CHD FY20 Impact Report

Positively life changing

FY20 IMPACT REPORT

RESILIENT

CHD

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A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO JIM GOODWIN Dear friend friend of ofCHD, CHD, the Center forfor Human Development’s 20202020 Impact I’m pleased pleased to topresent presentyou youwith with the Center Human Development’s Impact a dataand story-driven of our organization’s lifeReport, aReport, data- and story-driven account ofaccount our organization’s life-changing work changing with and adults, children and families across western with adults,work children, families across western Massachusetts andMassachusetts Connecticut. and Connecticut.

I hopeyou, it atbuilds onceyour informs builds your trust in outcomes the I hope it at once informs trust you, in the effectiveness and effectiveness and outcomes ourinspires fulfillment of become our mission, inspires of our fulfillment of our mission,of and you to moreand involved withyou to become more involved with CHD. I’m more confident that we’ve never done safety, more CHD. I’m confident that we’ve never done to support our communities’ to support communities’ safety, stability and entering preparedness to2021, thrive—and stability andour preparedness to thrive—and yet upon the year we are no yet upon entering 2021, wedaunting are no doubt staring down one of human the most doubt staring downthe oneyear of the most environments for equitable daunting for equitable human in our lifetimes. success inenvironments our lifetimes. Today, more than ever, success your partnership makes a Today, world of more thanfor ever, yourfor partnership makes a world of difference uscloser and for difference us and those we serve.

I hope this report will drawfor you to us those we serve.

I hope this report will draw you closer to us and to our mission. and to our mission.

2020 wasgoing goingtotobe bea ayear year transformation for CHD before the global 2020 was of of transformation for CHD eveneven before the global pandemic hit with a seismic impact in late March. Of course no organization pandemic hit with a seismic impact in late March. Of course no organization has has been spared serious challenge from COVID-19, and CHD is no different, yet been spared serious challenge from COVID-19, and CHD is no different, yet I’m I’m extremely proud of the way that our people and our organization have not extremely proud of the way that our people and our organization have not only only withstood the virus’s worst, but also continued to advance significant withstood the virus’s worst, but also continued to advance significant initiatives initiatives outside the realm of COVID, steps forward that are going to benefit outside the realm of COVID, steps forward that are going to benefit CHD and those CHD and those we serve long after we’ve emerged from the COVID crisis. we serve long after we’ve emerged from the COVID crisis.

Resilience is a quality we celebrate and try to impart, where we can, in much of Resilience is a quality we celebrate and try to impart, where we can, in much of our our work, and our own organization has demonstrated remarkable resilience in work, andof our own challenge. organization has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face the face great of great challenge.

COVID-19 hit hard. Across the organization, we were forced to adapt to its COVID-19inhita hard. the organization, we included were forced to adapt to its realities realities very Across short period of time. That rapidly transitioning in a very short period of time.

That included rapidly transitioning services services from in-person to remote, equipping our team and those wefrom serve in-person to remote, equipping ourin team those we serve with be appropriate with appropriate protective gear our and programs that cannot made virtual, protective protocols gear in ourtoprograms thathigh cannot be made virtual, is adjusting protocols adjusting ensure that quality of services maintained evento ensurethe that high quality services is maintained evendelivery amid theofchallenges of the amid challenges ofof the pandemic, and shifting services as pandemic, and shifting delivery of services as needed to accommodate the ways in which COVID affected the mental health and wellbeing of those we serve. We needed to accommodate the ways in which COVID mental health and wellbeing of thoseWhere we serve. developed and affected deployedthe a new telehealth counseling program, You We Are, in developed and deployed new telehealthfrom counseling program, You Are, record time, and adjusted record time, and adjustedaprogramming the Berkshires to Where Connecticut to in maintain critical supports as our entire programming from thethe Berkshires to its Connecticut to maintain critical supports as our our services entire society grappled with the virus society grappled with virus and impact. Through it all, we have sustained and mission, our workforce, and Through it all, we have sustained our services and mission, our workforce, and our financial stability. and its ourimpact. financial stability.

Our Community Our stakeholders stakeholders and and our ourcommunity communityplayed playedaavery verysignificant significantpart partininthat thatcontinuing continuingstability. stability.The The Community Foundation Foundation of of Western WesternMassachusetts Massachusettsstepped steppedininheroically heroicallywith with$115,000 $115,000ininfunding fundingtotoCHD CHDand andprograms programssuch suchas asFamily Outreach of Amherst, with those sourcedsourced locally and from thefrom statewide Massachusetts COVID-19COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Family Outreach of Amherst, withmonies those monies locally and the statewide Massachusetts Relief

Fund.

Our own COVID-19 emergency appeal raised almost $25,000 including contributions from many of you. Additional financial from state and federal relief efforts has also helpedcontributions us weather the storm.

While we still have Our own assistance COVID-19 emergency appeal raised almost $25,000 including from many of you.

Additional significant financial concerns ahead, especially as the longer-term economic drain begins to more deeply affect state financial assistance from state and federal relief efforts has also helped us weather the storm. While we still have budgets, we are financially stable and positioned to continue delivering important impact across programs, services and significant financial concerns ahead, especially as the longer-term economic drain begins to more deeply affect state geographies. budgets, we are financially stable and positioned to continue delivering important impact across programs, services and geographies.

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a year's overview

WHERE WE ARE NOW We’ve accomplished a lot this year even beyond responding We’ve accomplished a lot this year even beyond responding to COVID-19. We have continued to broaden our scope of to COVID-19.

We have tothe broaden ourValley, scopebuilding of recovery services upcontinued and down Pioneer recovery services up and down the Pioneer Valley, building new new residential programming and adding to our substanceresidential programming andinadding to ourWe substance-use use treatment capabilities our clinics. continue to scale up our work oninhomelessness housing in many treatment capabilities our clinics. Weand continue to scale up geographies.

In Connecticut, we relocated a residential mental-health program to a newly our work on homelessness and housing in many geographies. historic building ainresidential Hartford and, with the embrace Waterbury community, Inrenovated Connecticut, we relocated mental-health program of to our a newly renovated historic building rebounded from a devastating fire at our Hospitality Center. Our Innovative Care Partners venture in Hartford and, with the embrace of our Waterbury community, rebounded from a devastating fire at our with Gandara Center and ServiceNet continues to play a key role in reaching thousands of people Hospitality Center. Our Innovative Care Partners venture with Gandara Center and ServiceNet continues who need significant health and wellness support and coordinating their needs and care. At the to play a keylevel, role in thousands people who need significantfor health and wellness support and corporate wereaching continue to build aofmore robust infrastructure compliance as well as health coordinating their needs and care.

At the corporate level, we continue to build a more robust infrastructure and outcomes data and analysis, two areas in which we aim to be regional leaders. We also for compliance as website well as health and outcomes data and analysis, two areas which we aim be brand launched a new in June with best-in-class functionality and the in first stages of atonew for CHD.leaders. We also launched a new website in June with best-in-class functionality and the first regional stages of a new brand for CHD. We shared in the deep concern about racial justice in America in the wake of the death of George Floyd, and convened a series of responses to ensure CHD is maintaining its position as a fair and We shared in the deep concern about racial justice in America in the wake of the death of George Floyd, equitable employer and force in the community. CHD is taking a close look at its practices for and convened a series of responses to ensure CHD is maintaining its position as a fair and equitable engaging staff and people served of all backgrounds, and advancing discussions and actions employer andorganization force in the community.

CHD is taking a close look at practicesissues for engaging staffbeen and around the to ensure we respond appropriately toits important that have people served of all backgrounds, and advancing discussions and actions around the organization to brought to the forefront. ensure we respond appropriately to important issues that have been brought to the forefront.

Finally, I want to update you on several changes on our senior leadership team. We were thrilled to welcome Nicole Gagne ason our new Chief Operating Officerleadership in late 2019, when moved on to Finally, I want to update you several changes on our senior team.

WeLois wereNesci thrilled to Gandara.Nicole Jennifer O’Brien became ourOperating new ChiefOfficer Information Officer in March, continuing a to long welcome Gagne as our new Chief in late 2019, when Lois Nesci moved on career in health IT from her time at BHN and Baystate Health. Felicity Hardee, who has advised us on Gandara. Jennifer O’Brien became our new Chief Information Officer in March, continuing a long career legal and regulatory issues for years, joined us full-time in June as Chief Compliance Officer. in health IT from her time at BHN and Baystate Health. Felicity Hardee, who has advised us on legal and Tammy Nothe-Hebert is our new Vice President of Disability and Elder Services and Freda Driscollregulatory issues years, joined of us Compliance. full-time in June Chief Compliance Officer.

Tammy Nothe-Hebert is Sbar is our new for Vice President Foras more info on these new leaders, please visit our new Vice President of Disability and Elder Services and Freda Driscoll-Sbar is our new Vice President of chd.org.

Compliance. For more info on these new leaders, please visit chd.org.

Despite the immense challenges that the year brought, I have never been more confident in the impactthe and effectiveness of our fulfillment our mission CHD. Speaking for the entire Despite immense challenges that the year of brought, I have here neverat been more confident in the impact organization, we of are deeply appreciative of the way supported throughout, and we we are and effectiveness our fulfillment of our mission here atyou CHD.have Speaking for theus entire organization, hope you will find inspiration in the stories and accomplishment that follow. deeply appreciative of the way you have supported us throughout, and we hope you will find inspiration in the stories and accomplishment that follow.

Sincerely, Sincerely,

Jim Goodwin President/CEO Jim Goodwin President/CEO

Our team of clinicians, social workers, and direct care professionals address the mental, physical, and environmental needs of 27,000 people each year.

CHD takes COVID-19 safety very seriously. Please be advised that some of the photos shared in this publication pre-date the pandemic.

CHD

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Meet Corey

A LASTING IMPACT When Corey Smith was about 15, she ran into some behavioral trouble that led her through a series of residential treatment programs in her journey to find the help she needed. She'd been kicked out of four schools, and had difficulty following rules across the board. A large part of the problem, she'd soon learn, was rooted in a combination of underlying mental health conditions.

As Corey experienced a few different secure residential treatment programs that were available at the time, the program she found herself in at CHD was ultimately the one that helped her change the course of her path for the better—a path she’s continued to follow 15 years later.

“Out of all the group homes I was in, CHD’s was the most attentive. They didn’t just focus on my behavior; I had mental health issues and they were very attentive to those as well,” Corey said. “I have to say they helped me a lot. It opened doors for me and helped my family realize I wasn’t just acting out. They realized there was a deep-rooted problem.”

The lessons Corey learned from the program have become lifelong foundations for how she lives, and how she helps raise her two daughters and her stepdaughter. She remembers them all clearly, especially one occurrence that Corey recalls as a turning point in her journey: an instance when another individual in the program rose to strike a physical altercation with Corey. At the height of the situation, Corey remembers stopping herself before swinging, and instead putting her hands up in surrender. She remembers it vividly as the first time she was able to control herself.

“I was a person who was very quick to use my hands and not my words—that’s why I was there. I needed to learn that wasn’t okay,” Corey said. “For the first time I was able to control myself. That was the first time I ever walked away from a fight. The program did that for me. It changed me for the better.”

The program also helped Corey learn that in order to get better she had to realize she needed help and also learn how to ask for it. Equally as important, she learned that there are people and places in the world, like those at CHD, whose mission is to offer that type of help. "If you fight it, it’s just going to fight you,” Corey affirms. “To take it on, you really need to surrender to help and accept it.”

CHD has been recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families as a leader in youth-driven permanency planning and goal tracking.

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Meet Ben

GIVING IT YOUR ALL For over 11 years, Ben Eastman has participated in multiple competitive adaptive sports through CHD’s All In: Barrier-Free Recreation (formerly named Disability Resources). More recently, Ben’s focus has been primarily on All In’s Adaptive CrossFit program and competitive sled hockey team in partnership with the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Similar to “stand-up hockey” in terms of concept and rules, sled hockey is an exciting ice sport through which individuals with physical disabilities can enjoy the great sport of hockey. Instead of standing up to skate, participants sit on their skates using an adaptive sled, which is affixed with two skate blades, and use two shortened hockey sticks with a blade on one end and a pick on the other to propel themselves across the ice.

Ben serves as the goalie for the Thunderbirds Sled Hockey adult travel team during the season, and he does Adaptive CrossFit to further his training for sled hockey. Ben also attends sled hockey goalie camps and gathers insight he uses to help coach his daughter who is able bodied and plays on the Thunderbirds recreational sled hockey team.

"Sled Hockey gives me an outlet from life’s trouble and helps me find peace in my injury, and CrossFit helps me feel like I’m training to be a better goalie for my team,” Ben said. "If I can’t do something, it’s because I am either inexperienced or I didn’t train hard enough—it’s not all about how my disability slowed me down.”

Along with the enjoyment Ben finds in training and playing with the team, he said he also enjoys the sense of community he feels being among other people who may have shared or similar experiences.

"I recommend other injured or disabled people get into an activity where they can communicate with other disabled people,” Ben said. “When you’re having trouble you can always talk to somebody who’s really been there. What works for them may not work for you, but in your conversation you can find something that will make your day better.”

All In serves an average of 500 people each year.

Thanks to contributions by generous donors, children and adults have access to nearly 20 program offerings.

CHD

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Meet Laura and Raymond

PROVEN RESULTS

When was 7 years old,old, he began exhibitWhenLaura’s Laura’sson sonRaymond Raymond was 7 years he began intense anger when his After being ing signsexhibiting of intensesigns angerofwhen his parents divorced. parents divorced.

After being connected to an connected to an outpatient therapist and medication provider outpatient therapist and medication provider through CHD, Laura looked within the organizationthrough when it was CHD, Laura looked within the organization when it was time to find a Therapeutic Mentor and In-Home Therapy clinician time to find a Therapeutic Mentor and In-Home Therapy clinician for her son. for her son.

Part of CHD’s Children’s Behavioral Therapy services, In-Home Therapy and Therapeutic Mentoring offer a Part of CHD’s Children’s Behavioral Therapyto services, In-Home Therapy and Mentoring offer a flexible flexible model that brings vital services children and adolescents in Therapeutic need of behavioral and emotional model that brings vital own services to children and adolescents in need of flexibility behavioral and emotional support right in support right in their homes and communities.

For Laura, this has helped her ensure Raymond can consistently get theFor support he needs while balances bothRaymond of their busy schedules. get their own homes and communities.

Laura, this flexibility has she helped her ensure can consistently the support he needs while she balances both of their busy schedules.

Laura says that Raymond used to put up a lot of resistance when it came to his mental health, but he’d never been that way with his Therapeutic Mentor Deveron McCummings. Having worked with Deveron and Laura says that Raymond used to put up a lot of resistance when it came to his mental health, but he’d never the CHD team for a number of years, Laura and Raymond were able reduce his need for more intensive been that way with his Therapeutic Mentor Deveron McCummings. Having worked with Deveron and the CHD services. team for a number of years, Laura and Raymond were able reduce his need for more intensive services.

“Raymond is so proud of his progress, and so am I,” Laura said. “I’ve seen him grow into a very well“Raymond is so proud his Iprogress, and sothat am I,” Laura said.

“I’ve a seen intoHe’s a very well-rounded rounded young man,of and really can say Deveron played big him partgrow in that. been a great help for ourman, family.” young and I really can say that Deveron played a big part in that. He’s been a great help for our family.”

Deveronworks workswith witha a range youth between ages 9 and to them help them buildinskills inlike areas like Deveron range of of youth between the the ages of 9 of and 16 to 16 help build skills areas interperinterpersonal communication, problem solving and conflict resolution. sonal communication, problem solving and conflict resolution.

“The is is when I I “The most mostrewarding rewardingaspect aspectofofthis thisjob job when get one ofof my kids and getan anunscheduled unscheduledcall callfrom from one my kids and they’re ofof success they’re excited excitedabout abouthaving havingsome sometype type success that day or that That me justgoosegives me that day or that week.

Thatweek. just gives goosebumps every time it happens—knowing bumps every time it happens—knowing they got they got home and told their parent or home and told their parent or guardian, ‘Iguardian, want to ‘I want to call Mr. Deveron, I have to tell him call Mr. Deveron, I have to tell him something.’ That something.’ That right there is the payoff.” right there is the payoff.”

"When we we get get a a referral referral for for a a particularly particularly “When difficult difficult youth youth in in need need of of aa Therapeutic Therapeutic Mentor, Mentor, itit goes goes to to Deveron.

Deveron. IfIf anyone anyone can can reach reach aa kid, kid, it’s it's him.” him" -Sue Sullivan, Sullivan, Program Program Director Director -Sue CHD CHD Children’s Children's Behavioral Behavioral Therapy Therapy Services services.

762 children received In-Home Therapy and Therapeutic Mentor services throughout communities in Western Massachusetts.

CHD

Meet Janet

FINDING STABILITY There were a a series series of ofdifficult difficultevents eventsthat thatresulted resulted in Janet experiencing homelessness, beginning in Janet experiencing homelessness, beginning with an escape escape from from aa domestic domesticviolence violencesituation situation with an and continuing on with very limited resources thereafter. and continuing on with very limited resources thereafter.

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CHD's diversion team is the first point of contact for Emergency Assistance (EA) eligible families who have no access to housing. CHD's total diversion rate is steady at 45%, which means nearly half of those families went without ever needing the last resort of a shelter.

In the fall of 2019, Janet felt the ground had been pulled out from under her. Along with her then boyfriend (now young songround and another on the way, the growing werewith given that In the husband), fall of 2019, her Janet felt the had been pulled out from underfamily her. Along hershort then notice boyfriend their arrangement would fall through, and they didn’t know where they would turn next. (now living husband), her young son and another on the way, the growing family were given short notice that their living arrangement would fall through, and they didn’t know where they would turn next.

“We were saving up money at the time but just didn’t have enough to get an apartment right away. We needed help, and I didn’t know what to do,” Janet said. “We were trying really, really hard to get everything “We were but saving up wasn’t moneyenough at the time but just didn’t have enough to get an apartment right away. We together, it just time.” needed help, and I didn’t know what to do,” Janet said. “We were trying really, really hard to get everything Along their journey Janet and her time.” family traversed a few shelter placements while simultaneously working together, but it just wasn’t enough to step back into their careers and care for their young children. Early on the following year, they found a placement that allowed them to stabilize with support from CHD and other local resources while they Along their journey a few shelter placements simultaneously working worked toward theirJanet plansand for her the family future.traversed By the next month, they felt securewhile enough to sign a lease on a to step back into their careers and care for their children.

Earlywere on the following they found new apartment that was entirely their own.

Janetyoung and her husband able to find year, a reliable vehicle to get them to and work,them they to got married, and took important to begin next chapter. a placement thatfrom allowed stabilize with support from CHD steps and other localtheir resources while they worked toward their plans for the future. By the next month, they felt secure enough to sign a lease on a "At first we felt like we both failed. We needed to heal,” Janet said. “Being in the space that we needed to, newdid apartment that was entirely their Janet her husband were able to stagnant, find a reliable to we flourish. Things did change.

Weown. were ableand to progress rather than stay and vehicle now get them tohas andjust from work, they got married, and took to much begin their next chapter. everything fallen into place.

We’re stable, andimportant things aresteps just so calmer.”

Site Supervisor for we CHD's Diversion, Shelter and program Jennifer Glenowicz often families “At first we felt like both failed. We needed to Housing heal,” Janet said. “Being in the space that wesees needed to, in similar situations to Janet's make significant strides once connected to CHD housing services. “The key we did flourish. Things did change. We were able to progress rather than stay stagnant, and now element to success is making a solid goal that you stick to until you have achieved it. Then begin another everything hasteam just fallen into place. stable, and things justobtainable so much calmer.” one.

This CHD is dedicated to We’re assisting individuals withare solid, goals, taking one day at a time, and getting things done," she said.

Staff at CHD’s Diversion, Shelter and Housing program often see families in similar situations to Janet’s Glenowicz offers this advice to many of the people she works with, "Feel good about accomplishments as make significant strides once connected to CHD housing services. The CHD team is dedicated to assisting you lay down to sleep at night, ask yourself, ‘have I reached my potential today?’ As time moves forward individuals by helping them set and reach obtainable goals one day at a time. such goals will eventually come together creating a momentum, and inevitably, success.”

In 2019 for the fourth consecutive year, the Holyoke Police Department graciously delivered presents they dedicated their own time collecting to the three CHD shelters in the city on Christmas morning, ensuring that the magic of Christmas was felt by the children and families spending their holidays there.

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Meet Ivy

A MOM'S RECOVERY JOURNEY

When she first referred herself for CHD’s FIRST Steps Together program in Pittsfield, MA, Ivy was only the second participant to join the new, evidence-based program for mothers in early recovery from substance use and opioid dependence.

For years, Ivy has been on a journey not only to recover from co-occurring substance use and mental illness, but to reunite with her family and regain custody of her children.

Through the program, Ivy has participated in an array of different types of groups focused on areas of her recovery as well as one-to-one counseling to discuss difficulties and her goals for the future.

Ivy has had the opportunity to work with various recovery coaches while in the program. Each coach she’s worked with, she said, has made their own individual impact on her journey. As recovery coaches, many of these staff members have lived experience in substance use and truly know what Ivy is going through each day.

"Anytime I needed help with anything, whether it was a mental health issue or a substance issue or even a domestic issue, there would always be someone I could sit down with—a recovery coach, the program director, or a clinician—to help me make a plan, and give me a voice in that plan,” Ivy said.

During her time in the program, Ivy has spent time at the Pittsfield office beyond her own groups and check-ins. She’s helped out around the office to organize donations for fellow participants while also feeling thankful to be able to make a difference in her community and have access to a safe space.

“While there I was able to get myself organized; I checked in with recovery coaches daily, and so many times they came with me to appointments, court cases, or visits with my kids,” Ivy said.

“They’ve done amazing things for me. Every single one of them.”

Since embarking on her recovery journey, Ivy has faced her share of challenging obstacles—and detours—but she’s also had moments of great pride and progress, something she attributes to being backed by a community of support from her recovery coaches and her fellow moms in recovery, individuals she now calls her friends.

“In recovery, a lot of people isolate. It’s not often something people like to get together or lean on each other for very much,” Ivy explained. “They were able to have us women come together to do things as a group and work with each other, or lean on each other, rather than working alone.”

These same friends continue to walk with Ivy along her journey each day as she approaches her graduation from the program and continues her hard work and dedication to regain custody of her twins. Looking toward the future, Ivy adds, “Who knows, maybe I’ll even become a recovery coach one day.”

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Meet Chris

FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE When Chris first came to CHD’s Hospitality Center in Waterbury, CT, a day program serving those experiencing homelessness and housing instability, it wasn’t for his job interview.

Prior to becoming the Center’s Program Coordinator, Chris was a participant of the Center while he lived in a shelter nearby. Eventually, he would come by daily to wash his clothes and grab a hot shower or a cup of coffee. One day, Chris was asked to help out around the Center, which inspired him to begin a volunteer role for nearly two years, a role that would eventually lead to his full time position.

“It was a long process to get hired, but it was a great experience,” Chris said. “The change from going from participant to employee was a big one. It’s a different feeling, but one that helps you help others,” Chris said. “You know where you came from. You’ve been there, and so you know exactly what the next person coming through the door is feeling,” he explained. “You get to let them know you’re there for them. It’s a good environment for me to be in.”

Situated just between downtown and Waterbury’s East End, CHD’s Hospitality Center strives to offer those it serves the very best of its namesake—hospitality. Here, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness can enter, take a deep breath and do laundry, take a shower, use a computer or phone or collect their mail. Plus, they can also work with staff and local providers to be connected to critical resources and other urgent or long term needs ranging from apartment and job guides to mental health support.

Chris welcomes each new or returning face by checking in with returning participants and helping new ones complete an intake and get set up for the next step of their support. In his role, Chris is very active with participants as far as running the Center’s day-to-day and helping organize events and educational and health programs like diabetes workshops, hearing testing, clothing drives, Narcan training, men’s and women’s groups, and more. Chris also runs a tradition of Bingo Fridays at the Center, as well as movie nights and his own poetry group. “We try to have a balance of informative groups, but we also want to have some fun, too,” he said.

In February 2020, the Hospitality Center was affected by a fire that damaged the space beyond repair. Thanks to the dedication of staff from CHD’s team in Waterbury, the Center was able to continue services beginning the very next day out of CHD’s Waterbury office. The Waterbury community at large was also instrumental in helping continue services as many rallied around the Center in a show of support through charitable donations of all kinds. The program has since relocated to a new, permanent location across the street from its original site and continues to be a vital resource in the community each and every day.

“The Waterbury community and people from the surrounding area have been amazing in supporting us in our time of need. It’s above and beyond what we could ever hope for, and we’re so grateful.”

- Belinda Arce-Lopez, CHD Program Director - Waterbury, Danbury, Torrington

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Meet Jonatan

NEW BEGINNINGS For two years Jonatan was a resident of CHD’s Crossover program in Hartford, CT, a Residential Rehabilitation Services (RRS) program serving individuals with mental illness and co-occurring mental illness and substance use issues to help them transition back into the community, and hone the variety of skills needed to do so.

With support from Crossover’s dedicated staff and the program’s many educational groups and services, Jonatan worked hard to build upon an array of skills, like cooking and cleaning, coping strategies, budgeting and financial management and more, to grow both his social and practical skillfulness. He also secured a job which he has had for over a year and come to really enjoy. Both the program’s array of supportive services and his job have helped Jonatan work toward becoming more self-sufficient and gaining independence, and both have propelled him closer to an important goal: to one day have his own apartment.

Having recently completed the Crossover program, Jonatan is well on his way to achieving just that.

Jonatan recently transitioned from Crossover to CHD’s Community Transitional Living Program (CTLP), a residential program that provides intensive support to people with chronic mental illness and substance use issues who can live on their own.

The program assists participants with all areas of daily living needs as they arise, including financial management, meal prep, education counseling, and treatment oversight with the goal of fostering greater independence.

“I’ve really liked it here [Crossover],” Jonatan said, just days before he would transition from Crossover to CTLP. “They’ve really helped me a lot.”

Though Jonatan was excited for this next step in his journey, he said he will miss being with the Crossover staff and fellow residents, who have all come to know one another as one big family.

CHD established its first services in Hartford in 1989. Since then, over 30 programs have been created to help foster greater independence in the most vulnerable people of Central and Western Connecticut.

Today, CHD serves over 8,000 individuals thanks in part to support from the state's Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

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Meet Denise

COUNSELOR, RESEARCHER, EDUCATOR When the effects of COVID-19 infiltrated her community, the impact on Denise's work was immediate.

Engaged in a multifaceted career as both an outpatient clinician for CHD’s behavioral health services in West Springfield and as an instructor at Westfield State University, Denise had her work cut out for her to quickly transition both her counseling and teaching careers to a virtual setting.

While facing the initial challenges of adjusting to telehealth and remote learning head on, Denise worked to ensure she could continue support for those she serves and those she teaches while also grappling with the difficult and overwhelming feelings of the pandemic herself. In doing so, she recognized the effects of the pandemic as a collective trauma, an experience she shared with those she served, and one that simultaneously ignited one of her other passions—research.

“With COVID-19 there’s a looming uncertainty on all levels,” Hughes said. “Trauma tends to challenge our fundamental assumptions about life and our security and our safety, and that’s exactly what COVID has done for all of us as a society.”

Continuing her essential support to those she serves through telehealth, Denise tapped into these experiences, as well as her own independent interests, to inform her work on a research team with Liberty University studying the psychological implications of the pandemic on both individuals and society as a whole. With this team, which mostly comprises Liberty University professors, Hughes and her colleagues are examining an array of factors associated with the pandemic, including both personal and collective trauma, the effects of ambiguous loss and more.

“It’s unique for us counselors because it’s also a shared experience we’re having with our clients,” Denise said. “There’s a universality in counseling that occurs when we know we’re not alone, and it helps us get through really hard times. The research that I’ve done shows that when you have collective trauma and you’re sharing in the realities that your clients are experiencing, counselors can empathize on an even deeper level.”

7,674 calls came through CHD's Central Registration office from people seeking services in FY20.

6,052 were individuals requesting a counseling/therapy appointment. The median time for an appointment was 14 days.

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Program Highlights

OUTSTANDING SERVICE What began as a small shelter in the center of Amherst, MA, housing six mothers and their children 30 years ago, now provides essential one-on-one support for 650 families each year in Amherst and surrounding areas. With only three full-time caseworkers, CHD's Family Outreach of Amherst has helped thousands of families over the years navigate issues like immigration, housing, and employment as well as mental health and substance use struggles.

"Behind every door in this community, there is a struggle. For our clients, this could be homelessness, relapsing from substance dependency, or having a child that falls seriously behind in their academics," said Iris Rosa, FOA caseworker.

To most, Amherst may not be a community synonymous with poverty. However, 50% of the school children in town are eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch. "Many people don't know that poverty exists in Amherst, or that there are people, unseen, struggling terribly," said Katherine Appy, FOA advisory board member.

In February 2020, the community came together to help celebrate FOA's amazing contributions at an event at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

CHD's Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County (BBBSHC) received the 2019 Gold Standard Award from their national agency, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The award comes in recognition of the high-quality mentoring programs BBBSHC provides measured in part by the strength and longevity of Big-Little matches, which exceed the national average for BBBS affiliates. Only ten agencies out of 240 nationwide receive the distinction.

"We are so proud to receive this award. It is due to the incredible work of our BBBS staff and Advisory Board, and our dedicated volunteer mentors," said BBBSHC Program Director Jessie Cooley. "We are a small but mighty team, and we are honored to receive national recognition for our efforts to provide high-quality mentoring programs for young people in our community."

Young people who have a mentor are: 130% more likely to hold leadership positions 78% more likely to volunteer regularly 55% more likely to enroll in college 46% less likely to use drugs and 27% less likely to use alcohol

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Supporter Spotlight

A LEGACY OF CHANGE The Barnharts have been with CHD from the beginning. Their work to enhance the lives of (L to R) Barnhart family members Shirley, Bob, Anne, people with intellectual and developmental and Jim Barnhart. (Photo by Ed Cohen) disabilities has set the stage for a beautiful partnership.

In 1980, Sally and Philip Barnhart connected with other local families to advocate for more resources for their family members with disabilities. Through their efforts, they established two supported living residences for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a program now known as Meadows Homes. They partnered with CHD to help sustain and grow these services, which have evolved to include 20 homes that serve nearly 80 residents. Their son, Philip Jr., has been a resident for nearly 40 years. Their other sons, Bob and Jim, along with their spouses, have furthered the partnership through their work with Options Inc., in honor of their parents.

A SURVIVOR GIVES BACK As lead help-desk technician at CHD, the very nature of Joe’s role is to lend a helping hand.

During business hours, Joe solves IT issues for colleagues, ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to serve clients quickly and efficiently.

After 40 years with the organization, it was a cancer diagnosis that inspired Joe to give back in a whole new way—with a generous donation to Cancer House of Hope.

“Given my situation I felt as though I should be doing something,” says Joe. “It made me aware of what people are dealing with, so I was interested in supporting others.”

He and his wife Jackie donated an in-house wig boutique to help cancer patients who are experiencing hair loss. Complete with complimentary fittings, it’s one of dozens of free programs offered to men and women in treatment, survivors, and family members.

IN GRATITUDE The following individuals, businesses, and community partners contributed $1,000 or more to CHD throughout FY20. Over the past year, charitable donations to CHD programs and services affected the lives of thousands of children, adolescents, adults, and families in need across the four western Massachusetts counties and northern, central, and western Connecticut.

With their partnership we remain RESILIENT.

ADVANCED RESTORATION GROUP ADVANCE MANUFACTURING AEC TRUST ALEXANDER, ARONSON, FINNING & CO., PC AMHERST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AMITY STREET DENTAL APPLIED MORTGAGE SERVICES ARBELLA AYRES FORESTRY, INC. ROBERT AND SHIRLEY BARNHART BAY PATH UNIVERSITY BAYSTATE HEALTH RAYS OF HOPE/BAYSTATE HEALTH FOUNDATION BEARINGSTAR INSURANCE CHARITABLE FUND PAUL AND MARION BENJAMIN MICHAEL AND TINA BERINS BIG Y FOODS SCOTT BLINDER AMY BRODIGAN AND ELIZABETH WELSH BUENO Y SANO BULKLEY RICHARDSON CAMBRIDGE COLLEGE SEUNGHEE CHA CITY OF CHICOPEE CITY OF NORTHAMPTON HELEN CAULTON THOMAS AND MARGOT CLEARY MARY ANN P. COFRIN COGENTRIX COLLINS PIPE & SUPPLY EL COMALITO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTING SERVICES COOLEY DICKINSON HEALTH CARE ERIN COUTURE CRAIG'S DOORS DISABILITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES RALPH DOTY EVERSOURCE ENERGY FOUNDATION EXCEL DRYER GARY FELDER NICK AND COLLEEN FILLER FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF AMHERST FIVE COLLEGE REALTORS FLORENCE BANK FLUTTER FORWARD WITH GRACE JULES AND MAUREEN GAUDREAU

CONNIE AND BILL GILLEN JAMES AND GAIL GOODWIN GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH CAROLYN GRAY GREENFIELD SAVINGS BANK ELLEN GROBMAN AND VANDY BOLLINGER H.L. DEMPSEY CO. SHELLY ANN SANKAR MARY AND DAVID HANKOWSKI JANICE HARGIS AND JEFFERY MORGAN HART & PATTERSON FINANCIAL GROUP HARTSPRINGS FOUNDATION JEFF AND JOYCE HATCH JEFFREY HAUSTHOR AND PAMELA VICTOR HEXPLORA HILARY KORNBITH AND ROBIN HARRIS KORNBLITH HUB INTERNATIONAL NEW ENGLAND HUMAN SERVICE PROVIDERS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH JEFFREY MAZURE AND JACKIE ROSENBLOOM JONES GROUP REALTORS JONES PROPERTIES JOSEPH AND JACLENE NEWHALL KENNETH KAHN KING & CUSHMAN LISA KITTREDGE AND JEFF PEDDAR TED AND JOANILLE KMIECIK KNIGHT ASSOCIATES REALTY L.L. BEAN NATHANAEL AND ELIZABETH LARSON FORD MOTOR COMPANY MICHAEL MALONE AND CHRISTINE LAU JACQUELYN LENZ LYNN M. AND ROBERT M. LOGAN BETSY LOUGHRAN MARCUS PRINTING COMPANY LESLIE DICURCIO MARRA BETSY AND BRUCE MCINNIS MERCY MEDICAL CENTER MONSON SAVINGS BANK TOM AND DEB NAPIER NAVIN, HAFFTY AND ASSOCIATES LIA TOYOTA SCION OF NORTHAMPTON JOHN AND MARGARET NUNNELLY ORTHOTICS & PROSTHETICS LABS PANERA BREAD MARK AND SANDRA PARENT CLAUDIA PAZMANY

PEARSON PIONEER PACKAGING PIONEER VALLEY RACING EVAN C. PLOTKIN LINDSAY S. POPE PRECISION DENTAL ASSOCIATES PRIDE STATIONS & STORES MARIETTA AND WILLIAM PRITCHARD TOYOTA DEALER MATCH PROGRAM DAVID AND NANCY RATNER REAL LIVING REALTY RIVER VALLEY MARKET ROBERT DORFMAN COMPANY FLIP AND LIZ ROSENBBERRY CHARLES SANFORD SARA AND GARETH ROSS SERVICE FIRST MILA AND WOODY SHERMAN JILL SHINNERS PATRICK SLANEY SMITH COLLEGE SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH GEORGE SPENCE SPHERION SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS HOCKEY CLUB ST. GERMAIN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT JENNIFER D. STEWART SYNERGY PHYSICAL THERAPY MARY TAFT AND LESLIE SMITH TATHAM ACTIVITY FUND TEDDY BEAR POOLS THE TJX FOUNDATION JOHN THORPE FRED TREYZ AND ENHUA ZHANG WILL TRIENENS UMASS AMHERST, MASS VENTURE CENTER UTCA UNITED STEELWORKERS LOCAL 4-00836 UNITED WAY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY UNITED WAY OF PIONEER VALLEY UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN USA WASTE AND RECYCLING USI INSURANCE SERVICES THE VANN GROUP W.B. MASON WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WESTERN MASS MOM PROM WESTFIELD BANK DONNA TOUPIN MOLLY WHALEN WHELEN ENGINEERING MICHAEL P. WILLIAMS AND CATHYANNE PAIGE CAROL WOOD XFINITY YANKEE CANDLE

These contributions have ensured: Personal Protective Equipment so CHD caregivers can continue to deliver essential services safely Shelter to the homeless and support to families to find safe long-term housing Counseling support and other healing resources to cancer patients Long-term mentoring and guidance for youth Nourishing food and freshly cooked hot meals for those without That youth in foster care can pursue thier interests, hobbies, and dreams Recovery resources for those working to overcome substance use Safe, fulfilling and inclusive recreational activities for people with disabilities

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Aster House

EXPANDING ACCESS

168 individuals successfully worked on their recovery at CHD's four residential treatment homes.

In early 2020 CHD opened its new location for a state-funded co-occurring enhanced residential rehabilitation program designed to treat mental health and addiction simultaneously. The beautiful, newly built site currently offers 16 beds to men and women—including transgender men and women—over 18. Addiction and mental health diagnoses have long gone hand-in-hand, and we are encouraged that there is legislative support and state resources that recognize this reality.

Aster House provides 24-hour care plus a daily service schedule that includes careful assessment and treatment planning; psychiatric assessment within 48 hours of admission; medication management; individual and group therapy; assistance with education and employment readiness; peer support and aftercare.

Director of Addiction Services Trish Pollicina said the program had a waiting list before it even opened its doors, but she and program leaders have been conducting assessments and transitioning participants thoughtfully and methodically since day one. “We want this to be a therapeutic environment with positive synergy while also getting people the help they sorely need,” Pollicina said.

“All of the staff, especially the recovery specialists, really help us and the program succeed. They never give up on me. They’ve pushed me when I needed it; and even if I didn’t like it then, the longer I was here the more I was able to recognize it. They let you feel your feelings and then talk to you about it, and they actually help you get through it. They understand it’s not going to happen overnight, but they work at it with us.”

- Chris, Aster House Resident

CHD

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FY20

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Total Assets $61,557,000 Net Assets $39,692,000 Total Operating Revenues $115,329,000 Change in Net Assets $6,811,000

SOURCES OF REVENUE

67%

M assachu setts Gran ts an d Co nt racts

11%

Con necticu t Gra nts a nd

57% of staff identify as part of a minority group.

USAGE OF FUNDS

70%

25%

Sa la rie s, Wa ge s

D i re ct Prog ra m

B en e fi ts

a nd Oc c up an cy Co sts

Con tra cts

19%

2%

Insurance

Oth er /

Reimbursement

CHD plays an important role in the local economy as a prominent employer in the region. 1,565 people are employed by CHD in western Massachusetts as well as nearly 200 in Connecticut.

5% Other

Con tir bu tio ns

“CHD continues its investment in building a strong infrastructure to meet the needs of our communities and to ensure the individuals we serve continue to receive exceptional care and support."

-Amale Neary, Chief Financial Officer

CHD

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MEET OUR LEADERS CHD leadership is dedicated to the development and continuance of programs that are responsive to the self-identified concerns of the people we serve and that have a real effect in their lives. CHD's mission is at the heart of all decisions made by CHD leadership.

Jim Goodwin President & CEO

Katherine Cook VP of Behavioral Health

Nicole Gagne Chief Operating Officer

Ben Craft

VP of Community Engagement

Amale Neary Chief Financial Officer

VP of Disability and Elder Services

Chief Information Officer

Freda Driscoll-Sbar Carol Fitzgerald VP of Compliance

Marjorie Loring Tammy Nothe-Hebert Dan Quinn VP of Fiscal Services

Jennifer O'Brien

VP of Integrated Health Services

VP of Human Resources

John Roberson VP of Children and Family

Felicity Hardee Chief Compliance Officer

Anthony Hebert

VP of Mental Health Services, CT

CHD

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FY20

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

With diverse backgrounds in law, education, finance, HR, and other disciplines, our board members bring a wealth of experience to the table, overseeing strategic planning, acting as community advocates, and serving as ambassadors of our mission. We are so grateful for their commitment.

Amy B. Royal, Esq. Board Chair Principal & Founding Partner Royal, LLP Allison Werder Board Vice Chair Assistant Dean of Marketing & Communication Chief Marketing Officer Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts Amherst Michael P. Williams Board Treasurer Owner-Director Universal Tool Co., Inc. Evan C. Plotkin Board Clerk President NAI Plotkin Elaine Awand-Stearley Founder & Director The Able Place Inc. LLC Rhonda Brace Revenue Examiner CT Department of Revenue Kate Campiti Associate Publisher BusinessWest & Healthcare News Robert Chateauneuf Vice President, Commercial Lending Monson Savings Bank

Seunghee Cha Attorney Bulkley Richardson & Gelinas, LLPJ. Nicholas Filler Retired Ellen Freyman Attorney Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin PC Meghan Lynch President & CEO Six-Point Creative Works Timothy Marini President, Principal Field Eddy Insurance and Financial Services Teresa Regina Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, Grants, & Community Relations (Retired) Springfield Public Schools Josephine Sarnelli Owner Josephine Sarnelli, CPA Rav Thomas Sr. Employee Relations Specialist Baystate Health James Goodwin, Ex Officio President & CEO Center for Human Development (CHD)

To see current Board of Directors list visit chd.org