Brightside Treatment Center and Campus School offers a variety of opportunities, including:
Recreational on and off-campus activities; an olympic-sized swimming pool; basketball
courts, a baseball diamond and athletic fields; regularly scheduled goal-focused
activities; Outdoor Adventure Programming such as canoeing, hiking and backpacking;
school and community sports team involvement; community volunteers who participate
in a variety of our programs such as reading clubs, games nights, and visiting
resources; and regular trips to activities and events such as the Basketball Hall
of Fame, Six Flags, and others.
What Families and Referring Agents Say About Brightside
"This program has done a remarkable job with a youth who at 10 years old was
described as never being able to be safe in the community." CT DCF Social Worker Sept. 2006
"I feel that the services offered to my son and myself were of the highest standard"
"I just want to say "Thank You" to your program staff for their support and the
loving and caring that my family received."
Golf
The Brightside Golf Classic celebrated its 28th anniversary on July 21, 2008. Golfers played on three local courses-Crestview Country Club in Agawam, Twin
Hills Country Club in Longmeadow and Springfield Country Club in West Springfield. The
tournament was followed by a "Wild West" banquet at Chez Josef. The Brightside
Golf Classic supports the programs and services of Brightside for Families and
Children, as well as provides an excellent opportunity for business networking
and promotion. We look forward to another great tournament next year!
For more about Golf call (413) 748-9997, or click on Events, above.
Brightside Obtains COA Reaccreditation
The Council on Accreditation (COA) has reaccredited Brightside after an intensive
three-day site survey held May 18-21. During the site review, COA representatives
surveyed stakeholders by conducting interviews with members of Brightside's direct
care staff, management and trustees, as well as the children and their families
who obtain services at Brightside. Additionally, they reviewed the agency's client
records and structural framework, including policies and procedures. Brightside
was rated in complete compliance and was expedited through COA's pre-Commision
Review Report.
Over the past several years Brightside has undergone major organizational and
programmatic restructuring to update services and create a climate of innovation
and excellence. The COA reaccreditation provides national recognition of the
successful efforts to improve services directly tailored to meet the needs of
our children and families, and it reflects the hard work of Brightside's dedicated
staff.
COA is an independent, not-for-profit, child and family-service and behavioral
health care accrediting organization. Founded in 1977 by the Child Welfare League
of America and Family Service America, COA currently accredits 38 different service
areas and over 60 types of programs.
2007 Motorcycle Toy Run
Sunday October 7th, 2007 marked another successful Brightside Toy Run. Now in its 19th year, upwards of 3000 motorcycle enthusiasts followed Santa on motorcycles to deliver Christmas toys to the children of Brightside. The weather was great, and what a sight it was as chrome and leather covered the campus!! Thanks to all who participated in this wonderful community sponsored event. The 2008 Toy Run will take place on October 12th. For more information, contact Sara Silvia at 413-748-9997.
Angel Campaign
The Brightside Angel Campaign celebrated its 23rd year in 2007! Its annual success is due to the generosity of business sponsors and hundreds of helpful volunteers. More volunteers are needed to help out. Please call (413) 748-9997, or click on Events, above, for more information.
Brightside School Launches Experiential Learning Initiative
This past academic year saw the beginning of an Experiential Learning Initiative
made possible from a contribution by Vinny Del Negro, coach of the NBA's Chicago
Bulls and a long time supporter of Brightside. The program allows for the exploration
of five different themes, one per school term, to provide an interdisciplinary,
multi-modal learning experience in both Brightside's school and residential units.
The first theme called "The Re-Cycle of Life" revolved around recycling, the study
of nature, and preserving our earth. Seven weeks were spent on research, field
trips, and projects in every academic area, culminating in a wonderful exhibit
on 6/20/08. Students created art and ceramics, power point presentations, recycled/re-made
clothing, made informative bulleting boards for the school, planted a garden,
and started a student involved recycling pick-up program in the school.
The theme for the summer is the Olympics, and students are busy learning about
the history of the Olympics, the various sports involved, and the participating
countries. The theme was kicked off with a torch passing event and will culminate
with a week long Olympics event which includes a field day, exhibits, and an international
buffet. For the fall term the students will study Native Americans of the Northeast.
Brightside Kids in Service Helping Others
The Brightside Children, in conjunction with our Spiritual Development Program,
are involved in numerous service projects throughout the year to help acquaint
our youth with the values and joy of giving back to others.
For the second year in a row, Brightside clients participated in an Art Show
& Sale to benefit the homeless shelter at Broderick House. Several residents
and day students created and donated artwork to be sold, with all proceeds benefitting
Broderick House.
Volunteers
Volunteers add so much to the life of a child who has experienced trauma. No matter what your special talents, we would like to talk to you. Call Brightside at 413-788-7366 to get information or to join our team.