Friday Newsletter
GPS Updates
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
Hey Team,
Just a few updates:
-For IHS Staff, please send me your mileage no later than Thursday, October 10.
-A Weekend to Remember Respite Program is looking to fill some shifts for our next respite on Wednesday, October 24 to Friday, October 26. Please see the next page for available shifts. If you have any questions, please email Kailey Taggart, our Project Manager, at ktaggart@ne-arc.org.
-I will be reaching out this month to schedule quarterly check-ins with all GPS staff. Quarterly check-ins are mandatory and you will be paid. These check-ins will be virtual through Zoom.
That’s all, have a great weekend!
GPS Shifts Available
A Weekend to Remember Respite Program
Boston Respite:
A Weekend to Remember Respite program is looking to fill shifts for our Boston Bruins respite. The respite will start on Wednesday, October 23 and end on Friday, October 25.
Three clients will be attending the respite and will be staying at a nice hotel in the downtown Boston area. For staff working the respite, your mileage and parking will be reimbursed and all shifts are paid at the rate of $25.00 per hour.
Open Shifts:
Wednesday, October 23rd
10:00 pm-8:00 am - AWAKE Overnight
Thursday, October 24th
8:00 am-5:00 pm - You will spend the day with the clients, walking around Boston, enjoying brunch at a local café, and taking a stroll around Boston Common.
Friday October 25th
7:00 am-11:00 am - You will help prepare breakfast for the clients and pack up the Airbnb for checkout.
A Weekend to Remember: Medford Respite
We arrived at our charming rental house in Medford on Friday afternoon. That evening, we strolled to The Ford Tavern for a delectable dinner, conveniently located within walking distance.
Saturday was filled with cultural exploration at the Museum of Science, where the Arctic, Sloth, and AI exhibits particularly captivated us. Later that evening, we participated in a Kids' Test Kitchen cooking class, learning to prepare savory eggplant meatballs.
Our guests departed on Sunday morning, concluding a delightful weekend getaway.
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.
Important Links
Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship Virtual Series
Overview
We’re excited to announce, in partnership with AT&T and the Arc of the US, a three-part series on Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship
This series aims to empower everyone with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Series Dates:
October 28th 6PM
November 4th 6PM
November 11th 6PM
The sessions will be virtual and cover internet safety and digital citizenship
Internet safety lessons will teach skills related to recognizing cyber threats, how to keep personal situation secure, and more.
Digital citizenship covers topics related to positive behavior online regarding online relationships and digital media consumption, as well as recognizing and responding to cyber bullying and online hate.
Stay tuned for more details and registration information and we look forward to seeing you there!
For more information, email the Director of Assistive Technology Areeba Khan, akhan@ne-arc org
Healthy Eating Tips & Recipes
For Nutrition information about this recipe, visit https://www myplate gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/blueberry-muffins
For Nutrition information about this recipe, visit https://www myplate gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/pasta-primavera
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.
Thegold-standard evaluationformedically complexand/orolder adultdrivers Evaluationsforthose lookingtodrivewith adaptiveequipmentsuch ashandcontrols,spinner knobs,andleftfoot accelerators.
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
www.goatstogo.farm/events www.goatstogo.farm/events
2024 Topsfield Fair
America's oldest agricultural fair, will return to Topsfield, Massachusetts in early October. It will feature agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, carnival rides, and local food. Signature events like the giant pumpkin contest are expected to return, celebrating the region's agricultural heritage while entertaining visitors of all ages
Sensory Day
October 4 - 14, 2024
Sensory Day is an opportunity for a more sensory sensitive experience to the Topsfield Fair for families who have family members with autism or sensory processing disorders. Vendors will have no flashing lights, music or announcements. Sound for entertainment and stages will be lowered and announcements on the grounds will be limited and turned down as well. This will be held on Monday, October 7.
Monday, October 7
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
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.
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.
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 11 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
October 5 & 6 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Joinusforaspook-tacularstarttothe Halloweenseasonwithhop-onhayrides,cow rides,Halloween-themedhayrides,pumpkin picking,livemusic,andtastyfalltreats.It'sthe perfectweekendtocelebratewithfamilyand friends,packedwithfunactivitiesforeveryone toenjoy Don'tmissthefirstweekendofour Halloween-themedFallFestival!
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.
FALLinLOVEwithNewburyport!Joinusas welistentolivelocalbands,endulgeintasty treatsfromlocalfoodtrucks,andbrowse itemsmadebylocalcraftersandartisans.
Lowell Area | Community Events
LOWELL ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL - LOWELL, MA
Oc 8:
Join us for this amazing cultural and cinematic experience as we screen short and feature films from across the country for a weekend celebrating art, culture, and diversity. The festival's goals is to celebrate the vibrancy of Lowell’s diverse community as well as to promote Lowell as the arts and film destination
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.
Wednesday, October 13 Starts at 10:00 am
ComeandcelebratetheFallseasonatthe WestfordHarvestFair!Explorethevarietyof vendorsshowcasingtheircrafts,services,and holidayitems Enjoydeliciousbakedgoodsfor sale,andenterintowinover20rafflebaskets! Thisisaneventyouwon’twanttomiss!
Central Middlesex | Community Events
ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVALCONCORD, MA
Saturday, October 5
10:00 am-2:00pm
Join us for our annual Harvest Festival to support Pediatric Care at Emerson Hospital A day of family fun featuring games and prizes, hayrides, live music, PYO pumpkins, 4-H animals, a silent auction and a la cart food. All pumpkin sales during the festival will go towards Pumpkins for Pediatrics at Emerson Hospital. Admission for this event will be sold online and at the door.
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!
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.
In Home Supports
Matthew Ataya Autism Coaching
Matthew Ataya College Navigation
Matthew Ataya Agency with Choice
Matthew Ataya Social Group
Kailey Taggart A Weekend to Remember: Respite Program
Kailey Taggart
As a valued member of our team, we want to make sure you have the best support in your role. It is important to know who your point of contact is for your program. Below you will find each program under Guided Personal Supports (GPS). The name of your supervisor will be next to your program. To ensure efficient communication, please reach out to your designated program supervisor. If it is urgent and your supervisor is unavailable, contact the Program Director or Program Coordinator.
ne-arc.org
