DECEMBER 2024
We’re excited...
to introduce Mainstay Matters, our newly named
newsletter, chosen by our team to reflect our
commitment to keeping you informed and connected.
In each issue, we’ll continue to bring you updates, insights, and
stories that matter most to our community.
Keep scrolling to read the rest of the newsletter or use the values
menu above to navigate to specific sections of the newsletter.
reflection of where we stand today and our
path forward. Thank you for your continued
dedication to our shared vision of a world
where people with diverse abilities thrive in
inclusive, supportive communities.
With sincere thanks,
Kim Sonafelt
Chief Executive Officer
As we celebrate Mainstay’s 25th anniversary, I’d like to pause and reflect
on our remarkable journey of enriching lives and unlocking the potential
of the people we support. This milestone isn’t just about the years that have
passed; it’s about the countless lives we’ve transformed along the way.
25 years
of person-centered
support, growth, and
transformation!
Here’s to the next
The launch of our internal remote support program is designed to
empower people living in Mainstay homes who are striving for greater
independence. By providing personalized assistance that is tailored to
each person’s unique strengths and needs, we’re creating a more
independent and accessible environment that enriches lives and
unlocks potential for the people we support.
Over the past year, under the leadership of Technology
Coordinator Heather Lewis, we’ve built a solid foundation for this
transformative program. With a lead grant from Polk Foundation
and guidance from ShiftAbility consultants,
we collaborated with county partners
to develop best practices for
service authorizations and plan
updates. Our efforts include
comprehensive assessments
for people receiving 24-hour
residential support and
hosting interactive town
halls to share updates and
discuss the impact
of these changes.
To ensure data-driven decision-making,
time studies were conducted in homes where remote
support emerged as a viable option. Over the course of
two weeks, Direct Support Professionals documented their
activities every 15 minutes. This detailed analysis provided critical
insights into which supports are best delivered in person and
which can be effectively provided remotely.
Heather Lewis and consultants from ShiftAbility also led
evening training sessions for our full-time remote support team,
focusing on the technology that will help us deliver high-quality,
person-centered support.
We’re excited about how leveraging technology will transform the
lives of the people we support, empowering them to achieve
greater independence and live more fulfilling lives. The future is
here – and Mainstay is leading the way.
Traysean Harris, Advocate
John Lovelace, UPMC Insurance Services Division
Shane Miller, Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP
D. David Misra, Development Worx LLC
David Riehl, Baird - The ERA Group
Mahmood “Mike” Usman, Semi-retired Physician and Small-scale Farmer
Toni Wagner, A Second Chance, Inc.
Innovation
Kim’s Recap of the Year
• Kim’s Recap of the Year
• Our Next Chapter Begins
• New Website
• Aligned with Our Vision, Mission, and Values
• Advancements in Technology
Our commitment to empowering others has
created a legacy of success stories that we’re
proud of. This milestone is an opportunity to
honor the relationships we’ve built and the
challenges we have overcome together. I’m
deeply grateful to each person who has had a
hand in contributing to our mission and your
belief in the power of our work.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled by what the
future holds. I’m especially excited to unveil our
refreshed look along with our updated vision,
mission, and values – each a true
Reid Wolfe, Chair — Achieva and Achieva Support (Retired)
Jim Gemperle, Vice Chair — Alcoa, Inc. (Retired)
Peter Fleming, Treasurer — Wilke & Associates, LLP
Suzanne Ross Schweppe, Secretary — TIAA (Retired)
Jack Ryan, Immediate Past Chair — Henderson Brothers, Inc.
Rosemarie Cooper, Human Engineering Research Laboratories
Marvin Gold, Fundraising Consultant
Kim Sonafelt
Chief Executive
Officer
Jodie Esper
Chief Financial Officer
Dorothy Gordon
Chief Advancement &
Engagement Officer
Willette Walker
Chief Human Capital Officer
Ryan Lemmon
Director of Quality &
Performance Improvement
Ned Ochester
Director of Program Operations
Brian Roche
Director of Facilities
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Our Next Chapter Begins
Press the play button or click here to watch on our YouTube channel.
With your support, Mainstay has made significant advancements over the years.
It’s time for our logo, colors, fonts, and more to match that progress, which is why we’re
excited to give Mainstay a look and brand identity that better represent where we are headed.
What do you see in the art mark of the “M”?
For some, the art mark depicts a person, symbolizing the people with diverse abilities that
Mainstay supports, our devoted team members, or our loyal community supporters. Others may
see a keyhole, serving as a visual metaphor to unlocking the opportunities ahead. We encourage
you to interpret it in a way that’s most meaningful to you.
Our new
website is
Watch what makes Mainstay so special...
LIVE!
Creating a world where people
with diverse abilities thrive in
inclusive, supportive communities.
We enrich lives through person-centered
support and inclusive community
programs, unlocking the full potential
of people with diverse abilities.
• Empowerment
• Dignity
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Accountability
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Values
Aligned with Our Vision, Mission, and Values
Advancements in Technology
Interested in supporting Mainstay’s
vision, mission, and values?
While we have a fresh logo and bold new colors, we want to emphasize that the foundation of who we
are and our shared goal — to enrich the lives and unlock the potential of the people we support — remains
the same. We’re excited to share our new vision, mission, and values that reflect who we are and what we
stand for today and into the future.
At Mainstay, embracing technology solutions is more than just an initiative –
it’s our commitment to redefining the human services industry.
“Technology is the
big equalizer; it’s a game
changer. It’s about giving the
people we work for the technology
to support their needs and showing
them how to use it,” said Kim Sonafelt,
Mainstay CEO. “We’re not afraid to
do things differently, and because
of that, we’re seeing some
amazing results.”
0.0s
direct support professionals (DSPs) could provide seven hours of
care at the home each day.
Lisa credits the Mainstay DSPs for altering the course of David’s
diagnosis. During these early days with him, their concerns
helped him to access a specialized PWS treatment program. In
this program, he lost 35 pounds and accessed tools to help
him regain his sense of self.
Mainstay also worked to create a house designed specifically
for people with PWS that included 24-hour supports, a food secure
kitchen, in-home fitness facilities, and more. David moved in
upon its completion and became the first-ever person Mainstay
supported with its PWS residential program.
“I’m just really grateful that we
were able to get together and do
something,” said Lisa. “I am also
really grateful to Mainstay for
picking up the ball and running with it.”
Years later, Lisa says Mainstay’s
care still provides David with a
safe and therapeutic environment
personalized to his needs. For
example, each day, David’s DSPs
take him to the library to work
on computers, and they often go
to Kennywood – his favorite – to
get a thrill on the roller coasters.
In return, Lisa feels a sense of peace, and while it can feel
overwhelming, she encourages other families like hers to trust
Mainstay to be a champion for their child with PWS.
January 2024
Lindsay attended Pennsylvania’s Everyday Lives conference
in Hershey, focusing on empowerment, employment, and
personal development for people with intellectual disabilities
and autism (ID/A).
February 2024
During the office remodel, Lindsay played
a key role in transitioning documents to an
online system, making records easily
accessible. She also joined Mainstay’s Tech
First Implementation Committee, actively
participating in technology assessments
and installations.
March 2024
Lindsay took part in Self Advocates United as 1 (SAU1) “All
About Relationships” training with Voices of Mainstay and
visited Mainstay homes to encourage participation in the
advocacy group. She also learned about the Pennsylvania
Developmental Disabilities Council’s plan to create a state
advocacy committee focused on system and policy changes
for people with ID/A.
July 2024
Lindsay participated in a Pennsylvania Developmental
Disabilities Council (PADDC) state self-advocacy
focus group.
EMPOWERMENT
- Finding a Path Forward: How Mainstay Helped David — and His Family — to Thrive
- A Year in Review: Lindsay Kondis Champions Change
How Mainstay Helped David – and His Family –
to Thrive
Finding a Path Forward:
When Lisa Anderson’s son David was diagnosed with
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) at age 10, it gave her
long-sought answers but little guidance, leaving her
family to navigate the complexities of the condition on
their own. This was until they made a life-changing
connection with Mainstay that transformed David’s
care and future.
As they learned more about PWS - a rare genetic condition where
people experience chronic hunger, growth hormone deficiency, and
behavior challenges - they recognized the complex challenge posed
for David and their family.
“We felt very much on our own,” Lisa said. “He was only diagnosed
because the neurologist had a wife who was working on PWS, and he
was talking to his wife about David.”
The family managed David’s adolescent years as best they could, but
upon his high school graduation, she noted a troubling regression. This
was likely due to the lack of the structured environment that doctors
now know is key for treating PWS.
“He fell into a real depression,” Lisa said. “He ate and ate, and he wasn’t
sleeping at night. He wouldn’t go outside. He wouldn’t go to the
psychotherapist whom he had been seeing for years and loved. That
was a real, real difficult time.”
Their journey soon took a hopeful and momentous turn when Lisa
connected with the parents of three other children with intellectual
disabilities in their neighborhood similar in age to David, and they
decided to get a place nearby for them to live together.
“We thought, ‘What if we rent an apartment in Squirrel Hill? They could
share it, parents could help out,’” Lisa said. “We can do the grocery
shopping, hang out, help make food, whatever is needed – and we live
close enough that we can come at a moment’s notice.”
As David moved into his
new home, one of the
parents got in touch with
Horizon Homes, which
would later become
Mainstay, who said their
Help Mainstay continue to enrich lives and
unlock potential for the people we support.
“When I realized that
I could actually let go
bit by bit, and that
David was fine, it was
so much better,” Lisa
said. “Mainstay meets
people where they
are, figures out their
needs, and then
moves them forward.”
Lindsay Kondis Champions Change
A Year in Review:
Lindsay Kondis is a dedicated advocate for her peers at
Mainstay and a person supported by our Prader-Willi
Syndrome program. We’re thrilled to showcase a timeline
of her remarkable journey over the past year!
April 2024
Lindsay attended the PA Family Network’s
Community Summit on Participant Directed Services,
where she learned about participant-focused planning,
and she networked with local families. Lindsay also
volunteered at Mainstay’s resource table at Dan
Miller’s Mental Health Summit, where she had the
chance to meet Governor Josh Shapiro.
August 2024
Lindsay attended the PADDC’s State Advocacy
Committee planning session in Harrisburg and began
assisting with belonging surveys for the people
supported by Mainstay as part of her work with
the Quality Committee.
...more
to come!
Winter 2024
Paige Barckhoff and Tonita recently helped a person supported
by Mainstay move into her own apartment, overcoming
numerous challenges along the way. They worked tirelessly to
advocate for her, find a
suitable place, and
coordinate the logistics of
moving her belongings
from multiple locations.
Throughout the transition,
Paige and Tonita continued
to provide support, ensuring
she could settle into her
new space and begin her
journey of independence.
DIGNITY
- Mission Awards Winners
Congratulations
to all our amazing
Mission Award winners!
Fall 2023
Douglas Williams was recognized for
his exceptional attitude, compassion,
motivation, teamwork, and kindness.
He consistently supports both his team
and management, even in challenging
situations. Doug goes above and beyond
for the people he supports, ensuring their
needs are met and goals are achieved.
He motivates his colleagues, helps cover
shifts, and offers encouragement when people need it the most.
Recently, Doug assisted someone in moving into a new condo and
securing a job, helping them live independently. His dedication makes
a significant impact, and he is greatly appreciated for his ongoing
care and support. He’s a rockstar!
Spring 2024
In March, Melinda Abdulbaki and LaChiere James saved
a life when they found a person unresponsive and performed
CPR until emergency services arrived. Their quick thinking and
heroic actions directly impacted the person’s survival. For their
quick, lifesaving actions, Mainstay is proud to award them the
Spring 2024 Mission Award.
Brian Smith played a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition
for someone moving into a Mainstay home, offering
encouragement to both the person and their family. Brian has
helped the person become comfortable with living in a new home
and assisted them in making it their own. His positive attitude,
support, and dedication helped make the move seamless, and for
his efforts he was also awarded the Spring 2024 Mission Award.
Congratulations to all!
Summer 2024
Terry Faychak is a long-time DSP
who has been working extra shifts at
Mainstay. Her spirit and approach to
her work is remarkable. She is always
willing to stay beyond her shift to help
with numerous tasks. She has a pleasant,
positive, and professional personality,
and she truly cares about the people
she supports. Terry goes above and
beyond the call of duty and demonstrates
all the best attributes of a Direct Support Professional.
Tonita and Paige with person supported.
Terry Faychak
Melinda Abdulbaki
LaChiere James
Brian Smith
Douglas Williams
ACCOUNTABILITY
- Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
For the fourth consecutive year, Mainstay participated in the Vibrant Pittsburgh Index. Vibrant Pittsburgh 5.0
gathered insights from 100 employers, collectively representing over 185,000 full-time employees in the
Pittsburgh area, with nonprofits comprising 60% of the participants.
We are thrilled to announce that Mainstay surpassed the industry average in nearly every category. This
achievement highlights the strong foundation we’ve built, positioning us for continued growth and success in the
future. We’re thankful for Vibrant Pittsburgh’s annual survey, which not only holds us accountable but also helps
identify areas for improvement while fostering our strengths.
Our efforts don’t stop there! In addition to participating
in the Vibrant Pittsburgh Report, Mainstay also took part
in other DEIB initiatives.
We sponsored and hosted a tent at both Pittsburgh
Pride and Disability Pride, celebrating the diversity of
our community and proudly participating in these
important annual events.
The DEIB Committee launched a media club, bringing
together team members to discuss books, podcasts,
articles, and other resources to foster ongoing
learning and growth.
Mainstay remains deeply committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion,
and Belonging (DEIB) in all aspects of our work, and we’re proud to have made
meaningful strides in 2024.
“The DEIB committee
meets monthly
to discuss new ways
to engage our team
members in activities to
build our community,”
said DEIB Committee
Co-Chair and
Associate Director
of Community
Services Nora Soule.
“Media club
is an opportunity for
employees at all levels
to reflect on and
discuss different
ideas and concepts,
resulting in a more
collaborative and
supportive workplace.”
The Mainstay Community’s generosity helps us continue to Enrich Lives and Unlock
Potential for people with intellectual disabilities and autism.
COLLABORATION
• Mainstay in the Community
• 17th Annual Charlie Ross Memorial Charity Golf Outing
• 25th Anniversary Celebration
One highlight was Representative Dan Miller’s 11th Annual Disability
& Mental Health Summit. As exhibitors, we were honored to
engage with attendees while many team members participated in
educational sessions to strengthen our advocacy efforts.
Advocate Lindsay Kondis and others had the unique opportunity to
meet Governor Josh Shapiro during the summit. We’re grateful to the
governor and legislators who support and invest in intellectual
disabilities and autism services in Pennsylvania.
This past year, Mainstay proudly participated in a variety of events, including
community fairs, the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community, the ReelAbilities
Film Festival, Pride celebrations, and more.
17th Annual Charlie Ross Memorial Charity Golf Outing
Reminder to
Save the Date
Monday, June 23, 2025,
The Club at Nevillewood -
reach out to
Dorothy Gordon
for information!
June 24, 2024
124
$168,000
Number of
golfers:
Total amount
raised:
On November 14, 2024, Mainstay hosted our 25th Anniversary Celebration
at the Rivers Casino Ballroom. The night was filled with both fun and gratitude
as we reflected on the last 25 years of enriching the lives and unlocking the
potential of the people we support. To make the night even more special,
we unveiled our new brand to the public for the first time!
Pictured: Robert Pastir,
Kim Sonafelt, Russell Petrosky
and Christine Stienecker
Ron Chiurazzi
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Ron Chiurazzi who passed away in
August. Ron was the father of Ronnie Chiurazzi, a person supported by
Mainstay for many years. To honor the life of his son and his late wife, Trish,
Ron had set up a fund in 2020 that provided sustainable support to go
toward vacations, work clothing, and job development for people supported
by Mainstay. In honor of this longstanding support, we launched the Enriching
Lives and Unlocking Potential Award in his memory. The inaugural award was
presented to their family members at the 25th Anniversary Celebration.
Bob O’Gara
We deeply mourn the loss of Robert “Bob” O’Gara who passed away in October. Bob
was a member of Mainstay’s Board of Directors since the early 1990s and was a crucial
part of the development of our new look. His expertise and seasoned communications
knowledge were key in the decision-making process. We’ll forever be grateful for
the talents he shared with us, which will help us tell our story through our new branding
for years to come.
Honoring Ron Chiurazzi and Bob O’Gara
Celebrating Lives of Legacy:
This year, the Mainstay family experienced the loss of two beloved supporters, Ron Chiurazzi and
Bob O’Gara. Their dedication and generosity have left a lasting impact on our organization. To honor
their legacies, we’re reflecting on the ways they contributed to our organization.
Follow us on social media:
During 2024, our main office
has been undergoing a major
renovation, and we have
been working from a
temporary location nearby.
Watch for an
announcement of an open
house in Spring 2025!