Visions Vol. 4 2024

Vol. IV,III, 2024 Volume 2024

O N I S S I V

70 Years & Beyond: A Bright Future Ahead

Board of Directors Mike Ferry, Chair Michael Lyon, Vice Chair Bruce Marzotto, Treasurer Thomas J. Hamel, Esq., Assistant Treasurer Dr. Mark Pettus, Clerk

Board Members Linda Carnevale Kathy Clark Douglas Craighead Eric Harlow Anthony Mazzeo Bob Sinopoli Joanne Spence President & CEO Maryann Hyatt

Contact Editor: David Singer dsinger@bcarc.org Assistant Editor: Nicole Lemire nlemire@bcarc.org

Providing Support for Future Lives An estimated 160,000 people with developmental disabilities live in Massachusetts, according to the Mass. Developmental Disabilities Council. The Commonwealth sees 73,000 cases of traumatic brain injury annually, according to MassAbility. These injuries occur through unintentional falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports, violence, and more.

Clearly the need for our services will continue to increase for years -- for generations.

Individuals who come for support to Berkshire County Arc come with a wide range of situations. They vary in age, functionality, family support, cultural backgrounds, and economic status.

Berkshire County Arc provides several models for support, some which require direct care staff, and some which rely on families or community members.

Adult Family Care: BCArc supports more than 100 families or community members who provide support in their own home for individuals who need assistance with daily living. This program provides a monthly stipend, nursing oversight, and case management. Many individuals and families are eligible for this program but unaware of the services. If you know anyone who might be eligible, please contact us.

Residential Services: BCArc has 43 residential programs throughout the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley – homes that provide full support every day of the year.

This is where most of BCArc’s direct care staff work. Typically BCArc builds a new home every year to respond to the state’s needs.

Shared Living: BCArc matches an individual with disabilities to live with a caregiver in the caregiver’s home. BCArc provides training and ongoing supervision to ensure a successful partnership.

Supported Living: Individuals live semi-independently in their own apartments, with the opportunity to be part of a community in a co-op building.

All the programs above include personal annual plans with specific personal goals. We also provide programs outside home life like Employent Services and Day Habilitation Programs, to name a few.

We know the need for our services will continue to grow. While there are always challenges to expansion, we are positioned well to respond, as we have for the past 70 years. We look forward to answering the call.

Maryann Hyatt President & CEO 2

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Over 600 March for Down Syndrome Awareness in 18th Annual Buddy Walk

Over 600 individuals, family members, staff, and members of the community gathered for the 18th Annual Buddy Walk.

Hosted by BCArc’s Down Syndrome Family Group, the Buddy Walk takes place on the streets of Dalton. Participants walk to increase the visibility of individuals with disabilities in the community.

In addition to the walk, attendees were able to take part in raffles, enjoy lunch, socialize, and play games.

Celebrating Leo’s Legacy The Arc of Massachusetts celebrated the legacy of long-time Executive Director Leo Sarkissian, who is retiring after 33 years of service.

Photographed from left: Cindy Howard, President & CEO of the Center of Hope Foundation; Mary Heafy, President & CEO of the Arc of Opportunity; Maryann Hyatt, President & CEO of BCArc; and Jo Ann Simons, CEO of Northeast Arc. VISIONS VOLUME IV, 2024

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70 Years of Berk BCArc’s 70th Anniversary Celebration was an opportunity for staff, individuals, family, and community members to gather and celebrate the achievements and history of the agency.

Awards were presented to staff, individuals, and community partners to recognize achievements and milestones.

Distinguished guests, including Pittsfield Mayor Pete Marchetti and CEO of the Arc of Massachusetts Maura Sullivan, spoke at the event. Gov. Maura Healey, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier addressed the crowd via video.

A Glimpse of BCArc’s 1969

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Christine Craighead on her way to special needs camp at Highland School. The Craighead family have been a vital part of BCArc from the start, and remain active to this day.

1983

Advantage Employee Network, now known as Employment Services, was founded.

1954

1971

Berkshire County Arc was founded by seven local families. They sought to create better lives for their family members with disabilities.

BCArc’s first residential home, Copley Terrace, was opened in 1971. This marked the beginning of BCArc’s residential services, which now has 43 homes across the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley.

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shire County Arc

Photos by DScales Photolab

History, 1954 to Now 2007

BCArc opened the Thomas Flynn Community Apartments for semi-independent living.

1991 The headquarters of BCArc was gutted by a “million dollar fire.”

A year later, BCArc moved its main offices to its current address of 395 South St., Pittsfield.

BCArc turns 70

2024

2020

BCArc had to opeate through the COVID-19 pandemic. Today it has new safety protocols and is better prepared for a future crisis.

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New Vision Statement Sets Goals High An agency-wide contest for a new Vision Statement led to dozens of submissions. A committee blended many of the ideas and phrases to write the final Vision Statement.

“We have always had a mission statement, but not a vision statement,” said Maryann Hyatt, BCArc’s President & CEO. “A vision statement captures who we want to be and describes our highest goal. I thought it would be best to open it to our employees and let them create it. And they did a great job!”

The Vision Statement “BCArc strives to create a culture of inclusivity, universal respect, and a world where every individual with disabilities lives a life of dignity, choice, and opportunity.”

To see the mission and culture statements, go to www.bcarc.org/about-us/bcarc-culture/

Two Houses Join for a Lake George Weekend Two houses joined for a weekend in Lake George that included a boat cruise, dinners out followed by a show, shopping on the strip, and a dinosaur theme park.

“Adam on vacation is very different than Adam at home,” said site manager Latasha, laughing, who said that everyone had a blast from Pecks Road and Sampson Parkway. “When the band asked for volunteers, Adam was up there shaking the maracas and singing – he knew all the words to the songs, of course.”

Pictured right, from left, are Latasha, Adam, and Alisha. They traveled with Joseph, Jennifer, Michelle, Taisha, and Ali.

A Trip to the Bronx Zoo, Seeing Gorillas & More Roger and Edie enjoyed a visit to the Bronx Zoo this fall, a trip both individuals talked about for weeks.

“They were both so excited for this trip,” Karen, a community advocate, said. “Roger doesn’t speak much, but he was smiling and pointing at things all day.”

“They liked the gorillas the best,” said Chance, who works at the residential program where Roger lives, and of course lunch at the zoo.

The group chose to make the trip in one day. It was both individuals’ first time visiting the Bronx Zoo.

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Staff Appreciation Picnic Celebrates Achievements and Milestones

Staff, friends, and family gathered for the annual staff appreciation picnic. The event celebrated staff achievements, attendees enjoyed lunch, and family members swam, had their fortunes told, and enjoyed live music.

Friends We Will Always Remember Edgar Goad 04-20-1944 08-15-2024

Phillips Case 10-14-1954 07-15-2024

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Out & About This Fall

Individuals from a Dalton program picked apples at Bartlett’s Orchard.

Folks at Northview visited the Last Post Sanctuary, an animal shelter in Connecticut, to spend time with the cats.

Members of the Brain Injury Community Center had a great day at the Big E. The highlight of the day was petting and feeding the animals, which included llamas, goats, camels, and more.

The crew also enjoyed some delicious food and getting to spend time with one another.

Now Open!

The Green Redeem is now accepting donated cans and bottles.

You can drop off or we’ll pick them up! www.thegreenredeem.com 8

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Contact JG Ivy for more info - (413) 443-9071

Employees of the Quarter - Quarter IV, 2024 Staff members are nominated by their coworkers, and a committee selects the winners each quarter.

Helen Williams Residential

Vicki Alibozek Evening Program

Sharon Ireland Nursing

Hannah Mikaniewicz

Edward Deveno Residential

Kati Hopkins Day Program

Lennox Dias Residential

Sarah Rufo Evening Program

Day Program

Nyasia Helps Individuals Regain Their Confidence After Brain Injury

By Nicole Lemire When asked why she likes working with individuals with brain injuries, Nyasia said, “I like helping them to see that they’re still the same person that they were before their accident.”

Nyasia works full-time at BCArc giving direct care to individuals in a home in Westfield. She works first shift, so she drives individuals to and

“I like helping them to see that they’re still the same person that they were before their accident.” from their day programs, as well as tasks in the home such as cleaning and cooking. She brings individuals with a high level of independence on outings that include restaurants and haircuts.

“Getting his hair cut makes him feel good about himself as a man,” she said about one individual. “I like being a part of that moment.”

Treating individuals with respect and making them feel proud regardless of a brain injury is a big priority for Nyasia.

She has learned how each individual has different needs and how to redirect them during moments when they are upset, saying that it is important to compromise.

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Betsy’s Corner: Freaky Fridays by Betsy Carlotto Every summer the Center for Development organizes a series of “Freaky Fridays.” It is a fun way to bring some creativity and spirit to our workdays and get us through the hot days of summer. Both staff and individuals are encouraged to dress up, participate in the fun activities, and enjoy the treats.

We all get a chance to vote on what themes we would like to celebrate for the Freaky Fridays and this year the chosen themes were Christmas in July, Pajama Day, Favorite Sports Team Day, and Crazy Hat/Crazy Hair Day. My favorite Freaky Friday that we had was Pajama Day because we were able to have a pillow fight with the staff. It was a fun time. We had so many laughs. It was nice to see everyone enjoying themselves and just having fun! I look forward to this time of year because of the fun Freaky Fridays.

Pictured right: From left, Connie, Kati, and Betsy.

A New Van for Nu-Opps 10

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Individuals and staff at the Nu-Opps Day Habilitation Program are pleased with their new van and took a moment to express their excitement. The van will allow for more outings and activities in the community for everyone.

BCArc’s Recent Interns: Where Are They Now? Madison: Graduate student at Roger Williams University & Special Ed. student teacher.

Neve: Student at Siena College.

Ava: Student at Skidmore College.

Works at BCArc between semesters.

Megan: Teaching 4th grade in Chicago and in graduate school studying Special Ed.

Eva: Works fulltime at BCArc’s Family Support Program.

Domenica:

Works full-time at BCArc as an AFC Case Manager.

Smiling Through the Lens of Life

By Maighdlin Carty They call him “Kyle Smiles.” He brightens any room he walks into. Bursting with curiosity, he is always ready to embrace the next challenge. He comes to mind when you think of someone who embodies the thrill of life and its endless adventures.

Kyle joined BCArc in 2020, and before BCArc he attended Pittsfield High School and the Boys and Girls “His most important goal is to Club. Meeting new people continue smiling through life.” and exploring new parts of Berkshire County are some of his favorite activities. He eagerly anticipates the events organized by BCArc, especially the summer series, which he loves attending every week.

Beyond his involvement with BCArc, Kyle has a passion for photography. While he takes casual photos for his social media accounts, he also presents his work in area shows.

“Photos show experiences and memories through images,” he says.

Kyle aims to meet new friends, expand his social media presence, and develop creative ideas for photos. The close friends and family in Kyle’s life inspire him to keep pursuing photography. But his most important goal is to continue smiling through life.

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Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Pittsfield, MA Permit No. 121

www.facebook.com/BCountyArc @bcarcgram

BCArc’s Rainbow Group at a recent meeting. The Group provides a place for LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities to foster friendships and create a network of support.