted,

generous gift bestowed on John and Bill during this joyous holiday season.

THANK YOU! ♥ God Bless.

Ed Davis’s mother passed away a few years ago, leaving an empty spot in his heart and a desire to honor her with a lasting memorial. Ed realized his wish

this past fall with a beautiful grave marker chosen and paid for entirely by Ed. At a little dedication service

held at her grave site, Ed was joined by staff and friends to sing, pray and

remember a loving mother.

Adding to this special moment

was a poem written by Ed’s staff, Norma O’ Neil.

A Son’s DevotionA Son’s DevotionA Son’s DevotionA Son’s Devotion

“Mommy” From the first time you held me in your arms, the tiny kisses upon my check, Until I walked on my own two feet. The way my hand always fit in yours,

the boo boo’s and never ending chores.

The kindness and warmth you always showed, while I grew from your little boy into a man. Your named changed but the meaning remained the same; from mommy to mom,

to my best friend, You are my angel now and then.

You were only here for a little while, but now in heaven you look down and smile. You’re in my heart and you will always know

I love you Mommy, from now till then, when we meet again.

- Norma O’ Neil. / September 11, 2014

ODO Client Council ODO Client Council ODO Client Council ODO Client Council

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WE NEED YOUR HELP! Yes! I want to donate to Threshold Residential Services, Inc. Please complete this form and

enclose it with your payment, payable to THRESHOLD RESIDENTIAL SERVICES, INC.. Mail to: Threshold Residential Services, Inc., P.O. Box 351, East Palestine, Ohio 44413.

Name: ________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code: ____________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: _________________________________________________________________________ E Mail Address: _________________________________________________________________________ Amount Enclosed: $25 $50 $100 $250 Other $_____________

Threshold Residen al Services, Inc. is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organiza on under the regula ons of the

Internal Revenue Service. All contribu ons are tax deduc ble to the extent of the law. Thank You!! 7

Spotlights :Spotlights :Spotlights :Spotlights :

Threshold would like to welcome Larry Duck to our Threshold Family. Larry has taken over the role of Executive Director, allowing Tom Rice to resume his retirement. Larry comes to us with a wealth of experience, knowledge and perspective that we are excited to implement as Threshold advances forward. Larry has a Master’s degree in Social Work from West Virginia and another Master’s degree in Business Administration from Youngstown State. He has worked in the residential setting as well as for the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities as Superintendent. He also has experience as an Executive Director. Larry has organized fundraising events for the Special Olympics and animal rescue programs as well as other organizations. He comes to us with over 30 years of diverse and applicable experience! Larry lives in Poland with his beautiful wife Cathy and 2 rescue dogs, Annie and Buffy. He has three grown children and enjoys spending time with his grandchildren. We feel blessed and excited to have Larry to lead Threshold in this next stage of change and growth. Thank you Larry and welcome to our Threshold Family. ♥♥♥

Staff Spotlight: Patricia CravenStaff Spotlight: Patricia CravenStaff Spotlight: Patricia CravenStaff Spotlight: Patricia Craven

Welcome, Larry DuckWelcome, Larry DuckWelcome, Larry DuckWelcome, Larry Duck

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On September 29th Patricia Craven joined the Open Door Opportunity team as a Day Program Instructor. Prior to coming to ODO, Patricia was working for Threshold in a residential supportive living home. Patricia is working towards her Bachelor’s degree as an Intervention Specialist with a minor in Philosophy, She previously had a career as a surgical technician. Patricia enjoys the arts, sharing new ideas and inspiring by way of her own accomplishments. Married to her husband Jon, she has three children Elijah, Keagan and Olivia. Patricia brings a unique, fun and outgoing personality to the ODO team. The staff and clients are enjoying some of Patricia’s art, craft and educational methods and ideas. Continued success and Welcome! (below are some photos from the blessings tree and fall crafts ODO clients worked on and displayed around the Thanksgiving holiday)

On September 15, 2014, the clients at ODO held an election for the new 2014/2015 Client Council. We are very proud to announce that more than 14 of the ODO day program members signed up to run for an elected office. After a close vote I all three races, the results are in and the winners were announced… For the second consecutive year the winner for Client Council President is James Gordon Vice President is John Conkle and Secretary is Megan Earlin.

Congratulations to all three of this years winners.

Everyone at Threshold and ODO wish all of the new Client Council officers good luck leading the clients at ODO for the coming new year. We also want to thank last years elected officials, Vice Presidents Randy Copley and Bill Mitcheson and Secretary Patti Burkholder for an outstanding job and service.

Newly elected Secretary, Vice President and President

Open Door Opportunities Workshop Staff Left to right: Workshop Director, Sam Valentini. Day Program Staff: Kathy, Mindy, Wendy and Patricia. Wood Shop, Andrew

Last Years Vice Presidents and Secretary

Halloween PartyHalloween PartyHalloween PartyHalloween Party Zoo Trip

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ODO held a Halloween on October 31, 2014. It started with an annual pumpkin carving contest, won this year by Patricia’s group. DJ’s Sam and Alan played some rocking dance tunes as the gang danced the afternoon away. Many clients dressed up in costumes to scare the staff! (Randy). A big thank you to Sam’s wife, Patricia and Lynn for the delicious home baked desserts served during the party.

The Detail Shop staff and crew took the day off to visit the Pittsburgh Zoo. James Gordon did a wonderful job taking pictures.

Vacation Trips

Ocean City Here We Come... Larry, Walter and Frank enjoyed a rainy four days in Ocean City, Maryland in July. They stayed in an ocean front hotel right on the Boardwalk, which they could see from the balcony of their room! It was so wet and windy that the guys could not go out on the Boardwalk, get in the ocean or swim in the outdoor pool. They were able to enjoy the Treasurer Hunter’s Museum and Shell City Outlet, though. The highlight of the trip was seeing the wild horses and going on a boat ride around the island. On the last day they were able to go to the beach and stick their feet in the water, guaranteeing that they would come back….or so the legend goes.

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Wild and Wonderful West Virginia Margaret Murphy had much better weather for her trip in October to West Virginia. Margret had never been on a train ride before and on this trip she had THREE! She also enjoyed a boat ride and musical jamboree. Margaret loves to travel and is already making plans for her next trip.

You heard about Margaret’s “Bucket List” in a previous newsletter. In September she was able to cross off one more item off her list...riding in a convertible! Kim Williams graciously gave Margaret a ride to the End of Summer Bash held at the Richardson’s farm near Winona. Margaret loved the wind in her hair and sun on her face! She arrived at the picnic grinning from ear to ear and as happy as can be. Thank you Kim for helping Margaret fulfill another wish.

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Smokey Mountains Ed Davis got his fill of mountains and music on this trip! He travelled to Dollywood and Gatlinburg and into the National Forest there. With a show each night (and sometimes two), Ed sang along to all the tunes. Ed took LOTS of pictures while twisting and turning through the mountains outside of town. Warm weather and beautiful fall colors helped make this a great little get away!