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, we hope you all had a great week! A few updates. Kailey Taggart, Project Manager for GPS, is out of the office. For any requests regarding Social Group or A Weekend to Remember, please email Matthew Ataya, Staffing Coordinator, at mataya@ne-arc.org.
Our Stoneham respite is this weekend! For those working the respite, please check your email for important resources and contact information for the staff on-call.
The Northeast Arc offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 28-29, in observance of Thanksgiving. Please ensure all progress notes are completed and any timecard adjustment requests are submitted before 9:00 am on Monday morning.
If you need to contact your supervisor, please do so before 4:00 pm on Wednesday, November 27, to allow for timely communication and resolution of any pending matters. We appreciate your attention to these details and wish everyone a restful holiday.
WELCOMETO THETEAM!
Autism Coach Neisha Gonzalez
Please join me in welcoming our new staff to the GPS Team! Neisha Gonzalez will be an Autism Coach for the Lowell area. We’re excited to have them on board and look forward to the valuable contributions they’ll bring to our team!
Important Links
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.
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
The Importance of Knowing
Human Rights
Understanding these human rights is crucial for the individuals we support, their families, and our staff. These rights ensure dignity, respect, and equal opportunities for all. By being aware of these rights, we can create and environment that encourages independence, personal growth, and full participation in community life. It also helps prevent potential rights violations and promotes advocacy for the individuals we serve.
These Rights Include:
Dignity: To be treated with respect, including respect for ethnic and cultural diversity.
Have Questions or Concerns?
Please contact our Human Rights Officer:
Andrew Hartigan Program Coordinator Guided Personal Supports (GPS) (978) 924 - 5872 ahartigan@ne-arc.org
Self-determination: To make meaningful choices and informed decisions about your life, including taking reasonable risks.
Communication: To communicate with others and fully express yourself, with access to necessary assistance and devices.
Relationships: To visit others, receive visitors, and have friendships and intimate relationships.
Privacy: In personal care, communication, visits, your home, and personal information.
Personal Safety: To feel safe and be free from harm or abuse.
Personal Property: To obtain, keep, use, and dispose of personal possessions.
Education, Employment, and Compensation: To have equal access to education and employment opportunities, and fair compensation for work.
Community Membership: To receive services that promote living in the least restrictive and most typical settings, encouraging meaningful community membership.
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.
A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
WINTER WONDERLAND RESPITE
Ages 18-30 Available Shifts
Friday, December 6th:
3:30pm-8:30pm - Help set up Airbnb and welcome individuals, icebreakers and group make dinner, then we will be going to Gloucester to decorate a tree for their annual parade of trees (indoors)
4:30pm-10:30pm - Games & icebreakers, group makes dinner, decorating a tree in Gloucester (indoors) 10pm-8am - AWAKE overnight
Saturday, December 7th:
10:30am-2:30pm- View parade of trees in Gloucester, have lunch out, see Santa arrive downtown 10:30am-7:00pm- View parade of trees in Gloucester, have lunch out, see Santa arrive downtown, free time (for clients) at Airbnb, tree lighting downtown, dinner out 2:30pm-7:30pm- Free time (for clients) at Airbnb, tree lighting downtown, dinner out 7pm-10pm - Very low key winding down from the day -games/movie 10pm-7am- AWAKE overnight
Sunday, December 8th:
7am-11am - Breakfast, clean up Airbnb, wrap up activity, check out of Airbnb
Contact Kailey Taggart to complete an intake: ktaggart@ne-arc.org
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.
Intro to Email
New to email? This is the perfect class to get you started using email. Learn what email is, how
an account, how to reply to and send emails, and more.
Beginner Activities in This Course
Additional resources are found at the bottom of the page. Click START on each lesson below to access this course.
Thegold-standard evaluationformedically complexand/orolder adultdrivers Evaluationsforthose lookingtodrivewith adaptiveequipmentsuch ashandcontrols,spinner knobs,andleftfoot accelerators.
Healthy Eating Tips & Recipes
For Nutrition information about this recipe, visit https://www myplate gov/recipes/grandmas-stuffing
For Nutrition information about this recipe, visit https://www myplate gov/recipes/green-bean-and-mushroom-medley
The Arc of Massachusetts Webinar Series
Widening Your Circle of Friends (WEBINAR)
In the spirit of the holidays, join us for a special webinar about making friends and connecting with people in your community.
Presenter Jonathan Spiller is a selfadvocate, photographer, and poet. In this webinar, he will share specific strategies for meeting people in your neighborhood. Jonathan’s suggestions are easy to follow and offer simple ways to be intentional about connecting with others as part of your daily routine.
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
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
Harry Potter™: The Exhibition
Celebrate the film-making magic at Harry Potter™: The Exhibition in Boston! 09/13/2024 – 01/05/2025
Tickets from $ 31.00
SensoryFriendlySundays
StartingNovember10thinBoston,SensorySundayswillofferamodifiedenvironmentwithreducedguestcapacity, dimmedlights,minimizedsoundsandsmells,anddedicatedquietspacesthroughoutthegalleries.
Guestswillbewelcometoexploretheexhibitionattheirownpacebetween9:00amand11:00am,withthestandard operatingexperienceresumingat12:00pm.Additionally,sensorybagsfilledwithnoise-cancelingheadphones,fidget tools,strobereductionglasses,andcommunicationcardswillbeavailableuponrequest
IncollaborationwithKultureCity,wehaveensuredthatourexhibitionisaSensoryCertifiedExperience,welcoming visitorswithsensoryneedseveryday.Wearededicatedtofosteringanenvironmentwhereeveryonecanexperience thebehind-the-scenesmagicoftheexpandedHarryPotterworldinclusively
EventInfo
⚡ VisitthegroundbreakingHarryPotter™:TheExhibitiontoseehowsomeofyourfavoritemoments,characters, locations,andbeastsfromHarryPotter™arebroughttolife
✨ Getupclosetoauthenticpropsandcostumes,practiceyourQuidditch™skills,potaMandrake,andmoreinthis unforgettableexperience
��Usingbest-in-classinteractivedesignandtechnology,thisexhibitdelightsvisitorsthroughpowerfulstorytelling andinnovativetechnologyfeaturingoriginalpropsandcostumes.
ChooseyourfavoriteHogwarts™house,wand,andPatronustobeginapersonalizedjourneythroughthisallinclusiveexhibit:plopdowninHagrid’sgiantchair,squeezeintotheCupboardUndertheStairs,andpracticeyour Quidditch™skillsbythrowingaQuaffleallwhileyoulearnbehind-the-scenesfilmmakingdetails
Open7daysaweek,hoursmayvarybyday TheVIPandFlexTicketoptionsguaranteeyouentryonanydateand timewithinouroperatinghours
Operatinghours:
Friday-Saturday:9:00am-7:00pm
Sunday-Thursday:9:00am-5:00pm
Holidays:9:00am-7:00pm(ClosedonThanksgiving11/28)
North Shore | Community Events
TUESDAY PAINT AND HOBBY NIGHT - DANVERS, MA
Every Tuesday
7:00 pm-10:00 pm
Ahobbynightformodeling,paintingand playingvariousminisgames.Cometowork onmodelsgetadviceoropinionsonpainting schemes-
TUESDAY NIGHT D&D AT TOYS N THINGS - DANVERS, MA
Every Tuesday 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
ThisisanAdventureLeaguebasedgame,so allracesandclassesfromWizardspublished booksareplayable.Thegroupplanstostart outintheFreeCityofMenic.Amajortrading portontheeasternseaboardofAnnu. Beginningandveteranplayersarewelcome.
GIRL GANG CRAFT HOLIDAY MARKET - SALEM, MA
November 23 10:00 am-4:00 pm
GirlGangCraft,afemforwardcommunity formakers,isbackinWitchyCityforour HolidayMarket!Comeshopandsupport80+ localfem,trans,non-binary+gender expansivecreatives,makers,smallbiz owners,artists+healers FREETOATTEND! Allageswelcome!
Metro North | Community Events
ZOOLIGHTS
AT
Starts November 15 4:00 pm-9:30 pm
StoneZoo’sbelovedholidaytraditionwill bringcheerandfestivefuntovisitorsthis holidayseason!Enterawinterwonderlandof tree-linedpathslitbythousandsoftwinkling lightsspanningStoneZoo's26acres Takea sparklingstrollthroughfestivelydecorated YukonCreek,hometoblackbears,Canada lynx,reindeerandmore
STONE ZOOSTONEHAM, MA PUBLIC SKATING - MEDFORD, MA
THANKSGIVING COOKIE DECORATING CLASS - NORTH READING
November 30 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
JoinusforafunThanksgivingThemed CookieDecoratingClassandlearnhowto createtheperfectcookiestocelebratethe holidays!Registrationisrequired.
FREEpublicSkatingisavailableatLoConte Rink.Thisisadropinprogram.No registrationrequired.IceSkaterentalsare availablefor$5.00.Helmetsare recommendedforchildren.Skatersmust maintainone-waydirection.Nosticksor pucksduringpublicskatetimes.Pleaseview rinkcalendarforadditionaldatesorchanges totheschedule.
Merrimack Valley | Community Events
WEEKLY CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT HAVERHILL, MA
Every Saturday 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
Weeklycornholetournamentshostedby UnloadedCornhole RegisteronScoreholioor in-person EverySaturdayatnoon
HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKETANDOVER, MA
November 23 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Lookingfortheperfectholidaygiftforthat someonespecialorjustforyou?Joinusfora HolidayArtisanMarketonSaturday, November23from10AM-4PM.Therewill beavarietyofartistsandmakerswithus.
MARKET DAZE - AMESBURY, MA
Starts November 17 Sundays, 12:00 pm4:00 pm
WelcometoAmesburyMarketDaze,a weeklyfarmers'andartisans'vendormarket wherelocalsurroundingAmesburytalentand communityspiritconverge.Theytakepridein curatingaconsistentmarketplacethat showcaseslocalproduce,foodandartfrom talentedlocalartisans,chefs,farmers, creatorsandcuratorsofsurrounding Amesbury,MA.
Lowell Area | Community Events
THE LOWELL PARADE OF LIGHTS PARADE - LOWELL, MA
November 30 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
This is the closest you are going to get to a good old fashioned downtown Christmas celebration and parade In addition to the parade {which starts at 4:30} many of the store windows will be decorated for the holidays, there will be a hot chocolate contest, live street music a festival of wreaths and trolley rides to the drop in craft fair at the Booth mill.
HOLIDAY PRELUDE & TREE LIGHTING - CHELMSFORD, MA
December 1
2:00-4:00 pm
TheannualHolidayPreludewilltakeplace throughouttheTownCenterandCommon from4-6PMwiththeTreeLightingat 5:00PM Thisyear’spreludewillincludethe traditionalhorsedrawnandtractorhayrides fortheentirefamily,freegoodies,face painting,andperformancesbyvariousgroups scatteredthroughouttheCenter&Common.
HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOPS -
November 23 1:30 pm-5:30 pm
Shoplocalthisholidayseason! Visitpopupshopsinthebookstoretoday from1:30-5:30,including: MegSmithofMidnightMewswithfabricarts, plushies,smallcanvasart,greetingcards,and more.SeeherworkatheronFacebbokand Instagram.Megisalsoalocalwriterwhose workisavailableforsaleatlalabooks.
Central Middlesex | Community Events
HOLIDAY HARVEST MARKET
-
MEDFORD, MA
November 24 11:00 am-3:00pm
Welcome to the Holiday Harvest Market hosted by the Medford Farmers Market! Join us at Medford City Hall for a festive day of shopping for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to support local vendors and find unique gifts for your loved ones. Don't miss out on the market where you can stock up on seasonal goodies, celebrate with the community and visit with a live alpaca!
OPEN STUDIOS & ART SALEWINCHESTER, MA
November 23 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Justintimefortheholidays!Therewillbe plentyofbeautifulartworkavailablefor purchaseandmusicalperformancesatthe Griffin,Jenks,andUnitarianChurch.
FALL CRAFTS WITH DONNALEXINGTON, MA
Starts November 19 Tuesdays, 6:15 pm7:30 pm
Donnawillexplorefun,seasonalthemesin thisclassandproducefunctionalartpiecesto useorgiveasagift.Getcrafty,exploreyour creative-side,andmeetsomenewfriends! Thefunclassismeantforthebeginneraswell asseasonedcrafters,soletyourimagination runwild!
ne-arc.org
