"Neil is One in a Million" / Awesome Staff

June 2017


	Aretha Grimes with Neil Lerner

" Neil is one in a million."

~Aretha Grimes, Life Skills Supervisor

MEET NEIL LERNER

Attend a Judaic Program, and you will likely meet Neil Lerner. He is often quiet... listening and watching those around him.

Neil likes to be near his friends, especially housemate Cathy Fleming, who always looks out for him.

A BEAUTIFUL VOICE

Visit Neil's home, and you will hear him singing beautifully. Over the years, Neil has added Hebrew songs to his repertoire.

"Neil makes me smile. There is an entire world behind his eyes."

~ Gloria Carlson, Assistant Executive Director

An Open Letter of Appreciation

To Our Dedicated Staff

Thank You! You are all Amazing!

On February 9, 2017 winter storm Niko hammered New England with heavy snow, blizzard conditions and high winds. Due to the extreme nature of the storm, businesses throughout Connecticut were closed. But not JCL...

That fateful day JCL staff demonstrated their dedication to the individuals we serve. JCL's caregivers put in 14 hours, 22 hours, and more, to ensure their well-being. In some cases, staff stayed for an overnight sleep shift, remaining on duty for 27 hours straight.

Dedicated staff put aside their personal concerns to focus on the work at hand. After all, staff had to consider the needs of their homes and families. Is my driveway shoveled? Is my electricity working? Are my children okay?

The employees listed below were the heroes of this particular storm. Every storm has its share of heroes and others will rise to the occasion next winter. Give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve it!

Brenda Allen

Glenn Baglin

Pat Coles-Knight

Laticia Cooper

Tricia Dunn

Kerry Geary

Haydee Goldman

Yvonne Gordon

Colleen Grimes

Sally Huebner

Lloyd Johnson
Tonya Kellett

Klaudia Kondracka

Sandra Lockett

Donald Miller

Tracie Mitchell

Nicole Monaco

Carol Robinson

Stacy Salmon

Christina Sinclair

Denis Geary celebrates his 60th birthday at a Yard Goats Game!

Join us in wishing Denis a Happy Birthday!

Everyday Hero

Aretha Grimes

Life Skills Supervisor

"I chose JCL because of the caring environment. JCL is family oriented, not just towards clients, but towards staff as well. I want to make a difference."

A NATURAL CAREGIVER

Aretha is a very special person. With an infectious laugh, and a sparkling personality, Aretha treats her "guys" like they're her family.

FAMILY ORIENTED

She has a great deal of experience with nurturing others. Besides being a parent to three beautiful girls, Aretha was a foster parent for 12 years, helping to raise more than 100 children.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Aretha has worked in the field of human services for 28 years, including her dedication of experience, time and energy to JCL these past 10. Aretha finds inspiration through helping others. She is truly making a difference.

"Aretha is the calm in the storm; she's as steady as they come."

~ Gloria Carlson, Assistant Executive Director

Everyday Heroes is a regular feature of our newsletters to highlight

our hardworking employees.

A Tzedakah box against a white background

The Gift of Giving -

When "Thank You" is Not Enough

Making a Tribute donation to JCL is a wonderful way to honor or memorialize someone special or celebrate a milestone or special occasion.

We celebrate our donors' generosity and are delighted to recognize their tributes to others.

Special Wishes

~
Jessica & Tom's Wedding
: Ms. Susie Robbins Namerow

In Honor

~ Henry Steinberg's 80th Birthday
:
Anne & John Danaher

~ Ella Brown's B at Mi tzvah: BJ & Lenny Diamond

~ Rachel Gassner's Graduation: Faith Vos Winkel & Denis Geary

~ Sarah Mayer's Graduation: Faith Vos Winkel & Denis Geary

~ Sophie Bialeck's 103rd Birthday: Margaret Kahn

~ Ron Bernstein's Birthday: Florence & Philip Post

~ Reba & Arthur Nassau's 60th Anniversary: Florence & Philip Post

In Loving Memory

~ Lois Goldberg: Sara Algers, Florence & Allen Attas, Andi & Sigi deHaas

~ Jack Haeflich: Linda & Eric Peterson

~ Carolyn Olschefski: Florence & Philip Post

~ Hinda Fisher: Marlene & Jerry Scharr

~ Maxine Goldberg: Marlene & Jerry Scharr

~ Iris Cohen Rosenberg: Marlene & Jerry Scharr

~ Charles Baum: Edie & Irv Shiffman

~ Carolyn Olschefski: Edie & Irv Shiffman

~ Trudy Jean Rucker: Lee Lapuk, Edith Sherman

~ Rabbi Harold Silver: Lee Lapuk, Edie & Irv Shiffman

~ James Welch: Andi & Sigi deHaas

JCL gratefully acknowledges all tribute donations by notifying the person honored with a card.

Tributes may be easily made online, click here.

87 cents of every $1 received by JCL is used for direct programming.

JCL Vision Statement

People with intellectual / developmental disabilities participate in, and contribute to all aspects of community life, strengthened by support from neighbors, friends, family and fellow citizens.

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Jewish Association for Community Living | 860-522-5225 ext. 2234 | info@jcl-ct.org | www.jcl-ct.org