The Western Massachusetts Training Consortium Proudly Congratulates the Salasin Project’s Vickie Hutchinson as the Winner of Stavros’ 2017 Paul Winske Access Award!
OCTOBER 31, 2017 – HOLYOKE
Every year Stavros, a local non-profit organization supporting people with disabilities, sends a survey to consumers asking for nominations of local organizations/people that really go the extra mile for the people they serve. A dedicated group of staff and volunteers review the nominations and conduct site visits.
The Western Massachusetts Training Consortium (wmtcinfo.org), is a well-established human service organization in Holyoke MA, which offers a variety of community supports. The Salasin Project (salasincenter.org), a program of The Consortium, is a nonprofit organization in Greenfield that is named after Susan Salasin, a pioneer in the area of women, violence prevention and trauma. Salasin’s commitment and determination has kept trauma on the public mental health agenda. It is through the Salasin Project that we honor Susan Salasin’s work and her courage to persevere toward the vision of trauma-informed systems and support.
Vickie Hutchinson, a current resident of Greenfield, has worked at The Salasin Project for 5 years and just celebrated her 6th year anniversary with the Consortium on Friday, October 27, 2017! Vickie is the Woman’s Art Group leader at the Salasin Project and also currently holds the positon of “Resource and Stabilization Specialist.” She has supported the Art Group in holding fundraisers at numerous public events. Together, the group makes and sells jewelry. In addition, many artists who have attended the art class have ventured out to start their own small “artsy” businesses.
Vickie was instrumental in organizing the Asian Arts series for the Family F.U.N. (Family United Network) center and brought in a cultural council grant. The Salasin Community engaged in Asian Art and Culture education through the funds that were awarded. She is key to keeping the art room stocked with supplies for not only the women who attend the art group but for the children who participate in Art during F.U.N. Center time. She solicits donations from the community and attends an art supply swap event held a few times per year.
Vickie clearly enjoys what she does and makes a difference in her community while doing it. We are privileged to have her as a part of our team!
