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 submit your mileage no later than Tuesday, December 10. This can be submitted via email or handed to me in-person.
For staff working our respite this weekend, I will be on-call. If you need support during your shift, please call me at 978-924-5845.
We have 20 free tickets to The Nutcracker at Lynn Auditorium! The show is on Saturday, December 14 at 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm. These tickets are available for you to take one of your clients. If you are not able to take them, feel free to let your client(s) know that we have these tickets, and they can be shared with their families as well. I have these tickets in my office, so if you are interested you will have to come and pick them up. Please reach out if you are interested or have any questions.
That is all, have a great weekend!
Important Links
The Importance of Knowing
Human Rights
Understanding your human rights is important. They ensure dignity, respect, and equal opportunities for all. By being aware of your rights can create an environment that encourages independence, personal growth, and full participation in community life. If you would like to learn more about your human rights, reach out to our Human Rights Officer, Andrew Hartigan.
Your Human 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.
STONEHAM
A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER | GUIDED PERSONAL SUPPORTS
Our recent respite weekend was filled with exciting experiences! On Saturday, the attendees arrived and enjoyed lunch before heading to the Stoneham Zoo The hightlight was the sloth experience, where participants learned about these fascinating creatures, took pictures, and even got to feed a real sloth!
As evening fell, we explored ZooLights, wandering through the festively decorated zoo The group then took a ride share to Dave and Buster’s, where they enjoyed dinner and played arcade games The night concluded back at the Airbnb with board games and a movie.
Sunday morning began with a shared breakfast before attendees were picked up, bringing a memorable weekend to a close.
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.
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
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
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.
Social Group
Healthy Eating Tips & Recipes
Start Simple with MyPlate.
Healthy eating is important at every age Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium Start with these tips:
Focus on whole fruits.
Include fruit at breakfast! Top whole-grain cereal with your favorite fruit, add berries to pancakes, or mix dried fruit into hot oatmeal
Vary your veggies.
Cook a variety of colorful veggies. Make extra vegetables and save some for later Use them for a stew, soup, or a pasta dish
Vary your protein routine.
Next taco night, try adding a new protein, like shrimp, beans, chicken, or beef.
Make half your grains whole grains.
Add brown rice to your stir-fry dishes Combine your favorite veggies and protein foods for a nutritious meal
Move to low-fat or fat-free dairy milk or yogurt (or lactose-free dairy or fortified soy versions).
Enjoy a yogurt parfait for breakfast made with low-fat dairy milk or fortified soymilk Top with fruit and nuts to get in two more food groups
Drink and eat less added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.
Cook at home more often to limit added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium
Read the ingredients lists and use Nutrition Facts labels to compare foods
The benefits of healthy eating add up over time, bite by bite.
March 2022
Apple Wedges with Pumpkin Almond Butter
Makes: 4 servings
Total Cost: $$$$
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Breakfast is a snap with this simple dip, which can be made ahead of me and refrigerated. Enjoy with Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apple slices.
Ingredients
For the Dip:
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or from scratch)
1/3 cup almond butter (or crunchy peanut butter)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Apple Slices:
24 slices golden delicious apple slices
24 slices granny smith apple slices
Directions
Mix together dip ingredients. 1. Serve with apple slices. 2. For more information about this recipe, visit https://www myplate gov/recipes/myplate-cnpp/apple-wedges-pumpkin-almond-butter
One-Dish Roasted Potatoes and Apples with Chicken Sausage
Makes: 4 servings
Total Cost: $$$$
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
A scrumptious and easy one-dish baked meal that's perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings.
Ingredients
3 red potatoes or your favorite potato variety (about 1 pound)
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 red apples (Fuji, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Gala, etc.)
1 yellow onion
4 chicken herb link sausages (12 ounces)
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1 tablespoon honey
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 °F.
1. Cut potatoes into chunks, place in 2-quart baking dish.
2. Drizzle with canola oil. Toss to coat.
3. Roast potatoes in oven for about 20 minutes.
4. While potatoes are roasting, cut apples and onions into chunks, and sausage into 1/2-inch slices.
5. Remove baking dish from oven and reduce heat to 375 °F. Add all remaining ingredients to baking dish and toss.
6. Return baking dish to oven and roast an additional 30 minutes until apples and potatoes are tender.
7. For more information about this recipe, visit https://www myplate gov/recipes/myplate-cnpp/one-dish-roasted-potatoes-and-apples-chicken-sausage
Holiday Light Shows
Buy Ticket
Located in Methuen, MA, at Mann Orchards Riverside Farm location guests can see over 1 mile of roadway that has been transformed into a glittering display of over 1 million LED lights featuring the longest tunnel of lights in New England.
To book:
Select a weekday, weekend, or holiday. (Friday is a weekend day, and December 24 and 25 are holidays.)
Select a car type. (Van is only for limos/school busses or anything larger than an 8 passenger.)
Select a date and time.
Tickets are PER VEHICLE, not per person.
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)
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
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
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.
North Shore | Community Events
DECK THE DOCKS AT MARITIME GLOUCESTER - GLOUCESTER, MA
Saturday, December 14 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
CometoMaritimeGloucesterforfunholiday happeningsonthewaterfrontinGloucester, MA!Finduniquemaritimethemedgiftsand eventsincludingkidsholidaycraftswithCape AnnArtHaven,freehotcocoa,Santa'sarrival byschooner,andmore!MaritimeGloucester islocatedjuststepsawayfromtheLobster TrapTreeLightingatSolomonJacobsParkon GloucesterHarbor!
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTINGDANVERS, MA
Saturday, December 7 4:00-5:45 PM
Atimehonoredtraditionbroughttoyou byDanversFalconFest.Joinusin downtownDanversforfestivemusic, caroling,tastysnacks,andfunchildren’s activities.GreetSantaasherollsinon thefiretrucktolightthetreewitha holidayparadeleadingtheway!
TRIBUTE TO ELVIS: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - BEVERLY, MA
Saturday, December 14
Doors open at 7:00 PM
Joinusforanexhilaratingcelebration honoringthetimelesslegacyofElvis Presley,featuringtheincredibleRobert Black—anAward-WinningTributeArtist renownedforhiscaptivatingperformances acrossthenation.
Metro North | Community Events
ZOOLIGHTS AT STONE ZOOSTONEHAM, MA
Open until January 5 4:00 pm-9:30 pm
Enterawinterwonderlandoftree-linedpaths litbythousandsoftwinklinglightsspanning StoneZoo's26acres.Takeasparklingstroll throughfestivelydecoratedYukonCreek, hometoblackbears,Canadalynx,reindeer andmore
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!! HOLIDAY CABARETSAUGUS, MA
December 14-15
Starts at 8:00 PM
TheTheaterCompanyofSaugusisthrilledto presentourannualholidaycabaret: “ChristmasLights,Camera,Action!” Haveatleast30secondsofyourbestholiday act(s)tosendus.Thethemeisanything cinema,whetherthat’syourfavoriteholiday movie,TVshow,orcommercial!
MERRILY WE SING! - WINTER CONCERT - MELROSE, MA
Saturday, December 7
7:30-9:30 PM
Wewillkickofftheseasonwithourgreat holidayconcert!Wewillfeaturesongsof peaceandgoodcheerforyouandyour family.Joinusforthisjoyouscelebrationof theholidayseason!Welookforwardtoseeing youatthisholidayseason!
Merrimack Valley | Community Events
AMESBURY HOLIDAY PARADE & TREE LIGHTING - AMESBURY, MA
Saturday, December 3 13:30-5:30 PM
WhenSantaarrivesinMarketSquareatthe endoftheAmesburyHolidayParadehe’ll helptheChamberofCommercelightthe ChristmasTreeafterleadingusinholiday carols
PIZZA & GAME NIGHTMETHUEN, MA
Thursday, December 19
Starts at 4:00 PM
PizzaandgamenightattheNevinsLibraryin Methuen Bringadrink,bringsnacks (optional).Capacityislimited.Toregister, emailMaryEllenD’Angeloat medangelo@ne-arc.org.IntakewithAASC NortheastArcisrequiredtoattendevents.
WINTERLIGHTS AT STEVENS COOLIDGE HOUSE & GARDENSNORTH ANDOVER, MA
Open WednesdaysSundays, see link for details
Winterlightsisback!Joinusforamagical outdoorexperienceatStevens-Coolidge House&Gardens,andseethegardensaglow withyourfavoriteenchantinglightdisplays,as wellas,somefunandexcitingadditionstothis yearsdisplay Afuneventforthewholefamily toringinthewinterseason!Advanced purchaseoftimedticketsisrequired
Lowell Area | Community Events
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF TREES, WREATH & GINGERBREADWESTFORD, MA
December 6-January 1
See Link for Details
You are invited to participate in the 14th Annual Westford Holiday Festival - Trees, Wreaths, and More Celebration, hosted by the Westford Family FunFest, The Roudenbush Community Center, Westford Rotary Club, and the Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center Click the link for more details!
"A CHRISTMAS CAROL" AT MERRIMACK REPERTORY THEATRE - LOWELL, MA
Friday, December 20
Starts at 8:00 PM
Aholidaytreatfortheentirefamily! ExperienceDickens'timelessstoryof redemption,featuringEbenezerScrooge, TinyTim,ghosts,andallyourfavorite charactersincludingsomeplayedbylocal youth.
CHELMSFORD
See Link for Dates and Times
PublicSkatingislimitedto30skaters No RentalSkatesareavailableatthistimeat Haverhill&Lawrence.PublicSkating Schedulesvaryateachrinkduetocamps andshowcases.
Central Middlesex | Community Events
WINTER COMMUNITY BREAKFAST (WITH SANTA)BEDFORD, MA
Sunday, December 8 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
The Winter Community Breakfast, formerly known as Breakfast with Santa, brings the community together during the holiday season to celebrate, build connections, and help support worthwhile causes.
TEEN & YOUNG ADULT BOARD GAME CAFE @ LITTLETON LIBRARY - LITTLETON, MA
Friday, December 21 12:30-3:30 PM
Needapre-holidaybreak?Joinusfor warmdrinksandcoolboardgames!From 12:30to3:30,we'llkickbackwithsomeof ourfavoritetabletopgamesandenjoylight refreshments.Registrationnotrequired.
HOLIDAY SMALLS 2024 AT CONCORD ART - CONCORD, MA
Starts December 5 5:30-8:00 PM
HolidaySmallsopensDecember5thand continuesthroughDecember19th!Weinvite youandyourfamilyandfriendstojoinusat theopeningreceptionThursday,December 5th,at5:30pm.Enjoysomeshopping,treats, andholidaycheer!
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
