A Spectacular Day of Inclusivity and Togetherness

After a long hiatus, the 2023 CommUNITY Walk finally returned, and what an extraordinary day it turned out to be! The event had something for everyone. From a lively Pet Parade sponsored by DogWatch to thoughtful amenities like the Water Station and Pet Comfort Station sponsored by Prosper Solutions. With a delicious lunch hosted by the Muni family and catered by Zaika Indian Bistro, a DJ Kevin Sullivan Dance Party, and a creative Arts & Crafts table hosted by Communitas In-Home Supports, there was no shortage of excitement. Amidst all the activities, what truly made the day unforgettable was the enthusiastic participation of YOU – our incredible community.

“I loved the camaraderie, sense of community, the joy on the faces of everyone dancing.”

The CommUNITY Walk has been a labor of love since its inception in 2016. While we had to take a break for a while due to the pandemic, we were thrilled to bring it back this year. And it wouldn’t have been the same without your support and involvement. This event is designed with inclusivity in mind, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and ages. It caters to those with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities, embodying the spirit of unity and togetherness.

” This made my entire weekend. It makes me happy to see dedicated individuals and supportive community members.”

At its core, the CommUNITY Walk is a self-paced, individual, and team event that encourages everyone to participate. It provides an opportunity for our community to come together, engage in healthy activities, and most importantly, have a fantastic time. It’s a celebration of the bonds that unite us as a community, and your presence made this celebration all the more special.

“It really is about relationships and connecting with people so just having the event where everyone – participants, family members, staff and friends get together is the best.”

As we look back on the 2023 CommUNITY Walk, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who joined us. Your enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to inclusivity and togetherness made this day a resounding success. We cannot wait to continue this tradition in the years to come, with the hope of making each CommUNITY Walk even more remarkable than the last.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community and for making the 2023 CommUNITY Walk an event to remember. We look forward to seeing you again next year as we walk hand in hand towards a brighter, more inclusive future.

We would also like express our gratitude to our Sponsor!

MVP Level Sponsors
Prosper Solutions
Muni Family: Team MegRo
Communitas Board of Directors

VIP Level Sponsors
Leonard, Mulherin & Greene

Champion Level Sponsors
DogWatch
Clougherty Home Improvement
A&R Construction

All-Star Level Sponsors
Eastern Pharmacy
Mark, Cheri & Ashley
The Dorflinger Family
Tonneson + Co

We want to extend additional heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers and CommUNITY Walk Planning Group, whose unwavering support and hard work made this event possible. We’d also like to express our deep appreciation to the incredible generosity of over 80 individuals who made individual donations. It is your selflessness and kindness that truly strengthens our CommUNITY and makes it thrive.

A fantastic opportunity for college students or teachers on summer break! 

Qualified applicants will be 18+ years of age, and will successfully complete a background check including fingerprinting, CORI/SORI and references.  Full-time and part-time positions are available for between 2-5 days per week, hours will be flexible but need to be consistent.  If hired, summer/seasonal employees may have the option to return for fall, winter or spring break, or return next summer as well! Positions are available in Beverly, Wakefield and Woburn. Every effort will be made to expediate the application process!

Empowering People

Working at Communitas Day Services is an incredibly empowering role. As a Skills Instructor, you have the chance to provide individuals with the necessary tools and support to discover their talents, skills, and strengths. By fostering a positive and inclusive environment, you can empower individuals to gain self-confidence, develop independence, and overcome challenges. Your role becomes instrumental in helping them recognize their true potential and promoting their overall growth and well-being.

Enriching Lives

At the heart of working at a day services program is the opportunity to enrich lives. As a staff member, you play an integral part in creating a meaningful and engaging experience for adults with developmental disabilities. Through various activities and interactions, you can help them acquire new skills, explore their interests, and grow their sense of purpose. Whether it’s facilitating creative arts workshops, organizing recreational outings, or assisting in vocational training, each day presents an opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s life and contribute to their personal growth and fulfillment.

Inspiring Dreams

Working at a Communitas Day Services allows you to become a source of inspiration and encouragement. By fostering a supportive environment, you can help individuals dream big and pursue their aspirations. Your role involves nurturing their ambitions, whether it’s helping them explore new hobbies, encouraging vocational exploration, or offering guidance for future educational pursuits. Through your interactions and guidance, you can inspire individuals to set goals, build confidence, and work towards achieving their dreams, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.

2023 Local Farmers Market list

Shopping at your local Farmers Market is a great way to get delicious fruits and vegetables, fresh from the farm! Frequently, fruits and veggies sold in super markets have to be picked before they’ve fully ripened, sometimes 1-4 weeks before you buy them. Check out our 2023 local farmers market list below.

Eat fresh and delicious!

At a farmers market, you’re getting produce that has had time to fully ripen on the vine (or bush, or tree), when it will taste its very best. Farmers markets feature produce at the peak of season, so you can often find your favorites.

Try something new!

This is also a great way to try something new! Farmers love to share their favorite recipes, and they love to share the best ways to prepare the foods they are selling.

Strengthening community!

Visiting your local farmers market is also a fantastic way to stay engaged and connected to your community. By supporting local businesses and farmers, you are strengthening your community in a fun way!

However, if you’re looking for something in a different town, you can also use this USDA Farmers Market search tool!

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

Founded in 1954, 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.

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.

In March 2020, the federal government declared a public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, in response to federal requirements, MassHealth put protections in place that prevented members’ MassHealth coverage from ending. These protections are ending and MassHealth will soon return to the standard annual eligibility renewal process. In the coming year, all current MassHealth members will need to renew their health coverage to ensure that they still qualify for their current benefit.

Starting April 1, 2023, all current MassHealth members will need to renew their health coverage.

Please click here for the MassHealth Eligibility Redetermination Outreach Toolkit.

These renewals will take place over 12 months. In order to reduce the number of qualified members that lose their coverage, MassHealth is working with the Massachusetts Health Connector, Health Care For All, and other partners to make sure members know how to renew their coverage and are aware of other affordable health coverage options if needed.

Renewals will begin in April, and we will reach out then with more resources, as well as dates for webinars and learning events that your staff can attend to learn how they can do more to assist our community during renewals. You can learn more about this effort on this website – MassHealth Eligibility Redeterminations https://www.mass.gov/masshealth-eligibility-redeterminations.

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.

Dear Friend,

After a 3-Year COVID-Driven Hiatus, Coming Back to Normal is proving to be anything but normal! Together we can re-kindle the spirit of Recreation!

While the love of sports and desire to play are as strong as ever – the safety of indoor congregate activities like basketball and volleyball are anything but guaranteed.

Because people have not been in close-contact group activities for a long time, the need for Recreation Specialists is greater than ever – we need at least 1 staff for every 4 people we support.

Your donation will help us recruit, train, and retain the very best staff possible to join our team. The need is great. The promise is greater, and the time is now!

Re-kindle the spirit of Recreation! Be a part of something wonderful, meaningful, and joyous. Your gift will make someone’s smile and laughter possible (see the multiple ways to donate below).

• Learn more about us
• View our Thank You video

Three ways to donate:

1. Online
2. Text-to-donate by texting the word COMMUNITAS to 44-321
3. Send checks to

Communitas
60-D Audubon Road
ATTN: Donations
Wakefield, MA 01880

Thank you!
Paul J. Cote, Jr.
CEO & CFO
Communitas, Inc.

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!

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!

Vivian just recently moved from New York to Massachusetts. She is new to this area and unfamiliar with her community.  She lives in an Assisted Living facility in Malden and attends most of their scheduled activities throughout the day.  Her sister lives close by and is an integral part of her life. This is Vivian’s first experience living on her own.

Be prepared to be charmed and always have a smile on your face when working with Vivian.

Vivian would like to work with someone who can assist her to become more independent. A Mentor would support Vivian to run errands, shop, and advocate for herself.  She loves crafts, eating out, and learning about new things.  Vivian also wants to connect with other peers within In-Home Supports. This will support her to create new friendships that can be fostered with the help of her staff.

It’s a part-time job with a lifelong impact.

Vivian is looking for approximately 5 hours of support throughout the week. She wants two hours of support scheduled on a weekday morning, and three during the weekend where she has more flexibility. To apply for an IHS Mentor position, please visit our Career Opportunities page. Or contact HR Associate Tanner Moquin at or 781-587-2242.

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. Our In-Home Support program is a supported living service offered at Communitas; our dedicated staff of mentors assist individuals to live independently in apartments located in Wakefield, Reading, North Reading and Saugus.

Individualized for independence

As part of the DDS-funded In-Home Support program, individuals and their roommates (alongside their Mentors) are responsible for planning their daily activities. This includes managing transportation, medical services and social engagements. Individuals regularly engage in a variety of stimulating and therapeutic activities that build cognitive, physical and social skills. We teach core life skills and responsibilities, including money management, personal health, career support and community relationships.

Commitment to our people

Communitas is committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their community.  By eliminating barriers, expanding opportunities and supporting independence, we empower our people to lead full and meaningful lives.  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.

Last month our Woburn nursing staff shared some important ways to keep ourselves safe on social media. What we choose to share on social media is always our decision, but what others choose to do with our information may not always be in our control. Here are a few tips to keep in mind and use to maintain safe boundaries and shield ourselves, the best we can from those that wish to scam us or be mean.

Know how to block and filter content.

Blocking unsafe websites, or websites that you might find upsetting, can be an important part of keeping yourself safe on social media sites. If you are not sure how to do this or when, seek out assistance from someone you trust.

Personalize your privacy settings

select options that limit who can view your information. Most platforms have security pages – check them out!

Pause before posting!

Before posting something, ask yourself if you are comfortable sharing this information or picture with everyone that may see it. Content that contains personal information such as where you live, where you keep your money should not be shared without much thought or discussion with a trusted family member, staff, skills instructor, or friend. You should also not post pictures or information about other people without their permission. You may think it is private… it is not… everything posted is out there and can be found if searched.

Look before you click!

If you get a suspicious sounding message or link from a friend/business through social media, like “please help me by buying gift cards , scratching off the backs and sharing the numbers” or claims that your data has been breached and you must share your social security or other private information… DON’T! These are scams. When in doubt… talk with a with a trusted person to verify request. NEVER SHARE PERSONAL INFORMATION OR SEND MONEY based on an internet or social media request.

Challenge this month:

Turn off social media and/or television one hour before going to sleep at night. Studies show that doing this helps us sleep better. Try it for a few days and see if you feel refreshed!

Olivier is part of the Family Support Services Respite/Skills matching program; staff are hired by Communitas and then interviewed by families to find the perfect match. After interviewing with L and his mom two and a half years ago, Olivier matched as a Skills Trainer for L and they have been learning, growing and having fun ever since!

Olivier and L are a perfect match.

“When I first started this line of work, I had no idea how much I’d learn and experience working with this young man. I can honestly say I’ve learned a whole new form of communication and experience joy of being able to help L grow! ” says Olivier. “This is more than just a job, since I feel a whole new kind of warmth from being able to make him smile, and help his family to the point where I feel part of it.”

It’s a part-time job with a lifelong impact.

Family Support Skills Trainers and Respite Providers work one-on-one with people who have Developmental Disabilities living at home with their families. Working with a wide age range from younger children all the way through older adults, these staff work directly under the supervision of the individual’s family and will receive oversight by a Communitas Family Support Coordinator. Skills Trainers and Respite Providers match with families to work on skills and goals designed specifically for the individual.

“L and Ollie have a brotherly bond that he doesn’t have with other therapists”

L’s mom says, “L and Ollie have a brotherly bond that he doesn’t have with other therapists.  They are besties.  Having Ollie as L’s skills trainer has been a blessing in our family, and we are very grateful of the progress they have made and are thrilled to have him as part of our therapeutic home team.”

Do you enjoy getting out in the community and doing fun activities? Would you like to earn a competitive wage while supporting others to explore their communities? Then think about joining our Family Support Respite Provider/Skills Trainer Team! To learn more about Family Support Skills Instructors and Respite Providers contact our Human Resources Associate Tanner Moquin at 781-587-2242.

Family Support Skills Trainers and Respite Providers work one-on-one with people who have Developmental Disabilities living at home with their families. Working with a wide age range from younger children all the way through older adults, these staff work directly under the supervision of the individual’s family and will receive oversight by a Communitas Family Support Coordinator. Skills Trainers and Respite Providers are matched with families to work on skills and goals designed specifically for the individual.

Chase lives at home with his grandmother, who is his full-time caregiver. John recently matched with the family and began working with Chase as a Respite Provider, and what a match it is! John will take Chase out on fun adventures to provide his grandmother with a little break, and to help Chase to explore his community. This past weekend they went to Roller World and had a great time playing arcade games. They also plan to go swimming, and to the zoo, and maybe even the aquarium!

A rewarding and fulfilling part-time career

Do you enjoy getting out in the community and doing fun activities? Would you like to earn a competitive wage while supporting others to explore their communities? Then think about joining our Family Support Respite Provider/Skills Trainer Team! To learn more about Family Support Skills Instructors and Respite Providers, visit our Career Opportunities page, or contact our HR Associate Tanner Moquin at 781-587-2242.

Individualized, family-centered services, programs, and support

Successfully caring for a loved one with developmental disabilities requires a strong and reliable partner; one who will provide moral support and offer guidance through necessary steps in an effort to secure the right services and programs to fit your unique set of needs. Every family relationship we have is built on open one-on-one communication. We focus on relieving the stress of care-giving while enabling individuals to successfully live with their families across their lifespan and in their community.

Relationships, guidance, growth

With over six decades of experience providing assistance and strengthening families’ capacities to support their family members. We are experts that provide pertinent information and advocacy, help with the procurement and coordination of in-home support and coordinate networking opportunities.

A long history of empowering people

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

The Savings Bank Charitable Foundation was established in 1997. The Foundation supports non-profit organizations that serve residents of Wakefield, Lynnfield, Andover, Methuen, North Reading and surrounding cities and towns. Awards were granted based on a number of factors, including intended use of the funds by the organization , as well as the organization’s status as a publicly supported charity. Communitas recently received a grant of over $2,400 to provide weekly fitness classes for teens and adults with developmental disabilities.

The award was presented by Bob DiBella, left, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Savings Bank, and Therese Jarmusik, right, The Savings Bank Charitable Foundation Director. Judy Santa Maria, second from left, Director of Family Support, and Lauren Buttiglieri, second from right, Recreation Director, received this grant on behalf of Communitas.

Opportunities for physical activity result in increased fitness, better health and an improved overall quality of life. Getting out and moving is especially important during this period of time. So many of the people we support have been isolated during the pandemic. Look for our Fitness Classes running on Wednesday evenings in the parking lot at 30 Audubon Road.

The Savings Bank has eight offices located in the communities of Wakefield, Lynnfield, Andover, Methuen and North Reading.

Athletic activities, recreation, friendship and fun pave the way for a full and healthy life. Our barrier-free recreation program improves self-esteem and strengthens emotional and social skills through recreation sports, outdoor programs and social activities. Vital physical, motor skills and patterns are enhanced with invigorating group activities that build confidence while providing the key benefits of exercise. From indoor and outdoor activities to community outings, it’s a favorite part of the day for the people we serve.

Our Recreation Program is primarily funded by community grants. Though another important source is donations and contributions from community members like you. It simply wouldn’t be possible without your support. Join us on our mission to provide meaningful and healthy experiences for people with developmental disabilities. Your support to Communitas Recreation will provide critical support to this beloved program.

Julie Morabito is passionate about cleaning. This is evident on any work day as soon as she walks into the building. With every task she takes on, Julie brings with her a positive-ness and can-do attitude; a trait that any business owner would like to establish in all their employees. Julie’s joyful outlook seems to be her natural way of going about her business day to day.

Julie is a team member of the Wakefield Career Services Cleaning Crew who work at the Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham and Wakefield. She’s on a rotating schedule with six other team members who clean the organization’s Stoneham Office, Clubhouse and Teen Center, as well as their Wakefield Clubhouse. Currently, Julie has been focusing on the Stoneham facilities, stating that her favorite is the Teen Center in Stoneham. When asking Julie what tasks she likes best, Julie replied: “cleaning bathrooms, sweeping and vacuuming.”

When asked what her secret is to her cheerful outlook, Julie replied, “I’m a happy person. I like to have good days”.

In her free time, Julie also helps out at home with chores such as vacuuming and cleaning the living room and kitchen, as well as keeping her room neat. For fun, Julie shared that she enjoys playing with her dog Adrianne and dancing and bowling with the Wii game. She also likes animals, especially dogs, cats, horses and pigs, adding that she would like to work with animals in the future.

Promoting Independence with Career Services

Career Services are provided for individuals with developmental disabilities interested in job opportunities, volunteering, internships, and exploring vocational options. Communitas partners with community businesses that offer work opportunities in Group Supported Employment. One-on-one coaching and support are available for individuals who are work-ready and gainfully employed.

Integrated Groups

Integrated Groups provide support to those who prefer the option of attending our Day Program’s Life Skills learning, as well as opportunities to participate in vocational services.  This model incorporates a split schedule throughout the week, therefore individuals can participate in both Life Skills and Career Services. The Career Services component of Integrated Groups provides four areas of support that can be used as stepping stones to employment.

Individual Support

One-on-one coaching and support are available for Individuals who are work-ready or gainfully employed. Moreover, one-on-one job seeking and coaching takes place by using personal profile career plans. 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.

Community Based Day Support

Community-Based Day Support is available for those who want to learn about vocational opportunities. This includes visiting job sites, vocational skill-building, and gaining community connections. Examples include certified training opportunities in money management, or developing safety skills in the home provided by local firefighters at a Sheriff Department.  

Group Employment

Our Group Employment Program supports a number of individuals in paid employment opportunities with staff on-hand to support group-based work. Communitas has partnerships with a number of companies that provide Group Employment opportunities to our Communitas Career Services. 

On March 25th, Family Support met with the DDS Area Office for a Quality Review. During this meeting, we reflected on the work that was done in the past year, and identify areas of focus for the future.

Judy SantaMaria and Paula Thompson met with the Metro North Area Director, Assistant Director and Program Manager and the new Regional Director of Family Support for the first Quality Review since the start of the pandemic.  Much of conversation centered upon areas of focus for the upcoming year. 

Four focus areas identified:

Intensive Transition Supports

This is a new program which offers intensive case management for families of youth and young adults as they navigate the transition from school to adult services.  Moreover, this program will also offer a Sharing Group for parents and Open Family Support hours at Malden and Everett High Schools.

Intensive Older Caregiver Supports

Family Support services are traditionally directed toward to meeting the needs of the person with a disability.  Caregivers often have extensive needs as well . Therefore this program will provide the vehicle to focus our work on the caregiver’s needs. In addition, this program will include training and time together with other caregivers.

Recreation

Recreation is back! We are pleased to announce our new Recreation Director, Lauren Buttiglieri.  This spring we will offer bowling, dance, and circuit training.  Furthermore, as we continue to safely move forward, we will offer more programs for participants of all ages and abilities.

Expansion info Underserved Communities

The  Family Support Center is focusing on increasing our visibility in the City of Everett.  We will begin by offering Transition Open Hours in Everett High School. We hope to partner with the community to better meet of needs of people with disabilities in the Everett community.

Relationships, guidance, growth.

With over six decades of experience providing assistance and strengthening families’ capacities to support their family members, we are experts that provide pertinent information and advocacy, help with the procurement and coordination of in-home support and coordinate networking opportunities.

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.

We empower our people to lead full and meaningful lives; eliminating barriers, expanding opportunities and supporting independence. 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.

Eric Frustaci has an infectious smile and laugh with a great sense of humor. He also has a never-ending list of work ideas. These ideas stem from a curiosity in the search for meaningful work. Eric never brings negativity or obstacles he may face into the discussion when sharing his work ideas. He pictures himself working at the job because he either likes something about it or it is achieving his goal. His can-do attitude is refreshing. As an around-the-clock advocate for people with disabilities, Eric’s work ideas often include spreading awareness of the capabilities of people with disabilities in the workplace.

“I like to encourage people to do the right thing by doing things for themselves to be more positive”.

Born in Naples, Italy, Eric arrived in America in 1990 and could only speak a few words of English. After arriving, he finished high school and became fluent in English. That’s right, Eric is bilingual! Learning English has served him well during speaking engagements. Eric has facilitated presentations to Wakefield Day Services on topics of human rights and to increase understanding and respect for people with disabilities. He has also participated as a facilitator for New Hire Orientation in the past.

Eric has a long list of occupations and volunteer activities on his resume. He has been a painter, activities assistant, assembler, and a stock / sales associate. He’s also worked as a file clerk, bell ringer, library assistant, clerical assistant, and patient visitor. One of his favorite jobs was working as a sales clerk at the Snack Shack at the Hall Memorial Pool in Stoneham. Among his latest work ideas, Eric would like to become involved in Veteran services. When asked about his reasons for working with Vets, Eric replied that he likes to work with people in general.

“Working with Vets is a way to show gratitude for what they did for their country; for serving their country”.

Since March of 2020, Communitas has worked hard to mitigate risk to our staff and families, while still providing the supports and services that our families need, deserve, and expect. During the initial shut-down, our Day Services Division provided remote services to all their participants. Our Family Support Division transitioned to telehealth, providing support via telephone calls and home visits on Zoom, Facetime or Teams. Our Residential Services Division, like the rest of the country, stayed home. This meant being inventive in keeping people engaged in learning, growing, and staying connected to their friends and families.

While none of these measures were perfect, they were necessary to slow the spread of the pandemic and to keep people safe.

And, for the most part, these measures were successful. Many people were able to return to in-person Day Services. Family Support home visits were once again being done in person. Folks supported by our Residential Division were able to enjoy getting out and doing the normal activities of daily living.

During this time, new variants have arisen and updated information has been released on the most effective ways to stay safe.

In response, Communitas developed a team of agency staff who were consistently reviewing our safety protocols and revising them as needed. This group is known as our Continuity of Operations Planning Team, or COOP, and consists of Division Heads, front-line supervisors and other key employees. The COOP team meets three times a week via conference call. This allows us to stay current with ongoing health status, to react to trends, and to plan ahead. Suggestions from the programs are reviewed, with input from our nursing staff, maintenance crew and Safety Committee.

As we move forward, we will continue to strive for balance between providing critical services while mitigating risk from this pandemic.

Trusted Sources

• CDC COVID Data Tracker
• Mass.gov COVID-19 Updates and Information

On December 27, 2021, the CDC updated guidance for isolation and quarantine periods for the general population, saying, “Given what we currently know about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation for the public. People with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter. The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.”

Click here for a flowchart that can be an easy reference to follow if symptomatic, diagnosed, or in close contact with with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

The following is attributable to CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky: “The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society. CDC’s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses. These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives. Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather.”

As always, please stay safe, and let your program’s Director know if you have symptoms, if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, or if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

TRUSTED SOURCES:

• CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population
• Mass.gov: About COVID-19 isolation and quarantine