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”!
"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.
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 Center
Jane 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
Sometimes
a "straw" of information can save a "camel's
back". Now, by learning more about safety, you can help
save a life or prevent an injury. The National Safety Council
generates this weekly service to help raise safety awareness.
The Weekly tip content leans to consumer safety, rather than
occupational safety, and may include advice on driving, first
aid and home safety, plus timely seasonal tips. As a member
of the NSC our drivers are trained with safety materials created
by the NSC. We hope all our visitors and staff can make use
of this feature. By clicking on the link you will be transferred
to the NSC and without a return link to Habilitation Assistance.
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.
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