We Value our Staff!
A Sweet Thank You from Sage Rutty & Co.
Sage Rutty invited the Monroe Square community to stop by and enjoy a frozen treat as a special way of showing their appreciation.
“At Sage Rutty, we often talk about how much we value your partnership – but we know actions speak louder than words,” their promotional flyer read. “And let’s be honest … ice cream is even sweeter than thank yous!”
It was a thoughtful gesture and a welcome treat on a summer day. We’re grateful to have partners who find such fun and memorable ways to bring our community together.
To our partners at Sage Rutty: Thank YOU for the sweet surprise and for thinking of everyone at Monroe Square!
Alexander Commons Staff & Families at Red Wings Game
A home run night for our Alexander Commons team!
Staff and their families enjoyed an evening together in a suite at the Rochester Red Wings game, creating memories, sharing laughs, and celebrating the incredible people who make our community so special.
At East House, we know that building strong connections extends beyond the workplace. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a fun night of baseball, family, and friendship!
Celebrating Pride, Community & Belonging
Pride Month at East House was all about celebrating community and belonging! Our community residences received Pride Party Tubs filled with decorations, activities, and sweet treats to host their own celebrations. We also hosted a special Pride Party for TAP and Supportive Housing clients, and wrapped up the month with a Pride Decorating Contest across our departments. Thank you to everyone who helped make Pride Month a joyful celebration of inclusion, connection, and authenticity.
2026 Employee Service Awards
In May, we recognized our staff members celebrating milestone anniversary years with East House at our annual Employee Service Awards Luncheon!
Congratulations to everyone who was honored and thank you for all that you do. Your ongoing commitment to supporting our mission and the individuals we serve is truly appreciated.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
• Jessica Vargas — 5 Years of Service
• Joan Hazlett — 5 Years of Service
• Vicki Bailey — 5 Years of Service
• Whitney Calabrese — 10 Years of Service
• Dallas Oestara – 10 Years of Serice
• John Kelsey — 15 Years of Service
• Maria Smith – 20 Years of Service
• Andrea Gaddis — 20 Years of Service
• Regina Bolivar — 20 Years of Service
• Jon Rush — 25 Years of Service
• Chana Secor — 25 Years of Service
• Tonhya Bowman — 30 Years of Service
Red Wings Staff Night
Thank you to our incredible staff that came out to the Rochester Red Wings game in May! It was a great evening filled with fun, laughter, and appreciation for the hard work and dedication you bring each day. We’re grateful for everything you do.
Empowered Video Red Carpet Event
In April, we hosted our Red Carpet event at The Little Theatre, showcasing our Empowered video produced by the Meg Ryan, in celebration of our 60th anniversary.
This special premiere marked the debut of our short film that will air throughout 2026 on the PBS segment Empowered Hosted by Meg Ryan, bringing national attention to the impact of behavioral health and recovery services right here in Western New York.
The day celebrated six decades of East House’s commitment to providing housing, rehabilitation, education, and employment services.
We Appreciate our Social Workers!
In March we celebrated and recognized our staff members who hold Bachelors in Social Work (BSW) and Licensed Masters in Social Workers (LMSW) at East House. Their compassion and dedication make a lasting impact on the individuals we serve each day.
Alexander Commons - 2025 Holiday Gathering
Happy Holidays from our wonderful team at Alexander Commons! We appreciate all that you do for our clients every single day.
2025 Halloween Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Thank you to all staff teams who participated in this year’s East House Pumpkin Decorating Contest—your pumpkins were frightfully fantastic!
Congratulations to the winners of our Pumpkin Decorating contest!
- Most Glamorous: Affinity Place (Candy Corn Blowfish)
- Most Unique/Creative: Canal Commons ("Under the Sea")
- Spookiest: Alexander Commons (Spooky Cowboy)
- Most Un-pumpkin-like: Financial Case Management (Money ATM)
- Cutest: Health Homes Care Management (Pig Pumpkin)
2025 Employee BBQ Celebration
In September, we had a wonderful afternoon at our annual Employee BBQ!
A big thank you to all of our incredible staff members for joining us and, most importantly, for everything you do each day to support our mission. We’re grateful for you!
2025 Netsins Ice Cream Day
Thank you to Sage Rutty & Company, Inc. for treating the staff at East House, Trillium Health, and Compeer Rochester to Netsins Ice Cream yesterday afternoon! Your generosity brought smiles and sweet moments of appreciation to our teams.
2025 Employee Suite Night at the Red Wings Game
In July, our Facilities Department enjoyed a well-deserved night at a Rochester Red Wings game complete with family, fun, and plenty of team spirit!
A big thank-you to the Red Wings for their continued partnership and support.
2025 Eastman School of Music at Alexander Commons
What an incredible afternoon at Alexander Commons with our staff, clients and Eastman School of Music students and faculty! A huge thanks to the talented performers from the Eastman School of Music for filling us with such soul-stirring performances. From piano to vocals, violin to saxophone and the cello — your artistry uplifted us all.
2025 Employee Recognition Luncheon at Genesee Valley Club
This May, recognized our staff members who are celebrating a milestone anniversary year with East House! Congratulations to all of those who were recognized. Thank you for all that you do and for your ongoing commitment to supporting our mission and those we serve!
5 year anniversary: Danielle DiPiazza, Sara Pokracki, Megan Fribance & Lisa Howes-Pijanowski
10 year anniversary: Kimberly Voldan, Jason Minns & Sheila Mihalitsas
15 year anniversary: JeRonda James
20 year anniversary: David Shaw
25 year anniversary: Mary Minster & Dianne Richardson
30 year anniversary: Clynece Robinson
East House Staff Members & their Families attend a Rochester Red Wings Game
We had an amazing Saturday night in May at the Rochester Red Wings game with our staff and their families as we enjoyed the game and a post-game fireworks show as a team! Moments like these remind us that we’re more than just coworkers — we’re a community. Thank you to everyone who made the night so special!
