The LampT H E C H A R L E S R I V E R C E N T E R

SPRING 2011

Enhanc ing l i ves o f ch i ld ren and adu l t s w i th deve lopmen ta l d i sab i l i t i e s s ince 1956.

CRC Expands Services for Children andAdults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

by Ellen Kilicarslan and Jennifer Robtoy

(continued on page 2)

(continued on page 8)

Charles River Center

Goes Solarby Maria McTernan and Gerald Riley

The Charles River Center is pleasedto announce that a complete solarpower system has been installed onSalamone House, one of its residencesin Needham for individuals withdevelopmental disabilities, in an effortto improve energy efficiency andreduce costs.

Charles River obtained a grant of$80,000 through The Low IncomeEnergy Affordability Network(LEAN) Alternative Energy Program.LEAN is comprised of 24 agenciesacross the state that administer thefuel assistance, energy efficiency andalternative energy programs forincome-eligible households. Action for Boston Community Develop-ment, a LEAN member, manages the Alternative Energy Program.It is funded by ratepayer funds administered by the MassachusettsClean Energy Center (Mass CEC).

Mass CEC is a quasi-public agencythat serves as a clearinghouse andsupport center for the clean energysector and provides grants to compa-nies, universities and non-profit orga-nizations so that they can make signifi-cant energy efficiency improvementsin their buildings and residences.

SunBug Solar of Somerville designedand installed the 14.28 kW photo-voltaic system which should produceover 16,000 kilowatt hours of elec-tricity annually. Over its 30 yearanticipated life-cycle, it will generatemore than 500,000 kWh of clean

Save the Date!16th Annual Building a Dream Benefit GalaThursday, May 19, 2011 • The Boston Park Plaza Hotel

The Charles River Centeris proud to present The

Sam Gerson HumanitarianAward to Bert and John Jacobs and Life is good®. Bert and John started Life is good® in 1994 in Needham,Massachusetts. From the original flagship store on Newbury Street inBoston to more than 4500 stores anddedicated shops nationwide, their business has become a great success.The Life is good Kids Foundation andPlaymaker Initiative help thousands

of kids to overcome life-threateningchallenges such as violence, illness,and extreme poverty. Every year, a Life is good Festival is held to raise fundsdedicated to the healthy developmentof children in need. These festivals haveraised over $4 million for charities with a continued focus on making theworld a better place for children in real, tangible ways.

For more information about Building a Dream, please call 781-972-1001.

It is alarming to see that the preva-lence of Autism in the US is currently1 in 110 children. Recognizing thissteep increase, Charles River has created an Autism Support Center(ASC) designed specifically to offergreater support to children and theirfamilies, from initial diagnosis throughadulthood. By creating innovative programs, facilitating trainings, and collaborating with other organizationslike Advocates for Autism in Massa-chusetts (AFAM), schools, and thosein the medical field, Charles River isdedicated to providing families withthe most comprehensive services.

The Autism Support Center worksvery closely with staff from the FamilySupport Division to make sure that itsprograms can successfully accommo-

date children and teens on the autismspectrum. The Kids’ Break SaturdayProgram, Parents’ Afternoon Out,ASPIRE (after-school program), schoolvacation and summer programs alloffer fun, recreational activities so thatchildren can socialize and make friends,engage in physical activity and partici-pate in many outings. Children andteens go bowling, swim, attend cultur-al events, engage in arts and crafts,express themselves through music and dance, and much more.

Many of the children and teens whocome to our recreational programs aswell as adults with autism spectrumdisorders who participate in CharlesRiver Employment Services, Thera-peutic Day Services, or CommunityLiving Programs have individualized

2 T H E C H A R L E S R I V E R C E N T E R

CRES Team Shines at Hampton Innby Jason Stockwell

In the summer of2007, three individualsfrom Charles RiverEmployment Services(CRES) began workingthree days per week atHampton Inn in Natick.Today, almost ten thou-sand cleaned rooms later,CRES continues to pro-vide high quality workfor the Inn, five days perweek. Currently, thereare 14 individuals work-ing at Hampton Inn andover the past 3 1/2 yearsalmost 30 more individ-uals have had the oppor-tunity to work there for a period of time.

Tasks at Hampton Inn are completed by teamwork.A crew of 3-5 individuals and 1 staff member operate their own housekeeping cart complete with all the essential equipment needed to achieve and exceed the high quality standards Hampton Inn sets for their house-keepers. On any given day the crew may clean up to 10 rooms. Tasks include making the bed with clean linens,depositing dirty linens down the laundry chute, removingthe trash, vacuuming the carpet, and scrubbing down the bathroom. The crew is proud of their work and knows that successful completion of their tasks will ensure that guests will be pleased when they enter orreturn to their rooms.

Charles River’s long-term partnership with Hampton Innhas not only offered great employment opportunities for our individuals, it has also enabled our individuals tolearn valuable life skills. Some individuals utilize theseskills at home cleaning up around the house and makingtheir beds.

The entire staff and housekeeping crew at Hampton Innare very friendly and have been extremely supportive ofour individuals. Hampton Inn has been one of the mostconsistent and successful job sites Charles River hasworked with over the past few years. We anticipate thatthis partnership will continue for several more years.The future looks bright with potential to expand theCharles River team preparing rooms for Hampton Inn guests.

behavior plans. With assistance from Charles River BoardCertified Behavior Analysts, the staff is trained in ABA bestpractices, understands each plan and focuses on personalgoals and objectives. The staff is trained and knowledgeableabout sensory issues, the importance of routines and sched-ules, building social skills and self-esteem, maximizing inde-pendence and useful intervention techniques. Data is col-lected so that progress and evaluation are continuous.Strategies are modified as necessary to help each personsucceed and become as independent as possible.

Our Autism Support Center just opened its doors inNatick! If you would like more information about CharlesRiver programs for children, teens, or adults on the autismspectrum or are looking for community resources, please let us know! Please feel free to contact Jennifer Robtoy at jrobtoy@charlesrivercenter.org or 781-972-1058.

CRC Expands Services for Children andAdults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

(continued from page 1)

Job Coach Jason Stockwell (back middle) with his team(L-R) Dianne, Nadine, Peter and Peter.

Peter changes bed linens in preparationfor the next Hampton Inn guest

The Charles River Center has facedmany challenges over the past severalyears; yet, we are in many respects astronger organization due to the com-mitment and hard work of our staff,the support of our Board and otherstakeholders, along with a well thoughtout and executed strategic plan.However, we anticipate even greaterchallenges as we move forward. In viewof this, we convened a new strategicplanning team that identified the key,critical issues that we must address inachieving our mission of supportingindividuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Shrinking state and federal resourceswill require us to find new approachesto developing and delivering services in an increasingly competitive, complexand price sensitive market. The addi-tional challenges of a growing popula-tion of individuals with autism spec-trum disorder and individuals with

significant medical/nursing needs will demand new solutions, increased capacity and a broadening of our clinical skills and expertise.

The new strategic plan that was devel-oped as a result of this process will be a clear road map to guide us over thenext five years in addressing these critical issues. Our plan is comprised of the following six Strategic Goals:

1. Think creatively, focus on strategyand be willing to take on reasonablerisk to achieve positive results for thepeople we support.

2. Partner with families and individualsto create innovative solutions in view ofshrinking state and federal resources.

3. Develop our capacity to serve thoseon the autism spectrum through a variety of innovative flexible supports.

4. Develop the skill sets of our work-force focusing on positive behavioralinterventions and nursing needs, andcreate a positive environment for themto carry out their work effectively.

5. Expand geographically and increaseour market share in areas we operatethrough a variety of means includingpartnering with others. Growth ofresources, technology and skills isnecessary to ensure efficient and effec-tive functioning in a highly competitiveenvironment.

6. Improve our brand awareness;expand our communication and publicrelations programs to build support for our mission and to create strongerbonds with our families. We will contin-ue our efforts to educate our electedofficials and influence public policy forthe benefit of those in need of service.

We look forward to begin implemen-tation of this plan, cognizant of the considerable challenges that both theorganization and the individuals andfamilies we support will face. TheBoard of Directors and Management of The Charles River Center recognizethat our goals can only be accomplishedwith the partnership and support of our many stakeholders. We hope you all join us in our quest to continue tobe a vital resource to the many whorely on our services.

3T H E C H A R L E S R I V E R C E N T E R

A M E S S A G E F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

John Grugan,President

John Grugan

Shrinking state and federalresources will require us to find

new approaches to developing anddelivering services in an increas-ingly competitive, complex and

price sensitive market.

ur newly leased 6,000 squarefoot office in Natick is now open

to better serve our families and indivi-duals who live in the MetroWest area. Charles River’semployment and family support programs are sharing this new facility.

Our MetroWest family support center provides informa-tion, referral, education and training to families with chil-dren on the autism spectrum and other developmental dis-abilities; provides a full resource library and internet portal;and eventually will provide after-school programs. JenniferRobtoy, Director of Autism Services, and Colleen Morse,Family Support Program Coordinator, run these programsunder the direction of Ellen Kilicarslan, Vice President of

Family Support for both the Needhamand Natick programs.

Eleven participants in our employmentdivision’s Opportunities and Visions program have nowtransferred to our Natick site and are pleased to be locatedcloser to their homes. We are looking forward to growingthis program and including up to 30 individuals.Opportunities and Visions is an integrated work and community inclusion program. Pat Palmaccio, Director ofOpportunities and Visions, will oversee both the Needhamand Natick programs in collaboration with HeatherConlan, Vice President of Employment Services.

Plans for an open house to showcase our new facility areunderway. Stay tuned for updates!

Update on Charles River’s New Natick LocationO by Anne-Marie Bajwa, Vice President and COO

T H E C H A R L E S R I V E R C E N T E R4

EARLE MOUNTAIN AWARD(Named in honor of Charles River’s first executive director, this award is

presented to a staff member whose colleagues recognize him or her to be anindividual who contributes outstanding service and is dedicated to the

individuals and families participating in our programs.):

Louis Constant, Program Supervisor at Stott House

FAMILY SUPPORT

Staff of the Year: Yesenia MedinaVolunteer of the Year: James Eisenstein

Youth Participant of the Year: Conor McNaughtonAdult Participant of the Year: Paul Mann

THERAPEUTIC DAY SERVICES

Day Habilitation Person of the Year: Priscilla MorrisonDay Habilitation Staff of the Year: Caitlin Harkins

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Supported Employment Person of the Year: Andy DoyleSupported Employment Staff of the Year: Kathleen Cerullo

COMMUNITY LIVING PROGRAM

Resident of the Year: Danielle KlapmanResidential Services Staff Person of the Year: Marie D. Hector

Residential Achievement Award: California Street

COMMUNITY AWARDS

Special Recognition Award: American Red Cross Special Recognition Award: Dr. Daniel Rutowicz

LONG TERM STAFF

25+ Years- Frank Stockwell15+ Years- Heather Conlan

10+ Years- Asela Perera and Caitlin Harkins

Annual Dinner&Awards CeremonyA Joyful Celebration

First, I want to thankThe Charles RiverCenter for this greathonor. Now I’mgoing to tell you alittle bit aboutmyself. My name isAndrew Doyle.I work in the Work Concepts Roomin the Dwight Building and I alsowork in the Merritt Building as aFront Desk Coordinator. At the frontdesk, I answer phones, greet peopleas they are signing in, make suremail is ready to go out, and putincoming mail into the correct mail-boxes. Occasionally you will hearme page someone if needed.

I was born with Prader-WilliSyndrome, an eating disorder whichcauses an uncontrollable hunger forfood. Since I’ve been at CharlesRiver and living in an Advocatesgroup home, I’ve managed to keepmy hunger under control anddropped my weight from over 300pounds down to 140. If it weren’tfor this new life I’ve achieved, Iwould not be standing here tonightto receive this honor. I thank youonce again as Charles River’sSupported Employee of the Year.Thank you and good night.

Andy Doyle Accepts SupportedEmployee of the Year Award

by Andrew Doyle

Last fall, the Charles River community gathered once again to express appreciation for the daily contributions of our many staff members and to honor the special efforts of our

2010 Annual Award recipients. Held at Moseley’s on the Charles in Dedham, The Annual Dinnerand Awards Ceremony provides families, Board members and the entire community the

opportunity to recognize the achievements of both staff and program participants. After a sit-down dinner, award presentations and poignant acceptance speeches (see Andy Doyle’s acceptancespeech in sidebar), the floor was taken over by a celebratory audience ready to dance the night away.

Thank you and congratulations to all of our 2010 Annual Award recipients!

T H E C H A R L E S R I V E R C E N T E R 5

Spotlight on…

Carol Alden, Vice President of Therapeutic Day Services

by Anne-Marie Bajwa

The Charles River Center extendsa warm welcome to Carol Aldenas the new Vice President of ourTherapeutic Day Services (TDS).As a Board Certified Speech andLanguage Pathologist with overthirty years in the profession,Carol brings a highly valued set ofskills and experiences to our dayhabilitation program.

Originally from Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Carol earned her BA in Speech Pathology and her MA inCommunications Sciences and Disorders from MontclairState University, Upper Montclair, New Jersey. Afterlaunching her professional career working in NewJersey’s public schools, she moved to Massachusetts toaccept a position with the Visiting Nurse Association,and has been here eversince.

Carol has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, most recently asthe Director of Speech,Language and Hearing at the New England SinaiHospital and Rehabil-itation Center. Prior tothat position, she spent ten years as the ClinicalSupervisor of the HeadInjury Unit at BraintreeHospital. Carol notes,“By design and desire,I’ve worked with all agesfrom pre-school level students to the elderly.”

Outside her professional interests, Carol, a mother of two daughters, spends her spare time engaged in a wide variety of activities including skiing,watercolor painting, cooking, sailing and yoga.

We are delighted to have Carol join our team and consider ourselves very fortunate to be working with her to enhance the lives of those served in the day habilitation program.

2010AwardR E C I P I E N T S

John Grugan presents the EarleMountain Awardto Louis Constant

Conor McNaughtonis congratulated by

Family Support staff

Andy Doyle celebrates withfamily members

Kathleen Cerullo (R)embraced by individuals

participating in Employment Services

Marie D. Hector(L) poses withResidentialDirector DanielleVautour

Priscilla Morrison proudlydisplays her award

As a BoardCertified Speechand LanguagePathologist withover thirty yearsin the profession,Carol brings ahighly valued set of skills andexperiences toour day habilita-tion program.

6 T H E C H A R L E S R I V E R C E N T E R

Membership in The Charles River Centerby Hilary Ryan

Since 1956, The Charles River Center, formerly known asCharles River Arc, has developed services and supports forindividuals with intellectual disabilities, as well as createdan array of resources to our local communities. In the earlyyears, the only publicly supported residential facilitiesavailable were underfunded and isolated state institutionsthat warehoused individuals. Today, thanks to families andcommunity members that have come together to advocatefor better services, we have federally-mandated public special education, as well as vocational training, communi-ty-based day habilitation programs, residential supports,and services designed to assist with family members livingat home. Although we have been successful over the years,in the current economic climate, our advocacy effortsmust continue unabated in order to protect the gainswe’ve made and secure additional services.

Membership in The Charles River Center, will support the advocacy efforts of The Charles River Center, the Arcof Massachusetts and the Arc of the United States. As amember of The Charles River Center, you will receive dis-counts to programs and educational seminars, information-al newsletters from The Charles River Center, the Arc ofMassachusetts and the Arc of the United States, as well asthe opportunity to be a member of our advocacy efforts.

Our achievements have required commitment and hardwork from both our families and community members.We will continue to need this level of commitment toaddress our future challenges. Please join us in our ongoingefforts. Become a member of The Charles River Centertoday!

For more information about becoming a member of The Charles River Center,please go to our website: www.charlesrivercenter.org.

For over 25 years,Louise Condon, the staff of

Louise Condon Realty and many of Louise’s family members

have hosted an annual Valentine’s Day party for adult participants in Charles River’s programs. This year, the event

was held on February 13th at theVillage Club and included lunch,music and dancing, games and

contests with prizes, and a movie.The good-natured camaraderie and opportunity for community

participation are eagerly anticipated by the guests who always dress for the occasion.

7T H E C H A R L E S R I V E R C E N T E R

This past February, The Charles River Center and theForsyth School of Dental Hygiene at the MassachusettsCollege of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston initiated a training program for students of dental hygieneunder the supervision of Jackie Anapole, Adjunct Faculty.Christina DiCesare and Nicole Cobb are participating inthis project as part of their last semester requirements for graduation, and becauseof their expressed interestin learning about providingdental care to developmen-tally delayed individuals.

After assessing dentalawareness and the learningneeds of the individualsin Charles River’sTherapeutic Day Services(TDS), small group andindividual teaching sessionswill be designed to covertopics such as proper

brushing technique, healthy food choices, and selection ofthe proper toothbrush to maximize independence in main-taining dental health. Also, as part of these sessions, thestudents may conduct basic dental health exams and makerecommendations for follow-up with a dentist or dentalhygienist. At the conclusion of the semester, the studentswill be expected to produce a pamphlet on personal dental

health or prepare an educa-tional presentation.

The Case Managers and theindividuals in their groups have been receptive and enthu-siastic about this project and the TDS staff looks for-ward to an ongoing relation-ship with Forsyth and theirstudents. Hopefully, future student training will beexpanded to include indivi-duals in Charles River’sResidential Program.

Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene Partners with CRCby Carol Alden

Pilot Program for CRES Individuals Kicks Off at Emmanuel Collegeby Patrick Palmaccio and Charlotte Ruskin

As the result of lifelong dreams of several individuals, coupled with the visions of some open-minded andcreative professionals, Charles RiverEmployment Services (CRES) is goingto college! Last December, we metwith representatives of EmmanuelCollege in Boston to develop an educational program that would allowindividuals from the Opportunities and Visions Program and VocationalServices to have the opportunity toexperience college life. In return, theEmmanuel students would gain valu-able experience and insight throughthis community service project.

The response from Emmanuel’sstudents was overwhelming with 50 students expressing interest inworking with individuals fromCRES. Six Emmanuel studentsand seven individuals fromCRES have been chosen toparticipate in a pilot program.

Under the guidance of Sally Dias, VicePresident of Programs and Partnershipsin Education, and Annette Stavros,Undergraduate Education Coordinator,Emmanuel students will develop a cur-riculum focusing on reading and com-puter skills. In addition, assessments ofeach individual’s skills and learningstyle will be completed to insure thateveryone has the opportunity to maxi-mize their full potential.

The pilot program will be held every Wednesday on the campus ofEmmanuel College for seven weeks,and began March 16th with assess-ments and an introduction to theEmmanuel Campus. Classes will consist of 1:1 instruction and group

interaction for approximately twohours each week.

We are hopeful that this partnershipwill lead to further opportunities such as community service projects andinternships for Emmanuel College students at The Charles River Center.

We would like to thank Cathy McKayfor initiating a meeting with Sally Dias,Annette Stavros, and Deirdre Bradley-Turner, Associate Director of Commun-ity Service and Service Learning. Cathyworks in the Business Department atEmmanuel College and has a son whoattends the Opportunities and VisionsProgram. Cathy noted, “This is so veryexciting since the college experience is out of reach for some.” Without the

vision of these individuals,this opportunity would not bepossible and we look forwardto a long and rewarding partnership with Emmanuel.

“…to develop an educational program that wouldallow individuals from the Opportunities & Visions

Program and Vocational Services to have the opportunity to experience college life.”

Kim welcomes Christina DiCesare (L) and Nicole Cobb (R) to TDS

The Charles River Center59 East Militia Heights RoadNeedham, MA 02492Phone: 781-972-1000Fax: 781-444-5146TTY: 781-972-0104Website: www.charlesrivercenter.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDBoston, MA

Permit No. 234

Please contact us if you would like your name removed from our mailing list,or if there have been any changes.

Visit us at www.charlesrivercenter.orgThe Lamp Spring 2011

THE CHARLES RIVER CENTER

Peter BrownCorine BurkeWilliam CroweWilliam DayPeter Dedon

Clare DunsfordRobin FabianoRussell GarlickNicole GoweThomas Jordan

Leslie LockhartPhilip V. RobeyAlice Taylor

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2010-2011

CONTRIBUTORS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

John J. Grugan, PresidentJohn Learnard, Honorary Director

Joan Johnson, The Lamp Editor Howe Associates, Graphic Design

Carol Alden, Vice President Therapeutic Day ServicesAnne-Marie Bajwa, Chief Operating Officer

Andrew Doyle, Front Desk CoordinatorJohn Grugan, President

Ellen Kilicarslan, Vice President Family SupportMaria McTernan, Director of Development

Patrick Palmaccio, Director of Opportunities & VisionsGerald Riley, Director, Finance & AdministrationJennifer Robtoy, Director, Autism Support Center

Charlotte Ruskin, Asst. Prog. Dir., Employment ServicesHilary Ryan, Senior Program Coordinator

Jason Stockwell, Job Coach

William Kelly, ChairmanJill Fadule, Vice Chairman

Gilbert Cox, Jr., TreasurerJohn Timmerman, Secretary

energy from the sun. Charles River anticipates that over a 12-month period, it should eliminate all electricity costs at Salamone House.

This is Charles River’s second renewable energy project.Solar panels were installed on the roof of the Paul D. MerrittBuilding in 2006. In addition to reducing energy costs,Charles River is committed to finding ways to utilize renew-able energy technology so that we can reduce our depen-dency on fossil fuels and ensure a more sustainable future.

Charles River Goes Solar (continued from page 1)