Sunshine Village employees check here for all updates on our response to Covid-19.
Aug. 25, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
Sunshine Village – like all other businesses and organizations – continues to grapple with the impact of the global pandemic – including the new virus variant. We continue to work very hard to ensure that all of our sites are as safe as possible – as we work on our REBUILDING PLAN.
Since the beginning – when we had to close under an emergency order from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – the organization has worked hard to keep lines of communication open with all of our employees. Whether it was flyers attached to paystubs, email updates; ZOOM meetings; in person “paycheck pickups”; wave parades and regular postings on this page that was specifically created to enhance communication.
At the end of September, we will have finalized our Employee Recall Plan – for all employees who were furloughed and laid off – either voluntarily or involuntarily – during the past year. Although we have brought back many employees during the RE-OPENING and REBUILDING phases, so many more have not been able to return to us.
For those that left us – we only wish the best for their success and happiness in their new job or new endeavor.
All employees who were laid off were done so in “good standing” – and are welcome to apply for a position at Sunshine Village.
At the end of August, we will be archiving this page – placing it on the “Current Employee” page.
This last message is one of APPRECIATION – to all of our employees – past and present. Thank you for helping Sunshine Village deliver on the promise of a great day…thank you for working to further our mission of improving the lives of the people we serve. Those two words sum it up…. THANK YOU.
July 12, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
As Sunshine Village continues to follow our REBUILDING PLAN, we are hopeful that – in the coming months – more and more of our clients will be able to return to programming and that we will be able to welcome new clients too!
We have updated our Current Employee page on this website – and it has links to various policies and our most current benefit page and our Code of Conduct. At this end of this month, we will be transitioning messaging to the Current Employee page – so you can visit that page for updates.
May 28, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
Below please find the most recent revision to Sunshine Village’s COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN:
REVISION: REFRIDERATORS AND FOOD DELIVERY (June 1, 2021)
Effective June 1, 2021, refrigerators can be used to store lunches, beverages and other food. Refrigerators will be accessed by staff – and each program will develop and implement a cleaning plan.
Food delivery can begin on June 1, 2021 on a limited basis for each site. Each site will develop an
“approved listing” of local restaurants that staff and clients can order lunch from. Lunches will be delivered directly to the building when the lunch was ordered and each program will manage the intake process. Independent delivery services such as GrubHub and Door Dash will not be used at this time to limit the number of delivery drivers on each property.
AN ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE FROM GINA KOS
April 29, 1991…. that day – 30 years ago – was just another day for many people – but it was a special day for me. It was the day I came to work at Sunshine Village. I had been a Mortgage Officer at a local bank and was volunteering with the Sunshine Village Golf Committee – and interviewed for the job of Director of Marketing and Development. I accepted the position, knowing it would be very different than what I was used to.
And it was very different. That first day, I wasn’t sure how I was going to fit in. But I tell everyone that Sunshine Village is such an extraordinary place that – within just 2 weeks – it didn’t feel different anymore – in fact, it felt like home.
During the past 30 years many things have changed. The organization has rebranded and renamed itself, service models have been transformed, programs have grown significantly and technology has dramatically changed the way we work and communicate. AND we have survived COVID-19 and are slowly rebuilding SSV to meet the ever-changing needs and expectations of the people we serve and their families.
I have been proud to work for Sunshine Village and know that one of the
reasons I have enjoyed it so much is the people I have worked with – and continue to work with. Truly, I am a better person for having worked at Sunshine Village – for I have seen care and compassion personified.
So, on this day that is just another day for so many – but a special one for me – I wanted to extend my appreciation to everyone who works with me. That appreciation is in the form of a gift – and I hope you wear it as proudly as I will!
Thank you for all you have done – and do – to make
Sunshine Village a place where everyone SHINES!
THANK YOU and HAVE A GREAT DAY!!
Gina Kos
Executive Director
April 29, 2021
April 22, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
Sunshine Village hosted its first ever virtual TRANSITION OPEN HOUSE last week and it was a great success. We will be using this type of communication vehicle in the future to reach transitioning clients and their families as well as other stakeholder groups.
This week, we are hosting A RAY OF SUNSHINE CAMP – for young adults aged 16 to 21 – to experience the great days at Sunshine Village. Each day, we have had 9 to 11 campers and we are hearing that they are all loving their adventure at our main campus!
Spring is here (some days at least) as we are all looking forward to warmth and more sunshine!
Remember – stay hopeful – brighter days are ahead!
April 15, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
On the Family Page this past Monday, we shared the requirements we have developed for returning and new clients to our programs:
REQUIREMENTS for CLIENTS for a SAFE RETURN in 2021
As Sunshine Village continues to REOPEN its IN PERSON SERVICES and starts its REBUILDING PLAN, space will still be limited and we may not be able to bring back all of our clients until standards for safety and service provision are lessened.
During the remainder of the 2021 calendar year, we will give preference to clients who want / need full time (30 hour) services. We will also give preference to clients for return based upon their living situation – ranging from living with family members or on their own, then living with a shared living provider and then living in a residential group home. As we will be accepting “new” clients during this time, their acceptance will follow the same criteria.
All returning and new clients must understand that services are different that pre-pandemic conditions. Clients and staff are staying in the same group in the same programmatic area as much as possible – although the weather during warmer months may allow for outdoor programming. The daily schedule includes a majority of sit down projects throughout the day – and all clients will need to be able to stay seated for a minimum of 30 consecutive minutes before needing a short movement break. Until conditions change, community outings and bringing community events to our programs are on hold.
Given the on-going need for heightened levels of safety for all of our clients and all of our employees within our IN PERSON SERVICES, we will also require that all returning and new clients follow safety protocols consistently. These protocols are detailed below:
I will treat everyone with dignity and respect
- I will be respectful of others and appreciate personal boundaries and personal space.
- I will maintain 6 feet social distance.
- I will not hug, kiss, shake hands, fist bump or touch others.
- I will be kind and thoughtful during my interactions.
- I will respond appropriately to redirection from support staff.
I will help make environments healthy and safe by following all safety standards and protocols outlined in the Covid-19 Control plan, including:
- Wearing a mask; as able.
- Washing my hands and/or using hand sanitizer frequently and as requested;
- Staying in my assigned seat and using the assigned restroom.
- Using my assigned supplies / equipment (not borrowing or sharing belongings with others);
- Bringing in only my lunch and approved essentials from home each day.
We appreciate the commitment from all of our clients, their families and caregivers during this difficult time. During 2021, we will continue to offer a variety of VIRTUAL SERVICES and REMOTE SERVICES until all clients are willing and able to return to IN PERSON SERVICES.
Brighter days are ahead!
April 8, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
In Fiscal Year 2022, Sunshine Village will be closed on 10 holidays – and all eligible staff will receive each day as a paid holiday. The FY2022 Holiday Schedule is now posted on the “Current Employees” page in the Career Section within the drop down menu.
Here is a link to help you and your family navigate the world of COVID-19 vaccinations:
https://www.macovidvaccinefinder.org/
And here is a link for parents of young children living in Springfield. It is a community-based texting program that offers information about fun things to do – most of it FREE!
https://www.readby4thgrade.com/413families
Stay hopeful – brighter days are ahead!
Gina
April 2, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
Today is World Autism Awareness Day! Celebrate the differing abilities that people have – and help Sunshine Village increase awareness and promote acceptance of people on the Autism Spectrum by wearing BLUE.
PILOTS: Yesterday, we started a three month pilot for IN HOME SUPPORTS for 10 clients. Two staff will be providing an array of supports in the client’s home for 2 ½ hours twice a week. During school vacation week in April, we will also be hosting A RAY OF SUNSHINE CAMP for young adults aged 16 – 21 – and we have 6 campers registered so far!
RETURNING STAFF: We have been fortunate in that we have been able to call back many of our furloughed employees, and have even begun recalling from the layoff list. Please know that this rebuilding process has been complex, with many new rules and regulations, and it is a slow process. We are reopening and expanding programs that look and feel very different than they previously did. We will continue to make decisions on recalling people, and please know that we are doing the very best that we can.
Brighter days are ahead!
Gina
March 25, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN: We will be updating our COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN and the changes will be in red font – so they are easy to find. You can easily access this plan on our website. The revised plan should be available on Friday, March 26th.
Travel restrictions from the state of Massachusetts have changed. Please use this link to see the updated advisory: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-advisory#lower-risk-states-
PILOTS: We will start a three month pilot for IN HOME SERVICES in April, May and June – and then determine if this is something that is desired and funded for the FY2022 year. In April, we will also be hosting A RAY OF SUNSHINE CAMP for young adults aged 16 – 21 – to expose them to the great days at Sunshine Village.
HEALTH NEW ENGLAND UPDATE: The Wellness Reimbursement submission deadline for 2020 wellness activities has been extended to April 30, 2021. Members can go their secure member portal at my.healthnewengland.org to complete their submission on-line.
Any questions about our policies or benefits, please call or email Chris Pollender (cpollender@sunshine.us) or Nichole Chilson (nchilson@sunshine.us) at 413/592-6142.
The end of this crisis is near (hopefully!) – but don’t neglect yourself. Make sure you are getting daily exercise, eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water!
Brighter days are ahead!
Gina
March 4, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
One year ago today, Sunshine Village closed the doors to its programs and it wasn’t until 20 weeks later that the doors started opening. During this pandemic, Sunshine Village remained a vibrant community where everyone SHINES – because of our employees – who SHINED the brightest!
Hard work, commitment and creativity helped us to develop and deliver VIRTUAL AND REMOTE SERVICES and then – with courage and hope – reopen our IN PERSON SERVICES.
THANK YOU to each and every employee of Sunshine Village – for helping us deliver on our promise of a GREAT day – every day!
Stay hopeful – BRIGHTER days are ahead!
Gina
March 4, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
I held an ALL STAFF MEETING this morning – for both active staff and furloughed staff. As we work to develop our REBUILDING PLAN – that will direct efforts for the time period between April 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 – I was able to share some highlights of what will be in the plan.
Thank you to everyone who completed the 2021 Staff Satisfaction and Engagement Surveys. This feedback, combined with input from clients and their families, funding and referral sources, management and members of the Board of Directors, will be compiled and help drive strategies so that we can achieve our goals in the Rebuilding Plan.
We are proud of the IN PERSON, VIRTUAL and REMOTE services that Sunshine Village has worked hard to develop and implement – supported by our CLINICAL and ADMINISTRATIVE services. Although we hope to be able to restart TRANSPORTATION services soon, that division is on hold until restrictions from EOHHS are lessened.
As we near the one year anniversary of the Emergency Closing – which took place on March 17, 2020 – I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all employees – past and present – who worked to help get Sunshine Village to this place in time. We came into the pandemic as a strong, successful organization – and we still are. We survived the Closure, are continuing our Reopening – and are now looking forward to Rebuilding. We will be able to celebrate our 55th anniversary next year because of the hard work, creativity and commitment of our employees. THANK YOU!!!!
I will be releasing a more formal statement to all stakeholder groups on March 17th.
Take care – remember – brighter days are ahead!
Gina
Feb. 25, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
We have begun administering the Staff Satisfaction and Engagement Surveys to all active staff and furloughed staff. Please check with your manager or your email for access information. Please complete the survey by 3:00 on March 2nd.
We have not updated our COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN this week – and it can be reviewed in its entirety on our website. Now that employees and clients are eligible for vaccinations, please remember – the policy states that if you are experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms, you need to stay home. You cannot return without a negative COVID test. The symptoms are:
Fever of 100.0 degrees or above, feel feverish or have chills (feeling feverish typically means experience chills and body aches); New Cough; Sore throat; Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; Unexplained rash; Fatigue; Abdominal pain; Persistent headache; Loss of smell/taste; New or unexplained muscle aches; Nausea and/or Vomiting; Diarrhea; Congestion/Runny Nose
We realize that some people experience some of these symptoms after they get a COVID-19 vaccination; however, at this time, this is the protocol we are following.
If you need help finding a site to get a test, please go to https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing or call Chris Pollender or Nichole Chilson at 413-592-6142 for assistance.
Gina
Feb. 18, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
Sunshine Village Update:
This week, we updated our COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN – you can review it on our website. The changes are in red font – so very easy to see. The change was made to the Exposure Protocol – based upon new guidelines from the CDC.
On Monday, February 22nd, we will begin using microwaves and coffee machines in our program areas. At this time, both will only be used by staff – identified by the program’s own protocol – so that cleaning can be completed and monitored after use.
We will be administering Staff Satisfaction and Engagement Surveys from February 22nd thru March 2nd. Surveys will be thru Survey Monkey. Input will be used to insure that Sunshine Village remains an “Employer of Choice” and will also be used in the development of the REBUILDING PLAN.
Remember – for inclement weather – the organization’s status is listed on Channel 22; this website on the home page’s header and on our voicemail.
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina
Feb. 11, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
From the start of this pandemic, we have tried to insure that we have maintained high levels of communication with all of our stakeholders – including our valued employees. From our monthly staff newsletters, memos in paystubs, access to the human resources department, organizational meetings, emails and the creation of the Employee Page on the COVID UPDATES section of our website, we hope that all of our employees feel like they have been kept aware of happenings at Sunshine Village through timely updates.
We are committed to continuing effective communication.
We now are having ALL STAFF meetings once a month – generally on the first Thursday of the month. Emails with access information will be sent to all active and furloughed staff. Each week for the next two months, I will be hosting a weekly ACTIVE STAFF meeting – and will also provide an update on this page.
Should you – as an ACTIVE or FURLOUGHED employee – or a former employee – have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact either Chris Pollender or Nichole Chilson at 413/592-6142.
February is National Heart Health Month – so be kind to your heart! Make exercise and healthy eating a priority – and try to ease back on any unhealthy habits – like smoking and vaping! Check out the Current Employee Page – No Smoking and Vaping Policy link that will bring you to resources to help you quit.
Valentine’s Day is a wonderful day to let people know you care about them. Sunshine Village is able to deliver on our promise of a great day – because of our great employees! And we have so many present (and past) employees who we are so thankful for. Please know that we care about you. And…now you can tell someone you care about them….another easy way to keep your heart healthy!
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina
Feb. 05, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
On March 17, 2020 – Sunshine Village CLOSED the doors to our buildings under an Emergency Order from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On August 3rd, we began REOPENING. This March 17th, one year after we closed our doors, we will begin REBUILDING Sunshine Village.
Although we don’t know when restrictions will be lessened so we can invite more clients – and employees – back, we will start planning for providing even more engaging IN PERSON services at our sites in Chicopee, Agawam and Three Rivers while continuing to provide a host of VIRTUAL AND REMOTE services for people in the comfort of their homes. We are currently completing an assessment of our clients who are not attending IN PERSON services to find out what types of supports they would like – including the possibility of IN HOME services.
As we look forward to developing a REBUILDING Plan – we have created a new position in the organization. We have posted this position for active and furloughed staff (until February 10, 2021) – and then, if necessary – will open it up to the broader community. You can find the Job Posting – for the Outreach and Admissions Manager – on this website – under the page titled “available jobs.”
Times are still difficult – and there are probably going to be many months ahead of uncertainty and adjustment – but the light that has always shined on Sunshine Village is getting brighter.
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina
Feb. 03, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
We will be holding an All Staff Meeting on Friday, February 5th – and this page will be updated that morning with information that was shared.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION – UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE:
If you received Unemployment Insurance in 2020, you will be receiving tax forms related to receiving those benefits.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts recently issued tax form 1099 G for individuals who received unemployment benefits in the Calendar Year 2020. Unfortunately, many were sent to individuals who were victims of UI fraud and never filed nor personally received UI benefits.
The following is the proper course of action for those receiving the 1099-G as the result of a fraudulent claim:
If you believe someone has applied for unemployment benefits using your personal
information, use the secure form to report this to the Department of Unemployment
Assistance (DUA) via this link on the DUA website:
https://www.mass.gov/forms/unemployment-fraud-reporting-form
The DUA has stated that doing so will suppress the 1099 G from being sent to the IRS for tax purposes. However, if someone did receive some benefits but the amount isn’t correct, individuals need to call customer service directly on this specific matter.
In addition, all fraud claims can be reported by calling the MA DUA at 1-877-626-6800.
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina
Jan. 28, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
Today’s EMPLOYEE UPDATE from Sunshine Village:
This past Tuesday, we hosted a meeting for all active and furloughed employees where Dean Godek – who is our Financial Advisor and who works for Charter Oak Financial Services – provided information about the transition of the 401K Retirement Plan from MassMutual to Empower. Although our plan will now be with Empower – we will continue to use both Dean as our Financial Advisor and Bryce Raymond as our Third Party Administrator. If you are no longer an employee of Sunshine Village and have questions about your 401K, please call Bryce at PASI at 860-284-6880.
Our next ALL STAFF MEETING will be held on Zoom on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 8:00.
PASSING THIS ALONG….
St. Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church and Lorraine’s Kitchen will be hosting a “Grab and Go Socks and Stuff” event on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 1:00 at Wisniowski Park on Spruce Street in Chicopee. They will be passing out bags of socks, gloves, hats, toiletries and some food items. All are Free.
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina
Jan. 21, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
Today’s EMPLOYEE UPDATE from Sunshine Village:
At today’s ALL STAFF meeting, I announced that Sunshine Village would be implementing a NO SMOKING / VAPING POLICY – effective January 1, 2022. This policy would prohibit employees and clients from smoking during work and programming hours and would prohibit all persons from smoking on any property operated by the organization (including in a personal or company vehicle while on the property.) You can find the full policy, as well as resources and helpful hints, by following this link: No Smoking/Vaping Policy
On Tuesday, January 26th at 8:00 am, we will be holding a meeting for all active and furloughed employees where Dean Godek will provide information about the transition of the 401K Retirement Plan from MassMutual to Empower. If you are no longer an employee of Sunshine Village and have questions about your 401K, please call Bryce at PASI at 860-284-6880.
Should you have any questions about the policies of Sunshine Village or any of our employee benefits, please do not hesitate to contact either Chris Pollender or Nichole Chilson in our Human Resources department.
Take care,
Gina
Jan. 14, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
Today’s EMPLOYEE UPDATE from Sunshine Village:
SSV didn’t have an ALL STAFF MEETING this week for active and furloughed staff – but I just wanted to post a reminder that now, more than ever, is the time to take care of yourself!
A great community resource is Big Y. They offer Virtual Presentations on their website. Topics for today are “Meal Planning Tips and Tricks” and “Behavior Modifications for Successful Weight Management” while tomorrow will be “Rethink Frozen Meals.”
You can view their schedule and everything else they offer at this link:
https://www.bigy.com/LivingWell/GetSocial
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina
Jan. 7, 2021: A Message from the Executive Director
Today’s EMPLOYEE UPDATE from Sunshine Village:
This week, we updated the “Current Employee” page (in the “Careers” section) of our website to include a link for information about the Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave. You can also learn more by clicking here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/paid-family-and-medical-leave-pfml-fact-sheet
Now that this benefit is being offered by the Commonwealth, Sunshine Village will no longer be offering Short Term Disability as a free benefit.
Sunshine Village will continue to offer In Person services as well as our Virtual and Remote Services (VARS) to all of our clients in CBDS, at Westover Maintenance Systems and within our Day Hab programs. We hope that – sometime in early 2021 – regulations will be lessened that will allow the agency to welcome back more clients into our programs.
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina
Dec.31, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
PROGRAM UPDATE: We have closed our Westover Maintenance Program until January 4th – as four clients have tested positive for COVID-19 over the past two week. Our Clean Team will clean and sanitize our building at One Airpark Way as well as all of our vehicles. On Monday, only the staff will return for the week – to meet our contractual obligations. At the end of the week, we will assess and make further decisions.
Today is the last day of a not so GREAT year…so we are looking forward to 2021…and GREAT days ahead.
Unfortunately, with the first round of vaccines still underway – we still do not know when things will get back to normal. We are hoping that restrictions will be lessened – so we can increase the number of people at all of our programs and welcome more clients – and employees – back.
MassHealth is working to make changes to day habilitation programs and guidelines – and possibly funding – so we are also waiting to hear how that will impact Sunshine Village.
Fortunately, we were a fiscally solid and programmatically sound organization when COVID-19 hit. The pandemic created numerous and on-going challenges that had never before been experienced. We were able to rise to not only meet those challenges – but we were able to exceed expectations of what we could do. Our Virtual and Remote Services has been praised by funders and clients/families alike – and we have been successful in reopening our sited programs – and offering an innovative Great Outdoors Program.
I cannot give enough thanks to the many employees – some who are actively working, some who are on furlough and some who we regrettably had to lay off – for helping Sunshine Village achieve all that we did….and continue accomplishing.
For those of you who read this page faithfully – and for those who only open it up occasionally – I thank you – for your continued commitment to Sunshine Village and all that we do – for all who we serve.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!
I also extend my very best wishes to you and your family for a new year that is filled with good health, happiness and many, many GREAT days!
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina
Dec.24, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
Today’s EMPLOYEE UPDATE from Sunshine Village:
There is a small credit from the dental carrier on this week’s paychecks that represents a rebate from November’s premium.
The new Paid Time Off (PTO) policy has been mailed to all furloughed employees for signature and return to Human Resources. They were also distributed to all programs for signature and return to HR. These are due by Tuesday 12/29/2020.
Reminder to anyone who hasn’t returned their Employee Data Record with their updated Address and Emergency Contact Information, please send to Human Resources. This will assure that we have the correct address for your W2’s.
If you have a question about any of those items – or anything else related to your employment with Sunshine Village – please call Nichole Chilson at extension 1109 or Chris Pollender at extension 1103. You can also email them at nchilson@sunshine.us or cpollender@sunshine.us.
Sunshine Village will be closed on Christmas Day – and we will also be closed next Friday, on New Year’s Day. The holiday season, like the last many months, has been celebrated very differently at all of our programs. Hopefully, 2021 will bring back the normalness that we may have taken for granted – but are now missing.
For those of you who celebrate Christmas – I wish you a very Merry one!
I will leave you with a quote from Helen Keller that is especially meaningful this time of year…“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina
Dec.17, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
Today is the first “snow day” of the 2021 Fiscal Year. It’s a little different – as everything has been since March 17th.Many employees are providing services virtually – through the telephone, Zoom and Facebook – and others are working from home on administrative tasks. We have provided a special “Great Days Polar Activity Packet” through our website. Hopefully – tomorrow – the storm will be over – everything will be cleaned up – and Sunshine Village can open its doors once again.
We are adding more sites to our Virtual Tours on our website – as this is a great way for potential clients and their families to see what our programs look like.
A public thank you to Lisa Vreeland for securing a donation for Sunshine Village – that is allowing us to provide a small holiday gift to all of our clients who are attending sited programs. THANK YOU LISA!
Another reminder….our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all staff – active, furloughed and laid off – through January 31, 2021. If you or any of your family members need assistance, please call them at 800-252-4555.
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina
Dec.10, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
The unfortunate news that I shared today at the All Staff meeting was that when Sunshine Village fully re-opens, we will not be re-opening our Main Street, Chicopee location.
We have leased this property for over two decades – but given mandates from MassHealth – as well as any state requirements that may linger after the COVID pandemic – this site is too small and becoming too expensive for Sunshine Village to continue a day habilitation program there.
We have sent letters to our clients and their families letting them know that when they are able to return to Sunshine Village, they may be able to attend another site – possibly at Litwin Lane, in Three Rivers or in Agawam. After the pandemic, if there is enough demand, the organization will also look to open a larger site in the greater Chicopee / Holyoke area.
This week we again updated our COVID-19 Control Plan – you can see the changes we made to the Self-Quarantining and Isolation section. The plan is located under the COVID Policies in our menu.
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all staff – active, furloughed and laid off – through January 31, 2021. If you or any of your family members need assistance, please call them at 800-252-4555.
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina
Dec.3, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
This week we updated our COVID-19 Control Plan to clarify protocols for situations involving exposure and symptoms related to the coronavirus. The plan is located under the COVID Policies in our menu.
We will be implementing the new accrual system for our Paid Time Off benefits on January 1, 2021 – and we are also revising all job descriptions. Staff who are actively working will be signing a new job description by the end of the month and staff returning will have a new one upon their return.
At this time, the state of Massachusetts has a very strict travel ban – where the only state considered safe is Hawaii. If you travel outside of Massachusetts for longer than 24 hours, you will need to take an approved test – and have it be negative – before you return to work.
We are in the midst of the holiday season – with Christmas, Hanukkah and other holidays quickly approaching. Whether you celebrate any of these holidays or not, it is imperative that we all remain cautious. Wear your mask – practice social distancing – and wash wash wash!
Please remember to take care of yourself during this difficult time – which is now being compounded with the stress of the holidays. Go outside while the weather is still (somewhat) nice…drink lots of water…read a book, call an old friend or do some yoga – whatever helps you minimize your stress!
I’ll continue to update this page every week until the end of the year.
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina
Nov. 19, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
On Monday, November 23rd, we will be reopening our Agawam location and, at this time, we are hoping to start off with serving 29 people in a combined Day Hab / CBDS program there.
I sent the following in an email to all active and furloughed staff on Monday…
As COVID cases are on the rise again, I wanted to remind you of the organization’s policies – and our commitment to keeping everyone safe.
Our COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN is located on our website – www.sunshine.us – on the COVID Policy Page.
Whether you are an active employee or on furlough, please continue to practice the safety measures that are in place: masks to be worn at all times in programmatic and common areas; frequent hand washing / sanitizing, appropriate respiratory etiquette and safe distancing. Please insure that you and your colleagues are following the cleaning protocols throughout the day. If you are not feeling well, please stay home.
The mass.gov website (www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19) www.mass.gov has additional information and updates regarding COVID. They also have an interactive testing map where you can locate a test site should you need to or feel the need to be tested.
https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13
As of today, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts deems only 4 states that are considered “safe” for travel: New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Hawaii. If you travel to another state or country, you will need to quarantine for 14 days upon your return.
There is positive news about the vaccine…so stay hopeful.
Take care,
Gina
Nov. 12, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
As planned, the Agawam site will be opening on November 23rd. We have 22 clients from the Agawam and Springfield sites who will be attending – and then we hope to attract more clients from both of these sites – as well as new clients. We are also developing a small CBDS program for our current CBDS clients who live closer to the Agawam site. Next week, we will survey our clients to see if they are interested in participating in two hour sessions in a Great Indoors Program – where we would use the garage area and keep two of the overhead doors open.
Sunshine Village will be changing how it allocates Paid Time Off on January 1, 2021. It will take a year to transition all employees to this new system so it will be in full effect on January 1, 2022. We will be putting both the policy and a listing of Frequently Asked Questions on the Careers Page (under Current Employees) so you can review this.
Tomorrow – Friday, November 13th – is World Kindness Day. We will be collecting canned and boxed non-perishable food items and donating them to our partners that we used to volunteer with. If you would like to donate something – you can drop it off at the Friday Fun Day event – from 1:00 to 2:00 at the main campus at 75 Litwin Lane.
Open pantries are a great resource for so many people who have struggled or are now struggling because of circumstances beyond their control. If you or a loved one needs assistance – 413Cares connects people with community resources. You can find them at www.413cares.org You can also call our Employee Assistance Program at 800-252-4555. This is a FREE confidential service that you and your family members can use. We are carrying the EAP benefit for all employees who were laid off until December 31, 2020.
A thought for the day….when you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond. That’s where your power is.
Gina
Nov. 6, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
The Agawam site will be reopening to clients on November 23rd. With a change in plans from last week, Lisa Montero will be returning to manage the site which will now serve clients from both the former Springfield program and the Agawam program – as well as new clients. Five more direct care staff have been invited back.
We are trying to develop small CBDS programs at both the Three Rivers Program and the Agawam site. CBDS is also looking at potentially going into some client’s homes and providing sessions during the day.
We are continuing to offer the Great Outdoors program through November and then will look at potentially offering a Great Indoors Program in the garage area in Agawam. Zoom sessions are now being offered during the day – and in the evenings and on the weekends – in both CBDS and Day Hab.
The organization will be transitioning from a “front loaded” system of providing paid time off to an accrual system. We have utilized the “front loaded” system since our inception. In the past several years, management has considered transitioning but has not undertaken the process of converting to an accrual system because of the enormous difficulties it presented. Now, while we have a smaller census of employees, it is an opportune time to do this conversion that will allow for a more fiscally responsive process for SSV and more flexibility and control over paid time off by staff. We will provide information on the Careers Page next week and upon return, the Human Resources Department will explain how this new system works.
Gina
Oct. 29, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
Due to the impending inclement weather, we are rescheduling our SPOOKTACULAR Halloween Wave Parade to Monday, November 2, 2020 at 1:00.
Come take a spin around our parking lot – you’ll see frightful costumes and friendly faces (behind masks!) You can check out the winners of our pumpkin carving and scarecrow making contests! AND….we will be giving out treats! No tricks – please join us as we celebrate together….a little belatedly!
This week, we have begun planning to reopen our Agawam site. We are calling clients to see how many want to come back or transition to that site. Next week we should have a tentative roster – and then can look at bringing back more staff. At this time, Colleen Brosnan will be acting as the Manager of that site – though this is only a short term position. Hopefully, the census will grow enough for us to bring back another manager soon.
If you have questions or need advice about your 401K Retirement Plan, Dean Godek is available by phone to you. You can reach him at:
Dean Godek – dgodek@charteroakfinancial.com
MassMutual Financial Group
330 Whitney Avenue – Suite 600
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 539-2327
Have a happy and safe Halloween and remember to turn your clocks back (and check your smoke detectors) on Sunday.
Gina
Oct. 22, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
The Three Rivers site has opened and all is going well. Unfortunately though, our census is very small – as we are only serving 17 clients – in a program where we used to serve 80.
Last week I spent some time advocating for Sunshine Village and the human service industry with our local legislators. Each day, the organization is losing money. Hopefully, in the months to come, we will get additional financial support from the federal and state governments.
We have identified the Agawam site to be the next site to be opened – and are currently assessing clients to see if there are enough clients who want to return to reopen that program. We hope to have a decision made in the next week.
An uplifting quote for you all from Snow White….“remember, you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine.”
Gina
Oct. 15, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
The Three Rivers site had a soft opening this past Tuesday and it went well. On Monday, October 19th, we will be welcoming back 18 clients and they will be using transportation services arranged through MART.
There are no other new updates on the organization’s Reopening Plan.
We are updating our website – and creating a page specific for Current Employees – which will include our Personnel Policy Handbook and any additional policies that have been revised. You can find this page under the Careers section.
I hope to have more news on the agency’s progress in the next few weeks.
Take care and I will leave you with a thought about perseverance from Nelson Mandala:
“It always seems impossible until is it done.”
Gina
Oct. 8, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
A look back…
On March 17, 2020, Sunshine Village closed our doors to our buildings and our clients were forced to stay home due to the Emergency Closure by the State of Massachusetts. We were fully closed – excepting our newly developed VARS program and the fulfillment of our contract duties with WARB by employees – for 20 full weeks.
On August 3rd, we began our Reopening when we welcomed back our clients to their jobs at Westover Maintenance Systems and on August 24th, we opened one small combined day habilitation program in the Davis Building and welcomed back a small number of CBDS clients. On September 14th, we opened another combined day habilitation program in the Knights Building and will be opening our Three Rivers day hab on October 13th.
This is week 10 of our Reopening and it continues to be a difficult time. Many of our clients are unable to return because of personal risk issues – to themselves or people they live with – or other challenges such as lack of transportation. Others are unwilling to return because of fear of the virus or a resurgence of it.
During all this, we have to initiate two workforce reductions – losing over 150 valued employees. We also had to make the difficult decisions to close VillageWorks and not reopen our Springfield Day Hab program.
Moving forward…
We are trying our best to keep everyone – clients and employees – safe in our programs – and weather this very difficult time. Our costs are exceeding our revenues – and the financial losses are mounting.
Nothing has been easy during this time of COVID-19 – for Sunshine Village professionally and for everyone personally.
I spoke at an Observation for National Employment Disability Awareness Month at Westover Air Reserve Base this past weekend – and I told them that even with the devastation that COVID has caused, Sunshine Village has been able to survive – and we are committed to keeping our founders’ dream alive. But our survival is at a cost – and in the weeks and months to come – perhaps we will have a better idea of what our future looks like.
For now, there is no new news. I committed to keeping this page updated on a weekly basis until the middle of October – and given that we are trying to move forward – I will now commit to continue weekly updates for at least the next month.
Take care and stay hopeful.
Gina
Oct. 1, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
It’s week 9 of the Sunshine Village Reopening – and this week, we are working to reopen our Three Rivers day habilitation program. The soft opening will be on October 13th and transportation will be provided by outside vendors starting on October 19, 2020.
Over the next few weeks we will be looking at how Sunshine Village can provide transportation to individuals within our CBDS program. At this time, the restrictions are stringent and our capacity is limited to meet the standards. But we are trying to figure out if we can do any transportation.
I announced today that a strategic decision has been made by Sunshine Village to not reopen our Springfield Day Hab. This is an excerpt of the letter we are sending to clients who attended that site:
I am writing to share some news with you about Sunshine Village and the Springfield Day Hab Program. As you might know, for almost a year prior to the Emergency Closure, we had been experiencing some significant issues with the site because of issues resulting from a business that moved into the complex. Additional issues were created from another neighboring business. We were working with our landlord and trying to make the best of a situation that was less than ideal.
Our lease for this property expires in June of 2021 and we have thought long and hard about whether to remain at this location – but have come to the conclusion that the issues we were grappling with prior to the Emergency Closure have not gone away. As we plan to reopen our programs, we believe it will be best for everyone to not reopen the Springfield Day Hab.
In 2019, we purchased a large building at 588 Silver Street in Agawam and this past spring, we completed renovations to increase the number of bathrooms. We had relocated our Westfield program to this building and planned on accepting new referrals when the renovations were complete. We have now decided to merge the Springfield program into this site – and relocate all clients from the Springfield program – to the Agawam site. If a client would prefer to attend a day hab program at our Litwin Lane campus or our program in Three Rivers, we can also discuss how that transition could happen.
Although I know that such a move may create some anxiety for you (your loved one), I want to assure you that we will do everything we can to insure an easy transition. Relocating the program to a building that the agency owns, as opposed to leases, will allow us to have full control over both the building and its parking lot – insuring that the setting helps make for a great day.
We do not have a date for the reopening of the Agawam site – or the Main Street site. Once those decisions have been made, we will let you know our plans.
We are continuing our Great Outdoors Program and are hosting a weekly Drive In Bingo, CAR-a-oke and Wave Parade. CBDS is also hosting a weekly Adventure Camp. These events allow clients who are not yet able or ready to return to a program to visit and see some friendly faces.
I’ll leave you with a quote from Louise May Alcott – “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
Take care!
Gina
Sept. 24, 2020: A Message from the Human Resources Director
It’s week 8 of the Sunshine Village Reopening, and we continue to see progress! Autumn has arrived, and the sun has been shining!
We have been finalizing the plans to open the Three Rivers Day Hab, and we continue to work with transportation providers so that we may welcome more clients back.
We continue to deliver exciting and innovative programming, utilizing the outdoors as well as technology. 35 of our clients attended our Great Outdoors Bingo this week and 20 clients attended the Wave Parade last week. New activities are in the works for October, including “CAR-A-OKE” and an ice cream social! CBDS’ Great Outdoors Adventure Camp has been a success and we welcomed 4 clients this week into that program. Our Life Engagement online group has been very active on Zoom, with daily activities focusing on learning, wellness, and friendship.
All working and furloughed employees have been invited to participate in our flu clinic on Friday, October 9 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Call us in Administration at (413) 592-6142 to schedule your time slot. Sunshine Village remains committed to good health and wellness, and we are happy to provide this for you.
I am energized as I reflect on all of the amazing creativity, hard work, talent and heart that we are putting into our work here and I know that our future is bright!
Be well!
Chris
Sept. 17, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
It’s week 7 of the Sunshine Village Reopening – and this week, we opened a small day hab program in the Knights Building at the Sunshine Village property.
his week, we also began looking at transportation. We are going to start working with local transportation providers to begin providing transportation for our day hab clients. In October, we will look at our own transportation department to see if we can coordinate transportation for our CBDS program.
We are now planning to open our Three Rivers Day Hab. This will most likely start small – and hopefully it will grow with the return of our clients – as well as new referrals.
Once Three Rivers is up and running, we will again assess interest – and look to reopen either another day hab or another location for our CBDS program – or maybe both.
We had 32 of our clients attend our Great Outdoors Bingo and are looking forward to seeing our clients participate in our Wave Parade. CBDS again hosted their Great Outdoors Adventure Camp and welcomed 6 clients into that weekly program.
Next Thursday, Chris Pollender, Director of Human Resources, will be providing information to you on this page – and if you have questions or concerns about your status or benefits – or need something from your personnel file – please call Chris or Nichole Chilson at 413-592-6142.
Take care!
Gina
Sept. 10, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
It’s week 26 of the Sunshine Village Closure – and week 6 of the Reopening! We are moving slowly….but we are moving!
On August 3rd, we welcomed back many of our clients to their jobs at Westover Maintenance Systems. On August 24th, we reopened CBDS and a joint Day Hab program in the Davis Building. On September 14th, we will reopen our Knights Building for another joint day hab program.
While we are reopening, we continue to offer our VARS program and are now hosting a weekly Wave Parade and a Parking Lot Bingo – to allow our clients who are not able to return – or not comfortable to return – to see some friendly faces. CBDS is looking at other programming – such as the Great Outdoors Adventure Camp – for people who want to return very slowly.
Next week, we will begin looking at transportation – which remains a barrier for many of our clients – as well as our property needs.
I will continue to update this page weekly – so keep checking back each Thursday.
Take care!
Gina
Sept. 3, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
And we keep moving forward!
This is the second week of our reopening – and it has been going very well. Clients and employees are getting used to the newly implemented policies and protocols.
I have posted the COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN on our website – look under Covid-19 Policy Page. You will see that our plan is very detailed – even including directions on how to perform tasks and specifics about products that can be used.
We have more clients who want to return to our day hab services so we will be opening our Knights Building at Litwin Lane to accommodate them. In CBDS, we have many clients who are unsure of their comfort level in returning – so we have developed a GREAT OUTDOORS ADVENTURE CAMP that we will be hosting once a week to allow people to sample what the service now looks like – outside where they are more comfortable.
We are continuing our outreach with clients and their families and residential providers. We sent another personalized greeting card and have seen the number of people joining our Private Facebook Pages increase.
Remember, our Human Resources Department is here for you – if you have any questions or need any documentation from your personnel file. Call Chris Pollender or Nichole Chilson at 413/592-6142.
Take care!
Gina
August 27, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
As we began the 24th week of the Sunshine Village closure – we opened!
It was a small opening – but an opening!
We had 26 clients come into our newly form Davis Building Day Hab and 26 clients – some full time and some part time – also came back to CBDS. Our programs look different – with clients spending much more time sitting in one place and interacting with fewer people than usual. There are many protocols that are being followed – from wearing masks to frequent hand washing as well as respiratory etiquette and social distancing.
We are continuing to offer VIRTUAL SERVICES – and now with people coming back to programs, we can truly get back to delivering on the promise of a GREAT DAY!
In the upcoming weeks, we will again assess our clients and families and residential providers to see who wants to return in the fall – and hopefully we will be able to reopen even more programs.
Until then, please make sure you continue to take care of yourself. Eat nutritious foods. Drink lots of water. Exercise every day. Try to stick to a routine – going to bed and waking up at the same time each day – and – as always – being kind to those around you.
If you need assistance – we want to support you. Call Chris Pollender or Nichole Chilson in our Human Resources Department. Our office hours have returned to 8:00 am to 4:00 pm – so please call – 413-592-6142.
Gina Kos, Executive Director
August 13, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
Tomorrow, August 14th, will be the last day of employment with Sunshine Village for 87 people.
The decision to initiate this second workforce reduction was not made lightly – and was made with much regret. In July, we had to laid off 70 people and with this latest reduction, total lost employees will be 157.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has had a very negative impact on Sunshine Village – and the loss of our valued employees is the most devastating of the consequences.
We do hope that we will be able to welcome many of our former employees back to the organization sometime in the future.
I will be posting an update each Thursday on this Employee Page for the next two months – so please check back.
Remember – the number for our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is 800-252-4555. This is a FREE, confidential service – which you or any member of your family can use. We will be carrying this benefit for all current employees (including all who are being laid off or furloughed) until December 31, 2020.
To each of our employees who are leaving us – I want to extend my appreciation for your commitment to our mission and the people we serve. Thank you for all you have done – and please know that you will be missed.
Gina Kos, Executive Director
August 10, 2020: A Message from the Executive Director
Please check your personal email account. We have sent you a message outlining the initial phases of the Reopening Plan of Sunshine Village and meetings that are being held to provide further updates.