4 days Ago By Daily Times
Students and adults with disabilities in Delaware County Intermediate Unit’s OPTIONS program brought smiles and holiday cheer by offering free gift-wrapping to DCIU employees, according to a press release. Gift wrap, tissue paper, bows, and ribbon filled the cafeteria at DCIU’s Education Center in Morton on Monday. The press release continues: The OPTIONS program offers comprehensive transition services to support students and adults with disabilities in developing essential skills for employment and independent community living.
“Through the gift-wrapping activity, OPTIONS participants are not only proudly contributing to their community, but also honing valuable skills such as teamwork, organization, and fine motor coordination,” said OPTIONS Supervisor Lisa Mitchell. “The program celebrates their creativity and hard work while fostering inclusion and showcasing the unique talents of every participant.” Each gift wrapped came with a touch of care and joy, reminding us of the true spirit of giving during the holidays, the DCIU said.
Gift wrapping was free to all DCIU employees. Donations were accepted and will go to the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation. Established in 1985, OPTIONS provides a range of services tailored to individual needs, including programs focused on community living and learning, independent living skills, employability skills training, adult programs and more.
By offering these services, the OPTIONS program strives to empower individuals to achieve greater independence and successin their post-school endeavors. McClinton applauds Pa. grants to small schools Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila.
/Delaware, is applauding grants recently awarded to local schools to improve safety and offer mental health support. “Kids need to be safe in school if they are going to learn and grow,” McClinton said. “This funding is an investment in our local schools — both public and private — to help them boost security and mental health so students feel safe and supported.
” McClinton said four schools in her district were selected for grants: • Creative Minds Christian Academy, $75,000 • Greater Hope Christian Academy, $30,000 • Southwest Leadership Academy CS, $70,000 • Philadelphia Montessori CS, $70,000 Grants were competitively awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee and were funded using dollars appropriated by the state legislature in the 2024-25 state budget. Grants can be used by schools to help them address their security gaps, like updating safety equipment, and hiring or training school security staff or mental health professionals. White Horse Village makes leadership appointments White Horse Village announces several key appointments to its leadership team, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in all service areas.
They are bringing their talents to a variety of roles and departments, including healthcare administration, construction and facilities, finance and IT. “Our leadership team is the backbone of White Horse Village’s commitment to delivering exceptional care and services to our residents,” says CEO & President Michael Shaw. “The expertise, dedication, and innovative spirit these leaders bring to their roles will strengthen our ability to enhance the lives of those we serve and ensure the continued success of our nonprofit senior living community.
” The appointments are: • Andrea Cantymagli, senior director of health services Cantymagli joins White Horse Village with a wealth of health care administration experience and a track record in team development and quality improvement. Cantymagli’s previous roles include leadership positions in continuing care retirement communities, home health and acute care providers, where she focused on fostering positive community engagement and operational excellence. At Wellington at Hershey’s Mill, she achieved significant financial improvements, increased occupancy, restructured dining and life enrichment programs and successfully managed capital improvement projects.
She holds a master’s in health administration from Chapman University and is a licensed nursing home administrator in Pennsylvania. • Matt Eskridge, construction development and property/facilities administrator Bringing 17 years of experience as White Horse Village’s owner’s representative with Turner and Townsend Heery, Eskridge transitions to an in-house role, overseeing all construction development and property/facilities management. Eskridge has been a key figure in every major campus improvement project since 2006, including renovations to the Healthcare Center, Clubhouse and dining venues, and the construction of new homes.
His engineering expertise and understanding of the community’s infrastructure uniquely position him to drive future campus developments. Eskridge holds a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Delaware and is a LEED accredited professional and certified construction manager. • Ryan A.
Lang, director of personal care and memory care Lang brings over a decade of experience in long-term care communities, specializing in health care administration, public safety and organizational leadership. Previously, Lang rebuilt census numbers and successfully opened a memory care unit on schedule and budget at Simpson House. At Wesley Enhanced Living Pennypack Park, he managed operations for over 100 units, demonstrating his abilities in team and operational management.
Lang holds a master’s in health administration from the University of Scranton and a bachelor’s in psychology from Holy Family University. • Taci Damstedt has been promoted to senior director of finance and IT. With over 17 years of experience in senior living finance, she has a proven track record of implementing effective cost-management initiatives and developing impactful organizational strategies.
In her three years at White Horse Village, Damstedt has excelled as controller and director of finance, playing a key role in driving operational success and advancing financial objectives. She holds a bachelor’s in accounting, with a minor in business administration and is a DC/MD/VA LeadingAge Leadership Academy Fellow. Readers can send typed community news press releases and related photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.
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