fall 2014

V O I C ENews and information for friends and supporters of Vinfen

www.vinfen.org

President’s MessageBruce L. Bird, President & Chief Executive Officer

Last year, I was invited to a national forum on innovation sponsored by the National Council of Community Behavioral Health. The forum was part of a broader initiative called Connect 4 Mental Health (C4MH), in which the Council is attempting to raise awareness of advances in community services to individuals with mental illness in four areas: early detection of psychotic disorders; more effective approaches to jail diversion; the benefits of advancing continuity of care; and the use of information technology to enhance services.

I was invited because Vinfen has had success using a new telehealth system in a federal grant project. The Health Buddy telehealth system was developed by Bosch Healthcare and adapted for the population of individuals with Serious Mental Illness by our partners Dr. Steve Bartels and his team at Dartmouth. It employs an online system, which connects individuals to staff who review and respond to urgent problems. It also coaches people to self-manage their psychiatric and physical health conditions. All of this is done with simple questions, easy to use responses, and teaching techniques in a small clock-radio size device. It has been effective in helping people learn to better manage their conditions and in alerting staff when the person needs help – which has often averted an unnecessary emergency room visit or hospitalization.

It’s unfortunate that people with psychiatric conditions often do not access services or when they do, the services are often too limited to properly support them. We expect that C4MH will encourage the general public and policymakers that innovations such as ours are offering effective solutions to this important health issue.

Transforming Lives Together with You Clementine White is a fixture at Vinfen’s Brighton Day Habilitation (BDH). She volunteers at BDH every day, working on various projects for the program. She often tends the program’s gardens; leaving each day dusty, grass stained, and grateful for the opportunity to help. From bringing cake and ice cream to celebrate the birthdays of the people we serve, to manning the frying pan at a program breakfast, Clementine lends a helpful hand at BDH’s many events. “Clementine is our family,” proclaims BDH Program Director Doreen Hiltz. Clementine is just one of the many extraordinary family members who were honored at Vinfen’s 7th Annual Celebration of Family Partnerships on October 15. Each year, we honor families, advocates, self-advocates, and staff who have made a difference in the lives of the people we serve. At Vinfen, we transform lives, and families, caregivers, and supporters like you are an integral part of this transformation.

Master of Ceremonies Karen Anderson, an award-winning journalist from WCVB, Department of Mental Health Commissioner Marcia Fowler, and Department of Developmental Services Commissioner Elin Howe welcomed attendees. Honored guests included Massachusetts State Representative Kay Khan, winner of the Public Official of the Year award; Anne Fracht, winner of the Craig Smith Self-Advocate award; and Miriam Alcantara, winner of the Helen Fantasia Arraj Staff Recognition award.

Clementine White receives a Family Recognition award from the Family Advisory Council Chair Kathleen Crawford and Master of Ceremonies Karen Anderson. She accepted the award with her son, Maurice.

Continued on page 2.

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transforming lives together cont.

Webster Clubhouse Member DeLois HoweLL proudly stands next to her new car.

Achieving Goals Together at Webster House

The moving keynote address was given by the Educator of the Year award winner Loretta Claiborne. Loretta is a world-class athlete who competes in the Special Olympics, an advocate for people with disabilities, and an international motivational speaker. She shared her inspiring story about how her family, community, educators, and her own strong spirituality gave her the confidence to overcome prejudice and become an accomplished athlete and role model.

Over 50 staff were given Merit Certificates for their commitment to family partnerships, advocacy, education, and leadership. Staff were selected based on nominations from the families that they work closely with each day.

The evening would not have been possible without our incredible sponsors. Thank you to the Rae and Aaron Alberts Foundation, HUB International, Nizhoni Health Systems, and the Tiffany Ballroom at the Four Points by Sheraton in Norwood, MA.

Massachusetts State Representative Kay Khan with Loretta Claiborne.

Vinfen Family Advisory Council members pose with Master of Ceremonies Karen Anderson.

Webster House Member DeLois HoweLL recently accomplished one of her biggest life goals: obtaining her driver’s license. She achieved this goal with the support of fellow members and staff at Webster House, one of Vinfen’s Clubhouses. Our Clubs offer a sense of belonging with members and staff working side-by-side to accomplish everything from members’ individual goals to managing the Club’s daily operations.

When DeLois decided to earn her driver’s license, staff and members at Webster House came together to support her goal. They helped her review the material by finding practice tests and creating flashcards with her. DeLois and her supporters studied for over a year and a half. When DeLois took her test, she answered all twenty-five questions correctly. After she passed her driver’s test, she celebrated by getting a car.

“Having my license now makes it easier for me to get to Webster House,” she states. DeLois has been a member for 25 years. “What I like the best about being a member at Webster House is that I get to work with staff on answering the phones. I also enjoy working in the kitchen whenever they need my help.”

Defining SiblingsI read a lot. Lately, I have been reading about the role of siblings in the lives of people with disabilities. Here is an interesting excerpt from a 2008 Sibling Leadership Network whitepaper. “Siblings will be in the lives of family members with disabilities longer than anyone. Brothers and sisters will typically be there after parents are gone and special education services are a distant memory. Theirs is a relationship that can easily exceed 65 years.”

All of my brothers and sisters and I are close. And, in that fact, I know we are very fortunate. We see

each other often, and we like each other’s company. That includes Eileen, who has been our sibling for nearly 39 years. Last week, Eileen, Mom, and I traveled to Minnesota for a short vacation. We enjoyed seeing the sights in and around Minneapolis and St. Paul, including the enormous Mall of America. This week, my brother Sean chauffeured Eileen to a dinner for employees of the school where she works part-time. A few years ago these events might have involved only Eileen and our parents, but the baton is being passed to the rest of us. We talk about the future – imagined, hoped for, but unknown – and have made plans as a family.

Are you the sibling of a person with a disability? Do you know someone who is? I would like to hear from you. We could benefit from each other’s insights and experience. You could visit a Vinfen Family Advisory Council meeting, if you like. In fact, any family member of a person with a psychiatric condition, intellectual and developmental disability, brain injury, or behavioral health challenge is encouraged to join or visit.

As a member, you would develop new skills and acquire knowledge that will enhance your ability to act as an effective family advocate and leader. You would learn from other family members’ experiences. You would also create change in policy and program development and achieve important outcomes that will make a difference for families. We’d love to see you there.

For more information on Vinfen Family Advisory Councils, visit www.vinfen.org/get-involved/family-advisory-councils.

Thank you to Kathleen Crawford for lending her voice to this issue. Vinfen’s Director of Recovery Services Lisa Halpern will be back in the spring, but you can hear more from Kathleen on the Vinfen Blog. Just visit www.vinfen.org/blog.

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voicein my own

Kathleen Crawford, ChairThe Vinfen Family Advisory Council

Board of Directors

Philip A. Mason, Ph.D. (Chairperson) C. Allen Ashley (Clerk)

Bruce L. Bird, Ph.D. James E. Earley

James K. Schmidt Rebecca A. Sullivan Henry White, M.D.

Executive Team

Bruce L. Bird, Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer

Elizabeth K. Glaser Chief Operating Officer

Susan C. Abbott Senior Vice President,

Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Madeline Becker, Ph.D. Vice President, Quality and Compliance

Jonathan Burt Vice President, Information Technology

Don Condie, M.D.Medical Director

Norma Conley Vice President, Human Resources

Pat Cooper Vice President, Real Estate Operations

Elizabeth Brody Gluck, Esq. Vice President, General Counsel

Joseph F. Gomes Senior Vice President,

Developmental Services

Glen MatteraChief Financial Officer

Elisa Velardo Vice President, Connecticut Services

Mission StatementVinfen transforms lives by building the

capacity of individuals, families, organizations, and communities to learn, thrive and achieve their goals. Our services promote the recovery, resiliency,

habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. As a human services

leader, we strive to be the provider, employer, and partner of choice.

leading the wayvinfen

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Connecting for Health

www.vinfenct.orgNew Website

John with Vinfen’s Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation Project Manager Elizabeth Cella.

We’ve redesigned Vinfen’s website and created a new one for Vinfen CT to make it easier for you to stay up-to-date on the work we do. Check out Vinfen’s new blog for important news and insights.

www.vinfen.orgNew Look

Introducing Vinfen and Vinfen Connecticut’s New Websites

You can also join us on our Facebook pages:

Vinfen is investigating how new healthcare technologies can be used to support the people we serve. Innovative technology is used as part of our project to develop Community Based Health Homes for Adults with Serious Mental Illness. Through this project, Vinfen is helping adults with physical and mental health conditions stay connected to staff and learn to manage their health through a novel telehealth system, the Health Buddy, from Bosch Healthcare.

The device has been very helpful to the people that Vinfen serves. “I get to communicate every day, not just when I have an appointment,” says John, a participant in the project. “It serves as a reminder about my diabetes and mental health condition by asking me ‘How do you feel today?’ and then also gives me new information that is helpful for me in understanding how to be healthier.”

A year into the project, this technology has been quite successful, with high participation resulting in a substantial decrease of emergency room visits. The device has allowed individuals like John to not only manage various conditions but become more independent while staying in touch with his health care team.

Vinfen was recognized for its creative use of technology by Connect 4 Mental Health, a campaign by the National Council for Behavioral Health to raise awareness about innovative approaches to mental health. This fall, Vinfen will participate in a panel judging submissions in a national contest to reward innovative programs, and will be asked to mentor another community organization seeking to accomplish similar successes. For more information, visit www.connect4mentalhealth.com.

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As the holiday season approaches, why not give the gift that keeps on giving? Many of the people we serve don’t have family or personal means to make the holidays special. Your donation today will help us provide a small token to them this holiday season. Your gift of $25, $50, $100 or more will make sure each person we serve has a gift to open and enjoy. Resources for this small gesture of kindness and care are limited. Your generosity builds on our shared promise of dignity and community. Thank you being a partner in transforming lives. You can donate online at www.vinfen.org/donate-now, use the enclosed envelope, or contact Vinfen’s Director of Development Thomas O’Toole at 617-441-1896 or otoolet@vinfen.org.

a differencemaking

Youth from Vinfen’s Transition to Independence Program stay active at a summer field day.

Your Support Transforms Lives

Save the DateVinfen and the Longwood Symphony Orchestra present

A concert benefiting Vinfen’s health and wellness programs

The Healing Art of Music: Your funds will support Vinfen’s health and wellness initiatives.

For more information, please contact Director of Development Thomas O’Toole at 617-441-1896 or otoolet@vinfen.org.

Saturday, May 9, 2015Jordan Hall

New England Conservatory Boston, MA

you bring joy and holiday spirit

Vinfen is honored to be selected as one of the 100 local nonprofits to receive a grant of $100,000 through the Cummings Foundation’s $100K for 100 program. The grant will strengthen Vinfen’s commitment to addressing the health disparities among young people with psychiatric conditions. Compared to the general population, people with psychiatric conditions are at greater risk for chronic health conditions such as diabetes. “For over a decade Vinfen has been working with national leaders to develop new programs that help people with psychiatric conditions manage the enormous health challenges they face,” said Vinfen’s President and CEO Bruce Bird. “With this generous grant from the Cummings Foundation, Vinfen will be using new and innovative mobile technology to help young people manage their own health.”

Vinfen CT was awarded two grants totaling $400,000 through the State of Connecticut Nonprofit Grant Program. The program’s purpose is to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, safety, and accessibility of health and human services being delivered by nonprofit organizations. The grants will be used to make improvements to the Vinfen CT main office, which is also the site of the Vinfen Vocational Training Center and the H.O.P.E. Program. Improvements will be made to make the building more accessible. The building’s heating and cooling system will also be updated to keep staff and the people we serve comfortable in the winter and summer months. Vinfen CT expects the project to be completed by June 30.

Alicia works at the Vinfen Vocational Training Center.

Your Support Transforms Vinfen

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happeningsvinfen

Representative Gloria Fox, Department of Mental Health Metro Boston Area Director Patricia Kenny, and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans attended to show their support for the program and congratulate the youth participants.

Vinfen’s Friends of Metro Boston hosted an awards banquet on August 28 to celebrate the achievements of youths who participated in the Friends of Metro Boston Painting Program. The program helps young adults develop job skills while reducing the prejudices associated with people with psychiatric conditions.

Former First Lady of Massachusetts Kitty Dukakis visited a Vinfen community residence for people with psychiatric conditions on October 6 in honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week. She brought Maura Healey, a candidate for Massachusetts Attorney General, so Maura could learn more about Vinfen’s services. Both were treated to a tour of the residence and spoke with people we serve.

Awarding Achievements Honoring Mental Health Awareness

Over100 Vinfen staff, supporters, and people we serve attended the Human Services Gubernatorial Forum hosted by the Providers’ Council. Republican Candidate Charlie Baker, Democratic Candidate Martha Coakley, and Independent Candidates Evan Falchuk and Jeff McCormick appeared on stage at Boston’s Faneuil Hall on September 24 and shared their visions for Human Services in Massachusetts.

Congressman Joseph Kennedy III and District Director Nick Clemons toured Vinfen’s Gateway Arts on September 4. Gateway Arts artists Ruby Pearl and Jane Tarlow joined and showed their work. The congressman was touched not only by Ruby’s painting of President Kennedy embracing his daughter but also by her story of overcoming homelessness and finding support to pursue a career in fine arts.

Meeting the Future Governor Exploring Art with a Kennedy

Candidate for Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, Gus, and Former First Lady of Massachusetts Kitty Dukakis.

Point After Club members attended the Human Services Gubernatorial Forum. Congressman Kennedy III with Gateway Arts Artist Ruby Pearl in front of her work “Camelot.”

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vinfen arts

Art by: Andrew Martensson

Recognizing BeautyArt Connection Studio celebrated an opening reception of Cityscapes: Uncommon and Familiar Beauty on September 26. Artists showed off their work to family, friends, supporters, and special guest Hartford, CT Mayor Pedro Segarra. The exhibition showcased paintings, mixed media pieces, printmaking, photographs, sculptures, jewelry, and fiber arts. For more information, visit our website at www.artconnectionstudio.org.

connecticutvinfenSharing Summer Fun

Gateway Art artists at their exhibit Gateway Local.

Mayor Pedro Segarra with Art Connection Studio artists.

Celebrating All Things LocalGateway Arts celebrated New England in style during the opening reception of their Gateway Local exhibit. The reception, on October 16, had a great turnout and everyone enjoyed a night filled with art, music, and food. Artists proudly showed their work that was inspired by New England. A special thanks to our sponsors Party Favors, Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project, and Tommy Palmer and Ian Gustafson from Babydriver with special guest Matthew Mara. Gateway Arts next exhibit, 100 and Under, will premiere on November 18. For more information, visit www.gatewayarts.org.

Expressing Points of HueThe Webster House Gallery hosted an opening reception for their show Points of Hue on October 21. The colorful show featured a diverse group of talented artists tackling the canvas with traditional and nontraditional mediums and methods. Webster House Gallery will present an exhibit and holiday fair in December. For gallery hours, arranging appointments, or more information please call 617-739-5461 or email info-websterhouse@vinfen.org.

Vinfen CT held its 14th Annual Fun Fest on August 1 at Northwest Park in Windsor, CT. Over 200 people attended, which included the people we serve, staff, families, and friends. Attendees enjoyed delicious food, snow cones, kickball, dancing, volleyball, and a drum circle with Randy Brody from Sound Directions.

Bowling to Transform Lives

On September 28, Vinfen CT supporters came together for an afternoon filled with bowling, music, and prizes at the 6th Annual BOWL 2 TRANSFORM LIVES. All proceeds collected were used to fund various educational and seasonal recreation activities for the people that Vinfen CT supports.

Rafael, Direct Care Staff Rechelle Wallace, and Luis.Family members Gail, Heidi, and Max enjoy this year’s Fun Fest.

You Can Contribute to Vinfen in Many Ways

• Direct, Unrestricted Donations: These gifts allow us to place your gift in the general fund and support activities that improve services to individuals with disabilities. Your gifts of cash, stocks, or securities help make a difference every day. A donation envelope is also enclosed for your convenience. • Matching Gifts: You can maximize your gift if you (or a member of your family) qualify for corporate matching funds. Please check with your company to see if they participate in a matching funds program, and include a matching gift form for added support to Vinfen.• Gifts in Honor or Gifts in Memory: Make a gift in honor of an individual, to celebrate a special occasion, or in memory of a deceased friend or family member. Vinfen will notify whomever the donor designates.• Gifts of Bequests or Planned Giving: Vinfen is grateful for bequests via wills and planned giving arrangements. Please consider naming Vinfen the beneficiary of an IRA, retirement fund, SEP, or insurance policy. We encourage you to discuss your giving options with your lawyer or other financial representative to determine how you can provide for the future growth of Vinfen while maximizing your tax benefits. • Donate Online: Visit www.vinfen.org and click “Donate Now” to make a secure and convenient online donation to Vinfen.

For more information please contact Vinfen’s Director of Development Thomas O’Toole at 617-441-1896 or otoolet@vinfen.org.

transform livesyou

voice fall 2014

950 Cambridge StreetCambridge, MA 02141-1001TEL 617-441-1800FAX 617-441-1858www.vinfen.org

Contributors: Bruce Bird, Kathleen Crawford, Rachel Heafield, and Erin TigheDesigner: Rachel HeafieldFeatured Artists: Juan Colon and Andrew Martensson