Nonotuck's Neighborhood: August 2024 by Joshua Murray

Nonotuck’s Neighborhood AUGUST 2024

Wellness Coordinator Jannelle Robinson caught this scene during a recent walk in the Berkshires, part of our Walking Challenge this summer. Read more below.

Summer Leads to Fall

To the Nonotuck Community, Does the summer seem to go past too quickly? For me, this most precious of seasons seems to get shorter every year. Maybe it’s an age thing. You know, the older one gets the sooner the fall arrives. This year with the change of season our community has much to look forward to. Nonotuck says goodbye to the last day of summer with a celebration of the official naming of our Lee office building in honor of Kathleen “Kitty” Kelly-Curtin. We hope you’ll join us for the dedication ceremony on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 9 a.m. at 14 Park Place, Lee, MA. The Lee Historical Commission unanimously approved the renaming this spring. Previously, this historic house was named for Edward Bosworth, a local businessman who made it his home in 1872. We couldn’t be more excited to honor our pioneering employee, mentor, caregiver, partner and friend in this beautiful Berkshire town where Kitty lived her whole amazing life. In July, we were happy to celebrate Disability Pride Month, as well as hosting a “Love and Loss Across Cultures” event where a multicultural panel of Nonotuck employees explained what grief and loss mean in their cultures. Finally, we continue to get our steps in with our Walking Challenge, which started in June and continues to this day. These events are powerful affirmations of our commitment to equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion. By honoring pioneers, embracing diverse voices, and promoting wellness through community activities, we are not only strengthening our organization's mission but also creating a culture where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Here’s to looking forward to the fall, when we will be celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), Native American Heritage Month (November), as well as many more employee milestones to come. The Warmest of Regards, George

Nonotuck to Dedicate Lee Office to Kitty Kelly-Curtin

Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc. is proud to announce the dedication of our Lee office in memory of Kathleen “Kitty” Kelly-Curtin. The historical building, located at 14 Park Place, will be publicly dedicated to Kitty during Founders Day Weekend in Lee, on September 21 at 9:00 a.m. The Lee Historical Commission unanimously approved the dedication this Spring. Previously, the house was named for Edward Bosworth, a local businessman who made it his home in 1872. "The Lee Historical Commission is pleased that the Bosworth House (rebuilt in 1901 after having burned down) is being dedicated to the wonderful works of Kitty Kelly-Curtin, from one of the Lee community's long-standing families," says Commission member Susan Stone. "Preservation and meaningful reuse is part of our mission."

Kitty Kelly-Curtin Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc. was devastated by the sudden passing of Kitty last July. Kitty left behind an incalculably massive impact on the Nonotuck community, having served as the driving force behind the creation of our Adult Family Care (AFC) program, spent 26 years as a Shared Living caregiver, and worked for Nonotuck for 17 years, most recently as Executive Vice President of Operations. She left behind two sons, her life partner, and a large network of family and friends. Kitty grew up in a large family in Lee, Massachusetts, and graduated from Springfield Technical Community College, Berkshire Community College, Maria College, and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts. She was a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree and held a Massachusetts educator’s license to teach practical nursing. Kitty’s life changed significantly when she began what became a 26-year shared living journey with Daniel “Danny” J. MacDonald in 1992. Over a few years' time, Kitty and Danny grew very close and decided they wanted to live together in a unique model called Shared Living through Nonotuck. In 1996, Danny moved into Kitty's home with her young family. The ensuing years were filled with love, joy, amusement, and an outgrowth of a plethora of unique and special relationships that bonded Danny and his community, family, friends, and supporters of all ages. Together, they lived an amazingly active and exciting life. President and CEO of Nonotuck George H. Fleischner said: "Kitty's dedication and passion for helping others were unparalleled. This passion not only shaped the foundation of our Adult Family Care program but also enriched the lives of everyone she touched. By dedicating our Lee office in her memory, we honor her legacy and ensure that her spirit of love, compassion and community continues to inspire us all. Kitty's impact will be felt for generations to come, and it is an honor and a privilege to celebrate her life and contributions in this meaningful way."

Happy Disability Pride Month

It all started on July 26, 1990, when President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law. This landmark legislation was the first federal civil rights protection for people with disabilities, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, and transportation. As such, July is recognized as Disability Pride Month, an opportunity to loudly denounce ableism (social prejudice against people with disabilities), encourage continued representation of people with disabilities in the media, and celebrate the members of our community who have disabilities. The month has grown to be celebrated worldwide, with countries marking the occasion with events like parades, community events, and social media campaigns to raise awareness and celebrate the disability community. Major cities in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Germany, and Japan host inclusive festivals, educational workshops, cultural programs, and advocacy campaigns. Online, virtual events, story-sharing, and global awareness initiatives amplify the celebration. These activities honor the identity and achievements of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion and accessibility worldwide. Disability Pride Month holds significant importance for Nonotuck. The month serves as a vital opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements, strengths, and unique identities of the people we support. Let’s embrace this time to amplify the voices of people with disabilities, promote inclusivity, and advocate for greater awareness and understanding within the broader community. Through various events, educational programs, and community engagement. Nonotuck reaffirms its commitment to fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, is respected, valued, and empowered to live their fullest lives. Read “The Disability Pride Flag: A Story of Resilience, Inclusion” for more information.

Stepping Up for Wellness: Nonotuck's Summer Walking Challenge We got our steps in! Nonotuck took on a Walking Challenge beginning in June, extending indefinitely into the summer. Many of our offices throughout the state banded together in the spirit of getting outside, enjoying the fresh air, and moving as much as possible!

Auburn | 1 Member - 167,610 Steps

Lowell/Lynn (Team Mashujaa) | 9 Members - 1,588,261 steps

Harvard | 8 members - 1,157,440 steps

Northampton (The Sojourners) | 10 Members - 1,269,689 steps

Lee | 9 members - 1,446,547 steps

Plymouth Rocks | 11 Members - 2,460,121 steps

How Far Did We Go? 8,089,668 steps are approximately 4,044.83 miles. If we started walking from our office at 425 Prospect Street in Northampton headed west, we would end up in the Pacific Ocean; if we headed East, we would end up in the general vicinity of the Sahara Desert in West Africa, near the border between Mali and Algeria. You can stay up to date with us as we continue our Walking Challenge indefinitely! If you want to join in, email Wellness Coordinator Jannelle Robinson. If you want to share pictures from your travels during our Walking Challenge, email Joshua Murray.

Nonotuck’s Wellness Initiative How can people cultivate wellness, peace, and balance in their lives while also serving their communities? How can people take care of their own wellbeing to better serve their communities? These are the questions that guide the Nonotuck Wellness Initiative, which aims to strengthen the well-being of the Nonotuck community as we work together towards our mission. We offer Shared Living, Adult Family Care, and personalized day services for people with disabilities. Each of our services is inspired by our core values: mutuality of love and respect, and interdependence with choice, a voice, and the opportunity to live authentic lives. This mission is carried out by a committed and caring team of Nurses, Clinicians, Care Managers, Program Directors, Administrative staff, Direct Support Workers, Placement Specialists, Community Health Workers, and our Executive Team. The Nonotuck Wellness Initiative was created to support the well-being of this team so they can continue to provide the best possible care to the people we serve.

Watch: ‘Love and Loss Across Cultures’ What is grief, and how do we experience it uniquely across cultures? This was the question inspiring “Love and Loss Across Cultures,” an information session featuring several members of our community sharing what grief, loss, change, faith (and more), mean to their cultures. The event was presented by our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee. Ronda Tobey Jones, Clinician in our Plymouth office, talked about her spirituality, Christian Faith, and traditions as a member of the Lumbee tribe. She spoke of the medicine wheel, which represents the cycle of the seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter), the four cardinal directions (north, east, south, west), the elements of nature (fire, air, water, earth), and the diversity of the human race (red, white, yellow, black). She also spoke of mourning traditions like keeping a fire burning until burial, cutting hair to honor the deceased, and the unique burial practices of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, where the deceased are wrapped in blankets, blessed, and adorned with traditional regalia, with cedar branches used instead of flowers. Vice President of Northeast AFC Services Saoling Chhit talked about the Buddhist practices of the Cambodian community. Cambodian funeral rituals and ceremonies are designed to help families navigate grief, honor the deceased, and ensure a positive transition into the afterlife, aiming for a favorable rebirth. Community involvement is crucial, particularly for those with limited financial means, as villagers often contribute to funeral expenses or support rituals conducted at temples. These practices are deeply rooted in tradition, with the involvement of monks being essential to guiding the spirit in the afterlife. Vivette Kamgang, Care Manager from our Conz Street, Northampton office, spoke of the traditions of the Bamileke from West Cameroon. In Bamileke culture, elders play a vital role in guiding mourning practices, which involve elaborate ceremonies like wakes, traditional music, and rituals to honor the deceased and ensure their smooth transition to the afterlife. The community, including extended family, provides support through financial assistance and participation in funeral arrangements, with the deceased’s role in the family often being passed on to another member to maintain continuity. “At Nonotuck, we believe that understanding and respecting the diverse ways in which our community experiences grief is essential to our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, as well as Wellness,” says Nonotuck President/CEO George H. Fleischner. “The event beautifully highlighted the rich tapestry of traditions that shape how we cope with loss and support one another. These profound insights into the spiritual and cultural practices of these communities remind us of the strength found in unity and the importance of honoring each person's journey through grief. By fostering such open dialogues, we strengthen our collective empathy and reinforce our dedication to creating an inclusive and compassionate environment for all."

WATCH VIDEO

Work Anniversaries

1 Year of Service

5 Years of Service

Kyla Schofield | Care Manager, Auburn - 08/29/2023

Samantha Tan | Registered Nurse, Lowell - 08/12/2019

Elizabeth Jackson | Direct Support Professional, Conz Street, Northampton - 08/22/2023 Angela Gutierrez | Registered Nurse, Auburn - 08/16/2023 Elizabeth Remick | Finance Assistant, Admin 08/16/2023 Raymond Labady | Direct Support Professional, Brockton 08/03/2023

2 Years of Service

7 Years of Service Erina Khin | Registered Nurse, Lowell - 08/14/2017 Yenmy Dominguez | Care Manager, Lowell - 08/02/2017

8 Years of Service Adelina McLean | Care Manager, Centerville - 08/15/2016 Vantha Sarunn | Care Manager, Lowell - 08/15/2016

Elaine Green | Direct Support Professional, Lee 08/22/2022 Donaven Gibbs | Care Manager, Conz Street, Northampton - 08/15/2022 Laurie Devine | Care Manager, Brockton - 08/01/2022 Alanna Duong | Licensed Practical Nurse, Lowell 08/01/2022 Maura Goncalves | Care Manager, Brockton - 08/01/2022

10 Years of Service Sindelle Robles | VP of Nursing & AFC Services, Lowell 08/18/2014

12 Years of Service Deborah Lawton | Accounts Payable Clerk, Admin 08/20/2012

3 Years of Service Natalia Ruiz-Trzaska | Program Administrative Assistant, Auburn - 08/30/2021 Elvis Masera | Direct Support Professional, Conz Street, Northampton - 08/18/2021 Cindy Leahy | Direct Support Professional, Plymouth 08/11/2021

13 Years of Service Debra Schnare | VP of Operations, Auburn - 08/08/2011

25 Years of Service Tammy Laurent | Care Manager, Lee - 08/30/1999

Nonotuck’s Neighborhood Now Hiring We’re hiring across Massachusetts! Human resources, shared living caregivers, direct support professionals, registered nurses, and more! APPLY TODAY!

Like what you read? Email Murray@nonotuck.com with your favorite story this month and you could win a gift card!

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