Educational Services
   At the Fall River Deaconess Home, the educational curriculum for each grade is developed in accordance with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Goals and Objectives derived from the Frameworks, in various content areas, are specifically supported by the textbooks purchased, thereby, conforming to curriculum standards set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Education.
   The Deaconess Home’s curriculum complements that of the Fall River Public Schools, thereby, ensuring a successful, planned transition to a less-restrictive, educational setting. The goal for each student is to transition, when deemed appropriate, to a public school setting. Transitions often begin by the student taking one class, then two, and to ultimately participate in public school on a full-time basis.

Working with Public Schools to Provide a Smooth Transition
   The staff at the Deaconess Home works closely with the public schools in order to assist in a successful transition. The program provides school tracking as part of the transition process. The students also participate in a weekly public school meeting to discuss issues related to public school such as social concerns, academic progress and specific needs the child may have. This meeting is helpful to the girls because they are able to share their experiences and offer advice to each other. There is also a homework club Monday - Thursday that each girl attends

Preparing Students for Graduation and Secondary Education
   The Deaconess Home also prepares the students for graduation from their sending school district. They must pass required MCAS testing and fulfill all credit requirements as set forth by the sending school district. Diplomas are issued by the sending school. Deaconess seniors, who are interested in higher education, are assisted in preparing for SAT’s, visiting colleges of interest, completing financial aid applications, and completing college applications.

Vocational Program
   The program also offers pre-vocational, vocational, and career education. The PAYA, Preparing Adolescents for Young Adulthood, curriculum offers: job seeking, job maintenance; and job termination skills. This includes ways to seek a job, resume writing, completing applications, interviewing and follow-up, developing a good work ethic, and how to successfully leave employment. The PAYA classes are held once a week in addition to classroom instruction.

    Each young woman has the opportunity to utilize the skills they learn through the PAYA curriculum within the community. The girls are guided into obtaining a volunteer position in the community, in an area of interest. This provides opportunities to practice job maintenance skills and to explore future academic and career options. This experience also provides each young woman with a sense of pride and self-worth, as she gives back to her community. The strong connection between the Deaconess Home and the volunteer sites provides consistent feedback on a resident’s experience, both good and problematic. It is our experience that the young woman will reliably express both their strengths and needs in these situations. Through the volunteer jobs, the girls are learning skills that will assist them in paid employment. After volunteering within the community, the young women are encouraged to obtain paid employment in local establishments. The program also assists the girls in finding employment in their communities. This is helpful for girls who are transitioning home because it allows them to reconnect to their community prior to them leaving the program.

Individualized Educational Plan for Students
   Every student’s educational/career plan is supported by their courses at the Deaconess Home. The program assists and encourages each young woman to explore whatever her interests are, including vocational training programs, certification programs, high school or college courses of interest, and community resources.

Healthcare and Nutritional Services
    To enable each young woman to establish a safe, productive lifestyle that is good for them and will help them contribute to society, the Deaconess Home provides an array of healthcare and nutritional services.

    Prior to intake and during the admission process, a health assessment is completed to identify the needs of the young women. Physical, dental and eye exams are set up soon after admission into the program to ensure that the basic health needs of each girl is met. Psychiatric services are also provided at the program. Some of the young women entering the Family Reunification program are already receiving psychiatric and medical services within their community. The Deaconess Home believes strongly in the continuum of care; therefore, these young women continue to receive psychiatric and health care services within their community from their providers.