Friday Newsletter
Staff Reminders
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
Welcoming the Community Resource Center
The Family Services Division have implemented a few structural changes that will be affecting the Community Resource Center. They will be moving under Kristy Aparo, Director of the Guided Personal Supports (GPS) program.
Northeast Arc’s Community Resource Center connects individuals and families with valuable resources and events in their local communities. Within the Community Resource Center, we have five Community Resource Specialists that are based out of each of the DDS Northeast Regions at GPS services. Kristy will now be the Director of both the Guided Personal Supports program and the Community Resource Center.
This structural change will be a wonderful resource for all of the GPS staff, individuals and families. By providing access to these resources, our goal is to empower families and individuals to actively participate in community life, creating a sense of belonging and inclusion. Please feel free to reach out to the Community Resource Specialist within your clients Northeast Region to welcome them and gain valuable resources for your client.
Northeast Arc’s Community Resource Center connects individuals and families with valuable resources and events in their local communities. By providing access to these resources, the Community Resource Center empowers families and individuals to actively participate in community life, creating a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Merrie Rothstein mrothstein@ne-arc.org
Christopher Marchese cmarchese@ne-arc.org
Eva Mostoufi emostoufi@ne-arc.org Holly Keane hkeane@ne-arc.org
Important Links
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.
Session Two: October 21 to December 14
NortheastArc’sRecreationprogramgivesourclientstheopportunitytoengagewith peers and find events they will enjoy. Although you cannot attend recreation with your clients, this is a great resource to show them and to work on signing up for eventsduringyoursessions.
Session Two
October 21 to December 14
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
October 21 to December 14
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
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/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/baked-cauliflower-tots
For Nutrition information about this recipe, visit https://www myplate gov/recipes/myplate-cnpp/spaghetti-quick-meat-sauce
EMPLOYMENT FIRST MASSACHUSETTS
Promoting Inclusive Employment in Massachusetts
At Employment First Massachusetts, we hold a set of core beliefs that guide our mission and vision. We firmly believe that everyone has the capacity to work, regardless of their abilities or challenges. We advocate for the fundamental right of all individuals to earn a living wage in a job that aligns with their unique talents, gifts, skills, and interests.
We recognize that employment is not just about financial stability, but also a pathway for people to achieve their personal dreams of success, respect, control, and choice in their lives. In today's society, we understand that having a job can play a crucial role in shaping one's self-identity and perceived value.
Employment First Massachusetts provides online trainings and resources not only for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, but for the staff that support them.
Send Cards & Donations to Veterans at the Bedford VA
This Holiday Season Items to donate:
PLAYING CARDS, CROSSWORD PUZZLES, ADULT
COLORING BOOKS, COLORED PENCILS, HARD CANDY, SPORTS MAGAZINES, YARN/KNITTING ACCESSORIES, HEADPHONES, BLANKETS, NOTEBOOKS, PENS/PENCILS, LEGOS, PUZZLES.
Gently Worn Clothing:
SLIPPERS, SOCKS, SHIRTS, HATS, PANTS, SWEATERS
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
Thevastmajorityofthosewhostrugglewithclinical depression alsoknownasmajordepressivedisorder (MDD) areabletofindreliefthroughsome combinationofmedicationandtraditionalformsof therapy.However,forroughly30%ofthosewithMDD, antidepressantsprovetobelargelyineffective,andtheir depressionisdeemedtobetreatmentresistant.
November 7, 2024
Starts at 11:00 am Via Zoom
So what is treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and how do you determine when a patient is a candidate for therapeutic approaches such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)? If TMS isn’t the best next step, what other options are out there?
Join us as Joshua C. Brown, MD, PhD, shares what makes some forms of depression especially difficult to treat, explores proven, cutting-edge treatment, and answers questions about lifestyle changes for helping manage TRD.
CollegeStudentMentalHealth101
Thecollegeexperience,atitsbest,canbeexciting, formative,fun,andrewarding Butfromamentalhealth perspective,lifeoncampuscanalsoberather challenging Whilemanycollegesoffercounseling servicesandaccommodations,alltoooftenthese resourcesaregreatlyunderused
November 13, 2024
Starts at 12:00 pm Via Zoom
So what should college students know about the mental health challenges they might face? Are there proactive strategies that can help them navigate stress? And how can educators, mental health care providers, and loved ones best serve young adults attending college?
In this previously recorded session, Sarah Ketchen Lipson, PhD, EdM, provides an overview of common mental health concerns for college students, shares tips for recognizing and addressing these challenges and the conditions they can lead to, and answers audience questions about typical campus resources for students who are struggling.
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.
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.
ne-arc.org
