Friday Newsletter
Hey Team,
Important Updates
Arc Email: Please be checking your ne-arc email regularly. We recommend that you download the Outlook app on your smartphone.
Zoom Phone: Please make sure you are utilizing your Zoom phone associated with your Northeast Arc account If you do not have a Zoom phone, please reach out to the Staffing Coordinator.
Progress Notes: All Progress Notes are due in Netsmart by Monday at 9:00 am.
Remember to e-sign your progress notes. If you are unable to submit your progress notes on time, please notify the Staffing Coordinator immediately.
The office will be closed on Monday, October 14 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Make sure your progress notes are completed before 9:00 am on Monday and your timecard is free of any missed punches. Email fspayroll@ne-arc.org to report missing punches or if adjustments need to be made to your timecard.
Relias trainings are to be completed by Friday, October 25. These trainings are mandatory for all Northeast Arc staff. While the majority of these are very quick and have no exam at the end, the new Cyber Security training takes around an hour, and has questions at the end of each module. Make sure you set time aside for that one.
A Weekend to Remember Respite Program is still looking to fill some shifts for our next respite on Wednesday, October 23 to Friday, October 25. If you are interested in picking up a shift, please email Kailey Taggart, our Project Manager, at ktaggart@ne-arc.org.
Staff Reminders
WELCOMETO THETEAM!
Autism Coach
Emily Lauria
Please join me in welcoming our new staff to the GPS Team! Emily Lauria will be an Autism Coach for the North Shore area. We’re excited to have them on board and look forward to the valuable contributions they’ll bring to our team!
Important Links
GPSSupervisors
YourPoint ofContact
As a valued member of our team, we want to make sure you have the best support in your role.
It’s important to know who your supervisor is. Your supervisor will be your main point of contact.
Kailey Taggart is the Project Manager for the GPS program. She oversees our Social Group and A Weekend to Remember Respite program. If you work in either of these programs, Kailey will be your supervisor.
Matthew Ataya is the Staffing Coordinator for the GPS program. He is the supervisor for our Community Support Coaches, Autism Coaches, and College Navigators.
Andrew Hartigan is the Program Coordinator for the GPS program. He communicates with the clients and families that we support. If you are unable to reach Matthew, Andrew will be your second point of contact.
Kristy Aparo is the Program Director for the GPS program. She oversees the general operations of all of our programs. You can reach out to Kristy if you have any questions about filing a DPPC or Mandated Reporting.
HOWTO PUNCHIN& PUNCHOUT
ACCESS YOUR ZOOM PHONE
Once the Zoom app is opened, click the Phone button, then click the keypad button.
CALLING KRONOS
In order to punch in, you need to call the time and attendance line. The number is 978-226-4865.
You will be asked to enter your employee ID, then press #.
This will punch you in.
To punch out, repeat this process.
REMEMBER YOUR PUNCH IN/OUT TIME
It is important to remember what time you punched in and out.
The start and end time on your progress note should match your punch in and out time.
When you arrive for your scheduled shift, you need to punch in. To punch in, open the Zoom app on your mobile device.
A Weekend To Remember: Respite Program
Join Northeast Arc for an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and discover your potential! We are excited to announce a first-of-its-kind respite program for young adults with disabilities looking to gain independent living skills. Each weekend retreat will provide a wide range of hands-on learning activities as well as unique outings in the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other peers in the community during this shared living experience.
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
The retreat offers a relaxing respite opportunity for attendees while giving caregivers time to themselves.
Complete with activities such as cooking classes, budgeting workshops, safety seminars, and everything in between!
Young adults will learn valuable social skills while making new friends in a supportive and inclusive environment.
GPS Shifts Available
A Weekend to Remember Respite Program
Boston Respite:
AWeekendtoRememberRespiteprogramislookingtofillshiftsforour BostonBruinsrespite TherespitewillstartonWednesday,October23 andendonFriday,October25.
Threeclientswillbeattendingtherespiteandwillbestayingatanice hotelinthedowntownBostonarea.Forstaffworkingtherespite,your mileageandparkingwillbereimbursedandallshiftsarepaidattherate of$25 00perhour
OpenShifts:
Wednesday,October23rd
10:00pm-8:00am-AWAKEOvernight
Thursday,October24th
8:00am-5:00pm-Youwillspendthedaywiththeclients,walking aroundBoston,enjoyingbrunchatalocalcafé,andtakingastrollaround BostonCommon.
FridayOctober25th
7:00am-11:00am-Youwillhelppreparebreakfastfortheclientsand packuptheAirbnbforcheckout.
Ifyouwouldliketopickupashift,contacttheGPSProjectManager, KaileyTaggart,atktaggart@ne-arc.org
14 Cedar Street #213, Amesbury MA 01913 978.378.4660
www.TEKCollaborative.org info@tekcollaborative.org
OUR MISSION
To provide internet enabled devices to anyone in need. The digital divide is a global problem. Our goal is to form strategic partnerships with businesses, organizations, schools, and government offices to create an ecosystem of device access, internet access, and education.
Provide FREE devices to those most in need EDUCATION
Partnerships and programs that bring technology to people KINDNESS
Offering people a hand up, not a hand out.
Healthy Eating Tips & Recipes
For Nutrition information about this recipe, visit https://www myplate gov/recipes/myplate-cnpp/strawberry-banana-parfait
For Nutrition information about this recipe, visit https://www myplate gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/chicken-pot-pie
Thegold-standard evaluationformedically complexand/orolder adultdrivers Evaluationsforthose lookingtodrivewith adaptiveequipmentsuch ashandcontrols,spinner knobs,andleftfoot accelerators.
Registration is require. Scan theQRcode toget startedtoday!
Connecting YOU(th) is a monthly get-together for teens and young adults with disabilities. Every second Tuesday of the month, we have a topic for discussion, and we’re always changing and growing in response to what participants want to happen next.
Peer support
You are not alone! Come join us for a peer led support group.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 pm to 3 pm
Scan the QR code or Click here to join
GRATEFUL ASPECTS
young adults peer support group
Mondays 3pm-4pm on Zoom
Scan the QR code
LGBTQ+ Community Gatherings
A space to build a support system, and a sense of chosen family, with your community.
Our community gatherings are peer-led support groups that are non-clinical and led by a collective of individuals with lived experience in the group's topic or community. Each community gathering is unique to the population it serves and is created in a peer-led collaborative group process There is no pressure to share to attend We welcome anyone, anywhere that is 18+.
Community Gatherings
Thefollowingarefree,non-clinical,peer-ledsupportgroupshostedbyPeerSupport SpacetakingplaceinEasternTime(EST).Newfriendsarealwayswelcome. Registrationisrequiredforin-personeventssothatwecankeepourgatheringsunder 10peopleasaCOVIDprecaution. Forourvirtualgroups,pleaseusethezoomlinksonthewebsite(oncomputerorzoom phoneapp)toenter
12PMand6PMEachDay,Monday-Saturday **YoumustemailMary@peersupportspace.orgto receivethepasscodesforthedailycommunal gatherings-thisisasecurityprecautiontoensure thatwearekeepingthespaceassafeaspossible**
For more information, visit https://peersupportspace. org/communitygatherings-1 Daily Communal Gatherings
MassHire
LEARN
ABOUT YOURSELF
One of the best ways to explore careers is to understand more about yourself.
What is MassHire?
MassHire is a statewide network of career centers in Massachusetts that provide employment and training services to job seekers, including individuals with developmental disabilities.
Career Cluster Inventory Learning Styles Survey
The Career Cluster Inventory helps you think about activities that you like and matches them to the 16 national career clusters. Learning more about your interests and how they fit with clusters is one way to find a career you will enjoy!
Answer a variety of questions that will generate results based on your interests.
Take a short survey to help identify the ways you learn best Knowing more about your learning style will make you a more effective learner. You will also get study tips for your learning style.
Job Search Assistance
MassHire career centers offer personalized job search assistance, including help with creating resumes, practicing interview skills, and identifying job opportunities that match the individual's skills and abilities.
Employer Connections
MassHire works closely with local employers and can help individuals with developmental disabilities connect with companies that are committed to hiring and supporting employees with disabilities.
Training Opportunities
MassHire offers various training programs and workshops that can help individuals with developmental disabilities acquire new skills or enhance existing ones, improving their employability.
BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM
THE BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM IS AN EFFORT TO EASE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM AND LAW ENFORCEMENT DURING MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR INTERACTIONS.
ThecoreideaoftheBlueEnvelopeisstraightforward yetimpactful Itinvolvesaspeciallydesignedenvelope thatholdsadriver'sessentialdocuments license, registration,andacontactcard However,its significancegoesbeyondjustastoragesolution The envelopefeaturescriticalcommunicationguidelineson itsexterior,specificallytailoredtoassistlawenforcement officersinrecognizingandadaptingtheirapproach wheninteractingwithadriverwhohasautism
THIS INITIATIVE ADDRESSES SEVERAL KEY OBJECTIVES:
Enhancing Understanding Reducing Anxiety
Streamlining Communication Encouraging Preparedness
The Blue Envelope is more than just an envelope; it's a symbol of our commitment to inclusivity and understanding. It represents a step forward in ensuring that every driver, regardless of their neurological differences, can experience a sense of safety and respect on the road.
Through this program, we aim to build bridges between law enforcement and the autism community, fostering a culture of awareness and compassion that benefits everyone involved.
For more information, visit: www.mass.gov/info-details/blue-envelope-program
Exploretheselocations/hobbiesfor yournextsessionwithyourclient!
Cost-Free
LocalParks
PublicLibraries
CommunityGardens
HikingTrails
PublicArtGalleriesorExhibitions
Farmer’Markets
UniversityCampuses(outdoor areas)
HistoricalLandmarksorMonuments
ScenicViewpointsorOverlooks
PublicSquaresorPlazas
BotanicalGardens(somemaybe free)
NatureReserves
WaterfrontAreasorRiverfronts
PublicSportsFacilities(basketball courts,tenniscourts)
BirdWatchingAreas
FreeMuseumDays
OutdoorFitnessParks
DogParks
GeocachingLocations
FreeconcertsinParks
Low-Cost NewHobbies
Localmuseums
Mini-golfcourses
BowlingAlleys
ArtClasses
LocalTheatreProductions
Farmer’sMarketCooking
Classes
PotteryPaintingStudio
EscapeRooms
YogaClasses
LocalSportsEvents
MovieTheatre
Restaurants
LocalMusicEvents
GardeningorIndoorPlantCare
ModelBuilding(trains,planes, ships)
JigsawPuzzles
DigitalPhotography
CodingorWebDevelopment
Collecting(stamps,coins,rocks)
DrawingorPainting
Origami
Birdwatching
Writing(journaling,fiction,poetry)
Knittingorcrocheting
Playingamusicalinstrument
CookingorBaking
AquariumKeeping
LegoBuilding
Scrapbooking
Northeast Arc’s Recreation program gives our clients the opportunity to engage with peers and find events they will enjoy. Although you cannot attend recreationwithyourclients,thisisagreatresourcetoshowthemandtoworkon signingupforeventsduringyoursessions.
August 26 to October 19
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
August 26 to October 19
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
DISORDERED EATINGAND AUTISMOBESITY
Tune in to learn research updates on co-occurring disordered eating and autism, including emerging findings to a higher risk for obesity.
Francesca Solmi, PhD, is a senior epidemiologist serving as a principal research fellow at University College London, with over a decade of experience researching risk factors for adolescent psychiatric disorders
In her research, she uses extensive general population cohort study data, population registers, linked electronic health records, and epidemiological designs for causal inference in observational data She has published scientific papers in high-impact factor journals, informing policy and scientific funding priorities
North Shore | Community Events
HALLOWEEN ON THE HILLBEVERLY, MA
Friday, October 18 4:00-5:00 pm
JoinusatLongHillforourSensory& AccessibleFriendlyDaysatHalloweenon theHill!Thisoffersadedicatedhourwitha reducednumberofguestsandaquieter sensory-sensitiveenvironmentinthemidst ofourHalloweenontheHillevent.
CORN MAZE AT CONNOR’S FARM - DANVERS, MA
See Website for Tickets and Info
Diveintoaprehistoricworldasyou navigatethroughourmostexcitingmaze yet Perfectforallages,thisadventurewill haveyouexploringtwists,turns,and surprisesaroundeverycorner Bringthe wholefamily,challengeyourfriends,and seewhocanconquerthemazefirst!
HOLLOWED
Salem'sonlyJack-O'-Lanternfestival,known as"HollowedHarvest:WickedLabyrinth", returnsforits4thseasonwithevenmore Jack-O'-Lanternmagicthaneverbefore! Preparetobeblownawaybyhundredsof intricatelycarvedJack-o'-Lanterns,anepic spiderwebtunnel,andmuchmore!Visit websiteformoredetails
Metro North | Community Events
BOO AT THE ZOOSTONEHAM, MA
October 19 & 20 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Takesomespookysnapswithcostumed charactersattheZoo'sfrontentrance from9:00am-1:00pm,wanderthrough animalhabitatsandcollectterrifyinglytasty treatsonthetrick-or-treattrail,get creativeatartsandcraftstations,and muchmore!Don’tmissoutonthefun!
HALLOWEEN HUSTLE 5K FUN RUN - WAKEFIELD, MA
Saturday, October 26
Starts at 10:00 am
Runnersofallagesandabilitiesare welcome.Allproceedswillgotothe FirefighterReliefFundwhichwillhelp supportourmembers,neighboringtowns, andtheirfamiliesintimesofneed.We lookforwardtoseeingyouthere!
HARVEST HANGOUT -
Saturday, October 19 10:00 am-1:00 pm
JoinusforourfirstHarvestHangoutin MarketSquare!Enjoyafestivemorningfilled withfestivesnacks,funactivitiesforthekids, andachancetocapturespecialfamily momentswithpersonalizedpumpkins.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Merrimack Valley | Community Events
FALL FESTIVAL WEEKENDNORTH ANDOVER, MA
Joinusforaspook-tacularstarttothe Halloweenseasonwithhop-onhayrides,cow rides,Halloween-themedhayrides,pumpkin picking,livemusic,andtastyfalltreats.It'sthe perfectweekendtocelebratewithfamilyand friends,packedwithfunactivitiesforeveryone toenjoy Don'tmissthefirstweekendofour Halloween-themedFallFestival!
October 12 & 13 7:00 am-6:00 pm October 12-13 10:00 am-4:00 pm
FALLinLOVEwithNewburyport!Joinusas welistentolivelocalbands,endulgeintasty treatsfromlocalfoodtrucks,andbrowse itemsmadebylocalcraftersandartisans.
SALISBURY BEACH
SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEENSALISBURY, MA
October 24-25 4:00-8:00 pm
Thearea’smostfunHalloweenparty–on BroadwaySalisburyBeach!Decorateyour vehiclesandhandouttreatsandswagto thekiddosastheytrick-or-treatfrom trunktotrunk.On10/25,watchtheHowlO-WeenCostumePetParadeandjointhe GreatPumpkinStroll.
Lowell Area | Community Events
LOWELL FARMERS’ MARKETLOWELL MA
October 18
2:00-6:00 pm
Lowell Farmers’ Market offers fresh, locally grown produce from area farmers, as well as honey, baked goods, prepared meals, handcrafts and more, in a beautiful, urban setting. While you shop, enjoy live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and activities for the whole family!
Wednesday, October 13 Starts at 10:00 am
ComeandcelebratetheFallseasonatthe WestfordHarvestFair!Explorethevarietyof vendorsshowcasingtheircrafts,services,and holidayitems Enjoydeliciousbakedgoodsfor sale,andenterintowinover20rafflebaskets! Thisisaneventyouwon’twanttomiss!
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULARMERRIMACK, NH
Saturday, October 26 2:00-4:00 pm
Callingallghouls,ghosts,andgoblins!Join usfortheHalloweenSpooktacularat CampSargentonSaturday,October26 from2-4PM!There’llbeghoulishgames, funcrafts,snacksandatrunk-or-treat!It’s afreefamilyeventpackedwithspookyfun forallages.
Central Middlesex | Community Events
HARVEST FESTIVALLEXINGTON, MA
Saturday, October 19 11:00 am-1:00pm
Celebrate the start of fall with family games, activities and crafts Bring your kids, your grand kids, your friends or your neighbors! This event is sensory friendly, multi-generational, and fun for the whole family! Thank you to the Lexington Police Department for sponsoring this event.
CASTLEBERRY FALL CRAFT FESTIVAL - WILMINGTON, MA
October 26-27 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Exploreadiversearrayofcraftsmanship andcreativitywithover150booths, offeringsomethingforeveryoneto discover.Embracethespiritoftheseason andexploreamyriadofWoodCrafts, TraditionalBroomcornBrooms&Brushes, OriginalPaintingandmuchmore.
HELLO PUMPKIN: FALL VENDOR AND CRAFT FAIR - LEXINGTON, MA
Saturday, October 19 11:00 am-3:00 pm
HostedbytheKnightsofColumbus,come andjoinsomeFallandHolidayshoppingatits best!With30+localcraftersandvendors,you areboundtofindtheperfectgiftforfriends andfamily EntryandparkingareFREE!
ne-arc.org
