In today's episode we sat down with Dee Hernandez, the Executive Director the River House Adult Day Center in Cos Cob, CT. Listen to learn more about Dee who has extensive experience as a caregiver and is grateful to be working with her team at The River House here in Cos Cob.

About River House:

River House's mission is to provide adult day care that works for all families. Adults who wish to remain in their community but require daytime assistance come to River House up to five days a week to participate in vibrant activities, socialize with their peers, and receive compassionate care. Individuals challenged with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, diabetes, stroke, depression, traumatic brain injury, cardiac or pulmonary disease, vision/hearing loss, or other age-related ailments, greatly benefit from River House’s team of nurses, health aides, and therapeutic recreation staff who are trained to support their unique needs. River House follows a medical care model where nurses work with every member, their doctors, and their family to provide a personalized plan of care that enhances the member's overall well-being. By providing this crucial daytime care, caregivers are given the respite and peace of mind needed to effectively care for themselves and their loved ones.

River House was founded in 1977 and remains committed to providing the highest quality care to aging adults in Greenwich, Stamford, and the surrounding areas while offering guidance and support to their caregivers. We are proud of our history of service to these communities.

About Dee:

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology, and a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Human Resources, both from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in NYC. I am a native New Yorker and have been in the social services field for over 25 years, working with both the City of New York, and major nonprofit service providers throughout the Tri-State area. I have dedicated my career to helping those in need and have a deep love and respect for those we serve. Through collaboration, purposeful planning, and intervention I have been able to successfully facilitate meaningful programing and robust services for those in need.

In this conversation, Scott Elwell and Lindsay Potter interview Cristin Marandino, the editor of Greenwich Magazine. They discuss the multifaceted nature of Greenwich and how it is so much more than just a wealthy town. Cristin shares her journey of becoming an editor and joining Greenwich magazine after college. She explains the process of selecting stories and themes for the magazine, including features on unsung heroes and philanthropy in the community. They also talk about annual features like 'Teens to Watch' and 'Best of the Gold Coast'. Cristin emphasizes the importance of going beyond the party pages and covering inspiring stories. Greenwich Magazine covers a range of topics, from hard-hitting journalism to highlighting the town's rich history. They aim to address serious issues affecting the community, such as addiction, bullying, and domestic violence. The magazine strives to strike a balance between ads and editorial content, ensuring that important stories are given the spotlight. They also feature wedding pages and promote charity events, partnering with nonprofits in the area. Greenwich Magazine supports local restaurants and organizes Restaurant Week to showcase the town's culinary scene. They address current trends, including the impact of social media, and provide resources for the community. Additionally, they celebrate Greenwich's history and upcoming events, keeping readers informed and engaged.

In this episode, Lindsay and Scott interview Amy Montimurro, the CEO of Abilis, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in lower Fairfield County. Amy shares her journey with Abilis and the organization's mission to provide a lifespan of support for individuals and their families. She discusses the various services offered by Abilis, including early intervention, therapy, diagnostic services for autism, and transition support. Amy also highlights the importance of community partnerships and inclusion, as well as the challenges and gaps in service provision. The episode concludes with a discussion on upcoming events and the expansion plans of Abilis. Amy discusses the involvement of local youth and the various ways people can get involved and support Abilis. She also shares her personal journey and how she got involved in this field.

Learn more at www.abilis.us

Takeaways:

• Abilis is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in lower Fairfield County.
• Abilis offers a wide range of services, including early intervention, therapy, diagnostic services, and transition support.
• Community partnerships and inclusion are crucial for supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting their independence.
• There are challenges and gaps in service provision, particularly for individuals with intellectual disabilities who may not meet the IQ criteria for services.
• Abilis is expanding its programs and services through grant funding and community engagement. Abilis provides support for individuals with disabilities and their families, focusing on therapist continuity and taking insurance to ensure quality care.
• The organization offers a range of services, including vocational development, community engagement, and transition programs for individuals aging out of the school system.
• Abilis encourages youth involvement and offers volunteer opportunities for people to contribute their time and skills.
• Community engagement is vital, and partnerships with schools, businesses, and organizations help create inclusive environments for individuals with disabilities.
• Supporting Abilis can be done through donations, volunteering, and participating in fundraising events like the gala and walk.