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Social Innovations Journal Announce the WINNERS of the 2023 New Jersey Social Innovations Awards

On Thursday, February 23, 2023, The Social Innovations Journal (SIJ) hosted the inaugural 2023 New Jersey Innovation Awards, where New Jersey’s Leaders presented awards in Human Services, Social Mobility, Education, Arts and Culture, Systems and Policy Change, and Health to 69 Finalists. The Social Innovation Award Finalists were selected through an open nomination and public voting process by residents of New Jersey.

 

The theme of the awards, “Celebrating Innovations in the Social Sector,” to highlight the novel ideas from healthcare, healthcare systems, hospitals, direct care service providers, educators, funders, government, and advocacy organizations, working in the social sector in New Jersey who have a shared commitment and drive to improve our society, to improve conditions for all community members regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, income, race or ethnicity, and to improve systems and policies so that people have access to the services they need to thrive. The Social Innovation Awards is honored to bring this award to New Jersey to highlight the state’s most passionate social innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers whose work and social impact too often goes unacknowledged. These efforts will be recognized among the region’s best; they are what make our communities thrive for all people.

 

Tine Hansen-Turton, Co-Founder of the Social Innovations Journal stated, “these awards honor our region’s most passionate social innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers whose work and social impact too often goes unacknowledged, yet their efforts are what makes our communities across the New Jersey thriving region of innovation and opportunity they are for all people”. Vanessa Briggs, Host and Presenter stated “these awards are New Jersey’s most valued Social Sector Awards because finalists were nominated and recognized by colleagues who “know” who are authentic regional change agents.”

 

The New Jersey Social Innovation Awards have been sponsored by the regions organizational social sector leaders including: RSM, NJACP, Woods System of Care, Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare, RWJBarnabas Health, Conner Strong & Buckelew, Salem Health & Wellness Foundation, Paycom, Legacy Treatment Services, Acenda Integrated Health, Archway Programs, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, Homestead Smart Health Plans, Allies, NJAMHAA.

 

The New Jersey Social Innovation Award Presenters include the region’s industry thought leaders:

  • Cory Storch, President & CEO of Bridgeway
  • Frank Ghinassi, President & CEO, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care
  • Mike Haggerty, President & CEO, Allies
  • Joe DiBella, Executive Partner, Connor Strong & Buckelew
  • Debra Wentz, President & CEO, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies
  • Nancy De Leon Link, Chief Administrative Officer, Homestead Smart Health Plans
  • Tim Titus, Career Ownership Coach
  • Michele Juliana, Principal, RSM Business Applications
  • George Richards, President & CEO, Archway
  • Melissa Fox, COO Acenda Health
  • Valerie Seller, CEO, New Jersey Association of Community Providers
  • Roy Leitstein, Chief Executive Officer, Legacy Treatment Services
  • Vanessa Briggs, VP, Population Health & Equity, Woods System of Care
  • Tom Grant, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Woods Services
  • Liz Hayden, Vice President of Strategy Development, Woods Services
  • Paul DiLorenzo, President & CEO, Salem Health & Wellness Foundation
  • Traci Jordan, Chief Operating Officer, PCS

 

The Winners are…

COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Innovative service models in behavioral health leading to emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

  • 1st Shannon Reese, Salem County Department of Health & Human Services
  • 2nd Derry Holland, CEO, Oaks Integrated Care
  • 3rd The SERV Foundation Scholarship Fund, SERV Behavioral Health System
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Joseph Haber, Legacy Treatment Services
    • SERV Foundation Wellness & Development Conference, Scholarship Fund, SERV Behavioral Health

 

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Innovative service models integrating social determinants of health and health care, services that strengthen families, and approaches that ensure a healthy environment and other community conditions.

  • 1st: Peri Nearon, Executive Director, New Jersey Department of Disability Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services
  • 2nd: Rayletta Garrison, Kylen Robinson and Bianca Dumas Youth Consultation Services
  • 3rd: Tianna Gresham, Tinks Golden Girls
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Karly Forman, Raise the Bar Family Services Inc
    • Cristina Jones, Easterseals, NJ

 

 

INNOVATIVE MODELS FOR ACHIEVING HEALTH EQUITY

Innovative strategies or models of care that reduce health disparities and or improve social or economic conditions.

  • 1st Julia Taylor, Trenton Health Team
  • 2nd Jennifer Papa, City Green
  • 3rd Salvation and Social Justice (for the Trenton Restorative Street Team)
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Rachel Patti, Archway Step by Step
    • James Carlino, Chief Human Resources Officer, Bancroft (Runner up)
    • Joseph Collins, School Health Insurance Fund (Runner up)

 

 

INNOVATION IN SERVICES FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS, INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AND/OR AUTISM, MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, AND OLDER ADULTS

Innovative strategies and services that improve health outcomes and quality of life.

  • 1st Dr. Wendy Aita and Dr. Jennifer LeComte, Rowan Integrated Special Needs Center
  • 2nd James Paoletti and Dan Minko, Spectrum Sports LLC
  • 3rd Tracy McShea, Archway SBS
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Lyndee Breece, The PILOT Services
    • Porsche Laws, Kelsch Associates

 

 

COMMUNITY VOICE IMPACT

Novel strategies to promote community voice inclusion and belonging that influence program and/or policy, with a focus on improving health equity for medically underserved populations at greatest risk for poor health.

  • 1st CHOICES, RWJ Medical School, Div of Addiction Psychiatry: Represented by Patricia Dooley
  • 2nd Ayana Abdul-Raheem, Timbuk2 Academy
  • 3rd Family Resource Network
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Paul Aronsohn, Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families State of New Jersey
    • Linda Thomas, Red Ribbon Academy’s Medical Day Program

 

 

POPULATION HEALTH IMPACT

Innovative strategies improving clinical health outcomes, improved care coordination and patient engagement supported by appropriate financial and care models for a disadvantaged or minority population.

  • 1st Lisa Vara and Buddy Garfinkle, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
  • 2nd Michelle Joo, Oaks Integrated Care
  • 3rd Stacey Edwards, Archway Programs
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Samantha Kunz, LPC, Division Director Adult Services, Legacy Treatment Services

 

 

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IMPACT

Sustained innovative, practice, and or policy changes(s) in response to the COVID pandemic.

  • 1st Keri Basler and Kevin Kelly, Legacy Treatment Services
  • 2nd Dr. Kerri Powell, CEO ,Neighborhood Health Services Corporation
  • 3rd Jay Patel, Union Avenue Pharmacy
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Jeff Chesebro, Princeton Partners

 

 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Innovative service models leading to earning a living wage and economic freedom, especially targeted to typically marginalized groups.

  • 1st Dan Rhoton, Hopeworks
  • 2nd Susan Perron, Abilities Solutions
  • 3rd SERV University, SERV Behavioral Health System
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Cindy Wildermuth, CEO, Abilities of Northwest New Jersey
    • Ricky Alfaro, Allies
    • Mickie Patetta, Archway Programs

 

 

EDUCATION

Innovative ideas that advance access to high-quality education and/or interventions and services that allow people to enter post-secondary education, vocational programs or employment.

  • 1st Theresa Wilson-Fall, Allies
  • 2nd Riscee Langhorne, Director, Workforce Internship Pathways at Hopeworks
  • 3rd Susan Lafferty, Archway Programs
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Ana Alfaro, NJDOE (Camden county)
    • Susan Recce, ASAH
    • Mary Bawarski, School Accounting Professionals

 

 

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Innovative attainable, stable or permanent housing service models that strengthen individuals, families and communities.

  • 1st Amy Scartocci, New Jersey DDD
  • 2nd Victor Luna, CEO, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey
  • 3rd Dr. Manuel (Manny) Guantez
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • SERV Properties and Management, SERV Behavioral Health System
    • Tom Toronto, Bergen County’s United Way

 

 

INNOVATIVE FUNDER STRATEGIES

Funders who take an innovative approach to social sector investment strategies.

  • 1st LorieAnn Wilkerson-Leconte, Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund
  • 2nd Cheryl Mackey, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
  • 3rd Ajay Raju, Ark Institute
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Paige Carlson-Heim, Renee Rattigan, and Shelly Sylva, TD Charitable Foundation

 

 

INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Innovative cross-sector approach to solving complex social or environmental issues on a large scale, especially to help those with complex needs.

  • 1st Stephanie Simon, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
  • 2nd Kathleen Noonan, President, Camden Coalition
  • 3rd Advocates for Children of New Jersey Represented by Mary Coogan
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Ellie Willoughby, The J-Cares Intern Program
    • Dana Redd; Dr. Reginald Blaber, and Donna Antenucci, Camden Community Partnership and Virtua Health
    • West Bergen Mental Healthcare and Vantage Health System Represented by Karen Acker and Teresa McMahon
    • Anthony Mongeluzo, PCS

 

LEGISLATIVE IMPACT

Innovation through policy reform and improvements in financial models to improve service delivery and reduce barriers to care.

  • 1st Kate Kelly, Integrated Community Project Manager, Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
  • 2nd Edward Dobleman, Legacy Treatment Services
  • 3rd Joanne St. Amand, A Voice of Reason
  • RUNNERS UP:
    • Martha Cray and Alieen Rivera
    • Donna Gomez, ASAH
    • Brian Woods, Chief of Staff at 8th Legislative District Office

Woods Partners with University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine to Provide Leading-Edge Oral Health Care for Individuals with Disabilities

 

On February 3, 2023, Woods Services, a Pennsylvania- and New Jersey-based nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, one of the leading dental schools in the United States, cut the ribbon on Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center. The state-of-the-art dental care center on Woods’ Langhorne, Pa., campus, is providing enhanced and leading-edge dental treatment for Woods clients and residents. Starting in March 2023, services will expand to include the surrounding disability community, including former clients and residents of Woods who are still in need of care.

 

Residents and staff of Woods Services, doctors and representatives of Penn Dental Medicine, donors, and community members participated in the opening ceremony, which featured remarks from Tine Hansen-Turton, Woods president and CEO; Dr. Mark Wolff, Morton Amsterdam Dean of Penn Medicine; and Dr. Marc Henschel, director of Penn Dental Medicine’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program. Attendees also joined a tour of Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center, which includes five operatories with state-of-the-art equipment, quiet space for those needing a lower-stimulation environment, a waiting area and reception check-in, and conference room.

 

In addition to meeting the dental care needs of individuals with disabilities, Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center is helping prepare the next generation of dentists to care for patients with disabilities.

 

“Woods is pleased to announce our partnership with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and to work with the school’s dean, Dr. Mark Wolff, to enhance dental services for our clients and residents,” said Tine Hansen-Turton, president and CEO, Woods Services. “Penn’s personalized care and interdisciplinary team approach are perfectly aligned with Woods, as is its emphasis on preparing the next generation of dentists to care for patients with special needs. Penn’s dentists are now able to perform procedures at our on-campus dental clinic that in the past would have required a visit to a specialist for treatment. This expansion of services will be less disruptive for our clients, further enhancing their quality of life,” she said.

 

Dr. Mark Wolff was appointed in 2018 as the new Morton Amsterdam Dean at Penn Dental Medicine and brought with him international renown as a pioneer and leader in teaching and providing care for patients with special oral health needs. Upon arrival, he established dental care for persons with disabilities as a priority for the school and set about raising money, renovating a space, and hiring team members, each with 20+ years of experience treating patients with special health care needs. In 2021, Penn Dental Medicine opened the state-of-the-art Care Center for Persons with Disabilities at Penn Dental Medicine, and under his leadership, Penn has established a national reputation for excellence in treating the dental needs of people with disabilities and in training dental students to care for these individuals.

 

“We are thrilled to be expanding our service and care within the community through this Woods partnership,” says Dean Wolff. “It not only allows us to help provide comprehensive care to the Woods clients, but also offers an invaluable setting for our students to gain experience caring for individuals with a wide range of disabilities.” Postgraduate students within Penn Dental Medicine’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry program will provide clinical care at the center under close faculty supervision.

 

Woods’ existing dental clinic was extensively renovated and modernized to create Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center, with renovations and operational expenses made possible through generous donations from foundations and individuals. Woods Services is grateful to the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation for supporting start-up operational expenses for Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center, and to the Joseph and Mary Faulkner Family Foundation, Eamon Foundation, The McLean Contributionship, TD Charitable Foundation, and Simon and Lisa Kimmelman for supporting the renovations. The waiting room renovation was made possible by the Joseph and Mary Faulkner Family Foundation.

 

Woods is organized around the principles of population health management and addresses the social determinants of health through a comprehensive continuum and system of care that connects prevention, wellness, education, behavioral health, and social services with coordinated and integrated healthcare delivery. “The Medical Center at Woods serves as a national model for providing comprehensive, coordinated personalized care for people with complex diagnoses and medical conditions, like Mikey Faulkner, current Woods client and the clinic’s namesake,” Hansen-Turton said. “The opening of Penn Dental Medicine at Woods, Mikey Faulkner Dental Care Center continues Woods’ commitment to providing an integrated healthcare experience for our clients – an approach that optimizes outcomes for individuals.”

 

Woods Opens Dental Clinic

Woods Services Leadership Debuts Book, Webinar Series on Organizational Change

“Thriving Through Transformation: A Practical Guide to Creating Organizational Change in the Social Sector” seeks to inspire current and emerging professionals in organization management

 

Few organizations have undergone the kind of radical transformation that helped Woods Services, a nonprofit organization that serves the complex needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, comprehensively re-envision its structure, services, and future. Now the organization is sharing its lessons learned and providing a roadmap to help other organizations in the newly released book, “Thriving Through Transformation: A Practical Guide to Creating Organizational Change in the Social Sector.”

 

In the 228-page book, Tine Hansen-Turton, MGA, JD, FCCP, FAAN, president and CEO of Woods Services, and Peter Shubiak, MS, former chief operating officer, break down the essential elements of Woods’ transformation. They use employee stories, research findings, and business best practices to explore themes that include creating a clear and consistent organizational vision; developing strategic directions and planning; managing change; engaging employees; cultivating a culture of innovation and care; embracing equity, diversity and inclusion; planning for mission-driven growth; improving infrastructure and enterprise shared services; and developing strategic positioning, policy, and thought leadership.

The Cover of Woods Services Book "Thriving Through Transformation"

“We didn’t set out to write a book, but as we saw how our work changed the lives of our clients, employees, and community members, we wanted to share what with learned with other mission-driven organizations,” said Hansen-Turton.

 

Coinciding with the book’s release is the launch of a free, monthly webinar series, Thriving Through Transformation. Moderated by Hansen-Turton, the symposia will include 90-minute virtual panel discussions with national and regional visionaries who will discuss cutting-edge innovation in the health and human services sector and beyond.

“All organizations must embrace change to best serve their clients, but it can be difficult to know where to start,” said Hansen-Turton. “We hope our success story will inspire others to start the journey and serve as a roadmap to plan their own transformative journeys.”

 

In the first webinar of the series, “Vision, Strategy, and Cultivating a Culture of Innovation,” which took place Jan. 12, four health and human services experts discussed how they developed their own visions for organizational change, and then established both a strategy and a culture of innovation to weave those visions through every level of their organizations. Panelists included Josh Rubin, Principal, HMA; Rita Gardner, President and CEO, Melmark; Dawn Holden Woods, President, Generative Consulting Partners; and Dawn Diamond, Executive Vice President of Operations, Woods Services. This webinar is available as a recording.

 

Upcoming webinars will address employee engagement (Feb. 16), integrated and complex care for special populations (March 15), and Strategies for Avoiding the Cliff at 21: Models for Education, Behavioral and Family Supports (April 12). All webinars run from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and will be available as recordings.

 

“Thriving Through Transformation” is available for free electronically by clicking here or on www.socialinnovationsjournal.org. Hard copies are also available on Amazon. Hansen-Turton has written several other books, including “Making Strategy Count in the Health and Human Services Sector,” “Practical Tools for Not-for-Profit Leaders,” “The Social Innovator’s Playbook 2.0,” and more. All are available on Amazon.

A Tale of Two Scotts

“I love Scott – that’s my boy!” exclaimed Scott S., one of Woods Services’ Direct Support Professionals (DSP).

 

This is a story of two Scotts – Scott Jr. and Scott S.

 

Scott Jr. is diagnosed with multiple, severe behavioral disorders that his parents had tried to manage for years.  Before he came to Woods seven years ago, he was prone to uncontrollable, threatening behavior that led to frequent hospital visits.  Like many of Woods’ families, Scott’s parents finally had to face the reality that their child was in crisis and needed professional care outside their home.

 

Scott Jr. arrived at Woods in December 2015.  From the initial consultation, his parents felt immediate relief knowing their son would receive everything he needs to thrive.  “The Direct Support Professionals at Woods are wonderful,” said Scott’s mother.  “They work very hard to bring out the best in our son every day.”  One DSP they are most grateful for is Scott S.  “He goes above and beyond for our son, creating a bond and level of care that we could only hope for.”

 

Scott S. has worked as a DSP at Woods for an impressive 20 years, and has cared for Scott Jr. for the last five years.  When he first witnessed Scott Jr.’s extremely challenging behaviors, he was determined to find ways to reduce them.  He found that creating a bond with Scott Jr. and gaining his trust is the key to getting the best out of him.  “Scott Jr. is incredibly funny,” said Scott S.  “I knew if I could make him laugh and connect with him using humor, we would be successful.”

 

In addition to using humor, Scott S. has also connected with Scott Jr. through music.  Singing and dancing to their favorite tunes together helps redirect challenging behaviors.  “These can be really sweet moments,” said Scott S.

 

“I know it makes a difference when you really care . . . then work doesn’t feel like work anymore!”

 

The creative ways in which Scott S. has approached Scott Jr.’s challenges have helped him thrive.  Said Scott’s mother, “We visit Scott bi-weekly, either at home or at Woods.  The experiences we now have with him are positive, and we are celebrating this past year as he has earned his diploma and graduated high school at Woods!”

 

A Woods staff and resident reach up for a two-handed high five

Making the Workplace Work for All

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.