Shelton, CT (September 15, 2016) - When asked their thoughts about intern, Alex Capobianco, patients and residents at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center can’t help but share their adoration. The whole building lights up when he makes his way around and greets the residents. “He is very pleasant,” says resident, Shirley Conway. “He always has a smile.”
Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, located on the Wesley Village Campus on Long Hill Avenue in Shelton, offers skilled nursing care and a variety of short-term rehab options. When Alex approached Bishop Wicke Therapeutic Recreation Director, Mary Barbin, about potentially doing an internship at the community, Barbin happily agreed to work with him.
Alex, a Seymour resident, is an individual with cerebral palsy. He is a student at Southern Connecticut State University, a member of the class of 2017, and a Recreation major with a concentration in Travel and Tourism. He has also been on the Dean’s List every semester since 2013. “Alex has given our residents great motivation to try and work hard through their rehab.” shares Barbin. “He is so engaging. He got residents and patients involved who don’t normally participate in activities and encouraged them to come out and make connections with others.”
As part of his program of study, for 10 weeks and 260 hours in the spring/summer of 2016, Alex worked with the team at Bishop Wicke as an intern. He helped enhance the community’s recreational programs, met with new residents to assess their interests, facilitated group activities, and coordinated a two-day-long 1940s-themed program, complete with dancing, entertainment, history, food, and more. His favorite part of the last 10 weeks? “Playing ‘Left, Right, and Center’,” Alex shared; a fun group dice game that stimulates the mind and encourages a little friendly competition.
Bishop Wicke volunteer, Libby Berti, expressed her appreciation of Alex, “I really enjoyed his company. He was so much fun. He has a great level of maturity; watching him grow was amazing. We were all a great team!” Alex’s mom, Kim Capobianco, also expressed her appreciation of Bishop Wicke for giving Alex such a valuable opportunity. “It was a great place for him; such a wonderful experience.”
The staff, residents, and patients of Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt thanks to Alex for his time, effort, and influence throughout his 10-week internship. Though Alex has completed his internship and will be continuing his studies at SCSU, his many friends at Bishop Wicke are confident they will continue to keep in touch. “Isn’t he amazing?” staff exclaim when chatting about Alex. “We are his number one fans!” says Berti.
Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center is an award-winning skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located on the Wesley Village senior living campus. Also part of the campus continuum of care is Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent Living Cottages and Assisted Living Apartments, and Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living and Memory Care Community. The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community and is located at 580 Long Hill Avenue in Shelton, CT. To learn more about the continuum of care offered at Wesley Village or the mission of UMH, please visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5024.
Photo Caption: Bishop Wicke staff, volunteers, and residents give student, Alex Capobianco, “thumbs up” for his great work during his internship at the community. From L to R: Wilma Dorso, Libby Berti, Alex Capobianco, Mary Barbin, Kim Capobianco, Olga Kort, Shirley Conway, Angie Budd
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