MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Your donation will help MHA provide services throughout Western Massachusetts to people impacted by mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorder and homelessness.
When Lives Change,
There is a New Way
After acquiring a brain injury through trauma or stroke, or surviving a life-altering illness, an individual must move on, in a new way. A person’s life has been dramatically changed. There can be physical, cognitive, behavioral and emotional changes-and managing them successfully is not an easy process. It takes time and support from others to learn new ways of doing everyday things. MHA’s individualized programming through New Way assists people with reclaiming abilities, developing skills, preparing for employment, and re-engaging with family, friends and community. Together we help them live their new, best life by supporting them in achieving goals they identify:
- Greater independence through skill building
- Community integration through social skills and natural supports
- Self-esteem and emotional regulation through leisure activities
- Health and wellness through a whole-person approach
Recovery can be thought of as a journey. New Way helps each person on the journey that is uniquely theirs.
Community Living
New Way residents take part in household activities such as grocery shopping, laundry and house cleaning. They may go to appointments for medical care, physical therapy or occupational therapy. New Way residents are also members of the communities where they live. They have their hair cut at the local salon, visit family members and attend religious services. Some go to work or volunteer. They also may attend vocational training, recreational activities or social outings, such as those offered by The Resource Center, a day program of MHA. When necessary, they use an adaptive van for transportation.
The Resource Center
The Resource Center, a day program of MHA, helps members overcome barriers through natural, sustainable community supports and life-stage appropriate accommodations in relevant parts of their lives. By designing services and interventions individually, we seek to honor pre-injury lifestyle, culture, family and environment. Every program and activity we offer creates opportunities for independence.
Typical Neighborhood Homes
Inside, New Way Services look like a typical family home with universal access. Outside, they look like any other nicely maintained home in the neighborhood. MHA owns the homes and the land, and we are responsible for each site. We own a property management firm, Association Properties Group, Inc., that specializes in home maintenance for nonprofit organizations. Their crews are regularly on site to ensure our homes are clean, bright and welcoming. Gardening is a popular activity for residents and staff alike so it is not unusual to find raised-bed gardens with fresh fruits and vegetables at most MHA New Way homes.
New Way Residences
MHA’s New Way residences are a pioneering approach to comprehensive 24/7 care, offering a less expensive and more meaningful community alternative to institutional care in a nursing home. Each New Way residence is home to four adults who may have cognitive, mental health and physical challenges as a result of their injury or illness. New Way professional residential support specialists are trained and certified in medication administration, first aid, CPR and other relevant skills. Additional services, including nursing, clinical, physical and occupational therapy are provided in order to further support the health and wellness of every resident. Health care coordination is an important part of our work.
Get In Touch
To learn more about MHA’s Acquired Brain Injury program, contact:
nws@mhainc.org
Please complete the form below to contact us. We utilize secure transfer and encryption for all information submitted in this form however for your personal safety, please do not submit any insurance account numbers, social security numbers, or other highly sensitive information.
Real Life. Real Support.