Tag: making a difference

15
May
2019

The Human Service Workforce Crisis in Massachusetts

Hello, my name is Cheryl Dolan and I work in human services.

I moved from the UK in 1999, when many humans service agencies could not find staff and went overseas to hire them. We still have this problem today. We need to look at why this is and what we can do to change it.

Why is there a shortage in staff?

More people need support and services than before so need more staff
Wages are low and not too many ways to get promoted
Lack of people who are trained to do the job well

How does this affect people?

People have high turnover or unqualified staff working with them
People not getting the best care
Programs have to close, People are losing services or are on wait lists
Families become stretched and have no help

What are human service agencies doing to address the issue?

Looking at how technology can be used to support people and reduce some staffing needs
Working with local and federal government to support them by applying initiatives for state employees to human service agencies
Looking at how to attract, train, and retain skilled employees.

How can you help fix this?

Make your voice heard! Make the people you vote for know you want to see increase in funding for wages
Support agencies seeking increased funding to provide higher wages for staff
Join advocacy movements like The Caring Force

Additional materials

Who Will Care? The Workforce Crisis

The Caring Force

Boston Herald: Opinion Workforce Crisis Threatens Community

Chicago Tribune: Article– Care Worker Shortage

27
Mar
2013

UMMS-Shriver LEND Program

categories: Autism, Voting & Government

Over the past several weeks, our blog introduced proud alumni of the LEND program; Leadership in Neurodevelopment & Related Disabilities. Through their personal stories, we were inspired by a collective ability to bring about change in organizations and communities.

This week we share further details of the LEND program itself, offered by the University of Massachusetts Medical School- Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center in Waltham, Ma. Maybe you or someone you know will be interested in this unique opportunity to improve the lives of children with disabilities and their families.

What’s involved?

LEND is an intensive 10 month program focusing on policy, legislation, leadership and management skills. It is designed for qualified graduate or post-graduate interdisciplinary clinicians, advocates, and family members.
The program challenges Fellows to rethink the ways in which healthcare, education, and social services are delivered, as well as the goals and quality of those services.

Program components include:

Applicant Qualifications

A graduate degree in a MCHB discipline or
Individuals without a graduate degree may participate in the program if they enroll in the MPA degree program offered in conjunction with Suffolk University.
Clinical/relevant experience with individuals with disabilities and their families
Leadership potential
Commitment to improving the status of people with disabilities and their families
Strong academic record
Ability to commit the time necessary to complete the program successfully

How to Apply

Application materials for Advanced Leadership Fellowship program can be downloaded here.

LEND Fellowship Application Form
Professional Reference Form

Please note that the application deadline for this year is May 1, 2013.

For further information, visit the website at UMass Medical School – Shriver LEND Program website or contact:

Carol Curtin, MSW, LEND Associate Director and Training Director Carol.Curtin@umassmed.edu , (781) 642-0246

Carol Imposimato, Administrator Coordinator Carol.Imposimato@umassmed.edu , (781) 642-0045

24
Aug
2011

AJ Shares his Experience as a Mentee

categories: Mentoring

Larry and AJ — Larry (mentor) and AJ (mentee)

This week I have the pleasure of introducing AJ, a mentee in the Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) program. AJ described the program, his friend/mentor, Larry and why having a mentor made a difference in his life.

Introducing our mentee

AJ began the discussion by telling me a little about himself.

“I go to Campus Academy in Stoneham, am 18 years old and I live at home. School is going well and I would say someday I want to be a woodworker. I made a really nice coffee table for my Mom out of a piece of wood and liked doing it. I have had a mentor for about five years.”

What is a mentor?

I asked AJ how he would describe a mentor.

“A mentor is someone to talk to if you have any issues, but you can also have fun together. We go out to eat, go to bookstores, events and sometimes we go to Jordans in Reading. My mentor, Larry, lives nearby so he doesn’t have to travel far to see me.”

AJ was 14 years old when he first met Larry. He spoke of him fondly, describing a friendship that has grown over the past five years.

“Larry is my best friend. He would do anything for me and I would do anything for him.”

Yet AJ used the following qualities to describe Larry as not only a good friend, but a mentor that made an impact on his life.

“What’s important if you want to be a mentor? I would say you have to be a good listener and you need to have a good sense of humor. Larry does. We also both have disabilities, but that doesn’t really matter. We have the same interests.”

A mentee becomes a future mentor

I imagine AJ and Larry will continue their friendship in the years to come.

Yet it is also important to know that Larry has inspired AJ to give back to others. He described his plans for the future.

“I want to be a mentor myself someday, so I can help somebody the way Larry helped me.”

… And that is how a mentorship program can ultimately make a difference.

14
Dec
2010

Giving Back: Time Exchange Promotes Ability verses Disability

categories: Community, Education

Last week we were introduced the Time Exchange of the North Shore, a local organization committed to providing a sense of community to all of its members. This week we’ll meet Michael Doherty, a valuable member of the Time Exchange who understands the value in being able to give and receive support from others.

Why the Time Exchange?

Michael shared the reasons why he initially joined the Time Exchange.

“Three years ago I had a stroke and was unable to return to work-I was pretty successful as an international banker. It was tough at first, but once I adjusted, I realized that I wanted to give back to the community. My mother set the example when we were young by all her volunteering; she taught me that reaching out to your community is rewarding.”

Michael further explained the value of being able to give to others, despite the long term effects of his stroke.

“The time exchange is like the people in the past who all got together to build a log cabin for their neighbor. It gives you a sense of community. I chose this organization because they see me as someone who has something to offer, not as someone with a disability.”

A valuable exchange

Michael started building time exchange hours by using his truck to help people move. He knew he couldn’t do the lifting or carrying but he could do the driving and offer the use of his truck.

As he became more involved, Michael was asked to join the “Kitchen Cabinet”, a small group of members who support the coordinator and board in managing the organization. The kitchen cabinet meets once a month, with separate committees meeting more often. Every hour of meeting time is banked in the exchange for services.

As Michael built up his hours, it was his turn to ask for help.

“I had a walkway at home from my fence to a deck that I was having trouble with after my stroke. When some members of the exchange heard about it, they offered to rebuild the walk for me. It took three men all day; 27 hours of time exchanged. It was a great day with the music going and people working together. Now when my parents visit, they can even get over the hilly terrain.”

Everyone can give back

Michael summarized his feelings being able to contribute to others.

“Just because I am disabled, it doesn’t mean I can’t help. Every time I help someone else, I get a shot in the arm of my own self esteem. For people with disabilities, I would say you need to find out what you can do, not what you can’t.”

08
Dec
2010

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: A Time Exchange Creates a Community

categories: Community, Education

As a child, I remember when the road in front of my house needed to be repaved; my father, along with the neighborhood men would get together and pave it. That was how things got done back then.

This month, I was reminded of that same community spirit when I interviewed Lauren Kilcoyne, Coordinator for the Time Exchange of the North Shore.
Here in Lynn, that sense of community lives on.

A community is born

The Time Exchange began in 1996 when a group of parents of children with developmental disabilities came together to offer each other babysitting and help with chores; simple but basic supports that made a difference.

As more people joined, they formalized the group into the Lynn Time Bank and received funding from the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS). For every hour of service given, a person would bank an hour of service to be used when needed

Over the years, they realized the time bank should include everyone, not just people with disabilities and their families. Lauren describes the transition from the initial time bank into a larger community.

“We’ve reorganized in the last couple of years and have expanded from families within the DDS system to all populations, even expanding from Lynn to encompass the North Shore. We also include every ethnic group in our community since the area is so diverse.”

The organization’s new name, The Time Exchange of the North Shore, represents the wider community now being represented.

Everyone has something to offer

Lauren explains the reasons why people join the time exchange today.

“The sense of community is strong within the time bank membership. Meeting each other in the time exchange and putting faces to services makes it easier for people to request help”.

Presently there are 175 members of the Time Exchange of the North Shore that all give in a different way. There are tradesmen such as carpenters and electricians, along with others offering grocery shopping, companionship, childcare, and yard work.

Regardless of age, education or disability the idea of a time exchange is that everyone has something to offer their community; everyone.

And like the old days, neighbors are helping neighbors again and things get done.

Sound like a good idea?

01
Dec
2010

Building a Community through Time Exchanges

categories: Community, Education

Everyone needs support in their life to be successful.

It may begin with physical support, someone to take care of us as a child and later, depending on needs, as an adult. We also have a basic need to know that someone cares, for it is this basic caring and respect for one another that will truly make a difference in our lives.

A sense of community is lost

There was a time when our local communities provided this support, with each member contributing regardless of age or disability.

Yet as society and government grew, we began to pay people to provide support and our sense of community was lost in the process. This was never the intent, as social services were supposed to create additional support not replace our communities.
But the truth is most of us don’t even know our neighbors anymore, never mind other people in our town to help us out when needed. Simple tasks such as shoveling the driveway, raking leaves or maybe buying groceries can be overwhelming if you have to pay someone because you can no longer do it yourself.

Time exchanges build community

The good news is there are groups known as time exchanges that are bringing our communities back. Their approach is to bring people together committed to supporting one another and building a community based on mutual respect. Every member, regardless of age or disability, has something to offer based on their strengths and interests while in exchange, they receive donated services as needed.
This month we will introduce The Time Exchange of the North Shore (TENS), a successful program in our local area. Through interviews with their director, Lynn Kilcoyne and one of their members, Michael Doherty, you will be reminded of a simpler time when people went out of their way for one another simply because they cared about the people in their community.
As you read about the Time Exchange, think about your own community and how it provides support to you or someone you know with a disability . . . and if not, is it time to think about creating a time exchange in your community?

17
Nov
2010

Becoming a Leader in Your Community

categories: Community, Education

Last week we were inspired by John, this week it continues with Andrea.

Andrea Kelly is a civic leader in Newton who has been actively involved with the League of Women Voters since the mid 80’s. Andrea is making a difference.

Getting Started

We discussed how she first became involved.

“I was home on maternity leave and was looking for something to do. A friend of mine told me about the League of Women Voters, so I signed up for their monthly newsletter to learn what was happening in Newton,” at that time a bedroom community to Andrea.

The newsletter presented many local issues and ways of being involved, one being observing the Aldermanic Land Use committee. It got her attention, an easy commitment of only two monthly meetings.

So she joined, and began her path to becoming educated.

Educated and involved

As we discussed the League and the role it has played in her life, Andrea described it with passion.

“The League is the only multi-issue, non-partisan, volunteer advocacy group in the community that educates people on an array of issues.”

For Andrea, that comprehensive education provided opportunities to become involved well beyond land use.

“I became interested in affordable housing and joined the Newton Housing Partnership. As I became connected locally, I was appointed to the Design Review Committee that reviews all projects in the city.” child care and education also became dominant topics during the years her children were in those age groups.

We discussed other ways to become educated and involved.

“Some of the most active civic organizations in our community include churches and synagogues. They address social issues locally, but also on a national and international basis. ”

A leader emerges

In listening to Andrea, I began to realize that she had truly become a leader, respected not only because of her intelligence, but because she was passionate and obviously capable of getting things done.

“When I became an affordable housing advocate, I saw NIMBY (not in my backyard) from people in my own community. While it was frustrating, I quickly understood I had to take a deep breath and realize this was an opportunity for education, rather than becoming oppositional.”

That’s what can happen when you get involved. You learn patience, because change isn’t easy. You learn communication because you really need to listen to both sides. . . And in the process you may find you’ve become a respected leader.

So get involved; the community needs you.

20
Oct
2010

A Holiday Assistance Program that Makes a Difference

categories: Education

What do organizations need to think about if they are going to offer assistance during the holidays?

According to Caroline Wenck, Executive Director of SCAN 360, you may want to begin by really thinking about the people you serve and the simple gifts that would make a difference in their lives.

Thoughtful giving

“The Springfield community is very generous, so when all the gifts come in, every inch of these tables is covered,” Caroline stated with a smile.

“But rather than inundating people with gifts, we take a day, invite all the staff and decide which families would benefit the most from each gift. We make it personal so that every donation will mean something. ”

She went on to explain that they only give a few gifts to each person and keep the rest to be distributed during the year.
That just makes sense. As Angela stated last week, you don’t need a lot during the holidays, you just want to know that someone cares.

Giving beyond the holidays

“Another thing we learned during the holidays is that people in the community are willing to give during the year, but you have to ask them.”

When students from Bay Path College made holiday donations to SCAN 360 last year, Caroline accepted their generosity but asked if they would be interested in forming a relationship beyond the holidays. She went on to explain how many families could benefit from food, clothing and even birthday gifts for children during the year.

The students responded by placing a collection bin on every floor of their dormitory where they donate year round.

“It can be more work for the program to take donations throughout the year, but we find it makes a big difference,” Caroline shared.

When you think about it, the lesson learned from SCAN 360 is people want to know that someone cares, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year…and that is the best gift of all.

13
Oct
2010

A Gift for the Holiday, a Goal for the New Year

categories: Education

“After you feed people for Thanksgiving and Christmas, what do they do for the other 363 days a year? They still need food, shelter and people they can rely on to help figure out how to put food on the table and pay the rent,” Angela stated.

This week, I introduce Angela, a young woman with two children living in the city of Springfield. I had the pleasure of interviewing Angela about her experience with SCAN 360, a community based program located in the heart of Springfield that provides holiday assistance as well as services and support throughout the year.

Knowing the people you serve

“The problem is that some people and programs only show up during the holidays. SCAN 360 helps me during the whole year, so by the time Christmas comes they don’t have to ask me to write a list. They know what we need, because they know me and my family.”

For some people, support during the holidays means a small gift or a meal; enough to make the holiday season special.

For others like Angela and her family, there were bigger challenges in her life that she wanted to address. SCAN 360 knew the difference and built a relationship that provided support beyond the holiday season.

Setting goals can make a difference

“I had gone to other programs in the past and they made me feel like a number. At SCAN 360, they really care about me and my family, not just during the holidays, but all year. Some bigger groups just let people take the gifts and not work on any goals that will make their lives better. I needed to do more.”

If your organization provides assistance during the holidays, be sure you are aware of people like Angela who are ready to set goals that can change their lives. Offer the turkey, but also be ready to talk about making a budget for the coming year.

It may be a bigger task, but after listening to Angela, I think it is worth it.

What do you think?

06
Oct
2010

Empowerment: The Ultimate Gift for the Holidays

categories: Education

As the holidays approach, we are all faced with the challenge of how to spread joy without overwhelming people with a multitude of donations.

After all, giving is part of the holiday experience, right? And giving to people in need of assistance is especially rewarding as we envision them opening their gifts during the holidays and realizing that people truly care.

Yet as we look at holiday assistance programs, we want you to think about how you can use the generosity of the holidays to really make a difference in a person’s life long after the season ends.

Think about it.

Giving someone a meal during the holidays is a good thing, but if we don’t follow up with a budget plan and perhaps a food stamp application, that same individual may go hungry during the winter.

The importance of giving people control

We will begin next week by presenting an interview with Angela, a woman who shares her personal experience with a holiday assistance program that didn’t end in December. In fact, they assisted her in setting personal goals that have truly made an impact on her life and the lives of her children.

Listen to her words and think about all the people you know who may receive holiday assistance this year and what they would say if asked the same questions.

I think most people would tell you they appreciate the gifts and goodwill, but they would really appreciate it if you could help them take control of their own life.

So maybe next year they could be donating a gift to someone else.

Make sense?