Jennifer Sammons

Barbara Goodman joined the counseling staff at New Directions Counseling Center in 2002.  She earned her Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology at Cambridge College.  Barbara works with children, adolescents, and adults covering a broad spectrum of issues including self-esteem, bullying, peer pressures, parenting, trauma, abuse, loss and bereavement, depression, and anxiety.  Barbara uses a variety of treatment options such as strength based and cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness and meditation, and Christian counseling. She volunteered for many years with Boston Medical Center’s Good Grief program, a program designed to assist families dealing with the loss of a loved one. This required extensive training in dealing with loss and grief. Additionally, Barbara has helped facilitate discussion groups at Senior Centers on a wide range of topics such as holiday stress, maintaining independence, and the mental health benefits of reminiscing. Barbara has a gentle, empathic approach which enables her to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. She is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys many outdoor activities, she also studies Tai Chi.

Anne Donovan has worked at Interfaith Social Services’ New Directions counseling since 2006. Anne is a licensed (LADC1) and certified (CADC) alcohol and drug abuse counselor with 30 years of experience. From 1989-1994 she completed the Alcohol/Chemical Dependency Program at UMASS Boston and the Project for Addiction Counseling Training (PACT) while working for Volunteers of America’s Project Rebound, an adolescent long-term treatment facility. During her time with the Boston Health Commission (1994-2008), Anne served homeless men and women who were affected by multiple challenges, including chemical addictions, mental health issues, HIV, extensive legal histories, and racial and sexual discrimination. From 2001 to 2010, Anne facilitated a bereavement support group in Quincy. She both volunteered and worked as a clinician at Maria Droste Services in Quincy from 2004-2007. From 2008-2011 Anne worked as the substance abuse/relapse prevention clinician at South Shore Mental Health’s Quitting Time, an Intensive Outpatient Program.

Anne has facilitated group therapy sessions focused on: Adult Children of Alcoholics, women’s issues, prescription medication misuse, and abuse among seniors. She has facilitated Interfaith Social Services’ Learning Pantry program for three years, educating food pantry clients about substance abuse, mental health, and other issues.

Her favorite quote guides her warm, empathetic approach to counseling and her desire to instill hope that clients can make change and heal: “There is no shame with addiction; the shame is not doing anything about it.”

Anne’s clients work with the Twelve Step Philosophy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Reality Therapy. Anne is comfortable doing Christian counseling and understands the connection between feelings, addiction, and the co-occurring disorders of PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health issues. Addiction affects people on multiple levels: physically, mentally, and spiritually. Anne believes there is a way out and believes in the freedom of a new beginning.

 

Maureen Richardson is a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Maureen has been working at Interfaith Social Services’ New Directions Counseling Center since 2004. She will be the first to tell you that in her long and varied career, Interfaith is the most wonderful place she has ever worked. Although it is a nonprofit organization, it feels to her like a supportive, caring family. She very much enjoys and admires her colleagues in the Counselling Department as well as Interfaith’s other staff members and the amazing volunteers.

Maureen began her career when she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Niagara University. She practiced nursing both as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse as well as an Emergency Care nurse for about ten years. In 1981, Maureen began working as a Psychiatric nurse at various hospitals in the Boston area. During that time, she was privileged to work on the Affective Disorders Research Unit at New England Deaconess Hospital. Later, she was a member of the team that set up the Trauma Unit at Westwood Lodge Hospital. She studied Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) with Diana Dill, Ed.D and worked on a CBT Unit at Westwood Lodge. Additionally, she studied and completed a program in Somatic Reeducation with Joel Ziff, Ed.D as well as the MindBody Work Program for Clinicians under Herbert Benson, M.D. In 1992, Maureen received her Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology from Cambridge College. Her thesis was ‘The impact of trauma on the Clinician’.

Maureen went on to work as the Program Director for the Adult Partial Hospital Program at the Arbour Hospital in Jamaica Plain, later as a member of the Arbour Outpatient Counseling Department. In 2004, she began working as a therapist at Interfaith Social Services’ New Directions Counseling Center, while also working part-time as a counselor at Bay State Community Services.

Maureen’s clinical focus has been spent helping others recover from Trauma. She is certified as an Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. Her primary focus is with adults suffering from trauma, anxiety, panic, and depression. In addition, she helps clients to develop their coping skills using the Tapping (Emotional Freedom) technique.

Maureen is married and has two grown children and two granddaughters. She enjoys the ocean, films, reading, and music. She lives with her husband and their puppy on Boston’s South Shore. One of her favorite quotes is from Mother Teresa: “Do small things with great love.”

On Thursday August 4, 2016 eighty of Interfaith Social Services’ volunteers and their loved ones assembled for an evening of food, fun and recognition. Hingham’s Sons of Italy Hall hosted Interfaith Social Services annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Guests enjoyed a lovely dinner catered by Fasanos of Braintree followed by an array of delicious desserts prepared by Interfaith’s staff and board members. The focal point of the evening was the induction ceremony into Interfaith’s Volunteer Hall of Fame.  The Matti Lang Volunteer Hall of Fame is named after one of Interfaith’s most dedicated volunteers who gave decades of his life selflessly serving Interfaith’s clients. The honor of being inducted into the Hall of Fame is bestowed upon those volunteers who have been serving within the organization regularly for at least one year. Their names are inscribed on a plaque which hangs in Interfaith’s foyer.

After the induction the evening’s festivities concluded with volunteers participating in a fun and competitive round of trivia.

Each week over 100 volunteers serve within Interfaith’s programs. Last year these volunteers gave 23,349 hours in donated time serving Interfaith’s clients. Volunteers are the heart and soul of Interfaith Social Services.

Photo Credit: Hurley Event Photography 

  

VOLUNTEERS ARE THE FIRE THAT MAKES INTERFAITH’S LIGHT SHINE BRIGHTLY – These candles were distributed to volunteers who attended Interfaith’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on August 4, 2016.   They are made from pure beeswax and coconut oil. The candles were poured with love by one of Interfaith Social Services’ staff members. The vessels for the candles were all donated to Interfaith’s Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop. Just like Interfaith’s volunteers each one of the vessels is unique and beautiful in their own way. Last year over 800 volunteers served within Interfaith Social Services’ programs. We are in awe of the service, compassion and dedication demonstrated by our volunteers every day.

Claire Hagan is the Counseling Coordinator for Interfaith Social Services’ New Directions Counseling Center. She is a registered nurse and a licensed mental health clinician. After graduating from Children’s Hospital School of Nursing she spent much of her professional career working as a nurse until she realized her passion for psychology and emotional health. She returned to school and received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UMass/Boston; followed by a two year internship at Tufts New England Medical Center. Much of Claire’s career has been spent working with parents via primary prevention programs in an effort to help children. Claire is a published author whose research on infant attachment and failure to thrive was presented at an annual infant psychiatry conference. Since 2000 Claire has been a therapist at Interfaith Social Services. Her specialties include adjustment and anxiety disorders. She has worked extensively with adults who are coping with the long term effects of inadequate parenting. Claire also works with couples who have had a pregnancy loss and women who experience a mood disorder after childbirth.  She believes in a holistic and strength-based approach, incorporating various theoretical orientations into a treatment plan to meet each person where he/she is. In her spare time Claire enjoys spending time the people and animals in her life. Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, reading, being in nature and spending time near the ocean.

Claire is one of our amazing team members here at Interfaith’s New Directions Counseling Center. New Directions has been providing compassionate and skilled therapy services to the South Shore since 1947. All of New Directions’ clinicians are professionally trained; licensed independent clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors and masters level clinicians. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Claire, or one of our other skilled therapists, please call 617-773-6203 today. Most health insurances are accepted. A sliding fee scale is available for those without coverage to accommodate all individuals who desire counseling.

 

Ruth Mullen a Weymouth resident has been volunteering at Interfaith Social Services for almost two years. She first heard about the organization through a friend who had previously donated her time serving clients at Interfaith’s offices. It didn’t take long for Ruth to fall in love with the organization’s programs. Working side by side with her team of fellow volunteers Ruth enjoys the comradery and especially the joy of serving Interfaith’s clients. Ruth’s favorite experience was volunteering with her 12 year old granddaughter. Together, they have helped several families in the food pantry, and have sorted Halloween costumes for Interfaith’s annual Halloween Costume Drive. “It is so fun to serve together,” said Ruth. “My granddaughter has even asked me to come back and volunteer on her school vacations.” When Ruth isn’t volunteering at Interfaith, she goes to the gym every day and does power yoga. “Interfaith is a great organization. Everyone who volunteers and works here, they are such nice people.”

Peter Griswold of Quincy has been a food pantry volunteer at Interfaith Social Services since August 2014. While working with State Street for over 30 years Peter had volunteered at Interfaith through their Global Outreach volunteer program. So far, Peter’s favorite experience as a volunteer was during the holiday season. As part of our Help for the Holidays Program Peter worked with his church, Quincy Community United Methodist, to purchase gifts for a food pantry client family who otherwise would have missed out on the magic of Christmas. “I like having the chance to do something constructive. It’s good to give back to the community and help people in need.” When Peter isn’t bagging bread, moving things to the top shelf, or filling orders in the food pantry, he enjoys collecting comic books, especially Marvel comic books from the 1960s.

Just when we thought last year’s record-breaking total would be hard to beat, our amazing event committee, donors and volunteers rallied to raise an incredible $250,000 at Interfaith Social Services’ 18^th Annual Feed the Hungry Gala. These critical funds will make it possible to help the thousands of families who come to our door wondering where their next place else to turn for mental health counseling.

Check out many more photos from this year’s Gala on Facebook.

On December 4^th Granite Links Golf Club was transformed into a winter wonderland full of games, auctions, festive beverages, delicious food and generosity. Local support for this year’s Gala was on display throughout the evening.

As guests arrived they were welcomed with festive cranberry cocktails provided by GrandTen Distilling. Island Creek Oysters provided an incredible raw bar side by side with sushi from JP Fuji Group. As they made their way into the ballroom guests encountered a stunning array of activities, restaurants and auctions. Adding to the ambience was the beautiful signage generously donated by Makepeace Digital
Imaging and East Coast Printing. Guests indulged in our wine tasting provided by Bin Ends, Sam Adams lager provided by Boston Beer Company and the delicious menu created by our other generous restaurant sponsors: Alma Nove, Boathouse Bistro, Michael Aprea, The Corner Stop Eatery, and The Quarry Restaurant & Lounge. Live entertainment as well as fun, interactive games created a high-spirited atmosphere throughout the night.

We were so happy to have our event energetically emceed for the second year in a row by Latoyia Edwards from NECN. During the program, we presented our Community Hero of the Year Award to NECN reporter and Hingham native, Ally Donnelly for the amazing work she does behind the camera on behalf of struggling South Shore families. At the close of the evening, Montilio’s and Burtons Grill treated our guests to mouthwatering desserts; and specialty coffee was provided by Coffee Break Café.

After the auctions had closed and all of the game prizes had been won no one left the Gala empty handed, each guest departed with a Gift Bag sponsored by JetBlue and Arbella which was stuffed with product, promotions and coupons from event sponsors. The entire evening was designed to thank each guest for being a part of Interfaith’s mission. Linda, one of the event’s attendees, described her experience.

“This is such an amazing event! I look forward to it. Events like this make you appreciate what you have, a home, food and clothing. We take it for granted. Being a single parent, that could be me. It gives me comfort to know that there is a place like Interfaith where one could go to for help.”

Gala guests left the event with more than fun memories, they left with full hearts. The focal point of the evening’s program was a testimonial from Stephanie, one of Interfaith’s clients. She voiced what thousands of other local residents just like her go through every day. In order to put food on her family’s table, Stephanie started coming to Interfaith’s food pantry this past summer. At the Gala, she spoke about obstacles and resilience. These are some of her own words.

“You may not realize that my face represents someone who served in the United States Marines, someone who has four beautiful children, someone who overcame domestic violence, someone who was homeless and also someone who is kind, patient and capable of amazing things. There are astonishing stories that lie behind the faces we pass by every day. I am sharing my story with you to shed light on the fact that at some point it is possible for any one of us to experience a circumstance that could require us to need assistance. I am now working towards obtaining my degree in nursing. I have maintained a 3.87 GPA. I feel my accomplishments would not have been possible without the resources provided by Interfaith. My experiences have shown me that I have the fortitude and strength to persevere through life’s challenges and that we all have the opportunity to be amazing.”

In addition to groceries, this Thanksgiving Stephanie and her family carved a turkey and enjoyed a holiday meal
provided by Interfaith’s donors. This Christmas her kids will open gifts donated by some of Interfaith’s incredibly generous supporters, including Walmart who presented Stephanie with a $500 gift card at the event.

Stephanie has encountered many road blocks during her journey to self-sufficiency, but she is well on her way thanks to a community of people, organizations and businesses who reach out and assistance this neighbor in her time of need.

Time and time again we are astonished by the amazing way that our community of supporters has rallied to support Interfaith’s mission. Thank you to the charitable businesses and individuals whose giving spirit made our Gala a reality. Together we are helping people like Stephanie. We are feeding hungry children, helping families avoid homelessness and providing comfort and counseling to those who are suffering – THANK YOU!

Save the Date: 19th Annual Feed the Hungry Gala – Friday December 9, 2016

The 2015 Gala Committee included: Ally Donnelly and Greg Wallingford, co-chairs Committee Members: Kara Bianchi, Charlotte Bodell, Tanya Buchanan, Emily Byrer, James Cahill, Katie Catlender, Kevin Clow, Allison Corbett, Kathleen Curran, Paula Daniels, Rick Doane, Cara Hafferty, Patricia Horne, Seerena Huxley, Amanda Kennedy, Donna Mavromates, Bill Murphy, Julie Nations, Maura O’Brien, Jennifer Reale, Kelsey Rochleau, Adrienne Rowe, Leanne Schiller, Daniele Serafini, Elizabeth Shaw

Thank you to all of our Sponsors for your support!

Supporter Level:

Bay State Milling * Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Milton * Black Rock Cares * Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts * BMC HealthNet Plan * Boston Financial Data Services * The Carvalho Family * Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares * Cosgrove, Eisenberg & Kiley, P.C. * Davine Events * Donham & Sweeney Architects * DPS Insurance Group, Inc. * East Coast Printing Inc.  Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation * Elite Envelope & Graphics, Inc. * First Congregational Church of Randolph * Gadles Real Estate Development * Law Offices of George G. Burke * Lily Lee * The Lombardo Companies * Makepeace Digital Printing * Micah 6, Inc. * Neponset Valley Survey Associates, Inc. *  John & Maureen O’Donnell * Pierce Harman Photography * Planter Hill Properties * Quincy Mutual Group * Rentals Unlimited * Shepard Construction and Development * State Street Global Operations * St. Stephen’s Church * William Swanson & Lauren Payne * Three Phase Productions * Tryst Studio * Weymouth Rotary Club * WNA