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Making the Workplace Work for All

January 13, 2023

Woods Services resident Patrick feels blessed to be where he’s at in his career. Woods has recognized and fostered his skills.

 

“I work with people who can’t talk, so I want to learn sign language,” Patrick said. “I want to learn where they’re coming from.”

 

Woods’ residents in the workforce are diverse in their skills and needs. So, Woods has a range of employment opportunities.

 

Vocational training begins at the Woods Schools. When a student turns 14, the schools provide life skills and hands-on job training. In school, students can learn skills in housekeeping, retail, technology, beauty, and landscaping that can prepare them for competitive, entry-level work. This education can also occur in the community with the assistance of a job coach. Marshalls, Giant, and Sesame Place are just a few examples of where students can get their vocational starts locally. Ultimately, their education is guided by their interests and abilities.

 

Once a student reaches 21, they can find themselves in three different settings:

  1. Holland Enrichment Center offers non-working adults day programming.
  2. The Woods Enterprises, or TWE, offers newly graduated students a supervised work center and supervised group work in community settings.
  3. Woods’ Social Enterprises, The Yellow Daffodil, Woods Wear, and Common Grounds Cafe, offer the most independent work setting at Woods where new grads can work up to full-time.

 

“We want clients to be in the least restrictive environment and meet the level of their abilities,” said Danica Lynn, Director of the Social Enterprises.

 

Let’s take a closer look at TWE.

 

The work is varied, though one common thread binds the work done: adaptability. Adaptability is a critical element that makes TWE and those who work there succeed. These positions are not paid hourly nor by salary; they are paid by pieces produced. This allows workers to step aside as often as they need. This format has drawn its critics.

 

“People have tried to shut TWE down,” TWE employee Jason S. said.

 

Well-intentioned pushes for workplace integration and wage reforms are often the reasons critics cite for wanting to shut down workplaces such as TWE. Woods believes TWE exists to foster an inclusive, understanding environment equipped to support workers whose needs are varied – something that other business models cannot provide.

 

“I like all the work I do here,” TWE employee Sarah said.

 

While working at TWE, the employees can also take their talents to different “enclaves,” jobs outside of TWE where they work in small groups. For Sarah, you can also find her caring for the animals at Woods.

 

“One day at a time, my dear sir,” Jason A. said. “I love my work.”

 

Jason A. is also employed at TWE and works within different enclaves. For him, as well as many others, community work takes him to Habitat for Humanity ReStores. Here, you can find him sweeping.

 

Patrick similarly worked throughout the community, including Home Depot, restaurants, Target, and Optimum Sport Health Club.

 

Back in 2018, Patrick joined Woods Wear as the fledgling social enterprise’s first employee and is still proudly there.

 

Immediately, he took to learning the ins and outs of the custom apparel shop: pretreating, pressing, design research, and more. For him, he best absorbs information by studying others. Now, he helps introduce younger students to Woods Wear and is an important stitch in the social enterprise.

 

“I’ve loved its success,” Patrick said.

 

Character-wise, Patrick feels he’s developed both his independence and his responsibility. He’s also built important relationships with colleagues.

 

“God gave everyone a gift. Some people have different shapes and different abilities,” Patrick says.

 

This spirit is weaved throughout Woods’ resident workforce.

STAFF AT WOODS AND ITS AFFILIATES HONORED FOR THEIR INNOVATIVE IDEAS

January 28, 2022

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.

Woods Celebrates Direct Support Professional Bunmi Olaore

September 22, 2021

Bunmi Olaore is a Direct Support Professional who is also a Staff Mentor.  Bunmi is beloved by the residents he supports as well as their families.  He takes a personal interest in each individual and is actively engaged with them to ensure their needs are being met, they are learning and they are content.

 

The youth Bunmi supports have challenging behavior disorders and emotional problems.  Bumni often volunteers to work with whichever youth is having the most difficult time on any given day. Bunmi has an outwardly happy demeanor and is often able to redirect individuals and initiate an activity to encourage positive participation.  When Bunmi is present, everything seems to run smoothly and calmly.

 

Due to his success with the individuals he serves, and his camaraderie with staff, Bunmi was invited to counsel and train other DSPs in his program.  His level of experience, professionalism, and calm, caring demeanor made him well-qualified to move into this role in addition to his DSP duties.  He has great insight and offers good advice to those he mentors. Bunmi routinely trains all new staff in his program area and frequently has taken shift charge duties in the absence of a supervisor.  He is always willing to help where needed.

 

Bunmi is a positive force at Woods for both our residents and our staff.  He has helped residents develop positive behaviors and become good housemates and global citizens while at the same time helping our staff to understand the significant role they can play in doing the same for others in their care.

Woods Celebrates Deloris and the Entire Harcum College Class of 2021

July 29, 2021

by Valerie Durden

Manager of Employee Development & Enhanced Benefits

 

Deloris always considered the idea of going back to school, but she never took steps towards it. Her hesitation came from years of challenges within the Philadelphia School System and a lack of family support due to a language barrier. Regardless of her uncertainties and past experiences, the thought of her starting school would not fade away. She decided to take the first step to inquire about the Harcum College program at Woods.

 

Deloris began her career at Woods Services 11 years ago as a client care worker. She is an exceptional employee who strives to give the absolute best care to her residents. She goes beyond what is asked of her to provide guidance and support to her colleagues. Deloris often ponders ways to contribute more to the care and support she provides. She is committed to making a lasting change that would improve her residents’ quality of life. She thought of moving into a supervisory role, but she did not have the credentials to apply for a position. The Harcum College program at Woods could help.

 

After giving a lot of thought to going back to school, she became a student at Harcum College in 2018. So many obstacles were present throughout her time in Harcum. There were times where she became her own mechanic to get to school. Missing classes and assignments were not an option for her. She also faced struggles in her personal life and the stress of going to school and work during the COVID-19 pandemic. She would always tell Valerie Durden, Manager of Employee Development & Enhanced Benefits, that her education meant everything. She added once she starts something, she pledges to finish. She would sit in the Employee Training & Development building for hours studying and preparing for her classes.

 

Deloris is a bright student and earned her way on the President and Honors list due to her academic success. She also received the Harcum Community Scholars Award. The support she received at Woods gave her the extra motivation she needed to complete her studies. Deloris graduated in May 2021. She received her associate degree in Human Services.

 

Now, she plans to continue her education until she achieves her master’s degree.

 

At Woods, Deloris finally earned her credentials and was promoted as a supervisor in the Mollie Woods program. Her message is clear to anyone who wants to pursue an education: Don’t give up. Don’t let self-doubt prevent you from earning your degree. The support is available at Woods.

 

Just take advantage of it.

 

List of Harcum Graduates, Class of 2021

Candace Pressley: promoted to Personal Care Home Administrator
Sherri Daly: promoted to TWE Program Supervisor
Lucinda Cole: focusing on bachelor’s degree (Capella)
Samuteh Morris: focusing on bachelor’s degree (Cabrini)
Nandanee Mitkus: promoted to Supervisor of Communication
Bunmi Olaore: focusing on bachelor’s degree (Capella)
Haroun Bangura: focusing on bachelor’s degree (Capella)
Mallie Young: promoted to Personal Care Home Administration (Beechwood)
Marieflore Chatelier: focusing on a nursing degree
Deloris Roman: promoted to Program Supervisor (Mollie Woods)

Woods Team Members Shine at Social Innovations Awards

March 4, 2021

In an evening for community innovators to shine, staff at Woods Services, and Woods affiliate Tabor Services, were among those whose work was in the spotlight at the 2021 Greater Philadelphia Innovation Awards hosted by The Social Innovations Journal. The Jan. 21 event, presented virtually this year due to COVID-19, honored social innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers whose leadership, social impact and efforts in their communities make Greater Philadelphia a thriving region of innovation and opportunity for all people. The awards are presented annually by the nonprofit online magazine and voted on by the public.

 

We know how valuable our Woods team members are, and it was exciting to see their work for our residents and clients recognized publicly through the magazine and in front of the nearly 150 community leaders brought together via Zoom for the ceremony. The Woods stars honored on awards night are Karen Wilkins from Tabor Services, Dawn Diamond and the COVID Task Force members, and Kym Talerico and Avi Saltzman of Yellow Daffodil Flower and Gift Shop. Among the innovations they were nominated for are: tranquility rooms for employee well-being and retention, outdoor learning spaces created to maintain resident quality of life during pandemic lockdowns, and a program that provides work experience, develops confidence and independence, and even launched a jewelry line.

 

Read more to learn about these exciting, innovative, and award-winning programs underway at Woods and Tabor Services.

 

Innovations Improve Quality of Life during the Pandemic

We have all spent much time talking about and managing the coronavirus pandemic this past year. The “COVID-19 Innovations” category was an opportunity for organizations to share information about effective innovations in dealing with the outbreak. Woods and its COVID-19 Task Force members, led by Dawn Diamond, Darlene Barnes, Dr. Stephen Kolesk and Tine Hansen-Turton, deployed innovative strategies throughout the pandemic to prevent the spread of the virus to our residents and employees, including early adoption of masking, testing and other infection control measures, and converting some services to a virtual platform. Building outdoor classrooms, and creating a nature trail and an animal-assisted therapy program were innovative ideas for providing learning and exercise, and maintaining quality of life and engagement during a period of mandated isolation. Woods was honored with the category’s third place award.

 

Tranquility Rooms Transform Work Environment at Tabor

Karen Wilkins, chief human resources officer at Tabor Services, a member of the Woods Affiliate network, received third place honors in the “Healthy Food Access and Healthy Workforce Innovator Award” category for her efforts to ensure a supportive and nurturing work environment for employees. Focused on addressing workforce turnover that can result from a stressful and emotionally demanding job, such as with child welfare social work, Karen led a team of staff, maintenance workers and construction experts to transform the work environment by adding three Tranquility Rooms. The modified space features soothing sounds, accommodations for free in-person and virtual yoga classes, and massage chairs.  In addition, a trauma-certified psychotherapist with child welfare experience is available for free private and confidential counseling for all employees in need. Karen understood the importance of a supportive organizational culture and how it would help families served by Tabor. Her efforts also contributed to Tabor Services achieving a 98 percent staff retention rate in fiscal year 2020.

 

Yellow Daffodil Experience Builds Confidence and Independence

Yellow Daffodil Flower and Gift Shop’s manager, Kym Talarico, and employee Avi Saltzman were recognized in the Workforce Development Award – Innovation in the Social Mobility Category. The nomination showcased Woods’ commitment to creating the broadest possible work opportunities that enable individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to contribute to the world around them in powerful ways. Product development, merchandising, sales and inventory are among the transferable skills taught at Yellow Daffodil. The work experience helps participants develop their self-confidence and gain independence. The runner-up award celebrated the environment of discovery Kym creates at Yellow Daffodil, encouraging employees to try new tasks that often ignite their passions, and the way Avi, who created a successful jewelry product line for the shop called Aviology, has inspired and supported others to follow his lead.

 

Congratulations to Karen, Dawn and the COVID Task Force, Kym, and Avi. We are so proud of your accomplishments! Thanks for making Woods shine so brightly.

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Health, Wellness & Therapeutics

In an effort to improve communication, daily living skills and educational outcomes for both … Read More >

Vocational & Adult Day Services

We are committed to eliminating barriers and creating possibilities for achievement.   We … Read More >

Learning

Our school programs help students meet educational, emotional, behavioral and medical needs, while … Read More >

Having Fun

We exist to drive greater achievement for the individuals we serve.  Whether living  on our campus, … Read More >

Continuum of Care

We offer our individuals a full continuum of supports through our affiliates and various programs … Read More >

Copyright © 2023 Woods | Routes 413 & 213 | P.O. Box 36 | Langhorne, PA 19047-0036 | Ph: 215.750.4000 | E: communications@woods.org

  • .
  • About Woods
    • Our History
    • The Woods System of Care
    • Meet the Woods Services Leadership
    • Meet the Woods Services Board of Trustees
    • The Woods Clinical Approach
    • News & Events
  • Services
    • Short Term Residential Treatment
    • Health, Wellness, & Therapy
    • Vocational & Adult Day
      • Holland Enrichment Center
      • The Woods Enterprises
      • Yellow Daffodil
      • Common Grounds Café
      • Woods Wear
  • Education
    • An Overview of Education
  • Research Institute
  • Careers
    • Employee Testimonials
    • Benefits of Working at Woods
    • Staff Development
    • Teach with Woods
  • Support Woods
    • Make a Gift to Woods
    • Join the Heart of Woods
    • Give through your Donor Advised Fund
    • Give through EITC
    • Leave a Legacy
    • Honor a Friend or Loved One
  • Admissions
    • Tour Woods
    • Email Admissions
    • FAQ
    • Meet the Admissions Team