I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful holiday season—spending time with loved ones, getting well-deserved rest, and finding moments to do the things that bring you joy. With the holidays quickly approaching, there are plenty of ways to embrace the festive spirit. Inside, you’ll find ideas, activities, and local events to help you make the most of this special time of year.
I will be sending out invitations to the GPS holiday party that is taking place in January very soon so keep an eye out for that and please make sure to RSVP!
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.
NOTES: ALL PROGRESS NOTES ARE DUE IN NETSMART BY MONDAY AT 9:00 AM.
We want to take a moment to recognize Kate L. for her exceptional dedication and the remarkable impact she has on everyone she works with. Recently, a family member of a client reached out to share how Kate consistently goes above and beyond in her role. They expressed deep appreciation for her ability to help her client mature, grow, and build confidence in themselves. Kate, we are truly grateful to have you with us— thank you for all that you do!
198 Beach Bluff Ave, Swampscott, MA
Sun, Dec 21 | 7:10 - 8:10 am.
Free & open to all to attend!
Welcoming the beginning of winter and the return of the light. Please join us as we gather as a community and welcome the winter season.
Bit Salem, 278 Derby St, Salem, MA Sun, Jan 4, 2026 | 4:00PM · 7:00PM
The North Shore LGBTQ+ Social Network is hosting another amazing Tea Dance at Bit in Salem, MA. Come join us for a night of dancing, good music and conversation. This event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to attend, including allies, and people of all ages
High Street Studio, 125 High St Ipswich, MA
Sunday, December 21 | 3:00 PM
Participants will come to two rehearsals, learn one or two dances, and then perform them in a friendly, supportive, and joyful performance setting. Free for all participants and audience members! After the showcase, we’ll celebrate with light refreshments and time to socialize and enjoy each other’s company.
BowlingWednesdays(Ages18+)
Amesbury,MA
MostWednesdays 4:30-6:00PM
REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
TheArcofGreaterHaverhillNewburyporthostbowlingeventsat GametimeLanes&Entertainmentin Amesbury,MA.Visitthelinkandreview theavailableslots.
Price:$15.00each
Haverhill Public Library | 99 Main Street Fri, Dec 26 | 10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Join us for a showing of the movie The Holdovers for free in the Johnson Auditorium as part of their "Friday Flicks" series. Light winter favorite refreshments will be available for the community to enjoy.
Haverhill Elks Lodge #165 | 24 Summer Street Sun, Dec 14 | 11:00AM - 4:00PM
Join us for a day filled with shopping, fun, and holiday cheer. Free to attend and free pictures with Santa and raffle drawings all day! Come on out and support Rosie's Kids.
Deep Cuts | 21 Main Street, Medford MA
Tues, Dec 16 | 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Break out your most hideous holiday sweater and dance the night away! DJ Panda will be playing holidays classics along with your favorite songs from the radio. Prize for the ugliest sweater. Free Entry.
Inspire Cafe | 411 Main Street, Wakefield, MA Mon, Dec 22nd | 5:30 – 7:30pm
Free and open to the public. Meet
INclusive Santa at this Santa Meet & Greet. Fun Include Free photos with Santa, crafts, Last-minute gifts & gift cards will also be available.
Melrose YMCA | 497 Main Street Sun, Dec 16 | 11:00AM - 3:00PM
Come to the Melrose Family YMCA for an indoor market filled with tasty food and amazing holiday gifts. Free Entry.
Pawtucket Wildlife Farm Sanctuary | 1413
Varnum Ave Lowell, MA
Friday, December 19 | 7:00AM - 8:30am
Celebrate the change of seasons with a sunrise stroll through Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. Start the day off with fresh, cool air and the sounds and sights of nature as you recharge before the busy holidays.
205 Westford Rd, Tyngsborough, MA
Saturday, December 13 | 10AM to 2PM
Join us in person for a festive day full of holiday cheer at the Holly Jolly Holiday Market! Expect unique gifts, yummy treats, and good vibes all around. Bring your friends and family there's something for everyone. Holiday Photo Backdrop will be available for some fun family photos!
Tewksbury Winter Community Marker
Thursday, December 18 4:00—7:00 PM
300 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.
Concord Community Coffee & Pastries
1276 Main St Concord, MA Wed, Dec 24 | 9:30AM - 11:00AM
Join your neighbors for a warm and welcoming community-building gathering right here in Concord! Enjoy free coffee and fresh pastries as we strengthen the bonds that make our town special. All ages are welcome.
Free Open Gym
65 Main Street, Westford MA
Every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday @ 1:00PM
Come to Roudenbush for an exciting time of running, jumping, and playing in our gymnastics space! This is the perfect opportunity s to explore, burn energy, and have fun in a safe and active environment. Registration Required.
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
You are not alone! Come join us for a peer led support group.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 2PM to 3PM
Young Adults Peer Support Group
Mondays 3pm-4pm on Zoom
Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code
Meet new people Build community Social connection Promote health Well-being
Mondays 10am-12pm 1 Market St, Ste 203 Lynn, MA
Community Gatherings
A space to build a support system, and a sense of chosen family, with your community. 12PM and 6PM Each Day, Monday-Saturday
**You must email Mary@peersupportspace.org to receive the passcodes for the daily communal gatherings - this is a security precaution to ensure that we are keeping the space as safe as possible
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.
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
Date & Time - Dec 17, 2025 01:00 PM EST
Description - People are susceptible to strain from a number of sources including work and school obligations, illness, finances, interpersonal conflict, and more. Learn strategies to create and maintain a low-stress environment, identify & respond to ‘red flags’, and communicate in times of crisis with a licensed therapist
Date & Time - Dec 18, 2025 11:00 AM EST
Description - Providing effective support to friends and family members with a mental health disorder is an essential component of the recovery process. Discuss the complications of mental illness, the four dimensions of recovery, and learn how to make a recovery plan in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist
Date & Time - Jan 7, 2026 01:00 PM EST
Description - According to statistics, only 9% of people actually accomplish their New Year's resolutions. Explore the psychology behind why resolutions fail and how to set goals that you can and will achieve with a licensed therapist.
Date & Time - Jan 14, 2026 01:00 PM EST
Description - We know what to do when someone breaks their arm: brace it and go to the hospital. But what should you do when someone is experiencing a mental health emergency? Learn what causes crisis situations and the warning signs, how to respond, and what to do once the crisis has ended.
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
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
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.
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.
Family caregivers are overwhelmed managing care with outdated tools and siloed information. Fragmented care leads to burnout, unmanaged burden, and dangerous gaps.
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.
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.
Add Members to collaborate, share on-demand data, customized for every situation and person involved in care.
OurCoreBelief:Allpeoplehavetherighttolive,love,work,play, andpursuetheirownlifeaspirations.
Abouthavingdifferentconversations
Adifferentwayofthinking
Encouraginghighexpectations
Havinglifeexperiencestomovethetrajectoryin thedesireddirection
Integratingmultipletypesofsupport
Onlyforprofessionalstouse
Justaboutthe“tools”
A“program”
Designedforjustonespecificagegroup
Solelyforpeoplewithdisabilitiesandtheir families
Vision
Mission
To
Accessible Spaces
All Abilities Activities
Connecting individuals and families to their communities and creating a sense of belonging through events and resources.
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.
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.
Sara Callahan is the Staffing Coordinator for the GPS program. She assists with staffing our programs, onboarding new staff, and is the supervisor for our Community Support Coaches under Inhome 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.
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.
