Wednesday Welcome and Keynote: Unleashing Personal Power & Confidence

5/1/2024 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Presenter: David Suson

Friday Closing, Donation Drive, Passing of the Torch, State Basket Drawing, and Keynote: Tempered with Fire: Becoming Stronger & Better Equipped

5/3/2024 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Cody Byrns

Welcome to NERSC! Newcomers and all attendees welcome! (Tuesday)

4/30/2024 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Presenter: Zoila Medina and Theresa Smith, NERSC Co-Chairs

Line Dancing with Lisa (Wednesday)

5/1/2024 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Presenter: Lisa Mazzaro, Dance Country CT

Zumba with YMCA (Thursday)

5/2/2024 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Exhibitor Reception and Raffle Drawing (Thursday)

5/2/2024 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Mingle with friends and network with your peers at this OUTDOOR reception on Mohegan Sun's new Sun Patio. Exhibitor (bingo sheet) raffles will be drawn at this reception. Must be present to win.

Yoga with Heather (Friday)

5/3/2024 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM

Presenter: Heather H. Main, M.Ed, Owner, Main Wellness Works

A01 Social Security: You have Questions, We Have Answers!

5/1/2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Robert Rodriguez, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration

A01 Social Security: You have Questions, We Have Answers!

Robert Rodriguez, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration

 

There are so many programs and services offered through Social Security that it can be difficult to wrap your head around it. In this workshop, we will review these programs, including online services and how to navigate the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, review examples of scenarios and situations related to filed office experience, and finally end with an open questions and answers dialogue. Come and educate yourself about the “most misunderstood” benefits that all workers have!

 

Learning Objectives:

·Understand the personal benefits entitled to workers and their families.

·Learn how to recognize and refer individuals to Social Security for a variety of entitlements that can be received.

·Become familiar with tools, calculators, and other online resources provided by www.ssa.gov.

 

Level: Intermediate

Track: Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: *Federal and Applicable State Programs and Eligibility

A03 Communication 101: Back to the Basics

5/1/2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Erica Goldman, Owner, Stepping Forward Training & Consulting

A03 Communication 101: Back to the Basics

Erica Goldman, Owner, Stepping Forward Training & Consulting

 

How do you communicate? How do others communicate? Do you know how to communicate effectively so you are heard? Poor communication is the number one cause of conflict in the workplace. Effective communication is the cornerstone of success in both personal and professional relationships. It plays a vital role in fostering understanding, collaboration, and productivity. In a world of technology, social media, email, and virtual work, many have forgotten the art of communication and what it entails. It’s time to get back to the basics of how to communicate properly.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Learn the difference in non-verbal and verbal communication.

·Provide practical tools and techniques for effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication.

·Explore the role of empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence in effective communication.

 

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Track: All

HUD Category: +Communication Strategies in Working with Older Adults ^Working w/ Other Member of the Property Management Team ^Effective Communication

A05 Ethics in Service Coordination

5/1/2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Christine McPherson, LMSW, Director of Resident Services, Elderly Housing Management, Inc.

A05 Ethics in Service Coordination

Christine McPherson, LMSW, Director of Resident Services, Elderly Housing Management, Inc.

 

We will review ethical standards and expectations in service coordination including: mandated reporting; protective services referrals; and, core principles in ethics such as autonomy and confidentiality. We will clarify how capacity and competence are different but they are often interchanged in discussion. We will also provide some common ethical dilemmas in service coordination and allow for discussion on action steps in accordance with the NASW code of ethics.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Understand ethical standards in service coordination.

·Learn the difference between capacity vs. competency.

·Learn strategies and action steps you can take when in an ethical dilemma.

 

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Track: Family & Youth, Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: +Ethics in Service Coordination +The Role of the Service Coordinator ^Effective Communication

A07 The Power of Play *REPEAT OF B07*

5/1/2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Dennis Dow and Ernie Thebado, Owner, Acme Teamwork

A07 The Power of Play

Dennis Dow and Ernie Thebado, Owner, Acme Teamwork

 

With today’s schedules becoming busier than ever and an endless number of gadgets and electronic devices flooding the market to make our lives easier, Dennis and Ernie are bringing back the old-fashioned idea about the role of play in our lives. During this workshop, you'll put away your smartphones, laptops, and planners to find out firsthand how laughter and play help foster the kinds of connections that can help you build a closer-knit community. Get ready to play, because this is an all hands-on deck presentation! These games are great for staff orientations and events for residents of all ages.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Identify ways in which play impacts the social and emotional well-being of the residents they serve.

·Learn strategies for engaging residents in programs that facilitate play and wellness.

·Gain hands on experience playing games and learning the activities they can take back to use with their residents.

 

Level: All

Track: Family & Youth

HUD Category: ^Family Housing: Youth Services ^Family Housing: Building Safe Communities

A09 Navigating Relationships with Residents & Property Management

5/1/2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Susan Davidson, Vice President, and Stefanie Bass, Assistant Director of Resident Services, Affordab

A09 Navigating Relationships with Residents & Property Management

Susan Davidson, Vice President, and Stefanie Bass, Assistant Director of Resident Services, Affordable Homes & Communities

 

Establishing positive working relationships is the key to success in any organization. We will use Affordable Homes and Communities (AHC) as a case study to follow their journey of becoming a trauma-informed organization through the implementation of an organizational change plan. From there we will discuss the outcomes, eviction prevention protocols, and the creation of a Resident Services/Property Management manual that outlines the roles and responsibilities of each.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Learn how to become a trauma-informed organization.

·Learn eviction prevention protocols.

·Learn how to work collaboratively with property management.

 

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Track: All

HUD Category: ^Working w/ Other Member of the Property Management Team ^Crisis Prevention and Intervention

A11 Medicare Part D: 2024 and 2025 Prescription Drug Program Changes

5/1/2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Keith Aubin, President, Integrity Medicare Advisors Inc.

A11 Medicare Part D: 2024 and 2025 Prescription Drug Program Changes

Keith Aubin, President, Integrity Medicare Advisors Inc.

 

Explore the latest Medicare reforms, both currently active and forthcoming, in this informative presentation tailored for RSCs. Understand the direct impact these changes may have on your residents as we delve into an overview of Medicare coverage adjustments. Specifically, our workshop will focus on the intricacies of Medicare Part C, shedding light on Medicare Advantage Plans, and examining the alterations in Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage. Join us to stay well-informed and equipped with the knowledge needed to navigate these significant shifts in Medicare policies. Your understanding of these reforms is crucial for ensuring the well-being of your community members.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Gain comprehension of the latest Medicare reforms both currently in effect and upcoming.

·Understand the alterations made to Medicare Part C and Part D.

·Lean how to communicate these changes effectively with your residents.

 

Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Track: Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: *Federal and Applicable State Programs and Eligibility

B01 Working with Legal Counsel to Assist Residents: Creating and Maintaining Records for Court and Strategies for Seeking Legal Assistance with Diffic

5/1/2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Chris Saccardi and Ken Vining, Partner, Broderick Bancroft & Saccardi

B01 Working with Legal Counsel to Assist Residents: Creating and Maintaining Records for Court and Strategies for Seeking Legal Assistance with Difficult Tenancies Chris Saccardi and Ken Vining, Partner, Broderick Bancroft & Saccardi

 

From time to time, it is necessary for RSCs to appear with legal counsel in court to advocate for tenants or, where a tenant poses a threat to themselves or others, to seek a court order to prohibit problematic behavior, to comply with service and medical providers, or in more serious cases, to seek an eviction. This session will help RSCs to understand the court process with an overview of how to create and maintain records that are useful in court, how to build a case to seek a court order concerning a difficult tenant, and how to effectively testify in court. We will also discuss other ways that RSCs can work with counsel to address at-risk tenancies outside of court, including via the use of reasonable accommodations as an important tool for assisting disabled residents.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Learning about effective documentation of difficult tenancies in order to potentially develop a case for court.

·Understanding how to prepare evidence and testify in support of a request for court intervention.

·Discussing strategic use of reasonable accommodations to help preserve difficult tenancies.

 

Level: All

Track: All

HUD Category: *Legal Liability Relating to Service Coordination +Fair Housing & Reasonable Accommodations

B03 Don't Take it Personal!

5/1/2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Erica Goldman, Owner, Stepping Forward Training & Consulting

B03 Don't Take it Personal!

Erica Goldman, Owner, Stepping Forward Training & Consulting

 

Have you ever left work feeling defeated, or thought that property management and the residents had it out for you? Have you ever spent valuable time playing situations back through your mind and trying to figure out what you could have done differently, or why they responded to you in a certain way? Taking things personally can lead to unnecessary stress, strained relationships, and hinder personal growth. Let’s examine the life of property management and the residents to gain a better understanding of how they respond to different situations.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Gain a better understanding of property management and the residents.

·Explore the role of self-awareness, empathy, and mindfulness in managing reactions to external stimuli.

·Learn practical tools and techniques to help individuals detach from personalizing situations.

 

Level: All

Track: All

HUD Category: ^Working w/ Other Member of the Property Management Team +Professional Boundaries

B05 Events and Programming on a Shoestring

5/1/2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Becky Arbella, Director of SASH & Resident Services, Shires Housing

B05 Events and Programming on a Shoestring

Becky Arbella, Director of SASH & Resident Services, Shires Housing

 

You don't need a big budget to host a successful event! In this interactive workshop, we will talk about creative programming ideas and ways to receive funding including in-kind donations. We we talk in depth about program ideas related to resident health, cooking and nutrition, food insecurities, and fun "social programs" that can help combat social isolation of residents. Discover inexpensive ways to research and host successful resident programs.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Learn effective online research methods to find program ideas.

·Learn how to plan and execute a program that residents want to attend.

·Learn how to focus programs and events to combat residents' medical and wellness diagnoses.

 

Level: Beginner

Track: Family & Youth, Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: +Networking in the Community and Identifying Resources +The Role of the Service Coordinator

B07 The Power of Play *REPEAT OF A07*

5/1/2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Dennis Dow and Ernie Thebado, Owner, Acme Teamwork

B07 The Power of Play

Dennis Dow and Ernie Thebado, Owner, Acme Teamwork

 

With today’s schedules becoming busier than ever and an endless number of gadgets and electronic devices flooding the market to make our lives easier, Dennis and Ernie are bringing back the old-fashioned idea about the role of play in our lives. During this workshop, you'll put away your smartphones, laptops, and planners to find out firsthand how laughter and play help foster the kinds of connections that can help you build a closer-knit community. Get ready to play, because this is an all hands-on deck presentation! These games are great for staff orientations and events for residents of all ages.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Identify ways in which play impacts the social and emotional well-being of the residents they serve.

·Learn strategies for engaging residents in programs that facilitate play and wellness.

·Gain hands on experience playing games and learning the activities they can take back to use with their residents.

 

Level: All

Track: Family & Youth

HUD Category: ^Family Housing: Youth Services ^Family Housing: Building Safe Communities

B09 Its Raining Cats & Dogs and Parakeets & Rabbits: The Importance of the Human-Animal Bond in Older Adults

5/1/2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Christopher J Barrett, LMSW, Senior Paw Project Manager, Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary

B09 Its Raining Cats & Dogs and Parakeets & Rabbits: The Importance of the Human-Animal Bond in Older Adults

Christopher J Barrett, LMSW, Senior Paw Project Manager, Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary

 

The human-animal bond is important at any age. A pet, such as a cat, dog, parakeet, or rabbit, can have a positive impact on an older adult's life helping them stay healthier and happier. In some instances, a pet may be an older adult's primary relationship. These relationship can help older adults stay active, engaged, and instill a sense of purpose. In this panel-style workshop, we will explore the impact a pet can have on an individual and what you need to be aware of as an RSC.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Understand the benefits of pet ownership.

·Learn how to support pet ownership.

·Learn how your community can be made safer and healthier with pets.

 

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Track: Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: +Healthy Aging ^Isolation and Older Adults

B11 Help Your Residents Protect Against Medicare Fraud, Errors, and Abuse Panel Discussion

5/1/2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Lucilia Prates-Ramos, Statewide Director of Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program

B11 Help Your Residents Protect Against Medicare Fraud, Errors, and Abuse Panel Discussion

Lucilia Prates-Ramos, Statewide Director of Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program

Kristen Haley, Outreach and Education Coordinator, Carole Appleton, Massachusetts SMP Program Coordinator

 

It is important to reach and teach Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, family members, and caregivers on how to prevent, detect, and report healthcare errors, fraud, and abuse. Medicare fraud costs American taxpayers over $60 billion annually, and we have an active role in protecting Medicare for future generations. The goal of this workshop is to empower RSCs to promote consumer awareness in order to better prepare residents to effectively address their medical billing queries and concerns. Through interactive case studies and powerful consumer testimonies, attendees will gain valuable insights, tools, and resources to share with residents. The session will emphasize the significance of being well-informed and actively involved in healthcare decision making, while also highlighting the need to stay vigilant against deceptive marketing practices and medical identity theft. RSCs will leave this session equipped with essential knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving complexities of the healthcare delivery system.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Learn how to identify deceptive marketing, medical scams, and medical identify theft in order to teach residents how to prevent themselves from falling victims to these scams.

·Understand the complexities beneficiaries encounter when navigating Medicare summary notices, explanations of benefits, and other medical billing statements.

·Identify action steps, resources, and tools to help residents understand their rights related to: appealing of Medicare non-coverage, and hospital and skilled nursing facility discharges; difference between observation and inpatient admission status; reporting quality of care; and other related concerns.

 

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Track: Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: *Federal and Applicable State Programs and Eligibility, ^Crisis Prevention and Intervention

C01 Conversations for Caring: Health Concerns of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)

5/2/2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Donna M. White RN, PhD, CADC II, LADC I, Director, PRN Associates

C01 Conversations for Caring: Health Concerns of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)

Donna M. White RN, PhD, CADC II, LADC I, Director, PRN Associates

 

As an RSC, it is important to know how to create dialogue with individuals who are hospitalized with or live in the community with an addictive disorder. Being able to recognize substance use disorders (SUDs) and have these conversations can be key to promoting healthy lifestyles that support abstinence and recovery. We will review from a healthcare perspective the prevalence of drugs in our society, how stigmas and biased attitudes affect all populations, associated terminology, related health concerns, and ways of recovery.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Describe drug culture, health risks, and problems that encompass SUDs in our society.

·Define patterns of use and health implications for specific substances.

·Understand how the stigma of being an individual suffering from an addictive disorder can impede access to humane treatment in their community.

 

Level: All

Track: Family & Youth, Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: *Drug Use and Abuse by Elders +Medications and Older Adults ^Family Housing: Drug/Alcohol Abuse

C03 Mental Health Awareness: Signs & Symptoms

5/2/2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Mourning Fox, Owner and Lead Trainer, Caldera Associates, LLC

C03 Mental Health Awareness: Signs & Symptoms

Mourning Fox, Owner and Lead Trainer, Caldera Associates, LLC

 

This workshop is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of various mental health conditions, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs and symptoms, and fostering a supportive and informed approach to mental well-being. Delve into the intricacies of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, chronic stress, OCD, PTSD, postnatal depression, dual diagnosis, phobias, and panic attacks through a combination of theoretical knowledge, case studies, and interactive discussions. By the end of the course, participants will be empowered with the knowledge and skills to contribute to a more compassionate and informed community around mental health.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Understand the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions.

·Learn how to implement supportive strategies.

·Learn how to create a supportive environment.

 

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Track: All

HUD Category: *Mental Health Issues

C05 More Than Just Housing: Supporting Residents Towards Economic Stability

5/2/2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Raysheema L. Rainey, MPA, Director of Member Relations, and Natalie Veilleux, Senior Director, Econo

C05 More Than Just Housing: Supporting Residents Towards Economic Stability

Raysheema L. Rainey, MPA, Director of Member Relations, and Natalie Veilleux, Senior Director, Economic Mobility Pathways

 

Today, more families are dealing with daily stress to make ends meet and move towards financial stability. Science has proven that chronic stressors makes it harder to get ahead and stay there. The same science has informed Economic Mobility Pathways’ (EMPath’s) innovative evidence-based executive functioning informed coaching model, Mobility Mentoring®. Mobility Mentoring is a participant centric model that uses contextualized long-term planning, goal setting tools, and coaching techniques to reinforce skills and pathways from poverty. Presenters will distill the growing body of research on how toxic stress often experienced by people living in poverty impacts critical executive functioning skills. These skills are needed to support tasks that helps us move ahead. Presenters will highlight how learnings from this research can be applied, using the Mobility Mentoring model, to generate increased economic mobility for families. This workshop will provide an overview as to how the very skills we need to get ahead and thrive can be compromised by chronic stress and trauma. It will introduce a research-based holistic coaching approach and set of tools designed to help people mitigate stress and strengthen executive functioning skills. Through activities and discussion, attendees will be able to apply this learning to scenarios; consider ways to bring new strategies into service delivery program; and practice strategies to support increased economic mobility for community residents.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Attendees will be able to identify how chronic stress and trauma, such the stressors of living in poverty, can compromise our executive functions - the very skills we need to get ahead.

·Attendees will consider how an executive function informed coaching approach can support residents in gaining economic mobility.

·Attendees will explore how design elements applied to program tools and the organizational environment can mitigate stressors and strengthen executive functions to support economic mobility.

 

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Track: Family & Youth

HUD Category: ^Family Housing: Economic Development and Employment Opportunities ^Identifying and Assessing Capabilities and Needs

C07 Innovation for Bridging Differences Part 1: Child’s Mind *MUST ATTEND D07*

5/2/2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Teja Arboleda, President and Creative Director, Entertaining Diversity, Inc.

C07 Innovation for Bridging Differences Part 1: Child’s Mind

Teja Arboleda, President and Creative Director, Entertaining Diversity, Inc.

 

In Innovation for Bridging Differences Part 1, we explore how unhampered creativity and imagination helps children grow. Participants reflect on their own childhood, and/or children in their lives or work and how those experiences helped formulate their own ability to solve problems, communicate with others, create close bonds and live in wonder. Through exercises, group activity and modeling, participants learn the basics of harnessing curiosity and exploration without parameters and structure. MUST ATTEND PART 1 AND PART 2.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Appreciate the insight children have in out-of-the-box thinking.

·Reflect on one’s own self-imposed or external structures that hamper innovation.

·Understand the power of curiosity for solving problems.

 

Level: Advanced

Track: Family & Youth

HUD Category: ^Effective Communication ^Family Housing: Youth Services

C09 Dealing with Cognitive Impairment

5/2/2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Angela Christie and Julianne Ramia, Dementia Specialist, Hartford Healthcare

C09 Dealing with Cognitive Impairment

Angela Christie and Julianne Ramia, Dementia Specialist, Hartford Healthcare

 

The brain, like the rest of the body, changes with age. Many people notice they become more forgetful as they age. It may take longer to think of a word or to recall a person's name. It’s important to note that there is no cure for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, there are some treatments that can help manage symptoms. In this workshop, we will discuss MCI and available treatments including medications, cognitive training, and lifestyle changes.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Define mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

·Understand the effects of MCI on your residents and their families.

·Understand the increased risk of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease or other brain disorders due to MCI.

 

Level: Intermediate

Track: Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: *The Aging Process +Outcomes and Older Adults ^Dealing with Cognitive Impairments ^Chronic Diseases of Older Adults

C11 Introduction to Grantsmanship

5/2/2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Marc Goldstein, Marc B. Goldstein, Ph.D., LLC, President

C11 Introduction to Grantsmanship

Marc Goldstein, Marc B. Goldstein, Ph.D., LLC, President

 

This workshop will be an introduction to the basics of grantsmanship covering what is a grant, where do they come from, why write a grant, how do funders think about grants, the structure of a typical grant, and some basic principles of grant writing.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Learn what grants are, their sources, and how grant funders think about grants.

·Learn the basic sections of a grant and the basic principles for writing grants.

·Learn about resources for expanding grant writing skills and identifying sources of grants.

 

Level: Beginner

Track: Professional Development

HUD Category: +Basics of Documentation, +The Role Of the Service Coordinator

D01 Fair Housing & Assistance Animals

5/2/2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Daniel Weaver, Region I Director, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of H

D01 Fair Housing & Assistance Animals

Daniel Weaver, Region I Director, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

 

As housing providers, it is important to understand the fair housing act and our legal obligations. This workshop will review the fair housing act and your responsibilities as a housing provider regarding assistance animals.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Learn what defines a reasonable accommodation.

·Learn who may need an assistance animal.

·Learn when you can and cannot reject a request for an assistance animal.

 

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Track: Family & Youth, Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: *Legal Liability Relating to Service Coordination +Fair Housing & Reasonable Accommodations

D03 Verbal De-Escalation and Violence Prevention

5/2/2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Mourning Fox, Owner and Lead Trainer, Caldera Associates, LLC

D03 Verbal De-Escalation and Violence Prevention

Mourning Fox, Owner and Lead Trainer, Caldera Associates, LLC

 

This training focuses on preventing violence through assessment and verbal interactions. Through the presenter's extensive experience as a Crisis Prevention Institute trainer, Non-Abusive Physical and Psychological Intervention trainer, Mental Health First Aid trainer, and as a trained crisis negotiator working with law enforcement. Participants will gain skills and knowledge to help them to better identify who is at risk of becoming violent or aggressive, and what the behavioral signs are that someone may be potentially assaultive. Participants will then learn skills and techniques that can help to de-escalate high intensity situations verbally. In addition, methods for improving staff communication around and during a crisis as well as the importance of documentation language, the role of respect as a protective factor, and basic brain science that can impact our attempts at de-escalating a situation will be discussed.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Learn how to recognize the risk factors that place someone at higher risk for engaging in violent behavior.

·Understand the impact on the brain in crisis and how it affects our ability to de-escalate a situation.

·Understand and utilize active listening skill to de-escalate a situation.

 

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Track: Family & Youth, Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: ^Mediation and Conflict Resolution ^Crisis Prevention and Intervention ^Family Housing: Building Safe Communities

D05 Culture of Care: Promoting a Cultural Shift as Early Intervention

5/2/2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Skye Collins, State Coordinator, Advocacy Unlimited: CT Hearing Voices Network

D05 Culture of Care: Promoting a Cultural Shift as Early Intervention

Skye Collins, State Coordinator, Advocacy Unlimited: CT Hearing Voices Network

 

Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. is dedicated to normalizing alternative experiences such as voice-hearing, unique belief systems, and paranoia, sometimes labelled DID or schizophrenia, to create a more accepting culture. Research shows that voice-hearers who are part of cultures that accept alternative experiences as valid have a more positive view of their voices and report a better quality of life. AU’s goal is to change the culture surrounding voice-hearing by promoting education and conversation, expanding language, and providing safe, peer-led platforms for community connection. As culture improves, so do voice-hearers' unaided quality of life, which acts as a form of early intervention as fewer voice-hearers need to seek intensive care. This workshop will cover the above state-funded program and the services and support it can provide, outline the efficacy of increasing community awareness and acceptance as an early intervention strategy, and provide support for our belief that a positive culture directly improves outcomes of voice-hearers in the mental health system. We will open the floor to participants for a discussion of these topics as well as their practical application in HUD services.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Understand that awareness and community connection serve as early intervention, and can improve quality of life (as personally defined) for not only voice hearers, but also their natural supports.

·Improve familiarity with free and state-funded support programs for clients who may not respond well to clinical approaches or who may need additional forms of support.

·Explore ways of adopting a greater vocabulary to describe experiences, and relate to or understand the spectrum of unique experiences.

 

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Track: Family & Youth, Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: *Federal and Applicable State Programs and Eligibility *Mental Health Issues

D07 Innovation for Bridging Differences Part 2: Community Culture *MUST ATTEND C07*

5/2/2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Teja Arboleda, President and Creative Director, Entertaining Diversity, Inc.

D07 Innovation for Bridging Differences Part 2: Community Culture

Teja Arboleda, President and Creative Director, Entertaining Diversity, Inc.

 

In Innovation for Bridging Differences Part 2: Community Culture, participants will take what they learned and practiced in Part 1, and apply those tools and skills to support cross-cultural communities they serve. Through a series of fun exercises, group activities, shared stories and gaming, learners will gain confidence in innovating solutions to mitigate cultural conflict, enhance community cohesiveness, and create a better sense of belonging. MUST ATTEND PART 1 AND PART 2.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Practice innovative thinking in real-time for problem solving.

·Experience and appreciate multiple ways in which innovation can enhance community culture.

·Utilize learned tools to build a better sense of belonging.

 

Level: Advanced

Track: Family & Youth

HUD Category: ^Cultural Competency ^Effective Communication ^Family Housing: Building Safe Communities

D09 You Can't Pour from an Empty Cup! Self-Care for Other-Care

5/2/2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Heather H. Main, M.Ed, Owner, Main Wellness Works

D09 You Can't Pour from an Empty Cup! Self-Care for Other-Care

Heather H. Main, M.Ed, Owner, Main Wellness Works

 

For some of us, self-care falls to the bottom of the list, and/or we experience guilt for taking time for ourselves. As service providers, self-care is critical in order to offer sustained high-quality service to others. This workshop will talk about three main topics: why self-care is so critical to our health and professions; what aspects to focus on in particular; and, how to incorporate self-care into busy lives that may already feel too busy. We will talk about three types of necessary physical activity, nourishing our bodies for health and energy, proper rest as the modern superpower, and strategies for stress management. Content will be science-driven not trendy, down-to-earth, and presented with love and empathy knowing that self-care is a real challenge, particularly for people in service professions. Everyone will come away with new and renewed ideas, motivation, and strategies for how to realistically infuse our lives with meaningful doses of self-care that in turn will improve our own lives and the quality of service for those we serve. Care will be given to offer strategies that are not more time-consuming or expensive; you do not need to hire a masseuse or get up at 5 a.m. for a “refreshing jog!”

 

Learning Objectives:

·Understand the connection between stress and our immune systems with increased skill in recognizing when stress is too high.

·Know at least a dozen ideas for how self-care can be infused into a workday.

·Cultivate ideas and begin strategizing ideas for when and how to integrate some self-care into one's day.

 

Level: All

Track: Professional Development

HUD Category: +Healthy Aging

D11 Understanding Vision Loss

5/2/2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presenter: Christopher Butler, Executive Director, IN-SIGHT

D11 Understanding Vision Loss

Christopher Butler, Executive Director, IN-SIGHT

 

This informative session is designed for people with a visual impairment and family members, friends, and Resident Service Coordinators looking to learn more about available programs, services and supports for those with vision impairment. We will discuss: common eye diseases that cause visual impairments; the emotional aspects of adapting to living with vision loss; the key tools, services, and resources that are available to help people maintain their independence; how to connect to these resources; and, ways to protect your remaining vision

 

Learning Objectives:

·Identify at least two causes of vision loss, especially in older adults.

·Learn three strategies people with visual impairments use to increase their independence.

·Learn at least two ways to protect their vision.

 

Level: Beginner

Track: Family & Youth, Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD: *Disability Services

E01 Refugee Housing and Integration: Obstacles & Challenges to Adjustment in America

5/3/2024 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Presenter: Dr. Omar Bah, Founder, Refugee Dream Center

E01 Refugee Housing and Integration: Obstacles & Challenges to Adjustment in America

Dr. Omar Bah, Founder, Refugee Dream Center

 

This course explores the journey that refugees and immigrant populations experience in their integration process once they arrive in the United States. This population is often faced with a number of challenges including cultural, economic, language, and other barriers when they arrive in the country. Therefore, this course is designed to help caregivers and service providers understand this population and how to properly serve them. Refugees are invited guests to America with documentation and access to social service benefits including housing and employment. However, upon arrival, due to lack of familiarity with the American society and past traumatic experiences, refugees are faced with series of challenges in their efforts to adjust and integrate into the American society. Among these are culture shock, access to safe and affordable housing, language barriers, and transportation. This presentation seeks to showcase the refugee reality, and foster knowledge among participants on how they can better serve this vulnerable and hard-to-reach population.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Understand the refugee population, their legal status, and benefits they can access.

·Understand the cultural and psychological barriers to integration in the United States, and the needs of refugees and outreach opportunities for housing providers.

·Understand the common roadblocks to refugees accessing safe and affordable housing and learn about better approaches to serving refugees and immigrants.

 

Level: All

Track: Family & Youth, Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities, Supervisory/ Management

HUD Category: ^Cultural Competency ^Effective Advocacy

E03 The Power of Your Presence: Unlock Deeper Levels of Enjoyment and Satisfaction in Your Work

5/3/2024 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Presenter: Maureen Caley-Verdonk, Professional Certified Coach & Founder, Inspired Living Life Coaching

E03 The Power of Your Presence: Unlock Deeper Levels of Enjoyment and Satisfaction in Your Work

Maureen Caley-Verdonk, Professional Certified Coach & Founder, Inspired Living Life Coaching

 

Do you ever get the feeling that you're being pulled between competing demands—those that the resident wants or needs and those of the system? AND THEN, have trouble letting the thoughts of frustration, or what you “should” have done or said go? Do you sometimes experience self-doubt, judgment, or internal biases that leads to there having to be a winner or a loser in a situation? These are some common distractions that can derail us and impede the open, flexible demeanor known as presence. In this interactive session, you will learn the practice of compassionate awareness using PAUSE (Present, Aware, Unconditional, Soften, Explore) a simple and profound technique based in mindfulness that will enable you to recognize and manage derailment sensations that arise in your body so you can easily reconnect with yourself and the person or people you are meeting with. You will draw on your own experience of "presence derailment" to recognize the experience of derailment and how it arises in your body, to be “with it” and to return to the present moment. This approach will elevate personal well-being, joy and job satisfaction as well as the added benefit of more satisfying interpersonal outcomes by generating an experience that leaves others feeling seen, heard, and acknowledged. PAUSE is appropriate at all levels. Elevated self-awareness of tendencies and biases.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Express elevated self-awareness of tendencies and biases.

·Identify when personal presence shifts in a meeting or conversation and return to being focused, observant, and responsive.

·Express enhanced confidence and ability in working with competing demands.

 

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Track: All

HUD Category: +Professional Boundaries ^Effective Communication

E05 The Many Dimensions of Wellness

5/3/2024 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Presenter: Becky Arbella, Director of SASH & Resident Services, Shires Housing

E05 The Many Dimensions of Wellness

Becky Arbella, Director of SASH & Resident Services, Shires Housing

 

Wellness is often associated with our health. However, as we start to examine the Social Determinants of Health, we cannot help but connect the Many Dimensions of Wellness. Our lives cannot be complete without a balance of all aspects of wellness. If one of our dimensions is off at any time and for any length of time, it could have adverse effects on our lives. In this workshop, we will talk about the Seven Dimensions of Wellness and the Health Triangle. You will learn the difference between emotional wellness, mental wellness, physical wellness, and social wellness. We will also explore how they relate to and affect each other. We will take time to assess our own wellness using the Healthy Triangle Worksheet. You will learn a variety of ways to help your residents, family, friends, and yourself to gain balance in overall wellness. We will review a packet of resources you can use to provide programs at your locations to help residents establish personal wellness goals.

 

Learning Objectives:

·Explain the difference and similarities of the seven dimensions of wellness.

·Know how to use the Health Triangle Assessment to assist residents understand wellness more effectively.

·Establish how to build programing around several different wellness dimensions.

 

Level: All

Track: Family & Youth, Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: *Mental Health Issues ^Identifying and Assessing Capabilities and Needs

E07 Tobacco Cessation

5/3/2024 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Presenter: Victoria Adams, Tobacco Program Coordinator, Adjunct Instructor, Southern Connecticut State Universi

E07 Tobacco Cessation

Victoria Adams, Tobacco Program Coordinator, Adjunct Instructor, Southern Connecticut State University

 

This session will describe how nicotine dependence is developed and how to assist those living with an addiction. Strategies including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and pharmacotherapy will be discussed. Community and national tobacco cessation resources will also be addressed.

 

 

Learning Objectives:

·Participants will learn about the resources available at the state and national level.

·Participants will learn about the addictive nature of tobacco.

·Participants will be taught strategies to assist those with tobacco dependence.

 

Level: Beginner

Track: Family & Youth, Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: *Drug Use and Abuse by Elders +Medications and Older Adults

E09 Vision to Reality! Practical Strategies to Turn Wellness Goals into Lifestyle Habits

5/3/2024 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Presenter: Heather H. Main, M.Ed, Owner, Main Wellness Works

E09 Vision to Reality! Practical Strategies to Turn Wellness Goals into Lifestyle Habits

Heather H. Main, M.Ed, Owner, Main Wellness Works

 

We all have health-related goals and know things we “should be doing” to improve our health, and it can get a bit overwhelming, especially when one is tired and stressed. This workshop is for anyone who wants to get focused on a particular health goal, even if they don't know which health goal that might be! In the first half of the workshop, we will identify each person’s personal #1 health priority based on an activity about visualizing optimal health and well-being. In the second half, we will dig into practical, science-based strategies for how to make initial changes that will lead to early successes and fuel motivation for ensuing efforts and greater successes. We will address topics such as how to set the right goal and how to know when the goal is right for you, identifying self-determined strategies that will be effective for each individual, identifying what types of support would be beneficial for the challenges of meaningful health behavior change and how to access that support. We’ll also address responding to barriers of success and what to do when motivation sags, or a backslide of progress. The workshop will be presented with love, empathy, and a good sense of humor. Health change is hard, but the payoff is amazing. What do you dream of?

 

Learning Objectives:

·Identify a health priority that is intrinsically motivated and motivating.

·Write one to three goals that are specific, measurable, realistic, and offer motivation in and of themselves.

·Cultivate several ideas that are personally appealing and feel appropriate for HOW to begin working on these goals.

 

Level: All

Track: Professional Development

HUD Category: +Healthy Aging

E11 Pest Management: Bedbugs, Inspections, Preparation, and After Care

5/3/2024 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Presenter: Brad Hall, Commercial Division Manager, NW Pest Control

E11 Pest Management: Bedbugs, Inspections, Preparation, and After Care

Brad Hall, Commercial Division Manager, NW Pest Control

 

We don’t like to think about it, but we need to talk about it! Its important to learn about bedbugs and other pests that could wreak havoc in our communities. In this workshop we will discuss integrated pest management including how to identify a pest and understand the next action steps after identification, how to improve overall relations with pest management companies, and how to best communicate with residents in order to achieve a expedient remediation of any pest issues in their units.,

 

Learning Objectives:

·Understand integrated pest management

·Learn how to identify bedbugs and other pests.

·Gain an understanding of how to best work with the pest management vendor and the residents affected.

 

Level: Beginner

Track: family & Youth, Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities

HUD Category: ^Crisis Prevention and Intervention