Spring 2009

Spring 2009 Vol. V #2

Self-improvement brings national recognition Combining clinical and fiscal strengths in a five-year turnaround

Doing well all the time is a fine thing.

Coming back after a difficult time - which is what recovery is all about - is also notable. In that spirit, we’re proud to be honored by the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) with the James W. West, M.D. Quality Improvement Award for 2009.

As Foundation CEO Richard M. Pine described it, “This award is in recognition of our organization's marked financial turnaround since 2003, during which time we began a process that led us to what has now been a five-year pattern of responsible, healthy annual financial surpluses. “The Award recognizes that this shift to profitability after a difficult economic time in the treatment field was the result of many factors, not the least of which was the dedication and hard work by the staff and Board of Directors. We made major improvements in our marketing strategies, and enhanced programming to bring better services to our patients.” Pine has consistently pointed out that it was each and every Livengrin employee’s participation that made this collective accomplishment possible. It was “quality improvement” in the clinical areas, in business management and record-keeping, in administration

and Board effort, that led to the results of our five-year initiative - stability and profitability. Livengrin will receive its honor this month at the NAATP National Conference in Florida. The award, established in 2000, recognizes the standard-setting advocacy of quality treatment of Dr. West, Medical Director Emeritus of the Betty Ford Center. Our many peers nationwide will see an analysis of our strategic plans and results in the May edition of the professional journal Behavioral Health.

For the Family Picnic, the Ride or both, May 17 is your day!! Livengrin’s Biggest Annual Event - the Ride for Recovery

Sunday May 17th has the Best Spring Ride in the Delaware Valley (for non-riders, come for an exciting, family-friendly gathering) 9-11 AM Bikes register & head out 12-4 PM Full-course Family Picnic, kid’s activities, live music 3 PM Awards and Drawings Ride/Picnic Pass $20 ~ Picnic-only (& under 14) $10 Available at door ~ All proceeds benefit patient programs

Some Tickets Still Available to win a Harley-Davidson Street Bob® or $7500 cash / digital camera / flat-screen TV xisit www.livengrin.org or call 800-245-4746 ext. 310 Livengrin Foundation, Bensalem, PA Levittown ~ Doylestown ~ Fort Washington ~ Northeast Philadelphia ~ Allentown

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Livengrin life Spring 2009

There’s Always a Way to Make a Difference A private, nonprofit organization founded in 1966, providing inpatient and outpatient treatment services, education and counseling to promote recovery from alcohol and drug addiction 4833 Hulmeville Road Bensalem, PA 19020 215-638-5200 800-245-4746 Allentown / Lehigh Valley 610-264-5521 Doylestown / Central Bucks 215-340-1765 Fort Washington / Montgomery Co. 215-540-8301 Levittown / Lower Bucks 215-547-1440 Northeast Philadelphia 215-335-3419

www.livengrin.org Board of Directors Eileen M. Bonner, MD Chair Bernard K. Ciliberto Vice-Chair Daphne G. Floyd Secretary Michael D. Chapman Treasurer Donald A. Billingsley Rev. Msg. William A. Dombrow Scott I. Fegley, Esq. Frank Foley David A. Vidovich George F. West Richard M. Pine President & CEO Honorary Directors Patricia L. Chapman David R. Johnson* Richard W. Hartmann* James M. Stewart* * Emeritus

Livengrin life© is published by Livengrin Foundation © 2009 Photographs © Keith Mason for Livengrin 2009 or as noted

The Annual Report of Livengrin Foundation is available by contacting the Communications Office. To receive or discontinue any Livengrin publication, call 215-638-5200 ext. 146 or email: [email protected]

What’s the expression? “Pay it forward” or “give it back”…? Either way, there are always opportunities to do something special for others when you invest of yourself or your resources at Livengrin.

Refer someone to Livengrin

Many of those coming to Livengrin have been encouraged by others who already were in treatment here, or were close by when a loved one or friend did it. Those folks are “passing it forward” on the basis of their Livengrin experience. If Livengrin helped you, tell someone else in need. There might be someone you care about or they might not be in your own home… perhaps the otherwise-helpful neighbor whose problem is getting too loud, the parent who drives your kids home from practice, a co-worker whose issues might endanger job-site safety. Tell them about the help and hope they can find at Livengrin.

Contribute

Use the form on the Support page of our website (www.livengrin.org) and direct a gift to the Foundation to be invested as you wish. It can be a designated contribution (for patient books and programs, charitable scholarships, building and grounds) or go to an “area of most need.” A memorial gift remembers someone you care about; planned giving brings you satisfaction down the road. To learn more, call our development office.

Volunteer

We can always use the help of folks with some time to invest in our mission. From helping us staff an event, to assisting with office duties, or perhaps (for those with appropriate experience) showing the way to a current patient. The volunteer hotline below is the place to start.

Tell us your story

We want to know (and tell others about) your experience in recovery -or what you witnessed in someone close to you. Of course, your anonymity is respected. Send your letter to Communications at the address to the left, or email to: [email protected].

Life After Livengrin

(#25 in a series)

“Thirty-three years ago this month Livengrin took in a very sick, discouraged and bewildered alcoholic — me. It turned out to be one of the most, if not the most important and memorable months of my life. That time in Livengrin certainly saved me life and gave me a whole new way of living, that has continued to this day.

“Joe Barna was my wise, loving and tough counselor; I'll never forget him, nor

will I ever forget Livengrin. ‘Thank you’ is not enough, but I'll continue to say it again and again. Cheers!” -- K.S.

Livengrin life Spring 2009

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“Can I see your license and accreditation, please?” When the phone call comes in from the reception desk – a surprise inspection by state licensing officials – Mary Jane Woods is the one to start scurrying. It’s true that the proverbial buck stops at the desk of CEO, who’s ultimately responsible for the level of quality in all that we do. But Livengrin relies on Woods, a key administrator who makes sure that everything – from the clinical process to the quality of the food to the fire safety equipment – is in shape for the benefit of patients.

Due to Woods’ efforts as director of Total Quality Management (and that of every employee), Livengrin has received consistently high marks in our inspections year after year. Mary Jane (who also heads our training, staff-credentialing and patient follow-up) explains how it works: Licensing starts with the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs at the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Their licensing allows us to operate in the addiction field. Each of our locations has its own license and inherent responsibilities. The Commonwealth will do an annual inspection but surprise checks are known to happen. Because we use Buprenorphrine SP, a medication to help patients detox from opiates, there’s another set of State regulations. Officials visit us to check on the medical staff, dispensing procedures and documentation. Our medical director, Dr. Mark Wallen, and Dr. William Lorman, the chief clinical officer, are at the vanguard of using this method in treating heroin addicts, because this drug isn’t addictive like methadone. D&A facilities that treat the dually diagnosed, as we do in our residential setting, are also checked annually for Mental Health Certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. When the State visits, the officials move in for a week. (Other inspections might be just one day.) They look at absolutely everything: clinical procedures, staff training and credentials, personnel matters. They have checklists for the buildings and grounds, safety, food, patient care. Plus administrative issues, our policies and procedures, and even the by-laws that govern the Board of Directors. We provide documents, staff files, manuals... They don’t poke into desk drawers.

“I couldn’t do it without this team!” proclaims Mary Jane Woods, describing the many aspects of quality management she oversees to ensure our licensing and accreditation. The group includes (from left) Cindy Rios, Danielle von Berg, Woods, Margaret Cameron (and also Ellen Mills).

Licensing personnel get a list of patients that are here at the time. They decide which files to inspect, but they do not interview patients. State and Federal regulations are very specific as to confidentiality. We adhere to the most strict rule on any given matter, be it from HIPAA or drug and alcohol treatment regulators. There’s another certification we get, from the national Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. They come in completely unannounced every three years, and they also do pop-checks. Receiving their seal of approval garners us a level of respect in the treatment community. Insurance companies demand it in order to have a contract with us for patients. Meanwhile, they update their standards every year, and we have to stay on top of those changes. All of these audits are pass/fail, based on numerical scores. However, the results are posted on the licensing agencies’ websites, so any consumer, physician or funding source can find out how we do, and also where Livengrin stands in relation to other treatment facilities.

“We have consistently had full licensure and accreditation. That speaks for itself, and we’re all very proud of it.”

4 Livengrin life Spring 2009

“Bottom line” is about more than dollars

Reflections on our Mission - Richard M. Pine, President & CEO

Most industry analysts believe the general economic downturn has impacted the addiction treatment field as much as it has many others. Jobs are lost or threatened, benefits cut, and discretionary income limited (often diminishing those resources that would be directed to charitable care). This is all the more reason, in these trying times, why a hundred percent of our efforts need to be devoted to providing those patients in our care with all the treatment they need and deserve. High quality treatment not only gives patients their best chance of achieving recovery goals, it also makes good business sense for us. Elsewhere in this issue, there’s news we’re very proud of: our selection to receive a national award based on our “continuing quality improvement” as a treatment facility and as a business. Every part of our organization was examined and improvements were made in ways both visible and intangible. That “rising tide” of improved quality brought Livengrin economic stability – and “word on the street” that we treat addiction with professionalism, affordability and dignity. Our alumni tell others about their experience here, and the result is more patients coming to us on the strength of our reputation for quality behavioral healthcare. Meanwhile, our approach to treatment is validated by research: the longer we can engage a patient in structured treatment, the more likely will be their long-term success. That’s why our “continuum of care” that ranges from detox to alumni services and all the steps in-between is a winning approach. Like everyone confronted by the current crisis, we are looking carefully at how we budget for the next fiscal year. We’re being prudent about our construction plans, the new programs we’d like to institute for patient care, and how well we can provide for our employees. Livengrin is also developing new means of communicating with the public and sharing our sense of mission (although we haven’t officially “Tweetered” yet!) It’s the individual in the community who will have the most impact on our fundraising, more than corporate underwriting or foundation grants. (They are all key components to the “big picture,” of course.) The easy part of our future, actually, is staying on-mission – to offer the highest quality of care for all our patients, in residential or outpatient, all of the time. If we do that well enough, and communicate to as many as possible that we’re good at it, we’ll weather this economic storm. Your help - when you can - is always appreciated.

The workplace

is where the addicted person often does best at hiding the problem, to protect the paycheck. Livengrin works closely with human-resource specialists to get people into treatment through their company or union. With our help, the employee can be returned to the warehouse, office, squad car or sales counter as a sober, more productive team player.

An annual award by the Greater Philadelphia chapter of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association recognizes today’s practitioners of compassionate leadership. The honor is named for Patricia Curran, an active advocate for progressive workplace treatment practices in this region. Livengrin hosted the group’s recent event, where the Malvern Institute’s Linda Degnan (second from left) received the award and congratulations from Pat Curran’s family: Katie, Jaime O’Donnell (with Reagan) and our head of business development (and proud granddad) Joe Curran.

Livengrin life Spring 2009

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TRANSITIONS AT THE TOP Board expands with two business-savvy members

As the year began, Dr. Eileen Bonner welcomed the appointments of two new Directors. At the same time, a longtime member retired after a decade of service. Scott Fegley is an attorney in private practice in Yardley, specializing in employment, business and commercial matters. Schooled at Villanova and Lafayette, Mr. Fegley is admitted to the bar in PA and NJ, as well as series of courts including the U.S. Supreme Court. He was a supervisor for Lower Makefield Township for eleven years, and works with community groups that advocate for housing and individuals with disabilities. “Scott has years of experience working with the local Bucks County business community,” observed CEO Rick Pine. “He’ll be sharing a wealth of information about employment-related issues and labor laws. Scott is already making contributions to our human resources committee.” Bringing another viewpoint to this area is David Vidovich, a vice president at one of the region’s best-known companies, Tasty Baking. (Sorry to say, his appointment to our Board does not include a fast-track to all the Krimpets we can eat.) Educated at Kutztown and Kent State, he was formerly with Knight-Ridder (past publisher of the Philadelphia Inquirer), Vlasic Foods and H.J. Heinz. “David’s business expertise fills a critical gap in our Board structure,” says Pine. “He brings a unique understanding of the current issues faced by many of the corporate customers and referral sources Livengrin works with in the community.” It is with deep sadness that we have bid farewell to Anne Jewell, a Director since 1998. Ms. Jewell brought to Livengrin a high level of commitment, compassion and sincerity which she shared in her care and concern for both patients and employees. There is good news, though: Anne will stay involved as a volunteer, and has promised to visit regularly (to, as Pine puts it, “allow him to buy her lunch”).

Life After Livengrin

(#14 in a series)

“I wanted to let you know how impressed I am with Livengrin's program as a whole, and particularly how much I appreciated the skill and abilities that (your counselor) provided my son. As a clinical social worker myself, I guess I know what to look for.

During our family session, I felt that (he) was able to quickly identify the emotions that I was feeling and to interpret them in a really helpful way.

“I could "hear" that connection in my son’s voice and he told me about the things he was working on at Livengrin. He was very

hesitant about the idea of group work, and then ended up being a community group representative. This was a very important connection for him to make (for his future in outpatient and NA).

“I am very thankful that my son had the opportunity to take part in the excellent program that Livengrin offers. I appreciated

the comprehensive nature of the program with its family and couples (components). The Livengrin website was the deciding

factor; we researched it online and both independently felt that it was the best place for him during a time of crisis. However, a website can't communicate what we found after he entered the Livengrin community. We realized that it is a warm, caring,

friendly place in a beautiful setting where everyone works as a team to provide respite, education, and a road to healing for its patients. For that we are so very grateful.” — K.A.

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Livengrin life Spring 2009

Media Watch The entire Philadelphia metropolitan region has had a weary sadness over the past months, as police officers are killed in the line of duty. Many are buried next door to Livengrin’s main campus, at Resurrection Cemetery (carved from the original farm as was our campus). Columnist Dan Rubin (right) captured the sounds, images and feelings when he wrote of one such funeral last February for readers of the Philadelphia Sunday Inquirer and its website. Many of our employees are particularly affected when yet another peace officer is laid to rest, working as they are to treat the kind of addictions that so often are part of such violence. They gather at the end of our driveway to witness the slow, quiet cortege of police cars from many states, a helicopter hovering, bagpipes across the hill. It’s an emotional day for us, and too often repeated. Dan’s column was a sensitive portrayal.

clips Dana Days: Family counselor Dana Cohen has been busy. The Day of Enlightenment that brings family members into a patient’s treatment and recovery process is now running twice a week. She spoke with Bensalem’s Joseph DiGirolamo on his Mornings with the Mayor cable program (above); also on WURD-AM’s recovery-themed program, Cohen was interviewed by behavioral counselor Fred Barber (right). Dana visited with youngsters studying today’s issues at Leverington Elementary in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia (arranged through the community education agency Need In Deed.) Then she visited Penn State University at Abington to talk to students about medical ethics.

the hands on the spiritual tiller Livengrin’s main campus has welcomed the Reverend Melvin Brown, filling in as pastoral counselor during recent months for Msgr. William Dombrow.

Rev. Brown is associate pastor at Victory Tabernacle Church in Trenton, NJ, where’s he also president of the Trenton Community Choir. In our neighborhood, he’s been involved as advisor and Board member at the treatment facility Good Friends. We’re glad to have Rev. Brown with us to see to the spiritual needs of our patients.

Msgr. Dombrow, we’re happy to say, is on the mend and making steady progress as he recuperates at home from surgery. He is not only a Livengrin spiritual advisor (and Rector of Villa St. Joseph in Darby, PA), but also a member of our Board of Directors. His steady presence has been a resource for everyone from the first-day patient to the highest levels of the Foundation’s administration. Everyone’s waiting to see him again.

Livengrin life Spring 2009

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Alumni Association

More Connections Lead to a Solid Recovery Our Association of Alumni, Family & Friends is open to anyone, be they Livengrin graduates (of any generation), family members or folks who have had experiences in other treatment organizations. The popular weekly meeting is a great starting point for anyone who needs or wants to maintain (and create new) connections. Tuesday Meetings Bensalem, Shanahan Hall 7:30PM. Not an A.A meeting per se, but following the twelve-step format with speakers, stories and sharing. We often see sixty people or more, so come early. These get-togethers are helpful to those working on long-term recovery, and especially important for recent patients. “One of the most important things anyone can do once they leave the formal Livengrin rehab setting is to come back every week and stay connected,” says our staff alumni liaison Gina Shay. “The Tuesday meetings help our graduates to grow in their own recovery and eventually be able to pass their hope and motivation over to others that follow.” Ice Cream Socials Bensalem, 1PM “last Sunday” monthly Members of the Association gather to share a relaxed time with current patients and give them another link to sobriety. You must be a card-carrying member of the Association, or a registered Livengrin volunteer, to participate. Call the Alumni Hotline: 215-638-5200 ext. 312 The United Recovery Softball League brings together teams from across the region on Sunday mornings. Livengrin is proud to be a sponsor of the Beginners, whose home field is at a local college. Half of this newly-formed team is composed of Livengrin alumni. Coach Ralph (left) and Ernie visited us for a pre-season workout of standard ballfield skills.

Improving the Influence Vince Fox is retiring from full-time duties after 17+ years working in Livengrin’s driving-under-influence program (which he’s headed since 2007). Vince, a one-time police officer, has been influential throughout Bucks County’s DUI system. He’s spent many years helping drivers return to the road as safer, sober citizens. His successor here is also his predecessor in the DUI office: Helen Weigand has returned to the Foundation after an absence of almost two years. Weigand is planning on building on Fox’s recent accomplishments. “We do a great job for the Bucks County courts,” she proudly observes. “Now they are looking to us to expand our services in order accommodate the needs of the system and the people coming through it. Program improvements will give us more options in how we engage with offenders and motivate them to make positive changes. “We’d like to offer our weekend program, which is now packed into one day, as a two-day option. That will allow people with work and family obligations to complete the course on a different schedule. Also we want to expand the forensic programs for the Courts.” Helen has another set of objectives. “Making improvements to the DUI building, the historic barn we’re in, is important also. We can always use more space, and setting up new offices in other locations around our regional service area is on the drawing board.” Vince and Helen have, between them, almost four decades of service at Livengrin. These two professionals also contribute to the shaping of county and state laws and programs that deal with the both the problem of, and answers for, the great challenge of incapacitated drivers.

Did you hear that a $20 investment in the patient programs at Livengrin brings you closer to winning

The Foundation for Addiction Recovery 4833 Hulmeville Road Bensalem, PA 19020 Allentown ~ Doylestown Fort Washington ~ Levittown Northeast Philadelphia 800-245-4746 email: [email protected]

$7,500

- - - - or a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle (talk about that great gift for a grad or Dad!)

Or a flat-screen TV or digital camera? You have until May 17 to grab your ticket in the Ride of Your Life Raffle - - - Part of the Ride for Recovery V Click on the Ride display at: www.livengrin.org Get your ticket online through our secure site, by mail or by phone. Call 800-245-4746, ext. 310 for complete details

Back to Livengrin Day

www.livengrin.org

Our annual reunion of alumni, families and friends is coming in early autumn! See our September issue of Livengrin life for more news.

Livengrin Foundation, Inc. is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Official registration and financial information (Certificate 13708) may be obtained from the PA Dept. of State by calling (within PA) 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Getting our news and alumni notices? Visit www.livengrin.org and click “contact” on the navigation bar. Or call 800-245-4746, ext. 312.

In and Around Livengrin ~ 2009 Ride for Recovery Sunday May 17 Bensalem

Our annual family picnic and motorcycle tour raises public awareness - and funds for our patient programs. Complete information at the hotline below or on the website: www.livengrin.org. Get your “winning” raffle ticket now!

Association of Alumni, Family & Friends Tuesday 7:30PM Bensalem

Everyone is welcome (not just our own alumni) to these meetings with a 12-step fellowship format, speakers, great ways to stay connected to recovery. Shanahan Hall; no RSVP needed.

Volunteer Orientation Saturdays 1PM Bensalem May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8

Info: call the Alumni Hotline below, or visit www.livengrin.org

Alumni Ice Cream Social Sundays 2PM Bensalem

On the last Sunday afternoon of each month, alumni members and volunteers share their hope and experience with current patients in a social setting. New participants always welcome; find out how at a Tuesday meeting or call Alumni Hotline below.

Adolescent Counseling Saturdays Fort Washington

Assessments and guidance for teens who have a defined problem or may be “close to the edge.” A resource for families, school counselors and spiritual advisors. Call for times & details: 215-540-8301

Anger Management

New program beginning in May. Call for times & details: 215-540-8301

INFORMATION LINES: 800-245-4746 Events & Info Requests ext. 310 ~ Alumni Association & Volunteers ext. 312 ~ Academic & Training ext. 313