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COMMUNICATION :
We are continuing monthly communication with you – and encourage you to visit us at www.sunshine.us – our website – which includes organizational information and virtual tours! “Like” us on Facebook – to stay up to date on all the engaging ways we deliver on our promise of a great day. If you need more information about our programs or a specific client, please call one of our Program Managers or Case Managers.
GOODWILL:
Art Exhibit: To celebrate October being Disability Awareness Month, we are hosting an Art Exhibit at the Chicopee Library on Front Street thru the month of October.
Transition Fairs: We will be participating in the South Valley Transition Fair on October 19th and have registered for the Transition Fair being coordinated by the Agawam School System on November 17th.
SPED Professional Development: Some SPED professionals from the Agawam School System will be spending a half day with us at our Agawam site on November 8th – to learn about all we offer for our clients – and their students who are turning 22 and will be transitioning to the adult service system.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS / INDIVIDUAL TOURS!
If you would like us to host a “Professional Development Day” (or half day) – at one of our program sites OR at your school – OR if you would like to book a “field day” type visit for your students, please e-mail Colleen Brosnan at cbrosnan@sunshine.us
We also give individual tours for potential clients and their families – as well as funding source representatives, including Service Coordinators and Special Education personnel.
COVID UPDATE:
Since my last update on COVID on September 19, 2022:
Positive Cases: there have been 11 positive cases in our 6 buildings throughout Sunshine Village that I reported to the local Boards of Health. This has brought the total positive cases since March 17, 2020, to 260 (155 clients and 105 employees.)
REGULATORY REVIEW:
The next regulatory review from SourceAmerica for Westover Maintenance Systems will take place on December 6, 2022. We have been selected by SourceAmerica to participate in their Satisfaction Survey – and a CARF representative will be out on October 27, 2022 to administer the surveys to the clients.
HUMAN RESOURCES:
We have a small number of DSP positions – and 2 driver positions - that are open – and are continuing our recruitment efforts for a Behavioral Clinician, as the clinician we thought was joining us changed her mind. We will be participating in job fairs at the Basketball Hall of Fame on October 17th and a Veterans’ Job Fair on November 4th.
We announced a year-end RETENTION BONUS of $2,000 for all employees – and $1,000 for new employees – that will be given on December 30, 2022.
SAFETY / RISK MANAGEMENT:
Risk Assessment: Retired Chief Richard Marchese from Universal Security Associates LLC began a Security Risk Assessment – to enhance the safety of our buildings and security of our people, property, and equipment - and has visited all of our sites. We expect to have the report by mid-November and will present recommendations to the BOD at the January 2023 meeting.
FUNDING:
Grant Funding: We were awarded $10,000 from SourceAmerica – to be used to cover costs associated with CARF accreditation as well as for hosting Listening Meetings with the clients at WMS and for more logoed apparel.
SERVICES:
Community Inclusion / Site Based: We have begun working with VegaYoga and offering wellness classes from Special Olympics and Dance from Ohana Dance Studio – all thru the “Bringing the Community to Us” inclusion program.
Community Inclusion Activities: Activities for clients and partnerships with civic, business, charitable and municipal groups in all three CBDS programs continue to increase – and provide new learning experiences and opportunities for building relationships.
The transition of “Supplemental Funding” for Enhanced Staffing in Day Hab Programs:
The supplemental funding for enhanced staffing ratios (1:1, 2:3 and 3:4) reverted from DDS to Mass Health on October 1, 2022. They have communicated their expectations and restrictions for this money – which is different from those of DDS. We are working to see how we can continue to serve the 46 existing clients who are supported in 2:3 and 3:4 groupings throughout our day hab programs. This past week, we have made progress – and have developed a system for the provision of required support and data collection for billing purposes. We sent this to MassHealth to get their feedback.
THANK YOU for helping Sunshine Village achieve our mission – and helping people SHINE!
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