Stories of Hope

So much can happen in the course of a day at DePaul. No two are ever quite the same. Just as the people we serve are all unique individuals with different backgrounds and varying needs.

At times, the days may seem routine, each one involving the things we all do...eating our meals, participating in activities, programs or groups, working on achieving goals, learning new things, maybe on some days...just maintaining. Each day is a building block. Each day matters. Each day, DePaul represents a safe, secure place to change, improve, or maintain your quality of life over the over the long term.

The greatest measure of our success is our ability to deliver outstanding results each and every day. It takes many dedicated hands and hearts, paired with compassion and commitment to others, that result in those we serve feeling supported, valued, and in some cases, healed.

The accomplishments are many, though some you will never see. They take place with each small triumph made by those we serve everyday. Join us in celebrating the positive difference made by DePaul.

John

Reflections from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence - Rochester Area

From a treatment provider partner in the community with whom we have worked and continue to work on a number of collaborative projects:

Our community is richer and healthier because of the prevention efforts of the DePaul NCADD-RA. For several decades I have watched the good work of the NCADD-RA, and made aware of the thousands of lives they have touched.

...Chuck Montante MS, CASAC, NCACII, LMHC
VP Clinical Services, Westfall Associates

From a school/community coalition partner:

NCADD-RA has been an invaluable resource in the areas of substance abuse prevention, education and support for the Fairport Central School District and the community at large. For more than twenty years we have been fortunate to work closely with the NCADD-RA. Currently, they have extended themselves to join, as partners playing a significant role, the Fairport-Perinton Chemical Prevention Advisory Council, a school-community partnership to address alcohol and other drugs issues, wellness and healthy lifestyles. Many of our students and parents have benefited from the NCADD-RA's Total Approach Family Program. One of the highlights for our middle school students and health teachers has been to rise to the challenge of the poster contests offered by New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), and coordinated locally by the NCADD-RA. These contests provide a unique opportunity to include awareness activities within the health curriculum. In addition, the students were able to combine curriculum lessons learned with their creativity and enthusiasm in producing the posters. These efforts represent true team work between our health teachers, students, administration, NCADD-RA and OASAS!!

...Angel Curley, SAP Coordinator, Fairport Central School District

It's obvious Suzanne, a special education teacher, wants the best for her son, Louis, a warm, caring 16-year-old with soulful eyes. For years, Suzanne and her family were challenged with finding quality, reliable, consistent after-school care for Louis, who has autism and had aged out of a traditional day care setting.

"Louis needed a program that provided structured activities in a relaxed environment where he could socialize, interact and have fun," said Suzanne. "The DePaul Developmental Services After-School Respite Program is a godsend. Before this, there was nothing available. There was a real void in our community."

Lack of appropriate after-school care is common for many in this situation. Some parents must leave their jobs and children may wind up isolated. The program gives Louis an opportunity to further develop his social skills, while Suzanne and her family have greater flexibility and peace of mind.

And Louis, well his face lights up when you mention his favorite program activities, bowling and playing basketball. When asked how he likes the program, Louis, using a portable communication aid with synthesized speech, eagerly responds, "I feel happy!"

Louis

Upon entering JoAnn's apartment, you're instantly struck by the meticulous effort and flair she's put in to making it her own. Victorian and colonial style predominate the immaculate, feminine décor that features quilts, embroidered pillows, dolls, and hand-made doilies reminiscent of days gone by.

"It's home now," she says. "It's beautiful here. We are our own community." JoAnn first came to DePaul in 2002. Since then, she has graduated from several increasingly independent levels of care, developed many interests, and has an active social life that includes a quilting class, volunteering at a local elementary school, shopping at her favorite places, going out with friends, participating in activities, and crafting...her true passion. She also recently married!

JoAnn not only embraces life but those around her. Her giving spirit is widely appreciated and she's known to many in the program as "mom" or "grandma."

"My life started with DePaul," she said. "I've grown at DePaul. I have the freedom to make choices and to be me. DePaul gave me the lifestyle I wanted all my life. Now I'm living it."

JoAnn

Choosing assisted living for your aging parent can be a difficult decision. No one knows that better than Mary Ann who was the primary caregiver for her father, John, until he came to live at Westwood Commons, a DePaul Senior Living Community, in 2008. John, 90, is a widower and was a popular barber in downtown Rochester for nearly 60 years, who cut the hair of local legends and visiting celebrities such as Jimmy Durante, George Gobel and members of Lawrence Welk's band. A native of Italy, he lived independently in his own home until age 85 when he began needing support from his daughter and her family due to health issues.

"Westwood has been a blessing for all of us," said Mary Ann. "Instead of a nurse, cook and housekeeper, I can be a daughter again! It was so hard for me to let go but everyone at Westwood made it easy for me. I know he's always safe and everyone is so kind to him. I know what a caregiver does. The people at Westwood do it with patience and compassion, taking it all off my shoulders."

Now John has the opportunity to socialize and participate in activities. His room is filled with family photos and mementos of days gone by including a beautiful album illustrating his days as a Navy Seabee in the South Pacific during World War II. Mary Ann and her family are always at Westwood visiting John, taking him out to lunch, or bringing him home for dinner. "When my dad returns to Westwood after an outing, he always says, 'It's so nice to be home.'"