@TheGuild April e-news
We've had a busy April at The Guild! This month, Guild staff presented at local and national professional development conferences. Adults and youth danced the night away at our agency-wide spring dance. Residents began their spring gardens, and a group of adults participated in self-advocacy efforts at the State House. Read on for more news from The Guild!:
Adults engage in advocacy efforts at the State House

This month, Guild residents and staff participated in AFAM - Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts' Autism Advocacy Day at the State House! The day gathered self-advocates, family members, caregivers, professionals and elected officials in support of the autism community. View more photos here.
Guild clinicians published in Autism Spectrum News

Individuals with Autism and intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience mental health challenges and ongoing adverse events, yet mental health treatment is often an overlooked component in their service provision. In their article for ASN, Guild clinicians Michelle McGonagle and Cailey Bussiere explain why incorporating trauma-informed mental health treatment options for individuals with ASD is crucial. Read the article here and view our Facebook post here.
Guild staff present research at national conference

This month, The Guild's Suzanne Henderson, Director of Professional Development and Research, and Michael Clontz, Chief Operating Officer, presented with Relias at ANCOR's annual conference in New Mexico! The conference brought together self-advocates, caregivers, family members, and professionals in the human services field from across the nation. View more here.
Guild School students welcome spring!

This month, Guild School students had fun during our annual egg hunt, learned about emergency medicine with EMTs from the Concord Fire Department, worked on gardening projects, and more! View photos here and here.
The Guild nominates staff for national award

The Guild was thrilled to nominate Hajara Nalwanga, Overnight Shift Lead at Walnut House, and Karl Bernard, Residential Assistant at Sudbury House, for the 2024 Direct Support Professional of the Year awards program hosted by ANCOR! Both Hajara and Karl have provided exceptional person-centered supports so that residents with The Guild can enjoy a high quality of life. Read more about their accomplishments on our blog and view our Facebook post here!
Guild community dances the night away!

We had so much fun at our agency-wide spring dance this month! The carnival-themed event featured games, carnival snacks, and plenty of dancing. View photos here.
The Guild School celebrates April's graduates

Congratulations to Robert A. on his graduation from The Guild School earlier this month! Education staff noted how far Robert has come in increasing his independence throughout his time with The Guild. View photos here.

We also said goodbye to Ally B. at her graduation from The Guild School this month! Ally's teachers said that she has grown in her ability to self-advocate and express her feelings. View more here.

Best of luck, Robert and Ally! You'll both be very missed around these halls!
The Guild hosts fundraising event at Sobre Mesa in Sudbury

We'd like to thank everyone who came out to our fundraising event at Sobre Mesa restaurant in Sudbury this month! The event featured a powerful speaking program from members of The Guild community. View photos from the event here.
Guild staff present research at Boston conference

This month, members of The Guild's leadership and research team presented at the Boston Area Research Initiative's 2024 annual conference hosted in partnership with Microsoft. Their workshop was part of the 'Infusing Equity into Institutions' track and covered findings from two partnered research projects with Relias and the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers evaluating key metrics across the direct support workforce. View more here!
The Guild's Without Walls program breaks down barriers

The Guild School recently launched its Without Walls program! Without Walls educators facilitate the application of functional skills in community-based settings. The program particularly focuses on building independence for transition-aged youth nearing 22 as they prepare to enter the world as adults. Read more about the program on our blog!
The Guild sponsors Profound Autism Summit

Guild staff members connected with peers across the sector at the Profound Autism Summit this month! The Guild was proud to sponsor the Summit, which brought together leaders in the I/DD field to discuss the needs of those with Profound Autism across disciplines and throughout the lifespan. View more here.
Join us!:

Please click here for a complete calendar of Guild events.
The Guild for Human Services
521 Virginia Road
Concord, MA 01742
What do you think of The Guild’s newsletter? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback.

Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here.

Looking for more great content? Check out our blog — featuring stories on The Guild’s community, individuals' successes, activities and more!