TELEPHONE/TTY:
(413) 499-1248

FAX:
(413) 499-7545

Lisa Kenney, Human Rights Officer

lkenney@communityenterprises.com

SERVICES PROVIDED:
Wendell Residence - 6 person staff - supported group residence for people with dual diagnosis
Supported housing for people with head injury
Supported Housing for people with mental retardation
Support to people with dual diagnosis
Supported Living for people with physical disabilities
Support for Families of People with psychiatric disabilities Volunteer Companions

Project AIM consumers and staff enjoy a summer outing to Lake George in August 2008

Project AIM consumer Sean LaBonte has fun while he gains valuable vocational experience working at our Community Food Pantry

What people are saying about Pittsfield AIM (quotes of appreciation):

" My brother's life, my life, and my sanity are in a very large part due to the care and concern shown to us by John Tierney and those who support him. You people are truly a blessing. Thank you for all you have done for my family." -sister of consumer S.F.

"Being involved with Project AIM/Wendell House has improved my life tremendously. The staff spends time with the clients, and helps you to achieve your goals." -consumer C.D.

"Project AIM has helped me deal with my emotions and have more self-control. I have also learned how to have relationships with nice people." -consumer R.S.

"Community Enterprises' staff has been very helpful to me in my role as Parent/Guardian of my son. I am very satisfied with the Community Enterprises' Community Living Services." -parent of consumer D.P.

"My community social worker has helped me out a lot and does so much for me. I like doing a whole bunch of stuff: going to Hampton Beach, Lake George, and the Corn Roast. I'm having fun living life now." -consumer D.P.

A SUCCESS STORY:

KM was referred to AIM 3 years ago, by DMR, while living in a Nursing Home.  She was unable to live independently, due to a seizure disorder that put her at risk for safety issues, as well as difficulty with money management. 

KM has made some great strides in her life in the past three years with AIM.  She lives successfully with an AIM Homeshare, and two other consumers.  She is an integral part of this household.  She assists the Homeshare with general housekeeping, and has formed a supportive relationship with her housemates.  She was able to participate in a family trip to Florida, and visited Disney World.  She had a great time and wants to do it every year.  She volunteers weekly at a local church’s kitchen, and assists with preparing and serving the free lunches.  She attended the Annual DMR Human Rights Conference in Worcester, which included partaking in workshops independently.  After the conference, she was able to inform her peers, what she learned from the conference at an Input Dinner.  KM was filled with excitement as she told them what she had learned. 

KM also applied for, and was accepted into an eight-week, “Self-Advocacy Leadership Series” at Berkshire Community College, sponsored by the Mass. Developmental Disabilities Council.  She committed herself to, and participated fully in, each class, culminating in presenting a speech to her class, and receiving a diploma of completion.   KM was beaming with a sense of pride at graduation.  She has been invited to join a self-advocacy group at another agency with her peers.  KM has learned to successfully participate in her medical treatment, for her seizure disorder, resulting in proper medication self -administration, and stabilization of her seizures. 

KM received a special award and plaque from CE/AIM this year at their Annual Corn Roast to celebrate her successes and overall growth.  She was full of emotion and thankful.  She is very proud of her achievements and her self-esteem has grown.  She said she was grateful to feel included and finally feels people believe in her.