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In our last edition of Connecting Concepts Carolyn Mueller shared with us her hopes for her trip to Kenya. In this edition Carolyn tells us about her work at the Kaizora Institute: The main focus of our visit to the school in Nairobi was to implement Direct Instruction (DI) throughout the school. DI is a skill the students need to transition into mainstream/inclusion schools. The idea was to teach peer awareness and group work. We began by observing classroom interactions between peer groups. I was amazed to see how knowledgeable the teachers were in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and how dedicated they are to their students. It was truly inspiring. The school operated beautifully and just needed support utilizing group work. The Kaizora consultants had some knowledge of how DI…

In March of 2017 National Wildlife Federation (NWF) recognized and celebrated the efforts of Cooperative for Human Services Inc. at the Farm in creating a garden space that improves habitat for birds, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife by providing essential elements needed by all wildlife - natural food sources, clean water, cover and places to raise young. This certification also makes the Farm a Certified Wildlife Habitat® and part of the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge, a national effort to restore critical habitat for pollinators. CHS’s Wildlife Habitat at the Farm is an effort to increase the wildlife diversity in our backyard and create an environment where people can explore the outdoors and be in touch with nature. Through conscientious design we have created gardens and outdoor seating areas that are…

Cooperative for Human Services Inc. operates under the deeply held belief that all people have dignity and value. We work to ensure each person we support, in any of our programs, is given the fullest opportunity for social inclusion and is encouraged to make independent choices. Learning each individual’s story, their likes and their dislikes, is crucial in designing services unique to the needs of that particular person. Understanding that person’s story enables us to develop an individualized plan that allows for the continuation of activities while expanding interests. The opening of our ABI program and acquisition of our Dartmouth Street Hall and the Farm, have each provided unique and unexpected benefits. Each location is providing greater opportunities for the people we serve than we first envisioned. We find that…

CHS Commended for 'Best Practices' in Human Services Download Press Release and Provider Report.

The Cooperative for Human Services presents The Housing Workshop Creating a financially sustainable home for your son or daughter. Wednesday, October 16th 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm CHS Main Office 420 Bedford Street, Ste 100 Lexington, MA Download the Invitation

CHS Receives Outstanding Survey and Certification Report CHS is proud to announce that it recently received a 2 year License and Certification from the MA Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Office of Quality Enhancement. This award reflects the highest level of certification awarded; the report also included many notable commendations for exceptionally outstanding achievements. CHS met 99% of all licensing indicators and 100% of all certification indicators. All providers who serve individuals funded by DDS are required to meet State Licensing and Certification regulations that assure health, safety, human rights and quality services standards are met. From February 27 to March 1, 2012, a team of 4 professionals from the MA Department of Developmental Services led by Steve Goldberg conducted a thorough review of CHS’s Residential, Individual Support and Guardianship…

Roger's Round-Ups: Good Food, Great Company & Lots of Fun What would summer be without a great backyard barbeque with friends and family? Cooperative for Human Services' Director of Residential Services, Roger Plourde, started a great tradition at CHS called “Roger’s Round-Up’s,” a series of summer cookout events for our individuals and their family members. Round-ups are typically held at 5 or 6 of CHS residences that have large backyard areas. Each year over 250 individuals we serve, their friends and family members attend. Each barbeque includes great food— hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, veggie-burgers, and corn on the cob, all grilled to perfection by Roger, of course. [metaslider id=171] Healthy salads, fruit assortments, home-made desserts and plenty of refreshments for those warm summer nights round out Roger's menu! Conversation, games and…

A Message from Kevin J. Leahy, President & Chief Executive Officer Thank you for taking the time to learn about the Cooperative for Human Services through our website. This is one good way to become familiar with our organization. I encourage you to learn more and make personal contact with me or any member of our management or clinical team. We welcome the opportunity to talk with you, to meet or arrange for a tour of our program locations. Those we serve, our board and our staff have accomplished a great deal since we were founded by a true visionary and effective advocate, Charles (Chuck) Howard. Chuck’s values were centered on the individual, promoting self worth and dignity; while creating opportunity for achievement. These ideals serve as the cornerstone of…

Cooperative for Human Services, Inc. has a mission to fulfill ~ assuring that every person with special needs served lives a truly happy and fulfilling life as respected citizens of their communities. Generous financial donations have allowed individuals served by Cooperative for Human Services, Inc. to celebrate a passion for life, achieving personal goals and attaining dreams in comfortable homes in familiar communities. Your financial contributions have continued to allow the development of ground breaking opportunities for the people we serve and our support staff, most recently the launch of CHS’s innovative Evolution of Excellence Campaign. This campaign focuses on each person served ~ their unique experiences and personal stories as service recipients. This year's Annual Appeal Campaign is the next chapter in our organization’s continued pursuit of ‘A Passion…