Community & Recreation
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
STEP is a leader in our field in the provision of recreation, leisure and community activities that promote inclusion, volunteerism and use of local resources. Individuals receive the supports necessary to shop, bank, recreate and participate in community events.  Self-advocacy is also emphasized including civic responsibility and community involvement.
Beaverbrook STEP actively works to advocate, promote and support the full inclusion of the individuals served into the fabric of community life.   Listed below are some of the organizations STEP collaborates with to enhance our services:
The Community Advocates Board (CAB) is a self advocacy group comprised of individuals served in Beaverbrook STEP’s programs and services.  CAB members not only discuss, plan and initiate their own recreation, leisure and civic activities, but they also educate and support each other as self-advocates.  Their efforts focus on encouraging self-actualization, effective communication and positive social relationships while broadening the horizons of adults with disabilities.  Community inclusion is fostered through active volunteerism, use of community services and civic responsibility.

CAB is affiliated with the State self-advocacy organization, MA Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) and representatives attend the bi-annual National Convention of Self Advocates held in various states across the country.
SELF-ADVOCACY BOARD
RECREATION, EDUCATION, CIVIC & LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Recreation is the key to healthy living and community inclusion for individuals served by Beaverbrook STEP.  Our nursing staff, clinicians and managers continuously promote good exercise habits, healthy eating and active social relationships with family and friends for the people we serve through recreation, sports, leisure, education and social activities. 

In direct response to the articulated wishes expressed by individuals, families and staff, Beaverbrook STEP is committed to supporting community resources that promote healthy living and community inclusion.  Relationships and affiliations are well established with local organizations, fostering meaningful social relationships, community inclusion and realization of personal goals and dreams for our individuals.
STEP also works closely with local officials, area providers, parks & recreation programs, YMCA’s and private entertainment venues to fulfill our vision of community inclusion.  For example, STEP:

•  Works with other Metro area providers to sponsor a web-based social and recreational network, Fun & Friends Connection (www.FunandFriendsConnection.com).
•  Develops local affiliations with community recreation providers to co-sponsor sports and recreation activities throughout the year, including annual vacation trips.
•  Provides over 50 individual and group memberships to local gyms and YMCA’s to promote regular exercise, healthy eating and social inclusion.
•  Operates adult education classes in areas of interest to individuals served including walking groups, cooking classes and Zumba Fitness workouts.
•  The Watertown/Belmont and Waltham/Metro West Chambers of Commerce. Beaverbrook STEP and the individuals served patronize local businesses, retail and wholesale stores, entertainment venues and financial institutions.

•  Local public and private advocacy and housing organizations including Springwell, Inc., Visiting Nurses Association, local Housing Authorities, local Commissions on Disabilities, New England Alzheimer’s Association, local Councils on Aging/Senior Centers, the New England Asperger’s Association, The Arc (of Massachusetts) and the MA Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers.

•  Local health and human service providers including Boston Medical Center, Mt. Auburn Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Arbor-Fuller Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, Springwell, Inc., local nursing homes and various private home health care organizations such as Suburban Home Health Care.

•  Local area and regional educational and government organizations including the MA Department of Developmental Services, the MA Rehabilitation Commission, the MA Department of Education, the MA Commission for the Blind, the MA Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Executive Office of Elder Services, MA Office of Disabilities and MA Health Services.
85 Main St., 2nd floor
Watertown, MA 02472
Tel: (617) 926-1113
Fax: (617) 926-1226
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