November 2022 - Communitas

Sheel Muni was recently honored by his employer, Winchester Hospital, for 21 years of service. Sheel, who joined Communitas Career Services in 1997, began working at Winchester Hospital Food Services Division in 2001.

Our Career Services program offers employment-readiness learning, as well as one-on-one coaching and support for individuals who are work-ready or gainfully employed. Folks enrolled in this program may be part of a skills learning group, or an employment exploration group. They may then graduate into individualized job support services.

At this point in Sheel’s career at Winchester Hospital he is independent and doesn’t need Job Coaching. Once a month the Career Services team will follow up with Sheel and Winchester Hospital, just to check in.

When an individual is successful in finding paid employment and sufficiently skilled at their position, hands-on support will fade out – but oversight of progress will continue to be monitored for overall work support.

“He’s always on time and looks his best. They truly value Sheel as an employee”

Nicole Boudrow, Wakefield Day Services Director, says that Sheel, “has come a long way and is such a hard worker. He loves going to work. He is always sure he is on time and looks his best. They love him at Winchester Hospital and truly value him as an employee”.

Sheel is also supported by Communitas to live independently in the community. Nancy Holleran, Independent Home Supports Coordinator, says that Sheel was proud to be an essential employee, working throughout the pandemic. “Sheel takes his job very seriously, and it is important to him that he is always punctual and always dressed well for work.”

A long history of empowering people

Founded in 1954 and formerly known as EMARC, Communitas has a long track record of advocating passionately while compassionately delivering services for people with disabilities that expand opportunities, empower people, support independence and enrich lives.

Individualized for independence

Communitas is an agency of abilities, empowering people and inspiring dreams by erasing barriers, expanding opportunities, supporting independence and enriching lives. Our dedicated employees recognize the importance of self-determination and advocate passionately for each individual – so everyone has a choice and a voice.

We need your help to continue our mission

Communitas is a non-profit organization that delivers individualized, family-centered services, programs and support for people of all abilities, across their lifespan and in their communities.

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On a perfect autumn afternoon, the Vibe Food Truck joined us for a celebration of Communitas staff! While the Vibe truck dished up amazing food and excellent tunes, staff were able to mix and mingle, and enjoy each other’s company.

Vibe Food Truck is out of Danvers, They are a mobile kitchen catering company serving fresh, homemade authentic Italian & American BBQ comfort food. They specialize in family parties, corporate events, luncheons, breweries and festivals. The truck comes comes fully equipped with wifi, attached outdoor speakers playing upbeat fun music & a flat screen tv playing sports and movies! You can also find them on Facebook!

“The event was such a great success, that I think it was the start of a new tradition!” Chelsea Wood

Chelsea Wood, Director of Human Resources, said, “Ensuring our staff feel appreciated has always been a focus of mine, and it’s never been more important. I wanted to plan a fun event to really celebrate our staff and recognize all their hard work, in addition to getting them all in one place. We invited the people we support to come as well so that they all had an opportunity to get together, which we haven’t been able to do in years.”

Shout out to the helpers!

While Chelsea did most of the planning, the event wouldn’t have been such a grand success without help from the teams! Gerald C., Crystal, Brittney, Susan R. and Stephanie helped with the event set-up. Roger, Judy, Laura, Chelsea and Kathy C. stayed to clean up after the event. And of course, Mark and John got all the tables and tents, and then put everything back away!

People at a picnic table — Beverly Day Services!

Communitas is committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – and their families – in the community.

We offer Family Support, Residential Services, Day Services, and Recreational Programs – as well as employment and volunteering opportunities – for more than 1,000 families from Everett, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield and surrounding communities.

By eliminating barriers, expanding opportunities and supporting independence, we empower our people to lead full and meaningful lives. Whether you have a child, a transitioning adult, or older adult; we provide a safe environment with services that meet individual needs, whatever they are and however they change, while inspiring dreams.

To join our team of amazing employees, visit our Careers Page!