Welcome to Helix Hi-Lites!
HELIX HI-LITES
IN THIS ISSUE
Social Work Month in March is a time to celebrate the great profession of social work! The theme for Social Work Month 2025 is Social Work: Compassion + Action. Social Work Month is a great time to learn and reflect on the profession’s many positive contributions. To all the social workers at Helix - Thank you for being a source of stability and strength for the families and individuals who rely on you, we appreciate YOU! March is Social Worker Appreciation Month Helix Shop - New Items Coming Soon!
Message from the Chief Executive Officer
Social Work Appreciation Month
News from Mill Pond
We are adding NEW items, including a RiseUp 2025 Collection. Show your pride, shop our Helix Shop! If you have not logged in recently, you may need to reset password. Scan code or copy link to browser: https://helix- cfs.v6.pressero.com/
Mission Moments
Program & Staff Highlights
Future Events
$50,000 MI Training Funds
Support and Stabilization RFR Awareded
RiseUp 2025 A Pathway to Resilience
Helix Human Services is 1 of 20 agencies awarded $50,000 for Motivational Interviewing (MI) training and supports. We were selected out of 800 agencies statewide! This was a result of an RFR submitted in August 2024 for all Support and Stabilization contracts (Family Support, FSP, FAMS).
Our Grants TEAM worked tirelessly to submit a new RFR for all Support and Stabilization programs which include Family Support (Reunification, Supervised Visits and Parent-Ed), FAMS in Cape and Springfield, and FSP.
MARCH 2025
MESSAGE FROM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MARK PAGLIA
Here We Go – Stronger Than Ever
As we move forward through winter season and begin the new year 2025, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication and resilience of our Helix Human Services team. Like the families we serve, we face challenges—especially as we navigate evolving regulatory landscapes and external pressures. Yet, time and again, we rise. We adapt. We push forward with unwavering commitment because we know the work we do changes lives. Every day we help children and families live healthier and happier lives. This year is particularly special as we look ahead to April 27th, when Helix Human Services will celebrate 160 years of impact. That’s 160 years of standing beside children and families, offering hope, healing, and support. It’s a milestone that speaks to our strength, our mission, and the future we’re building together. This year we look to build on the foundation we have created to continue to pursue our vision to be a premier behavioral center of excellence for children and families. This year we will begin to move organizationally to provide holistic /wrap around services. So here we go, stronger than ever—into another season of service, another chapter of growth, and another opportunity to make a lasting difference. Thank you for your passion, your dedication, and your belief in the power of what we do.
With gratitude and optimism,
Mark Paglia Chief Executive Officer, CEO
MARCH 2025
Self Care Tips for Social Workers
Breath - Focus Body Scan Guided Imagery Mindfulness Meditation Get Enough Sleep Exercise / Yoga
For more information visit: www.SocialWorkLicensure.org
Social Work Month 2025 Social Work Month in March is a time to celebrate the great profession of social work! The theme for Social Work Month 2025 is Social Work: Compassion + Action. Social Work Month is a great time to learn and reflect on the profession’s many positive contributions. Social workers care about people. That is why so many people enter social work each year, making it one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. However, social workers go through years of education and training so they can help individuals, families, communities and our society reach their full potential. That is why the theme for Social Work Month 2025 is Social Work: Compassion + Action. In the weeks and months ahead, social workers will be called to turn their compassion into action to help our nation address a variety of societal challenges, including the prospect there could be mass deportations of migrants and continued attacks on the people who are LGBTQIA+, reproductive rights, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Social workers are also on the forefront of helping our nation address a mental health and substance use disorder crisis and chronic income inequality that has led to rising homelessness. The theme also focuses on the need for social housing orders to take care of ourselves. Just as airlines instruct passengers to put on their own oxygen masks before helping others in an emergency, social workers must prioritize compassion for themselves to effectively support those in need. The need for more social workers is reflected in data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which notes social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. There are expected to be more than 800,000 social workers in the United States by 2030, up 12 percent from 2020.
DURING SOCIAL WORK MONTH AND BEYOND WE URGE YOU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROFESSION AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP THEM DO THEIR POSITIVE, LIFE-AFFIRMING WORK!
To learn more visit the NASW website: www.SocialWorkers.org
To all Helix Social Workers: Thank you for being a source of stability and strength for the families and individuals who rely on you, we appreciate YOU! Yamilca Nogue, Chief Relations Officer Ama Bortsie, Director of Residential Services Maisam Borrero, Site Manager at Family Wellness Center Kyle Bisson, Foster Care Case Manager Cristina Rivera, Clinical Supervisor Bianca Small, Foster Care Program Manager Michelle Tyer, School Principal at Mill Pond School Janice Mitchell, Clinical Supervisor
Reference: National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards for social workers, and to advance sound social policies.
MARCH 2025
NEWS FROM MILL POND SCHOOLS
100 DAYS OLDER, KINDER, & SMARTER! To celebrate the 100th day of school, Mill Pond Springfield staff and kiddos dressed as old folks! They looked great in their moomoos and sensible shoes.
ANY SIMILARITIES? PURE COINCIDENCE!
The 100th day of school celebration continues - The Mill Pond School teachers and staff dressed as principal Dr. Ervin Santiago! No-No-No, no heads were shaved in the making!
MARCH 2025
NEWS FROM MILL POND SCHOOLS
NEW SIGNAGE AT RICHMOND!
Exciting changes at Mill Pond School Berkshire campus! Our new signage is up and we’re proud to continue our mission with Dean of Students Lori Warner (left) and Principal Michelle Tyer (right) leading the way!
Bradly is a Middle Schooler who returned over the summer, prepped and ready from his time at MPSB, to his sending district in VT. He has made a good transition and continues to grow while at the same time enjoying keeping in touch by calling Principal Michelle every few weeks or so just to say “hi” and report miscellaneous news. This week he let us know that he is learning even more Spanish and wanted to be sure and inform his former teacher, Ms. Desiree originally from Puerto Rico, that he is successfully continuing what she started with him. She, and we all are very proud indeed! Currently at MPS Berkshire Campus, Mr. Ron’s High School class has been dialed into a STEAM project, which after some ardent studying of concepts, etc., has culminated in the building of two stereo speakers from scratch. Students and adults will share their love of music, as they put their efforts to the test by playing a few favorite tunes. Seniors Christian and Tristyn shown here with their handywork in progress, AND having passed all their MCAS tests, are looking forward to graduating this June. Congrats to both SUCCESS FOR BOTH FORMER AND CURRENT MPSBC STUDENTS!
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS!
CFC FOSTER CARE IS GROWING! Help us welcome Kyle Bisson and Denise Fuentes to the foster care team! Kyle, our new case manager, brings many years of social work experience, most recently working at 18 Degrees. Kyle is a licensed social worker. Denise, Family Resource Worker & Recruiter, joins us from MetroCare of Springfield. She is a certified nurse assistant. We are happy to have them on board and look forward to the future of the program! Our CFC Program is now located at the Administrative building on 44 Sherman Street, Springfield, second floor.
MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING TRAINING Congratulations to Jennifer Johnson, Victoria Andrade, Kyle Bisson, Michelle Tyer, and Erin Devlin for being chosen to participate in the MI Coaching Sessions! Thank you for your commitment!
Helix Human Services has culminated a Motivational Interviewing (MI) training for all staff. MI is a training focused on collaborative, person-centered communication style. MI is a counselling method that involves enhancing an individual's motivation to change by means of four guiding principles, represented by the acronym RULE:
R: Resist the righting reflex U: Understand the patient's own motivations
L: Listen with empathy E: Empower the patient
The Motivational Interviewing (MI) training aims to equip and strengthen individual's and agencies capacity to implement evidence-based, collaborative, person-centered communication skills into diverse settings among a variety of populations.
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS FOR FUTURE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTERS? EMAIL YOUR IDEAS TO YAMILCA NOGUE, CHIEF RELATIONS OFFICER, YNOGUE@HELIXHUMANSERVICES.ORG
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS!
JENNIFER JOHNSON, WELCOME TO THE ADMIN TEAM!
TRAINING COORDINATOR
Jennifer Johnson, former staff at Mill Pond School in Springfield has been promoted to Training Coordinator. Jennifer’s is now part of the Administration TEAM. Jennifer will be supporting all programs and departments by developing, implementing, and maintaining training programs. She will also be ensuring all employees are up to date with training requirements, including Safety Care and First Aid/CPR. We are so excited to have Jennifer on board!
OUR ADMIN TEAM CELEBRATES TEAMWORK, KINDNESS AND VALENTINES DAY!
It’s now a tradition! Secret Valentine 2025 was lots of fun! Admin staff participated in a secret exchange that included daily positive affirmations, pranks, jokes, and more which then led to a celebration! Thank you to all who participated!
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS FOR FUTURE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTERS? EMAIL YOUR IDEAS TO YAMILCA NOGUE, CHIEF RELATIONS OFFICER, YNOGUE@HELIXHUMANSERVICES.ORG
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS! EMPLOYEE SHOUT OUTS!
A huge shoutout to our dedicated Cottage staff—Grace Obeng, Isaiah Caceres, Evelyn Andino, Zawah Kasim, and Julian Manning—who have stepped up to create a temporary 6 AM shift to cover staffing shortages. Their commitment, flexibility, and willingness to adjust their schedules have ensured that the kids start their school day smoothly and on time. Your hard work is truly appreciated!
Jessica Robertson has earned her independent clinical license and now is accorded with the title of LMHC—congratulations on this amazing accomplishment! William N and Elijah O; cottage residents successfully transitioned to foster care—wishing them all the best in this new chapter. Jason C a cottage resident successfully transitioned home to his parents—wishing him all the best being back home with family!
Kyle W., a Sharp resident, successfully transitioned to a new program—we wish him continued success!
Trinity Davila welcomed a new baby— congratulations to her and her family!
Julie Norton purchased a new vehicle, enjoy the ride!
Elaina Diaz, our incredible Sharp supervisor, holds down the fort every weekend, working doubles on Saturday and Sunday, along with a Friday shift. Her dedication ensures stability and strength for the Sharp team. Travis Blake, a relief worker, has stepped in to cover numerous vacant medication administration shifts. His support has significantly eased the burden on the team.
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS FOR FUTURE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTERS? EMAIL YOUR IDEAS TO YAMILCA NOGUE, CHIEF RELATIONS OFFICER, YNOGUE@HELIXHUMANSERVICES.ORG
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS!
SUPERBOWL FRIDAY AT HELIX! Staff at Mill Pond School Berkshires and Admin dressed in their favorite team jersey for the yearly SuperBowl Friday event! Everyone that participated was entered into a raffle for pizza & wings delivered to their super bowl party! Congrats to Elizabeth Shepardson! Elizabeth received a family order of pizza and wings delivered to her home on Super Bowl Sunday!
Thank you to all who participated!
NEWS FROM OUR FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS We have had several successes over the last few months in family support. Priscilla White has worked closely with two young dads. One of the dads recently reunified with his young son, and the other is very close to reunifying with his young daughter with Priscilla’s support. Angelica Cotto received praise from the DCF team for her work with a mom who reunified with her daughter and has achieved all of her goals. Mariely Santiago not only was instrumental in helping a family reunify, she provide them some bedding and a Christmas tree to make their holidays brighter. Rosa Vargas and Eddie Pacheco are also among the workers who have helped families reunify recently. Thank you to all of the family support team who have both big and small success stories every day!
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
January - Eddie Pacheco February - Mariely Santiago
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS!
FAMILY SUPPORT IS GROWING!
We are excited to announce the FAMS program is now offered in Western MA! The FAMS (Family Assessment and Mentoring Services), which provides supportive services to youth ages 12 to 22, has been a very successful program on Cape Cod under the leadership of Erin Devlin for many years. When Eddie Pacheco joined the family support team last year, he brought a vision and a drive to help the youth in Western Mass. Having a background in adolescent work, it seemed only natural to bring the program to Western Mass and to move Eddie into an instrumental role within the program. FAMS provides individualized services to each youth dependent upon their needs and identified goals. The program offers support in many different areas, including but not limited to: teaching life skills, educational advocacy, identifying resources, improving social engagement with peers, connecting with long term supports, and improving overall stability and relationships in the home environment. For information regarding the FAMS program, please contact Eddie Pacheco at 413-219-9369 or epacheco@helixhumanserviecs.org. FAMS MODEL NOW SERVING WESTERN MA!
EXCITING NEWS!
RFR CONTRACT APPROVED FOR ALL SUPPORT & STABILIZATION PROGRAMS We are excited to announce that Helix Human Services has been awarded for all current Support and Stabilization programs which include Family Support (Reunification, Supervised Visits and Parent- Ed), FAMS in Cape and Springfield, and FSP.
We were also awarded a number of other contracts that are a part our holistic care and continuation of services for the children and families we serve. These will allow us to expand services and outreach programs. We are so excited about this expansion and the future growth of our Family Support Programs - stay tuned for more! We will be sharing more details about project implementation and team involvement in the coming weeks.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH @ MILLPOND Mill Pond Springfield's middle school class has been taking part in a "book challenge" throughout the month of February. Students have been given the opportunity to read a wide range of fiction and nonfiction texts and worked together to build a bookcase showcasing those texts that they have read. As a tribute to Black History Month, students have been reading stories that highlight the achievements and contributions of significant individuals within the Black community. These stories focus on the lives and legacies of figures who have made a lasting impact across various fields, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their roles in shaping history. Our little ones at KTS have been learning all about Martin Luther King Jr. and the “I have a dream” speech. They completed coloring pages of Historic African America figures while learning history of Rosa Parks, Kamala Harris, Jackie Robinson, and others. All projects are displayed at a small exhibit in the ADMIN building , 44 SHerman Street, Springfield.
MARCH 2025
WELCOME TO HELIX!
Residential Programs • Juliet Ochoa
• Demorise Hutchins • Benjamin Podmore • Jessica Colon-Diaz
• Alisha White • Ivan Rosario
• Walter Sanchez • Maxwell Ottopah • Tatianna Torres • Afa Sanft – Intern
Mill Pond Schools • Nicholie Forbes • Milton Vasquez • Dante Rodriguez • Taylie-Earvin Atuaia • Hayle Quieto • Vincent Szymanski
CFC Foster Care
• Kyle Bisson • Denise Fuentes
Family Support • Kelvin Rodriguez
REFERRAL BONUS
Did you know that Helix Human Services offers a referral bonus to employees? Do you know anyone who is interested in working at Helix Human Services? Helix will pay a bonus of $500 to eligible employees in (2) installments. All the applicant has to do is enter your name on the application. For more information and questions, contact Maribel Reyes, HR Recruiter, at 413.390.5408, or email mreyes@HelixHumanSevices.org. We are hiring for various positions right now, and you could be eligible to earn extra cash by referring a friend, former colleague, etc. We are looking for Fee for Service Clinicians, Licensed Clinicians, Residential Counselors, Special Education Teacher (Springfield), Residential Staff Supervisors, Family Support Specialists and other. To learn more about open positions scan code below.
Mission Moments
FAMS CAPE COD The FAMS program would like to recognize a client, Brianna!
Brianna is currently attending her 2nd semester at UMass Dartmouth as a full-time student. Despite Brianna's best friend who was also her roommate at UMass Dartmouth dropping out of school before the first semester was over, Brianna finished, making Honor Roll - Woo-Hoo! Brianna is now back at UMass Dartmouth after the winter break and is slated to finish her freshman year this coming May. Brianna, we are SO PROUD of you! Keep up the great work! And of course a BIG Shout Out to Erin, Program Manager for all the amazing work she does not only for Brianna, but for all kiddos in her caseload (and not in her caseload)!
SECRET SANTA Helix Human Services completed the Secret Santa program for the 159th year! Over a few weeks, Yamilca and Emily set up Santa’s workshop at 60 Sherman and we were able to fulfill 407 wish lists – amounting to over $73,000 in value!
Numerous tablets and Nintendo Switch 9 bikes 58+ teen baskets Thousands of teddy bears from the Thunderbirds Teddy Bear Toss game 86 outside donors Hundreds of Amazon deliveries
Saving presents from The Grinch was not included in the planning - but we did it! HaHaHa! Angelica Cotto, Family Support Worker surprised us with a special “Grinch” visit!
We want to hear all the good news happening in our programs and schools. We know many staff are doing great work with the kiddos, families, and students we serve. Email your mission moments to ynogue@helixhumanservices.org.
MARCH 2025
FUTURE EVENTS
Save The Date
Helix Hoops Tournament - March 28, 2025 HHS @ The Garden - Boston Celtics Game - April 160th Celebration - April 2025 Flag Raising: Child Abuse and Prevention Month - April 2025 Taste of Margarita - May 2, 2025 37th Annual Golf Tournament - August 15, 2025 Staff Appreciation Week - August 2025
Helix Staff and Family Fun Day - August 2025 RiseUp: A Pathway to Resilience - October 2, 2025 160th Celebration Gala - February 2026
With help from Ms. Theresa and her middle school class, we are hosting the first ever book fair at Mill Pond School Springfield! It won't be your traditional book fair, our students are earning MPS bucks over the next several weeks to then shop our store full of book marks, smelly pencils, stickers and of course their next favorite book. Extra books will go to the school’s library. Please consider donating your favorite school- aged book! New books can also be purchased and delivered to Helix Human Services administrative building, 44 Sherman Street, Springfield MA by March 10, 2025.
Staff will gather with friends and family at the TD Garden to see the Boston Celtics take on the Charlotte Hornets! We look forward to cheering and spending a fun time together in Boston!
The RiseUp Conference returns to the MassMutal Center for it's second year, this time with a new theme: A Pathway to Resilience.
Helix Human Services invites professionals, caregivers, and advocates to explore innovative and compassionate approaches to trauma-informed care, healing from adversity, and overcoming life’s stressors – all while becoming more resilient. Insightful perspectives and practical tools will empower individuals to support resilience in themselves and the communities they work with. Attendees will engage with thought leaders and experts in the fields of mental health, wellness, and trauma-informed care, gaining deeper understanding of the lasting impact of trauma and the transformative power of healing. Through keynotes, breakouts, and workshops, we will delve into strategies that foster emotional and psychological resilience, helping individuals build stronger, more supportive environments for healing and growth. Together, we will create a supportive space for reflection, learning, and collaboration in pursuit of creating healthier, more resilient children and families. Stay tuned as we announce topics and speakers!
This will be a professional development day for staff and CEU’s will be offered.
Keynote speakers and presenters will be announced soon. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linked-In to be the first to know!
We invite you to extend the invitation to your peers, co-workers, and providers you work with. We look forward to seeing you all at RiseUp 2025!
For more information please contact Yamilca Nogue, YNogue@HelixHumanServices.org or Emily Crafts, ECrafts@HelixHumanServices.org.
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