11/12/2017

Pediatric Nursing Homes Guide H.A.L.O. In Fulfilling Its Mission

Keeping families connected is important to H.A.L.O.
The foundation supports nursing home celebrations
that bring everyone together.
Twenty-five years ago Sarah’s family was inspired to make life more comfortable for children with severe neurological conditions in pediatric nursing homes in New England.

They created the H.A.L.O. Foundation to gift teddy bears and television sets to kids who needed a little comfort or stimulation, and instituted an annual gifting program for staff to purchase uniquely special gifts for each child.

Soon appropriate technology for entertainment, toys for the pool and extracurricular fun were included.

H.A.L.O. underwrites gifts and programs that have a direct impact on children or promotes interaction and acceptance in the greater community.

Here is some of the feedback we receive:
H.A.L.O. Holidays at the Cape Cod National Seashore
have enabled family members to share a few days
at the beach with medical support for their children.

Seven Hills Pediatric Center, Groton, MA
Holly Jarek, Vice President & Administrator
Mary Conway, Director of Education

H.A.L.O.’s generosity to the residents at Seven Hills has enabled us to choose individualized gifts for them on their special holidays. It has also been our go-to resource for children in dire need.

Some emergency admissions arrive with only the clothes on their backs. When their needs exceed the personal account funds the state supplies, we draw on the gift funds from H.A.L.O.

One of the gifts many children have enjoyed are colorful character sheet sets to personalize their bedroom space. Whether its Peppa Pig or Star Wars, it makes their rooms cozy and welcoming, just like at home.

Our children’s needs vary greatly. Some lack for nothing. Others might need a hairdryer or raincoat, or nail polish to add sparkle to their day. We tailor the gifts we purchase on H.A.L.O.’s behalf to each individual and try to make it special.

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Everyone enjoys a splash party in the pool,
and toys from H.A.L.O. make it even more fun.
Cedarcrest Center for Children With Disabilities, Keene, NH
Cathy Gray, President & CEO

We are so grateful at Cedarcrest for the H.A.L.O. Foundation!

In our view, children with complex medical and developmental needs are in many ways like all children. They need support, respect, compassion and loyalty.

Throughout the last 25 years, the children in our care have received this and more tangible items from the H.A.L.O. Foundation. H.A.L.O.’s generosity has included gifts such as a Pony Gait Trainer for mobility; an FM system to boost a child’s hearing and the opportunity to experience fun activities that most other children have during the summer through Camperoni.

Whether the children are with us for long term or short-term (respite) care, we embrace them for all of their abilities and fragilities. Above and beyond the medical technologies we employ, having what we need to educate, inspire and entertain the children is just as vital to their well-being. Smartboards, communications switches, hand-held devices such as iPads all positively influence the children’s day.

We are so grateful to the H.A.L.O. Foundation for understanding the needs of the children in our care and the Foundation’s consistent support that ensures the highest quality of life for them.

* * * * *

H.A.L.O. underwrites events that bring the
family together, like the annual hayride at NEPC
New England Pediatric Care, Billerica, MA
Laura Kirk, CTRS – Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor

As the name implies, the H.A.L.O Foundation has infused the NEPC community with their illumination. Over the past 25 years, they have demonstrated honor, reverence, glory and veneration through their endless support and generosity. This has ranged from providing clothing and personal items to holiday gifts, wheelchair accessible hayrides, communication devices and the remarkable and magical experiences of family vacations on Cape Cod.

Their gifts have not only provided many of the essentials for quality of care, but they have gone above and beyond and have gifted the experience of family, community, healing, magic, joy and wonder. The residents, staff and families of New England Pediatric Care are forever tremendously grateful.

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Plymouth Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, Plymouth, MA
Linda White, Director of Education

As we enter this holiday season, the residents and staff of Plymouth Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center have much to be thankful for. We would like to thank the H.A.L.O. Foundation for all their support over the many years. Because of their generosity, our young residents have the most wonderful Christmas Day.

H.A.L.O.’s focus on quality of life is an example to our community’s many caring volunteers who also enrich the lives of our students.

Even though our residents participate in many field trips throughout the year to events such as Paw Sox games and the Museum of Science , we need organizations like H.A.L.O. to help our kids experience the wonders of the world beyond their wheelchairs. The possibilities are limitless with new technology and we are excited to take these journeys together.