Monson Tornado Response Team
Department of Developmental Services
The Monson Developmental Center and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Regional Office staff, with the support and leadership of David Serra, Michelle Harris, and Laurie Robert, were instrumental in the rebuilding and recovery process of the community after the tornado hit central and western Massachusetts in June. The Monson Developmental Center, which was home to 70 individuals with intellectual disabilities, immediately began to mobilize staff and all available resources to respond to the many needs of the local community. They opened Daly Hall as an area for people from surrounding communities who had no power or water so that they could get a hot shower and use the laundry facility. Additionally, the DDS Central/West Regional office in Palmer played an integral role as one of three Storm Assistance Centers established by the Governor. One of the most critical aspects of this effort was that all of this was achieved with no decrease in services to individuals receiving DDS supports.
Team members include: Terry O’Hare, Michelle Harris, Laurie Robert, David Serra, Damien Arthur, Nancy Butler, Deborah Dupre, Shala Perry-Moore, Josephine Bryant, Jamie Chaffee, Walter Nowak, Charles Douglas, Beverly Lemon, Beverly Paradis, Theresa Currie, Kris Bacon, Vicki Banas, Toby Fenton
This information provided by the Human Resources Division