Dear Friends,
We still have snow despite the groundhog’s early spring prediction. Our program participants have been really enjoying activities and supported employment. I am happy to report the successes of the first quarter of 2019 from our program facilities.
Quarter One Highlights:
- Our RFR process is up for renewal again
- Chicopee is building a mock store for customer service training
- Stop n Shop internship program has finished its first pilot with much success
- The Annual 5k Cider Run will be on Saturday, November 2nd at the Ashley Reservoir
- Fundraising Dining Day: April 10th at On the Border
Every ten years our agency renews its Request for Response (RFR) number with the State of Massachusetts. This process involves reviewing all the services we offer and providing detailed responses on future plans. In addition to this process, we are also working on our contract amendments for FY19. During this time, we adjust figures and make any necessary changes as required by the Department of Developmental Services. Needless to say, there is much paperwork going on at this time of year.
Employment Program Manager, Anthony and Assistant Employment Program Manager, Jess have assembled a mock store at the Chicopee facility. The purpose of this setup is for participants to learn and practice customer service skills. This store will provide participants the ability to learn apparel folding, bar code reading, accurate stocking, money counting, and many more. The skills learned will help prepare participants for potentially joining our supported-employment programs.
The clinical team is incorporating some self-care kits. Helen, one of our clinicians, discusses what they have implemented:
“The intention of creating self-soothing/coping skills kits is to promote personal skill development and empower VEA consumers to expand their ability to independently initiate coping strategies when needed. This will be accomplished through the expansion of awareness around tactics available, and interactive on-the-spot training. When assembling these tools, consumer input has played a significant role. Individuals who have expressed a strong interest in having an accessible self-soothing/coping skills kit have been the strongest contributors towards providing ideas of what will be included. Other items have been pulled from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy practices, Mindfulness, and Relaxation Therapy. These kits take into account that a, “One size fits all” model is not effective in most situations that might arise at the day centers. It is our hope that we can appeal to the differing sensory preferences of individuals.
One smaller kit was piloted for a consumer who has recently experienced a difficult time self-initiating coping strategies. The kit includes a Visualization/Relaxation script for staff to access with him, and a Progressive Muscle Relaxation script with follow-up questions that call attention to the effectiveness of each tool. There is also lotion for aroma-therapy purposes, and playdough that can be used as a fidget. The larger and more widely utilized kits will include a broader range of items to accommodate the differing needs and concerns for everyone. For example, certain items might not be safe to use with someone who has PICA behaviors. Such individuals will still be able to find something in the box that are safe and effective to use in a moment where extra emotional regulation strategies might be worth implementing. Some items that are likely to be included in the boxes at each site will include those listed above, along with various fabrics of different textures, aroma therapy oils, gum/mints, pictures with calming scenery, other fidgets, and multiple other items that can be used to self-soothe through appealing to the senses. It is the clinical department’s hope that we will learn more about what seems to be most and least effective to continue improving our resources.”
Our clinical intern from Springfield College has created a group that primarily focuses on Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). This particular intervention can be referred to as “psychological acupressure” where participants use their fingertips to tap on the meridian endpoints of their body. Group members are encouraged to discuss their emotions and certain topics that may be troubling to them. The goal of the EFT group is to allow members to recognize their thoughts and feelings in reducing negativity. The group provides a respectful and safe space to communicate, tap, and support one another along their EFT journey.
We are still actively seeking volunteers for our Human Rights Committee that meets every other month at our Chicopee facility. Please contact Human Resources at humanrights@ValleyEducational.org if you or a friend might be interested in joining our Human Rights Committee.
Valley Gives Day has been discontinued by the Community Foundation of Western MA. They are looking into other more effectual fundraising opportunities to present to the nonprofits of valley. We are still encouraging our friends and donors to consider the various ways you can make an impact for adults with developmental disabilities. Our board of directors suggest:
- Make an online gift or be a monthly donor (ValleyEducational.org/donate)
- Join Human Rights Committee, Board of Directors, 5k Planning Committee, Development Committee
- Attending an event: art show, dinners, 5k
- Volunteering at the organization
- Donating programmatic goods or services
- Providing work or volunteer opportunities
We are hosting a fundraising dining day at On the Border at 33 Border Way in West Springfield on Wednesday, April 10th from 11am to 10pm. Mention to your server “Valley Educational Associates” and they will donate back 20% of your bill to our programs. I cannot think of a more fun way to make a donation than to go out with friends and family, enjoy some food, and make a contribution. I hope you will join us. Register in advance on http://bit.ly/FundraiserDiningDay to save your spot that day.
Best Regards,
Kate DaSilva, MS
Executive Director