Check our calendar for the latest schedule of Arts of the Evening activities.

Here are some of the projects from past Arts in the Evening.

headbands

trivets

VeggiePrints

velvet-scarves

Meilissa Filmore	Melissa Fillmore is the Community Case Manager covering Androscoggin, Oxford, Franklin, Sagadahoc and Southern Kennebec County, from her office located at 29 Hampshire Street in Auburn.cell 2
Sara Margo	Sara Margo is the Case Manager covering York and Cumberland Counties from her offices located at 619 Brighton Avenue in Portland and 90 Industrial Park Road in Saco.
Keirsten Murphy	Keirsten Murphy is the Case Management Supervisor for Creative Work Systems, providing Case Management support to individuals across all regions.

CWS provides CCM services to adults diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Autism Spectrum disorders and Intellectual Disabilities who are eligible for or receive MaineCare. If you already receive services at Creative Work Systems, you cannot receive Case Management Services from CWS. If you are in need of a Community Case Manager and you receive services at CWS, contact Keirsten Murphy, Community Case Management Supervisor, and she can help you choose a Case Manager from another agency and support you along the way!

Community Case Management is designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities who live on their own, with family, in a Shared Living Option or in a staffed, group setting. CWS Case Managers provide support with financial planning, establishing community connections, gaining independence, skill-building and more. CWS Case Managers attend your meetings, help you create you Person-Centered Plan and advocate for your needs. A Community Case Manager has the same job responsibilities as a DHHS Case Manager, except the ability to provide Guardianship.

If you have questions regarding Community Case Management, contact Keirsten Murphy at kmurphy@creativeworksystems.com or at (207) 879-1140.

How did you get started in this field?

I’ve always enjoyed working with people with disabilities. My first experience was substitute teaching in the special education program at the local school. Then, I reviewed numerous companies, and applied at CWS.

What training did you have?

My training was limited when I started. CWS furthered my education and knowledge of working with people with disabilities.

What skills are essential to your job?

Patience is key, followed by flexibility and the willingness to work with others.

What is a typical day on the job like?

A typical day on the job in a residential home includes: making sure the members are happy and their goals are met. This consists of community integration and daily living skills.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

Seeing the members smile and knowing that I have done my job well. Always knowing that every day is a new day with new challenges to overcome.

What’s the greatest challenge?

Not always knowing what the members’ needs or wants are, but being able to help and support them reach their goals in life. Also, learning their body language is crucial in helping them achieve their desires.

What kind of person succeeds in the job?

A person who loves to work with people. Someone who can walk into work and realize they are not first. Someone who is willing to accept change at any moment.

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

You’ve got to leave your ego at the door. This job is about the members. You are here to make sure their goals and needs are being met; they always come first.

How did you get started in this field?
I’ve always enjoyed working with people with disabilities.  My first experience was substitute teaching in the special education program at the local school.  Then, I reviewed numerous companies, and applied at CWS.
What training did you have?
My training was limited when I started.  CWS furthered my education and knowledge of working with people with disabilities.
What skills are essential to your job?
Patience is key, followed by flexibility and the willingness to work with others.
What is a typical day on the job like?
A typical day on the job in a residential home includes: making sure the members are happy and their goals are met. This consists of community integration and daily living skills.

What’s your favorite part of the job?
Seeing the members smile and knowing that I have done my job well.  Always knowing that every day is a new day with new challenges to overcome.
What’s the greatest challenge?
Not always knowing what the members’ needs or wants are, but being able to help and support them reach their goals in life.  Also, learning their body language is crucial in helping them achieve their desires.
What kind of person succeeds in the job?
A person who loves to work with people.  Someone who can walk into work and realize they are not first.  Someone who is willing to accept change at any moment.
What advice would you offer to someone interested in a job or career in this field?
You’ve got to leave your ego at the door.  This job is about the members. You are here to make sure their goals and needs are being met; they always come first.

This is what Melissa has to say about her job:

• What do you do at your new job? I sweep, vacuum and dust.
• What are some of your favorite things at your new job? The boss and staff are nice and it’s a pretty place to work.  I like it when the public is there while I’m working.
• How did you go about finding your job? Claudette Moore brought me to an interview and I got the job.
• What can you tell others who want a job?  Be patient.
• What are you going to do with your paycheck?  Cash it and go shopping!
• How has having a job changed your life? More money.

Scott's Dream to see a Patriot's game comes true.

Dreams from the Hardt, a wish-granting service established by Creative Work Systems, is funded through the generous donations of businesses and individuals who want to contribute to the joy of helping someone with a disability make a life-long dream come true. Established to commemorate CWS member John David Hardt, the Dreams fund has brought seven dreams to life. Any CWS service recipient member can submit a Dream for consideration. You can find an application here and read about past Dreams here. Or, donate online.

On Tuesday, February 7 and Thursday, March 8, Dreams from the Hardt will be the beneficiary of Moonlight Madness at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant on Brown Street in Portland. Every evening of the full moon, Margaritas donates 5% of the evening’s gross lounge sales to a local charity [that’s Dreams for the Hardt for January-March!]. Games, prizes, and specials make the evening more fun, so help us make more dreams come true, grab some friends and family, and stop by!

How did you get started in this field?

What training did you have? I attended Franklin Pierce College, in New Hampshire. I have a Bachelor of Arts, with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Fine Arts. Other then that- just life experiences.

What skills are essential to your job? For me, the skills that are the most important for my job are having vision for the art that is created in the art room and drawing out the gift of creativity in others through encouragement and persistence. Phrases such as “I can’t”, “I don’t”, and even “I won’t” don’t last long in the art room in 5-County when I’m around.

What is a typical day on the job like? A 5-County members asks me everyday if I’m having fun, and my response is “Always!” Creating art with people who really like the process makes the day fly by. The days change from challenge to challenge, but we have a great schedule to follow and every one seems to understand the need for flexibility.

What’s your favorite part of the job? I will have to say that the whole team in 5-County makes my job great. We all work hard and well together. They really are my favorite part. Without people, what would CWS be?

What’s the greatest challenge? My greatest challenge is keeping the art work fresh and well developed. Encouraging experimentation and helping artists try new mediums is challenging.

What kind of person succeeds in the job? The kind of person that succeeds in this job is one who knows that self isn’t first. They have an understanding of how to serve others without complaint. They have a genuine heart for people.

What advice would you offer to someone interested in a job or career in this field? My advice is to just try it. Find out how you can shadow different program areas. Talk with other professionals and ask questions. Make sure the companies you look at have a high standard of performance and excellence expected from their employees.

Greg Plunkett, PTBS manager, shares some of the inspiration behind the team’s success:

Pine Tree’s many stars define “A World of YES.” Team members are all about a can-do attitude. “Can’t” isn’t even in the production team’s vocabulary; but “Let me try” sure is. Pride roots our efforts and fuels our attitude to persevere even in the face of great odds. We’re proud of the valuable contributions we make in our communities through employment; we’re proud of the lifestyles we’ve carved out through hard work; and mostly…we’re proud to inspire other people who face challenges to say YES to their employment dreams, live fully and dare to chart their own destinies.

One of her favorites, “Swimmer #1” has been selected by River Tree Arts for the annual juried Clothesline Art Show held throughout the month of December at the Irvine Art Gallery located at 35 Western Avenue, Kennebunk. The show represents Donna’s first placement of artwork in a juried show of regional artists without regard to disability. For hours and directions, check rivertreearts.org.

To see more of Donna’s painting, click here.

The first Social Club held on October 26 attracted over 50 people and set the stage for the Club to be a favorite weekday event. The first theme night, “Disco Inferno,” included costumes, disco balls and lights, and plenty of energy to bring back the dance fever of the 70s. Upcoming theme nights include the “50s”, Hawaiian Luau, Masquerade Ball, and a Karaoke American Idol Night.

Attendees welcome the opportunity to meet mid-week with friends, especially during the cold weather season. Ron R. says, “I like coming here on Wednesdays. I can talk with my friends. And the pizza is good too!”  Exercise is a prime motive of the evening, too. According to James S., “I like the Wii dance game! I love to dance!” And Connie P. says, “It helps break up the week. It is fun to get out more.”

More than a social event, the Club also provides a forum for healthy living through exercise and food options. Participants are encouraged to join in the planning for the Club and activities are selected that encourage independence and physical well being. Once the Club is established, an executive board of participants, assisted by staff, will coordinate and select activities and resolve issues. The Club is open to both CWS members and non-members. Get into the action and stop by on Wednesdays nights from 5 to 7!