Need Training?

Creative Work Systems offers comprehensive trainings taught by registered and licensed instructors.  Our courses provide you with the necessary skills and tools needed to be effective in your career.  We offer a wide range of state and nationally certified courses including:

• CRMA 24: Certified Residential Medication Aide
• CRMA Recertification/CRMA 40 Bridge Program
• CRMA Refresher
• Direct Support Professional (DSP) Certificate (Integration of web-based material with a live trainer for the entire 48 hours)
• Diabetes/Annual Diabetes
• American Heart Association’s First Aid and CPR

Training Schedule

Our live training experiences ensure you’ll get the most out of your class. Plus, we offer a wide array of times to meet your busy schedule. If you’d like to learn more, download the schedule and see what we offer!

Why We’re Different

We offer a unique approach led by an on-site trainer that combines a variety of methods to ensure you achieve success. Unlike other online DSP Certificate offerings, our entire 48-hour course is taught live, including the web modules. The results? Greater knowledge retention, an outstanding success rate on all core requirements, and a superior understanding of direct service concepts.

What They’re Saying About Us

“The trainer knew her subject and exactly what we needed. She was very funny and made learning fun.” - CRMA, May, 2012

“Great instructor. She knew her material and used many methods and styles to teach the course.” – College of Direct Support Student, January, 2012

Contact Us

If you’d like to sign up for a class:

• email our Training Coordinator
• use the contact form
  

On Tuesday, May 1 from 3-6pm at the Biddeford High School, Creative Work Systems will be joined by nine other social service agencies for an informational fair designed to introduce people with disabilities to community case management services.

According to Kiersten Murphy, Fair organizer and Community Case Management Supervisor at Creative Work Systems, the purpose of the fair is to help people who are making a transition from high school or from a state Case Manager to select a new community case manager and provide information about what community case management is all about. “Case managers are the liaison between a person in need and available services and are intimately familiar with resources, so people don’t miss available opportunities,” says Kiersten. “This fair is a great chance for people who need services to meet community case managers from a large array of agencies in Southern Maine.”

The fair will be held at Biddeford High School located at 25 Tiger Way, Biddeford, Tuesday, May 1 from 3-6pm.

The following agencies will be presenting community case management services at the fair:

Community Partners
Creative Work Systems
Goodwill Industries
GMS
Living Innovations
Penobscot Community Case Management
Pine Tree Society
PSL Services
Residential Resources
Waban
Woodfords Family Services

Steve, his parents, and Melanie Mauro, Service Coordinator gathered at CWS to receive his bicycle from the Dreams from the Hardt Committee.

Steven N. had a dream come true recently when the Dreams from the Hardt Committee fulfilled his request of receiving a three-wheeled bike. Melanie Mauro, his service coordinator, knew he’d always enjoyed riding bikes with his family, but hadn’t been able to pursue this passion when his old bike fell into disrepair. When Melanie submitted the application, the Committee found the solution right in front of them.

A three-wheeled bike that had been donated to CWS several years ago was waiting for Steven under some dust at IPR. Steve Fortier, our facilities manager, gave it several rounds of inspection and safety checks, and the bike was ready!

Steven’s mother, father, and support staff gathered to celebrate the Dream fulfillment and watch him take a tour on the bike. When the bike was wheeled out, Steven didn’t hesitate to get on and give it a spin down the driveway. Judith, Steven’s mother, talked about the importance of the bike to Steven’s connection to the community. In the past, she said, he rode his bike to the post office and local store, which gained him some independence and important connections to the community. It also affected his physical well being and she now looks forward to his return to a healthy activity that gives him so much pleasure.

The John-David Hindle Hardt Fund was established in 2005 to commemorate the life of CWS taff member, John-David. In his work, the pursuit of the unattainable and the elusive was a challenge to be conquered. At CWS, we share John-David’s belief in the passion and potential of dreams to shape lives. It inspires us to be ever more thoughtful as listeners to the dreams people with disabilities share with us so that one more dream can come true. The magic of dream granting starts with a referral. People using CWS services can apply directly, their families can apply, and any CWS Team member can apply on behalf of an individual. You can find find an application here.

David and Beth receive the donation from Lowe's.

Lowe’s of Auburn and Scarborough generously donated the materials for four raised garden beds, two each for Auburn and Lund Road. The donations included boards for the frame and soil/compost mix. The beds will allow more CWS members to experience gardening and provide the first outside gardening opportunity for the folks at Five County Community Services in Auburn.

How did you get started in this field?

I spent most of my career as a purchasing agent, but was more proud of my 20 years of charitable fundraising with the Fraternal Order of Eagles. I found myself at a personal crossroad, felt there was more I could do to make a real difference in the world, and that maybe direct contact was what I was lacking. I decided to take a leap at something that had always caught my eye. After interviewing at CWS and meeting the members at the Linton Street residence, I knew I needed to see where it might lead me.

What training did you have?

My upbringing was in a loving household that had taught me that we are on this earth to care for others. That upbringing was my foundation. My CWS trainings gave me the basic tools. But the real lessons are learned on site from fellow CWS members.

What skills are essential to your job?

The most important skill is to be able to recognize that the people we work with are like any other individual in this world. They each have different needs, desires, expectations, and motivations. If you can keep that in mind and address their needs accordingly, then you are on your way to a successful partnership.

What is a typical day on the job like?

My days at my current residence are so different from my original one that it would be unfair to present a typical day for a CWS employee. Each house has its own flow and routine. I will say that I stay so busy that I never believe that it’s time to clock out.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

Getting a smile or that special sign that you made a positive impact.

What’s the greatest challenge?

Finding the time to complete the required paperwork. Although important, it can be difficult to balance the time needed for paperwork with time working directly with people. I try to convey a sense of individual importance to them every day.

What kind of person succeeds in the job?

A caring heart will take you far. Without it, find another career. Always be diligent when it comes to the individual’s care, have an open mind, and don’t take things too personally. Finally, remember that you have been given the opportunity to be such a huge part of someone else’s life.

What advice would you offer to someone interested in a job or career in this field?

You have nothing to lose by trying, even if you find out that it may not be a good fit for you, but think of what you really might be losing out on if you don’t try.

“It makes me happy that people like my art. I like to paint faces because everyone is different,” said Michael. “The money I earn makes my life better. I can buy the things I like to save for.” According to Janet Dutson, Communications Director for Creative Work Systems (CWS), the YES Art Works studios at CWS are one of the many ways the organization supports people with disabilities in creating some economic independence. “Michael’s artistic gifts are strengthened and supported at YES Art Works. The goal of the studios is to nurture the growth of the artists, inspire them with new tools and concepts, and then help them develop an audience by placing their work in galleries and shops,” she states.

National statistics indicate that only 20% of people with disabilities are employed and those numbers decrease for people with intellectual disabilities. While finding places to sell the art made by YES Art Works artists supports community inclusion and self expression, Mary Jo Marquis, the agency Art Program Manager, says it’s also about earning money and the self worth and independence that comes with making (and spending) your own money. “We work with artists to spur growth and refine their skills. The art that’s produced in our studios is truly amazing and people see that. I think that’s why we’ve found so much support in the community for our artists’ work.”

YES Art Works encompasses all of the art programming at Creative Work Systems, a not-for-profit, social service rehabilitative agency that serves people with disabilities. To learn more about YES Art Works and see more art from the artists, visit www.yesartworks.org.

The piece, according to Mary Jo Marquis YES Art Works Art Program Manager, was selected because it shows the strength of Kendra’s vision. Mary Jo said, “Kendra’s use of color and pattern really stand out as her trademark. Fish are one of her favorite subjects, so we thought this piece was just perfect for the exhibit.”

In 1907, the Maine Legislature established a school for “idiotic and feeble-mined” children.  In the late 1950s some 1700 residents lived in approximately 50 buildings.  It was a place where people were left and often forgotten. After the last resident left in 1996, Maine has led the nation in welcoming people with disabilities into our communities, our schools, our workplaces, and into our art world.

“This exhibit will bring the voices of the people with disabilities we serve into our celebration,” said Maine Association of Community Services Providers (MACSP) Managing Director, Mary Lou Dyer.  “The remarkable diversity and creativity of the pieces underscore the value of supporting community integration and self-expression for everyone, including individuals with disabilities.” The decision to close Pineland Center and integrate its residents within the community speaks volumes to the commitment Mainers have to inclusion and fairness.

“This exhibit is an opportunity to make note of the strides people with intellectual disabilities have made toward community inclusion and integration,” said Janet Dutson, Communication Director for Creative Work Systems. “The CWS art program, YES Art Works, serves just that purpose, by supporting emerging artists with the training and support they need to be successful.” YES Art Works provides an array of creative opportunities for people with intellectual and other disabilities to flourish, cultivating pride, confidence, and further independence as working artists. Learn more about the artists at www.yesartworks.org.

The MACSP is an association of nearly 70 organizations providing community based services to people with intellectual disabilities.  Services include pre-schools, early intervention services, community supports, work supports, home supports, respite, and parent education.  MACSP members provide services in all sixteen counties in Maine.

The first CWS Harvest Dinner, held at the Five-County office, highlighted tomatoes with a surprising and delicious assortment of dishes, including stuffed tomatoes and tomato cupcakes (yes- one of the ingredients was tomato juice!)  The evening also included presentations from Cultivation Works groups on tomatoes with visual display projects and one farmer led a tomato trivia game before the dinner.

Portland Community Services and York Community Services Cultivation Works groups are working on composting with worms.  Worms can convert kitchen food-scraps into nutrient-packed compost, by digesting kitchen waste and leaving rich castings behind that can be used in gardens. Visitors to Portland or York Community Services can ask a farmer to show the worms at work and get a close-up view of nature in action.

Cultivation Works groups in each region continue to learn more about healthy life style choices and have created Vegetable and Fruit Talk Boards designed to reinforce good eating choices. The boards display pictures, facts, growing information, and recipes and are created by members as part of a immersion in the relationship between food and health.

Recently, Carlton has started sharing his expertise with CWS members from York Community Services. On Friday mornings,  YCS members join SCS for lessons on pizza making led by Carlton. “This is all new for me,” said Carlton. “I like it! I think these guys [the YCS folks] are doing OK so far. They’re getting it all down pretty good! The baking part is real important. You don’t want to burn ’em!”

When asked if he’d like a job in a pizza shop, he said “Nope! I already got a job at Sam’s Club. Been there for almost four years! It pays good too!”

To recognize Carlton’s efforts in teaching and inspiring others, he was presented with a Leadership Award. Congratulations, Carlton!