The Bridge E-Newsletter | Holiday 2022 Edition www.ArchwayPrograms.org

website-icon-sq.png

Visit Our Website

archive-icon-sq.png

View the Bridge Archive

submit-story-sq.png

Submit Your Story

A Message From the CEO/CFO

George Richards

George2 - reduced.jpg


Dear Archway Friends and Family, 


As we turn the page on another year and 2022 becomes a memory, we can reflect on the many accomplishments we celebrated. While participating in numerous events across Archway and watching staff interacting with children and program participants, I see first-hand a community of caring and compassionate people working toward a common goal; providing exceptional services to the children and adults in our care. 


I want to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciate everything you do to make that level of care a reality. I want to recognize everyone who did their part, and sometimes someone else's too, those who rose to every challenge, pushed through every barrier, and still provided exceptional care and service. I am truly humbled and inspired by all of you, and I am proud to stand with you as a member of the Archway Family. 

 

I also want to express my appreciation for the kindness and generosity of the members of the Archway Family, our extended family, our affiliates, and friends that contributed to our Holiday Giving Tree. Your thoughtful contributions filled the holiday wish lists of many of the children and adults in our programs. The sheer joy on their faces was immeasurable, and those of you who coordinated the collections, purchased and wrapped gifts, or gave of yourself in any way, thank you. You are indeed what the holiday season is all about.  


We have much to look forward to during 2023, and I know we will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. 


Have a Happy New Year! May the new year bring harmony, joy, and good health to you and your family.  


Thank you again for being such a vital part of the Archway Family.  


Sincerely, 

George Richards 

CEO/CFO 

Upper School

Activities and News

Upper School Celebrates Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon

Wednesday, November 23rd, students from the Upper School celebrated their Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. Mr. Eli provided music as staff members dished up hot turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, green beans, cranberry sauce, a garden salad, and rolls. Fresh pumpkin pie, apple pie, and fruit provided a sweet ending to a delicious meal. Camo, green, brown, or orange was abundant as many dressed in honor of “We Don’t Hide from Our Thankfulness,” the theme for day three of November Spirit Week. Overall, everyone had a wonderful time and went home happy and excited for the holiday break! 


Thank you to everyone for the time and work that made today possible! 

Upper School Staff Appreciation Day

Tuesday, November 29th, Jeremiah’s Custom Cuisine was on-site at the Upper School, celebrating Staff Appreciation Day. Everyone on staff enjoyed a delicious taco lunch as a thank you and a reminder of how much they are appreciated for their hard work and dedication throughout the school year.  

Upper School Celebrates 12 Days of Joy

Students and staff from the Upper School observed the 12 Days of Joy Celebration with special themes and activities marking each of the 12 days. Day one, Thursday, December 1st, started the celebration with a Happy Hanukkah theme. Students and staff wore blue and white for their friends that celebrate the holiday. Pajama Day was recognized on Friday, which just happens to be the perfect day to wear your pajamas to school, combined with the excitement of wearing your most comfy pajamas with a Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia fundraiser. Both the Upper School and Lower School joined together to collect funds for CHOP. We are proud of them for working together for such a great cause.  


The Feelin’ Frosty theme on Monday called on everyone to wear as much white as possible. The days that followed included, to name just a few, 100% Grinch, Smooth as Velvet, Mad for Plaid, Christmas Movie Marathon Day, with the last day mentioned requesting everyone to dress like their favorite character or to wear them in some way. While checking out the photos from the day, you might recognize a few stars in the crowd! 

One especially fun day, which may also lead to a new theme day, included Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Day. The theme requested students and staff to wear their Crocs and Christmas socks. Well, Mr. Craig and Mr. Alan, Croc-less, sockless, and feeling left out of the fun, decided to make their own special day called Rock the Shine. We might see that one added to the school calendar next year. 


The theme marking the twelfth and final day, “Baby, it’s Cold Outside,” asked everyone to wear their ugly sweaters in honor of the special day, which also happened to be National Ugly Sweater Day. We photographed some of the cutest “Ugly Sweaters” to share with you!


Visit the Archway Programs Facebook page to enjoy more photos and stories from the Archway Upper School and Archway happenings. Give us a follow, and we’ll give you some smiles. 

Breakfast With Santa

Upper School staff and students were thrilled to enjoy a delicious Breakfast with Santa this morning! Everyone enjoyed delicious hot pancakes, sausage, fresh fruits, and tasty cookies for dessert! After everyone had their fill, the jolly old elf, Santa Claus, met with each student to surprise them with holiday gifts. Of course, another surprise visitor, Mr. Grinch, popped in to try and pry a few toys from the children's hands, but they held tight, and he moved on. Despite the Grinch's nefarious efforts to seize everyone's toys, the students and staff all had a wonderful time and ended the school day on a happy note. 

Lower School

Activities and News

Lower School Fire Safety Day 

Chief Sylvia and Firefighter Diamond from the Waterford Township Fire Department stopped by the Lower School today to talk to the students and staff about Fire Safety. Firefighter Diamond demonstrated how firefighters get their protective gear in place, and Chief Sylvia talked about calling 911, safely evacuating, and the importance of smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. The students and staff enjoyed the informative demonstration and eagerly participated when Chief Sylvia took the time to answer any questions.  


Thank you, Chief Sylvia, Firefighter Diamond, and the Waterford Township Fire Department. 

Lower School Students Punk the Staff!

Wednesday, Lower School students had the opportunity to Punk the Staff, and they loved every minute! Miss Nicole was hanging around watching the festivities the entire time. Well, she had a little help with rolls and rolls of duct tape keeping her afloat. Mr. Matt enjoyed new hair in the form of a shaving cream wig. So as not to be left with a head full of boring white foam, students enhanced his new do with curls, the bright orange cheese curl kind. Miss Monica was all wrapped up in two-ply tissue. Of course, she had the help of a few students, ensuring she was wrapped up just right. Mr. Matt looks like he might have developed a bit of a sweet tooth and a sweet beard and sweet hair to go with it. The students had fun decorating Miss Caitlin with colorful silly string. The students had a wonderful time Punking the Staff, and the staff seemed to enjoy themselves just as much as the students. 

Lower School Annual Holiday Show

Wednesday and Thursday, the Lower School held its Annual Holiday Show. This year's theme was Christmas for Every Genre, highlighting Country music selections, Reggae, Latin, Swing, and the Blues, to name a few. Thanks to our dedicated and caring staff, the students did a fantastic job, all pulling together to make holiday magic happen! Thank you to the staff and students, Lucas Waldburger, Music Teacher, for putting together the musical presentation; Aracelis Ortiz, Art Teacher, for working with the students on the props and decorations; Therapists and Specialists from Speech and O.T, Susan Lafferty, Executive Director of Education; John Petch, Lower School Principal; Ron Kirby, Maintenance; the Holiday Show Committee, the Kitchen Staff, and the Archway Board of Trustees, for their continued support and assistance. Thank you to the parents, families, and friends that showed their support by joining us today and being there for your children daily. 

Lower School Celebrates Grinchmas

Students from the Lower School participated in a mystery game involving none other than the green man himself, the one, the only, Mr. Grinch. Students were interviewed by Whoville Police Office Miss Lori, asking if they witnessed anyone stealing Christmas gifts. They all followed a trail of suspicious green footprints and looked at the Whoville Wanted Board to see if they recognized the suspect. Eventually, each student made their way to a parked sleigh and an apologetic, forgiveness-seeking Mr. Grinch as he offered to return the “stolen” Christmas presents to the children. Everyone had a fantastic time following the clues leading to Mr. Grinch. Of course, they all readily forgave him for “stealing Christmas,” and some hugged him to show that all was forgiven.  

Lower School Gets a Surprise Visit From Santa

Wednesday, December 21st, was extra exciting for Lower School students. Just days before winter recess, they had a surprise visit from a special jolly old elf, Santa Claus! He brought plenty of cheer, holiday spirit, and gifts for all the students fulfilling holiday wish lists throughout the school. Thank you for joining us, Santa, and for all our exciting gifts! 

Cooper's Poynt

Activities and News

Cooper’s Poynt Staff and Students Indulge in Holiday Pie

On Wednesday, November 23rd, the students and staff at Archway Cooper’s Poynt School engaged in a delicious, lip-smacking, pie-eating contest! The students were up first and seemed to enjoy the sticky competition! The staff followed them with Mr. Dave, Miss Robyn, and Mr. Tyler engaging in their own messy match, with Miss Robyn reigning victorious! Girl Power!  

Residential Group Homes

Activities and News

DD Services Annual Holiday Party

On Thursday, December 8th, DD Services held their Annual Holiday Party at Lucien’s in Berlin, NJ. Music filled the ballroom as residents of Archway Group Homes dressed in their holiday best gathered with family, friends, and employees to celebrate the holiday season. Michelina Patetta, Director of DD Services; George Richards, CEO/CFO; Shawn Gibson, COO; Susan Lafferty, Executive Director of Education; Denise Milazzo; Executive Director of HR; Archway Direct Support Managers and Professionals, as well as the Archway IT Team were among many the guests in attendance. Everyone enjoyed a magical evening of dancing, delicious food, and a tasty holiday cake for dessert. The highlight of the evening arrived by way of sleigh and reindeer as the special guest, Santa Claus, joined the party, bearing hugs and presents for all the residents filling their holiday wish lists. The evening ended with a room filled with love, smiles, and an abundance of holiday joy!  

Click here to visit our website to see all the photos of the special evening!

Adult Counseling & Therapy (ACT) 

Activities and News

Santa Visits Participants in the Archway ACT Program

On Wednesday, December 21, holiday cheer was abundant when Santa (a jolly consumer that enjoys giving) joined our ACT consumers for a holiday celebration complete with music and refreshments. Jacey Liu, ACT Program Director; Amy Miller, Former ACT Program Director; George Richards, Archway CEO/CFO; Shawn Gibson, Archway COO; Sam Spanier, Archway Quality Manager, and many other members of the Archway family were on site to join in the celebration. Thanks to the generosity and kindness of Archway employees and our community members, everyone received gifts from their holiday wish lists. 

Blue Violet Flowers & Gifts

Work Study Students Create Valentine's Day Arrangements

This week, Palwinder, an Archway Programs Work Study student, worked with Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts store manager and florist Bonnie to practice designing floral arrangements for the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday. Work Study students will be hands-on, creating and prepping multiple floral arrangements available for pre-order starting this coming week. 


Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts appreciates the support of the local community, and their continued patronage helps to provide job training and employment opportunities to adults and teens with developmental and physical disabilities. 


Check out the selections currently available below. Additional pieces are available for pre-order on the Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts website or call 856-336-2548 to place your order by phone. 

Cup of Sunshine

Order Now

Cupid's Cube

Order Now!
welcome.png

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!

Lower School

Maria Malfi, Paraprofessional

Analee Cruz Colon, Paraprofessional

Debra Anderson, Teacher


Upper School

Jenna Barber, Paraprofessional

Ashley Charlson, Paraprofessional

Spencer Sklivas, Paraprofessional


ACT

Gio San Jose, Human Services Counselor


Advanced Abilities Day Program

Ora Reed, Day Program Supervisor



General Business Admin

Gregory Powell, Nutrition Coordinator

Just Kids

Jaquai Hall, Childcare Assistant

Paige Hogan, Childcare Assistant

Dahcere Webb, Childcare Assistant

Laniesha Scott, Childcare Assistant

Bonnie Weaver, Childcare Assistant

Amber Starks, Childcare Assistant

Gabrielle Otto, Childcare Supervisor

Taylor Craven, Childcare Assistant

Donnie Gamble, District Manager


Auburn Group Home

Katera Williams, Direct Support Professional


Medford Group Home

Tyra Taylor, Direct Support Professional



Piney Hollow Group Home

Michelle McGuire, Direct Support Professional

AROUND ARCHWAY

Friends and Affiliates

Allies

Allies Launches Community Engagement & Enrichment Fund

On Giving Tuesday 2022, Allies, Inc. announced the launch of an initiative that will help enrich the lives of people with disabilities while promoting their inclusion in the community – a “Community Engagement & Enrichment Fund (CEE Fund).” This fund will empower the people Allies serves and enhance the quality of their lives by supporting their personal hobbies, interests, desire to explore the world and participate in new experiences, as well as connect with others who share their passions and live in their local communities. To learn more about this exciting initiative, click here.



Woods System of Care

As Woods transformed into a nonprofit in 1948, founder Mollie Woods Hare said, “The Woods Schools have always been pioneers. One of our earliest objectives has been constant pioneering research in the techniques of care and training of the exceptional child and the dissemination of that research to the medical profession and educators for the benefit of ALL exceptional children.”


We are again in transformation as the Woods System of Care. The goal remains the same: pioneer new ways of benefiting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), autism, co-occurring mental health, and other chronic conditions so that they can achieve their highest potential and independence. 


People with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families face a broken system of inadequate and disjointed services. Woods Services and its six affiliate organizations (Abilities of Northwest NJ, Allies, Archway Programs, Woods Community at Brian’s House, Legacy Treatment Services, and Tabor Services) have joined forces as Woods System of Care. We’re seamlessly giving people all of the support they need . . . and deserve at any point in their life. We do this through innovative, integrated, and individualized approaches that promote learning and personal fulfillment by leveraging the expertise of each affiliate. 


Together, we focus on serving the whole person – ensuring that they achieve and maintain social determinants of health. Our model is rooted in a population health management strategy, which includes integrating primary and specialty medical care with behavioral health. The Patient-Centered Integrated Care Model, through the Medical Center at Woods, has shown that providing integrated primary care and behavioral healthcare advances the quality of life and standard of care for individuals with disabilities.  


Woods System of Care is the leading and largest provider of supports in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for children and adults with disabilities and challenges. 


Share Your Story

The Bridge is Archway Programs' monthly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! To subscribe and see this publication's latest and previous editions, please visit https://archwayprograms.org/newsletter/.

submit-story-sq.png



If you have news or information you would like to see in the next issue of The Bridge, please contact Kelly by phone: 856.767.5757 ext. 242 or by email: kelly.jones@archwayprograms.org.

LinkedIn Share This Email
Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter  YouTube
footer-wave.png

www.ArchwayPrograms.org 856.767.5757 communications@archwayprograms.org