1-10 Friday Newsletter by Northeast Arc

Guided Personal Supports

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.

Bowling into the New Year!

Happy New Year! It is time to book your quarterly check-in. These conversationsa are valuable opportunities to discuss how your sessions are going with your clients and if you need additional support or guidance. The link is below.

Click Here to Book Your Quarterly Check-In

We’re kicking off 2025 with our Bowling into the New Year events! Each provider is encouraged to invite one client to join the festivities. If your client is unable to attend, we would still love to have you there to enjoy some bowling, pizza, and quality time with colleagues. RSVP on the next page by scanning the QR code or clicking the link.

Have a great weekend!

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

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.

Social Group

Cold Weather Safety Tips

When you are outside, frostbite and hypothermia are possible so you need to protect yourself.

1. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.

2. Wear a hat. Try to stay dry and out of the wind.

3. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.

4. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.

Ice Safety

Please visit this informative link https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html

To keep pipes from freezing on an outside wall:

1. Let hot and cold water trickle or drip at night from a faucet.

2. Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or near an outer wall.

3. Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.

4. If you plan to be away: (1) Have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or (2) drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).

If Pipes Freeze:

1. Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst.

2. NEVER try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. Use a hair dryer instead.

3. Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer

1. Install a carbon monoxide detector.

2. NEVER run generators indoors.

3. Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. NEVER use a gas oven to heat your home.

5. If your heat goes out, you can keep warm indoors by closing off rooms you do not need, dressing in layers of lightweight clothing, and wearing a cap.

Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters:

1. Always keep a screen around an open flame.

2. NEVER use gasoline to start your fireplace.

3. NEVER burn charcoal indoors.

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

Do the winter months get you down more than you think they should? Explore the signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, when it’s time to see a doctor, and what treatment options are available. Hear about practical ways to manage symptoms in this one-hour prerecorded webinar sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa.

Meet the Instructor: Jaymi Dormaier is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 10+ years of experience in the mental health field. In Jaymi's career as a social worker and therapist, she has worked with diverse populations focusing on anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, foster care, adoption, homelessness, and addiction. She is passionate about helping others live a life they love.

Resources on Seasonal Depression

Support Groups

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Association for Mental Health & Wellness

Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance

Family Caregiver Alliance

HeyPeers

MeetUp

Mindspring

Psychology Today

Rethink Mental Illness

Seasonal Affective Disorder, Winter Depression, Winter Blues

Resources

Choosing a Light Therapy Lamp

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Medicine Assistance

Tool

NeedyMeds

Families for Depression Awareness

Erika’s Lighthouse

Winter Depression Research Clinic

Self-Care Resources

Body Scan Meditation

Michael Sealey Guided Meditation

Self-Compassion Guided Practices and Exercises

Developing Your Self-Care Plan

Assessments

Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory

Hamburg Burnout Inventory

The Workplace Stress Scale

Compassion Satisfaction and Fatigue Assessment

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

Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

OCD manifests differently in different people – and involves much more than anxiety about germs or compulsions to clean. This one-hour webinar provides an accessible guide to understanding this often-misunderstood diagnosis, including symptoms of OCD, co-occurring disorders, and treatment options. Learn practical tips for managing symptoms in this one-hour seminar sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa.

Thursday,

January16

1-2pm

Communication

Do’s & Don’ts

Understanding how mental health impacts thinking and behavior helps to reduce frustration & stress, and improves outcomes for everyone. Learn simple tools to manage conflict and express feelings in this one-hour seminar sponsored by Polk County, Iowa.

Certificates of attendance are provided at no cost. CEUs are not provided. Everyone who registers will receive the webinar recording 24 hours after the live event.

Wednesday, January29 11am-12pm

Session 3: January 2nd - February 22nd 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

Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.

Transition talk: Parental Mindset: Stepping Back and Letting Go

Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Time: 6:30 pm-7:30 pm

Location: Virtually on Zoom

Join our 2024 - 25 series of family workshops designed for parents and professionals to learn the many aspects of transition planning for young adults with disabilities.

PANEL DISCUSSION

Join a conversation with two parents who’ve successfully shifted from being hands-on to stepping back, allowing their adult children to take the lead. This approach helped their children build confidence, improve decisionmaking skills, and access support systems outside the family. Learn how letting go can empower your child to grow and become more independent.

Meet Our Panelists:

Amy Brenneman, Actor, Director, Writer, Mother and Disability Advocate

Daniella Mini, “Public Ponder” Blogger, Mother and Disability Advocate

Ann Phelan, Transition Center Manager of Resources and Engagement

LIVINGWITH PURPOSE

Transforming Residential Care for Adults with Disabilities

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Doors Open at 6:30 pm Show Starts at 7:00 pm

FREEEVENT

“Raising Bar” is a film that sheds light on the lives of young adults with intellectual disabilities and the price they pay for simply turning 22. Bar is 37, and it is the trajectory of his life that shows the obstacles and the possibilities this community faces as their families and other caregivers seek to provide them with rich, meaningful, and connected lives.

Following the 40-minute movie you are invited to stay for conversation with High Spirit Staff, Founders, and each other to talk about how to develop more residential communities like High Spirit Community Farm.

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.

TheMostComprehensiveCareer ExplorationProgramAvailableFor StudentswithDisabilities

Mission1:Self-Exploration

L I V E M E N T O R S H I P

Mission2:CareerExploration

Ourvideo-basedassessments guidestudentsincreating theirownCareerDNA™,a unique25-point"Career NeedsFingerprint" highlightingtheresultsof7 intuitiveexercises Studentsnowexploreand evaluatealignedcareersto identifywhichonesexcitethem most Withsupportfromtheir mentor,theythencompare thesecareerspoint-bypoint totheirCareerDNA.

Mission3:SoftSkills, Outreach,&CareerPath

Usingourcomprehensive toolkitandsoftskillstraining fromtheirMentor,they connectwithprofessionalsand conductinformational interviewstolearnwhatit's reallyliketoworkinthefield.

OurCoreBelief: All people have the

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 ”

Thegold-standard evaluationformedically complexand/orolder adultdrivers Evaluationsforthose lookingtodrivewith adaptiveequipmentsuch ashandcontrols,spinner knobs,andleftfoot accelerators.

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

Healthy Eating Tips & Recipes

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.

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.

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.