Visions September 2023 Vol 3

Volume I I I , 2023

VISIONS Hu n dr eds Su ppor t Dow n Syn dr om e Aw ar en ess Walk

Hundreds of walkers came out to show support and send a message for the larger population to be aware of the Down Syndrome community. All ages,

sizes, and abilities came together for the BuddyWalk of the Berkshires to celebrate with BCArc and the Down Syndrome Family Group.

Boar d of Dir ect or s Mike Ferry, Chair Michael Lyon, Vice Chair Bruce Marzotto, Treasurer Thomas J. Hamel, Esq., Assistant Treasurer Dr. Mark Pettus, Clerk Boar d M em ber s Linda Carnevale Kathy Clark Douglas Craighead Eric Harlow Anthony Mazzeo Bob Sinopoli Joanne Spence President & CEO

Sometimes We Need to Be Loud and Visible At BCArc, we feel that the disabilities population should be engaged and visible to the general population. That remains an important part of the BCArc mission. The BuddyWalk serves as our largest effort to rally community support and promote the presence of the disabilities population.

It is important that the public sees us -- in the stores, at the parks, at restaurants, and in the workplace. In all our programs -- and in each individuals' stated annual goals -- we promote strategies to stay active, volunteer, participate, and for many, have paid employment. People need to know that the disabilities population is part of their community. We live here with you. At the same time, we have no signs on BCArc houses, nor on BCArc vehicles, and no uniforms on BCArc staff. We do this to protect the integrity of the people we serve. We are fortunate to live in very supportive communities.

Sometimes we need to be loud for our elected officials, for our community presence, and for the pride of our individuals. So thank you everyone who walked in our BuddyWalk this year, and supported our event. Occasionally it's nice -- and important -- to be heard and seen.

Maryann Hyatt

Maryann Hyatt President & CEO

Employees of the Quarter -- Quarter III, 2023 Four staff members, nominated by their coworkers for their work in the past quarter, were recognized as Employees of the Quarter.

Kelly Akroman

Ellie Kassekas

Steven Wright

Mercy Cronze

Residential Support

Quality Assurance

Residential Support

Residential Support

2

VISIONS Volume III, 2023

Staff Appreciation Day -- Staff, Family, & Friends Gather for Swimming, Food, Awards, and More

BCArc staff, family members, and friends came together for Staff Appreciation Day at the Onota Lake Pavilion.

Festivities included swimming, catered lunch, ice cream, live music, a bounce house, a gift for staff and an award ceremony to recognize those who have gone above and beyond this past year.

VISIONS VOLUME III, 2023

3

BCArc Donates Dozens of School Backpacks BCArc individuals and staff members collected and donated to the Department of Children and Families office in Pittsfield backpacks for students to get ready for school. The event is part of a series of BCArc ?Give Backs? throughout the year.

Great job to everyone involved!

Maria Unveils Mandala Artwork at Transitions Maria has been working with other individuals at Transitions on a mandala for their "Zen" room, a space where they enjoy yoga, art sessions, and more. She has been spearheading the project using a wall stencil and special brushes. Maria chose the color palette and made design decisions for the project.

The unveiling at Transitions included a reception attended by friends, family members and other guests.

Great job Maria!

4

VISIONS VOLUME III, 2023

Employee of the Year Creates Culture of Respect Sees Program and Family as One For more than a year now, Tracey Babcock, BCArc?s Employee of the Year, has traveled to a nursing home in the North End of Boston to visit a former individual from her program. ?She has no family,? Tracey says. ?No one is advocating for her at the nursing home. She is non-verbal and she deserves better treatment than she is getting. If I could go more often I would.?

This compassion spills into her management style. ?We all take care "When family is in trouble, you drop everything and help. This is family for all of us." of one another, accommodate each other 's schedules. We cover for each other when we have to.? A mother of three, she makes the time for the staff. ?The staff work hard and earn their time off. We all respect one another.?

"When family is in trouble, you drop everything and help," said Tracey. "You don't contemplate the situation, you jump in. This is family for all of us, this is what we all do for each other. I will continue to travel to Boston until I get her in a program that treats her properly."

Tracey?s program in Housatonic is uniquely challenging -- the individuals require intensive personal and medical care -- but many of the staff have stayed on for 10-plus years. ?We stay here because it?s a very supportive program,? said Wendy, who commutes from Hudson, N.Y. ?We treat each other like a family. This feels like home, thanks to Tracey.?

Anne is having a Yarn Good Time Knitting a Scarf for Ivonne

Anne (left) has been working hard knitting this scarf for Ivonne, a staff member at Crossroads.

Ivonne is hoping to wear it this winter.

Anne Retires From BCArc After 35-Plus Years After more than three decades of employment, Anne Fish retired from BCArc. Her decades of dedication and compassionate work ethic will be missed by the individuals she served and their families.

Enjoy your retirement, Anne!

VISIONS VOLUME III, 2023

5

Nicholson Hill Reflects on Winning BI Program of the Year

From left, Daizialie Cruz, Gregory Dillard, John Haygood, and Scott LaFlamme after winning Brain Injury Program of the Year.

John Haygood was shocked when Nicholson Hill, the residence that he manages, won Brain Injury Program of the Year at BCArc?s staff appreciation picnic.

The win came as a surprise to the entire staff, and was an opportunity for them to be recognized for their dedication to the individuals they serve.

In the year since John started managing Nicholson Hill, the staff and individuals have become like family to him. He praised the staff for their hard work, and said that they all work well as a team. ?This is where the guys live, so we want to make it homey for them,? John said.

Moving into the fall season, John has many ideas for outings and activities. ?This house has just gotten better and better, and the staff is tremendous,? John said.

Persistence and Patience Help Elvis to Excel at BCArc

By Eva Myers Since Elvis Benle came to the United States in 2007, he has worked hard at BCArc. Last quarter Elvis was chosen as Employee of the Quarter. He has worked for Berkshire County Arc for over a year in residential programs. Being a relief staff gives him the opportunity to visit different houses and make connections with many people.

Elvis loves getting to know all of the different staff and individuals he works with at BCArc. He enjoys his work and the people he meets, but when asked to choose a favorite memory or part of the job, he said there were to many to choose from. ?I like to work at all of the houses. One favorite part? No, I can?t choose. I like to work at all of the houses with different people. But I can?t choose a favorite part.?

6

VISIONS VOLUME III, 2023

FriendsWe Will AlwaysRemember

Margaret Curry 5-13-62 9-16-23

Hector Luna 5-15-65 8-2-23

Floyd Jacobs 8-27-57 9-25-23

Doug Risk 6-18-62 9-11-23

Madeline Bialor 12-24-36 10-4-23

Individuals and Staff Brave the Rain to Support the Sox BCArc?s Red Sox fans drove to Fenway for a night game. The game was canceled ? rain. Scheduled the next day, the hearty fans ? staff and individuals ? drove again for the afternoon game the next day. This time the trip was worth it ? the Sox beat the Yankees.

Area High Schools Turn to BCArc's Pre-Employment Program BCArc's Pre-Employment Transition Program (Pre-ETS) helps high school students explore career interests, develop skills for employment, and secure paid internships in areas of interest.

"Not all schools can provide these services to students with disabilities," said Pam Kight, who oversees BCArc's Employment Services. "Our job is to move them from school to work."

The program exposes the transitioning young adults to career paths, helps them with job searching, interviewing, and securing an internship. Funded through the Mass

Rehabilitation Commission, it is a free resource for local schools.

"We have so many success "Not all schools can stories," said Pam. provide these services to "We have great students with disabilities. employer-partners Our job is to move them who create from school to work." opportunity and help us identify the skills and talents that lead to long-term jobs. We are fortunate to have a supportive community."

VISIONS VOLUME III, 2023

7

Betsy's Corner: Annual Picnic and Goodbye to Debbie Caiola

by Betsy Carlotto The Center for Development had our annual picnic at Tyringham Pavilion this summer. This was also a good-bye party for our Program Director Debbie Caiola, who retired September 1. It was the perfect picnic day as it was warm and sunny. Everyone was so happy to be there but sad that Debbie was leaving.

CFD staff drove all the individuals to the picnic, and friends and family members met us there. We had music, games, and delicious food. KJNosh catered so that CFD staff did not have to do the cooking and could enjoy their time with us. We had burgers, sandwiches, bean salad, mac salad, chips and all the good stuff. We also had desserts and a variety of ice cream. Everyone had happy bellies. Several people spoke about Debbie?s time with BCArc (over 20 Debbie, left, with Cybele Kilby, Vice President. years!) and her accomplishments as Director of CFD and Nu-Opps. Staff and Individuals gave Debbie flowers and gifts to thank her for everything. Debbie started the CFD day program and will be so deeply missed but she promised to come back to visit often, especially for holidays!

Fifty Years of Marriage for Rosie and Ernie Ernie and Rosie have been together for nearly 50 years. They came to BCArc from a nursing home together shortly after the pandemic hit.

Their daughter, Ann, praised BCArc for the level of care that her parents have been given, particularly since she lives in Utah and is unable to see them often. ?My parents being here is such a blessing,? Ann said during a recent visit. ?I cannot speak highly enough of BCArc. The peer support and day programs have helped them so much.?

Ernie agreed with this, and shared the improvements that he has made in the time since being at BCArc, naming several staff members who have helped him along the way. ?Because of my PTSD, it?s hard for me to leave the house, but the staff have been helping me,? said Ernie. ?This is the best place that Rosie and I have been, and Maryellen is the best manager with the best staff.?

8

VISIONS VOLUME III, 2023

BICC Members Step Up to Outdoor Adventure Thrills Team work, team trust, and determination ruled the day as Berkshire County Arc?s Brain Injury Community Center in Westfield challenged itself to a day of outdoor adventure. ?Members and staff were able to conquer fears and do something we thought we never would be able to do," said Jillian Rivera, the Center 's director. "At times during the day we all laughed " It w as an in cr edible f eelin g seein g t h e m em ber s so much our cheeks hurt.? The day included con qu er f ear s, com plet e t h e cou r ses, an d f eel so exploring new heights, taking personal risks, and good abou t t h eir accom plish m en t s." asking a lot of questions to allay everyone's fears. " We all had to push ourselves out of our comfort zones to complete the various courses."

Hyatt, CEO, Speaks at Leadership Institute in Las Vegas BCArc President and CEO Maryann Hyatt delivered a speech on leadership transition at the national Strategic Leadership Institute in Las Vegas this summer. The lecture provided guidance for aspiring CEOs looking to develop leadership skills and prepare for the top spot of any organization.

"You need to create and communicate your own vision," she told the audience. "You need to prepare for the opportunity and distinguish yourself from the other candidates?"

VISIONS VOLUME III, 2023

9

Memories Made at the Aquarium Lauryn and Kaitlyn took two individuals to the Mystic Aquarium to cheer up an individual. "We really wanted her to get out to do something fun," said Kaitlyn. At the end of the day, when asked what her favorite part of the day was, the individual said: "Spending time with you!"

Skynrd, ZZ Top, Greylock Rocks SPAC to Freebird The guys from Greylock attended ZZ Top and Lynrd Skynrd at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in September.

From left, Chris, Jim, and Dan take a break between bands. Thanks to staff Nicole, Joe, and Yvonne for taking them.

28th Annual Golf Classic Raises Funds to Support Individuals

BCArc's 28th Annual Golf Classic braved through morning rain to provide a full day of golf, lunch, raffles, auction items, prizes, and dinner.

The money raised goes toward items like art classes, medical equipment, dance classes, yoga classes, wheelchair swings, assistive technology, and projects that promote the individuals to serve as valued members of the community at large. Thank you to all the golfers, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event possible.

10

VISIONS VOLUME III, 2023

BCArc Interns Wrap Up a Successful Summer

BCArc's summer intern program continued to grow this year, with six college students and recent graduates completing summer internships across a range of departments.

From left: Ava Simon (Skidmore College), Megan Francoeur (SUNY Oneonta), Eva Myers (Western New England), Neve Coe (Siena), Madison Tobin (Roger Williams), and Domenica Gomez (MCLA, who now works full time in the Adult Family Care program).

BCAr c Wor d Sear ch

Ken's Cookie Delivery

Key ABILITY ACHIEVE ADVOCACY CONNECTION

FAM ILY FRIENDSHIP HABILITATION PASSION

PROGRESS SUPPORT TRANSITION WORK

Every week Ken bakes cookies and delivers them to the police station in Pittsfield for the officers to enjoy.

VISIONS VOLUME III, 2023

11

Non-Profit Org. USPostage Paid Pittsfield, MA Permit No. 121 395 South Street Pittsfield MA 01201

This publication is mailed by Zip 'N Sort, a mail service that offers pick-up and delivery for your business, and employs individuals with disabilities. www.zipnsort.com

Tommy happy to once again stroll through downtown Pittsfield -- N95-free -- after beating COVID. Photo credit: J. Sigowski

Comments? Contact David Singer at dsinger@bcarc.org