HELPING EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE LEAD ORDINARY LIVES

N E W S L E T T E RWINTER 2008

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Page 2A message from CMA’s Executive Director & President

Page 3The Sweet Comfort Bakery & Café

Pages 4 Olympics & Talent Show

Page 5 Independence Ball

Congratulations Adam, Alex, Allison, Andrew, Antonia, Howard,Lisa and Paul– 20th Year Anniversary

Day after day, year after year, the men and women of CMA have led happy,safe and rewarding lives. The friendships and personal triumphs blossomedover the last twenty years have made these men and women not only feel partof a family, but also able to call a CMA house, “home”.

Adam (Supportive LivingApartment) rememberswhen he celebrated his40th Birthday at theGeorge WashingtonManor in Roslyn. “Thiswas a very special birth-day being that it fell on aleap year. Not many peo-ple can say that!Everyone from CMA cameand I had such a goodtime! I will alwaysremember that day.”

Alex

Lisa

Allison (Kings Point) has met somany wonderful staff membersand other program participantsover the years. “I mostly enjoystaying home with my friends,playing Monopoly and otherboard games or just sittingdown on the sofa to watch amovie. I love my home!”

Andrew

Antonia Howard Paul

Last year was a big yearfor Lisa (Tulip Resident).“I had hip surgery andthe staff really helped merecover. I also movedinto my new home andreceived a certificate ofachievement at the gala.My parents were veryproud of me!”

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2 Helping Extraordinary People Lead Ordinary Lives

O F F I C E R SWilliam Quinn

PresidentRichard Glosman

Vice PresidentRobert Peare, CPA

TreasurerPeter Alpert, Esq.

Secretary

BOARD OF DIRECTORSPatricia Carpenter

Nancy ComerDavid M. Donnelly, CPA

Matthew EngelMichael Intrabartola

David JustinDavid Kay, Esq.

Staci KipnesGerald Levy, CPCUThelma Newman

Joanne QuinnCarl Soller, Esq.Ossie Spector

HONORARY MEMBERSLen Berman

Hon. Tom DiNapoliJeffrey Forchelli, Esq.

Anthony Imbarrato, Esq.Susan Isaacs

Hon. Arthur (Jerry) KramerRev. Kurt von Roesclaub

Joan Walter

YOUNG LEADERSHIPCOUNCIL Co-Chairs

Matt EngelStaci Kipnes

Courtney QuinnMEMBERS

Derek S. BestreichIlana EngelStacey Gish

Nicole HernandezMichael Kelley

Daniel V. MickelsonErin Mosesman

Mike O'NeillBoz Reilly

Jill Raab-RosenmblumMichael Raab

Scott SilbermanGladys Valencia

Julie P. Samkoff, C.S.W.Executive Director

Diana Miceli-GuerinDirector of Development

John’s mother died in 1991. She was in her for-ties. John’s father died in 1997. He was in his fifties.John was lucky enough to have an aunt who caredenough to help him as much as she could. Johnlived alone. His aunt stopped by every day afterwork for a while. Other than that, John was alone.John, though developmentally disabled, is a prettycapable guy. He was generally able to take care ofhimself. He ate meals he prepared in a microwave.But mostly, John was alone. He didn’t have a job.He wasn’t in a day program. He didn’t have a jobcoach to help him get a job. John had no friendsand didn’t go out or socialize. He described himselfas a “night owl”, mostly sleeping during the day atnight, listening to the radio and calling “800” num-bers at hotel chains and airlines for conversation.

After ten years, John and his aunt agreed that it was time to look for a grouphome for John. John’s application found its way to us. We happened to have a spotavailable in a home with men about John’s age and level of ability. John moved inshortly before Christmas.

He wasn’t sure about participating in our men’s group but agreed to give it a try.The night of the group, led by our clinical staff, the group talked of the holidays.They were aiming away from the commercial aspect but the talk turned to what theywanted. John said, “I just want to be with people.”

I’ve been privileged to be the Executive Director of CMA for nearly eleven years.Every decision we make to open a new home or embark on a new program is basedon our ability to maintain the quality of service our program participants deserve.But part of the decision is based on people like John and his aunt and the knowl-edge that there are so many more in our community like them.

Please accept my thanks for being part of our family and for helping us be ableto provided the quality of care we think they deserve.

The reason CMA exists is to serve our residents.We will never lose sight of this purpose and willadvance initiatives that afford our extraordinary resi-dents the opportunity to live ordinary lives.

The set of qualities that make CMA distinctiveare nurtured by two critical factors. The support wereceive from you and the quality of our staff. Yourgenerous contributions allow CMA to provide forour residents in a manner that not only exceedswhat is required but mirrors the way a family wouldcare for one of their own. We do our utmost to pro-vide a work environment designed to attract andkeep the best people.

We are looking forward to the 2008 opening ofthe Sweet Comfort Café and all the great experiences that enterprise will bring to theresidents. As always I deeply appreciate the dedication, professionalism and commit-ment shown by our supporters, staff and board of directors.

It is a great honor to serve CMA in 2007 and I know 2008 will be a great year.

Message from Julie P. Samkoff,C.S.W., Executive Director’s Message

Message from William Quinn, CMA's President

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3Helping Extraordinary People Lead Ordinary Lives

The idea of a bakery and cafe with soft plush couchesand wide-oak planked floors seems to appeal to a lot ofpeople. The Sweet Comfort Bakery & Café has foundthat when you add rich, chocolate brownies, freshlyground coffee, WIFI, and late evening hours to a businessthat has the social mission of training and employingadults with developmental disabilities, most people findthe idea irresistible.

The Special Hope Foundation thinks that The SweetComfort Bakery & Café is an appealing, worthy businessventure and they just gave $30,000 to support The SweetComfort Bakery & Cafe and its mission. Located inMenlo Park, CA, The Special Hope Foundation was creat-

ed to improve the lives of individuals who are develop-mentally, physically, and mentally disabled and to followtheir mission of supporting innovative projects that chal-lenge the prevailing attitudes towards individuals withdisabilities. The Special Hope Foundation was started in2002 by John and Lynne O’Hara to provide funds fororganizations that champion the causes of those who areless able and to break down negative stereotypes that areoften associated with the disabled community. By build-ing up programs that empower people with specialneeds, it is hoped that public perception as a whole willbe impacted

The Special Hope Foundation SupportsThe Sweet Comfort Bakery & Cafe

Thirteen years ago a dedicated group of individualsfrom the insurance industry came together to form TheLong Island Insurance Community (LIIC) with the goalof giving back to the communities in which its memberswork and live. The LIIC, a division of the United Way,had their annual gala in October with their most success-ful fundraising event to date. A record-breaking$365,000 was raised by LIIC to benefit Long Islanders inneed of health and human services. A generous $10,000of the funds raised was given to CommunityMainstreaming Associates Inc.’s (CMA) newest project,The Sweet Comfort Bakery & Café.

Long Island Insurance Community NamesCommunity Mainstreaming Associates As Grant Recipient

Left to Right - Camilla G. Belser, LIIC co-chair, Melissa Raphael, CMA's Director of Social Enterprise, Stephen E. Rach, LIIC co-chair and R. Craig Coryell, LIIC co-chair.

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4 Helping Extraordinary People Lead Ordinary Lives

CMA OlympicsThe sun glistened on the morning dew at Eisenhower

Park on October 21, 2007. It was the perfect day for the1st Annual CMA Olympics. CMA pro-gram participants from ten differenthouses began arriving in their coordi-nated handcrafted uniforms and ban-ners, displaying great pride for each oftheir individual homes. It was to be aspirited day of friendly games andcamaraderie. The teams marcheddown to the fields behind their elabo-rate team banners, anxiously antici-pating the start of the day’s festivities.

Kickball, water relay races and pie eating contestswere just a few of the many activities held on that

delightful afternoon. Not only were theprogram participants having a wonderfultime, the staff had just as much fun helpingCMA’s program participants run the basesand learn the rules to all the games.

As the warm sun began to set, an awardsceremony was conducted rewarding every-one who participated for their enthusiasm,motivation and determination. It was a dayfilled with laughter, smiles and great friend-ships that will be cherished by all.

Sometimes it is so easyto think our residents

need our help, butwhen given the chance

to astound us, theyrarely disappoint.

1st Place Winners – Supportive Living

2nd Place Winners – Irma Residence 3rd Place Winners – Avenue C. Residence

On the night of October 19th CMA held their AnnualTalent Show at St. Stephen’s Church in Port Washington.Despite the torrential downpour of rain, all performersknew that the show must go on!

The amazing magic act performed by Mark and thegospel singing of Harry and his back-up dancers were justsome of the great performances filling the room withlaughter, amazement and fun for everyone. This eveningwas not about disabilities, but rather about abilities and

talents. Performances also included Rhonda singing aRick Springfield song and Howard dressed up in a classic70’s suit, reminiscent of John Travolta in Saturday NightFever, complete with afro wig. This evening made all thestaff, families and supporters in attendance feel bothpride and admiration for all performers.

Happiness was contagious and on this night, all ofthe men and women of CMA enjoyed the spotlight.

Annual Talent Show

1ST PLACE WINNERS

Supportive Living

2ND PLACE WINNERS

Irma Residence

3RD PLACE WINNERS

Avenue C. Residence

BEST BANNER AWARD

Tulip Residence for their musical banner

BEST TEAM T-SHIRTS

Carleton Residence

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5Helping Extraordinary People Lead Ordinary Lives

Jessica Dinatale, Employment Specialist Supervisor

On October 15th, JessicaDinatale was hired asCommunity MainstreamingAssociates, Inc., EmploymentSpecialist Supervisor. In2004, Jessica graduated fromAdelphi University in GardenCity, NY with a BA inPsychology and continued toreceive a master’s degree inEducation with a specialty inVocational Rehabilitation atHofstra University inHempstead, NY. In addition,Jessica has experience as a certified rehabilitation counselor at Queens Nassau Rehabilitation & NursingCenter in Far Rockaway, NY. Jessica additionallyworked as a job coach for Abilities, Inc. in Albertson, NY.

Jessica will provide oversight and supervision ofWorking Together, a program that will offer a blendedprevocational and supported employment program.This program will provide vocational assessments, jobtraining, and intensive and ongoing supported employ-ment services for individuals with developmental dis-abilities who are capable of productive employment.

Robert Mattson, Clinical Coordinator

Robert Matson was hiredas CMA’s Clinical Coordinatoron July 9, 2007. Rob receivedhis bachelor’s degree inPsychology from BinghamtonUniversity and continued toachieve his master’s degree inPsychology from AdelphiUniversity. Rob comes to usfrom Options for CommunityLiving in Smithtown, NY withexperience as a counselor atseveral of their independentliving facilities. Robert hasalso conducted research involving learning disabilities.

Rob will assess the mental health of consumers andtheir decision-making capabilities. Rob will also helpin the development of individualized behavioral plansfor each consumer and provide oversight, direction andtraining to the direct care staff.

Janice McLeod, Senior Accountant

On October 22, 2007,Janice McLeod was hired asCommunity MainstreamingAssociates, Inc., SeniorAccountant. Janice receivedher bachelor’s degree inAccounting from YorkCollege. Janice comes to usfrom Family Residencies &Essential Enterprise in OldBethpage, NY with experienceas their Account ReceivableManager. Janice has alsoworked as a Senior Accountant at the Institute forStudent Achievement, Inc in Lake Success, NY and asan Assistant Controller at Fountain House, Inc. locatedin New York, NY.

Janice will be responsible for accounts receivableand general support for the Controller.

Valentin Nanev, Clinical Supervisor

Valentin Nanev was hiredas CMA’s Clinical Supervisoron October 22nd. Valentincomes to CMA with an exten-sive background in AdvancedPsychological Studies.Valentin achieved his bache-lor’s degree in Psychology inJuly 1999 and his master’sdegrees in Clinical Psychologyand Mental HealthCounseling and in Industrialand OrganizationalPsychology. Valentin spent anabundance of time as a Research Assistant at theDerner Institute at Adelphi University performingextensive data analysis.

Valentin will be responsible for developing individ-ualized behavioral plans designed to enhance the men-tal health of all consumers. In addition, Valentin willdesign and conduct training programs for our staff topreserve the high quality services for which CMA isknown.

Join Us in Welcoming CMA’s Newest Employees

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6 Helping Extraordinary People Lead Ordinary Lives

“It’s all about the residents!” said David M. Donnelly,CPA of Marcum & Kliegman LLP, proud recipient of the2007 John Walter Humanitarian Award at CMA’sIndependence Ball. Those five meaningful words were atrue testament to the meaning of a spectacular evening.

David diligently served as Treasurer of CMA’s Boardof Directors from 1997 – 2007, and remains an activemember. “Being on the board has been a wonderfulexperience. My fellow board members have always beenvery kind to the residents and me. The level of generosi-ty and caring is phenomenal. I believe that CMA’semployees are all dedicated and professional people”.

In addition, CMA’s Executive Director, Julie P.Samkoff, C.S.W. presented the Helping ExtraordinaryPeople, Lead Ordinary Lives Award to three remarkableCMA employees. Linda Petrillo, Manager of theSupportive Living Program (CMA employee for 15 years),Heather Aylward, Director of Residential Services (CMAemployee for 15 years), and Eric Weigel, FacilitiesManager, (CMA employee for 25+ years).

All award recipients, as well as all CMA board mem-bers and staff have worked diligently to make the organi-zation what it is today, a place where families trust thattheir loved ones with developmental disabilities are

receiving the best care possible and a place residents areproud to call home.

Through the efforts of the entire Gala Committee,CMA’s Independence Ball was a spectacular evening andraised $50,000.00. The November 3rd event, held at theNorth Hempstead Country Club in Port Washington,attended by CMA’s most cherished friends, offered out-standing music, excellent cuisine and fun prizes. Butabove all, it was more than just a party. It was all aboutthe residents and what everyone can do to ensure thatthe impeccable services that CMA provides to men andwomen with developmental disabilities continue.

CMA is extremely thankful and humbled by the sup-port received by all of the guests, sponsors and donors.The financial success of this event will help CMA toensure that we continue to make decisions based onwhat is best for the men and women served at CMA.Special thank you to the Quinn Family Foundation,Marcum & Kliegman LLP, The Helen Matchett DeMarioFoundation, Inc. and The Natalie Bailey & Herbert J.Kirshner Foundation for their generosity.

Thanks to Dave and Annie Donnelly for truly makingthis evening extraordinary!

Community Mainstreaming Associates Presents The 2007 Independence Ball –A Benefit to Help Extraordinary People Lead Ordinary Lives

Helping Extraordinary People Lead Ordinary Lives Awardrecipients Linda Petrillo, Heather Aylward and Eric Weigelwith CMA’s Executive Director, Julie P. Samkoff, C.S.W.

Gala Co-Chair, Ossie Spector (bottom middle) joined withfamily and friends.

Honorary Chair, Angela Anton, publisher of Anton CommunityNewspaper and the Boulevard along side Independence Ballhonoree, David M. Donnelly with wife, Anne and CMA’sExecutive Director, Julie P. Samkoff, C.S.W.

CMA’s President, William Quinn, (standing second fromthe left) of the Quinn Family Foundation, joined by familyand friends.

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7Helping Extraordinary People Lead Ordinary Lives

FOUNDERS CIRCLE:Fifth Child Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. George Frank, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey JustinMr. & Mrs. Zoltan Justin

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel RobbinsMr. & Mrs. Peter Sclafani

BENEFACTOR:Mr. & Mrs. Stephen GuidiceMr. & Mrs. Jacob Harman

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Turtletaub The Bahnik Foundation, Inc.

Women’s Club of The Congregational Church of Manhasset

PATRON:Mr. Geoffrey Bartholomew

Rev. & Mrs. Nils BlatzMr. Stuart M. JohnsonMr. & Mrs. Joel Levy

Mr. & Mrs. Leonard LewisMrs. Marie Marcellino

Metals 2000, Inc.Dr. and Mrs. David NewmanMr. & Mrs. Irving Rosenzweig

SPONSOR:Mr. Elkan Abramowitz &

Ms. Susan IsaacsAffiliated Adjustment Group, Ltd

Mrs. Billie Diamond Mr. Jeffrey D. Forchelli, Esq.

Ms. Doris KashMr. Scott Kimmel

Ms. Carol Newman Ressa Realty

Mr. & Mrs. Martin Schwartz Mr. & Mrs. John Walter

DONOR:Mr. David Abel

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur CohenCongregational Church of Manhasset

Mr. & Mrs. Junius Davenport Mr. & Mrs. John Di MeglioMr. & Mrs. Barry Frankel

Mr. & Mrs. Wesley GuylayMr. & Mrs. Alan Helman

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hercman Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Kozarsky

Mr. & Mrs. Gerard LeedsMs. Barbara Levin

Mr. & Mrs. Robert MarkmanMr. Mark Menendez

Mr. & Mrs. Brian Noone

Mr. & Mrs. Jon PetersonMr. & Mrs. James Quest

Mr. William Wagner

FRIEND:Ms. Margaret Chanda

Cow Bay Sprinkler Corp.Mr. James H. CowlesMr. John Czajkowski

Mr. & Mrs. Rudolph De Winter Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Forte Mr. & Mrs. Neil Gershon

Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Glasser Mrs. Shirley Katz

Mr. & Mrs. John Lawlis Dr. & Mrs. Karl Neumann

Dr. & Mrs. Daniel S. Papernik Mr. & Mrs. Frank Schreitmueller

CONTRIBUTOR:Mr. & Mrs. Harold Champol

Ms. Liz Diamond Mr. & Mrs. Miles Glantz

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Halpern Dr. & Mrs. James Naidich

Mr. Vincent SavareseMr. & Mrs. Bert Schneider

Ms. Judith SimonMr. & Mrs. Donald Wefer

OTHER:Mr. & Mrs. Marc Fuchs

Ms. Ann Gelles Mr. Louis Seeger

* TRIBUTES *

IN MEMORY OF JOANNE CARPENTER

Mrs. Eva Cairns Mr. & Mrs. George Frank, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Henning

Ms. Greta M. HicksMr. & Mrs. Kenneth Wessel

Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Wolowitz

IN MEMORY OF LAURA FRANKLYNMs. Victoria G. Maxwell

IN MEMORY OF HENRY HAASMs. Sylvia Kapner

IN MEMORY OF JOHN HAYESMs. Joyce Mancini

IN MEMORY OF STEVEN JUSTINMr. & Mrs. Jacob HarmanMr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Justin

Ms. Tricia Justin

IN MEMORY OF DANA KIMMELMr. Scott Kimmel

IN MEMORY OF SUZANNE ROBBINSMr. Jacob Robbins

IN MEMORY OF MIRIAM SOLLERMr. & Mrs. Carl Soller

IN HONOR OF JOAN BRENNER’S 80th BIRTHDAY

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur LevineMr. & Mrs. Stanley Merjan

IN HONOR OF CMA OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

Mrs. Phoebe Lazarus

IN HONOR OF THE RESIDENTSMr. & Mrs. Lewis Miller

IN HONOR OF D&G BROPHY & J & J LEVINE

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Cohen

IN HONOR OF MR. & MRS. RICHARD GLOSMAN

Mr. Martin B. Perlman

IN HONOR OF MR. & MRS. ISRAEL’S 40th ANNIVERSARY

Ms. Patricia Lowy

IN HONOR OF SUSIE MILLERMr. & Mrs. Murray Hazan

IN HONOR OF GUSTOV OLSON’S BIRTHDAY

Mrs. Joan Brenner

IN HONOR OF LINDA PETRILLOMr. & Mrs. Jim Brigham

IN HONOR OF ERIC ROBERTS 65TH BIRTHDAY

Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Miller

IN HONOR OF KITTY & ZOLTAN JUSTIN

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Riederman

THANK YOU!On behalf of all the men and women of CMA, we would like to extend our

gratitude to all the foundations, businesses and individual friends for their support. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

* gifts received July 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007

0802 CMA winter 08 1/28/08 3:51 PM Page 7

Editor: Diana M. GuerinDirector of Development

Contributions to CMA’s Newsletter are welcomed and appreciated. Please send your ideas, stories andphotos for upcoming issues to:

99 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 200Garden City, New York 11530

Tel: (516) 683-0710Fax: (516) 683-0711Email: Dmiceli203@aol.com

Non Profit OrgU.S. PostageP A I D

Permit No. 326Garden City, NY 11530

If you do not wish to receive CMA mailings in the future, Please check this box and mail back to CMA or fax it to (516) 683-0711

N E W S L E T T E R

If you would like to support our efforts, the followingare ways you can become involved:

• Join the Fundraising, Golf & Tennis or Fall Gala Committee

• Become a member of the Young Leadership Council

• Donate tickets to concerts, shows, movies and sporting events for our residents to enjoy

• Explore how a tax-advantage gift to CMA could benefit you and your family while helping support the long-term fiscal health ofCMA

For all these opportunities and more, please call Diana Guerin at (516) 683-0710, extension 203 or email her at Dmiceli203@aol.com.

g lf&tennis14th annual

tournament

Monday

May 5 & May 12, 2008

Muttontown Country Club

East Norwich, New York

sponsored by:

SAVE THEDATECommunity Mainstreaming Associates, Inc.

Community Mainstreaming Associates, Inc.Young Leadership Council

is delighted to present

The 2008 Winter Cocktail Bash

The Crooked Knife 29 East 30th Street

(Between Park & Madison) New York, NY 10016

212*696*2593

Wednesday, February 27th

7:00pm – 10:00pm

$50~ Includes Open Bar & Hors d'oeuvres ~

($60 At The Door)

Come and be served by Members of the Young Leadership Council.Behind the bar, they will be at your beck and call!

To RSVP, please contact CMA’s Director of Development,Diana Guerin at (516) 683-0710, etx. 203 or Dmiceli203@aol.com

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