MAINELY OEI

October Newsletter 2025

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As the seasons change and autumn reminds us of the beauty in growth and transition, we are grateful for the opportunity to support and celebrate the independence of the incredible individuals we serve.

This month, we continue our mission to promote growth, recovery, and independence for adults with disabilities—empowering each person to live a life filled with purpose, possibility, and pride.

Inside this issue, you’ll find updates on upcoming events, inspiring stories from our community, and new opportunities to get involved. Together, we’re creating pathways toward greater independence and brighter futures.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support makes all the difference. 💙

Click on the photo above to check out our new Augusta office location!

Rising Stars Therapeutic Farm

🍁 October at the Farm 🍁

October brings a gentle shift at the Therapeutic Farm. The cooler air and changing leaves invite us to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the season. Our animals are more playful in the crisp mornings, and the fields and sensory trails offer peaceful spaces for grounding and connection. This is a month to pause, breathe deeply, and embrace the simple rhythms of autumn all around us.

We welcome you to visit, spend time with the animals, or simply take in the calming atmosphere of the farm this season. 🍂

The Cupcakery Cafe & Bake Shop

🎃👻 Spooky Season Has Arrived! 👻🎃

Our ovens are brewing up all the cozy, creepy, and sweet things you crave this time of year. From pumpkin spice everything to hauntingly cute treats, it’s the perfect excuse to stop by, grab a little fall magic, and treat yourself.

Starfish Greenhouse & Farm Stand

🍁 October in the Garden 🍁

For Maine gardeners, October feels a bit like tucking the garden in for a long winter’s nap. The air turns crisp, the leaves crunch underfoot, and the work we do now carries us forward into spring. It’s the season for planting garlic and bulbs, knowing they’ll rest quietly beneath the soil until warmer days return. Beds get tidied, tools are put away, and tender plants are given a little extra care to help them weather the frost.

There’s a certain comfort in these autumn tasks—each one a reminder that while the garden rests, new life is already waiting just beneath the surface. October is both an ending and a beginning, filled with promise for the blooms and harvests to come.

Out & About in the Community

Team Oxford gathered together to make homemade pizza...

and it was DELICIOUS!!

Sissy's Stay N Play & Spa in Rumford

Golfing pals!



Attending service at Grace Lutheran Church Auburn

Out & about at the 16th annual Dempsey Challenge 2025

It wouldn't be fall in Maine without a trip to the apple orchard

Who's hungry?

Donating food to the Faith Food Pantry in Gardiner



Having fun at The Maine Weinerfest

Hiking Mount David in Lewiston

Getting ready to create acrylic pour paintings!



Enjoying some local trails while the weather is still so beautiful!



Nothing brings people together like good food, laughter, and sunshine!

Welcome New Team Members

Zaina Kiza - Direct Support Professional

Matt Frost - Direct Support Professional

Rachel Lewis - Direct Support Professional

Aneke Gosling - Direct Support Professional

Kelly Prescott-MacFarland - Direct Support Professional

Miski Ali - Direct Support Professional

Carline Kelly - Assistant Barn Manager

Misty Sturtevant - Administrative Assistant

Star of the Month

This month, we are thrilled to celebrate Linsey Latham as our Star of the Month!

Linsey joined OEI in July 2025, and from day one she hit the ground running. She has been an incredible support to her Program Manager and has helped foster a strong, positive team foundation at our Oxford location.

Always full of creativity and enthusiasm, Linsey finds engaging activities for the individuals she supports and is quick to ask, “What can I do next?” Her dedication, energy, and willingness to go above and beyond make her a truly wonderful addition to the OEI family.

We are so grateful for you, Linsey—thank you for all that you do! 💙

Kindness Activity

September Recap:

💙 A Heartfelt Thank You! 💙

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated in last month’s Kindness Activity: First Responders Appreciation.

Together, we toured local stations, delivered homemade baked goods, shared heartfelt cards, and showed our gratitude to the incredible first responders who serve and protect our community every day.

Your kindness, creativity, and enthusiasm made this activity so meaningful—not only to the first responders who received the treats and cards, but also to everyone who witnessed the power of giving back. We are so proud of the compassion and community spirit you brought to this project! Thank you for spreading kindness where it matters most!