Over the past year at Weinberg Campus, there was much excitement in the air, new possibilities and friendships that were formed by our residents and program participants. As we move into a new decade, we would like to remember the accomplishments we made over the past year. Here is a snapshot into our community and some of the successes that were shared at Weinberg Campus in 2009.
In the News
During the second part of the year, the main campus received extensive renovations and enhancements! Renovations were made to the Forest Creek and Meadows Apartment settings and an update to its overall common areas on the main campus. Additionally, renovations were made to the “Weinberg Main Street” with vivid colors and new carpeting, which is the path that connects residents and staff to different programs, the deli, beauty salon, gift shop, and on-site banking. Find out more…
Weinberg Campus was awarded a federal grant of $6.47 million to build an additional affordable senior housing complex on Benderson Village. The federal funding was secured through the Section 202 Demonstration Planning Grant Program, which is run by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD Section 202 housing is open to low income individuals who are at least 62 years old. The new 50 one-bedroom apartment complex is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010. Find out about Amherst Towne Senior Apartments, our first HUD 202 apartment complex….
The Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that Rosa Coplon Living Center of Weinberg Campus was one of only seven of sixty community-based facilities in Erie County that received their highest rating. Rosa Coplon was one of two area non-profits receiving the five-star distinction. The five-star system is based on health inspection surveys, staffing information, and quality-of-care measures over a three-year review period of quality of care survey results. Additionally, Rosa Coplon underwent their annual New York State Department of Health survey and earned excellent results.
The residents of Garden House Apartments participated in a special art program through the Alzheimer’s Association called “Memories in the Making.” In 2009, three paintings, created by two of our residents were selected to be showcased in the annual Memories in the Making art auction. The paintings will be included in an auction through the Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter.
Total Aging In Place Program
The Total Aging In Place Program partnered with the Physical Therapy Department of the University at Buffalo. The students completed a Nintendo Wii project with program participants by teaching them the hand and eye coordination skills they need to play different games.
The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access at the University at Buffalo utilized the Total Aging In Place Program’s Day Center to conduct a research project. An Anthropometric Study for United States Access Board was done to conduct research and report space requirements of wheel chairs and scooters in use in buildings and vehicles. Fifty Total Aging In Place program participants volunteered to be part of the research project.
Social Activities Year-Round
Whether it is listening to live music, participating in an art class, toasting marshmallows during an outdoor campfire, or going on an outing, there is always something for our residents and program participants to enjoy! The year began with a campus-wide United States presidential inauguration party in January, followed by a fun Groundhog Day party in February. Residents and program participants who are veterans were recognized during special Veterans Day activities. In November, the residents of Garden House and program participants of the Garden Club Day Program danced the day away during their disco party. And that’s not all – there were many holiday celebrations throughout the year as well! Here are some additional highlights from the year:
In April, Weinberg Campus hosted a Celebration of Love Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony for 27 of its couples with a vow renewal ceremony. The couples joined together for the reaffirmation and pronouncement by Honorable Penny M. Wolfgang, New York Supreme Court Justice. The special ceremony included an opening prayer, music, and a lovely reception.
In June, program participants of the Weinberg Campus Total Aging In Place Program and staff displayed their artistic talents through an art exhibit called “Portraits of a Lifetime.” The creative pieces included oil pastels, photography, coal, and sketches.
In September, Weinberg Campus started offering its residents a unique opportunity by participating in a training program called Brain Fitness. It is a breakthrough computer-based technology program designed to improve memory and exercise your brain. The program includes a series of scientifically based, fun and engaging exercises performed in a computer classroom. Weinberg Campus is the only senior living organization in Western New York to implement this type of training program.
Employee News
A task force developed non-direct care reading in-service packets to make the annual training more pertinent for staff that does not deliver direct care.
Weinberg Campus provided approximately 300 seasonal flu shots to staff members and swine flu shots were given as well.
Volunteers Make a Difference
Approximately 334 volunteers provided 12,782 hours of time to enhance the quality of life of our residents and program participants. Additionally, several organizations, including schools, churches, synagogues, and youth groups, volunteered throughout the year with special events.
In August, Weinberg Campus was a recipient of many caring hearts through the annual United Way Day of Caring. Volunteers from local businesses led fun activities for residents and program participants to enjoy, such as casino and carnival games and outdoor walks. Special thanks to the 150 employees from the following companies: The Bonadio Group, Computer Plus Staffing Solutions, Creditors Interchange, Erie 1 Boces, Leadership Buffalo, and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.