PSL Services / STRIVE Newsletter



September 1st, 2018
Kevin On The Roof

Kevin begins his rooftop 'acsent' Saturday, September 1st! Stop by Patriot Subaru in Saco to say hi! Last year, Kevin was on the roof for one full week, raising over $38,000. Kevin's 2018 goal is to raise $40,000 for STRIVE! How long do you think it will take him?  
 
Remember- you can check in on Kevin by using our Kevin Cam! Visit www.helpkevinhelpstrive.org  to see Kevin 24/7 once he's up! 

Be sure to follow the Kevin on the Roof  Facebook page
 to be kept up to date with important information leading up to the event and while we're at Patriot Subaru! 

There are many ways to donate to Kevin's efforts! Text KEVIN to 71777 to donate from your phone, visit www.helpkevinhelpstrive.org to donate online or visit Kevin and the STRIVE team at Patriot to donate in person! 

We have some exciting entertainment packages for those that donate $50 and $100!
 
$50 Package
1 free slice card from Otto's 
 1 voucher for a free 6 inch Subway sandwich 
1 voucher for a free 20oz. iced/hot beverage from Aroma Joes
1 ticket voucher for the Portland Sea Dogs, valid during the 2019 season 
 
$100 Package
ALL OF THE ABOVE PLUS
1 voucher for Funtown, valid in the 2019 season
1 ticket voucher for the Maine Mariners, valid during the 2018-2019 regular season 
 
ALSO! Your $10, $25 or $50 donation gives you the chance to win some exciting raffle prizes!
 
$200 Gift Card to Kittery Trading Post
$1,000 Gift Card to Irving 
2 tickets to the Boston Red Sox (vs. New York Mets) 09/16
2 tickets to the New England Patriots (vs. New York Jets) 12/30


Kick Off Party!
 
You're invited! Join Kevin and the STRIVE team at Patriot Subaru, September 1st from 4-7pm for a Kick Off Party for Kevin! Come hungry! We'll have a free BBQ and other fun (and maybe some surprise guests?) all in an effort to get a big crowd to wish Kevin luck before his first full night on the roof.



Our friend's at the new Otto's in Saco will also be helping us with the event! All week, they'll be running a special pizza- 
"The Kevin": meatball, ricotta and bacon- with 50% of sales of the pie going to Kevin. 
 
Otto's Saco location will also be holding a fundraiser (find more information here) on Tuesday (09/04) from 5-9pm with some of the proceeds going to Kevin



STRIVE For 5K - Foden Road 5K Road Race & Block Party!



STRIVE for 5: Foden Road 5K and Block Party is just around the corner! Have you started your training? This year's race takes place Saturday, September 8th. The race kicks off with a Kids Fun Run at 8am and the 5K Run/Walk follows at 8:30am. Visit  our race site to register online or pick up a registration form at STRIVE. Don't forget to join us after the race for the Foden Road Networking Group's Block Party for fun, games, prizes, food, music and much more! The race and block party are rain or shine events, so keep your fingers crossed for some nice weather! 

Check out this year's STRIVE for 5's Block Party Sponsors and Booths: 
 
AC Hotel Portland Downtown/Waterfront 
Aramark: Coffee
Aroma Joe's Coffee
Edward Jones: Raffle
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Maine: Prize Wheel
GWI: Roku Raffle 
Hampton Inn-Portland Int'l Jetport: Temporary Tattoos 
Hannaford Supermarkets: Water, granola bars and yogurt
Innate Family Chiropractic: Computerized nerve scans and a massage raffle
InterMed, P.A.: Medical Tent
Liberty Mutual Insurance: Duck kiddie pool game 
Macaroni Kid Maine - Portland, Westbrook, Windham: Hula hooping, hop-scotch and bowling 
Maine Mariners Hockey
New Gen Hospitality Management, LLC: Dunk Tank
Ocean Properties Hotels Resorts and Affiliates: Photobooth 
ON Semiconductor
Orangetheory Fitness Portland - South
Patriot Subaru
Prime360: Free assessments and raffle
Priority Learning: Goody giveaways
Purdue University Global Maine: Fish cup ball toss
Redhead Audio Productions
Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront: Slime Table 
Siesta Sanctuary: Parrots 
STRIVE: Balloon Animals
Texas Instruments: Popcorn, Giant Jenga and Giant Connect 4
Uno Pizzeria & Grill: Cornhole
UPS: Snocones
 
A huge thank you to Coast 93.1 and Yelp Maine for helping us spread the word about the event!
 



Not interested in running? We're in need of volunteers for all aspects of the event (including Block Party set-up, registration, course set up/flagging/water stops and support at the Block Party)! Contact Whitney at [email protected] to be put on the volunteer list!

Bayside

This past month at Bayside, the participants have been working on new life management skills in learning group and how to put those skills into practice in everyday life. We began with time management by practicing how to tell time off an analogue clock and discussed the importance of being able to read "old fashion" clocks as well as digital. We learned how to subtract and add different times on a clock to figure out time difference to help manage our schedules during the day. After the participants felt comfortable with their time management skills, we transitioned to our current topic of stress management. We started off with a short discussion on good and bad stress and how to tell the difference. We then talked about the types of stressors we typically see each day and came up with examples. We used those examples to then determine a healthy and unhealthy reaction for each situation to show how we should react when facing stressful scenarios. The participants did very well at expressing themselves during these activities and we learned a lot about each other's stresses helping everyone connect more.
   
Our participants were lucky enough to start off the month with a trip to the Sea Dogs where we were provided with a full meal and great seats for a double header! We are still continuing to make new weekly goals for the participants to achieve outside of program. Each member comes up with new personal goals they wish to work towards and we check in each day to see how they are progressing. This week's goals include social and health related goals such as drinking more water, eating less sugar, drinking less coffee, exercising more, meeting new people, reading three times a week, and exercising more. We have had a great month at Bayside and continue to see amazing things from our participants each day! We look forward to another productive month next month and cannot wait to see what our participants will accomplish!




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 [email protected]
TOPS


TOPS concluded our 6-week Extended School Year program in August. The summer session is designed to support students to maintain previously developed skills during the summer as well as provide an opportunity to review transitional topics that will be further discussed throughout the year. This summer, our students worked on transportation skills, health and  wellness, grocery shopping and budgeting and community participation. It was a great combination of skill maintenance and fun!

TOPS begins full time on August 29th with the typical Monday through Friday schedule. Students attend based on their respective school district's calendar. We are excited to begin our fourth year of the program!

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 [email protected] .  

Emerge 

The three week Extended School Year Program of Emerge has concluded it was an exciting first year of the program. The time together went by very quickly!
 
During the three weeks, the students had a multitude of experiences where they discussed social situations and settings and then put those discussions into practice within the community. Lessons and practical experiences focused on skills and experiences related to team building, community safety, internet skills, peer conflict and practicing appropriate feedback and response. Additionally, the third week of the program was all about social interactions within the community. Experiences included going to the airport, participating in an obstacle course facilitated by a certified trainer and culminating the week and the program by working with another peer to decide upon a dessert to share at UNO's and going together to enjoy the dessert and the company. This activity, in particular, offered an opportunity for compromise and practicing negotiation skills and we were impressed with how respectful the students were in navigating this process with one another.


 
Emerge is a collaborative Extended School Year (ESY) program between area school districts and STRIVE designed to target social/emotional skills as well as executive functioning skills for middle and high school students. The goal of Emerge is to provide an opportunity to maintain social skills over the summer. In the near future, we will be providing an opportunity for feedback from participating students, teachers and parents regarding the program and its impact on students.
 
Please contact Betsy Morrison at 207-774-6278 or [email protected] for more information.


Next Step

An important emphasis in Next STEP is the social opportunities that the program offers to its participants. Helping new participants to feel welcome is a skill that is encouraged whenever there is a new member to the group.

One of the ways that participants have welcomed new members recently has been to teach them something that they like to do in their spare time. A recent example of that is when a seasoned participant welcomed a new Next STEPper by showing him how to make a friendship bracelet.



Another example of Next STEP providing social opportunities occurred when two participants shared their birthday celebrations outside of the program by going to Funtown together. Establishing friendships that continue outside of the program is the ultimate goal and it's great when we hear that is happening!




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 [email protected] 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.
 
STRIVE 25

September's STRIVE 25 is all about karaoke! Join us Thursday, September 6th from 6-8 at STRIVE for a karaoke party! Bring your favorite song or duet partner- it should be a rockin' good time! 

 

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 [email protected] (or at 207-774-6278) with any questions or for more information.

STRIVE U
 
 
The STRIVE U Students have had a fun-filled summer! In addition to beginning classes and learning about how to live independently on campus, they have been planning several trips to various spectacular summer spots. Recently, the students took their annual trip to Funtown Splashtown in Saco, Maine. This is a trip that both current STRIVE U students and alumni are encouraged to join. The students also plan to attend the Purdue University Global 4th annual Student and Alumni Outing at the Maine Wildlife Park. They will be able to explore all the attractions at the park, participate in a scavenger hunt, and enjoy food from a local food truck.

Recently, the students toured the Purdue University Global campus in Lewiston, Maine. They were shown the offices, classrooms and student center. While the students were there, they also completed mock interviews that were filmed in front of the green screen. The students were able to watch themselves being interviewed afterwards. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to strengthen their interview skills for employment opportunities.

           

STRIVE U has some exciting upcoming events scheduled for September. The STRIVE U Family & Friends BBQ is Saturday, September 29th 2018 from 12 pm -2 pm at Foden Road. This event is for the family and friends of the current students to come and celebrate their successes at the program so far. The STRIVE U Open House is Sunday, September 30th 2018 from 10 am - 2 pm. This is an opportunity for prospective students and their families to tour campus and attain information about the program.



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  [email protected]  or call 

STRIVE Night



STRIVE Night had a great month of August, full dancing and fun and games! This month's theme night was "Baseball". It felt like we were at an actual ballgame- We had baseball decorations and snacks and also rooted for the Red Sox! GO SOX!

Our new advisory board members are also working hard a planning our next theme nights. Keep your eye out on STRIVE's website and facebook page for what September's theme will be! 

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 

Welcome Emily! 

Have you met our new Jesuit Volunteer, Emily, yet? Emily has traveled all the way from Virginia to spend the year with us at STRIVE! Emily is our Special Projects Coordinator and helps with our Wednesday Night Educational Series, Tweens program, Aktion Club and our STRIVE events. The next time you're at STRIVE, come say hi to Emily!  

Tweens

During September we have many fun performers coming to perform at Tweens! We are excited to announce that participants will get to learn how to do yoga, hear a fascinating talk from a wildlife specialist, watch professionals show off their hula hoop skills, and to watch hula dancers dance to tropical music! Can't wait to see you all there then!


                       
                  
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 Emily at [email protected].


Wednesday Night E ducational Series

After taking the month of August off, STRIVE's Wednesday Night Educational Series is back! This month's course is Money Management. Each Wednesday in September, friends from Norway Savings Bank will teach us about saving strategies, budgeting and other banking activities. 



The Wednesday Night Educational Series is held every Wednesday at STRIVE for participants 11-24. Series are between 4 and 8 weeks and topics vary from month to month. For more information about the program or to sign up, contact Emily at [email protected]



Action Club

Aktion Club hosted their August car wash this month!   They worked hard to raise money for their holiday family - using the money earned to buy a local family in need holiday presents. They had some fun doing so, too! Great job guys! 


Aktion Club's next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 5th at 3:15. For more information about the club, contact Emily at [email protected]

Camp STRIVE

It's hard to believe, but Camp STRIVE is over for the summer! We think the summer flew by! Our campers had a great last month. The weather was warm and sunny most days, which led to lots of time and activities outside. Some favorite August activities were York's Wild Kingdom, a trip to Kennebunk, the Alpaca Farm, spending time at spots like the Eastern Prom and various beaches and our annual end of summer BBQ. How lucky are we to live in such an awesome state for the summer? 

We wanted to give a HUGE thank you to our awesome camp counselors this summer- Haley, Ashley, Tori and Chris. You are a big part of why the summer was so great! 




Remember- summer may be over but we offer Camp STRIVE during all major school vacations. If you are interested in signing up, contact Olivia at [email protected]

After School

While we love summer and summer camp here at STRIVE, we are always looking forward to our After School Program starting back up again! We have plenty of spaces available and are looking to partner with more schools this year. Are you or someone you know in need of some after school coverage? We run every school day from the time your school runs out until 5pm, with pick up options available depending on where your school is. If you'd like more info, or to register yourself or your child, please contact Olivia at the email below!



STRIVE's After School Program provides an opportunity for students to participate in an engaging extension of their typical school day that reflects their individual, family and school goals. During each afternoon, students work on skills that support self-determination and independence, as well as spending time socializing with peers in a relaxed environment. After School runs Monday through Friday from 2pm-5pm during each student's respective school district schedule. For more information on After School, contact Olivia at [email protected].  
Save the Date! 
 
STRIVE's 14th Annual Live and Silent Auction is coming up! Mark your calendars- this year's event will be held Wednesday, October 24th at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. Save the dates will be hitting mailboxes soon! 
 
Do you or someone you know have a unique item or experience (concert tickets, timeshares, season tickets to sporting events, etc.) that you'd be willing to donate? If so, contact STRIVE Program Manager, Whitney Wildes, at [email protected].   
 
Interested in helping us plan this exciting event? We're always looking for new Auction Committee members! We meet monthly (and more often as the event gets closer) right at STRIVE! Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12th at 5:30pm. 
 
Keep checking our  auction website  for a sneak peek of our auction items and more information about the event! 


Any guesses on what this year's Auction theme is?? 

Happy Birthday to the following STRIVE Members!

happy_birthday_cupcakes.jpg

We hope you have a great day!

Jacob Allen
Sarah Bean
Dominic Arsenault
Justin Crockett
Olivia Lauren Frankl
Myles Federick 
Chase Gaston
Mary Greslick
Ruby Hawk
Elizabeth Langworthy
Philip Mackey
Jessi McCalmon
Nicholas Sutter 
Sam Newcomb
Jack Bowie-Haskell
Sam Keiter
Diego Brochu-Senkbeil
Kelsey King 
Thank You to Our Donors
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- John and Sharon Rochaz -  In Honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Rick & Cathy Sholtnis
- Paul Mckenna -  In Honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Rick & Cathy Sholtnis
- Joann Finnegan -  In Honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Rick & Cathy Sholtnis
- Teresa Ellis -  In Honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Rick & Cathy Sholtnis
- Frank Urciuoli -  In Honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Rick & Cathy Sholtnis
- Fred and Barbara Drauschke -  In Honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Rick & Cathy Sholtnis
- Beverly and Paul Mattatall -  In Honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Rick & Cathy Sholtnis
Mary & Richard Marier - In Memory of Robert DiBiase
-  Jacqueline & David Federico - In Honor of Devon Federico
Kenneth and Nancy Gordon
-  June & Robert Doughty - In Honor of Neils Doughty
-  Cathy Campbell
-  Kristen Tully - In Memory of Barbara Tully
-  Joan A. Rothe Revocable Trust
-  Gloria & Joni Aspinall - In Honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Rick & Cathy Sholtnis
-  Charles & Susan Miller - In Honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Rick & Cathy Sholtnis
-  Mary & Robert Noll - In Honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Rick & Cathy Sholtnis
-  Stanley & Dorothy Wondolowski - In Honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Rick & Cathy Sholtnis
-  Robert & Rose Borchers - In Honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Rick & Cathy Sholtnis

Thank you for your generous support of STRIVE!
General Announcements

                                   

 

-We're Hiring! Check out our open positions: 

-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 [email protected]! We have a need for volunteers at two upcoming events- our 5K Race and Auction!

SAVE THE DATE!
Kevin On The Roof- September 1st, 2018
KOTR Kick Off Party- September 1st, 4-7pm
After School- begins September 4th, 2018
STRIVE 25- September 6th, 2018
Foden Road 5K Road Race- September 8th, 2018
VNA Flu Shot Clinic- September 19th, 2018, 1-3pm
STRIVE's Annual Auction- October 24th, 2018


Has your Mailing Address changed recently?
Have a new Mailing Address to add?

We are updating our mailing list, and want to make sure we have all our supporters on there. Email [email protected] to send in your updated information so you will continue to receive our electronic and print newsletters!

Members, you will be asked to complete an updated information form upon arrival to tweens or STRIVE Night. Want to get a head start? Go to our website to send in your contact information today!