Archive for December 2017
Reaching for the stars
As we say goodbye to 2017, we’d like to thank everyone in our ever-growing Latham community. Together— through our service delivery values of generosity, belonging, mastery, and independence—we’re reaching for the stars to ensure that the children and adults who call Latham home live meaningful, abundant lives. Happy New Year!
Read MoreSpecialized instruments create new music experiences for students
The Children’s Program Holiday Concert showcased some of our new grant-funded instruments, and as promised in Wednesday’s blog post, Katrina Fryklund summarizes each musical component: The Auto Harp (pictured above) helps create positive music experiences – there are keys on one side of the instrument labeled with different music notes and strings on the other.…
Read MoreLatham holiday concert moves and impresses staff
Reflecting on last week’s holiday concert on campus, Director of National Outreach Katrina Fryklund said she was astounded by the talented students and staff. She shares her thoughts here, and promised “more to follow” about the wonderful grant-funded instruments. “This was my fifth holiday concert at Latham Centers. The concert has always been one of…
Read MoreChildren’s Craft Fair inspires holiday cheer and a charitable donation
At the Children’s Program Winter Craft Fair last Thursday, we sold $539.50 worth of student creations in just two hours! This is a staggering number, and is due in large part to the work that so many of our staff members did with our students to make it happen. Half of this money will be…
Read MoreTip of the Week: Creating best practices
In the almost two decades that I have been working with people diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, I have seen best practices change many times. PWS is such a complex disorder that the need to change and be flexible with your beliefs is integral in the success of children and adults with the syndrome. You do…
Read MoreStaff Spotlight: Greg Powers helps lead growth of Adult Services’ Shared Living Program
Greg Powers, Manager of our Supported Community Living Program, arrived at Latham by chance. He was looking for a teaching job on the Cape, but he was surrounded by family and friends in the human service field. “I became interested in the stories I heard about Latham Centers and its programs,” he said, “and the…
Read MoreFrom our Children’s Residential Director: Holidays are reminders
We’re sharing this internal letter to direct support staff about their crucial role – especially during the holidays. Written by our Children’s Program Residential Director Gina Sheehan, it’s a meaningful reminder for every human service professional, but especially those who work with individuals who may not have traditional family supports: Dear Latham Staff, As I…
Read MoreYear-end gratitude for Latham’s expanding vocational opportunities
Our December pop-up boutique featuring the handiwork of Latham’s adult crafters was a wonderful year-end event for Latham’s expanding Vocational Services Program. For five of our adult residents with artistic talents and interests, crafting has become more than a hobby – it’s part of their career plans. Our gracious host of the holiday craft sale,…
Read MoreLatham shares expertise at national PWS conference
Latham staff members attended a national Prader-Willi syndrome conference in November, sharing the expertise we’ve developed through years of program experience, training, research, and evaluation. Eight staff members from both our Children’s Services and Adult Services Programs participated in the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) National Convention in Orlando, presenting, exhibiting, and attending professional development sessions.…
Read MoreTip of the Week: Preventing choking
A combination of thick saliva, an uncoordinated swallow, and a rush to eat make choking a real and dangerous hazard for people diagnosed with PWS. For this reason, it is imperative that all family members, babysitters, teachers, and staff are trained in CPR. As described earlier this week on our blog, a staff member at…
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