Charles River The Lamp Fall 2021 for Web - Flipbook - Page 1
Fall 2021
THE LAMP
TOGETHER, WE CAN – CELEBRATING OUR
AMAZING CHARLES RIVER CENTER EMPLOYEES
2021 Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
D
irect Support Professional Recognition Week is a nationwide celebration recognizing the Direct Support workforce for
their commitment and dedication to individuals with disabilities.
Since the deinstitutionalization movement of the 1970s, the duties of the DSP have evolved from that of a simple caregiver
to individuals with disabilities to someone who is an integral part of a person’s life – providing comprehensive, personcentered support to promote independence and community inclusion.
Charles River Center proudly joined in this year’s celebration, which was held from September 13th-17th. During this weeklong celebration, we honored our own amazing DSPs with gift cards and candy, notes of appreciation, and an appreciation
video, which was compiled with thank you clips provided by grateful Charles River Center families and community members.
Staff Appreciation Week
October 18th-October 22nd was staff
appreciation week at the Charles River
Center. It was a time to celebrate
ALL our amazing employees and
to let them know how much we
truly appreciate their dedication and
hard work, especially during these
challenging times. The theme of the
week was “Together, We Can,” which
was meant to highlight and celebrate
the strength and collaboration we have
demonstrated as an organization,
as we continue to navigate our way
through this pandemic.
The week got off to a great start on
Monday, with gourmet donuts from
Rocco’s served at our three Day
Program locations. Tuesday, all our
Residential Staff received gift bags
with a Charles River t-shirt and goody
bags stuffed with candy, granola bars,
popcorn and chapstick. T-shirts were
distributed to non-residential employees
as well. On Wednesday, the Kona Ice
Truck visited all three Day Program
locations, and ice cream sundae bars
were distributed to our 28 residential
homes. Thursday was raffle day – all
employees were entered into a raffle
for exciting prizes which included a set
of Apple Air Pods, a Kindle, an Apple
Watch, a North Face backpack, Beats
Headphones, a Yeti Rumbler and more.
Finally, we ended the week on a high
note on Friday, with our Annual Awards
Celebration – more details below.
THE ANNUAL AWARDS CELEBRATION
A GREAT END TO A FANTASTIC WEEK
A
fter a week-long celebration of our amazing staff, it was time to come together
to recognize some of our individual employees, participants and community
members who have made particularly noteworthy contributions to the Charles River
Center community.
Over 150 enthusiastic participants joined in our virtual celebration, which included
remarks and an awards presentation by President and CEO, Anne-Marie Bajwa and
was followed by music and dancing, hosted by our own DJ, Dennis Mitchell Toppan.
Congratulations to the following award winners – we are so proud of all of you!
Earle Mountain Award: Mike Mawejje, Program Director, Salamone
Staff of the year: Jamiel Brown, Mountain House Staff
Resident of the year: John Buzzi, Resident at 929 Webster Street
Direct Support Professional Award: Ronald Laurent, Day Habilitation Staff
Participant of the year: Shanelle Haynes, Employment Program
Community Award: Professor Elizabeth Carey, Curry College
Special Recognition Award: Linda Basiliere, Program Director, Mountain House
1
A leader in supporting people with disabilities