30 The Courier sun • business • june 4, 2015 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com Quality of Life When Thomas Met Walter Thomas and Walter first met as teenagers 48 years ago at a vocational program at the QCP Children’s Center. Walter was organized and habitual, and the vocational program gave him a strong sense of purpose, a feeling of independence, and helped inspire his take-charge attitude and strong leadership skills that he has today. After completing his Special Education program at school, Thomas began attending the Children’s Center at the recommendation of a neighbor. The program gave Thomas, who is friendly and talkative by nature, the human connections he so cherished and helped him reintegrate into the community. The bond between Thomas and Walter really grew when they moved into QCP’s Jackson Heights residence on the same day in 2001. Walter developed a nurturing relationship with his younger friend. “I’ve always been touched by the way Walter looks out for Tom,” says Margaret MacPherson, Tom’s sister. “Whenever he needs help, Walter is there to assist. Their bond is amazing.” For Walter, it’s the willingness to help that defines their friendship. When asked why he takes care of Thomas so much, Walter replies “Because I like him.” Together they bowl, play Bingo, root for their favorite sports teams, and attend the Friday night social where they dance the night away with other adults who have similar disabilities. Although Thomas now lives in a new residence, he and Walter still see each other regularly. They attend church, go on vacation, celebrate the holidays, and have lunch and dinner together with Margaret at her home. “Walter and Thomas are BFFs,” says Margaret. “Before they met, Thomas had never had a best friend. Now Walter is not only a friend, he is a part of our family.” Community Involvement A Caring, Dedicated Staff Recently, several QCP team members were recognized for their extraordinary ability to care for people with disabilities at the 2014 Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State Annual Conference, held last November in Albany. The conference brought nearly 700 people from cerebral palsy affiliates across the state who exchanged information and introduced new technologies for people with disabilities, their families, and people and organizations who support them. QCP’s Residential Nursing Supervisor Karis Davis, RN received the prestigious Natalie Rogers Employee of the Year Award, which recognizes a staff member who has set the highest standard of excellence in their support of people with disabilities. Ms. Davis plays a critical role in the training and support of QCP’s residential medical team, while working hard to provide medical oversight and ensure that individuals, family, and staff fully understand the conditions of each person they serve as they are being prepared to effectively care for them. Other QCP staff members also received special recognition for their dedication to working with individuals who have disabilities including Andrea Villatoro, Bilingual Social Work Assistant at the Children’s Center; Nilce Ferrer, Medicaid Service Coordinator; Theresa Richardson, Day Services Specialist; and Shaunelle Meusa, Direct Support Assistant for the Residential Program. “QCP is honored to have one of our own members attain the Natalie Rogers Employee of the Year Award,” said Charles Houston, QCP Executive Director. “Natalie Rogers is an active member of QCP’s Board of Directors and we couldn’t be more delighted that Ms. Davis received this esteemed recognition in her name. Congratulations to Ms. Davis and to all our dedicated workers who earned recognition.” Celebrating 65 Years of Progress On June 16, QCP will celebrate their 65th Anniversary at their Annual Gala, held from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows, Queens. The event will also honor Entrepreneur of the Year Michael Ambrosino of Ambrosino Construction Corp., Distinguished Humanitarian of the Year Steve Elkin of Home Depot, and Business Man of the Year Joseph Pipitone of Tiles Unlimited, Inc. WPIX reporter Narmeen Choudhury, who participated in the QCP Walk-a- Thon fundraiser in April, will emcee the event. The Gala features an open bar, dinner buffet, dancing to the Risky Business 50s rock band, and a silent auction. Tickets are still available for purchase online at www.queenscp.org/ event/annual-gala/. From its humble beginnings, QCP has grown to provide a wide range of programs and services to more than 1,500 individuals with developmental disabilities. And while the agency’s programs and populations may have changed over the years, the dedication and compassion of its staff and volunteers has not. Of the 600 full-time staffers at QCP, 225 have given more than 10 years of service and at least 100 have been with the agency for more than 20 years. As QCP Executive Director Charles Houston states: “Our goal has always been to enable people with developmental disabilities to make the most of their abilities. We have a legacy of helping the individuals we serve to become more independent, to take pride in their achievements, and to become full participants in their communities. But we couldn’t do it without our wonderful staff and volunteers who witness firsthand the progress and success of the people they serve everyday. Many became involved with QCP to support a friend or family member with a developmental disability, while others, such as Natalie Katz Rogers, were simply drawn by the chance to help those in need.” “We are proud of our 65 years of service,” says Houston, “and look forward to our next 65.” LOCATIONS ADULT CENTER 81-15 164th Street Jamaica, NY 11432 (718) 380-3000 CHILDREN’S CENTER 82-25 164th Street Jamaica, NY 11432 (718) 374-0002 BELLEROSE CENTER 249-16 Grand Central Pkwy. Bellerose, NY 11426 (718) 279-9404 (continued from page 28) Walter and Thomas Michael, Laureen and Carita
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