New Abilities for a Better Tomorrow

NwsletterCrystal Spr ngsWINTER 2016

CEO Kathleen Lovenbury,Carmen V. Tomassini & Lucy Pacheco

CEO Kathleen Lovenbury,& Maura Gray

2015 Nominees

Our 2015 ‘Employee of the Year’ award winners were Anne Malenfant, Residential Supporter in our Adult Program, and Jennifer DeCosta, Special Education Teacher for our Children’s Program. Both Anne and Jen are exceptional staff members whose dedication, cheerful disposition and strong work ethic make them well respected, valued members of their teams. Thanks to the generosity of friends and benefactors like the Carleton family, Anne & Jen were each awarded $1,000. Also acknowledged were

staff reaching significant milestones in their careers here at Crystal Springs. Among them were long-standing employees Maura Gray, Laundry Manager, who reached 40 years, Residential Counselor Margaret D’Alfonso (not pictured), Executive Administrator Lucy Pacheco and Prevocational Aide Carmen V. Tomassini, who all met their 25-year mark. Congratulations to all and thank you for your commitment to Crystal Springs.

Congratulations to 2015 Employees of the Year!

CEO Kathleen Lovenbury & Anne Malenfant, Adult Services CEO Kathleen Lovenbury & Jennifer DeCosta, Childrens Services

From the CEO…Kathleen Lovenbury

Dear Friends,

Here are some of the highlights over the last few months:

Strategic Planning Process – Part IIDeveloping an Overall Strategic PlanCrystal Springs’ launched its strategic planning efforts over the summer. The process has been divided into two parts,

the first part focusing on developing Crystal Springs’ plan to meet the requirements of the Centers for Medicare & Med-icaid Services (CMS) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and the second part focusing on the overall plan. Part II will kick off in February.

Behavioral Services Consultation Peter Sturmey, Ph.D., BCBA

Dr. Sturmey is providing Behavioral Services Consultation to Crystal Springs. He is a Professor of Psychology at The Graduate Center and the Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York where he is a member of the Behavior Analysis Doctoral program.

From the CEO… continued from page 1

Manning OpenSpecial Charity Golf EventOn Monday, October 5th, the Crystal Springs’ Manning Open returned to the prestigious Pocasset Golf Club for a chari-ty event and special celebration of Dr. John E. Manning. Dr. Man-ning, who served for many years as Crystal Springs’ Medical Di-rector and later on the Board of Directors, was presented with an honorary citation acknowledging his

‘many years of dedicated ser-vice in the field of pediatrics and his passion for helping children with special needs’. On hand to present Dr. Man-ning with this citation were Crystal Springs Board Mem-ber Tom Pasternak, State Representative Alan Silvia,

and Governor’s Council member Joe Ferreira. In addition, this great event also raised over $30,000 for the individuals here at Crystal Springs! We’d like to thank Dr. Manning and his family for their contin-ued generosity and sup-port; Lead Sponsor Telam-on Insurance & Financial Network of Westwood for their generous contribu-tion; and all of our many sponsors, donors and vol-

unteers, whose confidence in our mission helps us to carry out the important work that we do on a daily basis here at Crystal Springs.

Giving TreeAn amazing show of Holiday SpiritOur annual Giving Tree efforts produced a sleigh-full of gifts for the individuals here at Crystal Springs and helped to make this holiday season extra special for them. A heartfelt thank you to Crystal Springs’ staff members, parents, guardians and friends for their outpouring of kindness, generosity and holiday-spirit.

Five Below FundraiserFirst Ever Five Below Fundraiser a SuccessWe’d like to thank everyone who participated in our Five Below Fundraiser. It’s hard to believe that our shoppers purchased close to $5,000 in merchandise, resulting in a near $500 donation to Crystal Springs. This tremendous show of support is greatly appreciated, and all proceeds will directly benefit the children and adults who live and learn with us here at Crystal Springs.

Home and Community Based Services Transition PlanHCBS Plan submitted to DDSCrystal Springs’ developed a comprehensive transition plan in response to the HCBS requirements. A strategic planning process informed the development of the plan, including presentations of the plan to the DDS Assistant Commissioner of Quality Management, Southeast Regional Director, Fall River Area Director, and Acting Area Director as well as parents and guardians of individuals residing in Adult Services. Crystal Springs is holding “mini-meetings” with parents and guardians at each of the residences.

Holiday HighlightsThe holidays are always filled with fun and exciting events and activities for the individuals and staff here at Crystal Springs! October brought with it fun Halloween celebrations and tons of creative costumes! Everyone had a great time at

our annual Halloween Dance; we’d like to thank Harry’s Din-er, Pizza Time, Piezoni’s and Papa Gino’s for donating pizzas to make this year’s party extra-special!

Dr. John Manning and Family

Dr. John Manning, Joe Ferreira, Tom Pasternak, and Representative Alan Silvia.

James the AstronautMatthew the Card Dealer Group F as Rock, Paper, Scissors

Telamon Team

Holiday Highlights continued from page 2

November was a time for giving thanks and giving back. Crystal Springs’ generous staff members collected 90

pounds of non-perishable food items to benefit a Holiday Food Drive sponsored by the United Way of Greater New Bedford.

December was bursting with holiday fun for everyone, with events and activities including a special visit with Santa in the Treehouse, a Holiday Extravaganza full of games and

crafts, Christmas Caroling around Campus, a Deck the Door Contest and a Polar Express Movie Night sponsored by the Crystal Springs Spirit & Wellness Committee!

Girl Scouts Pinning Ceremony!The young ladies at Crystal Springs School have officially joined the Girl Scouts! The mission of the Girl Scouts is to empower

girls and to help teach them val-ues such as honesty, fairness, courage, compassion, character, sisterhood, confidence, entrepre-neurship, and citizenship through activities including camping, community service, learning first aid, and earning badges by acquiring practical skills. Our girls here at Crystal Springs will

benefit greatly from this new endeavor and have already begun

planning and fundraising for a summer camping trip. They recently took part in a traditional pinning ceremony where they each received a sash and their very first badge and pin. The girls all en-joyed this special oc-casion, with many proud

staff and family members joining in on the celebration.

Join Us Aboard The BattleshipWednesday, June 29th, 7-9 PM

Crystal Spr ngs’ Annual Galafor the deserving residents of Crystal Springs!

Contact Angie Taylor at 774-855-3301 or Lucy Pacheco at 774-855-3392 for more informationon how you can help secure an anchor of support for the children and adults who live and learn with us.

Missy with Santa & Mrs. Claus Khaya writing his letter to Santa!

Jenny & Music Therapist LoriCaroling around Campus

Director of Children’s Services Rick as the Conductor for Polar Express

Santa with Ann

Classroom 2 - Deck the Doors Contest Winner

Kylie and Mom

Rachel getting her pin

Reciting the pledge

38 Narrows Road / PO Box 372 / Assonet, MA 02702

Crystal Spr ngs

Board of DirectorsTimothy Kelleher, ChairmanJacqueline AshleyMichael KehoeRobert KelliherTom PasternakJohn PicardMichael PierreJames Rebello

Chief Executive OfficerKathleen Lovenbury

Executive Leadership Team

Kristal Barnes Director of Behavioral ServicesRick Mancini Director of Children’s ServicesLucy Pacheco Executive AdministratorDebra Pittman Director of Human ResourcesNovene Powell Director of Adult ServicesWilliam Sowyrda Chief Financial Officer

CrystalSpr ngs Science Fair ...........................February 12, 2016

Spring Break Beach Day .......... March 11, 2016

Nautical Night ...............................June 29, 2016

Manning Open......................... October 3, 2016

Crystal Spr ngs Upcoming Events

The Crystal Springs Girl Scouts have kicked off their cookie sales!Contact Rolande Raposo at 774-855-3312

or rraposo@crystalspringsinc.orgfor more information or to place an order.