VIDAS Newsletter | Edition 1

WELCOME!

The Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury has a VIDAS program that is Certified through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Our Developmental Support Services are person-centered and designed to help individuals achieve self-reliance, promote independence, and reach personal success in every aspect of life.

Individual and family support includes educational support, transition coordination, behavioral support, nursing support, community resource development, and respite.

Support resources will concentrate on skill training, family training, information and referral sharing, crisis support, collaboration with local school districts and agencies, and community development.

Our professional resource team unites the following: Family Support Workers, Direct Care Workers, Behaviorists and/or Psychologists, Educational liaison, a transition coordinator. This service is offered based upon availability of staff resources to meet individual and family needs. Welcome to our newsletter as we navigate moving program buildings, adding services, and continuing to serve our individuals in the community!

- Wanda Vargas

VIDAS Program Director

WE ARE MOVING!

VIDAS has been based out of Mill St. in Waterbury for several years now and the time has come for us to have our own space at Hamilton Ave. in Waterbury. With the opening of our DSH, comes the relocation of our entire program base! In the meantime, staff are using the new location to drop off and/or discuss paperwork, to train and re-train, and to meet for Individual Planning meetings. Please take a look at our current transformation journey and be on the look out for our Grand Opening!

RECENT PROGRAM EVENTS

The Big E (September 2023)- For the 2nd year in a row DDS Individuals and their staff joined together to experience the Big E State Fair in Massachusetts, CT. A day filled with walking, exploring, and good eats!

Halloween Bingo Party (October 2023) – DDS Individuals and their staff participated in a Halloween Celebration where they were able to enjoy each other’s company over lunch and ended in a fun couple of rounds of Bingo!

Friendsgiving (November 2023)– DDS Individuals and their staff participated in a pot-luck style luncheon where everyone got to spend time together. We recognized that Holiday’s are not always a joyous time for all, so we like to make sure to add a positive spin for those struggling through the season.

Valentines Day (Feb 2024) - DDS Individuals and their staff participated in a lunch that was put on by La Casa Bienvenida at the Hispanic Coalition. Individuals were able to mingle with members of our Adult Day Center and feel some love on a day that they may not normally have a chance to celebrate.

Easter (March 2024) - DDS Individuals and their staff participated in a lunch that ended in an Easter Egg hunt! Everyone had their own set of colors, making it easier to identify and eliminating the “competing” aspect!

OUR PROGRAMS

Individual and Family Support Includes:

• Educational Support

• Transition Coordination

• Family Support

• Community Resource and Development

Support Resources will Concentrate on:

• Skills Training

• Family Training

• Information Sharing

• Referrals

Our Professional Resource Team unites the following:

• Family Support Workers

• Direct Care Workers

• Behaviorist and Psychiatrist

As well as collaboration with local school districts, agencies, and community development.

VIDAS IS OPENING A DAY SUPPORT CENTER!

WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO:

• Social activities

• Recreation in center and community

• Life skills training

• Arts and crafts

• Healthy Meal preparation demonstrations

• Transportation (confirm with Case manager)

NEW PROGRAMS SERVICES COMING SOON:

• Autism Waiver Services

• Assistive Technology

• Customized Employment