The Voice - Winter 2022

The HEALing Communities Study is a multi-year, collaborative study based in four states which include: Ohio, New York, Kentucky, and Massachusetts. The study is being carried out in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and is part of the Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative, a bold effort to speed scientific solutions to stem the national opioid crisis

A primary goal of the program is to reduce opioid overdose fatality by 40% over 3 years in urban and rural areas across these four states.

Boston Medical Center’s research team brings decades of experience treating people with substance use disorder to ending the opioid overdose epidemic across Massachusetts In collaboration with HEALing communities’ grassroots coalitions, they are committed to bridging the gaps that prevent people with opioid use disorder from accessing quality care and treatment

The Massachusetts HEALing Communities Study is an incredible opportunity for Boston Medical Center to participate in the unprecedented NIH HEAL Initiative to stem the national opioid crisis. The progress and findings from this research study will inform evidence-based solutions to reduce opioid overdose deaths

Building off the success of the Healing Communities Study Holyoke work that Rafael Rodriguez led, Alyssa Curran, HCS Community Coordinator, along with her team member, Randy Gratton, HCS Communications Consultant and colleague from Boston Medical Center, Anna Martin, recently had the opportunity to go on the Soft Serve Podcast out in Belchertown to talk about the ‘HEALing Communities Study’ and share thoughts on how to end the Opioid Overdose Epidemic It ended up turning into a much larger discussion about Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), addiction, and mental health in general Alyssa was able to amplify the work and encourage participation in the Belchertown and Ware areas To listen to this discussion, the Soft Serve Podcast can be accessed using this link, or on Spotify or iTunes

Healing through eliminating barriers and empowering individuals

live

lives they choose. B y L a M a r a H u n t e r - K e l l y S o m e m a y k no w L a r r y D i t m a n a s a p e r s o n w e s u p p o r t i n o ne o f o u r ho m e s i n o u r H o m e & C o m m u ni t y C o nne c t i o ns p r o g r a m , b u t H & C C ' s A s s i s t a nt D i r e c t o r , R a s i d i A k o d u , k no w s hi m q u i t e w e l l R a s i d i w a s a p r o g r a m m a na g e r f o r 6 y e a r s a nd s u p p o r t e d L a r r y b e f o r e b e c o m i ng a n A s s i s t a nt D i r e c t o r . D u r i ng t ha t t i m e , t he y b u i l t a w o nd e r f u l r e l a t i o ns hi p .

Just recently, they embarked on a journey, with moments of celebration and reflection as they traveled to Israel Larry, being Jewish, always wanted to take this spiritual journey to the country. Larry is welltraveled, but this was a trip of a lifetime that he had dreamed about visiting someday.

Rasidi worked together with H&CC team members to plan the Israel trip. Larry’s medical challenges hindered some of his progress, but with continued support from Home and Community Connection team members, his health began to maintain in preparation for his trip

The goal was to help Larry overcome any challenges, and take ownership of creating a budget plan in order to reach his goal

W i t h t h e i r s u p p o r t , R a s i d i w a s a b l e t o h e l p t u r n L a r r y ’ s d r e a m i n t o a r e a l i t y . T h e j o u r n e y t o I s r a e l , w h i c h t o o k p l a c e i n O c t o b e r o f 2 0 2 2 , t o o k f i v e m o n t h s t o p l a n . L a r r y w a s a c c o m p a n i e d b y R a s i d i a n d e n j o y e d n i n e d a y s a n d e i g h t n i g h t s o f b e a u t i f u l e x p e r i e n c e s L a r r y w a s s o e x c i t e d a b o u t g o i n g t o I s r a e l I n f a c t , h e w a s p a c k e d a n d r e a d y t o g o t w o m o n t h s b e f o r e t h e f l i g h t s w e r e e v e n b

A t t h e a i r p o r t , L a r r y b r o u g h t a c a p i n p r e p a r a t i o n f o r h i s f l i g h t , a n d a s h e s a t i n h i s s e a t o n t h e p l a n e . W i t h a s e n s e o f e x c i t e m e n t , h e p e e r e d o u t o f t h e w i n d o w , a n d t h a t i s w h e n i t d a w n e d o n h i m t h a t h e w a s a c t u a l l y g o i n g t o t h e p l a c e w h e r e h e a l w a y s l o n g e d o f g o i n g . continued on the next page.

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Although Rasidi sacrificed spending his birthday with his son David (whom he shares a birthday with) to accompany Larry on his trip, it was time well spent "Just to see Larry taking everything in and seeing him happy is what brought me joy,” Rasidi reflects

For Rasidi, his personal sacrifice made the trip more meaningful, his experience was one that filtered his interests through informative tours and spiritual learning. As a Christian, he was excited to be able to learn more about Israel’s history and culture as he supported Larry. Together, they enjoyed many meals which included green, healthy, vegetables as well as fresh fish and organic pomegranates (which were Rasidi’s favorite). People assisted them during their travels with a friendliness that was reassuring

The trip was very inspirational, and they were able to appreciate the little things that some take for granted back in the United States of America.

Reflections from the photos that were taken during Larry’s experience, serve as his reflective moments back to a time when he found his spiritual connection “Anytime Larry feels frustrated or challenged, I will pull out my cell phone and we will look at the photos together”, Rasidi notes. “For him, this will be a long-lasting memory,” he said.

L a r r y ’ s l i v e d e x p e r i e nc e no w i nc l u d e s a n i ns p i r a t i o na l t r i p t o I s r a e l w hi c h m o v e d hi m b e y o nd w o r d s . T ha t i s a b e a u t i f u l f e e l i ng , a w o nd e r f u l m o m e nt , a nd a c o nne c t i o n t ha t w i l l a l w a y s b e b e c a u s e i t a l w a y s w a s B y

L a r r y a nd R a s i d i m a k i ng t hi s j o u r ne y t o I s r a e l , i t s ho w e d t he m t ha t b y e l i m i na t i ng b a r r i e r s , i nd i v i d u a l s c o u l d f e e l e m p o w e r e d t o l i v e t he l i v e s t ha t t he y c ho o s e .

The ability to step away from everyday life and focus on one’s self and their connection to their spirituality is truly a gift that can be cherished for eternity

The holidays can be filled with such joy; family, food, and friends, but it can also be a very stressful and not-so-joyous time For some, stress and depression can ruin holidays and hurt our overall health Being realistic, planning ahead, and seeking support can help eliminate stress that can lead to depression

Here are some healthy holiday tips that can be applied to the moments in life that seem to be bigger than ourselves

1

Acknowledge your feelings.

HOLIDAY TIPS

grief It's fine to take time to cry or express your feelings You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season

2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious, or program supports Using our programs as a resource can be helpful Visit our website to find one of our 'Supported Communities' that offer support groups, in-person and virtual events and more

3 Be realistic The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well Choose a few to

hold on to, and be open to creating new ones

4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations

5. Stick to a budget. Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend, then stick to your budget Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts.

6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, connecting with friends and other activities

If someone close to you has recently transitioned or you can't be with loved ones for other reasons, such as distance, realize that it's OK to feel sadness and “WINTER, A LINGERING SEASON, IS A TIME TO GATHER GOLDEN MOMENTS, EMBARK UPON A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY, AND ENJOY EVERY IDLE HOUR.” –JOHN BOSWELL

7. Learn to say no.

Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed Family, friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every event, project or activity

8 Don't abandon healthy habits

Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt Be sure to have a healthy snack before holiday meals, so you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese and drinks. Get plenty of rest, Include physical activity, meditation or yoga in your daily routine Take a breather or break as needed

Please feel free to share these Holiday Tips with folks you are connected with; family members and friends, and community As we grow, let's work together to support one another as we navigate the holiday season.

Hope Recovery

Recovery has many steps for a community The Recovery Center of HOPE(formerly the Ware Regional Recovery Center) is a welcoming space that creates conditions for recovery, supports families, and brings together the growing recovery community in the region

RCH educates and advocates for improvementsincomplexsystemswhere people who struggle with addiction and persons in recovery, continue to find challenges and stigma within healthcare, criminal justice, employment, housing, and social services, thus contributing to the improvement in recovery-oriented systems of care The center engages in the peer participatory process whereby peers-peopleinrecovery-takethelead in determining what (and when) the centeroffers

Peer-to-peer support is giving community members HOPE, thus the name (Healing Ourselves with Peers Everywhere) With multiple pathways of recovery, The Recovery Center of HOPE and its members look forward to welcoming people in the community who are in recovery, their families, and those who support recovery with the hope thatdrivessuccess

Spiritual Care & Social Justice Spiritual Care & Social Justice

Book of the Quarter Book of the Quarter

Spiritual Care

The “Spiritual Care Program” is led by Social Justice and Spiritual Care Director Reverend Gregory Jones and has a mission to serve and encourage meaningful and purposeful relationships in, out, and around the community These connections are nurtured through spiritual practices, art, nature, and/or things that bring the individual(s) meaning and purpose If you need support in this area, you can reach Rev. Greg at gjones@wmtcinfo.org.

OUR NEW SOCIAL JUSTICE LIBRARY

The Power of Personal Accountability by Mark Samuel

Pay attention to what really matters to you. Find out where you spend your time and energy. Understand what works and what doesnt and then use the simple strategies described in this book to change what doesnt Built around Mark Samuels and Sophie Chiches Personal Accountability Model, the authors share their structured approach, case studies, and exercises in a highly motivating manner You will learn how to make choices consistent with your desired outcomes

You can find this and other books in the new Social Justice Library located on the 3rd floor of the Holyoke Office For more information, please send an email to Rev. Greg Jones, Director of Social Justice and Spiritual Care at gjones@wmtcinfo org

I’m pleased to announce our very first “Social Justice Library” at The Consortium located at our Holyoke office 187 High Street, Suite 303, right off the kitchen area All are welcomed to come and take a look and to utilize the space Come enjoy some coffee and a book!!

Please, if you have any book recommendations that fit into our commitment toward Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice, please feel free to send me an email and we’ll try and order those resources for all to enjoy

Meet the Program Managers! Meet the Program Managers!

Home & Community Connections Program Managers are the foundation of H&CC’s 24-Hour Supports and Individual Options programs. In their critical role, they drive H&CC’s mission and values in providing innovative support! Home and Community Connections provides residential and community support to adults with developmental disabilities and/or who have autism/ASD We provide innovative and individualized support that eliminates barriers and empowers individuals to live the lives they choose

Anita Ross: “My name is Anita Ross and I have been working in the Human Services field for over 20 years I was lucky enough to be hired by the Consortium in 2019 where I began a new role as Program Manager for the Individual Options program I just recently became the Senior Program Manager and work with the most incredible team and individuals that we support ❤ I believe every day we are alive is a gift and love to share all I have to help make others as happy as they make me!”

William M. Cole: “My 1st job in Human Services began over 20 years ago at the Martin Luther King Center summer camp Over the years, I have enjoyed the people I have interacted with and learned from Ever since starting at the Consortium, I have built great connections through the training that I conduct along with assisting at most programs I am also a Manager in Individual Options.”

rry Cote: “I have been with the sortium for a little over two a half years I started working Human Services as an Outreach nselor for mental health, iction, and homeless viduals at Carson Center for ults and Families I picked up a t-time job at the same time king as a Direct Care worker Berkshire County Arc I stayed h them for 8 years changing to ef staff when I started my first nager ’ s job for the Center for man Development I found I d to work with people with elopmental disabilities and e done so 12 years now ”

Program Managers are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of residential and community support to assigned individuals The Program Manager plans, implements, coordinates, and evaluates direct support to individuals This position is a combination of direct care and administrative responsibilities. The Program Manager is responsible for the safety and well-being of the individuals supported. We’re grateful for this team and proud of their contributions in support of folks realizing their dreams! Look at the amount of experience listed here, it’s incredible!

Taylor Pace: “I have been in Human Services for 10 years, and I have been with Home and Community Connections for the last 3 years I truly enjoy helping others, and it’s just great that I found a career that allows me to do just that!”

Ramon Planas Vega: “I like to be called Ray I have been in the field for over 20 years providing innovative services for individuals needing support I have been with Home & Community Connections since January 2020 I love the team that I work with ”

Sherri Desmarais: “I have been with the Consortium since November of 2021 I started out as an overnight staff, then as a Program Supervisor to becoming a Program Manager I have gotten the opportunity to work my dream job I’m very passionate about working with individuals that have physical and mental disabilities ”

Lamont Stuckey: “I have over 12 Years of experience working with ABI, DDS, DCF, At-Risk Youth, and Direct Care Services I’m also a Plant-Based Caterer and sell an ‘Everythang Sauce’ that goes on everything I started with the Consortium to give back my personal experience and time daily while expanding on teaching the Plant-Based Lifestyle online This position is amazing because I get to add value to the Argyle House by simply being myself I appreciate the opportunity to give back and love the fact that everyone (even those in the office) cares and goes the extra mile for the guys I’m, glad to be a part of the team”

Jorge Perez-Rodriguez: “As a Program Manager it is my responsibility to assure that the residents of Henshaw are not only receiving the best care but are living fulfilling lives in every aspect of the phase I am an advocate for the needs of those I support and it is my goal to assure there isn’t an experience my individuals will ever miss out on ”

Felicia Sanchez: “I started working in Human Services in 2015. I became a Program Manager in 2020 I started with Home and Community Connections in June of this year ”

Kimberly Silva: “I started in this field n 2004 as a Direct Care worker at Monson Developmental Center, shortly after, I became a Supervisor in group homes until 2020. I joined the eam here at The Consortium in August of 2022 ”

Leianne Misischia: “Hi I’m Leianne but prefer to be called Annie I have worked with the Consortium for just over a year I am the Manager for Chauncy and love working with the gentlemen at my house I have worked in Human Services since I got out of high school My favorite part of the job is getting to see the happy faces of the guys when they do something hard for the first time I also love taking them out into their community and getting them to experience new things ”

Christina Graham-McCann: “I have been working in Human Services since 2006 and found this field to be very rewarding; it has taught me so much I am currently working on my Human Service degree at Holyoke Community College to continue my learning. I am very happy to be joining The Consortium’s Home & Community Connections team!”

Shanna Sroka: “I’ve been in Human Services for several years in different capacities I began working in Residential in 2014 and have loved it ever since I started with The Consortium in June 2022 and I’m glad to be a part of the team!”

Shakeena Parks: “I started working in Human Services as a Direct Care Worker in 2014 and I’ve been here ever since I think my love for helping others is what made me choose this profession As I step into the Program Manager role, I hope to gain more knowledge in advocating for our individuals as they continue to be involved in their community ”

End-of-the-Year Reminders from

the Human Resources Team:

Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave is a state law that provides job-protected leave and paid benefits to eligible employees who need to take time off from work due to their own serious health condition, to care for a family member with a serious health condition, and to bond with a new or adopted child or for qualifying military needs

Effective January 1, 2023, the tax contribution amount will be reduced and the maximum weekly benefit will be increased. A notice about the Paid Family Medical Leave, tax-related payroll deduction was sent to your home on Friday, December 2, 2022 If you have not done so already, please sign the Acknowledgment form (initialing page 5 and signing your full name on page 7) Then return it in the addressed, stamped envelope by December 31, 2022. If you misplaced the envelope, please sign the Acknowledge form and mail it to The Consortium, 187 High Street, Human Resources, Suite 301, Holyoke, MA 01040, Attention: Kathy Chaisson. You can also hand deliver it to the office at Suite 301.

2022 W-2–Forms

2022 W-2 forms will be coming out in January of 2023 Please make sure that your addresses are correct If you need to correct, update or change your mailing address, please let us know so we will make sure that your 2022 W-2 form is mailed to the correct address. Changes can be sent to Human Resources by emailing Kathy Chaisson, Human Resource Director, at Kchaisson@wmticinfo org For Payroll or Billing updates, you may email Janet Nieves, Payroll and Billing Manager, at Jnieves@wmtcinfo org

Please contact me if you have any questions at (413) 536-2401 Ext. 3023.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Kathy Chaisson, HR Director

The RECOVER Project is a safe, welcoming community that supports recovery by sharing the wisdom of ourlivedexperienceandstrengthens our community through full participation

We create resource connections, advocate to overcome barriers, and promote the reality that recovery is possibleforall.

How do we show up for our community? Recovery Coaching andSocialInvolvement Peer-to-Peer support offers lived experience offering authentic connections and relationships that encourage engagementinselfrecovery

A Recovery Coach is here to guide participants on their own pathway of recovery including how to initiate, maintain,andsustainit.

Social Involvement encourages engagement in our community, participating in advocacy activities, volunteering at events, and supporting one another on the pathwaystorecovery

TheRecoveryProjectisencouragingcommunitymemberstoparticipateintheirownrecoverysothatthey canbeincommunityandhelpittogrow.

“NOT UNTIL WE ARE “NOT UNTIL WE ARE LOST WE BEGIN TO LOST WE BEGIN TO FIND OURSELVES.” FIND OURSELVES.”

~HENRY DAVID ~HENRY DAVID THOREAU THOREAU

In Community In Community

WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE WINTER BRINGS WHERE WE WORK, LIVE AND PLAY?

Here are some happenings in and around our community!

PLEASE SEND YOUR RSVP TO:

Don't forget! You can easily share this link to the Consortium's secure online giving platform with folks who want to donate to YOUR community Just make sure they designate the program or community they'd like to support, to ensure it is allocated to your program/community

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Know of any events in and around the region that you'd like to share, please send an email to info@wmtcinfo.org!

Like what you are reading? is it informative and engaging? We'd love to hear from you! In fact, send us an email with your most engaging piece that you read and we will enter you into our quarterly raffle, with a chance to win something worth the read!

To submit an article or story, event or kudos submission, please email us at info@wmtcinfo.org. We will review submissions with the following selection criteria in mind: mission alignment, increasing employee connection, and community/program relevance