The past few months have been a period of meaningful growth and progress. We’ve made important upgrades to our facility, expanded our team to strengthen support, and continued refining the policies and practices that guide our work. We have also remained active in legislative efforts to sustain and advance initiatives that enhance our programs and facilities for those we serve. Most importantly, we are grateful for the trust and support of our staff, leadership, community, board, and donors, who make this work possible.
Integrated Care Initiative
Two years ago, Mactown launched a pilot initiative with a clear purpose: to better support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who have experienced significant trauma. By pairing Clinical Social Work with Applied Behavior Analysis, we developed an integrated model that combines trauma-informed care with evidence-based behavioral strategies.
“Behind many behaviors are stories that deserve to be heard, understood, and supported with intention.”
Within the IDD community, the impact of past trauma—particularly among adults—is often underrecognized. We made a deliberate and thoughtful commitment to change that within our program. The results have been meaningful and sustained. Individuals are developing healthier coping strategies, building greater trust in their environments, and, in some cases, maintaining positive behavioral changes for over a year.
Many individuals with IDD experience anxiety, mood dysregulation, or frustration that can present as behaviors such as aggression, withdrawal, or self-injury. Through the integration of counseling and behavioral interventions, we focus on identifying the underlying emotions driving these responses and equipping individuals with practical tools to manage them. As understanding grows, triggers are better recognized and more effective coping strategies are put in place.
This approach has led to a reduction in acute behavioral episodes, including aggression, elopement, and self-injurious behavior, and has also helped decrease hospitalizations and crisis interventions over the last year.
When individuals feel safe, supported, and understood, meaningful progress becomes possible. This belief continues to guide our work as we remain committed to ensuring that every individual we serve has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.
Celebrating 20 Years at Mactown
We are proud to recognize Cassandra Harris for 20 years of dedicated service to Mactown. Reflecting on this milestone, Cassandra shared:
“What I enjoy most about working at Mactown is the collaborative and supportive environment. Every day is rewarding, knowing that my work helps empower our team and create meaningful change for both staff and the individuals we serve.”
Cassandra began her career as Direct Care Staff and was quickly promoted to Skill Acquisition Coordinator. Over the years, she has advanced through several leadership roles—including Med-Waiver ADT Assistant Director, ADT Director, Residential Director for Miami—and now serves as Med-Waiver Senior Program Director for Miami and West Palm Beach..
Colleagues consistently describe Cassandra as a leader who exemplifies integrity, professionalism, and fairness. She fosters a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration, creating an environment where team members feel valued and empowered. Her genuine warmth is equally evident in her work with the individuals we serve, who respond to her with clear connection and joy.
Beyond her leadership at Mactown, Cassandra remains actively involved in the Women Motorcycle Association Network and the Sugar 4 Kids Foundation. On the weekends, you can often find her doing what she loves most—riding her motorcycle.
Cassandra, thank you for 20 years of outstanding leadership and commitment. We are grateful for all that you bring to Mactown.
Honoring Mrs. Harriet Macon
We are deeply saddened to share that Mrs. Macon passed away on the morning of May 27. A cherished founding board member and devoted supporter of Mactown, her passing leaves a profound void in our community.
Mrs. Macon was a visionary leader who also founded the Ladies Auxiliary, playing a pivotal role in fundraising efforts that contributed to new programs and amenities for our clients for over 60 years. Her generosity, along with the support she inspired from others, reflected her unwavering commitment to our mission.
She will be remembered for her kindness and thoughtfulness—from delivering trays of homemade cookies during the holidays to the simple joy she found in sharing meals with us, especially her beloved meatloaf at board gatherings. These moments reflected the warmth and authenticity that defined her spirit.
Mrs. Macon was also the proud mother of Wayne Macon, a valued member of the Mactown family who participated in our educational program. Her love for her son, the IDD community, and for her Mactown family was evident in all she did.
In recognition of her lasting impact, the Macon Building was named in her honor—a tribute to a legacy that will continue to serve and inspire others for years to come.
We will hold Mrs. Macon’s memory close and remain deeply grateful for her dedication, compassion, and enduring contributions to Mactown. She will be greatly missed.
REFER A LOVED ONE
If you know an individual with IDD who would benefit from a comprehensive, supportive environment, we welcome the opportunity to connect. Mactown offers a full continuum of care, beginning with our Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), which provides 24-hour medical support, active treatment, and rehabilitation services. For individuals seeking a more independent setting, our supported group homes also offer 24-hour supervision while promoting daily living skills and autonomy. In addition, our day and educational programs provide structured opportunities for therapy, life skills training, and applied behavior analysis. Please feel free to refer individuals to our team—we are here to provide thoughtful, coordinated support every step of the way.
DONATE HERE
Every contribution helps expand access to the services that define Mactown—safe and supportive residential services, clinical care, therapy, life skills development, and behavioral support. Your generosity directly strengthens our ability to provide high-quality, individualized care and create meaningful opportunities for the individuals we serve. We invite you to consider a gift to support this important work.