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Teaching Budding Chefs

Whitsons Culinary Group provides lunch for the students and staff in the Gardner and Crestwood Schools at Woods Services. The Whitsons team at Woods Services recently held a Spring Fling event for students featuring a Chefology 101 Junior lesson, Elmer’s Organic Garden, and the Yard Bird Pop-Up.

 

During the Chefology 101 Junior program, students learned how to prepare delicious vegetable salads and wraps. The goal of the program is to introduce students to cooking using different natural ingredients, create healthy recipes, and learn kitchen safety. The students were given aprons and hats for an authentic experience in the kitchen.

 

The students also went outside and planted seeds to grow vegetables in an outdoor vertical garden using organic soil as part of Elmer’s Organic Garden program. The program’s goal is to create connections between students and the foods they eat. The students planted seeds to grow mesclun, basil, thyme, and Swiss chard and will water and care for the plants as they grow in the coming weeks.

 

The students then enjoyed a delicious Yard Bird sandwich, topped with pickles and Whitsons’ secret sauce on a brioche bun, prepared by Chef Harold Moreno. The students all had a great time, and they received certificates for their participation and take-home activities to complement what they learned.

student in orange hoodie is making a salad with advice from a man wearing a black chef shirt

$1 Million Grant Helping Build Skills for Employment

 

Woods Services has a critical need for enhanced and increased vocational training space in the Gardner Education Center due to its growing day student population.  Woods actually maintains a waiting list because it cannot accommodate all of the students for whom it receives referrals.

 

Thanks to a $1 million grant from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development Redevelopment Authority Capital Program (RACP), the Gardner Education Center will be renovated to accommodate state-of-the-art vocational training space and classrooms for students with intellectual disability, autism and behavioral challenges.  Requirements of the grant stipulate that Woods must match the grant with $1 million, which will be supported by a bequest from The Estate of Marilyn Goldstein.

 

This project will address the need for education, vocational and training for students with disabilities so they can enter the workforce, and help recruit and retain special education teachers and instructional aides.

 

Modernizing this space is urgently needed. The project entails creating a 5,054 square foot state-of-the-art vocational wing to house remodeled classrooms, each dedicated to a vocational track needed to train students for 21st century jobs, and will add a new modern façade along the entire front of the building, and a brand-new glass-walled entryway with a reconfigured reception area which will be more welcoming for students and families, and improve safety.

 

When the renovation is complete, students and teachers alike will benefit from a state-of-the-art vocational program, bright, welcoming and safe entryway into the building, and a visually appealing new façade that will modernize the look of the entire building.

 

Woods receives referrals from school districts which are unable to serve students who have a high level of need for intensive services and supports. Students attend as day students or as residential students. A hallmark of the Woods Schools is the School-Wide Positive Behavior Support program, a nationally-recognized approach which puts in place universal supports for all students, which significantly reduces challenging behaviors for the majority of students, and adds more intensive tiers of supports for students with the greatest social, emotional and behavior needs.

 

The renovated vocational areas will provide pre-vocational and vocational training in one of three tracks:

  1. cosmetology
  2. food and nutrition and life skills
  3. horticultural.

 

Two additional vocational tracks in customer service and technology will be held in existing classrooms, which do not require renovation.  Finally, a new wheelchair-accessible greenhouse will be constructed adjacent to the horticultural classroom. Each classroom is designed to replicate a real-life setting, such as a horticultural center, salon, and a kitchen and dining area where the full range of life skills can be taught related to food, nutrition, shopping and cooking. This allows for students to learn, practice and apply real-world skills that are needed to gain employment and to become as self-sufficient as possible.

 

Along with the new state-of-the-art vocational classrooms is a new vocational training curriculum, which incorporates brand-new technology and software addressing all aspects of pre-vocational, vocational and entrepreneurial training. New online vocational curriculum modules include financial literacy, creating resumes, conducting job interviews, and building skills needed for the workplace, such as communication, socialization, problem-solving, flexible thinking, behavior and self-regulation skills.

 

The enhanced curricula, paired with the new vocational spaces focusing on career areas such as customer service, food and nutrition, cosmetology, horticulture, and technology, will help students be prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation. Through this, they can live as independently as possible and to contribute to the economic life of the community.

 

Furthermore, improved instructional spaces and state-of-the-art installations will improve conditions for special education teachers and support their retention, especially when combined with professional development that the new curriculum offers.

 

Woods has integrated additional strategies into its education programs to address the teacher shortage, including its new Teach with Heart Fellowship, which allows emergency-certified teachers to obtain their Master’s degree at a low cost, receive mentoring from experienced teachers, and upon completing three years of employment, receive loan forgiveness.

The Woods Schools’ Class of ’22 Graduated and On Cloud 29!

Help Woods congratulate 29 students who graduated from The Woods Schools on June 29! We are so excited to see where these amazing, talented individuals will head next in their journeys.

 

Of the 29 who graduated, 10 will transition to Woods’ adult day enrichment program, where they will receive support with socialization, vocational training, health and wellness and purpose. Nine of the graduates will transition into Woods’ work center where they will start employment with the help of The Woods Enterprises. 10 are leaving Woods to move back home or into a community group home.

 

“I, along with my fellow staff here at Woods, am very proud of this year’s graduates of The Woods Schools for their dedication and determination to complete their education,” said Tine Hansen-Turton, president and CEO of Woods. “Their passion to excel and continually raise the bar for themselves and those surrounding them is inspiring. I am fully confident in their abilities to contribute their talents and rays of light to the world.”

 

The Woods Schools include the Gardner Education Center and Crestwood Education Center. They provide students of ages 5-22 with year-round special education and supports to help them meet their educational, emotional, behavioral and medical needs, as well as their personal goals. The students are provided instruction through an evidence-based, state-approved curriculum that includes reading, language arts, math, science and social students, health and physical education, vocational training, the arts and more.

 

Check out the photos below from our graduation ceremony on June 29 in the Gardner Education Center, and help us congratulate the Woods’ Class of 2022!

STAFF AT WOODS AND ITS AFFILIATES HONORED FOR THEIR INNOVATIVE IDEAS

It was a big night for staff at Woods Services and our affiliates at the 2022 Greater Philadelphia Innovation Awards on January 27. The event, hosted by The Social Innovations Journal, recognized ideas that are making Greater Philadelphia a thriving region of innovation and opportunity for all people.  Woods’ Recreation and Maintenance Departments were honored with a first place award in the Healthy Communities and Ecosystems category, and the Woods’ Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee received third place in the Social Investors category.

 

Staff and projects from Allies, Brian’s House, Woods Community Services, and Woods’ healthcare team were also recognized during the event.

 

The awards are presented annually by the nonprofit online magazine and voted on by the public. Woods has participated each of the past five years.

 

“The Greater Philadelphia Social Innovation Awards program is a terrific opportunity for Woods to share the many impactful programs that are benefitting our community,” said Tine Hansen-Turton, Woods president and CEO, and a co-founder of the Social Innovations Journal and Lab. “I’m so proud of all of our Woods’ and affiliate staff who participated and were recognized for their innovative and impactful initiatives. Sharing ideas and learning from the ideas of the other award participants helps us all address some of the most challenging issues we face as a community and work together to find solutions.”

 

You can read more below about our seven innovative programs that were celebrated at the event and view pictures and a full list of all winners and runners-up from the ceremony, which was held virtually.

 

 

FIRST PLACE WINNER

Innovations in Health Living – Healthy Communities and Ecosystems

 

Elizabeth O’Toole and the Woods Services Recreation and Maintenance Departments

 

Woods Recreation and Maintenance teams sprang into action during the pandemic, creating a quarter-mile long nature trail through the woods with educational and recreational activities and an outdoor classroom for Woods’ 530 residents. They also developed a barnyard and a partnership with Home Stretch Horse Rescue that welcomed horses, alpacas, goats, chickens, potbellied pigs and rabbits to Woods, providing animal assisted therapy that helped residents cope with stress, anxiety and trauma brought on by the pandemic. When faced with the challenge of providing residents with activities that would bring them comfort and delight and reduce isolation, the teams envisioned and delivered an environment that created wonder and enjoyment for children and adults served by Woods that will continue to evolve and benefit them for years to come.

 

 

THIRD PLACE WINNER

Social Investors: Innovative Investor Strategies.

Innovative Investor Strategy Leading to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

 

Woods Services Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee

 

Woods’ EDI Committee, comprised of employees from throughout the organization, has created a welcoming and inclusive environment and culture that greatly values and respects diversity and inclusion. Throughout Woods’ campus, they displayed the flags of 53 countries representing the birthplaces of Woods’ workforce. On a flagpole in front of the Human Resources office, they fly flags representing other types of diversity. The flag display honors and celebrates Woods’ diverse workforce and the differences that contribute to Woods’ rich organizational cultures, as well as serves as a visual daily reminder to respect different perspectives. The group also organized a One Woods. One World. day to celebrate United Nations Day and its alignment with Woods’ core values.

 

 

FINALISTS

COMMUNITY IMPACT,  INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Innovative cross-sector approach to solving complex social and environmental issues on a large scale

 

Lori Plunkett, Stephanie Bartley and James Kelly, Brian’s House

The vocational team of Brian’s House developed a unique partnership with the regional branch of the American Red Cross to provide job training and placement for individuals with intellectual disability to support Red Cross efforts. The pandemic had an isolating effect on many people with intellectual disability whose programs closed down, some permanently. Now individuals of all abilities, including those with mobility challenges, are contributing to supporting Red Cross efforts and donors.

 

 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Innovative service models leading to earning a living wage and economic freedom

 

Darren Garansi, Allies

 

Allies has created an innovative certification program for Direct Support Professionals, addressing the national direct care workforce crisis which affects all health and human services sectors, and the retention and poverty rates of this workforce. The initiative links certification courses to college credit and degree programs, resulting in advancement up the career ladder, increased wages and improved retention, providing tangible supports to a workforce that is essential to the safety and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities.

 

 

COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Innovative service models leading to emotional, psychological, and social well-being

 

Ryan Garrison, Monica Moser and Roy Leitstein, Woods Community Services

 

The Woods Community Services program brings together the right model, supports and highly qualified direct care staff and therapists to meet the needs of individuals with both intellectual disability and severe behavioral challenges. The novel program provides services right in the home, rather than requiring travel to obtain the services. Specially trained direct care staff and therapists ensure individuals make clinical progress and gain independence, so they can enjoy work, play and time with friends. The program has already had a tremendous impact on an individual who previously spent nearly a year in a hospital because no program existed to support their needs.

 

 

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES AND ECOSYSTEMS

Innovative service models integrating the Social Determinants of Health into Health Care

(Both Allies and Woods Services were finalists in this category.)

 

Michael Haggerty, Allies

By partnering with a forward-thinking home developer, Allies is working to meet the needs of medically fragile residents with intellectual disabilities in New Jersey. Allies’ specialized medical group homes use an innovative approach and design that addresses all of the life domains-social determinants, combined with intensive medical supports, to ensure the greatest level of independence and a welcoming, beautifully designed environment.

 

Dr. Stephen Kolesk and Dr. Sailaja Musunuri, Woods Services

 

Woods integrates health care for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities with behavioral healthcare to create a seamless and coordinated plan of care that achieves better overall health outcomes for the individual, delivers services that are inclusive and diverse, and decreases cost to the healthcare system. Woods is currently advising in the creation of and piloting the first of its kind integrated electronic health and behavioral health record that facilitates better outcomes through sharing of data.

 

View a list of all award categories, winners, runners up and photos:

https://www.philadelphiainnovationawards.com/2022-awards-winners

 

View video of the award ceremony:

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/tVekjI63nFE445smVtFoIU_pl41hpO7QKyWJxDwIrE5Fl893q-c-qzUb9lwoZr8.URkmcMXqI-JilKty

 

Social Innovations Lab at Woods

In addition to participating in the Greater Philadelphia Innovation Awards, since 2017, Woods has held four Social Innovations Labs for employees, moderated by the Social Innovations Journal and its Social Innovations Institute and Lab. Several of the award nomination initiatives were developed in one of the Woods’ innovations labs. The program has created a culture of innovation at Woods, and has launched more than five social enterprises, including Woods Wear, a direct-to-garment printing business; and Blue Violet, an Archway Programs-operated flower and gift shop.

The Woods Schools is Ready for the Bell to Ring on a New Year

With the seasons changing and the calendar turning to September, a new school year is upon us. We know this year will feature exceptional student and staff achievements at the Woods Schools.

 

Mary O’ Neill, the Vice President of Education, spoke with us about her expectations for the 2021-2022 academic calendar.

 

The first bell ring will come on the heels of some great news. The Woods Schools has received two substantial grants that will help shape the new school year, an award from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund and an Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools grant. With this help, the Woods Schools can also grow its science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming with everything from basic experiments to robotics. The Woods Schools can now acquire additional iPads and laptops, ensuring each student has a device.

 

With COVID-19 still present, the Woods Schools must put some goals on hold to ensure the virus does not enter their doors.

 

“In the new school year, we hope to get things back to the way they were before the pandemic,” O’ Neill said. “Unfortunately, we’re going to be specifically focused on COVID protocols, for now, to keep our students’ health and safety first.

 

“We’ve been quite successful at preventing spread within our schools, and we’re going to continue to do that.”

 

For the Woods Schools, going back to normal means in-person music, art, and gym classes. A bustling, energetic cafeteria is full of students. Live concerts rock the stage. We share our projects at the science fair and strut down the runway during a fashion show. Students work at their school-based jobs, including creating the yearbook. If the pandemic subsides, these will all return.

 

Yet, some activities halted by the pandemic will make modified returns. Students will be able to get back some job-related work as the Woods Schools acquired individual vocational bins. In the past, students would work in a group to assemble items in these bins. Now, they can do it individually, helping build life skills that did not get enough attention during the pandemic.

 

The Woods Schools also begins the year with a great team of educators and staff.

 

“We’re closer than we’ve ever been. We all know each other. We all know each other’s students and departments. We’ve grown a family-like atmosphere,” O’Neill said.

 

O’Neill explained that the pandemic created an atmosphere where the entire staff pull together for one another, creating a more tight-knit group of teachers. Everyone has had to help out with each other’s departments and the schools’ quick responses to COVID-19.

 

“Everyone who’s remained on our team during this time has been great,” O’Neill added. “This will make for a great year.”