June 2023

e~newsletter

We are pleased to share with you some updates – and some smiling faces

showing how our clients AND our employees SHINE!

Sunshine Village – where GREAT days begin!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES!

During this busy graduation season, we would like to recognize our clients who completed certification courses this past year. We are so very proud of each and every one of them!

WE ARE PLANNING FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE!

Congratulations-Daysha’nay Cruz for completing professional training to be a Hotel and Room Attendant thru HCC/MGM Arts Institute. Daysha’nay Cruz told us, “We learned a lot in the classes like hospital corners on beds, different cleaning products and how to use them to remove stains, and how to do laundry. I was able to take a few extra classes there where I learned how to run the front desk."

Congratulations- Diaralys McNickles for completing professional training to be a Hotel and Room Attendant thru HCC/MGM Arts Institute. Diaralys told us, ““I loved the housekeeping classes that I took at HCC because it was so much fun. I liked the trip we took to MGM because I got to see all the different rooms in the hotel; they were very fancy! I would like to work in a hotel to meet new people and make them happy with my smile.”

Congratulations - Yrkania Rodriguez for completing training as a Hotel and Room Attendant thru HCC/MGM Arts Institute. Yrkania told us, “I really enjoyed taking the class. Everyone is so proud of me. I want to thank our teacher Jennifer for everything that she has taught me."

Congratulations -Austin Coelho for completing Line Cook Training thru HCC/MGM Arts Institute. Austin told us, “I liked the HCC line cook training because it taught me how to cook and work in a kitchen. I also made a lot of new friends that don’t go to Sunshine Village. My favorite thing to cook was the salmon because it was delicious, and I’ve never made fish before!"

Congratulations - Carmen Cruz for completing training as a Hotel and Room Attendant thru HCC/MGM Arts Institute. Carmen Cruz told us, "I really enjoyed taking the classes and going to see the different rooms at MGM. I hope that I can get a job in hospitality because I like meeting new people. I recommend anyone to take these classes!"

Congratulations- Stephen Green for completing Line Cook Training thru HCC/MGM Arts Institute. Stephen Green told us, "I learned a lot of things about cooking and math. I learned how to convert measurements, make my knife skills better by cutting and prepping lots of different foods, and cooking meats."

Congratulations -to Kimberly Madera for completing training as a Hotel and Room Attendant thru HCC/MGM Arts Institute. Kimberly told us, “I had a great time learning new things. I got to take classes with my friends and meet new people. I loved the trip to MGM to see how the housekeeping team works together."

WE ARE PLANNING FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE!

The Board of Directors approved the agency’s Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2024, 2025 and 2026.

MISSION STATEMENT: Sunshine Village delivers on a GREAT day for individuals with developmental disabilities and those on the autism spectrum by helping them to live and learn, work and earn and give and grow.

VISION STATEMENT: Sunshine Village maintains a clear vision to continue building upon its solid foundation as a premier provider of services and an employer of choice, within the greater Pioneer Valley, by identifying and leveraging the unique abilities of the individuals it supports and employs.

ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS:

Advance SSV as a “Premier Provider of Choice” by assessing, enhancing and offering innovative services that assist individuals to achieve greater independence.

Ensure the financial stability of SSV with sound governance and strong leadership that strives for excellence while adhering to thoughtful policies, transparent practices, proactive planning and continuous improvement.

Enhance service provision by investing in technology and infrastructure while ensuring that all environments are safe, welcoming and inclusive for all.

Continue to be an “Employer of Choice” investing in our workforce through a competitive and comprehensive total rewards plan and professional development program, while emphasizing wellness and valuing work-life balance.

WE ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF OUR COMMUNITY!

PLAY BALL! On June 11^th at the Springfield College field, Demetrie represented Sunshine Village and proudly threw out the first ball at both the 9:00 and 11:00 games. We are proud to continue to support the Miracle League of Western Ma and all that they do!

OH WHAT FUN! On June 15^th, we joined many other community groups at the River Mills Summer Carnival – where we met a lot of new friends.

SHARING WHAT WE DO! On June 17^th, we participated in the Family Education Expo at the Mass Mutual Center – hosted by the Springfield Public Schools.

THANK YOU TO OUR FRIENDS AT THE CHICOPEE POLICE DEPARTMENT! We were gifted with a donation from the sale of “autism awareness” patches – and were treated to ice cream too!

OUR SERVICES DELIVER ON OUR PROMISE OF A GREAT DAY!

OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS! We had so much fun partnering with our friends from Special Olympics during our 2023 Field Day!

WOW - WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS! On June 13^th, the CBDS and Day Hab programs at our Agawam site celebrated all of our clients! Gina was so pleased to be able to give each client a Personal Accomplishment Certificate – with accomplishments ranging from exhibiting great manners and personal characteristics (like being kind and welcoming) to others sharing their gifts of music and knowledge. It truly was a GREAT day!

SUNSHINE VILLAGE HAS THE BEST EMPLOYEES!

The 2023 Memories and Milestones Dinner was a GREAT event. Over 150 employees attended – and were thanked by members of the Board of Directors for their commitment to SSV. Gina recognized staff with “milestone” anniversaries! A BIG announcement – in thanks for all the work that was and is done to maintain our national accreditation – all employees will receive a $500 bonus!

We have invested in our Organizational Structure – so that we are providing top notch support to our Direct Support Professionals – and all of our clients!

CONGRATULATIONS to our employees who have advanced within Sunshine Village!

Brandee Baker – Supervisor (Agawam CBDS Program)

Dawn Mattoon – Supervisor (Casey CBDS Program)

Cara Sullivan – Supervisor (Agawam Day Hab Program)

Allison Green – Case Manager (Agawam Day Hab Program)

Terrilee Lavallee – Case Manager (Casey CBDS Program)

Chris McLeod – Float Case Manager (Agawam and Casey CBDS Programs)

Shannon McCann – Case Manager (Three Rivers Program)

Faith Serrenho – Case Manager (Three Rivers Program)

Jessica Smola - Case Manager (Davis Day Hab Program)

OPEN POSITIONS! We have several DSP positions that are open – and we are now also recruiting for one driver . If you know someone who would like to have GREAT days while helping people SHINE – ask them to check out our website .

Click here to view our open positions

LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR GOLF TOURNAMENT!

Plans are well underway for the 34^th Annual Sunshine Village Golf Tournament. The roster is already full – with our golfers looking forward to a fun day at the Chicopee Country Club on August 2, 2023. We are still soliciting for sponsorships. If you would like to support our event, please click here to visit the Golf Page on our website.

THANK YOU to the following sponsors!

TOURNAMENT SPONSORS

Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation

PeoplesBank

Westfield Bank

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Charter Oak Financial Services – Lunch Sponsor

Key Private Bank – Dinner Sponsor

Supreme Roofing – Cart Sponsor

Caolo and Bienik – Hat Sponsor

Inter-all Corporation – Towel Sponsor

USI – Bag Sponsor

THANK YOU for helping Sunshine Village achieve our mission –

AND our promise of delivering on a GREAT day, every day!

Together, we are SHINING EVEN BRIGHTER!

Visit our Website

During this busy graduation season, we would like to recognize our clients who completed certification courses this past year. We are so very proud of each and every one of them!

Continue to be an “Employer of Choice” investing in our workforce through a competitive and comprehensive total rewards plan and professional development program, while emphasizing wellness and valuing work-life balance.

PLAY BALL! On June 11th at the Springfield College field, Demetrie represented Sunshine Village and proudly threw out the first ball at both the 9:00 and 11:00 games. We are proud to continue to support the Miracle League of Western Ma and all that they do!

OH WHAT FUN! On June 15th, we joined many other community groups at the River Mills Summer Carnival – where we met a lot of new friends.

SHARING WHAT WE DO! On June 17th, we participated in the Family Education Expo at the Mass Mutual Center – hosted by the Springfield Public Schools.

THANK YOU TO OUR FRIENDS AT THE CHICOPEE POLICE DEPARTMENT! We were gifted with a donation from the sale of “autism awareness” patches – and were treated to ice cream too!

PLAY BALL! On June 11^th at the Springfield College field, Demetrie represented Sunshine Village and proudly threw out the first ball at both the 9:00 and 11:00 games. We are proud to continue to support the Miracle League of Western Ma and all that they do!

OH WHAT FUN! On June 15^th, we joined many other community groups at the River Mills Summer Carnival – where we met a lot of new friends.

SHARING WHAT WE DO! On June 17^th, we participated in the Family Education Expo at the Mass Mutual Center – hosted by the Springfield Public Schools.