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Dear Archway Friends and Family, 

On April 11th, I was honored to announce this year’s Leader of the Year and two Employees of the Year at the Archway Programs Employee Recognition Breakfast. This event is significant to me, as it provides an opportunity to personally thank the outstanding employees their peers have chosen to be honored. Unlike prior years, we couldn’t decide on just one Employee of the Year this year, so we chose two.   

With that in mind, I want to once again offer my congratulations to Mickie Patetta, the DDD Director, who is this year’s Leader of the Year, Scott Peggs from the Maintenance team, and Dennis Davis, Cooper’s Poynt Paraprofessional, for being recognized as Employees of the Year.    

I appreciate all of you for your hard work and dedication to those we serve, and I am proud and honored to have had the opportunity to present the awards for your well-deserved recognition. Thank you for contributing to Archway Programs’ success.   

I would also like to thank Min Chin, Archway Board Member; Tom Grant, Archway Board Member; Cheryl Kauffman, Archway Board Member; Dawn Diamond, Archway Board Member; and Julia Pfister, Archway Board Member, for joining us. I appreciate all you do to make Archway Programs successful. Your time and support are greatly appreciated.  

April was Autism Awareness Month, and once again, Archway Programs rose to the occasion by hosting its Annual Hands Around the Lake Autism Walk. This event aims to raise awareness and generate funds that benefit those we serve. I was pleased to see parents, students, teachers, and neighbors from the community, along with everyone from Archway Programs, come together to support individuals on the spectrum.  

I want to thank the members of the Waterford Township Police Department and Evesham Township Police for joining us. We appreciate all you do to keep our communities safe. Thank you to Zallie’s ShopRite of Glassboro for your thoughtful donation.   

Thank you to Senator Latham Tiver (R-08) and Chief of Staff Brian Woods for stopping by and joining our walk. We appreciate your support.  

In closing, I want to thank the entire Archway Family for their dedication and commitment to everyone who has placed their trust in us. I take pride in being part of a community that consistently goes above and beyond for those in our care.   

Sincerely, 

George Richards 

CEO/CFO 

Archway Advanced Abilities Day Program

Join us for the 2nd Annual Friends and Family Summer Bash

Fun indoor and outdoor activities, food, drinks, snacks, games, program tours, and more.

Rain or Shine Event

Thursday, July 24, 2025

11 am-2 pm

1 Neptune Drive North

Building B

Sewell, NJ 08080

Leader of the Year, Mickie Patetta, DDD Director (left) with George Richards, CEO/CFO

Employee of the Year, Scott Peggs, Maintenance (left) with George Richards, CEO/CFO

Employee of the Year, Dennis Davis, Cooper’s Poynt Paraprofessional (right) with George Richards, CEO/CFO

Archway Programs Celebrates Excellence at Annual Employee Awards Breakfast

Archway Programs held its Annual Employee Awards Breakfast for 2025 at the Upper School Career Center on Friday, April 11th. George Richards, CEO/CFO, honored employees for their hard work and dedication to Archway Programs. Mickie Patetta, the DDD Director, received the Leader of the Year award, while Scott Peggs from the Maintenance department was recognized as the Employee of the Year. A second Employee of the Year, Dennis Davis, Cooper's Poynt Paraprofessional, was announced during the Archway Programs Hands Around the Lake Autism Walk on Tuesday, April 15th. Shawn Gibson, COO, and other guests included Min Chin, Archway Board Member; Tom Grant, Archway Board Member; Cheryl Kauffman, Archway Board Member; Dawn Diamond, Archway Board Member; and Julia Pfister, Archway Board Member,

Congratulations, and thank you to all the employees who were recognized this year and awarded for their dedication, hard work, and years of continued service. 

Hands Around the Lake Autism Walk

We are pleased to report that the rain held off, and the clouds did not dampen the festivities during Archway Programs’ Annual Hands Around the Lake Autism Walk on April 15th. 

The annual event serves as an opportunity to bring the community together with the Archway Family to raise autism awareness and show support for those on the spectrum. With the help of a bake sale and the sale of autism awareness goods and novelties, we are able to raise funds to support individuals in the Archway community directly. 

Thank you to the members of the Waterford Township Police Department (NJ), along with Evesham Township Police (NJ), who once again showed their support by walking with students, staff, families, and local participants.  

Thank you to Zallie’s ShopRite of Glassboro for donating dozens of your delicious cupcakes. Our Archway Hands Around the Lake Autism Walk participants enjoyed your sweet generosity!  

Thank you to Senator Latham Tiver (R-08) and Chief of Staff Brian Woods for supporting us by joining our walk.  

Lastly, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff members who made today a memorable success. Your dedication and hard work are truly invaluable. 

AADP Participants Enjoy a Nature Walk and Lunch at Washington Lake Park

Advanced Abilities Day Program participants headed out into the community for a nature walk through Washinton Lake Park. Although there was a slight chill in the air, the group enjoyed being outdoors in the scenic park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. After their walk, the program friends gathered in the pavilion for lunch. It was a lovely way to spend the morning and afternoon!  

AADP Participants Decorate for Easter/Spring 

Spring was in the air when Advanced Abilities Day Program participants decorated for spring and Easter! Thanks to the AADP participants' handy work and decorating skills, pastel bunnies, flowers, chicks, and eggs covered the walls. It was a refreshing and creative activity, the results of which the group will continue to enjoy throughout the spring season. 

Advanced Abilities Day Program Participants Enjoy Hands-On Mini Pizza Cooking Lesson!

Our Advanced Abilities Day Program participants got a quick cooking lesson in April. They had the opportunity to work hands-on while making mini pizzas. The treats made a delicious after-lunch snack. It looks like someone was keeping a close eye on the tasty treats while they were baking in the oven!

Advanced Abilities Day Program Participants Enjoy Bowling Outing 

Advanced Abilities Day Program participants enjoyed one of their favorite community outings this month. The group visited their favorite bowling alley, 30 Strikes Bowling, to bowl a few games and enjoy a delicious lunch. They had a great time, and as usual, they are already planning their next visit.

AADP Friends Bake Delicious Cupcakes 

A group of Advanced Abilities Day Program participants decided to bake as one of their activities for the day. They worked together to make a batch of delicious chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy chocolate frosting. We hope everyone enjoyed the sweet reward of their hard work and teamwork! 

AADP Friends Visit Washington Township Fire Station 

Participants from the Advanced Abilities Day Program (AADP) visited the Washington Township Fire Station in April. The program friends toured the station, where a firefighter provided a close-up look at one of the trucks and the equipment used when responding to calls. The group learned about fire safety and even got to try on gear! Everyone was fascinated by the demonstration and enjoyed this safety-focused community outing.  

Easter Egg Hunt 

The grounds surrounding the home of the Advanced Abilities Day Program (AADP) provided the perfect backdrop for an "eggciting" Easter Egg Hunt. The temperate weather helped make for an enjoyable time outdoors as the AADP friends headed out carrying bags to secure their stash as they searched the grounds for colorful Easter eggs filled with goodies! Of course, a little side trip to enjoy the swings was part of the fun, too. 

Advanced Abilities Day Program Participants Enjoy a Day at the Noyes Museum and Hammonton Park!

Program participants in the Advanced Abilities Day Program (AADP) had a wonderful day at the Noyes Museum. They appreciated the artwork and displays throughout the museum. After exploring the exhibits, the group went to Hammonton Park to enjoy the warm weather while having lunch outdoors. 

Upper School Students Enjoy a Fun-Filled Annual Easter Egg Hunt  

On Monday, April 14, Upper School students participated in their Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Students searched high and low in the gardens and on the sports field to fill their goody bags with colorful eggs and treats. Everyone had a great time, and in true team spirit, many students helped their classmates who had difficulty finding their eggs. 

Blue Card Holders Celebrate Good Behavior with Rita's Water Ice!

In keeping with tradition, Upper School Blue Card holders enjoyed the rewards of their continued good behavior by indulging in Rita's Water Ice! Staff called students down after lunch to choose from various tasty flavors. It was a delicious and well-deserved treat for Blue Card and above students who consistently demonstrate positive behavior!  

Lower School Celebrates Autism Spirit Week with Themed Days of Inclusion and Creativity

Lower School students and staff celebrated "Autism Spirit Week" with a series of themed days, starting with "Magnificent Minds Monday," where everyone wore creative hats. The festivities continued with "Superhero Tuesday." Everyone donned their favorite superhero attire, followed by "Show Your Passion Wednesday," which showcased clothing reflecting personal interests and favorite teams. On "Neurodiversity Thursday," participants wore rainbow colors and tie-dye outfits to show their support for diversity. The week concluded with "Sensory-Friendly Friday," where everyone dressed in their comfiest clothes, embracing their familiar favorites as they completed a week of inclusion and school spirit.

Lower School Prom 2025: A Stylish Western Celebration Filled with Fun and Dance!

On April 17th, Cowboy and cowgirl boots, hats, bolero ties, western wear, and fringe were among the stylish choices for the Lower School Prom 2025! Sunflowers adorned the venue as music and dancing began after students and staff arrived at Brigalia's in Sicklerville, NJ. Everyone enjoyed a delicious luncheon, plenty of dancing, and great photo opportunities! Servers sliced and served a scrumptious cake for dessert before prom guests returned to school and home to kick off their Spring Break! 

Thank you to all the wonderful and dedicated staff who worked hard to make the event such a magical day for the students! You are the best!  

Cooper’s Poynt Students Learn About Root Systems 

Cooper’s Poynt students in Room 108 continued their horticulture lesson by learning about plant root systems. They enjoyed the hands-on learning experience and learned that root systems enable plant life to absorb water and nutrients. This knowledge will help them understand plant life and growth, and the skills learned will help them complete their upcoming projects. 

CAA Goes Hollywood for 2025 Prom Celebration!

On April 17th, Creative Achievements Academy rolled out the red carpet for students and staff to celebrate their 2025 Prom at North Italy Beneficial Association in Vineland. Participants dressed to impress as they enjoyed music, dancing, good friends, and delicious food. Guests were each given a VIP Backstage pass to the event, and many guests took a few minutes to pose for the CAA paparazzi. It was a spectacular event, and all had a fantastic time! 

CAA Epic Pep Rally Inspires School Spirit! 

Creative Achievement Academy hosted a school-wide Pep Rally for the students and staff. Students used teamwork and good communication to beat the staff during musical chairs, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Head, Shoulders, Knees, Cone, and tug-of-war! Students and staff cheered on their teammates from the sidelines in the gym, demonstrating school spirit and fair play. 

Just Kids Locations Celebrate Spring with Creative Activities

Beeler Elementary engaged in a series of creative activities to celebrate spring in April. They created chick eggs that hatched, followed by the creation of adorable hand bunnies. The month also brought a fun art project where students made spring cards using forks and paint. They also painted rocks, adding a touch of creativity to their environment. The week of April 14th through the 17th, the school enjoyed spring break, but not before a week filled with Easter activities, including an exciting egg hunt. Additionally, Just Kids supported Hands Around the Lake on April 15th to promote Autism Awareness. 



April was another busy and creative month with staff and students of the Just Kids program! 

Atco Group Home Residents Enjoy a Day at the Park

The residents from our Atco group home started the month by taking advantage of the beautiful weather. The group visited Lindenwold Park, enjoyed the playground equipment, and shared a delicious outdoor lunch.  

Group Home Resident Shines at Bowling Banquet

Angie, one of the lovely ladies from our Voorhees group home, was honored at her bowling banquet at Villari's in Sicklerville. An avid bowler, Angie recently competed in the Special Olympics Bowling, placing 3rd! Congratulations, Angie! We are all Archway Proud of you! 

Ladies from Voorhees Make Easter Baskets 

The lovely ladies from our Voorhees group home got a jump on the Easter Bunny and made their own Easter baskets. Of course, staff were on hand to help with the preparations when needed. They look wonderful, ladies! Happy Easter!  

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!

Legacy Treatment Services Raises $190,000 at Successful Monte Carlo Night!

Legacy Treatment Services' 2025 Monte Carlo Night was a spectacular success, bringing together supporters for a fun-filled evening of casino games, live music, and delicious food. The event raised an incredible $190,000, with proceeds supporting Legacy’s vital programs for youth, families, and individuals facing mental health challenges. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this memorable evening, helping to create brighter futures for those in need across New Jersey.

Relive the night and click in to view our video here!

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.