fall 2015

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

Over the past few months, Vinfen has been engaged in planning with MassHealth for how human services will fit into a reorganized healthcare system. These changes are labeled “payment reform,” but will impact the way the system operates, including access to and coordination of care, quality of care, and costs.

MassHealth and the Commonwealth’s healthcare system are leading the nation in access to health care with only 2% of our population not covered by insurance. However, the MassHealth budget continues to experience high costs, which Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services Daniel Tsai and the Baker Administration have noted are “unsustainable.”

Vinfen has been preparing for these changes in several ways, including: planning and implementing a major federal grant project to evaluate integrating health care into our community based services; developing innovative technologies and services to improve health and reduce dependence on high-cost emergency room and hospital care; and participating in planning discussions with State policymakers. We have also been engaging with other organizations regarding new partnerships in which we would formally join together to pool resources and improve coordinated care. Large scale reforms in the systems of community care often take years of planning. What is encouraging is that the Massachusetts leadership team, including Secretary Marylou Sudders, recognizes our value to the system and share our goals for the populations we serve. We pledge to continue to work in partnership with MassHealth and all stakeholders involved to create a sustainable and better healthcare system for everyone.

Diving into Olympic DreamsLorraine Caroll-Koehler, a person served by Vinfen, was awarded a gold medal for breaststroke and a silver medal for backstroke in the Massachusetts Special Olympics. The event took place in Boston from June 5 to 7.

Inspired by Vinfen’s 2014 Educator of the Year award winner Loretta Claiborne whom she met at Vinfen’s Celebration of Family Partnerships, Lorraine registered for the Olympics and began to attend practices twice a week. She soared through qualifiers, earning her spot in the statewide competition.

Lorraine was understandably nervous, but in the weeks leading up to the event, Vinfen staff encouraged her to compete. Soon, Lorraine’s nervousness turned into excitement. “When I drove back after the Olympics, I felt as if it was the biggest thing that ever happened to me in my whole life, winning those medals,” she said. Lorraine was involved in athletics from an early age. She started swimming at age five and competed on her swim team in high school. “I came from a very loving family, and my father was very involved with me when I was growing up,” said Lorraine, crediting her father for her introduction to athletics. She decided to compete for her father. But as a devout Christian, when the day of the race arrived, it was her faith that kept her focused and calm as she entered the pool.

“Lorraine has a lifetime habit of meeting her obstacles face-to-face, and overcoming them,” said Carol Jesse Freeman, a close friend of Lorraine’s for more than twenty-five years. “She’s a lioness.”

Though Lorraine says she doesn’t plan to compete in 2016, she admits, “I say right now I’m going to retire, but come next April, I’ll probably be saying I want to be in the Olympics again.”

Lorraine Caroll-Koehler proudly showing her medals in her kitchen.

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spotlight on family

Dan, Chace, and Courtney Shaw receive a Family Recognition award from Family Advisory Council Chair Kathleen Crawford and Master of Ceremonies Susan Wornick.

Honoring Family Partnerships

Andre Williams with friends.

The Shay family are devoted to helping their daughter Courtney achieve her goals. Through their support, Courtney has earned her bachelor’s degree, made tremendous gains in her employment, grown as a loving mother, and works hard to help others. The family also recognizes their partnership with Vinfen, which has been “the cornerstone of her continuing, successful recovery.”

The Shays were one of the remarkable familes honored at Vinfen’s 8th Annual Celebration of Family Partnerships. Each year, Vinfen celebrates families, advocates, self-advocates, and staff who have supported the people we serve. This year’s event was held on September 16 at the Four Points by Sheraton in Norwood, MA.

Master of Ceremonies and former WCVB-TV anchorwoman Susan Wornick, Department of Mental Health Commissioner Joan Mikula, and Department of Developmental Services Commissioner Elin Howe welcomed attendees. Honored guests included Massachusetts State Senator Karen Spilka, winner of the Public Official of the Year award; John Anton and Andre Williams, winners of the Craig Smith Self-Advocate award; and Andrew Levine, winner of the Helen Fantasia Arraj Staff Recognition award.

The powerful keynote address was given by Educator of the Year award winner Pete Earley. Pete is a Pulitzer Prize finalist, a former reporter for The Washington Post, and a mental health advocate. Pete passionately spoke about the challenges his family faced getting his son the proper supports and the need for mental health reform.

Over 15 staff were given Merit Certificates for their commitment to family partnerships, leadership, advocacy, and education. Staff were selected based on nominations from the families that they work closely with every day.

The evening would not have been possible without our sponsors. Thank you to HUB International, the Rae and Aaron Alberts Foundation, the Tiffany Ballroom at the Four Points by Sheraton, and New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.

Interested in supporting Family Partnerships all year long? For more information, please visit our website www.vinfen.org/get-involved/family-advisory-councils.

The Vinfen Family Advisory Council members pose with Susan Wornick.

State Senator Karen E. Spilka

Pete Early accepts his Educator of the Year award with Vinfen Director of Recovery Services Lisa Halpern, Vinfen President and CEO Bruce Bird, Kathleen Crawford, and Susan Wornick.

John Anton receives a Craig Self-Advocate award with State Representative Tom Sannicandro, Susan Wornick, and Kathleen Crawford.

Combating Loneliness by Fostering Belonging

A new study from Brigham Young University points to a serious health issue that could reach epidemic proportions by 2030: loneliness. Loneliness affects 60 million Americans. Forty percent of adults say they are lonely, an increase of 20 percent in the past 30 years. Researchers reviewed nearly 35 years of data from about 3 million participants and discovered that loneliness and isolation can impact our health and even shorten our lives.

We know that recovery from psychiatric conditions is greatly enhanced by social connections. We also know that social connections can lead to better jobs, education, recreational opportunities, and health. Even though we understand this, it can be challenging for people with psychiatric conditions to find the places where opportunities for social connection are possible. Negative perceptions and prejudice still contribute to social exclusion, leading to people feeling isolated and lonely.

For a lot of people, much of their time can be spent behind “invisible walls” relating only with people who are paid to be there. In the service context, people are often seen first as clients, instead of as neighbors, friends, and co-workers. Higher rates of social exclusion may also be a contributing factor to the health disparities faced by people with psychiatric conditions who are at risk for dying 25 years earlier than average.

That’s why it’s important to support natural community connections and social networks. The more we do this, the more people will have the chance to be seen for their interests and contributions, instead of being seen as just clients. In addition, understanding the concept of social capital may help us to better foster belonging and community, and thus combat loneliness and isolation. Social capital represents the resources available to people through their relationships and engagement in the community that make life better.

At Vinfen, we support people in recovery to have more opportunities to find people and places that encourage a sense of belonging and ways to contribute to the community. Opportunities for community belonging come from being in places and with people we care about and doing work that matters to us. We support people to combat loneliness by broadening their personal community and include more people living in the same area and/or a group who has the same interests.

Thanks to Katherine Fox, Vinfen Director of Training and Development, for her contributions to this column.

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voicein my own

Lisa HalpernDirector of Recovery Services

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

Elizabeth Brody Gluck, Esq. Vice President, General Counsel

Joseph F. Gomes Senior Vice President,

Developmental Services

Sophie JonesDirector, Strategic Initiatives

Tom O’TooleDirector, Development

Erin TigheDirector,

Communications and Public Affairs

Bonnie Wilkinson Chief Financial Officer

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.

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At Vinfen, we use the Individual Placement and Support model to empower people we serve to find and obtain employment. This evidenced-based practice focuses on job training and career development. Vinfen Employment Specialist Sarah Cowart exemplifies the principles of this model. She believes that everyone has the ability to work in any field they desire.

“A lot of [people] come in thinking that they are not going to be employable, but they want to work. My job is to show them that they are capable of having not just a job, but a career,” Sarah said. She goes to great lengths by coaching them through interviews, background checks, and resume writing, and by helping them decide whether or not to disclose their disability at work.

Sarah works with employers to ensure that each employee has the resources they need to succeed on the job. To support Employment Services, Vinfen hired Employment Director Kristen Niven. With her help, we will be able to better serve job seekers and employers.

leading the wayvinfen

Vinfen staff discussing CBFS with the visiting providers from Saudi Arabia.

Empowering Individuals through Employment

Collaborating Across Countries

A group of mental health care providers from Saudi Arabia visited Vinfen on May 26 to learn from our successes providing Community Based Flexible Supports (CBFS) and meet some of the people we serve. The tour was part of a training given by the Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation.

“The [providers] are working on developing a supported living environment… and hoped to adapt some of our methods to their work,” shared Vinfen CBFS Operations Director Joey Rossignol. “We explained how the people served facilitate our work and how they are the driving force towards their own recovery.”

Giving Extra Support to Young Adults

Initial results of the pilot of Vinfen’s Smartphone app, developed with Wellframe, are very encouraging. Supported by The Cummings Foundation and Vinfen’s health and wellness fund, the app is designed to reach young adults with psychiatric conditions, providing scheduled and on-demand support for a wide array of self-management and wellness activities. To date, 31 young adults have used the app in the initial phase of the evaluation.

Vinfen Project Manager for Innovation Elizabeth Cella notes, “The young adults really are using the app very frequently.” According to the study, users were engaged on over two-thirds of the days during the 90-day trial. On days when users were engaged, over 80% of health tasks were completed, while participants reported an 85% medication adherence rate. The app has enabled Vinfen to provide young adults in the program with resources necessary to expedite their recovery.

“It helps having that extra support,” said Margaret, a participant. “Using the app has helped me achieve my goals.” With the successful completion of this initial pilot, Vinfen plans to expand the program to more of the people we serve.

Participant Margaret using the app.

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• Direct, unrestricted donations• Matching gifts• Gifts in honor or gifts in memory• Gifts of bequests or planned giving• Donate online: Visit www.vinfen.org and click “donate now” to make a secure and convenient online donation to Vinfen.• A donation envelope is also enclosed for your convenience.

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

You Can Contribute to Vinfen in Many Ways

a differencemaking

The 2015 Board of Directors Scholarship, funded by generous donations from Vinfen’s board members, went to Residential Counselor Shayna Ferguson. This award is presented each year to help employees further their education, career, and their commitment to the people we serve. Shayna’s dedication, positivity, and initiative in taking on new responsibilities set her apart from the competitive pool of applicants. Currently, Shayna is working toward her associate degree in human services at Quincy College. With the ultimate goal of obtaining a masters in social work, Shayna hopes to eventually assist veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Supporting Continued Education

Community Based Flexible Supports (CBFS) Operations Director Heather Ness, CBFS Clinical Program Director Karin McAuliffe, CBFS Residential Counselor Shayna Ferguson, and Vinfen President and CEO Bruce Bird.

Save the DateVinfen and the Longwood Symphony Orchestra present

A concert benefiting Vinfen’s health and wellness programs

The Healing Art of Music: For more information, visit www.vinfen.org/healing or

contact Director of Development Tom O’Toole at 617-441-1896 or otoolet@vinfen.org.

Saturday, May 7, 2016Jordan Hall New England Conservatory Boston, MA

Your funds will support Vinfen’s health and wellness initiatives.

Vinfen was honored to receive the 2015 Scattergood Foundation Innovation Award for the Smartphone app, developed with Wellframe, aimed at supporting young adults with emotional and behavioral challenges at the 2015 Kennedy Forum Gala on June 8. The event featured keynote addresses from former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Martin Luther King III, and Emmy award-winning actor and singer Wayne Brady. The achievement was acknowledged in Patrick Kennedy’s address when he discussed the future of health care.

Creating Innovation Together

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VINFEN950 CAMBRIDGE STCAMBRIDGE MA 02141-1001

PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS Transforming Lives Together

Vinfen 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.

www.vinfen.org/donate-now

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happeningsvinfen

Dr. Mark Viron, Vinfen’s Director of Strategic Initiatives Sophie Jones, Dr. Steve Bartels, and Dr. Kelly Aschbrenner of Dartmouth at the conference on Innovative and Integrated Interventions.

Vinfen and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health held three conferences this summer on Evidence Based Practices and the Challenges of Adapting Them for New Technologies, Quality Management Promoting Recovery through Research and Practice, and Innovative and Integrated Interventions for Physical and Behavioral Health for People with Serious Mental Illness. Thank you to the presenters and all who attended.

The Point After Club celebrated its 35th anniversary and the opening of its new facility in downtown Lawrence on June 18. The event brought together dozens of people we serve, family, friends, and staff, as well as MA State Senator Barbara L’Italien, and State Representatives Diana DiZoglio, Frank Moran, and Marcos Devers. Festivities included tours, music, food, and a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Presenting Innovation Commemorating New Beginnings

Vinfen’s Transition to Independence Program (TIP) hosted their annual Youth Day on June 18. Over 100 young adults and staff participated from Vinfen, Tewksbury State Hospital, Elliot Community Health Services, and Children’s Friend and Family Services. The day included sports, arts and crafts, and team building exercises through Adventurelore.

Building Friendship and Fun

Young adults having fun at Adventurelore during the annual TIP Youth Day.

Plymouth Bay House hosted an Open House on July 31 to celebrate 25 years of transforming lives together. Festivities included food, live entertainment, and stories of recovery. Guests were also treated to an award ceremony where MA State Senator Vinny deMacedo’s office honored the Club’s continued support and service to the community.

Celebrating 25 Years

Members James Baron and Floyd Bouchard at the Open House.

Point After Club members, Vinfen staff, and legislators at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

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Commemorating New Beginnings

vinfen arts

Gateway Arts Artist Nicanor Sanchez next to his piece, “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” that is showcased in the “Media Blitz.”

Art Connection Studio held its Opening Reception for Woven on September 18. The eco-friendly and nature-themed exhibit displayed works that were biodegradable and that incorporated reclaimed objects. The collection showcased a wide range of pieces including paintings, mixed-media works, printmaking, photographs, sculptures, wearable art, and handcrafted wood pieces.

For more information, please visit Art Connection Studio’s website www.artconnectionstudio.org.

connecticutvinfenAdvocating for Connecticut Families

Art Connection Studio Artist Tyler Strom shows his works to his family.

Gateway Arts celebrated its latest exhibit, Media Blitz, on October 1 with music by Erica Sutherland of Littlefoot and burritos from Anna’s Taqueria. The group of mostly young artists was inspired by the digital media and pop culture that they interact with on a regular basis. The exhibit featured drawings, paintings, artists’ books, and three-dimensional pieces.

The exhibit continues until November 7. For more information, visit Gateway Arts’ website www.gatewayarts.org.

Members from the Vinfen Connecticut Family Advisory Council at the State Capitol.

Weaving Together Nature’s Tapestry

Generating Art for the Digital Age

Art by Gateway Arts Artist Larry Edmiston

The Vinfen Connecticut Family Advisory Council visited the CT State Capitol on May 27 to greet legislators as they came from deliberations for the July 1 budget. The council-members relied on personal anecdotes and encouraged the legislators to continue funding Vinfen and similar programs. They reported that the representatives were receptive and eager to hear their constituents’ concerns. When the budget was finalized, the legislature was able to preserve more funds in the human services budget than previously announced.

transform livesyou

voice fall 2015

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

Contributors: Bruce Bird, Lisa Halpern, Rachel Heafield, Erin Tighe, and Alexandra YellinDesigner: Rachel HeafieldFeatured Artists: Larry Edmiston, Veronica Franqui, Charles Hurvitz, Nicanor Sanchez, and Tyler Strom

Haverhill Clubhouse Member Erin Cummings recently celebrated successfully completing her 60-hour Gathering Inspiring Future Talent (GIFT) Training. The training is designed for young adults in recovery and prepares them to become Peer Mentors.

Since July, Erin has worked as a Peer Mentor for Vinfen’s Transition to Independence Program, which supports young adults with psychiatric condition plan for their future. In this role, Erin wants to “help others to find their strengths, to live and embrace them, and to achieve their goals.”

“I was starting to get my life together and doing the GIFT training helped me learn about myself.” - Erin Cummings

“She’s been a real pleasure to work with. She’s very motivated to recover and is very interested in working with peers.” -Deborah Moules, Vinfen Rehabilitation Coordinator

Becoming a Mentor to Help Others Recover

See more inspiring news and stories inside!