MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
The past year-plus has been a time of remarkable progress. We are excited to share these important milestones with you, celebrate our successes, and plan for the future.
As you know, in 2022, we revealed our strategic plan that focuses on three pillars: People, Access, and Growth. We’re pleased that these pillars continued to develop in 2023 and beyond. Together, they help tell the story of how Blossom Hill is furthering its mission.
People
We have increased staffing levels and promoted talent retention through a variety of bold initiatives aimed at being the employer of choice. When the state increased reimbursement rates, we passed that increase onto our direct support personnel (DSP) and nurses, implementing raises of 15% for DSPs and 22% for nurses at no additional cost to donors. We have achieved 24/7 nursing staffing at three of four homes. A new mentor program places new hires with a mentor for their first six months of employment to augment the onboarding process, accelerate proficiency, and promote job satisfaction.
Access
Our respite care program is extending Blossom Hill services to new families by providing temporary care for their loved ones when they need a break. Limited stays can range from a weekend to 90 days. More people are taking advantage of this caring service. We’ve seen increased bed days and much positive feedback from the community. Also, the opening of Abilities Enrichment Center in Middleburg Heights, our first day program, will bring in even more new faces. Plans are to host 100 individuals per day within one year of opening. You can read more about Abilities here.
Growth
Investing in people and expanding access fuels growth. As a result, we’ve been fortunate to see measurable increases in our fundraising efforts. Our last two golf outings set participation and donation records. We continue to look for ways to increase donations even more. We’ve even made it easy to donate here.
In addition to the opening of Abilities Enrichment Center, we also have opened our beautiful greenhouse and walking path behind the North Royalton home. The greenhouse will host therapeutic and educational experiences in nature for attendees of nearby Abilities Enrichment Center, as well as residents of the North Royalton home. The walking path serves as a place of exercise and reflection for residents and staff.
Looking ahead, along with expansion of respite care services, we are beginning to plan transportation services, which will add convenience while expanding access even further. We will have much more to tell you as the plan develops.
One last note. The legacy of longtime Blossom Hill board member Ralph Zuponcic, who passed away in 2022, lives on with the creation of the Ralph Zuponcic Award of Excellence. It honors a person of distinction, with a heart for service to Blossom Hill, who exemplifies Ralph’s generous spirit. The first award recipient was Fred Garbinski. Fred received the inaugural award at our annual golf outing.
Thank you for all you do to further the mission of Blossom Hill, where love is the quality of care. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead.
Lisa Kristosik, RN, BSN
Chief Executive Officer, Blossom Hill
George Swartz
2023 President, Blossom Hill, Inc
Lisa Kristosik, RN, MSN
Chief Executive Officer, Blossom Hill, Inc.
George Swartz
President, Blossom Hill Inc. Board 2022
BLOSSOM HILL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
George Swartz, President, Blossom Hill, Inc.
Marty Gardner, President, Blossom Hill Foundation
Chris Holeck, Vice President Blossom Hill, Inc. & Blossom Hill Foundation
Chuck Hirsch, Treasurer Blossom Hill, Inc. & Blossom Hill Foundation
Dennis Kapral, Secretary, Blossom Hill, Inc. & Blossom Hill Foundation
Directors
Steve Zuponcic
Ethan McPeake
Tammy Haseley
Sal Indriolo
Emily Dubyoski
Madelyn Kelley
Jeffery Petit
STRATEGIC PLAN
Blossom Hill Plan for Sustainability
We enhance the daily lives of individuals with disabilities and their families through loving, personalized care.
Strategy #1: Significant Investment in Our Staff
Our business is loving, personalized care.
- Consistent and caring staff are the most important indicator of success in the DD/IDD industry.
- Adequate staffing is the biggest issue we face today.
- Investment in engagement, incentives, and employee recognition are all factors towards becoming a great place to work.
Strategy #2: Expanding access to services that we already offer
We provide essential services to those who need it the most.
- There is a significant need among family members and the DD community for respite and supported living services.
- We have been a leader in these services for many years.
- Blossom Hill can also offer a natural bridge to ICF and group waiver in the future
Strategy #3: Exploring New Services
Innovation and growth are the keys to our success.
- Blossom Hill has been around for nearly 55 years because of the organization’s willingness to grow and innovate.
- Day programming services that we can offer to our individuals goes back directly to our mission: enhancing the daily lives of the people we serve.
FUNDRAISING
Grants
In 2023, we continued to foster great relationships with our generous grantors, totaling nearly $100,000. This funding helps support specific projects like the Greenhouse & Activity Center and also included general operating expenses that are unrestricted funds. See below for a full list of our generous grant partners.
Events
In 2023, we were grateful to celebrate in-person fundraising events, including a Charity of the Month happy hour at Sibling Revelry in Westlake and our Annual Golf Outing in June at Shale Creek Golf Club in Medina.
Generous Donations
We are so grateful to our generous donors who continue to support us. At the end of 2022, our donors continued to give despite rising costs and inflation. In fact, we surpased our goals for our Annual Appeal campaign.
Fundraising Highlights
12th Annual Golf Outing
Employee Appreciation Dinner
The Dinner recognizes milestone anniversaries for long-term staff and merit-based award winners. Read more.
Greenhouse Ribbon Cutting
1st Annual Blossom Hill Picnic for All Staff, Individuals, and Family Picnic
Held at the Brecksville Oak Grove Picnic Pavilion during the DSP week. See pictures.
Holiday Party
There was a Winter Wonderland theme holiday celebration for staff, families, and individuals at the Overlook in Parma, OH. See pictures.
Volunteers
Hyland software employee’s volunteered to paint our hallways and and other area’s at the Parma house as well as The St Ladislas Church Westlake, OH Day of Service. See pictures.
2023 Grantors
|
Melissa Johnson |
|
Applied Industrial Technologies |
|
Cleveland Foundation |
|
Peter Schindler |
|
Good Shepherd Foundation |
|
Bridgett Schultz |
|
Patrick Talty |
|
Laurence Bartell |
|
Andrew Katusin Thatcher Foundation |
2023 Events
12th Annual Golf Outing
Employee Appreciation Dinner
Greenhouse Ribbon Cutting
1st Annual Blossom Hill Picnic
Holiday Party
Volunteers
2023 Individual Donors
| North Royalton Lions Club |
| Bakers Local 19 Union |
| Adrienne Gonzalez |
| Alexander Machaskee |
| Amy T. Ferree |
| Angela Del Valle |
| Ben Jewell |
| Ben Rababy |
| Bernard T. Garrah Jr. |
| Bernie Stadelman |
| Bill Heitman |
| Bob Lampus |
| Brian Goodlive |
| Carlos Delvalle |
| Carol Hall |
| Chelsie Parker |
| Chris Holecek |
| Chris Spena |
| Chris Williams |
| Chuck Hirsch and Michelle Fox |
| Dan Brezovec |
| Daniel Kaminski |
| Dave Saylor |
| David Brindza |
| David Czerniak II |
| David Furry Northern Title Agency, Inc. |
| David Levy |
| David Meek |
| David Sabol |
| Deanna Vosmik |
| Deborah Bazelides |
| Dennis Kapral |
| Dennis Kuzak |
| Denny Delbane |
| Dom Mikalec |
| Donna Uyek |
| Doug Frey |
| Doug Kowalski |
| Ed Olah |
| Edward Zupancic |
| Ellen Ladik |
| Emilio Dibre |
| Emilo Jibre |
| Emily Dubyoski |
| Ethan McPeake |
| Fred Garbinski |
| Gary Garbinski |
| George Bohnert |
| George Relic |
| George Swartz |
| George Verner |
| Grace Piccolo |
| Greg Duke |
| Greg Paris |
| Harry Cool |
| IC Cenacolo Italiano Di Cleveland |
| Jackie Taylor |
| Janet Reik |
| Jay and Lori Inks |
| Jeff Apisdorf |
| Jeff Bohmer |
| Jeff Denker |
| Jeff Lennartz |
| Jerry Galaska |
| Jesse Mikluscak Key Bank |
| Jessica Yates |
| John Dononhue |
| John O’Keefe |
| John Stark |
| John Zoller |
| Joseph Browning |
| Julie Delong |
| Karen Tolhurst |
| Karl Schmidt |
| Ken Morgan |
| Kent Davis |
| Kimberly Cole |
| Larry and Maryann Kennedy |
| Laurie Gatten |
| Leslie Hammer |
| Linda Dalton |
| Lisa Rose |
| Lynn Dammeyer |
| Lynn Moody |
| Madelyn Kelley |
| Maria Codinach |
| PharMerica Pharmacy Services |
| Marilyn Kysela |
| Mark Pernice |
| Mark Steigerwald |
| Marty Gardner |
| Mary Smith |
| Marybeth Heiman |
| Maryjane Kozlowski |
| Matthew Brigeman |
| Megan Janzig |
| Michael Abbamonte |
| Michael D’Amato |
| Michael Gordon |
| Michael Hirsch |
| Michael Parry |
| Micheal Swartz |
| Mike Ferkovic |
| Mike Shepherd |
| Nick Gramp |
| Paliga Family charitable Fund Hudson Community Foundation |
| Param Siva |
| Parma Laundry |
| Patrick Althof |
| Patrick Cavanagh |
| Paul Cavanagh |
| Paul McNamara |
| Paul Scherrman |
| Community West Foundation |
| Phil Abel |
| Ralph Berge |
| Ralph Zuponcic |
| Ray Lang |
| Rich and Lisa Kristosik |
| Richard Organ |
| Richard Wanders |
| Rollie Denker |
| Ronald Long |
| Rose Zarko and Brian Roda |
| Russell Metzger |
| Ruth Clingan |
| Ruth Hribar and Mary Zambler |
| Ryan DelaVega |
| Ryan Neumeyer McDonald Hopkins |
| Sal Indriolo |
| Sally Kramer |
| Sarah DiFrancesco |
| Scott Kody Compu-net Systems |
| Seton Catholic School |
| Sharon Hall |
| Shawn Stine |
| Sherrie Craddock |
| Sima Warnock |
| Stephanie Dadas |
| Steve Golden |
| Steve McPeake |
| Steve Petro |
| Steve Zuponcic |
| Susan Mackenzie |
| Swaroop Conjeevaram |
| Tammy Haseley |
| Tim O’Connor |
| Tim Zuponcic |
| Todd Leombruno Parker Hannifin Corp |
| Todd Stern |
| Tom Craft Gateway Financial Advisors |
| Tom Haywood |
| Tom Kimberly |
| Tom Krouse |
| Tom Shillock |
| Tom Swartz |
| Toni Coleman |
| Vince Cangenelli |
| William Barnard |
| William Flower |
| William Hombeck |
| Zack Weiss |
BLOSSOM HILL BY THE NUMBERS
Individuals Served in Our Facilities
Residential Facilities
Staff Members
Number of individuals / families in our SL program
Number of Respite clients / families
REVENUE
In 2023 Blossom Hill received most of its revenue – 97% – through program services, including reimbursement from Medicaid for providing services, respite for indivdiuals and supported living services through waiver funding. Approximately 3% of the organization’s revenue was generated from unrestricted contributions.
%
Program Services
%
Unrestricted contributions
EXPENSES
In 2023 Blossom Hill’s expenses were direct client care costs, including staffing, facility and individual personal care. These program services costs accounted for 84% of its expenses. The other 16% including administrative costs such as consultant fees, fundraising, office supplies and other administrative expenses.
%
Program Services
%
Administration
OUR STORIES
At Blossom Hill, we serve a medically fragile population and have 24-hour nursing at 3 of 4 homes. The loving care that our staff provides, including when individuals are in hospice care and we know the end is near, is amazing and inspiring. When one individual was in his final days recently,
the staff wanted to make him comfortable by doing all his favorite things and avoiding the things he disliked. He passed away peacefully surrounded by all of those who cared about him.
Finding Fulfilment with Girl Scouts
Growing up, Patience was never able to experience things like hiking and camping until Blossom Hill and the girl scouts adapted programs and activities to specifically include her. As she experienced Girl Scouts with her local troop, she found meaning in the activiites and the community. Patience decided to become a “Lifetime Member” of the Girl Scouts and one of the benefits to becoming a lifetime member is that your membership funds a membership for a less privileged girl. The gesture made Patience emotional and she shared with staff that girl scouts has been one of the most fulfilling things in her life.
Families Gather for Holidays
We had a wonderful time celebrating the holidays at each house with our family and friends last week. Due to COVID, we have not been able to host our traditional holiday parties in-person since before COVID. Read more and view pictures here.
Cedric
To recognize National Developmental Disabilities Month, we are spotlighting individuals, staff, and others in our community! We had fun getting to know Cedric, a individual at Blossom Hill’s Parma House with “Random Questions.” Get to know Cedric.
Christine
One of the services that we provide is nursing care from caring, experienced LPNs. We asked Christine, the nursing supervisor at Center Ridge House in Westlake, what it’s like being a nurse in this setting. Read more here.
Ericka
We had fun getting to know Ericka, a Direct Support Professional at Blossom Hill’s Parma House with “Random Questions” as part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Get to know Ericka.
Lisa & Ashley
Lisa takes care of her daughter Ashley as part of our Supported Living Services program and was spotlighted in our staff newsletter. “Lisa is an employee and an advocate as a parent for her daughter. Lisa has displayed not only interest in the mission and goals of Blossom Hill but makes herself always available as part of our family here for any service and insight she can provide. She is so appreciated by all.”
Halloween Fun
Halloween is always a lot of fun in the houses. View pictures of costumes, crafts, games, and spooky decorations.
STAFF RECOGNITION
Throughout the year, we celebrated our Blossom Hill’s AMAZING team through events, awards, gifts, stories and more.
Star Performer – Brian Myers
The Star Performer Award is for staff members who have stepped up in a big way throughout the year. In 2023, the Star Performer honors someone who went above and beyond during our staffing crisis, demonstrated our core values daily and provided outstanding service.
Leadership Award – Melinda Thomas
This is someone who demonstrates our core values – compassion, teamwork, trust & respect, inspire, and integrity – daily, is a strong teacher/mentor, and someone who leads by example.
Anniversaries
Beatrice Glinska – 30 years
Diane Custer – 20 years
Linda Scafuro – 10 years
Luis Rivera – 10 years
Tabitha Wachenschwanz – 5 years
Miro Ruzic – 5 years
Dana Cipra – 5 years
Kimberly Davenport – 5 years
OCHA 2023 Winner Adrienne Gonzalez
Congratulations on your nominee Adrienne Gonzalez’s selection as a winner of the 2023 OHCA Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Excellence Award. Read more.
2023 EVENTS
2024 Golf Outing
Our 13th Annual Blossom Hill Golf Outing will take place on Monday, June 24, 2024. Learn more and register here.
Education Night
Blossom Hill will host an education night for parents and guardians on Thursday, April 20 at 5 p.m. Check back on our website for more information.
Staff Recognition Event 2023
Blossom Hill hosted its Annual Staff Recognition event on January 25, 2023 at J Bella’s in Strongsville. You can find more information and pictures from the event here.
Summer Picnic
Blossom Hill will host a summer picnic for staff and individuals to celebrate Summer and enjoy the warmer summer weather. Check back on our website for more information.
Contact Us
For more information about our services or to get added to our monthly newsletter, contact us using the form.