Programs

In a group home setting, four or five individuals share a home and each resident receives treatment unique to his or her needs based on a specific treatment plan. Staff offer round-the-clock support, including assisting individuals to become as independent as possible, exercise their rights, take risks responsibly, practice self-advocacy and pro-social behavior, and work toward personal goals.

We encourage our residents to pursue meaningful employment and recreational opportunities according to each person’s interests and strengths. These opportunities allow each individual to contribute to his or her community and gain a sense of belonging. Staff members support individuals in initiating and nurturing meaningful ties and lifelong friendships in the community.

Community Strategies operates more than 30 group homes in Massachusetts communities including Abington, Athol, Bellingham, Brockton, Brookfield, Carver, Fitchburg, Franklin, Kingston, Leicester, Leominster, Marlborough, Medway, Middleborough, Milford, Northborough, Orange, Paxton, Templeton, Wendell, Westborough, West Boylston, Westminster, Winchendon, and Wrentham.

Community Strategies’ clinical department staff collaborate with each individual and his or her treatment team (program manager, staff, assistant director, guardian, service coordinator, etc.) in determining significant problem behaviors affecting the person’s quality of life. The team also identifies alternative behavior to role-model and teach the individual. Each behavior is clearly defined in a way that’s observable, measurable, and that allows everyone to agree that a positive or problem behavior took place.

Clinicians use direct observation to gather and review data collected by direct support staff on every shift. Clinicians use this baseline data in developing treatment plans to address individuals’ problem behaviors. Ongoing assessment is data-drive and informs changes to treatment plans.

Our staff members support each individual to create a daily schedule that includes development of pre-vocational skills, academic skills building, ISP/independent skills building, programmatic activities, and clinical exercises.

Pre-vocational activities include volunteer work, resume writing, job searching, mock interviews, filling out and submitting applications, and visiting local career centers.

Academic skills building activities include reading, writing, math, or other areas of academic interest.

ISP-related activities are determined during an individual’s ISP meeting and are carried out in accordance with the individual’s support strategies protocol.

Programmatic activities include house meetings; human rights training sessions; daily, weekly, and monthly planning sessions; house and room care; current events; and cultural awareness.

Clinical exercises follow an individual’s skills development plan and may include additional activities resulting from individual counseling or clinical visits or from group therapy.

Our staff members support individuals in finding and maintaining employment in the community. We often start with pre-vocational opportunities, including volunteer work, resume writing, job searches, mock interviews, filling out applications and visiting career centers.

Staff members support individuals going to job interviews, and once they’re hired, staff members communicate with supervisors on an ongoing basis.

Community Strategies staff members develop specific supervision protocol taking into account the individual’s current monitoring and supervision parameters in his or her skills development plan, and the individual’s work experience and skill set.

Prior to each shift, staff members assist individuals with assembling proper attire and packing any food or medication they will need. Staff members also provide individuals with transportation to work and make sure they’re properly supervised at work. Staff members also provide moral support and encouragement, and can assist with job changes.

The Shared Living Support model offers an alternative to the traditional community-based group homes for individuals in need of a welcoming home. Shared Living uses Person Centered Planning to provide the right model to support individuals with intellectual disabilities. These programs are customized living arrangements designed to meet the needs of the supported individuals. Individuals are placed into the home of a qualified care provider, who provides the needed ongoing supports for that individual. The individual receives a room, board, and general supervision. Shared Living arrangements can meet the needs of adults who require periodic or regular assistance with activities of daily living, but not requiring the structure of a group home. Specially trained, highly-qualified caseworkers provide additional support for home providers.

For more information on Shared Living, including how to become a Home Provider in Massachusetts, contact

Sue Whitney at (978) 425-0772 extension 2738 or swhitney@crj.org.

OR

Samantha Irwin at (978) 425-0772 extension 2739 or sirwin@crj.org.