HR Pulse - Fall 2008 - (Page 20)

>> SAMMY’S HOUSE therapy via a state agency, usually just once a week. “At Sammy’s House, there’s a detailed plan for Elena for both education and therapy, and she works with a therapist every day. There’s a feeling that everything that can possibly be done for your child is being done there. Every day there is more light at the end of the tunnel,“ says Kerns. When Elena arrived at Sammy’s House, she was mostly unresponsive and immobile, and she received food only by bottle. Now she is starting to bear weight on her legs, vocalizing more every week, and eating regular food. “When you ﬁnd out your child’s prognosis, depression sets in. It can be so overwhelming. But Sammy’s House has given us hope, as corny as that might sound,” says Kerns. “I think about 80 percent of Elena’s progress is thanks to the people here, and they’ve kept the cost to something we can afford. We can have a semi-normal life.” In addition to the joy of watching his daughter develop, Kerns says that having Elena in an inclusive, compassionate environment is priceless. “Having her there allows us to know that our child is safe and not looked at differently because of things that are wrong with her,” he says. Support Needed Huerta and her team want to provide these services for more Austin-area children, but making high-quality, individualized care available at an affordable price requires more funding. The ASHHRA outreach program will make a meaningful difference for the organization. “This amazing place is being operated by individuals and volunteers who are deeply passionate about providing care for these children,” says Pye. “Sammy’s House has many needs, from specialized wheelchairs, learning toys, and equipment, to money to pay the utilities every month. Each dollar we donate will go directly to things the children in need and will contribute directly to their development.” ASHHRA members who contribute to Sammy’s House can rest assured that the families feel their generosity keenly. “What I hear from every parent here is that each donation and in-kind gift we receive reminds them that there is a place where their child is accepted,” says Huerta. Members who cannot attend this year’s conference but want to help support this worthy organization can send a check to Sammy’s House, 2415 Twin Oaks, Austin, TX 78757, or donate online at http://sammyshouse.org/howtohelp.htm. Anne Coulter is a freelance writer who lives in Evanston, Ill. Learn more about her at www.bigleap.com. 20 HR Pulse Fall 2008 Secova is an HR and Beneﬁts Management Services Company focused on helping employers control and drive down the cost of delivering Human Resources and Employee Beneﬁt services. • Beneﬁt Plan Management • Beneﬁts Auditing • Beneﬁts Administration • HR Absence Management • HR Support Services • HR Answer Center Audit - We analyze your HR processes and beneﬁt offerings to ﬁnd the hidden dollars and costs that plague bottom line performance. Let Secova ﬁnd the solution for you. Call today. 1.800.257.0011 Implement - We develop custom solutions designed to reduce workload for your HR department, and capture lost dollars. Manage - We efﬁciently manage the ongoing, complex ﬂow of data and dollars between you, your beneﬁt providers, and your employees. www.Secova.com | info@secova.com 379244_Secova.indd 1 5/7/08 10:50:01 PM http://sammyshouse.org/howtohelp.htm http://www.bigleap.com http://www.Secova.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of HR Pulse - Fall 2008

HR Pulse - Fall 2008 Contents Pulse Points Executive Director’s Letter President’s Message HR Leader Profile: Irma Pye Sammy’s House: Making a Difference in Austin Working Mother Magazine’s 100 Best Companies Increasing CEO Engagement Pastoral Care Retaining Scarce, Critical Talent The Engagement Dilemma Diversity Considerations…More than AAP & EEO Quashing the Workplace Bullying Bug How to Become a Strong Human Resources Partner Citizen Lobbyists Descend Upon Capitol Hill Conference Highlights Schedule at a Glance Sponsors Exhibitors Advertisers’ Index

HR Pulse - Fall 2008

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