Program Updates:

Limited Services Resume at Waterbury’s Hospitality Center

Due to an overwhelming need to continue services to those experiencing homelessness and housing instability, CHD’s Hospitality Center in Waterbury, CT, has re-opened to provide shower, laundry and mail pick-up services between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Hospitality Center is strictly practicing social distancing to ensure the safety of its staff and participants. To minimize the amount of people in the Center at once, the City of Waterbury has ordered a heated tent be placed outside the Center for those who may have to wait to enter. In addition, the Center is not currently accepting physical donations in an added effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. The Hospitality Center thanks its community partners for their continued support and looks forward to returning to its full slate of services at the appropriate time.

Cancer House of Hope Programming Adapted or Temporarily Suspended

In line with CDC and Mass. DPH recommendations for actions to limit potential exposure to COVID-19, particularly for people considered to be at elevated risk, CHD temporarily suspended in-person programming at the Cancer House of Hope in March 2020. The Cancer House of Hope has transitioned many programs to a virtual format and continues to offer counseling services and drive-up wig services for participants on a by-appointment basis. To set up an appointment, please call 413-733-1858. Learn more about current virtual programs with CHD’s Cancer House of Hope.

All In Programming Adapted or Temporarily Suspended

In line with CDC and Mass. DPH recommendations for actions to limit potential exposure to COVID-19, particularly for people considered to be at elevated risk, CHD has temporarily suspended or adapted programming for All In in accordance with safety guidelines. For more information, please email program director Jess Levine at [email protected]. Learn more about current programs, including virtual programs, with All In.

Not Bread Alone Meal Service Modified

Beginning Wednesday, March 18 we implemented a “To Go” meal approach. There will be no tables or chairs set up and guests will be asked to select either a vegetarian or non-vegetarian prepacked bag outside the lower levels of the First Congregational Church of Amherst at 165 Main Street. We will follow the guidance of the CDC and the Amherst Health Department and will resume regular service as soon we feel it is safe to do so. Read more

CHD Media Links:

Center for Human Development honors essential workers during pandemic

In November 2020, CHD hosted a ‘parade of champions’ event to honor its dedicated and essential workforce. Nearly 400 workers lined up in cars outside of Chez Josef in Agawam and were treated to individually wrapped food, drinks, and other goodies provided by local vendors. Learn more.

Anxiety building up during approaching election, pandemic

Clinic Manager for CHD’s Outpatient Behavioral Health services Katelyn Merz was featured on Western Mass News to discuss looming anxiety associated with both the election and the pandemic. Learn more.

BusinessWest: COVID-19 Poses Challenges For Substance-Abuse Clients, Providers

Millie Rivas, who serves as clinical supervisor for CHD’s Outpatient Behavioral Health services, was featured by BusinessWest on the added challenges COVID-19 poses to those who live with substance use disorder, as well as challenges for providers. Read more.

CHD cancels ‘Through Her Eyes’ conference due to COVID-19 concerns

After careful consideration, and in accordance with Mass. guidelines on large gatherings, CHD decided not to hold its ‘Through Her Eyes’ human service conference in the fall of 2020. Learn more.

Napoli featured on WWLP on how CHD’s Early Intervention program is continuing service

CHD’s Early Intervention Program Supervisor Cindy Napoli was recently featured on WWLP to discuss how the program has adapted to continue services through telehealth. The program has been able to continue services to over 150 families as well as accept new referrals, including self-referrals by parents and guardians. Those in need of services can make a referral by calling 1-844-CHD-HELP. View full interview

Nicholson discusses homelessness and shelter resources on Connecting Point

CHD’s Director of Homelessness Services Theresa Nicholson recently spoke with Carolee McGrath on WGBY ’s Connecting Point to share how CHD’s shelter programs are continuing their mission despite the obstacles of the time. View the full interview

Cook discusses mental health and resources with Western Mass News

VP of Behavioral Health Katherine Cook was featured on Western Mass News’ segment of Coronavirus: Getting Answers, where she discussed the impact these challenging times can have on mental health and what can be done to help. CHD is continuing services though telehealth amid social distancing at 1-844-CHD-HELP. View full interview

Rivas consulted for expert insight on El Sol Latino’s Podcast 413

Clinical Supervisor for CHD’s Outpatient Behavioral Health Services Milagros Rivas called into El Sol Latino‘s ‘Podcast 413’ to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting mental health, focusing especially on that of the Latino population, across all ages, and how people can work to support their own well-being and that of their loved ones. Listen

Ciepiela calls into Bax and O’Brien show on Rock 102

CHD’s Director of Outpatient Services Lindsay Ciepiela called into Bax and O’Brien’s morning show on Rock 102 on Wednesday, March 18, to talk about ways people and work to protect their mental health amid the effects of COVID-19 and social distancing measures. Listen

Important Information for New & Prospective Employees

As we continue to provide essential services to meet the needs of the individuals and communities we serve, we are also maintaining our hiring processes for new candidates with modifications. Much of the hiring process can be done by phone, and our orientations for new hires will not be conducted in person until further notice. Click here to see employment opportunities at CHD.

CHD has suspended Monday morning orientations for new hires at the corporate office at 332 Birnie Ave in Springfield until further notice. All newhires should not attend orientation on Mondays and should simply complete their new hire orientation materials online. As part of this process, new hires will be contacted about where to report on their first day.

New hires should be prepared to present supporting I-9 documentation to the program’s administrative assistant or hiring manager within at least three days of their hire date. Click here to see a list of acceptable forms of I-9 documentation.

After the I-9 process is complete, new hires will be directed to contact the IT help desk at (413) 439-2200 to assist them with password resets, employee portal access and/or eHana.

All staff, including new hires, can use the [email protected] email address for all HR inquiries.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Resources:

• CDC Overview
• Symptoms
• Cases & Latest Updates
• Protect Yourself and Others
• Stress & Coping
• School & Childcare
• Frequently Asked Questions

Mental Health Resources:

• Mental Health & Wellness Tips during Social Distancing (CHD)
• COVID-19 Complete Mental Health Guide (Peak-Resilience)
• Taking Care of Mental Health in Uncertain Times (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
• Protecting Mental Health While Social Distancing (Talkspace)
• Maintaining Well-Being with Social Distance (Lark)