A Visit From Dr. B.J. Goff...

This past week, Latham’s Children’s Program was very fortunate to have Dr. B.J. Goff come and spend two days sharing her expertise with us. BJ spent the majority of her time in conversation and training with the staff who work with our kids with PWS. She gave us a lot of great ideas and we will be busy implementing them over the next few months when she will return.

Among her recommendations include sharing our rich activity schedules with parents in advance so that they can plan visits around them. We are looking forward to an ongoing relationship with BJ who has enormous experience and passion for this population. She also has a deep appreciation for the difficult journeys parents undertake when raising a child with PWS.

As she said, it is the most difficult disability for a parent to deal with as the responsibility is so great. After all, their child’s life is at stake for the rest of their lives. Latham is striving to work in partnership with parents to ease their burden in raising their children so that they can enjoy life to their fullest potential.

"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. 
One is roots. The other is wings." 
~Hodding Carter, Jr.

Join Us On Facebook!

Latham Centers is really excited about our new Facebook page! Through this new endeavor, we hope to be able to better serve our existing clients, add valuable research and awareness about PWS to a larger community and to partner up with like minded souls. If you are already a member, please stop by and add us on to your friend list. If you are not currently a member of Facebook, please join- it is free, it's easy and it's a great way to stay connected! Find us HERE!

"All human beings are interconnected, one with all other elements in creation."
~Henry Reed

Good Table Manners Pay Off!

The girls in the North Wing worked diligently on their manners in the month of February. They each had individual areas of concern that they were working on at all of the residential meals. This was a huge success for five out of the seven PWS girls in the North Wing. We had kudos from a couple of Moms that were thrilled with the improved table manners their daughters displayed on their home visits. The five girls and staff took their newly improved manners out to the 99 Restaurant to show them off. They did a great job and they were all very proud of their accomplishment!

"Good manners: The noise you don't make when you're eating soup."
~Bennett Cerf

Advice From Dr. Janice Forster...Quick & Easy Changes

One of the typical issues we face when working with children and adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome is the challenge of helping them keep their spaces and rooms neat. A quick fix for this problem may be the use of open storage containers and shelving. Dr. Forster pointed out that when items are “out of sight” they cease to exist for many of our students and adults. They need to see what they have so let’s assist them with organization by getting units that fit their needs. Resources for this type of storage are:

Crate & Barrel: www.crateandbarrel.com
Pottery Barn: www.potterybarn.com
Ikea: www.ikea.com

"Live simply that others might simply live."
~Elizabeth Seaton

Crunchy Is Good!

Part of the PWS food menu is the inclusion of crunchy veggies during mealtimes. Crunching on celery, carrots, and broccoli helps those with PWS feel full and aids in digestion. These foods increase the volume of food on the plate and helps the person feel like they are getting a “complete” meal. Another good idea for parents and caregivers of children or adults with PWS is to consider the addition of Omega 3 oils to the diet. As always, check with your primary care physician and/or nutritionist on adding this to the daily regime.

"The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses."
~Hanna Rion

Latham Partners with Brewster Housing Authority on New Housing Plan

Almost 5 years ago, Latham began a dialogue with the Brewster Housing Authority to find ways of working more collaboratively. As neighbors, Latham School campus abuts the Housing Authority’s property. After discussing a variety of initiatives, the idea of creating housing designed for the individuals we support came to fruition.

We are currently in the planning stages of developing an 8-unit apartment complex with two wings, each consisting of 2 single-bedroom and 2 two-bedroom apartments. Each unit will be equipped with assistive technology to augment the support of the individuals residing there, providing many with the opportunity to live independently in a supported environment. We anticipate the opening of these apartments spring of 2010!

"Change always comes bearing gifts."
~Price Pritchett

The Latham Hawks Return Victorious!!!

There is nothing that helps build self esteem, confidence, and social skills better than team athletics. In children services, more than half of our student population participated this weekend in the Massachusetts Special Olympics Winter Games. The Latham Hawks were successful in their pursuit of medals in both competitions for basketball and bowling.

Through the season, which began after the New Year, teams practice once a week. This is an opportunity to build skills in the sport, but also to learn many other skills. Athletics is a critical piece of our therapeutic recreation program and helps our kids on every level. Students are very proud to be a part of the Latham Hawk tradition.

Congratulations to all who participated this weekend and thank you to everyone who supports our teams. Even though the winter season just ended, all on campus know that in a couple of weeks preparations for the upcoming track and fishing team will be underway. Go Latham Hawks!!!

"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."
~Walter Elliott

Restaurant Night...A Huge Success!

Every Wednesday before Valentines day, students at the Latham School enjoy a well deserved pampering. This special night is called Restaurant Night. Students enjoy a formal five course meal to the accompaniment of soft music and lighting. The entire night, from the cooking of the food and waiting on the tables to the clearing and washing of the dishes, is done by Latham staff who give their own time for this very special occasion.

Take a look at this years PWS menu:

• Spinach and Arugula Salad w/ Fresh Pears, Red Peppers, Capers and Drizzled w/ Light Mandarin, Sesame Dressing
• Grilled Portabella Mushroom w/ Herbed Ricotta Cheese
• Grilled Vegetable Lasagna w/ Carrot Puree
• Watermelon Granita
• Roasted Shoulder Tenderloin, Asparagus Spears, Pureed Cauliflower w/ Red Pepper Puree
• Baked Apples w/ Whipped Topping

The evening was a huge success! The kids enjoyed themselves immensely and the staff went out of their way to please. Below is a follow up note from Eric Pleace, one of Latham’s clinicians who served as a waiter that night:

"Last night the children enjoyed a spectacular dining experience. The setting was elegant. The waitstaff were polite and responsive. The kitchen staff worked like elves and, as if by magic, these gorgeous plates of food were placed before the kids. Especially for the PWS kids - they could not believe their eyes - the portions looked huge! Their eyes said "Am I really allowed to eat all that?" And they kept coming - Six beautifully presented courses. I checked the PWS daily weights this morning - the morning after....ZERO weight gain. WOW!"

Special thanks are due to the kitchen staff and meal planners. And to everyone else who contributed to making this night such a delight - Thank You!

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."
~Mohammed Ali

Allison's Dream Come True

Latham Centers is a strength-based program dedicated to providing excellent services. Our mission statement is focused on the individuals we serve~ "We strive to assist each individual to achieve his or her potential and become a valued member of the community."

A number of years ago when I was working in a residence with 4 individuals with PWS, I asked each one to tell me his or her dreams. Some of the items on Allison's list included to work with individuals with AIDS, get a job, and go to Ireland (the country where her parents came from). That year, Allison and I worked to achieve a few goals. Allison got a job in the community and started volunteering to help a local AIDS drop in center. Allison's commitment to volunteer in the community enriched many lives; those her volunteer services helped and her housemates who were inspired to join her. While her third goal took longer, Allison was not deterred. She worked and saved for the next few years and was able to take her dream trip to Ireland.

While I did not work with Allison in the same capacity, she chose me to support her on her trip. What a special time seeing Allison reveling in delight as she visited the town her ancestors came from and various other sites. Not only that, but Allison was also able to enjoy all the local food and only had a minimal weight gain. At one point in Allison's life she had been over 500 pounds, she was 300+ when she arrived at Latham. Her current weight is around 120 pounds. Without a program helping Allison achieve her goal weight and optimal health, she would not have been able to achieve her dreams.

Congratulations Allison!

"Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you."
~Marsha Norman

You're Swimming When?

There are a group of Latham employees who will be jumping into the frigid waters of Cape Cod on the last Saturday of January and they're doing it for a really great cause!

The Passion Plunge was established in 1999 as a fundraiser for Special Olympics Massachusetts. So far, our Plungers have worked together to raise over $2 million for the athletes of Special Olympics Massachusetts.
For this reason, a dedicated group of Latham employees will be trudging over the snow covered beach to take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Please visit this link to see the members of the team and to donate to this very important cause.
Here's a brief rundown of the days events:

• Each Plunger should register in advance of the event through the website www.passionplunge.org or by calling Steve at 978-774-1501 x 212. Walk-on plungers are also welcome as long as they have collected their pledges before the start of the event.
• Once registered, Plungers raise money (a minimum of $250.00), through the collection of donations from friends, family, co-workers, etc. Each registered Plunger is given a free Passion Plunge website.
• All Plungers will check in starting at 10 AM. At that time, they will turn in any checks or cash they have collected and (hopefully) noted in 'My HQ', and they will receive their t-shirt if they met the $250 fundraising minimum.
• Plungers and guests can then hang out in the main tent or enjoy the sights and sounds of a beautiful winter New England day at the beach.
• At approximately 11:15 AM all costumed Plungers will participate in the costume parade, with winners being announced at the post-Plunge party.
• Then, it's into the ocean! Volunteers will be on hand to direct Plungers and assist as needed up at the Sponsor Tent, Parking, the Bath house and on the Beach.
• Immediately after the Plunge all Plungers will be directed to the locker rooms or tents to change into some warm clothes. Sorry, there are no showers available.
• The post-Plunge party will begin under the heated tent. All plungers and their guests are welcome free of charge. The Post-Plunge bash will feature music, food, fun and prizes!
• At approximately 12:30 PM, we will start the awards ceremony to hand out all of the category (Top Fundraiser, Best Team Costume, Golden Plunger, etc.) and raffle prizes.

When is it?

January 31, 2009
Revere Beach, Revere
Old Silver Beach, Falmouth

February 14, 2009
Nantasket Beach, Hull
Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester

We hope to see you there!

(Image courtesy of Boston.com)

"Follow your passion, and success will follow you."
~Arthur Buddhold