Working in Both HR and Direct Care: “The Purpose This Job Gives Me is Beyond Any Paycheck or Award”
By Nicole Lemire Maureen Marion has found a home away from home and a new sense of purpose through her job at BCArc. Maureen started at BCArc in late 2019 working in the Human Resources department of the Westfield office. She worked exclusively in HR for a year, but in her second year began picking u [...]
BCArc Continues Tradition of Holiday Cards Created by Individuals
For years, BCArc has sent out holiday cards which feature original creative works by individuals, including watercolor paint, drawings, and photography. Here are 12 holiday cards from past years which were created by BCArc individuals. [...]
Support Staff of the Year Award Winner Chantal Shares Why She Loves Her Job at BCArc
Residential support staff Aya Brou Espe Koume, or Chantal, as she is known by her friends and co-workers, has been described as someone who puts her entire heart into her job. Chantal moved to the United States from Ivory Coast in 2015, and began working at BCArc in 2017. She has worked at West St si [...]
Inspired to Walk at 70
Sharon is 70-years-old, non-verbal, and has not walked for more than 10 years -- until she met Deshauntae. Deshauntae, new to BCArc when they met, was intimidated by Sharon. “I had never done anything like this job, and had no idea how to relate to her.” As Deshauntae started getting comfortable wor [...]
20 Years at Greylock Federal Credit Union, Holly Looks Forward to More
Say “Holly” at Greylock Federal Credit Union’s Allendale offices, and you are bound to get a nice story from a Greylock employee about their experience working with Holly. “It’s been 20 years," said Kate Gelinas, Assistant Vice President, Deposit Operations Manager at Greylock. “She’s the kind of em [...]
Military Mechanic, Vet Clinician, now at BCArc: Brooke Has a Penchant to Learn
Brooke, right, with Joe Pete and Roxy at Fenway Park last month. "We had a blast." Brooke served as a mechanic in the Army Reserves, repairing five-ton trucks. In New York, she managed a house with 10 individuals with disabilities, with a large staff including a chef for the multiple and complex fe [...]
Citizen Advocacy Program Creates Genuine Friendships Between Volunteers and Individuals
Blanca out to dinner with her husband and Margaret. By Nicole Lemire BCArc’s Citizen Advocacy Program is an easy opportunity for community members to volunteer and form a bond with a BCArc individual. “My favorite part of this experience has been having another friend,” said Blanca, who has develo [...]
Michelle Calls BCArc Flexible and Supportive as She Pursues Degree
By Nicole Lemire Working full-time while attending college is not an easy task, but Michelle Bedard praises BCArc’s support as she prepares to complete her degree in social work. Michelle began working at BCArc in 1999 as relief staff, and continued to work there while she studied to receive her LPN [...]