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 visually appealing and at the same time provide habitat for wildlife. These things have been accomplished by working with the existing landscape features.

The Farm pond provides food, water and shelter for local wildlife, which we take into consideration as we maintain the area. We have chosen to leave a grassy border untouched along the edge of the pond, allowing that piece to remain natural giving animals shelter as they make their way to the pond. We are also attracting pollinators and beneficial insects to our vegetable and flower gardens by adding a variety of native plants.

The NWF is America’s largest conservation and education organization, inspiring Americans to protect wildlife. The Garden for Wildlife program encourages planting with native species, discourages the use of chemical pesticide and recognizes efforts to provide habitat for wildlife, including pollinators. David Mizejewski, NWF Naturalist says, “Whether you garden in a suburban yard, an apartment balcony, a ten-acre farm, a schoolyard, a business park, or anything in         between, everyone can create a home for local wildlife. Turning your space into a Certified Wildlife Habitat is fun, easy and makes a big difference for neighborhood wildlife,” he added.

For more information on gardening for wildlife and details on how you or your an entire community can become certified, visit www.nwf.org/habitiat or call 1-800-822-9919

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 we are able to do much more for the individuals we support than we had hoped.

An incredible amount of effort has gone into making Dartmouth Street Hall a place where everyone feels welcome. The Hall is large enough to include each individual, regardless of the intensity of supports needed.

The fully accessible design of our ABI program makes socializing and group activities more open, enabling us to offer a greater variety of programming.

Our work to revitalize the Farm is endless but, helping to care for the animals, or in the gardens, taking a hike on the trails or just sitting in the open space of the Farm offers those we serve a sense of calm and of belonging.

The design and development of person specific services, our caring, supportive staff and the CHS belief in inclusion for all individuals, encourages them to become more inspired and explore new opportunities while remaining connected to the things they enjoy.

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 programs.

The process began with a presentation made by the CHS Executive Director, Kevin Leahy and the Senior Management Team. The survey team then proceeded with reviewing records and reports; visiting residences and sites; and interviewing individuals served, staff and managers. On the last day, the DDS Survey Team presented an oral feedback report to our Senior Management Team.

The team released the final report in March, 2012. In addition to the high scores on each licensing and certification standard reviewed, the report noted many outstanding achievements on behalf of individuals served. For example, the team was especially impressed with the opening of our new Individual Support Program offices and drop in center in Malden. The Survey Team also commended CHS for its focus on addressing the changing needs of individuals in our 24 hour residential programs as they age, including completion of major renovations at several of our residences to construct barrier free home environments.

Another area of note sited in the report was CHS’s outstanding software technology specifically designed to track all data and organizational systems. The survey report noted that this technology “provides a linkage between knowledge, data collection, analysis, action, and outcome areas….providing a positive direct impact on supporting the individuals served, the staff, and managers.”

CHS also received very high marks for continuing to create positive community connections that allow individuals to be involved in “many very meaningful projects” ranging from “charitable causes to building stronger social networks.” The report further commended CHS staff “for the ways in which they value the individuals they serve,” noting that staff were consistently enthusiastic, professional and caring in their interactions with individuals served and that staff often refer to the agency’s philosophy of “A Passion for What’s Possible.”

The Survey Team observed many other strengths and positive practices at CHS, including:

• Human resource capabilities, particularly strong employee retention, a policy of promotion from within the organization and outstanding staff training services;
• Practices related to the collection and utilization of feedback from all stakeholders to improve services; and
• Creative events designed to build strong bonds among individuals, family members and staff.

Many thanks are extended to everyone involved in the Survey and Certification process — your efforts on behalf of CHS are sincerely appreciated.

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.

Healthy salads, fruit assortments, home-made desserts and plenty of refreshments for those warm summer nights round out Roger’s menu!

Conversation, games and other outdoor activities entertain all. Everyone has a great time! See for yourself.

A Message from Kevin J. Leahy, 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 our organization today.

The responsiveness and vitality of our services has been advanced by our passion for what’s possible. We strive to bring meaning and actualize these words through our deep and abiding commitment to those we serve. Working with families, friends and other professionals we find creative and effective ways to assist each individual to live life to the fullest. “We keep at it”— doing all we can in order to continually improve; learning through our experiences while building on our achievements.

In order to be sustained all these efforts require a progressive community organization. This is made possible through devotion to mission, keeping clear and abiding principles and, following sound practices. Through good communication, learning and then thoughtful planning our organization is relevant and strong today and is ready to succeed in the future.

It is sincerely my good fortune to serve the people of the Cooperative for Human Services. I work with great people. Together we will continue to meet our responsibilities and all the challenges they entail. Please join us in what ever way you can in providing the vibrant services we offer people with disabilities and their families.

Sincerely,
Kevin J. Leahy
Chief Executive Officer

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 for What’s Possible’ on behalf of each person and each family.

Click Donate to give on line
or download a copy of the 2016 Annual Appeal Letter.

Every donation is very important to the individuals with special needs served by CHS each year. We sincerely appreciate your help and thank you for continuing to enhance the quality of life of the 300 people with disabilities we serve each year.

CHS is an approved IRS, 501 c (3) charitable organization.
Donations are fully tax deductible.