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Nonotuck’s Neighborhood MARCH 2025

Above: Carol Borko (right) with her Shared Living Caregiver, Yaa Yeboah (left). Carol was able to remain in her home in Worcester, thanks in part to financial assistance from our Nonotuck Gift Giving Fund. Learn more in this month's e-newsletter.

Patenaude Honored As ‘Unsung Hero’ Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce that Brooklyn Street Coordinator Mark Patenaude will be honored with the annual William Johnson Unsung Hero Award this month. Presented by the Berkshire Citizens Advisory Board to the Department of Developmental Services, the award acknowledges people who make significant yet often overlooked contributions to their community. Mark was nominated by his colleagues in our Lee, Massachusetts office. A ceremony honoring Mark will be held on March 24 at 5:30 in the Pittsfield Library Auditorium. Mark is an integral part of Brooklyn Street, a Nonotuck “life-sharing” community in North Adams, where people of all abilities can form lifelong bonds through shared spaces, tasks, and meals. Described as “an ideal balance of privacy and community,” Brooklyn Street strives to be safe, sustainable, and rewarding for residents. Nonotuck Board Chair Mary Lou Accetta lives on Brooklyn Street with her son Melvin, and his shared living caregiver Eric Lincourt. She says Mark is “endlessly patient, intelligent, determined, super strong advocate, reflective, honest,” adding: If he has a fault, it is that he doesn’t give himself enough credit. Or maybe it’s that he wants to do it all, preferably by yesterday!” Mel, who works closely with Mark, adds: “{I am} calm when Mark comes. We go for coffee, we look for trains, we cook the best meatloaf. He tells stories about his two girls. And then we laugh. {He is} a great dad! …My friend Mark: love for real.” Eric adds: “Mark is someone who truly cares. It shows in his easy smile and his willingness to always lend a helping hand.” Mark has worked for Nonotuck since April of 2023, and lives in North Adams with his wife and two daughters.

Staying Home: Carol’s Story of Care and Commitment At 83, Carol Borko faced a challenge familiar to many as they age—how to remain in the home she loved while adapting to changing mobility needs. As a member of Nonotuck’s shared living program in Worcester, Carol had built a life in the home she shared with her caregiver, Yaa Yeboah. But when Nonotuck and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) shared concerns about her ability to navigate the stairs safely, questions arose about her safety in the home. Leaving her home of seven years was never an option. “They love Carol; she is a part of their life. They’re so nice to her, so kind to her,” says Nonotuck Program Director Dylan Zukowski, who works with Yaa and Carol. “They do such a good job supporting Carol. She’s become a part of their home, as well as their extended family. Moving her was never realistically discussed. Yaa said, ‘We will do whatever it takes to keep her here. That’s her home; that’s where she’s going to be.’” DDS stepped up and provided financial support, while the remaining money needed for the chairlift was covered by Nonotuck’s Gift Giving Fund. Nonotuck’s Gift Giving Fund exists through the generous donations of friends and staff at Nonotuck. The Fund provides life-enhancing resources such as adaptive equipment for homes, technology like computers and tablets, opportunities for vacations, and financial relief for unexpected medical expenses. Beyond these personal supports, the fund also extends assistance to families facing difficult times, helping with hardships such as funeral costs and relocation. Yaa says the stairlift brings peace of mind. “It’s a great help now and it’s a big improvement,” she says. “Carol navigating the stairs was my biggest fear. Now we don’t have that issue anymore, and I’m so happy.” The result is a shared living arrangement that is able to thrive today and into the future. “Carol is such a joy. She really is the sweetest person. She has a sister and brother-in-law who are close. They’re older and have been supportive to us and to Carol,” Dylan says. “As she has aged and her supports have changed, there’s been nothing that the provider and Nonotuck couldn’t handle.” “We’ll do everything to keep her there,” he adds.

Murray Promoted to Director of Marketing Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc. is proud to announce the promotion of Joshua Murray to Director of Marketing. Joshua has been with Nonotuck since 2021, first serving as Marketing Coordinator before his January promotion. Before working at Nonotuck, Joshua spent more than 10 years in higher education communications, preceded by a stint in display ad sales at a local free alternative weekly newspaper. “It is truly an honor to take on a new challenge at Nonotuck,” Josh says. “Working alongside a group of passionate and empathetic employees with the common goal of promoting and providing person-focused care to people with disabilities is something I look forward to every day.” “I’m excited to announce the promotion of Josh Murray to Nonotuck’s Director of Marketing. Since joining the agency in 2021, Josh has brought creativity, strategic vision, and a great understanding of how to best communicate our mission,” says Nonotuck President/CEO George H. Fleischner. “His passion for sharing the stories of staff, care givers and the people we serve has given readers a unique and inside view of our organization. I am confident that in his new role, Josh will continue to elevate our marketing efforts and amplify Nonotuck’s message of personalized services. Congratulations, Josh, on this well-deserved recognition of your talents and commitment to Nonotuck.” Josh has a Bachelor of Arts in English/Creative Writing from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He lives in Turners Falls, MA with his wife and two children.

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BHM: Celebrating Black Labor Leaders As we celebrate Black History Month 2025, this year’s theme—African Americans and Labor—honors the pivotal role that African Americans have played in shaping the labor movement and advancing social justice. Despite facing systemic racism and exclusion, Black labor leaders have fought tirelessly for fair wages, better working conditions, and equity in the workplace, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire today. A. Philip Randolph A. Philip Randolph was a towering figure in the labor movement. As the founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in 1925, he organized the first predominantly Black labor union to receive a charter from the American Federation of Labor. Randolph’s advocacy extended beyond labor rights; he was a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. Dorothy Lee Bolden Dorothy Lee Bolden transformed domestic workers’ rights in the 1960s. By founding the National Domestic Workers Union of America, she empowered thousands of domestic workers to fight for fair wages and improved working conditions. C.L. Dellums C.L. Dellums, an early leader in the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, worked alongside Randolph to fight for fair wages and racial equality. His efforts laid the groundwork for labor protections that benefited all workers, especially those in marginalized communities. Addie Wyatt Addie Wyatt, one of the first female Black union leaders, played a critical role in advocating for equal pay and workplace equity. As a labor activist and co-founder of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, Wyatt left an enduring legacy for women in the workforce. These leaders and countless others have left an indelible mark on the labor movement and civil rights in America. Their courage and dedication remind us of the essential contributions African Americans have made to the nation’s workforce and labor justice, a legacy that continues to shape the future.

Work Anniversaries

1 Year of Service

10 Years of Service

Peggy Cabral Direct Support Professional Plymouth (Date of Hire: 03/12/2024)

Jaimie Doucette VP of Residential Services, Eastern Region Brockton (Date of Hire: 03/16/2015)

Martin Dawson Care Manager Auburn (Date of Hire: 03/11/2024) Timothy Durkin Care Manager Plymouth (Date of Hire: 03/18/2024) Benita Pol Registered Nurse Lowell (Date of Hire: 03/27/2024)

11 Years of Service Craig Manning Quality Enhancement Specialist Auburn (Date of Hire: 03/10/2014) Carmen Paredes-Restrepo Registered Nurse Auburn (Date of Hire: 03/31/2014)

2 Years of Service Brenda McSherry Registered Nurse Plymouth (Date of Hire: 03/22/2023)

4 Years of Service Joshua Murray Director of Marketing Easthampton (Date of Hire: 03/01/2021) Thomas Carey Care Manager Harvard (Date of Hire: 03/24/2021)

5 Years of Service Chase Rahilly QE Administrative Assistant Lee (Date of Hire: 03/30/2020)

6 Years of Service Damackline Keraka Direct Support Professional Harvard (Date of Hire: 03/25/2019)

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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