We couldn’t be prouder of Ian McKay, one of Specialized Housing’s house members from South Portland, Maine. This past July, Ian took on his biggest swim yet—a 15-mile open-water challenge at Lake Memphremagog in Vermont.
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Our house communities are shaped by the routines and habits of our members, creating unique cultures within each home. During a recent tour of our Brookline house, program manager Alexae Connor shared a story that captures this well—she mentioned the “News Crew.”
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Margie was a cherished member of our SHI community for over 26 years. It's difficult to pick just a few memories because there are so many. But perhaps the best way to remember her is by reflecting on the wonderful person she was.
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We thought it would be inspiring to highlight some of the neighborhood routines that help define our communities. Since 2017, a group of Brookline SHI house members has been going to Pino’s Pizza on Saturdays. They are well known by staff and other regular patrons.
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Having reached this significant milestone, we are excited to celebrate our long-term success with all of our current families, staff, and house members. Meet Adam, who represents a new generation of SHI house members in our established Brookline communities.
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Most people, if they have the choice, would prefer to have a day off from their jobs on holidays or during their summer breaks. But Sarah and Richie, who both live in one of our Brookline communities and have jobs during the week, often volunteer on holidays and their days off.
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We were fortunate that three women in the Specialized Housing community recently took the time to share their perspectives and shed some light on the unique and very special relationships they share with their siblings.
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We thought it would be nice to introduce some of the newer house members who have joined our community over the past year or so. They are all great examples of how adults with disabilities can live rich, full, and independent lives while receiving support that meets their specific needs. Melanie moved into one of our Brookline homes in October of 2021. We recently stopped by her house to check in and see how she’s been doing since then.
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“They are very diverse, and they don’t treat me any differently than they treat anybody else.” This, SHI house member Cristen explained, is the reason why her job is so special and why she has stayed with the firm for 23 years. We recently got the chance to sit down with Cristen to chat about her job, her band, and about some of the different groups that she supports.
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Last month, we celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM recognizes the contributions of America’s disabled workers and celebrates inclusive employment policies and practices. Awards are given out all month long to various businesses and individuals, and celebratory events are held. We didn’t want to miss out on the celebration, so we are excited to introduce Ben, one of the many Specialized Housing house members who enjoys meaningful, long-term employment.
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We had a chance to speak to longtime community member and Gateway Arts artist Alison Doucette recently. Our interview dives into her life, her introduction to Gateway, her preferred artistic medium, her creative process and sources of inspiration, and more!
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Several of our SHI community members in our Maine houses see a fresh blanket of snow as an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors during the chilly times of year.
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Like a majority of Specialized Housing residents, Alan Lampert had to forfeit his job when the pandemic first began. Stepping away from the beloved Boston law firm where he had spent well over a decade as a mail clerk wasn’t an easy decision, but one that he made out of concern for his health and safety, as well as that of his housemates.
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In honor of Thanksgiving we decided to call around the Specialized Housing community and ask residents about their plans for, and thoughts on, the upcoming holiday.
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It’s been a year to forget, but one which we likely never will. Yet, as ever, the Specialized Housing community has remained resilient and, especially with vaccines now being distributed, hopeful.
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Thank you to all of the community professionals, families, and staff that are supporting our community while we do our best to stay safe and help each other. Click to see a few community highlights from this time of sheltering in place.
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It was with that same fierce spirit of independence and self advocacy that a group of prospective residents and their families came together in 1987 to explore the possibility of establishing their own home in Brookline. There was already a model for them to follow, two other SHI residencies having been founded in Washington Square just a few years before.
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Fuller Street resident Richie Kastrainer threw out the first pitch at a Pawtucket Red Sox game this past June.
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Both Claude and Ellen, co-founders and residents of SHI’s flagship program in Brookline, Mass., woke up at the break of dawn nearly every single day for well over 30 years; they braved every kind of inclement weather to board trains and buses, committed all of their energy to careers they were passionate about and, just recently, they both retired.
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Ever since he was a child, Specialized Housing resident Nolan Gillman hasn’t wanted to wait even five minutes to find out what the weather might bring—he wants to know days ahead of time.
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