Riverbrook Celebrates Family and Community
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STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Riverbrook, a unique Berkshire County facility that is home to some two dozen women with developmental disabilities, opened its doors to family, friends, volunteers and community members on June 20.
Almost 200 people gathered for the open house at the Stockbridge-based Riverbrook mansion to celebrate. The event featured fabulous food and the lively music of the Bluesberry Jam. Several of the women from Riverbrook sang and performed with the band.
Director Deborah Francome expressed her deep gratitude to all of those individuals who help to make Riverbrook a success.
“As I look around, I’m reminded that this is not only a day to throw open our doors and invite our community to celebrate with us – but it is also very much a day of hugs, sharing, and the warm familiarity of a big extended family,” she said.
In addition to thanking staff members, volunteers and the families of the women who live at Riverbrook, Francome recognized businesses that employ many of the residents.
“The Riverbrook family roots reach deep into our community, into our civic life at the Town Hall in Stockbridge, into worksites throughout the county, into all of the businesses, agencies, and organizations who support our mission of empowering women with disabilities to lead enviable adult lives,” she said.
She emphasized that the businesses that support Riverbrook with well-paying jobs for residents “lift and strengthen all of us.” Francome said that in 2014, a total of 7,665 residential service hours were recorded at Riverbrook, and more than 38,000 hours of day programming were supported at 34 locations throughout Berkshire County.
“I am proud to report that Riverbrook women work, play, vote, support and participate in their community – their goals and vision for the life they choose remain the foundation of the work that we do,” she said.
Four special honorees were recognized:
* The Red Lion Inn, which has supported jobs for Riverbrook women for more than 25 years. The Inn also has supported the development of new and innovative vocational development activities, Francome said. For example, one of the artists at Riverbrook has been welcomed at the Red Lion Inn to create her art in a quiet spot at the Inn.
* Marian Helpers, with which Riverbrook has had a working relationship for more than 30 years. “The team at Marian’s has welcomed, nurtured, encouraged and assisted their Riverbrook co-workers without a second thought,” Francome said. One Riverbrook resident has worked independently at Marian Helpers for more than 25 years.
* The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, a partnership that is nearly 20 years old. Riverbrook women participate in a weekly dance kinetics class at Kripalu and afterward they enjoy a nutritious lunch; in return the Riverbrook women volunteer for light housekeeping and clerical duties.
* State Rep. Smitty Pignatelli, who “has been there for us in so many ways for many years,” Francome said. She praised his kindness, openness and genuine warmth and support for Riverbrook,” and said it “lifts us all.”
Located in a former mansion on Ice Glen Road, Riverbrook was founded in 1957 as a private residential school. It is the oldest facility in the Northeast serving women with developmental disabilities. A total of 45 part and full-time staff are employed there.
Francome had nothing but praise for the staff.
“Loathe as I am on this beautiful day to bring you back to the dead of that really horrible winter, our staff went above and beyond, staying late, working double shifts through endless storms, filling in for those who could not make it in, making sure that our ladies were safe, that their colleagues were safe," she said. "Thank you everyone!”
Residents and their families attending the Open House raved about the staff and all the care provided by Riverbrook.
Cathy Ferris, whose sister, Sue Croll, has been a resident for 19 years, said Riverbrook is a very special place.
“My sister is happy and healthy and well taken care of here. And when my sister is happy the entire family is happy,” she said.
Ferris, who lives in Middlesex, New Jersey, praised the Riverbrook staff.
“The staff are very special people,” she said. “They are kind, considerate and loving.”
Kate Millonzi, whose daughter Louisa lives at Riverbrook, echoed Ferris’ praise.
“This is a great place,” Millonzi said. “We can’t say enough about it. Louisa is so well cared for here. She feels like an adult here. She is treated with such respect and she is held responsible for what she does.”
Millonzi also praised the way women at Riverbrook get to choose their activities. “They have the freedom to shape their lives. They are free to choose the work they want to do and to live the way they want to live,” she said.
When Louisa Millonzi was asked what she liked about Riverbook, she said: “Everything. I love the food. I love the staff. I love the volunteers, and I also love all the residents.”
Not long ago, Louisa needed periodontal work. After the appointment, Kate called her daughter at Riverbrook and offered to pick her up and take her home so that she could cook her soft foods and otherwise nurse her through the painful episode.
“She interrupted me,” Kate said, “She said ‘Mom, I would really rather stay here at home."
Tags: disabilities,
