Community Services

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The Community Services program provides home-based, therapeutic support and stabilization for individuals and families in need throughout Massachusetts.

IT IS COMPRISED OF PERSONAL, RELATIONAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS.

The Community Services program utilizes a trauma-oriented, strength-based approach to provide comprehensive services to individuals and families referred by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

The Community Services program incorporates three distinct sub-programs: Comprehensive Support and Stabilization (CSS), Developmental Services (DDS), and the EAST Project. COMPASS Family Specialists and Clinicians work to develop, support, and strengthen the skills that individuals and families need to provide a safe and supportive environment for themselves and their children.

The Community Services program is a service that is action-oriented and responsive to specific, well-defined goals in conjunction with the evolving needs of individuals and families.

The program is not a prescribed service in which an individual or family needs to conform to a particular structure. Staff make contact with individuals and families as often as is requested or needed, when and where it is most convenient and constructive for the individual or family. Family Specialists and Clinicians conduct individual and family sessions to establish and/or enhance positive behaviors along with identifying and leveraging systemic strengths.

COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT & STABILIZATION (CSS)

DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES (DDS)

EAST PROJECT

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Personal Component

Staff engage with individuals and families in therapeutic services across an array of settings to learn and apply appropriate and healthy ways to process their feelings, emotions, and situations.

Every referral that Community Services staff are assigned to has different needs; therefore, individualized and developmentally appropriate interventions are utilized. The number of staff assigned to each referral is based upon the unique needs of each situation. Family Specialists and Clinicians promote positive behaviors based upon goals provided by DCF or DDS and each individual or family. Goals may include the following: utilizing more effective parenting techniques, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills; developing safety and behavior modification plans; and integrating productive time and stress management practices.

Relational Component

Staff partner with individuals and families to identify and continue to develop healthy, supportive relationships at home and in society.

Community Services staff are a resource for individuals and families to establish and/or enhance their relationships. Staff facilitate discussions with individuals and families to establish and agree upon shared expectations, which requires a consistent and closely monitored effort by all. Family Specialists engage in mentoring for individuals that have been identified as someone who could benefit from those activities. Family Clinicians implement regular family sessions to improve family functioning and serve as advocates for families within the community.

Environmental Component

Fostering connections to community and natural supports has been crucial in establishing and/or enhancing stability for individuals and families.

Family Specialists and Clinicians utilize their experience and connections in the fields of education, law, housing, employment, transitional assistance, and the justice system to assist individuals and families in connecting to resources that meet their long-term needs. Individuals and families are held accountable to address their own needs – during and after services – by engaging with natural and community supports.

COMMUNITY SERVICES Contacts

Margy Nicholson
Director of Community Services
Email Margy
(617) 719-1571

Louise Pacheco
Assistant Director of Community Services
Email Louise
(781) 424-1878

Takia Fields-Palmer
Clinical Director
Email Takia
(617) 388-1665