Latham Centers. . . Prader-Willi Syndrome and Beyond

New Benefit for Staff…

2012-02-03T09:11:00.000-05:00

The new year is here and it is getting off to a great start! We are excited to be able to add another benefit to our already wonderful benefit program…a Tuition Reimbursement Plan! This has definitely been a topic of interest over the years. We are all affected by rising prices and tight budgets during these difficult economic times and it is very exciting to be able to offer assistance to our staff as they pursue their educational goals.

Many folks were able to sign up for this program immediately. We hope the interest will continue to grow. It is exciting when you are able to find your passion, challenge yourself intellectually and obtain personal growth in the process. Best of luck to our current students….here’s to May, the final grade and the reimbursement check!!

Betty Gray,
Human Resources Representative

"The safe way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket."

~Frank Hubbard

Winter Activites

2012-01-30T09:56:00.000-05:00

When you ask a person to describe life on Cape Cod, you usually hear about abundant beaches, buzzing little shops and throngs of people visiting the region during their vacations. You hear stories about hikes and kayaking, almost always set against the backdrop of the eternal summer day. Those of us at Latham Centers can tell you two things about this image. The first is that winter makes quick work of that eternal summer day, as our recent 20 degree weather can attest. The second is that winter on the Cape is no less charming for the folks at Latham than summer is!

When the weather starts to get frightful, we at Latham strive to enjoy the cosier side of life! With the bustle of the holidays behind us, we have time to sit with each other and line up what we want from the new year. Staff and students recollect fond memories of the past while gearing up to make new memories in the months to come, and while we may not be swimming or kayaking the way we were in the summer, we count down the days until we can build our first Latham snow man of the season.

The baseball games of summer may have given way to the hockey games of winter, but Latham is heading into the new year with open arms, ready to enjoy all of the friendship and fun that makes Latham my favorite winter destination!

Contributed by:
Hal Johnson,
Residential Supervisor

"When snow falls, nature listens."

~Antoinette van Kleeff

Connections to Community

2012-01-26T13:29:00.000-05:00

For a person with PWS, it is incredibly difficult to find a place in the community where you can make a difference and fulfill your dreams without coming into conflict with their world’s biggest temptation and fear at the same time – food. Most people naturally have multiple roles in our community – peers, parents, employees, bosses, volunteers, students, instructors, consumers…. Some of these roles do not come so naturally for many of those we serve. The ladies and gentlemen in our program have, too, the basic need of belonging somewhere and being a part of something. They want to belong to a circle of people and make difference in the world.

After their transition into the adult program from school, young people are going through a major transition in their life. They need to create new social networks around themselves. They face different supports. They suddenly are supposed to become adults. Just like in the children’s program, a majority of them are longing for structure and want to stay busy during their days. An important part of their lives becomes their day program. Local day habilitation programs provide services for many of our adults. This is where they get to create new friendships, where they find constructive stimulation, where they go to work.

Some of our folks search for their opportunities beyond day habilitation programs. They are, just like many of their peers without PWS, looking for further growth – for further education, and for jobs or other opportunities in the community. This part is difficult. We are looking for environments with limited or no access to food and where the new part time employees could be accompanied by staff for vocational as well as emotional supports. Some of our folks are helping out with administrative tasks at Latham Centers. Others have paid cleaning jobs or part time jobs at stores. Our vocational staff is diligently and creatively researching any and all opportunities in the area. Volunteering is also a way to stay connected to the community. Some help out at local libraries or clear walking trails. Our folks are especially fond of work around animals. They love helping out at local farms and animal shelters. They can help out at many different levels and they do the job right.

We are looking for more opportunities for them to succeed in their adult life and bring them closer to their sense of accomplishment. The goal is for all those who are interested in working or volunteering to find an opportunity in the community. Some might be more skilled and some might require more assistance. That should not matter, though. The reward of being a part of community appears to be priceless. Everyone should obtain a chance to contribute to the world. With or without disability, each one of us can do it in our special way. Everyone should get the opportunity to feel important and needed.

Thank you, vocational staff, for making a difference in so many people from Gilbough Program, who want to make a difference.

Submitted by:
Magda Moran
Supervisor

"Never worry about numbers.

Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you."

~Mother Teresa

Going to the Dogs…..

2012-01-24T08:32:00.000-05:00

The clinical department is “going to the dogs”. Much research has been done regarding the use of animals, and dogs in particular, in therapy. Latham has long had a therapy dog on campus and other therapy dogs who would visit briefly. We have expanded the program with two additional dogs who have completed the required training. Students are often better able to talk with their clinicians when one of the dogs is present, diffusing the attention from the conversation. One student is working with her clinician to teach her dog new skills and tricks. This provides the student with the opportunity to experience a sense of mastery, as well as helping her with her articulation challenges, as she needs to be able to make commands which the dog can understand.

Contact with animals has a calming effect. Often an upset student will be able to return to baseline when given the opportunity to pet or walk a dog. As we work with students to develop their coping and de-escalation skills, the dogs will play an active role.

Chris Coffin,
Clinical Services Director

"Dogs are miracles with paws."

~Attributed to Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy

The Road to the Beach….

2012-01-19T10:49:00.000-05:00

Traveling to other countries sometimes presents difficulties to those of us who never mastered a foreign language. I admit to feeling helpless while trying to make the simplest request understood or to try and ask a question without resorting to pantomime. I truly appreciate how patient and helpful people can be when you are “lost in translation”.

Recently, I saw what needed no translation; a beloved child with special needs in a small community in Costa Rica. As I was waiting outside a small store for supplies, an entire family was walking up the road from the beach. Calling the packed earth a road is a stretch; for in truth it is a rough, dusty, sandy and difficult place to navigate. You can be sharing this road with buses, cattle, cars, horses, bikes and iguanas. As they approached I saw seniors, children, dogs, parents and the oldest, most antiquated wheel chair I have seen in a very long time. Pushing this chair up the road was tough but I watched the interactions of those pushing, those walking alongside the chair and the child who was being transported and I thought, “I don’t understand a word they are saying but I do understand that here is a kid whose family loves her.”

One of the great things about Costa Rica is the friendliness of its people. The party was laughing as they made their way past me, smiling and waving, continuing on their journey back to town. It could have been 5 minutes or 5 miles away; they were on a holiday outing, inclusive of everyone, no matter how difficult it was to bring this child along. The joy on her face as she passed will stick with me for a long time and continues to make me smile back at the office. Pura Vida!

Contributed by:
Chris Gallant
Director of Training

"Everyone smiles in the same language."

~Author Unknown

Asinotherapy Program at Great Hill

2012-01-17T10:04:00.000-05:00

Individuals in Latham Asinotherapy program have been working diligently to complete their training in the care of donkeys. On December 14th, 2011 another class completed the six weeks of training required to receive their certificate of level one care of donkeys. While caring for donkeys is not an easy task, a donkeys gentle and affectionate nature brings a calming effect over all who they come into contact with. Donkeys especially enjoy human interactions and this helps to lift the spirits of the individuals we support. Their nature acts as a type of magnet drawing all people to them.

Donkeys have the ability to balance and calm anxious, agitated emotions through gentle interaction. The visible lifting of a person’s spirit during donkey petting is typically immediate and significant. Some individuals have indicated their interaction with our donkeys has been one of their life’s highlights. Feedback from staff about donkey therapy has always been extremely positive and leads to making arrangements for the next visit.

Contributed by:
Elton Cutler
Residential Supervisor

"Lots of people talk to animals.... Not very many listen, though.... That's the problem."

~Benjamin Hoff

Latham School Holiday Craft Fair

2012-01-13T07:49:00.000-05:00

Latham school students hosted their annual Holiday Craft Fair on Dec 14th from 3p-4p. In keeping with tradition, students had been making crafts to sell in both school and their residential groups for several weeks prior to the sale. It is also our tradition that the students choose a charity towards which the proceeds will be donated. Student council presented three suggestions; St. Jude’s Children’s hospital, Susan G. Komen for the Cure (breast cancer research) and Operation Gratitude (packages for the soldiers). Classrooms voted for St. Jude’s Hospital.

Our annual Holiday Craft Fair is looked forward to by both students and staff alike. It is a wonderful time to purchase handmade, one of a kind items, made with love by the students. For many of us, our loved ones wait to see what beautiful Latham made gifts will be theirs. This year we had the beautiful addition of the homemade soaps. I am certain those who received soaps will be looking for more once their current supply dwindles. Each year we also run a bake sale at the same time with fabulous baked goods made by talented Simpkins staff, Bibi Charran.

The room was packed during the sale and there was often a line at the check-out. Music was played. Smiles were everywhere, with students both selling and purchasing their own and each other’s homemade treasures. Generosity filled the air. The final tally for St. Jude’s is $519.23! This is a record amount made by the craft fair! Our package to St. Jude’s includes the check but it also includes some crafts, some photos of the fair, a handmade card signed by students and staff, and some information about who we are and what we do at Latham. Above all, it includes some love and generosity from one group of kids to another! Many thanks to all who participated!

Contributed by:
Shauna Kelly
Transitional Supervisor

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons."

~Ruth Ann Schabacker

Greetings from Facilities!

2012-01-09T11:19:00.000-05:00

The winter season is upon us and in our endeavor to keep everyone safe and secure during the upcoming winter snow season we have provided each home with buckets of ice melt, scoops and shovels. Those of you who require addition items please let us know so we can facilitate your needs. We will be taking care of the plowing and shoveling, however, in the unlikely event that we are not able to get to you exactly when you need us we have provided the shovels, ice melt and scoops.

As always we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year for any emergencies that may occur. Call on call at 774-487-9501. If no response at that number call David King, Director of Facilities on 508-221-7880.

Have a safe and Happy New Year from all your friends in Facilities/Maintenance.

Barbara Hill
Maintenance Office Assistant

"In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy."

~William Blake

Latham Centers Receives Two-Year Training Grant from The Peter & Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation

2012-01-04T15:36:00.000-05:00

Latham Centers, Inc. announced today that it has been a awarded a two-year grant from The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation in the amount of $60,750 for 2012 and 2013. The grant, awarded via the foundation’s Intellectual Disabilities grants track, will be used for staff training and implementation of the Circle of Courage Response Ability Pathway curriculum. The model focuses on interventions, communication skills and team building for the treatment of at-risk children. Ultimately, the grant will help Latham staff to more deftly identify triggers, strengths and abilities in each of its students with intellectual disabilities.

As a residential school for children with serious emotional, behavioral and intellectual challenges, Latham has been committed to continually evolving its methods of caring for its students, many of whom have experienced trauma in their lives. The Circle of Courage model will better prepare and empower Latham School children to de-escalate certain behaviors with staff assistance and guidance. Founded in 1970, Latham Centers received full accreditation by the international Council on Accreditation earlier in 2011. This is the first major grant Latham Centers has received from the Tower Foundation.

“This significant commitment from the Tower Foundation allows us to fully implement and train all of Latham’s Children’s Services staff in this innovative intervention model,” according to Anne McManus, Executive Director. “As we focus on defining each child as an individual, and developing treatments responsive to their needs, these trainings will assist staff in refining existing skills to most adeptly respond to our students. In turn, our students will also possess more learned coping skills as they work to lead responsible, fulfilling lives into adulthood. This cutting-edge training and approach will only help to further differentiate Latham from other treatment programs of its kind.”

Contributed by:
Gerry Desautels
Director of Development

"The ones that matter the most are the children."
~Lakota Proverb

Latham University

2012-01-03T07:39:00.001-05:00

Children’s services will be introducing a weekly training series called “Latham University”. It is an extension of the orientation training that we now try and pack into two weeks. Frankly, it takes more than 2 weeks to acquire the skills and knowledge to work with our complex populations. Beginning Wednesday, January 4th, and every Wednesday thereafter from 12 to 1 pm in the old training room in the basement of the school house, we will be reviewing 12 weeks of topics including:

How to use Therap, an introduction of trauma informed care
How our behavior support system works
How to make healthy relationships with our students.

Each week will be a new topic. These are trainings which are beneficial to all Latham staff including adult services staff. We have designed the series to repeat and be refreshed every quarter. They will be led by school administrators, supervisors, and clinicians but contributions from participants are always welcomed. Participants will be paid for their attendance and will earn credits towards their annual 24 hours of training. All new hires to the children’s program will be expected to attend until they complete the 12 modules.

Contributed by:
Jonathan J. Smith, LICSW
Director of Children's Services

"You don't understand anything until you learn it more than one way."

~Marvin Minsky

Latham Players Celebrate the Holidays

2011-12-30T07:59:00.000-05:00

Every December the Latham Players celebrate Christmas on the first Sunday of the month. For the past six Decembers they have been overwhelmingly received by the West Dennis Community Church to perform their special holiday show. This “gig” has become a holiday ritual and the highlight of their year of performances.

Before the performance, the Players each had their photo taken in front of the church’s lighted Christmas tree.They then went through a final rehearsal before performing in front of the congregation. Of course, many hours of practice went into the preparation for this special performance. Penelope Chatterton, the Latham Players Artistic Director coordinated the production working with church staff on the music and choreographing of the performance.

This year’s feature song was James Taylor’s “Who Comes this Night”. Copies of the song were handed out to the congregation and the Players led them in this beautiful musical experience. Next, the Players performed their signature interpretation of “River Dance”, as the group knows it well and it is one of their favorites. The postlude was “Let There Be Peace on Earth” where all of the performers and congregants joined hands in a circle to conclude the performance. It was a wonderful finale to the celebration and symbolized the joining together with the community that is the message that the Latham Players spreads through their performances.

After the performance, the Players adjourned to the church’s basement for a festive lunch prepared by Penelope and served with the assistance of church and Latham staff, and participated in a “Secret Santa” gift giving event.

Many thanks to the West Dennis Community Church for their hospitality, the Latham staff who assisted with supporting the individuals at the performance and especially to Penelope for her dedication and passion as director of the Latham Players.

Season Greetings from the Latham Players!

Contributed by:
Mike Marchese

"Music is the universal language of mankind."

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The PWS National Conference: A Personal Perspective

2011-12-28T12:27:00.000-05:00

The Prader-Willi Syndome conference was memorable for me in many ways. I met so many wonderful parents and professionals who are all working for a common goal, to improve the lives of the children and adults with PWS. On one hand, it is humbling to be a part of a cause that so many have dedicated a large portion of their professional life to furthering the treatment and knowledge of PWS. I reconnected with some of you and made some new friends. On the other hand, it’s also humbling to be a part of the “family” of parents who have a child with a disability, which is what Clint Hurdle movingly described in his opening address to the large crowd. I am sure that many a parent had tears in their eyes as I did when he spoke. I didn’t take notes. I can’t remember a good quote, but I do know that being a parent of a child with Special needs is not what we envisioned nor asked for, yet this is where we are. I used to dislike the “Welcome to Holland” poem, but now that I am far enough along, I not only get it, but embrace its message. In a very important way, the conference addressed the emotional impact that every family faces. It led me further along my own path of grieving and acceptance. Thank you and Happy Holidays to all the organizers, professionals, and the families that walk this similar path.

WELCOME TO HOLLAND

by Emily Perl Kingsley.

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.
But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

Contributed by:
Susan LaPlant
Marketing Coordinator

It's Christmas at Latham!

2011-12-24T13:44:00.000-05:00

Holiday Time Activities

2011-12-21T08:34:00.000-05:00

The holidays can be a very stressful time for anyone. To keep our students with PWS a little less anxious through the holidays, the staff at Latham have prepared a sensory rich schedule of activities to keep our students active and happy through the holiday season. They have lots of nature walks and holiday strolls planned. Knowing what to expect is a key strategy for our students. It is especially important through the holidays. Wishing you all the best during this holiday season.

Contributed by:
Holly Hanlon

"Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow."

~Swedish Proverb

Stop & Shop and Peapod Purchases Can Earn Money for Latham!

2011-12-19T10:45:00.001-05:00

By signing up for the Stop & Shop A+ Rewards Program (two easy steps online), employees, friends and families can help Latham earn reward money every time they shop at Stop & Shop or Peapod!
Stop & Shop rewards card holders can simply register at www.stopandshop.com by entering their Rewards Card ID# and selecting Latham as the recipient. CLICK HERE to be taken to the site.

Step 1. Enter your S&S Rewards card #,
Step 2. Select Latham by searching Brewster MA schools or using our School ID# 07054.

Your participation will help us build a playground for Latham students to train for Special Olympics, and help fund more vocational opportunities for our students with Prader-Willi Syndrome and other challenges.

On behalf of all of Latham’s students and staff, thank you for taking the time to help!
This program does not affect your current Rewards offerings -- you will still receive your gas and other rewards points. For answers to other frequently asked questions about the A+ program CLICK HERE.

“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.”
~Aesop

Jolly Jaunters Run in Support of Latham Hawks

2011-12-16T08:15:00.000-05:00

Our entire community helped to raise almost $3000 to support our campus Special Olympics program. Special thanks go to Kalyn Mika, Brynn Woodland, Frannie Quirk, Suzanne Johnson, Rebekah Love and Gerry Pouliot for raising money and running the 5k Jolly Jaunt. A number of students and staff came to the event to cheer on the runners and help celebrate our athletes.

Latham's Special Olympics program operates year round and involves a majority of our student body. The entire program is supported through fundraising. Thank you to all staff, families and friends that donated and supported us this year.

Contributed by:
Tim Vaughan
Residential Director

"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth."

~Bahá'u'lláh

Holiday Fun at Latham

2011-12-14T13:38:00.001-05:00

This weekend the Vineyard had a lot of fun outings planned. First we went to Nauset beach to see an old shipwreck washed up on shore. They came up with many stories as to what happened to the boat! Next we went to the Cape Codder Resort for the Enchanted Christmas. The students got to talk to Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. We walked around and they had reindeer, toy soldiers, nut crackers, frosty and much more all lit up! The students were so happy and grateful and had a wonderful time.

Contributed by:
Cristina Robinson

Related Posts:
Everyone Loves Dancing
Holiday Performances Around Town
Annual Holiday Craft Fair a Huge Success

"As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is."

~Eric Sevareid

Horseback Riding at Emerald Hollow Farm

2011-12-12T14:30:00.001-05:00

"To ride a horse is to ride the sky."

~Author Unknown

Meaningful Lives

2011-12-08T10:13:00.000-05:00

At our Brewster residence, Angel S recently provided her knowledge and insight on “life after high school” at the PWS Conference held on Cape Cod. She was part of a panel and answered questions about her life at the Latham Centers. Angel also recently completed a course to become a volunteer for the Hospice of Cape Cod program, where she will be assisting clients of the program with various tasks on a weekly basis. She is currently creating Christmas ornaments to give to the people receiving Hospice services in hopes of brightening their lives.

Jennifer T, who lives in the S Yarmouth residence has been working regularly caring for the four donkeys in our asinotherapy program. She is very patient with the animals, and has demonstrated a strong commitment to caring for them. She looks forward to her time with them each week, and has not missed a day of work yet. She has formed quite a bond with them, and has assisted in helping the two newest donkeys to acclimate to their new environment.

Submitted by,
Kathy vanEsselstyn
Program Supervisor

"Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude"

~Ralph Marston

New Science Teacher Inspires Students

2011-12-06T09:02:00.001-05:00

Latham School is lucky to have Science Teacher Jeremiah Nickerson! A native of Chatham, Jeremiah has taught on and off-cape in a variety of public and private school settings. Jeremiah brings a wealth of knowledge about innovative teaching strategies to daily science classes. He is very skilled at using his classroom’s Promethean Board to promote engaging learning.

Latham students recently completed a unit on Astronomy. One component of Jeremiah’s lessons included having the students observe the moon each night for one month and record what they saw. Classroom teams then engaged in a discussion about the phases of the Moon.

Jeremiah is planning a Science Fair for Latham School in March of 2012. Students are already very excited about the fair, and many of them are already working on their projects and experiments. Some students have chosen to work on individual projects, while others are working in small groups. Some of the student-chosen topics are: testing the growth of beansprouts given varying levels of light; determining why birds are particular about certain types of bird feeders; experimenting with pitch and tone, given glasses with different levels of water; and constructing a working volcano.

Jeremiah wasn’t sure what to expect at Latham in terms of student interest and participation in science class. He is really glad that the students seem so excited about learning.

Contributed by:
Pam Nolan, M.Ed.
Director of Education

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."

~Henry Brooks Adams

Latham Vocational Students Are Hard at Work

2011-12-02T07:53:00.003-05:00

Students in Latham School’s Vocational program have been working diligently to complete a significant number of volunteer handouts for the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod. Students must complete at least 125 folders each week. Every folder contains more than forty items, and students need to make sure that all of the items are in exactly the same order as the folders all need to be identical. While this is not an easy task, it is clear that Latham students are consistently putting in amazing effort. Their ability to settle right down to their work and focus on being detail-oriented is more than impressive.

These photographs were taken by our new student photographer, SC. As part of his vocational work, he will be learning how to use a digital camera and transferring the photographs onto a computer. Simon will be taking pictures of our other vocational students performing their on- and off-campus work assignments, as well as photos of our campus events.

Pam Nolan, M.Ed.
Director of Education

Do not hire a man who does your work for money, but him who does it for the love of it.
-Henry David Thoreau

Happy Thanksgiving Latham!

2011-11-30T09:19:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving Day was very busy and exciting. Many students went to see a nearby football game while others chose to help set up for dinner or do games and activities. Students and staff transformed the dining room into a festive and welcoming sight, complete with hand-made leaves on which everyone wrote out some things that they were grateful for. Students and staff read those messages aloud just before the dinner began. Everyone then called out a loud and warm “Thank You!” to Tim and Barbara, who spent many, many hours planning and preparing the wonderful meal.

Contributed by:
Pam Nolan

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts

are conscious of our treasures."

~Thornton Wilder

PWS Conference

2011-11-28T12:35:00.001-05:00

I was lucky enough to be asked to speak at and participate in the PWS conference in Orlando Florida. When I went down there I was already aware of what PWS was and how it affects the children in my care. However I hadn’t had the opportunity to meet and speak with the families it affects. I was struck at what a tight knit community the PWS community is. More experienced families were offering advice to families recently affected by the syndrome. Older kids were helping the younger kids in the YIP and YAP programs, and providers were holding conferences to give information and trainings to other professionals in their field.

I was impressed to hear that this is the first time in history that we are seeing people affected with PWS live to be elderly. The advancements in treatments have soared, and being able to see how other programs treat PWS was great. It made me realize how lucky I am to be part of such a dynamic team.

How impressed others became when I told them I was from Latham Centers. What a reputation Latham has amongst other programs for being ahead of the rest, and the leading program for the treatment of children affected with PWS. I am proud to be here and a member of this dedicated team. I encourage anyone to go on the pwsausa website to learn more about this syndrome and what the future holds for our courageous students.

Contributed by:
Patricia Morgan

"It is a fact that in the right formation, the lifting power of many wings

can achieve twice the distance of any bird flying alone."

~Author Unknown

Nights at Latham

2011-11-23T09:34:00.002-05:00

As the holiday season approaches our students here at Latham are filled with excitement and great anticipation. These are the times that our night time routines and rituals are needed more than ever. It is truly wonderful to watch staff be able to settle an anxious student with a talk, bedtime story, and a tuck in. It speaks volumes to our program when our students feel comfortable and safe enough to get a good night sleep!!

Contributed by:
Melissa Weber
CCW Supervisor

"Stars are the daisies that begem
The blue fields of the sky."
~D.M. Moir

Trip to Roger Williams Performing Arts Center Fun For Everyone!

2011-11-22T09:41:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that our trip to Roger Williams Performing Arts Center was a HUGE success! Students were able to meet resident actors and learn the art of improvisation, get a tour of the entire theatre, try on costumes, and even help create part of the set for the upcoming play!
Some highlights of the trip:

JH was able to work in the sound booth! He learned how to run the light board and was even able to make cues on head set with the other light board operator! He was on cloud nine the entire time!

DA got the chance to work with actors in workshops and completely opened up on stage. He was so enthusiastic and happy to be on a stage working with real actors. He was such a strong leader and the other students truly looked up to him while he was a part of the workshops.

BY found a Sherlock Holmes costume and stayed in character the entire trip! Everyone addressed him as Sherlock and we were able to get some pretty fantastic pictures.

DW fell in love with the costume shop and tried on several gowns and had a photo shoot with the actors!

There are PLENTY of other stories I could share but ask the students instead! They loved every minute and Roger Williams was so impressed with their manners and respect for the theatre. We have been invited back for future workshops and even a FREE SHOW! *more details to come*

Thank you so much to the staff that came out to help! Your enthusiasm and encouragement gave our students that small boost of confidence they needed to get on stage!

Contributed by:
Casey Ann Mandel
Counselor

“Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.”
~ Sanford Meisner

Survivor Orlando: A Staff’s Perspective

2011-11-21T08:42:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of attending my first PWS conference this past week in Florida. I sat in on several different lectures, ranging from behavioral and medical issues to the role of the family in the life of the person with PWS. I met families from all over the country and was able to hear their stories. I was happy to learn of the support everyone had for each other and how we truly are one family and that no one is alone.

I was happiest to hear about dealing with behavioral issues, food security and helping the child with PWS function in our society. I am proud to say that Latham incorporates the same information I heard from the experts into our own programming here on campus.

As a counselor who deals with the children in their residence, I rely on my training and support from my fellow staff. Our training is key in creating a safe environment for our students. I am proud of the amazing job Latham staff does working with children with PWS. We are using all the important tools and strategies to assist and aid our students to be successful in their lives. It is the support we give now that will help our children to be valued members of their community.

Contributed by:
Frannie Quirk,
Residential Counselor

Latham Team Participates in PWS National Conference

2011-11-18T08:28:00.001-05:00

(Left to right: Jonathan J. Smith, Director of Children’s Services; Pam Nolan, Director of Education; Patricia Morgan, Day Supervisor; Patrice Carroll, Manager of PWS Services)

Members of the Latham Centers team recently participated in the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association’s (USA) 31st Annual National Conference. This year’s theme, “Survivor 2011” signified innovative research and treatment options for individuals with PWS. Conference sessions included a strong focus on “Best Practices” and support for individuals and families. Latham participants acquired ground-breaking information regarding scientific advances; the importance of sensory integration, effective educational and behavioral support approaches; and methods to support the physical and cognitive health of individuals with PWS.

"You can't lead anyone else further than you have gone yourself."

~Gene Mauch

The 31st National PWS Conference

2011-11-16T11:21:00.002-05:00

What an amazing opportunity Latham Centers had at the 2011 Conference. As sponsors of this major event, we had the pleasure of meeting new and re-connecting with old friends. I heard my name called out in the exhibit lobby and hugged Margaret Stone, a former nursing supervisor of the Latham School who had retired to Florida and volunteered at the conference. She was delighted to learn of Latham’s involvement and to catch up on her former colleagues from Cape Cod. From the opening keynote address to the closing ceremonies, the conference offered all of us an opportunity to hear what is happening in the world of PWS.

What we experienced at the conference was a comaradarie amongst those who support and those who love a person with PWS. Families, providers, medical staff, educators and other professionals are working together to advance the research, treatment, education and quality of life for people with PWS. Imagine 900 people gathered under one roof, all there to be part of the solution to the many challenges people with PWS face. It was joyful to see the children engaged in activities and the parents gaining strength from each other. Congratulations to the staff and volunteers, to PWSA (USA), and everyone connected with this great event. Congratulations to Gloria W of Winnepeg, Canada on winning the Kindle at our exhibit booth. I spoke with parents from around the country over the course of the three days and I thank all of you for your information and interest.
Let’s keep this momentum going.

Contributed by:
Chris Gallant
Director of Training & Marketing

"Share your sparkle wherever you are."

~Dodinsky

Related Posts:
News From the International Prader-Willi Conference
Pittsburgh, PWS and Latham
Boys Participate in Worldwide PWS Art Show

Students vs. Staff Soccer Game

2011-11-15T10:38:00.001-05:00

On a beautiful November afternoon, the staff and students engaged in a rousing soccer game. Good effort and good sportsmanship were shown by all involved. There were many dramatic plays, including heroic saves in the goal net. With a strong last ditch effort, the students got the two goals which they needed to tie the game. Those not on the field, cheered for their favorite team. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the whole event. We look forward to more games in the future.

Contributed by:
Christine Coffin

"I've got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time,

somehow things will work out in the end."

~Larry Bird

Patrice Carroll Elected Co-Chair of Providers Advisory Board

2011-11-14T09:21:00.001-05:00

Patrice Carroll, Manager of PWS Services for Latham Centers, Inc and Jeff Covington, Director of Residential Services for Catholic Charities Disabilities Services of Albany NY have been elected co-chairs of the PWSA USA Provider's Advisory Board. The Board works with providers nationwide on issues involving crisis management, referrals, as well as support and mediation services for families and providers. Congratulations to Patrice & Jeff on their appointment!

"Enthusiasm is the engine of success."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club Honored as Outstanding Business of the Year at 2011 Philanthropy Day on Cape Cod

2011-11-04T14:07:00.001-04:00

Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club of Brewster, a long-time supporter of Latham Centers, was named Outstanding Business/Organization at the 2011 Philanthropy Day on Cape Cod held November 1st. Presented by The Planned Giving Council of Cape Cod, Robert J. Newman, General Manager of Ocean Edge and Latham board member, accepted the award on behalf of Corcoran Jennison Hospitality Company, the Ocean Edge parent company, in front of a sell-out crowd of 550 non-profit professionals, board members, Cape Cod community and business leaders, and philanthropists.

The annual award is presented to

“a business/organization that has demonstrated outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement in response to local needs.” Ocean Edge was nominated by seven Cape nonprofits including Latham Centers, the Town of Brewster, Nauset Youth Alliance, Brewster Conservation Trust, the Brewster Baseball Club/Brewster Whitecaps, the Brewster Brew Run to benefit Brewster Fire & Rescue, and the Brewster Chamber of Commerce/Brewster in Bloom. Ocean Edge has worked closely with Latham Centers for more than five years in helping to provide quality treatment and residential programs for children and adults with behavioral, developmental and physical disabilities on Cape Cod.

“Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club acts both locally and regionally to affect positive change in a multitude of diverse areas beyond Latham, including youth, conservation, education/recreation, safety, and many others,” according to Keith W. Bradley, Chair of the Latham Centers Board of Directors.

In 2008, Mr. Newman was the recipient of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for his many contributions to the Cape Cod community. Under Mr. Newman’s leadership, Ocean Edge has dedicated significant time and in-kind resources toward supporting a wide array of Cape nonprofits. Newman currently serves on Latham Centers’ finance committee. Ocean Edge was recognized by Latham Centers in 2010 when it was awarded the Roy T. Morgan Community Award for its outstanding service in support of Latham’s children’s and adult programs.

In the past year alone, Ocean Edge has devoted major philanthropic support to the community, totaling more than $100,000 in in-kind services, including Ocean Edge staff time. The resort has also issued numerous gift certificates supporting local charity fundraisers throughout Cape Cod and neighboring areas.

“Ocean Edge’s contributions to organizations like Latham have been invaluable in supporting and advancing our not-for-profit missions,” adds Anne McManus, Executive Director of Latham Centers. “Every event that Ocean Edge hosts is top-notch, and the staff and facilities are nothing but exceptional. We are beyond grateful to them.”

To read the Cape Cod Times November 2 coverage of Philanthropy Day 2011, CLICK HERE.

Contributed by:

Gerry Desautels (Dez-oh-tel), M.Ed.

Director of Development

Amy Carroll Shares Her Story at the PWS Conference at Ocean Edge

Building Our Circle of Courage

Latham Centers Sponsorship of the 2011 National PWSAUSA Conference Announced

2011-10-31T10:18:00.001-04:00

Latham Centers will see you in Orlando! We are pleased to announce that Latham Centers is supporting the 2011 conference as a “Gold Level Sponsor” during the November 11th - 13th, 2011 National Conference. We are delighted to be able to support the important work being done by the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (PWSAUSA), people with PWS, families and the professionals working with them. The 2011 conference will highlight the exciting new research and treatment options for children with PWS. It's the largest conference in the world designed specifically for those dealing with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Latham Centers is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation and offers programs for children and adults with PWS. We look forward to meeting you while at the conference. Please stop by our information booth to chat, learn about Latham Centers or purchase handmade soaps made by students with PWS. Be sure to enter the contest to win a Kindle! See you soon!

Chris Gallant
Director of Marketing & Training

Latham Adult Speaks at End of Year Celebration

2011-10-26T09:24:00.001-04:00

The adults of Latham are supported in many ways through every aspect of their life. Recently, one individual was asked to speak at the end of the year celebration for his day program. The following is a piece of the individual’s speech.

         “The program I participate in is the Life Skills program. What I like most about this program is its uniqueness from other day programs. I get to choose what activities I want to be in and if there is an activity that I don’t like I have an opportunity to switch that particular activity into something that I do like.

            I come to Life Skills four days a week and participate in a variety of activities including gym, bowling, walking, art, and finally, Newsletter which is really fun because I get to choose the article of my choice and write about that topic. Some of the topics I’ve done are the history of Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and finally, Flag Day.

           I feel that Life Skills is the right placement for me because while I’m there I learn the skills I need to become independent. I also go on fun field trips while I’m at Life Skills. Some of the trips I’ve gone on are: walking up the historical Provincetown Monument, pumpkin picking, tour of the Cape Cod Potato Chip factory, and finally the New England aquarium. There is one special field trip that annually takes place in the summer which I really enjoy. It is going to Pawtucket, Rhode Island to see the minor league team the Pawtucket Red Sox.”

MM
West yarmouth

Contributed by:
Jeff Strimatis

Related Posts:
2010 End of Year Celebration
End of Summer Vacation
African Drumming is Good Medicine

Abstract Art For The Concrete Thinker

2011-10-23T09:38:00.001-04:00

Individuals with Prader Willi Syndrome have traditionally been described as “concrete thinkers” (Forster and Gourash 2005). Indeed, often at our children's program at Latham, we experience situations in which client stress is caused by deviations from perceptions of “how it should be." Clothing, shower rituals, incomplete projects, expectations of winning a game have all, at times, triggered our kids. Perseveration, sticky thinking, and difficulty viewing another’s viewpoints have been characterized within this framework of cognitive rigidity. These characteristics have lent themselves to interests in activities such as color-by-numbers, sorting cards, and jigsaw puzzles.

So if they're that rigid, why would anyone take them to see abstract art? The simple answer is that they enjoy it. Since working with youth with PWS, we have made two trips to the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. The first, two years ago, proved successful as students viewed the large scale work of Damian Ortega. The kids appeared hypnotized by a disassembled Volkswagen Beetle whose suspended parts they could gaze at from every angle. The Institute’s Mediatech room, too, offered interactive videos exploring the themes of globalization and its relation to art.

This year, again, we trekked from our Cape Cod campus, up Route 93, and parked next to the Boston Harbor where we picnicked with our lunches (...and fruit and flavored water and condiments and dressing). Once inside the museum, some students noticed that the work of Ortega had been displaced, but the current exhibits did not disappoint. The current theme was Dance/Draw, and the students engaged in several befitting exhibits. They watched a video of Janine Antoni dipping her own head of hair into ink and using it as a brush, and then looked up close at the creations this act spawned. They viewed with quiet curiosity Fiona Banner’s drawings of drawing books. They entered a room constructed by Faith Wilding who had crocheted a life-size spider web out of yarn. One student commented that it reminded her of Coraline; another, of Charlotte’s Web. They walked through another room to watch a 3D video, entitled Ghost Catching, in which lines of light that resembled stick figures moved through a choreographed space. “It's the Halloween room!” one student commented.

Many individuals with PWS have sensory processing difficulties (Miller 2007), and this could account for their interest and excitement for contemporary and abstract art. Much contemporary art not only engages the viewer but also invites the viewer into the piece with options for heightened awareness. Installations, videos, and the computer activity provided by the Mediatech room all provide examples of the way in which visual art can expand to fit the auditory and tactile needs of the viewer. Indeed, the way in which these students construct their own art with mixed media, clay, collage, and paint, reflects just how stimulated by sensory objects they can be. On our way back from the museum, the same student who obsesses over sorting beads yelled out “That was so cool!” Her comment spoke to a much larger lesson: because one thinks concretely, it doesn't mean she won't both enjoy and benefit from the abstract.

John Bonanni

Works Cited/Additional Resources

1.Forster, Janice and Linda M. Gourash. “Managing Prader Willi Syndrome: A primer for psychiatrits.”
Pittsburgh Partnership. 2005.
2. Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston.
3. Ortega, Damien. Cosmic Thing.
4. Wallis, Claudia. “The Next Attention Deficit Disorder?” Time Magazine. 29 Nov 2007.

Adults Enjoy Bowling With Sunshine Capers

2011-10-19T08:10:00.001-04:00

Many of our adults enjoy spending Saturday mornings bowling with the Sunshine Capers, a Special Olympics Team that is based out of the Hyannis area. The athletes bowl from early September until early April. They can choose from either candlepin or ten-pin bowling. From one end of the lanes to the other you can tell who has gotten a strike or a spare by the excitement that is generated by the whole team. The bowling alley hosts many different events throughout the year that adults like to participate in. It is getting close to Halloween and at the moment many of the bowlers are searching for just the right costume as there will be a parade around the lanes for the best costume. Monster Mash will be playing in the background and many will be dancing as they walk.

“Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game. "

~Michael Jordan

Latham Welcomes Guests for Corrective Reading Training

2011-10-11T08:14:00.001-04:00

Latham Educational Staff welcomed guests from the Sandwich Public Schools to participate in a training on McGraw Hill’s SRA Corrective Reading program. Educational Consultant Margaret Montgomery provided an engaging and thorough presentation on the Decoding and Comprehension strands of this structured reading program. Research-based, the Corrective Reading program is shown to be effective in improving student performance across all critical reading components: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The program provides detailed data on each student’s performance and improvement.

"Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know."

~Daniel J. Boorstin

We Do Not Walk Alone

2011-10-07T08:58:00.000-04:00

As the parent of two children with special needs (my boys have Fragile X Syndrome), I find myself relating to parents more and more as I travel down this road of early intervention and IEP meetings. At the recent PWS conference that we sponsored with the PWS NE group and Advocates, I found myself teary eyed as the Doctor’s sang songs about PWS and showed a slide show. I wondered how it affected the parents there and was able to ask a parent recently. She shared a very similar response and shared some wisdom with me. She said “walking down this road doesn’t get easier, it gets different.” I have contemplated that and agree. I think as you read the responses below you will find that you relate to these parents as well. While I am extremely grateful to the professionals in my life, I find that the parent to parent connections to be my strongest as we walk this often emotional road with our children.

At the last NY conference, parents were asked what their Fears, Hopes, Obstacles, and Stressors were during a Latham Centers presentation. The responses collected are below:

Fears: Concerns regarding living situations, especially when parents are no longer able to provide care; lack of independence; that their child will be safe; that he’ll get a job.

Hopes: that their child will live a full life and be able to pursue goals and dreams, that she’ll live up to her potential, that he will hold a job and have a meaningful relationship; that he’s happy and comfortable and has the help he needs.

Obstacles: public knowledge of PWS; finding the best educational setting; having a son that does not like to work; having to fight with insurance companies; having so many doctor’s appointments; dealing with state agencies in trying to get help and funding; knowing what to push for and what to get our child at the right age.

Current stressors: a number of parents shared that trying to balance the needs of the child with PWS alongside the needs of siblings; helping siblings understand their brother/sister with PWS; not knowing what the future holds; lack of support; no one understands; child that needs 1:1 attention 24/7; time management; dealing with the public humiliation during a tantrum.

My hope, if you felt like you were alone, you no longer feel that way.

Contributed by:
Susan M. LaPlant
Admissions Coordinator

Facilities and Maintenance News

2011-10-06T09:16:00.000-04:00

Greetings from the Facilities/Maintenance Department. Its’ been a very busy summer for us with many projects completed and still in the works. The new Athletic Field & Track has been getting a great deal of use and enjoyment by the students and staff. This fall we will be reseeding the field again and improving it with the irrigation system which should be operational by the second week in October.
The black chain link fence in the front yard area will be removed soon, and this area will be used as an alternate athletic field while we reseed the main field.

We are just finishing up a major drainage project around the Schoolhouse building that will give us a dry, usable basement area. October 5th we will begin excavation of the area next to the Clinician’s Building to eliminate the water problems we have had in that basement. The old retaining wall that collapsed years ago will be removed, and a new stone block wall will be installed, as well as new steps with improved lighting for safety. The area around the Greenhouse will be cleared out and new plantings added as we did on the side of the Schoolhouse. The group homes will also be getting a long needed facelift this fall, and even more improvements next Spring. There has been a great deal of attention needed by our properties, and although much has been accomplished, much more still needs to be done.

Thanks,
Facilities/ Maintenance Staff

"If you've never experienced the joy of accomplishing more than you can imagine, plant a garden".

~Robert Brault

School Pictures

2011-10-04T09:19:00.000-04:00

Many students chose to have individual and class pictures taken during the first weeks of school. The pictures look wonderful and we have ordered some for the students. We are expecting the prints to arrive back this week so that each student who chose to have his/her picture taken will get two pictures back—one to keep, and one to give to a parent or caregiver. We still have a couple of class photos to take, but we’re holding out for the next sunny day on our campus!

Contributed by:

Pam Nolan, M.Ed.

Director of Education

“We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they’re called memories. Some take us forward, they’re called dreams.”

~Jeremy Irons

Education Department Participates in S.P.I.R.E Training

2011-10-02T13:10:00.001-04:00

The Education Department participated in an informative hands-on training in one of our new reading programs: SPIRE (Specialized Program Individualizing Reading Excellence). This is a research-based program that provides student with a direct, systematic, sequential approach to reading. Teachers were very enthusiastic about the program itself, and optimistic about the positive results it can bring for our students.

The success of the SPIRE program is based on daily instruction that provides students with very specific work on phonological awareness, phonics, handwriting, fluency, vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension. We learned and practiced how to create daily 10-step lesson plans, along with some great ideas for making the lessons engaging and fun.

"Each day learn something new, and just as important, relearn something old."

~Robert Brault

Latham Begins "BELONGING" Project

2011-09-30T09:17:00.000-04:00

Latham School started the new year on September 7, 2011. On that day, students and staff alike all participated in a “belonging” project, related to our Circle of Courage program. Our goal was to have each person on campus trace one of their hands, decorate it, add their name, and put it onto our large “BELONGING” banner. It was a busy day and there was a lot of excitement about the project. I am very glad to announce that by working together as a whole community, we were able to complete the banner that same day for presentation at our Community Meeting that afternoon. We talked about “Belonging” which helps everyone to feel a part of something, in this case—part of the supportive Latham community. The banner is currently on display in the school house, and we have been having new members to the community (students and staff) add their hands to it.

Contributed by:

Pam Nolan, M.Ed.

Director of Education

"I think the themes of belonging and parentage and love are obviously universal."

~Christopher Eccleston

Collaborative Poetry of the North Wing

2011-09-27T08:49:00.000-04:00

Mindfulness, or certain meditative acts, have been clinically proven to reduce stress and increase prosocial behaviors among practitioners (see Marsha Linnehan’s book, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). Mindfulness can be anything from musical chairs to yoga and the larger focus is to partake in something nonjudgmental that causes the participant to be “in the moment.” Students in Latham’s Children’s Program regularly attend Social Skills Groups in which positive interaction with peers, active listening, conflict resolutions, and mindfulness exercises are practiced among all peers who live together in each residence. Students love these activities.

The following poems were collaboratively written by students in the North Wing during their Social Skills Group. Students sat in a large circle and were asked to say the first word that came into their minds. The imagery moved clockwise while a staff member acted as a scribe, writing down each word and image as they appeared. The result was highly image-driven collaborative poetry in the form of permeable, but slightly narrative verses which spoke to the collective consciousness of the group as a whole. This type of activity grounds the students in the present moment and helps to increase “mindfulness”.

Contributed by:
John Bonanni

The Man Went on Vacation

The man went on vacation
with somebody
camped
on the moon
aliens attacked
small honeybees
went hiking
got attacked
by a bear
please rob the bank
no money
batman robin froze
the bank store
dog gaga concert
crying drag queens
head banging apologize
martini glasses soda
fishing smoking partied
laughed fell ambulance
screaming sirens movie
theater bungie jumping
candy funeral earth robots
oil

Samantha, Stefanie, Keri, John, Mimi, Paige, Leona, Kevin & Ally

FOR JON

A lily pad had love me
you, us, everybody.
I don’t know how
red cars race
trophy extravaganza.
Boy,
you’ve got to be kidding me.
Transformers,
lobster dinner,
cupcake,
aqua marine bakery.
Goodbye, fluorescent windows
glistened when the moon comes up
at Hogwartz—
Pretty twilight,
nice friends forget everything lovely—
cook out,
Burnt chickens.

By: Leona, Mimi, Diane, Bess, Annee, Geanina, Kristi, Samantha, Paige, Susie, Ayanna, Keri, and John

Latham School Awarded $20,000 Playground Grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Eastern New England, Inc.

2011-09-22T09:42:00.000-04:00

Latham Centers, Inc. announced today that it has been awarded a $20,000 grant Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England, Inc. The grant is restricted toward the building and installation of a new adaptive playground on the grounds of Latham School in Brewster, Massachusetts. Latham is now in the process of raising an additional $20,000 to fully cover equipment and installation expenses for the project.

The playground installation is slated to commence by spring 2012 with in-kind assistance from the Yarmouth, MA Moose Lodge #2270. The playground is being specially designed to improve perceptual-motor skills, spatial awareness, and motor skill development of the Latham School population. It will also assist students in training for the Special Olympics as members of the “Latham Hawks” athletic team.

“It is our intent that the playground will create healthy challenges for Latham students,” according to Karen McEachern, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England. “Undoubtedly, the equipment will greatly aid Latham’s physical education staff to implement new, physical activities on site without having to leave campus. We are so happy to provide the lead grant for this project.”

To donate to the Latham School playground, or for more information, contact Gerry Desautels, Director of Development at 774-353-9296 or gdes@lathamcenters.org.

More about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England

Since its inception in 1986, RMHC of Eastern New England has awarded over $22 million to organizations and programs helping thousands of children and families throughout Eastern New England. RMHC of Eastern New England gives on-going support to both the Boston and Providence Ronald McDonald Houses®, which provide a home away from home for the families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals and two Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles™. The Care Mobile in Worcester, Massachusetts provides medical and dental care to children with unmet healthcare needs, and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile in Rhode Island (a.k.a The Molar Express) provides dental care to children in 20 communities. For more information, please visit www.rmhcene.org.

Amy Carroll Shares Her Story at the PWS Conference at Ocean Edge

2011-09-21T10:47:00.001-04:00

Segment from PWS Conference held at Ocean Edge Resort on Cape Cod in September 2011 and hosted by Latham Centers, Advocates and PWS New England. Panelist Amy Carroll describes growing up with her older sister, who is diagnosed with Prader Willi Syndrome.

A Few Words From Chris Gallant

2011-09-20T08:38:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you have the best conversations in the most unlikely of places. The other day while on vacation, we were enjoying lunch in a restaurant at the Abbey of Monte Oliveatto. It was a profoundly beautiful and peaceful setting where groups of travelers sat down to a lovely communal luncheon. Our table-mates asked the age old question....Where are you from and what do you do? I began to talk about Prader-Willi Syndrome and Latham Centers-- they became very excited. They were all from California and retired from nursing. They had friends whose grandson has PWS and they wanted to know what they could bring back to this family to assist them as their grandson became older. It never fails to amaze me that connections to the work we do can be found all over the world. Ciao!

Contributed by:
Chris Gallant

"Example is not the main thing in influencing others.

It is the only thing."

~Albert Schweitzer

Latham Adults Evacuate the Cape

2011-09-18T08:54:00.000-04:00

No, it wasn’t due to recent hurricane Irene or another natural disaster, but nearly all of our adult program residents left Cape Cod under the watchful eye of Latham staff for a Labor Day weekend vacation visiting their families and loved ones.

What we refer to as our seasonal “van run”, Latham staffed vans transported our adult individuals to “off-cape” rendezvous locations in Wrentham, Sturbridge, Braintree and Chelmsford where waiting parents and family members greeted them. Because of this unique transportation service, they were able to spend an enjoyable sunny holiday weekend at home with their families enjoying the celebrations that may be part of their family’s traditions. On the day after Labor Day, our staff and vans return to the drop-off sites to pick-up and deliver the adults to their Latham residences.

Latham provides this “van run” service four times a year during traditional family holidays. The other three van runs occur at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our families appreciate this service as it reduces their time and expense of traveling all the way to and from Cape Cod to pick-up and return their son or daughter. The individuals anticipate these family visits; preparing well in advance of each van run. They all leave with an excited smile on their face and return excited to tell us of the adventures when they return; making our efforts all worthwhile.

Contributed by:
Cindy Loring,
Adult Services Operations Manager
and
Mike Marchese,
Director of Adult Services

"If all the cars in the United States were placed end to end,

it would probably be Labor Day Weekend."

~Doug Larson

Sheila Burns and Bradford P. Malo Elected to Latham Centers, Inc. Board of Directors

2011-09-14T10:57:00.000-04:00

September 13, 2011—Orleans, MA—Latham Centers, Inc., a Cape-based not-for-profit serving children and adults with emotional, developmental and physical disabilities, announced today the election of Sheila Burns of West Barnstable and Bradford P. Malo of Brewster to its Board of Directors. Burns and Malo will initially serve three-year terms on Latham’s community-based board on the heels of the agency earning “fast track” accreditation by the prestigious, International Council on Accreditation on all aspects of its programs.

Ms. Burns earned her undergraduate degree in Education from Regis College and holds a Master’s degree in School Administration from Salem State College. She taught at Centerville Elementary School for 28 years and then advanced as principal until her retirement in 2007. Ms. Burns remains very active on Cape Cod and has served on numerous town and school search committees. Since retiring, she established and currently serves as the president of the Professional Learning Communities Consultants; a business which promotes data driven instruction in schools. She has also established and is the president of The Barnstable Education Foundation—a non-profit organization which raises funds to promote excellence and innovation in classroom educational instruction. Ms. Burns is the aunt of an individual in the Adult Program of Latham Centers.

Mr. Malo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from New England College. He has been employed by Coastal Engineering Company, Inc. of Orleans for three decades. He currently manages Coastal’s Survey Division and specializes in property surveys and site plan development for residential, commercial, and utility projects. Additionally, he oversees Coastal’s Information Technology function. He is a principal owner with Coastal Engineering and has held a seat on their Board of Directors since 1996. Mr. Malo is a member of the Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers and is a member of the Cape Cod Technology Council. He has volunteered his engineering expertise with various non-profits including the Barnstable Little League and the Cape Cod Challenger Club for children and young adults with disabilities. Mr. Malo is also Chair of the Second Annual Latham Charity Golf Classic to be held October 17th at Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club.

More about Latham Centers
Founded in 1970, the mission of Latham Centers Inc. is to assist behaviorally, developmentally and physically-challenged children and adults to achieve their potential as responsible members of their community. Latham is internationally recognized for its expertise and success in working with individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder with no known cure. Latham Centers currently operates a residential school for children in Brewster and oversees eight group homes and independent and shared living environments for adults throughout Cape Cod. In the spring of 2011, Latham received full “fast-track” accreditation by the international Council on Accreditation. For more information, visit our website by clicking HERE.

To view Latham’s new VIDEO promoting board involvement at Latham School CLICK HERE.

Contributed by:
Gerry Desautels (Dez-oh-tel), M.Ed.

Recent Latham Outings

2011-09-12T09:57:00.000-04:00

"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in."

~Robert Orben

A Word From The Director of Children's Services

2011-09-08T15:15:00.000-04:00

I had a chance to talk to one of our parents recently. She was asking me what our tuition rate was. She was really surprised to hear how low our rate was, especially since the last program her daughter attended was significantly more than Latham per year. She had a very bad experience with this previous program and had grown not to trust them to keep her daughter safe. She has had a completely different experience at Latham. She has had her confidence and trust restored and has nothing but great things to say about how well the staff treat her, her daughter, and how we do what we say we will do. She loves that we are transparent, take responsibility when we make mistakes, and treat them all with respect. Her daughter is not only safe but is flourishing. She has volunteered to talk to prospective parents, as she did when she was considering placing her child with us.

It is so difficult handing the care of your child over to others. Parents of children with PWS know all too well that people tend to minimize the syndrome and the importance of providing an environment that can not only keep your child safe but flourish as well. The isolation from friends, family, and community that results is painful and little appreciated by others. Latham gets it.

Jonathan Smith, LICSW
Director of Children’s Services

"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children.

One is roots. The other is wings."

~Hodding Carter, Jr.

Innovations in Special Education

2011-09-03T13:07:00.001-04:00

Here at Latham Centers, our educational team is always researching and working with colleagues to improve our special education tools and approaches. I am writing to share with you some of the more recent additions to our special education program.

NEO2’s – as you may know we have 2 NEO’s in each classroom, available to all students. These technology tools were formerly known as “Alphasmarts”. They are small, easy to use word processors that allow students to type responses and reports. They have word processing tools built into them, such as spell and grammar check. Recently, Latham staff enjoyed a presentation by Renaissance Learning and we are adding in IT stations to support best use of the NEO’s. With these new stations, students will now be able to receive and send messages from their teachers and print their work wirelessly and we will be able to help students build their academic skills and confidence level throughout all areas of the curriculum.

SPIRE Reading Program – Latham evaluates the reading skills of each new student upon admission. Students are placed into small reading groups with others who are reading at the same level in to support the most progress. After much research this past year, Latham has purchased the SPIRE Reading Program (Educators Publishing) for our students reading at the lower grade levels. The SPIRE program is based on Orton-Gillingham approaches. SPIRE teaches by direct precise instruction, beginning with sound awareness and proceeding through phonics, vocabulary, reading fluency and comprehension. SPIRE includes visual presentations and manipulatives to support whole brain learning in addition to student readers, sound and word cards. Teacher Training for SPIRE will take place August 30. We are really looking forward to starting to use this program!

New Sensory Support Room – we have just opened our first sensory support room! This room, which is available to all students, has calming and alerting items which help students re-group or help them re-focus so that they can return to their classroom ready to learn. The room includes music, sensory tools, a "crash mat", small trampoline, rocking chairs, colorful “pretend” fish aquarium and other items. Students may use the room for 15 minutes each day without the need to make up work. We have the opportunity to review the success of the items in the room and to add to them when needed.

"Know your limits, but never stop trying to exceed them."

~Author Unknown

Upperdeck and Hazelmoor's Recent Adventures

2011-08-31T10:33:00.000-04:00

The students from Upperdeck and Hazelmoor residences look forward to participating in weekly outings around their community. Here are some photos of one of their recent adventures. They always have a blast, and it's wonderful to see the friendships these kids have built with each other.

Contributed by:
Frannie Quirk
Counselor

A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in."

~Robert Orben

Latham and Ocean Edge Hosts First-Ever Donor Appreciation Evening

2011-08-29T09:58:00.000-04:00

Latham Centers, in partnership with Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, hosted its first-ever Donor Appreciation Evening on Tuesday, August 17, 2011. Some 50 guest donors—representing individual and corporate donors, families of Latham individuals, staff and board members—gathered on the stunning ocean view terrace of the popular Brewster resort overlooking Cape Cod Bay.

Attendees were welcomed by Robert R. Newman (pictured), President of Corcoran Jennison Hospitality Company and member of the Latham Centers Board of Directors. Keith W. Bradley, President of the Latham Board, and Executive Director Anne McManus, also honored three charter members of the Latham Legacy Circle for planned gifts and bequests: Debbie Cobb of South Chatham; Anna Harper of East Harwich; and Barbara P. Swaebe of Yarmouth Port. The evening was capped off by a made-to-order Cape Cod sunset breaking through previously threatening skies. Latham ended its fiscal year on a positive note with increased donor support, attracting sixty percent more donors in Fiscal Year 2011 over the previous year. For more information about Ways to Give to Latham and the Latham Legacy Circle CLICK HERE.

"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness."

~Seneca

Latham Welcomes Principal Pam Nolan

2011-08-24T11:30:00.001-04:00

We are thrilled to announce that Pam Nolan has joined Latham Centers as our new Education Director. Pam has worked in Special Education since 1990, when she volunteered at the Home for Little Wanderers in Jamaica Plain during her junior year at Boston College. Her experiences there inspired Pam to pursue her Master’s Degree in Special Education which she completed at Lesley College in 1994.

Pam has worked most of her career at The Home for Little Wanderers, advancing through positions as Assistant Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Special Education Supervisor, Principal and Senior Principal. Pam left that organization in 2010 to work as an Education Specialist for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and it was during her tenure there that, lucky for Latham Centers, she traveled here as part of the State’s licensing team in June 2010. Pam says she was very impressed with Latham Centers during her visit here. She particularly remembers the sense of camaraderie and professionalism among staff and how attuned the staff were to the needs of the students. When the Principal’s position became available earlier this year, Pam applied and it was clear that this was a great fit for all.

Pam’s immediate goals at Latham include growing the vocational program by working closely with the vocational teacher to increase both volunteer and paid positions for our students with local businesses. Pam also believes that it is essential that our students have a strong foundation in literacy and therefore she is excited about two new reading programs the school will be implementing. Another initiative involves Latham’s partnership with TD Bank in a math program. TD Bank staff will be working in classrooms with Latham students this year, teaching consumer math and banking skills, such as opening bank accounts and balancing checkbooks.

As a new full-time resident of Cape Cod, Pam has been enjoying the beaches, the restaurants and bicycling on the Rail Trail. Welcome Pam and best wishes for the coming School Year!!

"Next to excellence is the appreciation of it."

~William Makepeace

Greetings from the Science Lab at Latham Centers!!

2011-08-22T08:46:00.001-04:00

Phew! We have been so busy. I meant to post to this blog much earlier and now the summer session is almost over.   The science portion of Latham’s summer curriculum consists of field trips around Cape Cod. This year’s topic of study is Water. Students learned about the importance of clean water and how to test for water quality at the end of the regular school year. During each of the eight weeks of summer session, field trips go to a different Cape location to study the water and explore the environment. Each school day a different group of students goes on a “science outing” to that week’s location so that by the end of the week all Latham students have had an opportunity to go. This posting will describe our trip to Woods Hole for an Ocean Quest Discovery Cruise.

Getting to Woods Hole is part of the adventure- especially with summer traffic. After about an hour in the van we parked at the Falmouth Mall and waited for the Whoosh Trolley and a half an hour ride into Woods Hole. From there we walked several crowded blocks to the boat dock. Somewhere in all of that we found the time to eat a bag lunch!   We got on the boat and sailed away.

The boat carried about 30 people divided into 3 groups so we were always mingling with families outside of the Latham community. The groups rotated between learning stations on the boat every half hour. The stations included learning about the physical aspects of sea water; a touch tank with assorted sea creatures to touch and hold; and a “classroom” discussion of horseshoe crabs including a chemistry experiment using their valuable blood. (It clumps instantly in the presence of certain bacteria allowing doctors to rapidly test for spinal meningitis!) After the boat, we reversed our travels to return to school- exhausted!

This would be an exciting (and tiring!) trip for anyone but for students with Prader Willi Syndrome and other emotional/ intellectual disabilities, it was thrilling and a huge accomplishment. Walking crowded streets, riding a trolley, eating in public and watching others eat, climbing strange ladders to get on and off the boat and interacting appropriately with families on the boat are just a few of the challenges that were met with ease. All had a great time, not a single problem. It’s not just about the science!

Please watch this spot for other (briefer!) postings about other trips.

Sharon Rule-Agger
Science Teacher

"We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment."

~Hilaire Belloc

Latham Participates in "Bully Proofing" Program

2011-08-18T12:29:00.000-04:00

Students in the Pleasant Bay and Mayflower classrooms participated in a “Bully Proofing” program, presented by Educational Facilitator, Karen Gotwald. Through this interactive session, students discussed how bullies act; how children who bully others learn to be bullies; what bullies may really be feeling inside; and what a bully might really need, like a real friend!

The program also helped students understand the role of a bystander. Students were encouraged to feel empowered to tell a bully not to hurt someone else, because even a small act can have great power. Each student was presented with a journal and a “Good Kid Power” pencil, in order to write down daily examples of positive actions they have taken, or positive characteristics about themselves.

Contributed by:
Pam Nolan
School Principal

"Discipline weighs ounces, regret weighs tons."

~Author Unknown

Announcing Open Online Registration to PWS Conference at Ocean Edge Resort

2011-08-17T08:44:00.004-04:00

Whole New Program with More Experts,
More Sessions and Advice
At the Beautiful Ocean Edge Resort on Cape Cod

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION DETAILS

Latham Centers Inc. | 1646 Main Street | Brewster, MA 02631 |

Latham Welcomes Bo Jangles, A New Therapy Aide Dog

2011-08-15T12:34:00.002-04:00

Here at Latham we just recently added a new therapy aide. The living, breathing, furry kind. Latham just had Mr. Bo jangles added to our lineup of therapy dogs. Mr. Bo jangles is a 3 year old, tan Labradoodle. The students are absolutely in love with him. Mr. Bo jangles works a full 8 hours a day. Students have scheduled times throughout the day when they can come to pick Bo up. He gets plenty of hugs and kisses as he walks loops around campus. Just having Bo around when the students are upset helps to calm their moods almost immediately. Bo greets students in the morning as they wake up, and he also greets them as they enter the schoolhouse to begin their day. He is a true testament to the healing power of an animal’s love.

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."

~Ben Williams

Related Posts:
Pony Camp A Big Hit!
Companion Animal Program Holiday Party 2010
Peer Advisory Committee News

Latham Centers Seeking Donations For New Playground on Campus

2011-08-10T12:37:00.004-04:00

Latham Centers, Inc. was recently awarded a Ronald McDonald House Charities grant for $20,000 to build a new playground on our campus. Here’s the hitch, we need to raise at least another $20,000 in donations to fully pay for the project.

The mission of the project is to build a safe, accessible, adaptive playground on campus for our students. The playground project includes building a play structure, seating and plantings to create a park-like environment to foster a healthy and more engaged student body. The construction is slated to commence by spring 2012. Please help us create a playground where our students can play, explore, engage, and grow. Our new and interactive campus playground will improve the level of engagement, enjoyment and benefit that come from exercise for our very special residential population with disabilities. With your help, we can greatly enhance the quality of life for our children to continue on their life-changing paths toward improved mental and physical health.

Please Click HERE to view our Facebook Cause page.

“We don't stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing.”
~George Bernard Shaw

Latham’s Behind-the-Scene Support Team

2011-08-09T10:03:00.001-04:00

We wear many hats and answer to many titles here in the Business Office (aka Finance Department or Accounting Staff), but we have a clear directive: to support the work of Latham’s gifted staff, and to handle monies for our individuals – both children and adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome and other challenges – who are members of the Latham family.

This time of year, we are busier than ever – managing the year-end budgeting, reconciling, audits, contract renewals… the list goes on. Despite our crunch-time challenges, though, we’d like to remind our co-workers, our students and adult individuals and their families that even though we are typically behind the scenes at our computers, we are with you every day as we navigate through our spreadsheets and accounting software entries. Your financial support team includes Anne (payables), Jean (receivables), Beverly (payroll), Meredith (staff accountant), Dawn (financial assistant), Missy (sub staff supervisor), and Pat (director). We are here for all of you – for business, finance, accounting, and any other questions about the Business Office that you may have.

Contributed by
Dawn Dinnan
Administrative Assistant/Ass. Staff Accountant
Latham Centers, Inc.

"To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business,

and your business in your heart."

~Thomas Watson, Sr.

Summer 2011 update

2011-08-08T08:39:00.002-04:00

Summer 2011 on the Cape has been one of joyous physical and social activity for individuals with PWS! Swimming under the watchful eye of our lifeguard certified staff allows people with PWS additional ways to exercise and enjoy life.

"There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness."

~Lady Blessington

Second Annual Charity Golf Classic Player Discount by September 1st. Donors and Sponsors Still Needed!

2011-08-05T08:28:00.001-04:00

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011

 $175 registration fee per golfer (by Sept. 1)
$199 (after Sept. 1) based on availability

Bramble Format: Men's, Women's & Mixed Division Prizes

Registration includes:

18 holes of golf,
cart,
welcome package,
lunch,
cocktail reception and awards dinner,
silent and live auctions and raffle.

A great value to play this Members Only course!   Proceeds to benefit Latham Centers' internationally-recognized treatment programs for children and adults with emotional, developmental and physical disabilities.
Space is Limited!

For more information: Please call 774-353-9296 or email gdes@lathamcenters.org
Register, Sponsor or Donate online at www.lathamcenters.org/events or

14 Lots Hollow Rd.
Orleans, MA 02653

Latham Center Equestrienne Shines in Special Olympics

2011-08-04T13:35:00.006-04:00

Kathleen Szmit Photo

THE DREAM TEAM – Zanders Pope shares a winning moment with trainers Gary Reilly and Brenda Tri and Sonata the horse at Diamondsedge Farm in W. Barnstable.
(Original Article by The Barnstable Patriot)

Many young women can say they ride horses. They can even say they’ve competed, and perhaps won prizes, in riding competitions. How many, however, can say they’ve won a gold medal while competing in Greece?

Zanders Pope can, and does so with her signature shy smile. That Alexandra “Zanders” Pope is a champion equestrienne is certainly noteworthy, but the fact that Pope won the gold medal in the Special Olympics World Games in Athens makes her story especially inspiring.

Pope, who recently celebrated her 26th birthday, was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a congenital disease that can cause delayed motor development and severe obesity, among other mental, emotional and physical issues. At one point Pope weighed nearly 300 pounds as a result of an insatiable appetite caused by the illness. Then Pope made a connection with horses and horseback riding, finding a passion there that changed her life.

According to Gerry Desautels, director of development of the Latham Centers, where Pope is a student/resident, Pope began riding horses at age 12 while still living in her home state of Connecticut.
After relocating to the Cape, Pope began training regularly at Diamondsedge Farm in West Barnstable with instructor Brenda Tri. Pope’s work at Diamondsedge has had a tremendous impact on her life.

“Since coming here, she’s had a dramatic weight loss,” said Mike Marchese, director of adult services at the Latham Centers. “She has really blossomed since working here. It’s a tremendous outlet, to get activity and to get working toward something.”

Marchese said that since many people with PWS work well with animals, Zanders’ connection with Diamondsedge Farm is a definite plus.

“She has a proclivity for working with animals,” he said. “This has been a way for her to create a vocational goal, to exercise and to raise her self-esteem, which is incredibly important.”

Indeed, when Zanders is comfortably in her saddle atop a horse named Sonata, her smile broadens and a look of pure happiness comes over her face. As she brings the horse easily from a walk to a trot to a gallop, it becomes clear that she is perfectly at home in the saddle, a state of being that led to her success in Greece, where she won a silver for A-1 Equestrian Horseback Riding, and the gold for Working Trails A-1 Division.

Pope was presented with her awards by Timothy Shriver, CEO of Special Olympics International and son of founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Tri said that Pope’s gold medal victory was particularly poignant given that she’d had a significant setback prior to winning, performing poorly in the events leading up to the gold.

“The trail was our worst event all year,” said Tri, who followed Pope’s progress via Facebook. “She had a tremendous recovery. She goes out and not only recovers from her setback, but gets the gold.”
The moment was a proud one for Tri and fellow trainer Gary Reilly, who spent countless hours working with Pope prior to her trip to Greece. It was Tri who had nominated her for the trip.

“I’ve been working with Zanders for almost two years,” Tri said. “She’s come a long way since the day she started, from being really shy with students to going to shows and interacting with students.”

It helps that Tri is just as stubborn and strong-willed as Pope. “She’s met her match,” Tri joked.

Pope isn’t sure what to make of all the attention her winning performance in Greece has garnered, preferring instead to focus on her beloved horses.

“You just have to be calm with them,” she said. “And trust them.”

The sentiment makes Tri smile. “She is becoming a horsewoman,” she said. “Not just a rider.”

Courtesy of:
The Barnstable Patriot
Read original article HERE

"Follow your passion, and success will follow you."

~Terri Guillemets

A Few Tips From the Admissions Coordinator

2011-08-02T08:19:00.001-04:00

Hi. My name is Susan LaPlant. I am the Admissions Coordinator for Latham Centers. I often get phone calls from parents looking for information on how to approach their school about residential treatment placement for their son or daughter. Here is one little tid-bit that came from another parent. If you think your son or daughter will need placement in a Prader-Willi Syndrome specific residential program, then on his or her IEP, the parent should include a statement to that fact. This parent explained that the school would be more likely prepared and agreeable if or when the student did need residential placement.
Whether or not you have done this first step, if your son or daughter with PWS is in need of residential treatment, there are a number of steps that must be taken. First, take the time to speak to your IEP team member and then put into writing that you reject the IEP in regards to placement. The IEP team will then have to meet to discuss your objections. Get ahead of time and bring letters from professionals that are in agreement that your son or daughter now needs residential placement (i.e. therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, endocrinologist, therapist, primary care doctor etc.). If you feel that the school will reject residential placement, often parents hire a professional, either a PWS specific advocate, or a disabilities lawyer. Sometimes parents have to take their case through the appeal process to litigation. If you have any questions, please send me an e-mail or give me a call.

"The first step binds one to the second."

~French Proverb

News in Nursing

2011-08-01T08:42:00.002-04:00

Welcome Jean Copeland, LPN to Adult Services, who comes to us with a well-rounded clinical and educational background. Also, in Adult Services, Paulette Jacinto, LPN has been working towards formalizing her workshops for our individuals regarding healthy relationships.

In our Children’s program, Barbara Bauer, RN, Liz Durr, RN, Anne Seyffert, RN and Bill Greenwood have been collaborating in making the switch to electronic documentation. It has involved, streamlining processes and finding ways to more efficiently care for our students.

Contributed by
Francie MacDougall, RN
Director of Nursing

"A nurse will always give us hope,
an angel with a stethoscope."
~Carrie Latet

Related Posts:

Seeing Old Friends

Nursing News

National Nurses Appreciation Week

Latham Students Participate in Cape Cod Dream Day at Nickerson State Park

2011-07-28T16:32:00.008-04:00

On Wednesday, July 20th, Latham students participated in the Cape Cod Dream Day at Nickerson State Park. They learned how hard it is to pull a string on a bow during Archery, the strength it takes to oar a boat during Canoe Racing and the thrill of wondering what is on the other end of that fishing line during a Fishing Derby. There was much to learn about nature at Camp Man-Ke-Rafe-Path. Students loved the touch tank set up for the study of such “wild life” as turtles and fish. And what is a day at camp without Arts and Crafts projects and a sing along? Students were able to experience both. Lunch was, of course, a cookout. After the events were over, the students got to relax by a campfire. They arrived back at Latham tired, happy and thankful to Kathleen Giorgio and all the wonderful staff at Camp Man-Ke-Rafe-Path.

Contributed by
Kathy Thonet,
Assistant Principal

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet

and the winds long to play with your hair."

~Kahlil Gibran

Related Posts:

Brewster Falls Class Trip to Herring Run

Latham Visits Battleship Cove

End of Summer Vacation

Students Pay Tribute to Tsunami Victims

2011-07-25T08:56:00.003-04:00

As a tribute to students in Japan who lost their lives and their schools in the March 2011 tsunami, students will be creating various art projects this summer that include sakura trees (cherry blossom trees), sensu and uchiwa fans, koi fish, bento boxes, paper kimonos, kokeshi dolls, and sumi-e calligraphy.

Students in this class enjoy a brief slideshow followed by a hands-on demonstration before they create their own works of art while listening to relaxing, Japanese music. At the end of the summer, students participating in art class will plant a sakura tree on campus commemorating Japan’s loss as well as our appreciation for the beauty of their country and its people.

Contributed by
Angela Cloutier
Teacher

"During the darkest indigo midnight, yet will countless stars blossom."

~Dr. SunWolf

Related Posts:

A Message From Executive Anne McManus About Summertide

Join Our Cause: Help Special Needs Kids Learn and Laugh This Summer

Summertide, Exercise and PWS

Development And Support

2011-07-22T09:04:00.003-04:00

Since the successful Council on Accreditation site visit to Latham this spring, Latham Development efforts have been in high gear. COA’s visit affirmed that Latham is a wonderful agency with committed support and employees, and we are now working to build upon our international recognition by COA. The Development Department, which includes Director Gerry Desautels and me, as administrative support, could hardly take a breath before we delved into many important projects underway for the close of Fiscal Year 2011 and the start of Fiscal Year 2012 on July 1st.

First, a Spring Appeal went out in May, resulting in donations of $10,050, to benefit in part our children’s and adults’ summer activities. Next was the Year-End Celebration on campus, with our talented students performing for friends, donors, Latham directors and parents. Awards were presented to staff and community partners, as Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club in Brewster once again provided a delicious meal, and the Maintenance Department wowed our attendees with a campus that looks more beautiful than ever!

On the horizon, Latham will organize its first Major Donor Appreciation Event later in August at Ocean Edge’s beautiful Mansion House. Two other events coming up also slated for Ocean Edge include our second PWS Conference on September 16-17, featuring keynote speakers and other professionals from the Cape and Boston area on such topics as PWS Across the Lifespan, Puberty and Growth Hormone, Policy: MA21, Transitions, including Supported Education and Employment, Life After High School, Family Trusts, Sleep disorders and a panel discussion on various topics. Latham is co-hosting the conference with Advocates Inc. and PWS New England.

Finally, on October 17, Latham and Ocean Edge host the Second Annual Charity Golf Classic. Last year’s tournament was a huge success. Sponsor and player registration is available online by CLICKING HERE. Players earn a registration discount through September 1st, so don’t delay. It’s a fun and active way to support Latham and the individuals we serve with special needs.

As you see, there’s never a dull moment in the world of Development and Fundraising at Latham. Stayed tuned for the premier mailed version of the Latham Centers FY11 Annual Report and our Year-End Appeal—both later this fall. In the meantime, continue to follow us on Facebook and this Latham blog.

Submitted by
Carol Sullivan,
Latham Centers Executive Assistant

"Great ideas need landing gear as well as wings."

~C.D. Jackson

Online Safety at Latham

2011-07-21T13:41:00.002-04:00

The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is a federal law enacted by Congress to address concerns about access to offensive content over the Internet on school and library computers. CIPA imposes certain types of requirements on any school or library that receives funding for Internet access or internal connections from the E-rate program – a program that makes certain communications technology more affordable for eligible schools and libraries.

Latham Centers protects the students with a Smoothwall Guardian Web Security appliance which is CIPA compliant. It performs scans of You Tube videos and removes inappropriate comments and material. It forces Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other search engines into “safe search” mode preventing searches of inappropriate words, phrases, and images.

Computer safety is a part of our responsibility to our students that allows them the opportunity to use and enjoy this extraordianary resource.

Contributed by:
Gregory Hall
Network Administrator
Latham Centers, Inc.

"The Internet is just a world passing around notes in a classroom."

~Jon Stewart

Latham Center’s Asinotherapy Program Grows

2011-07-20T08:18:00.003-04:00

If two is company and three is a crowd, then what is four? A “herd” if the four are miniature donkeys.

Latham Centers’ Asinotherapy program is excited to announced the arrival of two new miniature donkeys to our Great Hill Rd., Sandwich residence/farm on Friday, 7/1/11. Curly and Jake are coming to Latham Centers from Sunshine Farm in Yarmouthport, MA due to the generosity of Jim Nichols, a Cape Cod gentleman farmer.

Curly and Jake will be arriving on Friday afternoon to the excitement of the Great Hill residents and of course Angus and Moonbeam, are two current resident miniature donkeys who will be welcoming them to their new home. Because miniature donkeys are by nature herding animals, we expect that Curly and Jake will quickly be accepted and become part of our growing “herd.” Also, four more individuals recently graduated from donkey care/safety training and are now ready to begin working more closely with the “herd." Congratulations to Jennifer, Justin, Antoine and Kevin.

Stay tuned for future donkey updates and pictures of Curley and Jake!

"Usefulness is happiness, and... all other things are but incidental."

~Lydia Maria Child

Summertime, Exercise & PWS

2011-07-19T10:13:00.004-04:00

I admit it. I love summer! I love the long days, access to the beach, tidal flats, the smell of sunscreen, summer league baseball and the sounds of children playing outdoors into the evening. It is a very good thing I live on Cape Cod! One of the best sights I see on a regular basis is our students with PWS outside playing, walking and exploring their community. Whether they are walking the campus dogs, taking a stroll around campus, playing sports or heading down to Main St or the bay they are always in motion. Walking, laughing, and talking with friends. This is what summer should be about for kids.

Latham’s Summertide program is full of activities and interests for all. Seeing and hearing staff and students outside of my window enjoying themselves makes me smile and wish I was outside joining in more often.

"Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability."

~Sam Keen

Hungry: Living with Prader-Willi Syndrome - By Maisie Crow

2011-07-14T08:06:00.001-04:00

A powerful multimedia piece by Maisie Crow about a young man with Prader-Willi Syndrome. For more from Maisie Crow, visit www.maisiecrow.com

Hungry: Living with Prader-Willi Syndrome - By Maisie Crow from liveBooks on Vimeo.

Trust Hormone May Help Curb Symptoms of Devastating Disease

2011-07-13T14:50:00.002-04:00

Life for those with a genetic disease called Prader-Willi syndrome, which affects an estimated one out of 15,000 people, can be challenging both for the patient and his or her family. Sufferers have an insatiable hunger that can lead to life-threatening obesity if access to food is not restricted. And worse, they have behavioral problems akin to autism. Tantrums and tears are common because these patients have difficulty understanding the motives of others and controlling their own emotions. But treatment with the brain hormone oxytocin may help bring both emotions and eating into balance, according to a new study.

Several clues pointed to the potential of oxytocin, often thought of as the "trust hormone." Research conducted on the brain tissue donated after death from Prader-Willi patients showed that the hypothalamus (the body's thermostat) has abnormalities in the nerve cells that produce this hormone. Moreover, the hypothalamus releases oxytocin in response to touching, social interactions, relaxation, and trust—all the things people with Prader-Willi syndrome have trouble with. And oxytocin treatments have improved the social skills of autistic patients. Finally, the hormone is thought to contribute to feelings of fullness after eating, "satiety" in scientific parlance.

To see whether oxytocin could benefit individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome, endocrinologist Maïthé Tauber of the Children's Hospital in Toulouse, France, and colleagues injected oxytocin or a placebo into the noses of 24 adult patients. The researchers monitored the patients' behavior; they also used cartoon stories to test patients' grasp of social interactions and pictures of faces to see how well they could recognize emotions.

For the 2 days that patients were studied after treatment, those who were given oxytocin were significantly more trusting and less sad. They were less disruptive and had fewer conflicts with others. They also had higher scores on the tests evaluating social understanding, compared with the placebo-treated group.

The study, appearing online today in the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, focused on behavior issues, which Tauber says "are harder to control than food intake." However, the patients did eat less after the oxytocin treatment, and five did not finish everything on their plates, which Tauber says is unusual in Prader-Willi syndrome.

"The research of Tauber and colleagues is meticulous and very exciting," says Daniel Driscoll, a geneticist at the University of Florida in Gainesville. There is currently no treatment for the disorder except behavior modification and diet control. Driscoll says a better understanding of the role of brain chemicals, such as oxytocin, may lead to better treatments at the various stages of this complex disorder.

The authors write that although longer-term, larger studies will be needed, the present work opens new perspectives for patients with Prader-Willi syndrome. "Because previous research shows abnormal oxytocin secretion, we hope that the treatment may not only improve the patient's mood and behavior but also help correct the underlying problem," Tauber says.

Original post by: Elizabeth Norton
ScienceNOW

"Nature composes some of her loveliest poems
for the microscope and the telescope."
~Theodore Roszak

Musings of a Child Care Supervisor…

2011-07-12T09:46:00.002-04:00

Being mindful of the consistency of nighttime routines with our students is extremely important. All children benefit from a routine that helps them with their personal hygiene needs: bathing, showering, brushing teeth, etc. By having a caring adult tuck them in, children can fall asleep while listening to a favorite book and wake up in the morning feeling ready for their next adventure. This consistency assists our students with feeling safe, secure, and cared for by the best child care workers in the world.

Contributed by:
Bonnie McGee

“Books are for people who wish they were somewhere else.”
~Mark Twain

Happy Belated 4th of July

2011-07-11T09:02:00.003-04:00

Boys from the Upper Deck celebrating the holiday.

"I love my freedom. I love my America."

~Jessi Lane Adams

Longtime Latham Supporter Dr. Russell S. Boles, Jr. Honored by New England Baptist Hospital

2011-07-09T14:57:00.004-04:00

(Pictured: Russell S. Boles, Jr., MD, honoree with Trish Hannon, President and Chief Executive Officer of New England Baptist Hospital.)

Longtime Latham Centers supporter and former Latham board member Dr. Russell S. Boles, Jr. of Cape Cod was recently honored by his former employer—the New England Baptist Hospital. The renowned Boston hospital has named a new suite of state-of-the-art operating rooms after Dr. Boles, a distinguished gastroenterologist, following a $2 million gift from the Yawkey Foundation II for the project. Among his many patients, Dr. Boles treated Tom Yawkey, the late owner of the Boston Red Sox, before retiring in the mid-90s to Cape Cod. The Yawkey Foundation has also provided generous support to Latham Centers over the past decade.

In a press release, the hospital called Dr. Boles “a beloved Baptist physician, steward and ambassador.” Latham couldn’t agree more and holds the same regard for Dr. Boles and his volunteer service on behalf of Latham as a board member and staunch advocate over the years. In 2010, Latham Centers named the Clinical Services Building on the Latham School Brewster campus after him in appreciation for his outstanding service to the agency.

Contributed by:
Gerry Desautels (Dez-oh-tel), M.Ed.

Director of Development

"Appreciation is a wonderful thing.

It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well."

~Voltaire

Latham Centers Adult Resident Wins Silver and Gold in Special Olympics World Games in Athens, Greece

2011-07-07T10:34:00.002-04:00

Alexandra “Zanders” Pope, a young adult with Prader-Willi Syndrome, Zanders first took the Silver in the A-1 Equitation category on June 30th, and later snatched the Gold in the Working Trails Run A-1 competition on July 3rd. She was presented with her medals by Timothy Shriver, CEO of Special Olympics. Pope was selected to represent the U.S. in the equestrian division of the Games along with only nine other riders in the country. She resides in West Yarmouth in an adult group home operated by Latham Centers for individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

A native of Connecticut, Zanders began riding horses when she was 12 years old. At the time, she refused to participate in Special Olympics and insisted on riding in a regular program. As she grew older, her riding became more limited due to weight gain, a common occurrence with individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome who often face lifelong growth, metabolic and behavioral problems from the disorder. Zanders trained hard and lost significant weight while a Cape resident with Latham Centers—now with two Olympic medals to show for her hard work and discipline, and strong support from family and community.

“My favorite thing to do is ride and care for horses. I've done this since I was a little girl. It is my passion in life,” shared Pope, who trains at Diamondsedge Farm in West Barnstable with coach Brenda Tri. The Latham resident loves animals and stays busy volunteering at the Cape Wildlife Center in Barnstable. The 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games closed on July 4 after hosting more than 7,500 athletes from 185 countries across the world.

The 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games closed on July 4th after hosting more than 7,500 athletes from 185 countries across the world.

Way to go Zanders! We are all so proud of your accomplishments. You are an inspiration to all.

Contributed by

Gerry Desautels (Dez-oh-tel), M.Ed.

Director of Development

Latham Centers, Inc.

SUMMERTIDE 2011 NEWS

2011-07-05T12:46:00.002-04:00

Latham students and school staff are ready for Summertide 2011, Latham’s 10th specialized Summer Program. This summer will combine classroom academics in the morning with activities in the afternoon that combine learning with fun. This year a new class will be added to the morning studies of reading, math and writing: Interactive Learning with Promethean Boards.

In this class, students will use smart boards, which all classrooms will be equipped with, to study topics such as internet safety, internet etiquette and the use of search engines for learning and leisure. Students will also use these smart boards during morning academics for interactive learning. The afternoons will have students in the community doing Community Service, visiting places of business for Vocational Exploration, and visiting the beautiful waters of Cape Cod for a Science Class that uses the beaches, bays, streams and vernal pools of the Cape as a laboratory for understanding the importance of water to the proper functioning of planet earth. Field trips will include an OceanQuest cruise to collect items from the sea, Mudflat Mania at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History and a visit to Waquoit Bay Natural Estuarine Research Reserve. As always, one afternoon a week will be spent swimming! When not off campus, students will explore such topics as Japanese Art, Summer Theater, Pottery Making and Reading Adventures.

Staff and students hope this will be a summer to remember!

"Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind."

~Seneca

BUILDING OUR CIRCLE OF COURAGE

2011-07-03T10:20:00.002-04:00

You wouldn’t have noticed the overcast skies in Brewster last week if you had the good fortune to attend the Latham Center’s End of Year Celebration on Friday, June 24, 2011. Under the canopy of white tents, students, families, alumni, friends, staff and the Board of Directors gathered to reflect and offer thanks and congratulations for a great year at Latham. Students sang and danced; parents, alumni, and friends chatted over a wonderful luncheon provided by our friends at Ocean Edge Resort. The Morgan Awards, given to outstanding staff in Children’s and Adult Programming went to Melissa Weber and Helene Delaney. The McClennan Award for outstanding support staff was given to Missy Adle and Community Awards went to Charlie Sumner, Brewster Town Administrator, Bob and Kris Thompson of Great Hill Farm and Janice Baltrushunas of Capewood Labrador Retrievers. We sincerely congratulate these extraordinary people and look forward to another year of great programming at Latham Centers!

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."

~e.e. cummings

Latham Competes at the Summer Special Olympics in Boston

2011-06-27T13:12:00.003-04:00

On June 18th and 19th, individuals from the Gilbough and Sail Program attended Summer “Special Olympics” in Boston. The individuals competed in Track and Field and Swimming and came home with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. All of the Gilbough homes were invited to a celebratory dinner party and dance at Great Hill on Tuesday June 22. The athletes proudly showed off their medals and shared their experiences with their peers and staff.

"Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallest acts.

This is the secret of success."

~Swami Sivananda

Latham 2011 T-shirt Is Unveiled at Arts Festival

2011-06-26T12:26:00.002-04:00

With a record number of entries in this year’s T-shirt contest, a design by Samantha was voted as the winner for the 2011 Latham T-shirt. Each year students create new designs and staff vote on them blindly.

Samantha was presented with her award for best design at this year’s Arts Festival. This shirt is already being worn on and off campus by staff and students alike. Great job Sam and thanks for the great shirt!

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."

~Scott Adams

SAIL Ladies Attend Siobhan Magnus Concert

2011-06-24T10:11:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, June 18th, four ladies from the SAIL Fredericksburg residence attended a concert at the Cape Cod Melody Tent. Their staff, Helene Delaney, acquired complimentary tickets and prestigious back-stage passes for the Siobhan Magnus concert. They had a fantastic night singing along with their favorite artist, then meeting her in person!

"Those who wish to sing always find a song."

~Proverb

Photographer Charles Fields to Produce Presention of Latham

2011-06-23T09:27:00.001-04:00

Latham Centers had the pleasure of a visit last week with Charles Fields, world traveler and photographer with over 35 years of experience in his craft. Mr. Fields, a resident of Truro, was impressed and impacted by his experience photographing the students and staff of Latham. He is already working to produce a multimedia presentation of his Latham work which he will share with the students later this summer. We look forward to seeing Latham through the lens of Mr. Fields!

Contributed by
Gerry Desautels
Director of Development

"A photograph is memory in the raw."

~Carrie Latet

Campus Improvements Update

2011-06-22T16:50:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago, we wrote a post about the new track and field in the middle of the Brewster campus. At the time, the campus looked like a construction zone. Although it is still not ready for full use, the picture above is an update on these improvements. The field will be open for use this Friday for Latham’s End of Year Celebration!

Without labor nothing prospers.

~Sophocles

Singing, Dancing and Creating at the Arts Festival

2011-06-21T07:42:00.002-04:00

This year’s Latham Art Festival was a big success. Students showcased their works of art at tables around campus and then many students performed in singing and dancing routines led by Performing Arts teacher Suzanne Johnson.

Works of art included pottery, drawings, paintings and expertly decorated bulletin boards for each class. Each year the Festival grows larger and the works of art more expert. Both staff and students celebrated the talent at Latham.

"An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one."

~Charles Horton Cooley

Help the Utah PWSA chapter to Win

2011-06-20T15:42:00.003-04:00

The Utah PWSA chapter is able to win $250,000 in the Vivint contest on Facebook. They are currently 2000 votes out of first place and need your help. If they win the contest they will create a medical database that will be used by researchers worldwide. If you are currently a Facebook member, please go on and vote. Taking the moment to vote can have a huge and lasting impact for the PWS world.   You are able to vote every day through August 27. Please vote and help them win this contest. Click HERE to vote!

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

~John Wooden

Latham Students Head to the Prom

2011-06-10T10:34:00.002-04:00

This morning, 32 or our students got all dressed up and went to the Prom. Girls were wearing beautiful prom dresses and boys were decked out in ties and jackets and everyone was excited for this teenage rite of passage. The Prom was being hosted by the Best Buddies program and was held at the Harwich Community Center. Along with music, dancing and games, there will be free limo rides for the kids who are interested and lots of fun.

"Dance is the hidden language of the soul."

~Martha Graham

Students Cheer on Special Olympics Torch Run

2011-06-09T14:09:00.002-04:00

The Cape Cod Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit the Massachusetts Special Olympics ran today from Provincetown to Bourne. The fundraiser places special emphasis on helping Special Olympics athletes from the Cape. Each town’s police force is involved in this effort and participate in carrying the torch over the course. This morning, runners from the Brewster Police Department ran by our Brewster campus and our students went out to cheer them on. The police officers even stopped for a picture with the kids and allowed them to hold the torch.

Thank you to the wonderful town of Brewster for their support and to Special Olympics for all the opportunities they provide.

To make a donation, send checks payable to
Cape & Islands Special Olympics,
P.O. Box 241, Sagamore, MA 02561
care of Bourne Lt. Richard Tavares.

For details, call 508-759-4420, ext. 202.

Read more by CLICKING HERE. Cape Cod Law Enforcement Torch Run set for June 9 -The Bourne Courier

"That best portion of a good man's life; his little, nameless,
unremembered acts of kindness and love."

~William Wordsworth

Best Friends at the Turtle Pond

2011-06-07T15:34:00.002-04:00

Adjacent to the Latham campus is a large pond and in this pond there are some large turtles. Although in town the pond may go by a different name, here on campus the kids have creatively named it “Turtle Pond”. Walking to the pond and standing out on the water on the dock is a regular activity for many students when the warm weather hits. Every spring, Seymour Turtle, who is approximately three feet across his back, waddles across campus to make his (although he is probably a her) way to a different mud puddle.

"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."

~William Shakespeare

PWS Walk-A-Thon: Beautiful Day for An Important Cause

2011-06-06T16:41:00.001-04:00

This past Saturday Latham students traveled to Borderland State Park in Easton to participate in the PWS New England Annual Walk a thon. The students helped man the water stations for the walk participants and then stayed on for lunch. All the students and staff had a great time connecting with the larger PWS New England community.

"Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move,
my thoughts begin to flow."

~Henry David Thoreau

The Value of Specialized PWS Placement

2011-05-27T11:58:00.003-04:00

(This article appears in PWSA (USA) June newsletter The Gathered View)

Samantha sits at the lunch table with her friends, laughing, gossiping and talking about things that teenage girls talk about. She looks forward to after-school activities, visits home and shopping trips. Samantha is a regular girl, doing what girls do--going to school during the day and having fun with her friends after school and on the weekends. At her school Sam is a typical student; she is not an outsider, not the girl with the behaviors or mountains of challenges to overcome. She is popular and well-liked by her teachers and her friends.

Sam has PWS, but she is not “that student”, or one of the students in the separate classroom, because most of her peers also have a diagnosis of PWS. Samantha came to The Latham School in November 2009 from a special needs school in New York. That school had years of experience with special needs, but had no other children with PWS and, as frequently happens, expected Sam to fit into their program because their program was not suited to meet her needs. But as many of us who have worked with, loved and cared for people with PWS know that this diagnosis is unique, and without a deep understanding of PWS a child or adult can unintentionally be placed in a setting that can jeopardize their lives.

Sam’s anxiety continued to increase, and her feelings of helplessness were displayed as serious self-injury which, on at least one occasion, led to the need for emergency lifesaving surgery.
She came to Latham Centers 14 months ago with severe self-injurious behaviors. She wore a helmet, mitts on her hands and had 2:1 supervision 24/7. Upon admission Sam’s helmet and mitts were removed, and her new life began. Transitions are never easy and this was no exception, but nobody gave up on Sam. Instead of Sam being asked to fit into the program, the program molded itself to fit her needs. Soon her anxiety started to decrease, and the incidents of self-harm decreased as well.
Today Sam has best friends, crushes on boys in her class and recently made high honor roll at school. In other words, Sam has a full, meaningful life that she is proud of. From an angry, scared and withdrawn girl, she has flourished into a charming, outgoing, compassionate and brave young woman with the help of her family, teachers, staff and peers who understand her and help her to use her many strengths to overcome the challenges that are inherent with PWS. ■

~Patrice Carroll, Latham Center
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Latham Adults Win Gold At Special Olympics

2011-05-26T10:28:00.001-04:00

“Winning isn’t everything, but the will to win is everything.”
~Vince Lombardi

Help PWS New England to Raise Money and Awareness

2011-05-24T15:48:00.001-04:00

On June 4th, the annual PWS walk/silent auction will take place at Borderlands Park in North Easton. There are a number of great prizes to win and to bid on. The attached article details the roots of the walk’s beginning. Click HERE to read the article.

If you can't make the walk but would like to make a donation, please click HERE.

“Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can.”
~John Wesley

Latham Hawks Run, Jump and Throw to Win

2011-05-24T07:58:00.001-04:00

"Team means Together Everyone Achieves More!"

~Author Unknown

Improvements to the Brewster Campus

2011-05-19T13:37:00.002-04:00

If you were to walk on to the Brewster campus today, it would not look as pristine as it normally does. The center of our campus is a construction zone. Our maintenance team is hard at work creating a playing field that with a surrounding walking path. Once completed, this field will serve many useful functions and will be a great centerpiece for the campus.

"I have never had so many good ideas day after day
as when I worked in the garden."

~John Erskine

Please Help Spread the Word

2011-05-17T15:53:00.004-04:00

As part of PWS Awareness Month, Prader Willi Syndrome Association (USA) is striving to reach 1000 "likes" on their Facebook page. If you are a member of Facebook please log on and “Like” their page by clicking HERE.

Still haven't visited Latham Center's on Facebook? Check us out by clicking HERE and pressing "Like". You will be updated with the latest Latham Center's news, photos and information.

This is a fun and easy way to help bring awareness to Prader Willi Syndrome. Thanks for your support!

“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.”

~H.E. Luccock

Latham Centers Stages Second Annual Latham Charity Golf Classic at Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club

2011-05-16T15:24:00.003-04:00

Registration Now Open with Early Bird Player Rate through September 1st

Brewster, MA- Player registration and tournament sponsor opportunities are both available for the Second Annual Latham Centers’ Charity Golf Classic at the private Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club in Brewster, Massachusetts. The Tournament takes place on Monday, October 17 with an 11:00 a.m. shotgun start on Cape Cod’s only Nicklaus design course. Event proceeds benefit life-transforming programs for Latham Centers’ children and adults with emotional, cognitive and physical disabilities.

The $175 golf player registration fee ($199 after September1) includes player gift, box lunch, and 18 holes of golf with cart, followed by a cocktail hour, sumptuous dinner, raffle, awards ceremony and silent and live auctions in the Linx Pavilion at the Ocean Edge Golf Clubhouse. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Players and sponsors may register online by clicking HERE. Several major sponsor opportunities remain, and include complimentary player registration. Major 2011 sponsors already include Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, Cape Cod Media Group, Foremost Footwear, Coastal Engineering, and Hyannis Honda. Tournament sponsorship opportunities start at $150.

Raffle and auction donations are also being accepted at this time. For more information, contact Gerry Desautels at gdes@lathamcenters.org or call 774-353-9296.

"It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference."

~Tom Brokaw

Latham Dedicates Bill’s Barn and Celebrates Angus the Donkey’s Birthday

2011-05-13T15:15:00.002-04:00

Under sunny, spring skies, Latham Centers’ adult residents of Sandwich House welcomed scores of friends and family to the dedication of “Bill’s Barn” and the fifth birthday celebration of Angus the resident donkey. The May 6th celebration was just two days shy to the year of the completion of the Sandwich House Donkey Barn constructed for Latham’s new Asinotherapy Program. Guests were treated to donkey demonstrations by trainers Kris and Bob Thompson and “Donkey 101” resident graduates followed by celebrations on the beautiful grounds.

Thanks to the generous support and commitment of the late William “Bill” McClennan, Barbara Swaebe, the Yawkey Foundation II and Friends of the Donkeys, Latham piloted this cutting edge “Donkey Therapy” program with the arrival of Angus and his sidekick Moonbeam in 2010. As a way to honor the late Mr. McClennan’s enormous and longtime volunteer legacy with Latham, we saw it fitting to dedicate the Donkey Barn in his name while celebrating Angus, the Vermont-born tan gelding he purchased for Latham. Mr. McClennan’s daughter Ki kindly obliged in unveiling the Bill’s Barn sign along with Latham Executive Director Anne McManus as some 50 guests of all ages looked on.

To date, Latham has trained six adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and five staff in the Asinotherapy program designed to build trust, self-esteem, and social skills with our individuals while fostering learning and nurturing in the process. Toward that end, the second class of PWS adults and Latham staff just began Asinotherapy training. Latham’s ultimate goal is to have Latham adults train and mentor Latham children in this cutting-edge and innovative life-changing program as they form intergenerational bonds with one another.

Moonbeam the donkey turns five on September 3, 2011. Stay tuned to learn how we will mark this loveable creature’s birthday with the Latham family.

To donate to the Latham Centers Asinotherapy Program, visit: www.lathamcenters.org and click on Make a Donation.

"The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all."
~Leo Rosten

Related Posts:
Barn Raising in Sandwich
Congratulations Donkey Training Graduates!
Long time Latham Center's Volunteer William A. McClennan Honored

Cape Cod is a Great Community

2011-05-13T13:35:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to share this wonderful note that was dropped off today. On Saturday the Latham Hawks are going to participate in the Special Olympics. All of the employees at North Falmouth Pharmacy took it upon themselves to create this poster cheering our kids on. This action meant much to our students and even more to our staff who were touched by the support offered.

Our kids thrive because of the many, many people around them that care for their well being on and off the Latham campus. Go Hawks! You have many people cheering for you!

"Luck is what you have left over after you give 100 percent."

~Langston Coleman

Spring Special Olympics Practices Begin

2011-05-05T11:32:00.002-04:00

It’s finally feeling like spring on Cape Cod, which means that it’s time for the start of practices for the Latham Adult Services Special Olympics track and field team! Last Saturday, our athletes were out running, race walking, and throwing shotputs, tennis balls and softballs in preparation for the Cape and Islands area games in May and the Boston summer games in June. All are looking forward to a great season and are in training in hopes of bringing home a medal, and some great memories.

The assessment rounds for our individuals on the Cape Cod Special Olympics swim teams were held at Bridgewater State College last Sunday. All swam their best to qualify for the summer games in Boston. They will be holding a swim-a-thon this coming weekend to raise money for their teams. Any support would be appreciated.

"Runners just do it -
they run for the finish line even if someone else has reached it first."
~Author Unknown

Latham Centers Earns Expedited Accreditation from Council on Accreditation

2011-05-04T12:55:00.001-04:00

Latham is First Human Service Organization Headquartered on Cape to
Achieve Distinction Following Extensive 16-month Process

Latham Centers, Inc., a leading residential treatment center for children and adults with behavioral, developmental and physical disabilities, today announced its fast-track accreditation by the international Council on Accreditation (COA). Latham is the first human service organization headquartered on the Cape to receive the COA’s expedited seal of approval. Founded in 1970, Latham Centers serves approximately 90-100 children and adults annually at its residential campus in Brewster, eight adult group homes across the Cape, and supported community and independent living residences. It is the only treatment center on the East Coast specializing in Prader-Willi Syndrome—a rare genetic disorder with no known cure.

Latham Centers first entered the accreditation process in January of 2010, culminating with a site visit in March 2011 by COA. Latham voluntarily pursued the intricate 16-month accreditation process toward independent recognition of its achievement of the highest standards of professional practice. According to COA, Latham’s accreditation was expedited “as a result of not receiving any out of compliance ratings in any of the fundamental practice standards.”

COA partners with human service organizations worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes by developing, applying, and promoting comprehensive accreditation standards. Organizations are evaluated against best-practice standards, which are developed using a consensus model with input from a wide range of service providers, funders, experts, policymakers and consumers. COA reviews and reaccredits the entire organization, not just specific programs, to ensure the credibility, integrity, and achievement of the organization as a whole.

“With this accreditation, Latham continues to move forward as one of the state’s premiere not for profit organizations for some of our most vulnerable citizens,” stated Anne McManus, Executive Director of Latham Centers. McManus, who has over three decades of social work experience in child welfare and human services, added, “Members of the board and staff have each proven their steadfast dedication to our mission, always putting the individuals we serve and their families first. It’s heartening to receive this resounding, independent recognition.”

"The road leading to a goal does not separate you from the destination;
it is essentially a part of it."

~Charles DeLint