TUNKHANNOCK — Keystone Community Resources always puts people first.

“Everything Keystone does, as a whole, is completely centered around the individual and creating a better life for them by giving them opportunities they never dreamed of having,” Tunkhannock Program Manager Kristie Baker said of the privately owned organization which serves the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Tangible success in action

Baker witnessed several residents make strides through programs and guidance provided by the staff.
“There are two folks who stick out to me who have had a very difficult history and there weren’t a lot of people who were still willing to give them a chance,” Baker said. “We looked at it as a challenge and we’ve supported them.”
As a result of training through Keystone Community Resources, the individuals were recognized by Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health & Development Services at a Celebration of Abilities event this past June at the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock.
“Being part of Keystone has brought me a sense of pride for our individuals and what they have been able to accomplish,” said Director of Community and Employment Partnerships Dean White.
The mission of the organization is to provide people with developmental disabilities diverse opportunities that lead to fulfilling lives.
“The services we offer definitely give them a reason to get up every day,” Baker said. “Whether it’s coming here to work or participate in an art, music or bakery class, we offer such a wide variety of services,” Baker said. “It gives them something to look forward to every single day. It could be as simple as seeing friends they meet through the programs.”
One of the most poignant moments for Baker during her time at Keystone was when the individuals with disabilities received their first pay checks.
“It was quite a party,” she said. “They were just blown away with how much more they could actually make.”
Keystone’s Tunkhannock office opened in August 2004 and, although it was initially met with uncertainty, it has proven to be a valuable asset to the community.
“When Keystone moved into Wyoming County, there were a lot of folks who were a little hesitant because they hadn’t heard of us before but, in very short order, we made a very positive impact,” Baker said.
The organization is making a big push to prepare individuals for community employment through its supportive employment program.
“We’re encouraging local businesses to give us a chance by letting us come into their business and show them what our folks can do,” Baker said. “We did a presentation with the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce and we’re also talking to the Tunkhannock Kiwanis Club.”
According to Baker, when given the opportunity, Keystone’s workers have excelled in various assignments.
“So far, we’ve been very widely accepted,” she said. “Everyone that has given us a chance with bulk mailings and other tasks has been very pleased. We’ve kind of gone above and beyond what they expected as far as quality, timeliness and pricing.”
According to Baker, many aspects of her job are rewarding on a daily basis.
“There was a need for these services for a long time in this area,” she said. “It’s fulfilling to know we’re creating a positive and lucrative work environment for the individuals, and see everyone so happy and content.”
In addition to preparing individuals for the workforce, Keystone Community Resources also helps them develop social skills.
“We’ve had some folks come in who were afraid to say a word and were very shy because they didn’t know anybody,” Baker said. “Two weeks later, they’ve found their best friend and are going full force in a music class.”

Real life experience

In the bakery class, in addition to learning how to make a variety of items, the individuals also learn how to wash dishes, stock shelves, price and label items and learn proper kitchen etiquette.
“The class gives them the ability to learn skills that can be adapted to so many different jobs,” Baker said.
Carol Fulkersin, 44, of Tunkhannock, has worked in the bakery of Keystone Konfections for a little more than a year and has already found a niche in the kitchen. She enjoys baking pies, cookies and brownies.
“I’ve learned how to roll the dough back and forth, and we have a list on the wall of all the job duties each day,” she said.
Fulkersin felt a sense of pride when Keystone Konfections was chosen as the winner of the People’s Choice Award at the Keystone College Cupcake Challenge last February.
“It made me feel proud and happy,” she said. “I showed the whole staff the award on the wall.”
Karen Frey, 38, of Tunkhannock, enjoys stocking shelves, cleaning and making peanut butter pies in the bakery.
“I can make it completely by myself,” she said of making the specialty pie. “I’ve learned how to be more independent with different things and I’m learning how to do things by myself.”
Frey’s self confidence has also been boosted through participating in many of the programs Keystone offers.
“I’m just so proud of myself that I can come to work, do my job and be happy,” she said. “I just love Keystone. If we don’t have work up in production, they make sure we have stuff to do and keep us busy.”

Best in show
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Each of the artists enrolled in classes at ArtWorks Tunkhannock participated in the Wyoming County Fair last year. One individual placed first and many others placed in the top five from among the general public.
“I’m impressed by everything they make, everything they experience for the first time and their overall excitement for the programs,” art instructor Kaitlin Bobrovcan said.
Their art was also featured in a show at the Dietrich Theater prior to Christmas and the artists earned a commission for each item sold.
“The support from the community was awesome,” Baker said. “We were selling artwork left and right.”

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Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.


http://timesleader.com/news/504493/keystone-community-resources-in-tunkhannock-puts-people-first​

ArtWorks Tunkhannock 
99 Bridge Street Tunkhannock PA 

Disabilities Didn't Get Us Down
The entire month of November at
The Dietrich Theatre

60 E Tioga St, Tunkhannock PA                                                       
570.836.1022
 
Join us for a Meet- the- Artists reception:
Sunday, November 22nd, 3-5PM
​
Free and open to the public ! 

"We celebrate the artist in each of us through fine art instruction, gallery exhibitions and a variety of special programs in the arts." ​

The Glen Oaks Country Club, located in the heart of the Abingtons, served as the perfect backdrop to honor two staff--Mawrie Residence Program Manager, Corrine Gregorsky, and Staff Development Specialist (and former lead staff at Mawrie), Robert (Bob) Getz with Big Heart Awards. They were recognized for acts of heroism and courage in saving the life of program Participant Mike U. who had a serious choking incident.

Equally worthy and also receiving a Big Heart Award, was Family Living Provider, Kim Gooden, whose decision to continue to serve family living client Donna H., and to ask her to remain in her home as a part of her family despite funding being eliminated, touched the hearts and stirred rousing applause from the crowd of people attending the event.    

The event was held as part of Keystone’s HR Ambassador Day. Many of the guests in attendance were Managers, Coordinators, Directors and Senior Directors.

 “Character and choices” was the theme of a speech presented by Participant Safety Sub-Committee Chairman, Dean White.  Corrine and Bob showed their character when they did everything in their power to save Mike’s life.  They acted consistent with their character, and from that character they made the right choices, and gave their all to save a life, a very special and precious life.   Thanks to them, Mike U. is still with us today.

For Kim Gooden, it was a matter of choosing between one state’s funding-driven plan to move Donna H. out of her home, where she had lived for 4 ½ years with a family who cared for and loved her, to a group home, in a different state, and many miles away to reside with people she did not know or to choose for Donna to remain with her family, despite the fact that funding would be stopped. Beyond believing it was “the right thing to do”, Kim knew in her heart and spoke from her conscience that Donna was part of her family and Kim asked that Donna remain regardless of the loss of compensation for her care.  

Corrine and Bob were nominated by Jorja Sukowaski , Director of Keystone’s Nursing and Health Services Department.  Jorja read her nomination to Corrine and Bob. Keystone’s President, Laura Brown-Yadlosky,  and Jorja, then presented Corrine and Bob with their awards. 

John Bershefsky , Family Living Coordinator, nominated Kim Gooden and read his nomination to her at the event.  Laura Brown Yadlosky and John then presented the award to Kim.

In addition to their awards, Bob, Corrine, and Kim, each received a Keystone Community Resources jacket, and each will receive a new badge heralding them as Big Heart Award Winners. Keystone Konfections provided a delicious cake and cookies and everyone celebrated with the honorees.  When you see Kim, Corrine, or Bob in your travels, please thank them for having Big Hearts and for letting their good character shine through with choices that clearly showed how much they care.   

The Board of Directors of Keystone Community Resources is pleased to announce the election of Laura Brown-Yadlosky as President.

Brown-Yadlosky joined Keystone in 2000 as the Executive Director of the Children and Youth program.  She has held positions of Chief Administrative Officer, Vice President of Programs and Services, and for the past 3 years serving as Chief Operating Officer.  Her commitment and devotion to the field of human services is unwavering and she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience into her new position.

Brown-Yadlosky resides in Tunkhannock with her husband, Justin and 3 children.

During June, Keystone had the honor of presenting the newest recipient  of the “Have a Heart” Award.  
 
Ellen Edmondson, R. N. – Quality Assurance Nursing Coordinator:  
 
Ellen was nominated for going above and beyond in her daily sacrifice  to the people that live and work at Keystone.  She’s been described by her co-workers  as kind, caring, friendly, and always willing to help others with anything they may need.
 
Ellen has been described as the medical voice for those who cannot advocate for themselves. She is dedicated to ensuring the individuals we serve receive the most thorough and effective medical treatment possible.  It’s this dedication  and commitment that has earned Ellen the admiration of her co-workers, and  selection as a Have a Heart Award recipient.  Congratulations Ellen…..we are grateful for the work you do. 
  
Ellen is seen here with Ann Slack, Program Coordinator at PEP, one of the individuals nominating her for the award, and Laura Brown-Yadlosky, Executive Director of Keystone Community Resouces.