2009 Program Participant of the Year

Sharon Vibberts of Suffield, Oak Hill program participant

Her story:

Sharon has faced challenges this last year that tested her beyond all measure.  Sharon displayed an incredibly strong will and Oak Hill nurse, Julie Angelica said, "Sharon never complained, went to work everyday and even helped me with my knitting!  While I stayed with her during her health treatments, I saw her reach out to others.  Sharon's health has improved and we yelled for joy and cried happy tears.  Sharon's strength pulled everyone together at our group home.  I don't think she knows the impact her hope and faith had on all of us.  Sharon is an inspiration.  As a nurse, she has given me a renewed faith in my profession and reminded me why I chose this field some 20 years ago." 

Photo: (from left) Alan Desmarais, Chairman of Oak Hill Board of Directors, John, Oak Hill staff, Julie Angelica, nurse, Oak Hill , Patrick Johnson, president, Oak Hill, and in front: Sharon Vibberts

2009 Oak Hill Student of the Year

Timothy Dzurnak of Torrington; attends Oak Hill School (New Hartford) 

His story:

When eleven-year-old Timothy frst came to the Oak Hill School, he was a little shy, was using a manual wheelchair and could neither read nor write.  In just one year his progress is nothing short of inspirational.  One of the first traits his teacher, Barbara Rankin noted about Timothy was his fierce independence.  Barbara says, "Timothy has an incredible desire to do everything for himself.  He works so hard and will try anything.  He's also the happiest kid in the world!" 

During the last 12 months, Timothy has upgrade to an electric wheelchair which he uses frequently to traverse around the school and despite his severe cerbral palsy, he is typing on a specialized keyboard using a stylus; he is feeding himself using a fork; he has learned to read and write; and he has mastered the alphabet and spelling.  Shortly, Timothy will be starting science class at Ann Antolini School, where he will use Velcro boards to participate in class.  As for being shy, well that is certainly no longer the case as he now has tons of friends both in our classroom and with the students at Ann Antolini.  Barbara Rankin says, "Timothy is the most motivated and hard working student I have met in a long time and he always has a positive attitude.  He has taken every opportunity for independence and is a pleasure to know."   

Mrs. Katherine Rieger, principal of Ann Antolini has this to say, "Timmy is an amazing student who inspired all of us who know him and witness his drive and determination - and many accomplishments.  He has made huge academic gains, attending and participating in a fifth grade science class; his reading skills have improved and he's on the move! 

2009 Oak Hill Parents of the Year

Jim and Marie McAllister of East Haddam

Jim shares their story:

Brian came to Oak Hill in the first class of 3-year-olds back in 1972.  It was the worst day of our lives because we didn't know if we were doing the right thing or not.  Now 35 years later, it is has been the right decision for Brian.

About Jim and Marie McAllister -

They always held the care of their son Brian, an Oak Hill resident, as their utmost priority.  Paige Dakin, group home manager said, "They are very loving parents and very appreciative of everything we do and we all love them."  Net Robbins, Director, Oak Hill Community Programs said, "Jim and Marie personify our mission and our core values and have always kept Brian at the center of their lives, to his benefit and the benefit of those around him."  Strong advocates for people with disabilities and actively involved in Oak Hill Parents and Guardians Advisory Group.  They have written letters, made phone calls, met with the Governor's staff and commissioners to express their grave concerns about inadequate funding and how it will affect the level of care they want for their son and all people with disabilities.  

Jim had this to say, "Thank you for keeping Oak Hill the best darn private organization there is for developmentally disabled people and continuing to inspire parents and advocates to stay actively involved, no small challenge."   

Honored Oak Hill Families

Fran Button, parent; Kenney family members: Kathleen Flynn, Mary Alice Kavanaugh and Michael Kenney were honored at Oak Hill's 2009 Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation.

Shirley Lyn, manager, Oak Hill Community Programs (Wallingford group home) had this to say about the Kenney family, "Mary Alice and Kathleen, have worked tirelessly with the Hall Acres Group home for nearly 20 years.  They have helped to raise funds by organizing pasta dinners , tag sales, plant sales and popcorn sales.  These funds have been used to help Hall Acres accomplish its goal of giving our residents the opportunities to have an enriched life though their life experiences.   

In the past year, these sisters have teamed up to write letters and e-mails in support of the private provider fund.  They attended events at the Capital and the Legislative Office Building.  They invited State Representatives Mary Mushinsky and Vincent Candalora as well as Senator Len Fasano who visited Oak Hill's residential group home in Wallingford where they met its residents, heard their stories, and learned about Oak Hill.  They will tell you that they are just doing what they can to help their brother, but the truth is this family goes above and beyond for the good of everyone we serve." 

My Son Christopher

When my son, Christopher was 3 years old, he suffered traumatic brain injury after being hit by a drunk driver.  For 29 years, he has lived with intellectual and physical disabilities and requires 24 hour supervised care.  He recieves that care at Oak Hill, where he lives in a group home and attends a day program where staff treats him and others like him with dignity, respect and like a member of their own family. 

At Oak Hill Christopher feels accomplished and part of his community while working at his supportive employment job.  His happiness is due in large part to the individualized attention and genuine affection he receives from his caretakers and the access he has to equipment that enables him to live life to the fullest. 

Your donation will ensure that my son, his housemates, and all the people served by Oak Hill have more than just the bare essentials - it will ensure that they have a way to see the world when they have no vision, a way to communicate when they can't speak, and a means of transport when they cannot walk. 

Thank you,

Janice Favreau (Christopher's mother)

Brian Czaja Winner; 2009 Diversity Award

On Fri. Oct. 30, 2009 the Hartford Business Journal hosted its 2009 Diversity Awards at the Hartford Hilton

Brian Czaja received the 2009 Innovation - Individual Award

Brian's Story:

Twelve years ago, Hartford Healthcare Federal Credit Union (HHFCU) had the need to scan 12,000 membership cards into computer files.  Carol Bayereuther, president and CEO, had worked with Oak Hill in the past and thought there might be an opportunity for someone to help with this task.  Brian Czaja, who is legally blind and intellectual disabled, was recommended for the job.  A special screen was adapted for Brian to scan the cards and he worked daily for the Credit Union for about a year.  At the completion of the project, Carol and all the staff at HHFCU had become so attached to Brian, they asked him to stay on permanently. 

Today, Brian is completely responsible for managing the file room.  He has learned responsibility not only for himself but also for his surroundings.  Brian lives independently and takes the bus to work each day.  When Brian first started working at HHFCU, he was fairly shy and did not interact well with other staff members.  Now, Brian exhibits confidence, has a sense of belonging and feels he is an integral part of the team and every member of the staff feels the same way.

He is treated with respect and with a loving eye.  Being consistent with expectations for Brian is important to his daily operations.  He needs to have specific directions and clear understanding of his ability to perform the tasks.  The ARC of Famington coaches Brian on a weekly basis and makes sure he is following the guidelines and procedures set by the Credit Union. 

Brian contributes more than just his work to HHFCU.  He brings a smile to everyone.  His love of the Credit Union and his sense of belonging is contagious.  He reminds everyone that just doing the simple daily tasks is not so bad.  He brings a sense of accomplishment to staff and members, and his self-confidence and grown noticeably.  Brian is truly part of the HHFCU family and we would not be the same kind of organization without him. 

Link to HBJ story 

How do I learn more about Oak Hill?

For more information, please call (860) 242-2274; or email at info@ciboakhill.org