Nature and Purpose
Juniper House is a group home for six people who have mental retardation or other developmental disabilities.  The program is run by the Newton-Wellesley-Weston Committee for Community Living, Inc. (NWW Committee), a non-profit agency based in Newton.  Juniper House is designed to operate as much like a normal home as possible while assisting each resident to develop to her fullest potential.  Staffing is provided on a 24-hour basis.  The house is located in Newton Corner and is a short walk from the Newton campus of Boston College.
In addition to Juniper House, the NWW Committee has several other group homes in other locations in Newton, one home in Wellesley and an apartment program for people capable of more independent living. These programs have both men and women, and internships can be arranged in these programs as well. Several Newton homes are within walking distance of the MBTA Green Line, and the Wellesley home is accessible by commuter rail.

Tasks
A student who chooses to work at Juniper House or any other NWW program will be involved in the daily routines of the people who live there. Under the guidance of staff the student will assist with activities in the home such as meal planning, dinner preparation, hobbies and exercise and with activities in the community such as shopping, dining out, goint to the bank and using the public library.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this placement for the PULSE student is the opportunity to develop personal relationships with the people who live in the home. Many PULSE interns maintain their friendships beyond the internship year.

Time Requirement
The weekly commitment is 10 hours per week, usually scheduled during weekday afternoons and evenings but sometimes including weekend days. Each intern works out a regular schedule that is mutually acceptable to him or her and the house staff. A full school year commitment is preferred.

Supervision
An initial orientation to the placement is provided by the NWW Volunteer Coordinator. A subsequent orientation to the particular house is given by the direct care staff there. The Learning-Work Agreement (L-WA) is developed by the student and the NWW Program Manager at the house, and supervision is provided on an on-going basis by the Program Manager and other direct care staff. All NWW homes operate on a team concept, and PULSE interns are truly considered part of the team. Students are allowed to attend staff meetings and are encouraged to do so if they can. Learning- Work Agreements (LWA's) and evaluation deadlines are considered the shared responsibility of the the NWW Volunteer Coordinator, NWW Program Manager and PULSE intern.

Supervisor
Tina Jameson, Volunteer Coordinator
NWW Committee for Community Living, Inc.
1301 Centre Street
Newton Centre, MA 02459
Tel.: (617) 964-6860 ext. 24   

Addresses
Shannon Cargill, Program Manager
Juniper House
14 Newtonville, Ave.,
Newton Corner, MA 02458
Tel: 617.332.2382

Brad Peck, Program Manager
40 Orchard Avenue
West Newton, MA  02465
Tel.:  (617) 965-4767

Christine Hebner, Program Manager
89 Grove Street
Auburndale, MA  02466
Tel.:  (617)527-2318

Shawn Fay, Program Manager
966-968 Walnut Street
Newton Highlands, MA  02161
Tel.:  (617) 630-5791

Pamela Matthews, Program Manager
21 Bontempo Road
Newton Centre, MA  02459
Tel.:  (617) 928-1678

Lisa Oberton, Program Manager
10 Cross Street
Wellesley, MA 02482
Tel.:  (781) 431-0165
 
 

Council Member
Jessica Franco
 

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