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Dear Archway Friends and Family, 

As we move forward in the new year, I want to reflect on the progress and many exciting changes the last year brought to Archway Programs.  

This past Giving Tuesday was a wonderful reminder of the generosity in our community. The contributions made a significant impact, and we are truly grateful for the continued commitment of our employees and our community.   

Our Archway Programs' schools celebrated the holidays with events that brought the best of the season to our students. It was wonderful to see our school staff, special services, and maintenance staff pull together to make the holiday season enjoyable for our students.  

The DD Services Annual Holiday Party was a huge success. Once again, the event required our entire Archway Family to pull together from across multiple departments and programs to make a magical evening happen for our group home, supportive care, and day program participants and their families. It truly was a labor of love and dedication.  

The ACT Holiday Party was a highlight of the holiday season for all our ACT program participants. Thanks to the generous donations of our community and Archway staff, participants each received gifts from their holiday wish lists.  

The Just Kids staff spread holiday cheer by featuring numerous holiday crafts and activities, sharing them with parents and social media followers. 

Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts provided beautiful poinsettia plants to local police and emergency services as a thank you for their continued support in our communities. As a reminder, Blue Violet is already getting ready for Valentine's Day, so keep an eye out for the latest holiday selections. 

The many holiday events throughout Archway brought joy and cheer to all who participated. Thank you to everyone who attended, and a special thank you to everyone who made the events possible. You are all what makes Archway Programs such a success every day.  

Thanks to our Resident Santa Claus, Scott Peggs, for bringing the magic of the holidays to all our events. Your dedication to those we serve is truly appreciated. 

As we look forward to the New Year, I am excited for what lies ahead. With the network of affiliates within the Woods System of Care, we are expanding our reach and helping a broader range of people. I am proud to be part of this journey with all of you, and I wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year!  

Sincerely,   

George Richards   

President/Chief Financial Officer 

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Generous Supporters on Giving Tuesday

We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who donated to our 2025 Giving Tuesday Fundraiser on December 3rd. 

We also want to extend our appreciation to those who were unable to make a monetary donation at this time but continue to support our community through acts of kindness and care. We are truly grateful to all of you. Thank you!

Archway DD Services Celebrates Annual Holiday Party

Archway DD Services hosted its Annual Holiday Party at Paris Caterers in Berlin on Thursday, December 11th. The guest list was packed with program participants, group home residents, and their family and friends, all dressed in their holiday finest. 

The Archway Programs administration and direct support professionals joined in the fun and excitement of the evening. Everyone enjoyed holiday music, dancing, and delicious food before the main attraction and guest of honor arrived. 

The much-anticipated star of the evening, Santa Claus, was greeted with cheers as he visited guests at their tables, danced on the dance floor, and delivered gifts chosen from the wish lists of all program participants and group home residents. 

It was a fabulous evening filled with joy and excitement, and everyone had a splendid time! 

View the Facebook album here:  DD Services Holiday Party.

Advanced Abilities Day Program Friends Get Creative at Holiday Crafting Event! 

Our Advanced Abilities Day Program friends enjoyed a creative community outing the first week of December. The friends participated in Crafts for All Abilities at the Gloucester County Library in Greenwich, where they used their creative talents to make adorable Christmas ornaments.   

Advanced Abilities Day Program Friends Share Holiday Cheer while Decorating their Tree!

Friends from the Advanced Abilities Day Program set up their Christmas tree during the second week of December in preparation for the upcoming holiday. The group gathered together and enjoyed festive holiday music while they worked together to decorate the tree. It looks terrific, and everyone did a great job working together!  

Advanced Abilities Day Program Friends Enjoy Tasty Outing at Nifty Fifties!

The Advanced Abilities Day Program friends enjoyed a tasty community outing to Nifty Fifties last week. The restaurant is a favorite among the group of friends; they always appreciate the delicious food and the fun decor. Not to mention sharing the time with their friends. 

AADP Friends Build and Decorate Graham Cracker Houses!

The Archway Advanced Abilities Day Program friends enjoyed constructing delicious graham cracker houses in celebration of the upcoming holidays. The friends decorated their tiny homes with frosting, sugar crystals, chocolate candies, marshmallows, and more! The best part was eating their creations!  

Great job, everyone! They look adorable and delicious!  

Upper School Celebrates Grinch Day with Festive Fun! 

Students and staff from the Upper School got ready for the upcoming holiday by celebrating Grinch Day on December 10th. Everyone dressed in their favorite Grinch gear while the green man himself skulked up and down the hallways looking for trouble. While we weren’t able to capture any photos of his Grinchness, we did capture a few of his friends wearing fan gear and showing off their Grinchiest grins.  

Upper School Celebrates Holiday with Annual Luncheon 

The atmosphere was festive, and the food was delicious during the Annual Holiday Luncheon held yesterday for the Upper School students and staff. Ms. Julie shared holiday music while everyone gathered around beautifully decorated tables to enjoy a tasty meal that included ham, baked macaroni and cheese, green beans, fresh salad, rolls, and more. Of course, a fresh slice of pie with a dollop of whipped cream made for a sweet ending to the scrumptious feast.  

Thank you to the many staff members, social workers, maintenance staff, and food service staff. Everyone did a fabulous job pulling everything together to make a wonderful event for all to enjoy.  

Upper School Celebrates Holiday Spirit During Annual Breakfast with Santa!

Upper School staff and students had a fantastic time at the Annual Breakfast with Santa, enjoying delicious hot pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, and juice. The highlight of the event was Santa Claus, who greeted each student and surprised them with holiday gifts. Students waited patiently as all of their classmates met with Santa before tearing into the wrapping paper on their gifts! Although the Grinch made a surprise appearance in an attempt to steal toys, the children held tight to their gifts, and with Santa’s help, they sent the Grinch on his way empty-handed. The event concluded with lots of laughter, joy, and full bellies, not to mention gifts from their holiday wish lists.

Santa’s Workshop Brings Holiday Spirit to Lower School Shoppers!  

Santa’s Workshop was officially open for business from December 2nd through the 4th at the Lower School. Cheerful holiday music filled the room as staff stood at the ready to assist, while students shopped for the perfect gift for moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, friends, and family. Tables were covered end to end with a selection of gifts, gadgets, and goodies, while gift bags were on hand for staff to bag and label gifts for young gift givers. 

Archway Students Shine in Annual Winter Wonderland Art and Music Show!

A talented cast of students took to the stage for the Annual Lower School Art and Music Show! This year's theme was "Winter Wonderland," and it truly was a wonderland filled with joy. All our students performed wonderfully in front of an audience filled with family, friends, and classmates. We are Archway Proud of every student who showcased their talents. 

Thank you to all the teachers, staff, and maintenance crew for their support in helping the students put on such a fabulous show!  

If you missed the Lower School "Winter Wonderland" performance, we have a treat for you! Enjoy the video of the entire show! Watch the Video on Facebook

View the Winter Wonderland Photo Album here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=ArchwayPrograms&set=a.1303858815118725.

Lower School A.L.L. Students Give Back with Food Drive and Celebrate at Wendy's!

Lower School Adult Life Learners (A.L.L.) organized a food drive, and students from room 11 delivered the donations to the Friends of Clementon Food Pantry. The group celebrated with a trip to Wendy's, where everyone enjoyed chicken nuggets. Students not only had the opportunity to do something charitable for others, but they also practiced their community skills by following directions out in the community, ordering their food, participating in transactions, and practicing their best manners in a restaurant. 

Santa Spreads Holiday Cheer at Lower School's Winter Wonderland!

Santa made his long-awaited arrival at Lower School today. Staff transformed the all-purpose room into a winter wonderland complete with snow scenes, sparkling trees, and a sleigh in preparation for the jolly old elf's visit. The mood was festive as students and staff gathered together for a holiday sing-along and dancing! Everyone enjoyed the human-sized snow globe and, of course, meeting Santa.

Even the Grinch was on his best behavior, if you can believe it, as Santa greeted each student, allowing them to take turns sitting on Santa’s lap and sharing their wish lists. 

Even the Grinch took a turn on Santa’s lap to share his wish list! I wonder what a Grinch wishes for…hmmm?  

A huge thank you to all the staff, maintenance team, special services, Ms. Shayla, and Ms. Katie. Your efforts make the holiday season even more beautiful! 

View the Facebook Santa Visit here: Santa Visits Lower School. 

Santa Joins the Christmas Eve Celebration at the Archway ACT Program

Christmas Eve at the Archway ACT Program was a festive celebration filled with friends, snacks, and holiday music. The guest of honor, Santa, took time out of his busy schedule to visit the participants of the ACT Program and, of course, came bearing gifts! The ACT staff provided Santa with the participants’ holiday wish lists, and he delivered! It was a fun event, and everyone enjoyed the party and spending time with their program friends and staff. 

Cooper's Poynt Students Enjoy Zootopia 2 as a Reward for Good Behavior!

In mid-December, Blue and Gold Cooper's Poynt students took a trip to the movies to see Zootopia 2 as a reward for their continued good behavior. Obviously, good behavior pays off as everyone enjoyed the film along with some tasty popcorn and drinks.  

Cooper’s Poynt Students and Staff Celebrate Holiday Spirit Week 

During Holiday Spirit Week at Cooper’s Poynt, themed days allowed students and staff to express their festive creativity! It kicked off on December 15 with the popular "Wear Ugly Sweaters Day," where participants showcased their eye-catching holiday attire. The fun continued on December 16 with "Wear Red and White," inviting everyone to don the classic holiday colors. December 17 brought the joy of "Wear a Festive Hat," encouraging everyone to top off with holiday headwear, and on December 18, students sported their most cheerful and colorful socks for "Wear Festive Socks Day." Finally, the week wrapped up on December 19 with "Wear Neon or Lights Day," ensuring everyone looked bright as we celebrated the holiday season! 

Cooper’s Poynt Students Celebrate Holiday Spirit with Cozy Pajama Day!

Students from Cooper’s Poynt had a cozy pajama day while celebrating with a holiday party. They enjoyed special sweet treats, played games, and received gifts! Everyone had a great time and was excited about their presents. It was a fantastic way to kick off the holiday break.

Ms. Carly, the principal of Cooper’s Poynt, used her creativity to make Sweet Treat Lollipops for the students.

Ms. Alexa's Class Celebrates CHOP Pajama Day Early in Cozy Style!

The students and staff from Ms. Alexa’s Archway Early Learning class recognized CHOP Pajama Day a day early on Thursday by wearing their coziest pajamas and slippers to school. Everyone enjoyed the comfy and relaxed feeling, even when it was time for classwork. 

Students Enjoy Fun-Filled Day at We Rock the Spectrum

Archway Early Learning students and staff from Ms. Alexa and Ms. Jessica’s classrooms had a great time visiting “We Rock the Spectrum” in Mount Laurel on December 5th. The children enjoyed swinging, jumping, climbing, and getting plenty of exercise while burning off all their energy. It was an excellent experience for everyone, and they can't wait to visit again!

Santa Spreads Holiday Cheer at Archway Early Learning 

After greeting all the students and staff from Lower School, Santa hopped in his sleigh, and he and his reindeer made their way to Archway Early Learning. Santa greeted the youngest of his fans with a twinkle in his eye and a hearty "Ho-Ho-Ho!" He talked to each student and listened to their wish lists before heading back to the North Pole to prepare for his big night! 

Just Kids Celebrate the Holidays with Creativity and Fun!  

December was a busy and creative month for Just Kids through all of the schools we serve. Students engaged in festive activities: Beeler Elementary created and hid Roblox characters and made gingerbread men and ornaments, while Dr. Albert Bean Elementary crafted snowmen for their bulletin board and enjoyed hot chocolate. Jaggard Just Kids made gingerbread house ornaments, reindeer hats, and celebrated Grinch and Rudolph days with themed crafts. Magnolia Elementary painted trees and candy canes for a winter exhibit. On December 18, both Just Kids Jaggard and Beeler exchanged holiday gift bags with their pen pals. As the month progressed, students from Just Kids at Dr. Albert M. Bean Elementary showcased their artistic talents in a Christmas painting and coloring art show by December 22nd. Students at Just Kids had a December filled with fun and creativity! 

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!

Abilities of Northwest Jersey Opens Second Residential Services Apartment at The Village at Hawk Pointe 

We’re thrilled to share that our second Residential Services apartment was licensed in mid-November and welcomed its first residents in December. As part of The Village at Hawk Pointe, state-of-the-art apartments are designed to provide comprehensive, personalized services for up to 16 individuals with disabilities who may have a range of medical and mobility needs. With two of the four apartments licensed and supporting residents, focus shifts to opening the two remaining apartments, which have been outfitted for medical levels 1-6. 

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.