WeAchieve Connection

WeAchieve Connection

From Daphne’s Desk

All that’s new starts … now. 

Welcome to one of the most significant moments in our agency’s history, the moment when we’re introducing our new name—WeAchieve—along with our new website, and yes, this new blog.

I’d like to use my time with you now not only to personally announce these major changes, but also to let you know why we made them and what they mean to you.

First, our new name.

Why after more than 70 years of services as CHI Centers did we change our name to WeAchieve? The reason is that we have changed. The services and supports we offer today are very different from those that originally led to the name CHI.

The name WeAchieve reflects our transformation to a provider of comprehensive, innovative services, customized to each person we support so they can live their life to the fullest. In fact, this purpose so defines our agency that it appears as our new tagline, our new motto: Each life to its fullest.

We didn’t stop there, though. Our new name and tagline prompted a whole new look, bright and upbeat, as full of promise as the people we support.

Next, this new website.

Chances are, you’ve already become a little familiar with our new website on your way to this blog. I encourage you to dig deeper. Whether you’re a family member of a person with intellectual or developmental disabilities, a professional serving individuals who would thrive in our residential homes or day program opportunities, a community member, volunteer, or possible workforce team member, there’s a lot here for you.

Vital information, success stories, tools for taking any next steps, and of course easy links for contact—they’re all on our new website and easy to find.

Interesting fact. You’ll notice that our website doesn’t use a lot of terms commonly associated with our field: disabilities, the disabled, developmental disabilities, group homes, even CHI Centers. That’s because those terms don’t reflect how we think and how we serve. We’re intentionally using them in this blog, though, to increase the likelihood that someone searching online for our services and supports will easily find us.

And finally, our new blog.

Part of the revitalization of our agency has been new, accessible leadership. This blog is a voice of that new leadership.

Through it, we’ll be bringing to your attention especially noteworthy achievements across our community, sharing accomplishments of individuals, families, colleagues, employees, and others. I invite you to visit this space again, month by month.

And please—keep in touch.

Daphne
Daphne Pallozzi is Chief Executive Officer of WeAchieve

CHI Inclement Weather Policy

CHI 
Lifting the limits since 1948

CHI, Inc. Inclement Weather Policy

If you have any questions about the provisions of this Policy, please contact Human Resources, your Coordinator, Director or the CEO.

Employees who have questions regarding their leave, should contact their Coordinator or Director.

Summary:
The purpose of this policy and procedure is to establish and clearly articulate steps employees should take during inclement weather. CHI recognizes that inclement weather can affect the company’s ability to open for business and the employee’s ability to get to work. The safety of our employees is paramount in any inclement weather event. No policy can cover every potential weather event, so this policy covers the most common situations. Fortunately, inclement weather days are infrequent, but here are the guidelines for when they occur.

Day Services:

Closures:

1. In the event of inclement weather and the federal government remains open, but the employee believes that conditions create hazardous or difficult travel to work, the employee may use annual leave on that day if:

a) The employee has accrued annual leave to use; and

b) The employee notifies CHI of the employee’s intent to use annual leave on that day by sending notification to the Employer between the hours of 6:00am and 7:00am. Such notification shall be to the employee’s coordinator and may be by text or phone call only.

2. In the event the federal government closes after they call in, the employee will not be required to use their annual leave.

Employees in Employment & Day will be allocated to Residential Group Homes and Contracts Services. These employees are to report directly to their pre-assigned inclement weather locations. Employees who do not report to work must notify their Coordinators/Directors as soon as possible and must use leave without pay unless they had pre-authorized leave scheduled within approved time-frames.

If the Federal Government is closed, then CHI is closed to Individuals and Staff. Employment and Day staff will be paid without being charged leave when the Federal Government is closed for Inclement Weather.

Delays:

Residential Services:

Weather conditions may require mandatory overtime resulting in the employee sleeping overnight at the group home in which they are assigned. In such cases, employees are expected to clock out during sleeping hours and clock in during the start of the next morning shift. Employees will not be paid for sleeping hours. Employees in Residential Services should contact their Coordinator or Director regarding their shift.

Non-Exempt Staff (Hourly):

Non-exempt staff are not eligible to work from home. During inclement weather you may use annual leave if approved by your Supervisor/Director. The employee must inform his/her Coordinator/Director regarding his/her absence as soon as possible and must use leave without pay if no annual leave is accrued.

Exempt Staff (Salaried):

Salaried employees from any program/department who wish to work from home during inclement weather should contact their Supervisor/Director and receive approval from their Supervisor/Director. Salaried employees who do not wish to report to work during inclement weather and do not wish to work from home may not use sick or annual leave for that time.

Employee Responsibility:

On the morning of Inclement Weather, employees should follow one of the steps listed below to ensure they receive information regarding weather closings and delays. Employees should then refer to the CHI Inclement Weather Policy to determine which status best fits them based on the closings or delays. Employees should also check for updates throughout the morning as the weather updates change regularly – from delays to closings.

On the morning of Inclement Weather, employees should:
1. Watch your local news to receive inclement weather updates.
2. Listen to your local radio stations to receive inclement weather updates.
3. Visit the website for your local TV and Radio stations to receive updates.
4. Call the main number at Hillandale Center (301-445-3350) and listen to the recording on the answering machine regarding the schedule for the day. The recording should be updated by 7:15 a.m.
5. At any time, employees can register on “Alert Montgomery.” The Alert Montgomery System provides accurate and immediate notifications regarding traffic, weather and other situations from Montgomery County to your cell, work, or home phones via text, email, or voice message. You will receive notifications about situations that may affect your home, workplace, child’s school, or any other locations within Montgomery County, Maryland:
http://montgomerycountymd.gov/OEMHS/AlertMontgomery/index.html

CHI Announces Selection of Beth Singer Design for Rebranding Initiative

SILVER SPRING, Md. (December 8, 2021)CHI, which supports people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, announced today it has selected Beth Singer Design LLC, of Arlington, VA, to lead its rebranding initiative. The announcement comes after a vigorous RFP process.

“We, CHI’s Rebranding Ad Hoc Committee, appreciate all of the exceptional companies that participated in the RFP process,” said Daphne Pallozzi, CHI’s chief executive officer.  “It was an extremely competitive RFP, and we recognize the vast amount of work put into this process.”

The goal of the rebranding initiative is to establish and align CHI’s values to a new look that better reflects its vision and the strong and diverse community it supports.

Beth Singer Design is an award-winning design consultancy in Arlington, VA, working at the nexus of communication and graphic design. Their work for mission-driven, educational, and nonprofit organizations helps them raise millions, transform interest into advocacy, and deepen relationships.

“All of us at BSD are very enthusiastic about our collaboration with CHI,” exclaimed Beth Singer. “Our branding work will aid the organization to speak with one clear voice about the tremendous difference CHI is making in people’s lives, and to make meaningful connections with broader audiences and referral sources.”

CHI is a not-for-profit service provider, founded in 1948, that offers a variety of services including day, employment, and community living that support individuals with different disabilities to live, work, and engage with the community around them.

CHI’s Rebranding Ad Hoc Committee oversaw the RFP process and will stay engaged with this initiative until its completion in 2022.  Committee members are the following:

  • Ellen Epstein, owner, Concierge America, Inc. and information services consultant
  • Jane Fairweather, owner, The Fairweather Team
  • Leslie Hertz, CHI board member
  • Velma Lee, owner, VLee Designs
  • Marylove Moy, CHI board chair
  • Daphne Pallozzi, CHI CEO
  • Steve Riley, executive director, Potomac Community Resources, Inc.
  • Tammi Thomas, CHI rebranding ad hoc committee chairperson and board member; chief marketing & communications officer, TEDCO
  • Eve Wallace, CHI board member

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MEDIA CONTACT

Tammi Thomas                                                          Daphne Pallozzi
tammithomas2@gmail.com                                    dpallozzi@chicenters.org

CHI Announces Rebranding Ad Hoc Committee

Including Board of Directors and Other Community Members

SILVER SPRING, MD (September 8, 2021) — CHI, which supports people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, announced the appointment of a Rebranding Ad Hoc Committee. The goal of the rebranding process is to establish and align CHI’s values to a new look that better reflects its vision and the strong and diverse community it supports.

CHI is a not-for-profit service provider, founded in 1948, that offers a variety of services including day, employment, and community living that support individuals with different disabilities to live, work, and engage with the community around them.

“We want to ensure that we maintain our commitment to our community and the new brand without abandoning the original brand,” said Tammi Thomas, CHI’s rebranding ad hoc committee chair. “We plan to complete the full rebranding process over the course of the next six months and look forward to unveiling the finished product to our community.”

CHI Rebranding Ad Hoc Committee Members:

  • Ellen Epstein, owner, Concierge America, Inc. and information services consultant
  • Jane Fairweather, owner, The Fairweather Team
  • Leslie Hertz, CHI board member
  • Velma Lee, owner, VLee Designs
  • Marylove Moy, CHI board chair
  • Daphne Pallozzi, CHI CEO
  • Steve Riley, executive director, Potomac Community Resources, Inc.
  • Tammi Thomas, CHI rebranding ad hoc committee chair; chief marketing & communications officer, TEDCO
  • Eve Wallace, CHI board member

Ellen Robinson Epstein, a native Washingtonian, brings a great deal of experience to our Board. She has had multiple careers which began in the 70’s when she returned to the area after college (Connecticut College) and graduate school (The University of London). At that time she worked at GSA as an architectural historian writing a history of the East and West Wings of the White House. The next 30 years were devoted, with her husband, David, to raising five children and running her own business, The Center For Oral History, where she conducted more than 500 interviews for personal and business histories. She also co-authored a book on the subject. Starting in 2004, she began another venture, Concierge America, Inc., a professional organizing and personal services business helping individuals and families with anything they might need from moving, organizing, and decluttering to all kinds of project management for home or work. Last summer she turned the day-to-day operations of her business over to one of her most trusted employees and is still involved in a consultancy basis with the company. She is busier than ever now with her 17 grandchildren, 14 of whom live in the area and 11 of whom live walking distance.  She is looking forward to sharing her expertise in many different areas to help CHI rebrand and rise to the next level of professional achievement.

A 30 year veteran of the business, Jane Fairweather is a pillar in the Maryland real estate community. She has been consistently ranked among the very top producers in Maryland, the Capital Region and nationally. Well-known for her market acumen and her relentless service, Jane is greatly respected and loved by her clients and peers alike. Jane is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Montgomery. She recently served on Montgomery County Executive Isaiah Leggett’s Economic Advisory Council. She also plays an active role in the community through her association with such local organizations as the Rotary Club, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, Imagination Stage, the Arts & Entertainment District Council, the Bethesda Urban Partnership and the BCC Rescue Squad. She is also chair of the Bethesda Metro Improvement Task Force for the BCC Chamber and a former Board member of Bethesda Green.

Leslie Hertz has experience with federal government administration in biomedical research as Administrator at National Institutes of Health since 2007. Since 2019, she has been Lead Administrative Officer at National Eye Institute. She has prior sales and marketing experience at Enterprise Rent a Car. She’s served on CHI Board since 2015 and has a twin sister CHI participant.

Velma Lee began her career as a tax attorney, but for the last 30 years she has owned and operated a thriving business as a clothing designer, tailor and seamstress. Depending on what she is creating, her company is known as VLee Designs, or Gowns Designed by Velma Lee. Either way, the magic happens in the lower level of her Potomac home where she has lived for 28 years.

Eve Wallace, a seasoned financial services marketing professional, was the senior vice president responsible for professional development programs at the American Bankers Association for 20 years. Eve was previously vice president of corporate development at Chevy Chase Bank, and prior to that was a marketing executive at First National Bank of Maryland and T. Rowe Price. Eve holds an MBA in Marketing from Drexel University and a BA in Economic History from Hunter College. Eve has an adult son with autism, and the family moved to Montgomery County, Maryland to meet his educational needs. She served on the Montgomery County Council for People with Disabilities and in 2019 graduated from Senior Leadership Montgomery. Eve is an active volunteer for the Literacy Council of Montgomery County, where she teaches ESOL for adult learners and is a workforce development coach. Eve joined the CHI board in 2019 and serves on two committees: Public Policy & Advocacy, and Branding. “The organization has come so far in the last 73 years, and we’re looking forward to growing even more with this new, enhanced look,” said Marylove Moy, CHI chair of the board. “We will continue our mission of breaking through barriers for people to contribute, connect and lead the lives they choose to live.”

 Marylove Moy was raised in New England, and moved to the Washington, D.C. area after receiving her B.A. from Smith College in 1976. She pursued her M.B.A. from the University of Maryland while she and her husband raised their three sons. Upon her graduation in 1987, she accepted a position in the Capital Markets group at the 1st National Bank of Maryland. Her career in banking continued for 30 years serving in senior positions at several financial institutions including Mercantile Bank & Trust and 1st Mariner Bank. Retiring in 2016 she joined the Board of Directors at CHI Centers in Silver Spring; CHI is the agency where two of her sons with Special Needs attend the Day Program. Now serving as board president Marylove is focusing on the continued growth and expansion of CHI. She and her family are likewise active members of their parish, St Mark the Evangelist in Hyattsville, MD.

Daphne Pallozzi has over 30 years of experience leading non-profits supporting adults and children with intellectual and other developmental differences. She joined CHI as chief executive officer in March 2015. A native of West Virginia, Daphne moved to Baltimore at age 20. She began her career as a live-in direct support professional, gaining increasing levels of responsibility and experience until eventually reaching the executive level, always keeping the needs of the supported individual and their families at the forefront of the work at hand. In her previous position as CEO of Ardmore Enterprises, Daphne received the Provider of the Year Award from Maryland Works, was selected to 125 Who’s Who in Prince George’s County 2013 by Prince George’s Suite magazine, and, in 2015, was a finalist for a national award, the Association for Persons Supporting Employment First (APSE) Professional of the Year.

Daphne served on the board of Adventure Theatre for several years, and just completed a ten-year term on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS). She remains active on the MACS Public Policy Committee. Daphne represents CHI as an active member of LABQUEST; on InterACC, a coalition of Montgomery County providers of services for people with disabilities; and on the Prince George’s County Provider Coalition. Daphne also worked for the Maryland State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, and the Arc of Howard County. Daphne earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Journalism from Shepherd University, and holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from The Johns Hopkins University. Daphne is deeply grateful to her mentors, several extraordinary women who supported and guided her through her career from the early years to today.

Steve Riley is the executive director of Potomac Community Resources, Inc., an award-winning non- profit organization that provides therapeutic recreational, social, and respite care programs to individuals with developmental differences and their families in Montgomery County, Md. Steve brings decades of experience working with various non-profit organizations in the area, serving as a board member or in other leadership roles. He holds a Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of American Columbus School of Law and a Bachelor of Foreign Service from Georgetown University. He is a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association, The Order of Malta, and The John Carroll Society.

Tammi Thomas is an award-winning communicator with more than 25 years of experience in marketing, technology, economic development, higher education, and entrepreneurship. She is chief marketing and communications officer at TEDCO. Prior to joining TEDCO, she served first as the director of university relations and marketing and later as the chief of staff the president at Bowie State University, Maryland’s oldest historically black universities and an institution distinguished for its work in technology and innovation. Her resume includes C-suite positions as the vice president of strategic management at Data Solutions & Technology Inc., a full-service technology solutions provider; and as the director of business development and marketing at the University of Maryland Baltimore County’s Research Park & Business Incubator.

Additionally, Tammi’s professional expertise was sought after to teach the next generation of communicators as an adjunct professor at Bowie State University and the University of Baltimore. Tammi earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Alabama State University and an MBA from the University of Baltimore.

CONTACT: Monika Campbell MCampbell@chicenters.org

CHI Announces New Members to Board of Directors

Board appoints Senator Craig Zucker and Tammi Thomas

SILVER SPRING, MD (May 18, 2021)—CHI, which supports people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, announced the appointments of Craig Zucker and Tammi Thomas to the organization’s Board of Directors.

“CHI is about lifting limits and creating opportunities that would otherwise not exist,” said Daphne Pallozzi, CHI’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our commitment is to intimately understand what each person can do and aspires to do and to marry that with supports and systems that enables them to do it to their full potential. We are pleased to have Craig and Tammi join our efforts to support our mission.”

Photo of Maryland Senator Craig ZuckerCraig Zucker is as a member of the Maryland State Senate and serves on the powerful Senate Budget & Taxation Committee. He is currently Chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus and is Chairman of the Education Business and Administration Subcommittee. He was sworn into the Maryland State Senate on February 4, 2016 to fill a vacancy. On November 6, 2018, Craig was elected to a full senate term. Craig was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2010. He represents more than 126,000 people within Maryland’s 14th District in Montgomery County. During his time in the House, Craig served on the House Appropriations Committee. Craig is known for providing top notch constituent service and working across the aisle to sponsor and pass laws that are meaningful and reflect our shared values. Craig has earned a reputation for being a tireless legislator and a champion for those with developmental disabilities. He was the chief sponsor of many pieces of legislation that provided equity and opportunities for this population. He is a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas College and holds a master’s from The Johns Hopkins University.

A few of Craig’s notable achievements include:

  • Advocate of the Year, PACT: Kennedy Krieger Institute, Fighting for Families with Developmental Disabilities, 2015
  • Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award, The Arc of Maryland, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
  • Legislator of the Year Award, The Arc of Maryland, 2020

Tammi Thomas is an award-winning communicator with more than 25 years of experience in marketing, technology, economic development, higher education, and entrepreneurship. She is Vice President of Marketing and Communications at TEDCO. Prior to joining TEDCO, she served first as the Director of University Relations and Marketing and later as the Chief of Staff the President at Bowie State University, Maryland’s oldest historically black universities and an institution distinguished for its work in technology and innovation. Her resume includes C-suite positions as the Vice President of Strategic Management at Data Solutions & Technology Inc., a full-service technology solutions provider; and as the Director of Business Development and Marketing at the University of Maryland Baltimore County’s Research Park & Business Incubator. Additionally, Tammi’s professional expertise was sought after to teach the next generation of communicators as an adjunct professor at Bowie State University and the University of Baltimore. Tammi earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Alabama State University and an
MBA from the University of Baltimore.

“It is my honor to welcome these two leaders to the CHI Board,” said Marylove Moy, CHI Chair of theBoard. “With Craig’s extensive public service experience and Tammi’s background in strategic management and marketing, their contributions to the board will support CHI’s mission of breaking through barriers for every person to contribute, connect, and lead lives they choose.” CHI is governed by its board, which is appointed for three-year terms with the consent of the Board of Directors.

CHI Board of Directors and Officers are:

  • President, Marylove Moy, Senior Vice President, 1st Mariner Bank; Baltimore, Md (Ret)
  • Vice President, Cathy Lyle, I/DD Professional
  • Treasurer, Michael Rubin, Impact Silver Spring
  • Past President, John Pistolessi, USAF (Ret); government civilian with the Department of Defense
  • Geraldine Fowlkes, Emeritus Member
  • Dr. Stephen J. Friedman, Community Member
  • Paul Hamilton, Self Advocate
  • Leslie Hertz, Family Advocate
  • Nandhini Natarajan, Parent Advocate
  • Aileen O’Hare, Self Advocate
  • Lynn Richardson, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Ret)
  • Darlene P. Richeson, Parent Advocate; President/CEO, MaZie Global Solutions, LLC
  • Lawrence Skok, Esq.
  • Tammi Thomas, Community Member
  • Eve Wallace, American Bankers Association (Ret)
  • Craig Zucker, Maryland State Senator

CHI is a not-for-profit service provider, founded in 1948, that supports individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. CHI offers a variety of services including day, employment, community living that support individuals with different disabilities to live, work and engage with the community around them.

Contact: Monika Campbell, MCampbell@chicenters.org