THE VOICE
JANUARY 2025
LEADERSHIP LETTER
Happy New Year 2025
Dear Friends,
As we welcome in the new year, I am filled with gratitude and hope as I reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared at Vinfen over the past year. The stories of resilience, growth, and connection featured here in The VOICE offer just a few examples of the meaningful impact of our collective efforts to support individuals in living independent and fulfilling lives.
In 2024, Vinfen celebrated many significant accomplishments and milestones. From expanding our Community Behavioral Health Center in Lowell, to advancing digital equity for individuals with disabilities, we have made strides toward bridging gaps and enhancing access to vital resources. With the tireless dedication of our more than 3,000 employees, we have strengthened our ability to serve more communities across Massachusetts and Connecticut.
As we move forward, our vision remains steadfast: to innovate, empower, and transform. In 2025, we aim to deepen our partnerships, expand our reach, and continue advocating for person-centered care that meets the unique needs of every individual. Together, we are creating pathways to opportunity and transformation.
In this issue of The VOICE, you’ll meet Diane Lawson and hear about her unwavering support for her son Blue, who lives in one of Vinfen’s group residences. You’ll read about the generosity of the Costello Family Fund, and the joy they spread over the holidays for the participants in our Rockland Day Habilitation program. And you’ll learn all the latest news about Vinfen’s 18th Annual Film Festival, which takes place on Saturday, March 15.
Thank you for being an integral part of our Vinfen family. Your support, passion, and belief in our mission are the driving forces behind our achievements. Let us embrace 2025 with optimism, determination, and a continued shared commitment to making a difference.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and transformative new year.
Warm regards,
Jean Yang
Chief Executive Officer, Vinfen
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Vinfen Homeless Outreach and Engagement Team
For individuals experiencing homelessness, basic existence is tremendously difficult even at the best of times. When winter comes to New England, though—bringing with it snow and ice, biting wind, and bitter, dangerous cold—the challenges faced by those who are unsheltered become more extraordinary, with assistance even more critically needed.
In communities across Cape Cod, Vinfen’s Homeless Outreach and Engagement Team (HOET) represents a significant part of the continuum of care available to individuals experiencing homelessness. Based in Hyannis and covering the Cape, HOET’s mission is to build connections with the most difficult to reach members of the homeless community—including those with mental health challenges—and help them access resources like primary medical care, shelter, and congregate housing referrals, and other services offered through the Department of Mental Health.
“We’re very much a frontline, person-centric resource,” says Robyn Argo, HOET Team Leader. “We go out into the community to do assessments with folks who need help, work to quickly identify their needs and the service providers that can address those needs, and help them navigate that process. We’re not here to push anybody in any direction they may not be ready to go in, but more of a conduit to connect people who need care with the entities that can provide it.”
The members of HOET—Argo, clinician Donna Jackson, and outreach worker Lavard Blanche—generally work with 20-25 people at any given time and connect with individuals in various venues. Some people come through the program office in Hyannis, while others make their way to HOET through the regular coffeehouses they offer at St. Francis Xavier Church.
Argo says the team frequently makes its initial contact with clients out in the community—wherever they may be choosing to seek shelter—which can present some challenges specific to Cape Cod.
“There are a lot of people who are unhoused that are difficult to keep track of or even find—the Cape has a lot of empty space and conservation land, where people may choose to live,” says Argo. “So, it’s not unusual for us to be traveling into some remote territory to find people who need assistance—and during the summer, when the Cape is crowded, that process can be slow going.”
Helping people who are unhoused, in some cases for long periods of time, is most often a nonlinear process. There are stops and starts, and the ability for HOET to successfully build trust with individuals requires equal parts persistence and perseverance.
“A lot of times, when we first make contact with someone, we’ll start off by providing basic needs—backpacks with blankets, personal care items, snacks,” Argo says. “From there, we’ll try to build that rapport and trust, to help them achieve their goals, and eventually pursue stable housing.”
But, when a breakthrough connection is finally achieved, Argo says, the result can be life changing. “Last summer, we found a young man sleeping in the woods. He had previously diagnosed mental health issues, and had left his parents and a treatment program. It took a long time, but by winter, we got him to agree to attend a seasonal shelter program, where he did really well and built some solid connections. We recently learned that he’d received a voucher for his own apartment. It was wonderful to see someone go through the whole process and have such a successful outcome.”
HOET receives some assistance from community members who share their passion for helping unhoused individuals—everything from simple items like sleeping bags, deodorant and feminine hygiene products, cold weather gear (jackets, hats, gloves, scarves), socks, and underwear to cash donations, which HOET can use to purchase hotel vouchers for people who may just need to come in from the cold for a night or two.
“There’s a strong community here on Cape Cod, and even people who are currently unhoused can feel a very deep connection to it,” Argo says. “We meet many people who have lived here all their lives, and don’t want to leave it, even to receive housing. So, it’s very important to us—and to them—that we are a resource that can provide services here, where they feel some sense of home and belonging.”
Our website provides more information about HOET and Vinfen’s full range of housing and homeless services.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Local Family Honors Loved Ones’ Memory Through Philanthropy
The holidays were brighter at Vinfen’s Rockland Day Habilitation (RDH) thanks to the big hearts and generosity of the Costello Family. For the third consecutive year, the Mary and Nancy Costello Fund kindly donated holiday gift cards for all who attend our day program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as funds earmarked for holiday celebrations at the program. The generous gift totaled over $2,000.
“The Costellos are amazing, and their kindness makes a tremendous difference to those we serve around the holidays,” says Amy Downing, assistant program director at RDH. “The gratitude they’ve shown to our staff is wonderful and really raises spirits whenever they come to visit the program.”
Since its inception just a few years ago, the charitable fund has made it its mission to support organizations that provide direct support to people with disabilities, while also funding scholarships for individuals pursuing careers in human services. It was established in honor of the late Mary and Nancy Costello, twin sisters with developmental disabilities. Mary Costello was a former service recipient at the Rockland program.
“When my aunts passed away—just a few months apart in 2020 and 2021—it left a huge void in my family,” recalls Molly Grew, the twins’ niece. “They were the kind of people who lit up a room, full of warmth and joy, and they always made people feel wonderful. And we decided, as a family, that we wanted to create something that could keep their memory alive and continue to spread that joy.”
Molly says that when the decision was made to create a charitable foundation honoring the sisters, Vinfen was always going to be one of the first beneficiaries. “Rockland Day Hab was such a warm, safe and comfortable place for Mary,” Molly says. “She would come home every day so excited, so full of stories about all her friends there. It was a place where she was loved and accepted. So, we always wanted to find a way to give back.”
One longtime RDH staffer (who wishes to remain anonymous) was particularly close with Mary, and recalls her as someone who not only derived great joy from the program but also returned that joy to her fellow participants and the program staff. “Mary was always happy, and enjoyed seeing other people smile and laugh,” she says. “Mary always advocated for herself and really acted like a mother to all her peers—always happy to guide them in what they needed to do.”
This staffer remembers Mary as a particularly sociable person, always happy to engage others in conversation. “Lunchtime was always a favorite time of hers. She was always interested in what other people had for lunch, and would make the rounds asking ‘Whattya got there?’ And I remember that when she received her new glasses, she was so proud of them, she wanted everyone to see them. Mary really captured a place in everyone's heart.”
In addition to their kind contributions to Vinfen, the Costello family has donated to other organizations that have played a part of their family’s lives—like Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the special education program in the Brockton Public Schools, where Mary and Nancy attended school as children. They’ve raised money through local fundraisers that have expanded their supporter base in the community, and they expect to soon have a dedicated website for the Costello Fund that will expand their reach further. But, Molly says, their connection to Vinfen is one that only has strengthened over the years.
“My parents and grandparents, and my whole family, feel so blessed that Mary found a place in Rockland that embraced her and made her truly happy,” she says. “We’re thrilled to have the chance to continue to be part of Vinfen’s mission and to support that community.”
STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
WRAPping Up 2024 In Style
Vinfen hosted a WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Seminar III – Advanced Level Facilitator (ALF) training at our Lincoln Street training center in November—an event that drew participants from across North America, including Massachusetts, Illinois, Texas, Vancouver (Canada), and Idaho. Vinfen is one of very few organizations in the state that boasts multiple ALFs on staff, which qualifies us as a venue to offer this key “train-the-trainer” seminar.
WRAP is a simple and powerful process, utilized by many individuals Vinfen serves to help them identify tools that keep them well and create action plans that allow them to put those tools into practice in their everyday lives. All along the way, WRAP incorporates key recovery concepts and wellness tools that help individuals identify what may throw them off track, develop a plan to keep moving forward, and stay in control even in a crisis.
Human services professionals who learn the WRAP process can then become Certified WRAP Facilitators and deliver the group-based WRAP intervention to the people we serve.
At the November training seminar, Vinfen’s Adam Whitney and Janel Tan were recertified as Level III ALFs—the highest level of WRAP credentialling—while their colleague Julie Anne Entwistle was newly certified. We congratulate all three of them for their achievement, and the work they do in helping those we serve achieve and maintain personal wellness through WRAP!
Participants in the WRAP Seminar III training hosted in November by Vinfen (Vinfen staff names in bold): Julie Anne H. Entwistle, Adam Whitney, Cameron S. Rail, Amber Haus, Steven Walker, Janel Tan, Mydalia Cotto, Amy Maute, Laneisha Walker, and Monica Sterling.
GATEWAY MOVES
Supporters Get A Peek at the New Gateway Arts
On January 16, supporters of Vinfen’s Gateway Arts program got the chance to catch a glimpse of the art studio’s new digs at the special Gateway Moves fundraiser. The theme was “Construction Chic” and dozens of supporters of Vinfen’s Gateway Arts donned hardhats and construction vests to support Gateway Arts’ new workspace-in-progress.
Since 1979, Gateway—an internationally-acclaimed studio art center for adult artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, and mental health conditions—has been located on Harvard Street in Brookline Village. Recently, Gateway signed a new 10-year lease for a larger location nearby at 9-21 Station Street.
The 200 guests who attended Gateway Moves got to participate in an exclusive art sale, enjoy delicious food from Chef Ana Sortun of Sofra, and honor State Representative Tommy Vitolo as he received this year’s Beverly Bernson Award. The wonderful event raised $200,000, with all proceeds supporting the renovation and move to the new studio.
We are grateful to everyone who attended in support of our Gateway artists!
VINFEN HAPPENINGS
Tickets for The Vinfen Film Festival On Sale Now!
There are less than two months to go until The Vinfen Film Festival, and tickets are now available for our signature event—taking place on Saturday, March 15, at GBH Studios in Boston!
Visit www.vinfen.org/film-festival to purchase tickets to this extraordinary afternoon of inspiring, thought-provoking feature-length and short films followed by panel discussions with filmmakers, human services professionals, and individuals with lived experience.
In addition to features Gary Gulman: The Great Depresh, Being Michelle, and The Ride Ahead, we’re proud to be screening a diverse collection of short films, including:
- Roads to Recovery: Substance use disorder is embedded in nearly every New England community. Roads to Recovery - Overdose and Brain Injury looks at anoxic brain injury, one of the lesser-known effects of overdose. Through the personal stories of survivors of overdose, the film looks at what happens to the brain during and after an event and how it can affect treatment and recovery.
- Vince: The Punctual Vagrant: Sarah Falkiner‘s short drama offers a raw exploration of urban homelessness through the lens of Vince (Mike Green) and his makeshift family of fellow homeless individuals, George (Arch Harmon) and Cindy (Adria Dawn). The narrative delves into their daily struggles, highlighting the lack of societal support and respect they receive and the barriers they face in living with mental health challenges and addiction.
- Jelly Brain: Following a devastating traumatic brain injury, Debra was thrown into a new twisted reality she did not understand. Through the unwavering love of her family, Debra will attempt to accept the implications of her injury, search for hope, and unearth a new her as a person and a mother.
If you’re planning to join us, DON’T WAIT—purchase your tickets today! The event is expected to sell out, so you don’t want to miss your chance to be part of this wonderful event. We hope to see you all on March 15!
VINFEN IN THE COMMUNITY
On December 6, Vinfen President and CEO Jean Yang, along with other members of our leadership team, enjoyed a great and productive meeting with Lawrence Mayor Brian De Peña and his staff, members of the Lawrence Police Department—including Acting Chief of Police Millix Bonilla—former Representative Jeffrey Sánchez, and other stakeholders to address the mental health needs of the Lawrence community. We are proud to partner with the City of Lawrence to continue this critical work together.
PLYMOUTH BAY CLUBHOUSE
Pasta, People, and Plymouth!
On November 22, Vinfen’s Plymouth Bay Clubhouse hosted their annual Italian Night Fundraiser at Plymouth’s American Legion Hall. The event, which supports Plymouth Bay’s social and recreational programs, as well as our Clubhouse training and development for staff and members, was a tremendous success, drawing 160 attendees and raising more than $7,000.
Planning for this very special event was spearheaded by Employment Specialist Tony Gregory, and more than two dozen Plymouth Clubhouse members were involved in the planning and execution. The evening featured a delicious Italian dinner; giveaways of more than 50 great prizes donated from local businesses, friends and family of Clubhouse members; and live music from the Clubhouse’s resident band Set In Stone. They performed a set that included an original song about the Clubhouse, "Step on Up," and the band's drummer, Jim M., offered a moving testimonial about how Plymouth Bay changed his life and gave him a reason to live when he was at his lowest point.
In addition to funding activities and programs with Plymouth Bay, some proceeds from the evening will be earmarked toward travel expenses for Megan G., a Clubhouse member who was recently accepted into the Clubhouse International faculty training. Successful completion of that training will qualify Megan to become part of the team of members that travels to Clubhouses across the country (and possibly internationally) to perform accreditation visits.
Topping things off, in a stunning display of generosity, an anonymous donor pledged a $7,500 grant toward the same fund, which brought the overall amount raised to more than $14,000. All of us at Vinfen are profoundly grateful to everyone who attended Italian Night and gave so generously in support of our members!
STAFF APRECIATION
Vinfen Staff Celebrate the Holidays with Food, Fun, and Friendship
On December 12, staff from across Vinfen’s Developmental and Brain Injury Services division gathered for a Holiday Open House celebration at our West Newton offices. Since Vinfen is a 24-hour-a-day operation, the event was set up as a daylong celebration, giving employees the opportunity to attend regardless of what shift they work. So, whether they came early for a breakfast buffet, or enjoyed a range of international cuisine options and sweet treats throughout the day, those who attended got to mix and mingle with their co-workers, play festive holiday games for fun prizes, and just take some time to celebrate the season. Vinfen was pleased to have this opportunity to acknowledge staff for the wonderful work they do all year long!
VINFEN VOICES
Blue and Diane Lawson
Diane Lawson was recently honored at Vinfen’s Family Celebration for her work as a partner, advocate, and most importantly as a devoted mom. Diane’s son, Blue, lives in one of Vinfen’s group residences on Cape Cod for individuals with mental health challenges. As a parent, she’s an outspoken advocate for people with mental illness, and on a personal level, she’s always welcomed Blue’s housemates to join them for activities and excursions. In addition, Diane is a professional builder and landscaper and has led the work on a number of improvement projects at Blue’s residence, including building fences and home remodeling. We’re profoundly grateful for the ways Diane has worked with our staff to make life better for Blue and the others we serve.
Here is more about Diane and Blue’s story, in their own words!
SHARE YOUR VOICE
Do you have questions about Vinfen and our services? Thoughts about any of the stories you just read? Suggestions about things you’d like to see in future newsletters? Wondering how you can help support Vinfen’s work? We want to hear from you! Feel free to drop a line to Josh Wardrop at wardropj@vinfen.org with your feedback and questions. And thank you for reading The VOICE!
Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve.
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