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Greetings from the CEO,
Last month, we talked about a theme that we intend to address in upcoming newsletters, that of Access to Services...how to help families better understand and navigate the complex and confusing safety net, and find the help they need to live healthy and productive lives. In this August newsletter, the Family Corner will provide some tips and resources to provide direction for those in need. The "Real Story" is from "Ted's" mother and she tells a compelling story of the search, and finding the help they needed, and what it means for their family.
Be sure to look over the flyer and sign up for the agency's second "Family Voice and Choice" Conference, entitled Getting Real About Family Voice & Choice-Diverse Family Structures. This conference sold out early last year so be sure to register soon. And while you're at it, think about participating in our "High Five 5K" Road Race event coming up soon.
A busy month...so much to do...!
Earl "Skip" Stuck |
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 Family Continuity, NFI & PPAL to Host Conference
Getting Real About Family Voice & Choice Part II
Diverse Family Structures
Not all families are the same, in fact they are as unalike as individual people are. No matter whether you belong to a traditional or a non-traditional family, nothing is more important than learning how to be a strong and supportive family. Join us in honoring all families and plan to attend Getting Real About Family Voice and Choice: Diverse Family Structures on September 20, 2012...follow this link for conference details.
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The Family Corner
Navigating the System
It is like being lost in a strange city, you don't know the buildings, streets or landmarks, and everyone is speaking a language you've never heard before. When you ask for directions, they don't understand you, worse yet, they all seem to be rushed, and irritated that you are asking for help at all. Finally, someone seems to understand you a little and points across the river to another city and motions that this is where you want to go. You trudge across the bridge (which is falling apart and in serious need of repair) and lo and behold, the first person you see, you ask for help, and they speak a totally different language, and the whole mess starts all over again.
Sound like a nightmare? It is. But it is also the way one parent described her experience when she was trying to get behavioral support services for her daughter. Continue reading here... |
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Program Highlights
Family Continuity Offices Wrap Up Their "All Staff Day Fun"
Our Plymouth Office Had a Whale Of a Good Time
 | Plymouth Staff & Senior Administrators Enjoying a
Day on the Water 2012 |
The Plymouth staff spent the day on the water - along with many, many whales which the staff thought were extraordinarily kind and thoughtful to present themselves so closely for viewing. Thanks also to the weather man as a questionable forecast evolved into a wonderful, sunny and perfect day for whale watching. The day turned out to be a grand time for all with plently of time to chat amongst friends while relaxing and viewing the whales. In addition to the great whale watch and a wonderful lunch that was had by all John Hammond was recognized for 5 years of service to Family Continuity.
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The Whitinsville/Worcester Office Enjoyed Theatrics in the Park
The Whitinsville/Worcester staff site day took place at Arrowhead Acres in Uxbridge. The day had a mixed theme with a barbeque and "make your own sundae" for food and luau decorations and music. Nine staff volunteered to put on a murder mystery and did a great job with their roles including the Irish accent. The morning set up started out with thunder showers but then cleared as staff arrived for the day. The day was filled with food, laughter and raffles for gift cards, baskets and table centerpieces. The planning committee of four staff each contributed theme baskets for the raffle. The themes included beach, movies, gardening, wine, golf, arts and crafts, coffee and relaxation.
Many thanks to the planning committee and the volunteers for the murder mystery for making it a fun day. In addition, the following staff were recognized for their years of service to the agency: Laura Bleakney (20 years), Sandra Clarke (15 years), Christine Cnossen (10 years), Erin Gallagher, Misty Stebbins, Marianne Auger, Donna Grant, Kathleen Korycki, Jessica Logan (5 years). |
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Please help us grow our mailing list.
Forward this issue to a friend or colleague and encourage them to sign up. |
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Real Stories
Ted's Story
A major reason why it is hard to find the services you need to help your child is because what they need may not be so easily categorized, it may not be funded, or it may be a combination of things that are unique to the needs of a particular person. There is no cook book. Instead, a child and parent needs to be listened to, options explored, and an individualized plan created. When this happens, lives can change. 
I would like to tell you how helpful and positive the staff and services provided by Family Continuity have been to my family.
My 15 year old son, Ted, has had many emotional difficulties over the years, yet was never given a clear diagnosis or effective treatment. Although I took him to numerous counselors and evaluations for over 8 years, nothing seemed to work and his behavior never improved significantly. About two years ago, our family consisting of Ted, his sister Sandy, now 13, and I started treatment with Family Continuity. After a while, the therapist who works with Ted suggested we get another evaluation, and then proceeded to find us several places that not only took our insurance, but had appointments open in the near future. Ted soon got an evaluation and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder that allowed us to move forward. As a result, Ted was started on medicine that did make some difference, and the evaluation revealed some other medical problems he had as well. Continue reading Ted's story here... |
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Come Walk or Run with Us on October 6th
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Lace up your sneakers and start training today! The Mullet Marathon will be hosting a High Five, 5K to benefit Family Continuity on Saturday, October 6th in beautiful Sandwich, MA on the Cape. Follow the link and register today at www.highfive5k.com and don't forget to spread the word to your friends and family. Hope to see you all on October 6th! |
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Looking to Give Back? Volunteers Needed. 
Volunteers wanted to help us support family success in every community! Volunteers are needed in all of our hub locations (Beverly/Peabody, Hyannis, Lawrence, Plymouth & Whitinsville/ Worcester).
We don't need much of your time, we simply need some of your time!
Click here to view a list of our available volunteer opportunities.
Volunteers interested in working with us do not need to have a human services background but must share in a strong commitment to supporting families. Volunteer opportunities vary by location with all sites looking for volunteers who can commit to working a set number of hours per week or month or who can help complete a specific time limited-job/project.
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Family Continuity's Mission Statement:
Supporting family success in every community by empowering people, enhancing their strengths, and creating solutions through partnerships to achieve hope, positive change and meaningful lives.
Agency Values: Family, Community, Advocacy, Leadership, and Change
Treatment Philosophy, founded on the belief that positive change is always possible:
* The most effective treatment provides a continuity of care, acknowledging that connected, relevant supportive services to clients/client families promote recovery, stability, self advocacy and permanency in the midst of changing needs.
* Therapeutic change occurs in the context of a dynamic treatment partnership between clients and helpers that is founded on choice, respect, honesty, and a shared responsibility for and participation in the development of solutions.
* Effective treatment is empowering and strength-based, recognizing that all clients possess resources for change and that change is possible when these resources are utilized.
* Creating meaningful lives starts with identifying goals and connecting that to individualized, flexible and creative treatment planning that incorporates a client's family/community relationships, culture, and context. |
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