community based program

Tag: community based program

03
Aug
2011

Mentoring Program for Youth with Disabilities Makes a Difference

When you were growing up, who made you feel good about yourself?

For me, I think that person was my brother. Although he teased me ruthlessly when we were young, he was always there for me… And when he went off to college, his letters were a precious reminder that there was someone who thought I was extraordinary.

Mentoring Program addresses a need

Everyone needs someone to make them feel good about themselves, and for many youth, mentoring programs were established to offer that support.

In 1985, Regina Snowden established Partners for Youth with Disabilities Inc (PYD) to address this specific need. As a community based mentoring program, PYD now serves youth of all disabilities between the ages of 6-24 years old.

Addressing the whole child

Last month I met staff at PYD and was truly inspired by their passion and commitment to this mission. I began by meeting with Kaela Vronsky, Mentoring and National Center Director who gave an overview of their comprehensive programs.

“Our goal is to address the whole child and use our programs, including mentoring, to help facilitate a smooth transition to independent adulthood. PYD now includes our Access to Theater, Making Healthy Connections, and Young Entrepreneurs Programs. ”

Mentoring makes a difference.

Jeff Lafata, Mentor Match Specialist then shared his thoughts about why people ask for mentors. “For children, some have really bad self esteem and want help. For older youth with disabilities, many are getting ready for college or preparing for a job and want a mentor with a disability to let them know they too can be successful.”

He then spoke of a match where he was personally inspired. “We had a

mentee who was 22 and a wheelchair user. During the interview he was extremely dynamic talking about an internship he would be doing at a recording studio. But he could also be depressed and didn’t really identify with having a disability. We matched him with a mentor who was 30 years old, also a wheelchair user, married, and had his own business. By meeting him, he could see it was possible to be where he wanted to go.”

Think about being a mentor

PYD presently has 65 active matches, with an additional 50 youth on the waiting list; 80% are male who prefer a male mentor. Statistically, that means for every adult male on the mentor waiting list there are 8 youth looking to be matched specifically with a male mentor.

So if you or someone you know is interested in being a mentor, especially your male friends, contact Jeff at jlafata@pyd.org

After visiting this wonderful organization, I assure you it will be worth the call.

08
Jun
2011

Adult Family Care Provides Essential Supports

categories: Education, Home

We approached the home in the afternoon, just before everyone returned from school. The mother was late to meet us. She was busy. There was toys and adaptive equipment throughout the first floor of her home. She sat down with a sigh; she looked exhausted. I looked at her and smiled. I introduced myself as the Director of the Adult Family Care (AFC) program and asked how we could help her.

She looked around her kitchen, and then wearily turned to us and responded, “Anything you could do to lend a hand around here would be appreciated.” I then explained to her what the AFC program was.

Defining Adult Family Care

The Adult Family Care program provides financial and clinical assistance to qualifying family members and their caregivers.

Minuteman Arc Adult Foster Care Team — The AFC team from Minuteman Arc includes from left, Lori Davis, RN; Mieke Monen, Director of Residential Services; Kathy Kopitsky, AFC Director; and Ashley Poor, Care Manager

We work to assist in caring for loved ones at home. We support all people who, because of medical, physical, cognitive or psychiatric problem, cannot safely live alone.

To be eligible a member must be on MassHealth and need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) on a daily basis. That is, they must need help with mobility in or outside of the home, bathing, dressing, toileting, eating or transferring. A registered nurse and care manager conduct the assessment to determine eligibility. The assessment is an extended and detailed conversation about the sort of help your loved one needs.

The AFC program provides assistance through monthly visits by the nurse or care manager or both, networking opportunities, training and financial support. The financial support would be useful to help with acquiring respite services and other pay-as-you-go services. We can also help caregivers locate community resources.

The role of the family

As the qualified caregiver you have responsibilities too. To qualify as a caregiver, there is an application process and a home inspection that needs to be done. We will also complete a criminal history (CORI) check. These items will be taken care of before we do the assessment for eligibility discussed earlier.

The van pulled up and Ron emerged. He ran into the house, looked at us briefly and then ran upstairs. Mom smiled sheepishly. I raised my hand and said, “No need to apologize. We understand. Now, shall we get started on the paperwork?”

01
Jun
2011

Adult Family Care through a Provider’s Perspective

categories: Education, Home

I first took on the Adult Foster Care (AFC) program as a part time project. It has grown so rapidly that I quickly began to work on it full time. After 25 years of working in group homes and day programs, the change in job responsibilities was welcome. And although I will admit that pouring over regulations and standards is not the most exciting way to spend your day, this work has been wonderful.

Much of my career in human services has been with adults, some of whom spent many years in our state institutions. Their families long gone or maybe they just gave up hope that anything better would or could happen for their loved one. I became their surrogate family.

Families face unimaginable challenges

I confess I never gave much thought to the families of the people I helped move out of the institutions; didn’t see much point to it since we never met. I never considered the difficulty of birthing and raising a child with a disability. I never considered the heart-wrenching decisions that need to be made that leads to institutionalization. Never thought about the sacrifices and the adjustments a family makes. Never thought about a time when institutionalization was the only humane option in this country.

I quite honestly, did not give much thought to how families manage life when a member has a disability or a debilitating disease. I simply had no idea of the lengths to which families go to take care of each other and a member with special needs. That may be a reflection of my own family experience; it is clearly a reflection of my ignorance.

Then I had the honor of meeting some of the families in our AFC program. WOW! I had no idea. What a privilege it is to know these families. They move mountains and create miracles every day. I stand in awe.

Adult Foster Care prevents institutionalization

I did not know about the AFC program until I stared working on it. Now I want everyone to know that there is help, both clinical and financial. Gone are the days when institutionalization was the only option. With the AFC program, we can help and support families who choose to take care of a loved one at home. Our aim is to help delay or totally prevent the need for institutional care. There are ways; and we can assist. Let us know how Adult Foster Care may help you or someone you love.

20
Apr
2011

Sailing For All on the Charles

categories: Accessibility, Arts & Fun

Enjoy sailing? This week we introduce a wonderful program offering accessible sailing in Boston.

Sailing as an option this summer

Community Boating Inc. (CBI) Universal Access Program offers persons with disabilities and their guests the joy of sailing lessons or recreational sailing on the scenic Charles River. CBI provides specialized modified sailboats, adaptive support, staff assistance for transferring in and out of sailboats and sailing instruction for only $1 per person. Staff are trained to offer assistance to all people with disabilities including those with physical and intellectual challenges as well as people on the spectrum.

Reserved sessions average an hour in length and can be customized to meet individual needs. They can include sailing lessons or a short sailboat ride for therapeutic recreation.

Marcin Kunicki, Universal Access Program Director, has fourteen dedicated staff and four adaptive sailboats. Seat configurations in the boats are available for people with different needs. The Sonar, 23’ is the largest sailboat which seats six participants.

Dock restoration and growing program

The dock has been recently restored through the Community Boating Restoration Project funded by generous donations from the Commonwealth, DCR, The Solomon Fund, Esplanade Association, Mugar Foundation and Community Boating. The restoration project will increase Community Boating’s program schedule by offering accessible sailing every day this coming summer.

Marcin reports there were over 700 reservations booked last year for the Adaptive Sailing Program. With the upgrades to the dock and its growing program, he recommends those interested make reservations early this summer.

Empowering experience

Marcin describes the experience as more than just a recreational activity.
“It is a liberating and empowering experience for everyone involved. Many have expressed that because they have tried Community Boating, it has given them confidence to do other things.”

Contact Marcin Kunicki to reserve your sailing session at (617) 523-1038.

09
Mar
2011

Hospice Program Embraces People with Disabilities

categories: Education, Family, Health

This week I introduce Nancy Ledoux, a chaplain for VNA Hospice Care in Woburn, MA. Nancy brings over 12 years of experience providing support for people with disabilities choosing to die at home.

Hospice team addresses challenges

Nancy began the discussion by explaining some of the unique challenges faced.

“For a person with a disability, going home may be with their family but it also may be going to a group home. Either way, we are there for everyone. In the group homes we work with staff, housemates and the family when involved. We have a strong team including a primary nurse, social worker, home health aide and my role as chaplain.”

As we talked further, Nancy spoke of her collaborations with organizations that serve people with disabilities.

“Over the last 8 years, groups of area nurses from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) started meeting with us to streamline the regulations, making hospice care easier to offer in group homes. As a result, more vendors are choosing to offer end of life care.”

Dying at home is a life experience for everyone

Supporting a person who chooses to die at home has an impact on everyone involved. Nancy shared her personal thoughts.

For people with disabilities, “Dying can be so bewildering, but choosing to die at home is universal. Giving the choice is human and humane.”

For staff, “When young or from a different culture they may find it unconscionable to let a person die with comfort measures only. But the social worker and I encourage them to talk and really listen. It is very heartening to see the change that occurs”.

For family, “If a family member is in a group home, they may want to camp out there. Staff and roommates can feel elbowed out, but with support they learn to respect and support each other. ”

And for the housemates, “They get it. In fact, they get it better than a lot of us do. We encourage them to sit with their friend, which many choose to do. By being there through the whole process they also get to see they will not be abandoned when their time comes”.

Hospice program embraces the entire community

This conversation with Nancy gave me hope.

At a time when we worry about budget cuts effecting services for people with disabilities, Nancy reminds us there are programs in our communities committed to offering their services to people with disabilities.

And as a result, even through one of the most difficult times in a person’s life, everyone wins.

23
Feb
2011

Six Great Opportunities for Music and Song

categories: Arts & Fun, Community

Here are six wonderful music opportunities for people with disabilities in Massachusetts.

Integrated Chorus Programs

1. Special Needs Arts Programs, Inc.(SNAP), Lexington
SNAP offers an array of music and arts programs including the “Sing Along Chorus” and “Sing Along Singers”, two integrated choruses for teens and adults with disabilities. Both choruses meet weekly throughout the year offering social activities and community outreach through performance.

All are welcome to attend SNAP’s Spring Sing-A- Long Concert on Sunday, April 3rd at 3:00 PM at First Parish Church, Lexington.

For additional information about the choruses, contact Marsha Martin, Director at (781) 862-8971 or marshamartin@yahoo.com.

2. Minute Man Arc Chorus, Concord
This adult chorus for people with developmental disabilities is also directed by Marsha Martin with weekly rehearsals from September thru June. Musical performances are presented in June and during the holiday season.

The 2011 June performance will feature the musical, “Peter Pan”.

For information about joining the chorus or volunteer opportunities, contact Darcie Heller, Recreation Director, at (978) 297- 7936 or dheller@minutemanarc.org

3. South Shore Conservatory Community Voices, Duxbury
This twelve week choral opportunity is offered to people with developmental delays, ages 16 years and older. Performances are scheduled in December and June.

Eve Montague, the choral director, can be reached at (781) 934-2831 x20 or e.montague@sscmusic.org.

Read about Eve Montague’s passion for music and directing in a recent article in the Patriot Ledger, Music Therapist Enriches the Lives of Special Needs Teens and Adults.

Music Workshop

4. Community Access to the Arts (CATA), Great Barrington
CATA offers a singing workshop which meets weekly from fall thru spring and is inclusive for all ages. Participants perform in a May program with the other CATA performing artists.

Contact Adrienne Brown, Program Coordinator, at (413) 528-5485 x105 for music workshop availability.

Music Education Programs

5. The Boston Conservatory Autism Project, Chestnut Hill

The Boston Conservatory Autism Project is the first music program in the nation for young musicians, ages 8 – 22 on the Autism Spectrum. The program develops the musical talents of students who may eventually have the skills to apply to a Conservatory or College Music Program at the age of 18. Weekly music lessons are offered in voice, violin, viola, cello, piano, guitar, music theory, and music composition.

To learn more about this exciting program, check out their five minute music program video.

6. Berkshire Hills Music Academy, South Hadley
Berkshire Hills Music Academy is a private, post-secondary school for young adults with musical aptitude who have learning, cognitive or developmental disabilities. The curriculum is designed to promote job readiness as well as to cultivate abilities in the performing arts.

For further information on the Academy call (413) 540-9720 x202

Be sure to share with us any additional music and choral opportunities in Massachusetts that you enjoy.

16
Feb
2011

Thomas and Friends Connect through Song

categories: Arts & Fun, Community

This week I decided to attend a rehearsal for the Sing Along Singers, a chorus of the Special Needs Arts Programs (SNAP) and see firsthand what it was all about.

Simply put, it was wonderful.

While there, I spent some time with Thomas E. Largy, a member of the chorus whose enthusiasm was contagious. This week I share his thoughts on the chorus including friendships made, songs sung and the role music has played in his life.

Friendship through singing

“I first came to chorus a few years ago and only knew Marilyn Abel; she used to be my music teacher. Now I have friends from Lexington and Bedford. It is so nice here because we are all friends, we get along and we love to sing. I am enjoying it so much I come every week.”

Tom and I had arrived early to talk, but at this point, people started coming in and as friends do, they greeted each other warmly.

“We sing together but we also do other things like potluck suppers and sometimes we have pizza dinners. We have fun. These are my friends and we really care about each other. ”

A vast repertoire

As we began singing through their repertoire of songs, I was impressed by the wide range of music.

“I like the old classics like ‘I’ve Been Working on the Railroad’, but I also like to learn new songs. I listen to the radio that’s how I knew Dionne Warwick. But now I get to sing, ‘What the World Needs Now is Love’ with my friends, not just listen to the song on the radio by myself”.

Music makes an impact

“When you go places to sing, it gives people enjoyment. I love singing at the Youville Villas. Sometimes they listen and sometimes they sing. As long as they are happy, I’m happy”.

Tom then pulled out a spiral notebook and a keyboard he had brought with him.

“I like to write my own songs. I wrote a song with compassion because that means you care about people and that’s how I feel”.

He then began to sing me a song that he will perform in next week’s talent show, “I feel with my heart”.

And as I listened to the words, I realized through our common love for music, that Tom and his fellow chorus members had touched mine.

09
Feb
2011

Special Needs Arts Programs Share a Love for Singing

categories: Arts & Fun

Last week I shared my personal feelings about music and how it brings people together. This week I have the pleasure of introducing someone who agrees, and decided to do something about it.

Marilyn Abel was a special education teacher at Lexington High School and a professional musician when she first became aware of the need for her students to have a social life.

“We would come in on a Monday morning and talk about what we did on the weekend. All my students could share was a TV program they watched or the fact that they were home all weekend. They needed social activities outside of school, but there weren’t any for them.”

Marilyn knew something had to be done.

A Chorus Begins

Marilyn spoke with her close friend Judy Goldner, also a teacher and professional musician, and they decided to start a chorus.

In November 1982, the Special Needs Arts Programs (SNAP), formerly known as the Special Needs Arts Fund, began with the Sing Along Chorus. Today the chorus has 21 members and 4-5 high school volunteers that meet every Monday night.

Over the years, the programs expanded as additional needs were met.

In 1984 the Sing Along Singers began for older adults with approximately 30 participants still meeting every Wednesday night. For children, the Special Musicians was established in 1985 and continues today under the leadership of Andrew Gentzow, a certified music therapist.

But the thing is it isn’t just about the singing.

“The choruses have become such an important part of their lives; I never dreamed everyone would become so close, including the parents. Over the years when they drove their sons and daughters to chorus, the parents stayed and started their own support group. They are a family. We are a family.”

The Community Sings Along

Yet again, it didn’t stop there. Marilyn and Judy wanted the choruses to share their love of singing with others through community service.

“One of my favorite memories was when the choruses sang in the chapel at Youville, a senior citizen community in Lexington. When we started singing Jingle Bell Rock, some of the prim and proper ladies in the audience joined the choruses singing and dancing in the aisles. It was so heartwarming.”

After 29 years, Marilyn and Judy passed on their management role to Marsha Martin, the current director, in a seamless transition. Marsha’s energy and passion ensure a successful future.

If you or a person you know with a disability like to sing, check out the video SNAP has on their website at https://snapsing.org/video.php

I guarantee you will be singing along in no time.

19
Jan
2011

Supporting a Personal Goal Leads to Success

categories: Community, Education

Last week we were inspired by Nora, a woman with Down Syndrome who lost 63 pounds on Weight Watchers. This week we will hear from some of the people she felt were important in the process. As they share their experiences with Nora, you will learn of the supports they offered that may be helpful for anyone with a disability trying to lose weight.
But as important, you will see the final result when someone is given support to reach their personal goal; a confident leader who also happens to have a disability.

Providing support

Once Nora set her goal of losing weight, her staff from Minute Man Arc, Ashley Poor and Marcia O’ Grady, worked closely with her by offering the following supports:
• Help in preparing a weekly menu and shopping list
• Food shopping with Nora to help her follow the list
• Providing transportation to and from exercise
• Visiting local restaurants to find healthy choices on the menu that Nora could select on her own
• Choosing healthy activities: Frisbee verses Nintendo or bowling verses going out to eat

Confidence takes charge

As Nora began to lose weight, she began to develop a whole new confidence. Carolyn Wellington, a group leader from Weight Watchers, describes the change in Nora as seen at the Weight Watcher meetings.

“At first, Nora came to the meetings and just listened. But as she started to lose weight, she began to realize that she could encourage others. There was a turning point at one meeting when somebody stood up and was talking about how hard it was to stay on the diet and all of a sudden Nora jumps in with ‘Just say no and eat a salad. That’s what I do’.”

And the thing is she did, so people began to listen.

As she worked towards her goal, Nora not only gained confidence, she also established credibility in the eyes of others. Nora was no longer the person with a disability, she was now a Weight Watchers success story and people were listening.

A leader emerges

Once Nora met her goal, she wanted to see her friends also make healthier choices.

She began by successfully leading the campaign to change drinks in the soda machine at Minute Man Arc to include healthier options. She also formed a walking club and was instrumental in starting a nutrition class at Minute Man.

Yet her most impressive achievement reaches far beyond her initial goal of losing weight. In 2010, Nora became a member of the Board of Directors for Minute Man Arc, taking on a leadership role that will impact not only her peers, but the community at large.

Nora’s story began with a message on how to successfully lose weight, but it turns out to be much more. She taught us that anyone can be a success if they have the determination to reach their goals and the support to get there.

Anyone.

12
Jan
2011

Nora’s Story of Weight Loss Inspires Us All

categories: Education, Health

This week I introduce Nora McShane as a guest blogger.

My name is Nora McShane and I have Down Syndrome. Since 1992 I was overweight. My weight made me slow and tired and wearing a 1X was ugly. There have been many challenges in my life. I moved into my own apartment in 2002, but food quickly became a big problem. I ate cakes and cookies, high fat meats, soda and chips. Eating out become my world.

In 2003 I started watching The Biggest Loser. I knew in my heart I wanted to lose weight but wasn’t sure how. The people on the show gave me hope. I knew I needed a plan I could understand. For several years I tried fad diets. Complicated recipes and expensive shopping lists were too much for me.

In 2007 my first niece was born and I realized I wanted to be a good role model for her. Because of my Down syndrome, I will probably not have my own children, so being the best aunt is my substitute. I thought about my niece and how I wanted her to grow up knowing her aunt as someone who is healthy and takes care of herself.

Weight Watchers leads the way

Nora before weight watchers — before Weight Watchers

I decided to join Weight Watchers, and my friends and the ladies at Weight Watchers taught me to read food labels and figure out food points. My staff from Minute Man Arc, Ashley Poor and Marcia O’Grady, and I wrote weekly menu plans following the flex plan. I practiced each lesson I learned at the Weight Watchers meetings and also started to exercise every day.

In 18 months I lost 63 pounds. I am now a lifetime member because I haven’t gained back a pound… Not one pound.

Looking great, feeling great

Now I have a lot of energy and I see a “hot ticket” when I look in the mirror. At 32 years old people say I look 25. Recently, my second niece was born. I look forward to chasing her and her sister around the house and swimming at the beach.

I know many other adults with developmental challenges struggling to maintain a healthy weight. I hope my story will lead them to follow in my footsteps.