About 18 months ago, NancyFrates was a self-described“grandma on Facebook.”

But last month, she was in Cannes,France, accepting 11 awards at theCannes Lions International Festival ofCreativity for a social media campaignher family started last August to raisefunds for ALS – that little thing calledthe Ice Bucket Challenge.

Frates will deliver the keynote ad-dress at the Providers’ Council’s 40thAnnual Convention and Expo, 40 Years

Forward, on Monday, October 19 at theMarriott Copley Place Hotel in Boston.And while she regularly addresses largegroups about advocacy, ALS and be-coming a viral sensation, she is partic-ularly looking forward to speaking tothe human service professionals thatcomprise the Providers’ Council.

“They’re the ones that allow me to goout and do this,” Frates said during arecent phone interview with the Coun-cil. “It makes a difference, knowing Peteis in good hands, living a good quality

life. We wouldn’t be able to what we’redoing, making the impact around theworld and in the ALS community with-out the caregivers, nurses, doctors andall the providers who support us.”

Frates has advocated tirelessly forthe awareness of amyotrophic lateralsclerosis (ALS), also known as LouGehrig's disease, since her 27-year-oldson, Peter, was diagnosed in March2011. Pete was the inspiration behindthe Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014, the

THE PR VIDERVol. 36 - No. 7 Summer 2015

Making the case for2015 as a Year of Distinction

EDITORIAL: PAGE 4

Rep. Cronin says lateSen. Tom Kennedy

set the bar highVIEW FROM THE HILL:

PAGE 6

ROUTING SLIPBoard Chair

Executive Director/CEO

Chief Financial Officer

Human Resources Director

Development Director

Other

Massachusetts Council of

Human Service Providers, Inc.

88 Broad Street • Boston, MA 02110

PR VIDERS’ COUNCIL

Nurtury continues tobreak ground in early

education and care PROVIDER PROFILE:

PAGE 3

Celebrating 4 years of serving the human services provider community

Convention keynote knows how to rise to a challenge

Congratulations 2015 graduates!

The Providers’ Council celebrated the graduation of its Certificate in NonprofitHuman Services Management program with the Classes of 2015 at Clark Uni-versity in Worcester (above) with keynote NFI CEO Steve Hahn, far right, onJune 10; and Suffolk University in Boston (below), with Pine Street Inn CEOLyndia Downie, far right, on July 9. The next Certificate Program is scheduledto start in September. Call Liz Woodbury for application information at617.428.3637, x125. The complete list of graduates is on Page 7.

FY ’16 budget news mostlygood for human servicesHuman service providers overall

were pleased with the FiscalYear 2016 budget that emerged

from Conference Committee earlier thismonth. The budget was still being re-viewed by Gov. Charlie Baker at presstime, but no major cuts to human serv-ice line items were expected.

The $38.1 billion budget, negotiatedby a six-member joint panel of senatorsand representatives, reflected continu-ing support for putting people to workas the state continues its efforts to growthe economy.

The Providers’ Council was pleasedto see funding of “not less than

$2,000,000” for Competitive IntegratedEmployment Services (CIES) includedin the final Conference Committeebudget proposal. While the Housebudget had earmarked funding for thecritical welfare-to-work program, thelanguage had been absent in the Sen-ate budget.

The spending plan also included $3million for expansion of the Employ-ment Blueprint promoting more inclu-sive employment opportunities forindividuals with developmental disabil-ities.

“We are grateful to the Legislature

Council, AG’s Office to holdforum on Earned Sick Time

The Providers’ Council and the Mas-sachusetts Office of the AttorneyGeneral will host an informational

forum on Friday, July 31 to answermembers’ questions about implementingthe state’s Earned Sick Time Law thatwent into effect July 1.

Massachusetts became just the thirdstate to require employers to pay em-ployees for sick time when voters ap-proved a ballot question last November.Assistant Attorneys General ShaneBlundell and Mike Firestone, who helpeddevelop the regulations, will join theCouncil for the information session atPlymouth Church in Framingham. Thesession will run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30a.m., with registration and breakfaststarting at 9 a.m.

The state held nearly a dozen public

hearings and listening sessions aroundthe state and accepted written testimonyon the draft regulations prior to issuingthe final regulations on Friday, June 19.Employers that already provide at least30 hours of paid sick leave to all em-ployees at their organization in 2015have already been granted a six-month“Safe Harbor” transition period to comeinto full compliance with the new law.

Under the new law, all employers inMassachusetts with more than 10 em-ployees will have to offer paid earned sicktime, accrued at one hour of time per 30hours worked. This includes full-time,part-time, temporary and seasonal work-ers and interns.

One of the issues of greatest concernto the Providers’ Council and its mem-

KEYNOTE, see page 7

INFORMATION, see page 7

BUDGET, see page 6

Nancy, John and Pete Frates on July10.

NEWS AND NOTESPROVIDERS’

PAGE 2 THE PROVIDER  SUMMER 2015

Krouk-Gordon honored byArlington Rotary

Dafna Krouk-Gordon was recentlyawarded the Paul Harris Fellow Awardby the Arlington Ro-tary Club in recogni-tion of havingprovided countlessopportunities for indi-viduals with disabili-ties to be integratedinto everyday lifethrough her role asfounder and presi-dent of TILL, Inc.Krouk-Gordon was also awarded cita-tions from the state House of Repre-sentatives and Senate at the ceremonyon June 9.

The Rotary Club describes the PaulHarris Fellow Award as the highesthonor a club can bestow on a person,either inside or outside the club. Theaward acknowledges "service above

self” which an individual has offered tohis/her community, nation or to theworld. Paul Harris was the founder ofRotary and this award program wascreated to fund many Rotary Founda-tion programs.

Online voter registrationnow available in Mass.

Massachusetts now offers onlinevoter registration, which allows resi-dents to register to vote or update theirregistration address. You can use thenew system to register online by enter-ing your Driver's License or State ID in-formation, which is matched andverified instantly with the Registry ofMotor Vehicles database. If you don'thave a state ID you can still completethe form online and then just print itout and send it in with your signature.Go to www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/.

Porter named VP/COO atVictory Programs

Victory Programs recently an-nounced that SarahPorter has beennamed vice presidentand chief operatingofficer. For the pasttwo years in her roleas Director of Pro-grams, Porter workedwith her team toguide the clinicaltreatment and care throughout theagency’s 17 health and housing pro-grams. Porter will continue the workshe has begun in assisting the agencyin rebuilding VPI’s women's addictionrecovery program that was lost duringthe closure of the Long Island Bridge.

The Home gala raisesrecord $1.1M for programs

The Home for Little Wanderers

was pleased to announce it raised $1.1million at its recent annual Voices & Vi-sions fundraiser. Proceeds will fundprograms and services, including be-havioral health services, therapeuticresidential, special education, adop-tion, and foster care, to more than7,000 children and their families.

Roxbury Youthworks amongmembers announcing grants

Roxbury Youthworks, Inc. wasawarded a $135,524 Victims of CrimeAct (VOCA) grant through the Massa-chusetts Office of Victim Assistance forits BUILD Program, which serves maleand trans-identified youth who are vic-tims of sexual assault and/or sexualexploitation. The federal VOCA providesfunding for state and community-based

organizations to offer a range free, spe-cialized services for crime victims.

Worcester Comprehensive Educa-tion & Care received a grant of $7,500from the Greater Worcester CommunityFoundation (GWCF) to fund its TeenParent Program for the summer 2015teen parent support session. WCECprovides daily contact during a six-week summer session with participat-ing teen parents and delivers casemanagement services, home visits,training and mentoring in child devel-opment.

Other members receiving GWCFgrants are Ascentria CommunityServices, $23,000; The Bridge of Cen-tral Massachusetts, $12,889; CentroLas Americas, $10,000; KennedyDonovan Center, $11,717; and Path-ways for Change, $10,000.

Dafna Krouk-Gordon

May Institute marks 60 years at gala

May Institute raised $247,000 at its recent Anniversary Celebration – 60 Yearsof Shaping Futures, Changing Lives event. Proceeds will support May Institute’schildren’s programs and adult services, technology advancement and employeeinitiatives. May Institute supports individuals with autism spectrum disorder,brain injury and other special needs, and provides services across the lifespan.Pictured above are, from left, May Institute CEO Lauren C. Solotar; event co-chairs, Reverend Liz Walker, emcee, and Neal Todrys, a board member.

Don West photo courtesy ABCDAction for Boston Community De-velopment celebrated the 50th an-niversary of the ABCD FosterGrandparent Program on June 11 atFlorian Hall in Dorchester. Friendsand supporters honored the hundredsof grandparents who have volun-teered with children in Boston andQuincy. Above, CEO John Drewdances with an honoree.

ABCD fetes grandparents

Sarah Porter

In the human services sector, the at-tention often goes to the direct sup-port professionals, counselors and

others who provide support to clientsand consumers. Equally important,however, are the individuals who providethe support to the providers.

Brenda Mello, the office assistant atthe outpatient services clinic of MentalHealth Association of Greater Lowellfor nearly 14 years, is one of those peo-ple who allows the clinicians to do whatthey do best: focus on their clients.

“Our support staff are a critical partof our team,” said Brian Maxfield, Clini-cal Director of the Community & FamilyCounseling Services clinic. “In my job asclinical director she has always been oneof my key ‘go-to’ staff members. She alsohas a great attitude: No job is too diffi-cult or mundane; always taking on chal-lenges with a smile and optimism. Sherealizes the importance of her work andtakes on this task with professionalismand dedication. She is a benefit to theagency, staff and clients she works with.”

Technically, Mello works under thesupervision of the clinic office manager.She covers the reception desk for back-up purposes, answers phones, assistswith special projects, does filing andword processing and other assignments.

In actuality, Mello is the go-to personfor the clinic. She assists clinicians withmaintenance of client records, providescomputer support, deals with vendorsand maintains supplies, and covers spe-cial projects, including working week-ends when needed.

“Brenda is my right-hand woman,”

said Michelle Spiller, clinic office man-ager. “She is always willing to take onwhatever work is necessary to operatethe clinic and assist our clinicians. Overher years here at MHA she has become avaluable asset because with all the skillsshe’s acquired, she can and will step inwherever we have a need.”

Chief Financial Officer Jen McGona-gle called her an unsung hero. “I’vecalled upon Brenda to assist with taskslarge and small,” she said. “Regardless ofthe nature of my request, she has alwaysbeen willing to help.”

Mello noted that she started her jobright out of high school.

“Nearly 14 years later, I’m still herebecause I like the work I do,” she said. “Ilike the people here and I enjoy providingthe support they need to do the workthey do with our clients.”

“The Nurtury Learning Lab at Bromley-Heath is a great example of a service thatwill greatly impact children’s lives andstart them on a path for success.” MayorMarty Walsh

Located in the Bromley-Heath PublicHousing Development, which bor-ders Jamaica Plain and Roxbury,

the Learning Lab replaced an abandonedbuilding that once housed the MarthaEliot Heath Center. The facility is LEEDGOLD certified, has approximately 22,000square feet of classroom space and14,000 square feet of outdoor learningand play areas.

Other features of the building includea teaching kitchen, administrative offices,conference rooms and a multi-purposeroom for special events.

The Learning Lab is a community-based lab school for infants, toddlers andpreschoolers and represents Nurtury’smost creative thinking and evidenced-based practices by developing a ReggioEmilia-inspired curriculum, integratingthe philosophy of whole child, whole fam-ily and whole community.

The center-based curricula are de-signed to develop each child’s cognitive,social-emotional, physical, literacy andpre-math skills.

The Learning Lab will expand in thefall to include an after school program forchildren ages 5 through 8. At capacity,the Learning Lab will serve 175 childrenand 1,000 families each year. Family serv-ices include: family engagement, parentsupport and comprehensive family healthcare coordination and prevention. The vi-sion is to become a replicable, nationalmodel for delivering early education andcomprehensive family services in urbanareas and a professional developmenthub for early educators throughoutBoston and eastern Mass.

Approximately 1,300 children are

served every day throughout Nurtury’s sixcenters and 130 family care centers.Communities served include Cambridge,Chelsea, Chinatown, Dorchester, EastBoston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mat-tapan, Revere, Roslindale, Roxbury andthe South End. Nearly 75 percent of Nur-tury’s parents are single; 56 percent offamilies earn less than $20,640 a year;and 15 percent of the children have beenidentified by the Department of SocialServices as having been abused and/orneglected.

In the Boston and Cambridge centers,75 percent of preschool classroom teach-ers have a bachelor’s or master’s degree.Nearly 50 percent of our teachers earnedtheir degree while working at Nurtury andothers were hired with their degree.

To schedule a tour of the LearningLab, contact Jaye Y. Smith, Vice Presidentof Development, Marketing and Public Re-lations.

PROFILESPROVIDER

SUMMER 2015 THE PROVIDER  PAGE 3

NURTURY

Breaking ground in early care & educationAbout theAgency

Nurtury (formerly Associated EarlyCare and Education Center) isNew England’s first and largest

nonprofit child care and educationprovider.

For 137 years, Nurtury has pursuedthe goal of narrowing the achievementgap between children from low-incomefamilies and their middle-class peers.The agency's achievements over the lastcentury are benchmarks in the evolu-tion of early care and education in theUnited States.

Nurtury’s mission is to ensure thatevery child in its care will enter kinder-garten ready to succeed. The Board ofDirectors, chaired by Gayle Slattery,represents a diverse cross-section of in-dustries: education, government, fi-nance, private philanthropy, legal andothers. They, along with the visionaryleadership of CEO, Wayne Ysaguirre,and the generosity of many others, fu-eled the largest capital campaign in theagency’s history.

Extraordinary efforts resulted inbuilding the $17.1 million NurturyLearning Lab (2014). The largest of itssix centers, the Learning Lab, is a state-of-the-art facility and showcases thebest that an organization can achievewhen community leaders, partners likethe United Way of Massachusetts Bay,field experts, and funders collaborate.

Partnerships with community re-sources, families, and funders are keyto the success for Nurtury. Partner-ships will continue to be a priority toenrich the centers going forward.

These collaborations provide par-ents with a robust set of resources thatgive them what they need to advocatefor their families and improve theirlives, which ultimately makes sus-tained school readiness a reality.

95 BERKELEY STREET, SUITE 306 • BOSTON, MA 02116 • 617.695.0700 • WWW.NURTURYBOSTON.ORG

Mello hailed as ‘unsung hero’ at MHA

Few people have made as great animpact on an organization in asmany ways as Carol Midey.

Midey, who has 34 continuousyears of service with LifeLinks/TheArc of Greater Lowell, started as theDay Hab Director in 1981; moved to theBoard of Directors in 1988, includingleadership roles and serving as presi-dent as she focused on raising her ownfamily; then returned to the workforcein 2001 as a clinical systems consult-ant.

Since 2006, Midey has served as Di-rector of Program Services, having di-rect day-to- day responsibility for all ofLifeLinks’ programs and services. Sheis called the heart and soul of the serv-ices the agency offers and no one whohas a relationship with LifeLinks pro-gram services is as well-known or asbeloved as Midey.

“She has a genuine love for the folkswe serve and the staff who supportthem and she takes their successespersonally. She appears fearless, andtenacity is one of her greateststrengths, said LifeLinks CEO JeanPhelps. “Her irreverent sense of humorhas gotten us through good times andbad. She is the glue that holds the var-ious program services department’s to-gether; she values and respects thevision of the team and she sets an ex-ample for excellence that is unparal-leled. Staff continually tell me that sheis the best boss they have ever had.”

Day Hab Director Shawn Nault saidMidey’s gregarious personality is what

sets her apart, directly impacting thequality of life for individuals served,staff and families.

“Carol brings a unique perspectiveand understanding that ensures thatnot only the people served by LifeLinksare well supported but her relation-ships with staff, families and DDS areequally meaningful,” said Program Di-rectors Laura McCarriston and AngieOtieno.

Midey has a bachelor’s degree fromBoston College in special education andlike many in the human services field,started her early career at the FernaldState School.

Midey impact felt throughout LifeLinks

President& CEO

Wayne Ysaguirre was pro-moted to president & CEO in2007 after serving the agency

in various roles for 20 years. Startingas a teaching assistant, he alsoworked as a programassistant, FamilyChild Care programdirector and vicepresident for FamilyChild Care and Orga-nizational Develop-ment.

Ysaguirre serveson the Board and Ex-ecutive Committee of MADCA, therepresentative organization for com-munity-based early education pro-grams in Massachusetts, as well asthe Bessie Tartt Wilson Initiative forChildren and Providers’ Councilboards. He is a 2015 Barr Fellow.

In 2014, he was appointed to theBoard of the Children’s InvestmentFund. He is a member of the AdvisoryCommittee for the Department ofEarly Education and Care (EEC), theEarly Education for All Advisory, aswell as its Public Policy Committee;and a member of the Thrive in 5 Lead-ership Council. He is a member of theDefending Childhood LeadershipTeam of the Boston Defending Child-hood Initiative, the Boston LocalChild Wellness Council, the Early Lit-eracy Expert Panel convened by theExecutive Office of Education, and isa member of the working group teamfor Prevent Blindness America, thestate pilot program of the NationalCenter for Children’s Vision and EyeHealth. He served on EEC’s Race tothe Top Early Learning ChallengeFund team, a group preparing forMassachusetts’ application to the fed-eral competitive grant in support ofcomprehensive state plans for raisingthe quality of early learning programs.

Brenda Mello helps keep the officemoving and the clinicians on track.

Mayor Marty Walsh helps open Nur-tury’s state-of-the art Learning Lab in2014.

WayneYsaguirre

THE CARING FORCESALUTING

Carol Midey has been with LifeLinks ina variety of roles over the last threedecades.

PR VIDERS’ COUNCIL88 Broad Street, Fifth Floor • Boston, MA 02110Telephone: 617.428.3637 • Fax: 617.428.1533

Email: info@providers.org • Online at http://www.providers.org

PAGE 4 THE PROVIDER  SUMMER 2015

EDITORIAL

Michael WeekesPresident / Publisher

A Year of Distinction

Historic anniversaries are spe-cial opportunities to recognizesignificant events, honor our

heroes and champions for change, re-flect on progress made and – hopefully– remain steadfast in progress oncourse for the future.

The year 2015 – perhaps not toodissimilar than other years in someeyes – may hold no significant distinc-tion in our history, but we beg to differ.

It’s challenging to capture our sig-nificant historic events in America aseach of us has our perspective.

I’ve argued with a friend of minethat 1968 was also a tremendous yearof change and growth in America: TheU.S. sent its first manned flight to cir-cle the moon and, on Earth, the Viet-nam War was raging out of controlwith no end in sight. Tommie Smithand John Carlos raised their fists indefiance at the Summer Olympics.And perhaps the nation’s most shame-ful acts of infamy were the assassina-tions of both Rev Martin Luther King,Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. just twomonths apart.

These were just a handful of nota-bles, but how does 2015 gauge as amarker?

Here’s how we reflect:1. 40 years ago the Providers’

Council celebrated the conception andinauguration of its mission-drivenwork of promoting a healthy, produc-tive and diverse human services com-munity. With our community-basedorganizations, we led the transforma-tion of supporting those in need withinour communities. And the work con-tinues today with a workforce of morethan 145,000 across the Common-wealth.

2. 50 years ago, on August 6th, thenation heralded the passage of theVoting Rights Act of 1965. Pushedby the unrequited yearning of peopleseeking restorative justice from thevoting booths and the uncompromis-ing leadership of Rev. Martin LutherKing, Jr., President Lyndon B. John-son signed this groundbreaking legis-lation that catapulted America from itsideal of democracy toward true democ-racy. As LBJ described it, “Every Amer-ican citizen must have an equal right tovote. There is no reason which can ex-cuse the denial of that right. There is noduty which weighs more heavily on usthan the duty we have to ensure thatright.”

3. 25 years later, then witnessingthe fading hopes and increasing injus-tices to people with a disability, we cel-ebrated the passage of the Americanswith Disabilities Act (ADA). Thislandmark law asserted civil rights pro-

tections for people with a disability inpublic accommodations, transporta-tion, telecommunications, employ-ment and other areas. (Please read mycolleague Paul Spooner’s views on Page5.)

4. 80 years ago President FranklinD. Roosevelt expounded on his “NewDeal” with the passage of the SocialSecurity Act, signed on August 14,1935. This act transformed a nation’sresponsibilities to support those whoare elderly, ill, have a disability, sur-vivors and retirees.

5. And it was 150 years ago thatGen. Robert E. Lee surrendered hisConfederate Army to Gen. Ulysses S.Grant, representing the Union Armyunder President Lincoln. Lincoln wasassassinated less than a week later asthe Civil War – or the so-called War ofNorthern Aggression – ended, at leastby formal declaration.

Today, while the year is still devel-oping, the removal of the Confederateflag from the South Carolina statecapitol grounds and from the shelvesof Wal-Mart and Sears has huge sym-bolic significance for people of colorand our nation’s sense of morality.

You see, that flag was much morethan a cloth rectangle emblazonedwith stars and bars; it was a universalsymbol of intolerance and hate mani-fested as abject racism. A hatred thatbelied the ideals of America’s all menare created equal.

It’s true that the removal of onesymbol won’t transform the hearts andminds hardened by pernicious hateand indifference, but its removal af-firms we serve under one flag of unityand professed justice, Old Glory.

Much closer to home, this is alsothe historic year in which GovernorCharlie Baker and his administrationhas settled the persistent grievance ofproviders about the failure to imple-ment human service reform thatpromotes fairness, adequacy andtransparency to the provision of serv-ices like never before.

Undoubtedly, the list of notables isdebatable and a reflection of one’s in-dividual values. We get it.

What is paramount to honoring ourhistory is understanding the oftencomplicated lessons that are nuancedby time and place.

However, we share what philoso-pher George Santayana wrote 110years ago: “Those who cannot remem-ber the past are condemned to repeatit.”

Learn, Lead and Live.

2015-2016Board Officers

ChairMichael Moloney

Chair-ElectJackie K. Moore

Vice ChairBill Sprague

TreasurerSerena Powell

Assistant TreasurerSusan Stubbs

ClerkNancy Munson

Assistant ClerkDora Robinson

Immediate Past ChairAndy Pond

Chair EmeritusGerry Wright

Staff

President and PublisherMichael Weekes

Vice President of Public Policy and DevelopmentWilliam Yelenak

Fiscal ManagerTracy Jordan

Manager of Member RelationshipsMeg Helming

Manager of Education and PartnershipsLiz Woodbury

Learning and Development CoordinatorElla Froggatt

Public Policy and Communications AssociateChristine Mikiewicz

Administrative and Support AssociateSara Arnone

Provider EditorMichelle McKenzie

CartoonistMichael Ripple

Have you scheduled a golf tournament? Want additional copies of The Provider?

Interested in writing a letter to the editor?Have a topic that would make a good subject for Viewpoints

fromAcross the State?

Let Michelle know: 617.428.3637 ormmckenzie@providers.org

Save the date!For an event that has beenfour decades in the making

The Providers’ Council’s 40th Annual Convention & Expo

will take place on

Monday, October 19, 2015

FROM ACROSS THE STATEVIEWPOINTS

SUMMER 2015 THE PROVIDER  PAGE 5

FASB explained: Nonprofitaccounting changes coming

By Paul Spooner

As we approach the 25th anniver-sary of the Americans with Dis-abilities Act (ADA), it is a time to

celebrate and reflect on this moment:How quickly the years have gone by,and how many changes have occurredbecause of the ADA.

Access in the community hasgreatly improved; access to live in thecommunity has improved, and so manyother little and big changes in our soci-ety can be directly linked to the passageof the ADA.

Looking back 25 years,sitting on the south lawn ofthe White House in Wash-ington D.C. with more than2,500 other advocates whohad worked tirelessly for fiveyears to get the ADA passed,we watched PresidentGeorge H.W. Bush sign thelaw. One can still feel theemotion of the crowd toknow that finally, we wereequal Americans with the same civilrights that all Americans share today.

I have been an advocate for 40-plusyears, but that day – July 26, 1990 –still makes me feel like that is the day Igot my civil rights as an American.

The ADA is an important part of thecivil rights laws of this nation. It coversemployment, access to state and localgovernment, public accommodationand telecommunications.

There are, however, important areasthat do not fall under the Americanswith Disabilities Act. The ADA does notcover housing, air travel or insurancecoverage; these areas are covered byother laws, or are not covered at all forindividuals with disabilities. Hopefullywe can change this in the future.

So after 25 years, the ADA hashelped make many changes in our en-vironment, like curb cuts, power doors,accessible bathrooms, accessible movietheaters and concert venues; and hasmade accessible all types of local serv-ices such as city halls, libraries and

even nature trails. Our communities are more open

and inclusive. And, for the most part,individuals with disabilities can live inthe community of their choice.

So what does the future hold for theADA?

Two areas that the ADA has not im-proved greatly are employment and at-titudes about disability.

Despite laws requiring reasonableaccommodations, our community stillstruggles with employment and theservices to support employment.

Our federal and state benefits sys-tems promote unemploy-ment and penalizeindividuals with disabilitiestrying to work – trying tocontribute to their commu-nities and economies, be-come taxpayers, show theirabilities.

Attitudes about disabilityrun throughout our cultureand society.

The biggest barrier indi-viduals with disabilities face is atti-tudes about us – including attitudesfrom employers about our ability towork to attitudes in health care that weare sick and need to be fixed.

Our government sees us as takers,not givers, and the human service sys-tem created to provide services we needoften treats us as children or second-class citizens.

So let’s celebrate the 25th anniver-sary of the Americans with DisabilitiesAct this year and be proud of the gainswe have made over the last quarter cen-tury.

But let us also remain focused onthe work ahead, which is to change theattitudes of our culture regarding dis-abilities into a positive, equally inclu-sive community for all.

Paul Spooner is the executive directorof the MetroWest Center for Independ-ent Living, Inc. and has worked formore than 30 years at ILCs and in dis-ability rights.

Food program gives kids a ‘Boost’ when they’re not in schoolBy Mindy Domb

Last summer the Amherst Survival Centerlaunched a new program for children in our FoodPantry. We called it a Kids Summer Boost, and

designed it to be an additional distribution for familiesin our food pantry who have school-age children (ages5-17). We wanted the Boost program to offer these fam-ilies additional food for each school-age child duringtheir summer vacations in July and August. It wasmeant to help close the meals gap that can happenduring periods when their school meal benefit (break-fast and/or lunch) is not available.

Inspired by data provided by the Amherst regionalschool system, which showed 50 percent of incomingkindergarteners are eligible to receive a meal benefitand that Amherst does not have a summer meals pro-gram, we knew serving these families was an opportu-nity to address the increased food insecurity they mayface during the summer vacation. It was also an op-portunity to promote the Food Pantry’s availability toeligible families.

The Amherst Survival Center’s Food Pantry is avail-able to eligible individuals and families once a month.In that monthly distribution, they receive food for about3-5 days per person. The goal for the Summer Boostdistribution was to provide food for an additional sixmeals per child per month. We knew it would not closethe meals gap, but it would help. Our Food Pantry cre-ated a process for Boost-eligible families to receive theirdistribution in a seamless and inconspicuous mannerthat allowed Boost and non-Boost families to shop sideby side.

In the summer of 2014, our first Boost served 444families and distributed food to 797 school-age chil-

dren, representing 4,782 additional meals. Of thosefamilies, 21 (5 percent) were new to the Food Pantry,and since that time are now able to use the Food Pantryduring the year as part of their safety net, even inmonths without school vacations.

In that first summer, we asked Boost participants totell us what the program meant for their families. Re-sponses included:

• “Boost really is a lifesaver.”• “The Boost summer program is a wonderful help to

our family of five. It makes it so we can have a variety ofhealthy foods and nice well-rounded meals at the table.”

• “My budget goes up during the summer. As a re-sult, I have less money for food!”

• “A boost in the summer is just what we needed!Thank you!”

Whether we assess it by the results or by the needfor it, last summer’s Boost was a huge success. Itstarted us wondering …

Though July and August were the most obviousmonths to have a school vacation Boost, we began toconsider the impact of the other school vacations thathappen during the school year. For families who relyon school breakfast and/or lunch, every school vaca-tion increases economic pressure. And so, recognizingthe food insecurity these families confront during anyschool vacation, we expanded the Boost to includeevery month with a scheduled school vacation (Decem-ber, February, April and June). Vacations in thesemonths were only a week (vs. July and August’smonth-long gap) so the Boosts in these months couldbe somewhat smaller than the summer Boost.

Our service numbers for these Boost months were

impressive and reaffirmed the value and importance ofthe program. Last December, 219 households (422children) received extra meals through Boost, includ-ing 14 that were new to the Food Pantry. This repre-sented 1,688 additional meals. In February, it was 134households (15 new) and 251 children for an additional1,004 meals. And in April, 167 households (13 new)with 313 children received 1,252 additional meals.Overall during the FY ’15 school year, the Food Pantrysaw a rise in families receiving assistance that wasspecifically attributed to their Boost participation.

Throughout the year, families with school-age chil-dren are always welcome to register for the FoodPantry, have lunch and/or pick up fresh produce at theAmherst Survival Center. The Boost is an additionalprogram recognizing that, for many families in ourcommunity, school vacation periods are neither relax-ing nor fun. For too many families, the loss of breakfastor lunch provided in school to their child(ren) becomesan additional expense and they have no way to meet it.The Boost addresses this reality.

This summer and in the coming school year, theAmherst Survival Center will continue the Boost, hope-fully reaching more families and feeding more children.By bringing families into the Center for a Boost distri-bution, families will also become acquainted with ourother food and nutrition programs, further strengthen-ing their safety net as they need it. Creating programsthat address the real needs of families in our commu-nity will continue to challenge and inspire us.

Mindy Domb in the executive director of Amherst Sur-vival Center.

Marking 25 years of equalitiesgained through the ADA

By Katrina Olson

The Financial Accounting StandardsBoard (FASB) announced in April2015 proposed changes to reporting

for nonprofit organizations nationwideand will impact the approximately 24,000nonprofits currently registered with theMassachusetts Attorney General’s Office.The proposal represents the first majoroverhaul of nonprofit reporting require-ments in more than two decades.

FASB, formed in 1973, serves as thestandard-setting body that establishesaccounting rules governing the prepara-tion of financial reports by nongovern-mental entities, including nonprofitorganizations. Changes are expected to bewidespread, affecting all areas of the fi-nancial statements. Here are a few of thesignificant changes:

Net assets – With multiple proposedchanges on the table, the greatest impactcalls for elimination of the three classesof net assets, the reserves of a nonprofitorganization – unrestricted, temporarilyrestricted and permanently restricted. Ifpassed, nonprofits would have to reporttwo classes of net assets, “net assets withdonor restrictions” and “net assets with-out donor restrictions.”

The current distinction between per-manent restrictions and temporary re-strictions has become blurred in recentyears due to changes in state laws. Manystates allow nonprofits to spend from per-manently restricted endowment fundsunder certain circumstances.

Income statement – Another signifi-cant change would impact the statementof activities, which presents a nonprofit’sincome and expenses. The proposed rulewould require all nonprofits to report netincome or loss from operating activitiesseparate from non-operating activities.This would more clearly show the incomeand costs directly related to accomplish-ing the mission of the organization.

Non-operating activities, such as in-vestment earnings or losses, can distortthe operating bottom line. This makes itdifficult for an interested party to distin-guish the financial performance directlyrelated to the nonprofit’s mission.

Cash flows – A change likely to stirthe most controversy amongst nonprofitaccountants is the proposed overhaul ofthe statement of cash flows, which iden-

tifies the organization’s sources and usesof cash.

The cash flow statement is often citedas the most misunderstood statement.Key stakeholders frequently gloss over thestatement of cash flows, considering itunreadable. The proposed change wouldpresent the statement using the directmethod, requiring the reporting of cashreceipts from key revenue sources as wellas disbursements to suppliers versus toemployees for wages. It’s anticipated thatthis change would provide a clearer pres-entation of cash in and out related to op-erations.

Proponents argue the change to thecash flow statement would provide moreuseful information to key stakeholders,although some nonprofit advocates takeissue with any change that would causeeven greater disparity between reportingrequirements of nonprofit organizationsversus for-profit businesses.

FASB’s proposal comes at a timewhen stakeholders have increasinglycomplained that improvements areneeded to the financial statement presen-tation for nonprofits to provide better in-formation for decision-makers regardinga nonprofit’s financial performance, serv-ice efforts, need for external financing andstewardship of donor funds.

The proposal has been years in themaking, dating back to late 2009 with theformation of the Not-for-Profit AdvisoryCommittee (NAC) – a group formed towork with FASB to focus on financial re-porting issues affecting the nonprofit sec-tor. A handful of nonprofit accountingrule changes have passed in the yearssince the formation of the NAC, but thecurrent proposal represents the mostsweeping modification to nonprofit re-porting requirements, thus far.

The FASB proposed changes are ex-pected to be effective for 2017. In themeantime, FASB invites individuals andorganizations to weigh in on the proposedchanges before August 20, 2015. To com-ment, visit the FASB website atwww.fasb.org and click on Exposure Doc-uments Open for Comment, or email di-rector@fasb.org.

Katrina Olson is an audit manager withWhittlesey & Hadley, P.C., an AssociateMember of the Providers’ Council.

July 26,1990 stillmakes me

feel like thatis the day Igot my civilrights as anAmerican.

PAGE 6 THE PROVIDER  SUMMER 2015

A VIEW FROM THE HILLA commentary from a

legislator on human services

Sen. Kennedy set the bar highfor colleagues in Legislature

By Rep. Claire Cronin

Once in a lifetime one has theprivilege of knowing someonewho encompasses all that is

good and honorable in the world. Wehad that opportunity in knowing ourState SenatorTom Kennedy.

As most peo-ple are aware,Tom suffered anaccidental fallwhile studyingto become apriest in 1971.As a result of thefall, he suffereda severe spinalcord injury that rendered him a quad-riplegic. Surrounded by a devoted, in-credible group of family and friends,Tom battled back. The strength of hismind, heart and spirit trumped theweakness of his body.

Despite his prognosis, Tom ex-ceeded all expectations in every rolethat he served, both personally andprofessionally. His courage and brav-ery in meeting life’s challenges wasonly eclipsed by his commitment toand passion for serving others.

I was very fortunate to have knownTom for many years; first as a friend,

then as a constituent, and most re-cently as a colleague in the Legisla-ture.

When I think of Senator Kennedy,I am reminded of Hubert H.Humphrey’s apt description of themoral test of government.

On that test,Sen. Kennedywas an A+ stu-dent. He alwayslooked out forthose in thedawn in life, thechildren; andthose in the twi-light of life, theelderly. He advo-cated for those

in the shadows of life, the sick, theneedy, and those with differing abili-ties.

His dedication and compassionwere unmatched.

If we as legislators are to be meas-ured in that way, Senator Kennedy setthe bar for all of us. He set the bar forhuman service providers in the Com-monwealth. He was one of a kind andwill be sorely missed.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Rep. Claire Cronin (D-Easton) repre-sents the 11th Plymouth District.

Sen. Tom Kennedy

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and its champions for support of peo-ple with intellectual and developmentaldisabilities, and autism in the FY ’16budget,” said HMEA President and CEOMike Moloney. “Day Habilitation, Fam-ily Support and Adult Family Care allreceived favorable budget news.”

Several key programs within the De-partment of Developmental Servicessaw increases or were level funded, in-cluding Adult Autism Programs at$12.6 million per Gov. Baker's recom-mendation, and $6 million for the KidsAutism Waiver. The Autism Commis-sion was also funded.

“In reflection, the Doomsday predic-tions of a budget unsupportive of theprogress made in human services didn’tmaterialize,” said Providers’ CouncilPresident and CEO Michael Weekes.“The Administration and Legislatureappeared to responsibly and favorablyaddress most areas, although finalbudget numbers and implications re-quire further study.”

The Department of Children andFamilies also saw a significant boostunlikely to be cut by the Governor asthe department continues working todecrease caseloads for social workersand improve family services.

Among the programs seeing in-creases was the Family Resource Cen-ter (Line Item 4800-0200), which will befunded at about $7.4 million – an in-crease of more than 41 percent.

One area of the budget that took ahit is the Department of Mental Health.The line item for Emergency Servicesand Mental Health Care (5047-0001)was cut by 22.75 percent compared toFY ’15 – a projected $7 million cut. Ac-cording to a recent State House NewsService story, cuts to the DMH budgetmay result in staffing reductions.

Gov. Baker had until July 18 to signthe budget. He can veto line items, buthe cannot add funding. Other notable

line items from the Conference Com-mittee budget include:

• Department of Youth Services:Residential Services for Detained Popu-lation (4200-0200) included a 5 percentincrease over FY ’15.

• Department of DevelopmentalServices: Transportation Services(5911-2000) was slated to be funded atalmost $22 million.

• Department of Veterans Serv-ices: Veterans' Benefits (1410-0400):Governor Baker, the House and theSenate all proposed an increase ofabout $3 million or 4.07 percent aboveFY ’15 projected spending levels. TheConference Committee budget kept thisamount the same.

• Department of Early Educationand Care: Services for Infants and Par-ents (3000-7050) was funded at $21.3million in the Conference Committeebudget – about $4 million higher thanthe FY ’15 projected spending levels.

• Department of Transitional As-sistance: Emergency Aid to the Elderly,Disabled and Children (4408-1000) wascut to $78.88 million, a decrease ofabout 7.6 percent.

• Department of Elder Affairs:Elder Home Care Purchased Services(9110-1630), at $104.6 million, will alsosee a slight decrease.

• Department of Public Health:HIV/AIDS Prevention Treatment andServices (4512-0103) could see an in-crease of 10 percent, about $1 million,unless this is cut by the Governor.

• Massachusetts RehabilitationCommission: Vocational Rehabilitationfor the Blind (4110-3010) would see aslight increase over FY ’15 spending ifthe Conference Committee proposalstands. The Governor had originallyproposed a cut of 8.24 percent.

Continued from Page 1

BUDGET: Mostly good news forhuman services heading into FY ’16

Rep. Claire Cronin

SUMMER 2015 THE PROVIDER  PAGE 7

Congratulations 2015 Clark, SuffolkCertificate Program graduates

fundraising campaign that went viraland resulted in more than $220 millionbeing raised around the world to helpfund research and increase awarenessabout ALS.

Last year, people shared more than1.2 million Ice Bucket Challenge videoson Facebook between June 1 and Au-gust 13 and the campaign was men-tioned more than 2.2 million times onTwitter between July 29 and August 17.Many in the human services sector, in-cluding the Providers’ Council and TheCaring Force, took part in the chal-lenge, which involved dumping abucket of ice water over one’s head andmaking a donation to fund ALS re-search.

Providers’ Council President MichaelWeekes acknowledged that the power ofwhat Frates and her family have ac-complished to get so many others in-volved around a cause was part of whatinfluenced her selection to keynote thismilestone convention.

“The Ice Bucket Challenge showedthat we can work together to makechanges for people who have challengesso they can live out their lives to theirfullest potential,” he said.

Although the Ice Bucket Challengeseemed like an overnight sensation, theFrates family has been advocating forALS awareness and funding from theday Pete, an athlete and the formercaptain of the Boston College baseballteam, was diagnosed. It was unaccept-able to them that in the 75 years sincebaseball icon Lou Gehrig retired frombaseball due to ALS, there is still notreatment or cure for the disease. It isalways fatal, usually within three to fiveyears of diagnosis.

“People who rise above a challengehave to be all in,” Nancy Frates said.“The people at the center of it have tohave the mental toughness, the willing-

ness and the desire to share their story.If Pete had cowered under his diagno-sis, I would still be a mother with thesame passion. But six hours after hewas diagnosed Pete set the vision andgave us our jobs. His exact words were

‘strap it on andget to work.’ Ithink that’s thepart that will res-onate.”

Frates is cur-rently in themidst of prepar-ing to launch thesecond edition ofthe Ice BucketChallenge on

Aug. 1. And although there is not atreatment on the immediate horizon,the awareness about and funding forALS has reinvigorated researchers towork on finding solutions.

“The money has allowed families totell the researchers ‘You stay at thebench, we’ll raise the funding.’ It hassped up the process time, somethingthis community doesn’t have a lot of,”she added.

It has also brought together a previ-ously fragmented community, getting18 of the largest ALS organizations towork collaboratively.

“Before this diagnosis, I knew hewas a leader, but he had to find hispassion,” Frates said. “The world de-cided this community needed a voice,needed a leader, needed funding. Andboy, he’s done it in three years.”

Registration for the 40th AnnualConvention and Expo, 40 Years For-ward, opens in August. In addition toFrates’ keynote address, there will be34 workshops, nearly 80 exhibitors, theannual Awards of Excellence and PeerProvider Awards, as well as networkingopportunities. More information isavailable at providers.org.

Continued from Page 1

KEYNOTE: At Convention,Frates’ message will inspire

Nancy Frates

bers is that of Earned Sick Time use by relief, per diem or fee-for-service staff. In tes-timony, the Providers’ Council noted that “the inclusion of these employees wouldcreate logistical and administrative hardships for community-based human servicesorganizations.”

Other issues that may be addressed include:• How accrued time is rolled over and certain exclusions to accruing time once

40 hours has been used;• Lack of definitions and requirements for calling in sick and providing a doctor’s

note; and• Clarifying requirements that require payments based on “consecutive hours

worked,” because of the high number of part-time employees in the sector workingshifts of less than eight hours at a time.

Register for this event online at providers.org. To request special accommoda-tions or submit questions for Attorney General’s Office in advance, please contactSara Arnone at sara@providers.org or 617.428.3637.

Continued from Page 1

INFORMATION: AG’s Office toanswer questions about sick time law

The following students earned their Certificate in Nonprofit Human Services Management (pho-tos on Page 1):

Clark University graduatesSharmarke Abdulla, Advocates, Inc.; Marie Bartoni, The Bridge of Central Mass, Inc.; Lisa Chris-tian, Becket Family of Services; Linford Cunningham, AIDS Project Worcester; Jennifer Darrell,Wayside Youth and Family; Kelly Dolen, NFI Massachusetts, Inc.; Kristin Humphrey, Partners forYouth with Disabilities; Muyani Kasune, NuPath Inc.; Amy Kukta, The Bridge of Central Mass,Inc.; Alicia Law, Wayside Youth and Family; Brian Lightsey, Wayside Youth and Family; DeanaMelone, Old Colony Y; Amanda Nichols, Assoc. of Developmental Disabilities Providers–ADDP;Danielle Ralston, New England Business Association; Melissa White, Venture Community Serv-ices; Happy Virginie, Pine Street Inn.

Suffolk University graduatesFlorence Bergmann, Mystic Learning Center; Lianne Bishop, ABCD; Jennifer Bognanno, SharedLiving Collaborative; Shauna Bramble, ABCD; Mikayla Carignan, ABCD; Nedgie Clerjuste, ABCD;Jennifer Dallaire, Talking Information Center; Mark Dennis, Pine Street Inn; Laura Donastorg-Luna, ABCD; Nicole Doucette-Page, Bridgewell; Robert DuBuske, Bay Cove Human Services;Kathryn Fahey, ABCD - Allston Brighton NOC; Meghan Goughan, Pine Street Inn; Jacqueline Jean,ABCD - Early Head Start; Jasmin Johansen, ABCD; Julie Kimball, Bay Cove Human Services; LorenaLama, ABCD; Ryan McCluskey, Community Resources for Justice; Sean McKinnon, Eliot Commu-nity Human Services; Eric Palmer, Bay Cove Human Services; Kathleen Peña, Pine Street Inn; EdPowell, Justice Resource Institute; Raquel Rodriguez, Bridgewell; Jean Rossner, Bay Cove HumanServices; Nastasia Shah, Bridgewell; Heather Strassel, Pine Street Inn; Danielle Sullivan, DeltaProjects; Tennille Waldo, NFI Massachusetts; Laura Woods, Vinfen; Trevor Woodworth, EliotCommunity Human Services.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS • SUMMER/FALL 2015

What: Earned Sick Time Forum – FraminghamDate: Friday, July 31Where: Plymouth Church, 87 Edgell Road, FraminghamWhen: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Presenters: Assistant Attorneys General Shane Blundell and

Mike FirestoneCost: $35 members; $65 non-members

What: Certificate in Supervision Training Series –Worcester

Date: Thursdays: Sept. 10 & 24; Oct. 8, 15 & 22; Nov. 5Where: Seven Hills Foundation, 81 Hope Drive, WorcesterWhen: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Trainers: Virginia Maglio of Optimum Development and

Donna Jenson of Jenson ConsultationsCost: $450 members, $700 non-members

What: Motivational Strategies for a Multi-DimensionalWorkforce – Framingham

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 23Where: Eliot Community Human Services,

565 Salem End Road, FraminghamWhen: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Trainer: Virginia Maglio, Optimum DevelopmentCost: $55 members, $85 non-members

What: Social Enterprise TourDate: Monday, Sept. 28

Where: HMEA’s Cloud4Causes, 8 Forge Parkway, Franklin

When: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Cost: Free, registration required

What: The Leader in Each of Us – SomervilleDate: Thursday, Oct. 8Where: Vinfen, 61 Inner Belt Road, SomervilleWhen: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Trainer: Wally Coyle, E. Wallace Coyle AssociatesCost: $55 members, $85 non-members

What: Providers’ Council 40th Annual Convention& Expo, 40 Years Forward

Date: Monday, Oct. 19Where: Marriott Copley Place Hotel, BostonWhen: 9 a.m.Keynote: Nancy Frates, Founder of the Ice Bucket ChallengeRegistration: Online registration opens soon; Expo registration

closes Aug. 14 or when tables are sold out.

PAGE 8 THE PROVIDER  SUMMER 2015

Pre-registration for these events is required unless otherwise noted. Online registration is available for most events.No login or password is required. Visit www.providers.org. Questions? Call 617-428-3637 or email

the Providers’ Council at adminassistant@providers.org.

Are you interested in getting the word out about a new job opening at your agency?

Would you like your job posting to get anextra 700 views a month?

The Providers’ Council allows its members to post jobsfor free on its jobs website, Jobs With Heart!

Jobs are currently posted for program directors, managers, clinicians, direct care workers, interns andmore! Visit jobswithheart.org or providers.org/jobs

to post a job for your organization!

Need help? Contact Sara Arnone atadminassistant@providers.org.

Members’ upcoming2015 golf tournaments

Sept. 8: The 21st Annual Generous Masters Golf Marathon to benefit The

Home for Little Wanderers will be held Tuesday, Sept. 8 at Black Rock

Country Club in Hingham. The 36-hole tournament offers the option of play-

ing a full day or half day. For information, contact Jamille Benson at

617.927.0682 or jbenson@thehome.org.

Sept. 10: The Friendship Home’s 16th Annual Golf Classic is scheduled

for Thursday, Sept. 10 at Indian Pond Country Club and CrossWinds Golf

Club, both in Plymouth. Entrants may choose to play at either course. Shot-

gun start at 11:30 a.m.; the reception and dinner will be held at Indian Pond

starting at 4:30 p.m. More information is available at

www.friendshiphome.net.

Sept. 14: The 4th annual North Station Neighborhood Classic Golf Tourna-

ment to benefit Community Work Services will be held at Sandy Burr Golf

Course in Wayland on Monday, Sept. 14. This event is hosted and sup-

ported by businesses, restaurants and hotels of Boston’s North Station

area. All proceeds help fund CWS Boston job training programs. For infor-

mation, contact Andrea Mitsch at amitsch@cwsne.org.

Sept. 14: The Key Program, Inc./Rodman Ride for Kids 14th annual golf

tournament is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 14 at Fall River Country Club.

The tournament supports Key Program’s fundraising goals for the annual

Rodman Ride for Kids. More information is available at www.key.org or call

508.877.3690.

Sept. 21: The Community Enterprises Karen Lachapelle Memorial Golf

Tournament will take place Monday, Sept. 21 at Southampton Country Club.

Proceeds help fund recreational and wellness activities for individuals who

receive services from Community Enterprises. More information is avail-

able at communityenterprises.com or call 413-584-1460.

If you are planning a golf tournament for this fall, please email the

information to Michelle at mmckenzie@providers.org