Community Connections, Fall 2013

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A MASSHOUSING COMMUNITY SERVICES UPDATE Fall 2013 Tamara, a single mother, moved in to her new residence five months prior where she intended to live happily with her daughter for years to come. Carol had been living at that same housing complex for 39 years, many of which included a long lasting struggle with breast cancer. Over the phone, she had explained that she was tired and couldn’t physically afford to deal with neighbor conflict. Tamara had expressed the same extent of frustration, and referred to a catastrophic amount of tension between the two women, stemming from a relationship that she once had with Carol’s nephew. I could feel the animosity over the phone while listening to each woman explain the mutual hate that had come between a once amicable relationship. When I met them in person, the very first negotiation took place before we could even escape the noisy and narrow hallway of their building. Carol initially refused to be in the same room with Tamara, while Tamara wanted to work directly with Carol so that she could be sure everything that was said would be true. After a few minutes of mediating their disagreement regarding the dynamics of the process, Carol told me that I would need to listen to the two women yelling at each other if I chose to bring them together. I explained that we would work only in ways that were productive for the two parties, and I asked them both what type of communication would be helpful to them. They both answered the question without hesitation: TAP Dispute Resolution--A Mediation Story CONTENTS TAP Dispute Resolution........1 What Residents Are Saying After Dispute Resolution Services ......3 TAP Management Training Fall Schedule ......................4 2013 TAP Supporters ..........5 A Visit to Franklin Highlands .........................................6 Youth RAP Field Day .........7 CCRI New Sober Housing Grants ................................8 New Housing Rights for Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape, Sexual Assault and Stalking .............................9 Limited English Proficiency Update ...............................9 Problem Gambling and Older Adults ..............................10 TAP Awards at MassHousing’s 2013 Community Services Conference .......................12 Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency One Beacon Street Boston, MA 02108 Tel: 617.854.1000 Fax: 617.854.1028 Vp: 866.758.1435 www.masshousing.com Community Connections is a service of MassHousing. Editor in Chief Tom Lyons Managing Editor Linda McMahan Editor Carol A. St. Cyr The materials contained herein are copyrighted. For permission to reprint, please call MassHousing. By Josh Hoch Cont. next page MassHousing’s Annual Community Services Conference In partnership with the Massachusetts Statewide Steering Committee on Hoarding, MassHousing is proud to present the 2014 Community Services Conference for all staff of multifamily and elderly housing developments across the Commonwealth, as well as service providers, local and state housing and public health professionals. Featuring Michael A. Tompkins, Ph.D. and other national and local experts in the field. Wednesday, April 2, 2014 Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, Marlborough, MA MassHousing’s Annual Community Services Conference In partnership with the Massachusetts Statewide Steering Committee on Hoarding, MassHousing is proud to present the 2014 Community Services Conference for all staff of multifamily and elderly housing developments across the Commonwealth, as well as service providers, local and state housing and public health professionals. Featuring Michael A. Tompkins, Ph.D. and other national and local experts in the field. Wednesday , April 2, 2014 Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, Marlborough, MA SAVE-THE-DATE SAVE-THE-DATE Hoarding

Transcript of Community Connections, Fall 2013

Page 1: Community Connections, Fall 2013

A M A S S H O U S I N G C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E S U P D AT E Fall 2013

Tamara, a single mother, moved in to hernew residence five months prior whereshe intended to live happily with herdaughter for years to come. Carol hadbeen living at that same housing complexfor 39 years, many of which included along lasting struggle with breast cancer.Over the phone, she had explained thatshe was tired and couldn’t physicallyafford to deal with neighbor conflict.Tamara had expressed the same extent offrustration, and referred to a catastrophicamount of tension between the twowomen, stemming from a relationshipthat she once had with Carol’s nephew. Icould feel the animosity over the phonewhile listening to each woman explain themutual hate that had come between aonce amicable relationship.

When I met them in person, the very firstnegotiation took place before we couldeven escape the noisy and narrow hallwayof their building. Carol initially refused tobe in the same room with Tamara, whileTamara wanted to work directly with Carolso that she could be sure everything thatwas said would be true. After a fewminutes of mediating their disagreementregarding the dynamics of the process,Carol told me that I would need to listen to the two women yelling at each other if I chose to bring them together. I explainedthat we would work only in ways that wereproductive for the two parties, and I askedthem both what type of communicationwould be helpful to them. They bothanswered the question without hesitation:

TAP Dispute Resolution--A Mediation Story CONTENTS

TAP Dispute Resolution........1

What Residents Are Saying AfterDispute Resolution Services ......3

TAP Management TrainingFall Schedule ......................42013 TAP Supporters ..........5 A Visit to Franklin Highlands.........................................6Youth RAP Field Day .........7CCRI New Sober HousingGrants................................8

New Housing Rights forVictims of Domestic Violence,Rape, Sexual Assault andStalking .............................9

Limited English ProficiencyUpdate...............................9

Problem Gambling and OlderAdults ..............................10

TAP Awards at MassHousing’s2013 Community ServicesConference.......................12

Massachusetts Housing Finance AgencyOne Beacon StreetBoston, MA 02108

Tel: 617.854.1000Fax: 617.854.1028Vp: 866.758.1435www.masshousing.com

Community Connections isa service of MassHousing.

Editor in ChiefTom Lyons

Managing EditorLinda McMahan

EditorCarol A. St. Cyr

The materials contained herein arecopyrighted. For permission to reprint,please call MassHousing.

By Josh Hoch

Cont. next page

MassHousing’s Annual Community Services Conference In partnership with the Massachusetts Statewide Steering Committee on Hoarding, MassHousing is proud to present the 2014 Community Services Conference for all staff of multifamily and elderly housing developments across the Commonwealth, as well as service providers, local and state housing and public health professionals. Featuring Michael A. Tompkins, Ph.D. and other national and local experts in the field.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, Marlborough, MA

MassHousing’s Annual Community Services Conference In partnership with the Massachusetts Statewide Steering Committee on Hoarding, MassHousing is proud to present the 2014 Community Services Conference for all staff of multifamily and elderlyhousing developments across the Commonwealth, as well as service providers, local and statehousing and public health professionals. Featuring Michael A. Tompkins, Ph.D. and other national and local experts in the field.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Conference Center,Marlborough, MA

SAVE-THE-DATESAVE-THE-DATEHoarding

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they needed to let it all out. I explained that I’d be happyto facilitate whatever kind of dialogue they found to benecessary, so long as the environment is safe. They bothdecided to enter the room for at least an introduction.

What followed that meta-negotiation was far more than an introduction. Carol and Tamara were both veryanimated in expressing their disgust for one another.Profanities turned into yelling, and yelling turned intoinsults against each other’s personal character. At onepoint, wondering if they needed to be separated or if theywere actually enjoying the opportunity to finally unloadon each other, I asked both women if the conversationwas working for them. Surprisingly, they both said yes. I realized that my own communication style and ideas forproductive conversation were irrelevant at that moment.Carol refused to look Tamara in the eye, and Tamarawould barely let Carol finish a sentence withoutdisagreeing. However, all that mattered was that Tamaraand Carol were at last speaking to and listening to eachother, and in a manner that was apparently meeting theirown standards. While seeing eye-to-eye was rare duringtheir discussion, they were eventually able to begindiscussing a no contact agreement.

About an hour into the mediation session, I probed bothwomen on what it is that they would achieve byagreeing to no contact, and what a scenario withoutspeaking to or even looking at their next door neighborwould actually look like to each of them. Carol explainedthat she didn’t have the energy to fight, while Tamararevealed that safety was her primary interest. When Iasked her to say more, she explained that, ever since anearly violent confrontation occurred between she andCarol a month ago, her eight year old daughter, Lilly, hasbeen scared of going outside to play with friends. Almostimmediately, and for the first time during the entiremeeting, Carol snapped her head toward Tamara andasked why her daughter should be scared. Now fightingback tears, Tamara told us that Lilly assumed Carol’s hateto be for both mother and daughter, and that Carol’sgrandchildren might try to hurt Lilly.

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A Mediation Story (continued from page 1)

With a suddenly disheartened stare and a declarative tone,Carol looked Tamara in the eyes and affirmed that Lilly hadnothing to be scared of, and that it pained her to knowthat such a young and beautiful child was frightened byher. Tamara’s already reddened eyes turned into puddles oftears, while Carol continued by explaining that withpermission, she intended to approach Lilly and explain thatshe had nothing to be scared of, and that she would warnher grandchildren not to treat Lilly with anything otherthan kindness. While Tamara sobbed and could utter noother words than “thank you,” Carol shook her headcontinuously and repeated, “This is terrible…just awful.”

When Tamara could again verbally communicate, sheagreed that it was sad to imagine how a once friendlyrelationship had turned so far backwards. Within minutes,the two women were suddenly asking me if I could editthe no contact agreement that had been drafted, this timewith language that would only prohibit negativecommunication in the future. We discussed what thatmeant to both of them, what they hoped could changewithin their neighborhood environment, and what theyboth felt would improve their own relationship. In theend, neither woman wished to sign an elaborative writtenagreement, choosing instead to keep things simple.However, it was clear that the dynamic which only twohours prior caused an emotionally abusive conversationhad transformed into mutual respect and understanding.

This process for Tamara and Carol allowed each of them totruly feel heard, to express what was bottled up inside, toview each other on a more humane level, and to provide aspace for mutual understanding. Eventually they reacheda mutually agreeable resolution.

Note: This mediation was a membership benefit to thisdevelopment through TAP, MassHousing’s TenantAssistance Program. TAP’s dispute resolution servicesaddress on-site conflict through mediation, facilitation,consultation, and/or presentation.

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What Residents are Saying after Dispute Resolution Services:

“Things are better now.”

“ There have been no

more complaints. I

feel like it is going

really well.”

“The mediator was very

good. She knew exactly

what she was doing. It was

wonderful.”

“He says ‘hello’ but then

keeps on walking. He

leaves me alone. That is

what I wanted.”

“I am really surprised

with how well it all

worked out.”

“It was very worthwhile. I

did not think that it was

going to work. But it has

worked out really well. I’m

very glad that I did it.”

If you have residents in conflict at your site, contact Josh Hoch (MWI) at 800-348-4888 x23,[email protected].

Supporting Management and Residents in Rental HousingTENANT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMTENANT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Go to:www.masshousing.com/TAP andlearn what TAP can do for you!

Owners and managers of 90 Management Companies across the Commonwealth enrolled more than 500 housing developments in TAP 2013. TAP sites receive membership benefits that include trainings, conferences, on-site programs for residents and dispute resolution services.

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T E N A N T A S S I S T A N C E P R O G R A M ( T A P )

TAP trainings are tailored to all site staff including managers, maintenance staff and residentservice coordinators.

TAP Management Training Fall Schedule

Reasonable Accommodations Level 1: What You Need to Know 9/11/13, 8:45 – 1:00 Coleman House, 677 Winchester Street, Newton

De-escalating Aggressive Behavior and Workplace Violence 9/20/13, 8:45 to 1:00 Prospect Heights, 41 Chestnut Street, Holyoke

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) 9/26/13, 8:45 – 1:00 New Academy Estates, 2908 Washington Street, Roxbury

Housing Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape, Sexual Assault and Stalking 10/8/13, 8:45 – 1:00 The Village at Brookline, 77 Village Way, Brookline

Spanish for Apartment Management (Must attend both days)10/10/13 AND 10/17/13, 8:45 – 2:45 Autumn Woods, 15 Upland Gardens Drive, Worcester

Emergency Preparedness: More than Evacuation Drills 10/22/13, 8:45 – 1:00 Mountain View Terrace, 300 Mountain View Drive, Stoneham

Alcohol & Drugs in Housing Level 1: What to Know and What to do About It10/30/13, 8:45 – 4:00 Sherwood Village, 143 Mill Street (East Building), Natick

Hoarding Level 1: What You Need to Know11/7/13, 8:45 – 4:00 Braintree Village, 2 McCusker Drive, Braintree

Bed Bugs: A Team Response with Facilities Focus 11/15/13, 8:45 - noon The Woodlands in Plympton, 165 Country Road, Plympton

Smoke Free Housing 11/19/13, 8:45 – 1:00 Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road, Framingham

Hoarding Level 2: Legal Issues12/4/13, 8:45 – 1:00 Braintree Village, 2 McCusker Drive, Braintree

Reasonable Accommodations Level 2: Screening and Tenant Selection 12/11/13, 8:45 – 3:00 Coes Pond Village, 39 First Street, Worcester

Tips & Techniques for Supporting Residents with Mental Illness 12/13/13, 8:45 – 1:00 Peter Sanborn Place, 50 Bay State Road, Reading

updated!

September to December 2013

Register online atwww.masshousing.com/TAPtraining

new!

revised!

updated!

new!

new!

revised!

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Abrams Management CompanyAIMCO/NHP Management CompanyAlternative Homes, Inc.Alternatives Unlimited, Inc.American Properties Team, Inc.American Shelter CorporationAppleton CorporationArlington Park, Inc.Atlantic TamboneBarkan Management Company, Inc.Beacon Communities, LLCBerkshire Housing ServicesBethany Community ServicesB.F.R. RealtyBoston Housing AuthorityBoston Land CompanyBoston Senior Home CareCarr Property ManagementCascap, Inc.Cooperative Services, Inc.Corcoran Management Company, Inc.Cornerstone CorporationCrowninshield ManagementCruz ManagementDavis RealtyDimeo Properties, Inc.Domicilia – UCP, Inc.Druker CompanyElderly Housing Management, Inc.Emanuel Development CorporationEP Management CorporationF.B.C. Property Management CorporationFHRC Management CorporationFields Corner CDCFirst Resource Management Company, Inc.Gilbane Building CompanyGrantham Group, LLCGreater Marlboro Programs, Inc.Haley House, Inc.HallKeen ManagementHAP, Inc.Harbor Management CompanyHebrew SeniorLife Home City Housing Development CorporationHousing Management Resources, Inc.JCM Management Company, Inc.

Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly Joel A. Less Managed Properties, Inc.Keith PropertiesLogan Park Management CompanyLorenzo Pitts, Inc.Maloney Properties, Inc.Mashpee Housing AuthorityMB Management CompanyMental Health Programs, Inc.Meredith Management CorporationMetro Management CompanyMilton Residences for the ElderlyMorgan Kaylee Real Estate Management ServicesMount Holyoke Management, LLCNebel ManagementNew Spring Senior Communities Newton Community Development Foundation North Shore Heritage Associates, Inc.Norwood Housing AuthorityPeabody Properties, Inc.Peter Sanborn Place, Inc.Preservation Housing Management, LLCRCAP SolutionsRelated Management CompanyRogerson CommunitiesS-C Management CorporationSchochet Property ManagementSentry PropertiesSHP ManagementSimon CompanyThe Arc of South NorfolkThe Community Builders, Inc.Tenants’ Development CorporationTrinity Management, LLCUnited Housing Management, LLCUrban Property ManagementWalnut Hill Realty TrustWelch Health Care & Retirement Group, Inc.Weston Associates, Inc.Whitinsville Retirement SocietyWingate Management Company, Inc.Winn ResidentialWinslow Village II, Inc.WLC Housing, Inc.

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2013 TAP SupportersThese Management Companies support their staff and residents with valuable resources availablethrough TAP, MassHousing’s Tenant Assistance Program.

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When I walked into Franklin Highlands to experience theTAP Resident Program Stained Glass Mosaic I expected tobe greeted by dozens of screaming campers. Instead, I sawdozens of campers quietly working on an art projectcreating custom stained glass. The children were providedwith glass, safety goggles, glue, wood and the freedom tocreate their own unique piece of stained glass. LeslieDoherty, owner of Ways of Color - Custom Stained Glass,explained that this type of project tends to soothe people ofall ages, and that is exactly the effect it had on the campers.

Franklin Highlands is a 270 unit apartment complexlocated in North Dorchester. The camp is run from thesite and is made up of 30 children that live in the units.Juanita Pitts, the Vice President of Franklin ParkDevelopment Tenant Association and Director of Programsexplained that once the campers turn 14 they are offeredjobs as counselors. This provides jobs to the teens living inthe building, and also creates a unique bond betweencamper and counselor. Juanita joked that some of thecounselors asked her if they ever acted as bad as thecampers, which of course she replied yes.

As I spoke with Juanita her passion for her residents wasapparent. Aside from running the summer program forthe children, she also manages the after school program.She bases the activities according to age, instead of havingall the campers do the same activity. This means that shecreates two schedules, one for the younger children andone for the older children. She thinks this is the best wayto keep the campers attention, and it also gives themsomething to discuss with each other. Juanita is currentlyfocused on gathering school supplies for the children.

The children clearly enjoyed this program as you can seefrom the pictures and look forward to the next TAPResident Program.

Christine Casey worked as an intern in the TenantAssistance Program and is a recent graduate of UniversityOf Massachusetts-Dartmouth.

A Visit to Franklin HighlandsBy Christine Casey, Intern

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Field Day 2013

In May 2013, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) launched its first redesign of the ADAwebsite since 2002. The new design incorporates improved navigation and usabilityfeatures making it easier to find information on ADA technical assistance, enforcement,and regulations.

To view the new ADA website visit www.ADA.gov or for more information, call the DOJ’sADA Information Line (www.ada.gov/infoline.htm) at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY).

Redesigned ADA Website Goes Live!

On Thursday, July 25th, more than 400 children and young adultscongregated at Moakley Park in South Boston for the 8th annualYouth RAP Field Day. The participants travelled to South Boston fromall over the state, including Southbridge, New Bedford, Framingham,Rockland, Bradford, Charlestown, Haverhill, Lowell, Braintree, andBoston. Upon arriving at the Park, the attendees were greeted byover 40 MassHousing staff that performed a range of duties fromfacilitating the games to assisting the kids in making sand art toserving lunch!

Throughout the day, the kids engaged in a variety of activities:kickball, hula hoops, potato sack races, obstacle course, volleyball,and other favorite games. Besides these traditional activities, therewere also face painters, caricature artists, and arts and crafts vendors.All combined to provide a wide array of events for the kids to enjoy!

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The CCRI Board of Directors awarded three additional grants totaling $104,950 in May 2013 to assist in creatingor preserving twenty-one units of affordable sober housing and services in Massachusetts. CCRI has awardedmore than $6.9 million in grants for sober housing.

“Substance abuse impacts not only those dealing with addiction, but their families as well,” said MassHousingExecutive Director Thomas R. Gleason. “Affordable sober housing is greatly needed across Massachusetts andMassHousing’s CCRI funding is a very useful resource in helping to expand and rehabilitate that housing.”

Receiving grants in the latest round of CCRI funding are:

The FY 2014 Request for Proposals (RFP) is on www.masshousing.com/ccri. FY2014 applications deadlines areSeptember 13, 2013, December 13, 2013 and March 14, 2014. For more information contact Ed Chase at 617-854-1094 or [email protected].

MassHousing and the Center for Community Recovery Innovations (CCRI)announce New Sober Housing Grants

Volunteers of America of MA, Inc. was granted $72,750 to help create one new apartment for a familyand rehabilitate eleven other existing units for women at Shiloh House in Boston. Rehab work includesflooring, plumbing, electrical, cabinets, sinks, showers and countertops.

Veterans, Inc. was granted $ 25,000 to help create three new efficiency units for families and rehabilitate sixadditional existing units at the Veteran Women and Children’s Housing Program in Worcester. Rehab workincludes plumbing, electrical and handicap accessibility improvements.

Self Esteem Boston Educational Institute, Inc. was granted $7,200 to help support the start up of a specializedself esteem building program for recovery success for women at sites in Boston and Springfield, thus preventingfuture alcohol and drug abuse in housing.

Shiloh House, Boston Veteran Women and Children's Housing Program, Worcester

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New Housing Rights for Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape, Sexual Assaultand StalkingEffective April 3, 2013, An Act Relative to Housing Rightsfor Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape, Sexual Assault andStalking provides additional housing rights to victims ofthe aforementioned crimes.

The state law allows households to terminate an occupancyagreement with written notice and valid documentation, ifa household member is a victim and either experienced arecent incident or is at imminent risk of serious physicalharm. Alternatively, victims can request a lock change fortheir individual unit; management must respond withintwo business days.

Management is prohibited from retaliatory evictions relatedto a victim’s exercise of these rights, as well as if a victim

obtains a protection or harassment prevention order, reportsa violation of an order or an incident of domestic violence,rape, sexual assault or stalking. Management is alsoprohibited from refusing to rent a unit to a victim forasserting these rights in a previous apartment.

For more detailed information, including documentationand other requirements, as well as rights of applicants andresidents of federally assisted housing programs under theViolence Against Women Act, please attend HousingProtections for Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape,Sexual Assault and Stalking updated! on October 8, 2013at the Village at Brookline.

Executive Order 13166 requires federal, state and local agencies that receive federal funding to ensure that peoplewith Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access to their programs and services. In compliance with USDepartment of Justice and HUD directives, MassHousing has implemented its LEP Program effective September 1,2013. LEP compliance applies to both MassHousing itself and to MassHousing financed developments.

Beginning October 1, 2013, owners/agents will be asked to conduct a self-assessment and develop a LanguageAccess Program (LAP). Once complete, MassHousing is requesting that owners/agents provide a simple LAPcertification to the Community Services Department within the Rental Management Division on or beforeDecember 31, 2013.

To assist in LEP implementation, free trainings were conducted prior to July 1, 2013 for owners, agents and site staffof MassHousing-financed properties across the state. One additional training is scheduled for September 26, 2013.

MassHousing continues to update its LEP website at www.masshousingrental.com/lep. Please visit this site todownload fillable PDF vital documents and notices available in nine translated languages including Cambodian,Chinese, Haitian Creole, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), Portuguese (European), Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.

If you have any questions, or if we can assist you in any way regarding LEP, please contact:Helena Padellaro at [email protected] or 617-854-1077.

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Update

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Information & Resources from the MassachusettsCouncil on Compulsive Gambling In recent years, gambling among older adults has becomean increasingly popular pastime. In fact, a recent studyshowed that gambling was identified as the most frequentactivity by older adults, with bingo being the most popular,followed by casino gambling. Most people are able toengage in these activities for fun and without negativeconsequences. There are a small percentage of people,however, who may develop serious problems as a result ofproblem or compulsive gambling.

What is Senior Problem Gambling?"Gambling that causes problems for an individual and his orher friends and family. Seniors may not be able to stop orcontrol the gambling behavior. In addition, problemgambling occurs when the senior is so preoccupied with thegambling that it affects health, financial status,relationships and general well-being."-Kit Clark Senior Services

The Impact of Gambling on Older Adults… Mary’s StoryMary was having a hard time adjusting to living alone afterher husband of 50 years passed away. She heard about acasino bus trip from a friend at her weekly bridge game,and went that day along with a few of her friends. Maryhad such a good time, she began visiting with friends oncea month, then once a week, then eventually whenever shecould, whether with friends or alone. She loved the thrill ofthe casino, the risk of the games and feeling involved in lifeagain, yet she was spending more and more money eachtime she went there.

Mary's oldest daughter, Jane noticed that some of thefamily heirlooms had gone missing, and that her motherseemed tired and agitated all of the time. Whenapproached about it, her mother became very defensiveand upset. Jane knew something was very wrong; hermother had never acted this way. She pleaded with hermother to make a change, and with some information she

received from her family doctor, was able to get Mary thetreatment she needed.

Mary’s story is common among people experiencinggambling problems. Losing her husband, dealing withloneliness, and the desire to have an active social life leadsto Mary’s gambling problem. Some other factors may haveincluded:

- Trying to improve upon a fixed income when retirement funds don’t provide enough money.

- The change in attitude about gambling for peoplesocialized during the depression. Once unwilling to play dueto the lack of money and stigma attached, many olderAmericans now embrace gambling as an entertaining wayto use disposable income and free time.

- Easier access to gambling through the Internet orsponsored trips for those with otherwise limited mobility oraccess.

- Other factors can include boredom, loneliness, isolation,depression, abuse, health problems and financial problems.

What Are Possible Warning Signs of Problem Gambling? - Withdrawal from friends and family- Gambling alone- Gambles with money meant for necessities (food,

rent, medicine)- Already struggling with some form of addiction - Lying about or hiding gambling- Gambling on credit- Only talks about wins, not losses- Missing personal or household items- Betting more than he/she can afford to lose- Borrowing from friends and family- Appears unhealthy

Problem Gambling and Older Adults

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Tips To Reduce Your Risk:1. Always gamble for fun, treat winning as a bonus.2. Make gambling an event with friends and family,

not alone.3. Decide on the amount you will gamble ahead of time,

and spend only that much.4. Never borrow money to gamble, or gamble on credit.5. Limit the number of times you gamble and the time

you spend each occasion.

Do You Think You Or Someone You Know May BeDealing With A Gambling Problem?The following questions may help to determine if a problemis present:

1. Since you started gambling, have you felt moredepressed, either after gambling or in general?

2. Have you ever been surprised by the amount of timethat has passed when you've finished gambling?

3. Have you ever spent more money than you planned onwhen gambling?

4. Ever hidden your gambling activities, where you were, orhow much you won or lost?

5. Has gambling filled a void in your life and helped you tofeel less lonely?

If you can answer yes to one or more of these questions, itmay be a sign of a gambling problem, and an opportunity toseek further information.

RESOURCESThe Helpline Number is 1-800-426-1234. Our website:www.masscompulsivegambling.org offers many resourcessuch as self-help meeting lists, treatment center contactinformation, web and print materials, as well as a Your FirstStep to Change self-assessment test, to help you or a lovedone to determine the presence of a gambling problem. Wealso have available at our office many books, journals,articles and informational videos relating to problemgambling in older adults.

Kit Clark Senior Services1500 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester617-825-5000 • e-mail: [email protected] Clark Senior Services offers a wide variety of dayprograms, health services, food services and communityassistance for senior adults. Kit Clark offers an AddictionsRecovery plan, helping seniors 50 years and older who areconcerned about their own or others use of alcohol, drugsor gambling habits. The center also offers addictionsassessment, individual and group counseling, and supportgroups.

Gamblers Anonymous - 213-386-8789www.gamblersanonymous.orgBettors Anonymous - 978-988-1777 orwww.bettorsanonymous.orgGam-Anon - For family members & friends of problemgamblers - 781-352-2571 • www.gam-anon.orgPrevention Tools for Older Adults -www.nati.org/prevention_tools/olderadults.asp

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TAP Awards at MassHousing’s 2013 Community Services Conference

Awards were presented to sites for outstanding leadershipin MassHousing’s Tenant Assistance Program.

Linda McMahan, Cheryl Pingalore, Angel Lopez, Lee AnnFriguletti, Sandy Rojas, Tom Lyons

Cheryl Pingalore, Tom Lyons and Angel Lopez fromWinnResidential’s Coes Pond in Worcester. The site and staff have been very generous with the use of their communityroom for TAP training and the company is a strongsupporter of TAP.

Sandy Rojas from Mount HolyokeManagement, LLC in Western Mass.Sandy utilized a TAP Resident Programto provide community interventionand improve neighborhood safety.

Lee Ann Friguletti, Assistant VicePresident of Resident Services fromGeorgetowne Homes in Hyde Park withBeacon Communities, LLC. The site andstaff have been very generous withuse of community room and thecompany is a strong supporter of TAP.Lee Ann is also active in addressinghoarding issues on site and providesleadership in the Language Access,Tenancy Preservation and Set-Asideprograms.

Linda Saltus,GovernmentAffairsSpecialist,MassHousingfor hergenerouscommitment,support andinspiration tothe principles

and ideals of MassHousing’s TenantAssistance Program. Linda has workedtirelessly over the past few years out ofthe Western Mass office on theWomen/Minority Business Fair, as aCCRI reader, on the Hoarding TaskForce; all the while actively supportingTAP marketing, membership andtraining.

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