The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.

People Incorporated
2019 Annual Report
www.peopleinc-fr.org

Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Published by People Incorporated FR, 2020-03-18 12:25:09

PI Annual Report 2019

People Incorporated
2019 Annual Report
www.peopleinc-fr.org

1

DIFFERENT PATHS COMMON GROUND

People Incorporated | 2019 Annual Report

2

People Incorporated is a forward-thinking human
service agency staffed by caring people who are
proud to create opportunities for children, adults,
and families throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

At a Glance

Message From Our Leaders
2019 Highlights
Guided Journey to Full Potential
Going the Extra Mile for Education
Leading Collaborative Efforts
Creating a Trail of Memories
Swinging on a Course for Future Success
Driven by Passion
Walking into a New Chapter
Going the Distance to Enjoy Life
Opportunities to Exciting Adventures
Steps Toward Health
Footprints of Patience and Love
Paving the Way for the Future

3

Our mission is to strengthen our community
for each of its members by providing premier
services for children and adults of all abilities in

a collaborative and creative environment.

4

PRESIDENT & CEO’S MESSAGE

As President and CEO of People Incorporated, it is an Megan Scheffer
honor to report that the Agency had another remarkable President & CEO
year of performance and growth! As I look back on the
many accomplishments of 2019, it is clear that what is most
worthy of celebration is our people – staff, board members,
individuals, families, volunteers, community partners, and
donors – who collectively bring our mission to life.

A team from People Incorporated joined staff from MassDevelopment, partners from
the Transformative Development Initiative, and numerous community organizations
to pull off “Taste Fall River,” a downtown revitalization event held the evening of April
23rd, that drew over 450 people to stroll the streets and visit area restaurants and
businesses. This inaugural event is just one of many planned to foster community
pride and draw more attention and investment to Fall River. It was a pleasure to work
hand-in-hand with our many neighbors in this endeavor.

Our staff and Administrative Management Team got busy opening our fourth beautiful
home that is fully customized and fully accessible for individuals with Acquired Brain
Injury (ABI). Employees selected to work in this home received in-depth training to
address the personal, medical, and social needs of the individuals living there. We
are so proud that our Agency provides these services and ancillary supports, and we
look forward to opening additional homes to meet these needs in the future.

We know that our greatest asset is our employees and that we must continue to offer
first-class orientations, training, and professional development to them. This year, we
opened the People Incorporated Learning and Development Center – a dedicated
training space equipped with functional hospital beds, medical equipment, and a full
range of student amenities, including audiovisual equipment, internet access, WiFi,
and additional technology, to ensure an outstanding learning experience.

This year also saw us take another major step forward. I was privileged to work
alongside COO Bill Perkins, CFO Liz Machado, the Administrative Management Team,
and Board of Directors as we scoured the area for a suitable property to house the
necessary expansion of our preschool. After many stops and starts, the search finally
culminated in the purchase of four acres of land on Weaver Street that is the future
home to our new state-of-the-art, fully accessible Early Education Center.

Over the past year, our professional, caring staff and the numerous strong community
partnerships we formed helped us meet any challenges we faced and kept us on the
path towards adaptation, growth and positive change so that People Incorporated
will stay relevant and true to our mission – creating positive impact through the
innovative programming and premier services we provide to children, adults, and
families throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. I cannot wait until our 2020 report
to announce more progress!

Message From Our Leaders 5

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, it is my pleasure David Bedard
to congratulate everyone on another year of exceptional Chair
performance brought about by what I believe is the best Board of Directors
professional and direct support staff our region has to offer.
The combination of professionalism, competence, a united
sense of purpose, and the enormous passion of our
employees ensures People Incorporated’s place as a
leader in quality care and premier service.

In this annual report, you will find the stories of a myriad of children, adults, and
families that People Incorporated serves, a sampling of the achievements from the
past year, and some well-deserved recognition for the dedicated staff who make
it all possible. You will read in this report about Ida May Pierce, who retired this
year after working with People Incorporated for 35 years. There are many ways to
measure the success of an organization, but I believe that longevity is certainly a
factor. Thank you, Ida May, for your years of service!

As one of the largest human service agencies in Southeastern Massachusetts
employing more than 850 staff, we have a responsibility to lead this organization
on the continued path of success in being sustainable, recognizing and rewarding
staff, ensuring quality services, and embracing growth. We will soon enter the
planning and design phase for the People Incorporated Early Education Center,
which is another giant leap forward on the Agency’s path to success. This new
center will provide innovative services and programs that support families and
give children the tools they need to grow and learn and experience a bright future.
What an exciting time!

I am so very proud to serve as chair of this wonderful Agency, and the year ahead
looks bright with many new opportunities upon which to embark. I look forward to
working alongside Megan and her Administrative Management Team, the Board of
Directors, and the committed and caring staff of People Incorporated to make our
community a better place for the many people we serve.

6

Spring

In March, staff in our Residential Services Division received an award from the Massachusetts
Department of Developmental Services at the State House in recognition of their efforts to
address the complex age-related issues of individuals in one of our Somerset residences.
Renovations were completed on the People Incorporated Learning and Development
Center in the spring of 2019. This space, equipped with three functional hospital beds and two
different types of Hoyer lifts, incorporates classroom, visual, and tactile approaches to deliver
comprehensive trainings for employees.
People Improving Communities and Neighborhoods, Inc. (PICAN), an affiliate of
People Incorporated, partnered with the City of Fall River through its Community
Development Agency and Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School to complete
a single family home in the Maplewood area of Fall River. Low and moderate-income
individuals were able to apply to purchase the affordable property through an open lottery
process to achieve their dream of homeownership.

2019 Highlights 7

Summer

PICAN partnered with the City of Taunton to complete its fourth project – 3 bedroom rental
units in a construction triplex located in the Weir District of Taunton. Available through an open
lottery application process, this initiative aligned with PICAN’s goal of improving communities and
promoting quality housing opportunities in our neighborhoods.
We partnered with the City of Fall River in the summer of 2019 on “Hortensia: The Hydrangea
Project,” an initiative aimed at linking us closer to the Azores, where hydrangeas are abundant,
and making downtown Fall River an attractive place for residents and visitors.
On July 11, we collaborated with The Narrows Center for the Arts and the City of Fall River to host
the 7th annual Block-A-Palooza. Thanks to the support of the event’s sponsors, BayCoast Bank,
Bristol County Savings Bank, and Mechanics Cooperative Bank, more than 1,000 people enjoyed
the concert featuring headliner Samantha Fish, and opening act, The National Reserve.
During the summer we launched a partnership with an online marketplace that provides the best
fresh food from nearby sources. This ensures that the individuals in our residential homes have
access to fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms. Cooking classes were offered to help staff
incorporate these fresh foods into healthy meals. Employees throughout the Agency were given
access to purchase locally sourced food at a significant discount.

8

Fall

The 7th annual Kids-A-Palooza was held in Downtown Fall River on October 5th. Hundreds of
families attended the event and participated in a number of interactive activities – including arts
and crafts, a petting zoo, games, face painting, and more – that were offered by our Agency and
a variety of community organizations.
In November, staff members representing our Agency’s different departments joined together
to distribute 265 Thanksgiving baskets to families we serve. Each basket included a turkey
and a variety of ingredients to help these families prepare classic side dishes for a delicious
Thanksgiving meal.

2019 Highlights 9

Winter

Employees throughout our Agency marched in the 35th Annual Fall River Children’s Holiday
Parade on December 7, 2019. Our Parade Committee created a “Santa’s Toy Factory” float for
the event, which featured wrapped gifts, oversized classic children’s toys, and a Christmas tree
with decorations made by participants in our Day Habilitation program.

In early December, individuals in our Day Habilitation program decorated a tree in Fall River’s
Government Center to participate in the annual Festival of Trees. Using “Winter Wonderland”
themed ornaments that they created, these individuals added a festive and creative tree to this
community event.

10 Guided Journey to Full Potential

The SouthCoast Mentoring Initiative for been a part of such a transformative
Learning, Education, and Service experience, “SMILES made a big impact
(SMILES) is changing the lives of youth in on my life, and we were very lucky to
our local community. An affiliate of People have been paired together for so long.”
Incorporated, this program pairs students
in need with a caring adult mentor who Pamela Martin and her mentee Aneicia
encourages them to reach their full are another example of the benefits a
potential. Mentors are made up of lasting mentoring relationship can have
dedicated volunteers who meet with on a student’s life. As a volunteer for the
their mentee during the school day for program who has previous experience
one hour a week. While the time working in the Fall River school system,
commitment is small, the impact of this Pamela values mentoring because she
relationship is monumental. enjoys seeing the emotional growth of
students. Having been matched since
One pair who demonstrate just how Aneicia was in elementary school, Pamela
meaningful SMILES can be in the life of shares, “I am glad I was able to follow
a young person is Scott Lopes and his Aneicia on to middle school.”
mentee Dhruv. The two were matched
in 2013 and continued to work together During the three years they have been
until Dhruv graduated from high school in paired together, Pamela has helped her
2019. Reflecting on their journey together, mentee understand the importance of
Scott says, “When I met Dhruv for the first being respectful of other’s opinions, being
time, I was excited to see what type of kind, and never giving up. Pamela has
impact I was able to make in his life. Six also helped Aneicia learn ways to feel
years later, I have to say Dhruv has turned calm when dealing with stress and to
into an exceptional young man that I am remember the good memories she has
very proud of.” of others. During their weekly mentoring
sessions, the pair meet in a group
Dhruv’s growth during their time together setting with other SMILES mentors and
was aided by the advice he received from mentees, where a Group Leader guides
his mentor, “The best piece of advice them through activities that align with the
Scott has given me is to never give up program’s newly implemented Project
on my goals and to work hard in school. Adventure curriculum. This approach
Scott always motivated me to do my best includes hands-on activities that are
and made me see results that I would not tailored to help students in their social
have personally dreamed of.” One way and emotional development.
Scott helped Dhruv reach his academic
goals was by encouraging him to play At the end of each session Pamela and
sports since this would hold him Aneicia get to enjoy one-on-one time.
accountable to keep his grades up – and During this time they enjoy working on
it worked. Dhruv explains, “As soon as I a variety of different activities together,
started playing sports in high school, my from playing games to talking about their
grades improved. Scott helped me realize pets. This special time has given the two
that in order to get the prize, I would need a chance to build a close bond, which is
to put in the work.” evident from Aneicia’s sentiment – “What
I like most about being in SMILES is
During the six years they were paired, talking to Pam; she’s a friend.”
Dhruv says that he and Scott formed “an
unbreakable bond,” and he goes on to
express just how thankful he is to have

11

SMILES
Mentoring

84% of mentees said SMILES inspired them to
67% try harder in school
113
of mentees say SMILES caused them to
come to school more often

mentor/mentee matches across 13 schools

12 Going the Extra Mile for Education

It was a rainy day on May 5, 2019, but the demonstrated an outstanding commitment
inclement weather did not stop more than to the event. BayCoast Bank, the event’s
200 runners and walkers from participating Title Sponsor for the 11th year in a row,
in the 11th Annual Miles for SMILES 5K was presented with the award for the Most
Road Race and Walk in the Fall River Creative Team. Mechanics Cooperative
Industrial Park. Supporters throughout the Bank’s President
community came together to raise funds and CEO Joseph
for the SouthCoast Mentoring Initiative for Baptista led the
Learning, Education, and Service (SMILES), race’s online
an affiliate program of People Incorporated fundraising efforts
that pairs students in need with a caring and received the
adult mentor. Top Fundraiser
award. Mechanics
The day began with families enjoying Cooperative Bank
face painting, a petting zoo presented by was this year’s
Blazing Saddles Pony Parties and Petting Presenting Sponsor, and the bank’s entire
Zoo, and a Kids’ Fun Run for children ages team, led by team captain John McMahon,
12 and under. Top finishers in each of earned the Top Fundraising Team award.
the three Kids’ Fun Run’s age categories
received a medal. Eastern Benefits Group was another
strong supporter of the event and
Following the Kids’ Fun Run, the 5K kicked served as a Community Level Sponsor.
off with mentors, community supporters, Mission Level Sponsors included Atlantic
and teams from local businesses Cleaning Co., Bearingstar Insurance,
participating as runners and walkers. Bristol Pacific Homes, Comp-Net
The top three male finishers were Jake Insurance, DarrowEverett LLP, The Lopes
Moniz (first place overall at 18:47), Angel Companies, and Saint Anne’s Hospital. In
J. Rosado (second place overall at 18:50), addition to the support of our sponsors
and Alex Pina (third place overall at 19:44). and volunteers, members of People
The top three female finishers were People Incorporated’s Board of Directors, Erin
Incorporated’s President & CEO Megan Bicho, Janice Carrigg, and Janna Lafrance,
Scheffer (23:43), Nichole Heering (24:53), provided guidance and support in the
and Jessica Vezina (26:57). Awards were planning stages that was instrumental to
also given out to the organizations who the event’s success.

Leading Collaborative Efforts 13

This past summer, 16 students This opportunity allowed these students
participated in People Incorporated’s to witness firsthand the meaningful
Urban Youth Collaborative program. difference that can be made in the lives
Part of the state-wide initiative of the of others by pursuing a career in
Department of Developmental human services.
Services, participating in this program
encouraged students to consider The pride the students’ supervisors
careers in the health and human had for their work throughout the
services field. Students gained on-the-job summer was evident at the program’s
training, hands-on experience, and culminating breakfast. At this event,
important life skills by completing an guests from the Department of
eight-week internship. Developmental Services, State
Representatives, and members
Our program is one of the 20 Urban of People Incorporated’s Administrative
Youth Collaborative Programs throughout Management Team gathered to
Massachusetts and is based out of the congratulate the students on
Community Engagement Center, an their achievement.
affiliate program of People Incorporated
that was developed to provide One of those most proud was Cory Silva,
additional supports for students Coordinator of People Incorporated’s
attending Fall River’s Resiliency Urban Youth Collaborative Program, who
Preparatory Academy. The Resiliency witnessed the growth of these students
Preparatory Academy and Atlantis throughout the course of their internships.
Charter School are both partners that Cory expressed his enjoyment of
help our Urban Youth Collaborative working with the students by telling the
program succeed. crowd, “This was a great year, and now
we celebrate the 16 students who
By the end of the summer, students in our completed their internships and all
program had completed internships within requirements of the eight-week program.
various areas of our agency, including We are so proud of their progress and
Camp Jack, Children’s Center, Day thankful for all of their hard work.”
Habilitation, Early Intervention, Extended
Day, Preschool, and Residential Services.

14 Supporting

In 2019 we unveiled the Diabetes
Association, Inc.’s (DAI) new logo,
seen below. An affiliate program
of People Incorporated, this fresh
look symbolizes the commitment
that DAI has to helping children
diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes,
and the hands-on approach we
take to inspire kids to practice an
active lifestyle.

Our programming is centered
around our goal of helping
children and their families
manage diabetes and access the
resources they need to reduce
the incidents of complications
and lead long and healthy lives.
These efforts include peer
education and outreach events,
the Youth Exercise Sports and
Supports (YESS) program, and
the Jack Rua Camp for Children
with Diabetes (Camp Jack).

The YESS program offers monthly
recreational activities during the
school year that encourages
children to be active in engaging
and creative ways. From hosting
bowling nights to events at
trampoline parks, DAI incorporates
fun while providing support to
children and families dealing

Children Creating a Trail of Memories 15

with Type 1 diabetes. As one parent
remarks, “The YESS program has
helped my diabetic son, along with his
siblings, to interact with others who
are going through and dealing with the
same emotions of living with diabetes.
Attending these events brings them
together in a comfortable setting with
familiar faces and friends made along
the way – in a way it’s a new family.”

DAI’s flagship program is Camp Jack,
a six week summer camp that offers
a safe and educational environment
for children with Type 1 diabetes, their
siblings, and their friends. Educational
and recreational activities are fun
and engaging to make sure campers
are having the best summer camp
experience. Campers learn about
diabetes management using Jerry the
Bear, a stuffed bear that comes with
a tablet app that children can use to
monitor Jerry’s blood sugar, dose him
with insulin, and count his carb intake.
For recreation, Camp Jack offers all of
the traditional camp experiences, like
sports, arts and crafts, archery, nature
explorations, and more. This past
camp season even offered guaranteed
weekly field trips to keep kids active
with new and exciting activities!

16

Jack Rua
Invitational

Swinging on a Course for Future Success 17

Monday, August 5, 2019 was a sunny Numerous community supporters and
summer day at Crestwood Country Club individuals generously offered support
in Rehoboth, MA, where more than 100 by donating the evening’s raffle and
golfers came together to show their auction prizes: Acoaxet Country Club,
support at the Jack Rua Invitational. Cardi’s Furniture, Crestwood Country
With the guidance of this year’s Club, Dennis and Peggy Read, Fall River
co-chairs, Dennis Read and Jason Rua, Country Club, Hannoush Jewelers,
and the support of the event’s Title Jay’s Wine and Spirits, Joe and Suzette
Sponsors, Mechanics Cooperative Bank Moniz, Moniz Winery, Narrows Center
and Rua-Dumont-Audet Insurance, this for the Arts, Rose Alley Ale House,
year’s fundraiser was one of the most Safety Insurance, Spindle City Insulation,
successful in the tournament’s history. Steamship Authority, The Galley Grille,
The Old Firehouse Smoke Shop, The
The proceeds from the event benefited Wharf Tavern, Traveler’s Insurance, Union
the Jack Rua Camp for Children with Mutual, and Walmart.
Diabetes, a unique summer camp
experience that offers youth with Apothecare Inc. demonstrated their
diabetes ages 5-14, along with their commitment to Camp Jack as the
siblings and friends, a chance to benefit event’s Diamond Level Sponsor and the
from hands-on lessons in diabetes Hydration Station Sponsor. Gold Level
education and management while Sponsors included BayCoast Bank,
enjoying a variety of fun activities D.E.G Associates, Harvard Pilgrim Health
like swimming, archery, and arts and Care, The Lopes Companies, Mutual of
crafts. Affectionately known as “Camp America, Partners Benefit Group, Read
Jack,” this program of the Diabetes Insurance & Financial Services, and
Association, Inc. is an affiliate of Southcoast Health.
People Incorporated. While the golfers
were on the green, Camp Jack’s
campers joined the fun with a field trip
to Crestwood Country Club – where
they had a delicious lunch from the
grill, swam in the pool, and enjoyed
an inflatable water slide provided by
Joe and Suzette Moniz of Crestwood
Country Club.

After the tournament, the golfers
gathered for dinner and a live
auction, silent auction, and raffle.
There were an abundance of
desirable prizes that could be won,
from a set of four Yankees vs. Red
Sox tickets to a $500 Hannoush
Jewelers gift card. As the night
came to an end many participants
commented on the event’s success
and how much they enjoyed seeing the
familiar faces who come together each
year to support Camp Jack.

18 Driven by Passion

People Incorporated’s 2019 Employee of support their loved ones” and her
the year is Rebecca Mello. Rebecca “advocacy, reliability, and compassion
began her career with our Agency in 2016 continuously earns the respect and trust
as a Direct Care Professional and has of the loved ones she supports as well as
since been promoted to an Assistant stakeholders.” These sentiments highlight
Program Operations Manager within our the outstanding work Rebecca has
Residential Services Division.
accomplished since starting her career
Rebecca received this honor at our with People Incorporated and we
annual Employee Recognition Dinner appreciate her demonstrated commitment
held on December 13th at White’s of to delivering premier services for the
Westport. Susan Raposa, Director of individuals in our Residential program.
Residential Services, presented the
award to Rebecca for exemplifying
compassion, accountability, and
dedication in her role.

The staff member who nominated
Rebecca for Employee of the Year
noted that she “has been identified
as a lead staff with a great attitude
which has positively impacted those
around her.” She is an inspiration
for newly hired employees, with her
nominator saying, “Rebecca’s passion
and mentoring inspired a new hire (relief)
to apply for a full time position within the
Residential Division.”

It is not only co-workers and newly hired
staff who have acknowledged Rebecca’s
hard work. She has been “recognized by
guardians and family members as someone
who has gone above and beyond to

Residential Services by the Numbers

142 Individuals served in 24-hour model
90 Individuals served in Individual Supports
33 24-hour homes
232 Individuals served in the Residential Division

Walking into a New Chapter 19

When Ida May Pierce began her career from the bottom of my heart for all of the
with People Incorporated on July 25, well wishes, support, and friendship
1984, she was unaware of the profound throughout all of the years.”
impact the Agency would have on her Not only did Ida love working with her
life. Over the course of her career, she peers because of the friendships she
worked in several positions, starting as a was able to form, but also because she
receptionist before moving on to become found helping individuals to be the most
the Human Resources Assistant, and meaningful part of her work. She says
later the Agency’s Executive Assistant. In she learned many important lessons from
2008, she started on a new path as the these individuals and that the lessons
Residential Office Manager. Ida served have helped her perservere throughout
in this role for the next 11 years, until her challenges she faced in her own life.
retirement in December 2019. In this
position, she was responsible for handling People Incorporated has undergone a
the daily on-call and any scheduling great deal of change since Ida’s first day
emergencies, ensuring that all licensing in 1984; the Residential Services Division
was up to date, and that the proper has more than doubled, new programs
Medication Administration Program (MAP) have been developed, and she has
policy was in place in each home. seen many of her peers become leaders
within the Agency, but Ida’s deep-rooted
While Ida’s career was filled with passion for her work has stayed the
professional achievements, ranging same. After 35 years Ida is starting a
from her promotions to being named new chapter as she enters retirement,
Employee of the Year in 2007, it was Ida’s however she is still keeping her co-
personal growth that made her the most workers and the individuals she has
proud. Initially shy and hesitant about helped support close to her heart, saying
taking on new roles, she continued to go “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.”
back to school and was encouraged by
her supervisor to take a class at Bristol
Community College that focused on
assertiveness. She credits this class,
along with her co-workers, with helping
her gain the confidence she needed
to keep moving forward. Gaining this
confidence helped Ida succeed and
throughout her years with People
Incorporated she was able to share her
value of education with others, inspiring
fellow employees to continue with their
education.

Reaching out to help her colleagues
was something Ida was well known for
around People Incorporated, as she
loved being able to work together with
different departments and considered
her coworkers to be a second family. Her
message to those she has worked with
expresses this close bond – “Thank you

20 Going the Distance to Enjoy Life

In February 2019, our Residential Services
Division proudly opened a new home in
Fall River. This home is our Agency’s fourth
residence dedicated to serving individuals
with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). By
expanding this area of service within our
Residential Program, we are able to offer
more individuals the chance to enjoy life in a
welcoming home rather than a nursing facility
or long-stay hospital setting.

The house is fully equipped to accommodate
the needs of adults living with Acquired Brain
Injury and quality care is provided 24-hours
a day by Licensed Nurses and Direct Care
Professionals. Staff in our newly opened
home, and all of our residences, are provided
with training specific to the unique needs of
those served in order to ensure that each
individual receives the best possible care
while enjoying life in their home.

Opportunities to Exciting Adventures 21

People Incorporated’s Family Support River, a tie dying t-shirt making event, a
Center (FSC) provides a variety of trip to Foxboro to visit The Hall at Patriot
services to support individuals and their Place, a holiday party with gingerbread
families in meeting their goals for a house decorating, and more. In the
fulfilling and meaningful life. One program future, participants are looking forward
offered through the Family Support to a movie night and ice cream social,
Center that helps individuals connect with a paint and appetizers with friends day,
the community is the Day Trip Squad. exploring state parks, a trip to Fenway
This social recreation group was first Park, learning to sail in Newport, and
formed in the spring of 2018 to provide more exciting adventures.
individuals between the ages of 18 and
35 on the autism spectrum with outings Beyond the events, Day Trip Squad
specifically designed to meet their needs. participants have a chance to connect
Day Trip Squad outings are meant to with each other through a designated
provide an opportunity for individuals to Facebook group that assists with
enjoy recreational activities while building communication and provides a forum
socialization skills and friendships. for socializing among members.
Communication efforts and the program
In 2019, this program expanded and now itself are looking to be expanded in the
offers a regular schedule of activities. near future, with the launch of a Day
By increasing the number of outings, Trip Squad newsletter that advertises
the individuals who participate now upcoming events and showcases articles,
have more opportunities to connect with poems, art work, and other contributions
others, something that can be a struggle from its members.
for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
We believe it is important to develop With these increased outreach efforts,
occasions where young adults on the we hope to engage all 43 participants
autism spectrum can come together, find who have expressed interest in the
support, and build social skills, since this program. There is also an opportunity to
interaction can prevent isolation and its expand our efforts by incorporating
consequences, such as loneliness and individuals’ entrepreneurial goals, like art
depression. The family members of these and cooking. We plan to include these
individuals also benefit from the Day Trip skills in future events to help the young
Squad; providing planned activities can adults in the Day Trip Squad achieve their
give respite to families from the constant goals beyond this recreational program.
coordination of this for their young adult.

While staff plan the logistics of the
activities and attend the outings to
provide support and guidance to the
individuals as needed, the Day Trip
Squad is largely self-directed. The
participants decide what is offered for
events – and the name Day Trip Squad
was even chosen by the individuals
who first participated. Some of the fun
activities that have been offered so far
include a trolley ride through historic Fall

22 Steps Toward Health 2019 Fall River Fitness
Challenge Results
At People Incorporated, we know
our greatest asset is the dedicated Won 4 out of the top 5 for individual participants
employees who work diligently Won 3 out of the top 4 for teams
each day to serve the individuals
in our programs. To help create a Staff Engagement
satisfying work environment for
these hardworking staff members, 147 Staff Participants
our Wellness Committee provides 4 Wellness Seminars
a range of activities designed to 7 Wellness Activities
improve employees’ physical and
emotional health. These activities are
voluntary and free opportunities for
People Incorporated employees to
enjoy recreational events with their
fellow co-workers.

Fall River Fitness Challenge
One of our most popular wellness
activities during 2019 was the Fall
River Fitness Challenge. From January
through April, several teams of People
Incorporated employees participated in
this annual event. This fun opportunity
provided staff with a way to get fit,
learn about healthy eating, and win
some great prizes throughout their
fitness journey. With access to local
gyms and a variety of fitness classes,
the challenge offered an array of
engaging sessions to keep participants
active. Not only did our employees
enjoy this wellness activity – they were
also big winners! Four out of the top

23

five individual participants in the challenge
were People Incorporated staff members,
along with three out of the top four teams.

Volleyball
Another wellness committee activity that our
employees enjoy taking part in is our indoor
volleyball league. Volleyball runs in eight
week sessions, with our employee team
taking on competitors each week at
Teamworks in Somerset, MA. This activity is
a favorite among our staff and is a great
opportunity for them to come together and
get to know employees from different
departments within our Agency. This year
our team showed that they can work together
just as well on the court as they do at work, as
they took home the trophy and were crowed
the 2019 volleyball champions!

Blue Hills Hiking Trip
Our Wellness Committee is always looking to
offer different experiences for our employees
to enjoy. After a hiking trip was highly
requested, a trip to Blue Hills Reservation in
Milton, MA was organized for mid-September.
Staff members enjoyed the warm weather,
getting to see the start of the fall foliage, and
taking in the picturesque views at the end of
the hiking trail. Participants represented a
variety of departments and the trip was a
perfect opportunity for team bonding as
they spent the day navigating the state park’s
different trails together.

24 Footprints of Patience and Love

At the 2019 Children’s Trust View
From All Sides Conference, Yohanna
Reus, a participant in our Healthy
Families program, received the
Family Recognition Award. Yohanna
is a first-time mom of 3-year-old
Hayley whose resilience has never
wavered when faced with challenges.

Her participation with Healthy
Families began three years ago,
after she moved to the United States
from Brazil. Initially, Yohanna’s visits
were conducted using a language
translation app, however she was
insistent on practicing her English
language skills and took ESOL
classes. After only a few months,
Yohanna’s visits were conducted
completely in English.

Yohanna reveals that her secret to
succeeding, even when times are
difficult, is to practice a combination
of her two guiding values, “patience
and love.” She is committed to raising
her daughter with love, music, and
lots of nurturing, which is obvious to
Healthy Families staff members who
have worked with her during her time
in the program. One staff member
says that she has learned a great
deal from the patience and love she
has witnessed during interactions
with Yohanna and Hayley.

Yohanna’s hard work to provide
stability for her daughter has not
gone unnoticed and it is clear to
those around her that she wants only
the best for Hayley. The Children’s
Trust Family Recognition Award is a
well-deserved honor to symbolize the
efforts Yohanna has made to create a
positive environment for her child.

Paving the Way for the Future 25

The end of 2019 marked a new
beginning for our Agency, as we
purchased four acres of land on
Weaver Street in Fall River to build
the People Incorporated Early
Education Center. This state-of-the-
art facility will be a fully accessible
preschool, and allow us to expand
our services to prepare more kids
in our community for kindergarten.
Currently, the People Incorporated
Preschool serves 155 children, while
the new 15,000 – 20,000 square foot
building will serve approximately 200
infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Since 2014, the current center has
been under People Incorporated’s
management. The expansion of the
Preschool was planned within a short
time of taking over the program from
the City of Fall River five years ago.
President and CEO Megan Scheffer
has expressed her excitement for
this new school, saying, “For three
years, I’ve been waiting for this
moment.” The new space will be
a safe and secure building with a
nurturing environment that helps to
foster each child’s maximum growth
and development. We look forward
to breaking ground on this new site
and paving the way for the future of
early childhood education in our city.

26

BOARD OF DIRECTORS William Burns
Southcoast Health
David Bedard, Chair of the Board
CompNet Insurance Solutions, Inc. Matthew Demarais
BMC Durfee High School
Jason Rua, First Chair
Rua-Dumont Audet Insurance Deborah Dutra
The Lopes Companies
Rene Lachapelle, Second Chair
RALCO Electric Renee Howayeck, Esq.
Law Office of Gary P. Howayeck, P.C.
James Wallace, Treasurer
BayCoast Bank Janna Lafrance
Lafrance Hospitality
Janice Carrigg, Clerk
Bristol Pacific Homes Dennis J. Read
Read Insurance & Financial Services
Joseph Baptista
Mechanics Cooperative Bank Kimberly Trahan
Southern Mass Credit Union
Erin Bicho
Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Co.

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM

Megan Scheffer, President & Chief Executive Officer
William Perkins, Chief Operating Officer
Elizabeth Machado, Chief Financial Officer
Kerry Budnick, Vice President of Finance
Catherine DeTerra, Vice President of Communications
Jerilyn Ingham, Vice President of Day Services
Beth Pelletier, Vice President of Human Resources

27

OPERATING EXPENSES BY DIVISION ($41 MILLION) 48%

16% Residential
Services
Day and Employment
Services

10%

Family Advocacy
and Community
Education

9%

Administrative
and General

17%

Children and

Youth Services

OPERATING EXPENSES BY CATEGORY ($41 MILLION) 74%

2% Personnel

Administrative

16%

Program

8%

Occupancy

28

Our Premier Services
and Programs:

Acquired Brain Injury Services
Adult Foster Care
Autism Services
Behavior Services
Children’s Center
Community Engagement Center at RPA
Community Playroom
Community Supports
Day Habilitation Life Skills Program
Day Services
Diabetes Association, Inc
Early Intervention
Early Intervention Partnerships Program
Elder Services
Employment Services
Environmental Concepts
Family Support Center
Healthy Families
Individual Supports
Jack Rua Camp for Children with Diabetes
Preschool
Residential Services
Shared Living
SMILES
Spiritual Connections
Training and Workforce Development
Transportation Division
United Partnerships Program
Urban Youth Collaborative
Welcome Family
Young Parents’ Learning Center

Main Office 1 Father DeValles Blvd. Taunton Office
4 South Main Street Suite 401 70 Main Street
Fall River, MA 02721 Fall River, MA 02723 Taunton, MA 02780
508 679 5233 tel 508 672 5671 508 822 9023
508 679 6211 fax
www.peopleinc-fr.org

Stay Connected


Click to View FlipBook Version