August 2025: Supporters Monthly Memo

Supervision is the bedrock of professional development. Our dedicated team of internship supervisors genuinely cares about the professional development and growth of their students. Supervisors work with their students to craft individualized learning plans designed to help each student reach their academic goals. Supervisors employ a range of training methods (i.e. direct instruction, observation/shadowing, process recordings, etc.) to teach as well as evaluate the student’s progress. Individual and group supervision is provided to each student based on the requirements of their academic programs, with individual supervision occurring no less than one hour per week.

This weekly seminar brings together students from across the agency’s programs to explore and process their internship experiences. Seminars focus on a range of knowledge (i.e. grief and loss, domestic violence, substance use, human trafficking, etc.), skills (i.e. engagement and interviewing techniques, boundary and limit setting, de-escalation, DMS 5-TR assessment and diagnosis, etc.), and interventions (CBT, Solution-focused, Motivational Interviewing, DBT skills, harm reduction, etc.) applicable to the student’s internship placement.

Interns begin their training by attending our 3-day Internship Orientation where they explore the ways in which the Socio-Ecological Model, the Person-in-Environment Perspective and the Strengths Perspective inform and shape practice. Students are introduced to community behavioral health, the continuum of BSCS services, and a variety of professional practice considerations. The 3-day orientation is offered immediately prior to the start of each semester (January, May, and late August). Students are required to complete the Internship Orientation prior to starting their internship experience.

Please complete the form below and someone from the Bay State team will be in touch soon!
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Team leader Shantae Holmes (Director of DEI; Administration):

• Team has completed reviewing the Employee Handbook through the lens of DEI and provided feedback to Leadership
• Reviewing Corporate Compliance, CLAS and other policies

Team leader, Emily Tompkins (Special Projects Manager; Administration):

• Maintaining the AJEDI SharePoint site to be an easy-to-use, collaborative website for all things DEI at BSCS
• Providing BSCS’ DEI and Communications and Development Director with editorial support, event assistance and communication support
• Collaborating with the Education & Training Team to communicate about learning/training opportunities, including the Conversations Project

Team leader Shantae Holmes (Director of DEI; Administration):

• Assembling diversity resources for all staff to explore and utilize in their work and personal life
• Organizing the Conversations Project (see “Conversations Project” tab for more information)
• Collaborating with the Communications Team around communicating these initiatives, learning opportunities and resources to staff

This was formed in response to the murder of George Floyd. This discussion group creates a brave space for BSCS staff to discuss Anti-Racist topics through readings, podcasts, documentaries and more. These conversations are peer-led, and meetings are held bi-weekly.

1970-1979

The BSCS founding agencies were brought to life by grass roots initiatives, forged by local citizens and community leaders who recognized the impact of substance use and behavioral health on the wellbeing of our children, families, and communities.

1980-1989

As non-traditional service providers, our founding agencies offered street outreach, a crisis hotline, and opened the first homeless shelter for youth in the Commonwealth to ensure that all youth had a safe, understanding, and caring place.

1990-1999

Our founding agencies came together to form BSCS. BSCS remains committed to honoring the history of our founders, by continuing to provide innovative and quality, non-traditional services, including outreach, prevention, clinical, and residential care.

2000-2009

Programs and services continue to grow as the state reformed the child serving system. BSCS was selected to provide comprehensive child and family services.  In addition, BSCS expanded our social justice services to address the needs of individuals who had come to the attention of law enforcement.

2009-2019

Our supports of children and families continued to grow with The Diane DeVanna Center and Beal Street Residential programs joining BSCS.  As the opioid epidemic was devastating our communities, BSCS was at work providing Peer Recovery Centers, Prevention Services, Specialized Substance Use Treatment Programs and ensuring access to Narcan.

2020-present

While we continue to grow, we have not lost our core belief to offer quality, non-traditional, and accessible services to all in need.  With over 80 programs in almost 30 locations, we are committed to offering services that meet the needs of everyone in our communities.

• NEW Winter Hats, Scarves, Mittens, Boots, Jackets
• Gerber Baby Food (Fruits)
• Gerber Rice
• Wipes
• Diapers-All Sizes
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Formula
• Dove (Unscented) Bar Soap
• Deodorant (M/F)
• CeraVe Lotion (Kids)
• Vaseline
• NEW Stuffed Animals