Devereux Massachusetts/Rhode Island STARR program builds a sense of community

Sheri-ann Mclean, Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island program director, cultivates a culture of trust and collaboration among staff through the organization’s STARR program in Paxton, Mass.

Mclean strives to create a sense of community in the workplace in a variety of ways, including showing small acts of appreciation for employees during holidays and special occasions.

For the past two years, Sheri-ann Mclean, program director at Devereux Advanced Behavior Health Massachusetts and Rhode Island, has been cultivating a culture of trust and collaboration among staff in the organization’s Short-term Assessment and Rapid Reintegration (STARR) program in Paxton, Mass.

In an industry with a high employee turnover rate, specifically for direct support professionals, the Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Paxton STARR program, which provides short-term placement services for youth in need of immediate behavioral healthcare support – has experienced a less than 1 percent turnover rate since August 2017.

“What we do in the Paxton STARR program can be stressful and overwhelming – reintegrating youth back into their families or the next appropriate placement or level of care, typically, within a matter of days,” Mclean explained. “My goal is to ensure our employees feel appreciated and understood, and know that their voices will always be heard.”

Meaningful acts of appreciation

Mclean strives to create a sense of community in the workplace by:

Sending employees weekly text messages with inspirational quotes
Placing surprise gifts in employees’ mailboxes
Organizing team building activities during staff meetings
Holding raffles for gift cards during staff meetings
Purchasing gift cards for employees’ birthdays
Sending employees cards and monetary contributions in recognition of significant life events
Purchasing small gifts for employees on holidays and during Direct Support Professionals week

“When I first started sending text messages to employees with inspirational quotes, I did not know if anyone was reading them or if the messages were making a difference,” Mclean shared. “Then one day, a team member said, ‘Thank you so much, Sheri-ann! I really needed to hear that quote.’ This motivated me to continue sending text messages and do even more to support and empower our staff.”

A healthy environment for all

Mclean also places an emphasis on self-care, encouraging employees to take time to relax and recharge.

“I always tell staff, ‘If you are not taking care of yourself, you are in no position to take care of our youth,’” Mclean explained. “By creating a positive, healthy and collaborative work environment, employees are motivated to go above and beyond what is asked of them every day to help the individuals we serve – and their families – reach their treatment goals.”

Devereux Massachusetts/Rhode Island Executive Director Kerry Ann Goldsmith noted that, “the Paxton STARR program is proof that building a sense of community in the workplace, where employees feel accepted, supported and encouraged, can lead to increased engagement, productivity and employee retention. People want to part of something bigger than themselves, and that is where the Paxton STARR program truly shines.”

Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

Latest News

		Recreational Therapy Month: Enriching the lives of youth, adults with disabilities February is Recreational Therapy Month. Learn how Devereux is using recreational activities and programs to help those living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences acquire new skills, boost their self-confidence and improve their quality of life.
		Community supporters make holiday season special for Devereux Pennsylvania youth The holidays are over, but the memories remain of a special season filled with joy and gratitude for youth served by Devereux Pennsylvania. Through Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services’ “Operation Santa” program, community supporters, as well as center staff and their families, donated hundreds of toys to help fulfill the holiday wish lists - and more - of approximately 300 children and adolescents living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
		Devereux article on engaging families in behavioral health treatment featured in Behavioral Health News An article written by Devereux National Director of Behavioral Health Services Crystal Taylor-Dietz, Psy.D., and Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, was recently featured in Behavioral Health News. The article - “The integral role of families in promoting mental health and managing mental illness” - discusses the importance of family engagement in behavioral health treatment.
		Adults share personal experiences on services through Devereux New Jersey’s Advisory Board Adults who receive services through Devereux New Jersey - who also sit on the center’s Advisory Board for individuals served - have an opportunity to make their voices heard and share their personal experiences on the services they receive.
		Autism Spectrum News features Devereux article on supporting individuals with disabilities in becoming self-advocates An article written by Devereux team members on supporting teens and adults with disabilities in becoming self-advocates was recently featured in Autism Spectrum News. The article includes interviews with three individuals who are enrolled in Devereux Pennsylvania’s Community Adult Autism Partnership Program as they offer tips on how to ensure your voice is heard.
		Devereux New Jersey Direct Support Professional/Lead Staff Nacole Moore Devereux New Jersey Direct Support Professional/Lead Staff Nacole Moore leads by example and is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. Learn how she is inspiring all those around her.
		Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes: Spotlight on Devereux Arizona Nursing Manager Tammy Maguire At Devereux, our employees are at the heart of everything we do - and are key to our success. Learn how Devereux Arizona Nursing Manager Tammy Maguire is serving and inspiring others every day.
		Devereux article on advocating for those who are nonspeaking or minimally verbal featured in Autism Spectrum News Read this Autism Spectrum News article written by Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, as she offers suggestions on how to advocate for those who are nonspeaking or limited in their verbal communication.
		Planting seeds of learning: Devereux California’s greenhouse program helps adults grow job, life skills Adults who participate in Devereux California’s greenhouse vocational program are gaining more than a green thumb, they are cultivating critical job and life skills to help them increase their independence and enhance their overall quality of life.