Welcome to the August Edition of the Guided Personal Supports Family Newsletter!
Dedicatedtoallthefamiliesweserveacrossourprograms;thismonth's issuecelebratesthepeakofsummer We'vepackedournewsletterwith resources, tips, and activities to support and empower families navigatingtheuniqueexperiencesandchallengesoflivingwiththosewe support.
In this issue, we'll explore insightful ways to promote independence, strategiestoencourageself-careforcaregivers,excitingsensory-friendly activities for the summer season, and celebrations of our individuals' diversestrengthsandtalents.We'llalsoshowcasesomeoftheactivities our program has recently undertaken, giving you a glimpse into our vibrantcommunity.
Join us in this month's journey of learning, growing, and connecting. Together,wecontinuetobuildasupportivecommunitythatvaluesand upliftseachmember.
The Guided Personal Supports program invites all families to participate in our survey. Your feedback is crucial in helping us tailor our services to meet your needs. By sharing your experiences and insights, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the future of our program. Join us in creating a more effective and responsive program - take our survey today!
REST,RELAX,REJUVENATE
CAREGIVERRESPITEGETAWAY
Providing care for a family member is a rewarding yet stressful job. TILL recognizes that everyone can use a break to rest and recharge. The care you provide to your family member is invaluable and to help you provide this care well into the future, we're offering an overnight respite opportunity to give families a much needed night off and an opportunity to meet other families who share many of your experiences.
Thanks to funding from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Respite Innovations Grant.
If you're interested in participating, please contact Ilana Gordon-Brown at ilana gordon-brown@tillinc org for more information or to begin the enrollment process
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.
The retreat offers a relaxing respite opportunity for attendees while giving caregivers time to themselves.
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
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.
A Weekend to Remember: Boston Respite
The group arrived at the Boston Airbnb on Sunday evening. We spent the night playing Bingo and Uno before collaboratively preparing dinner.
Monday morning began with a rideshare to Milkweed, where we savored a delightful breakfast, highlighted by exceptional iced coffee. Following a productive budgeting exercise and some free time, we headed to Fenway Park. There, we explored the iconic stadium and picked up souvenirs. The atmosphere was electric as we cheered the Red Sox to victory over Kansas City, enjoying classic Fenway fare like hot dogs and burgers.
Returning to the Airbnb, everyone had time to unwind before we capped off the evening with a screening of 'School of Rock.' Participants departed on Sunday morning, concluding our brief but memorable Boston adventure.
Social Group
Northeast Arc’s Recreation program offers individuals the opportunity to participate in active and healthy recreation as well as leisure activities for enjoyment, relaxation, development, and personal growth.
Summer Session
June 17th – August 24th
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
N E E D T O W O R K O N
The Payoff
In The Payoff game, play the role of Alex or Jess, two up-and-coming video bloggers who are preparing for a life-changing video competition while managing their finances and handling unexpected events.
In the immersive game, developed by Visa, help Alex and Jess make smart financial decisions within the tight three-day deadline and complete their video for the competition.
Discussion will include the growing need for autism-competent providers and share practical guidelines for managing common co-occurring conditions like sleep disturbances, ADHD, anxiety, and depression in autistic individuals. This session aims to empower families with valuable insights into the Lurie Center's approach to comprehensive ASD care.
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Come join and learn from Dr Elizabeth A Laugeson, the Founder and Director of the UCLA PEERS Clinic UCLA PEERS Clinic is an outpatient hospital-based program providing parent-assisted social skills training for individuals from preschool to adulthood Dr Laugeson has trained tens of thousands of mental health professionals, educators, and families worldwide, and is dedicated to developing and testing evidence-based treatments to improve social skills across the lifespan and across the globe.
THESCIENCEOF MAKINGFRIENDS FORAUTISTIC
YOUTH
Learn research updates on evidence-based strategies to support adolescents and young adults develop social skills that encourage lasting friendships.
SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND AUTISM - TEENS AND ADULTS
Pamela Wisniewski, PhD, presents new research about the online and social media experiences of autistic teens and young adults. Her research findings emphasize teaching teens how to leverage technology to their advantage, stay safe while doing so, and cope with online risks when they are encountered. The presenter asserts that, as parents and educators, it is our job to teach autistic teens online safety skills so they can become well-informed and independent adults.
She explains how autistic teens can be disproportionately affected (positively and negatively) by social media experiences, making it important to take evidence-based precautions that protect them from harm without limiting their ability to benefit from what the internet has to offer.
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.
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.
August 2024 Community Events
BIPOC PADDLE/KAYAKING ON SLUICE POND - LYNN MA
Saturday, August 10 | Click Here
This event is family and kid friendly and created for the BIPOC community and experience to explore Sluice Pond. Please invite a friend to register, easy lunch will be provided after the paddle.
Join us for a day filled with art, music, food, and community spirit as we celebrate the vibrant culture of Lynn, Massachusetts This free event offers something for everyone and showcases a diverse range of local talents and cultural experiences
PICNIC POP-UP - LYNNFIELD MA
Tuesday, August 6 | Click Here
Gather on The Gree for tasty plates from Chicken & The Pig, a live DJ, and kid-friendly fun Tickets include food, a blanket for your picnic, and access to all games including bubbles, hula hoops, cornhole, and more
August 2024 Community Events
Sunday, August 11 | Click Here
The Horizon Ensemble performs music by friends and music of history. Join us this Sunday, August 11 at 3:00 PM in the Church of the Covenant for six orchestral memories of summertime!
HORIZONENSEMBLE:SUMMER MEMORIES-BOSTONMA PEACH & SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL - AMESBURY MA
August 10-11 & 17-18 | Click here
We're celebrating all things sunshine, flowers and peaches! The multi-weekend event features cutyour-own farmhouse bouquets, free live music, hard cider bar, activities, hayrides, food trucks, peach treats, and pick-your-own peaches
Wednesday, August 7 | Click Here
From the award-winning ABC podcast, The Parenting Spectrum, come and learn from Travis and Patrick about what’s in store for the Saunders! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Travis and Patrick firsthand!
Friday, August 16 | Click Here
Join Lynn Noel and Crew at Craft Food Halls Waltham at CityPoint for an epic night of Sea Chantey and Wellerman style live music!
Friday, August 9 | Click here
Join us for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program. Get on your muck boots – your whole family will get to be farmers together! Help care for our rabbits, goats, cows and their calves and our flock of chickens and ducks.
August 2024 Community Events
DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING DAY AT FENWAY PARK 2024 - BOSTON MA
Sunday, August 25 | Click Here
Please join us for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, LateDeafened, and Deafblind Day at Fenway Park on Sunday, August 25th at 1:35 pm! Show your support for all the valuable work Deaf Inc. and Our Deaf Survivors do in the community.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY
MOVIE SCREENINGS - ARLINGTON MA
See Site for Dates & Times | Click Here
Join us for discounted movies all summer long These family-friendly films will all screen at Noon All tickets for this special series are only $5!
Saturday, August 24 | Click Here
Prepare for an outdoor fun, family-friendly atmosphere with phenomenal high profile live BANDS, entertaining side SHOWS, endless aisles of CRAFT booths, Game Zone for the kiddies, and mobile buffet of meal and dessert FOOD TRUCKS
FULL MOON YOGA - SALEM MA
Wednesday, August 21 | Click Here
Wild Sea Wellness will be offering monthly yoga classes at The House of the Seven Gables throughout 2024 Check their website and calendar for details, dates, and links to register
Saturday, August 24| Click Here
Calmer Con is specifically designed to meet the needs of those with sensory processing challenges, autism, and anxiety concerns while providing an authentic comics and pop culture convention experience.
