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Heroes of the storm: Benchmark-New Jersey weathers ‘Sandy’
Category: Benchmark Human Services | Region: New Jersey | Posted: November 8, 2012 by Courtney Hartman
“It appears that with diligence and perseverance, the NJ Team has weathered SANDY!”
These welcome words introduced New Jersey Director Diana
Tomasetti’s storm update early Thursday afternoon, Nov. 1.
AWS/Benchmark Human Services operates five group residences in
central New Jersey, which, along with Benchmark’s office, remain without power,
with restoration expected in “seven to 14 days.”
Before Super Storm Sandy struck Monday night, the New Jersey staff
had fully implemented its emergency preparedness plan, Tomasetti
wrote. Since the devastating storm, the staff has been
creative, dedicated and resolute in ensuring the health and safety of our
consumers, Tomasetti reported, with many working incredible hours and
exhibiting critical, creative problem solving skills. Benchmark’s nurse
has visited all homes to ensure the health and safety of consumers.
Meanwhile, stories of incredible staff dedication and neighbors’
goodwill abound. For example, Dannielle Cruz, House Manager/Recreation
Coordinator, relentlessly sought and then traveled to Pennsylvania to secure
generators for homes. “We are truly indebted to Dannielle’s determination
and to the help of our maintenance man, Ryan Keen, for their abiding dedication
to our consumers and their wellbeing.” Cruz and
other staff continue to travel to Pennsylvania frequently for supplies and to
fill gas cans.
Elsewhere,
a neighbor of Program Coordinator Stacy Reddish
allowed Reddish to use their generator to puree several days of cooked food for
a few group home residents with extensive medical needs so staff did not have
to rely on slow-working battery-operated blenders to prepare food.
Wednesday,
Tomasetti reported that all existing and newly purchased group homes appear to
be unharmed and did not sustain water damage, although there are fallen trees
and debris.
“MANY THANKS to all for
your prayers, well wishes and support through this event,” Tomasetti wrote. “
It has truly helped us weather the storm. Thank goodness we filled our
vans before this event and found working pumps in Pennsylvania if needed. “
Benchmark Human
Services is a division of AWS, which is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and
offers residential, vocational, early intervention, home-based care and day
services for children and adults with disabilities. Founded in 1960, AWS serves
more than 8,500 people with disabilities in eight states.
