News - Summer 2009
21st Annual Massachusetts Special Olympics Event on Cape
On Friday, June 5, 2009, Habilitation Assistance Corporation held its 21st Annual Massachusetts Special Olympics Event at the Massachusetts Military Reservation in Bourne, MA. Prior to September 11,2001 the event was held in the Fall. After the attacks on 9/11 our event had to be postponed, as there was no civilian clearance on to the base. Fortunately, the agency was allowed to reschedule the games for the Spring of 2002. From that point on, the event has been held in the Spring. Staff from all four of the HAC Access Centers, scores of volunteers and more than 200 athletes took part in the much anticipated event.
For months before the games athletes in all the programs trained enthusiastically with the support and encouragement of their dedicated staff. The athletes competed in bowling and ball throw, which are Field events. Track events included wheelchair, walking and running races.
The final event of the day was the annual Dottie Marshall Memorial Relay Race. Dottie worked in the Braintree program for many years until she lost a valiantly fought battle with breast cancer. The race is run each year in her memory. It is always a hotly contested event and this year was no exception, but the team from Hyannis emerged victorious.
Habilitation Assistance has been working with the military personnel of Otis Air force Base for the past 15 years. From the beginning, the affiliation has been tremendously positive for us as the service men and women who volunteer always work diligently to ensure that the day is as perfect as they can make it. Each year on the day of the event representatives from several branches of the military arrive at the gym ready, willing and able to do whatever is asked of them. Setting up tables and chairs, facilitating parking, making coffee, putting up balloons, ensuring that the sound system is ready to go, helping athletes off the vans when they arrive, making sure people get to and from their events, serving lunch and awarding medals are just some of the ways that the military volunteers help out. It is hard to remember how we ever managed without them. Our volunteer crew is not only comprised of military personnel. Family members, friends, residential staff and others also gather each year to support the athletes. Their ranks continue to grow and at this event we had more than 200 volunteers.
NEW...Video of Special Olympics - Mouse over for player controls
One very special volunteer who has been with us for many years is Sandra Hicks. Again this year, Sandra was on hand to grace us all with her angelic rendition of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’. She has become an integral part of our annual event and we are all very grateful for her generous contribution. Members of the Color Guard posted the flags before the opening parade where the athletes from each program proudly displayed their handmade Special Olympics banners. A representative from each of the programs read the Olympic oath - “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” In the center of the gymnasium 4 people representing each of the Access Centers took their positions, passed the Olympic torch and signaled the proclamation. “Let the games begin”!
Cape Elder Services Honors Habilitation Assistance
Here's a reprint from a recent article and award from Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands.
"The Habilitation Assistance Corporation's (HAC) Hyannis and Pocasset offices have been assisting and supporting the Meals on Wheels Barnstable and Bourne sites for the past seven years. Additionally, they have been volunteering for the Barnstable Senior Dining program. In Barnstable HAC volunteers wash dishes for the Senior Dining program. Some days, they bring in fresh flowers for our dining tables. They are always cheerful and willing to help out wherever needed. Other HAC volunteers maintain a schedule of delivering meals to our consumers four days a week. Drivers and the members who deliver Meals on Wheels are able to participate each day and they are always upbeat and a pleasure to have on board.
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, HAC volunteers arrive at our Bourne Meals on Wheels site with happy smiles and eager to volunteer. The drivers and members pick up their coolers and head off to deliver the meals.
It is with tremendous enthusiasm, praise and thanks that we honor the Habilitation Assistance Corporation as "Volunteer of the Year"
Thank you Habilitation Assistance Corporation!"
MVCS Newsletter Features a Pocasset Member
Martha's Vineyard Community Services spotlighted Alexander Campbell, one of our members at the Pocasset Program. Recently, with the assistance of Kathi Hackett, his interest in the arts led Alex to an art class at Habilitation Assistance where he has begun to more fully explore his artistic abilities with the help of his teacher, Linda.
Alex has previously blended his artistic talents with his spiritual interest in angels when he created a line of angel cards. Read more about Alex's story on the MVCS Newsletter, "Community View".
Cape Citizen Advisory Board and DMR Honor Clients
More than 40 people were honored at March 20th recognition breakfast put on by the Cape and Islands Citizen Advisory Board for the state Department of Mental Retardation. In July, the DMR will be renamed the Department of Developmental Services. The theme of the event was to recognize both clients of service organizations and the people at those organizations who help the clients. "What would we do without them," was the refrain as each individual who works in a service capacity was honored. State Representative Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown) and Susan Rohrbach, from State Senator Robert O'Leary's office and Ed Jalowiec, chairman of the Cape and Islands Citizen Advisory Board, attended and honored two of our own, Don DePolo & Mary Lee O'Connell. They both were featured in an article in the Friday March 27, 2009 edition of the Mashpee-Enterprise.
Don DePolo provides support for Mary Lee O'Connell of Sandwich, who is an active member with the Bourne Friends Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels among other activities. Ms O'Connell is a client of Habilitation Assistance Corporation.
Habilitation Assistance Corporation
Awarded
Three-Year CARF Accreditation
Plymouth, Massachusetts – April 22, 2009 – CARF International announced that Habilitation Assistance Corporation has been accredited for a period of three years for its Community Services: Community Integration Programs. The latest accreditation is the eighth consecutive Three-Year Accreditation outcome that the international accrediting commission has awarded to Habilitation Assistance Corporation.
This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the standards established by CARF. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation outcome has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable and accountable.
Habilitation Assistance Corporation is a for-profit organization with offices at 434 Court Street, Plymouth, Massachusetts. It has been providing Community Services in the Braintree, Plymouth, Pocasset and Hyannis areas since 1983.
CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.
DMR is Changing to DDS
DMR is officially changing their name to DDS, Department of Developmental Services effective July 1, 2009. Here's the link to the most recent press release…
Jane Sottak Recognized for Her Work with MS Client
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central New England Chapter recognized Jane as a care manager who has made a significant impact on the life of one Home LINKS participant, shown exemplary care management skills and attention to Home LINKS protocol.
For Winter 2009, the Chapter recognizes Jane Sottak for her work
with Jennifer!Jennifer is a 25 year old woman, who was diagnosed with MS when she was 16. She lived with family but had to leave due to a domestic violence situation. With little resources at her disposal, Jennifer and her 2 year old daughter wound up staying at a homeless shelter for several months. The social worker at the shelter contacted the Home LINKS Program and requested services.
During their first meeting, Jennifer became quite upset that Jane could not solve her housing situation immediately and demanded that she leave. Only days later, Jennifer was hospitalized after becoming unconscious due to kidney stones and excessive heat. Jane followed up with Jennifer at the hospital and they started over.
Jane created a comprehensive care plan that included:
Custody: When Jennifer was hospitalized, the state took custody of her daughter. When services ended Jennifer had physical custody of her daughter and was scheduled to regain full custody soon after.
Affordable Housing: Jennifer had submitted several housing application while she was at the homeless shelter. Jennifer was found eligible for housing assistance and found an apartment in the town she preferred.
Financial support: Jennifer owed money to the utility company from her previous address. Jane helped Jennifer access financial assistance and clear up the bill.
Cooling Equipment: Jane helped Jennifer find resources for cooling equipment. Jane helped her apply to the MSAA and Jennifer received a cooling vest, pillowcase and seat pad.
Homemaker Services: Jane referred Jennifer to the MRC HCAP Program and Jennifer was approved for services. Because there is a waiting period before services could begin, Jane helped Jennifer apply to the Chapter for funds. The Chapter was able to provide financial assistance, which was helpful with Jennifer's request to have her daughter move back home.
Medical Care: Jennifer is now being seen by Partners MS CenterJane is being selected for her work with Jennifer, specifically
because:
• Jane communicated frequently with the Chapter regarding her
progress with the case, changes in the client's wishes and also for
resource information. She followed through on the care plan and was flexible when the client changed directions or new issues arose.
• Jane collaborated with the other providers who were involved
to avoid duplication of services and gather/verify information.
• Jane made appropriate referrals to community services and
followed through with the agencies to ensure services were established. She effectively advocated for the client and helped the client ommunicate with other providers.
• Jane maintained a professional, helping relationship with the client. She understood the impact of the stressful situation in the homeless shelter and continued to pursue a healthy positive relationship despite a negative first encounter. She was honest and clear about her role and that she could help with.On behalf of the Central New England Chapter ....Congratulations Jane on a job very well done!
Content provided by the MS Society.
Plymouth Planning Committee Presents Area Art Show
The Plymouth Planning Committee is celebrating the creative talents of people who are involved in Human Services. The artwork that will be displayed is created by people with disabilities, the staff who support them, and our friends in the community.
The show will be held at the Citizens Bank, 20 North Park Ave. Plymouth, Ma. 02360 on February 9, 2009 thru March 18, 2009
A meet the artist open house will be held on: Wednesday, March 18th, 2009, from 5:00pm – 6:30pm at the Citizens Bank. If you'd like to attend the open house, Please R.S.V.P to Teri Peterson at 508 732 5729 or Liz Soares at 508 732 5732.
Bob's Milestones - "Twenty Five Years and Counting"
Congratulations to Robert Cleary, our program director. "Bob" would never have imagined being here for 25 years. He told us that he always does things one day at a time. (9,125 days to be exact!) "It's been a good match for me and I've gotten more out of here that I've been able to give. I've watched the company grow and it' become an integral part of my life"
"It all started with the reality of needing a job. I had a degree in physical education, but actually started wood working with members, before moving over to sports and fitness. As a physical Education instructor, I could be who I am. People here always tried to see the best in you and I like teamwork."
Bob also kept up with his coaching for 25 years at Duxbury High School. He enjoys hanging out with his family, spending time with his wife and two sons, Val and Joe. Sports and biking are big part of their lives also.
Collaboration of the Heart Quilt Exhibited at Marshfield Fair
The members of the Upper Cape Access Center of Habilitation Assistance Corporation have made a lap quilt to be shown at the Marshfield Fair this month. The fair (August 15—24, 2008) will display the Collaboration of the Heart lap quilt at the crafts pavilion. The creation of the quilt is part of the Sharing Creative Activities Project developed by the director of the Habilitation Assistance Cape Cod programs.
The quilt project was a cooperative and collaborative effort among the day program individuals, Habilitation Assistance staff and volunteers. After program individuals originated the idea, staff brought in a husband-wife quilting team who generously donated their time and expertise, educating everyone in the art and tradition of quilting and assisting in producing the finished product.
Each member of the quilt project chose a fabric whose colors, pattern or texture held a personal meaning to him or her. The center square had meaning for Joan, the woman who chose it. Joan had cerebral palsy, and physical movement was extremely difficult and often painful for her. The fabric she chose represents a tropical scene where she imagined dipping her toes in the soothing blue water of the ocean. Her square came to hold special significance for everyone involved because Joan passed away before the quilt was completed. Her beautiful square, tucked lovingly into the center of the quilt, represents her dream and her memory to all of those who knew and cared for her.
Group quilting is an honored tradition in American quilt making that conveys the message that many hands and hearts working in unison will produce wonderful results. All of those involved in the construction of this quilt want it to be viewed as a lovely representation of the beautiful things that come from teamwork and sharing.
Eddy Family Business Donates Lift Van to Vets’ Group.
MIDDLEBORO – Earlier this year, Middleborough Veteran’s Outreach Centers Executive Director Joseph Thomas accepted a wheelchair lift van donated by Allen Eddy, and his family, businessman and owner of Habilitation Assistance Corporation.
From left are Steven Eddy, Chris Hart of the Nathan Hale Foundation, Allen Eddy, owner of Habilitation Assistance Corp., Meredith Eddy, Michael Eddy, and Joseph Thomas, executive director of the MVOC
After being approached by the Middleborough Veterans’ Outreach Center and The Nathan Hale Foundation, Mr. Eddy listened to their transportation programs for veterans and their dependents. Mr. Eddy welcomed the opportunity to lend his assistance to both organizations.
Habilitation Assistance/Access Express Offers National Safety Council "Safety Tips" Link
Committee Spotlight
This month we are highlighting the agency’s Advisory Council committee. This group meets on a quarterly basis and its role is to:
- Advise Habilitation Assistance Corporation on concerns and needs of the individuals we serve
- Advise Habilitation Assistance Corporation on ways to better integrate our program into the life of the community
- Assist Habilitation Assistance Corporation with marketing its programs to the community
- Provide suggestions and assist Habilitation Assistance Corporation with any special projects
- Review annual audit and budget in order to provide administration with feedback on the financial status of the organization
- Establish working committees to assist Habilitation Assistance Corporation with ongoing tasks
- Review and suggest short- and long-term goals for Habilitation Assistance Corporation
- Advise Habilitation Assistance Corporation on community needs and suggest ways that programs may respond to community needs on an ongoing basis.
- Assist Habilitation Assistance Corporation in identifying prospective disabled employees
Its membership includes the Executive Director of the agency, representatives from the Administrative Office and/or agency programs, representatives of program participants and/or families, and representatives from the business, financial and religious community, related service and job placement agencies, civic leaders, etc.
The following and pictured are current members of the Advisory Council: (bottom row) Chris Bell, Instructor at Mid-Cape & Islands Access Center; Ellen Dennison, program participant at Plymouth Access Center; Joan Grassi, community representative and parent of program participant; Ellen Burgio, Program Director at Braintree Access Center; (top row) Gerry Buckley, community representative Adelphia Cable Communications; Mary Little, community representative and sister of program participant; Joe Hamilton, Nursing Home Instructor at Upper Cape Access Center; Joyce Turner, community representative and parent of former program participant; Allen Eddy, Executive Director.