Back-to-School Transitions & Fall Traditions |
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Happy fall! It’s that time of year when school-age children and their families are settling back into familiar routines. At the Springtime School, we are excited to be welcoming students back to a more “normal” post-COVID environment. We know that any change in routine can be especially difficult for children with autism. Many were deeply affected by the pandemic, experiencing an increase in behavior issues and lapses in learning. It is our goal to serve as many children as we can with quality intervention. No child should be without the services they need to reach their potential and live a life of value. Yet, to grow our school, IBHS-ABA, and adult programs, we need additional staff. In this issue of our newsletter, you will read about our positive work environment and what it’s like to work at Potential and the Springtime School.
We hope you share it with your friends and family who might know someone looking for a rewarding career helping others. You will also read about one of our biggest events of the year and why it is so important to our organization. The Car Show for Autism has become a fall tradition in Bucks County. It is not only a really fun event, but it also brings greater awareness of autism to our community as the show grows from year to year. The goal, of course, is to grow our program through fundraising and recruitment. We hope you join us!
Sincerely,
Kristine Quinby, President and CEO of Potential
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Your Guide to the Sixth Annual
Car Show for Autism
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Are You Ready?
The 6th Annual Car Show for Autism
Saturday, September 24, 1 to 5 p.m.
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IMPORTANT DATES
Pre-register your vehicle by September 21
We cannot guarantee a spot the day of the event.
Sign up to volunteer by Monday, September 12
DAY OF EVENT SCHEDULE
Vehicle Check-In: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Car Show & Family Activities: 1 to 5 p.m.
Raffle Drawings: Every hour starting at 2 p.m.
Trophy Presentations: 4:30 p.m.
Proceeds from this event support Potential’s efforts to end the waitlist for high-quality autism services in our region. We hope you join us and have a great time!
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THE CAR SHOW FOR AUTISM FEATURES
Music and entertainment
Food trucks and door prizes
Games and raffles including tricky tray, plus hourly 50/50 drawings
Variety of vendors and exhibitors
Touch-a-truck and other activities for kids
Prizes! Trophies will be awarded for Top 25, People’s Choice, Best of Show & President’s Choice, plus a special award for the best representation of autism awareness.
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Bring Your Appetite!
You won't go home hungry with this lineup of food options:
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ATTENTION STUDENTS:
Volunteers Needed
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Volunteering at Potential is a great way to earn service hours, explore your interests and gain new skills while supporting a wonderful organization. And it just feels good to help others.
Right now we are looking for volunteers to help us run a successful car show on September 24th. It’s a fun day with pizza and T-shirts for volunteers!
Visit carshowforautism.org to learn more and sign up. The deadline to volunteer for the car show is today, September 12. However, we need volunteers throughout the year.
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Third Location Now Open
in Philadelphia
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Potential has been working closely with CORA over the last year. Our expanded partnership will allow us to provide IBHS-ABA services to up to six CORA students through a shared vision in a fluid inclusion model. This site fulfills our strategic plan goal of having three locations by 2023, and we hope this can serve as a model program throughout the state.
Sarah Choe will be the BCBA Program Coordinator at this new site. She has been working closely with CORA teachers and staff so that we can begin supporting students at this location soon.
Our recruiting team, which continues to work diligently to hire Behavior Technicians (see below), has expanded its search to staff this new site. Please share this news with anyone you know who might be interested in working at our new site and being part of an exciting model.
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My child is on a long waitlist for autism services. Now what? |
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The growing awareness and prevalence of autism has amplified the need for services. Unfortunately, the availability of quality services has not kept up with the demand. There are many reasons for this, with funding limitations and staffing shortages near the top of the list. Waitlists for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, considered the “gold standard” among treatment options, can be especially long. ABA services provided by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are highly sought after here at Potential and at other ABA providers.
"We suggest that anyone on our waitlist continue to seek options while they are waiting, and we provide them with resources to help them do that,” says Potential President and CEO Kristine Quinby. Waitlists are a reality all over the country; this is not a situation that is unique to us here. Early intervention can make such a difference, and access to the right care. While you wait, please reach out to us for guidance and support, and recommendations for services and resources. Be sure to use this time to get all of your paperwork in order, do your research on insurance coverage and waivers, and seek answers.
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What it’s like to work at Potential
When asked what they like most about working at Potential, employees are quick to respond with words like “supportive,” “collaborative,” “respectful,” “nurturing” and even “fun.” “The work we do is challenging, but it is also uniquely rewarding,” says Kristine Quinby, President and CEO of Potential. “Generally people who enter our profession feel a certain calling to help other people. We give them the tools, the training and the resources to do that. It’s one reason our retention rates are some of the highest in our region in this industry. We work hard to be a ‘best place to work,’ just as we work hard to provide high-quality services to our clients.” Kristine believes that open communication and transparency are key to a successful workplace.
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“ We work hard to be a ‘best place to work,’ just as we work hard to provide high-quality services to our clients."
–Kristine Quinby
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No experience necessary. Tremendous growth potential.
We are always looking for energetic, flexible and, above all else, compassionate individuals who enjoy working with children and want to make a difference in the community. Does that sound like you or someone you know? View our careers page or contact us for more information.
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A Career at Potential
We strive to provide a stable, nurturing, and fun environment that allows our staff to grow personally and professionally through training, supervision, and support, while earning a good living.
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Sophia Heck Discovers the Rewards of Working in ABA |
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Sophia Heck was referred to Potential soon after she received her bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services from Penn State. She knew right away it would be a good fit.
“Potential stands out from other organizations because there is always someone who is available to help and answer your questions. Everyone is so friendly and always wants you to feel supported,” she says.
Sophia always knew that she wanted to work with children, but never considered working with individuals with autism until she got to Potential. This is her first time working in the ABA field, and so far, she absolutely loves it.
“I love that every day is different, and I enjoy watching our clients master their goals and excel in life,” Sophia relays.“ I’m thankful I found the field of ABA and can’t wait to go further in the field.”
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Catch Up with More People of Potential on Social Media
We’ll be featuring new members of our community and staff who are making an impact on the lives of people with autism. Look for #PeopleofPotentialInc on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn on Wednesdays.
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BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES |
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Join us as we recognize these employees for their achievements on their anniversaries. |
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Brittany Wagner
“Brittany is excited to learn more about ABA as she begins her career.”
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Donata Hess
“Donata is a valued and hardworking employee who connects with her clients.”
Kaitlyn McFadden
“Kate works with a variety of clients and always has great ideas.”
Theresa Chancey
“Theresa’s ability to connect with all types of people, along with her excellent work ethic, will take her far.”
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Heather Shiel
“We could not function (the way we do) without Heather’s attention to detail and ability to maintain the schedule of all three of our programs.”
Dayna Scavo
“Dayna’s BCBA skills have helped her work with clients and conduct parent training with all of her families.”
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We wish these team members a very happy birthday this September. Here’s to another year of health and happiness! |
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Mei Chen
Brianna Haines
Grace Alarcon
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Help Us Raise $1,000 In Honor of Dylan Singer |
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Dylan Singer was the first student enrolled at Potential’s Springtime School. He would have been 26 years old this November. Although it’s been several years since he lost his battle with a rare genetic disease, a day doesn’t go by when he isn’t remembered at Potential. Potential has a collection of Disney characters at our Newtown location that had been donated by the Disney store at the Montgomery Mall when it closed. Dylan’s mom, Cindy Singer, has started a match challenge to raise money to refurbish and maintain the figures. She loved the idea of a Disney-themed fundraiser in Dylan’s honor, and pledged up to $1,000 to match donations. Join us in celebrating Dylan’s life.
Help us reach our Match Challenge goal by November 6, Dylan’s birthday.
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At Potential, our vision is to create a world where every person with autism can live a successful life of value. Achieving that goal doesn’t happen easily or overnight. Helping adults and children with autism gain the skills they need to learn and succeed requires hard work, evidence-based treatments, and a committed support network. Since our founding in 2006, Potential has set itself apart by providing all these things and more.
Potential has more than 200 children on its waitlist. With your support, we can hire the staff we need to provide the services and personalized programs that help children and adults with autism realize their full potential.
Help us end the waitlist.
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