The Bridge is Archway Programs' bi-monthly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! To subscribe, see the latest and previous editions of this publication, please visit https://archwayprograms.org/newsletter/.
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A Message From the CEO
Dear Archway Family,
I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. This past year has certainly been challenging, however I am extremely proud of how hard everyone has been working and how our staff continues to pivot to face these challenges head on. Many of our programs have been temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Archway staff continues to find new ways to help, advocate for and support individuals and families Archway serves throughout New Jersey. At Archway, we lift each other up and are always there for one another. Nothing, not even a pandemic, will ever get in the way of that. This year has proven that Archway is essential to the community and our Archway family is 55 years stronger.
This year, we didn't exactly get to celebrate our 55 year anniversary as we had originally planned. Many events, including our organization-wide fundraiser, had to be indefinitely postponed until further notice to ensure everyone's health and safety. For the remainder of 2020, we ask you to consider donating in honor of Archway's 55 year anniversary and tell us why you give. Giving Tuesday is on December 1st, which will officially kickoff our year-end initiative. Many of our programs and services have taken a hit this year, due to the pandemic. To learn more, click here.
We have received a number of questions as to whether or not our schools will be moving to a fully remote model. Due to the recent number of increased COVID-19 exposures, we made the difficult decision to transition the Archway Schools to a full remote status effective Tuesday, November 24th through Friday, December 11th, 2020. The Archway Schools will return to a hybrid model on Monday, November 14th, 2020 and will welcome back Cohort A students to school in-person Monday and Wednesday, and Cohort B students to school in-person Tuesday and Thursday, with everyone being remote on Fridays. If anything else changes with regard to school programming, all parents will be contacted by phone and by email. A reminder that any program changes throughout Archway can be found on our website at www.ArchwayPrograms.org/covid19.
Thank you for your continued support while we strive to keep our staff, students, clients, residents and community safe, healthy, and #ArchwayStrong.
I hope you enjoy reading and I wish you and your family a safe, healthy Thanksgiving holiday.
Sincerely,
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"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." -Melody Beattie |
Attitude of Gratitude
If there ever was a year to start with gratitude 2020 is it! An attitude of gratitude is a long-standing tradition here at Archway. Staff and students from the Archway Upper School decorated their classroom bulletin boards to show others what they are thankful for.
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Why I Give...
Advocating for others
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We hope that you will consider supporting Archway this Giving Tuesday on December 1st. This online fundraiser will officially kickoff our year-end initiative. Pictured right is Janis Paterini. She is passionate in helping others and has been a supporter of Archway for the last three years. Janis gives because Archway is dedicated in advocating for those who do not have a voice, ensuring that individuals of all ages and abilities receive the supports needed to live a fulfilling life. Thank you Janis for supporting Archway Programs!
Why do you support Archway?
Please consider supporting Archway during this time, so that we can continue the work that we do and our legacy in the community for another 55 years.
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In Loving Memory of James McNally
A statement from our CEO, George Richards
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Archway Programs mourns the loss of a valued employee. James ‘Jim’ Michael McNally passed away on August 31, 2020. Jim McNally served as Archway’s IT Assistant Director and was part of the Archway family for 7 years. He was respected for the competence and integrity he had. Jim was a loyal and devoted colleague who always jumped right in to help his co-workers and provide technical support throughout all of our programs and facilities. He was the type of person you knew you could always count on, no matter what.
Jim enjoyed playing pool and golf, and was an avid Philadelphia Sports Fan. It is with profound sadness and admiration that we say goodbye to this extraordinary person. Jim, you have left an impact on the Archway family that will live on through your colleagues and friends.
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Congratulations to Archway's Leader and Employees of the Year! |
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Every year, employees throughout Archway Programs nominate their co-workers for employee and leader of the year awards. In April, these employees are usually honored at an annual Employee Recognition Breakfast hosted by Archway's Board of Trustees. This year unfortunately, that event had to be postponed due to COVID-19. Archway's Executive Team surprised each of these employees and would like to officially announce our 2019 "Employees of the Year" and the "Leader of the Year".
Please join us in congratulating Archway's 2019 winners...
2019 Employees of the Year:
Kim DePalma, Executive Administrative Assistant
Kelly Willis, Teacher, Archway Lower School
2019 Leader of the Year:
Karen Todd, Director of Information Technology
All three of these ladies have been dedicated employees of Archway Programs for many years now. Archway staff respect Kim, Kelly and Karen for their leadership skills, dedication to Archway and their professionalism at work. Thank you to each of you for everything that you do. Next time you see these ladies around, please congratulate them on this well-deserved honor. #ArchwayProud
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Local Women’s Group Donates Stuffed Animals |
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Despite everything going on in the world right now, one positive is getting to see our local community come together for the greater good. A local women’s group, Chrome Angelz RC Jerzy Devilz, wanted to do something to provide a level of comfort to special needs students from the Archway Schools during this time. The PetSmart gave Chrome Angelz RC Jerzy Devilz the opportunity in finding homes for 75 brand new stuffed animals. Jennifer ‘Turtle’ Rehmann, President of the Jerzy Devilz and women from the local CARC chapter made a special ‘Wingz of Hope’ delivery to Archway’s Main Campus this week. Thank you Jennifer and the ladies from Chrome Angelz RC Jerzy Devilz for thinking of our students during these challenging times, and to the PetSmart in Millville for making this possible! |
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Archway Receives PPE Donation from NJACP
Last month, our CEO, George Richards, picked up a very generous donation of 2,000 protective face masks at the New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP). Thank you to the NJACP and Tom Toronto, President of Bergen County's United Way, who donated thousands of PPE to the NJACP for individuals with disabilities. This donation will help ensure the health and safety of our residents, in addition to our direct care staff throughout Archway's residential community homes.
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Honoring Veterans at Archway Programs |
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Archway Programs honors all those who have served in the military on Veteran's Day, as well as the military families for their support, resilience and sacrifice. Archway gave employees who have served in any of the military branches the day off in honor of their service. We would like to give a special shout out to the following Archway employees: Matt Luisi, Dan Monek, Melanie Trombetta and Craig Vines.Thank you for your service and for bringing that spirit with you to Archway. We are proud to call you part of our #ArchwayFamily. |
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There is No “I” in “Team”
Partial Care staff and youth from our HOPE and DISCOVER programs participated in a friendly competition and team building exercise. The kids were the judges, and they didn’t know which staff members created the different pumpkins. It wasn’t easy to pick a winner with so many talented creations. After much consideration, the judges agreed on a winner. Congratulations to Ms. Elise, Mr. Tim and Ms. Natalie for winning the pumpkin painting and a Chick-fil-A party not for just them, but their kiddos too!
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Welcome to the Archway Farm!
Each year around this time, staff and students from the Archway Schools’ head over to Johnson’s Farm. Since this just wasn’t possible this year, our staff brought the farm to Archway’s Main Campus. Each class had different time slots which made it possible to social distance, properly clean everything in-between the various time slots and most importantly, keep everyone safe.
This event was spread out over a couple days and consisted of a hayride, pumpkin picking, farm animals, photo booth fun, music and of course, delicious apple cider doughnuts! Thank you to our school staff, related services, and maintenance team for all of your hard work in planning a safe, fun and engaging event for our students.
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To see more pictures from the fall festivities, click here. |
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Just Kids Program Continues its Enrichment Curriculum
Just Kids has worked diligently to meet all the NJ DCF Childcare COVID-19 health and safety guidelines as well as coordinating safety efforts with our partnering schools. Our childcare staff is looking forward to supporting our Just Kids family in building a path to make new memories and create a positive tomorrow. Just Kids continues its enrichment curriculum with some adjustments to meet the health and safety guidelines. Children are engaged and so excited to be back together! Below are some pictures from various programs creating fall scenery, playing in the leaves in the warmer fall October weather, playing a game indoors and participating in the New Jersey Audubon program.
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Adult Counseling and Therapy Program |
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Our ACT Program remains temporarily closed since March; however Archway staff has continued to meet the individualized needs of clients by in-person visits and via telehealth. Our partial care staff has continued to ensure consumers safety by conducting risk assessments via telehealth, contacting emergency personnel and through home visits. Archway employees throughout other departments have pitched in as well, offering to drop off food donations to boarding/group homes, reminding consumers that we are here for them, providing resources and allowing increased access to everyday items with the hope of enhancing their quality of life at this time of world crisis. Recently, two of our employees from transportation and one of our administrative employees donated hoagies from a local business and surprised some of our ACT clients. We would like to give a BIG shout out to our staff throughout Archway for coming together collaboratively and pitching in whenever and wherever they are needed to provide the best care for our clients! #ArchwayProud
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DD Services: Residential Community Homes |
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Some of our programs remain closed at this time; however, we are hoping to start re-entering the Saturday programs in the next month or so. Our Community Home residents are still at home but starting to get back into the community, little by little.
DD Services would like to give a very special shout-out to Archway's Community Home Management team! While our DSP’s are an essential part of operations and have done an amazing job throughout this pandemic, management also plays a large role as they are the glue to our foundations. DSP’s could not do what they do so well without the management team's support. We recognize the efforts it has taken for our supervisors and managers to come through this pandemic unscathed. You are an inspiration, an advocate, a DSP, an administrator, a liaison, a problem solver, a listener, a therapist, a motivator, a coach, a trainer, an accountant, a cook, a driver, a nurse, a resource, a negotiator, a recruiter, critical thinker, a mom/dad, a wife/husband, son/daughter, a cleaner, a secretary, advisor, a leader, a friend. A manager’s job entails a variety of roles and they juggle the most pins as they are not one size fits all, they need to be able to adjust and reshape for each and every individual and situation they encounter. We at Archway are really the most fortunate as we have some of the best ones!
#ArchwayProud #ArchwayFamily
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Don't Forget to Order your Thanksgiving flowers!
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Stay Connected with Blue Violet! For the latest news, specials, pictures of our work, customer reviews and more, make sure to follow @BlueVioletFlowersNJ on Facebook and Instagram!
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Archway is Hiring Across All Programs! |
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We are currently looking for people who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. Archway offers flexible schedules, an excellent work culture that values a healthy work/life balance, a large affiliate network, with unlimited opportunities for growth throughout southern and central NJ. Don't miss this opportunity! Please visit our Careers page for more information and apply today!
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Welcome to the Archway Family!
We are proud to welcome new employees to the Archway Family as our organization expands, allowing us to help more families throughout the community. Please help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of the Archway Family!
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Just Kids Program
Jordyn Acoff, Childcare Assistant
Marion Phillips, Childcare Assistant
Shaunta Reid, Childcare Supervisor
Brian Vaccaro, Childcare Assistant
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Residential Community Homes
Angelie Pierre, Direct Support Professional
Kerwin Telemaque, Assistant Manager
Step by Step Early Intervention
Gary Young, Special Educator
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Around the Woods World News |
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Breaking Barriers for Voters with Disabilities |
One in six people have a disability which poses various challenges. Prior to this year's election, Woods and its affiliates helped those with disabilities vote. Archway Programs' ACT Program discussed voter registration with their adult clients and what it means for them to vote. ACT staff answered any questions clients have regarding voting (the process, what it means for them as individuals with disabilities). Staff assisted any client with voter registration when requested. Lower School staff discussed the voting process with students and conducts a mock election.
At Allies NJ, Loretta Rarrick is Director of Community Outreach. Loretta is holding virtual advocacy groups during which she is addressing voting rights, registration, voting options, and review of candidates and issues in the State of New Jersey. She has gotten much of her material from Disability Rights New Jersey. Most are or have voted by mail-in ballot. For those who will vote in person, they have been instructed to ask for assistance at the polling location and to request two observers, one Republican and one Democrat, in the booth with them. Loretta has worked directly with 20 Allies residents to educate them and ensure they have the opportunity to vote. Allies also uses resources from New Jersey Self Advocacy Project.
“While COVID-19 has presented unique challenges for many this election, a big segment of the electorate — one in six of eligible voters — face barriers due to disabilities that often deter them from casting their ballots. [Occupational therapy] works mostly with clients who have acquired brain injuries, and is part of a team of therapists at Beechwood who have been preparing 77 clients, with mostly cognitive impairments, get ready to be part of the 2020 election.”
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Support Tabor's 38th Holiday Toy Gift Drive
The Holiday’s should be a joyous time foe family, food and found memories. For some however, that is not the case. The last 38 years Tabor, in conjunction with the generous efforts of its partners, has been able to provide holiday gifts.This year especially, Tabor is dedicated to spreading cheer and good will to each child, youth and young adult in our care for the Christmas Holiday. If you would like to help put a smile on the face of a Tabor Child, Please visit www.Tabor.org.
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Justice’s Court at Legacy Treatment |
For six years, Carie McCay has headed her PBA 249 Burlington County Corrections Officers group’s efforts in staging an annual spring basketball game against Legacy’s Mary A. Dobbins School students and group home youth, while also providing a barbecue, t-shirts and personal care items. But after viewing the condition of the aging outdoor basketball court at Dobbins on Legacy’s Children’s Home Campus last spring, McCay and her ministry Carie Cares decided to take her philanthropy to the next level.
McCay got American Asphalt involved in performing the work on the court and the company also agreed to donate $8,000 of its own money toward the $18,000 project. Carie’s ministry donated $3,000 and held a Facebook fundraiser that collected another $2,500. A January fundraiser at Southampton’s Red Lion Inn earned $1,500 and a number of small businesses made donations as well to make up the difference. McCay’s motivation for completing the basketball court project came from her past history as a therapeutic foster home provider (in which most of her children came from Legacy’s Children’s Home Campus) and in memory of her son, Justice, who lost his battle with addiction a number of years ago.
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Allies’ Halloween Drive-by Event Raises Spirits and Broadens Smiles |
Allies, Inc. kicked off the Halloween weekend with a special “Halloween Drive-by” trick-or-treating event on October 30th outside its headquarters in Hamilton, NJ. Loretta Rarrick, Community Outreach Director at Allies, coordinated the fun-filled event. Almost 80 individuals served by Allies throughout the state of New Jersey participated, with help from Group Home staff that drove them to the event. Loretta shared, “Everybody was so excited to come, and it was so much fun seeing all of the costumes and how happy everyone was. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we haven’t been able to hold holiday parties in-person, and Halloween was the perfect opportunity to hold an event outside and wear masks. Everyone had a great time.”
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We Want to Hear From You! |
If you have an idea for content you would like to see in The Bridge, and/or have any questions about our e-newsletter, please email our Communications Department at communications@archwayprograms.org.
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We always have a lot of fun and exciting things happening at Archway Programs! Make sure to stay connected and follow @ArchwayPrograms on social media for all of the latest news and events! |
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