IMPORTANT STAFF UPDATES AND REMINDERS
THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED NOVEMBER 27TH AND 28TH FOR THANKSGIVING.
PLEASE BE SURE TO LET YOUR CLIENTS KNOW IF YOU PLAN TO NOT MEET.
Mental Health First Aid Training
Starting in January, Northeast Arc is offering a free series of trainings on Mental Health First Aid. During the course you will learn: Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges; substance use challenges; how to interact with someone in crisis; and how to connect a person with help. Trainings will be held monthly in person at NeArc headquarters in Danvers and you can sign up by visiting: bit.ly/NEARCMHFA
Parccels Staff Discount
Parcels is offering all Northeast Arc staff a 10% discount from November 28 through December 24. For every $50 spent in the store, you will receive a $5 coupon for the month of January.
STAFF SHOUTOUT kAREN C
We would like to take a moment to recognize Karen C. for the outstanding work she consistently delivers. Karen has been excelling in her role, and her commitment is evident in everything she does. We recently received feedback from a client who highlighted how Karen's support has been crucial in helping them achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. Thanks to Karen's guidance, the client was able to successfully schedule a college tour and obtain their learner's permit.
Thank you, Karen, for your unwavering dedication to our clients and for the invaluable contributions you make to Northeast Arc.
North Shore | Community Opportunities
2025 SALEM ARTS HOLIDAY ARTISTS' MARKET OLD SALEM TOWN HALL
Sat, Nov 29th
11AM- 5PM
SalemArtsAssociationispleasedtoinviteyoutoour HolidayArtists’MarketAtSalemOldTownHall AFestivemarketwithlivemusicandaholidaytheme, offeringabroadcollectionofcreativeopportunitiesfor ourcommunitytobrowseandfindtreasuresfor yourself,friends,andfamily
Featuringavarietyoflocalartisansandcrafters offeringoriginalfineart,uniquegifts,andhand-made housewarestodelightyourselforgifttoothers.
Fri, Nov 28th 5:45PM - 8PM
Join Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem as we celebrate two of our most beloved annual traditions – Santa’s Arrival and the lighting of Salem’sHolidayTree–allinoneevening!
SANTA’S ARRIVAL AT THE HAWTHORNE AND TREE LIGHTING 18 WASHINGTON SQUARE WEST 8 ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE TH 86/94 WHARF ST SALEM
Sat Nov 29th 11AM - 3PM
Joinusforour8thannualholidaymarket placehostedatFinzSeafoodandGrill andSeaLevelOysterBar.Anassortment ofhandcrafteditemswillbeavailablefor sale.Theeventisfreeandisagreatspot togetyourholidayshoppingdone.
Merrimack Valley | Community Opportunities
BOWLING WEDNESDAYS (AGES 18+)
AMESBURY, MA
REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
TheArcofGreaterHaverhill-Newburyport hostbowlingeventsatGametimeLanes& EntertainmentinAmesbury,MA.Visitthelink andreviewtheavailableslots.
Price:$15.00each
Most Wednesdays 4:30-6:00 PM Sun, Nov 30th 3pm - 5PM
SEA OF TREES FESTIVAL
BLUE OCEAN EVENT CENTER
SALISBURY
Sat, Nov 22 - Sun, Dec 7 nd th
Times Vary
Withover135extravagantlythemedtrees,a full-sizeindoorskatingrink,aspectacular giantsandsculpture,andSanta’sWorkshop, thisimmersivewinterwonderlandhasgrown intoacherishedeventforallages.
Adults$10,KidsFree
The magic of the season is back! On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their grand entrance to Newburyport the only way a seaport town can Then follow along as they parade through downtown. Stick around in Market Square for festive carols and the annual tree lighting always a holiday favorite for families and friends.
Metro North | Community Opportunities
READING TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION READING TOWN COMMON
The 32nd Annual Tree Lighting on Reading Common will take place on Sunday, November 30 from 2:00 to 4:30 when Santa comes to light up the display This event, sponsored by the ReadingNorth Reading Chamber of Commerce, is a longtime holiday favorite drawing over a thousand people from the community
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR BREAD OF LIFE, INC. 54 EASTERN AVENUE MALDEN
Sun, Nov 30th 10AM - 2PM
Sun, Nov 30th 2PM - 4:30PM FREE ADMSSION CRAFTS - FOOD - JEWELRYHOME DECOR AND MORE!
City of Everett’s Annual
Christmas Tree Lighting 2025
Friday December 5 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm @ Everett Square
ENJOY AN EVENING FULL OF JOY AND EXCITEMENT WITH LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES, TRAIN RIDES, HOLIDAY CHARACTERS, FACE PAINTING, BALLOON CREATIONS, FOOD, AND GIVEAWAYS
Lowell Area | Community Opportunities
Lowell City of Lights
Saturday, November 29
4:30PM to 8:30PM
@ Downtown Lowell
This free event includes a nighttime parade with floats, marching bands, and music, followed by the lighting of City Hall.
The day also features various familyfriendly activities like photos with Santa, a holiday market, hot chocolate and cupcake decorating contests
Tewksbury Winter Community Marker
Thursday, December 18 4:00—7:00 PM
Tewksbury Public Library300 Chandler Street, Tewksbury, MA,
The Tewksbury Community Market is holding a special indoor market on Thursday, December 18..It is free admission to enter and there will be 25-30 vendors selling food and other products.
Central Middlesex | Community Opportunities
FREE COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025.
12:00 PM TO 2:00 PM
@ MALDEN HIGH
SCHOOL'S CAFETERIA
77 SALEM ST, MALDEN MA
30TH ANNUAL ORIGINAL CASTLEBERRY FAIRE SHRINERS AUDITORIUM
Nov 28 - 30 th th 9AM - 5PM
AbelovedNewEnglandtraditionreturns!Join usThanksgivingWeekendattheShriners AuditoriuminWilmington,MAforthe30th AnnualCastleberryFaire,athree-day celebrationofcreativity,craftsmanship,and holidaycheer.
Wilmington Menorah Lighting
The Umbrella Winter Market
Wilmington Town Common
December 5 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 14 @ 4:30PM
The Umbrella Arts Center 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA
ChabadLubavitchofMerrimackValleyisholdinga MenorahLightingCeremonyontheTownCommonat 4:30pmonSunday,December14,2025,thefirstnight ofHanukkah.
At our annual (free) three-day celebration of hand-crafted fine art, come in from the cold to stroll The Umbrella’s three sunlit floors of artists' studios and galleries
Thepublicisinvitedtotheceremony,whichwillincludelatkes, donutsandmusic
COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
NortheastArc’s Community Resource Center connects individuals and familieswith valuable resourcesand events in theirlocal 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 belongingand inclusion.
DDS Northeast Region Community Resource Specialists
We recognize that some of you may be facing the loss of Snap benefits, or may know someone who is.
Please click HERE to find a food pantry in your area.
You can also reach out to your local Community Resource Specialist for more information, assistance in your area, and ways to help. Their contact information is provided on the next page.
COME TOGETHER FOR AN EVENING OF ART, MUSIC, AND ACTIVITIES IN CELEBRATION OF HANUKKAH, THE JEWISH FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. JOIN A COMMUNITY GATHERING FULL OF PERFORMANCES, ART THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE DIVERSITY OF JEWISH CULTURES AND IDENTITIES, AND MUCH MORE. PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE VILNA SHUL AND COMBINED JEWISH PHILANTHROPIES.
Overview
Eleplan is an AI-powered care planning platform transforming the caregiver experience. Inspired by lived caregiving realities, Eleplan transforms care from fragmented and stressful to organized and peaceful, giving families time with their loved ones, not just coordinating their care.
CompetitiveAdvantage
Eleplanis themost secureAIcaregiving platform, exceeding HIPAA requirements with zero LLM data retention. Its user-led design, real-time collaboration, and tailored data extraction differentiate it from generic notes apps or rigid care platforms.
PROBLEM
Family caregivers are overwhelmed managing care with outdated tools and siloed information. Fragmented care leads to burnout, unmanaged burden, and dangerous gaps.
KnowledgeBase
SOLUTION
Eleplan’s AI creates personalized, shareable care plans from user documents and data, streamlining everything from medications to routines, enabling seamless collaboration and peace of mind.
MARKET SIZE
The U.S. caregiving market exceeds $648B annually. Eleplan targets the 53M U.S. family caregivers. B2B expansion includes health plans and community agencies that support families.
Meet Elllie: Your personal care search engine will generate the most relevant and trusted answers to help you navigate care with confidence.
DocumentParsingFuelsData DataCollectionandAnalytics
Upload documents and let us do the rest. No more searching endlessly through piles of paper. Eleplan provides searchable data points for care.
Eleplan collects data at the most granular level to make inferences regarding next steps necessary in your planning journey.
Collaborate,CustomizeandShare
Add Members to collaborate, share on-demand data, customized for every situation and person involved in care.
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.
MORE RECIPES RECIPE CREATOR RESOURCES
Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Gnocchi with sausage and broccoli
Candied Yams
Brownies
Webinars & Events
Holiday Stress & Self Care
Date & Time
Description
December 2, 202 1:00PM5
The “most wonderful time of the year” doesn’t always feel that wonderful Demands on our time and energy often leave us feeling tired, disappointed, and depressed. Learn effective strategies to manage holiday stress, prioritize self-care, and get the support you need in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist.
Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Date & Time
Description
December 10, 2025 1:00PM
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 and helping others with a licensed therapist
Special Issues in Womens Mental Health
Date & Time
Description
December 16, 2025
Women with premenstrual disorders are much more likely to have birth-related depression, according to researchers And the relationship works both ways: those with perinatal depression are also more likely to develop premenstrual disorders after pregnancy and childbirth. These are severe and chronic conditions that need medical attention and treatment Explore the symptoms, causation, and treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Perinatal Depression, and Perinatal Anxiety and learn practical strategies to manage symptoms 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
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 ”
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
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.
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 Meet
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
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.
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
ClinicalDrivingEvaluations,AdaptiveDrivingTraining, andReadinesstoDriveAssessments OwnedandoperatedbyOccupationalTherapists
Thegold-standard evaluationformedically complexand/orolder adultdrivers Evaluationsforthose lookingtodrivewith adaptiveequipmentsuch ashandcontrols,spinner knobs,andleftfoot accelerators.
forneurodiversenew drivers.
YourPoint ofContact
Matthew Ataya is the Director of GPS & CRC. He oversees the general operations of the GPS program and the Community Resource Center (CRC). You can reach out to Matthew if you have any questions about filing a DPPC or Mandated Reporting.
Vikki Kusumoto is the Program Director for the GPS program. She manages day to day operations of all GPS programs and is the supervisor for our Autism Coaches and College Navigators.
The Staffing Coordinator for the GPS program 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.
SaraCallahan
Accessible Spaces
All Abilities Activities
Connecting individuals and families to their communities and creating a sense of belonging through events and resources.
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.
Important Links
ne-arc.org
