Spotlight on Support: Paulina Tamayo & Shalimar Robles

Things have been endlessly busy around Delta Services!  We have been steadily growing in the last few months, and in turn we have welcomed many new consumers and staff to the WAPADH community.  It has been very exciting as we get to know all of these new partners.  Growth is a very positive process, especially in the current economy.  However, as we grow at WAPADH, we are very conscious of the fact that sometimes growing too fast can negatively affect the quality of services.  Delta Services is doing everything possible to make sure that as we take on new services and clients, quality programming remains intact.

At Delta Services, we strive to provide meaningful programming that doesn’t compromise each individual’s specific needs and goals.  It is always crucial to find a good match between our staff and the people to whom they provide support.  A strong bond is essential.  It is always a pleasure to observe the connection a staff has with the people they support, when they have a solid relationship, and have been working together for a substantial amount of time.  I would like to take time to recognize one of the strong partnerships we have here at WAPADH.  Paulina Tamayo has worked at WAPADH’s Delta Services since September of 2008.  During that time, she has worked with Shalimar Robles, a 25 year old woman who receives support services through Delta.  These ladies have been nice enough to share their experiences in working together.

Shalimar & Paulina

Paulina, on working with Shalimar:

I am pleased to work with Shalimar and give her the one-on-one support for numerous reasons.  Shalimar and I have a great connection which enables us to have great communication with one another.  Shalimar is an intelligent young woman who advocates for her rights and needs.  She strives to achieve her goals and objectives and to become as independent as she can be.  Also, Shalimar is a productive woman that takes initiative in her education.  Despite that she works almost every day of the week, she attends Rio Hondo College to further her education.

Shalimar believes that having an education and expanding her knowledge will help her become a productive citizen in our society.  I am pleased to be Shalimar’s mentor and guide her through her goals and provide her with various types of assistance to facilitate Shalimar’s comprehension skills.  Therefore, working with Shalimar one-on-one has been a great experience and personal achievement in my life because I know I am making a positive difference in her life.

Shalimar, on working with Paulina:

I’m glad to have Paulina as my staff because she is a fun and creative person.  She is a very supportive and encouraging woman that wants only the best for me.  Paulina helps me get through the harsh hurdles I go through at times.  She is a positive role model in my life, because she has achieved her goals that she set in her life.  For this reason, I look up to Paulina, because I as well want to achieve the goals and objectives I have set in my life.

Matthew Zurita, Training Specialist for Delta Services, shared that “Paulina Tamayo has stood out all year.  Paulina has encouraged her client to reach academic potentials as well as focusing on each of her clients’ goals and objectives.  She has gone that extra mile.”  Stability in staffing and consistency in service is extremely important in the dynamics of support.

We are proud of Paulina and Shalimar’s success, and look forward to both of their bright futures.  Many thanks to them for sharing their experiences.  To others out there, please feel free to share more success stories!

Staff Spotlight: Kelly Bice

WAPADH has had a great 2010 so far!  Delta Services is getting new referrals nearly every day, and we are looking forward to gaining new consumers and welcoming them into our program in the near future.  It’s exciting to be experiencing growth, and to be getting such great feedback from our community.  This growth enables WAPADH to not only provide services to more people, but also expand the types of services we provide as well.

Of course, we would not be able to provide quality programming without the skill and experience of our staff.  Additionally, customer service is extremely important, to ensure that our consumers receive personalized, meaningful services.  This month, I’d like to recognize one of our talented employees, Kelly Bice.  Kelly stands out as having a “can do” attitude.  She has the ability to provide her supervisor with important insights about support.  Here is what Kelly’s supervisor, Jeff Mohler, had to say about her:

 “Kelly is an excellent example of what a WAPADH employee should be.  Kelly always has a positive attitude and is well liked by her peers and consumers.  Families and care givers always have pleasant things to say about Kelly…  Her ability to listen and understand consumer needs has helped in creating well balanced and meaningful consumer schedules…  Kelly has wonderful work attendance and is very reliable.  Her feedback and progress notes provide important information, progress, barriers, and achievements.  Kelly is a team player.  She truly understands what it means to be an advocate for her consumers.”

We thank Kelly for her hard work!

Laurie & Kelly

Happy New Year!

We are wrapping up yet another year, here at WAPADH.  2009 was somewhat challenging, so personally I am not sad to see it go!  I am optimistic that 2010 will bring exciting new adventures to WAPADH.  However, I don’t want to minimize all the great things that have been happening around WAPADH in 2009 and most recently, in the last few weeks.

One notable event was Terry Alvarez’s 50^th birthday!  Terry has been a long time consumer of WAPADH, and now receives services from Delta as well as from WAPADH’s Supported Living Services.  To celebrate this milestone, Terry had a party at WAPADH and also went to Disneyland with friends.  Happy birthday, Terry!

The Volunteer Leadership Group at WAPADH visited the Orange County Food Bank earlier this month.  This trip was the group’s second annual visit, and marked the end of a two week food, toy, and clothes drive to help others. 

Audrey at the OC Food Bank

The Volunteer Leadership Group delivered food that had been donated during the drive, and packed over 320 boxes of food to be delivered to people in need.  That broke WAPADH’s record from last year!  If you’re interested in seeing the entire set of photos from the OC Food Bank, please visit WAPADH’s Facebook page.  And don’t forget to become a fan!

Debbie & Gloria at the OC Food Bank

In addition to making a commitment to give to others, WAPADH was also fortunate to receive donations this holiday season.  Last Tuesday, WAPADH consumer Marcelo Lauria was surprised when a large group of his family and friends visited his onsite art class.   

Marcelo with friends & family

The visitors sang Christmas carols, brought holiday treats, and donated much needed supplies.  We are thankful for all the help we continue to receive from our family and friends.   

As you can see, it has been rather busy around WAPADH.  Luckily, we were all able to slow down and enjoy ourselves for a bit at the Delta Holiday meal.  We had a great turnout, and everyone seemed to have a great time.  It’s just a small thank you to all who make Delta Services happen each day.  It was a nice way to say goodbye to 2009, as well. 

Frank, Jessica, Eddie, Christian & Martin at the Delta Holiday Meal

I would love to hear your ideas about how we can make WAPADH even better next year.  As always, communication is a huge focus for our agency, and we want to make sure that we get regular feedback from our consumers, families, staff, and community members.  

May 2010 bring health and cheer to all of you.  Happy New Year, from WAPADH!  

Staff Spotlight: Lilly Fernandez

Hello December…  We are working our way into another month, and it’s time for another staff spotlight!  As always, I have been getting great feedback about many of our Delta staff.  However, I want to take a moment and recognize one person in particular:  Lilly Fernandez.  Since June of 2003, Lilly has worked for WAPADH’s Delta Day Program and Supported Living Services.  Here is what her supervisor, Charles Hogue, has to say about her:

“Lilly Fernandez has done an excellent job as a Vocational Training Counselor for Delta Services WAPADH.  She is an engaged staff that understands and cares that her work directly affects our consumers tremendously. She has provided our clients with excellent support and can always be counted on to think outside of the box and anticipate what needs to be done next.  Lilly is a model employee who always maintains a positive and professional attitude. Lilly has done an excellent job collaborating closely with families, group homes and her supervisor in order to ensure her consumers are receiving the best services possible.  Recently, Lilly has taken on challenges and obstacles that most community advocates may never experience.  Her initiative, ability to do more than what is expected from her and her attention to detail has been very key in assisting one of her clients overcome a major obstacle in his life.  She has taken on a schedule that requires a lot hard work and patience and not only has she accepted it, she cherishes it.”

Much appreciation has been expressed by the consumers and families that Lilly supports.  And we want to show our appreciation as well!  Lilly says, “It’s been a good positive experience working for WAPADH, consumers and staff.  Thank you for all of the support.”  Thanks for everything Lilly- keep up the exceptional work!

Ed & Lilly

What are you thankful for?

At WAPADH, we are thankful for our staff!  I probably don’t have to mention that everyone has felt the effects of the California budget issues.  Our agency is no exception.  There have been many budgetary scares in the past year.  And while no one is quite in the clear yet, we are happy to have our doors open, to be supporting people in our community, and to be financially strong during hard times.  Everyone has worked to make this happen.  Employees at WAPADH have had to make many sacrifices, but I am proud to say that the quality of programming has not been compromised.  It’s great that we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but we want to make sure that communication continues and that all voices are heard.  In order to ensure that our staff receive the training and resources they need, and have a chance to express their ideas and concerns, Delta Services has been focusing on training.

This month, Delta Services held a Town Hall style meeting for all staff.  This allowed for a regular monthly training, but also provided a wider forum for staff to ask questions, express concerns, and also take a moment to talk to coworkers over a continental breakfast.  We want to make sure that everyone here at WAPADH has the opportunity to give their feedback and ideas.  And I invite the community to do the same as well!  Feel free to send a comment or email anytime.

Once again, I cannot say enough about all that our staff do here at Delta Services.  I am thankful for everyone that makes WAPADH work!  Happy holidays to you and your loved ones.

-Brady   

Paul & Joe

Staff Spotlight: Margarita Chulde

Every day I see hardworking staff going out of their way to provide first-rate instruction to the individuals they support.  I could write a very long blog entry about some of the amazing things that people are doing here at WAPADH.  Right now, however, I would like to take the time to recognize one particular staff that really stands out as an exceptional employee. 

Margarita Chulde, who has been with WAPADH since November of 2007, has demonstrated an incredible drive to grow as a support person for people with disabilities.  Margarita’s supervisor, Jeff Mohler, had the following to say:

Margarita has been successful in developing well thought out and productive schedules for her two consumers that have several challenges that include communication and sensory issues.   Margarita understands that her consumer’s behaviors displayed are not tantrums but are actually a form of communication.  Margarita has been able to learn techniques to help each of her consumers to motor plan and successfully get through their day.             

Margarita has made a visible effort to become a well rounded communication partner to the people she serves.  She has taken the time not only teach the people to whom she provides support, but also learn from her experiences with them.  Explaining her work philosophy and secret to her success, Margarita said, “When you go deep in understanding yourself, you become teachable and able to support other lives.  Personally, strong relationships as well and meaningful spiritual life have brought me to a profound self-understanding.  I love what I do at WAPADH!”

And we love what Margarita is doing here at WAPADH too!  One of her consumers, Susanna, expressed gratitude for the support she receives.  “Margarita is a very understanding person and she has a good heart.  Thank you for working with me.”

Thanks from everyone here at WAPADH!

Whittier’s Celebrating Abilities Expo

Steven at the Celebrating Abilities Expo.

We had another great year at Whittier’s 7^th Annual Celebrating Abilities Expo.  It was held on October 21^st at Parnell Park again, and it was a perfect day for people to come out and see what is out there for people with disabilities in our community.  WAPADH hosted a table with information about our services, and our fellow vendors included a variety of organizations, including Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center, the Red Cross, and the Autism Society of America.  There was a lot of foot traffic coming through the room.  It is always nice to see young students from local middle schools and high schools.  And of course, there were many consumers to represent WAPADH as well!  Overall, it was a great morning.  Events like the Celebrating Abilities Expo always serve as a reminder of how exceptional and accessible Whittier is as a community.  Thanks to the city of Whittier for putting on the event!  

The crowd enjoys the weather and music outside.

The band entertains the Expo attendees.

Lydia, Mark, Thomas, Kasey and Mary take a break outside.

Jesus, Willie, and Ruben enjoy the music.

Welcome to the new Delta Services Blog!

Thanks for stopping by our brand new blog.  WAPADH is very excited about getting connected!  On October 1st, we are launching our new and improved website at www.wapadh.org and hope people check in regularly to see what’s happening at our agency.  There, you can find links to other program blogs, our event calendar, and many ways to keep in contact with us.  You can now follow WAPADH on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as well.  Go to www.wapadh.org to find out more. 

Check back soon to get regular photos and updates about what we are doing at WAPADH’s Delta Services.