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.
STAFF SHOUT OUT!
Through patience, guidance, flexible solutions, and positive support, CJ has helped their client significantly increase their confidence and independence in the kitchen. They have helped their client learn how to meal plan, cook safely, and work through frustrations independently. The client is now more confident and knows how to manage themselves well doing something they really wanted to learn how to do. Great job, CJ!
Please share your success stories with us so we can share them with the team! Thank you, everyone, for all you do!
Staff Updates Please Read:
Quarterly Check-Ins: We are currently doing Quarterly Check-Ins and End of Year Evaluations. Your supervisor sent out invites with a form attached. Please book your check-in and fill out the attached form prior to your scheduled meeting.
GPS Staff SharePoint: Please utilize the GPS SharePoint drive for program materials. We will continue to add relevant material here and updated forms. Things we are including and regularly adding are:
Activity sheets
Important Documents
Resources
Trainings
Relevant Links
Please visit the SharePoint Drive here: Share Point
First Aid/CPR Certification: If you have not already done so, please reach out to your supervisor to schedule your manditory First Aid/ CPR training. If you already have a current certification, please send a copy to your supervisor. Click Here to schedule a training.
978-741-0077 |
Disability Resource Center (DRC) is a cross-disability organization providing service to any person, regardless of age, who identifies as living with a disability.
Serving Communities Across the North Shore & Beyond Including Beverly, Danvers, Lynn, Peabody, Salem, Wakefield, and more.
Free Services Offered
Information & Referral: Housing, transportation, benefits, legal rights, veterans services, and more.
Independent Living Support: Peer mentoring, assistive technology, selfadvocacy, financial management.
Transition Services: Options Counseling: Support for staying or returning to community living
Transition to Adulthood Program (TAP): For youth (14?21) with IEP/504 plans.
Affordable Housing Workshops
Accessible Business Surveys
Peer Support Groups
Community Access Advocacy Team
Berklee Music Lessons Program for Adults with Autism
Good Grief: SupportingPeople After
1-3pm Ledby Rev. Melissa Tustin Director of theSoul Food Project
This on-line training event will provide caregivers with practical information about the grieving process, evidence-based guidelines for breaking bad news to people with cognitive disabilities and useful support strategies for people of any religious affiliation.
To request special accommodations, please email rick.camara@mass.gov
Participants are highly encouraged to join the training session 30 minutes (by 12:30pm) before the event begins at 1pm in case they need assistance joining the event.
Devices to use: Register with the email that you will use to participate in this event. The device you use should have audio and video (camera) capacity in order for you to participate in the event.
Illustration by Taylor Bills from Tear Soup by Pat Schweibert and Chuck DeKlyen
The Wednesday, Aug. 27th show features the rock, jazz, and funky sound of one of our favoritebands,JumpStreet. This event is a collaboration between the Saugus Public Library and the National Park Service.
Bring a chair or a blanket. Bring a picnic. Bring afriendortwo.
Registrationisrequired. Join us for a free public art tour, then shop Essex Art Center’s salon show while enjoying live music by Trusting Fate and tasty bites! FREE
THE NETWORK: SOCIAL GROUPLOWELL, MA
See link for details
TheNetworkisasocialnetworkingprogram forneurodiverseadolescentsandyoung adultsagedbetween18-30years Members typicallyidentifyasautisticand/orashaving ADHD
A great way to practice letter writing and social skills!
About Us
Our mission is to alleviate social isolation among older adults through handwritten letters and intergenerational connections.
10,000 annual Letter to an Elder Day (Feb 26) participants 27 countries we’ve sent letters
Our Story
We started because of a loving grandpa
“After my grandpa died, I started volunteering with older adults to find a special connection like the one we shared, but I was upset by the chronic loneliness I saw. Some residents would tell me they hadn’t heard from family or friends in months. They didn’t even get something as simple as a letter in the mail. So, in 2013, I wrote a letter. Then another. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to fight a growing loneliness epidemic.”
- JACOB CRAMER
Connect with Jacob →
Would you like to send a letter?
Read this month’s bios and choose which of our elder(s) you’d like to write. New elders are shared on the 1st of every month!
Click on the tennis ball for more information
Beginner Level
Red Ball
LOVESERVINGAUTISM
Boston, MA Fall 2025 Session at 12:00pm:
Dates
TBD
Intro to tennis, basic skills, hand-eye coordination, social skills)
Intermediate Level
Orange Ball
Tennis experience required, adding movement w/drills and games, social skills
Advanced Level
Green Ball
Tennis experience required, Rallying on a full-size tennis court, learning rules of tennis for competition, social skills
Inclusion Yellow Ball
Tennis experience required, student enters into typical after-school program or tournament competition, social skills
Time
Sundays 12pm-12:45pm
Ages
7+ yrs old
Cost
$90 (6-week session)
Address
Sportsmen’s Tennis & Enrichment Center 950 Blue Hill Ave, Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Phone (617) 288-9092
Notes
Participants must wear tennis shoes. Please bring a water bottle to class. Your child may bring his/her own tennis racquet or use a tennis racquet provided at the class.
Accessible Chef is a collection of free visual recipes and other resources to help teach cooking skills to individuals with disabilities at home or in a special education.
Check out our website for visual recipes, resources, and our recipe creator!
What kind of resources are available to teach cooking skills?
Visual Recipes
Visual recipes make use of task analysis, which is an evidence-based approach for breaking down a complex task into manageable steps. Each task is separated into discrete skills, and individuals can learn to complete skills in a specific order to learn new tasks. Students may require visual, physical, or verbal prompts to complete each skill, and prompts may be gradually removed as the individual becomes more independent. Visual recipes share similarities with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and curricula created with Boardmaker.
Assistive Technologies
Assistive technologies are available in a variety of low and high tech options. Cooking apps can be found in the Apple app store, and include images of cooking supplies, actions, and appliances that can be combined into recipes and viewed on a phone or tablet. Parents and teachers can also produce video or audio-based prompts, which can be played on phones, tablets, computers, or portable DVD players.
Kitchen Equipment
Kitchen equipment can be adapted to make cooking easier and safer for individuals with physical disabilities. Ideas for adapting kitchen equipment can be found in the resources section. Many challenges in the kitchen can be solved with a combination of creativity, adaptation, and practice.
Check out these recipes by clicking the images below.
Blueberry
Hot
Enchurritos
MORE RECIPES RECIPE CREATOR RESOURCES
Muffins
Ham and Cheese
Trail Mix Bites
Summer is here and the perfect time to encourage our clients to enjoy the outdoors. Please remember to take precautions to keep yourselves and clients safe and healthy.
Prevent Tick Bites:
Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Tuck your pants into your socks.
Use EPA-approved insect repellents *CLIENTS SHOULD USE THEIR OWN AND BE AWARE OF ALLERGIES AND/OR SKIN SENSITIVITIES.
Avoid heavily wooded areas, tall grass, and leaf litter.
Check yourself and encourage clients to check themselves after spending time outdoors.
Click the Tick to see a video on how to use duct tape to further aid in tick bite prevention!
There are many mental and physical health benefits to enjoying the great outdoors.
Fresh air and natural surroundings provide:
Mental refreshment and reduce stress
increased physical activity
Opportunities for social interactions in new settings
Sensory experiences that can be both calming and stimulating
Even short outdoor activities can be great motivators, creating positive momentum that extends to other areas of their lives.
Greenbelt trails: Gentle Trails in Essex County Massachusetts Rail-Trails: Search your area for rail-trails.
Trustees Trails: Search your area for places to explore within the trustees reservations
TIPS:
Download the free app: ALL TRAILS to keep track of where you are and how far you walk
Bring Water
Remember to use bug spray and tick precautions
Have fun!
Summer Session July 7-August 29 Registration opens on June 10th
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. For more info and registration, visit https://tinyurl.com/nearc-rec
Zumba @LTM
4:30pm-5:15pm
Monday Cooking @ LTM
5pm-6:30pm
Yoga with Kat @ LTM
5:30pm-6:15pm
Summer Session
July 7th – August 29th 14
Zumba @LTM
4:30pm-5:15pm
Monday Cooking @ LTM
5pm-6:30pm
Yoga with Kat @ LTM
5:30pm-6:15pm
Extravaganza! Salem Ferry
Boxing @ TITLE Danvers
4:30pm-5:15pm
Studio Art @ LTM
5:30pm-6:30pm
Boxing @ TITLE Danvers
4:30pm-5:15pm
Studio Art @ LTM
5:30pm-6:30pm
Zumba @LTM
4:30pm-5:15pm
Monday Cooking @ LTM
5pm-6:30pm
Yoga with Kat @ LTM
5:30pm-6:15pm
Boxing @ TITLE Danvers
4:30pm-5:15pm
Studio Art @ LTM
5:30pm-6:30pm
Zumba @LTM
4:30pm-5:15pm
Monday Cooking @ LTM
5pm-6:30pm
Yoga with Kat @ LTM
5:30pm-6:15pm
Boxing @ TITLE Danvers
4:30pm-5:15pm
Extravaganza! King’s Bowling
Bowling @Sunnyside Bowladrome
4pm-5:30pm
Drums Alive Fitness @ LTM 5pm-6pm
Bowling @Sunnyside Bowladrome
4pm-5:30pm
Drums Alive Fitness @ LTM
5pm-6pm
Extravaganza! Painting with a Twist
Golf @ Sun N Air 4pm-5pm
Bowling @Sunnyside Bowladrome
4pm-5:30pm
Drums Alive Fitness @ LTM
5pm-6pm
Bowling @Sunnyside Bowladrome
4pm-5:30pm
Studio Art @ LTM
5:30pm-6:30pm
Drums Alive Fitness @ LTM 5pm-6pm
Gaming Club @ LTM 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Thursday Cooking @ LTM 5pm-6:30pm
Golf @ Sun N Air 4pm-5pm
Gaming Club @ LTM 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Thursday Cooking @ LTM 5pm-6:30pm
Golf @ Sun N Air 4pm-5pm
Gaming Club @ LTM 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Thursday Cooking @ LTM 5pm-6:30pm
Golf @ Sun N Air 4pm-5pm
Gaming Club @ LTM 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Thursday Cooking @ LTM 5pm-6:30pm th th th
DAY WEEKEND 11th
Friday Night Happening Curious Creatures @6 Southside 6pm-8pm
Friday Night Happening
Saturday Activity Hike and Lunch @ Breakheart, Saugus MA 11am-1pm Saturday Activity
Friday Night Happening
Christmas in July Dance @ Peabody Knights of Columbus 6pm-8pm
Friday Night Happening
BINGO Night @LTM 6pm-8pm Summer-ween Celebration @ LTM 6pm-8pm
Saturday Activity
Saturday Transportation Activity Cider Hill Farm @ Amesbury MA 10:30am-2pm **Transportation provided from LTM** Tie Dye Day @ 6 Southside 11am-1pm Richardson’s Mini Golf @ Middleton MA 10am-12pm 12th
Summer Session
July 7th – August 29th
Zumba @LTM
4:30pm-5:15pm
Monday Cooking @ LTM
5pm-6:30pm
Yoga with Kat @ LTM
5:30pm-6:15pm
Zumba @LTM
4:30pm-5:15pm
Monday Cooking @ LTM
5pm-6:30pm
Yoga with Kat @ LTM
5:30pm-6:15pm
Zumba @LTM
4:30pm-5:15pm
Monday Cooking @ LTM
5pm-6:30pm
Yoga with Kat @ LTM
5:30pm-6:15pm
MONDAY 4 11 25
Zumba @LTM
4:30pm-5:15pm
Monday Cooking @ LTM
5pm-6:30pm
Yoga with Kat @ LTM
5:30pm-6:15pm
Boxing @ TITLE Danvers
4:30pm-5:15pm
Studio Art @ LTM
5:30pm-6:30pm
Boxing @ TITLE Danvers
4:30pm-5:15pm
Studio Art @ LTM
5:30pm-6:30pm
Bowling @Sunnyside Bowladrome
4pm-5:30pm
Drums Alive Fitness @ LTM
5pm-6pm
Bowling @Sunnyside Bowladrome
4pm-5:30pm
Drums Alive Fitness @ LTM
5pm-6pm
Boxing @ TITLE Danvers
4:30pm-5:15pm
Studio Art @ LTM
5:30pm-6:30pm
Bowling @Sunnyside Bowladrome
4pm-5:30pm
Drums Alive Fitness @ LTM
5pm-6pm
Boxing @ TITLE Danvers
4:30pm-5:15pm
Studio Art @ LTM
5:30pm-6:30pm
Bowling @Sunnyside Bowladrome
4pm-5:30pm
THURSDAY
Golf @ Sun N Air 4pm-5pm
Gaming Club @ LTM 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Thursday Cooking @ LTM 5pm-6:30pm
Golf @ Sun N Air 4pm-5pm
Gaming Club @ LTM 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Thursday Cooking @ LTM 5pm-6:30pm
Golf @ Sun N Air 4pm-5pm
Gaming Club @ LTM 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Thursday Cooking @ LTM 5pm-6:30pm
Golf @ Sun N Air 4pm-5pm
Gaming Club @ LTM 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Friday Night Happening
Guided Paint Night @ LTM
Drums Alive Fitness @ LTM 5pm-6pm
Thursday Cooking @ LTM 5pm-6:30pm
Friday Night Happening
Tie Dye Dance @ Endicott College 6pm-8pm
Friday Night Happening
STEM Night @ LTM 6pm-8pm
Friday Night Happening 6pm-8pm
Summer Fun @ 6 Southside 6pm-8pm
Saturday Activity Chunky’s Movie @ Manchester NH 10am-2pm
Saturday Transportation Activity Dance Class with Kim @ LTM 11am-1pm
**Transportation provided from LTM**
Saturday Activity
Salem Willows @ Salem MA 11am-1pm
Saturday Activity NO PROGRAM LABOR DAY WEEKEND
*LTM= Center for Linking Lives at the Liberty Tree Mall
Managing Work Stress and Burnout
Date & Time
Description
Aug 26, 2025 01:00 PM
Stress is something we all experience in our personal and professional lives. But when stress is severe or prolonged (or both), it can impact our physical and mental health in major ways Learn practical tips to manage distress to avoid career burnout and discuss effective ways to cope in this one-hour seminar sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa.
Navigating Work-Life Balance
Date & Time
Description
Aug 27, 2025 01:00 PM
Achieving a balance between personal and professional responsibilities helps people to avoid job burnout and promotes employee engagement, retention, and productivity. Learn practical strategies to create balance in your busy life, with actionable tips & inspiration to prioritize what matters most. This one-hour seminar sponsored by Polk County, Iowa.
Self-Care and Workplace Wellness
Date & Time
Description
Sep 2, 2025 01:00 PM
People who incorporate self-care throughout their day are more resilient and better equipped to manage stress, leading to happier and more productive teams Learn ways to introduce self-care into your work life, communicate boundaries, and cope with demanding schedules in this one-hour seminar.
Webinars & Events
Boundary IQ
Date & Time
Description
Sep 3, 2025 11:00 AM
Creating and maintaining healthy boundaries can be a challenging task. Some people grew up in environments where setting boundaries was not emphasized or valued, resulting in struggles to establish boundaries in adulthood. Fear of conflict, a tendency to prioritize others' approval, or past experiences of invalidation or disrespect can also contribute to difficulties in setting and maintaining boundaries. Discuss the role of boundaries in relationships and learn how to implement healthy boundaries in this onehour seminar with a licensed therapist.
Understanding Personality Disorders
Date & Time
Description
Sep 4, 2025 11:00 AM
Personality describes everything about you, and personality disorders can be challenging to manage. In addition to dealing with the illness itself, people often struggle with the myths and stigma surrounding personality disorders. Explore the categories of personality disorders, their symptoms, causes, and risk factors with a licensed therapist. Discuss evidence-based treatment and learn practical tips for managing symptoms and supporting others
Understanding Stress Responses: Effects on Your Body and Behavior
Date & Time
Description
Sep 10, 2025 11:00 AM
The term ‘stress’ is used loosely in our culture. What does it really mean and how vulnerable are you? Understand the biology of stress and explore realistic and practical ways to manage distress in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist.
If you are having a mental health crisis or need emergency assistance, dial 911 or contact local emergency services
7 Cups https://www7cupscom/ This free online text counseling service connects customers to volunteer listeners who offer non-therapeutic advice Anyone can sign up, including teenagers who are looking for other (trained) teenagers Access to licensed therapists is available for $150 per month. 7 Cups does not accept insurance.
Blah Therapy https://blahtherapy.com/ Free 24/7 anonymous peer chat. Subscriptions for unlimited professional therapy cost $60-$90/week. Blah Therapy does not accept insurance.
Bliss by the Centre of Interactive Mental Health Solutions https://cimhs.com/ Free selfguided online cognitive behavior therapy program for depression Bliss does not offer therapy appointments
Doctor on Demand https://doctorondemandcom/ 24/7 access to doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and other medical experts anytime, including weekends, holidays, and late at night. You can also talk to professionals not related to mental health, including urgent care doctors. Doctors on Demand accepts insurance. If you don’t have insurance, a 25-minute session is $129 and a 50-minute session is $179. Initial psychiatrist appointments cost $299, and 15-minute follow-up appointments are $129.
eTherapyPro https://etherapyprocom/ Access therapy services via video call, phone call, or text chat Free 3-day trial session, though a credit card is required After the trial period, the cost is $40/week ($16000/month) eTherapyPro does not accept insurance
Important Considerations for Online Therapy
Confidentiality, Privacy, and Unreliable Technology Confidentiality is just as important for online therapy as it is for in-person therapy Because information is relayed online, privacy leaks & hacking are a concern Technology problems can also make it difficult to access treatment when you need it
Not Appropriate for Severe & Persistent Mental Illness The scope of online therapy can be limited and may not be effective for more complex situations. For people with an addiction or complex symptoms of a mental health condition, online therapy is not to be recommended unless other in-person therapy is also involved in the treatment plan.
Lack of Response to Crisis Situations If a person is experiencing suicidal thoughts it can be difficult or impossible for the therapist to provide direct assistance. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 (US & Canada) or 1-800-273- 8255 for support and help from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Ethical and Legal Concerns Online therapy eliminates geographic restraints, making the enforcement of legal and ethical codes difficult. Therapists can treat clients from anywhere in the world, and many states have different licensing requirements and treatment guidelines It is important to confirm your therapist's qualifications and experience before starting the treatment process
Our Vision
To provide a barrier free pathway for individuals of all abilities to discover and achieve their most meaningful purpose in life.
Our Mission
To blend cutting-edge technology with personalized mentorship to empower people of all abilities to discover and achieve their most fulfilling path in life.
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+.
For more information, visit https://peersupportspace. org/communitygatherings-1 Daily Communal Gatherings
OurCoreBelief: All people
About having different conversations
A different way of thinking
Encouraging high expectations
Having life experiences to move the trajectory in the desired direction
Integrating multiple types of support
Only for professionals to use
Just about the “tools”
A “program”
Designed for just one specific age group
Solely for people with disabilities and their families
Watch Dr Sheli Reynolds share how her experience growing up with a brother with a disability impacted and informed the development of the LifeCourse framework and tools In this 18-minute video you will also learn about each of the principles and why they are important to supporting your “good life ”
ASD Adaptive Training Program
Our fitness professionals follow a comprehensive gym program designed to create a safe and beneficial training environment for individuals with ASD.
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Gym Setting
Understanding the challenges ad considerations specific to individuals with ASD in a gym environment
Adaptive Exercise Techniques
Learning how to modify exercises and workouts to accommodate the sensory and motor needs of individuals with ASD
Visual Supports and Communication Strategies
Implementing visual schedules, social stories, and other communication tools to enhance understanding and participation
Sensory-Friendly Environment
Creating a sensory-friendly gym space by managing noise levels, lighting, and providing sensory tools
Behavior Management in the Gym
Utilizing positive reinforcement strategies and behavior management techniques to promote positive behaviors
Individualized Fitness Plans
Developing personalized fitness plans based on the individual’s strengths, interests, and goals.
Supportive Coaching and Inclusive Practices
Training coaches and staff on inclusive practices and effective communication to provide a supportive and welcoming environment
Collaboration with Families and Caregivers
Engaging families and caregivers in the gym program to ensure continuity of support and progress monitoring.
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.
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
Kristy Aparo is the Director of GPS & CRC. She oversees the general operations of the GPS program and the Community Resource Center (CRC). You can reach out to Kristy if you have any questions about filing a DPPC or Mandated Reporting.
Matthew Ataya is the Program Director for the GPS program. He manages day to day operations of all GPS programs and is the supervisor for our Autism Coaches and College Navigators.
Vikki Kusumoto is the Staffing Coordinator for the GPS program. She assists with staffing our programs, onboarding new staff, and is the supervisor for our Community Support Coaches under In-home Supports, Agency with Choice, and MCB.
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 Vikki or Matthew, Andrew will be your next point of contact.
Kailey Taggart is the Family Services Project Coordinator 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.
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.
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.
