HORIZONS

307 St. Marks Place, Staten Island, NY 10301

Phone: (718) 720-2585

Web Site: www.skylightcenter.org

MISSION STATEMENT

February 2011

Inside this issue:

Sky Light Center, a clubhouse

on Staten Island, established in

1988, is committed to offering

quality rehabilitation services

and support to individuals re-

Sky Light Center

covering from psychiatric dis-

abilities.

Information

Employment, educational op-

Clerical Unit ,

portunities, social activities,

Employment & Job

community services and afford-

Club Updates

able housing are offered

through mutual support. These

Education & Advocacy

programs are designed to im-

Updates

prove our members quality of

life.

Thrift Shop Update

The clubhouse empowers mem-

bers to regain their role in the

community.

Kitchen Unit &

Wellness Updates

Through ongoing systematic

self-evaluation we strive to en-

Housing & ICCD

hance our services thereby as-

Standard Discussion

suring the integrity of the club-

Meeting Minutes

house.

Newsletter Contributors

Policy Meeting

Minutes

Presidents’ Day Flyer

Ari Berman

April Rivera

Employment

Ray Boje

Lorrie Rothstein

Recognition List

Jean Coniglione

Jessica Sanabria

Birthday List

Rosa Guardascione

Jessica Shevlin

Lindsey Mattsson

Stephen Signeavsky

Carlos Osorio

Howard Weingard

Valerie Pisarik

Margaret Wilson

Page 2

Sky Light Center Information

MONDAY

9:00AM—6:00PM

TUESDAY

9:00AM—7:00PM

WEDNESDAY

9:00AM—6:00PM

THURSDAY*

*9:00AM—6:00PM

FRIDAY

9:00AM—9:00PM

SATURDAY

10:00AM—7:00PM

SUNDAY

*(Housing Dinners and Celebratory Employment Dinners are until 7pm)

10:00AM—4:00PM

Meal Times

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

DAILY

9:00AM—9:30AM

LUNCH

DAILY

12:30PM-1:30PM

DINNER

MON, WED,THURS.

5:00PM-6:00PM

DINNER

TUESDAY

5:OOPM-7:00 PM

DINNER

FRIDAY

5:30PM

DINNER

SATURDAY

5:00PM

Activities

MONDAY

WELLNESS GROUP

3:30PM

MONDAY

COFFEE HOUR

3:00PM—3:30PM

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

TUTORING

3:00PM-5:00PM

TUESDAY

WEIGHT WATCHERS

3:00PM

TUESDAY

COFFEE HOUR

3:00PM—3:30PM

TUESDAY

YOGA / TAI CHI

3:30PM—4:30PM

TUESDAY

FOOD EDUCATION WORKSHOP

4:00PM

WEDNESDAY

COFFEE HOUR

2:45PM—3:15PM

WEDNESDAY

JAZZERCISE

3:30PM—4:30PM

THURSDAY

JOB CLUB

11:00AM—12:00PM

THURSDAY

WALKING GROUP

1:30PM—2:30PM

ALTERNATE THURSDAYS/FRIDAYS

HOSPITAL VISITS

2:00PM

ALTERNATE THURSDAYS

COFFEE HOUR

3:00PM—3:45PM

ALTERNATE FRIDAYS

SMOKING CESSATION GROUP

11:00AM-12:30PM

FRIDAY

COFFEE HOUR

3:15PM—3:45PM

SATURDAY

TUTORING

1:00PM—5:00PM

Meetings

MONDAY-FRIDAY

MORNING MEETING

9:30AM—10:00AM

MONDAY-FRIDAY

UNIT MEETINGS

10:00AM—10:30AM

MONDAY-FRIDAY

JOINT-UNIT AFTERNOON MEETING

2:15PM-2:30PM

3RD MONDAY OF THE MONTH

WELLNESS COMMITTEE MEETING

3:30PM-4:30PM

3RD MONDAY OF THE MONTH

ADVOCACY MEETING

2:00PM-3:00PM

1ST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

POLICY MEETING

2:00PM

TUESDAYS

DOUBLE TROUBLE RECOVERY

5:30PM-6:30PM

WEDNESDAYS

NEWSLETTER MEETING

3:15PM-4:15PM

FRIDAYS

PLACEMENT MANAGERS’ MEETING

2:30PM-3:00PM

ALTERNATE FRIDAYS

OPERATIONS MEETINGS

3:00PM—5:00PM

Page 3

February Evening Meeting

Clerical Unit Update

Schedule

February is upon us and the Clerical

We are always looking for new

Unit would like to wish everyone a

members to join Sky Light. If you

very Happy Valentine’s Day. We con-

know someone who is interested in

tinue to work hard as a unit and offer

becoming a member of the club-

2/03 Employment/Education

valuable services to our members. We

house, have them call the Clerical

would like to welcome Pam to the

Unit for a tour or to receive an ap-

2/10 Advocacy

Clerical Unit. Pam is our new part

plication. Tours are arranged by

time tutor that will be with us on

appointment for potential new

2/17 Housing

Mondays and Wednesdays from

members in order to offer them the

3:00pm to 5:00pm and on Saturdays

opportunity to visit and check

2/24 Celebratory Employment

from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Supported

things out before deciding if Sky

Education is an integral part of the

Light Center is right for them.

clubhouse community and we hope

The Clerical Unit would like to

to expand our program to the next

thank Lorrie Rothstein, Howie

level. If you have an educational goal,

Weingard, Daniel Prete, Leon

please stop by the Clerical Unit.

Brown, Ari Berman, Susan Stag-

The Clerical Unit continues to proc-

nita, Rick Skelton, Debbie Tolkin-

ess new member applications, set up

Marrale, Peter Pellegritti, Margaret

weekly orientations, complete atten-

Wilson, Pamela Schwarzmann,

dance data entry, produce a monthly

Karen Greer, Luis Rodriguez, Joe

Newsletter, answer the phones and

Garto, Steven Bass, Charles Lee

and Holly Lillie for all their hard

cover the reception desk at all times.

The Clerical Unit continues to orient

work in the unit. We could not do

it without you guys! We apologize

new members into the clubhouse.

Orientation takes place every

for anyone we forgot to mention!

Wednesday at 2:00pm.

Job Club

Employment Update

This month we would like to highlight a

Do you feel the work you are doing here at Sky

member who has been making strides to

Light Center is beneficial to your employment

obtain employment in the community

goals and overall recovery?

2/03 No One Will Hire

through Sky Light Center’s Employment

Elliott: Yes, I have hope that I can work

Me! Chapter 1 (pgs. 1-5)

program. Elliot Schwartz has been a mem-

through Sky Light.

ber of Sky Light Center since June 2005.

2/10 Job Search Video

Here is a little more about Elliott.

What are some things you would like to do after

Series: “Preparing for the

you obtain employment in the community? Will

Tell us a little about yourself, interests and hob-

you continue to attend Sky Light Center for

Interview.”

bies. How do you like to spend your free time?

other services?

Elliott: Sports, particularly hockey, read-

2/17 A New Perspective for

Elliott: Yes, I will still come to Sky Light. I

ing, taking walks in the park, birds, nature

Job Hunters: Chapter 1

really don’t know what services I will use.

and music.

(pgs. 1-3)

If you could let the other members know one

What are your vocational goals?

thing about Sky Light Center’s Employment

2/24 No One is

Elliott: To do maintenance work, and to

program what would it be?

do a good job, as well as learn from my

Unemployable: Step 1

Elliott: They try very hard to find jobs and

mistakes.

(pgs. 32-35)

everything like that.

Have you always been interested in this type of

work?

If you are interested in Sky Light’s em-

Elliott: Yes, well I like to do clerical and

ployment program and would like to work

mailroom clerk work. I did that too.

on your personal vocational goals please

What are some things you are working on here at

see your service coordinator and fill out a

Sky Light Center to prepare yourself for work?

Vocational Service Plan. Also join us for

Job Club Thursdays at 11:00am in the

Elliott: To work on my grooming and

ACE room to work on job readiness skills

appearance.

and development. We hope to see

you there!

Page 4

Education Update

Advocacy Update

Theodore de Bouville once

things a tablet PC or e-reader

Sky Light’s Advocacy Program

 This years Annual Legisla-

said,” Those who do nothing

can’t and it is here at Sky Light

fosters education and awareness

tive Day is scheduled to take

of local, state and federal mental

place on Tuesday, February

are never wrong.” Take the

Center! Stop into the Re-

health issues while advocating

15, 2011 at The Egg in Al-

first step in your educational

source Room and be one of

for public policies and strategies

bany. This is a great oppor-

goals by sitting down with a

the first to experience the new-

that provide an effective, well-

tunity for members to speak

Sky Light Center tutor and

est in computer technology.

funded mental health system

out to their legislators and

that serves those in need, result-

voice their opinions about

working out an Educational

Sky Light Center’s Book

ing in a stronger community.

issues related to mental

Service Plan. Also, Sky Light

Club is in full force. Join us

health. If you are interested

every Friday at 3:30 for a read-

The goal of the program is to

Center’s Adult Literacy Pro-

in attending please notify a

ing of John Steinbeck’s Of

protect and advance the legal,

gram is available to any mem-

staff member in the Clerical

Mice and Men. Thanks to the

human service rights of people

ber who would like to im-

Unit.

members that have made our

with psychiatric disabilities. The

prove his or her literacy skills.

reading a success, especially

Advocacy meetings are held on

 The February Staten Island

You can work at your own

Peter Leone, Angela Valen-

the 3rd Monday of the month.

Mental Health Society Meet-

pace or with a tutor one on

tino, Valerie Pisarik, Vinny

Due to the Presidents’ Day Holi-

ing at

669 Castleton Ave-

day, the next meeting will take

nue will be held on Thurs-

one. Come in during tutor-

Pulizzi and Karen Zeifert.

place on February 28, 2011 at

day, February

10,

2011 at

ing hours (Monday through

Sky Light Center has

2:00pm.

9:30am. Please see Rosa in

Friday 3:00pm-5:00pm and

PLATO material that is com-

the Clerical Unit if you

Upcoming Events:

Saturday 1:00pm-5:00pm) to

pletely up to date and web

would like to attend.

take an assessment test and

based. This learning tool is

 The Staten Island Mental

We encourage members who

helpful for those looking to

Health Council Consumer

start work immediately on

would like to take an active

build or develop reading skills,

Committee will meet this

improving your reading and

role in advocacy to visit the

math skills, job skills and life

month on Monday, Febru-

writing skills.

Clerical Unit.

skills. Come on in and check

ary 7, 2011 at 90 Hancock

With its revolutionary Multi-

it out. It is an educational and

Street at 11:00am.

Touch screen, and its ability

fun way to learn!

to run thousands of apps, the

iPad can do thousands of

Page 5

Thrift Shop Update

The Thrift Shop (Attic

essing Room to make it a more

on Mondays from 3:00pm to

user friendly space and we are

4:00pm and/or Thursdays from

Treasures) is open on Mon-

nearly complete! We still have

2:30pm to 4:00pm to lend a

REMINDER:

days from 3:00pm —

some work to do, so if you are

helping hand.

4:00pm, Thursdays from

Be sure to visit the Thrift

willing to assist, please see Rosa

We would like to recognize

2:30pm — 4:00pm and the

in the Clerical Unit.

Shop this month for bar-

some of our members who have

third Saturday of the

gains and sales!

We continue to get donations

been helpful over the past

month from 1:00pm —

from the community, members

month with the Processing

2:00pm.

and staff. Donations for the

Room and Thrift Shop. A big

Thrift Shop are always welcome.

thank you goes out to Debra

The Thrift Shop has been keep-

They can be made during nor-

Tolkin-Marrale, Irakly Sanadze,

ing a steady stock of new winter

mal operating hours. Please see

Ray Febles, Ray Martinez, Ray-

items for purchase. Please stop

the Clerical Unit if you have any

mond Caban, Palays Montas,

by during operating hours to

questions.

Rick Skelton and Donna Pas-

check out the selection. If you

cucci. We couldn’t do it with-

would like to help out with re-

The Clerical Unit purchased

out your help!

stocking, please see a staff mem-

organizing items to make finding

ber in the Clerical Unit.

sizes and prices easier for our

shoppers in the Thrift Shop. We

We need your help!

still need your help pricing and

As you know, we are in the

sizing all items with colored tags.

process of re-organizing the Proc-

Please stop by the Thrift Shop

Page

Kitchen Unit Update

Old man winter has certainly showed us his

Light continues to operate as a wellness

February is American Heart Month

wings. Snow looks beautiful when it is falling.

kitchen, meaning we are serving healthy,

According to the Center for Disease

It looks inviting, especially to children. Adults

well-balanced, and nutritious meals. Our

Control and Prevention (2004), about

feel differently, they know it means shoveling,

menu planning meeting was a success; and

difficulty traveling. The air is crisp when snow

many great healthy meal suggestions were

every 25 seconds, an American will have a

is on its way, so keep your snow boots ready,

offered. Weight Watchers continues to meet

coronary event. Heart disease is the lead-

along with your hats, gloves and scarves to

weekly on Tuesdays at 3:00p.m.; though a

ing cause of death in the United States

have fun in the snow. This is the season to

new session has started, it’s never too late to

and is a major cause of disability. The

snuggle up and read a good book along with

join! Come meet our leader Evie as she is

most common heart disease in the United

some hot chocolate. Remember spring is

looking forward to meeting new members.

States is coronary heart disease, which

around the corner. Before long the flowers

Please see Jean, Carlos or Lindsey in the

often appears as a heart attack. In 2009,

will begin to bloom!

Kitchen Unit if you are interested and we’ll

an estimated 785,000 Americans had a

fill you in on all the details. It only costs

new coronary attack, and about 470,000

We continue to need members to step up

$2.90 a week to join Weight Watchers. As a

will have a recurrent attack. It has been

and take an active role in the Kitchen Unit.

reminder, we offer a wide selection of

We would like to thank everyone for their

studied that women and men exhibit dif-

Weight Watchers snacks for participating

help; whether it’s chopping vegetables, serving

ferent physical symptoms and it is impor-

members who would like to purchase them.

coffee, taking out the trash, sweeping the

tant to understand the warning signs.

floor, putting the drinks away, or helping with

Connie continues to come every Tuesday

The Wagner College Student Nurse pres-

and Wednesday afternoon for Yoga, Jazzer-

the distribution of food pantry items; we ac-

entations will also continue to take place

cise and Tai Chi. All levels of ability can join

cept any and all the help we can get. Since we

after lunch in the dining room on Fridays

and it’s a great way to get some exercise

cannot do it without you, we would like to

at 1:30pm. (On these particular Fridays,

give a big thank you to the members who con-

while relaxing and socializing with friends.

lunch will be served at 12 noon) The

tinue to help in the Kitchen Unit, including:

The weather is cool which makes walking

schedule and topics are as follows:

Richard Clark, Jose Arce, Jerome Brinkley,

even more pleasurable; let’s enjoy it by walk-

Peter Leone, Robert Voegli, Blossom Smith,

ing together. We meet every Thursday at

Haudu Hamza, Leon Brown, John Schuler,

1:30p.m. at the front desk. Several members

Reggie Minus, Daniel Prete, Lorrie Rothstein,

have made it to our one and two mile clubs;

1. February 4th: Maintaining a Healthy

Pamela Schwarzmann, David Morris, Lillian

maybe you could make it too! Remember,

Heart

Bernius, Joel Madison, Richard Kacik,

it’s important to take 10,000 steps a day for

2. February 11th: How to be a Wise

Charles Lee, Rick Napoles, Ralph Capuano,

a healthy heart.

Health Consumer

Lisa West, Ray Febles, Vinny Pulizzi, Michael

Smoking Cessation has had a lot of partici-

Spennato, Luis Rodriguez, Sandra Brooks,

3. February 18th: Diabetes and Sugar

pation recently, and the group continues to

Roberta Lacorte, Robert Rivera, April Rivera,

meet in the library due to the weather from

4. February 25th: Healthy Nutritional

Debbie Tolkin-Marrale, Michael Reed,

11:00a.m.-12:30p.m. (Due to change in

Roberto Berrios, Edna Mazz, Al Weinfeld and

Eating

weather, the group will meet in the library).

Alan Calabrasse. We apologize if we missed

The dates for this month are Friday, Febru-

anyone and we appreciate everyone’s contribu-

ary 4th and Friday, February 18th. Free

tions!

patches, gum and lozenges are available for

Our stoves are up and running again! Please

those who attend the workshop on a regular

join us in the Kitchen Unit as we need a help-

basis.

ing hand to prepare lunch and dinner. Sky

REMINDER:

February Awarenesses

American Heart Month

The Food Pantry continues to offer

food items twice monthly. The first

National Wise Consumer Health

giveaway will be February 9th from

Month

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the second

February 4th: Wear Red Day

on February 23rd from 2:00 p.m. to

February 7th-14th: Congenital

3:00 p.m. Please help Sky Light Center

Heart Defect Awareness Week

stay green by bringing your cloth bag!

Page

Housing Update

Our January housing dinner

services we provide, contact Jean

WE STILL NEED YOUR

Housing Dinner:

was a great success. We are al-

Coniglione in the Kitchen Unit.

HELP!!!

ways encouraged to see members

Also, if you are interested, we

February 17, 2010

If you know of any studio or

continuing to attend. We want

have copies of the HRA packet

one bedroom apartments for

to thank all the members for

(which will tell you what type of

Topic: Organizing Records:

rent on Staten Island, please let

their participation in making the

housing you may qualify for).

Entitlements, Tax Returns,

someone in the Kitchen/

dinner a great success. We hope

Important:

Housing Unit know. We are

etc.

February’s will be just as success-

looking for apartments for rent

ful! February’s housing dinner

Why are apartment visits an

at $700.00 per month. Speak

will be held on February 17th

integral part of Sky Light

with your landlord about any

and we will be talking about:

Center’s Supported Housing

apartments that may become

Program?

“Organizing Records: Entitle-

available in the future. We are

ments, Tax Returns, etc.”

Apartment visits are important

always looking for safe, afford-

because they give us an opportu-

able, decent apartments on

Come join us for a round table

nity to check in on members in

Staten Island.

discussion and of course lot’s of

our housing program (especially

fun!

those members who are inactive at

If anyone is interested in hous-

the Clubhouse or do not attend

ing, we currently have slots open.

on a regular basis). Also, it gives

We currently have a few mem-

us an opportunity to see if we can

bers going though the applica-

offer any supports and/or ser-

tion process. Good luck to you

vices. Please see your Service Co-

all! If you want more informa-

ordinator if you have not had a

tion about your eligibility status

visit in a while.

and what supported housing

ICCD Standard Discussion Meeting

Minutes: Standard #19

#19 All work in the Clubhouse is de-

that the training provided at Sky Light

The Four Rights To Membership:

signed to help members regain self

Center nurtures the feeling of accom-

A guaranteed right to a place to come.

worth, purpose and confidence; it is

plishment. This standard is met on a

A guaranteed right to meaningful

not intended to be job specific train-

daily basis throughout the Clubhouse as

work.

ing.

members choose to participate in various

tasks in both the Kitchen and Clerical

A guaranteed right to meaningful

Standard Discussion #19

Units. In doing so, members are exposed

relationships.

Participants: Rick Skelton, Margaret

to a wide variety of skills that are deemed

A guaranteed right to a place to

Wilson and Susan Stagnita

general job skills.

return.

Discussion: Members were actively

Standard number 19 is constantly evolv-

involved in a discussion regarding stan-

ing at Sky Light Center as new tasks are

dard number 19. Dialogue regarding

created on a daily basis. This standard

job specific and general job training was

reflects aspects of all of the four rights to

discussed. Members agreed that al-

membership.

though some areas of training at Sky

Light Center may fall into a broad “job

specific” category, most or all training

falls under the umbrella of general job

knowledge and skills.

The participants who attended the

discussion described Sky Light Center’s

training “programs” as self-esteem and

self worth boosters. They also stated

Page 8

Policy Meeting Minutes

POLICY MEETING MINUTES

Issue #2: Prejudice and Stigmatism in the

Proposal: Members and staff will be encour-

DATE: JANUARY 4, 2011

aged to donate $1.00 during lunch and din-

Clubhouse

CO-CHAIRS: REGGIE MINUS AND

ner to support SLC emergency fund.

GREG SOROKO

Discussion: Recently, members have been

overheard stigmatizing other members

Decision: Affirmed. Donations will be col-

based on race and religion.

lected as of the second week of January.

Attendance April Rivera, Cathy Holladay,

Carlos Osorio, Jean Coniglione, Kathy Ca-

Proposal: A no tolerance policy to be en-

den, Michael Spennato, Mary Spennato,

forced at Sky Light Center towards any

Issue #5: Food Pantry Hours

Lorrie Rothstein, Ray Boje, Lindsey Mattson,

form of stigmatism.

Discussion: It has been observed that mem-

Scott Chao, Gregory Soroko, Stephen

Decision: Affirmed. Members who do not

bers are more inclined participate in the

Signeavsky, Jessica Shevlin, Rosa Guardas-

comply with this policy will be asked to

afternoon food pantry give-away when com-

cione, Peter Leone and Reggie Minus

leave and may face suspension.

pared to the morning give-away.

Agenda

Proposal: Changing the hours of the first

1. Review of Unit and Clubhouse Goals

food pantry give-away from the morning to

Issue #3: Storage Closet on 305 Side

and 2011 Proposal

the afternoon.

Discussion: Currently, the storage closet

2. Prejudice and Stigmatism in the Club-

Decision: Affirmed. Both food pantry give-

on the 305 side of the house kept locked

house

ways will be held in the afternoon. Members

and is inconvenient for members and staff.

and staff will discuss options in bi-weekly

3. Storage Closet on 305 Side

Proposal: Keeping the storage closet on the

meetings.

4. Donation for Meals

305 side of the house unlocked at all times.

5. Food Pantry Hours

Decision: Affirmed. The closet will be

kept unlocked.

Next Meeting: February 1, 2011

Issue #1: Review of Unit and Clubhouse

Co-Chairs: Rosa Guardascione and Lorrie

Goals and 2011 Proposal

Issue #4: Donation for Meals

Rothstein

Discussion: Units discussed 2010 goals and

Discussion: It has been noted that a corre-

proposed new goals for 2011.

lation seems to exist between meals and

attendance. Attendance is generally greater

Proposal: Units will work on new goals for

based on meal preference. In an effort to

2011 and continue to work on 2010 goals as

encourage members to attend SLC regard-

needed.

less of what meal is being served, a dona-

Decision: Affirmed proposal. Units will

tion of $1.00 will be requested during

work towards accomplishment of goals.

lunch and dinner. All monies collected

from the donation will be used for SLC

emergency fund.

Page 10

Employment Recognition List

Transitional Employment

Luann Baylis

Bay Street Thrift Shop

Floor Clerk

William Bernard

Northfield Savings Bank

Maintenance

Alexis Condos

Bay Street Thrift Shop

Floor Clerk

Ray Febles

TJ Maxx

Maintenance

Joel Madison

TJ Maxx

Stockroom Clerk

Paul Papapietro

Wagner Brokerage Firm

Clerical

Luis Rojas

TJ Maxx

Stockroom Clerk

Supported Employment

Nicole Avedon

Staten Island Advance

News Room Clerk

Chris Awn

Rainbow Recycling

Maintenance

Lillian Bernius

Lavelle Prep

Teachers’ Assistant

Alan Calabrese

Bay Street Optical Pavilion

Maintenance

Frank Caterina

Unitarian Church

Groundskeeper

Coco Davilla

Victory State Bank

Records Clerk

Catherine Hall

Noah’s Ark Childcare

Child Care Worker

Brian Laub

South Beach Psych

Food Service

Peter Leone

Bay Street Optical Pavilion

Clerical

Stephanie Lotto

Baltic Street AEH

Peer Advocate

Daniel Prete

JC Penney

Stock

Lorrie Rothstein

Bayley Seton

Receptionist

Rosemary Rubio

PossibiliTees

Screen Printer

Gregory Soroko

Rainbow Recycling

Maintenance

Jim Sosa

Marshall’s

Markdown Associate

Lisa West

Baltic Street AEH

Peer Advocate

Independent Employment

Bob Armstrong

Respite

Joyce Mandel

Avon

Christine Boyer

Baltic Street AEH

Michael Shanahan

Baltic Street AEH

Angela Cerio

Advocacy Specialist

John Zizzamia

Respite Care

Gary Goldstein

Baltic Street