HIGH SPIRIT COMMUNITY FARM
A Lifesharing Community for Adults with Special Needs
FAMILY HANDBOOK FOR SEEKONK PINES 2008-2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HIGH SPIRIT COMMUNITY FARM MISSION STATEMENT
LIFESHARING
THE PROGRAM
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS OR ADVOCATES
MEDICAL CARE
CLOTHING AND WHAT TO BRING
LEAVING SEEKONK PINES & DISCHARGE PROCESS
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
AREA LODGING, DINING AND RECREATION
LIST OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HIGH SPIRIT COMMUNITY FARM MISSION STATEMENT
High Spirit Community Farm will fill an essential need for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing meaningful work.
High Spirit Community Farm has two goals: First, to provide a hospitable workplace and home that accords dignity to people with disabilities through agricultural work, family style home life, and a rich social and cultural life. Second, to be a catalyst for Massachusetts to move from institutional care to a model that nurtures the well-being of individuals, the community and the environment.
Seekonk Pines is our first residential setting for adults with developmental disabilities and is located at 144 Seekonk Cross Road in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
LIFESHARING
"We believe that the most important thing in life is relationships. Everything else is how we give substance, value, and life to those relationships."
Nick Stanton
Lifesharing is the sharing of life.
By living together, families and the disabled individuals they live with can all lead fuller, more meaningful lives. Lifesharing fosters an environment of mutual responsibility, belonging, and acceptance for everyone involved; it enhances and enriches the lives of individuals by offering an alternative to traditional institutional living. Individuals involved in Lifesharing strive to make a positive contribution to each other’s lives and to society in general through disseminating the humanist ideals of acceptance, enthusiasm and faith in personal potential.
At Seekonk Pines, Lifesharing means not only living in a common home, but also sharing a place of work, a place of celebration, and a place of love.
Lifesharing may consist of an individual home with one to four special needs individuals living with a care giving family, or it can be a community of homes all based on the same values and philosophy.
Individuals supported in Lifesharing include children and adults with a wide variety of needs and challenges.
Lifesharing means living with and sharing life experiences with supportive persons who form a caring household with special needs individuals.
The Lifesharing provider helps each individual learn and apply new skills while they become a part of a family’s everyday life.
Lifesharing means both the close personal relationship and the physical place to live.
At Seekonk Pines we have a loving family of John and Penni Greene, their two young children, two additional co-workers, and eventually four special needs residents.
THE PROGRAM
Home Life
Our house is a busy place, offering many opportunities for life-skills training. Seekonk Pines does its own weekly menu planning, food shopping and preparation, in all of which the residents fully participate. Cleaning and caring for the household to make a beautiful and comfortable dwelling are part of daily life at Seekonk Pines. The residents also take part in house meetings where decisions are made about scheduling, planning celebrations and much more.
Land Work
The work program consists of land management. Planting hedges, flowers and trees to beautify the property is an ongoing project. We have planned an orchard, an area for berry bushes and a vegetable garden. We prune, mulch, harvest and process according to biodynamic methods. In winter, we turn our attention to the wooded areas for clearing and chopping fire wood.
CATA
The residents at Seekonk Pines attend CATA (Community Access to The Arts). CATA provides over 1,000 visual and performing arts workshops for individuals with developmental, physical, emotional and/or mental disabilities. The mission of CATA is to nurture and celebrate the creativity of people with disabilities through shared experiences in the visual and performing arts. Each term we work closely with CATA to provide the most meaningful and beneficial weekly program for the residents at Seekonk Pines.
Therapeutic Life
The residents at Seekonk Pines attend weekly horseback riding lessons. The program also has access to Eurythmy (a form of therapeutic movement), painting, baths, massages and physical therapy.
Cultural/Social Life
Seekonk Pines strives to provide a meaningful and rich cultural and social life. (See schedule). The house also takes part in common activities offered in the wider Lifesharing community of Great Barrington. Additionally, many cultural events take place at the Copake and Triform Camphill communities, which are within easy driving distance from Seekonk Pines.
Seekonk Pines is fortunate to be geographically located in the town of Great Barrington. (Please see link for details: http://www.greatbarrington.org/index.php )
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE
The admissions procedure consists of a number of steps that enable the applicant and the household to determine if they are a good match and meet one another’s needs and expectations.
Below is a step by step outline of the process:
The first step is an informal tour of Seekonk Pines with the parents and applicant while the program is in session. A tour can be scheduled by calling 414-717-4034 or by sending us an email at johnppgreene@gmail.com. If, after your visit, you are interested in exploring the possibility of admissions, you can pick up or we can send you our application forms.
After you have filled out the application forms you should return them to Seekonk Pines with a non-refundable deposit of $100.00.
After we have reviewed the application, and if we believe Seekonk Pines may be a good match for the applicant, we will schedule an admissions interview. The interview will allow for comprehensive discussion about the program offered at Seekonk Pines and the applicant’s educational, vocational and therapeutic background and needs.
If the interview is deemed successful for both the parents/guardians and for Seekonk Pines, we may ask to visit you and the applicant in your home and/or at his or her school setting. After this, we may arrange a three to six-week trial visit. The cost for the trial visit will be paid in advance by the applicant's family. The cost is $200 per day.
Following the trial visit, Seekonk Pines will contact you concerning the applicant, and if admission is being offered, notify you when a space becomes available. An acceptance letter will be accompanied by an admissions agreement, which should be signed and returned to Seekonk Pines.
If the applicant is eligible for state funding, it is highly recommended that you work promptly with his or her service coordinator on the funding process. Funding will need to be secured before placement can be made.
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES FOR DAY PROGRAM
The application process for the day program is the same as the process for the residential program.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS OR ADVOCATES
Your responsibilities are to:
• Provide Seekonk Pines with necessary and current medical information about your son/daughter.
• Provide spending money ($50 - $100 per month is suggested).
• Telephone your son or daughter on a regular basis (once a week is usual).
• Monitor, supply and re-supply clothing as needed, unless the individual receives funds specifically for clothing.
• Attend twice yearly Family & Residents Weekends.
You may feel free to request:
• Additional meetings with house parents.
• Information about Seekonk Pines, Lifesharing, our philosophy, way of life, Rudolf Steiner, Anthroposophy, etc.
• To come to Seekonk Pines for a visit, or to have your son or daughter come home outside of regular break times. This can be arranged in consultation with the house parents.
We recognize the importance of good communication with parents, and we encourage and welcome opportunities for questions, suggestions, comments, and constructive dialogue.
Seekonk Pines does provide:
• Room and board.
• Courses and activities as described in the Handbook, including supplies, with exceptions for some special courses.
• Certain optional therapies.
• Training in work, social and personal care skills.
• Local transportation to cultural/recreational events.
• Basic house and bathroom supplies (soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, laundry soap, basic first aid supplies). Some people prefer to buy their own personal items.
Seekonk Pines does not provide:
• Clothing and personal items. (Unless specific funds are available, i.e., SSI, etc.).
• Bed linens & towels (except during trial visits). Many people bring a down quilt, as winters can be cold.
• Medical insurance.
• Travel & vacations.
• Long-distance or toll telephone calls.
MEDICAL CARE
Medical Care -- Parents’ Responsibilities:
• Provide Seekonk Pines with relevant and current medical information, including allergies, changes in medications, or other health-related developments as they occur (not just at the time of admission)
• Provide the Seekonk Pines office with up-to-date medical insurance information. Incomplete or erroneous insurance information may cause delay in obtaining medical care in emergencies
• Provide required psychiatric care
• Finance all medications and medical services.
Medical Care – Routine:
• As part of our medical services, Seekonk Pines contracts with a physician and registered nurse to provide overall monitoring of health care needs and support for medical questions.
Medical Care –Emergencies:
In emergencies and as warranted, Seekonk Pines utilizes the Emergency Room at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington, 29 Lewis Ave., Great Barrington, MA 01230; (413) 528-0790 berkshirehealthsystems.com
HEALTHFUL LIVING
A healthy, balanced diet (mostly organically-grown food) and exercise are part of daily life.
We encourage moderation in the amount of tv/videos watched and encourage games, music and physical activity.
Meals around our table are a time of celebration, healthy eating and joyous community.
CLOTHING AND WHAT TO BRING
Essential items to bring:
Dress clothes (at least one set: skirt or dress, jacket & tie)
Sturdy, durable work boots
Work gloves (several pairs)
Sun hat
Raincoat
Plenty of cotton socks (need regular re-supply)
Waterproof boots
Sneakers (2 pairs, one light for hot days, one sturdy for summer work & summer hiking
--easy-tie Velcro closings are recommended)
Slippers for indoor wear
Bathrobe
Bathing suit (life vest if needed)
Extra warm clothing for very cold winters (coat, hat, scarf, mittens, gloves)
Long underwear (wool or silk)
Plenty of wool socks, tights (need regular re-supply)
Sheets & pillowcases (2 sets), blankets, towels (2), pillow (bed linens are provided by Seekonk Pines for trial visits)
Optional, but strongly recommended:
Hiking boots for fall/winter hiking (different from work boots)
Light daypack (for carrying lunch and sweater, etc. on walks and hikes)
Day participants
Casual clothing, suitable for the season and appropriate general gear.
In addition, a participant should bring (as appropriate for the season):
Sturdy, durable work boots
Work gloves
Sun hat
Raincoat
Waterproof boots
Slippers for indoor wear
Long underwear
LEAVING SEEKONK PINES & DISCHARGE PROCESS
Leaving Seekonk Pines
A person’s path of development may in time lead to a recognition that the right next step is to leave Seekonk Pines. Under normal (non-crisis) circumstances, this decision may come gradually, with the full participation and support of Seekonk Pines, co-workers, family members and advocates. Leaving Seekonk Pines is the culmination of a process of careful consideration of options, and conscious awakening to one’s destiny, is a positive step.
General Principle – Whenever a person’s behavior or health becomes a cause for concern, Seekonk Pines shall notify the parents, guardian or advocates, and enlist their involvement in the situation. If through the process of discussion and consultation among all parties (Seekonk Pines co-workers, parents, advocates, social worker, etc.) it becomes clear that Seekonk Pines is no longer the right place for the individual to live, then a discharge plan will be agreed upon with participation of all parties.
Discharge Process
A person previously admitted to Seekonk Pines may indicate convincingly by words and/or deeds that he/she no longer wishes to remain in Seekonk Pines. In consultation with parents, guardians or advocates, we will make every effort to determine whether or not this is, in fact, the case. These attempts may include counseling, psychological and medical evaluation, changes in living and work places, or other measures deemed appropriate. If after careful and diligent review of all relevant factors, it becomes clear that the person does not wish to reside in Seekonk Pines, a discharge plan will be agreed upon, with active participation by all responsible parties.
In case of physical or mental deterioration which might require close medical, psychiatric or other supervision – (1) Seekonk Pines shall first evaluate whether the person can receive such needed support while living at Seekonk Pines; (2) if not, Seekonk Pines shall evaluate whether the person can receive such needed support outside Seekonk Pines, while still maintaining placement in Seekonk Pines; (3) if not, a discharge plan will be agreed upon, with active participation by all responsible parties.
In the event of an emergency situation, e.g. if a person becomes violently aggressive or is otherwise a danger to himself/herself or others, emergency respite or emergency admission to a medical or psychiatric facility shall be sought immediately, and a plan of discharge from Seekonk Pines may or may not follow, depending on the prognosis.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Tuition and Fees for Residential Program:
Trial Visit Fee (full program, 4 weeks, non-refundable) $ 5,600
Private Annual Base Tuition, July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009 $ 65,000
Monthly tuition payment, effective 7/1/07 $ 5,416
Seekonk Pines tuition is an annual amount and is payable monthly, on the first day of each month, regardless of holidays or breaks. Any amount outstanding on the 10th day of the following month will be charged at the rate of 1.5 percent per month on the outstanding balance.
If payments are not kept current, the resident's placement in Seekonk Pines cannot be guaranteed.
The tuition fee does not cover the full cost of maintaining a resident at Seekonk Pines. We encourage parents, families and guardians to participate actively in our capital campaigns, annual fundraising appeal and events.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Seekonk Pines House, 144 Seekonk Cross Rd, Great Barrington MA 01230
Telephone: 413-717-4034 Fax: 413-717-4031
Email: johnppgreene@gmail.com; pennigreen@gmail.com
John Greene Executive Director
Penelope Greene Program Director
LIFESHARING HOUSEHOLDS IN THE GREAT BARRINGTON AREA
LEANDER HOUSE INC.
Leander House
413-528-8491
413-329-8890 (cell)
Jennie Reins
48 West Ave.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
(2nd house, next door & attached to Leander House)
413-528-3754
40 West Avenue
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Oak Lodge
413-229-3408
413-429-7987 (cell)
Molly Curletti & Glenda Loomis
216 South Main St., Sheffield, MA
Leander House, Inc. office
Jennie at 413-528-8491
413-329-8890 (cell)
CADMUS LIFESHARING ASSOCIATION, INC.
Cadmus Office
413-528-1307
PO Box 46
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Buena Vista
413-528-3102 / 3103
John & Christina Root
135 Jug End Rd.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
(6.1 mi – about 13 mins)
Christopher House
413-229-6076
413-446-7457 (cell)
Rachel Louw
PO Box 29, Mill River, MA 01244
(14.3 mi – about 30 mins)
North Plain Farm
413-528-2871
413-297-2802 (Andrea cell)
413-552-9083 (Nick cell)
Nick & Andrea Stanton
205 North Plain Rd
Great Barrington, MA 01230
(2.6 mi – about 6 mins)
Shadowood
413-528-0595
Nina Thayer
44 Egremont Plain Rd.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
(2.2 mi – about 4 m ins)
Feill Sheathain
413-644-0283
Lee & Jim Conlon
19 Commonwealth Ave.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
(2.2 mi – about 5 mins)
Avg 5.48 miles from Seekonk Pines
LOCAL CAMPHILL COMMUNITIES
Camphill Village Copake
84 Camphill Rd.
Copake, NY 12516
518-329-4851
518-329-0377 (fax)
Email: cvinfo@camphillvillage.org; Website www.camphillvillage.org/
Triform Camphill Community
20 Triform Road
Hudson, NY 12534
518-851-9320
518-851-2864 (fax)
Email: information@triform.org; website: www.triform.org
AREA LODGING & DINING
Bed & Breakfast, Historic Inns & Hotels
• Acorn's Hope (circa 1930's): 85 Alford Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230, 413-528-2573
www.theacornshope.com/index2.html
• Dragonsfield Bed & Breakfast: 365 State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230, 413-644- 9338
• Lynne's Place 58: West Sheffield Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230, 413-528-3174
• Thornewood Inn and Spencer's Restaurant: 453 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230, 413-528-3828
• Twelve: 12 Barrington Place, Great Barrington, MA 01230, 413-528-3507
• Windflower Inn (circa 1850's): 684 South Egremont Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230, 413-528-2720
Motels/Hotels
• Red Lion Inn Stockbridge: 30 Main Street, PO Box 954, Stockbridge MA 01262-0954
Telephone (413) 298-5545; Fax (413) 298-5130; http://www.redlioninn.com
• Chambery Inn 199 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230, 413-243-2221
• Comfort Inn & Suites: 249 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230, 413-644-3200
• Holiday Inn Express: 415 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230, 413-528-1810
• Days Inn: 372 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230, 413-528-3150
• Lantern House Motel: 256 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
Dining
• Pearl's Restaurant: 47 Railroad St, Great Barrington (413) 528-7767; www.pearlsrestaurant.com
• Aegean Breeze Restaurant: 327 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington (413) 528-4001: www.aegean-breeze.com
• Bizen Gourmet Japanese Cuisine:17 Railroad St, Great Barrington, MA - (413) 528-4343
• Babalouie's Sour Dough Pizza: 286 Main St, Great Barrington, MA - (413) 528-8100
• Castle Street Cafe:10 Castle Ln, Great Barrington, MA - (413) 528-5244
• Route 7 Barbeque: 999 Main St, Great Barrington, MA - (413) 528-3235
• Helsinki Tea Co:284 Main St, Great Barrington, MA - (413) 528-3394
• Hawthorne Valley Farm Dining: 327 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY - (518) 672-7500
LIST OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Bob Swain
Treasurer
Peter von Mertens
Secretary
Ginny Swain
Directors
Dea Angiollilo, M.D.
Eric Maskin, Ph.D.
Jennie Reins
John Greene
Martha Bedell
Penni Greene
Shippen Page, Esq.