Testimonials
View AllI look forward to coming to work every day, not something that can be said for all jobs and employers! I feel supported as a professional and as a person with a life outside of work. I appreciate an environment that fosters professional development and personal growth and encourages me to draw on my individual talents. I have had great mentors who helped me to grow in my career and navigate the challenges of this important work. HCRS staff have a sense of humor that helps us get through the stressful situations that arise, with great collaboration and teamwork!
Shared Living Providers Info Page
HCRS Contacts
Laurie Panther, M.S., Program Development Manager
(802) 952-3936 or lpanther@hcrs.org
Ashley Crowley, Residential Developer
(802) 282-9557 or acrowley@hcrs.org
Amy Bernier, Residential Developer
(802) 281-2593 or abernier@hcrs.org
As a Shared Living Provider for HCRS, you are providing the folks we serve the opportunity to build independent living skills, supporting them in accessing their communities, and allowing them to expand their skills in a safe, supportive environment. The work you do as a Shared Living Provider is demanding and can have its own unique challenges.
This webpage is designed to support better communication between HCRS and you. We hope you find it to be a valuable resource, and we welcome your feedback on additional resources we can provide for you here. Please reach out to Laurie with your thoughts and check back frequently as this webpage takes shape!
ZOOM - FALL TRAININGS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH RELIAS
Data on the Delta Variant shows that we still are not ready for in-person training. Links will be sent to you from Relias.
ZOOM - HOW TO LOG INTO RELIAS
LINK DIRECTLY INTO RELIAS
https://hcrs.training.reliaslearning.com
SLP MINI-GRANT FOR HOME INSPECTION
How it works: if an SLP is found through the 5 year inspection process to not meet a regulation, or if all SLPs need to meet a new regulation; and meeting that regulation creates a financial burden on them, the SLP can apply for a mini-grant from Program Development. As funds are available, the mini-grants are generally for $60.00. This is a reimbursement program and receipts are required.
Application Process:
1. Download and complete the Mini-Grant Application. For you convenience there is a hard copy in your SLP Binder.
2. Submit the fully completed application, and the receipt for the item, to Attn: Laurie Panther, HCRS Elm Street, Brattleboro VT 05301, or email it to: slp@hcrs.org.
3. Applications will be reviewed by Program Development. Approved funds will be sent as a direct deposit outside of payroll deposits.
Note: An SLP may only apply for a mini-grant one time per state fiscal year.
PAYROLL SAVINGS PLAN FOR HOME INSPECTION
We have developed a plan to help cover expenses above $60.
How it works: a lump sum would be accrued by setting aside an amount from an SLPs payroll deposit
- The amount to set aside from payroll is determined in collaboration with the Program Development Manager (could be a certain amount every pay period, or once per month)
Send your request for a payroll savings plan to: slp@hcrs.org.
SLP Support Team
New to the profession? Have a challenging situation? Feeling isolated? Or want to run an idea by another SLP? We now have veteran SLPs who want to support their comrades! David & Doreen Scott and Naomi Welch.
David & Doreen: (802) 885-2414 (scottparents2@gmail.com)
Movies About People with Disabilities
Crip Camp: On the heels of Woodstock, a group of teen campers are inspired to join the fight for disability civil rights. This spirited look at grassroots activism is executive produced by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. This movie is available free on YouTube.
Intelligent Lives: From award-winning filmmaker Dan Habib comes INTELLIGENT LIVES, a catalyst to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility for the most systematically segregated people in America. INTELLIGENT LIVES starts three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities - Micah, Naieer, and Naomie - who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Cooper contextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional personal story of his son, Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the U.S. INTELLIGENT LIVES challenges what it means to be intelligent and points to a future in which people of all abilities can fully participate in higher education, meaningful employment, and intimate relationships. This movie is available on Amazon Prime.
SLP Wellness Information
Want to quit smoking? Here's a link to some help. Click on this link to connect to 802Quits. They also have a toll-free number: 800-QUIT-NOW.
Get out of the house for a hike in one of our local State parks. Click on this link to see the State Park information. And on this one for maps.
Meditation: It's not just for hippies anymore! At our last SLP training, meditation came up during the Self Care break-out group. Here are some links to informational videos:
A simple way to get started with a 5 minute meditation
The scientific benefits of meditation
Fitness & Resilience Supports
What and Why: Fitness and resilience of our clients is improved when the SLPs Fitness and Resilience is improved. Covid-19 is not going away any time soon, and there is much research showing that a strong immune system can help with fighting the virus. Health stressors such as cigarette smoking, obesity, advances age, and related conditions can be relieved with some attention. Eating more vegetables, working out, going to parks, and/or quitting or reducing intake of toxic foods, and intoxicants are all strategies we support. Here are some examples of types of items you many want to access: produce boxes, home exercise items (free weights, resistance bands, etc.), healthy eating apps, head space meditation app, stress reduction/self-care hobby supplies.
How it works: An individual SLP applies for the support. As funds are available, the support would cover up $25.00 of an item or a combination of items up to $60.00. This is a reimbursement program and receipts are required.
Application Process:
1. Download and complete F&R application. For you convenience there is a hard copy in your SLP Binder.
2. Submit the fully completed application, and the receipt for the item(s) to Attn: Laurie Panther, HCRS Elm Street, Brattleboro VT 05301, or email it to: slp@hcrs.org
3. Applications will be reviewed by Program Development. Approved funds will be sent as a direct deposit outside of payroll deposits.
Note: An SLP may only apply one time, for the Fitness and resilience support.
More SLP Resources
Background Checks - VT Residents
Background Checks - NH Residents
Joblink Announcment Finding - Finding Respite Providers
