Read the Amazing Stories Featured in Our Fall 2017 Newsletter!
Better Community Living, Inc. is thrilled to share its latest newsletter. In an effort to reduce costs and be eco-friendly, our newsletters will now be delivered virtually only!
In our Fall 2017 issue, you will find heartwarming success stories, event photos, and updates on what we have been doing. Please read, enjoy, and share on social media and within your networks!
CLICK HERE TO READ THE NEWSLETTER IN FULL!!
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Source: Chamber Focus, SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce
by Joanne Rego
October is National Disability Employment Awareness month. The National Disability Employment Awareness Month is led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. National Disability Employment Awareness Month has had its origins since 1945. In 1988 President Regan issued Executive Order 12640 which renamed the effort to “President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities”. Employers of all sizes and in all industries are encouraged to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Our Southcoast Area Chamber of Commerce members can support National Disability Employment Awareness Month, by visiting the Office of Disability Employment Policy website at www.dol.gov/odep/. They offer many simple suggestions such as putting up a poster to more intricate ideas such as implementing a disability education program within your company. Any and all efforts will play an important part in fostering a more inclusive workforce, one where every person is recognized for his or her abilities. All members of the Southcoast Area Chamber of Commerce are encouraged to participate. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
If you have any questions about the Southcoast Chamber of Commerce’s Supported Employment Network or you are interested in hiring a person with disabilities please call Joanne Rego at the Southcoast Area Chamber of Commerce at 508-999-5231 extension 28. You can also call one of our Supported Employment Network member’s job developer directly by calling Mark Jardin at LifeStream, Inc. at 508-991-4840, Cynthia Rapoza at M.O.Life, Inc. at 508-742-8986 or Maurice Charbonneau at Better Community Living, Inc. at 508-999-4300.
Annual Nopper Marine Poker Run Raises $13,000 for Better Community Living’s Programs that Serve Children with Disabilities!
On Saturday September 9th, boaters from all over the community showed up at Earl’s Marina to take off on a 45-mile race across local harbors. The event was the 4th Annual Poker Run sponsored by Nopper Marine, and this year, Better Community Living, Inc. (BCL) served as the event’s charitable beneficiary.
By the end of the day, $13,000 had been raised! These monies will specifically support BCL’s Children’s Services which serve children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, as well as their families, in Southeastern, Massachusetts.
BCL wishes to thank Nopper Marine and all who donated their time and efforts to organizing this event. In addition, BCL wishes to thank all of our boaters, participants, and dinner guests for truly contributing to the success of this fundraiser.
BCL is a premier, not-for-profit human services agency dedicated to providing person-centered services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Greater New Bedford area. Programs include Bridges to Faith, Children’s Services, Day Habilitation, Individual Supports, Residential Living, Shared Living, and Supported Employment.
BCL Children’s Services provide support to individuals ages 3-22 and their families. The purpose of these programs is to maintain the family unit and avoid the out-of-home placement of a child. Programs emphasize positive behavioral supports for youth with unique needs to help them develop skills, reach their unique goals, and achieve their fullest potential. Diverse supports are provided directly by program staff, or via referrals to partner resources in the community. These help meet individuals’ needs in varying areas that include medical, social, educational, housing and transportation. Families also receive direct quality supports to help them navigate the daily responsibilities and requirements of caring for a child with a disability.
To learn more, visit us online at www.bettercommunity.com. For more information on BCL’s children’s services, email cathy_tremblay@nullbettercommunity.com.
BCL Establishes Internal Employee Wellness Program
Better Community Living, Inc. (BCL) is proud to announce its participation in the Massachusetts Working on Wellness project – an initiative aimed at establishing an internal wellness program for employees. Funded by the MA Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund, the project is overseen by the MA Department of Public Health. BCL received $10,000 seed funding and will match 50%, bringing the total to $15,000.
An on-line Needs and Interest Survey distributed to BCL staff helped to identify employee wellness interests, as well as common health risk factors. This information helped formulate the basis of the program, which has been successfully launched and implemented by BCL’s new Wellness Committee. The program includes educating employees on how to make healthier food choices, while providing access to resources that support heathy eating. Further, employees have been provided opportunities to become more physically active through community programs, gym memberships, and company-sponsored events. Potential work stress factors were also reviewed and programs were developed to address diminishing those factors to foster less stress among employees.
Daryl Lopes, fulfilling the role of the grant-required Champion of the new BCL Wellness Committee, says this grant has been especially beneficial to BCL employees. “There needs to be a wellness component to an employee’s life to have success and reach many of the goals we set. You have to be mentally attuned and physically ready to care for individuals that can’t always necessarily say what they need. That can make it hard and stressful,” Lopes says.
Lopes charges a committee of colleagues who serve to establish goals and objectives, and organize programming in line with the grant’s purpose. One of the first initiatives under the grant was the agency’s first ever Wellness Fair. The public event advanced awareness and offered information to both staff and the community on local wellness resources.
Staff are also actively involved in a Wellness Competition, which uses a points-based system, paired with incentives and prizes for making healthy choices. “Staff earn points by tracking their fruits and vegetables, their water intake, by checking into the gym, for every 15 minutes of activity, for attending wellness meetings, and points for turning in their tracking sheet,” stated Lopes. Employees win prizes when they reach certain milestones, with large prizes available at the end of the challenge. In just its second week, numerous staff had already reached their first tier goal.
To further support and serve its staff, BCL has hosted free cooking classes, a free Zumba class, and guidance on using the Fitness Pal app and keeping a weekly food journal.
“Healthier employees are happier employees. They’re out less, and they take time off for vacation more than for sick days. We’re hoping to have success with this program, make it sustainable, and make people aware of what they can do to improve their health,” Lopes says.
Further, wellness can address some of the challenges that BCL employees face on a daily basis. “Stress, poor eating habits, if you’re not in decent shape… its easy to run your body down. If you had a child or loved one with a disability, just like caring for aging parent, there is a stress level that goes with it. You want to provide them with the best possible care, but that takes effort,” says Lopes.
The committee is therefore determined to encourage its employees. “We’re really hoping that employees will take notice of what we’re doing. We notify them through our employee website, implemented email for all staff members to keep them in the loop, and hopefully soon we will have a Facebook page specifically for BCL wellness to get and keep them engaged.” He added, “For me personally, it’s good competition. I’m already down 20lbs.”
Workplace wellness is a growing movement to support a company’s employees, foster an environment of health and well eing, and also serve as an added perk for any prospective future employee seeking to work for a company that supports his/her health. BCL intends to continue the program for the long-term, to pro-actively support the wellbeing of its employees.
Featured on ABC6 News! Poker Run to Benefit Better Community Living
Check out our recent fundraiser! Better Community Living was honored to be the recipient of funds raised in the 4th Annual Nopper Marine Poker Run! This “boat race” raised monies to support BCL’s Children’s Services which serve children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities throughout Southeastern, Massachusetts. In addition to Nopper Marine as the primary organizer and sponsor, additional contributing sponsors included Earl’s Marina and Down the Hatch.
The 4th Annual Nopper Marine Poker Run
The 4th Annual Nopper Marine Poker Run to benefit the children’s program and supported individuals at Better Community Living, Inc. Better Community Living, Inc. from Down the Hatch Down the Hatch was featured on ABC6 News Nice! #getthedrift Heidi Pereira
Posted by The Drift Buzzard’s Bay on Monday, September 11, 2017
The event took place on Saturday, September 9th. Boaters raced from Earl’s Marina, to Woods Hole, Quicks Hole, the Chart Room Kingman Marine, and then back to Earl’s Marina to celebrate.
BCL is a premier, not-for-profit human services agency dedicated to providing person-centered services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Greater New Bedford area. Programs include Bridges to Faith, Children’s Services, Day Habilitation, Individual Supports, Residential Living, Shared Living, and Supported Employment.
The Poker Run suppotred BCL Children’s Services, which provide support to individuals ages 3-22 and their families. The purpose of these programs is to maintain the family unit and avoid the out-of-home placement of a child. Programs emphasize positive behavioral supports for youth with unique needs to help them develop skills, reach their unique goals, and achieve their fullest potential. Diverse supports are provided directly by program staff, or via referrals to partner resources in the community. These help meet individuals’ needs in varying areas that include medical, social, educational, housing and transportation. Families also receive direct quality supports to help them navigate the daily responsibilities and requirements of caring for a child with a disability.
To make a donation to our Children’s Programs, please reach out to us via email, or donate online.
Bridges to Faith Offers Religious Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities
Bridges to Faith coordinator Heather Dextradeur was honored to speak at the Ruderman Foundation interfaith meeting on June 26th, before a full room of clergy members and representatives from all major religious groups. The meeting, held at Northeastern University in Boston, served to educate attendees about community resources that facilitate faith-based social inclusion.
Founded in 1995, the Bridges to Faith program has found tremendous success uniting individuals with disabilities with the faith community. The program pairs persons with willing members of local congregations who wish to offer support as Faith Companions. Faith Companions arrange for the individual to fully participate in the life of the congregation. For the individual, this offers an opportunity to have not only their spiritual needs met, but it also provides a sense of belonging, friendship and value not easily obtained. Further, it also helps to enrich the lives of the congregations who welcome them.
Heather presented the goals, values, and successes of the program, specifically as she has witnessed it in her role as Coordinator for the last three years. Joining her was Sharon Costa, a participant of Bridges to Faith, whose moving story helped demonstrate the true impact of the program.
“When I first met Sharon, she was living with a Shared Living Provider in Fall River. She was referred to me through Bridges to Faith to help her meet her spiritual needs. Like most referrals, I received a packet of need-to-know information, such as medications, allergies, a list of doctors and basic history. The piece that often seems to be missing is the information that makes a person who they are. When I met Sharon, there were two things she wanted to be sure I knew. One, she was of Cape Verdean descent and two, she was a Christian. She also felt it was important for me to know how proud she was that she had a Bible and read it every night. Soon after that, I discovered that Sharon could not read but I understood how significant it was for her to look at the pages and the strength that it gave to her.
“Sharon then informed me that she was attending a Portuguese Catholic Church with her caregiver every Sunday. Although she was not Catholic, nor did she speak or understand Portuguese, she stated, “it is better than nothing.” Sharon was hungry for God and wanted the experience of faith, God and church so much that she was willing to settle and attend a service she didn’t understand and that was not her faith. I immediately found a faith companion who began taking Sharon to a local catholic church in the Fall River Community. Sharon seemed to enjoy this new church and would often go out to eat with her volunteer. She met the volunteer’s family and was even invited to a Bruins game. Sharon seemed to enjoy the church and it became a Sunday ritual. I always had it in the back of my mind that Sharon’s true faith is Christian and she was hoping for a more inclusive role in her church.
“Due to medical issues with her caregiver, Sharon was transferred to a new Shared Living home in New Bedford. Sharon had lived in various homes through multiple agencies for the past ten years. Now residing in New Bedford, Sharon inquired about a New Bedford area church where she attended a Bridges to Faith Christmas event. Sharon said she enjoyed the church very much because it had lively Christian music, singing, dancing and she recognized many of the members as there was a large Cape Verdean population. She said she “knew them when she lived with her parents.” Sharon began to attend the new church and the agency helped to support the change. Her respite provider would drive twenty minutes each way to bring her each Sunday. The Program Manager would also provide transportation as this became the highlight of Sharon’s week.
“Sharon developed many natural friendships at church and before long she met a new friend Christina. Christina not only became her Faith Companion, she became so much more. Christina was an active member of the church. She was part of the choir, the coordinator of events and missions for the church, and leader of Woman’s Group. Sharon wanted to participate in religious activities offered by the church and not just attend Sunday Service. Sharon asked if Christina could take her to Bible study and Christina agreed. Sharon started to go to Bible study every Thursday. The pastor would often have someone read the verses out loud as he understood that Sharon could not read. When I asked Sharon how she was reading the Bible every night, she explained she was holding it and looking at it. “God made the words clear for me,” she replied.
“The next thing Sharon wanted to do at her church was become part of the choir. The church took their choir very seriously and only the most devoted church members were allowed to even audition. Sharon was DETERMINED to be on the choir. She asked if she could attend the practice as she knew that would be the only way she could learn the dances and the words to the songs. Christina picked up Sharon every Wednesday to attend choir practice. For six months, Sharon NEVER missed a practice. Any time there was a new song, Christina would ‘YouTube’ the song for Sharon so she could learn the words as she knew she could not read. Sharon practiced day and night listening to the videos. The day had come where Sharon became an official member of the choir. Sharon extended an invitation to all she knew to watch her sing on stage for the first time. Sharon filled the church with all her friends she invited to see her sing. It is a very small church and the pastor joked that he would invite his friends and family but Sharon seemed to have a gift, as she was able to pack the chairs.
“Sharon now has a new family. This is not a “paid family.” It is not paid staff support, but people who embrace her for who she is. Sharon attends all the parties, cook out and birthday parties. Sharon has never missed a Sunday, a Bible study or choir practice. She rang in the New Year attending a party on New Year’s Eve with all her new friends. Sharon no longer has to say, “I want you to know I am a Christian.” She has forever marked her identity, made her religious preferences known, paved her own way and she is a Christian.”
Meeting attendees welcomed Sharon’s story with great affection and full appreciation for the continued success of the Bridges to Faith program. It’s mission of social inclusion in the faith community is a central piece of effectively serving persons with disabilities across all facets of life. Further, Heather also discussed her efforts to consistently put social inclusion at the forefront of the program’s mission. In addition to its already large network of partners and opportunities, Heather discussed various recent expansions. This includes a new partnership with North Baptist Church, and the hosting of a monthly pot luck and movie night. Several program participants also volunteer weekly at a local soup kitchen, while others help to host coat drives for the homeless. Actions such as these, according to Heather, have opened the door for natural friendships and inclusion in the community.
To learn more about the Bridges to Faith program, click here.
11th Annual Sweet Temptations Wine & Food
Better Community Living to Host 11th Annual Sweet Temptations Wine and Food Event | Supporting Programs that Serve Adults and Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Better Community Living Inc. is excited to announce its 11th Annual Sweet Temptations Wine & Food event! The event will be held on October 19, 2017 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Seaport Inn and Marina, located at 110 Middle Street in Fairhaven, MA. The raffle and auction will be conducted at 8:00 p.m. The media are invited to attend at no cost provided there is an even exchange for media coverage, e.g. photos and/or a newspaper write-up.
This event serves as the agency’s most important fundraising effort. Last year, more than 200 guests attended the event, raising over $14,000. Attendees enjoy a night of food, wine, beer, auction items, raffles and fun. In addition, attendance helps support the mission of BCL and critical services for those in need.
Better Community Living is dedicated to supporting and serving individuals with developmental disabilities in the Greater New Bedford Area as they strive to develop relationships and greater independence in the community. Programs include Bridges to Faith, Children’s Services, Day Habilitation, Individual Supports, Residential Living, Shared Living, and Supported Employment.
The event is sponsored by Douglas Wine & Spirits, and music will be provided by DJ Gene Daniels.
Tickets are $50 per person. For tickets, please contact Linda Moniz at 508-999-4300 ext. 122, or by email at Linda_Moniz@nullbettercommunity.com. You may also purchase tickets online.
Last year, over 200 people attended this event and we raised over $14,000. Generous donors like you are the key to our success and make it possible for BCL to provide local individuals and families, in need, with assistance and critical services. Thank you for your consideration.
Auction and Raffle Prizes
Auction and Raffle will be held promptly at 8:00 p.m.
Live Auction
Cape Cod Get-A-Way
Five Nights at a Private Beach Front Cottage on the Truro/Provincetown Line
Spring/Summer/Fall
Value: Approximately $900.00
Generously donated by the Keady Family
New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins
Two Tickets ~ Sunday, November 26, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.
Sec: 225 Row: 22 Seats: 15 & 16
Value: $246.00
Generously donated by Dunbar Goloboy LLP
Special Raffle
Gourmet Wine Basket
Includes Three Bottles of Premium Wine
Value: $500.00
Ticket Prices: One for $5.00 / Five for $20.00
Generously donated by Corrigan Financial, Inc.
Raffle
Ticket Prices: Sheet of 25 for $10.00
These are just some of our raffle prizes…..
19th Annual BCL Golf Tournament ~ June 22, 2018 ~ Acushnet River Valley Golf Course ~ Foursome
Acushnet River Valley Golf Course ~ Two Foursomes
Cardi’s $100 Gift Card
New Bedford Symphony Orchestra (4) Tickets ~ Family Holiday Pops Concert
Providence Bruins (4) FlexTix Tickets
Reservation Golf Club, Inc. ~ Foursome
Stop & Shop $100 Gift Card
….. and there will be many more! Please be sure to visit our raffle tables.
4th Annual Poker Run
Better Community Living (BCL) is excited to announce its first-ever Poker Run! This “boat race” fundraiser will raise monies to support BCL’s Children’s Services which serve children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities throughout Southeastern, Massachusetts. The event is the 4th Annual Poker Run sponsored by Nopper Marine. Better Community Living is proud to have been selected as this year’s charitable beneficiary. Additional contributing sponsors include Earl’s Marina and Down the Hatch.
The event will take place on Saturday, September 9th with registration in the morning and the official ‘run’ starting at 12:00PM lasting through 5:00PM. Various stops for the boats will occur along the way. The race will be followed by dinner, live music, and awards at Down the Hatch at Earl’s Marina from 6:00-8:00PM. A full schedule, locations, and race route is below. The media are invited to attend any part of this event. Persons with boats are encouraged to register and participate. Organizers also recommend area residents to take in the sights by watching the race along its route.
BCL is a premier, not-for- profit human services agency dedicated to providing person-centered services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Greater New Bedford area. Programs include Bridges to Faith, Children’s Services, Day Habilitation, Individual Supports, Residential Living, Shared Living, and Supported Employment. The upcoming Poker Run will specifically support BCL Children’s Services, which provide support to individuals ages 3-22 and their families. The purpose of these programs is to maintain the family unit and avoid the out-of- home placement of a child. Programs emphasize positive behavioral supports for youth with unique needs to help them develop skills, reach their unique goals, and achieve their fullest potential. Diverse supports are provided directly by program staff, or via referrals to partner resources in the community. These help meet individuals’ needs in varying areas that include medical, social, educational, housing and transportation. Families also receive direct quality supports to help them navigate the daily responsibilities and requirements of caring for a child with a disability.
Better Community Living Hosts Monthly Access Dances Bringing in 100+ Adults with Disabilities
The value of socialization and friendship is no surprise. Engaging with new people, creating friendships, interacting… it’s all part of how we learn, grow, and enrich our lives. This becomes especially true for our consumers, and other adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These individuals often do not have the same amount of social opportunities, nor events that cater to their unique needs.
As a result, Better Community Living is proud to host the community’s monthly Access Dances. Access Dances take place monthly, and have proven to be truly successful in bringing these persons together, and adding quality to their lives.
Starting in the early 90s, Access Dances have been hosted in the Greater New Bedford Community for nearly 25 years. As of July, this program has now merged with Better Community Living as its primary host.
One person who sees the true value of these dances in action is Joanne Rego, who has been working the dances every single month since they began.
Looking back to 1977, Joanne says, “I’ve always worked in this field. A lot of these people have become like family and friends. It’s not like a relationship with a client. You become very close with people and you recognize that there is a need.” Today, Joanne has been running the Access Dances since the very beginning.
“There certainly aren’t a lot of opportunities to socialize in the community, not like this…,” she says. “We have some that come every single month… never miss a dance. I would say close to 50% never miss a dance, but then most others come pretty regularly, every 2-3 months.”
When asked some of the things she sees and loves most, Joanne said, “Watching people get comfortable, watching them sing and dance, seeing wheelchairs on the dance floor…” She even said that many stay for karaoke at the end of the night. “It’s fun to see them slowly get the courage to go up there and sing.”
Typically 100-125 people attend the Access Dances every single month. Joanne says there are new people at every dance, plus a strong attendance provided via a half dozen other agencies, such as the Nemasket Group, SAIL, Lifestream, MOLife, Crystal Springs, Fall River agencies, and numerous others.
These dances help those adults, who often have less opportunity for socialization, to meet new people and develop friendships. Joanne notes that some consumers when they first attend are, “profoundly disabled.” She says, “Their social skills aren’t good. They’re just quietly looking around… Like this one guy in particular. At first, he had a hard time, but then he walked in and he was so comfortable. He was literally coming in hopping like a bunny, just so happy to be there!”
Even better, the Access Dances provide meaningful relationship building and lasting friendships. “It’s sort of an adult atmosphere where many people connect. They might find romantic interests, meet someone from another program. It’s opening their social circle.”
“While there are a lot of dancing events in the city, I just don’t know where people would go. This is an opportunity to have a social event in a public building, in the community, open to the building, and it’s catered to their advantage, those who are there.”
Access Dances take place on the 2ND Friday of every month, from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. They are held at the VFW Poirier Post located on the corner of Ashley Boulevard and Appleton Street. Access Dances are open to BCL consumers, members and groups from other agencies, and they are open to the general public. Non-BCL consumers are asked to pay a $10 fee for entry. Light snacks and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages are provided. Music is provided by DJ Rockin’ Rick – Richard Brennan.
Shared Living: Friendship, Family, and Quality of Life
At Better Community Living, Inc. (BCL), great emphasis is placed on offering integration, independence, and relationship building to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All of these are central to helping these individuals lead fulfilling lives. While BCL is known for providing homes to its consumers, the agency also offers another valuable option – Shared Living.
Shared Living engages families and individuals to fully open their homes to BCL consumers. These providers then support an individual’s daily living skills, and help them to fulfill their personal goals.
Individuals are welcomed into the home as a member of the family. They are fully integrated into daily routines and the family’s social life. They attend events together, help run errands, participate in meal planning, shopping, and prep as much as they are able to do so. Providers also help the individuals to engage better in community and social activities, develop self-sufficiency, and build strong relationships, as well as assist with transportation and medical appointments.
Further, the individual who lives with a provider has great autonomy and independence. They’ll have their own bedroom with a bed and bureau, a dresser for their clothes, and a lock on their door. They have a right to invite family/friends over to visit. With the assistance of their provider, they attend events and participate in outings of their choice – and even plan out vacations! Overall, shared living aims to help BCL consumers achieve greater quality of life.
BCL’s Placement Services Director visits a potential provider’s homes to learn more about them, know their personality, inspect the home, and determine if their house qualifies. The best possible provider is someone who has the physical space, as well as the time and availability to provide quality companionship and support.
If selected, Shared Living Providers then receive training and a memorandum of understanding. By the time their individual moves in they’ll be fully trained in first aid, CPR, home safety, how to deal with intellectually disabled persons, and how to be an effective provider to reach certain goals. Providers will also understand medication, money plans and money management, and how to approach ISP’s.
An ISP, or Individual Support Plan, outlines each individual’s unique goals. One of BCL’s existing Shared Living Providers says, “My guy’s goal is to interact with friends and interact in the community. Another thing is that he likes photography, so one of the goals is to build a collage and set up a place for his pictures.”
This is exactly what Shared Living is all about. It’s about supporting a person’s interests, and helping them to further their goals. It’s also about skills development and enhancing one’s social abilities and comfort. Many, over time, come out of their shell. They become more trusting. They become more open to trying new things, meeting new people, and at the same time, they learn more about who they are and what they enjoy.
Shared Living Providers are Independent Contractors through BCL and receive a monthly stipend, which is tax free as allowable by law. As an added support, Providers also weekly support if they cannot help with an individual’s transportation, and they also receive two weeks of respite per year. Learn more at www.bettercommunity.com.
To learn more about the Shared Living Program, contact Tenina Ramos at 508-999-4300 Ext. 220 or tenina_ramos@nullbettercommunity.com.