Peninsula Press

EARTH DAY AWARD

2011-04-26T13:53:00.001-07:00

All Shred Awarded
“Excellence in Recycling”
All SHRED, a division of Peninsula Services, has been honored by the Kitsap County Commissioners, with the prestigious “ Excellence in Recycling”, award, one of nine Earth Day awards for outstanding environmental leadership.
All Shred is Kitsap County’s only local secure document destruction company. The business, which provides meaningful paid employment for adults with severe disabilities, recycles all its shredded paper, has become the premier vendor of choice for numerous businesses and organizations who require special data security compliance services as mandated by HIPAA, FACTA, Gramm-Leach Bailey and the Red Flag Rule. All Shred is also part of Ecycle Washington, a new program that provides “free disposal” of end-of-life computers, TV’s, monitors, and laptops. All Shred saves over 2,000 trees annually by recycling all its shredded paper. All Shred’s electronic equipment recycling has kept over 140 tons of waste out of our local landfill.
One of Peninsula Services core values is to ensure All Shred’s ongoing investment in training its employees and the community in responsible recycling. All Shred hosts community shred days and ecycling events throughout the year in collaboration with local businesses. All Shred regularly addresses schools, chambers of commerce, and civic clubs on the importance of responsible recycling.
For more information regarding All Shred’s document destruction and ecycling services, or to schedule a community shred day, contact Angel McKinney or Hope Norcross at (360) 731-6695.

May Job Openings

2011-03-03T12:53:00.001-08:00

Peninsula Services is not longer hiring for:

Vocational Skills Trainer
Employment Planner
Commissary Worker

The application process is now closed. If you applied for any of the above and meet the requirements we will be contacting you for an interview. If we don't call you, we do thank you for applying and ask that you keep an eye open for future available positions.

February Job Opening!

2011-02-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

Peninsula Services is no longer accepeting applications for Temporary Grounds Maintenance Crew Members. Thanks for your interest.

Happy New Year!

2011-02-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

Here it is February and finally getting around to updating our blog. Things move quickly around here :)
The Annual Holiday party was fantastic.....the year is starting out with promising projects and improvements at many sites. Of course we want to thank our wonderful staff, participants and the Board of Directors for all the hard work that goes into making Peninsula Services such a successful agency.
Recently I wrote a brief history.....how we started and have changed through the years. I thought I'd put an excerpt here for those interested.
Way back in 1971 a group of parents and advocates saw a need and founded Southwood, a voluntary residential program for adults over 18 with a variety of needs….victims of domestic violence, alcoholism, persons with developmental disabilities… anyone who felt they were unable to operate successfully in society. This was located behind the Olympic Center, where the original Harrison Hospital had been and where the Francis Haddon Morgan Center is now.
By 1978 the agency was known as Peninsula Lodge and had expanded the scope from living skills to providing psychiatric services in a variety of programs. Ethel DeClements, the Executive Director at the time, described it as a “half-way house, a stepping stone between the type of life that goes on in an institution and the day-to-day living in society”. There was still the residential care facility for clients as an alternative to hospitalization or to help transition from State-run hospitals to the community. Another part of the company was a Sheltered Workshop known as PenLCo and The People’s Janitorial Service, accredited by Washington State and CARF. The workshop taught office skills, janitorial and lawn maintenance. There was a Day Treatment program providing educational and recreational activities, group therapy and individual counseling to about 70 people daily. Then there was the Developmental Disability Center, providing daily living skills and pre-vocational training to persons with autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities, with the goal to transition to a sheltered workshop environment. Around 1978 the agency moved to Werner Rd. and by 1985, PenLCo, led by Director Chuck Paeth, opened a print shop in Auto Center Way, and had obtained contracts for Commissary shelf stocking, additional grounds maintenance jobs, repairing pallets and tools used in shipyard welding and making microfilm records for an aircraft company. Jill Robinson joined the agency as Executive Director in 1987. In 1992 the name was changed to Peninsula Services and along the way the Mental Health Division was acquired by KMH. The focus was then placed on Vocational Training with offices located at times on Wheaton Way, Sylvan Way and Pacific through the years...now at Werner Rd. Servmart took flight in1997. In 1998 Spun to Gold (aka Thrift, Gift and Garden) a consignment gift store was begun on Bay Street in Port Orchard, then moved to Bremerton and became The Gift Garden. There have been many other changes, many new faces, new ventures like E-Z Earth and All Shred and much progress. The success of Peninsula Services is in its flexibility to change with the growing needs of the community and its dedication to provide effective and successful treatment to its many clients…..and that is one thing that will never change!

2010-06-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

Well, the Open House at the Gift Garden yesterday was a great success. Mayor Lent was on hand to officially cut the ribbon and there were gift bags for all in attendance. The store looks beautiful and staff are to be commended for the hard work it took. The inventory is updated and interesting, with lots of local and Washington artists represented. Of course, the signature hand-loomed rugs are still in stock....and now included are tote bags loomed by our talented participants as well! The board was present to welcome guests who enjoyed the refreshments, live music and fun shopping. Look for more follow-up in the news as reporters were snapping photos of the event. Thanks to everyone who participated in making the afternoon such a success!

++++++++++++++++++++++++
We are no longer accepting applications or resumes for the position of Vocational Services Director. Thanks to everyone who was interested...and thank you for your patience while we review the candidates. Interviews will be scheduled soon. Please check our website often for available positions.

Jennifer Hollingshad

2010-03-18T11:21:00.001-07:00

Peninsula Services mourns the death of long time employee Jennifer Hollingshad. She passed away Tuesday afternoon following a long, heroic battle with illness. Jennifer was loved by everyone who knew her and will truly be missed. Her father said he knows she is now jumping rope in heaven with a big smile on her face. Shortly after her passing he saw a beautiful rainbow stretching from Harrison Hospital to her apartment, and said "that's Jennifer".
She was a gorgeous rainbow bringing joy to our lives. We'll miss her. Memorial will be announced.

Annual Art Auction getting CLOSER!

2010-03-04T13:12:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder:
You are invited to join us for our 2010 fundraiser!
March 12, 2010
The Gift Garden 327 Pacific Ave
Silent Auction starts at 5pm
Live Auction with Sid Strassberg begins at 6pm
Refreshments, beautiful works of art, items for sale, too.
Admission is FREE to the public and all proceeds will be
used to further Peninsula Services' mission: to provide
job training and employment opportunities for persons
with disabilities.

March Job Openings

2010-03-04T13:06:00.000-08:00

We are currently hiring for Temporary Grounds Maintenance Workers. The job is expected to last no longer than 6 months. If you are interested in being considered please come to the HR office for a job description and application. You must apply in person. We are located at 7500 Werner Rd in Bremerton, next to the main UPS office. Because of our contracts, persons with disabilities will be given preference for this position. This posting will close March 19, 2010.

Great Opportunity

2010-02-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

We are looking for wholesale suppliers of handmade crafts, environmentally friendly products and "Made-in-Bremerton" type items to sell in our downtown Bremerton store. Please contact Holly James at the Gift Garden (360) 377-5544 for information.

Annual ART AUCTION!

2010-01-25T17:15:00.000-08:00

Peninsula Services Board of Directors is pleased to invite you to the Annual Art Auction! It will be held March 12, 2010 at the Gift Garden store, 327 Pacific Ave in downtown Bremerton. The public is invited and admission is free. Refreshments will be served and the silent auction will begin at 5:00 and Sid Strassburg, well known auctioneer, will host the Live Auction starting at 6:00. Please join us for this fun and positive event, held in the memory of long time friend and board member Jennie Lund and all proceeds will go to provide programs for persons with disabilities in Kitsap County. The mission of Peninsula Services is to provide employment opportunities and work training to adults with disabilities. Please Help by attending! For more information please contact Holly James, Media Relations holly@hollyjames.com

January Job Posting

2010-01-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

Peninsula Services is currently hiring for a Servmart Store Worker at our Bremerton Servmart Store. Please come into the HR Office 7500 Werner Rd. in Bremerton for a complete job description and application. Do NOT contact the Servmart store. Resumes will not be accepted unless you also complete an application. This position will close Feb 1st so please don't delay if you are interested in being considered. Thanks!

job openings

2010-01-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all! If you are one of the persons who has recently applied for positions open with Peninsula Services, we thank you for your patience while the hiring process continues. We had many qualified applicants and the decisions are difficult. We will contact everyone soon regarding status of these positions.

DECEMBER Job Openings

2009-11-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

There is one position open with our Vocational Services Department. Peninsula Services is a great place to work. Come visit us, pick up a copy of the job description and submit a completed application. Our HR office is located at 7500 Werner Rd. in Bremerton, WA (360) 373-1446 Please note that we do not accept resumes unless they are accompanied by an application. This non-profit agency is funded in part by The United Way, and is ADA/EEO compliant. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Peninsula Services is a drug-free workplace and a drug test is part of the hiring process, as is a through background check, since we work with vulnerable adults in our programs.

Community Employment Developer (CED) Closes 12/28/09
The person in this position develops, negotiates and conducts employment programs for individuals with disabilities who are seeking competitive, community based employment. Duties include responsibility for identifying and developing employment sites for appropriate job match for persons served and for providing written and verbal feedback to the purchase agencies. This requires interaction and collaboration with community partners and serving as a member of the agency management team.
Qualifications: BA in rehabilitation, social service, business, marketing, with three years of experience preferred. Will accept combination of education and experience. Must possess excellent written/oral communication skills and proficiency in MS Word and Excel. Should have good PR skills, strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to work as a team member. Education and experience reflecting commitment to human services field required. A knowledge of the local (Kitsap County) community with established business contacts helpful. Must have a valid WA Driver's License, proof of insurance and good driving record. Must pass a thorough background check and pre-hire drug screen.
SALARY: $17.00/hr + $2.50/hr H&W benefits
Current employees and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Annual Holiday Party

2009-10-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

I know it's only Halloween and you probably can't stand the Christmas decorations in the stores any more than I can. However, we are so excited about the Annual Bash we had to let you know a little bit about it now!

SAVE THE DATE: December 2nd from 4-7 at the Sons of Norway Hall in Bremerton will be the palce to be with your family! It will be catered by Le Garmache and will be even more fun than last year, if that's possible. RSVP cards will be sent out with your next paycheck and we NEED to get one back from everyone who is coming. Please don't forget, mark your calendar and join us for the favorite event of the year!

2009-09-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

We sadly announce the passing of board member and dear friend:
Jennie Lou Chase Lund, 76
Aug. 28, 1933 to Aug. 28, 2009
Jennie left us on her birthday. She passed quietly while relaxing in her hot tub over looking Dyes Inlet.
She will be deeply missed by her husband Rich, daughters – Jennifer, Angie and Valerie. Sons – Sam, Paul, Chuck and Greg, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Born in McAllan TX, the fourth child of Artrude and Dr. Henry Barton, DDS. She grew up in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. She attended Lindenwood College, second generation. Moving to Los Angeles, where she met LT. Warren Chase. They had Jennifer, Sam, Paul and Charles.
Due to MS Warren was forced to retire and moved the family to Bremerton in 1964. He passed away in 1976. A few years later Jennie met Rich Lund and the two became a family of nine.
Continuing education was important to Jennie. She attended Central Washington University, where she earned her Masters Degree in Special Education, and a host of degrees, diplomas and certifications.
Rich and Jennie moved to Maryland in 1980, where she continued teaching and administrating at Southern Senior High. After Jennie and Rich retired they moved back to Bremerton.
She continued to be very active as Chairman of Peninsula Services, Naval Undersea Museum docent, Lady of Elk's, Daughters of the American Revolution, America Legion, VFW, certified "Master Gardeners", and worked as a substitute teacher.
She loved to travel, see new things and eat exotic foods. Spending time with friends and family a priority. For everyone who had the pleasure to know Jennie, you will remember her bold, beautiful smile, her laugh that came from the sole, and a hint of a Texas twang. Her garden was always "fabulous" the house was always "immaculate". We will all miss you very much Jennie.
Celebration of life will be held at the Bremerton Elks Sept 4th Friday from 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers and gifts, make donations to Kitsap Master Gardeners.

SUMMER PICNIC!

2009-06-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

Summer is on the way, and so is the Annual Peninsula Services Picnic for our employees, families, participants and friends.
Date: August 7th
Place: This Year at Lions Park in Bremerton
Time: 4-7
Bring: Yourself, your family and a smile!

We Look Forward to Seeing Everyone There!!!

2009-02-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

SAD NEWS

2008-12-30T13:48:00.000-08:00

Cathryn Richardson-Johns, 79, of Bremerton
Oct. 30, 1929 to Dec. 21, 2008
Cathryn Richardson-Johns passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family.
She was born in Centerville, IA, one of four children of Dale and Verna Hockett. The family moved to Chicago where she attended Wesley Memorial nursing program, becoming a registered nurse. She met Dr. Wm. Richardson of Seattle, marrying in a double ceremony with her twin sister, Carolyn and Mike Magliola, in Chicago. The couple moved to Seattle and then to Bremerton.
Cathy was an avid musician, playing flute in the Bremerton Symphony, singing in the church choir and Puget Soundsters, and teaching flute lessons. She attended graduate school and practiced counseling, served on boards of the Symphony League and Peninsula Services and was a longtime member of Summit Avenue Presbyterian Church, DAR and PEO in Bremerton.
In 1988 Cathy married Con Johns and enjoyed 21 years with him. Her children; Bruce, Craig, Ruth, Carolyn, Bill, 12 grand children, 3 great grand children, her sister, Anne Ganzer, and three stepsons Jason, Marcus and Matt Johns survive her. Her parents, brother, twin and husband, Con, preceded her in death.
A memorial at Summit Avenue Presbyterian Church will be held Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. Memorials to the charity of choice.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY!!!

2008-11-25T13:05:00.000-08:00

ALL EMPLOYEES AND PARTICIPANTS ARE INVITED TO PENINSULA SERVICES' ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BASH!

Come Kick Start Your Holiday Spirit!

When: December 10, 2008

Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Eagles Aerie, 205 6th Street

There is no charge for dinner for yourself, your spouse/significant other and children.

RSVP to Andrea in the Business Office (373-1446) by DECEMBER 1st!

(Otherwise we won't plan for enough food for you)

Santa will be making an appearance, if you've been good. There will be door prizes, games, dancing, carol singing, and tons of fun.

Come Join Us!

Excerpts from the Vocational Services Dept. Fall Newsletter

2008-10-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Kameil Forsythe and her staff for this recent update from their department. As more employees join us online we hope to hear from the other departments and projects as well! (but Voc Svcs was 1st!)

* Welcome to new VST's Dennis May, Eunice Middleton, Jonathan Lind, Kandace Whitehead, Janet Fitzsimmons and Michelle Bourdelaus! Another Big Hello to our new Community Employment Developer Christy Hammrich! She will be assisting families and trainees, in collaberation with DVR, to find employment within our community for individuals in our group supported sites. As Peninsula Services strives to offer superior employment services within this department we hope you are excited about our new additions to the team. We Are!!!

* Kitsap E-Z Earth, with help from Hollly James Consulting and Sound Grants, has received two grants (Boeing Employees Fund Grant and US Forestry Fund Grant) to obtain adaptive equipment for the production of E-Z Earth. Trainees will learn to use the new equipment as well as new transferrable job skills. A HUGE thank you to all staff and trainees who participated in this process. Your dedication and hard work has paid off!!!

* All Shred also has new staff members! We welcome Wylie Silva, Marsell Whitehead and Jacob Montgomery. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to All Shred's record sales this year! We have several new customers and look forward to keeping our new and returning customers happy. If you or your family have shredding needs, our drop off location is at The Gift Garden, 327 Pacific Ave, in the heart of downtown Bremerton. A banker sized box is only $10 and will be placed in a secure bin and shredded within 24 hours at our shredding plant. You will receive a certificate of destruction when the shredding is completed.

* The Gift Garden staff and participants invite you to come down to the store, which is combined with the Office Stop office supply store, to shop for holiday gifts. There are fabulous hand-woven rugs made by our trainees, as well as lotions, bath salts, hand soap, cards and many other hand crafted and garden related items for sale in our quaint shop.

* Stephen's House Closure! We regret to inform you that we are no longer serving trainees at our Stephen's House group supported job site. We have enjoyed serving the North Kitsap Community for the past 5 years in a joint venture with the Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation and we are sad to see it end. Thank you to Shelley Long, staff and Board of Directors for providing job opportunities for the persons served. Best of Luck to All in your new journeys.

***************************************
IMPORTANT REMINDERS to our TRAINEES
Warm Clothes: The winter months are coming upon us and it is important for those of us who work outside to wear clothing that is warm and to dress in layers. If you have questions regarding proper outside clothing, talk to your VST at your site.
Illness: The cold and flu season is coming soon. Please do not come to work sick! If you do come to work sick you will be sent home!
Site Closures: When it snows, please call your VST to see if your site is closed. Your VST will also do their best to get in contact with you. Please make sure they have updated emergency contact phone numbers so they can reach you.
We strive to keep staff and trainees safe and will not put people in harm's way. There may be site closures during the winter and it is up to you and your family to make other arrangements if we are closed and you are not able to be home alone.
If there are site closures, the Vocational Services Project Manager will be in contact with Kitsap ACCESS to cancel your ride to work.
We will also try to update the message at the office with closure information as it becomes available. As you know, ACCESS may also cancel rides to our sites due to unsafe roads.
PLEASE STAY INFORMED AND STAY SAFE!

2008-10-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

I want to let everyone know, if you didn't already, that Peninsula Services has an updated website. It is full of info on our programs and will soon have pictures from work and play. Another feature is a Job Posting page, soon with a printable application. Please check it out at www.peninsulaservices.org

And speaking of websites, the E-Z Earth website is also coming along, with locations of retailers that sell the products as well as an online order form showing current pricing. You can visit it at www.kitsapezearth.com

ANNOUNCEMENT! OPEN HOUSE!

2008-10-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

We'd like to invite Peninsula Services employees, participants and friends to
Join us at out Harvest Open House!
Come see the new look at the Werner Road offices! It's Gorgeous!

When: OCTOBER 29TH, 2008
Where: Peninsula Services
7500 Werner Road-Upper Level
Bremerton, WA
Time: 6-8 p.m.

We'll have snacks, cider and good folks to meet and greet!
Hope to see you all there!

Long Time No Write!!!

2008-07-01T11:57:00.001-07:00

Can't believe it's been so long, but here it is July 1st, 2008!
This blog is still in development and nothing new added since, well, forever.
There have been some changes in positions and new faces in some places.
We welcomed two new board members Perry Ann Porter-Brown and Charlotte Porter (no relation)who bring many talents and lots of enthusiasm with them.
Board and staff said a sad farewell to Fred Kela, board member and wonderful person, this past month. He passed away while visiting relatives across the country and will be greatly missed.

End of the First Month

2007-01-31T14:24:00.000-08:00

Well, another year has begun and we are at the end of January!
Much shuffling around, some confusion and changes at the Werner offices.
Keith is upstairs, Andrea in his old office, Kameil in the big office upstairs,Gail is in what used to be the health room, but with new paint and flooringand decorating skill she will make it an office. Duties have been overlappingbut as of today we are interviewing for MY old position (Admin Assistant)who will sit at MY old desk, although it may have to be raised on bricks. Theaddition of this new person will make the flow of work much nicer. Everything will just fall into place. We Hope. Keith doing commissary and HR out andabout the company sites, Andrea doing HR paperwork in the office but still keeping her Board responsibilities, Kameil doing duty as Vocational Services Project Manager with Gail as Community Employment Developer.
Check back next month and I'll let you know how it's working out!

The Beginning

2006-12-26T11:47:00.000-08:00

Greetings and welcome to the Peninsula Press blog site!
It has been quite a year at Peninsula Services, and by that I mean a GOOD year. Hence the bonuses.
I want to thank Jill and the Board of Directors for that, by the way!
I hope you all received a copy of the newsletter on paper.....they should have gone out with paychecks but didn't make it til last Monday the 18th. You will continue to get them....and the bits, bites and chips reports, regularly. I'm just not sure at this point if I will be the "editor" or if that task will fall to the new Clerical Assistant once he/she is hired.
more later,
aj