GUILD TO LAUNCH Adult Residential Servicesguildhumanservices.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Spring-20141.pdf · remarkable opportunity to meet their constituents. CEO, Thomas Belski

The Guild NEWS

I n January 2014 the Guild was approved by the Department of Developmental Services to operate

homes for individuals 22 years and older. Until now, The Guild was only able to provide residential services to students from age 6 to their 22nd birthday.

The concept of adult residences was met with enthusiasm by families and guardians who already knew the Guild. “Families were thrilled to learn that staying with the Guild in our adult residences will be an option for some of our students,” said Colleen Smith, director of residential services. “They have come to trust us and are pleased with our residential services.”

The first home has just been purchased and is set to open this spring. The goal is to have at least three more homes up and running in the next year.

“We consider these homes for life,” explained Maureen Costello-Shea, chief of residential services. “The goal is to live with people who have similar interests and needs, and for many of our former students, with friends. Groupings of individuals for each home will be developed through referrals from the Department of Developmental Services. These will be the individuals’ homes for years.”

Individuals living in Guild homes will be supported in attaining a high quality of life while increasing overall levels of independence in their home and in the com-munity, improving social skills, health and fitness and maintaining and developing friendships. Each home will be led by a residential manager, staffed during evenings, weekends and overnight hours and have nursing and behavioral specialist consultants. Individuals will participate in work and day habilitation programs in the community and receive all other services through community providers.

To be considered for one of our homes, each individual must be referred to The Guild by the Department of Developmental Services.

“Not all students at The Guild will be eligible for our homes or referred to the Guild by DDS. But for those individuals who are able to move to the adult homes, it will be wonder-ful. The adult residential programs will make transition easier, it will be much less disruptive for our students and their families,” said Colleen.

To learn more about this new initiative, call Maureen Costello-Shea at 781-893-6000. j

WHAT’S INSIDE...j Legislator to School Day p.3j Letter from our CEO p.4j Residential Manager p.4j Healthy Students p.5j Melissa’s Journey p.6j R.E.A.L. Fund p.7

SPRING 2014

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T he school was filled with anticipation and excitement while everyone waited for state

representatives and senators to arrive for breakfast with students, families, and staff, and then take a tour. For more than two months The Guild for Human Services has engaged in a campaign to bring legislators to school. From personal invitations written by students, letters from staff and parents, and even in-person lobbying efforts at the State House by students ….the push was on!

The lawmakers did not disappoint.

On Friday March 14th, 18 members of the Massachu-setts legislature, as well as Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, joined students and their families for a remarkable opportunity to meet their constituents.

CEO, Thomas Belski welcomed the group. “When you walk through the front door you see that this is where magic happens. We invited you here because

we trust you, we vote for you. We want you to under-stand what we do, and what our students need.” The fact that The Guild provides community-based care and education was stressed. It is one of the factors that sets The Guild apart from peer organizations.

“I like to have people here who are concerned about education,” said Zach, one of the student guides. Legislators, students and parents engaged in conversations and toured the school in small groups led by students and staff members.

Representative Alice Peisch of Wellesley, Chair of the Joint Committee on Education, commented “There’s no substitute for seeing the need rather than reading about it. I was very impressed by my student guide; he certainly was very positive about his experience here. I appreciate that as lawmakers we have a constitutional and legal mandate to educate everyone. I see the great services the students receive at The Guild but I worry about

those over age 22. I get many calls from families about this population. Unfortunately there is not always a placement for them. There is no question that the students at the Guild are some of the most vulnerable. We can’t allow the skills they’ve worked so hard to learn regress when they turn 22. It is the first rule of government to make sure that vulnerable populations are properly served.”

INVITE YOUR

Legislator to School Day

A HUGE SUCCESS!

Timothy and his teacher, Ashley, with Representative Jay Livingstone

As lawmakers we have a constitutional and legal mandate to educate everyone.

Sen. Michael Barrett, LexingtonRep. Garrett Bradley, Hull Sen. William Brownsberger, BelmontRep. Tackey Chan, Quincy

Rep. Claire Cronin, Easton Rep. Angelo D’Emilia, Bridgewater Sen. Sal DiDomenico, Everett Rep. Stephen DiNatale, Fitchburg Rep. Paul Donato, Medford

Sen. Ken Donnelly, Arlington/LexingtonRep. Jonathan Hecht, WatertownRep. Luis Kafka, SharonRep. Kay Kahn, NewtonRep. Jay Kaufman, Lexington

Sen. Jon Keenan, SalemRep. Jay Livingstone, BostonMayor Jeannette McCarthy, WalthamRep. Jerald Parisella, Beverly Rep. Alice Peisch, WellseleySen. Bruce Tarr, Gloucester

The following lawmakers were represented at the Legislative Breakfast

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Times are exciting at The Guild. We are expanding our services to begin a much needed adult long term residential program. Last month we bought a beautiful home which is in the process of being remodeled. Our plan is to open it in late spring.

The decision to provide residential services to an over 22 adult population was made with careful and deliberate thought, in consultation with our board of directors, the Department of Developmental Services, and by listening to the concerns of parents, guardians, and staff.

Our high quality residential school program for students ages 6–22 will continue. Staff will remain. After school activities will continue. And the warm and safe home environment will be maintained.

Expansion will make The Guild stronger. Students will have the opportunity to continue to achieve their highest quality of life after their 22nd birthday. Our goal in providing adult service is to create a supportive environment which allows each person to live as independently as possible.

With best regards,

Thomas Belski Chief Executive Officer

Dear Friends,

Continued from page 2

“I’ve always supported The Guild,” said Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy. “They try to take the best care of the students. I especially like to attend the Halloween Road Race. It’s great to see the kids and the Waltham community having fun and running together.”

The Guild’s partner in the legislative breakfast was maaps, the trade association for private special education schools in Massachusetts. Each year maaps invites a few members to host state legislators in an effort to make the special needs of students better understood.

The breakfast was a huge success. j

Mayor Jeannette McCarthy with Lukas in his classroom

Representative Tackey Chan, Matt, and Senator John Keenan

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R esidential managers at The Guild are responsible for the smooth running of their homes. They

oversee day to day operations including 24-hour staffing, programming, comfort and health and safety of the students who call their residence their home. They facilitate communication between the residence, the day school, and parents or guardians. Residential managers plan community activities with students and staff that help students develop new skills, teach community safety, foster good community behaviors, and provide students with a little fun.

Simply put … it is a huge task.

“There’s never a day that is the same as the last. My team and I always have a plan, but there’s always a surprise,” explained Depapa from Dogwood House. “It’s also a very rewarding job. Seeing the students happy, knowing that their needs are met, and watch-ing them progress makes it very worthwhile to me.”

Eric, the residential manager at Maple house agrees. “The list is endless … from supporting residential life skills, talking with parents, teachers, and staff, to coordinating activities. But at the end of the day I always remind myself and the other staff, that Maple is more than a residence, it’s a home to our students. Our job is to be excellent role models to make sure that the students are happy and making progress.”

Students in all eight residences are grouped by their cognitive abilities and IEP goals. Students at Dogwood concentrate on learning and practicing adult daily living skills— hygiene, meal preparation, chores, how to take care of their bedrooms, money management, and safety skills. Residents of Maple are more inde-pendent. They are verbal and able to self-advocate, prepare meals with staff, and practice skills which will prepare them to live independently in the future.

Depapa and Eric believe strongly in the importance of engagement with parents and guardians. “The parents are so supportive. We speak with them at least weekly. They know their children. They give us excellent advice and we keep them informed. Many times we are able to provide suggestions for how to manage a home visit. The trust is mutual,” said Depapa.

Communication with the school staff—teaching, nursing, and clinical—is critical. According to Eric, “In the seven years I’ve been here, there hasn’t been one issue that with patience, skill, respect, and communication that we haven’t been able to work out together. When a student is having a hard time, everyone knows and we all work collaboratively to solve the problem.”

Depapa agrees. “For me, the hardest part of being a residential manager is seeing a student going through a tough time. I know the multi-disciplinary approach works. I want to fix things as soon as I can.”

All residential managers have day, evening, and overnight staff that report to them. The team approach is vital to the success of the house.

Depapa’s philosophy for success? “Each day is a new day. We start with a smile on our faces, optimism, and clear expectations. The students generally follow our lead.” j

Residential Manager

It’s hard to describe the job of a residential manager. It’s like being a second parent to eight very busy young adults.

Eric with Aaron at the prom

Depapa with Caroline

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S he has rid the school and the residences of soda, candy, canned soup, boxed mac and cheese, and

frozen pizza. She’s taught the students to read food labels, plan a menu using the four food groups, grow their own herbs and vegetables in container gardens outside their back doors, and developed “cook from scratch” menus for everything from soups to salsas.

Doreen might discuss a new food item or recipe on a walk with a couple of students, or it might happen in the school cafeteria, or in the kitchen of their residence. Last summer a few discussions occurred at a local farm as staff and students tried to figure out what to make with the vegetables in their farm share basket or those that they were able to pick from the field.

“Learning happens everywhere. I catch them where I can and when they are able to listen. It’s been a lot of fun working with the kids and the staff. Everyone is interested in being more healthy; nutrition and exercise are the keys.”

Under Doreen’s guidance, frozen fruit bars replaced ice cream, water is the new soda, and white bread is nowhere to be seen. A snack bowl full of granola bars, dried and fresh fruit can be found in the school and at each house.

“It’s important for staff and students to be mindful of what they eat. Some of the medications the students take make it easy for them to gain weight. It is especially critical that the students have a constant supply of healthy choices. The salad bar at school has at least 14 items, plus 3-4 fresh fruit choices every day. I try hard not to use canned items. They generally have too much sodium.”

Each week at the residences staff and students make their weekly menu, which must pass the

Doreen test. They make a list, go to the grocery store, and purchase the ingredients. Students have been taught to choose whole grain tortillas and low fat beef when making tacos. They must have ½ of each meal be fruits and vegetables, with ¼ grains, and ¼ protein. Stir fry is a popular entree, especially served with brown rice or cous cous. “Many kids love to chop the vegetables and cook. Staff is really terrific in finding jobs for everyone. Those that don’t cook can always set the table.”

Can teenagers really go without chips, candy, and soda? “Yes! It happened over time, and honestly no one has complained!”

Dr. Doreen Mangini works magic. As The Guild’s nutritionist for the past 5 years, Doreen has slowly, with good humor and patience, and a lot of hands-on education, accomplished an amazing feat.

Healthy Lifestyles Healthier Students

PREPARATION1

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. 2

Add first 4 ingredients.

Cook for 6 minutes or until turkey is done, stirring frequently to crumble. 3

Stir in chili powder and the next 8 ingredients (through broth).

4 Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes. 5

Stir in cilantro.

Serve in bowls with lime wedges. Serves 8.

INGREDIENTS

This low calorie dish can be made in less than a half hour. It’s a favorite dinner of the young ladies at Sassafras House.

j 1 cup chopped red onionj 1/3 cup chopped, seeded, poblano

pepperj 1 tsp. minced garlicj 1 pounds ground turkeyj 1 tbs. chili powderj 2 tbs. tomato pastej 2 tsp. dried oreganoj 1 tsp. ground cuminj tsp. salt

j tsp. black pepperj 1 (19 oz.) can cannellini beans,

rinsed and drainedj 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes,

undrainedj 1 (14 oz.) can fat-free, low sodium

chicken stockj cup chopped fresh cilantroj lime wedges

Sassafras House Turkey and Bean Chili

Samantha and Tam cooking chili

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“M elissa is very social person. She has always loved being active, being around people,

being busy,” explained her mother, Linda. “And that was the problem. She was really good in the day programs she attended when she was younger. It was the after school and weekends times that were tough.”

As the youngest of five, Melissa certainly was surrounded by activity. “We were always busy. She participated in every program available. But she needed more activity and structure than we could provide,” agreed her father. “School was structured and she was great there. Never complained. Her teachers loved her.” But sometimes her behaviors on the weekend caused the Pelletier family concern.

Finally, at age 13, a counselor suggested a residential program might be best for her.

“Oh my goodness, it broke my heart. I left my job to stay home with her. I couldn’t imagine sending her to a residential program. I knew she needed more, but as a mom, that was hard to take.”

The Pelletiers looked at a lot of programs suggested by their social worker. “In the end we chose The Guild and are happy that we did. The people made us feel at ease. They spent a lot of time with us.” Melissa’s dad admits, “ The first week she went, we were both weepy eyed. But we saw how beautifully Melissa connected to her teacher and to the staff at the residence.”

For nine years, Melissa has done very well at The Guild. She has lived in three different residences and flourished. She has a job in the community, and has made strong connections with students and staff. She has a very lively social life—always busy, just as she likes to be. Her parents are active members of the parents support group and speak positively about the excellent communication systems that allow them to be connected to their daughter. However the question that worried them was what would happen when Melissa turned 22.

Last month, an answer emerged.

Melissa’s family was offered the opportunity to have their daughter enter the first Guild’s house for adult services. They accepted. Not only will Melissa have her own bedroom and bathroom, she will be with three of her friends from The Guild who will also enter the home. “She’ll be with people she knows that are her own age, we could not have asked for anything better. Melissa will have a day program, OT, PT, and a job coach.”

“The timing was fantastic,” said her mother.

“We are really happy. This is a wonderful next step. I was afraid of having to look at potential homes for Melissa—to start all over. I am happy she will be able to keep her connection with her friends and the community. She has a better social life than we have! It’s just amazing.” j

A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Melissa’s Journey The Guild wishes to thank Melissa’s parents, Linda and Robert Pelletier for sharing their story.

I just can’t believe that the Guild is introducing adult services just months before her 22nd birthday.

Melissa at the All School Prom

Everyone at The Guild believes that each student should have the opportunity to go ice-skating, swimming, to the Museum of Science, to have a sit-down meal in a pizza parlor, and more. These community experiences are critical in teaching and reinforcing safety skills, appropriate community behaviors, fostering indepen-dence, and enhancing each student’s quality of life.

Plus, they are fun for our students who often struggle so hard with daily activities. Excursions can be used to reward good behavior in school and in the residences.

Unfortunately, the majority of our students cannot afford admission fees, sporting activities, or a meal in a restaurant. Tuition does not cover the costs.

Approximately 50% of the students at The Guild are wards of the state and in DCF custody. Others come from families who are unable to contribute. A few children (the minority by far) are able to participate, however we want all students to have equal opportunities in the community. That’s why the REAL Fund is important.

And that’s why we ask for your support. j

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To make a tax-deductible contribution, send your check made payable to The Guild for Human

Services, 411 Waverley Oaks Road, Suite 104, Waltham, MA 02452. Write R.E.A.L, Fund in the memo line and

we will be certain to direct your contribution. Donations are 100% tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.

This winter The Guild has launched the R.E.A.L. Fund, short for Responsible Excursions, Adventures and Learning to ensure leisure and recreation activities for all.

Support the R.E.A.L. FUND!NEW PROGRAM

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Officers Eric H. Rosenberger

PresidentThomas P. Corcoran Vice President & TreasurerSandra L. Skinner, Clerk

Trustees Rev. David K. Cain David A. Lagasse William D. PowerKirk Swenson

Trustees EmeritiFerdinand Colloredo-MansfeldRev. Leon S. Hatch, Jr.

CHIEF ExECUTIVE OFFICERThomas E. Belski

SENIOR TEAM Dr. Julie Armentrout Chief Quality Assurance Officer

Dr. Katherine Canada Chief Admissions & Outreach Officer

Maureen Costello-Shea Chief Residential Officer

Sharon DiGrigoli Chief Educational Officer

Dr. Julia Fomicheva Chief Clinical Officer

William P. Sowyrda Chief Financial Officer

DIRECTORSKarma Flanagan Administrative Services

Stephen Hylan Organizational & Staff Development

Dr. Doreen Mangini Nutrition

Kim Saad Quality Assurance

Colleen Smith Residential Services

Felicia Smith Employment & Support Services

Jennifer Smith, R.N. Health Services

Anna Thorpe Admissions & Outreach

Leadership

Thank you!

s p r i n g

411 Waverley Oaks Road, Suite 104 Waltham, Massachusetts 02452-8468www.theguildschool.org

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDBoston, MA

Permit # PI 52489

We are currently accepting referrals for our school program.The admissions process is rolling. Students ages 6 and older may be accepted at any time during the year. Our school operates 365 days. For more information, contact the admissions team: [email protected] or 781.893.6000.

Referrals for our adult services program can be made through the Department of Developmental Services area office.

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About The Guild for Human ServicesThe Guild for Human Services offers both a private, residential community-based, special education school and adult residential services. The Guild serves individuals with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism, mental health issues, and emotional and behavioral challenges. The school’s unique, 12-month curriculum spans a variety of subjects including math, reading, language arts, budgeting, social sciences, and personal growth and development, computer, vocational and employment skills. Our eight residences are located within the communities of Belmont, Waltham, and Watertown. Adult services are located within the Greater Boston area.

Our mission is to provide high-quality services, support and care for individuals with complex special needs. We strive to promote self-esteem and teach the skills necessary to allow people to function as independently as possible.