Clients and Families, please visit this webpage for all updates on Sunshine Village’s response to Covid-19/Coronavirus.
We hope that you and your loved ones are doing well during this difficult time. This page will be updated as information becomes available. We look forward to reconnecting with you once this is over.
August 3, 2022: Family Message
As we move forward with our REBUILDING PLAN – we are following guidance from the state and federal government – and welcoming many of our clients back into our services. We continue to use universal supports and we hope to be able to welcome back clients who need more intensive supports for behavioral challenges (such as 1:1 staffing) in the future.
We continue to update our policies – please see our COVID-19 POLICY Page.
January 21, 2022: Family Message
Sunshine Village has survived the global pandemic that started with a forced EMERGENCY CLOSING in March of 2020. We are now working to REBUILD the agency – as we continue to comply with federal and state mandates – and the workforce crisis.
Many clients have returned to our programs – which are operating in Agawam, Three Rivers and Chicopee. Many clients have not yet returned – either because they don’t feel it’s the right time, transportation services cannot be coordinated or they are not able to meet our criteria that we developed to insure high levels of safety for everyone.
We hope – in the coming months – we see an end to the pandemic. We have space available in our programs for more clients – and look forward to the day when we are able to lessen our criteria for a safe return and welcome more people back to us.
In the meantime, we are continuing our VIRTUAL SERVICES – with “Good Morning Sunshine” offered as an interactive and engaging experience for those at our sites and in their homes – as well as self-directed opportunities for personal growth on our website – being the GREAT DAYS ACTIITY PACKETS and the VIRTUAL CALMING CORNER.
Thank you for your continued support and stay safe.
July 12, 2021: Family Message
Last week, Sunshine Village updated our COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN and our REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAFE RETURN TO SERVICES (both are located on our website under the COVID Policy Page.)
The biggest change is regarding mask wearing. We are now requiring that masks be worn while inside buildings, in the presence of clients. Clients, though not required to wear masks indoors, will be encouraged to. Masks will no longer be required at any time when either staff or clients are outside unless it is a personal preference.
We are expecting more changes to occur this week – and hope to post those changes by Friday.
COVID POSITIVE UPDATE: No clients or staff tested positive last week – and our last positive case was on April 13, 2021. We are continuing Contract Tracing for all individuals who show up / become ill during programmatic hours or for those who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
As restrictions are relaxed, Sunshine Village is committed to insuring that our environments are as safe as possible – for all our clients and all our employees. And although we remain committed to all our clients, many of them will not be able to return at this time because of concerns with safety. This is clearly reflected within our Requirements for a Safe Return and we greatly appreciate your understanding of this.
June 9, 2021: Family Message
In an effort to create the safest environment possible at all sites operated by Sunshine Village, effective January 1, 2022 – all of our sites will become “smokeless.”
This policy will institute “no smoking” and “no vaping” rules in all Sunshine Village buildings and the surrounding grounds.
We informed our employees of this measure in January of this year and have been providing resources to help people quit smoking or vaping – as they will not be able to smoke or vape during work hours.
We are not requiring anyone to quit smoking or vaping – but instituting a policy that does not allow it to happen during work or program time.
Please let your Program Manager know if you – or your loved one – needs assistance in not smoking during programming hours (between 9:00 and 3:00) on Sunshine Village grounds – and we will be happy to share resources with you.
June 1, 2021: Family Message
Below please find the most recent revision to Sunshine Village’s COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN:
REVISION: REFRIDERATORS AND FOOD DELIVERY (June 1, 2021)
Effective June 1, 2021, refrigerators can be used to store lunches, beverages and other food. Refrigerators will be accessed by staff – and each program will develop and implement a cleaning plan.
Food delivery can begin on June 1, 2021 on a limited basis for each site. Each site will develop an
“approved listing” of local restaurants that staff and clients can order lunch from. Lunches will be delivered directly to the building when the lunch was ordered and each program will manage the intake process. Independent delivery services such as GrubHub and Door Dash will not be used at this time to limit the number of delivery drivers on each property.
May 10, 2021: Family Message
Sunshine Village created a very safe “Reopening” – with our COVID-19 Control Plan being embraced by both staff and clients. With very few clients (14 – but thru contact tracing it has been determined that not one client was infected while at a SSV program) and no staff testing positive – we believe that all the policies and protocols – from screening to cleaning and everything before, during and after – have worked tremendously well!
Now, during the “Rebuilding,” we have instituted criteria for a “safe return to services.” Although this means that some of our clients will not be able to return until restrictions are lessened and the pandemic is nearing its end or is over, it also means that we can welcome more clients back.
We are also looking forward to returning to “normal” and will be looking at ways we can safely begin that journey. To start, given that the science tells us that contracting the virus while outdoors is miniscule, we have mandated that if people can socially distance six feet apart from each other – then masks can be removed while outside. If anyone does not feel comfortable with that, they are certainly welcome to continue wearing their mask.
Each day, we are getting closer and closer to the end….and we know that even greater days are ahead!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
April 12, 2021: Family Message
VACCINE UPDATE
With the addition of “new eligible conditions” two weeks ago by the CDC and Massachusetts Public Health, you or your family member qualifies for earlier vaccine based on the category “Dementia or other neurological condition.”
The “other neurological condition” should be used if in fact you or your family member have been diagnosed with a neurological condition – as is the case with many persons with a physical, developmental, or intellectual disability. As many of you know, “Down syndrome” has been included for weeks as an eligible condition, but we repeat here to make sure you are aware of that fact.
Please make sure that you’ve pre-registered and include the relevant eligible condition.
Additionally, all Massachusetts residents, 16 and older, will be eligible as of April 19.
REQUIREMENTS for a SAFE RETURN TO SERVICES in 2021
As Sunshine Village continues to REOPEN its IN PERSON SERVICES and starts its REBUILDING PLAN, space will still be limited and we may not be able to bring back all of our clients until standards for safety and service provision are lessened.
During the remainder of the 2021 calendar year, we will give preference to clients who want / need full time (30 hour) services. We will also give preference to clients for return based upon their living situation – ranging from living with family members or on their own, then living with a shared living provider and then living in a residential group home. As we will be accepting “new” clients during this time, their acceptance will follow the same criteria.
All returning and new clients must understand that services are different that pre-pandemic conditions. Clients and staff are staying in the same group in the same programmatic area as much as possible – although the weather during warmer months may allow for outdoor programming. The daily schedule includes a majority of sit down projects throughout the day – and all clients will need to be able to stay seated for a minimum of 30 consecutive minutes before needing a short movement break. Until conditions change, community outings and bringing community events to our programs are on hold.
Given the on-going need for heightened levels of safety for all of our clients and all of our employees within our IN PERSON SERVICES, we will also require that all returning and new clients follow safety protocols consistently. These protocols are detailed below:
I will treat everyone with dignity and respect
- I will be respectful of others and appreciate personal boundaries and personal space.
- I will maintain 6 feet social distance.
- I will not hug, kiss, shake hands, fist bump or touch others.
- I will be kind and thoughtful during my interactions.
- I will respond appropriately to redirection from support staff.
I will help make environments healthy and safe by following all safety standards and protocols outlined in the Covid-19 Control plan, including:
- Wearing a mask; as able.
- Washing my hands and/or using hand sanitizer frequently and as requested;
- Staying in my assigned seat and using the assigned restroom.
- Using my assigned supplies / equipment (not borrowing or sharing belongings with others);
- Bringing in only my lunch and approved essentials from home each day.
We appreciate the commitment from all of our clients, their families and caregivers during this difficult time. During 2021, we will continue to offer a variety of VIRTUAL SERVICES and REMOTE SERVICES until all clients are willing and able to return to IN PERSON SERVICES.
Gina Kos, Executive Director
April 5, 2021: Family Message
Sunshine Village is looking forward to the warmth of the spring months – and better days ahead! We have opened up more space in our programs – and are looking forward to welcoming more of our clients back to IN PERSON SERVICES!
Last week, we started a 90 day pilot for IN HOME SUPPORTS – as part of our newly developing REMOTE SERVICES. At present, we are supporting 10 clients in their homes – twice a week. Each session, which lasts for 2 and a half hours, includes arts and crafts; technology assistance; wellness activities and socialization. If the client lives in walking distance to a store or park, that community initiative is included too. In June, with DDS, we will assess the continuation and expansion of this program.
Sunshine Village has developed a REBUILDING PLAN for the next fiscal year, starting July 1, 2021. This plan includes the development and implementation of strategies that will allow the organization to continue its success, embracing four goals:
- Continue to advance Sunshine Village as a “Provider of Choice” by meeting the changing and growing needs of current and future referrals, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), with intellectual disabilities (ID) and other growing populations.
- Maintain the financial stability of the organization by maximizing current funding, diversifying funding streams, managing investments and increasing development dollars while growing the organization.
- Further efforts to maximize property and technology utilization of all buildings, equipment and vehicles owned and leased by Sunshine Village.
- Sustain Sunshine Village as an “Employer of Choice” by providing competitive compensation, benefits and professional development while implementing innovative promotion and recognition initiatives to improve recruitment and retention efforts.
Continue to follow us on Facebook (“Sunshine Village”) and Instagram (“Sunshine Village Great Days”) where you will find many posts this month as we recognize April as “Autism Awareness Month.”
Thank you for your continued support of Sunshine Village and all that we do!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
March 29, 2021: Family Message
With new guidelines from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts being announced last week, we are now measuring all program areas to change from 113 square feet per person in each room to a new standard of 64 square feet per client. We are also moving furniture around – and ordering more to accommodate this new standard. We are also assessing how we can serve more clients while adhering to our new safety protocols.
All of these actions will not bring us back to full capacity – but will open up more spaces at all of our sites.
Although we are not yet able to invite all of our clients back to our programs, if you are interested in returning to IN PERSON SERVICES, please give us a call so we know! Call 413/592-6142. We are still using an auto attendant program to answer our phones – but leave a message with the client’s name and phone number – and we will make sure the appropriate Program Manager or Case Manager gets back to you.
We will be expanding our Social Media outreach to INSTAGRAM this week…so follow us at Sunshine Village Great Days!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
March 8, 2021: Family Message
As we near the One Year Anniversary of when Sunshine Village closed under an Emergency Order from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – we are – at this time – looking forward to our future! We are creating a Rebuilding Plan that we hope to put in place on April 1st. This plan will drive our continued success – through an array of innovative IN PERSON, VIRTUAL and REMOTE services and supported with our ANICLLARY services.
As both clients and employees continue to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine – please remember that people cannot enter any of our buildings if they are exhibiting and COVID symptoms. For a full listing – please review our COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN that outlines all of our policies on the COVID page of this website.
Gina Kos, Executive Director
March 1, 2021: Family Message
We have not updated our COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN in the past week – and it can be reviewed in its entirety on our website. Now that employees and clients are eligible for vaccinations, please remember – the policy states that if you are experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms, you need to stay home. You cannot return without a negative COVID test. The symptoms are:
Fever of 100.0 degrees or above, feel feverish or have chills (feeling feverish typically means experience chills and body aches); New Cough; Sore throat; Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; Unexplained rash; Fatigue; Abdominal pain; Persistent headache; Loss of smell/taste; New or unexplained muscle aches; Nausea and/or Vomiting; Diarrhea; Congestion/Runny Nose
We realize that some people experience some of these symptoms after they get a COVID-19 vaccination; however, at this time, this is the protocol we are following.
If you need help finding a site to get a test, please go to https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing .
Gina Kos, Executive Director
Feb 22, 2021: Family Message
We updated our COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN last week based upon new guidelines from the CDC. Changes were made to the Exposure Protocol. You can view the plan in its entirety on this website.
Starting today, we are allowing all programs to use their microwaves and coffee machines. At this time, identified staff will be using the equipment – so that machines can be cleaned after use.
With snow and cold weather continuing – and causing very limited participation – we are going to put our GREAT OUTDOORS PROGRAM into hibernation – and will be restarting it in the spring.
Take care and stay hopeful.
Gina Kos, Executive Director
Feb 15, 2021: Family Message
It’s going to be another snowy week – check WWLP Channel 22 to see Sunshine Village’s status on inclement weather days. We also post out status on our website – www.sunshine.us – as well as on our voicemail system at 413-592-6142.
We received very few responses to the CLIENT ASSESSMENT that we emailed – so now, as part of our TELEPHONIC SERVICES – we will be asking some questions to gather feedback for our REBUILDING PLAN.
OUR COMMUNITY CHALLENGE is continuing and many people are finding it a fun way to learn about what’s going on – virtually! You can still participate! If you need help, call Kelly Chmura or Evelyn Pennell at 413/592-6142 and they will walk you through the process.
Stay warm – and have a GREAT day!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
Feb 08, 2021: Family Message
It’s going to be a snowy week – check WWLP Channel 22 to see Sunshine Village’s status on inclement weather days. We also post out status on our website – www.sunshine.us – as well as on our voicemail system at 413-592-6142.
Last week we emailed a CLIENT ASSESSMENT – and hope that you will take a few minutes to answer our questions and give us some feedback. We are developing our REBUILDING PLAN and want to hear from you! If you haven’t received it – call the Manager of your program and we will resend it – or mail you a hard copy.
If you haven’t joined OUR COMMUNITY CHALLENGE – you can still participate! This is a great way to learn about our community – and how you can engage virtually. If you need help, call Kelly Chmura or Evelyn Pennell at 413/592-6142 and they will walk you through the process.
Stay warm – and have a GREAT day!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
Feb 01, 2021: Family Message
With the snowstorm upon us, Sunshine Village’s buildings – and IN PERSON SERVICES – will be closed today – February 1st – and maybe tomorrow too (check the website or Channel 22 for updates.) We will be offering our VIRTUAL AND REMOTE SERVICES within both Day Hab and CBDS programs – so join in on our ZOOM SESSIONS! Check the private Facebook Groups (Sunshine Village Life Engagement Service or Sunshine Village CBDS Group for more information.) We also have posted a Polar Packet on our website filled with activities.
Today – we are kicking off OUR COMMUNITY CHALLENGE!
This is a two month challenge – filled with ways for clients to see their friends at Sunshine Village at events sponsored by Sunshine Village – as well as at events sponsored by local businesses and national organizations. We will have a daily calendar filled with ideas – and access information. We will be hosting this Challenge through a private Facebook Group – please visit: Sunshine Village – Our Community Challenge to join!
Stay warm – and have a GREAT day!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
Jan.25, 2021: Family Message
The first month of 2021 has flown by – and we have been happy with the success of our Fresh Start Health Initiative – which we hosted as a self-directed wellness program through a private Facebook group.
On February 1st – a new and exciting Challenge will begin – to help people engage with their community – virtually! When we are back to normal – we hope to use this program as a way to help people truly engage – in person – with the organizations, businesses and activities that happen in our neighboring towns and cities.
Until then – join us for OUR COMMUNITY CHALLENGE!
This Wednesday, we will be launching a new page on our website which will include all the details – including how you can win great prizes for participating! This will be a two month challenge – filled with ways for everyone to see their friends at Sunshine Village at events sponsored by Sunshine Village – as well as at events sponsored by local businesses and national organizations. We will have a daily calendar filled with ideas – and access information.
We will be hosting this Challenge through a private Facebook Group – please visit: Sunshine Village – Our Community Challenge to join!
If you have questions – call Kelly or Evelyn at 413-592-6142 and they can provide you with more details – or a chrome book – or technical assistance.
See you soon – in our community!!!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
Jan.22, 2021: Family Message
Sunshine Village has developed and implemented a comprehensive COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN to insure the highest level of safety for our clients and employees. We have posted this plan on our website – www.sunshine.us – so you can refer to it when needed. But….this plan only works if it is followed consistently.
Please remember that clients should not come into a program if they – or someone in their home – is not feeling well.
Please remember that if any client or their household member answers “yes” to any of these questions, they should remain at home:
Today or in the past 24 hours, have you or any household members:
- been tested positive for COVID-19;
- been in close contact with someone who has tested positive (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes in a 24 hour period); and
- had any of the following symptoms: Fever 100.0 degrees or above, felt feverish, or had chills. Feeling feverish typically means experience chills and body aches; New Cough; Sore throat; Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; Unexplained rash; Fatigue; Abdominal pain; Persistent Headache; Loss of smell/taste; New or unexplained muscle aches; Nausea and/or Vomiting; Diarrhea; Congestion/Runny Nose
We understand how difficult this time is – for our clients and their families. However, we cannot allow clients to come into our programs if they – or someone in their home – is not feeling well – or has tested positive. Given the serious nature of this issue and our need to enforce this policy, if we find that someone is not following this policy, we will suspend services for an indefinite period of time.
Thank you for complying with our plan – and for helping us to keep everyone safe!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
Jan.21, 2021: Family Message
Although Sunshine Village will not be mandating that either employees or clients get a COVID-19 vaccination, we are encouraging people to obtain one. We will provide information, as able, as to their availability. At this point, we don’t know what phase either employees of Sunshine Village or people with developmental disabilities would fall into. For more information, you can go to the www.mass.gov for more information about the state of emergency orders, the COVID-19 vaccine, testing and public health guidance and directives.
Click this link for some helpful information that can be shared with clients as to what to expect with the vaccination
What to Expect During my COVID Vaccine
Gina Kos, Executive Director
Jan.11, 2021: Family Message
We are continuing our Great Outdoors Program – each Tuesday and Thursday – weather permitting! Check our Private Facebook Group pages – either Sunshine Village Life Engagement Services OR Sunshine Village CBDS Group – for updates!
We are also hosting a FRESH START CHALLENGE for January! We are helping you start the new year off in a healthful way! Join our Private Facebook Group – Sunshine Village A Fresh Start – to see all the exciting things we are doing….and how you can win prizes by participating!
We are still ZOOMING with everyone who is not attending In Person Services. Call us if you need assistance logging on – or if you need a device.
Have a GREAT week!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
Jan.4, 2021: Family Message
As we begin a new year, please know that Sunshine Village will continue to do all that it can to meet our mission – while under the restrictions from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts resulting from the Pandemic. We have a comprehensive COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN that we have been diligently following while we have reopened our programs.
For those clients are who not able to return or unwilling to return at this time, we are continuing our Virtual and Remote Services (VARS) Plan – which includes our virtual services (Zoom sessions and Facebook Messenger gatherings – during the day and in the evenings too) as well as our remote services of activity packets and private Facebook groups (for both Day Hab and CBDS as well as focus groups.) We will continue connecting with you through phone calls – and invite you to join for limited in person services through our events through our Great Outdoors Program.
I will continue to provide updates to you through this page – and please call us if you have questions or concerns. Our main number is 413/592-6142. It is being answered by an auto-attendant – but you can leave a message with your name and number and someone will get back to you.
Sunshine Village remains hopeful – and is looking forward to the day when our programs are fully opened again. Until that time, we thank you for your continued support.
Gina Kos, Executive Director
December 31, 2020: Family Message
PROGRAM UPDATE: We have closed our Westover Maintenance Program until January 4th – as four clients have tested positive for COVID-19 over the past two weeks. Our Clean Team will clean and sanitize our building at One Airpark Way as well as all of our vehicles. On Monday, only the staff will return for the week – to meet our contractual obligations. At the end of the week, we will assess and make further decisions.
Our day hab program at Litwin Lane, Three Rivers and Agawam – as well as our CBDS program – will remain open – as we have not had any positive cases in the past two weeks.
We will continue to follow our COVID-19 Control Plan and provide services in the safest way possible.
Thank you for your continued support.
Gina Kos, Executive Director
December 28, 2020: Family Message
As the 2020 year comes to an end, everyone at Sunshine Village – and everyone everywhere, I’m sure – is looking forward to a much better year in 2021.
As an agency, we were able to respond quickly to this crisis – creating and implementing our new Virtual and Remote Services (VARS) plan. Since that implementation in April – less than a month after the start of the Emergency Closure – we have made many improvements and additions to the program.
We also immediately enhanced our communication mechanisms – including this very page.
For 2021, we will continue to provide regular updates on this page and will also continue our VARS program. We invite you to continue to use our Virtual Services on Zoom and Facebook – or begin the New Year doing so! If you need any assistance, or need a device, please call Jen Guzman (Day Hab Clients) or Evelyn Pennel (CBDS Clients) at 413-592-6142.
We will also be continuing updating our webpage with Great Days Activity Packets – implementing our Telephonic Services with weekly phone calls – and continuing our Great Outdoors Programs on Tuesdays with a Drive in Bingo at Litwin Lane and a Car-a-oke Bingo on Thursday at our Agawam site. Interpersonal Services will continue as the weather permits for another Wave Parade and our personalized greeting cards will now be sent bi-monthly.
There will be some other engaging events that we will be hosting to help people live their best lives – and have GREAT days – so stay tuned for all that will be happening in the next few months!
Once regulations from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services are lessened, we will be able to expand our sited programs and welcome more people back to both Day Hab and CBDS.
For this week, we are closed on Friday, January 1st – and want to send all of our clients and families our very best wishes for health and happiness.
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina Kos, Executive Director
December 21, 2020: Family Message
Santa Claus is coming to Sunshine Village’s main campus this afternoon – so clients who are participating with us remotely can come to the parking lot at 75 Litwin Lane – and have their pictures taking (safely!) between 1:00 and 2:00.
Other events for this week: Drive In Bingo scheduled for Litwin Lane on Tuesday and Exchange a Gift for Wonderful Wednesday (at Litwin) and Carol-ing Bingo at the Agawam site on Thursday. All events at 1:00. Please check the private Facebook groups to see any weather related cancellations.
We are closed on Friday, December 25th and Friday, January 1st.
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina Kos, Executive Director
December 15, 2020: Family Message
SUNSHINE VILLAGE WILL BE CLOSED ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020
Tomorrow – Thursday, December 17th – will be the first “snow day” of the 2021 Fiscal Year.
It’s a little different – as everything has been since March 17th. Many employees will be providing services virtually – through the telephone, Zoom and Facebook. Make sure you answer your phone – or join in a Zoom session! Look at your private Facebook Group page – either Life Engagement Services or CBDS – to find out more!
Tomorrow morning, we will be adding a special “Great Days Polar Packet” – filled with self directed activities – on our website.
Hopefully on Friday – the storm will be over – everything will be cleaned up – and Sunshine Village can open its doors once again.
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina Kos, Executive Director
December 14, 2020: Family Message
It’s the start of another week at Sunshine Village – with Drive In Bingo scheduled for Litwin Lane on Tuesday and Ugly Sweater Day for Wonderful Wednesday (at Litwin) and Carol-ing Bingo at the Agawam site on Thursday. Please check the private Facebook groups to see any weather related cancellations.
We are expecting a storm on Wednesday night – and if Sunshine Village closes its sites – it will be communicated through WWLP Channel 22, on our website, on our voice mail system and on our private Facebook group pages.
We will still be offering our Virtual and Remote Services programming that day – including Zoom sessions – as well as a special Great Days Activity Packet that can be accessed through the website.
If you need a chrome book to access our Virtual Services – please call us and we will deliver one to you!
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina Kos, Executive Director
December 10, 2020: Family Message
The unfortunate news that I shared this week – including with a personalized letter to the clients who attend our Main Street Day Hab site and their guardians / families – is that when Sunshine Village fully re-opens, we will not be re-opening our Main Street, Chicopee location.
We have leased this property for over two decades – but given mandates from MassHealth – as well as any state requirements that may linger after the COVID pandemic – this site is too small and becoming too expensive for Sunshine Village to continue a day habilitation program there.
The letters we sent to our clients and their families let them know that when they are able to return to Sunshine Village, they may be able to attend another site – possibly at Litwin Lane, in Three Rivers or in Agawam. After the pandemic, if there is enough demand, the organization will also look to open a larger site in the greater Chicopee / Holyoke area.
This week we again updated our COVID-19 Control Plan – you can see the changes we made to the Self-Quarantining and Isolation section. The plan is located under the COVID Policies in our menu.
Take care and stay hopeful,
Gina Kos, Executive Director
December 7, 2020: Family Message
Sunshine Village continues to follow our COVID-19 Control Plan – and has been diligent with our screening, communication and cleaning protocols. Our current plan is on this website. We will communicate with clients (and employees) when they have been in close proximity or near or on a van with someone who has tested positive. We will communicate with clients (and employees) if they are in close proximity or on a van with someone who is exhibiting symptoms.
If a client (or employee) is not feeling well, they should not attend programming. If someone they live with is exhibiting symptoms, the clients should stay home also. We will require a negative test or medical documentation stating a test is not needed before return.
If a client (or employee) or someone they live with tests positive, we will require a 14 day quarantine – and being symptom free – before return.
We hope you have joined one of our Private Facebook Group Pages – either Sunshine Village Life Engagement Services (for day hab clients) or Sunshine Village CBDS program so that you can hear the latest news and join in our fun virtual programming from the comfort of your home! Sunshine the Elf also has her Private Facebook Group – Sunshine Village Elf on the Shelf. Please join us there too!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
November 23, 2020: Family Message
The Agawam site reopened today – with 17 clients. It is a program that provides both day habilitation and CBDS services. If you are interested in returning, please call us!
On Wednesday, we will be hosting a THANKFUL FOR YOU Drive By – at both the Main Campus (75 Litwin Lane) and Agawam site (588 Silver Street.) Come visit between 1:00 and 2:00! Each client who visits will get a SSV mask – and everyone who comes in their car will get savory and sweet snacks!
We did not get good news last week about future funding of day services like those that Sunshine Village provides – so if you are in touch with your State Legislator – please ask them to support DAY SERVICES funded through the Department of Developmental Services.
We hope you have joined one of our Private Facebook Pages – either Sunshine Village Life Engagement Services (for day hab clients) or Sunshine Village CBDS program so that you can hear the latest news and join in our fun virtual programming from the comfort of your home!
Sunshine Village will be closed for Thanksgiving Day and the Day After Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holiday – be safe and stay hopeful!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
November 18, 2020: Family Message
Thank you for helping us advocate for increased funding through the Senate Amendment #250. We had heard that both Senator Welch and Senator Velis were co-sponsoring the bill and that Senator Lesser was supportive of it.
Last night, one of our Directors received an email back from Senator Tarr informing us that the bill was withdrawn. You can see the explanation below…but it looks like now we just wait again.
I’ll let you know if more work can be done in the future.
Senator Tarr is still involved in the FY21 budget debate and asked that I relay some information in regard to amendment #250 relative to DDS community day programs. Unfortunately, the lead sponsor of the amendment, Senator John Keenan, withdrew the amendment from consideration during today’s debate, and so ultimately that particular measure will not be voted upon by the Senate.
However, there is a duplicate file of this language which is likely why #250 was withdrawn; Senator Diana DiZoglio filed nearly identical language requesting the higher rates of payment and the overall line item account increase (#199). This amendment has not yet been taken up and is still pending as of right now; updates will be posted by the Senate Clerk as soon as action is taken. You can track the status on the Senate’s FY21 budge website:
https://malegislature.gov/Budget/FY2021/SenateDebate/Amendments
Gina Kos, Executive Director
November 17, 2020: Family Message
Sunshine Village needs you to help advocate for funding that will help us survive the difficult challenges we are facing because of COVID-19. This needs to be done now – as the Senate will be voting soon. They need to hear from as many people as possible – so they know how important this is. They are being asked to support many amendments – and this one needs their priority! If you have family and friends who can send an email to their senator – ask them too!! THANK YOU!!!!
- Please follow this link to see who your State Senator is:
- Send him or her an email asking them to support Amendment #250
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- You can use this verbiage:
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Please support AMENDMENT #250
AMENDMENT #250: to restore the DDS Community Day and Work Program line item (5920-2025) to $253.89 million to provide for the continuation of enhanced rate payments to prevent the permanent closures of day programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Sunshine Village needs this enhanced rate payment to continue to achieve its mission of improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities and delivering on the promise of a great day.
Thank you for considering my request to support AMENDMENT #250.
Gina Kos, Executive Director
November 9, 2020: Family Message
Our Agawam site will be reopening on November 23rd. This site will be a dual program – housing both clients who are in Day Habilitation Services as well as CBDS. At this time, all services are provided at the site – with no excursions into the community.
We hope that clients who are not able to return – or not ready to return – can join us during the day – in the evening – or on the weekend – for virtual programming through Zoom.
If you need a Chrome Book – or help figuring out how to log on – please call us!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
November 4, 2020: Family Message
We are now offering Virtual Programming on the WEEKENDS AND IN THE EVENINGS in both CBDS and in our Day Hab programs!
CBDS clients –we offer a combination of Watch Parties and
Social Video Chat Hangouts as well as structured sessions too.
Call Brandee or Evelyn at 592-6142 for more information – or go to the private Facebook Page – Sunshine Village CBDS Group.
For clients in our Life Engagement Services (Day Hab) – we are offering “Beyond the Sunshine” themed sessions with interactive activities.
Call Jen Guzman at 592-6142 for access codes – OR look at the program’s private Facebook Page – Sunshine Village Life Engagement Services!
The nightly activities for the next three evenings are:
Wednesday – MAD SCIENCE SLEEPY CORN
Thursday – GROUP GAME: HEADS UP
Friday: NACHO NIGHT
JOIN US AFTER HOURS AND SEE SOME
FRIENDLY FACES AND HAVE SOME FUN – IT MAKES FOR A
GREAT EVENING AND GREAT WEEKEND TOO!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
November 2, 2020: Family Message
SPOOKTACULAR Parade is TODAY – from 1:00 to 2:00 at our main campus at 75 Litwin Lane. No TRICKS – swing by to pick up a bag of TREATS!
We have begun the process to reopen our Agawam site. Although not everyone is able to return – we are trying our best to meet everyone’s needs. Our Virtual and Remote Services (VARS) is continuing – so join either our CBDS or Life Engagement Services (Day Hab) Facebook pages (both are private so only clients can join and view the offerings) so you can get the access information for our Virtual Zoom sessions.
The Great Outdoors Program is continuing thru November, weather permitting. Join us for Bingo on Tuesday and Bingo Car-a-oke on Thursday – and drop by for a snack and a gift on Friday Fun-days!
We have also begun offering Virtual Programming on the weekends and in the evenings in CBDS – call Brandee or Evelyn for more information. For clients in our Life Engagement Services (Day Hab) – we are piloting an Evening and Weekend Virtual Programming – call Jen Guzman for access codes – OR look at each program’s private Facebook Pages!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
October 28, 2020: Family Message
Due to the impending inclement weather, we are rescheduling our SPOOKTACULAR Halloween Wave Parade to Monday, November 2, 2020 at 1:00.
Come take a spin around our parking lot – you’ll see frightful costumes and friendly faces (behind masks!) You can check out the winners of our pumpkin carving and scarecrow making contests! AND….we will be giving out treats! No tricks – please join us as we celebrate together….a little belatedly!
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
October 26, 2020: Family Message
Join us this week as we celebrate Halloween with a SPOOKTACULAR Wave Parade – on October 30, 2020 at 1:00. If you would like to see some friendly (masked) faces and frightfully (fun) costumes – please come take a spin around our parking lot! We are hoping the weather cooperates! If it looks bleak – check in Friday morning!
Our Litwin Lane, Westover and Three Rivers sites are all open – and now we are looking to see the level of interest to reopen our Agawam site. As you know, we will be merging our Springfield site into the Agawam site. If you are (or your loved one is) interested in returning to sited services, please call us! (Unfortunately there are still many space and risk restrictions – so not everyone can return – but we are doing our best during this very difficult time.) If you are not ready to come back full time – but want to return for one or two days a week, we can talk about that too!
Happy Halloween to all!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
October 19, 2020: Family Message
We are starting off this week with the full opening of our Three Rivers Program AND our BOOLICIOUS Ice Cream Social at our main campus at 1:00. Don’t forget – Tuesday is Drive In Bingo; Thursday is Bingo
CAR-a-oke and Friday is our Wave Parade (Canceled / Weather) – all at 1:00 at our main campus at 75 Litwin Lane.
We are now assessing interest from clients in both our CBDS and Day Hab programs to see when we can reopen another of our sites – and will let you know how planning is going in the next few weeks.
Gina Kos, Executive Director
October 12, 2020: Family Message
It’s the start of another week at Sunshine Village – and tomorrow, we will have the soft opening of our Three Rivers Day Habilitation program. Joyce Cormier, Program Manager, and long time staff members will be at the site to welcome back 18 clients.
We are open today – and are looking forward to our Great Outdoors Events this week: Drive In Bingo; CAR-a-oke and Wave Parade – all at 1:00 on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. CBDS will be hosting another Adventure Camp on Wednesday from 12:30 to 2:30. If the weather looks rainy, call first or check your private Facebook Page.
Once Three Rivers is open, we will begin looking at our other sites – and see who is interested and able to attend.
If you have questions or concerns, you can also call us – at 413-592-6141 – and a Program Manager or Case Manager from your service division will be able to talk with you.
Thank you for your continued support of Sunshine Village!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
October 5, 2020: Family Message
It’s week 10 of the Sunshine Village Reopening – and this week, we are working to reopen our Three Rivers day habilitation program. The soft opening will be on October 13th and transportation will be provided by outside vendors starting on October 19, 2020.
Over the next few weeks we will be looking at how Sunshine Village can provide transportation to individuals within our CBDS program. At this time, the restrictions are stringent and our capacity is limited to meet the standards. But we are trying to figure out if we can do any transportation.
Transportation vendors will begin providing transportation to some clients who are attending the Litwin Lane day hab programs in both the Knights and Davis buildings today – and we will see how that goes. There are specific protocols established by MART that are in place for this new addition to service provision that both we and the transportation vendors will be following.
We had 5 clients last week become ill while they were at our programs (gastrointestinal issues.) None of the clients were in the same rooms or used the same bathrooms (as we keep clients and staff in co-horts to minimize contact with others.) Four out of five tests have come back negative and we are waiting to hear on the fifth.
We followed our COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN – including communicating with families, submitting HCSIS reports, following isolation protocols and having our decontamination “clean team” sanitize rooms and bathrooms. We continue to screen people with temperature checks and asking a series of questions before anyone enters a building.
Given that the cold and flu season is upon us and it is likely that people getting sick from illnesses other than COVID will happen frequently, we have now created two isolation rooms in each building and have an additional “back up” isolation room on the Litwin Lane campus.
I announced last week that a strategic decision has been made by Sunshine Village to not reopen our Springfield Day Hab. This is an excerpt of the letter we sent to clients who attended that site:
I am writing to share some news with you about Sunshine Village and the Springfield Day Hab Program. As you might know, for almost a year prior to the Emergency Closure, we had been experiencing some significant issues with the site because of issues resulting from a business that moved into the complex. Additional issues were created from another neighboring business. We were working with our landlord and trying to make the best of a situation that was less than ideal.
Our lease for this property expires in June of 2021 and we have thought long and hard about whether to remain at this location – but have come to the conclusion that the issues we were grappling with prior to the Emergency Closure have not gone away. As we plan to reopen our programs, we believe it will be best for everyone to not reopen the Springfield Day Hab.
In 2019, we purchased a large building at 588 Silver Street in Agawam and this past spring, we completed renovations to increase the number of bathrooms. We had relocated our Westfield program to this building and planned on accepting new referrals when the renovations were complete. We have now decided to merge the Springfield program into this site – and relocate all clients from the Springfield program – to the Agawam site. If a client would prefer to attend a day hab program at our Litwin Lane campus or our program in Three Rivers, we can also discuss how that transition could happen.
We do not have a date for the reopening of the Agawam site – or the Main Street site. Once those decisions have been made, we will let you know our plans.
We are continuing our Great Outdoors Program and are hosting a weekly Drive In Bingo, CAR-a-oke and Wave Parade. CBDS is also hosting a weekly Adventure Camp. These events allow clients who are not yet able or ready to return to a program to visit and see some friendly faces.
If it’s raining out – call first or check your private Facebook Page!
Tuesdays – Drive In Bingo! 1:00 to 2:00 – all clients and their families and friends are welcome!
Wednesdays – CBDS Adventure Camp 12:30 to 2:30
Thursdays – Drive In CAR-a-oke 1:00 to 2:00 – all clients and their families and friends are welcome! You can share in some musical fun – singing or just listening!
Fridays – Wave Parade! 1:00 to 2:00 – all clients are welcome to come with a family member or caregiver and take a pass around the circular driveway!
All events are taking place at our main campus at 75 Litwin Lane in Chicopee.
To learn more about our offerings, please join our private Facebook pages.
CBDS Clients – go to Facebook and type in Sunshine Village CBDS Group.
Day Hab Clients – go to Facebook and type in Sunshine Village Life Engagement Services.
You can also call us – at 413-592-6141 – and a Program Manager or Case Manager from your service division will be able to answer all your questions and concerns.
Gina Kos, Executive Director
September 28, 2020: Family Message
Plans are underway to open our Three Rivers Day Hab program – and we should have a reopening date for you by the end of the week. Joyce Cormier has returned to manage the program and we are getting it ready for reopening!
We are continuing to offer events through the Great Outdoors Program – so that clients can return – and stay outside – for short periods of time. The following activities will occur through October.
If it’s raining out – call first or check your private Facebook Page!
- Tuesdays – Drive In Bingo! 1:00 to 2:00 – all clients and their families and friends are welcome!
- Wednesdays – CBDS Adventure Camp 12:30 to 2:30
- Thursdays – Drive In CAR-a-oke 1:00 to 2:00 – all clients and their families and friends are welcome! You can share in some musical fun – singing or just listening!
- Fridays – Wave Parade! 1:00 to 2:00 – all clients are welcome to come with a family member or caregiver and take a pass around the circular driveway!
All events are taking place at our main campus at 75 Litwin Lane in Chicopee.
To learn more about our offerings, please join our private Facebook pages.
CBDS Clients – go to Facebook and type in Sunshine Village CBDS Group.
Day Hab Clients – go to Facebook and type in Sunshine Village Life Engagement Services.
You can also call us – at 413-592-6141 – and a Program Manager or Case Manager from your service division will be able to answer all your questions and concerns.
Gina Kos, Executive Director
September 21, 2020: Family Message
We have heard from so many clients and families that transportation is a barrier to returning to programs. Last week, we began working to address this issue. We will begin by allowing private transportation companies to begin transporting to the Sunshine Village Day Hab Programs that are open or will be opening. This transportation is being coordinated by the state of Massachusetts and we are completing the necessary forms for it to begin. In October, we will look at our own transportation department to see if we can manage those services for our CBDS clients.
We are now also looking to reopen our Three Rivers Day Hab program in October and are making preparations. Once a date is determined, we will let you know! Once that program is open, we will again assess interest from clients in returning and begin planning to open other Day Hab and/or CBDS programs.
This week, we will be hosting our second Great Outdoors Bingo – in our parking lot – on Tuesday, September 22nd from 1:00 to 2:00. On Thursday, September 24th, from 10:00 to 11:00, we will be hosting a Wave Parade at our Litwin Lane location. We hope you can join us!
If you participate in CBDS services – call Kelly or Evelyn about joining the Great Outdoors Adventure Camp – a two hour weekly program that takes place outside – and is a great way to visit Sunshine Village!
To learn more about our offerings, please join our private Facebook pages.
CBDS Clients – go to Facebook and type in Sunshine Village CBDS Group.
Day Hab Clients – go to Facebook and type in Sunshine Village Life Engagement Services.
You can also call us – at 413-592-6141 – and a Program Manager or Case Manager from your service division will be able to answer all your questions and concerns.
Gina Kos, Executive Director
September 14, 2020: Family Message
As we begin our 7th week of the Sunshine Village reopening, we are now going to work on the protocols and logistics of transportation companies providing transportation within our day habilitation programs. We are also looking to see if we can open up any of our other day hab sites. The steps after that will be to look at transportation services for CBDS clients and the additional space needed if more clients want to attend the CBDS program.
This week, we will be hosting the first Great Outdoors Bingo – in our parking lot – on Tuesday, September 15th from 1:00 to 2:00. On Thursday, September 17th, from 10:00 to 11:00, we will be hosting a Wave Parade at our Litwin Lane location. We hope you can join us!
To learn more about our offerings, please join our private Facebook pages.
CBDS Clients – go to Facebook and type in Sunshine Village CBDS Group
Day Hab Clients – go to Facebook and type in Sunshine Village Life Engagement Services
Gina Kos, Executive Director
September 8, 2020: Family Message
This is the 26th week of the Sunshine Village Closure – but the sixth week of our Reopening. On August 3rd, we welcomed back many of the clients who work at Westover Maintenance System. On August 24th, we welcomed back some of our clients in our CBDS and Day Hab programs. This coming Monday, September 14th, we will be welcoming back more clients to our Day Hab program – reopening our Knights Building on the Litwin Lane property.
Last week, we had three clients become ill – and they either did not come in or we isolated them and then had their family pick them up. As our COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN states, all can only return to their program if they have a negative COVID test or a note from a medical professional stating that their symptoms do not warrant a COVID test and they are no longer symptomatic. We have posted our COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN on our website so you can see all of our policies and protocols. You will see that our plan is very detailed…and even includes directions – for using cleaning products.
There are some clients who want to return to our programs – but are unable to because of staffing issues or a level of risk that might be posed to themselves or others. We are required to provide all clients and staff with 113 square feet of space – and this has reduced the capacity we can have in each of our buildings significantly. We are hoping that in the latter par tof 2020, restrictions will be lessened for required space and people who have enhanced staffing will be able to return. Given the precautions we are taking to keep all clients and employees as safe as possible, clients who pose a risk because of certain behaviors will not be able to return in the near future.
There are many clients who are not yet comfortable with the idea of returning to a program – and we continue to offer our Virtual and Remote Services (VARS) program.
For the month of September, for clients who are not attending programs, we are offering a weekly WAVE PARADE (each Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00) and PARKING LOT BINGO (each Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00.) (If’s it’s raining, call first at 413-592-6142!) Both of these weekly activities will allow clients to see friendly faces!
CBDS has developed a two hour weekly program – GREAT OUTDOORS ADVENTURE CAMP – for those clients who are almost ready to come back – and want to return gradually. If you’d like more information, call Kelly Chmura or Evelyn Pennell at 413-592-6142 with your questions.
Although we are moving forward slowly – we are moving forward!
Thank you for your continued support of Sunshine Village!
Gina Kos, Executive Director
August 24, 2020: Family Message
More great news from Sunshine Village!
We reopened our Day Hab and CBDS programs! At Litwin Lane, we have 26 clients attending our CBDS program – 20 full time and 6 part time – and another 26 clients are participating in our combined Day Hab program. We incorporated screening, training, social distancing and a host of other new protocols – including spaced seating, mask wearing, frequent hand washing and cleaning – and all has gone exceptionally well.
Our commercial cleaning company, Westover Maintenance Systems, remained operational every single day of the last 24 weeks of our Emergency Closure. We now have brought back 17 clients to their jobs – they are back earing a paycheck! – and have hired another 4 clients into part time positions. We are now assessing another 4 candidates who are going through the interview process.
So…what’s next? So much!
We are surveying our clients and their families (again!) to see who wants to come back – so we can open up our Knights Building at Litwin Lane in September for more CBDS and/or Day Hab clients. If there is enough interest from people who are able to return, we will look to open up other programs in October and beyond.
We will be posting our COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN on our website tomorrow – so you can read our plan to see the measures and protocols we have instituted to keep Sunshine Village’s programs as safe as possible for our clients, employees, vendors and guests.
To help our clients who are remaining at home to see what’s happening here – and visit for a short period of time to see their friends – we are planning another “Wave Parade” in September. Keep your eyes open for the date – and we hope you can join us!
Our Virtual and Remote Services (VARS) plan is continuing! In CBDS, we are offering an array of “Clubs” and have many clients participating. Call Evelyn Pennell at 413-592-6142 if you are a CBDS client and would like to learn how you can join in the fun! You can also join our Private Facebook Page for updates – go to Facebook and type in “Sunshine Village CBDS Group.”
For our Day Hab clients, we have modified the program to have two sessions each day – and now have 17 people joining us. Call Jen Guzman at 413-592-6142 if you are a Day Hab client and want to join us! You can also join our Private Facebook Page for updates – go to Facebook and type in “Sunshine Village Life Engagement Services.”
We are moving forward – and hope that in the weeks and months to come, Sunshine Village will again shine as brightly as it did before the closure. Stay HOPEFUL!
Take care,
Gina
August 24, 2020: Family Message
Today, Sunshine Village REOPENED!
As we move forward slowly – we welcomed back 25 clients to our CBDS program and 25 clients to a combined Day Hab program in our Davis Building at Litwin Lane in Chicopee.
We have redesigned our buildings,