Latham Centers Blog

I have two really favorite places in Brewster and they both came together last night when Latham Centers spoke at the Brewster Ladies Library on Prader-Willi Syndrome.  It was wonderful to meet families, professionals and community members who are interested in learning about PWS and the work we do right here in this wonderful community on Cape Cod. I truly was moved to hear the stories shared by families and hope that the information we were able to provide was helpful to all. 
Patrice Carroll, Manager of PWS Services and Antoine V,  an individual with PWS from our program offered insight and perspective to the audience. Thank you to all who joined us on Tuesday night and thanks to the staff at the BLL for hosting this get-together!
Submitted by:Chris GallantDirector of Training & Marketing

May is PWS Awareness month! Latham Centers will be presenting a talk on Prader-Willi Syndrome on Tuesday, May 15 at 6:30pm at the Brewster Ladies Library.  Brewster is home to Latham Centers, Inc., a nationally accredited program working with children and adults who have a diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome. Join us for an informative session on PWS and learn about the great things being done  to support individuals with PWS. Hear about the therapeutic program utilizing miniature donkeys at our residence in Sandwich and about our soap-making vocational program. Learn about our community in your community. See you there!
Submitted by:Chris GallantDirector of Training & Marketing

"Knowledge is the true organ of sight, not the eyes. " ~Panchatantra

It’s hard to believe it’s that time of the year again, but on May 9th, we will be having our annual Employee Benefits Fair.  This year it will be held at the Brewster Baptist Church from 9:00AM to 3:30PM.  In addition to having representatives from our insurance carriers and other vendors available to answer questions, we will be offering a number of wellness screenings.  Staff can have their blood pressure and glucose levels checked, have their body composition analyzed and receive an assessment of sun damage to their skin.  There will be a nutrition table with lots of good information and a representative from the YMCA will be there to give information on what’s available at their facility in Barnstable.  And, as always, there will be raffle prizes and a massage therapist providing chair massages!  We look forward to seeing everyone there.

Submitted by:
Barbara Culver
Director of Human Resources


"The greatest wealth is health".  ~Virgil

This spring has been full of exciting news on Latham's development front.  Just last month, Latham hired Gail Myers Lavin as a part-time Development Associate. Gail resides in Orleans and has decades of experience in education and local non-profits. Her primary responsibilities will be in grant research and submissions reporting to Gerry Desautels, Director of Development.

And speaking of grants.....

In recent months, several restricted grants have been awarded to Latham to help finance projects our operating budget cannot cover. The grants awarded include the John W. Alden Trust for campus kitchen improvements, the Yawkey Foundation II for campus playground equipment arriving this May, the Commonwealth of Massachuetts for TCI master training Water Safety for the Adult program, and MAAPS training, and the Roy T. Morgan Foundation for Summertide, Campus Accessibility Improvements, Special Olympics and other special projects.  We are very lucky and grateful for this extra support!

On the horizon, Latham has received 10 runner fundraising spots for the Falmouth Road Race on Sunday, August 12, 2012. Runners receive entry numbers from Latham; and the Race is requesting a $1,000 minimum fundraising threshold. More details will follow, but if you have an interest in running or know of someone who would on behalf of Latham, please contact:

Gerry Desautels
774-353-9296 or
gdes@lathamcetnes.org

2012 marks the 40th Anniversary of the New Balance Falmouth Road Race ―a scenic 7-mile course from Woods Hole to Falmouth that now attracts some 11,000 official race entrants.


Submitted by Gerry Desautels, CFRE

P.S. Save the date for the Third Annual Latham Charity Golf Classic, October 22 at Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club.  The event committee is now working on sponsors and has already confirmed that Latham parent Bob Bernstein of Foremost Footwear and affiliate companies, will return as our Presenting Sponsor.

We all had a great time at Latham’s Spring Concert. Under the direction of Performing Arts Teacher Suzanne Johnson, students from every classroom participated in an impressive performance of ringing handbells to songs such as “Ode to Joy”.  AG and VH worked together to present a keyboard and guitar rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner”. LH not only played a solo on her recorder, but also sang “Angel of Mine” a capella! The event also included multiple numbers by the Latham Chorus, including “Imagine”, by John Lennon.  Special thanks to our volunteer, Laird Boles, for accompanying the chorus on the keyboard.

Latham students worked very hard (and so did Suzanne!) to make the concert such a success. It was wonderful to see them laughing and dancing to “Rockin’ Robin” between each of the performances. It was heartening to watch students help each other out with encouraging words if one of their peers was nervous to perform.  Every single participant succeeded in working together to put on an astounding display of talent.

Submitted by:
Pam Nolan
Director of Education

“Ah, Music. A magic beyond all we do here!”
~J.K. Rowling

Performance Quality Improvement is alive and well at Latham Centers. We continue to review data on how our programs and services are doing and are looking at adding new indicators for the next fiscal year.  Are you interested in joining your colleagues on the PQI committee?  Our goal is to meet quarterly and your participation is welcomed.  Three new members would fill the seats of those whose service to the committee is at an end.  
Our thanks to Ward Ellsasser, Barbara Crossen and Lucy Foran who helped us get the  PQI committee up and running. Send your letter of interest and/or questions about the PQI committee to: cgallant@lathamcenters.org. We look forward to hearing from you.
Submitted by:Chris Gallant

Recently, all of the kids from the Upperdeck and Hazelmoor took a trip to the Boston Aquarium.  They were able to see the big sea turtles being fed and ask the staff questions about the animals in the aquarium.  The highlight of the day was touching the sharks and manta-rays in the large open tank at the end.  They each had an opportunity to touch the animals, and all (even staff agreed) that the sharks were the softest and most curious.  Another great adventure for our groups!

Submitted by:
Frannie Quirk


"Be curious always!  For knowledge will not acquire you; you must acquire it."  ~Sudie Back

I am looking out my window on a most beautiful spring day thinking how lucky I am to live in a community that I love and work at a job that is meaningful. I didn’t win the Mega Millions. I don’t wear a size 6. I can’t figure out all of the apps on my iphone, but all in all, I have been fortunate. 

Sometimes we need to take a deep breath and just be “present” in the moment.  I am happy to see kids playing outside. Do they have some serious issues confronting them? Sure, but this afternoon they are playing and laughing and having fun. I plan to enjoy watching and listening to that for a few minutes. I can and probably will worry later about the big stuff.  But right now, Latham is filled with the joyful sounds of kids and dogs and, boy oh boy, do I love my job.

Submitted by:
Chris Gallant

"April hath put a spirit of youth in everything."  ~William Shakespeare

As the schedule coordinator at Latham Centers my job includes multi coordinating many tasks at one time.  This includes: finding coverage for open or vacant shifts as well as shifts for staff on vacation, call out shifts when staff are sick, coverage for medical appointments, vocational sites etc. It is an ongoing process of covering anywhere from 80 to over 100 shifts a week. Having a large pool of substitute staff to work with makes things a bit easier. Substitute staff are able to pick up shifts and hours that fit their availability whether it is 40 hours a week or just a few hours on the weekends. Starting as a substitute gives staff the opportunity to work with all of the individuals at all locations and accumulate knowledge and skills  from the multiple staff they work with. Often, substitute staff will then apply for permanent positions as they become available. 

Submitted by:
Missy Adle
Schedule Coordinator


"Opportunities do not come with their values stamped upon them."  ~Maltbie Babcock

Matt  is an affable, polite young man in his 20s.  The Connecticut native has lived on Cape Cod since 2008 at one of Latham’s adult group homes. Matt’s high energy level and acumen at organizing led him to seek work and greater involvement in the community.   He continues to volunteer at Sturgis Library, one of Cape Cod’s oldest buildings in Barnstable Village.  Never one to sit on his laurels, Matt began working at Latham Centers’ Orleans administrative office in August 2011. With the oversight of a job coach, he first started working one day a week and because of his hard work, skills and pleasant manner, was soon promoted to two days a week. 

Matt likes to keep busy and enjoys doing a variety of tasks.  He is conscientious and has a strong work ethic. He is particularly adept in math and has been a tremendous asset to the Finance Department.  He has been extremely helpful with filing projects, shredding documents, copying, organizing and preparing informational materials and doing computer data entry.  Recently, he completed a large mailing project for the Development Department, folding letters, organizing inserts, sealing and posting envelopes.  He does all these tasks with enthusiasm and an eagerness to please.  He is diligent and precise in everything he accomplishes. 

Last year, Matt also participated in the Second Annual Latham Charity Golf Classic at Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club in Brewster and won a Silver medal in bowling at the Special Olympic Games held in Worcester.  He loves doing crossword and math puzzles and is an avid movie buff.  He has been invited to play in the Third Annual Latham Charity Golf Classic October 22, 2012 to benefit programs and services for all Latham children and adults.

Congratulations Matt for all your exceptional work, with great appreciation from your colleagues in Administration.


Submitted by:
Carol Sullivan,
Latham Centers Executive Assistant

(
Latham Board Member Becky Smith listens with Mass. State Senator Dan Wolf during an informative and engaging breakfast discussion in the Latham School library.)

Coffee was the first order of the day when the Advocacy Committee of Latham Centers hosted a well-attended Legislative Breakfast in the Latham School Library Friday, March 30th in Brewster.  State Senator Dan Wolf, State Representatives Sarah Peake and Cleon Turner attended the packed breakfast along with aides from Senate Chair Therese Murray’s and State Representative Demetrius Atsalis’ offices.  Ward Ellsasser, Clerk of the Latham Board of Directors and Chair of the Advocacy Committee, welcomed the audience comprised of the Cape legislative delegation, Latham family members, community supporters, Latham staff and fellow board members.

The high-energy morning provided an opportunity for face time with the attending legislators and for Latham to express thanks for continued support of human services funding for children and people with developmental disabilities.

“We value their support and we recognize that they have made the effort to know and understand the work done at Latham,” shared Ellsasser, who also previously worked as a Latham Direct Care staff person. Fellow board member Amy Carroll and Latham parent Rachel Perry both spoke to the expertise and life-changing experiences Latham offers their loved ones in residence and to their extended families.

Despite great advancements made at Latham, the attending legislators expressed caution as they related that more strain is being put on state funds as federal support to certain Massachusetts programs has been reduced in recent years.  Anne McManus, Latham’s Executive Director, added that Latham is doing its part by attaining international accreditation and subsequently attracting more individuals to its programs beyond Massachusetts.  “Our reputation for successfully treating individuals with complex special needs with failed placements elsewhere is ever increasing. As the only accredited residential program for boys and girls with Prader-Willi Syndrome on the East Coast, Latham is good for the Cape economy,” according to McManus.

Latham Centers employs more than 200 employees across Cape Cod in its Children and Adult Service programs.  For more information, visit www.lathamcenters.org.


Contributed by:
Gerry Desautels (Dez-oh-tel)
Director of Develoment

Insuring that we have the right kind of homes in the right kind of places is an ongoing focus for the Board and Staff of Latham Centers, Inc.  We have been working together with community partners to develop a continuum of care for the adults we support.  We have expanded our options from the traditional group home to apartments and shared living and we have been working with our local housing authority to develop a supported apartment complex that would enable more individuals with PWS who have the ability to live more independently the option of having their own apartment. This complex would still have food security and wrap around staffing.  We are also thinking about our aging population and developing housing that is more consistent with the needs of an older population. Making it possible to be there for a life-time of support and care in the least restrictive environment is a challenge but a challenge that we embrace. 

Contributed by:
Anne McManus
Executive Director

“I have always drawn strength from being close to home.”
~Arthur Ashe

Latham students love working with our new volunteer, Laird Boles!  We are very fortunate to have such a kind and friendly person working with our students. The students in Long Pond classroom have really enjoyed his 1:1 attention during Reading, Math, and Performing Arts classes. Laird clearly brings something very special to these students, and we are having a hard time keeping up with all of the requests to work with him!

Here’s what the students have to say:

MN:  “I liked that you were in Performing Arts with us.”

BB:  “I liked Laird helping me to write my paragraph about my pets.”

AE:  “I like that he read some pages and I read some pages in the Clifford book.”

BY:  “I liked when Laird helped me do research for my power point for Foreign Cultures. “

ET:  “ It was fun eating with him.”

RP:  “I hope I get a chance to work with Laird!”

Contributed by:
Pam Nolan
Director of Education


"Help one another; there's no time like the present and no present like the time."  ~James Durst

Several of our Adult residents attended the Special Olympics Winter Games in Worcester this past weekend. They had a wonderful time. There were over 1000 bowlers so our team was divided between morning and afternoon. They waited patiently for their turn to bowl. They were able to spend the night in a hotel in Marlboro where several went swimming in the pool and one chose to go to the dance.

Matt M placed 2nd in his division. Schuyler D and Matt L both placed fifth in their divisions. They asked if they could go again next year so you know they enjoyed themselves and the team enjoyed having them!

Submitted by:
Cindy Loring
Operations Manager Adult Services


"You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take."  ~Wayne Gretzky

We listen.  It sounds so darn simple. Yet it is still one of the best ways we have to help parents or guardians find the right fit for their child. I don’t pretend to know what it feels like to seek help for a child with PWS or other life challenging issues. I haven’t been in your shoes, making your hard decisions. However I do know what Latham can offer families and the students or adults they love: a safe place. A place where we look at the strengths and talents they bring along, not just the challenges they face on a daily basis. A place that works to understand the needs of the whole person, not just their diagnosis. A place where friendships can be made and cherished, where being different isn’t all that different.  Time spent listening will often open up new ideas or help a family make a tough choice. If we aren’t the right fit for your child we will honestly tell you that and if we have an idea who is we will tell you that, too.  You have an important decision as a parent to make;  Latham understands that. 

Submitted by:
Chris Gallant
Director of Training & Marketing



"The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention."  ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Science Fair at Latham!
Last week, students at Latham participated in the school’s first of many school-wide science fairs. With outstanding contributions from almost all of the students, visitors were treated to a wide variety of experiments and in depth explorations of different scientific phenomena. Displays included hands-on experiments such as erupting volcanoes (the Marconi Class), testing Newton’s Third Law by use of a water rocket (Mike R.), and using a block and tackle to give a mechanical advantage during a tug of war (Aisha and Nick L. ). Other students researched and gave presentations on topics covering everything from stalagmites and stalactites (Ayanna), plant germination (Leona), and tornadoes (Rachel, Annee, and Lexi R.). The students should be commended for all their hard work and dedication to making this such a successful day.

Contributed by:
Jeremiah Nickerson

                                                               Press Release

Latham Centers, Inc., a Cape Cod based not-for-profit serving children and adults with emotional, developmental and physical disabilities today announced that it has been awarded a $25,000 grant by the Yawkey Foundation II.  The grant is restricted toward the purchase and installation of adaptive playground equipment on the grounds of Latham School in Brewster, Massachusetts.  With this recent award, the playground will be fully installed and operational later this spring in memory of the late Tim Semple—the former Director of Latham Facilities..

The playground was specially designed to improve perceptual-motor skills, spatial awareness, and gross motor skill development of the Latham School special needs population.  It will also assist students in training for the Special Olympics as members of the “Latham Hawks” athletic team.  The Yawkey Foundation II has supported multiple Latham programs and initiatives since 2001—most recently Latham’s  innovative Asinotherapy program and the construction of a new dormitory at the Brewster residential children’s campus.

“The addition of an adaptive playground to the Latham School curriculum will encourage team-building activities, leadership, communication and positive interactions among students,” according to Anne McManus, Executive Director.  “Moreover, the playground will serve to build strength, endurance, and agility with specialized equipment as our children train for team sports in Special Olympics.”

Previous major grants for the project funded the installment of a high-tech, playground turf by The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England, Inc., The Palmer and Jane D. Davenport Foundation, and other individual donors.

More about Yawkey Foundation II

In 1982, Mrs. Jean Yawkey established Yawkey Foundation II to carefully ensure the legacy of giving that she and her husband Tom began as owners of the Boston Red Sox.  Through her direct involvement and active leadership for the last decade of her life, Mrs. Yawkey imprinted the Foundation with her own highly personal style of giving.  Like her husband, Mrs. Yawkey cared deeply for the people who lived and worked in the communities that she called home and sought to use her Foundation to help improve the lives of those in need.

In 2002, Yawkey Foundation II experienced a dramatic expansion of its assets from the record-breaking proceeds received from the sale of the Yawkey ownership interest in the Boston Red Sox.  The Trustees of Yawkey Foundation II have sought to emulate the Yawkeys’ tradition of giving in the areas of Education, Health Care, Human Services, Youth and Amateur Athletics, Arts and Culture, and Conservation and Wildlife.

Contributed by:
Gerry Desautels (Dez-oh-tel), M.Ed.
Director of Development

Here are some photos from our outing today to Yarmouth to see the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  It’s a huge annual tradition there, and the kids were so excited to go.  I’ve been to many parades with the PWS students in the past but this one was definitely the biggest and the kids handled it very well.

The Upperdeck joined forces with the Hazelmoor crew and we enjoyed a nice walk from the house to Route 28 to watch the parade. We then headed back to the house to enjoy a nice lunch.  We were lucky with the weather, and the sun shined the whole time!

Contributed by:
Frannie Quirk









"If you're enough lucky to be Irish, you're lucky enough!"  ~Irish Saying

Latham School recently welcomed TD Bank representative Nancy Brown to our campus! Nancy is working with our Vocational and Transitional classes to help educate students about practical banking skills including understanding the concept of earning money through working, opening and managing a checking account, planning a budget, and talking about saving or spending money on needs versus wants.  Students were very enthusiastic about their initial multi-sensory banking seminar.

We are looking forward to continuing our valued partnership with TD Bank. We are planning a trip to our neighborhood TD Bank to meet the tellers, to learn about the different functions of the bank, and to gain a real-life practical experience.

Pam Nolan, M.Ed.
Director of Education


"Money isn't the most important thing in life, but it's reasonably close to oxygen on the "gotta have it" scale."  ~Zig Ziglar

The students at Latham Centers, led by the members of the Student Council, have focused this year on reaching out not only to the Latham Community, but to the larger community as well. In September, newly elected members of the Latham Student Council agreed in their first meeting that they would like to concentrate this year on how they could help to improve life at Latham as well as improve the life of others outside of Latham. They have invited the Educational Director, Assistant Residential Director and Head Cook, to discuss such campus issues as bringing lap tops to school, buying new shower curtains for the residences and making some changes in the  menu (3 bean salad is not a favorite!) More telling, however, of the generosity of these students is what they have accomplished to help those in need. During the fall they made crafts to sell at the Holiday Craft Fair. This year they decided that all profits would be donated to a worthy cause. Many worthy causes were discussed, but the decision was made to donate over $500 to St. Jude’s Hospital. All agreed that this gave us all a good feeling, and the decision was made to sponsor a clothes drive to collect and donate warm clothing to Noah Shelter, a shelter on Cape Cod for people who are temporarily without a place to live. Many boxes of clean, warm clothing, from winter jackets to boots and scarfs, were collected and delivered by members of student council. Seeing the children at the shelter, and hearing the thanks from the Director of the shelter, made students anxious to find other ways they can help.

Their next project was to collect canned goods for the local Food Pantry. Having learned in class that the economy has hurt donations, Student Council members, proud of their past efforts, were sure they could make a difference, and they did. Many bags of canned goods were collected and delivered for the use of those who need a hand up. Currently they are planning on ways to beautify the Latham Campus. They have invited the Director of Maintenance to their next meeting to discuss areas that classrooms can “adopt.” Once these areas are decided on, classrooms will plant and care for their area throughout the spring, summer and fall. 

All who work and live at Latham agree, our students are special, in their kindness, in their willingness to help to make the world a better place and their ability to work together to make it happen.

Kathy Thonet
Assistant Principal



"Always be a little kinder than necessary."  ~James M. Barrie