Guided Personal Supports
December 2024
Family Newsletter
Happy Holidays from GPS Dear Families, As the year winds down and the holiday season is upon us, we want to take a moment to recognize the joys and challenges that come with this time of year for our families. December is often filled with sensory-rich environments, changes in routines, and opportunities for connection that can be both exciting and daunting. This time of year offers opportunities to create cherished memories, but it can also be overwhelming without the right tools and support. This month, our newsletter will highlight some exciting resources, events, and tips to support you and your loved ones. No matter how you celebrate, or if you choose to celebrate at all, this season is a reminder of the importance of community and the strength we find in supporting one another. We’re here for you, and we’re so grateful to be part of your journey. Wishing you warmth, joy, and peace this December. Andrew Hartigan Northeast Arc Program Coordinator
STONEHAM RESPITE A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER | GUIDED PERSONAL SUPPORTS
Our recent respite weekend was filled with exciting experiences! On Saturday, the attendees arrived and enjoyed lunch before heading to the Stoneham Zoo. The hightlight was the sloth experience, where participants learned about these fascinating creatures, took pictures, and even got to feed a real sloth! As evening fell, we explored ZooLights, wandering through the festively decorated zoo. The group then took a ride share to Dave and Buster’s, where they enjoyed dinner and played arcade games. The night concluded back at the Airbnb with board games and a movie. Sunday morning began with a shared breakfast before attendees were picked up, bringing a memorable weekend to a close.
Session 2: October 21 to December 14 | Session 3 coming soon!
Northeast Arc’s Recreation program gives our clients the opportunity to engage with 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 events during your sessions. For more info and registration, visit https://tinyurl.com/nearc-rec
Session Two October 21 to December 14
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
Session Two October 21 to December 14
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
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.
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. The core idea of the Blue Envelope is straightforward yet impactful. It involves a specially designed envelope that holds a driver's essential documents—license, registration, and a contact card. However, its significance goes beyond just a storage solution. The envelope features critical communication guidelines on its exterior, specifically tailored to assist law enforcement officers in recognizing and adapting their approach when interacting with a driver who has autism.
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
COMMUNITY
RESOURCE CENTER 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.
DDS Northeast Region
Community Resource Specialists North Shore
Metro North
Kerry Neenan kneenan@ne-arc.org Merrie Rothstein mrothstein@ne-arc.org
Resources Community Events Recreational Activities Support Groups Educational
Merrimack Valley
Christopher Marchese cmarchese@ne-arc.org
Lowell
Holly Keane hkeane@ne-arc.org
Central Middlesex
Eva Mostoufi emostoufi@ne-arc.org
Looking for Community Events? Visit www.ecommunityconnections.org
Workshops Social Opportunities Special Olympic Events
Contact Us Kristy Aparo Director of Community Resource Center
kaparo@ne-arc.org
Click Here
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.
RESPITE
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
NETWORKING
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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE PROJECT MANAGER:
Ktaggart@ne-arc.org (978) 924-5797
Social Group Who is Eligible:
Individuals ages 18+ that are supported by the Department of Developmental Services
What we Offer:
Gain valuable social skills through guided activities and community outings!
When You Attend:
Eight-week sessions are offered on Wednesdays from 11am-2pm.
An intake is required before signing up.
For more information contact Kailey Taggart: KTaggart@ne-arc.org (978) 924-5797
Healthy Eating Tips & Recipes
Start Simple with MyPlate. Healthy eating is important at every age. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Start with these tips:
Focus on whole fruits. Include fruit at breakfast! Top whole-grain cereal with your favorite fruit, add berries to pancakes, or mix dried fruit into hot oatmeal.
Vary your veggies. Cook a variety of colorful veggies. Make extra vegetables and save some for later. Use them for a stew, soup, or a pasta dish.
Vary your protein routine. Next taco night, try adding a new protein, like shrimp, beans, chicken, or beef.
Make half your grains whole grains. Add brown rice to your stir-fry dishes. Combine your favorite veggies and protein foods for a nutritious meal.
Move to low-fat or fat-free dairy milk or yogurt (or lactose-free dairy or fortified soy versions). Enjoy a yogurt parfait for breakfast made with low-fat dairy milk or fortified soymilk. Top with fruit and nuts to get in two more food groups.
Drink and eat less added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Cook at home more often to limit added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Read the ingredients lists and use Nutrition Facts labels to compare foods.
Go to MyPlate .gov for more information. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
The benefits of healthy eating add up over time, bite by bite.
FNS-905-1. March 2022.
MyPlate U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Apple Wedges with Pumpkin Almond Butter Makes: 4 servings Total Cost: $$$$ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Breakfast is a snap with this simple dip, which can be made ahead of me and refrigerated. Enjoy with Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apple slices.
Ingredients For the Dip: 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or from scratch) 1/3 cup almond butter (or crunchy peanut butter) 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon Apple Slices: 24 slices golden delicious apple slices 24 slices granny smith apple slices
Directions 1. Mix together dip ingredients. 2. Serve with apple slices.
For more information about this recipe, visit https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/myplate-cnpp/apple-wedges-pumpkin-almond-butter
MyPlate U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
One-Dish Roasted Potatoes and Apples with Chicken Sausage Makes: 4 servings Total Cost: $$$$ Preparation Time: 45 minutes
A scrumptious and easy one-dish baked meal that's perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings.
Ingredients 3 red potatoes or your favorite potato variety (about 1 pound) 1 tablespoon canola oil 2 red apples (Fuji, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Gala, etc.) 1 yellow onion 4 chicken herb link sausages (12 ounces) 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard 1 tablespoon honey
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 °F. 2. Cut potatoes into chunks, place in 2-quart baking dish. 3. Drizzle with canola oil. Toss to coat. 4. Roast potatoes in oven for about 20 minutes. 5. While potatoes are roasting, cut apples and onions into chunks, and sausage into 1/2-inch slices. 6. Remove baking dish from oven and reduce heat to 375 °F. Add all remaining ingredients to baking dish and toss. 7. Return baking dish to oven and roast an additional 30 minutes until apples and potatoes are tender. For more information about this recipe, visit https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/myplate-cnpp/one-dish-roasted-potatoes-and-apples-chicken-sausage
Holiday Light Shows
Buy Ticket
Located in Methuen, MA, at Mann Orchards Riverside Farm location guests can see over 1 mile of roadway that has been transformed into a glittering display of over 1 million LED lights — featuring the longest tunnel of lights in New England. To book: Select a weekday, weekend, or holiday. (Friday is a weekend day, and December 24 and 25 are holidays.) Select a car type. (Van is only for limos/school busses or anything larger than an 8 passenger.) Select a date and time. Tickets are PER VEHICLE, not per person.
BUY TICKETS
Harry Potter™: The Exhibition Celebrate the film-making magic at Harry Potter™: The Exhibition in Boston! 09/13/2024 – 01/05/2025 Tickets from $ 31.00
Find Tickets
Sensory Friendly Sundays Starting November 10th in Boston, Sensory Sundays will offer a modified environment with reduced guest capacity, dimmed lights, minimized sounds and smells, and dedicated quiet spaces throughout the galleries. Guests will be welcome to explore the exhibition at their own pace between 9:00 am and 11:00 am, with the standard operating experience resuming at 12:00pm. Additionally, sensory bags filled with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, strobe reduction glasses, and communication cards will be available upon request. In collaboration with KultureCity, we have ensured that our exhibition is a Sensory Certified Experience, welcoming visitors with sensory needs every day. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone can experience the behind-the-scenes magic of the expanded Harry Potter world inclusively.
Event Info
⚡ Visit the groundbreaking Harry Potter™: The Exhibition to see how some of your favorite moments, characters, locations, and beasts from Harry Potter™ are brought to life.
✨ Get up close to authentic props and costumes, practice your Quidditch™ skills, pot a Mandrake, and more in this unforgettable experience.
🎬 Using best-in-class interactive design and technology, this exhibit delights visitors through powerful storytelling and innovative technology featuring original props and costumes.
Choose your favorite Hogwarts™ house, wand, and Patronus to begin a personalized journey through this allinclusive exhibit: plop down in Hagrid’s giant chair, squeeze into the Cupboard Under the Stairs, and practice your Quidditch™ skills by throwing a Quaffle all while you learn behind-the-scenes filmmaking details. Open 7 days a week, hours may vary by day. The VIP and Flex Ticket options guarantee you entry on any date and time within our operating hours. Operating hours: Friday - Saturday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Sunday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Holidays: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm (Closed on Thanksgiving 11/28)
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 The following are free, non-clinical, peer-led support groups hosted by Peer Support Space taking place in Eastern Time (EST). New friends are always welcome. Registration is required for in-person events so that we can keep our gatherings under 10 people as a COVID precaution. For our virtual groups, please use the zoom links on the website(on computer or zoom phone app) to enter 12PM and 6PM Each Day, Monday-Saturday
Daily Communal Gatherings
**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. **
For more information, visit https://peersupportspace. org/communitygatherings-1
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 Scan the QR code on Zoom
Meet new people Build community Social connection Promote health Well-being
Mondays 10am-12pm 1 Market St, Ste 203 Lynn, MA 01901
Registrati on is requ ire. Scan the QR code t o get started to day!
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.
Prescribing Safety. Driving Independence.
Clinical Driving Evaluations, Adaptive Driving Training, and Readiness to Drive Assessments Owned and operated by Occupational Therapists
What We Offer Clinical Driving Evaluations
Adaptive Driving Evaluations & Training
Readiness to Drive Evaluations
The gold-standard evaluation for medically complex and/or older adult drivers.
Evaluations for those looking to drive with adaptive equipment such as hand controls, spinner knobs, and left foot accelerators.
Specialized evaluations
www.Drive-Rx.com
for neurodiverse new drivers.
100 Cummings Center Suite 307k, Beverly, MA 01915 Phone: (781) 205-0870 | Fax: (781) 235-3233 Email: info@drive-rx.com
North Shore | Community Events DECK THE DOCKS AT MARITIME GLOUCESTER - GLOUCESTER, MA Saturday, December 14 10:00 AM-7:00 PM Come to Maritime Gloucester for fun holiday happenings on the waterfront in Gloucester, MA! Find unique maritime themed gifts and events including kids holiday crafts with Cape Ann Art Haven, free hot cocoa, Santa's arrival by schooner, and more! Maritime Gloucester is located just steps away from the Lobster Trap Tree Lighting at Solomon Jacobs Park on Gloucester Harbor!
TRIBUTE TO ELVIS: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - BEVERLY, MA Saturday, December 14 Doors open at 7:00 PM Join us for an exhilarating celebration honoring the timeless legacy of Elvis Presley, featuring the incredible Robert Black—an Award-Winning Tribute Artist renowned for his captivating performances across the nation.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING DANVERS, MA Saturday, December 7 4:00-5:45 PM
A time honored tradition brought to you by Danvers FalconFest. Join us in downtown Danvers for festive music, caroling, tasty snacks, and fun children’s activities. Greet Santa as he rolls in on the fire truck to light the tree with a holiday parade leading the way!
Metro North | Community Events ZOOLIGHTS AT STONE ZOO STONEHAM, MA Open until January 5 4:00 pm-9:30 pm Enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights spanning Stone Zoo's 26 acres. Take a sparkling stroll through festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to black bears, Canada lynx, reindeer and more.
MERRILY WE SING! - WINTER CONCERT - MELROSE, MA Saturday, December 7 7:30-9:30 PM We will kick off the season with our great holiday concert! We will feature songs of peace and good cheer for you and your family. Join us for this joyous celebration of the holiday season! We look forward to seeing you at this holiday season!
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!! HOLIDAY CABARET SAUGUS, MA December 14-15 Starts at 8:00 PM The Theater Company of Saugus is thrilled to present our annual holiday cabaret: “Christmas Lights, Camera, Action!” Have at least 30 seconds of your best holiday act(s) to send us. The theme is anything cinema, whether that’s your favorite holiday movie, TV show, or commercial!
Merrimack Valley | Community Events AMESBURY HOLIDAY PARADE & TREE LIGHTING - AMESBURY, MA Saturday, December 3 13:30-5:30 PM When Santa arrives in Market Square at the end of the Amesbury Holiday Parade he’ll help the Chamber of Commerce light the Christmas Tree after leading us in holiday carols.
WINTERLIGHTS AT STEVENS COOLIDGE HOUSE & GARDENS NORTH ANDOVER, MA Open WednesdaysSundays, see link for details
Winterlights is back! Join us for a magical outdoor experience at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, and see the gardens aglow with your favorite enchanting light displays, as well as, some fun and exciting additions to this years display. A fun event for the whole family to ring in the winter season! Advanced purchase of timed tickets is required.
PIZZA & GAME NIGHT METHUEN, MA Thursday, December 19 Starts at 4:00 PM Pizza and game night at the Nevins Library in Methuen. Bring a drink, bring snacks (optional). Capacity is limited. To register, email Mary Ellen D’Angelo at medangelo@ne-arc.org. Intake with AASC Northeast Arc is required to attend events.
Lowell Area | Community Events HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF TREES, WREATH & GINGERBREAD WESTFORD, MA December 6-January 1 See Link for Details You are invited to participate in the 14th Annual Westford Holiday Festival - Trees, Wreaths, and More Celebration, hosted by the Westford Family FunFest, The Roudenbush Community Center, Westford Rotary Club, and the Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center. Click the link for more details!
CHELMSFORD PUBLIC SKATING CHELMSFORD, MA See Link for Dates and Times Public Skating is limited to 30 skaters. No Rental Skates are available at this time at Haverhill & Lawrence. Public Skating Schedules vary at each rink due to camps and showcases.
"A CHRISTMAS CAROL" AT MERRIMACK REPERTORY THEATRE - LOWELL, MA Friday, December 20 Starts at 8:00 PM A holiday treat for the entire family! Experience Dickens' timeless story of redemption, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, ghosts, and all your favorite characters including some played by local youth.
Central Middlesex | Community Events WINTER COMMUNITY BREAKFAST (WITH SANTA) BEDFORD, MA Sunday, December 8 9:00 AM-12:00 PM The Winter Community Breakfast, formerly known as Breakfast with Santa, brings the community together during the holiday season to celebrate, build connections, and help support worthwhile causes.
HOLIDAY SMALLS 2024 AT CONCORD ART - CONCORD, MA Starts December 5 5:30-8:00 PM Holiday Smalls opens December 5th and continues through December 19th! We invite you and your family and friends to join us at the opening reception Thursday, December 5th, at 5:30pm. Enjoy some shopping, treats, and holiday cheer!
TEEN & YOUNG ADULT BOARD GAME CAFE @ LITTLETON LIBRARY - LITTLETON, MA Friday, December 21 12:30-3:30 PM Need a pre-holiday break? Join us for warm drinks and cool board games! From 12:30 to 3:30, we'll kick back with some of our favorite tabletop games and enjoy light refreshments. Registration not required.
ne-arc.org