Quarterly Newsletter for Consortium Employees
Wi s hi ng y o u a l l a g r e a t s t a r t t o 2 0 2 5 a nd a ne w s e a s o n o f
o p p o r t u ni t i e s he r e a t t he C o ns o r t i u m ! A s w e m o v e t o w a r d
o u r 5 0 t h A nni v e r s a r y o n M a r c h 1 1 t h, I r e f l e c t o n ho w m u c h
w e ’ v e g r o w n, i n b o t h d e p t h a nd b r e a d t h s i nc e o u r b e g i nni ng s i n 1 9 7 5 . Whe n I c a m e t o t he C o ns o r t i u m i n 1 9 9 5 , t he r e w a s
a l r e a d y a l e g a c y he r e I w a s hu m b l e d t o ho no r t he w o r k o f
t ho s e w ho c a m e b e f o r e , a nd t he n w o r k i ng a l o ng s i d e a m a z i ng
c o m m u ni t y l e a d e r s w a s i ns p i r i ng ! T hi s s t i l l ho l d s t r u e t o d a y
o u r c o l l e c t i v e w i s d o m a nd s ha r e d v i s i o n i n o u r c o m m u ni t i e s a r e l i f e - c ha ng i ng .
A s a s o c i e t y , w e a r e c ha ng i ng f a s t e r t ha n w e e v e r ha v e a nd i t ’ s e v e n m o r e e s s e nt i a l t ha t w e ha v e c o ns i s t e nc y i n v a l u e s , p r e s e nc e , m i s s i o n, a nd v i s i o n. We a r e s o g r a t e f u l y o u a r e
a p a r t o f t hi s , e a c h a nd e v e r y d a y . T o e ns u r e o u r v i s i o n i s i nf o r m e d , c o ns i s t e nt , a nd
s u p p o r t e d , w e a r e d e e p l y e ng a g e d i n a S t r a t e g i c P l a nni ng P r o c e s s , a nd g r a t e f u l f o r
e v e r y o ne ’ s c o nt r i b u t i o ns t o o u r E m p l o y e e E ng a g e m e nt S u r v e y t hi s p a s t f a l l , a nd o u r
c u r r e nt F o c u s G r o u p s . T he i nf o r m a t i o n w e a r e r e c e i v i ng i s e s s e nt i a l t o i nf o r m i ng o u r
p a t h a s w e m o v e f o r w a r d i nt o t he ne x t c ha p t e r a nd y o u r i ns i g ht s a nd c o nt r i b u t i o ns
i l l u m i na t e o u r w a y i nt o t he C o ns o r t i u m ’ s f u t u r e , t ha nk y o u !
A s w e m o v e w i t h i nt e nt i o n i nt o o u r f u t u r e , w e w e l c o m e o u r ne w e s t C o ns o r t i u m
p r o g r a m , H E A R T H , a n i nno v a t i v e a nd i ns p i r i ng M o nt a g u e - b a s e d g i r l s ’ r i t e s o f p a s s a g e
p r o g r a m , b o r n o f t e e n g i r l s ha v i ng t he v i s i o n t o c r e a t e a p l a t f o r m w he r e t e e ns c o u l d b e
s e e n, v a l u e d , a nd he a r d i n t he i r c o m m u ni t i e s ! M o r e t o c o m e o n t hi s e x c i t i ng ne w
p r o g r a m : ht t p s : / / w e s t e r nm a s s w i l d e r ne s s r i t e s . o r g / he a r t h .
H a v e y o u he a r d o f A ne m o ni y e t ? We ’ r e e x c i t e d f o r t hi s ne w Wi l d f l o w e r A l l i a nc e
L G B T Q I A + p e e r r e s p i t e i n H o l y o k e ! A ne m o ni w i l l b e l o c a t e d i n o u r ho u s e o n P e a r l S t r e e t w he r e w e c u r r e nt l y s u p p o r t s o m e a m a z i ng w o m e n 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 T he w o m e n w ho l i v e t he r e w i l l s o o n b e m o v i ng t o a b e a u t i f u l l y r e no v a t e d , f u l l y a c c e s s i b l e ho u s e o nl y a c o u p l e o f m i l e s a w a y S p e a k i ng o f H o m e & C o m m u ni t y C o nne c t i o ns , c he c k o u t s o m e g r e a t a r t i c l e s i n t hi s e d i t i o n, i nc l u d i ng We s t R e g i o n S e l f A d v o c a c y P e e r C o o r d i na t o r , A m b e r P e t t e l l , b e i ng s e l e c t e d t o b e a c i t i z e n m e m b e r o f M D D C , c o ng r a t u l a t i o ns , A m b e r !
We ha v e e x p a nd e d o u r I T s u p p o r t b y e f f e c t i v e l y p a r t ne r i ng w i t h C l e a r C o m f o r a l l o f o u r
I T ne e d s C l e a r C o m ’ s t e a m r e s p o nd s t o o u r I T T i c k e t s , i nc l u d i ng s ha r i ng t a s k s w i t h t o o u r i n- p e r s o n I T C o o r d i na t o r , M i c ha e l Z u r i t a M i c ha e l i s a p a r t o f t hi s f u l l I T r e s p o ns e t e a m t o e ns u r e a l l 3 7 5 C o ns o r t i u m e m p l o y e e s ’ I T ne e d s a r e m e t . I n t hi s e d i t i o n o f T he
V o i c e , w e ha v e i nc l u d e d 2 t r a i ni ng o p p o r t u ni t i e s f o r ho w t o s u b m i t a n I T T i c k e t a nd / o r c o nt a c t C l e a r C o m – p l e a s e d o n’ t he s i t a t e t o r e a c h o u t t o t he m a t a ny t i m e !
I n o t he r ne w s , i f y o u ha v e n’ t a t t e nd e d A g e nc y O r i e nt a t i o n b e f o r e , i t ’ s c o m i ng u p o n
We d ne s d a y , J a nu a r y 2 2 nd o n Z o o m – w e ’ d l o v e t o ha v e t he o p p o r t u ni t y t o he a r f r o m y o u a nd g e t t o k no w y o u b e t t e r – p l e a s e j o i n u s i f y o u c a n! K e e p r e a d i ng t o g e t t he d e t a i l s o n ho w t o r e g i s t e r f o r i t .
We are thrilled to reflect on our Annual Employee Appreciation Celebration that took place on October 30, 2024! The theme, which are carrying over into our 50th year Anniversary, “Mission Possible,” perfectly encapsulates the meaningful and sometimes challenging work we undertake and our resilience is a constant reminder that our mission is achievable.
Our sponsors played a crucial role in making this event a success, allowing us to honor the impactful work of our employees across our 13+ programs. The celebration featured a delicious lunch and various relaxing activities, providing our team with much-needed time to recharge.
We also reintroduced the Mission Awards, recognizing and honoring the significant contributions of our employees and programs to our community work. This event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our collective achievements and reinforce our commitment to our mission.
Thank you to all who supported us in any way! You are appreciated! We look forward to continuing our journey together and achieving even greater success in the future!
Check out some highlights from the celebration below:
Congratulations to our Mission Award recipients: Danielle Jordan (Spiritual Care) , Claire McGale (RECOVER Project), Larry Thomas (Wildflower Alliance), Susan Daley (Recovery Center of H O P E ), The Support Network team
RECIPIENTS
(PICTURED ABOVE): Rev. Greg accepts the recognition on behalf of Danielle Jordan, Claire McGale, Larry Thomas
(PICTURED BELOW): Susan Daley, The Support Network: Janice Lamberg, Diosdado Lopez-Martinez, Shawna Osman, Gretchen Emond, and Margery Jess
B Y A S H I A S M I T H
DIRECTOR OF SHARED LIVING, HOME & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
We r e m e m b e r L a r r y D i t m a n, a l o ng t i m e B e l c he r t o w n r e s i d e nt w ho l i v e d o n
C ha u nc e y Wa l k e r S t r e e t . L a r r y p a s s e d a w a y p e a c e f u l l y , s u r r o u nd e d b y t ho s e w ho
l o v e d hi m . F o r o v e r 3 0 y e a r s , w e ha d t he p l e a s u r e o f k no w i ng a nd s u p p o r t i ng L a r r y .
H e w a s a n i nc r e d i b l e s e l f - a d v o c a t e a nd a r t i s t , w i t h hi s a r t w o r k d i s p l a y e d t hr o u g ho u t
o u r H o l y o k e o f f i c e s . L a r r y w a s a f r i e nd t o m a ny , a b e s t f r i e nd t o B i l l H u r l e y , a v a l u e d c o m m u ni t y m e m b e r , a c o o k , a n e m p l o y e e , a l e a r ne r o f hi s J e w i s h i d e nt i t y , a n
a d v e nt u r e r , a nd s o m u c h m o r e .
I n 2 0 2 2 , L a r r y e nj o y e d t r a v e l i ng t o I s r a e l , a nd hi s f l i g ht t he r e i ns p i r e d hi s e nd - o f -
l i f e f o c u s o n t a k i ng f l i g ht t o hi s ne x t d e s t i na t i o n. H e d r e w a b e a u t i f u l a i r p l a ne
s u r r o u nd e d b y c o l o r f u l j e t s t r e a m s a nd f i r e w o r k s .
A M e s s a g e f r o m h i s F a m i l y :
" T ha nk y o u a l l s o m u c h f o r t he f r i e nd s hi p a nd t he l o v e t ha t y o u ha v e s ha r e d w i t h
L a r r y o v e r t he s e m a ny y e a r s Y o u a r e i nd e e d hi s f a m i l y a nd I k no w a r e m o u r ni ng
hi s l o s s g r e a t l y . T he c a r e y o u ha v e s ho w n hi m i n l i f e . . . i s b e y o nd m e a s u r e . K no w i ng
t ha t hi s c a r e w a s i n y o u r ha nd s ha s b e e n s o c o m f o r t i ng . H e i s no w o n hi s t r i p , a s he
s o i ns i g ht f u l l y s a i d , t o b e w i t h hi s p a r e nt s a nd hi s d e a r b r o t he r . T ha nk y o u a l l f r o m
t he b o t t o m o f o u r he a r t s . "
T ha nk y o u a l l f o r y o u r m a ny , m a ny c o nt r i b u t i o ns t o L a r r y ' s l i f e a nd f o r s u p p o r t i ng e a c h o t he r d u r i ng hi s t r a ns i t i o n. P l e a s e c o nt i nu e t o k e e p L a r r y ' s ho u s e m a t e s , t he C ha u nc e y Wa l k e r t e a m a nd H o m e a nd C o m m u ni t y C o nne c t i o ns i n y o u r t ho u g ht s a nd p r a y e r s d u r i ng t hi s t i m e o f g r i e v i ng .
Massachusetts Developmental Disability Council
Welcomes Amber Pettell as “New Citizen Member”!
I n O c t o b e r , G o v e r no r M a u r a T . H e a l e y a p p o i nt e d A m b e r P e t t e l l , We s t R e g i o n
S e l f A d v o c a c y P e e r C o o r d i na t o r , a l o ng w i t h A u s t i n C a r r , a nd T a t i a na T ho m a s
a s ‘ c i t i z e n m e m b e r s ’ o f t he M a s s a c hu s e t t s D e v e l o p m e nt a l D i s a b i l i t i e s C o u nc i l
( M D D C ) .
A s hi g hl i g ht e d i n M a s s . g o v , “ A m b e r P e t t e l l o f We s t f i e l d i s a p a s s i o na t e
d i s a b i l i t y r i g ht s a d v o c a t e w i t h b o t h p r o f e s s i o na l a nd l i v e d e x p e r i e nc e w i t h
d i s a b i l i t y . S he i s d e e p l y c o m m i t t e d t o e nd i ng s y s t e m a t i c i ne q u a l i t y . A m b e r
d e s c r i b e s he r a d v o c a c y a s b e i ng p a r t o f he r s e ns e o f s e l f ” .
" F o r m e , m y d i s a b i l i t y i s a m a j o r p a r t o f m y i d e nt i t y D i s a b i l i t y i s m y c u l t u r e
a nd t he o nl y c o m m u ni t y t ha t ha s e v e r m a d e m e f e e l t r u l y a c c e p t e d I ha v e s o
m u c h p r i d e i n m y c o m m u ni t y , a nd I ha v e a l w a y s f e l t f r u s t r a t e d b y ho w m u c h
m i s u nd e r s t a nd i ng a nd d i s c r i m i na t i o n w e f a c e A r o u nd 1 3 , I r e s o l v e d t o c ha ng e
i t ho w e v e r I c o u l d O v e r t he l a s t 2 0 y e a r s , I ha v e r e m a i ne d s t e a d f a s t i n t ha t
g o a l ” , A m b e r s ha r e d .
A s a S e l f - A d v o c a c y P e e r C o o r d i na t o r a t t he We s t e r n M a s s a c hu s e t t s T r a i ni ng
C o ns o r t i u m i n H o l y o k e , M A , s he ha s s p e nt ne a r l y a d e c a d e s u p p o r t i ng
i nd i v i d u a l s w i t h i nt e l l e c t u a l a nd d e v e l o p m e nt a l d i s a b i l i t i e s i n a d v o c a t i ng f o r
t he m s e l v e s a nd o t he r s .
A m b e r ho l d s a M a s t e r o f A r t s i n M a s s C o m m u ni c a t i o n w i t h a S p e c i a l i z a t i o n i n
P u b l i c I nt e r e s t C o m m u ni c a t i o n f r o m t he U ni v e r s i t y o f F l o r i d a . O u t s i d e o f w o r k , s he e nj o y s w a t c hi ng m o v i e s a nd g o i ng t o p a r k s .
“ O u r ne w m e m b e r s ha v e a l r e a d y d i s p l a y e d t he i r l e a d e r s hi p s k i l l s a nd p o s i t i v e q u a l i t i e s t o c u r r e nt m e m b e r s , s t a f f a nd t he i r p e e r s A l l t hr e e ha v e p a r t i c i p a t e d i n t he P a u l W S p o o ne r G e ne r a t i o na l L e a d e r s hi p S u m m i t a nd r e t u r ne d t o m e nt o r ne w m e m b e r s t hi s y e a r , ” s a i d C r a i g H a l l , M D D C E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r “ I ha v e no d o u b t t ha t t he y w i l l c o nt i nu e t o d o g r e a t w o r k a nd w i l l m a k e e x c e l l e nt c o nt r i b u t i o ns t o o u r C o u nc i l . ”
T o r e a d m o r e a b o u t A m b e r a nd o t he r c i t i z e n m e m b e r s , c l i c k he r e .
Teamwork Triumph: How Teamwork Triumph:
How Fundraising and Team Spirit Fundraising and Team Spirit
Can
Lead to Success! Can Lead to Success!
Ellie, the daughter of Carina Colon (Director of Individual Options in Home & Community Connections), and the Pop Warner Cheer team achieved the honor of advancing to the Nationals in Orlando, Florida, on December 12th.
We had an opportunity to sit down with Ellie to share her experience.
Q: What is the name of your Cheer Squad?
Ellie: Chicopee Braves Mighty Mites
Q: How long have you been cheering?
Ellie: This was my first year I might return next year
Q: Share your experience.
Ellie: We had 4 competitions; we won 2 and lost 2, but it was a lot of fun!
Q: How did you feel competing?
Ellie: I felt nervous and excited Nervous to compete, but excited to be with my team.
Q: What’s your favorite cheer move?
Ellie: Cartwheels
Q: Do you also incorporate dance moves?
Ellie: Yes, we dance too
Q: What can you share with your supporters and other little girls who aspire to become a cheerleader?
Ellie: It's okay to want to cheer, you’ll have fun and make lots of friends, so enjoy it while it lasts!
Carina worked tirelessly to support Ellie's dream by organizing various fundraisers, which included selling candy, lasagna dinner plates, and holiday photos The Consortium community's response was overwhelming, and their generous contributions played a crucial role in helping the team reach Nationals The dedication and hard work of everyone involved truly showcased the power of teamwork and community spirit. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us in any capacity Your support was instrumental in making this achievement possible," Carina shared with deep gratitude.
Carina shared that Ellie struggled to do cartwheels before joining the Pop Warner team, but with the support of her teammates, now that is her favorite thing to do!
We hope this journey inspires others to pursue their passions and enjoy every moment of it Go Chicopee Braves Mighty Mites!
Exciting
A s w e a p p r o a c h w i nt e r a nd t he e nd o f t he y e a r , t he N o r t ha m p t o n R e c o v e r y
C e nt e r ( N R C ) ha s m u c h t o b e t ha nk f u l f o r . T hi s p a s t O c t o b e r , w e c e l e b r a t e d
e i g ht y e a r s o f o p e r a t i o n a s a P e e r R e c o v e r y S u p p o r t C e nt e r ! F r o m o u r hu m b l e
b e g i nni ng s a t E d w a r d ’ s C hu r c h t o o u r c u r r e nt l o c a t i o n a t 2 5 A r m o r y S t ,
N o r t ha m p t o n, w e a r e m o s t g r a t e f u l f o r o u r a m a z i ng c o m m u ni t y m e m b e r s .
T he y c o nt i nu e t o l e a d a nd d e s i g n t he m a j o r i t y o f o u r o f f e r i ng s w hi l e
s u p p o r t i ng e a c h o t he r t hr o u g h t he r e l a t i o ns hi p s b u i l t i n t he P e e r
P a r t i c i p a t o r y P r o c e s s .
We a l s o ha d a no t he r s p e c t a c u l a r a nnu a l G r a t i t u d e M e a l t he We d ne s d a y
b e f o r e T ha nk s g i v i ng , o ne o f o u r c o m m u ni t y ’ s c he r i s he d t r a d i t i o ns I t w a s a w o nd e r f u l g a t he r i ng w i t h g o o d f o o d a nd g r e a t c o m p a ny , a l l o w i ng u s t o
a p p r e c i a t e o u r C e nt e r a nd e a c h o t he r
We a r e v e r y e x c i t e d t o i nt r o d u c e o u r newest peer staff member , Kristen
Dubuque, w ho ha s j u s t s t e p p e d i nt o t he r o l e o f P e e r S u p p o r t a t t he N R C .
K r i s t e n o r i g i na l l y b e c a m e a m e m b e r o f o u r C e nt e r b a c k i n 2 0 1 9 w he n w e w e r e
a t o u r s i ng l e - r o o m G l e a s o n P l a z a l o c a t i o n. S he r e c a l l s ho w s he w a s i m m e d i a t e l y m a d e t o f e e l w e l c o m e a nd p a r t o f t he c o m m u ni t y , s o m e t hi ng o f t e n u nf a m i l i a r t o p e o p l e i n e a r l y r e c o v e r y . K r i s t e n s a y s t ha t t he i nc l u s i v e , w e l c o m i ng e ne r g y o f t he c o m m u ni t y m e m b e r s , i nc l u d i ng p r e v i o u s P r o g r a m
D i r e c t o r L y nn F e r r o a nd c u r r e nt D i r e c t o r J o hn S u l l i v a n, m a d e he r f e e l l i k e s he b e l o ng e d .
T hr o u g h v o l u nt e e r i ng i n v a r i o u s w a y s , i nc l u d i ng a t t he f r o nt d e s k w e l c o m i ng p o s i t i o n, K r i s t e n a t t r i b u t e s t he s e ns e o f t r u s t a nd r e s p o ns i b i l i t y s he r e c e i v e d
a s g r e a t l y he l p i ng he r b u i l d t he f o u nd a t i o ns o f s u s t a i na b l e r e c o v e r y A s he r
l i f e b u i l t u p a r o u nd he r r e c o v e r y , i t s o o n b e c a m e f u l l a nd b u s y E v e n a s a
m o t he r o f t hr e e w ho i s v e r y a c t i v e i n he r c hi l d r e n’ s s c ho o l a c t i v i t i e s a nd a
f u l l - t i m e s t u d e nt i n a d e g r e e p r o g r a m , K r i s t e n w a s e x c i t e d t o a p p l
TEAMS & TECHNOLOGY TEAMS & TECHNOLOGY
D o y o u k no w t ha t y o u ha v e a n e nt i r e
I T T e a m a v a i l a b l e t o s u p p o r t y o u ?
A s w e k no w , I nf o r m a t i o n T e c hno l o g y
c o nt i nu e s t o a d v a nc e a nd c r e a t e ne w
o p p o r t u ni t i e s b u t a l s o a l o ng w i t h
t ho s e , ne w I T c ha l l e ng e s a r e a r i s i ng a t
u np r e c e d e nt e d r a t e s A r t i f i c i a l
I nt e l l i g e nc e , o r A I , ha s s p e d u p
p r o c e s s i ng a nd p hi s hi ng a t t e m p t s
C o u nt y o u r s e l f l u c k y i f y o u ha v e n’ t
e nc o u nt e r e d a p hi s hi ng a t t e m p t y e t ! T o
l e a r n m o r e a b o u t p hi s hi ng , y o u c a n
c l i c k he r e :
T o e ns u r e w e ha v e a c o nt i nu o u s I T -
i nf o r m e d a nd s u p p o r t i v e e nv i r o nm e nt
t ha t m e e t s o u r ne e d s , l a s t y e a r w e
m a d e a c o ns c i o u s c ho i c e t o m o v e f r o m
o u r I T p r o v i d e r a t t he t i m e t o
C l e a r C o m . C l e a r C o m ha s o v e r 2 0 y e a r s ’
o f e x p e r i e nc e a nd a m u l t i - f a c e t e d t e a m
r e a d y t o r e s p o nd t o o u r I T ne e d s a nd
p l a n f o r o u r f u t u r e We a l s o ha v e a s
p a r t o f o u r I T r e s p o ns e t e a m , a f u l l -
t i m e I T C o o r d i na t o r w ho i s i n- p e r s o n,
a nd s u p p o r t s C l e a r C o m ’ s t e a m w i t h i n-
p e r s o n ne e d s a s t he y a r i s e M i c ha e l
Z u r i t a , I T C o o r d i na t o r , r e g u l a r l y v i s i t s
p r o g r a m / c o m m u ni t y l o c a t i o ns t o
e ns u r e e m p l o y e e s ’ ne e d s a r e m e t a nd
r e s p o nd s t o C l e a r C o m t i c k e t s t ha t t he
d i s p a t c h t e a m a s s i g ns t o hi m . We ’ r e
g r a t e f u l f o r M i c ha e l ’ s i n- p e r s o n
s u p p o r t , a s w e l l a s s e r v i ng a s p a r t o f
o u r I T r e s p o ns e t e a m .
T o a d d r e s s t he s e c u r i t y ne e d s o f d a y - t o -
d a y o p e r a t i ng i n t he T e a m s e nv i r o nm e nt ,
G o o g l e S u i t e , a s w e l l a s o ng o i ng c o m p u t e r
r e p a i r a nd m a i nt e na nc e ne e d s , w e ha v e
s u c c e s s f u l l y t r a ns i t i o ne d t o u t i l i z i ng t he
C l e a r C o m t i c k e t i ng s y s t e m . I f y o u a r e ne w
t o u s a nd / o r ha v e n’ t u t i l i z e d t he C l e a r C o m
T i c k e t i ng S y s t e m , w e ha v e p a r t ne r e d w i t h
C l e a r C o m t o ho s t t w o v i r t u a l t r a i ni ng
s e s s i o ns T he s e s e s s i o ns a r e d e s i g ne d t o
g u i d e y o u t hr o u g h t he v a r i o u s m e t ho d s f o r
s u b m i t t i ng I T t i c k e t s a nd e ns u r e y o u ’ r e
c o m f o r t a b l e u s i ng t he p l a t f o r m .
Training Details :
Dates: Monday, January 6th, and Tuesday, January 7th
T ime: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM (both days)
Trainer: Bill Mitchell, ClearCom employee
Link: Join the Training (same link for both sessions)
What to Expect:
A s t e p - b y - s t e p d e m o ns t r a t i o n o f ho w t o
s u b m i t t i c k e t s
A n o v e r v i e w o f m u l t i p l e s u b m i s s i o n
m e t ho d s
A c ha nc e t o r e s o l v e a ny q u e s t i o ns o r
c o nc e r ns
We e nc o u r a g e a ny o ne i nt e r e s t e d i n t hi s
l e a r ni ng o p p o r t u ni t y t o a t t e nd o ne o f t he s e
3 0 - m i nu t e s e s s i o ns t o m a x i m i z e t he
e f f e c t i v e ne s s o f t he s y s t e m . P l e a s e s ha r e
t hi s i nv i t a t i o n w i t h c o w o r k e r s a s
i nt e r e s t e d , t ha nk y o u !
Turning Tides: A Season of Renewal and Celebration
As we slide into the holiday season and the end of the year, we share our gratitude and hope. Our day-to-day at the RECOVER Project (RP) has changed; we ’ ve been uprooted by a flood, buzzing with activities, and have experienced quiet moments to reflect.
The flood in our main space provided a wonderful opportunity to update and renovate, turning a negative into a positive We witnessed our community embrace the necessary pivots, utilizing smaller spaces and continuing to help set up and maintain these interim areas. It’s always beautiful to see the community come together in both good times and bad, supporting one another and the RP center.
We have now moved back into our main space just in time for our Friendsgiving celebration. The community is buzzing with excitement to return to our newly renovated space and is busy planning a Grand Re-opening with coffee and treats. We are also gearing up for the Winter Celebration and the NYE Dance.
Turning Tides: A Season of Renewal and Celebration,
As the holiday season brings a spirit of giving and togetherness, the RP continues to expand its reach to support as many people in need as possible. Our Connect Mobile Outreach brings All Recovery Meetings to rural Franklin County, and we have recovery coaches available in the Baystate Emergency Department We also maintain our outreach commitments with Unity and New View treatment programs.
Peers have described the RP as a lighthouse for those navigating stormy seas. As staff, we feel honored to provide this guidance to safe harbors and are extremely grateful every day to support our community.
We invite you to join us for a meeting or simply to check out our beautifully renovated space! Here is our winter schedule We look forward to seeing you!
Warm Up Your Winter with Cheesy Comfort!
When the winter chill sets in, there's nothing quite like a hearty, cheesy dish to warm you up from the inside out This Cheesy Potato Casserole, submitted by Home & Community Connections’ Chris Sterns, is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with the satisfying crunch of a cracker topping. It's like a cozy blanket for your taste buds! So, grab your apron and get ready to make this deliciously indulgent dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds
CHEESY POTATO CASSEROLE
Ingredients:
1bagoffrozenshreddedhashbrowns,thawed 1canofcreamofchickensoup 1(16oz)containerofsourcream 1smallonion,chopped 1½-2cupsshreddedsharpcheddarcheese(oryour preferredcheese) Saltandpeppertotaste 1stickofbutter Crushedcrackersfortopping
Instructions:
1.
2.
Preheattheovento350°F(175°C).
Combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, and shredded cheese in a large bowl. Season with salt andpeppertotaste.
3
Melt the stick of butter in a 9x13-inch baking pan in thepreheatedoven.
4.
Add the potato mixture to the pan, spreading it evenly.
5.
Top with crushed crackers and dot with additional butterifdesired.
6. Enjoyyourdeliciouscheesypotatocasserole! ����
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until thecenterofthecasseroleishotandbubbly.
TheConsortium exemplifiestheseprinciplesthroughitsGrowth&Opportunity Scholarship, designedtosupportitsemployeesintheireducational pursuits Thisscholarship isuniquein several ways:
Eligibility andInclusivity:Thescholarship isavailabletoall Consortium employeeswhohave beenwiththeorganizationforatleastsix monthsandareingoodstanding.Thisinclusivity ensuresthatawiderangeof employeescanbenefitfrom theprogram,promoting diversity andequal opportunity withintheorganization
Financial Support:Thescholarship providesup to$2,000peremployeeperplanyear,witha total of $5,000availablefortheSpring 2024 scholarship period.Thisfinancial supportcan significantly alleviatetheburdenof tuitionfeesandothereducational expenses.
FlexibleLearning Opportunities:TheConsortium recognizesthateducationcomesinmany forms.Therefore,thescholarship isnotlimitedtotraditional academicsettingsbutalso supportsfield-specifictraining,mentorship programs,andothereducational opportunities Thisflexibility allowsemployeestopursuethetypeof educationthatbestsuitstheircareer goalsandpersonal development.
ApplicationProcess:Toapply,employeesmustcompleteanapplicationform andeither submitanessay orscheduleaninterviewwiththeTuitionAssistanceCommittee.Thisprocess ensuresthatapplicantscanarticulatehowtheireducational goalsalignwiththeConsortium's valuesandhowthescholarship will aidtheirpersonal andprofessional growth
ValuesAlignment:TheConsortium'svalues suchascollectivewisdom,inclusive communities,innovation,personal expertise,authenticrelationships,andequity arecentral tothescholarship program.Applicantsareencouragedtoreflectonthesevaluesintheir essaysorinterviews,demonstrating howtheireducationwill help them contributetothe organization'smission.
Organizationsthatinvestineducational scholarships,liketheConsortium withitsGrowth& Opportunity Scholarship,play acrucial roleinshaping thefuture By expanding accessto education,promoting diversity,encouraging academicachievement,supporting innovation, providing mentorship,andnurturing futureleaders,they createarippleeffectof positivechange. Theseeffortsnotonly transform individual livesbutalsocontributetothebroadergoal of building amoreequitableandprosperoussociety.
Director of Operations
Hours: Full-Time, 8 A M TO 4 P M , EXEMPT
Location: Holyoke, MA, with regular local travel to our programs and communities throughout Western Mass
The Director of Operations is a hands-on leadership position that ensures all environmental functions reflect the Consortium’s mission and values. This leader supervises the full-time IT Coordinator and works closely with the Consortium’s contracted property management and IT consulting companies. Primary responsibilities include building relationships and listening for community voice (through the Program Directors, community members and employees, etc.), addressing information technology, and repair and maintenance needs and related purchases, assessing and managing operational costs, identifying efficiencies, forecasting operational needs and determining effective systems in a social justice, values led, nonprofit. This hands-on position directs and ensures that the Consortium’s operations, risk management and information technology functions are effective and operate in compliance with applicable regulations. The Director of Operations reports directly to the Executive Director and works as a key member of the Program Director Team This position includes oncall responsibilities related to operations
Demonstrated ability to:
Work in a highly collaborative team environment that thrives on open communication
Listen effectively and seek clarification to ensure understanding
Respond timely to employee needs, resolving problems as they arise and reaching out timely for support
Build and maintain collaborative relationships both internally and externally
Work without close supervision and execute strategic plans to meet organizational needs
We offer generous benefits including: Competitive salary
Medical, Dental, STD, LTD and Life Insurance
Tuition Support
403B
Personal Leave Time Off (includes vacation, bereavement and sick days)
12 Paid Holidays
At the Consortium, we believe in social justice and are committed to anti-racism. As a collective organization, we work toward addressing systems of oppression as we seek to undo the harm that they have caused. Being part of our organization requires a deep commitment to addressing the marginalization, oppression and experience of being invisible so that community members are better able to pursue their dreams and strengthen communities through voice, choice, and inclusion.
Do you know someone who shares our values and has a passion for community? If so, we’d love to meet them! Refer them to us and help them discover the perfect place to build a rewarding career with the Consortium. Let’s grow our amazing team together!
For more information on this and other positions at the Consortium, visit: wmtcinfo.org/employment
This year’s orientation is specifically for:
New employees hired on or after October 1st, 2024
Employees who have never attended an orientation
Here are the dates for our quarterly Agency Orientation.
Consortium employees can register for January’s online session by clicking the image below. The registration deadline is Friday, January 17th, 2025.
CELEBRATING MILESTONES
This past December, Tawnia Scwalm celebrated 10 years at the Consortium in our Home & Community Connections program. She shares her lived experience and the reasons behind her dedication with us:
In December 2014, I had the opportunity to join the Consortium Community as a Direct Care Staff member, working weekends at Pearl Street, one of our residential programs in Holyoke During my time there, I worked with wonderful individuals who truly took a piece of my heart. I then transitioned into a supervisor position at Oakwood, where the individuals continued to hold a special place in my heart
Throughout my time here, I have moved from the position of Direct Care Staff to Program Manager. I truly enjoy the work that I do At the Consortium, we advocate for those we support to live their best lives in any way they can I have made many connections, not just with the individuals we support, but also with staff, other managers, Assistant Directors, Program Directors, the Division Director, and the Executive Director.
Now that I am in Individual Options, I have gotten to know the team that supports the Main Office I see the teamwork that keeps us all working closely to ensure we stay true to our vision, while also having compassion and understanding for life's hiccups that try to throw us off course.
At this year ’ s Employee Appreciation event, I received an Honorable Mention, which was a humbling experience for me. I was always taught to do whatever I can to help those in need, and I carry that with me in both my home life and work life. My experience with the Consortium has allowed me to grow in many ways, both professionally and personally I look forward to another 10 years here
Carina Colon, Director of Individual Options shared, “I have had the pleasure of working alongside Tawnia since I joined the WMTC team in 2019 and have seen and been a part of her growth. I appreciate all that she brings and contributes to our team and look forward to many more years ahead ”
Congratulations Tawnia!
Introducing Anemoni: Wildflower Alliance's New LGBTQIA+ Peer Respite! Wildflower Alliance is excited to announce the upcoming launch of Anemoni, a new LGBTQIA+ Peer Respite located in Holyoke, Massachusetts This innovative program will offer both site-based and mobile respite components, providing crucial support to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Anemoni House: A Safe Haven: Anemoni House will feature five bedrooms, including three accessible rooms on the first floor and two additional rooms on the second floor Guests will have the opportunity to stay from one night up to two weeks, offering a flexible and supportive environment for those in need. The house is anticipated to open in early 2025, pending the success of our fundraising efforts
Mobile Peer Respite: Coming Soon: Mobile peer respite services are coming soon and will provide immediate support to individuals in the community, even before the house is ready.
Fundraising Goals: To make Anemoni House a reality, Wildflower Alliance is raising funds and needs $150,000 These funds are essential for hiring and training a new team, furnishing the house, and covering other start-up costs such as cell phones, laptops, and supplies. While the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) has committed to covering the operating costs, they are not providing start-up funds Your support is crucial to help us reach our goal and open the doors of Anemoni House
How You Can Help: Consider donating to support the launch of Anemoni. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals in need of a safe and supportive space Together, we can create a welcoming environment where everyone can find the help and community they deserve
For more information and to stay updated on our progress, visit the Wildflower Alliance website at wildfloweralliance.org
C o ns o r t i u m ( T he C o ns o r t i u m ) a nd r e f l e c t o n a ha l f - c e nt u r y o f d e d i c a t i o n, i nno
a nd c o m m u ni t y i m p a c t . U nd e r t he t he m e " M i s s i o n P o s s i b l e : T hi s i s Wha t 5 0
t o e m p o w e r i ng m a r g i na l i z e d c o m m u ni t i e s .
A Legacy of Empowerment and Inclusion
L i k e , " w e ho no r t he o r g a ni z a t i o n' s r e m a r k a b l e j o u r ne y a nd u nw a v e r i ng c o m m i t m e nt
F o u nd e d i n M a r c h 1 9 7 5 , t he C o ns o r t i u m ha s b e e n a c a t a l y s t a nd s u p p o r t e r o f
i nd i v i d u a l s f a c i ng m a r g i na l i z a t i o n a nd o p p r e s s i o n. T he C o ns o r t i u m ' s m i s s i o n i s t o c r e a t e c o nd i t i o ns w he r e p e o p l e c a n p u
s u e t he i r d r e a m s a nd s t r e ng t he n t he i r c o m m u ni t i e s t hr o u g h v o i c e , c ho i c e , a nd i nc l u s i o n. O v e r t he p a s t f i v e d e c a d e s , t he
C o ns o r t i u m ha s d e v e l o p e d a w i d e r a ng e o f p r o g r a m s a nd s u p p o r t s t ha t a d d r e s s t he u ni q u e ne e d s o f t he c o m m u ni t i e s i t s u p p o r t s .
Pioneering Communities
T he C o ns o r t i u m ’ s i nno v a t i v e a p p r o a c h ha s l e d t o t he c r e a t i o n o f s e v e r a l p i o ne e r i ng
c o m m u ni t i e s w hi c h i nc l u d e :
f r o m a d d i c t i o n, a s w e l l a s f o r t he i r f a m i l i e s a nd a l l i e s . T hi s c o m i ng M a r c h, w e c e l e b r a t e t he 5 0 t h a nni v e r s a r y o f t he We s t e r n M a s s T
Home & Community Connections: p r o v i d e s i nd i v i d u a l i z e d s u p p o r t t ha t e l i m i na t e s
b a r r i e r s a nd e m p o w e r s i nd i v i d u a l s t o l i v e t he l i v e s t he y c ho o s e . I t e m p ha s i z e s
t r a u m a - s e ns i t i v e p r a c t i c e s a nd p e r s o n- c e nt e r e d c a r e .
West Region Self Advocacy: t e a m w o r k s t o g e t he r t o p r o m o t e e d u c a t i o n, e q u a l
r i g ht s , r e s p o ns i b i l i t y a nd i nf o r m e d c ho i c e f o r p e o p l e w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s t o l i v e f u l l
l i v e s i n t he c o m m u ni t y .
Wildflower Alliance: s u p p o r t s he a l i ng a nd e m p o w e r m e nt f o r o u r b r o a d e r
c o m m u ni t i e s a nd p e o p l e w ho ha v e b e e n i m p a c t e d b y p s y c hi a t r i c d i a g no s i s , t r a u m a , e x t r e m e s t a t e s , ho m e l e s s ne s s , p r o b l e m s w i t h s u b s t a nc e s a nd o t he r l i f e - i nt e r r u p t i ng c ha l l e ng e s . Afiya: t he f i r s t p e e r r e s p i t e i n M a s s a c hu s e t t s , p r o v i d e s a s u p p o r t i v e e nv i r o nm e nt f o r u p t o s e v e n d a y s , he l p i ng i nd i v i d u a l s a v o i d p s y c hi a t r i c ho s p i t a l i z a t i o n a nd o t he r i nv a s i v e i nt e r v e nt i o ns
The Support Network: p r o v i d e s s u p p o r t a nd o p p o r t u ni t i e s t o b u i l d c o m m u ni t y c o nne c t i o ns t o s u r v i v o r s o f d o m e s t i c v i o l e nc e a nd t he i r f a m i l i e s
Salasin Project: p r o v i d e s s u p p o r t a nd o p p o r t u ni t i e s t o b u i l d c o m m u ni t y c o nne c t i o ns t o s u r v i v o r s o f d o m e s t i c v i o l e nc e a nd t he i r f a m i l i e s
The RECOVER Project: s u p p o r t s p e e r - t o - p e e r s u b s t a nc e u s e r e c o v e r y t hr o u g h
a d v o c a c y a nd c o nne c t i o n b y s ha r i ng t he w i s d o m o f o u r l i v e d e x p e r i e nc e .
Northampton Recovery Center: a p e e r - d r i v e c o m m u ni t y , p r o v i d e s a p o s i t i v e , w e l c o m i ng e nv i r o nm e nt f o r p e o p l e o n a l l p a t hw a y s a nd i n a l l s t a g e s o f r e c o v e r y
Celebrating Milestones
T he 5 0 t h a nni v e r s a r y i s a t i m e t o c e l e b r a t e t he C o ns o r t i u m ' s
m a ny a c hi e v e m e nt s , i nc l u d i ng :
E m p o w e r i n g M a r g i n a l i z e d C o m m u n i t i e s : T hr o u g h o u r d i v e r s e
p r o g r a m s , t he C o ns o r t i u m ha s c r e a t e d c o nd i t i o ns w he r e
c
g o a l s .
I n n o v a t i v e S u p p o r t M o d e l s : T he C o ns o r t i u m ' s c o m m i t m e nt t o
i nno v a t i v e , p e r s o n- c e nt e r e d s u p p o r t ha s s e t a s t a nd a r d f o r
c o m m u ni t y - b a s e d c a r e
A d v o c a c y a n d I n c l u s i o n : We ha v e b e e n a s t r o ng a d v o c a t e f o r
s o c i a l j u s t i c e , w o r k i ng t o a d d r e s s s y s t e m s o f o p p r e s s i o n a nd
p r o m o t e i nc l u s i o n
Looking Ahead
A s w e c e l e b r a t e t hi s m i l e s t o ne , w e a l s o l o o k t o t he f u t u r e w i t h ho p e a nd
d e t e r m i na t i o n T he C o ns o r t i u m ' s m i s s i o n r e m a i ns a s v i t a l a s e v e r : t o c r e a t e c o nd i t i o ns a nd i nno v a t i v e s o l u t i o ns t o t he c ha l l e ng e s f a c e d b y m a r g i na l i z e d c o m m u ni t i e s
T he C o ns o r t i u m e nv i s i o ns a w o r l d w he r e e v e r y i nd i v i d u a l , r e g a r d l e s s o f t he i r b a c k g r o u nd o r c i r c u m s t a nc e s , ha s t he o p p o r t u ni t y t o t hr i v e . B y c o nt i nu i ng t o f o s t e r e nv i r o nm e nt s o f i nc l u s i o n, s u p p o r t , a nd e m p o w e r m e nt , w e w i l l b r e a k d o w n b a r r i e r s a nd b u i l d s t r o ng e r , m o r e r e s i l i e nt c o m m u ni t i e s . Wi t h a l e g a c y o f s u c c e s s a nd a v i s i o n f o r t he f u t u r e , t he C o ns o r t i u m i s p o i s e d t o c o nt i nu e m a k i ng a d i f f e r e nc e f o r t he ne x t 5 0 y e a r s a nd b e y o nd . J o i n u s i n c e l e b r a t i ng t hi s r e m a r k a b l e j o u r ne y a nd t he c o u nt l e s s l i v e s t r a ns f o r m e d b y t he C o ns o r t i u m . H e r e ' s t o 5 0 y e a r s o f m a k i ng t he i m p o s s i b l e p o s s i b l e !
For more information about the Western Mass Training Consortium and its programs, visit wmtcinfo.org .
I n o u r f a s t - p a c e d w o r l d , i t ' s e a s y t o g e t c a u g ht u p i n t he hu s t l e a nd b u s t l e o f
d a i l y l i f e .
We o f t e n p r i o r i t i z e w o r k , r e s p o ns i b i l i t i e s , a nd t he ne e d s o f o t he r s ,
ne g l e c t i ng o u r o w n w e l l - b e i ng . H o w e v e r , i t ' s c r u c i a l t o r e m e m b e r t he
i m p o r t a nc e o f s e l f - c a r e a nd t he p o w e r o f he a l i ng o ne s e l f .
W h y S e l f - C a r e M a t t e r s
S e l f - c a r e i s n' t s e l f i s h; i t ' s e s s e nt i a l . Whe n w e p r i o r i t i z e o u r o w n he a l t h a nd
ha p p i ne s s , w e ' r e b e t t e r e q u i p p e d t o ha nd l e s t r e s s , b u i l d r e s i l i e nc e , a nd s ho w u p
a s o u r b e s t s e l v e s f o r o t he r s B y t a k i ng t i m e f o r o u r s e l v e s , w e c a n:
I m p r o v e m e nt a l he a l t h: R e d u c e a nx i e t y , d e p r e s s i o n, a nd s t r e s s
E nha nc e p hy s i c a l he a l t h: B o o s t i m m u ni t y , l o w e r b l o o d p r e s s u r e , a nd i m p r o v e
s l e e p q u a l i t y .
I nc r e a s e p r o d u c t i v i t y : R e c ha r g e y o u r m i nd a nd b o d y f o r b e t t e r f o c u s a nd
c r e a t i v i t y .
S t r e ng t he n r e l a t i o ns hi p s : S ho w u p a s a m o r e p r e s e nt a nd c o m p a s s i o na t e p a r t ne r , f r i e nd , a nd f a m i l y m e m b e r .
P r a c t i c a l T i p s f o r S e l f - C a r e
P r i o r i t i z e s l e e p : A i m f o r 7 - 9 ho u r s o f q u a l i t y s l e e p e a c h ni g
N o u r i s h y o u r b o d y : E a t a b a l a nc e d d i e t a nd s t a y hy d r a t e d .
M o v e y o u r b o d y : E ng a g e i n r e g u l a r p hy s i c a l a c t i v i t y , s u c o r d a nc i ng .
M i nd f u l m o m e nt s : P r a c t i c e m i nd f u l ne s s t e c hni q u e s l i k e m e d i t a t i o n o r d e e p
b r e a t hi ng
C o nne c t w i t h na t u r e : S p e nd t i m e o u t d o o r s t o r e d u c e s t r e s s a nd i m p r o v e m o o d
S e t b o u nd a r i e s : L
Spiritual Care & Social Justice Spiritual Care &
p e o p l e b e l i e v e a nd f e e l t ha t t he y m a t t e r . " - K e r r y Wa s hi ng t o n
O u r T i m e I s N o w d r a w s o n e x t e ns i v e r e s e a r c h f r o m na t i o na l o r g a ni z a t i o ns a nd r e no w ne d s c ho l a r s , a s w e l l a s a ne c d o t e s
f r o m he r l i f e a nd o t he r s ’ w ho ha v e f o u g ht t hr o u g ho u t o u r
c o u nt r y ’ s hi s t o r y f o r t he p o w e r t o b e he a r d . T he s t a k e s
c o u l d no t b e hi g he r . H e r e a r e c o nc r e t e s o l u t i o ns a nd
i ns p i r a t i o n t o s t a nd u p f o r w ho w e a r e no w
A r e c o g ni z e d e x p e r t o n f a i r v o t i ng a nd c i v i c e ng a g e m e nt ,
A b r a m s c hr o ni c l e s a c hi l l i ng a c c o u nt o f ho w t he r i g ht t o
v o t e a nd t he p r i nc i p l e o f d e m o c r a c y ha v e b e e n a nd
c o nt i nu e t o b e u nd e r a t t a c k . A b r a m s w o u l d ha v e b e e n t he
f i r s t A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n w o m a n g o v e r no r , b u t e x p e r i e nc e d
t he s e e f f e c t s f i r s t ha nd , d e s p i t e r u nni ng t he m o s t
i nno v a t i v e r a c e i n m o d e r n p o l i t i c s a s t he D e m o c r a t i c
no m i ne e i n G e o r g i a . A b r a m s d i d n’ t w i n, b u t s he ha s no t
c o nc e d e d . T he b o o k c o m p e l l i ng l y a r g u e s f o r t he i m p o r t a nc e
o f r o b u s t v o t e r p r o t e c t i o ns , a n e l e v a t i o n o f i d e nt i t y
p o l i t i c s , e ng a g e m e nt i n t he c e ns u s , a nd a r e t u r n t o m o r a l i nt e r na t i o na l l e a d e r s hi p .
" T hi s i s a na r r a t i v e t ha t d e s c r i b e s t he u r g e nc y t ha t
c o m p e l s m e a nd m i l l i o ns m o r e t o p u s h f o r a d i f f e r e nt
A m e r i c a n s t o r y t ha n t he o ne b e i ng t o l d t o d a y I t ' s a s t o r y
t ha t i s o ne p a r t d a ng e r , o ne p a r t a c t i o n, a nd a l l t r u e I t ' s a
s t o r y a b o u t ho w a nd w hy w e f i g ht f o r o u r d e m o c r a c y a nd
w i n " - S t a c e y A b r a m s
A s w e e m b r a c e t h e w i nt e r s e a s o n, i t ' s
a p e r f e c t t i m e t o r e f l e c t o n t he
w o nd e r f u l m e m o r i e s w e c r e a t e d t hi s
p a s t f a l l . I n O
i o n s ( H & C C ) g a t he r e d a
a d e r i e
T he e v e nt w a s p a c k e d w i t h f u n f a l l
a c t i v i t i e s , i n c l u d i ng n a v i g a t i n g a c o r n
m a z e , e nj o y i n g ha y r i d e s , a nd p i c k i ng
p u m p k i n s . T h e l i v e b a nd , T h e W i l l i e s ,
p r o v i d e d f a n t a s t i c m u s i c t ha t ha d
e v e r y o n e d a nc i n g a n d c e l e b r a t i ng
t o g e t h e r .
Wha t m a d e t h i s d a y t r u l y s p e c i a l w a s
ho w i t e m b o d i e d t he m i s s i o n a nd
v a l u e s o f H & C C B o t h t h e i nd i v i d u a l s
w e s u p p o r t a nd o u r d e d i c a t e d s t a f f ha d
t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o r e c o n n e c t w i t h
f r i e nd s f r o m o t h e r h o m e s i n a s a f e a nd
a c c e s s i b l e e n v i r o n m e n t .
A u s t i n B r o t h e r s F a r m w e nt a b o v e a n d
b e y o n d t o e ns u r e i nc l u s i v i t y , o f f e r i ng
w h e e l c ha i r - a c c e s s i b l e ha y r i d e s a n d
p r o v i d i ng s p a c e s a nd e l e c t r i c i t y t o
p r e p a r e m e a l s t o s p e c i f i c c o ns i s t e nc i e s ,
a l l o w i ng e v e r y o ne t o s ha r e a m e a l
t o g e t h e r
A h e a r t w a r m i n g m o m e nt c a m e w he n a
m e m b e r o f t he A u s t i n B r o t he r s F a r m
f a m i l y a p p r o a c he d u s t o m e a s u r e o ne o f
t h e w h e e l c h a i r s . T he y e x p r e s s e d t he i r
i n t e nt i o n t o c o ns t r u c t a w he e l c ha i r -
a c c e s s i b l e p l a y ho
i n c l u s i v i t y i n t h e f u t u r e .
We a r e a l r e a d y l o o k i ng f o r w a r d t o
r e t u r n i ng n e x t y e a r a nd e x t e n d a n o p e n
i n v i t a t i o n t o t he e nt i r e C o ns o r t i u m
F a m i l y t o j o i n u s a t t he F a r m . L e t ' s
c o nt i n u e t o c r e a t e b e a u t i f u l m e m o r i e s
t o g e t h e r !
Amplified Voices:
Empowering Stories, Inspiring Change
Steven Tobey and Amber Pettell Lead the Charge at the 2024 Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership Summit. From September 23-25, 2024, West Region Self Advocate Steven Tobey and Self Advocacy Peer Coordinator, Amber Pettell traveled to Marlborough, MA to participate in the 2024 Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership Summit.
The summit, hosted by the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC), Disability Policy Consortium (DPC), and Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL), tackles the future of disability advocacy.
The summit included the new generation of disability advocacy leaders, and emerging leaders in advocacy in social justice for services, programs, and the human and civil rights of people with disabilities in Massachusetts. New and emerging disabled leaders came together with some existing leaders to discuss where disability advocacy needs to go in the coming decade, and what we can learn from the past that got us to where we are today.
Amber: What made you want to apply?
Steven: I was interested in learning new skills on how to become a better leader for my self-advocacy group and the West Region I hope to use some of those skills that I learned to help lead some of the West Region Self Advocates and help people reach their goals
A: What's one thing that you want to change in the world, or is there anything you want to build to make something better?
S: The one thing I would hope that I can change or make better is creating more and better housing for people who have disabilities
A: Do you want to talk a little bit about the housing-related project that you worked on at the summit?
S: So, the project might help us get more housing resources out to people with disabilities So, our goal is to try to create a forum event where people with disabilities can go to learn and get help We want to show people the resources that already exist that they can use.
A: What was your favorite part of the summit?
S: My favorite part was probably learning about the ADA law, which I found out that was actually signed six days after I was born On July 26th of 1990 My birthday is July 20th, 1990 I also liked the different workshops they had for us to help build change campaigns
A: Did you have a favorite workshop?
S: My favorite one probably was the “What is a Campaign?” workshop
A: Was there any part of the summit that was difficult or stressful, or that you were unsure about?
S: The most difficult part was probably when we had to split up into our groups and we all had to come up with an idea for an activism campaign Everyone worked on one of three topics; transportation, housing, or rights and advocacy Each group was big and sometimes it was pretty hard to agree with that many people, and so many ideas floating around it can feel overwhelming. It was hard to narrow it down. But in the end, all the groups presented one idea that we will work on over the next year.
A: Would the PWSGL Summit be something you would encourage other folks to do?
S: Oh yes! I have already encouraged some of the other guys in my advocacy group to do it, and I would encourage any other self-advocates out there in the West Region to do it
A: And what would you want them to know about it as they think about applying for next year?
S: If you are interested in learning, leadership, and activism you should do it. But be ready to work hard. Those couple of days are long days, you won't get done till at least 9 o 'clock at night It’s fun but it is real work too
A: Is there anything else about your experience with the PWSGL Summit that you would want folks to know?
S: I really enjoyed meeting different people from around the state
A: Yeah, that's my favorite part, it's a cool community. Are you looking forward to going back next year?
S: Yes.
A: Yeah, me too
If you are interested in learning more about the PWSGL Summit check out: www paulspoonergenerationalleadership org
If you are interested in becoming a part of Massachusetts West Self Advocacy, please contact Amber Pettell, apettell@wmtcinfo.org or Ris Houde, rhoude@wmtcinfo.org
AMPLIFIED VOICES:
Empowering Stories, Inspiring Change
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