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Operations Update | Nursing Corner | Photo Gallery | 2022 Holidays | Inclement Weather Policy
An Update from Advocates Life Skills and Learning Center
I cannot believe summer is over and fall is coming to an end. There are many updates at Day Services! We welcomed four new staff to the program who are currently training and learning the ins and outs of Day Services. We've also recently shifted and added several staff positions and look forward to sharing more about those changes soon.
Over the past few months, we celebrated staff and all the work they do for those we support. We are fortunate to have dedicated staff, many of whom have been with us for 25+ years. From Spirit Week to small gifts and lunches, it has been a joy to recognize and thank our wonderful team.
MassHealth has taken over the funding for those that in the past received Supplemental Funding from DDS to support their loved ones in a 1:1 or small group setting. Guardians/family members who are part of this service would have received this information in the mail. Services are not changing and remain intact. However, please reach out with any questions you may have.
We are coming into the holiday season. Please be on the lookout for emails and flyers for our Friendsgiving Dinner and our Holiday Celebration Week in December.
We hope you all remain well.
Best!
Elizabeth Bardasz
Vice President of Developmental and Brain Injury Day Services
Operations Update
Update brought to you by Stephen Robery, Director of Operations
290 Eliot Street
After years of advocacy, we have received approval to add an additional bathroom to the Autism Day/CBDS area of our 290 Eliot Street site. The construction will take place at the end of November for roughly three weeks, and it should not impact programming in any way.
Tours
We continue to conduct tours for families to learn more about Advocates Life Skills & Learning Center. We are now offering tours during the day upon request! There are health and safety protocols in place for tours that occur during operating hours, which are discussed in detail upon scheduling.
Meetings
As with tours, we are now holding in-person meetings on site. We continue to have protocols in place, but we are excited to welcome families, caregivers, and other community members back to see each other in person..
Transportation
If anyone under your care is experiencing issues regarding their Day Hab transportation, please bring this to my attention as soon as possible. This will ensure that proper follow-up occurs and that concerns are addressed.
Nursing Corner
Update brought to you by Emily Donahue, Senior Healthcare Coordinator
Happy fall to everyone! It’s been a busy season here at the program, and we look forward to the holiday celebrations to come. A few reminders for everyone:
We encourage everyone to get their annual flu shot and COVID booster, if eligible, and send a record of these vaccinations to the nurse’s office. Please continue to be vigilant for any symptoms of illness. Stay home, or keep your loved one home, if sick.
As the weather gets colder, please ensure individuals are dressed accordingly and bring sweaters to be layered during the day, jackets to be worn outside, and appropriate footwear.
We have a small surplus of rapid COVID-19 test kits available for individuals and household members upon request. If you could benefit from these kits, please reach out to me by email. We will also receive 500 additional rapid COVID-19 tests that we will distribute after the first of the year. Stay well!
Photo Gallery
2022 Holidays
During the remainder of the 2022 calendar year, Advocates Day Services will be closed for the following holidays.
- Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 24, 2022
- Day after Thanksgiving – Friday, November 25, 2022
- Christmas Day (observed) – Monday, December 26, 2022
Please note that any additional vacations, including camps or time off, must be given in writing to the manager of the program. We ask for at least a two weeks' notice so that, if needed, we can alter programs, events, and staff scheduling.
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of snow or other severe inclement weather, we encourage individuals served to stay home due to dangerous travel conditions. Day Services may close during severe weather conditions to ensure the safety of all individuals.
Whenever possible, a decision by the Vice President of Day Services to close or delay the opening of the programs will be made two to three hours prior to the regular start time, if possible. The same applies for early program closures. If the program closes early due to weather, a manager will contact the residence of the individual to ensure someone will be there upon their return, if needed.
The phone greeting at the Life Skills and Learning Center will be updated to note either a weather-related delayed start or closure by 6:00 a.m. If an advance decision to close due to impending weather is made during programming, a notice will also go home with each individual in attendance. If you need additional information about weather-related closures, please feel free to email our Director of Operations, Stephen Robery, and/or the manager of your program.
About the Life Skills and Learning Center: Through our Day and Employment Services at the Life Skills & Learning Center, Advocates staff partners with adults who have disabilities and their families to customize experiences and activities uniquely suited to each person’s interests, skills, needs, and goals. Learn more at www.Advocates.org/LSLC.
