ANNUAL REPORT - MHA Inc.

1 ANNUAL REPORT 2 is dedicated to providing high quality, individualized and flexible residential and support services that promote independence, community engagement and wellness for people impacted by mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, homelessness and other from the Board Chair and PresidentWE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT THIS ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUR PARTICIPANTS AND OUR added four new programs this year, enhancing services provided across all divisions. Magazine Commons opened in November after more than four years of planning, collaboration and development and is now home to 16 people receiving services from the Department of Mental Health (DMH). In May we opened a new Safe Havens program in Westfield which is home to 7 people who had been chronically homeless. This program is also funded by DMH. We also opened two new homes as part of the statewide initiative to move people with brain injuries out of nursing homes and back into the community.

2 These homes have 4 residents each and are funded by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).As a result of this program expansion we were able to increase the nursing services we provide to our participants. Our nursing team now consists of 5 full time nurses who share a passion for community nursing. The impact they make on the quality of life of our participants is evident on a daily basis. We also welcomed a new Clinical Director, Jenn Molina, who has increased the breadth and depth of the staff training we provide and has created new groups at many of our sites that have been enthusiastically received by our continue to celebrate the accomplishments of our participants while making improvements to the organization that positively impact their wellbeing, recovery and growth. We recognize that the quality of our services depends on the day to day work of our direct support staff who make meaningful connections with participants and assist them in pursuing their individual goals.

3 We greatly appreciate their dedication and compassion, as well as the leadership, vision and collaboration of our management team. We also thank the Board of Directors for their ongoing commitment to MHA and its mission. yCharlene Mazer Board ChairJoan Ingersoll President and CEOMHA 2016 ANNUAL REPORT | 3 WMagazine Commons Open4 | MHA 2016 ANNUAL ReportON NOVEMBER 23rd WE CELEBRATED THE OPENING OF MAGAZINE COMMONS, A 16 UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING THAT REPLACES HOUSING THAT WAS DESTROYED IN THE TORNADO OF 2011. esigned by Studio One Architects of Springfield and built by Construction of Ludlow, Magazine Commons is an architecturally compatible addition to the neighboring McKnight Historic District that aligns with the City of Springfield s revitalization years in the making, the project required the dedication and collaboration of many partners and funders. In addition to rental assistance provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Magazine Commons received funding and support from the City of Springfield, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the Massachusetts Community Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Mass Development Authority, the Affordable Housing Program of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and People s United to the MHA offices on Worthington St.

4 , Magazine Commons is home to 16 individuals receiving services through the Department of Mental Health (DMH). The residents are delighted with their new home, which features a large community kitchen, laundry facilities on each floor, staff offices and an outdoor patio and gazebo. They have been enjoying art and cooking classes, social events, holiday celebrations and a variety of groups facilitated by both residents and staff. yDMHA 2016 ANNUAL REPORT | 5 For David, who lost his home in the 2011 tornado, Magazine Commons represents a new beginning. Since moving to his new apartment David says he has been engaging in activities that positively impact his mental health and wellness. He believes his connections with staff and residents have helped him gain insight and boost his self esteem. David is grateful for the support he receives from the Magazine Commons community and says it has motivated him to stay positive, advocate for himself and think about his future.

5 YRoxxy moved to Magazine Commons from a group home and likes the independence of having her own apartment. Living on her own has helped her believe that she can lead a successful and meaningful life. Being surrounded by people she trusts has enabled her to feel comfortable moving forward with her gender transition. yI have definitely noticed increased self- esteem and confidence among the residents. This environment shows them they are worthy of a nice home and a supportive community. ~ AlannaThe outreach team at Magazine Commons has also seen positive effects from stable, high quality housing and a supportive environment. Having an accepting community of people with shared experiences has helped residents develop relationships, build skills and set goals. Magazine Commons Outreach TeamRoxxyMC residents ~ David pictured on rightMagazine Commons Outreach Team6 | MHA 2016 ANNUAL ReportPreacherman s New ApartmentRANDOLPH H.

6 LESTER, 76, HAS LIVED IN AND AROUND SPRINGFIELD SINCE HE WAS A BOY. nce employed as an engineer working on bridges and highways, Randolph became homeless 30 years ago due to struggles with addiction and his separation from his family. He became known around Springfield as Preacherman because of his passion for reading aloud from the Bible and sharing its teachings with others. He is proud of this nickname as well as his local most of the past 30 years Preacherman has lived in woods, cars, alleys, and hallways and has been in and out of jail. He said that recent concerns about his health and safety led him to accept support from both Friends of the Homeless and MHA. After spending time in the hospital and the Worthington St. shelter he connected with Deb Ayers, a member of MHA s Homeless Outreach team. Deb helped him apply for food stamps and qualify for subsidized housing.

7 Deb said it was important to both of them to find an apartment where he would feel safe. He is vulnerable; he has been victimized and traumatized on the street. He obtained his own apartment, complete with new furniture, in July and says he is finally beginning to feel happy and more hopeful about his future. His priorities are to reconnect with his children and grandchildren and to maintain his sobriety. yI feel stronger than I have in a long time. I m sleeping better now because I m not nervous or jumpy like I was on the street. ~ PreachermanOPreacherman with Deb AyersMHA 2016 ANNUAL REPORT | 7 Brain Injury ProgramsMHA OPENED TWO NEW RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS FOR PEOPLE WITH ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURIES, ONE IN SPRINGFIELD AND ONE IN CHICOPEE. ach program is home to four people who had previously been living in nursing homes. Each resident has their own bedroom and selected their individual furnishings and d cor.

8 Many are originally from Western MA, and the move has made it easier for them to connect with family homes are funded by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) in compliance with the Hutchinson v. Patrick settlement agreement. This agreement stipulates that by 2019 Massachusetts must provide home and community-based services to 1174 people with brain injuries who have been residing in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. yClyde Munn appreciates the quiet of having his own room and says he has more independence and control over his day to day life than when he lived in a nursing home. He enjoys the staff, the food and his friendship with Bill, who also lives in the house. Bill Joslin also likes having his own room and finds his new home is easy to get around. He says the quality of the food is much better than in the nursing home and he likes sharing meals with the other residents.

9 He enjoys Clyde s company and looks forward to visits with his family. yEPictured left to right, Bill Joslin and Clyde Munn8 | MHA 2016 ANNUAL ReportI ve been a nurse for almost a decade and have always worked in the mental health field. It is incredibly rewarding working with people living in the community who are pursuing their recovery goals. As a new addition to the MHA team I look forward to continuing to serve as an advocate, a resource, and a support for all of the people that we work with. ~ Corrina RileyI chose community nursing because of the opportunity to establish one on one rapport with each individual. Establishing that kind of relationship builds trust which provides better insight into each person s needs. My nursing role includes physical assessments, education, confidence building, attending MD visits as an advocate, engaging additional services when needed, and overseeing medication administration.

10 Being a nurse with MHA has allowed me to work with the participant, family and support staff as a team to ensure the best quality of life for each individual. ~ Laurie DegasseI have worked in other settings throughout my nursing career but prefer community mental health because I feel I can make a difference here. Our participants are often underserved by the medical community and I think they get better care when providers know that a nurse is in the participant s corner looking out for them. I spend a lot of time making sure that all providers are on the same page. It is very rewarding being part of a team that helps people make progress. ~ Kris StackI feel strongly that what we do here at MHA is what true nursing is supposed to be like. We are able to spend time focused on how best to help the people we support. We want to make sure people are healthy and we will do whatever it takes to make that happen.