The Roadside Emergency Kit as provided by AAA Pioneer Valley to MHA. (Photo submitted)
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. – AAA Pioneer Valley recently supported the work of MHA with a donation of 34 Roadside Emergency Kits to support the nonprofit’s Division of Developmental Services (DDS) Outreach Team.
“AAA encourages drivers to be vigilant when hitting the road and to always stay prepared by carrying an emergency roadside kit,” said Mindy J. Ginley, Communications Manager, AAA Pioneer Valley. “A comprehensive emergency roadside kit should contain a mobile phone and car charger, first aid kit, blankets, drinking water and snacks, a flashlight with extra batteries, a basic toolkit, warning flares, jumper cables and a shovel.”
Each of the 34 Emergency Road Kits that AAA Pioneer Valley is donating to MHA provides a range of basic, useful items such as a first aid kit, booster cables, an LED flashlight with extra batteries and roll of duct tape. There are 42 items in each kit, and they come in a handy carry case.
Pictured left to right: Kimberley Lee, MHA Vice President of Resource Development & Branding; Sandra Marsian, Vice President, Membership, Travel & Marketing at AAA; Mindy J. Ginley, Communications Manager, AAA Pioneer Valley; Kim Barbero, Outreach Program Director, MHA. (Photo submitted)
“Our DDS Outreach Teams are on the road every day serving clients in our Individual Support Program, so having these Emergency Roadside Kits safely tucked in their vehicles will provide our staff with important items that can help keep them and the clients who are often with them safe until help arrives,” said Kimberley A. Lee, VP Resource Development & Branding for MHA. “We’re so thrilled to know that AAA Pioneer Valley believes in the work of MHA and the meaningful and measurable difference we are making. Partnerships like ours are critical in our ability to impact the lives of those we serve.”
The Individual Support Program is a community outreach model that supports individuals who live in their own apartments in the Greater Springfield area. The program currently serves 86 individuals and we continue to grow. Outreach workers provide support to individuals in their homes and community settings. The staff focuses on providing support with skills of daily living to increase independence and build on individual strengths. For instance, one individual may need assistance with medication administration while another needs help to negotiate the purchasing of groceries. The staff provide transportation to and from required appointments and community-based activities. The supports are person-driven and provide opportunities for each person to pursue interests and activities guided by personal choice. This program provides 24 hour mobile access to staff who can address emergency situations.
