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Text Box: Synergist January, 2005

Text Box: Synergy Center Mission Statement The Synergy Center philosophy includes a belief in the potential productivity of the most severely disabled person. It asserts that work, especially the opportunity to aspire to and achieve gainful employment is a deeply regenerative force in the life of every human being. As a parallel concept to that of the importance of work, men and women require opportunities to be together socially. The Synergy Center provides a place for social interchange, relaxation, and social support on evenings, weekends, and holidays. A program is incomplete if it offers a full set of vocational opportunities and a rich offering of social and recreational opportunities and yet neglects the circumstances in which its members live.

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Text Box: All Case managers are doing good planning their things (activities). $1000 has been collected for Carl. The Case Managers are looking for the move to the new building. (There is talk about Service Dollar expenses for things that clients need. Synergy Center is having a lot of Social Programs for the Holiday Season especially at Drop-In Center. Smoking Cessation classes have resumed and are held every Wednesday at 10 am. Tara, Bill, and Dennis are the instructors. The play “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” was a rousing success. Full feature article on the play to appear in next month’s Synergist. Eight members worked for Salvation Army bell ringing, and all have done an excellent job. The Go to Work group with Danielle and Stu will continue every Tuesday at 10:30 am. Minimum wage will be raised to $6.00 this year and then to $7.15 in the near future. We do own a building! Case managers will be moving in by January 16, 2005. They still have to do a lot of work on the building for the Synergy WOD. June or July, Synergy Center should be in the building. The Building Committee will plan a grand opening celebration party at that time. Kate and Mayra will be checking out new furniture to buy. 1380 Roanoke Ave is the location of the new building. Bill will be doing music at Synergy Center every Monday at 1:30 pm. It’s an open jam and all instruments and skill levels are welcome. PROS - our upcoming Medicaid funded program is getting off the ground - It’s a collaborative effort to combine resources between Synergy and other community services. - Mike made a promise that no mentally handicapped person would ever be left behind once PROS takes effect. The closing of Henry Perkins has led to Concern for Independent Living doing complete renovation for 50 independent single units each with a bedroom and kitchenette. - The transitional housing will be for single adults. PROS money will be used to hire drivers to transport members to and from Synergy. - Buses, SCAT, and Medicaid vans are still encouraged to increase one’s independence. You can expect an Audit of our agency under PROS. Clubhouse is interested in becoming involved in helping people with mental illness that are homeless or are currently in Emergency Housing. Case Management will be looking to hire three Peer Support Specialists to assist people with mental illness living in adult homes. They also plan on hiring a new Intensive Case Manager in the near future. Congratulations to Case Management for passing their audit with flying colors! Dennis announced that his Young Adult Workshop will begin in 2-3 weeks.

Text Box: SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMTS By Theresa Jackson