Volume #20 – Issue #6
CP of NYS ADDS NEW BOARD MEMBER
Ross B. Levin, of New York City, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of CP of NYS. Mr. Levin will also serve on the Board’s Property Committee.
Mr. Levin is a Principal at Arbiter Partners, an investment advisor with headquarters in Manhattan. “Mr. Levin’s expertise in investments and real estate will be very beneficial to our organization as we move forward in an increasingly complex and difficult business environment,” said Thomas J. Caserta, Jr., Esq., Chairman of the CP of NYS Board of Directors.
At Arbiter Partners Mr. Levin manages the research process and personnel for a private investment partnership and conducts global equity research, credit analysis, industry research, and merger and deal analysis. Mr. Levin currently serves on the Board of Directors of Mood Media Corporation, a TSX listed firm. He previously served as a Board Member at Presidential Life Corporation, a NASDAQ listed insurance company as well as Trustee at American Community Properties Trust.
“We are pleased to have someone with Ross Levin’s experience and expertise join our Board,” said Susan Constantino, President & CEO of CP of NYS. “He will bring a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to our mission that will make us stronger as we move forward in an uncertain environment.”
SEEKING SUBMISSIONS FOR STATEWIDE ART CONTEST/CONSUMER ART POSTER & STATEWIDE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
2014 CP of NYS Annual Conference
OCTOBER 20-22
Hilton Albany, Albany, NY
We will again produce a commemorative poster containing the individual entry from each Affiliate. We ask that each Affiliate select and submit one piece of original artwork created by someone receiving support or services from your agency. The entry must be an original painting, drawing or sketch, and submitted by the Affiliate. There is no minimum or maximum age, but please submit just one piece of original artwork per Affiliate.
We will also conduct a photography exhibit at the Annual Conference. We are asking each Affiliate to select and submit one original photograph created by someone of any age who participates in one of your agency’s programs to be included in an exhibit at the CP of NYS Annual Conference in Albany. We will conduct a vote at the Conference to honor one photographer’s work during the CP of NYS Conference.
Make sure to submit work that we have permission to display publicly. We recognize that it is difficult to choose just one creation to include in the 2014 exhibit but believe that this is a great way to highlight some of the wonderful talent that exists in Affiliates across the state.
Please contact Al Shibley with any questions at (518) 436-0178 or ashibley@cpofnys.org.
CP OF NYS SUPPORTS LEGISLATION TO CREATE NEW ACCESSIBLE ICON AND SIGNAGE
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef and State Senator David Carlucci held a joint news conference in Albany on May 19 to promote legislation that would create a new universal symbol for access and remove the word handicapped from signs in New York State.
Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State (CP of NYS) joined other advocacy organizations and self-advocates at the news conference to call on the New York State Legislature to pass the legislation before the end of the current legislative session next month.
“I believe this legislation is a positive step forward and provides a much more dynamic, inclusive and appropriate representation of people with disabilities,” said CP of NYS President & CEO Susan Constantino in a news release.
NEARLY 200 FROM ACROSS THE STATE ATTEND RALLY IN ALBANY TO HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR RESIDENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Family Advocates United, in collaboration with other advocacy groups across New York State, conducted a flag demonstration on Tuesday, May 20th at the Capitol in Albany. Each flag represented a person waiting for residential supports and services from the State. Representatives from each region of the state traveled to Albany to add their flags to the demonstration.
Long Island Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, a long-time advocate for people with developmental disabilities, delivered an emotional keynote speech to the nearly 200 people at the Rally. Mr. Weisenberg was joined by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Senators Mark Grisanti, Timothy Kennedy and George Maziarz.
Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg speaks to families and advocates at Albany Rally.
Some of the nearly 200 participants at the rally listen to Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg.
MORE THAN 200 ATTEND 2014 CORPORATE COMPLIANCE CONFERENCE IN TROY
The 7th Annual Corporate Compliance Conference, presented by CP of NYS and NYSARC, Inc., attracted more than 200 people to the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy. The May 13 event – Compliance Challenges 2014 – included educational sessions presented by top professionals in the field.
The two morning sessions were, “Compliance Initiatives,” presented by Matthew Babcock and Stephanie Kohli from the Office of the NYS Medicaid Inspector General, and “Justice Center Investigative and Prosecutorial Overview,” presented by Patricia Gunning and Anthony Bruno, of the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.
The two afternoon sessions were, “HR and Employment Concerns for Human Service Agencies,” delivered by John Bagyi, Esq. and Hermes Fernandez, Esq. from the firm of Bond, Schoeneck & King, and “Best Practices for an Effective Compliance Program” with panelists Ellen J. Arocho, Queens Centers for Progress; Larry Faulkner, Esq., Arc of Westchester; Ellen J. Gribbin, Cerebral Palsy Associations of NYS; and Barbara McDermott, Madison Cortland Arc.
To view PowerPoint presentations from the 2014 Corporate Compliance Conference please visit our website athttp://tinyurl.com/lh8knct.
Some of the more than 200 attendees listen to presentation at the 7th annual Corporate Compliance Conference, presented by CP of NYS and NYSARC, Inc.
TWO CP OF NYS AFFILIATES RECOGNIZED FOR GOOD WORK
Jawonio Recognized by Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Rockland County Corps honored Jawonio at its 9th Annual “Doing the Most Good” Awards Breakfast on May 8 to honor organizations and people that reflect the nonprofit’s mission of giving back to the community, helping those in need and doing the most good in Rockland County.
Jawonio was selected for its red kettle work partnership with The Salvation Army and for being a premier provider of lifespan services in New York’s Hudson Valley for people with developmental disabilities, behavioral health challenges and chronic medical needs.
UCP Suffolk Also Honored
Congratulations too, to UCP of Suffolk for being named a winner at the 2nd Annual Long Island Imagine Awards on May 6. UCP of Suffolk won the Pilot Benefits Group Innovation Award for its American Red Cross Volunteer Support Group, the nation’s first group of individuals with developmental disabilities who are trained Red Cross volunteers.
NYSILC LOOKING FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS
The New York State Independent Living Council, Inc. (NYSILC) is seeking candidates to serve as potential volunteer council members appointed by the New York State Regents to three-year terms. The Council is looking to fill a number of vacancies and terms that will expire at the end of the year. Interested candidates should contact the NYSILC office at (518) 427-1060, or bradw@nysilc.org for further information and a complete application. The application and other supporting materials should be sent electronically to bradw@nysilc.org by the end of business on Monday, June 16, 2014. The recommendation and appointment process will proceed over the next few months. Appointed members will begin new terms in January 2015.