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
Direct Support Professionals Appreciation Week
It is DSP Appreciation Week! The GPS team wants to take a moment to recognize and honor the incredible work you do. Your unwavering dedication, compassion, and skill make a profound difference in the lives of the individuals we support every week.
To our amazing staff:
Your work is not just a joy, it’s a calling. You are the hands that offer support, the voices that provide encouragement, and the hearts that show genuine care. Your ability to empower others, foster independence, and create moments of joy is truly remarkable.
This week, and every week, we celebrate you. Your work matters, your dedication is noticed, and your compassion is deeply appreciated.
Thank you for being an essential part of the GPS Family and the Northeast Arc. We are honored to work alongside you in this vital mission.
WELCOMETO THETEAM!
Community Support Coach
Autism Coach Allison Balcom
Marissa Smalley
Autism Coch Kate Lipsitz
Please join me in welcoming our new staff to the GPS Team! For Autism Coaching, please welcome Marissa Smalley and Kate Lipsitz. For Community Support Coaches, please welcome Allison Balcom. We’re excited to have them on board and look forward to the valuable contributions they’ll bring to our team!
SEPTEMBER 15, 2024
Important Links
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.
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.
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.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
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.
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.
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.
Housing Opportunities
Habitat for Humanity has a couple of housing opportunities open on the North Shore right now. There is one that’s an option to purchase a home for low cost in Wenham, and a development of duplexes in Hamilton there were built by Habitat.
Critical Home Repair Program
Habitat also has a Critical Home Repair Program that is underutilized in this area and there are funds available. From their website, “This program primarily serves, but is not limited to, elder and/or disabled home-owners, and does repair necessary to maintain sound condition of the home, weatherization and energy efficiency, those needed to alleviate critical health, life and safety issues or code violations.”
For Critical Home Repair Information, click here
For Wenham, there was an open house on 7/25, and applications are due by September 1st.
For Hamilton, there is an in-person info session on 8/1, and a remote info session on 8/3, and applications are due September 16th.
Registration for the info sessions and application packets are linked in the flyer on their website. There are no details about income limits.
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
TheNextGenCareersInformationSessionis aone-hoursupportsessiontobetterhelp eligibleyoungadults(ages18-30)their familiesandtheirprofessionalslearnmore aboutwhatNextGenmayoffer,howit differsfromtraditionalvocational rehabilitation,assistwiththeapplication processandansweranyquestionsthatmay arisethroughouttheprocess.
EVERY TUESDAY
12:00 PM & 6:00 PM
MeetwithoneofourNextGen OutreachSpecialistswhocan answeryourNextGenCareers questions.Assistanceisofferedin English,Spanish,Portuguese, Khmer,ChineseandHaitianCreole.
https://fcsn.org/event/ngc-info-session-2-2-2/2024-08-13/
18 SEPTEMBER
Learn research updated on the impact of social media use by neurodiverse individuals.
Xinru Page, PhD, directs the Social Technology and Privacy Lab at Brigham Young University, where she and her students conduct research on human computer interaction Dr Page in interested in the unintended negative consequences when young autistic adults interact on social media
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
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
September 2024 Community Events
WOOFSTOCK IN HAVERHILL
September 14, 10-3 PM | Click Here
FREEeventforallfarmlovers&dogenthusiasts Petconstumecontest,applepicking,applecider, donutsanddogdemos!
PLUMFEST - NEWBURYPORT MA
Saturday, September 14 | Click Here
PlumFest brings local musicians, island residents and visitors together to showcase the natural beauty and artistry that make Plum Island such a special please. The Entire event is FREE. Come and enjoy the music with friends, family, and neighbors.
FALL FRIDAYS ON THE FARMAMESBURY MA
Every Friday | Click Here
Grab food from guest food trucks, apple cider, pumpkins and apples from the farm store or just enjoy fall on the farm with free live music. Each date weather dependent.
FARM DAYS AT APPLETON FARMSISPWICH MA
Saturday, September 14 | Click Here
JoinusforourAnnualFallCelebrationatAppleton–FarmDays!Spendtheafternoonexploringthefarm, listeningtomusic,enjoyinggreatfood&beer,hikingour trails,entertainingthekids,andmore
Every Thursday | Click Here
Welcome to Cornhole Thursdays at Rivalry! Join us for an evening of fun and competition, where you can put your cornhole skills to the test in a lively atmosphere Best of all, there's no entry fee, so gather your friends and come on down!
September 2024 Community Events
EVERYBODYBELONGS:BOSTON FASHIONWEEK2024
Tuesday, October 15 from 6-8pm |
Click Here
This one-of-a-kind event is set to feature live performances by musicians from the disability community, a red-carpet experience, and a showcase of adaptive and traditional fashion
BABY GOATS & MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA - GEORGETOWN MA
Sunday, September 15 | Click Here
JoinusonthefarmthissummerforourannualsummerBaby Goats&LiveMusicExtravaganzas!These1-hreventsfeature livemusicwithalocalmusicianperfectforthewholefamilyor gatheringwithfriendsorafternoonoutwithapartner
THE NETWORK: A SOCIAL NETWORKING PROGRAM - LOWELL
Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month | Click Here
TheNetworkisasocialnetworkingprogramfor neurodiverseadolescentsandyoungadultsaged between16-30years Thegoalistoprovidean opportunitytomeetothersandhopefullymake connections.$75annualfeetoparticipate.
REVEREBEACHARTFESTIVALREVEREMA
Saturday, September 14 | Click Here
Come celebrate the beauty of America’s first public beach! The day will be filled with fun activities, artists selling their incredible pieces, live music, and a Live Art Competition.
MUSICALBINGOATHORSESHOEGRILL| NORTHREADINGMA
Every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 pm | Click Here
Come have some fun with us tonight!! Great Prizes and so much fun! Everyone loves music! Everyone loves bingo Cross off 5 Songs in a row to win a prize
ne-arc.org
