The Voice - Winter 2022

WINTER 2022

THE VOICE

Quarterly Newsletter for Consortium Employees

IN THIS ISSUE: Hope in Healing– 3 Move Beyond Words - 4, 5 Healthy Holiday Tips - 6 Celebrating New Spaces with H.O.P.E. – 7 Meet the Program Managers - 9, 10 Participate.Recover.Grow - 12 In Community & more...

STRENGTHENING OUR CONSORTIUM COMMUNITY THROUGH VOICE, CHOICE AND INCLUSION

DEAR CONSORTIUM COMMUNITY...

STRENGTHENING OUR CONSORTIUM COMMUNITY THROUGH VOICE, CHOICE AND INCLUSION

WINTER 2022

THE VOICE

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.

TO LEARN MORE ON HOW OUR COMMUNITY IS SUPPORTING LIFE-CHANGING RESEARCH, PLEASE CONTACT: ALYSSA M CURRAN BELCHERTOWN/WARE HCS COMMUNITY COORDINATOR W: (413) 537-5718 C: (203) 994-0788 E: ACURRAN@WMTCINFO.ORG

Healing through eliminating barriers and empowering individuals to live the lives they choose.

By LaMara Hunter-Kelly

Some may know Larry Ditman as a person we support in one of our homes in our Home & Community Connections program, but H&CC's Assistant Director, Rasidi Akodu, knows him quite well. Rasidi was a program manager for 6 years and supported Larry before becoming an Assistant Director. During that time, they built a wonderful relationship.

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.

With their support, Rasidi was able to help turn Larry’s dream into a reality. The journey to Israel, which took place in October of 2022, took five months to plan.

Larry was accompanied by Rasidi and enjoyed nine days and eight nights of beautiful experiences. Larry was so excited about going to Israel.

In fact, he was packed and ready to go two months before the flights were even booked for his trip.

At the airport, Larry brought a cap in preparation for his flight, and as he sat in his seat on the plane. With a sense of excitement, he peered out of the window, and that is when it dawned on him that he was actually going to the place where he always longed of going. continued on the next page.

STRENGTHENING OUR CONSORTIUM COMMUNITY THROUGH VOICE, CHOICE AND INCLUSION

continued

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.

Larry’s lived experience now includes an inspirational trip to Israel which moved him beyond words. That is a beautiful feeling, a wonderful moment, and a connection that will always be because it always was. By Larry and Rasidi making this journey to Israel, it showed them that by eliminating barriers, individuals could feel empowered to live the lives that they choose.

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.

STRENGTHENING OUR CONSORTIUM COMMUNITY THROUGH VOICE, CHOICE AND INCLUSION

WINTER 2022

HEALTHY HOLIDAY TIPS

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.

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.

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

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.

1. Acknowledge your feelings.

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

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

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hold on to, and creating new ones.

be

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.

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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.

“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.

open

Hope

Recovery

Recovery has many steps for a community. The Recovery Center of H.O.P.E.(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 improvements in complex systems where 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 - people in recovery- take the lead in determining what (and when) the center offers.

Before

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 that drives success.

Transformation

Transformation for recovery in the Ware region starts with a space where community members can share with and support one another.

After

Take a look at these before and after photos of the new space.

The doors for the new recovery space will open on January 18, 2023. Please stop in and say hi!

STRENGTHENING OUR CONSORTIUM COMMUNITY THROUGH VOICE, CHOICE AND INCLUSION

WINTER 2022

Spiritual Care & Social Justice

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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 doesn t and then use the simple strategies described in this book to change what doesn t . Built around Mark Samuel s and Sophie Chiche s 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!

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.”

Sherry Cote: “I have been with the Consortium for a little over two and a half years. I started working in Human Services as an Outreach Counselor for mental health, addiction, and homeless individuals at Carson Center for Adults and Families. I picked up a part-time job at the same time working as a Direct Care worker for Berkshire County Arc. I stayed with them for 8 years changing to Relief staff when I started my first Manager’s job for the Center for Human Development. I found I liked to work with people with developmental disabilities and have 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.”

STRENGTHENING OUR CONSORTIUM COMMUNITY THROUGH VOICE, CHOICE AND INCLUSION

WINTER 2022

Meet the Program Managers!...cont

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 in 2004 as a Direct Care worker at Monson Developmental Center, shortly after, I became a Supervisor in group homes until 2020. I joined the team here at The Consortium in August of 2022.”

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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.”

WINTER 2022

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

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We welcome all new employees to The Consortium!!!

ADMINISTRATION ALEX FUSELIER CARMEN RIVERA MICHAEL ZURITA H&CC FREDERICK APPIAH JUSTICE BETTS WILLIAM BIRKS JALEN-CADE-GILL AMELIA COTTO SHAKIRA DELGADO JANET FRANKLIN VERONICA MALLAYYEA SHAKEENA PARKS MANUEL PUYEN-ROCHE LUCIA RODRIGUEZ CHRISTOPHER STARKS LOURDES TORRES SAMANTHA WHITE TYRONE WILLIAMS RECOVER PROJECT TARA KUZMESKUS WILDFLOWER ALLIANCE DOUGLAS WILLIAMS

PLEASE SEND YOUR RSVP TO: AFUSELIER@WMTCINFO.ORG STRENGTHENING OUR CONSORTIUM COMMUNITY THROUGH VOICE, CHOICE AND INCLUSION

WINTER 2022

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The Recovery Project is encouraging community members to participate in their own recovery so that they can be in community and help it to grow.

The RECOVER Project is a safe, welcoming community that supports recovery by sharing the wisdom of our lived experience and strengthens our community through full participation.

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

How do we show up for our community? Recovery Coaching and Social Involvement. Peer-to-Peer support offers lived experience offering authentic connections and relationships that encourage engagement in self recovery.

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

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

“NOT UNTIL WE ARE LOST WE BEGIN TO FIND OURSELVES.” ~HENRY DAVID THOREAU

Participate.

The keys to recovery are in the hands of the individual through full participation.

Recover.

Recovery is an everyday, and ongoing activity.

Grow.

With resources and supports we can be empowered like the fuel to an engine so that we can drive our recovery to where it needs to go.

If we participate, we can recover and grow.

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

Here are some happenings in and around our community!

BRIGHT NIGHTS AT FOREST PARK

PLEASE SEND YOUR RSVP TO: AFUSELIER@WMTCINFO.ORG

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.

THE LIGHTS WILL BE LIT FROM NOVEMBER 23RD THROUGH JANUARY 1ST.

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

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! 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.