2021 Community Care Network Annual Report

Making a difference, changing lives 2021 Annual Report

Letter to the Community

It is with pleasure that we present the 2021 Annual Report for Community Care Network and its two agencies, Rutland Mental Health Services and Rutland Community Programs. This year marks the 70th year for Rutland Mental Health Services serving the Rutland Region.

In last year’s Annual Report, I wrote of how Community Care Network quickly pivoted to adapt to the disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As I write this, 20 months after the onset of the pandemic, we now also face workforce shortages, supply chain issues, inflationary costs- the list goes on, as does the pandemic. This adversity is shared by virtually every health and human services organization. The upside is that not only did we successfully adapt, but we learned that doing things differently in some cases was better for the people we serve and our staff; for example, telehealth services. Through adversity came creativity and a determination to meet the needs in front of us. That is the theme of this annual report- Innovation and Resilience.

As our buildings came back to life and more staff returned for in-person services, you could see joy in our faces (even with a mask on) as we greeted each other personally- often for the first time in many months. The sense of community at Community Care Network was uplifting. Our staff are resilient and creative in their approaches to provide care and support They have stuck with CCN during this most unsettling time. I find it inspiring that despite the pressures and demands that each day presents, there is an unwavering commitment to provide the best care and level of service possible under whatever the circumstances.

While this annual report is a look back at the past year, we are really looking ahead. I don’t think that there will ever be a return to normal, at least as it was before the pandemic. Work has changed. Our perceptions of work and what matters have changed. And our expectations have changed, and that includes the expectations of the people we serve and care for. As individuals, we look at the world differently now; Community Care Network must do so also.

We recently established our strategic direction for the next three years, and have set some ambitious goals around workforce development and support, integrated care, better use of internal resources, and treatment innovations to name a few. But we also face unprecedented challenges amidst the effects of this long-term pandemic, with the workforce shortage likely to persist and strain existing human resources. Meeting these challenges requires us to be bolder in some of our approaches, and willing to change and adapt more quickly than what was demanded of us in the past. I am confident in CCN’s ability to do just that, and in our collective resolve.

I hope you will enjoy reading a sampling of all the great work here at Community Care Network. And please check out the video stories using your smart phone’s QR reader. Be well. Be kind.

Dick Courcelle Chief Executive Officer

Scan here to watch a video message for CEO, Dick Courcelle.

Our Team

Senior Leadership Team

Boards of Directors 2021

RUTLAND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Jay Slenker, Chair

Betsy Glynn, Vice Chair

Tim O’Connor, Secretary

Jim DiCosimo, Treasurer

Susanne Engels

Vanessa Tufts

Renee Bousquet

Ellie McGarry

Dick Courcelle

RUTLAND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Laird Covey, Chair

Mike McClallen, Vice Chair

Cindy Taylor-Patch, Secretary

Jim DiCosimo, Treasurer

Deb Quirk

Chris Keyser

A special thank you to

Lillian Jackson

Rick Hildebrant

Thelma Stoudt

Brian Kilcullen

Ron Holm

Rutland Mental Health Services’ Adult, Child & Family, and Developmental Services Standing Committees. The individuals serving on these committees offer valuable perspective, helping us provide the best possible services in our communities.

We thank our staff for their years of service and dedication.

5 years OF SERVICE

Charity Buggiani, Community Rehabilitation Treatment Program

Domenico Champine, Human Resources

Kaylee Derby, Project SEARCH

James DiCosimo, Finance

Katherine Harris, Early Childhood Services

Michael Hundt, Developmental Services

Joseph Gabcik, Developmental Services

Jamie Goodwin, CSID

Nancy Granger, Child & Family Services

Linda McIntire, Child & Family Services

Cathy McMullin, Community Rehabilitation Treatment Program

John McDonald, Developmental Services

Alexis Pennington, JOBS Program

Amelia Schroeder, CSID

Laurie Senecal, School Based Services

Denise Stockwell, Child & Family Outpatient Services

Laura Tadio, Community Rehabilitation Treatment Program

Kayla Thomas, Child & Family Services

Margaret Theys, Evergreen Substance Use Disorder & Treatment Services

10 years OF SERVICE

Mary Kathy Corey, Developmental Services

Sarah Dejong, Child & Family Services

Hillary Ward, Adult Mental Health Services

15 years OF SERVICE

Debra Congdon, Developmental Services

Christopher Chadwick - Evergreen Substance Use Disorder & Treatment Services

Karen Davis, Administrative Services

Lisa Goodrich, Early Childhood Services

Heather Shaw, Developmental Services

William Zilski, Developmental Services

20 years OF SERVICE

Krista Barbagallo, Brush, Child & Family Services

Natalie Brewster, Developmental Services

Judie Donahue, Rutland County Head Start

25 years OF SERVICE

Patricia Facey, RSVP & The Volunteer Center

30 years OF SERVICE

Laurie Wilbur, Finance

35 years OF SERVICE

Susan Warner, Developmental Services

Dick Courcelle, Chief Executive Officer

Jim DiCosimo, Chief Financial Officer

Lorraine Jenne, Chief Operations Officer

Laura Kass, Chief Services Officer

Dr. Judith Tietz, Medical Director

Developmental Services An Innovative Approach to Employment

CCN’s Developmental Services (formerly known as CAP) has a new name and a stronger focus on career development for its clients. The arm of the agency that supports children and adults with developmental disabilities has introduced a new structure, making Employment and Transition Services its own department, with its own dedicated staff. Previously, employment services were offered as part of a larger and more general program of community supports.

“We’ve tried to create more continuity and focus within our program, both for our direct support staff and the individuals we work with,” says Jess Nadeau, Program Manager for the newly formed department. “Historically, our direct support people have been pulled in too many different directions, with average caseloads of 17 people. Helping people find jobs was just one thing they did. With this new structure, our staff schedules are more secure, and there is more continuity for individuals we support. It gives us the ability to be more intentional.”

Staffing for the new program includes the addition of Career Development counselors, who will receive specialized training and carry caseloads of four to six people. A career ladder within the program offers a way to do employment supports without having an actual caseload, and the program also employs a number of fully trained “floaters” allowing greater flexibility. Evangeline Theodorou fills the newly-created role of Employment Supports Supervisor, giving the entire employment/transition team a single contact to report to.

“Traditionally, supervisors were out doing everything and there was a lot of confusion about who to go to,” says Evangeline. “Now there’s no more guessing. We’ve tried to minimize the chaos in the schedule.”

Another key piece of the department’s updated structure is the expansion of its Transition Services. Transition planning is the vehicle educators use to help students with developmental disabilities live as independently and self-sufficiently as possible after high school. A Transition Grant secured through the UMass Institute for Community Inclusion is helping fund these efforts in a big way. “That part of the college is very involved in disability services,” says Jess, “especially employment and transition. They received funding to work with different states in the nation. Vermont was selected because of our reputation and the work we’ve done in this area.”

The grant, awarded through the Vermont Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, gives the

agency roughly $250,000 over the next two years to support transition services and to build on an innovative pilot program introduced in 2019.

“We are redesigning the way we do transition services, based on the Supported Decision-Making pilot we developed with Fair Haven High School,” says Jess. “Under the old model, we would start in January or February of a student’s senior year, get to know the person, then find them a job. That’s not a huge amount of time. With the new model we’ll start as early as freshman or sophomore year, slowly move into their junior and senior year, and intentionally develop that transition plan. This way of serving them is extremely different, but will result in better outcomes for the students.”

Services include self-advocacy training, workplace readiness training, work experience, counseling in post-secondary opportunities, and job exploration. This first year the program is looking to enroll 6 students from Fair Haven High School, with a goal in the second year to add 6 more students from another area high school. Jess’s plan involves having all ten area high schools on board by year four, and serving 40 to 50 students over that period.

“We are creating a new normal for our staff and for the people we support,” says Jess. “We‘ve been in this place where, if we need to find somebody a job, then we move into job search mode. We should not be focused solely on job placement, but rather on building a career path that is driven by the long-term goals and dreams of the individuals we support.”

The program has established relationships with a number of Rutland County employers, including Applebee’s and Rutland Regional Medical Center, and is looking to build more partnerships throughout Rutland County. The current staffing shortage has opened doors for the agency with several new employers, and recently, Evangeline made a connection at Petco for an individual who loves animals. “It’s an amazing feeling to bring someone in for a job they really want.”

Jess Nadeau hopes that the enhancements being made to Employment & Transition Services can serve as a best practices model for other agencies looking to improve delivery of services.

“I get excited about making big changes. To be able to pave the way for the system itself, and make changes that are going to affect people right here in Vermont, and hopefully in other states – that is incredibly rewarding.”

Developmental Services clients shared their goals and dreams through an art project at the Summer 2021 Developmental Services Picnic.

Scan here to watch a video about Developmental Services at CCN.

at Work

This year, Community Care Network's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee started monthly Children's Story Hour. Story Hour aims to teach kids about themselves, each other, and the world around them through children's literature. Each month, clinicians select books that celebrate different cultures, family dynamics, abilities, and more!

Rutland Mental Health Services opened its newly renovated North Main Street Campus this year, which is home to the 24/7 Emergency Services Team, Vermont Outdoor Adventure Program, and the new Mobile Response & Stabilization Services.

Director of Evergreen Substance Use and Recovery Services, Clay Gilbert, chats with a guest about the recovery journey on PEG TV.

Community Care Network CEO Dick Courcelle tie-dyes a mask during an event hosted by Developmental Services.

Child & Family Clinicians, Chynah Boise (left) and Laqunda Nystrom (right) read children's books that recognize and celebrate Pride Month and LGBTQIA+ stories.

Rutland Mental Health Services' Child & Family Team joined the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Walk to Fight Suicide in Rutland.

Developmental Services staff have fun in the photo booth at the Developmental Services summer picnic.

Early Childhood Team member, Seana Lewis, shares her journey with perinatal and maternal mental health during the Climb Out of The Darkness fundraising event.

Director of Emergency Services, Loree Zeif, chats with a staff member and in the newly renovated Emergency Services space at 230 North Main Street.

RSVP & The Volunteer Center worked hard to bring joy to Rutland County children and families through their Operation Dolls & More Program. Each year, RSVP partners with 38 different organizations to distribute over 30,000 repaired and refurbished toys, books, blankets, and more. RSVP volunteers work year-round to refurbish and repair toys back to mint condition, make blankets, and even build furniture!

CCN staff hosted games and offered information at National Night Out in Rutland on August 3.

Director of Emergency Services, Loree Zeif (left) and Michelle Beaulieu (right) present a mental health workshop at Castleton Free Library

Early Childhood Services staff offer kids activities at Building Bright Futures' "Just Play, No Way!" event in June 2021.

RSVP Operation Dolls & More volunteers gather for a photo.

Evergreen Recovery Services Expands into Bennington County

For participants in Vermont’s Reach Up program, mental health, addiction and substance abuse can be significant obstacles in the path to financial independence. In Rutland County, Evergreen Recovery Services has established a strong and successful partnership with Reach Up, providing screenings, referrals, and support for program participants who are struggling to reach their goals. Now, thanks to an expanded contract and a state-funded grant, Reach Up participants in Bennington County can access Evergreen’s broad network of support for substance use disorders.

“This was a real compliment to our agency,” explains Clay Gilbert, Director of Evergreen Recovery Center. “The State was happy with how we were doing in Rutland, and they asked us if we wanted the contract.”

Maryah Thomas was hired just over a year ago to serve as Evergreen’s Bennington-based clinician/case manager. “It’s a bit different down there,” explains Clay. “Maryah is a licensed clinician. She does case management as well as most of the counseling. So in addition to providing assessments and making referrals, she can actually provide the treatment. She is very committed, and the staff in Bennington are very pleased.”

“This position is kind of like a best-kept secret,” says Maryah. “When I get a phone call from a case manager at Reach Up, I do the intake immediately. I do the assessment, I do the screening, I do everything right from start -- usually within a day or two. I think that’s key, because when people are ready for help, they can’t wait two or three months.”

Depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances, Maryah will sometimes make referrals to United Counseling Services, to their Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), or to other resources in

Bennington County. But she can also refer clients to Rutland Mental Health Services. “For a long time we were restricted to our own service area,” explains Clay Gilbert. “The use of technology and telehealth has changed all that. It gives people in the rest of the state access to more services. And that’s a good new normal.”

“Maryah is really doing a fabulous job,” says Shari Fenn, Maryah’s counterpart in Rutland County. “She is the perfect person. She’s done a great job of really connecting with that office, and the case managers, and getting all kinds of referrals and being very successful.”

Shari has been embedded as a case manager with the Reach Up program for nearly half of her 25 years with Evergreen/RMHS. “I have watched Reach Up do a really great job over the last 10 to 15 years – they’ve really evolved. It has always been about benefits for families, but now it’s more work-focused. Over time, we’ve seen that when people are properly supported, and get help working through their struggles, they are better able to meet their employment or educational goals.”

Maryah keeps an eye on her caseload as an indicator of how she is doing. “I have to look at the overall picture. There were 3 people enrolled in the program when I was hired and now there are 27. There are some I’ve discharged and there are 4 waiting to get in. Clearly I can look at the numbers and say that people are reaching out, they’re getting help.

“There are always two or three people who are really hitting all of their recovery goals and their life goals, and are doing well, they’ve graduated from Reach Up, they’re getting jobs, and that’s always really inspiring. You get sort of a vicarious boost when you see people knocking it out of the park.”

Maryah Thomas serves as Evergreen's Bennington-based clinician and case manager.

Scan to watch a video interview with Reach Up clinician, Maryah Thomas.

Early Head Start Development

Expanding High-Quality Early Care and Education for Infants & Toddlers

Rutland County Head Start is expanding its Early Care and Education Services to include infant and toddler care. The expanded program, will provide access to high-quality child care for children from birth until the age of 3, when they are eligible to transition into Head Start’s Pre-K program.

Director Elizabeth Brown explains the complex process. “We are doing two things side-by-side. First, we are working with Vermont’s Child Development Division on expanding our licensing to include infants and toddlers. That in itself involves many layers of approval. Second, we have applied for a conversion grant through Head Start, which would allow us to shift some of our current Head Start funded pre-K slots into Early Head Start slots. Infant and toddler slots essentially cost more due to lower ratios and more services provided including diapering, food and other basic necessities.”

The licensing process requires an environmental assessment, conducted by the State Fire Marshall, to ensure that the physical setting is safe and properly equipped. There is also a lengthy list of equipment and supplies, such as furniture, diapers, formula, and other things essential to serving infants and toddlers. An implementation plan must include a system for measuring impact and exploring continuous improvement.

“We also had to look at the needs of the community for infant and child care,” says Assistant Director Kelley Todriff. “Even before COVID-19, that need was very high. The pandemic has had a major impact on early learning programs and child care. Many programs that closed during the pandemic have yet to reopen or have announced permanent closures. We currently have 11 children on the waiting list for Early Head Start – these are existing Head Start families with siblings. We certainly have the children, and can quickly fill a classroom.”

The conversion process for the Head Start grant takes about three months once the application is submitted. The current program is funded for 117 preschool slots (age 3-5). As soon as the CDD licensing is in place, the plan is to open the program with an enrollment of (initially) 8 infants and toddlers -- funded with child care subsidies. “We could open with just that,” says Kelley. “Once the conversion is approved through the office of Head Start, then those slots can transition to be funded through Early Head Start.” The overall goal is to be able to convert slots and then expand even further with a second classroom of 8 infants and toddlers.

Aside from the long and complex application process, staffing remains the biggest obstacle. “COVID has impacted our staffing, and it still is,” says Elizabeth. “Workforce development is a major focus for us. We are armed with the ability to do a lot, but we can’t do it unless we have the staff.”

Following the general Head Start model, the Early Head Start program is a baseline of comprehensive services, with a focus on the “whole child." Services include early learning experiences, health and developmental screenings, nutritious food, parenting resources and support, and access to health, mental health, and social services.

Looking ahead to the future, Director Elizabeth Brown would like to see the program expand even further, to include prenatal care and education for pregnant women. “Our vision is to continue to grow specifically in the infant and toddler arena, and services for pregnant women and prenatal care would really have an impact on our community”.

“When you can influence and have an effect on a child’s progress at the early stages, the impact is substantial. There is a much greater chance of a positive outcome for that family.”

Head Start students dance and enjoy a concert by Moose Jr. to wrap up their summer program in partnership with the Vermont arts council.

Head Start Assistant Director, Kelley Todriff, helps with student crafts.

Scan the code to watch a video interview with Rutland County Head Start staff.

Lincoln Place Addressing Mental Health & Homelessness through Permanent Supportive Housing

There is new hope for those experiencing chronic homelessness in Rutland County, and it has an address: Lincoln Place.

Last fall, the Housing Trust of Rutland County announced their plan to purchase the former IHM School in downtown Rutland and transform it into 19 units of affordable housing. Lincoln Place will operate under the permanent supportive housing model, a proven solution to homelessness that pairs housing with on-site case management and mental health support. The $6.5M project is a collaborative effort between the Housing Trust, Rutland Mental Health Services, the Homeless Prevention Center, and Rutland Housing Authority.

“It was (retired HTRC Executive Director) Elizabeth Kulas who brought us all together,” recalls CCN Chief Services Officer, Laura Kass. “We talked about the fact that we wanted to create housing for people who were chronically homeless – essentially chronically mentally ill –with the least amount of barriers as possible, so that they could be successful in their housing. We talked about what a partnership might look like, with all the resources we bring to the table, and we all had the same vision.”

The four agencies went to work, outlining partner responsibilities, creating a vision statement, and providing input throughout the construction phase. “From the very beginning, there has been a deep

IT’S INSPIRING TO BE A PART OF A PROJECT THAT WILL HAVE SO MUCH IMPACT ON PEOPLE’S LIVES. IT’S ONE OF THE BEST PARTNERSHIPS I’VE EVER BEEN A PART OF. ” “

- Laura Kass, CNN Chief Services Officer

level of collaboration,” says Laura. “We all had thoughts, ideas and opinions about what the space should look like, and each person’s opinion mattered. It’s inspiring to be a part of a project that will have so much impact on people’s lives. It’s one of the best partnerships I’ve ever been a part of.”

The adult-only facility will be comprised of 7 one-bedroom, and 12 micro-units. 10 of those units will house individuals or couples who have been experiencing homelessness. The remaining 9 units are designated for the general income-eligible population. All residents will have access to on-site support and services.

continued on next page...

The former Immaculate Heart of Mary School on Lincoln Avenue now features 19 apartments, a community area, and laundry facilities.

As lead service partner, Rutland Mental Health Services is responsible for providing on-site case management and other supports for tenants. Kate Schirmer-Smith is Program Manager for Adult Outpatient Services, and is supervising the integration of supportive services.

“It is so hard for folks who maybe have had a difficult rental history, or maybe a criminal history, to even have a home, just to have a place to lay their head, to call their own. Part of the process has been to really work hard to make sure that the application process has more ease to it than what people are used to.”

The next step is to connect people with available resources. “A lot of the folks that we will be supporting have had pretty horrible experiences. Coming in homeless is traumatic enough, but many of them have complex service needs on top of that.”

Heather Curavoo is RMHS lead case manager at Lincoln Place. She has an office on-site and will be available 40 hours each week to assist tenants. Residents may seek her help addressing physical health, mental health, and substance use conditions, or assistance with other issues like applying for Social Security benefits or gaining employment. She also plans to provide different groups such as stress management, conflict resolution, or any other topic of interest to tenants.

“Heather is just a wealth of knowledge,” says Kate. “She really knows everything in this community that’s available for folks. And she has such a natural way of connecting with people and putting people at ease. I can’t think of a better person for this position.”

The vision for Lincoln Place is to create a vibrant living environment, where residents feel safe and supported, and part of the community as a whole. Kate describes that process of building community.

“One of the first steps, I really believe, is that we are not going to designate between tenants. We don’t want there to be any stigma attached. Heather is really there to provide support to everyone, whether they are a client of our agency or not.

“One of the most powerful things that builds a sense of community among people is making meals together and sitting and eating together. So, one of the things we’ve talked about starting out is offering a community dinner.

“Ultimately, we really want to involve the broader community. Maybe someone wants to come in and teach yoga, or come in and play music. Or maybe there are tenants who have special interests or talent. There’s a gymnasium, with a basketball court. And the stage is still there. So there’s plenty of space for people to come together and do just about any kind of enjoyable activity.”

“Everyone deserves a home,” says Kate. “Other good, positive things can really happen for people when they have a place to call home.”

“This is really going to help folks who have struggled with homelessness get into a supportive environment that can be their forever home,” says Laura Kass. “Getting housed and staying housed. That’s what Lincoln Place is all about.”

THIS IS REALLY GOING TO HELP FOLKS WHO HAVE STRUGGLED WITH HOMELESSNESS GET INTO A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT THAT CAN BE THEIR FOREVER HOME. ”

- Laura Kass

Scan the code to take a video tour and learn more about Lincoln Place.

This mural by local artist LMNOPI is one of the many welcoming features that makes Lincoln Place feel like home.

Mobile Response and Stabilization Services A New Crisis Intervention for Children and

Teens

Too many children are making unnecessary trips to hospital emergency rooms with mental health issues. It’s a growing concern across the country, here in Vermont, and particularly in Rutland County. The pandemic has only made it worse. But what choice does a parent have, when their child appears to be spiraling toward a crisis? A new Mobile Response program being piloted in Rutland County offers muchneeded home and community-based intervention services for children and families in need of support and stabilization, and a diversion from the emergency department.

CCN’s new Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, or MRSS, began service provision in Rutland County in September, funded by a grant from the Vermont Department of Mental Health. Working in tandem with the Crisis Services team, MRSS is designed to support families during the early stages of crisis and to help prevent situations from escalating toward emergency levels.

Rutland County was selected to pilot the program because, on average, more young people visit the hospital emergency room with mental health issues here than in other parts of the state. Those visits often become extended stays as children wait for treatment.

“When a child is waiting in the emergency room, that’s really not a therapeutic environment,” says Doug Norford, Director of Child and Family Services. “It’s a safe environment – and that’s got to be a priority – but a kid is not getting treatment. So this was seen as a way of potentially getting families the support they need, when they need it, and not hospitalizing kids unnecessarily.”

When fully staffed, the new program will have three separate mobile response teams, each made up of a clinician and a case manager or peer support person. The team will provide in-home assessment, deescalation, crisis planning and resource referral to help a family access the most appropriate services. A key component to rolling out the new program is educating the community on the distinction between Mobile Response and Crisis Response.

“From our perspective, when a person is in imminent danger of hurting themselves or others – that is how we define an emergency. That is the criteria for hospitalization. So, we want to get to the child’s home,

we want to talk to the family, we want to see what their resources are for being able to manage that situation, and we want to assess the child’s ability to manage that, develop a safety plan with them, and provide ongoing communication.”

Information sheets have been distributed to schools, physicians, DCF, and other community partners, and a brochure is in the works to provide to families. Norford says that process will take some time, but in the interim the two programs will support each other seamlessly.

“We’ve tried to set it up so that there are no wrong doors. We’ve had a couple of situations where families have called us directly, but most have come through Crisis, or been referred by an internal staff member. I think the families really appreciate the immediate response, and also that we come out to their homes.”

Nationwide labor shortages and recruiting difficulties have posed staffing challenges for the new program, but the intent is to expand services and hours over time, to effectively serve every corner of Rutland County.

“A lot depends upon how well we staff ourselves. We are modeling this program after others around the country with successful outcomes. Our hope is that Mobile Response will be a well-used program with good outcomes for our Rutland County families, and will become a mainstay of our programming.”

Rutland County families in need of immediate support can call the Mobile Response team at (802) 345-3080.

Scan here to watch a video about Mobile Response and Stabilization Services.

(From left to right) Becky Day, Manager; Hannah Shirley, Clinician; Lyss Eaton, Case Manager

STAMPP Grant Leading Community-wide Care for Mothers & Babies

For new and expecting parents, the perinatal period can be a time of great joy and positive expectations. But for many, it can bring dramatic mood changes and other mental health challenges. Depression and anxiety are among the most common complications related to pregnancy, affecting some 1 in 7 childbearing women. Additionally, around 1 in 10 men experience paternal postpartum depression. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, or PMADs, is the term used to describe these feelings of distress, and it is the focus of a five-year STAMPP grant awarded to CCN’s Early Childhood Mental Health team.

A program of the Vermont Department of Health and Department of Mental Health, STAMPP is an acronym for Screening, Treatment, and Access for Mothers and Perinatal Partners. The overarching goal of the program and its federally-funded grant is to improve the mental health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum women and their partners through increased access to treatment and recovery support

Scan here to learn more about the STAMPP grant and perinatal mental health.

services. The grant has enabled CCN’s Early Childhood Services team to establish and pilot a broad portfolio of new programs, resources, and therapy groups for new and expecting parents in Rutland County.

Lauren Norford is the Manager of Early Childhood Services. She explains how her agency took a collaborative approach with this grant. “Some designated agencies used the grant to fund internal programming, but we have been spreading it out throughout the county to other providers. We decided to train as many people as we could to be able to understand more about perinatal depression, and know how to refer parents to receive proper support.”

Online training was offered through an organization called Postpartum Support International and involved a 2-day curriculum designed for a broad range of professionals including doctors, nurses, nurse managers, social workers and mental health providers. In addition

continued on next page...

RMHS Early Childhood Team hosted a Rutland Area Climb Out of Darkness walk to raise awareness and funds for perinatal mental health support in the Rutland Area.

to Rutland Mental Health Services staff, participants included representatives from Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland Women’s Health, Rutland County Head Start, VNAHSR, Community Health Centers, and the Rutland office of the Department of Health, as well as a number of clinicians in private practice, and the director of Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum. So far, 45 people have received training.

“What’s nice about having all these community partners trained, is that everyone’s got a common language, and we’re kind of rowing together on improving access for parents in Rutland County.”

The Mothers and Babies Program is one of the largest collaborations to come out of this community-wide training. Mothers and Babies is an evidence-based program for pregnant women and new parents to help manage stress and prevent postpartum depression, and it is accessible through five different agencies in Rutland County, including Children’s Integrated Services, Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of the Southwest Region, and Rutland County Head Start. A dropin support group led by trained M&B facilitators meets weekly at Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum.

The Circle of Security Parenting group is another evidence-based intervention, provided by Lauren’s Early Childhood team. These support groups focus on a number of responsive parenting themes, including the importance of infant attachment as a protection against postpartum depression.

“The overall goal was to come up with a menu of services, so that a person who was experiencing any kind of distress in the perinatal period could find something that could be supportive,” says Lauren. Currently, that menu includes everything from community-based

support groups and peer mentoring, like Mothers and Babies, to more specialized treatment options and 1:1 counseling through the RMHS Adult Outpatient department.

“The other really positive outcome of this grant is the way we have built a close working relationship between our Early Childhood and our Adult Outpatient teams,” says Lauren. “These were two teams that were never tied together before. We have worked really closely together, particularly during the pandemic, around getting services to parents, and now several of our staff in Adult Outpatient have received training in perinatal mental health.”

Lori Brown-Stone is one of the RMHS Adult Outpatient clinicians who received specialized training in therapies including Mothers and Babies, Grief and Loss for Maternal Mental Health, and EMDR Trauma Treatment for Maternal Mental Health. She uses the Mothers and Babies curriculum as the basis for her Mom’s Therapy Group, for mothers experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety.

Prior to this grant, says Lauren, there were very few resources in Rutland County supporting perinatal mental health. Now in year four, the program is reaching its stride, and still expanding. Coming soon: a peer mentoring program, along with a support group for parents experiencing grief and loss in relation to pregnancy and infancy.

“We are right on the cusp of being known for all of the things we offer. Our new brochure is being sent home with every new baby from the hospital, and that’s really exciting. We want parents to know that mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy is just as important as physical health. It would be wonderful if every new parent got to do Mothers and Babies, as a matter of course.”

Seana Lewis (left), Lauren Norford (center) and Laura Kass (right) welcome community members to the Rutland Area Climb Out of The Darkness Walk.

from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021

Survey Data from

July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021

Those who said they received the help they needed

Those who said that RMHS Staff treated them with respect

Those who said the services were right for them

Those who said the services made a difference and improved their quality of life

About Community Care Network

Community Care Network is comprised of Rutland Mental Health Services and Rutland Community Programs. The mission of CCN is to enhance the health and well-being of our communities, individuals and families through responsive, innovative and collaborative services. The programs of Community Care Network serve more than 3,000 people each year throughout Rutland County. The dedicated staff of Community Care Network are focused on improving the health and well-being of Rutland County residents and their families living with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders. A list of programs appears below. For more information about the wide range of comprehensive services at CCN, please visit our website at www.rmhsccn.org.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Behavioral Health services at Community Care Network focus on personcentered, evidence-based practices designed to help people thrive within their communities. Rutland Mental Health Services offers a range of Child & Family, Adult Outpatient, Substance Use, and Residential services and programs. Our dedicated staff of caring professionals has been trained to meet federal, state and other accreditation requirements for professional development.

Adult Services

Community Rehabilitation and Treatment: Comprehensive services using a multi-disciplinary treatment team approach for adults with severe mental illness. CRT offers a wide range of support options to help people remain integrated in their communities, while building strategies to live more independent and satisfying lives.

Vocational Opportunity Works: Supported employment services to individuals with mental health and co- occurring disorders.

Outpatient Treatment: Individual and group therapy includes daily stabilization group, women seeking safety group, weekly aftercare group and anger management group, psychiatric evaluations and medication management.

Eldercare: Outreach mental health services to homebound elders, including clinical assessment and case management.

Emergency Crisis Services: Available 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-aweek, providing emergency supportive counseling by telephone or in person. If you or someone you know is in distress or experiencing a crisis, call (802) 775-1000 and a Crisis Clinician will be able to support you.

Integrated Clinical Case Management: Provides mental health services to adults experiencing emotional or behavioral distress severe enough to disrupt their lives, who are medical patients at the Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region, but who do not meet eligibility criteria for Community Rehabilitation and Treatment services.

Substance Use Disorders Services: Substance abuse treatment services, including alcohol and drug assessments for individuals age 12 and older. Includes Outpatient treatment, Intensive Outpatient Program-Adult (Quitting Time), Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program (Rutland County and weekend program available in Telehealth.), Case Management, Rocking Horse Program, Rutland County Treatment Court(Federal Drug Court), Collaboration with Reach Up, Healthy Women’s Program and Elder SUD Services.

Crisis Stabilization and Inpatient Diversion: Short-term stays for adults with acute psychiatric symptoms to help avoid the need for a higher level of care such as an inpatient psychiatric hospital or to serve as a step-down from inpatient psychiatric care to prepare for a return to community-based support.

MapleWood Recovery Residence: Supervised and supported recovery intervention services in a residential location for adults in the early stages of recovery.

Welcome Home: A joint program of Rutland Mental Health Services (RMHS) and The Homeless Prevention Center (HPC) of Rutland County, providing housing and support services utilizing the Housing First model to people who experience chronic homelessness.

Child and Family Services

Early Childhood: Mental health services and supports for children (birth to age 6), adolescents and families that promote mental health; prevention services to reduce risk factors and increase resiliency and protective factors; and comprehensive intervention and treatment services to children and youth with serious social, emotional and mental health needs.

School-Based: In-school clinicians provide mental health services including family therapy, case management, substance abuse counseling, and daily one-on-one behavioral intervention and skills building in many Rutland County schools to support academic success.

Outpatient and Case Management: For children birth to age 18 and their families, psychotherapy (individual, family, group), case management, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management for mental health, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders.

Intensive Family Based Services: Intensive, home-based services to children at risk of removal from their home due to emotional or behavioral problems and also when there is a reunification of a child back home from an out-of-home placement.

Respite: Short-term support and relief to families of children and adolescents with significant mental health issues.

Vermont Outdoor Adventure Program: Therapeutic skill-building and experiential learning activities provided in a wilderness setting.

J.O.B.S. (Youth Transitional Services): Youth ages 14-26 are helped to overcome employment barriers, sustain healthy relationships, and manage the issues of day-to-day living.

Rapid Response: Immediate community- based supports to children returning home following a crisis assessment or a hospital/ residential placement.

Wraparound and ABA Program: Applied behavior analysis services for children on the autism spectrum.

Mobile Response & Stabilization Services: Mobile Response & Stabilization Services provides families with the mental, emotional, and behavioral health support they need to safely manage a crisis or another challenging situation before it reaches emergency levels. Within an hour of contacting Mobile Response, a case manager and clinician will meet you at your home or another location of your choosing. Mobile Response is on-call Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. You can access services by calling (802) 345-3080.

DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES

Developmental services at Community Care Network provides an array of comprehensive, person-centered supports and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

Service Coordination: Assists individuals in planning, developing, accessing, coordinating and monitoring supports and services.

Home Supports:

Supervised Living: Supports provided to individuals who live in their own home/apartment or that of a family member.

Staffed Living: 24-hour supports provided to one or two adults living in their own home/apartment.

Group Living: 24-hour supports for four adults living in our licensed group home.

Shared Living: Supports provided to one or two individuals living in the home of a shared living provider.

Health Services Coordination: Nurse Consultants help coordinate and monitor health care for individuals receiving staffed, group, or shared living supports.

Respite Supports: Provide family members and shared living providers a break in caring for an individual.

Community Supports: Assist adults to develop skills and social connections through volunteering, recreation, leisure, and educational opportunities.

Employment Services: Assist adults to obtain and sustain competitive employment and achieve career goals.

Project SEARCH: Workplace immersion program for students with intellectual disabilities in last year of high school or young adults that helps them learn skills and obtain competitive employment through collaboration with DS, the Rutland School district, Rutland Regional Medical Center, and Voc Rehab.

College Steps: Supports students living with social, communication, or learning challenges to make successful transitions into college life at Castleton University while learning new skills and preparing for meaningful careers. College Steps Residential program provides a

unique support model to select students. Two students are supported by a professional roommate in a 3 bedroom apartment to develop independent living skills while attending Castleton University.

Clinical Services: Access to psychiatric services, therapies, behavioral consultation, and other clinical supports.

Crisis Services: Support for individuals who are experiencing a psychiatric, behavioral, emotional, or medical crisis.

Transportation: Reimbursement for mileage to access community supports. Assistance for individuals requiring an accessible vehicle to acquire and maintain accessible transportation.

Bridge Care Coordination: Support for families to access and coordinate needed services and resources for children up to age 22.

Family Managed Respite: Provides families with a break from caring for their child with a disability up to age 21.

Flexible Family Funding: Available to families to support their child or adult family member to live at home.

Specialized Services in a nursing facility: Services for individuals 18 years old and older living in a nursing facility who need additional social, behavioral, or communication supports related to their disability beyond the scope of the nursing facility.

Choices for Care Adult Family Care: A 24-hour shared living option for individuals at least 18 years old who meet clinical criteria for nursing home level of care.

RUTLAND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

One-2-One: Volunteer drivers provide essential services transportation to adults 60+. More information at www.volunteersinvt.org/service/ rsvp-telecare-program.

Green Mountain Foster Grandparents: Volunteers provide mentoring and role modeling for children of all ages in a variety of educational settings throughout Rutland, Bennington, and Addison Counties. These intergenerational relationships enrich both the volunteers and the children they serve. More information at www. volunteersinvt.org/green-mountain-foster-grandparent-program.

RSVP and The Volunteer Center: Provides individuals of all ages with a variety of interesting and diverse volunteer opportunities throughout Rutland and Addison County in over 150 non-profit agencies. Our locally-designed Signature Programs, RSVP Bone Builders and RSVP Operation Dolls and More, also respond to the needs of our communities. More information at www.rchsccn.org.

Early Care and Education / Rutland County Head Start: Our 5-STAR, NAEYC-accredited, early care and education programs prepare children and families for a successful school experience through comprehensive, integrated, family-centered services. Comprehensive programming integrates successful learning, medical, dental and mental health support; social services; and parent engagement for income-eligible, preschool-age children and their families. More information at www.rchsccn.org.

Human Resources staff are all smiles at the Developmental Services Annual Picnic.