Welcome to our September edition of the GPS Family Newsletter! As summer fades and autumn approaches, we find outselves reflecting on thevibrantexperiencesofthepastfewmonths,allwhilelookingaheadto newopportunities Thistimeofyearoftenbringschange,whetherit’sthe startofnewroutines,transitioningintoFallactivities,orsimplyembracing thebeautyofthechangingseason
September can be a month filled with both excitement and challenges Weunderstandtheimportanceofcreatingsupportiveenvironmentsthat nurture growth and independence. In this issue, we aim to provide you with valuable resources, inspiring stories, and practical tips to help navigatethejourneytogether.Here’stoawonderfulSeptemberfilledwith connection,growth,andjoy!
AndrewHartigan NortheastArc ProgramCoordinator
PS – If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to take part in our survey for theGPSprogram.Yourfeedbackisvitalinhelpingustailorourservicesto your family’s needs and helping shape the future of the GPS Program. Please take a moment to use the link below to complete the survey! Thankyou!
https://form.jotform.com/241995227944065
Social Group
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.
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
The retreat offers a relaxing respite opportunity for attendees while giving caregivers time to themselves.
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.
SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY RESPITE
For our most recent respite, we bunked down in the dorms for two nights at Salem State University, getting a taste of campus life. We took a breezy cruise around Salem harbor that let us soak in the coastal views. We also rolled up our sleeves for a Kids’ Test Kitchen cooking class, where we had a blast whipping up tasty treats.
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
14 Cedar Street #213, Amesbury MA 01913 978.378.4660
To provide internet enabled devices to anyone in need. The digital divide is a global problem. Our goal is to form strategic partnerships with businesses, organizations, schools, and government offices to create an ecosystem of device access, internet access, and education.
Provide FREE devices to those most in need EDUCATION
Partnerships and programs that bring technology to people KINDNESS
Offering people a hand up, not a hand out.
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.
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.
August 26 to October 19
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
August 26 to October 19
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
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.
Learn research updated on the impact of social media use by neurodiverse individuals.
Xinru Page, PhD, directs the Social Technology and Privacy Lab at Brigham Young University, where she and her students conduct research on human computer interaction Dr Page in interested in the unintended negative consequences when young autistic adults interact on social media
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.
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
Wheels to Work
The Wheels to Work program at Good News Garage awards refurbished donated vehicles to lower-income Massachusetts residents.
These donated cars enable recipients to regain or maintain employment and continue on their journey toward self-sufficiency.
Good News Garage works in cooperation with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to identify qualified car recipients.
To qualify for a vehicle, you must be a client of MRC and have a written individual plan for employment.
Anyone interested in applying to this program must request a referral and application from their MRC Counselor.
Click here for the list of Vocational Rehabilitation Area Offices
SEPTEMBER 15, 2024
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
Meeting ID: : 860 0705 5909
All Northeast Recovery Learning Community (NERLC) activities are conducted with support from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Mental Health- Recovery Learning Community.
2024 Topsfield Fair
America's oldest agricultural fair, will return to Topsfield, Massachusetts in early October. It will feature agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, carnival rides, and local food. Signature events like the giant pumpkin contest are expected to return, celebrating the region's agricultural heritage while entertaining visitors of all ages
Sensory Day
October 4 - 14, 2024
Sensory Day is an opportunity for a more sensory sensitive experience to the Topsfield Fair for families who have family members with autism or sensory processing disorders. Vendors will have no flashing lights, music or announcements. Sound for entertainment and stages will be lowered and announcements on the grounds will be limited and turned down as well. This will be held on Monday, October 7.
Grab food from guest food trucks, apple cider, pumpkins and apples from the farm store or just enjoy fall on the farm with free live music. Each date weather dependent.
Join our monthly crafting group and unleash your creativity in a fun and supportive environment! Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just getting started, our group offers a space to learn new techniques, work on projects, and connect with fellow craft enthusiasts
Every Thursday | Click Here
Welcome to Cornhole Thursdays at Rivalry! Join us for an evening of fun and competition, where you can put your cornhole skills to the test in a lively atmosphere Best of all, there's no entry fee, so gather your friends and come on down!
September 2024 Community Events
READINGFALLSTREETFAIRREADINGMA
Sunday, September 8 | Click Here
The Reading Fall Street Faire is an annual community event bringing together local restaurants, retail businesses and community groups for a fun-filled, family-friendly day
Come celebrate the beauty of America’s first public beach! The day will be filled with fun activities, artists selling their incredible pieces, live
Come have some fun with us tonight!! Great Prizes and so much fun! Everyone loves music! Everyone loves bingo Cross off 5 Songs in a row to win a
September 2024 Community Events
ESPECIALLYFORME-ACTONMA
Saturday, September 14 | Click Here
Enjoy a friendly experience in an accessible and universally designed museum while exploring our interactive exhibits and participating in hands-on activities.
Come prepared with any size canvas or art media paper (we used 12x16), acrylic paints consisting of primary colours and black and white, 3 brushes of different sizes, a small detailed #0 with a pointy tip, a water cup and paper towel.
GROVELANDDAY2024GROVELANDMA
Saturday, September 7 | Click Here
Join us for this year ' s Groveland Day event that will have fun for the whole family! Kids rides and games, Touch a Truck, animals, crafts, music, food, vendor fair, entertainment and more!
