2008 Top Accomplishments!

With 2009 now upon us Rivershore continues working hard for the people we serve. During these unprecedented economic times we must work together like never before to find creative, efficient, and most importantly effective ways to deliver the highest quality services. Although the past year has brought many changes and unfortunately some disappointments, it is so important that we take time to reflect on the many good things that happened in 2008. With this in mind, here are some Rivershore highlights from the past year:

Rivershore Board members, people we serve, family members, and agency staff collaborated over several months to develop a new Mission Statement for Rivershore; “We support people who live with developmental disabilities as they pursue and achieve a meaningful life”. Everyone involved was very excited to achieve a new statement that so succinctly captures the essence of who we are and what we do.

We strengthened our Rivershore Board of Directors by adding five very talented people who bring expertise in finance, real estate, government affairs, community service, and self-advocacy. Two of the new Board members also utilize Rivershore services and thus will bring a much needed perspective to the critical function of agency governance. As part of our on going efforts to be a more transparent organization we have begun the practice of inviting a staff guest to monthly Board meetings and distributing Board meeting minutes throughout the agency. Staff reports they have truly appreciated the opportunity to have more information about the Board’s activities, and to see the Board in action first hand.

In 2008 we successfully re-established the Rivershore Foundation and a new eleven member Board of Directors have been elected. The Foundation will promote the Rivershore organization to our community and will work to raise funds for the advancement of the Rivershore Mission.

We have continued our commitment to improving our workforce through hiring people with developmental disabilities. Through the OMRDD Employment Internship Program, we are supporting a new work opportunity in our administrative services area. We have also filled our agency Self-Advocacy Advisor position with a very qualified person who has a developmental disability. 

We continue our participation in the State-wide Everyday Heroes program which recognizes staff for outstanding service practices. This year Cheryl Lamar, Margaret Duffy, and Greg Valint were named as Western New York Region honorees. These outstanding employees truly represent what Rivershore is all about.

 We have developed a new Rivershore Web Site which greatly enhances the presentation of our agency and provides interesting and useful information to visitors. I encourage you to visit! (www.rivershore.org)

Many improvements were made to Rivershore residences over the past year. Improvements include the addition of three first floor single bedrooms at various locations, two with adjoining bathrooms. These changes make these homes more accessible and also make it possible for more people to have their own bedroom. One residence underwent a major kitchen remodel which included innovative “universal design” features designed by the UB School of Architecture. This home also had many other living spaces redesigned which opened up the floor plan, created a first floor laundry, and a private medication area.   

The Roadrunner Self-Advocacy Group which is affiliated with Rivershore was named the state-wide Self Advocacy Group of the Year by the New York State Self Advocacy Association. This marks the fourth time Rivershore has been associated with such an honor. We are all very proud of the fine accomplishments of the Roadrunner group. 

We look forward to expanding our current services in 2009 and also adding new offerings such as day habilitation and supported employment services. We are actively working on a new set of initiatives based on the valued input of the people we serve, their families, and our employees. It is our Mission to support each and every person as they pursue and achieve a meaningful life, and we are determined to make 2009 Rivershore’s best year ever.