Check out the newly updated version of the “Our Story” presentation that has been developed to commemorate the agency’s 40th Anniversary. It contains additional information about the agency’s humble beginnings, current accomplishments and vision for the future. Filled with new pictures of our dedicated team members and the individuals who have been growing and developing with us through the years – you will want to take a look and see how so many lives have been positively impacted.

Designed as a MS PowerPoint slide show, it is also available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, as well as viewable online. Please download the presentation below by selecting your preferred format (For slower connections we suggest the Acrobat PDF format).

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Download TSI's 40th Anniversary "Our Story" Presentation in PDF Format (2.8 MB)
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Download TSI's 40th Anniversary "Our Story" Presentation in MS PowerPoint Format (20.1 MB)
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From the CEO's Desk

The act of volunteering is generally thought to be based on the desire to serve others. While it does have a basis in charity and unselfishness, it can also benefit the individual who is the volunteer. Perhaps the best way to think of volunteerism is a process by which the individual gives something of benefit to an organization / cause and in return receives something back. Some of the things that an individual engaged in volunteering might receive are satisfaction from being a part of something worthwhile, having an impact on a cause or group of people and gaining new skills that help them in their search for employment. Being able to explore certain kinds of work or careers are additional benefits of volunteering. Volunteerism is also a good way to meet and make new friends. It can also be a way to test yourself in your ability to perform work activities.

For all of those reasons, I believe that volunteering is a worthwhile endeavor. I think that for those with mental illness it can be a stepping stone to employment. My experience with one volunteer organization with which I am involved is that many of our volunteers often go on to obtain employment. Again, if one considers the benefits to the volunteer, a person looking for work could gain the skills necessary to enter or reenter the work force, test their own abilities and make valuable contacts as they become engaged in working with an organization or cause.

It has been suggested by some that a hallmark of recovery is regaining a valued role. One of those valued roles is that of worker. Through volunteerism, one might actually be able to reenter the work force and regain that desired role. However, having a job is not crucial for recovery from mental illness. Just being a volunteer can bring an individual the satisfaction that they are contributing members of society and are adding value to the world at large.

Sharon Alberts
CEO, Transitional Services, Inc.

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Making a Difference

Many of us are reluctant to attempt solving complex matters, because we feel that the efforts of one person can’t add up to much improvement. John Fitzgerald Kennedy stated: “One person can make a difference and every person should try.” Sharon Alberts’ efforts have not just made a lasting impact in the community where she works, but they have served to significantly impact others across the nation as well.

As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at TSI since 1994, Sharon Alberts is credited with re-invigorating the organization and transforming it into one of the region’s leading providers of mental health services. She earned statewide recognition in September 2007 when she was saluted for her efforts by the Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (PARF) and received the PARF Rehabilitation Leadership Award. (PARF represents more than 100 community service agencies across Pennsylvania that provide residential, vocational, medical and drug and alcohol services to people with disabilities).

You may wonder, what are Sharon’s responsibilities as the CEO? The answer is everything! She is responsible for the success or failure of the organization. Operations, program, marketing, public relations, strategy, financing, fostering organizational culture, hiring, firing, regulatory compliance, etc. — it all falls on her shoulders. In essence, she must manage all responsibilities she does not delegate. Creating culture, building the senior leadership team, oversight of finances and, indeed, the delegation of critical responsibilities can be done only by her. Sharon’s contribution is the building of the organization itself. Along with her whole-hearted commitment to the organization, Sharon sees her personal role in much broader terms that include donating her time, talents and efforts to improve the community.

Because TSI is located in Homestead, Sharon thought it was important for her to establish and develop a partnership with a community group striving to improve the overall conditions in the Homestead area. As a result, she joined the Homestead-area Economic Revitalization Corporation (HERC) over 15 years ago.

Sharon sees her personal role in much broader terms
that include donating her time, talents and efforts
to improve the community.

During her involvement with HERC, Sharon has led many projects ranging from providing a security guard in the business district to offering loans for business development and façade improvements. However, she is particularly pleased with the completion of the Library Homes housing development. It has been a long-term goal of HERC to provide decent, safe and attractive housing in that area. She led the group, working for well over a decade, to make it a reality.

Seeing the homes built was Sharon’s most rewarding experience in her 15 years with HERC. She said, “I have a strong belief in all people having the right and opportunity to live where they want, so that battle was an important one to win.” She believes that the completed homes look wonderful, and that they have really changed minds in and around the local area. All seven homes have been purchased and have brought seven new families to the area.

For her many contributions and commitment to HERC, Sharon was named 2009 Volunteer of the Year by HERC members at the annual Mon Valley Initiative (MVI) awards dinner on October 16, 2009. In addition to serving as President of HERC, Sharon serves as the HERC Delegate to the MVI Board of Delegates and has been nominated to be Treasurer.

As if that were not enough, Sharon also volunteers with other organizations, including a church group that travels to the Crow Agency in Montana to work with Native Americans. Last year, the group helped paint and repair a home for a Native American family who could not afford to do so. She also helped collect over 300 backpacks filled with school supplies for children on the reservation whose families had recently lost jobs.

Each of us in our own unique way can make a difference in the lives of others. Are you going to make a difference?

How Sharon Has Made a Difference

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Why I Donate To TSI…

At first I donated to TSI because of the passionate request of a group of supervisors who visited my orientation class. As time has passed, I see how those served benefit from donations with such things as new household items, yearly holiday celebrations and unit recreational activities. I feel good when I see the gratitude of those served for simple items and/or activities that I may take for granted. I now understand the passion behind that initial request, and I strive to do what I can to help those served and the agency as a whole.

—Sheri Cook

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www.GoodSearch.com

 

GoodSearch is a Yahoo-powered internet search engine which donates 50% of its revenue to the charities identified by its users. Financial support for TSI can now be easily generated every time an internet search is made, and it does not cost a single penny. The money GoodSearch donates comes from its advertisers. Just think, now when you are trying to find a restaurant or identify the largest bug in the world you can help TSI at the same time.

To use GoodSearch, go to their website, www.goodsearch.com, and follow the simple directions to identify TSI as the nonprofit of your choice. More specific information will be provided to TSI’s supporters in the next months. An even greater way to help TSI is to spread the word to all the people you know. Remember, there is power and impact in numbers.

For more information on making a contribution to TSI, please contact:
Gerry Henry, 412-461-1322 ext. 222 •

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