HCRS Contacts
Laurie Panther, M.S.
Program Development Manager
(802) 952-3936 or lpanther@hcrs.org
Ashley Crowley
Residential Developer
(802) 282-9557 or acrowley@hcrs.org
Rachel LaPlante
Residential Developer Admin Support
(802) 952-8781 or rlaplant@hcrs.org
As a Shared Living Provider for HCRS, you foster a supportive environment and help those we serve with building independent living skills, accessing and engaging in their communities, and expanding their skills.
The important work you do as a Shared Living Provider requires great skill. This webpage is designed to be a resource to you in your role. We hope you find it valuable, and we welcome your feedback on additional resources we can provide for you.
VIDEO – HOW TO LOG INTO RELIAS
Instructions begin about 10 minutes into the video
https://youtu.be/3CL9RE9w8v0
LINK DIRECTLY INTO RELIAS
https://hcrs.training.reliaslearning.com
SLP MINI-GRANT FOR HOME INSPECTION
How it works: if an SLP is found through the 5-year inspection process to not meet a regulation, or if all SLPs need to meet a new regulation; and meeting that regulation creates a financial burden on them, the SLP can apply for a mini-grant from Program Development. As funds are available, the mini-grants are generally up to $200. This is a reimbursement program and receipts are required.
Application Process:
- Download and complete the Mini-Grant Application. For your convenience there is a hard copy in your SLP Binder.
- Submit the fully completed application, and the receipt for the item, to Attn: Laurie Panther, HCRS Elm Street, Brattleboro VT 05301, or email it to: SLP_Group@hcrs.org.
- Applications will be reviewed by Program Development. Approved funds will be sent as a direct deposit outside of payroll deposits.
Note: An SLP may only apply for a mini-grant once per state fiscal year.
PAYROLL SAVINGS PLAN FOR HOME INSPECTION
We have developed a plan to help cover expenses above up to $200.
How it works: a lump sum would be accrued by setting aside an amount from an SLPs payroll deposit
- The amount to set aside from payroll is determined in collaboration with the Program Development Manager (could be a certain amount every pay period, or once per month)
Send your request for a payroll savings plan to: SLP_Group@hcrs.org.
SLP Support Team
New to the profession? Have a challenging situation? Feeling isolated? Or want to run an idea by another SLP? We now have veteran SLPs who want to support their comrades! David & Doreen Scott and Naomi Welch.
David & Doreen: (802) 885-2414 (scottparents2@gmail.com)
Movies About People with Disabilities
The Peanut Butter Falcon: “Peanut Butter Falcon” was the highest grossing independent film in 2019. Featuring outstanding performances by Shia LeBouf and Zack Gottsagen, the movie is a comedy-drama about friendships, fortitude and the pursuit of dreams. The story follows the adventure of a young man (played by Zack) who dreams of becoming a professional wrestler and attending the wrestling school run by his wrestling idol. He runs away from an assisted living facility and stows away on a small fishing boat. He ultimately strikes up a friendship with the boat owner (played by Shia) while they make their way downriver. Actor Zack Gottsagen, who has Down’s Syndrome, shines in his portrayal of the young man chasing his dreams.
Crip Camp: On the heels of Woodstock, a group of teen campers are inspired to join the fight for disability civil rights. This spirited look at grassroots activism is executive produced by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. This movie is available free on YouTube.
Intelligent Lives: From award-winning filmmaker Dan Habib comes INTELLIGENT LIVES, a catalyst to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility for the most systematically segregated people in America. INTELLIGENT LIVES starts three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities – Micah, Naieer, and Naomie – who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Cooper contextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional personal story of his son, Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the U.S. INTELLIGENT LIVES challenges what it means to be intelligent and points to a future in which people of all abilities can fully participate in higher education, meaningful employment, and intimate relationships. This movie is available on Amazon Prime.
SLP Wellness Information
Want to quit smoking? Here’s a link to some help. Click on this link to connect to 802Quits. They also have a toll-free number: 800-QUIT-NOW.
Get out of the house for a hike in one of our local State parks. Click on this link to see the State Park information. And on this one for maps.
Meditation: It’s not just for hippies anymore! At our last SLP training, meditation came up during the Self Care break-out group. Here are some links to informational videos:
Fitness & Resilience Supports
What and Why: Fitness and resilience of our clients is improved when the SLPs Fitness and Resilience is improved. Covid-19 is not going away any time soon, and there is much research showing that a strong immune system can help with fighting the virus. Health stressors such as cigarette smoking, obesity, advanced age, and related conditions can be relieved with some attention. Eating more vegetables, working out, going to parks, and/or quitting or reducing intake of toxic foods, and intoxicants are all strategies we support. Here are some examples of types of items you many want to access: produce boxes, home exercise items (free weights, resistance bands, etc.), healthy eating apps, head space meditation app, and stress reduction/self-care hobby supplies.
How it works: An individual SLP applies for the support. As funds are available, the support would cover up $60 of an item or a combination of items up to $60.00. This is a reimbursement program and receipts are required.
Application Process:
- Download and complete F&R application. For your convenience there is a hard copy in your SLP Binder.
- Submit the fully completed application, and the receipt for the item(s) to Attn: Laurie Panther, HCRS Elm Street, Brattleboro VT 05301, or email it to: SLP_Group@hcrs.org
- Applications will be reviewed by Program Development. Approved funds will be sent as a direct deposit outside of payroll deposits.
Note: An SLP may only apply one time, for the Fitness and resilience support.
More SLP Resources
Background Checks – VT Residents
Background Checks – NH Residents
Joblink Announcment Finding – Finding Respite Providers