As H.A.L.O.’s Family Circle celebrates 10 years of offering the Sunday Swim & Sing Program, the format is changing to reach more families in the Greater Boston area.
This winter Family Circle will transition to a Family Supported Swim & Sing Program Model in place of the staffed three-hour respite and socialization activities offered in the past. Instead of providing staff partners to guide individuals through activities, parents and caregivers will be required to remain onsite and provide the needed support and care for participants.
“The changes address our biggest challenges: staffing and the waiting list,” according to Doreen Cummings, Director of Program Development for JF&CS Services for Adults with Disabilities, which operates the program for H.A.L.O.
“First, hiring personnel has been an obstacle because the program requires intense training and year-long commitment to build a relationship with an individual with complex physical and communication disabilities,” she said. The limited number of weekly shifts and lack of public transportation to the suburban pools has also limited the applicant pool.
“Secondly, once relationships have been established, families rarely leave the program because there are so few socialization opportunities for people with severe disabilities,” Doreen said. “It has been frustrating for the more than 60 families on the waiting list.”
In an October 16th letter to families, Doreen explained that the reformatted program will be offered at the Newton Jewish Community Center (JCC), with lifeguarded swimming and music therapy as the main activities.
There will be 25, three-hour sessions throughout the year, with two different time slots to choose from: 11am-2pm, or 2pm to 5pm. The original, staffed program will continue at the Stoughton, MA YMCA location for a limited number of families.
An on-site Program Director, the Music Therapist, and a small team of helping staff (2- 4 staff members) will assist family caretakers at the program. Families can choose to send a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) or other care provider in place of a family member if they wish to use the time for respite.
“The Family Swim & Sing Model is a great way to bring the family together in a positive, healthy way,” Doreen said. “Siblings are welcome and encouraged to attend the Family Sunday Swim & Sing sessions and to bring a friend.”
Current and wait-listed families will need to complete a new enrollment form for the family supported program. Assignments will be based on need and first request. A minimal program fee will be charged; scholarships are available.
To sign-up or refer a family, please contact Sandy Slavet, JF&CS Disability Resource Network Director, 781-647-5327.
