News Releases
Teacher at The House Receives Wal-Mart Teacher of The Year Award
Oct 28th, 2008 - Sandra Sokolowski, a teacher at The House of the Good Shepherd’s Tilton School, received the 2008 Teacher of the Year Award from Wal-Mart’s Marcy Distribution Center. Wal-Mart’s Teacher of the Year Award honors outstanding teachers in the community who show exceptional dedication to children. Sokolowski received a $100 gift card, a certificate of appreciation, and a $1,000 grant for the Tilton School.
Sokolowski, a resident of Utica, has worked at The House for 34 years. She has a bachelor’s degree from Utica College and a master’s degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz. She is certified in special education and social studies. The Tilton School is a special education school at The House of the Good Shepherd for 120 students ages five to 17.
The House of the Good Shepherd is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to changing children’s lives through its services and programs. Based in Utica, The House provides services to 360 children each day who are from across Central New York State, including Utica, Rome, Watertown and the surrounding areas. The House currently employs 400 full- and part-time staff at 17 sites in the local community.
Photo caption: (left-right) Bill Clingon, Transportation Human Resources Manager for Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Marcy, with the 2008 Teacher of the Year Winner Sandra Sokolowski and Dave Williams, Coordinator of Educational Services at The House of the Good Shepherd.
The House Recognizes ‘Star Performers’
Sep 10th, 2008 - The House of the Good Shepherd recently recognized nine employees by presenting them with its Star Performer award, which is part of its employee recognition program. Receiving the honor were:
Jason Alexander, treatment team supervisor for the Utica foster care program;
Belinda Blackwood, program manager of Schafer Residence;
Marianne Borzendowski, child care worker and cook at D Cottage;
Andrew Buffington, art teacher at the Tilton School;
Linda Hamilton, program supervisor for Families Foremost program;
Michele Jecko, licensed practical nurse with health services;
Mike Lewandrowski, social worker with Day Services program;
Gary Rohacek, network systems technician; and
Cathy Southwick, recruitment and retention manager for the Utica foster care program.
Star Performer awards are given annually to employees at The House who demonstrate a solid work ethic and dedication to the agency’s mission and the children in its care.
News coverage: State Budget Cuts May Impact Local Nonprofits
Jul 31st, 2008 - Executive Director Bill Holicky was recently interviewed by the "Observer-Dispatch" for an article on the New York State budget cuts and its impact on organizations like The House.
You can read the article by clicking here. This link will take you to the article on the uticaod.com web site.
The House Hosts Career Expo on April 24th
Apr 5th, 2008 - Learn More About Career Opportunities at The House
The House of the Good Shepherd will hold a Career Expo on Thursday, April 24th from 3:30 to 6:30 at its Main Campus, 1550 Champlin Avenue, Utica.
The event will highlight career opportunities at The House, as well as offer applicants a chance to learn more about the non-profit agency. Examples of available positions include Residential Counselors/Supervisors, Masters Level Social Workers, RNs/LPNs, Nurse Manager, Teachers and Secretarial. Initial interviews will be conducted and applications will be accepted during the event. The event is free and open to the public.
Attendees can also learn more about The House's recent salary enhancement for direct care workers based on education and experience levels.
The House currently employs 400 full- and part-time staff at 17 sites in the local community. Each day 360 children receive services through a variety of programs at The House such as residential, prevention, education, foster care, counseling, nursing and transitional services.
For more information on career opportunites, contact Nicole Simonette, Employment Specialist at (315) 235-7788.
- 30 -
The House Offers Foster Parent Training Beginning April 8 in Watertown
Feb 27th, 2008 - Beginning Tuesday, April 8, The House of the Good Shepherd will offer a free, 13-week training program to individuals and families interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents for children in its foster care program. The training helps participants explore their role as foster parents, while educating them on caring for therapeutic level foster children. Classes will be held once a week on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The House’s office at Partridge Berry Office Park, 26515 NYS Route 3, Watertown.
Individuals interested in becoming foster parents also are encouraged to attend an Information Session on Tuesday, April 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to learn more about The House’s foster care program.
Foster parents with The House of the Good Shepherd make an important community investment by reaching out to local children and families facing difficulties. The House needs additional foster and adoptive families so that more children can be placed in a supportive and caring family environment that meets their individual needs. Currently The House’s Watertown office coordinates care for 56 children living in foster homes in Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties.
Foster parents can be of any marital status and must be at least 21 years old. The House provides assistance to foster parents in their homes and in the community through ongoing training sessions, in-home support and 24-hour on-call staff. Foster parents with The House receive a monthly stipend to cover a child’s room, food, clothing and other expenses.
For more information on becoming a foster parent with The House, please contact Theresa Lampack, foster care recruitment and retention manager, at 782-8064.
VIEW ARCHIVED NEWS RELEASES
