Let's Talk About T.A.A.L.K.

Last week, I brought along a trusty sidekick, our intern Lauren, to visit the Rochester Hearing and Speech Center. We braved the snow and slush to visit the agency. Normally I refuse to drive in the snow or any conditions that are not perfect (do we see a pattern with my driving skills here?) but I made an exception.

T.A.A.L.K. stands for Teaching Age Appropriate Language for Kids and is for 1-3 year old kids who are not speaking or are having difficulties communicating. We were able to observe one of the classrooms in action. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought it was a preschool class. The kids were running around playing and just having fun being kids. The picture above is of one of the classrooms.

The speech pathologists use a lot of repetition and basic sign language to communicate with the children. The kids were so excited when they knew how to say certain things and they knew that the adults in the room understood them. They had a smile that went from ear to ear. Both of the boys started out very shy, but they soon warmed up and were talking at their different levels by the end of the class.

Not only does T.A.A.L.K. help develop the children’s speech, the teachers also work with the parents on different skills that they can use at home. The parents also are able to get advice from other parents - like a support group - on other things like potty training.

The whole time we were visiting RHSC, I was thinking of my friend’s little boy who has received similar help. I actually saw him over the weekend, and I am amazed at how much he has grown and developed. He is talking up a storm and his disposition has improved tremendously. Before, he used to whine and throw temper tantrums a lot and you could never understand what he was asking for. You could really see how frustrated he would get. Now you can see how excited he is that he can tell you what he wants. His little brother is just starting to speak and he is excited to be able to talk to him now too.

I know that when I have kids someday… if they have developmental delays… it’s great to know agencies like Rochester Hearing and Speech – and so many others – will be there to get us on the right track.

My Intern Adventures

As a student, my life would be empty without e-mail. I need it to ask questions of my professors, to keep in contact with group members, and on some days even ask my mother her favorite question “What’s for dinner tonight?”

Because it’s a staple in my life, I rarely think about people who don’t use it, how new the technology can be to a first time user, or what power it could have when used for doing good deeds.
However, my opinion of e-mail, and those who used it, changed this morning when I met a group of—what I thought would be—unlikely e-mail users who are using their addresses to help the United Way of Greater Rochester.

Let me back up and tell you why I was able to experience this unique point of view. For the last four months, I have been interning at the United Way in order to gain some field experience to complete my Communications degree at the State University of New York at Geneseo.

I am happy to say that unlike some of my fellow students, who have to sit in cubicles all day, my intern experience has not only kept my interest, but it has given me the chance to meet some extraordinary people in the wake.

Not only are my co-workers a ball (seriously, have you met Liz on the Loose?), but they have taken me all over the county (and to parts of Livingston County too) to see firsthand the great things that United Way is doing my own community.

I have seen labor unions working together for United Way, how fundraising money is used to help those in need, and have even decided to do my part by donating with paycheck deductions at my summer place of employment. Prior to this experience, I knew very little about what United Way actually does day to day, but have come to see that it truly is a shining star in Rochester.

When I arrived at United Way this particular Wednesday morning (a little before nine, which is an all-time record for this usually late arriver), I was informed by my good friend Wendy (one of the many talented staff members here at UW) that today we’d be venturing out into the totally unpredictable Rochester weather to visit a group of volunteers at Lifespan.

These volunteers are using their individual e-mail accounts to spread the message about United Way’s annual fundraising campaign. The process is fairly simple – volunteers log on to their accounts and send e-mails to their families and friends asking them to donate to United Way’s annual campaign.

If those who receive the e-mail are unable to donate to the campaign, they are asked to forward the e-mail on, so that more people will learn about United Way and the things they are trying to accomplish in the community. Once the e-mail has been sent, the volunteers’ task is complete.

They have to do little follow-up work and if their friends and family decide to donate to United Way, they will have helped people in their community by using the power of technology.

When we arrived to Lifespan, I was surprised by how many volunteers had donated their time to helping the United Way, and even more surprised to learn that all of the volunteers were senior citizens!

When I typically think of e-mail users, I don't usually stop to think about the volunteers I met that day. While these folks may be eligible for Social Security, they are very in tune with the technology of today, and were a total blast to hang out with! Above you can see just two of the ladies I had the pleasure of meeting. Laura (foreground) and Mary Jane are seen here typing away to friends and family asking for their support.

Although I was only at Lifespan for an hour, I was able to help the volunteers personalize their e-mails, learn each person's name, and I was able to teach them some savvy computer shortcuts. Even with such a short stay, it was great to see United Way volunteers in action, something that is rare when you spend most of your week in the office. But then again, it’s just another day in the life of a cool communications intern…

Family or friends??

When I was first asked to blog on our website, I was so excited. My mind raced with things I wanted to say, things I wanted to share. I found myself feeling quite emotional. My thoughts ran to my feelings. Feelings of gratitude for working for a group of people that supported me through my diagnosis of breast cancer and all that followed. Excited to be part of a great organization that does so much for the community.

It hit me as I was preparing to come back to work for the United Way, that I was one of those people who got services. I thought to myself that I needed to impart my personal message when I was giving my presentations. That would be my touch. But that all changed quickly. I found that in the right atmosphere, that I might mention it to a coordinator, or to a group where that experience might hit home or be of some help.
I can’t remember exactly at which presentation I was but I found myself thinking that I had little to deal with compared to Doug Lemcke and his family. I remember thinking that my illness paled to Lou Gehrig’s disease. And as life happens, this thought took a life of its own.

In a period of a week, I met with an account where Doug Lemcke’s mother actually retired to care for her son. The company expressed immense concern for the family and it hit home to them. She was part of their family. Then, I was asked to make a presentation to a group for one of my colleagues. Before I was introduced, I was told that Doug Lemcke’s wife worked for this company and that about half of the people in the meeting new that the Lemcke family was in the video. In my introductory remarks, I always give a background on the video and of course mentioned that the technology that Doug Lemcke was using to be able to communicate with this family. And, then I looked at this group of people and so many were fighting back emotions and tears. And, well, I found myself choked up too. It has never happened to me before but again, seeing such concern for this woman and this family, it just got to me. Again, she was part of this group’s family.

When the meeting was over, I got in my car and just let the emotions out. But, in my catharsis, I realized how small this community is. I mean Doug Lemcke is one person and one family and there are so many people whose lives have been touched by a turn of events and how each one of them impacts so many other people, personally and professionally. And, how the United Way, softens the impact. So that is my message now and I like it.

The wheels on the bus....

Today’s my birthday and another year just passed by. Makes me think about aging, and getting around. And, it makes my trip this week even more meaningful.

Going into this week’s agency I really did not know what Medical Motor Service did.
I’ve noticed their cars and buses around town, but really wasn’t sure what it was all about. I was surprised to learn about all the different services that they offer.

Medical Motor Service plays a vital role within the Rochester community. It is the only agency whose sole purpose is to transport seniors and people with disabilities. I never had any idea that transportation is so expensive and for some, especially seniors who can no longer drive, or don’t have the money to afford transportation. To use the services, there is a $2 donation compared to a $100 charge.

There are 12 senior centers that the County funds for Medical Motors to provide transportation for seniors. The centers have weekly shopping trips to grocery stores, and even the mall. This service also provides transportation to doctor appointments, dialysis, and is available to go to family functions and church. The picture above is of 4 members that use Medical Motor Service to go to the Senior Center.

So, that’s the skinny on what they do. Here’s what I got a glimpse of.

The center I visited was the Irondequoit Senior Center on Pinegrove Avenue. The Irondequoit Senior Center has a beautiful facility with a library, recreation center with pool tables, wheelchair and walker rentals and of course the bingo hall where they also hold daily lunches. This service is so important to the seniors that use it. It is a way to get out into their community and meet up with their friends to play bingo and have lunch (for only a $1.25!).

The whole time I was visiting the facility, I thought of all the people that I would recommend this service to.

My dad had problems with his foot - that put him in a boot up to his knee - and he was unable to get to his doctor appointments without the help of my mom. This service would have come in handy. I also thought of my fiancés grandparents who live in Irondequoit, and who don’t get out too often unless it is for a doctors appointment or a family function. His grandfather cannot see very well and his grandmother acts as his eyes because she doesn’t drive. In addition to the transportation services, they could also benefit from getting out of the house and socializing with other people.

The bottom line for me is – it’s so good to know that someday when I’m old and gray I’ll have a tremendous service, like this, to rely upon.

Best Blog Ever!!!

At 23 years old, I am the youngest staffer at United Way, and this is my first blog. I’m a little freaked out this is long—but it’s worth it!

Maybe I’m not as cool as my fellow Gen Y’ers (as my boss likes to refer to us) but this is my first - so bear with me. When Nancy told me that I was going to go out to agencies… all by myself… and come back and blog about it- I was really scared and excited at the same time.

This was the first assignment that I went out in the public to represent the United Way without a trusty sidekick. My first assignment: Salvation Army.

Just to give you a little background about me. I am just about two years out of college (wow that’s a scary thought!) I grew up in the Park Ave area and although I live in the city- I’ve never ventured downtown much. I also went to Mercy High School, so I guess what I am trying to say is that I have led sort of a semi-sheltered life up to this point.

When I first arrived I was very excited that I was able to navigate my way around downtown without getting lost and able to find a meter to park at. I quickly walked down to the main office to meet with Bonnie, the Director of Development at Salvation Army. I talked to Major Deitrick and we headed over to Booth Haven- the men’s shelter. (see the picture above – I took it outside of Booth Haven.)

I was really surprised when we walked into the shelter. It was not what I thought a shelter would be like—it was incredibly clean. It was almost like a college dorm with a common area, a health clinic, free laundry facilities, a cafeteria downstairs, and small rooms that you share with a roommate.

I soon learned about all the different opportunities that Salvation Army offers.

They really try to take a holistic approach and serve people in all aspects of their lives. They also really try to work on achieving the next level of sufficiency for the men who come in.

I was also surprised to learn that they are at full-capacity year round, and even have a waiting list to get into the shelters.

The Salvation Army really differs from other shelters. There are no rules other than no drugs or alcohol on the premises. They also take you as you are, and are willing to do everything they can to get you back on your feet.

Every client who walks thru the doors of Booth-Haven and stays for more than one night meets with a case worker to get an individual plan. They help pay bills, have drug and alcohol counseling, help you get gainful employment. I had no idea!

On the way back, Bonnie and I came across a man who needed some help with his RG&E bill. I was very impressed that Bonnie took the time to listen to this man’s story and really try to point him in the right direction.

I guess I always wondered where the ‘crisis’ money to United Way went. Now I know. Next year I will give more because I know that great things will be accomplished with it.

Stayed tuned in the next couple weeks, where I will spotlight another one of our agency partners as I continue my venture… and learn more about how the dollars given to United Way help our community.