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While celebrating National DSP Recognition Week last week, I had the pleasure of catching up with many long-term staff, and the honor of meeting many new DSPs. As a part of our celebrations, we hosted “Wash-N-Nosh” carwashes with lunch and ice cream, our raffle for prizes was even bigger than last year, 30 Visa Gift cards were given out, and all employees were gifted their very own Turkish towel with our colorful logo on it.
It is my hope that all DSPs can see our sincere appreciation for all that you do year-round and that these late summer gifts are our way of thanking you for your dedication and commitment to each other, as well as the people we support here at Creative Works.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Matt Hickey
CEO
Click here for the list of Raffle Winners
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"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees."
~~ Henry David Thoreau
There’s one thing we can all agree on: being in nature is a huge benefit to the mind, the body and the spirit. Since July, our Brain Injury program participants and the Augusta Community Services team have gathered in the pine trees, gone swimming for the first time in years, roasted s’mores, and reconnected with nature—as well as to each other. Thanks to Special Olympics Maine Camp Tall Pines, and Pine Tree Society's Pine Tree Camp for hosting activities, party boat rides, and more than enough happiness to go around.
Click here for photos!
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Ensuring It's S.T.U.R.D.Y. | |
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We are pleased to share that our social enterprise, Maine Woodworks, has come into compliance with the Stop Tip-Overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) Act, which went into effect September 1, 2023. All Maine Woodworks furniture built as of September 1 will be STURDY compliant and labelled with a Manufacture Date stamp and new warning label, indicating date of manufacture and compliance.
To come into compliance, eco-friendly counter weights were mounted on the inside lower back of each unit, and drawer extensions were modified.
Click here for more information
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Our very own Paul M. joined fellow veterans at the beach in Rhode Island the last week of July for some fun in the sun.
In addition to adaptive surfing, members of the VA enjoyed deep sea fishing, cycling and sailing.
Stay cool, Paul!
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The team at Jenkins loves to throw a great party--and what better occasion than marking the achievement of John M. becoming our newest septuagenarian?
Happy Birthday, John!
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Sam and her mission partner, Damien T, invite you to join them for a Best Buddies Champion of the year fundraiser on October 5 at the Thirsty Pig in Portland. There will be live music, crafts, a raffle, prizes and, of course, food and drinks! All proceeds benefit Best Buddies Maine, dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
For more info CLICK HERE.
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Promotions at Creative Works
Tisha Blais has been promoted to Senior DSP at Third Street.
Ciara Curran-Rosebush has been promoted to Senior DSP at Augusta Community Services.
Nasra Houssein has been promoted to Senior DSP at Lubear.
Carolyn Hutchins has been promoted to Senior DSP at Five County Community Services.
Congratulations!!
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YES Artworks Galleries
Open Monday - Friday
Visit any of our five YES Artworks Studio Galleries Monday - Friday,
8am - 3:30pm to view and purchase art created by artists with disabilities. Click the link below to find a location near you!
YES Artworks provides artistic experiences and opportunities to individuals with disabilities, promoting personal growth through the development of self-esteem, self-confidence, and independence.
Gallery Locations
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Cynthia "CJ" Johnson
Creative Works is pausing to remember one of our longtime members, Cindy “CJ” Johnson. CJ of the one of a kind lively personality and sense of humor, dancing queen, and country music aficionado, was at home following a lengthy illness and surrounded by the presence of her family and Creative Works support staff when she died on September 13th.
CLICK TO READ MORE
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Artist Spotlight
Angie Flesher
Angie has been with Creative Works at our Augusta Community Services program since March of 2021, and she has made quite an impression since! With the use of only one hand, Angie enjoys painting and bracelet making. In fact, in the past few months, Angie has started selling her bracelet creations! Custom made with up to five colors, you can place your orders at angieflesher603@gmail.com.
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Staff Spotlight
Cassandra Wolfe
Cassandra is our newest addition to the Cumberland Community Services team as our Art Specialist. Coming from the Culinary Arts program at Saco Community Services, she is no stranger to our Creative Works family, and is bringing a fresh perspective to our Broadway art program. Working diligently to identify the interests and strengths of our artists, Cassandra has encouraged participants to try new things and express themselves in fun ways.
Welcome, Cassandra!
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In an effort to share MORE of what's happening with our friends, family and coworkers, our newsletter is going out every other month, and we want to hear from YOU!
Have a story to share? Hosting a party or attending an event? Share the news with your fellow staff and participants by sending blurbs and pictures to Trish Brown in Marketing.
Would you like photography of your event? Contact Trish Brown with time and place information so that Marketing can attend.
Have a story you'd like to share in your own words? Write it up and send it to Trish Brown.
Hard to share images via email? Email Trish Brown for her cell number or send via Facebook Messenger to Creative Works.
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Click here to make a donation to
Creative Works.
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Click here to learn more about the
mission of Creative Works.
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