Harvest Luncheon recognizes work done in many communities

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON —Community Health and Counseling Services honored its many volunteers last Wednesday by hosting the 16th annual Harvest Luncheon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
     Community Health and Counseling Services has been providing social services in Maine since 1883 and has been providing services in Aroostook County since 1995. The group has offices in Houlton, Caribou, and Fort Kent.
    “The Harvest Luncheon is an annual event that we have to celebrate and acknowledge the work that people do to help others,” said Brian Chapla, regional manager for Community Health and Counseling. “People from many different agencies are invited.”
    In addition to its Treatment Foster Care program, the group also provides the following services:
    • Therapy for Adults, Children and Families — CHCS provides services to parents who want or need additional skills and understanding to meet their children’s needs. Its therapists offer a range of approaches, such as play therapy, filial play therapy, EMDR, and cognitive behavioral, as well as a range of treatment approaches to address issues around attachment/developmental concerns.
    • Targeted Case Management — CHCS provides targeted case management services embracing the concept of child- and family-centered planning. Case managers assist families in meeting the therapeutic needs of their children, while enhancing their independence and self-determination. Children and adolescents with emotional disturbance, behavioral disorder, mental illness, mental retardation, or pervasive development disorder are eligible for TCM services.
Houlton Pioneer Times photo/Joseph Cyr
HARVEST LUNCHEON — Community Health and Counseling Services held its 16th annual Harvest Luncheon Wednesday, Oct. 27 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Houlton. Taking part are, from left, Karen Roy, Peter Crovo, Melissa Mills, Tammie Mulvey, Lois Goodrich, Pam Glidden, John Pasquarelli, Chuck Moody and Brian Chapla, regional manager for CHCS.
    Case management consists of intake/assessment, plan of care development, coordination/advocacy, monitoring, and evaluation services. Medical, social, educational, and emotional needs of children are identified and access to services is arranged. A comprehensive plan that focuses on strengths and needs is developed to accomplish the desired outcome for the child and family. Its goal is to develop skills within the family to stay connected with the necessary services and supports they need to provide a safe and healthy family environment.
    Targeted case Management is a state-funded service for eligible MaineCare recipients.
    • Home and Community Treatment — HCT provides mental health services in the home by a master’s level clinician and a bachelor’s level behavioral health professional. Home and community treatment promotes healthy growth and development of children and families through a family-centered approach to understanding strengths, challenges and needs.
    • Community Integration Services — Provides assistance and support to adults with a mental illness. Service includes assistance with housing, budgeting, advocacy and coordination with other service providers. Community integration services is a state funded service for eligible MaineCare recipients.
    • Ryan White Program — The group provides case management services for HIV positive individuals and people living with AIDS.
    Referrals for any of these services for Aroostook County offices can be made by calling (207) 834-4410 or (877) 219-1936.