In addition to providing excellent services to individuals in our programs, it also is important to safeguard their human and civil rights and help them learn to advocate for themselves. This involves constant monitoring of services, activities, training and protocols to ensure that Vinfen staff
recognize, protect and promote the rights of individuals served.
State-funded providers like Vinfen are required by Massachusetts law to establish Human Rights Committees. Vinfen’s Human Rights Committees are facilitated by the
organization’s regional directors and staffed by volunteers. Since human rights cover a wide range of categories, Vinfen is seeking volunteers with varied backgrounds.
“This is a terrific opportunity to support your community as well as learn about the services offered to individuals,” said Joseph Gomes, senior vice president of Vinfen’s Mental Retardation Division. “It’s not only a rewarding experience in itself but also a chance to network and interact with a wide variety of people in the field.”
Prospective committee members include parents, guardians, and individuals served by Vinfen or advocates for individuals with disabilities.
Vinfen is also looking for people with specific professions, such as:
- physicians
- nurses
- psychologists
- attorneys, paralegals and law students
- master’s level practitioners with relevant
experience in mental retardation, developmental disabilities and/or mental health disabilities
Committee members cannot have any administrative or financial connection to Vinfen. Committees meet at least once per quarter for approximately two hours.
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