May 3, 2019

My First 6 Months at Mainstay

By Kim Sonafelt, Chief Executive Officer

The great philosopher, Plato, once said, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” As I reflect on my first six months as CEO of Mainstay Life Services, I couldn’t agree with him more.

From the start of this new journey, it’s been very important to me to get to know those that truly are the heart and soul of Mainstay. Meeting employees, families and the people we support, and hearing about their lives, seeing pictures of their loved-ones and seeing how they decorate their homes is one of my favorite parts of this job. Everyone is so unique and has a different story to tell, and that’s what I love most about Mainstay.

While I’d love to spend all day, every day visiting with the people we support, there is other important work to do. Mainstay already has such a great reputation and so many fantastic programs, but there is always room to grow and evolve.

Expanding our advocacy efforts and list of services is something I am diligently working to do, and I’m not afraid to try new approaches. There are always ways to improve and innovate. You just have to take time to listen and learn from others. I like to constantly evaluate what is working well and what opportunities we have to improve. In my first six months, I’ve focused on the best ways to keep Mainstay growing and moving in a positive direction.

I’m proud to see the changes we’ve implemented so far taking shape and coming to life. The new self-advocate committee that assists the board of directors and executive team has already played a helpful role in decision-making about Mainstay’s supports and future direction. Our list of partnerships with self-advocate groups, family members and community providers is expanding and that is something I plan to keep developing. Also, I am thrilled to say we’ve added Supported Employment to our continuum of care and those services will take off in the near future.

I want to keep this momentum moving forward and I know I can’t do this alone. In order to be successful, you need to receive information from all levels of an organization. That’s why I plan to continue to actively engage all members of our Mainstay community – stakeholders, people we support, family members and employees – to learn what can be done differently and what can be done better. I’m so proud of the progress we’ve already made and of the future we are creating together.

I feel so blessed to be doing what I love, and it’s hard to believe I’ve already been a part of the Mainstay family for six months. I’m convinced Mainstay has to be Pittsburgh’s best-kept secret! From our employees, to the people we support and their families, I could not ask for a better community. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter brings.

-Kim Sonafelt, Chief Executive Officer

May 16, 2019

Staff Appreciation Luncheon

By Alex Calabrese, Director of Human Resources

Yesterday, the staff at Mainstay woke up to warmth and sunshine to celebrate each other at our 20-year anniversary Staff Appreciation Luncheon. Over 200 staff and board members filled the elegant LeMont ballroom as we celebrated well over 1,000 cumulative years of milestone anniversaries. Long applauds, loud cheers and a standing ovation may have shaken Pittsburgh’s picturesque Mount Washington!

The event kicked off with a warm and from the heart speech by Kim Sonafelt, CEO. She expressed gratitude for the dedicated staff and sincere appreciation for being a part of the Mainstay family. Board Chair, Bryan Cox, followed citing an enthusiastic vision for Mainstay future, “the best is yet to come.”

Mainstay employees work tirelessly, day in and day out, encouraging and supporting those entrusted in our care. Providing an afternoon of surprises, gifts, and words of appreciation is one of my favorite days of the year.

July 10, 2019

A Unique Perspective from a Mother and CFO

By Jodie Esper, CFO

My formal education and background are in finance. However, one of the most important role models in my life was my grandmother, who spent 45 years volunteering for the food bank and Meal on Wheels. I was taught at a very early age to give back to the community. I found that just working in finance was not fulfilling for me, so I decided to make a career change.

In 2006, I started my first job in human services, particularly working for a provider of services for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD). A completely new world was opened to me. It was a world I knew absolutely nothing about – the struggles families had to go through to get services, the inadequate funding, the overworked and underpaid direct care staff… all of the issues we still face today.

Then in 2008, as I was expecting my son, I remember thinking, “Please let him be healthy and please do not let him have a developmental disability. No way could I handle that!” You have all these expectations for your unborn child: sports, college, marriage and grandkids someday. I look back now and I think I always knew from the time he was born that something was just not right. Immediately, as a newborn he slept eight hours a night. He never cried. He struggled to eat and eventually was diagnosed failure to thrive. By the time he was one year old he had already been hospitalized six times for various issues.

By the age of one, my son was receiving early intervention services. As his mom, I was still in denial at this point. Before he was two, he was diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder non-otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and autism. My denial had to stop. I went through a grief process. You mourn the child you thought you would have and you accept the child you have. I cried myself to sleep every night.  Then in the morning, I would place a smile on my face and take care of my son. He needed me. Eventually, you accept. Your love of your child supersedes all else. That fierce love propels you forward.  It creates the fight. A life-long fight for the very best life.

Fast forward, and my son is turning 11 in a few weeks. He is non-verbal, has developed epilepsy in the last few years, and we continue to work on basic self-care. Some days are harder than others, but I am doing the best I can. Caring for my son has allowed me a unique perspective as the Chief Financial Officer of Mainstay. Every decision I make every day, I ask myself: “What would I want for my son? What is best for the individuals we support? What is best for our staff? What is best for Mainstay?” While I take my fiscal responsibility very seriously, it is not always about the numbers. It is more important to me that we provide the best possible care so that the individuals we support can live their best lives.

You have my commitment to always put our individuals first. It is what I would want and expect as a family, now, very much a part of the IDD Community.

Jodie Esper, CFO, Mainstay Life Services

Sept 24, 2019

Employ Me!

By Lisa Svidron, Associate Director of Employment Services

Have you noticed lately how many businesses are begging for employees? When you drive down the road, you see sign after sign that bears the words: “Help Wanted.” It’s an open market for job-seekers and the perfect time to get the job you have always wanted. Many of the people with whom we work in employment services are saying: “Employ Me!”

Why do people with disabilities need to work? First of all, it increases their financial independence. They have the ability to grow their financial worth to be able to make purchases just like everyone else. Having a job also promotes a connection to the community. It increases their sense of belonging, as well as their social network. Friends are important and people learn and grow from building relationship with others in the community. Lastly, having a job increases a person’s job skills. Although their first job may not be there life-long career, it is a stepping stone to hone their skills for future vocational interests.

Employ Me! When we employ a person with a disability, we gain a loyal employee that calls off less and is motivated to go to work in sheer appreciation of the opportunity that they have been given. Employ Me!

-Lisa Svidron, Associate Director of Employment Services

Nov 7, 2019

A Balancing Act: Living with Co-Occurring IDD and a Mental Health Disorder

By Angel Rodrigues, Program Manager in collaboration with Dennis Zellers, Behavioral Specialist

Mainstay Life Services provides care to many individuals with several types of disabilities, including those who live with co-occurring conditions. Co-occurring conditions, sometimes referred to as dual diagnosis, occur when an individual has both an intellectual disability and a mental health disorder such as schizophrenia. During my 20 years as a manager, I have learned that individuals who have two or three diagnoses can often struggle to gain footing in each diagnosis, which can make it difficult to lead a fulfilling life.

According to a 2008 study, “Over one in ten individuals with dual diagnosis had an intellectual disability with co-occurring schizophrenia.” In other words, the combination of both an intellectual or developmental disability and schizophrenia is more common than you might expect. However, dual diagnosis is not limited to schizophrenia. Many individuals with dual diagnosis live with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism. These co-occurring mental health disorders are often overlooked in individuals with an intellectual disability. Often, the intellectual disability claims the efficacy of the symptoms of the mental health disorder by doctors and psychiatrists, so these symptoms and disorders remain untreated. This can lead to behavioral concerns, poor mental health, and an increased risk of social barriers, such as bullying or isolation from the community.

Living with intellectual disabilities and mental health disorders can be a tightrope walk between two worlds, fraught with medical appointment after medical appointment that does not seem to end. It is up to the care team assisting the individual to provide stability and insight into finding balance. Luckily, this can often be achieved with the right care and supports in place. At Mainstay, we aim to deliver just that.

Specialized support services are an integral part of our distinct programs. We always strive to provide assistance that makes life easier and more fulfilling for those receiving our care, no matter how complex or unique the circumstances. Our goal is to provide the care teams necessary to support the unique lifestyles of those living with co-occurring conditions and the daily challenges that come with them. We know that it might not always be easy, but when an individual is given the tools for a balanced life plan, success is not only possible, but inevitable.

If you or someone you know is struggling with co-occurring conditions, finding the support and care that you need is just a click or a phone call away. Mainstay helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by giving them the support of a Behavioral Specialist. An individualized support plan based on the individual’s needs will help them to reach their goals and achieve maximum independence. In addition, our full 24-hour care provides supports such as medication administration, household upkeep, nutritional needs, and more. Contact Mainstay Life Services today to find out how to get started on a care plan that is right for you or your loved one.

Dec 2, 2019

Home for the Holidays

It’s that familiar smell of pumpkin pie when you walk through the door. It’s loud family gatherings filled with laughter and hugs. It’s the feeling of warmth, comfort, and the freedom to be yourself that can only be found in that one special place. That’s what being home for the holidays is.

Having a place to call home, for the holidays and every day, is so special and important. Unfortunately, due to many circumstances, not everyone is so lucky. But sometimes, extraordinary people open their hearts and their doors to those who need it most.

Karrie Schindler has provided Home and Community Habilitation to Maryann since 2013. Karrie has helped Maryann receive many opportunities to engage in the community and make progress toward her personal goals. But in 2019, Karrie had the opportunity to impact Maryann’s life in a much bigger way.

After Maryann’s mother passed away in December 2018, she went to live with some family members in Florida. One cold Friday night in January of 2019, Maryann found herself at the Pittsburgh airport and didn’t know what to do. She called Karrie.

Karrie was out the door and on her way to the airport before they even hung up the phone. Karrie and her family welcomed Maryann for the night with open arms, and shortly thereafter decided to become Lifesharing providers, opening their home for Maryann to live with them as part of their family.

The holiday season is in full swing and it’s a time to celebrate the comfort and love of home that everyone deserves to have. That’s why Mainstay’s Lifesharing program is so important. It provides warmth and love to people when they need it most, and all year long.

Families who open their doors and hearts with the Lifesharing program have the opportunity to enrich their own lives, as well as the life of someone in need. And the person being welcomed into their family has the opportunity to flourish in the community with improved self-esteem, increased growth and development, new life skills and most importantly: a place to call home. And that’s the best holiday gift anyone can ask for.

Learn more about Mainstay’s Lifesharing program: here.