2015-2016

Annual Report

As we celebrate 65 years of advocacy and support to children and

adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, we are often reminded

of our services’ quality by colleagues and licensing inspectors. Our

Early Intervention Department has increased our 3-5 year old

supports in lower Bucks County and expanded our census in both

center and home-based services. The Residential Department

supports over 100 residents in homes located in Bucks, Lehigh, and

Philadelphia Counties. Our residents live in a variety of homes: some

are very structured; some have only limited supervision; and others are with unrelated families.

Vocational Services continues its programs for over 250 workers. We operate two Light

Manufacturing Programs, two Food Services Training Programs, and one program to place

workers in community jobs. The physical space for our two Adult Day Care Programs, two

Adult Senior Programs, and one Autism Spectrum Disorder Program has been significantly

expanded.

The Human Resources Department continues to fit the right people in each job category,

while allowing for career development and strengthened supervisory relationships. As

management positions become vacant we have been most successful in promoting subordinate

staff. The Quality Resources Department provides essential components of a comprehensive

quality management process by adhering to our core values of accountability, integrity, self-

respect, quality, and diversity. The Development Department continues its growth overseeing

forty annual events through participation from every department: Fiscal, Quality Resources,

Human Resources, Early Intervention, Residential, and Vocational. Several staff continue to

participate in a number of Speakers’ Bureau events at churches, service clubs, and municipal

authorities. The Fiscal Department contributes to our surplus bottom line by providing timely

financial reports and the writing of waiver proposals for underfunded needs to obtain additional

funding. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, the agency had total assets of $9,003,000 total

liabilities of $5,202,000 and Net Assets of $3,801,000. Fiscal Year 2014-15 again closed with a

positive bottom line on annual expenses of $19,582,000 offset by revenue totaling $19,793,000.

I continue to appreciate the work of our dedicated staff, consultants, volunteers and board as we

enter our 66th year.

A Message From the Executive Director

1 A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

About our Executive Director: Dr. Robert H. Schram joined BARC in 1977. He has over forty years

of experience in human services in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Rob has a Bachelor’s Degree in

Political Science, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and received his Doctorate from Nova

Southeastern University in Public Administration. He was promoted and currently maintains the status of

Fellow with the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) for

meritorious contributions to the field. He also was nominated for the Grenzebach Award for Outstanding

Doctoral Dissertation.

Rob’s professional memberships include AAIDD and the Pennsylvania Association of Resources for People

with Developmental Disabilities (PAR). Rob serves with the Bucks County Business and Community

Development Advisory Board and Eagle Workers Compensation Trust Board of Directors. He mentors and

approves the research of Baccalaureate candidates at Thomas Edison University. He provides expert

testimony for both plaintiffs and defendants. He is the published author of twelve books on various subjects:

enjoying life; mysticism; dream interpretation; travelogues; technology; company management; mixed

marriage; corruption.

aZ

MEET OUR EXECUTIVE STAFF 2

Noreen Coleman celebrated her sixteenth year with BARC Developmental

Services in November 2015.

She started at the Warminster Early Intervention site as the Center Coordinator

and moved into the Program Director position over Central and Upper Bucks

Early Intervention in 2003. This January, she was promoted to the position of

Department Director of Early Intervention. Noreen is a member of the

Workforce Enhancement and the Advocacy/Human Rights/Quality Resources

Committees.

Noreen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Millersville

University and is Certified K-12 in Pennsylvania.

Mary Sautter has over twenty-eight years experience working with individuals

with intellectual disabilities. Prior to joining BARC, Mary worked for 4 years

with ICF/ID programs as both a Resident Supervisor and Staff Trainer and also

worked 2 ½ years as a Supported Living Caseworker. Mary first joined BARC in

1994 as a Program Coordinator in the Residential Department. After 6 years,

she transferred to the Quality Resources Department for 2 years. After working

for another agency as the Residential Services Director for 2 years, Mary

returned to BARC in March 2005 as the Regional Residential Director for Upper

Bucks area. In 2009, the department was re-structured and Mary was promoted

to Residential Director. Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology

from Gettysburg College. She is a member of the Prader-Willi Syndrome

Association USA.

Scott Kulp graduated from East Stroudsburg State College with a Bachelor of

Arts degree in Psychology, and from the University of Scranton with a Master of

Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.

He joined BARC Developmental Services in 1976 as a Job Placement Counselor,

was promoted to Rehabilitation Manager at BARC Production Services

Quakertown in 1978, Site Manager of that facility in 1985, Clinical Supports

Administrator for the Vocational Services Department in 1999, and Director of

Vocational Services in 2001. Scott will celebrate his 40th anniversary with the

agency in August 2016!

In addition to his duties as Director of Vocational Services, Scott assumed the

position of Development Director, January 1st, 2016. He is a long time member

of the agency Advocacy/Human Rights/Quality Resources Committee and a

founding member of the BARC Developmental Services Foundation. Scott is also

a seasoned Putting People First instructor.

Meet Our Executive Staff

EE

MEET OUR EXECUTIVE STAFF

3

Barry Johnston, Director of Quality Resources, joined BARC Developmental

Services in 1992 as a Rehabilitation Manager in Vocational Services. In 2013,

Barry was promoted to Director of Quality Resources. Within this role, Barry

also serves as the Privacy Officer for BARC Developmental Services.

Barry earned a Master's Degree in Training and Organizational Development

from St. Joseph's University, a Post-Master's Certificate in Social Service

Administration from Temple University and a Master's Degree in Counseling

from Shippensburg University. He is also a Training Center Faculty member for

the American Heart Association. Barry is a member of the Association for Talent

Development and conducts several training courses for BARC, in addition to his

regular job duties. He is also a member of the Society for Human Resources

Management.

Lori Vail joined BARC Developmental Services in August 1993. She received

her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Mankato State University in

1983 and began her professional career as an accountant with the Higher

Education Assistance Foundation in St. Paul, Minnesota. After five years at

home raising her young children, BARC provided the perfect opportunity to

resume her career in accounting, offering a flexible part-time work schedule,

along with progressively challenging job responsibilities. After 12 years as a

Bookkeeper and Accountant, in November 2005, Lori was promoted to the

position of Director of Financial Services.

Kathy Rancourt joined BARC Developmental Services in May 2007 as

Recruitment Manager. She took on additional Human Resources Generalist

duties and was promoted to Director of Human Resources in October 2013.

Previous to joining BARC, Kathy worked in Human Resources and Volunteer

Coordinator positions for non-profit agencies in the Bucks County area and in

New York State.

Kathy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education/Social Sciences

from Russell Sage College and a Master of Science in Administration, Human

Resources Concentration, from Western Connecticut State University. She has a

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification, is a member of SHRM, the

Society for Human Resources Management and is a SHRM Certified

Professional.

3

EARLY INTERVENTION

The year 2015 saw a number of significant

changes for the Department. The Friendship

Circle center-based program in Lower

Bucks currently operates with four

development support classrooms and two

collaboration classrooms with BCIU/Head

Start. This represents an increase in the

overall census due to the opening of another

afternoon developmental support class in

August 2015.

Bristol Township Community Development

Funds (federal) have been cut back

significantly in the past few years and are

unlikely to be provided in 2016. This does

present some concerns related to our ability

to keep on top of building repairs, although

our communication with Bristol Township

(the entity that owns the building) remains

strong. We will continue to maintain

communication with local elected officials

and seek their support in helping us access

additional public dollars that may become

available.

The Home-Based Birth to Two Program has

continued to experience steady referrals.

The program continues to support over 300

children monthly. The four Program

Supervisors provide guidance, support and

encouragement to the families and serve as

the integral link to the Bucks County Office

of MH/DP. They also support our

contractors in meeting their professional

development requirements by informing

and encouraging their participation in EI

related trainings. Quarterly collaborations

with the contractors are organized by the

Program Supervisors to discuss trends,

review regulations, and highlight special

topics.

The department has been focused on

meeting the revalidation requirement.

Submitting the site packets and supporting

the independent contractors in completing

their provider revalidation packets in order

to prevent issues with billing in the future.

Early Intervention services remain in full

compliance with all regulatory and licensing

requirements.

Once again the Coyne Chemical Company,

a family owned business in Croydon, has

contributed a significant amount of money

to the center that will support our Music

Therapy Program through 2016. The

children look forward each week to

participating with the music teacher and

playing various instruments.

The department serves around 400 children

each month. All programs continue to

experience very little staff turnover and the

gains being made by the children in all Early

Intervention services remain significant.

Parent feedback continues to be extremely

positive and satisfaction surveys remain

strong. Dr. John Pfeiffer, the Early

Intervention Director for the past 16 years,

retired in December.

4

Photo 1: Georgeanne Hopkins,

Teacher, helps her students (l-r)

Luis Torres, Saniyah Brooks and

Alexander Arroyo display

artwork on the preschool wall.

Photo 2: Masalan Salagbi

enjoying music class at school.

Photo 3: Rezoan Islam and his

little sister celebrate his

preschool graduation.

Photo 4: Miss Nancy’s Head

Start class poses with a fire truck

courtesy of Croydon Fire

Company.

Photo 5: Thomas Ohme excited

to attend the annual Friendship

Circle Preschool Ice Cream

Social.

EARLY INTERVENTION

5

Joshua Levan By Dawn Killian, Center Coordinator

Joshua started in BARC Developmental Services’ Friendship Circle

preschool program in the fall of 2013 at the age of three. He joined

Ms. Linda’s developmental support class in which he received

educational and therapeutic services. Joshua’s participation allowed

him to make gains in his cognitive, social, motor, and communication

skills. He was able to increase his attention in activities, improve in

following directions and increase his play skills.

In the fall of 2015, he transitioned right down the hall to the BARC/BCIU/Headstart

collaboration classroom. In Ms. Nancy’s class, Joshua has the opportunity to interact with both

typical developing peers as well as other children with special needs. Joshua enjoys playing with

his friends each day.

“Joshua is a very sweet young boy. He is an asset to our collaboration classroom. He arrives

with a smile and has something funny to say each and every day. Joshua loves to play and

construct buildings with his friends. Perhaps he'll be an architect in his future. Joshua favors

music time especially when it involves jumping or instrument playing. The louder the better is

his motto,” said Ms. Nancy. The children respond well to music. It allows them to learn and

express themselves in a different manner. Ms. Kate, our music therapist, will develop songs to

go along with the theme, which help to enrich the learning environment. Joshua and his friends

are always excited to have music class. She is able to touch upon many areas of development

including motor (movement, manipulation), speech/language (singing, requesting) cognitive

(answering questions) and social skills (sharing, turn taking)…all of this while having so much

fun!

Josh, along with his sister Annabelle and parents accompanied our Special Instructor, Lisa

Welhaf and I to the Coyne Chemical Holiday event in December at which they were presented a

generous check to support the music program for another year.

It has been a pleasure to support Josh and work with his family. We wish them all well as he

transitions to kindergarten in September.

Dawn Killian came to BARC Developmental Services as a Pennsylvania Certified Teacher in

the Early Intervention Department. After many years of dedicated service in the lower Bucks

Friendship Circle preschool program, Dawn was promoted to the position of Center

Coordinator. In this role she oversees the complex daily operations of a busy center-based

program. She works collaboratively with CDI Head Start and maintains strong working ties

with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, the entity that refers children to the program and

funds the educational and therapeutic programs necessary to fulfill the tenets of all

Individual Educational Programs (IEP’s). Additionally, Dawn works closely with all center

families as is necessary and is responsible for adhering to all state and local regulatory

requirements and maintaining the center license issued through the Pennsylvania Department

of Public Welfare.

6 RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

The Residential Department currently

supports 97 individuals in homes located

throughout Upper and Central Bucks

County, Lehigh County, and Philadelphia.

Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF/ID)

provide residential services to fifty

individuals in structured 24-hour per day

supervised programs. Community Living

Arrangements (CLA) provides services for

32 individuals in structured programs, with

varying levels of supervision. Supported

Living (SL) provides services to five

individuals living in homes and apartments

with lower supervision needs. BARC

currently supports 10 individuals in

Lifesharing arrangements in the homes of

eight different families. During 2015,

BARC opened one new CLA home. We

also broke ground on a new ICF home that

is scheduled to open in April. This new

handicapped accessible home is being built

for 6 gentlemen who currently live in a

multi-story home; the new home will better

meet their needs.

The Residential Department continues to

actively promote “self-determination” and

person- centered planning for all individuals

supported residentially by BARC

Developmental Services. We are committed

to ensuring that all individuals have choices

in their lives. This includes choices in

everyday activities, as well as major life

altering choices. The individual’s desires

are explored through collaboration with the

individual, the Support Coordinators,

family members and friends. Typically, a

creative team is able to meet the challenges

and find ways to help the person achieve his

or her goals, hopes and dreams.

During 2015, the structure of the

management of the department remained

largely unchanged. There continues to be

two residential offices, one at each

workshop location. This allows for a closer

collaboration between the vocational and

residential departments, in addition to a

significant continued cost savings. Many

policies and procedures were written and/or

revised over the past year in an effort to

improve the quality of supports and

consistency throughout the department.

Also in 2015, the residential department

added an additional nursing position who is

assigned to the CLA/SL/LS department.

In the upcoming year, the greatest

challenges for the Residential Department

will be recruiting and retaining Support

Associates and providing quality supports to

an aging population. The individuals

supported by BARC Developmental

Services are aging and with that comes new

medical needs that Support Associates may

not have encountered before. In 2016, we

are committed to offering quality supports

for the changing needs and to promote self-

determination through the continued

collaboration of team members in

identifying and fulfilling each individual's

life goals and dreams. We also look forward

to continued expansion of services by

expanding our pool of Life Sharing

providers and opening more Life Sharing

homes.

Photo 1: Lisa McGrath and

Terry Jackson enjoy a delicious

dinner prepared by our

Lifesharing staff.

Photo 2: Genny Menzen

celebrates after successfully

throwing a football through a

hoop at the Residential Carnival.

Photo 3: Dorothy Edney and her

Lifesharing family, Alissa

Gerber, Support Associate, Mike

Young, Home Manager and their

son Jack.

Photo 4: David and Tanya Spink

check out a police car at a

Special Needs Open House

hosted by the Pennridge Regional

Police Department.

Photo 5: Corron Ciliberto enjoys

an evening of painting at the bi-

weekly Residential Department

Social/Recreational night.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

7

Ruth Lake By Filomena Coletta, Program Coordinator

Ruth Lake is a 70-year-old woman who joined the BARC family in 1978.

Ruth currently resides in a CLA home with three other housemates.

Ruth is verbal and is able to make her needs, wants and desires known.

She is a very independent woman who is capable of caring for her

personal hygiene and grooming, and choosing her own clothing. Ruth

can also cook simple meals with supervision. She feels that the kitchen

is her domain and will become irritated and sometimes angry when others

violate her space in the kitchen. Ruth enjoys going out into the

community, in particularly shopping, getting her hair and nails done, and dining out at various restaurants. In

addition, Ruth loves to travel; most recently Ruth went on a nine day Caribbean cruise.

Ruth had shared a bedroom for many years; however, she now has her own bed room. She has decorated her

room and selected green paint on her walls as well as her bed room décor, as green reminds her of Ireland,

one of Ruth’s favorite vacation destinations.

In 2012, Ruth was diagnosed with Mood Disorder. Ruth was having difficulties at home with her outbursts

and aggression towards housemates and staff. A behavioral analysis was performed in August 2012 in

conjunction with her formal Behavior Plan, and revealed that the primary function of the behavior was

connected to sensory stimulation. Sensory function indicated that she may become overwhelmed by external

events in the environment.

Ruth worked at the BARC Production Services Warminster five days each week, two of those days working

in the cafeteria. In March 2015, she informed her team that she would like to stop working in the cafeteria as

it made her tired. Ruth also wanted a partial retirement in which she would take off on Wednesdays and go

out into the community to her desired activities. Beginning in March 2015, Ruth partially retired from

BPSW and took off one day a week. In September 2015, Ruth, along with her team, met to discuss an

additional retirement day per Ruth’s request. The team supported Ruth, impressed with her self-advocacy.

Beginning in October 2015, Ruth retired two days from the workshop. Ruth now attends BPSW on

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00am-4:30pm. While Ruth is at home on Tuesdays and

Thursdays, she utilizes her community as well as prepares lunch for herself when she is not going out to

lunch.

A positive outcome from Ruth’s change in schedule was her reduced stress and anxiety. Beginning in

October 2015, her doctor agreed to begin to decrease her medication. Ruth recently talked about how she

has been, how the holidays were for her, the recent changes in her work schedule and personnel in her home.

She continues to remain stable . The plan going forward is to discontinue her medication completely in 3

months if the current reduction is well tolerated.

Congratulations to Ruth for advocating for herself, and kudos to her team. Job well done!

Filomena Coletta has been working in the human services field over the past 19 years; thirteen of

these years have been at BARC Developmental Services. She began working at BARC

Developmental Services in 2003 as a Support Associate. In 2004, she was promoted to the Assistant

Home Manager. Then in 2006, she became a Home Manager. In 2014, she was again promoted to

Program Coordinator of 4 CLA homes.

Filomena grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, where she continues to reside. She is blessed with a

beautiful seven-year-old daughter. She is also a Life Sharing Provider with an individual that she

had the pleasure of working with during her tenure at Harvey Ave.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

8

Matthew Weinkopff By Amanda Selkow, Program Manager

In June 2015, Matthew moved from a Quakertown home to a Doylestown

home. He had lived at his previous home for 25 years. Matthew always

took pride in his work and attended BPSW. He never went a week

without earning a paycheck. During 2014, Matthew began to refuse going

to the workshop. Matthew would show visible signs of increased anxiety

when he was asked to go to work. The staff worked with him and tried to

help him cope with his anxiety. Over the next few months, Matthew

began to refuse outings into the community and all medical

appointments as well. The team tried many different strategies to help him overcome these challenges.

After many failed attempts, the team decided to reset Matthew’s entire environment.

Matthew moved to a new home on a trial basis in April 2015. He adjusted well to the move and even

attended BPSQ for a few days. Matthew did experience a set back after the first week and he started

refusing workshop again. This set back was triggered by a doctor appointment that occurred during a

day he was at workshop. The appointment did not go well and Matthew ended up spilling a beverage

on himself. He was taken back to the house to change and refused to go back to work after that

incident. Matthew is very motivated by coffee and a schedule was incorporated into his day with coffee

being offered every 2 hours. This has seemed to lower his anxiety and he has had less incidents of

stealing. Matthew has also started receiving intensive behavior support through Indian Creek. Matthew

has responded well to this support and has been going into the community more as each week passes.

He is even going into Dunkin Donuts every week for a coffee and has not had any concerns. Matthew

is working on a picture book; he is going into the community and taking pictures of different places he

may go. The pictures help to prepare him for the outing and are a way for the staff to communicate

effectively with him.

Matthew has been cooperative with all medical appointments since the reset, and even went to

Philadelphia for his dental under general anesthesia. Matthew has begun to see a new doctor and we

are working on decreasing a number of his medications. Even though Matthew is not attending a day

program at this time, he is doing work simulation and shredding at his home. The team is very happy

with Matthew’s progress since he moved.

Amanda Selkow has been working at BARC Developmental Services for 4 years. She began

working as an Assistant Home Manager and was promoted to Home Manager after 3 months.

In 2014, she was promoted to Program Manager and supervised 5 ICF homes. Amanda holds

a Bachelor of Science degree from Millersville University.

The Vocational Services Department had a

very exciting and productive year in 2015!

The JOBS Program, Joint Opportunities for

Business and Society, maintained a very

positive working relationship with the

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR),

and received several referrals for

community based employment. The

program secured jobs for eight individuals,

all of whom enjoy their jobs and are proud

of their achievements.

The Sales Representative continued to bring

new customers on board, and also re-

established renewed relationships with three

previous customers, resulting in on-going

work from them!

Major renovations for BPSW moved

forward during the year. In August 2015,

creation of eight new offices and two

meeting rooms in the back corner of the

warehouse were completed, and T3

Construction was awarded the bid to

complete the renovations to double the

program space for the ATF/DSRP and ASD

Programs, with a completed date in January

2016. The middle section of roof over the

Workshop at BPSQ and Residential

Services offices, funded by the

Community Development Block Grant

(CDBG) program, was also completed in

August 2015.

Several new referrals were received for both

programs, and staffing remained stable

during the year. The annual licensing

inspections were uneventful, resulting in full

licensure of all programs.

As we enter 2016, we anticipate another

successful year providing quality services

and supports to the folks we serve!

VOCATIONAL SERVICES

9

Photo 1: Donna Histand and

Lisa Gibat, Production Coach,

work on collating catalogues at

BARC Production Services

Quakertown.

Photo 2: Renita Holland

prepares lunch for her coworkers

as part of BARC Production

Services Warminster’s Food

Services Program.

Photo 3: Danny Breffitt enjoys

some down time playing with

pegs in the Seniors Program at

BARC Production Services

Warminster.

Photo 4: Cosmas Maina working

hard on the production floor at

BARC Production Services

Warminster.

Photo 5: James Mulligan helps to

collate catalogues at BARC

Production Services Quakertown.

VOCATIONAL SERVICES

VOCATIONAL SERVICES

Kaitlyn Dougherty By Dana Wojciechowski, ASD Program Specialist

Kaitlyn began her journey at BARC in June 2010. She is a vibrant

young woman whose beautiful smile can’t help but put you in a good

mood. She loves to listen to her CD’s throughout the day and sing to her

favorite songs with her beautiful voice. When Katie first came to BARC,

she had a difficult time adjusting to the newly created Autism Spectrum

Disorder (ASD) Program. At first, she would separate herself from the

group and did not have much interaction or connection with staff or her

coworkers. She would often times become extremely frustrated and would have a difficult time

managing herself. She needed frequent staff intervention to keep herself safe. It almost appeared as if

Katie was not ever going to be acclimated to the program, and the team was even talking about

alternate day program placements. With much effort from the ASD staff members, they never gave up

on the idea that Katie would be able to adapt to the program and become a participating member.

With encouragement, Katie began to express herself using various communication devices and

pictures, and staff learned about the things Katie enjoyed doing, and created a program that

incorporated those activities. Through trial and error, the ASD team was able to determine the

antecedents that indicated Katie was feeling ill or frustrated. Katie started to have less and less

incidents of aggression and staff rarely needed to intervene, to the point that physical restraint was

able to come out of her plan of support, and it’s been over a year since that level of intervention was

used. The associates in the ASD program have provided amazing supports to Katie, which has

allowed her to become more interactive with her co-workers and staff. There are a few staff members

in particular who worked closely with Katie and took on certain challenges that allowed her to thrive

even more within the ASD program. She participates in group activities, such as music therapy (you

can even hear her singing!), morning meetings, cooking activities, and has even gone on outings to the

park and the pumpkin patch. Katie has made such progress over the last five years. She went from

essentially staying in her “own little world” to being an active member of the ASD Program. Now,

with significant renovations to the ASD program occurring, Katie has shown even more growth. With

continuous patience and encouragement, she has coped well with the temporary program relocation

and spends much of her day on the larger workshop floor. The coworkers in that program have

enjoyed getting to know her and will greet her with a smile when she arrives each day. They

especially love her sense of humor and her contagious laugh, along with her fun loving teasing. We

are very proud of her accomplishments and look forward to seeing what the future brings for Katie

and her on going journey at BARC.

About Dana Wojciechowski: Dana graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor’s degree

in Social Work.

She joined BARC Developmental Services in 2004 as a Production Coach, was promoted to Program

Specialist at BARC Production Services Warminster in 2008, Autism Program Manager in 2010 and

then returned to a part-time Program Specialist in 201, after returning from maternity leave. Dana

will celebrate her 9th anniversary with the agency in October 2016!

Dana lives in Warminster and resides with her husband Brad and their two small children, Lillian and

Luke. Dana enjoys doing yoga, keeping active and reading inspirational books. She enjoys working at

BARC because of the workers and being able to use her creativity to develop ideas that allow workers

to find their strengths and accomplish their goals, while being in a supportive and safe environment.

10

VOCATIONAL SERVICES

11

LaToya Sargent By Kelly Robbins, Program Manager, ATF/Seniors Program

LaToya, or “Toya” as she prefers to be called, came to BARC in January

2015 after various experiences with other day programs that weren’t the

correct fit for her. Toya is a very sweet, lovable, intelligent young lady

with an incredible amount of energy. Toya has a beautiful and infectious

smile that lights up her entire face and when she smiles at you, you can’t

help but feel a sense of comfort and smile right back!!

Toya’s team was very concerned when she began her transition to our day program. At this point,

because other programs did not work out for her, she was at home for almost a year, so Toya started

attending part time, three half days at first. Toya likes to keep busy, so we created a schedule with a

vast variety of activities that she likes to participate in with her peers. A few of Toya’s favorite

activities are playing ball at the YMCA, puzzles, listening to music, dancing (she is a great dancer),

arts and crafts, looking at magazines and when staff reads to her. Toya also enjoys being outside in

the warm weather, soaking up the warm rays. When we go to the park she likes to stretch out on a

blanket and “chill”. In September, Toya and her peers went to the Lehigh Valley Zoo and we found

out how much she loves animals! Toya smiled and laughed with enjoyment the entire day.

Toya has done such an amazing job transitioning into our day program, within six months she was

already attending on a full-time basis and in November 2015, she earned worker of the month award!

The ATF/Seniors Program is lucky and blessed to have Toya as a part of our daily lives! Great job,

Toya!

Kelly Robbins graduated from Kutztown State University with a Bachelor Degree in Social Work.

Kelly began working at BARC in 2011 as a Production Coach. She then became a Health Care

Coordinator a year and a half later. In August 2014, she was promoted to Program Specialist in the

ATF/Seniors Program, and in September 2015, was again promoted to Program Manager in the

same department.

Kelly is a single mom of three great kids. Heather is graduating with an Associate’s Degree in May

from Bucks County Community College, and will be entering Bloomsburg University in the fall to

pursue a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Erica is a senior in high school and

entering East Stroudsburg University in the fall, majoring in Criminal Justice, and Christopher, a

junior in high school, who has interests in owning his own construction business in the future.

Kelly’s favorite part about working at BARC is all of the individuals she encounters on a daily basis

that make her smile and laugh all day long!

Brian Bodine By Archie Hartzell, JOBS Manager

Time sure does pass. It only seems like yesterday when Brian Bodine

and I were completing his orientation at Triumph Brewing Company in New

Hope, Pennsylvania. That was in October of 2005 and Brian eagerly awaited

his start date of Monday, October 24, 2005, to begin his position of porter

starting his new career with its many duties and responsibilities.

Brian is very fortunate to be surrounded by many good people who advocate

for his success, not only in community based employment, but also in life as a

whole. My hat goes off to Brian’s family which consists of Mom, Dad, a

Step-father, two brothers, two sisters and let’s not forget Brian’s program team

and the wonderful manager and co-workers at Triumph Brewing Company.

Brian’s outgoing personality and enjoyment of socializing with people he comes in contact with are very refreshing

for a young man such as himself. Brian is in excellent physical condition, which could be attributed to his walking

to and from work or just walking around the town of New Hope.

Brian also likes to play sports, favoring basketball, football and baseball. Actually he is a team member with the

Triumph Softball Team. He enjoys weight lifting and competes in Special Olympics annually. Brian did tell me he

enjoys hockey with the Philadelphia Flyers being his first team of choice, but following a close second would be the

Chicago Black Hawks. He also enjoys watching, but better yet going to live professional wrestling matches.

Brian has recently left home after 29 years of living with his family. The transition was an adjustment to say the

least, but again with Brian’s terrific support from family and team members, the life-sharing experience is truly

headed in the right direction.

Brian keeps doing well at Triumph Brewing Company working four days a week. Some of his job duties consist of

cleaning all the floors, cleaning the restrooms and the stair wells. He cleans all the windows upstairs and downstairs

and the glass doors. He cleans the outside patio when weather permits and removes and cleans all trash receptacles.

Brian also had the opportunity for the last two summers to work for the Bucks County Children’s Museum with

their scheduled school field trips. His duties were to set up chairs and put on the table cloths. Then, after the field

trips were over, vacuum all the carpets, fold, remove, and stack all chairs and finally remove all the table cloths and

empty all trash receptacles.

The greatest feeling for the BARC JOBS Program is seeing an individual such as Brian become more independent,

adapt to a new environment such as Lifesharing, and maintain a steady course with his journey through life. One of

the reasons for his success is that Triumph Brewing Company has proven to be one of the many true advocates for

Brian and those supported through the BARC JOBS Program.

Brian, just remember as I said often, that every day at work to just do your best and you will see all things are

possible. You have proven if you want something bad enough, hard work will get you there. You are a valued

employee at Triumph. Just as you root for your favorite sports team or professional wrestler, you have to know

that many people in your life root for you.Go Brian Go! You’re the Best! My Friend!

Archie Hartzell joined the agency in mid July 1994 as Production Manager at BARC Production Services

Quakertown. In October 1997, he became the Micro Systems Manager until that program closed in 1999. Since

then, Archie has served as the JOBS Manager, Joint Opportunities for Business and Society, securing community

employment for individuals referred to the program. In addition to his duties as JOBS Manager, Archie is also

an agency Certified Investigator. He has been a Commissioned Officer with the Pennsylvania Game Commission

since 1987. In 2010, he was awarded the Outstanding Wildlife Conservation Officer by the Southeast Region of

the Pennsylvania Game Commission; in 2011 he was recognized as Outstanding Deputy of the Year, and in 2012

was recognized for 25 years of service. Archie was recently appointed Chairperson of the Salisbury Township

Civil Service Commission. Archie is a lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley; he and his wife Judy are the proud

parents of three children, Archie Jr., Stacey, and Simon, and grandparents of Emmett, Samuel, and Fransico.

Prior to joining BARC Developmental Services, Archie worked in the family business, manufacturing children’s

clothing for 25 years, and was also a successful real estate associate for 8 years.

QUALITY RESOURCES

The Quality Resources Department, guided

and oversighted by the Advocacy/Human

Rights Committee of BARC Developmental

Services, continues to focus on quality

improvement and risk management for

persons supported by the agency.

Quality Resources manages the essential

components of a comprehensive quality

management process, including compliance

with mandated regulations for reportable

incidents, monthly individual and aggregate

medication error analysis, peer review, and

compliance with privacy laws. The Quality

Resources Department, in collaboration

with the Residential, Early Intervention, and

Vocational Service Departments, continues

to facilitate the development and

implementation of the agency's quality

management plan.

Quality Resources continues responsibility

for the agency’s incident management

system. Beginning in January 2016, the

Pennsylvania Office of Developmental

Programs transitioned from their previous

internet based incident reporting system

(HCSIS) to a new internet based reporting

system called Enterprise Incident

Management. Quality Resources provided

direction relative to BARC Developmental

Services transitioning to this new system.

The Advocacy/Human Rights Committee,

in collaboration with Quality Resources,

oversights activities through a monthly

review of reportable incidents.

Quality Resources provides oversight and

risk management of our medication

administration practices through a monthly

trend analysis of medication errors. The

Advocacy/Human Rights Committee

reviews individual and aggregate medication

error data each month.

Quality Resources continues review

protocols for individuals who have critical

concerns in the areas of behavioral health,

physical health, and risk of restraints. The

Peer Review Committee provides reviews of

selected individual treatment plans

throughout the year. Reviews focus on the

plan's clinical appropriateness, safety,

informed consent, credentials and training.

The Peer Review Committee provides

monthly review and semi-annual approval of

all restrictive treatment plans.

13

Photo 1: Two of our CPR

Mannequins cleaned and prepared

for a day of staff CPR certification,

a requirement of all direct care

staff.

Photo 2: The BARC

Developmental Services Peer

Review Committee: Danielle

Belardino-Kolla, Nursing Supports

Manager; Chris Bennett, Quality

Resources Coordinator; Eric

Macklin, Program Director, Sarah

Holesworth, Rehabilitation

Manager and Sharon Stern,

Community Advocate.

Photo 3: Barry Johnston, Director

of Quality Resources, conducts a

HIPPA training for BARC

Developmental Services

associates.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Ensuring a culture able to attract and retain

qualified associates is a critical goal for any

business. The Human Resources Department

plays a crucial role in ensuring quality of

professional support is provided to the children

and adults served by BARC Developmental

Services. To achieve this goal, the department

remains committed to making appropriate hires

and guiding the career paths of our top

performers.

BARC Developmental Services employed an

average of 214 full time, part time and

provisional staff in 2015. Although average

length of service remains high, especially at the

administrative and managerial levels, it

continues to be challenging to fill open direct

care positions with permanent BARC staff. A

new CLA home was opened as well as a

preschool classroom in Early Intervention

which required additional staff. As a result of

this and other needs, 29 positions were created.

Three positions were eliminated and several

part time positions combined to better serve the

changing demands of the individuals

supported. Sixty-two new associates were

hired in 2015. In September, the agency

instituted a hiring bonus for new direct care

staff as well as increased the bonus amount for

current associates.

The agency prioritizes efforts to retain valued

associates and to provide a career path for

those who desire more responsibility. Retention

strategies include an emphasis on the

relationship between the associate and

immediate supervisor, as well as open

communication and other initiatives to

encourage associates to feel connected to the

agency. Supervisors participate bi-annually in

an interactive two day supervisory training

program taught by the Director of Human

Resources and the Human Resources

Generalist. Human Resources staff frequently

work individually with supervisors to support

their coaching and feedback interactions and to

assist them in guiding associates to find

internal career paths. Sixty-two associates

applied for internal positions and 15 were

promoted. Three associates took advantage of

the Educational Assistance Awards to continue

their education, including one who was

promoted after finishing his Bachelor’s degree.

Ten associates have flexible work

arrangements to help them balance work life

with other obligations.

In October 2015, the annual Length of Service

ceremony and reception was held at Peace

Valley Park, recognizing twenty associates

who reached employment milestones of 5, 10,

15, 20 and 25 years of service. Additionally,

various publications are distributed throughout

the year, which focus on a variety of issues

relevant to associates and the agency.

As an important part of the compensation

package, benefit offerings are reviewed

annually and plans amended as needed to

reflect changes in legal requirements, while

still offering an attractive benefit package to all

eligible associates. In October and November,

the Human Resources Department facilitated

eleven open enrollment presentations at five

locations to all benefited associates. These

presentations provided a benefit overview, as

well as an opportunity for associates to interact

with benefit vendors.

Information Systems is also an integral part of

the Human Resources Department and ensures

the continuity of network and computer

services throughout the agency through

planning, technical leadership and project

implementation. Service is provided to

approximately 120 users in six office locations

and 21 group homes throughout Bucks County,

by monitoring and administering the day to day

security, availability and maintenance of the

network and agency website.

14

Photo 1: BARC Developmental

Services associates enjoy a picnic

lunch as part of the agency’s

Glad We Work Together

program.

Photo 2: Shnica Smith, Assistant

Production Manager, thanks her

fellow associates for so many

wonderful years of employment

with the agency at the annual

Length of Service Ceremony.

Photo 3: Associates at the

Quakertown Residential Office

participate in Crazy Sock Day to

support Down Syndrome

Awareness Day.

DEVELOPMENT 15

The Development Department has had a

very busy and productive year that came

with some large changes. In June,

Danielle Fox was promoted to

Development Manager and Melissa

Bradford, former Residential Healthcare

Coordinator was hired as the

Development Assistant. Through their

dedicated efforts, the transition was

smooth and the department continued to

produce professional public relations

materials, strengthen relationships with

donors and host a variety of fundraising

events.

In the past year, the Development

Department coordinated the following

events: The Ivyland Invitational for

BARC Developmental Services golf

outing, which took place at Five Ponds

Golf Course in Warminster and

generated $16,000, its largest profit

ever; the Mercedes-Benz Raffle Party at

Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland where 460

tickets were sold netting $28,000; the

Annual Autumn Luncheon, which took

place at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland

generated a profit of $13,000 and the

Phillies/Trenton Thunder Raffle that

netted $7,000 after expenses. The

Community Capitol Campaign, which

began in 2013, has generated $37,000 in

contributions used to support our Hot

Lunch initiative that provided our

vocationally supported individuals with

free, nutritious lunches throughout the

year.

In 2015, a number of new fundraising

initiatives were introduced. After much

consideration, the department

discontinued the agency’s annual Walk-

A-Thon replacing it with a

ZumbaTHON, which took place at

Lenape Valley Church in Chalfont and

generated a profit of $4,000. This year

also launched our Dining Around

program, partnering BARC

Developmental Services with local

restaurants who donate a percentage of a

day or evening’s income. In conjunction

with Residential Social/Recreational

Committee, the Development

Department helped to orchestrate the

agency’s first ever Designer Handbag

Bingo, which took place at Trinity

Episcopal Church in Buckingham and

generated a profit of $4,500 for the

Residential Activities Fund.

The department was also instrumental in

moving the United Way Campaign

forward, overseeing the Annual

Membership drive and orchestrating the

activities of the tireless volunteers who

work to ensure that the many mailings go

out on time. The department continues to

ensure that PROGRESS, our agency

newsletter, is completed and mailed to

supporters two times per year.

Additionally, this past year three

speakers represented our Speaker’s

Bureau initiative at ten speaking

engagements.

Throughout 2015, the Development

Department coordinated and distributed

12 issues of Hand In Hand, a monthly,

associate driven newsletter and

coordinated and designed the Annual

Report. The department continues to

send an email based newsletter, Bits of

BARC, which is distributed to our

growing email base of supporters each

month.

The department continues to remain

active in keeping agency website content

up to date. In an effort to gain more

visibility and more website traffic, the

Social Media Committee continues to

maintain active agency Facebook,

Twitter and LinkedIn pages. In 2016, the

department hopes to continue to expand

viewership on all of our social media

pages by providing not only agency

information, but stories and photos of the

individuals we support.

The BARC Foundation Committee

continues to remain fully operational.

There are currently three supporters

participating in our Charitable Gift

Annuity program.

In 2016, efforts to increase corporate

sponsorships and annual membership

will remain an ongoing priority.

Photo 1: The nine energetic Zumba

instructors that generously donated their time

for the first ever BARC Developmental

Services ZumbaTHON.

Photo 2: Mary Judd, winner of the 50/50

raffle at the 36th Annual Autumn Fundraising

Luncheon.

Photo 3: Dr. Robert Schram, Executive

Director (center right) enjoys a day of golf

with his foursome at the annual Ivyland

Invitational for BARC golf tournament.

FISCAL

The Fiscal Department remains dedicated to

the agency, the programs and the

individuals supported by BARC

Developmental Services. This commitment

is evident in the ongoing efforts to:

Provide timely and meaningful

financial reports.

Accurately project income and

expenses, enabling stable programs

and fiscal planning.

Obtain additional funding for

extraordinary expenses to ensure

quality care and meet the needs of

the individuals served.

Support the service departments

with timely and accurate

information.

In fiscal year 2014-15, the department

successfully obtained additional funding

from the Pennsylvania Office of

Developmental Programs (ODP) –

Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF/ID), ODP

Consolidated Waiver, and Bucks County

Department of Mental Health /

Developmental Programs (MH/DP). This

ensures adequate funding to enable the

programs to capably support the individuals’

current and changing needs. Requests for

additional funding for fiscal year 2015-16

are under review by ODP for BARC’s

ICF/ID & Supervised Living programs.

Our agency continues to support individuals

whose needs require careful and vigilant

oversight to ensure that all fiscal needs are

identified and financial support sought, in

order to provide them with a good quality of

life based on the principles of self-

determination. Throughout the year, the

department closely monitors income and

expenses for all programs, and works

proactively with the service department staff

to ensure continued revenue for all of our

programs predicated on reasonable and

rational needs.

Fiscal Year 2014-15 closed with a positive

bottom line on annual expenses of

$19,582,000 offset by revenue totaling

$19,793,000. Upon annual review of the

agency’s financial records and department

procedures, we are proud to report that the

auditors continue to be satisfied with our

internal controls and note no material

weaknesses. This is a reflection of the

dedication, concern, professionalism and

teamwork demonstrated by each member of

the Fiscal Department, in cooperation with

the service departments on behalf of the

individuals served through our agency.

16

2014-2015 Funding

Federal Funding -

$9,142,000

State Funding -

$8,750,000

County Funding -

$157,000

Other - $ 1,744,000

1%

44% 46%

9%

Photo 1: Volunteers sell 50/50

raffle tickets at the Annual Autumn

Fundraising Luncheon.

Photo 2: Vickie Shoudt, Payroll

Bookkeeper, and Lori Vail, Chief

Financial Officer, sell Mercedes

Raffle tickets to party attendees.

Photo 3: The bake sale table set up

at the agency’s Designer Handbag

Bingo event filled with baked

goods made by associates in our

residential department. All sales

benefitted the Residential Social

Activities Fund.

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS 17

Joan Esling 1

st Vice President

J. Scott Kramer, Esq. Secretary

Richard E. Brown, Jr.

Kathleen Grasmeder

Sherri T. Portnoy

Patricia A. Schuck

Dr. Robert Sasson

Joyce Simons, RN, CDDN

Teresa Manero President

Philip J. Carey 2

nd Vice President

Michael W. Mills, Esq. Treasurer

Meet Our Board of Directors

“To Serve and Advocate for Individuals with

Intellectual Disabilities and Autism”

4950 York Road, PO Box 470

Holicong, PA 18928-0470

info@barcprograms.net

www.barcprograms.org