Community Support Program

Overview

The Community Support Program (CSP) provides community-based services to individuals residing in the Franklin and Hampshire counties. An array of services is offered that assist individuals to live as independently as possible in a variety of settings including living in their own apartments, with roommates or family members, congregate housing and shared living arrangements. Individuals are assisted in establishing and maintaining a home that is safe, secure, and comfortable. The individual has as much control as possible over where and with whom she or he lives. The program strives to maintain the stability of the person’s home and personal life.

Services

CSP staff provides assistance in various areas including but not limited to:

healthcare oversight
medication management
funds management
shopping
nutritional education
meal preparation
home maintenance
ADL skills
socialization
transportation
work
education
human rights
decision-making in personal relationships
coordination with mental health services

Services provided by CSP are highly personalized, flexible, and responsive, based on each individual’s needs and preferences. Supports focus on effectively recognizing and promoting each individual’s autonomy and independence. The Community Support Program prides itself on its ability to be highly customized and responsive to the changing needs and preferences of each individual we serve.

Our Staff

CSP support staff is a group of diverse, high-energy, caring individuals who are passionate about advocating for rights and fair treatment of individuals with disabilities. Staff are knowledgeable about the available resources in the local community and facilitate individuals’ access to resources such as housing subsidies, social security, food stamps, and fuel assistance. Support staff assist individuals in effective utilization of healthcare and clinical services, helping the individuals we serve play an active role in decision-making regarding treatment options. Support staff are passionate about advocating for rights and fair treatment of individuals with disabilities and staff provide advocacy on behalf of individuals with their employers to help them experience greater success and to resolve problems in the workplace. Furthermore, the program strives to assist the person in creating and enhancing meaningful relationships and friendships, and to be a full member of his/her community.

In CSP a strong emphasis is place on supporting individuals to make informed decisions about personal choices. While demonstrating a genuine respect for the right of individuals to have control over decisions that may impact their lives, CSP staff are deliberate in their efforts to provide individuals with information regarding potential consequences of their decisions, as well as opportunity to discuss the range of options that might be available to them. Examples include assistance in making choices in areas such as relationships, personal health, and major expenditures of their funds.

The Community Support Program constantly looks for creative ways to support the individuals we serve. Staff are knowledgeable about individuals and establish genuine relationships with them that enhance sensitivity to changes in wants and needs. Casual but professional relationships often extend to family members as well. It is evident that staff have a high level of respect for the individuals whom they support and that they share a common purpose in promoting full realization of each person’s goals and potentials.