Congratulations, STRIVE U Class of 2018!
On Saturday, June 23rd, STRIVE U held it's annual graduation ceremony, and celebrated it's newest class of alumni students! The morning was full of smiles (and some tears!) as we celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2018. We heard a speech from each student and various STRIVE staff. We also heard speeches from community partners Brad Morrison of Have Chef Will Travel Catering, and Portland City Manager John Jennings, who accepted Honorary Degrees. We are very proud of all of the graduates, who have each moved into their own apartments in Portland. Congratulations on your big accomplishment- we hope you'll come visit us soon!
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Bayside
During the month of June, Bayside participants continued with their goals, and some of our participants got prepared for their transition to Strive U! While at Bayside, the participants focus on various goals, a few being: navigating the community, bussing, cooking, menu planning, exercising, and cleaning the apartment. To get ready for their transition to Strive U, a few participants grouped up and started creating meals together so they could hone in on their skills and have more one-on-one support in the kitchen. Our program generally goes for two years, but participants are able to leave as they see fit, especially when an opportunity like Strive U comes up! On June 22nd, Bayside participants have been invited to join us at program for an all day party to celebrate the participants who are moving on to Strive U! In the morning, we plan to play games and enjoy the nice weather at Deering Oaks Park, followed by a party with friends and family. We are all looking forward to the ice cream sundae bar. In the afternoon, we'll be headed to play some laser tag and arcade games at Spare Time! If you happen to see any of our soon-to-be Strive U students (Matt, Siobhan, Ashley, and Lucas) congratulate them on their hard work!
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, 9:00-1:00and 1:00- 5:00. We offer full time (Monday- Friday) and part time (Tuesday, Thursday -or- Monday, Wednesday, Friday) options. 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: Caroline Cole at 774-6278 or ccole@pslstrive.org.
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TOPS
This month, our TOPS graduates were seen throughout different PSL programs as they settled into their new adult lives! Seven out of our ten 2018 graduates are currently enrolled in either PSL's Active or Bayside programs. Along with the graduates, the remaining TOPS students were in the building each morning as they wrapped up the school year.
Our small group was able to individualize the activities and provide fun and rewarding group trips! The students practiced their shopping skills, worked on finding new cafés and went for a few walks on classic Maine trails. One student researched, budgeted and advocated for a trip to the nail salon. Learning these unique community-based skills was a great way to end the year!
STRIVE TOPS serves students from school districts who are in their 13th or 14th year of school through an experiential, transition-focused curriculum. Students are recommended for the program through their IEP process. If you have questions, would like more information or to schedule a meeting regarding TOPS,
please contact Betsy Morrison at (207)774-6278 or
bmorrison@pslstrive.org
.
PS- A GIANT congratulations to TOPS Lead Teacher Kelly Frey on the birth of her baby boy! Baby Liam was born on June 24th, at 8 lbs 9 oz and 20 inches long. Both mama and baby are happy and healthy at home! We'll miss you over the summer Kelly, and can't wait to see you and Liam soon!
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Next Step
In Next STEP we STRIVE for healthy cooking, so the summer Farmer's Market in Portland is a great option to get fresh fruits and vegetables for our cooking group on Fridays. When shopping at the Farmer's Market, we get to make healthy meals with the freshest ingredients. It gives us a good opportunity to learn how to cost compare between the grocery store and the market to see where we can get a better deal, and compare the quality of the products as well. In addition, Next STEP practices our navigational skills by utilizing the Metro bus system to go to downtown Portland for the Farmer's Market on Wednesdays.
Next STEP has been enjoying our summer! Next STEP took advantage of free admission on Flag Day and went to the Portland Observatory, where we got to take a tour and learn about the history of Portland. We made it all the way to the top and were able to look out and see all the boats that where coming into the harbor, the entire peninsula of Portland and over into South Portland.
Next STEP is a great option offering quality curriculum for those who are on a waiting list for other services, in combination with other services or for those who may not qualify for other services. Please contact Betsy Morrison at bmorrison@pslstrive.org or 207-774-6278 if you would like more information regarding Next STEP or would like to schedule a tour. Part-time and full-time options are available.
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STRIVE 25
STRIVE 25 had an AMAZING talent show last week, that kept all the participants on their feet all evening! We had some great musical performances, stand-up comedy sets, and even some impressions! Congratulations to our first-place winners, who did their famous rendition of Grease Lightning. Next month's STRIVE 25 will be held on
August 2nd. See you then!
STRIVE 25 is a social event for people ages 25 and older. We run the first Thursday of every month from 6-8pm. The cost is $10 and includes dinner, and anyone 25 and older is welcome! Please contact Caroline Cole at ccole@pslstrive.org (or at 207-774-6278) with any questions or for more information.
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STRIVE U
This month, STRIVE U welcomes the class of 2020! Following move-in day, the incoming STRIVE U class will have two weeks of orientation as they learn all about STRIVE U. During the orientation, the first year students will be introduced to what their next two years at STRIVE U will be like. This includes learning about residential life on campus and touring local areas in their community. They even are able to enjoy some fun field trips! Some of the field trips will include viewing a Seadogs baseball game at Hadlock field, riding the ferry to Peaks Island, touring Casco Bay and Portland on a duck boat tour and learning about catching lobsters on a Lucky Catch Cruise! It will be a busy and fun-filled two weeks!
STRIVE
U is a comprehensive two-year residential, post-secondary educational opportunity. To learn more about the program, schedule a tour or get an application, please contact Bill Hughes,
STRIVE
U Admissions Coordinator at
bhughes@pslstrive.org
or call
(207) 774-6278
.
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STRIVE Night
It's been an exciting few months at STRIVE Night! In May, 2 volunteers from Cape Elizabeth High School helped plan, organize and put on our luau theme night! It was a great night with tropical snacks and Hawaiian crafts. It felt like we were in paradise!
In May, we also held our STRIVE Night Advisory Board Elections. Potential Board Members prepared and recited speeches during one of our STRIVE Nights and then all STRIVE Night members in attendance voted. Congratulations to all of our newly elected board members; Bridget P., Mary G., LeeAnn B., Emily M., as well as our returning members; Consta G., Emma C. and Caleb D.!
We are looking forward to some upcoming STRIVE nights, including our 4th of July Bash! This will be held on Friday, July 6th. See you there!
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 welcome, and your first night is free!
STRIVE Night is every Friday from
6-9pm. For more information, contact Olivia at
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Tweens
Tweens had a busy month of June! We learned how to make chocolate covered Strawberries from Chef Brad, made tie dye t-shirts, met an amazing therapy dog named Briggs, and learned all about bees & honey from The Honey Exchange!
This month, we're looking forward to the Children's Musem coming to visit us, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra visiting as well! For the full July Tweens schedule, and for more info, contact Alex at abroyles@pslstrive.org.
Tweens is a safe and fun environment to build new skills and friendships for 11-14 year olds with developmental disabilities. For more information, contact Alex at
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Wednesday Night Educational Series
Our Culinary Creations Series was a big success! We learned all about cooking various types of meals, food safety, knife skills and more. With a smaller group this month we were able to really get in depth with each student and hone in on the skills they were most wanting to learn. We had a great time cooking haddock, tacos, pizza and more!
This month will be dedicated to learning all about The Great Outdoors! If you're interested in learning more about outdoor and camping skills and joining our class, contact Alex at abroyles@pslstrive.org!
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Camp STRIVE
Camp STRIVE just finished our first two weeks of summer camp! Our new counselors Tori, Haley and Ashley, have a fun summer in store. We will be doing everything from arts and crafts, sports, and beach trips to visiting some of Maine's most popular summer festivals like the Yarmouth Clam Festival and the Great Falls Balloon Festival. For a full summer schedule or to sign your camper up, contact Olivia at ofraioli@pslstrive.org!
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Happy Birthday to the following STRIVE Members!
We hope you have a great day!
Camden Ryan
Nathan Murray
Carter Harnden
Dan Pietroskil
Tyler Carr
Gabrielle Sloan
Brady Fitzgerald
Jack Christansen
Nolan Dorrance
Darren Ingraham
Kaj Ovady
Wellyn Pinkerton
Patrick Taylor
Jack Prato
Matthew Poland
Olivia Lauren Sailor
Elena Johnson
Jakob McDonough
Taylor Googins
Gavin Ingle
Kiki Darling
Joanne Haibon
James Belanger
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Thank You to Our Donors
Paul & Deborah Bickford
Wendy Russell
James & Andrea Sinclair
Donald Chaisson & Mona Myer
Michael & Lynn Spadinger
Mary Barthelman - In Memory of Robert DiBiase
David & Sharon Michaud
Barry Dunlap - In Honor of Caleb Dunlap
Susan Comyms
Charles & Julianna Myers
Lee & Wendy Anderson - In Memory of Peter Jannace
Reva Korim Castaline - In Memory of Peter Jannace
Nicholas & Pauline Lavorgna - In Memory of Peter Jannace
Joyce & Michael Albanese - In Memory of Peter Jannace
Robert & Katherine Tibbetts - In Memory of Peter Jannace
Anne Smith - In Memory of Peter Jannace
William & Patricia Conley - In Memory of Robert DiBiase
Jane Robinson - In Memory of Robert DiBiase
Allan McHale
Laura & Kathy Son
YMCA of Southern Maine - In Memory of Peter Jannace
June & Robert Doughty
Anne Owens - In Memory of Peter Jannace
Marion & Cynthia Pawlek - In Memory of Peter Jannace
V.I.P. Tour & Charter Bus Co.
Eric Wright & Roberta Lipsman
Lori & Peter Sanville
Lisa Gorman
Robert & Elaine Flanagan - In Memory of Peter Jannace
Phillip & Barbara Brown - In Memory of Peter Jannace
James & Elizabeth Full - In Memory of Peter Jannace
Diane & Paul Sullivan - In Memory of Peter Jannace
Dorothy Jannace - In Memory of Peter Jannace
Jennifer & John Pulvino
Eleanor & Robert Doane - In Memory of Peter Jannace
Michael & Darlene LaFrance - In Memory of Peter Jannace
Lana & Norman Sawyer
Cape Elizabeth National Honor Society
Thank you for your generous support of STRIVE!
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General Announcements
-We are looking for volunteers! If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering in our programs or in our upcoming events, please contact Whitney at wwildes@pslstrive.org!
SAVE THE DATE!
STRIVE 25- August 2nd, 2018
Camp STRIVE- Now through August 31st
Kevin On The Roof- September 1st, 2018
Foden Road 5K Road Race- September 8th, 2018
STRIVE Auction- October 24th, 2018
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