Spotlight

Get Involved

volunteer

The design and implementation of SC@N 360 is the direct result of a year long planning effort that included local families, organizations, and community and political leaders. Continued family and community involvement remains central to the successful implementation of this Project. Families, parents, children, professionals and students are always welcome to fill a variety of roles at SC@N 360 or attend one of the various trainings offered. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to become involved with our project.


Committee Picture

Steering Committee Member

Families have a direct role in the development and operation of the Center through participation on the SC@N 360 Steering Committee, the overall advisory body for the project, with family members comprising more than half of the Committee. Additional members include SC@N 360 staff and directors from our state and community partner agencies.

Members Include:
William Arnold III, Parent
Joni Beck-Brewer, Square One
Karen Cassidy, Thom
Gertrude Cox, Parent
Tory Dixon, STAVROS
Dana Dansereaux, Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change
Lorna Isaac, Parent
Jessica Kosiorek, SCAN 360
Juanita Molina, Parent
Roberta Perry, Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Peggy Sarno, Parent
Novlette Wilson, Parent and Western Regional Consultation Program

Staff Support Includes:
Cindy Balboni, Children's Coordinator, DDS Springfield/Westfield Office
Maureen Holland, Program Director, New North Citizens' Council
Chris Lynch, Area Director, DDS Springfield/Westfield Office
Doug McCallum, Family Support/Children's Services Director, DDS Central West Office
Margaret Van Gelder, Family Support Statewide Director, DDS Central Office
Caroline Wenck, Program Director, SC@N 360 Family Center

Hallowen celebration

Intern

Undergraduate and graduate students, with an interest in pursuing a career in disability services, are able to receive college credit working in collaboration with SC@N 360, our community partners, state partners and affiliations. Semester, summer and year-long internship positions are available.

Interns who have worked with the Center in the past have include students from American International College, Boston College, Elms College, and Springfield College.

Parent Mentor

Parent Mentor

SC@N 360 recruits and trains a host of diverse caregivers, whom we have worked with and supported in the past, to provide comprehensive one-on-one support to presently served priority group families. Since parent mentors have "walked the walk" they can be both empathetic and effective, ensuring families make successful connections with state and local programs and services that can comprehensively support our families in addressing their long-term needs.

Advocate Meeting

Special Education Advocate

The Federation for Children with Special Needs holds Bi-Annual Parent Consultant Trainings at SC@N 360, in affiliation with guest presenters from state and community agencies, for parents and professionals to learn more about state and federal Special Education laws and processes. Attendees are equipped with the knowledge and resources to collaborate effectively in order to better develop supports and services that enable children/students with disabilities to succeed. An optional component to complete a 50 hour internship is available to become certified as a Special Education Advocate.

Advocates are asked to give back to the Center by serving as volunteer Educational Advocates for families served by SC@N 360.

Picture of Volunteers

Volunteer

Opportunities are available for older youth and adults to serve in volunteer roles with the Center. Individuals are welcome to assist at special functions and activities, provide tutoring support or child care, or perform administrative office duties and cleaning services. Hours and duties are flexible and completed work may be credited toward community service hour requirements. Please Contact Us for a volunteer application or interview.

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