Center for Human Development

It’s only fitting during National Foster Care Month that we recognize Employee of the Month recipient Susan Raimer, a homefinder for CHD’s Foster Care Program for 26 years. She is pictured holding her Employee of the Month backpack with her fellow colleagues.

“Susan has outstanding organizational skills and dedication to families, especially during the holiday season, implementing and executing gift-giving in large volumes,” according to the nomination. “She nurtures a very friendly and inclusive environment within her department and throughout CHD. Her dedication and extensive experience within her program are endless. With Susan's passion for inclusivity, enlightening personality, and the ability to stay positive, focused and driven, she sets the tone for her peers.”

It was also noted that in 2023 Raimer received a Game Changer award from the Springfield Thunderbirds, an accolade to recognize someone who has made a difference in the Pioneer Valley community through their selfless acts and dedication.

CHD’s Early Intervention (EI) program recently received over 100 bagged crafts and activities for EI’s older children and family members. These great gift bags were made by MassMutual employees in a volunteer effort called “Live Mutual” and dropped off by the United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV).

Pictured (L-R) are UWPV Chief of Community Engagement Alexandra Maggio, UWPV Administration and Engagement Manager Katie Wajda, and EI Program Director Erinne Gorneault.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

CHD’s STAR Psychiatric Day Treatment program on State Street in Springfield effectively uses art therapy to complement its outpatient therapy services and mental health treatment groups. Last month, STAR was well-represented at an art show sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Western Massachusetts (NAMI-Western Massachusetts, Inc.) at the Chicopee Public Library.

CHD Clients’ Art Therapy Creations in Local Exhibit | CHD Art therapy can be valuable in helping those dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and addictions, according to several studies. This treatment approach has long been recognized as beneficial to mental health clients, especially in the decades since the term “art therapy” was first used by a...

It's National Foster Care Month!

Our Foster Care program held an appreciation dinner last Wednesday at La Cucina di Hampden House in Hampden to celebrate our foster parents and their incredible contributions in the lives of foster youth.

Speaking were CHD Foster Care Program Director Rhonda Young, Vice President of Community Based Services Dr. William Dávila, and President and CEO Jim Goodwin.

“I’ve always said that there’s a special place in heaven for parents who open their home for kids in need—kids who are in the most difficult times in their lives,” said Goodwin.

To learn how you can make a difference as a CHD foster parent, visit chd.org/fosterparent.

Former UConn Football running back Arkeel Newsome recently led a chair exercise session at the CHD Hospitality Center in Waterbury, CT. Newsome played for both the Waterbury Knights and Waterbury Patriots youth football teams, and then for nearby Ansonia High School, where he set state rushing records.

Newsome is a prolific volunteer who teaches football skills to inner city youth and hosts an annual school supplies giveaway. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” he said, quoting Mahatma Gandhi.

The Hospitality Center is a safe haven where people experiencing homelessness can take care of basic needs so they can move toward stability. Participants have access to laundry, showers, food, and computers, and they also receive vital social services from case managers.