Last week we acknowledged staff who marked milestone anniversaries throughout our organization. The following are just snippets from a longevity luncheon at Clyde Frazier’s Wine and Dine restaurant. Congratulations to everyone.

YAI’s leadership team honored 48 staff members who have dedicated a combined 1,150 years to the people we support and their families.

Talk about longevity . . .

“The tenure in this room is amazing,” said CEO George Contos, who last month completed his first year in the position. “I have a deep respect for all of you.”

 

Providing Historical Context

 

While thanking staff, George acknowledged that they provide the historical perspective and context for moving YAI forward. As the organization embarks on a strategic plan to plot the future, he encouraged them to share their thoughts.

 

He offered staff this advice from life coach Tony Robbins: “There's the business you're in, and the business you're becoming. If you just manage the business you're in, you're going to get knocked out by a new technology or new competition.  But if you're constantly managing those two businesses, you won't have to quit or pivot, because you're always doing something to innovate, or to change, or to improve."

 

YAI pride filled the room, as colleagues acknowledged staff celebrating milestone anniversaries.

 

Creating a Fun Atmosphere

 

“At 13th Street, there was always a line of people that were waiting to talk to Domingo (Hernandez De Jesus, Intake Supervisor, Manhattan Day Services)— staff, people we support and their families,” Karen A. Soler, Senior Program Coordinator said. “He never hesitates to take a call at 5 AM from someone we support who just wants to say hello! He also is the official program tarot card reader and training video actor. Thanks to Domingo, we are always having fun at work and that is invaluable!”

 

“This woman has built this organization brick by brick and contractor by contractor,” said Tom Renart, Chief Administrative Officer, in recognizing Sandy Speiser, Vice President of Program Development, on her 30 years of service. “Not a week goes by that I’m not inspired by her.”

 

“It’s the people we support and the people I work with that keeps me here,” said Rosario Cruz, Senior Patient Service Specialist, at Premier HealthCare in Manhattan, who began her career with YAI’s Community Habilitation program 20 years ago. She joined Premier HealthCare in 2000 as a receptionist.

 

Starting from Scratch

 

Having joined YAI as residential supervisor 20 years ago, Ralph Coloma had the opportunity to help develop NIPD/NJ, where today he is Director. He also works part-time with the RCALD’s Community Habilitation program. “It’s been nice to be part of NIPD/NJ from its inception and watching it grow.”

 

Rae Eisdorfer, Director of Manhattan Star Academy, echoed that sentiment. “I always wanted a challenge,” she said. “Starting our school from scratch has been wonderful. The support we’ve received from YAI is incredible.”

 

Flexibility was another common theme among the honorees.

 

“I was able to return to college, have a family,” said Andrea LaSalle, Coordinator of YAI’s Long Island Medicaid Service Coordination, celebrating 25 years. “I love the job. Helping people and families get what they need is rewarding. I still love supervising staff and watching them grow.”

 

Path to a Career

 

Valerie Renart, Senior Residential Coordinator in the Bronx, recalled applying for three different jobs 35 years ago. “I really wanted to be a fitness instructor at Jack LaLanne’s,” she said, adding that she also applied for a kitchen position in a nursing home and a part-time job at YAI. “YAI has been a place where I’ve been able to be who I am. I like being in a position of having an impact on the people we support and staff.”

 

Carol Burton, Accounts Receivable Manager in YAI’s Financial Services Department, started as a temp. “Two weeks later I was offered a full-time job,” she said, adding she was also attending college at the time.

 

‘It Doesn’t Feel Like 20 Years’

 

“It doesn’t feel like 20 years,” added Simone Lawrence, YAI’s Residential Nursing Supervisor for Westchester and the Bronx, who started as a part-time weekend DSP. “At the end of the day I know I’m making a difference in the lives of the people we support. “

 

Katie Martin, Senior Coordinator of Quality Assurance, couldn’t help but smile as Elise Marotta, Assistant Director of Day/Employment Services, spoke. “Behind every great program is a great QA person,” Elise said, adding that she had learned two valuable lessons from Katie: “If it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist, and do not give auditors more than they ask for.”

 

Didn’t Take Long to Realize ‘I Loved It’

 

Sylvia Binns, Senior Coordinator of Brooklyn Day Services, path to YAI was echoed by many of her peers. “When I first came, I figured I’d be here for two years and then go to the Board of Education,” said Sylvia, who marked 35 years with YAI. “My supervisor asked me if I wanted to work with the seniors? He was running out of options. I said sure. Once I got involved with them I realized I loved it.”

 

“I fell in love with what I do,” added Carol Ochs, Assistant Director of YAI’s Tarrytown Day Services, celebrating 35 years.

 

The opportunity for professional growth and career development was a common theme shared among the honorees.

 

Vera Halpenny, Chief Program Officer, thanked the honorees for serving as agents of social change. “With your focus always on our mission, your positive energy comes from purposeful work.”