The Institute on Disability at UNH and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Developmental Services are pleased to announce the opening of the START Resource Center. The facility, located in Boscawen, NH, and operated in partnership with Community Bridges, is the first of its kind in the state.

The START program serves individuals with co-occurring intellectual disability and behavioral health needs. The newly founded START Resource Center is designed to employ a positive, person-centered approach for assessment, crisis prevention, and stabilization services in the context of a safe, supportive therapeutic setting for those who need them, along with in-home supports for those who would benefit from them.

“It was wonderful to be part of the Resource Center’s development, and the opening day this summer was a celebration of the hard work and dedication that went into its design,” said Robert Scholz, Program Manager for the NH START project. “A resource of this kind in New Hampshire is an important part of NH START and its goal to improve service outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and the community.”

Ribbon cutting at the START Resource Center

 

A view inside the START Resource Center

 

Currently available in 15 U.S. states with 11 Resource Centers across the nation, the START program utilizes evidence-based approaches to positive psychology. The result is a focus on self-esteem, positive self-expression, nutrition, exercise, and skill development. In addition, the Center staff work with the clinical team to assess the person’s diagnosis and treatment plan. Individuals admitted to the Resource Center are considered guests and attend the program voluntarily, staying up to four days for planned services or 30 days for emergency services. All services are provided in collaboration with the person’s individual support system.

START Resource Centers also offer training for individuals, families, and caregivers with therapeutic tools, provision of multi-modal clinical assessments, and therapeutic recreational experiences. All interventions and supports can be applied in-home, and are provided with the engagement of the individual’s system of care.

For more information, please visit the START Resource Center on the web.