The Fall River Deaconess Home was founded in the spring of 1893 to offer under privileged women a safe and nurturing environment. Since its inception, the Deaconess Home has instilled the value of community to young women and has provided for them education, recreation, vocational training and a place to call home. Medical, psycho-social and psychiatric services were added in 1941 and in the 1960s, Deaconess opened its first site for Group Home services. Today, the Deaconess Home is a vibrant, dynamic agency, which provides cutting edge, comprehensive treatment services to youth and families in need and remains true to founding principles. Our transparent and predictable behavior support system is designed to maintain the safety of the resident and employees, reduce the need for crisis intervention and strengthen the residents’ interpersonal and daily living skills.
Our Mission is to empower youth and families within their community to develop social, emotional, academic and life skills to engage fully and freely in life. For almost 130 years, the Fall River Deaconess Home has utilized the philosophy and practice of structure, consistency and safety to support youth and families.
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: Educational Coordinator
Email: aminas@deconesshome.org
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Laurette A. Shabshelowitz
1st VICE PRESIDENT Diana M. Taxiera
2nd VICE PRESIDENT Stephanie Terach
TREASURER Jack C. Carey
ASSISTANT TREASURER Bonnie Mello
CLERK/SECRETARY Frances L. Tyrrell
BOARD OF MANAGERS
Irene Borum
Jack C. Carey
John V. Carvalho, III
John F. Golden
Carol McShane
Robert Mendes
Bonnie Mello
Laurette A. Shabshelowitz
Diana M. Taxiera
Stephanie Terach
Frances L. Tyrrell
Henry R. Vaillancourt, MD
CORPORATORS
Peter C. Bogle
Thomas A. D’Ambrosio
Karin E. Wood
OF COUNSEL
Arthur M. DeAscentis