In the News

Community Crossroads 2012 Annual Report

March 3, 2013: At the beginning of December, 2012, Community Crossroads and its provider agencies were providing services and supports to 921 individuals and their families, an increase of 79 over the previous December. Review our 2012 Annual Report to learn more about the exciting accomplishments and upcoming opportunities!

Community Crossroads Salutes Direct Support Professionals

November 7, 2012: Our very own Joy Flannery was honored as the DSP Home care provider of the year at this year’s DSP conference on October 12. Everyone who knows Joy and Jeanne can see the bond that they have and how their relationship goes way beyond the usual home provider relationship. Community Crossroads recognized Joy at our Community Partner’s event that was held at the Atkinson Country Club on October 4th. We also recognized two other DSP professionals Jessica Karcz, and Sharon Wallace who have set the bar high with their dedication and determination to make the lives of individuals that they work with fulfilling and meaningful. We here at Community Crossroads feel lucky to have had these three wonderful ladies nominated. Read more, and see the $25 gift card winners!

It's Not OK That We Don't Know

September 20, 2012: Community Crossroads in conjunction with 1L Media has produced two short videos on Medicaid Managed Care by and for families. These videos entitled “It’s Not OK That We Don’t Know” are intended to educate New Hampshire families on the potential impact that managed Care could have on the services which they currently receive from their local area agency.

New Benefits Guidebook for Veterans With Disabilities

August 22, 2012: In response to a need for more easily accessible and organized information on governmental benefits available to veterans and their families, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF), in collaboration with Griffin-Hammis Associates LLC, has released the publication “Navigating Government Benefits & Employment: A Guidebook for Veterans with Disabilities.”

The four-part guide details monetary, health care and employment services and support benefits, and helps outline the interaction between government benefits and employment or self-employment. The goal is to provide veterans and their families enough information to understand how work income can affect benefits. It provides tools so they can stay financially secure while remaining eligible for supports and services, and assists in transitioning away from supports when appropriate, in a planned process. The guidebook focuses primarily on benefit programs that are the most frequently accessed by veterans and their families, such as those issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Defense (DoD) and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).

Important Medicaid Changes That Can Impact You

August 12, 2012: NH has signed on with three Managed Care Organizations to manage all of NH Medicaid. Everyone on Medicaid will need to select a Care Management Health Plan for medical services such as doctors visits, inpatient and outpatient hospital visits, etc.

In mid-September all Medicaid recipients will be receiving a letter notifying them that this is coming. In mid October all recipients will receive another letter with specific information on each of the 3 MCO's with a side by side comparison. The enrollment period begins November 1st and individuals will have 45 days to make their decision. If they do not make a choice the decision will be made for them by January, 2013. (All dates subject to change.

Community Crossroads Grant Committee Awards Scholarships

August 12, 2012: Recently the Community Crossroads Grant Committee awarded 6 high school seniors scholarships. Each recipient received a check for $500.00. The following students submitted their winning essays to Community Crossroads: Catherine Fazioli and Jenny Zhang both from Salem High School; Christina DiSalvo Pinkerton Academy; Katie Tomasi, Timberlane Regional High School; Stacy Foote, Pelham High School; Sara Homan, Sanborn Regional High School and Jillian Sciuto, Windham High School.

NH Healthy Kids is Changing its Name

June 1, 2012: DHHS announced on May 2, 2012 a transition of the NH "Healthy Kids" Program. Starting July 1, 2012, NH Healthy Kids Gold and Healthy Kids Silver will be called NH Medicaid. Families will receive new insurance cards from NH Medicaid for their children at the beginning of June. The card is for both medical and dental coverage. In addition to no out of pocket expense, with the transition to Medicaid administered by DHHS, children will have coverage for additional services that were not available on "Healthy Kids Silver" coverage. For additional information about Medicaid for children in NH, visit the DHHS website. For important phone numbers and web-sites click here.

Dee Johnson Receives National Award

May 24, 2012: We are very pleased to announce that Deanna Johnson has been credentialed by APSE as a Certified Employment Support Professional. This was a very competitive process and required passing a comprehensive examination, which Dee accomplished with flying colors. APSE is the only national organization with an exclusive focus on integrated employment and career opportunities for individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Originally founded in 1988, as Association for Persons in Supported Employment and is now known as APSE, whose mission is Advancing Employment- Connecting People.

Dee has taken on a leadership role in our agency and community by encouraging and promoting employment opportunities for the individuals we serve. This is extremely important not only for each individual, but for our agency. On the state and national level employment has become a high priority.

Cynthia Mahar Selected to National Leadership Institute

We have just been notified that Cynthia Mahar has been selected to participate in the National Leadership Institute at the University of Delaware in July. This intensive weeklong Institute is designed for established leaders in the field of developmental disabilities from around the country who are interested in learning advanced leadership skills to benefit their agencies and the field in general.

Cynthia was selected through a highly competitive process and will be one of only 25 participants in this year’s class. Overall, this will be the 15th Leadership Institute class and she will join approximately 325 previous graduates from throughout the country. The Institute is part of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities which was established with the goal of developing the next generation of leaders. The Consortium is made up of several national organizations including AAIDD, ANCOR, The ARC of the United States, and the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services.

Cathy Spinney Awarded the Brianna Dillon Leadership Medal

The UNH Institute on Disability announced at the NH Leadership Series Reunion on Friday April 13th , that our own Cathy Spinney had been awarded the second annual Brianna Dillon Leadership Medal.

This medal is presented annually to an individual who has shown creative leadership in, and commitment to, the full participation of all people in the political and cultural life of New Hampshire. Last year’s recipient was former Senator Maggie Hassan who is currently a candidate for Governor.

Behavioral Consultant Services Available through Community Crossroads

Community Crossroads contracts with a behavioral consultant who offers in-home consultations on a monthly basis as needed. Her schedule is limited. If you are struggling with behavioral issues with your child, please contact Anita Trudel at Community Crossroads to set up an appointment. Call 893-1299 X334 or atrudel@communitycrossroadsnh.org.

Medicaid Reference Desk Returns

The Arc has re-launched the Medicaid Reference Desk with support from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD). The site, aimed at self-advocates, provides an overview of the services available to people with developmental disabilities in each state, offering a state-by-state breakdown of available Medicaid benefits.

The site has information on Medicaid plans in each state and territory, including plans I/DD waivers, and a Person-Centered Planning tool “To help people think about what they want their lives to be like—at home, at work, in the community—and figure out what health care services they need to make this happen.” The site is intended as a guide to show self-advocates “What questions to ask, where to look, and what to expect when trying to get Medicaid health coverage.” In addition to providing basic information about each state’s offerings, the reference desk also features a glossary of common terms and a selection of frequently asked questions about Medicaid benefits.

For More Information: The Medicaid Reference Desk is available at http://www.thedesk.info/

Community Crossroads Nominated for Non-Profit of the Year

Through the efforts of Enterprise Bank and their commitment to our communities, Community Crossroads was recently selected as a nominee for the 2011 Community of Excellence Awards. The event was held at the Lowell Auditorium and the Keynote Speaker was Chris Gardner, Entrepreneur and real-life inspiration for the Will Smith Oscar-nominated film, The Pursuit of Happiness.

The celebration of excellence event, which drew over 1,500 people, recognizes the “dreamers and doers,” Enterprise CEO Jack Clancy said.

Community Crossroads, one of ten area agencies serving individuals with development disabilities and acquired brain disorders in the southern New Hampshire area, was nominated as non-profit of the year. This distinguished award was inspired by Enterprise Bank, who for the past 3 years has sought out entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profits, community service, and educators who have demonstrated a commitment of giving back to their communities.

Community Crossroads is privileged to be viewed among the “best of the best!” Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the non-profit of the year award; Ironstone Farm and D’Youville Life & Wellness Community. Together non-profit organizations across our community continue to make a positive difference in so many lives.