Summer is here, and we hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the warm, sunny days. It's a wonderful time to get outside and try new activities. Maybe you'd like to have a picnic in the park, go for a swim, or takeanaturewalk Whateveryouchoose,wehopeyou'rehavingfunand stayingsafeintheniceweather.
Weknowthateveryonehasbusyliveswithschool,work,ordayprograms. But it's really important to take breaks and relax. We encourage you to spend quality time with your family and friends this summer. This could mean going on a vacation if you can. Or it might be taking a day off to do something special Even spending a free afternoon doing something youenjoycanberefreshing.Remember,takingtimeforyourselfandyour lovedonesisgoodforyourhealthandhappiness.
Now, let’s dive in to see the latest happenings within the GPS Program, NortheastArc,andthecommunitywehelpsupport.
AndrewHartigan ProgramCoordinator
978-924-5872 ahartigan@ne-arcorg
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: Swampscott Respite
During the Swampscott respite, participants engaged in a variety of activities over the weekend. They started on Friday evening with a communal dinner and a screening of Shrek. Saturday morning featured a safety workshop with Officer Kevin from the Swampscott Police Department, followed by an afternoon of swimming and sandcastle building at Eisman Beach. Later, Sarah and Tandis from Connecting Us, MA led a social skills workshop. The group also enjoyed a cooking class with Kids' Test Kitchen, preparing pasta with greens and a sweet fruit salsa. The respite concluded on Sunday morning with a creative sand art activity, providing a relaxing end to the eventful weekend.
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.
DPPC | Reporting Abuse & Neglect of
Persons with Disabilities
Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC)
This course will review:
The role of the DPPC as an agency
The prevalence of violence and abuse against people with disabilities
What is mandated reporting and who are mandated reporters?
Recognizing and reporting abuse and neglect
Identifying abuse indicators
What happens post-report
The DPPC is now offering live online training for mandated reporting professionals. This training provides education related to recognizing, reporting, and responding to the abuse of people with disabilities.
JULY 11 & 25 1:00-2:30 PM
17 JULY 2024 7:00 PM @
AMERICANSWITH DISABILITIESACT CELEBRATION
This July marks Disability Pride Month and also the 34th anniversary of the signing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Understanding Our Differences is joining with Newton’s Commission on Disability and the Newton Free Library to present a dialogue about disability through a moderated panel of local speakers with disabilities, “What does disability pride mean to you?” followed by a Q&A and discussion with the audience
This special event will take place on Wednesday, July 17th at 7:00pm in the Druker Auditorium at Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street in Newton.
Disability pride presents people with disabilities as people living their lives in plain view, proud of their identity as being disabled During this lively panel discussion, you will hear and learn from the authentic voices of people with disabilities, who will reflect on their life experiences and welcome conversation.
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.
ANDOVER, MA
JULY 3, 2024 @
ANDOVER H.S. – 80
SHAWSHEEN RD.
HAVERHILL, MA
JULY 1, 2024 @
RIVERSIDE PARK – 163
LINCOLN AVE.
METHUEN, MA
JULY 6, 2024 @ PLEASANT VALLEY ST.
BEVERLY, MA
JULY 4, 2024 @ BARGE
4TH FIREWORKS OF JULY
MARBLEHEAD, MA
800’ OFF WEST BEACH –121 WEST ST.
LYNN, MA
JULY 3, 2024 @ BARGE
NEAR RED ROCK – 76
MARINE BLVD.
LOWELL, MA
JULY 4, 2024 @
PEDESTRIAN
JULY 4, 2024 @ BARGE IN MARBLEHEAD HARBOR –
COMMERCIAL STREET WHARF
SALEM, MA
JULY 4, 2024 @ SALEM
MARITIME NT’L
HISTORIC SITE – 160
DERBY ST.
WALKWAY – AIKEN STREET
LEXINGTON, MA
JULY 5, 2024 @
LEXINGTON HS
BASEBALL FIELD –
WORTHEN RD.
July 2024 Community Events
PICNIC IN THE PARK - BOSTON
Thursday, July 4 | Click Here
Welcome to the annual 4th of July Boston Commons Picnic in the Park! Join us at the Boston Common Visitors Center for a day of fun, food, and fireworks. Don't miss out on this festive event celebrating Independence Day!
MUSICAL
BINGO - BOSTON
Every Tuesday | Click Here
ACG will provide a safe, fun and supportive environment for people with disabilities to discover and enjoy the sport of climbing ACG volunteers will help fit gear, guide new climbers, and belay the ropes
The Kittery Community Market 2024 season runs every Sunday from June 2nd through November 24th. Each week, we will feature 30+ vendors, live music, kid's activities, and special guests.
SALEM SHUFFLE SCAVENGER HUNT - SALEM, MA
Every day, 11 am & 2 pm | Click Here
Your creative, nontraditional scavenger hunt begins at a scenic spot that's a local favorite You'll get your digital quest from your live and interactive remote host Then you’ll take off on your own to experience a wide variety of carefully curated locations in town
July 2024 Community Events
DAV BEACH PARTY - LYNN
Saturday, July 27 | Click Here
Join us for an afternoon filled with music, games, raffles, and good vibes. Whether you're a beach lover or just looking for a fun time, this family friendly event is perfect for everyone.
INCLUSIVE SUMMER CRAFT NIGHT - WAKEFIELD
Thursday, July 18 | Click here
Time to get in the summer spirit and join a night of summer-themed crafts, listening to music, and hanging out with friends Registration is required, cost $15 00
FOOD TRUCK FESTIVALGLOUCESTER
Wednesday, July 17| Click Here
Join us for an evening of fun, food, and family at the Bluefin Blowout's - Bites By The Sea food truck extravaganza, benefiting the Alzheimer's Association
INCLUSIVECULINARYGROUPNATICK/NEEDHAM,MA
Click here for dates and details
Pre-registration and an intake are required. Registration does not guarantee a spot; space is limited. For more information and to register contact FamilySupport@charlesrivercenter.org
BLUEBERRY & FLOWER FESTIVAL - HAVERHILL
July 20-21, 27-28 | Click here
This multi-weekend event features free live music, outdoor hard cider bar, family-friendly activities, hayrides, visiting food trucks, homemade blueberry treats, cut-your-own flowers and PYO blueberries!
July 2024 Community Events
MONTHLY BIRD WALKS - CAMBRIDGE
Saturday, July 20 | Click Here
Magazine Beach Park's unique greenspace offers an urban oasis along the Charles River for migrating and common birds to stop by and enjoy. Bring your binoculars (or borrow a pair of ours) to observe waterfowl and waders on the river, songbirds in the trees and brush, and more.
BANDS ON THE BEACH - FREE SALISBURY
Every Saturday @ 7:30 pm| Click Here
Grab your chairs and blankets and enjoy some fun summer tunes, Saturdays at 7:30PM on the Salisbury Oceanfront Stage Benches and picnic tables available and plenty of dancing room for everyone!
SUMMERCONCERTSERIES-REVERE
Sunday, July 21 | Click Here
Bring your family and friends, sit back, relax and enjoy the live music of the WildFire Band in a family friendly atmosphere. Concerts are free for all. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs, a picnic dinner or snacks
SUMMER MOVIE SERIES - FREE BEVERLY
Every Sunday until Aug. 10 | Click Here
Come and enjoy a movie under the stars at Lynch Park in Beverly, MA Summer movie series is free to all Movie starts at sundown
FREE BODY & BRAIN YOGA CLASSLAWERENCE
Saturday, July 27 | Click Here
Body & Brain yoga class not only trains your body but helps center your awareness inside yourself Through our signature breathing postures you will accumulate energy and strengthen your core, leaving you feeling recharged, relaxed, and refreshed
