Investing in hope at Heritage Christian Stables

What does hope sound like? 

It’s the tiny sound of a rider drawing in his breath as he mounts for the first time, trusting the powerful animal beneath him and the people who are standing beside him. It’s the rhythmic brushing from the woman who wouldn’t go near a small dog but now grooms a horse taller than she is. It’s the scratchy voice of a rider who hasn’t spoken in years, saying, “Walk.”

There’s something about those amazing, nonjudgmental animals that brings out the best in people, that allows people to trust and to try – and to hope. 

And that’s where you come in. 

When you give to Heritage Christian Stables, you’re helping people with developmental disabilities have access to riding lessons and time with horses. You’re giving a young man who uses a wheelchair the chance to walk, or maybe even trot.  You’re supporting the girl who struggles with social skills as she learns to become friends with a horse. You’re making a world of difference.

Thanks to your generosity, we’ve already hired an internationally known expert to oversee our therapeutic riding program and our horses. And we’ve added run-in sheds and other improvements.Many of you have graciously shared your time with us as volunteers and have helped us serve more people in our riding lessons. We appreciate your work, and we couldn’t have done it without you. 

Roc the Day is another way that you can help those at our stables and so many others. Thank you for considering our request and for your interest in enriching the lives of those we serve.

To donate, visit http://www.roctheday.org/HeritageChristianStables and know that all donations -- up to $1,500 -- will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to the KeyBank Challenge Grant.

Preparing for Hurricane Sandy

At Heritage Christian Services, the safety of the people we support and of the people we employ always comes first. So, in preparation for possible power outages and flash flooding, we are announcing program closings and offering suggestions for weathering the storm.

Closings

• Day programs will close at 2 p.m. and aremain closed Tuesday, They will be open Wednesday. (Be familiar with the closing list.)
• Both the main office and the regional office will close early.  
• A Second Thought Resale Shop will be closed Tuesday.
  
• Sites such as the Pieters Family Life Center and Expressive Beginnings Child Care will post closings via public broadcast and are not expected to close unless there’s power outage or declared state of emergency.

What all support staff should know:

• Telephone numbers of site employees, associate directors and other supervisors. Print them now in case of power loss.
• Addresses and telephone numbers of agency sites, especially those nearby. Print them now in case of power loss.
• Location of medical supplies – including medication, health devices and first-aid kits.
• Location of flashlights, batteries and phones.

How to prepare for a state of emergency:

• Think through an emergency situation in advance, especially know where medical supplies and key contact information are located.
• Fill gas tanks of agency vehicles.
• Stock up on water, food and non-perishable food items.
• Charge cell phones and portable computers.
• During stormy weather or a state of emergency, stay in.

In case of an evacuation:

• Gather medication, related health devices and the medical administration book.
• Bring the Plan of Protective Oversight manual.
• Pack a change of clothes.
• If unable to make it safely to a Heritage Christian site, contact an associate director. The Red Cross has a Website to help you find the nearest shelter: Find an American Red Cross Shelter

Technology tip:

In the event of an extended power outage at the HCS Corporate Office in Rochester, systems will power down within an hour. When power is restored at the main office it will take 2-4 hours to bring systems back online. 

Homes and day habs may have power but not Internet. Time Warner service may be out and it will be on their timetable to repair. Homes and Dayhabs should be prepared to use paper for Therap, ADP, etc. in the event of an Internet outage.

Landline telephone service at homes and day habs should not be interrupted during a power outage except for cordless phones that plug into power outlets. Please note that the phone system in the HCS offices, Pieters Family Life Center, Expressive Beginnings, etc. will be out of commission during a power outage. 

Keep in mind that cell phone service may be spotty in the event of a widespread power outage. 

We are recommending that people at the main office(s) and day habs power down their computers before leaving for the day.

Additional information:

Tips for as a storm approaches, emergency supplies, preparation, family response, facts about hurricanes, etc.:

·         http://www.governor.ny.gov/stormwatch

·         NY Aware Prepare
National Weather Service  

·         http://www.fema.gov

Live hurricane updates and emergency preparedness information:

·         www.twitter.com/NYGovCumo, #Sandy

If you seek emergency shelter, click on “Get Assistance” and then “Find Open Shelters” using a zip code or address:

·         http://www.americanredcross.org

For Heritage Christian agency updates:

·         http://www.facebook.com/heritagechristianservces

·         http://www.twitter.com/HCSnews 

*** In the case of an elevated regional emergency, an HCS telephone voice message can be heard at: (585) 340-5784.

Job Fair Thursday

              

JOB FAIR

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Thursday, October 25, 2012

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Diplomat Banquet Center, 1956 Lyell Ave., Rochester

(just off 390 at Lyell Ave.)

Participating businesses include:

·         5Linx Enterprises ·         All About You Homecare ·         ARC of Monroe ·         AIDS Care ·         Calvary Automation Systems ·         Cannon Industries ·         Center for Disability Rights ·         Center for Workforce Development/ BOCES 2 ·         The College at Brockport ·         City of Rochester ·         Concentrix ·         ConServe

·         Datrose ·         DePaul ·         Dial America ·         Dox Electronics ·         Generations Child& Elder Care ·         ETS Staffing ·         Grace Community Services ·         Heritage Christian Services ·         Home Depot ·         Ibero-American Action League ·         Lifetime Care Home Health and Hospice ·         Mary Cariola Children’s Center

·         Primerica Financial Services ·         Rochester Rehabilitation ·         Rochester Works ·         SUNY Empire State College ·         Sutherland Global Services ·         Unity Health System ·         Val Tech Holdings ·         Yoh Managed Service ·         Windsor Technology ·         NYS Department of Labor ·         And more

For more information, call (585) 340-2080.

Special accommodations are available upon request for job seekers with disabilities. 

Contact us prior to the event to make a request.