HeartShare Human Services of New York

Deborah Tolson quickly became the community inclusion specialist at HeartShare's Clermont Residence. For nearly four years, Debbie has made a positive impact on the residents' lives. For example, Lucinda refused to go anywhere unless it involved a van ride. Walking in the community was inconceivable. However, Debbie created a plan around Lucinda's love of coffee. After taking the van to a coffee shop several times, Lucinda began to enjoy herself and share special moments with the staff. Now, Lucinda happily walks to the coffee shop and waves to the neighbors.

HeartShare recognizes Debbie for her outstanding work at the Clermont Residence. She is truly an Everyday Hero.

Melissa Hoskey, Summer 2007

When HeartShare's 60th Street Residence opened one year ago, Melissa Hoskey immediately began training Susan and Evalin how to navigate the subway system to reach HeartShare's Wellness Clinic and their families' homes. The training began in small steps-showing them where the subway station was and how to buy a Metrocard. Next, Melissa taught them which train to take, which stop to get off at, how to transfer trains, and how to return home. Neither Susan nor Evalin was doing this before working with Melissa. Through her patience and hard work, both ladies are able to travel in the community without her assistance.

HeartShare salutes Melissa's efforts as she is an Everyday Hero!

Joseph McCrea, Winter 2008

Joseph McCrae began working with Gregory two years ago as his one-to-one staff person at HeartShare's Hagerty Residence. Joseph supports Greg in a wide array of community activities, including shopping at local stores, taking walks in the neighborhood, getting his haircut and enjoying recreational and cultural activities.

Greg has come to rely on Joseph for many community explorations and suggests activities he would like to do, such as going to the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens. Each day is a new adventure, and Greg is learning a lot from the many activities they experience together.

In August, Greg moved to the Calderhead-DeSola Residence in Midwood, where he is making new friends in his new neighborhood. This year, Joseph plans to take Greg to his first Broadway show, and Joseph is also working with the residence's manager to realize one of Gregory's biggest dreams-going to California!

Joseph truly demonstrates what it means to be an Everyday Hero to Greg. HeartShare salutes his dedication and the positive impact he is having on Greg's life!

Cathy Figuccio, Summer 2008

When HeartShare's Helen and John Sharkey Residence opened six years ago, Cathy Figuccio began assisting Mary Ellen. Together they go to church, go shopping, and have coffee and donuts at a local eatery.

Cathy helped Mary Ellen to improve her skills in her everyday life, including how to order food and get the correct change at stores. Perhaps one of the most important things that Cathy did for Mary Ellen was to introduce her to Bingo, which she now enjoys going to every Tuesday night. Mary Ellen has made lots of new firends in the community from her weekly Bingo nights.

Mary Ellen feels more confident and enjoys going out every day by herself in the neighborhood. Everyone in the community knows and loves Mary Ellen!

For Cathy's role in supporting Mary Ellen in learning and trying new things, and for introducing Mary Ellen to many new community experiences, HeartShare acknowledges Cathy as a real Everyday Hero to Mary Ellen. Bravo, Cathy, for your outstanding efforts!

Thomas Hayes, Winter 2009

Thomas Hayes started working with Joseph seven years ago at HeartShare's Ferraro Residence. They became very close and Joseph now waits impatiently every night to see Thomas. They do many things together: bowling, going to the movies, neighborhood walks, and shopping. However, the ultimate goal for Joseph, says Thomas, "is to buy ties!"

Joseph enjoys going out every day with Thomas; this is why everyone in the community knows Joseph and says "Hello Joe!" each time they meet him.

Thomas has greatly helped Joseph to improve his language skills and to express himself. "When I met Joseph, he didn't have a vast vocabulary, and now sometimes he talks too much!" explains Thomas.

Over the years that Thomas has supported Joseph, they have both learned from each other. Joseph is more talkative and social and Thomas is more receptive of Joseph's choices regarding his personal clothing style. "Joseph loves to change his clothes several times each day," says Thomas, "and sometimes his clothes look quirky." But after many years of teaching Joseph how to get dressed, Thomas realized that he needed to let Joseph express his own taste, whatever the combination.

Thomas is a real Everyday Hero in Joseph's life! All of HeartShare would like to congratulate him for his outstanding efforts!