Saint Vincent's Staff Member Receives maaps Award

May 17, 2010 by Saint Vincents Home

In recognition of her contributions to students with special needs, Saint Vincent’s staff member Rachele Foley of Swansea, MA received the 2010 Albert E. Trieschman Memorial Award for Exceptional Direct Service to Children from the Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools (maaps). Ms. Foley received the award on May 7th at the maaps 32nd Annual Conference and Vendor Exposition. The maaps Albert E. Trieschman Memorial Award for Exceptional Direct Service to Children is intended to acknowledge superior direct service contributions to special needs children by a clinician, specialist, or child care worker.Rachele Foley began her career at Saint Vincent’s as a childcare worker fifteen years ago. Since that time, Ms. Foley has progressed through many positions including Residential Counselor, Special Education Assistant, Lead Residential Counselor, Third Shift Manager, Assistant Residential Services Coordinator, School Supervisor, and currently Life Skills Services Coordinator. Ms. Foley’s ability to go above and beyond is immeasurable. She spends a great deal of time attending to student needs and making a difference in their lives by helping them to understand how much she cares. Ms. Foley has assisted students transitioning to independence in applying for driver’s licenses, jobs, scholarships, bank and checking accounts, as well as financial aid for college. In her present role, Ms. Foley helps students prepare for independent adult life. She coaches, supports, and empowers them to identify employment opportunities by exploring activities of interest. She arranges for vocational training so that students may develop employable skills and take greater responsibility for their well-being and young adult lives. Ms. Foley continues to instill in each youth the importance of building connections with positive adult role models within the community and continues to provide guidance in helping them to make smart choices. Saint Vincent’s Executive Director, Jack Weldon said of Ms. Foley, “The Saint Vincent’s community is proud of Ms. Foley’s accomplishments and her dedication to our agency Mission of Giving Children and Families In Need What They Need Most.” “Her selection as the recipient of this award from nominations of candidates across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a testament to her commitment to extending herself to effectively meet the varied needs of the youth in her care,” Mr. Weldon added. About maaps maaps is a non-profit association whose member schools provide educational programs and services to students with special needs throughout Massachusetts. maaps students have some of the most extensive and challenging special needs of all children in Massachusetts including: autism, blindness, deafness, and developmental disabilities. The schools operate over 160 day and residential programs and schools, providing education and treatment to over 6,000 Massachusetts students with disabilities. They bring over $165 million into the Commonwealth’s economy in tuition payments for out-of-state students, and employ over 10,700 teachers, clinicians, residential care and other staff. For many students, maaps schools represent their first real opportunity for hope and achievement to become productive members of society. About Saint Vincent’s A member of maaps, Saint Vincent’s is a nationally accredited, multi-service agency providing a broad range of support services for children, youth, and families throughout Southeastern MA. Saint Vincent’s services include residential treatment, special education, congregate care, respite care, in-home, and community-based services. Established in 1885 by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River and the Sisters of Mercy, this year Saint Vincent’s is celebrating its 125th Anniversary. The Mission of Saint Vincent’s is Giving Children and Families in Need What They Need Most. For more information, please visit Saint Vincent’s website at www.stvincentshome.org.