Our History
Founded in the spring of 1893, Fall River Deaconess Home began as a safe and nurturing haven for underprivileged women. Guided by compassion and a deep belief in community, the organization quickly grew to support youth and families through education, recreation, vocational training, and a welcoming place to call home.
In 1941, Deaconess expanded its care by introducing medical, psycho-social, and psychiatric, laying the foundation for the comprehensive support we offer today. By the 1960s, we opened our first Group Home, further extending our mission to meet the evolving needs of youth in our community.
More than a century later, Fall River Deaconess Home remains a vibrant and forward-thinking agency providing trauma-informed, evidence-based services that empower youth and families to build brighter futures. Our transparent and predictable behavior support system fosters safety, minimizes crisis intervention, and helps residents strengthen the life skills needed to thrive, remaining true to the principles that have guided us since our foundng.
Our Vision is to be the leader and provider of choice for trauma-informed care.
Our Mission is to empower youth and families to develop social, emotional, academic and life skills to engage successfully in the community.
Our Values
Equity and Inclusion: Create a fair and equitable environment that promotes a sense of belonging and appreciation for everyone
Safety: Create a culture that is nurturing, predictable and safe
Commitment to Excellence: Provide consistent, high-quality service, care, and support that honors and respects youth, family, staff members and partners
Integrity: Honesty, transparency, and dedication
Collaboration: Cultivate strong partnerships to build relationships and networks to support youth and families
Compassion: Driven by respect and dignity when providing care to youth and families
Meet Our Team
Maureen K. Philbin, M.Ed.: Executive Director
Email: mphilbin@deaconesshome.org
Hilda Moniz, LCSW: Vice President of Operations
Email: hildam@deaconesshome.org
Joy Edwards, MSW: Vice President of Residential Services
Email: joye@deaconesshome.org
Erie Contreras, M.Ed: Director of Community Programs; Support & Stabilization
Email: eriec@deaonesshome.org
Pam Gagne, CPA: Director of Finance
Email: pamg@deaconesshome.org
Stacy Harris, LICSW: Director of Clinical Services
Email: stacyh@deaconesshome.org
Amina Serdarevic, M.Ed: Director of Educational Services
Email: aminas@deconesshome.org
Ella Donahue: Development Coordinator
Email: ellad@deaconesshome.org
Board of Managers
Officers
President: Diana M. Taxiera
First Vice President: Bonnie Mello
Second Vice President: Robert Mendes
Treasurer: Jack C. Carey
Assistant Treasurer: Laurette A. Shabshelowitz
Clerk/Secretary: Stephanie Terach
Members
Jack C. Carey
John V. Carvalho, III
Debra A. Faria
John F. Golden
Pamela H. Mathieu
Bonnie Mello
Robert Mendes
Laurette A. Shabshelowitz
Diana M. Taxiera
Stephanie Terach
Frances L. Tyrrell
Henry R. Vaillancourt, MD
Corporators
Carol McShane
Karin E. Wood
Of Counsel
Arthur M. DeAscentis
