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STRIVE News & Updates
July 1st, 2023
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Image Description (ID): "We're Hiring!" flyer with position and contact information and 3 photos of staff working with STRIVE participants. | |
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Are you, or someone you know in the market for a new job?
We're hiring for a number of positions!
We have full time, part time, and per diem opportunities available- including weekdays, evenings, and weekends!
We are also offering a $1,750 sign on bonus (after 30 days of successful employment) plus an additional $250 bonus for those that are already DSP or MHRT certified!
Click Here to browse our open positions!
If you have questions about our current openings, contact Jennifer Boucher at jboucher@pslstrive.orgor at 207-879-0847.
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Here's what's happening in our programs! | |
On June 24th the STRIVE U Class of 2023 Graduated! We are so proud of all their accomplishments and achievements over the past two years. We look forward to seeing them all thrive in the years to come. On June 25th we welcomed the STRIVE U class of 2025! They are starting to get settled into their apartments and campus living. They have a busy 2 week orientation to learn more about STRIVE U and their new community. | |
ID: 4 STRIVE U graduates. They are in blue caps and gowns and are grouped together outside. | |
ID: STRIVE U students grouped together outside. They are smiling. There is a basketball hoop and green trees behind them. | |
STRIVE U is a comprehensive two-year residential, post-secondary educational opportunity for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To learn more about the program, schedule a tour, or get an application, please contact admissions@pslstrive.org or call (207) 774.6278. | |
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SWW Tries New Time Slot!
We asked, you shared, we made changes! We received feedback that our morning class time didn’t work for a lot of people, so we’re trying something new! With our course that started 6/26, we’re trying out the 1pm time slot with a brand new course: Healthy Relationships! Previously, we’ve had a Social Skills and Healthy Relationships course, but decided that each of those topics could stand on their own and deserved their own course. Catch our new social skills course: Unwritten Rules: Social Skills Decoded in our 1pm time slot starting 8/7! Our 7pm time slot is a classic and will remain untouched.
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ID: A variety of illustrated clocks and watches all showing 1:00 which is the SWW new class time. | |
STRIVE WorldWIDE is STRIVE's online program that teaching independent living skills. For more information about STRIVE WorldWIDE, contact Dr. Anne Ryan at Aryan@pslstrive.org or at
207-879-0847.
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Our returning TOPS students wrapped up programming early this month, allowing for our staff to plan and prepare for our Extended School Year (ESY) Program. ESY is a summer option for returning and new students. In this 6-week program, our students explore personal and community safety, get to know one another and practice decision making. Our students gain exposure to new activities and spend time enjoying the summer together. | | |
ID: TOPS student washing their hands at a kitchen sink. They are looking at the camera and wearing a face mask. There are multiple items on the kitchen counter as well as an over in the background. | |
ID: TOPS student working on a kitchen counter. He is spraying the insdie of a black pan, wearing a pink shirt and has sunglasses on the top of his head. | |
ID: 3 TOPS students stiing at a table in a restuarant. One is drinking from a cup while the other two are looking at the camera and smiling. | |
Interested in TOPS? TOPS (Transition Outcomes Program for Students) provides transition programming for high school students from area school districts who are typically 18 years and older. For more information, please contact Ryanne Desjardins, rdesjardins@pslstrive.org or by phone at 207-879-0847. | |
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This month we have been trying to make the most of our sunny days by taking walks into Portland to explore new businesses, spending time at the Eastern Promenade, and playing basketball at the park. A favorite Adventure Day this month was getting ice cream and skipping rocks at Kettle Cove Beach. Participants are planning a picnic at Mackworth Island for their next Adventure Day.
Although this month has been rainy, we have had a lot to be cheery about! Most importantly, Arianna graduated from the Bayside program! We celebrated her by going bowling- one of our favorite outings, playing cornhole, and having homemade pizza with cake for dessert! Arianna will be going on to STRIVE U and we are so excited for her as she starts her new adventure. Congratulations Arianna!
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ID: Group of Bayside participants outside and smiling. Behing them are green trees, a rock wall, and brick building. | |
ID: Group of Bayside participants and staff standing together and smiling. There are at the bowling alley. There are lanes behind them and two participants are holding bowling pins. | |
ID: Bayside participate standing at a counter and smiling. She is holding a cake the says "congratulations". | |
ID: Group of Bayside participants sitting at a blue circular picnic table with a red umbreally that sasys "Coca-Cola". They are smiling and are showing cones/bowls of ice cream. | |
STRIVE Bayside is a unique community supports program that is dedicated to exploring and increasing independence. Some of the goals we work on are grocery shopping, budgeting, cleaning, navigating the community, cooking and social skills. We run five days a week, Monday through Friday and have two daily sessions, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. We operate out of an apartment in down town Portland to simulate actual apartment living. If you would like more information about our program, or to schedule a tour please contact Kim O'Connor at koconnor@pslstrive.org.
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ACTIVE: This month we took an extended day to Peaks Island! There, we went to the Fifth Maine Museum, the Richard Boyd Art Gallery, and the Umbrella Cover Museum. We learned lots about the history of Maine and different Maine artists. We spent time walking around and enjoying the sunshine. We also got to have a group picnic by the water and we relaxed on the beach. A big thank you to all of the wonderful tour guides we met on our trip. We can’t wait to go back!
WAVES: This month we finished up some awesome artwork at STRIVE Studios. We worked on making ceramic dishes and paper mache turtles. Going to STRIVE Studios gives us great opportunity to get creative and to try new things. At STRIVE Studios we draw, paint, work with clay, make music and instruments, print make, and more! You can view our artwork at the Riverton Library Art Show were it is currently on display.
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ID: participant and staff using paper mache to make turtles | |
ID: staff and participants on the beach at Peaks Island | |
This past month, STRIVE Studios celebrated its first art show, while continuing to work on various projects and gain inspiration from being out in the community. We started off the month by going to the Riverton Public Library to hang our artwork, which is on view until July 5th. It was a proud moment to see everything up for the community to see. Additionally, we also toured Running With Scissors art studios and checked out outdoor animal sculptures in Portland. Our groups are always growing their skills, especially in ceramics, and are learning new techniques like recording their own sounds for creating music. | |
ID: STRIVE Studios participant hanging artwork at the Library show. There are shelves with books below him. | |
ID: STRIVE Studios participants grouped together and smiling. They are standing at the library art show. Artwork is behind them as well as shelves with books. | |
ID: STRIVE Studios participant painting. There are paint brushes and a colorful table cloth in front of her. | |
ID: 2 STRIVE Studios participants sitting outside. They are together on a large sculpture. There is green grass and a blue sky behind them. | |
For more information on PSL Services/STRIVE's Community Support Day Programs, ACTIVE, WAVES, and STRIVE Studios, please contact Community Support Program Director, Veerle Pottie, at vpottie@pslstrive.org. | |
Wednesday Night Educational Series | In July, Wednesday Night Ed will be talking all about personal hygiene! In this series we will discuss the importance of personal hygiene, hygiene basics, and reminders and summer hygiene! Wednesday Night Ed meets in person at Foden Road on Wednesdays from 6-8pm! | ID: blue background with bubbles and program information | The Wednesday Night Educational Series is held every Wednesday in person for participants 15-24 years old. Series are between 4 and 8 weeks and topics vary from month to month! The price per series is $30-$40, depending on the series' length. For more information or for your link to join class, contact Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org. | | |
Camp STRIVE had their first week of camp last week! Our week consisted of lots of games, crafts, and traveling to our favorite spots around Portland! Campers got to visit Fort Williams and go head-to-head in a photography scavenger hunt, hang out at Bug Light, and spend some time in the sun at Deering Oaks! We can't wait to see what fun the rest of the summer brings! | |
ID: four campers outside playing with giant Jenga blocks | |  |
ID: one camper smiling and holding his science experiement of shaving cream and food coloring | | |
ID: four campers standing outside | | |
ID: campers and counselor sitting at a picnic table | | |
Camp STRIVE is a day-camp experience for campers between the ages of 11-24. Camp STRIVE is held every school vacation (February, April, and the day before Thanksgiving) as well as for the full summer. For more information about Camp STRIVE, contact Alex Woodhouse at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org. | | |
Tweens is excited to continue offering fun summer programming! Tweens is free and will meet every Friday in July from 3:30-5:30. We have some summer science experiments, tasty treats, a field day and karaoke planned for July! Hope to see you there! | ID: the top half of the background is blue with white stars and the bottom half is red with white stripes. There is a large white rectangle in the center with program information. |
Tweens is a safe and fun environment to build new friendships and learn new skills for folks 11-14 years old. We run every Friday from 3:30-5:30pm. We have a scheduled activity each week, with free time built in to maximize socialization. For more information about STRIVE Tweens, contact Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org. | | |
In June, STRIVE Night hosted a prom! We danced the night away and came dressed to impress! We had a pasta dinner and showed off our best dance moves on the dance floor! Also, congratulations to our Royal Prom Court - Kerrigan, Jakob, and Tianna - who were voted for by their STRIVE Night peers! | |
ID: Two participants standing in front of a wall of lights and stars. They are wearing dresss. | |
ID: Two participants wearing blue dresses standing next to each other. | |
ID: Three members of the Royal Prom Court wearing crowns and standing in front of a wall of lights and stars | |
ID: Participants dancing in the teen center at STRIVE | | |
ID: Participants sitting at a table with a gold tablecloth and eating dinner. | | |
STRIVE Night will also meet every Friday in July! We're excited for another fun month of socials! Stay tuned for more information about our July theme night - coming soon! | |
ID: white back with gold outlined rectangle. There are gold stars in the top right and bottom left. In the bottom left are a blue, red, and gold sparkler. In the top right are gold fireworks. Program information is in the center. | Friday Nights at STRIVE, fondly referred to as "STRIVE Night," is a relaxed but fun evening of socialization for 15-24 year olds. New members are always welcome, and your first night is free! STRIVE Night is Friday from 6-9pm, with at least one special "theme" night happening each month. For more information, contact Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org. | | |
STRIVE 25 is excited to continue a fun summer of socials! Our next two meet ups will be Thursday July 6th and Thursday August 3rd! Both will be from 6-8pm at 28 Foden Road! We hope you'll join us for fun times and delicious food! | ID: white background with program information in the center. There are green leaves and red, white, orange, and yellow flowers areound the outside. | STRIVE 25 is a social event for folks 25 and older. It currently runs in-person on the first Thursday of every month from 6-8pm For more information on STRIVE 25, contact Whitney at wwildes@pslstrive.org or Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org! | | |
The STRIVECast team had another great month and had the opportunity to talk to some amazing guests! We got to talk to twins Nola and Nora, Jeanie Campbell - Master Gardener, and Steve Thomas - Executive Director of the Southern Maine Chapter of the American Red Cross! We also played some fun games as a STRIVECast family! We hope you enjoyed listening to these conversations as much as we enjoyed having them! Do you have a guest idea for an upcoming show? Let us know! | ID: screenshot of a STRIVECast Zoom recording. There are the six member of the STRIVECast team and two guests. |
The STRIVECast is a podcast brought to you by the team at PSL Services/STRIVE in South Portland, Maine — bringing you engaging, hilarious, and thoughtful conversation through one interview week by week. Co-Hosted by two young men with Down Syndrome, the STRIVECast aims to change the voices we typically hear on the radio and through podcasts, as well as to provide meaningful dialogues with all sorts of public figures in our world. We are very proud to be both hosted, produced AND edited by people with disabilities! Like what you hear? Shoot us an email at strivecast@pslstrive.org!
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Thank you to our June Donors! | |
- Samantha Leavitt
- Barry Dunlap- In Honor of Caleb Dunlap
- Kevin and Lea Foley- In Memory of Florence Johnson
- Steven and Michelle Sirois
....and a huge thank you to everyone who has donated to STRIVE's Beach to Beacon runners!
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Image Description (ID): white background with a circle of colored flowers in the middle. Text in the middle reads "Thank You". | |
Thank you for your generous support of STRIVE!
With your support, we are able to continue our work each and every day.
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Happy Birthday to our STRIVE members with a birthday in July! | |
Image Description (ID): Black background with three cupcakes in the middle. Icing on the cupcakes is blue, yellow, and pink. On top of the cupcakes are lit candles that read "Happy Birthday." | |
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Richard James Smith
Taylor Googins
Joanne Haibon
Carter Harnden
Nate Murray
Gabby Sloan
Darren Ingraham
Patrick Taylor
Olivia Lauren Sailor
Karrina Darling
Jakob McDonough
Nathan Ickes-Coon
Jack Christensen
Camden Ryan
Brady Fitzgerald
Kaj Ovady
Georgia LeBlanc
Brooke Dempsey
Sawyer Marston
Julia Cofone
Nolan Dorrance
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This month we wanted to spotlight our four STRIVE U graduates - Hannah, Matt, Isaac, and Hassen! We are so proud of all your hard work and can’t wait to see what you do in the future! Please join us in celebrating and congratulating our graduates on their accomplishments!
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ID: four STRIVE U graduates standing outside wearing caps and gowns. Each graduate has one of their hands on their cap. | |
ID: photo of staff spotlight, Ryanne. | |
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Meet Ryanne! Ryanne is our Transitional Services Director and will be overseeing our TOPS and STRIVE U programs. Ryanne says "I’m excited to watch students at both STRIVE U and TOPS progress over time. I feel so grateful to come in with a new class at both programs and seeing the teams at both sites is inspiring because of the level of care and dedication the staff possess. I'm just so excited to be apart of it!" Thanks, Ryanne, we're grateful to have you!
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Community Members Wanted!
Did you know that STRIVE hosts a monthly, free, networking group for those in our local community? The STRIVE Business to Business Networking Group is just one way that we try to be a mutually beneficial partner, with the hope of expanding the networks of our partners and local businesses.
We are looking to grow! The group meets at noon on the last Wednesday of each month (right now we are meeting virtually). Are you or someone you know interested in joining? Contact Pete (pbrown@pslstrive.org) or Whitney (wwildes@pslstrive.org) for more information about the group and your link to join!
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Image Description (ID): gray background with a dark blue border. The STRIVE logo is in the top right. Text is in black and reads "business to business networking group." | |
STRIVE Shop
Don't forget, STRIVE has an updated store! We've launched an online store to purchase all your STRIVE swag needs! Take a look at all the shop has to offer HERE! There are so many items to choose from AND you can customize any item by choosing the color and STRIVE logo that you want. Happy shopping!
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Image Description (ID): white background with two rows of swag. Top row from left to right is a gray backpack with the STRIVE WorldWIDE logo, a black mug with the STRIVECast logo, a white t-shirt with the STRIVE logo, and a blue baseball hat with a STRIVE U logo. Bottom row from left to right is a blue tote bag with a PSL Services/STRIVE log, a gray sweatshirt with a STRIVE U logo, and a white travel mug with a STRIVE logo. | |
Has your mailing address changes recently?
Have a new mailing address to add?
Have questions or comments about any of our programs and events?
New members: You will be asked to complete an updated information form upon your arrival to Tweens, STRIVE Night or STRIVE 25. Want to get a head start? Visit https://www.pslstrive.org/membershipform to submit your membership form today!
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Be sure to follow us on social media! | | | | |
