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Dear Archway Friends and Family, 

As we find ourselves well into the new year, I want to reflect on the positive momentum we are experiencing throughout Archway. I’m happy to share that we have welcomed new clients to the Advanced Abilities Day Program again this past month, which signifies our commitment to growth and our community’s trust. This growth enriches our service offerings and strengthens our ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.  

In addition to the continued growth of our day program, I am excited to announce the launch of a new website and ad campaign for the ACT program. The new website is a significant step forward in our marketing efforts and will help us connect with more individuals and families who can benefit from our services. I encourage everyone to explore and share the new website to help us spread the word about our mission and work.  

As a Philadelphia Eagles fan, I must mention how excited I am about their Super Bowl win this year. I enjoyed witnessing how the excitement and love of the game brought everyone together in support of the team. I also enjoyed seeing everyone wearing their Eagles gear as they celebrated their inclusion and win at the Super Bowl. This experience reminds us of the importance of teamwork and determination in everything we do. 

With teamwork in mind, I’m pleased and proud that all our programs are steadily moving in a positive direction. Our individual programs’ successes reflect our ability to work together as a team to benefit those we serve. I am proud of our work together and look forward to achieving even more in the coming months as we continue our 60th year of serving our community. 

Sincerely, 

George Richards 

CEO/CFO 

Join the Archway staff, volunteers, and community members for our Annual Hands Around the Lake event to promote Autism Awareness and raise funds for individuals with autism through Archway Programs. Arrive by 10:20 a.m. and enjoy live music, entertainment, activities, and refreshments in a family-friendly atmosphere. Baked goods and Autism Awareness items will be available for purchase as part of the fundraising efforts.

AADP Participants Enjoy a Fun Lunchtime Field Trip to Chick-fil-A

A group of participants from the Advanced Abilities Day Program (AADP) went on a lunchtime field trip to Chick-fil-A. They enjoyed a delicious meal while socializing with their program friends and connecting with community members. Everyone had a great time on the outing and are already looking forward to their next outing. 

Advanced Abilities Day Programs Welcomes a New Friend

The Advanced Abilities Day Program (AADP) Family grew by one more member in January. Welcome, Kee-Va! We are excited to have you as the newest AADP Family member!   

Participants Make Valentine's Day Sun Catchers 

Advanced Abilities Day Program participants kicked off February with Valentine’s Day crafts. The group flexed their creative muscles and made colorful heart-shaped sun catchers for Valentine’s Day. Great job, everyone! They look wonderful! 

AADP Participants Make Delicious Sundaes 

Advanced Abilities Day Program participants had a great time making ice cream sundaes. They could choose from various ice cream flavors and had plenty of toppings, including chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, and sprinkles. Of course, they topped off their treats with whipped cream and cherries!  

Archway Celebrates Black History Month with the Zuzu African Acrobats

During Black History Month celebrations at Archway Programs, both Lower and Upper School students and staff were treated to an impressive performance by the Zuzu African Acrobats, a skilled troupe from Tanzania. The Lower School audience enjoyed a captivating blend of music, dance, and acrobatics, including human pyramids and juggling, alongside insights into the history of their performances. The Upper School also experienced an exciting show featuring a unique balancing act on a straight ladder without support. Both performances provided an incredible learning experience while showcasing vibrant African culture through song and dance.



Upper School Hosts Fun-Filled Staff vs. Students Volleyball Showdown!

Upper School students and staff took to the gym for an all-out head-to-head Staff-vs.-Student Volleyball Game. Students earning their Blue Card or above played against staff. Both sides taunted one another from their side of the net, but it was all in good fun. The games ran throughout the entire school day. In the end, both sides won, having had a great time! 

Archway Upper School Varsity Battles Creative Achievement Academy in an Action-Packed Basketball Game

On January 29th, Archway Upper School Varsity played an action-packed basketball game against Creative Achievement Academy. Fans lined the gym's perimeter, each side cheering for their team. Players from both schools showed off their talent and determination, creating an exciting game that kept everyone engrossed in the action. Both teams played a great game, and, as usual, all the players exhibited excellent sportsmanship! Great game, everyone! 

Archway Owls Celebrate Team Spirit at Thrilling Pep Rally

Upper School students and staff held a pep rally on January 30th to celebrate the Archway Owls' basketball team and Coach Brogan. Of course, Mr. Fishman, wearing his signature tutu, and Archie the Owl, the team mascot, led the charge as Coach Brogan shared statistics and positions while announcing the Junior and Varsity team members. The excitement intensified as players competed in 1-minute Foul Shot contests and various drills, and the Archway cheerleaders roused the crowd with cheers and encouragement. Still, the crowd erupted with cheers and shouts when Junior Varsity and Varsity team players were selected to face off against the staff! It was a fantastic event filled with school spirit and a strong show of support for our Archway Owls and Coach Brogan!  

Upper School Celebrates Black History Month with Music and Performances

Archway Upper School celebrated Black History Month with a vibrant program featuring music, recitations, history, and dance, showcasing the achievements of African Americans. Highlights included Ms. Erica’s soulful rendition of “Lift Every Voice,” Mr. Darius’s recitation of “I, Too,” and student performances, including an Afrobeat Dance. Ms. Fannie addressed the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, while Nikita delivered a poignant piece, “I Am the Black Child.” A special guest, Egypt, sang “Rise Up,” and Mr. Mark concluded with remarks on the significance of inclusion and diversity. The event was a collaborative effort, with gratitude to the staff and maintenance crew for their hard work.

Archway Security Supervisor Inspires Students with FBI Insights on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

In honor of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Archway Security Supervisor Mr. Joel engaged and excited students in Ms. Kayla’s Lower School class with an engaging presentation. He talked about his career in the FBI and how he transitioned to becoming the head of Archway’s security. Students asked questions about his time in the FBI, and they got to check out his badge when Mr. Joel passed it around the room. It was an informative and fun experience for the students and the staff. 

Lower School Students & Staff Give Back During Winter Spirit Week

Lower School students and staff celebrated the season with themed days during Winter Spirit Week. Mitten Monday featured cozy mittens and gloves, followed by Top Hat Tuesday with various winter hats. Wacky Scarf Wednesday showcased creative scarves, while Thoughtful Thursday encouraged donations of winter gear for those in need. The week concluded with Frosty Friday, where everyone dressed in white like snowmen. The festivities wrapped up just in time for an anticipated winter snowstorm, marking a joyful week of winter spirit. 

Ms. Kayla's Class Builds Winter Animal Habitats with Legos

Late January, Ms. Kayla’s Lower School class was reading “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner. The story tells of a “secret kingdom” of creatures safe and warm, snuggled beneath the winter snow. Ms. Kayla creatively tied the story into the classroom science topic of winter animals by instructing students to choose an animal from the story and create their habitat out of Legos. Of course, the students were eager to comply and thoroughly enjoyed the activity. Ms. Kayla took photos to share their inspired creations with everyone. 

Lower School Behavior Mod Made Snow Indoors!

Lower School Behavior Modification was the perfect setting for winter-themed STEM activities. During a recent session, students and staff brought a touch of winter indoors by creating "snow" using shaving cream and baking soda. It was a fantastic way to make learning exciting! 

Lower School Celebrates National Hot Chocolate Day with Cozy Cocoa and Cookie Social!

Lower School students and staff celebrated National Hot Chocolate Day on January 31st with a Cocoa and Cookie Social. The cozy celebration included delicious hot chocolate with marshmallows and an assortment of yummy cookies before a warm and toasty “fire.” Students pulled up bean bags and either cuddled up with a book in front of the fire, enjoyed crafts and games at the table, or enjoyed both! It was the perfect way to spend a rainy day! 

Lower School Celebrates with an Eagles Pep Rally 

The Lower School halls glowed green, and the all-purpose room was buzzing with Eagles spirit as students and staff celebrated Super Bowl LIX with an Eagle's Pep Rally. Everyone was cheering, dancing, and celebrating until not one but two flashes of red came barreling into the room, crashing the celebration. Two Chiefs fans braved the sea of green to make themselves heard. You can bet Eagles fans would not stand for any Chiefs wrecking their celebration. A lot of boos and a few cream pies later, the party crashers were flushed out, and the revelry continued with chants of "Go Birds!" and students and staff singing the Eagles fight song!

Students and Staff Celebrate the 100th Day of School 

On February 10th, Lower School students and staff celebrated an exciting milestone, the 100th Day of School! To mark this special occasion, students created posters featuring collections of 100 items, including tabs, handprints, goldfish, kisses, and more. The staff prepared engaging lessons and activities to highlight the importance of the special day. They decorated classroom doors with creative displays of 100 items, including 100 handprints, and they decorated the hallway with cards sharing student responses to 100 reasons to smile. It was a wonderful reminder of how far they've come in their first 100 days.

Celebrating Black History: An Interactive Exhibit

In honor of Black History Month, the Lower School staff joined forces to create an informative and interactive exhibit for students. The hallway BHM exhibit features student artwork and celebrates the contributions of African Americans throughout history. Colorful posters, food, and displays highlight African American culture and cuisine and provide a visually stimulating presentation. Interactive buttons installed below the featured profiles offered students an audio synopsis of the subject’s contributions and interesting facts about their lives. The hallway served as a walk-through history lesson, and the students enjoyed visiting the exhibit as they made their way to class. Staff members did a fantastic job making learning interesting and fun for their students.  

Creative Collaborations: Art and Activities at Cooper’s Poynt  

Miss Shayla, our Archway Art Teacher, and Miss Allision, our Occupational Therapist, teamed up at Cooper’s Poynt for a day of creative art and special activities for students. What a fantastic way to cut, color, and paste their way into the weekend!  

Cooper’s Poynt Students Dive into Fun at Adventure Aquarium!

Cooper’s Poynt students and staff enjoyed visiting The Adventure Aquarium in Camden. A favorite field trip destination, everyone enjoyed hands-on activities that allowed them to interact with sea life. They enjoyed all the exciting exhibits, especially the ability to safely view the underside of sharks and experience them swimming toward you! The students enjoyed every moment of their aquatic adventure under the sea!  

Cooper’s Poynt Has Eagles Spirit!

Everyone felt the Eagle’s spirit through Archway before the Super Bowl. Students and staff from Cooper’s Poynt donned their Eagles gear in preparation for Super Bowl LIX weekend. Ms. Shayla, our Archway Art Teacher and a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan, looks a little ruffled, a minor side effect of seeing red! No worries, Ms. Shayla, Birds Rule! Go Birds! E-A-G-L-E-S!

Celebrating Black History Month at Cooper's Poynt

Cooper's Poynt students and staff participated in a Black History Month assembly in February. The Spanish teacher selected two students to read facts about notable historical black figures, highlighting their accomplishments and contributions. They both did a fantastic job with their presentations; we are Archway Proud of them! 

Creative Achievement Academy Honors Gold/Platinum Students with an Ice Cream Social

Creative Achievement Academy celebrated its Gold/Platinum students with an Ice Cream Social. The students enjoyed eating lunch and ice cream with their friends as one big group. Staff offered students Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, and Banana ice cream. Students could also add chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, rainbow jimmies, and whipped cream!

Students at CAA Make Tie-Dye Shirts 

Ms. Kat’s Creative Achievement Academy’s K-2 class learned to make tie-dye shirts. The students used creativity and teamwork to complete the activity. They were proud of their creations and couldn’t wait to wear them to show off their artistic talents! 

Just Kids Programs Students and Staff Celebrate With Creative Projects in January!

In January, Beeler Elementary had a fun-filled month with various creative activities. Students made Christmas cards and played Pictionary on January 8th, crafted Winter Break journals on January 13th, and created Dream Clouds for MLK Day on January 15th. They ended the month with Valentine-inspired slime on January 22nd. Just Kids Albert Bean Elementary worked on a mask project on January 24th, while Parkview Westville celebrated with Valentine's Day crafts and donuts on January 31st. Just Kids Atco Elementary held a show & tell month, and Just Kids Parkview organized kindness cards and board games in their programs.

February Fun and St. Patrick's Day Preparations at Just Kids

Just Kids Beeler Elementary had an exciting February with many fun crafts and activities. In Early February, students enjoy playing with shaving cream, followed later in the week by an exciting activity: decorating and launching marshmallows! The group's St. Patrick's Day preparations kicked off on February 24th with holiday-themed activities, including creating a collection of colorful "pot of gold hangers." Students continued their holiday-themed crafts in late February by adding adorable leprechaun masks to their St. Patty's Day collection. We are sure there are plenty more creative crafts on their horizon! 



Celebrating Christina’s 38th Birthday 

In February, Christina, a resident of our Atco group home, celebrated her 38th birthday. She wanted to bake her own chocolate cake with Reese’s peanut butter chocolate chips. As a finishing touch, she topped it off with bright pink frosting. She spent her special day surrounded by her peers and dined at Applebee’s to celebrate another year. Happy Birthday, Christina! We hope you had a wonderful day and wish you a happy year ahead! 

Jacob Shows off his Dance Moves 

Jacob, a resident of our Atco group home, attended Camden County's disABILITIES dance class. A friendly, stand-out guy, he showed off his dance moves and shared his bright smile with all the other participants. 

Jumbo Jenga and a Cozy February Day Jacob and Christina enjoyed staying indoors and avoiding the cold February weather. The two played a few rounds of Jumbo Jenga, adding their own twist to the game. As Christina built the tower, Jacob was right behind her, knocking it over. It was all good fun, and they both enjoyed the time together.  

Eagles Spirit at the ACT Program 

The Eagle's spirit was running high at the Adult Counseling and Therapy (ACT) Program heading into Super Bowl weekend! Participants wore their favorite Eagle's gear to prepare for the big game and show their support for the Birds. Tashawna is proudly sporting a custom-made Eagles-green tie-dyed hoodie designed by staff member Christina. Christina donated this unique design as a prize for BINGO in honor of the Philadelphia Eagles playing in Super Bowl LIX.  

Winter Fun and Friendship at Archway Respite Care

Archway Respite Care participants enjoyed shared lunches in January and February. When the weather permitted, they enjoyed time outdoors; when it didn't, they enjoyed indoor sports and games. The group celebrated Valentine's Day with special treats. Their time together was filled with creative art projects and games, as the friends enjoyed their time together.

Yasir Shines at Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts During Work Study!

During his Work Study time, Yasir, an Upper School student, kept busy at Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts. Yasir designed a beautiful floral arrangement under the direction of Blue Violet’s Manager, Bonnie. He also prepared the shop for the upcoming holiday, Valentine’s Day, one of the busiest times for flower shops! You’re doing a great job, Yasir, and we are Archway Proud of you!

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!

Rossi Auto Group Celebrates 15th Anniversary of Festival of Trees with Biggest Event Yet!

With the arrival of the new year, Rossi Auto Group, Abilities of Northwest Jersey (Abilities), and Warren County Habitat for Humanity (Warren County Habitat), proudly reflect on the success of their 15th Annual Festival of Trees, held on December 12th, 2024. Guests gathered from near and far to get into the holiday spirit, reconnect with friends and colleagues, and support these transformative organizations in their mission to serve the Warren County community.

For the 15th Anniversary, the Rossi Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram facility was transformed into a winter wonderland. The night began with a wonderful performance from the Abilities Rock Stars. Later in the evening, Santa came to spread some cheer. Over 80 trees were spread throughout, each meticulously decorated with a different theme.

Read More on the Abilities of Northwest Jersey Website

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.