Building the Perfect Kitchen

In August of 2008, Ingram Micro hosted its 13^th annual charity golf tournament at The Links at Ivey Ridge in Akron, NY. Each year, Ingram Micro selects a few local charitable/non-profit organizations to support with the proceeds from the golf tournament. This year Rivershore Inc, Brian Moorman’s Punt Foundation, Kevin Guest House, Moving Miracles, and Heritage Centers were the organizations chosen. The event raised over $150,000 for these organizations with the help and support of over 100 Ingram Micro associates and many vendor partners including top sponsors HP, Microsoft, Ricoh, IBM, SanDisk, Imation, Brother, Castle Pines, and de lag landen. This event has grown each year reaching a new record in fundraising for local charities. To date, the annual golf events have raised over $600,000 in support of local organizations.

Rivershore received $42,000 from the tournament proceeds that was used to remodel the kitchen at our Creek Road residence. Since being established in 1993, our residence located on Creek Road has been home to ten adults who live with developmental disabilities. Over the years the home’s kitchen has received heavy use and was very worn and dated. More significantly, as the residents of the home have aged and the majority now utilize wheelchairs for mobility, the nature of the environment needed in the home to support maximum independence and personal dignity has changed greatly. Simple everyday tasks such a retrieving a coffee mug from the cupboard, getting a drink of water, or preparing a snack independently have become difficult or impossible for many people in the home.

In 2007 Rivershore had an assessment of the kitchen completed by The Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access, School of Architecture and Planning, University at Buffalo. The architects found that “the existing kitchen is not sufficient for meeting the needs of the residents and caregivers”, and “it is inefficient and inaccessible”.

A new kitchen design based on Universal Design Technology was created and recommended to Rivershore. Universal Design as a general concept seeks to provide improved usability and safety for all people in the community. The new design has improved the value of the home for all involved, and has created an environment that welcomes all visitors with grace and dignity. In simple terms, this new kitchen will help people to help themselves, which is an essential foundation for a quality life.

Rivershore, Inc. is a private not for profit agency with a mission to support people who live with developmental disabilities as they pursue and achieve a meaningful life. With administrative offices located in the Village of Lewiston, Rivershore currently provides services throughout Niagara County. Rivershore has been designated a COMPASS organization by New York State, one of just 7 of 750 organizations in our State to achieve and maintain this level of excellence. As a groundbreaking leader in our field, Rivershore is on the cutting edge of a powerful new vision for people with developmental disabilities in our community. Rivershore is very active in establishing partnerships and works collaboratively with sister agencies and other community organizations.

Made possible through a generous donation from John Gallo, President of computers for children, CFC has donated 9 multi-media computers for use in each of Rivershore’s group residences. Thanks to CFC, more than 55 adults living with developmental disabilities will now have access to a computer in their home. Home computers and internet access have increasingly become a typical part of American life. The computers are expected to improve quality of life in many ways, including expanded opportunities for individualized learning, and many new leisure options. Computers for Children, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides computers, information technology and technology training for schools, youth and agencies in

need.

Proclaimed Rivershore Day by Niagara County, November 8 recognizes Rivershore being named a COMPASS agency by New York State in 2002. Rivershore is one of just seven agencies across New York State named a COMPASS organization by the NYS Office of Developmental Disabilities. COMPASS designation is given to agencies that have demonstrated their ability to successfully self-monitor and who achieve excellence through consistently providing services that meet the highest quality standards.

This year’s celebration took place on November 6th and Rivershore presented their 4^th Annual Community Service Award to Sister Barbara Pfohl of Heart & Soul and Don Luce of Community Missions for their amazing support, dedication and collaboration with the Niagara County Aktion Clun in 2009’s Food Drive at Artpark. This award is given annually to a person or organization that has put forth uncommon and sustained effort that promotes acceptance and respect for people living with developmental disabilities in our community.