Nature and Purpose
Juniper House is a group home for seven women who have mental retardation/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 ca mpus of Boston College.
In addition to Juniper House, the NWW Committee has four other group homes in other locations in Newton, a home in Wellesley and an apartment program for people capable of more independent living. These programs have both men and women. Internships can be arranged in these programs as well.
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 staff guidance, the student will assist with home-based activities (such as meal planning, dinner prepar ation, personal grooming and hygiene and budgeting), with recreational activities (such as hobbies, exercise, and special events), and with community-based activities (such as shopping, dining out, adult education, banking and using the library).
One of the major attractions of this placement for a PULSE intern is the opportunity to develop strong, mutually rewarding relationships with the residents. In addition, each house operates on a team concept, and the intern in considered a part of th e team.
Time Requirement
An initial orientation is provided by the NWW Committee's Volunteer Coordinator. Subsequent and on-going training is provided by direct care staff. The weekly commitment is 10 hours per week, usually scheduled on two week days from mid-afternoon until early evening. Each intern works out a regular weekly schedule that is mutually acceptable to him or her and the house staff. A full-year commitment is usually required.
Supervision
Direct supervision is provided on a schedule that is agreed upon by the students and the house staff. Students are allowed to attend staff meetings and are encouraged to do so if they can. The Volunteer Coordinator oversees the Learning Work Agreement (LWA) and end-of-semester evaluation process.
Supervisor
Christina Jameson, Ph.D.
Volunteer Coordinator
NWW Committee for Community Living, Inc.
1301 Centre Street
Newton Centre, MA 02459
Tel.: (617) 964-6860 ext. 24
cjameson@nwwcommittee.org
Addresses
Juniper House
14 Newtonville, Ave.,
Newton Corner, MA 02458
(617) 332-2382
18-20 Coyne Road
Newton, MA 02468
(617) 965-4767
40 Orchard Avenue
West Newton, MA 02465
(617)527-2318
21 Bontempo Road
Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617)928-1678
228 Webster Street
Newton, MA 02465
(617)965-8639
10 Cross Street
Wellesley, MA 02482
(781) 431-0165
Council Member
DaHye Kim