The Bridge is Archway Programs' bi-monthly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! To subscribe, see the latest and previous editions of this publication, please visit our website at www.ArchwayPrograms.org/newsletter.
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A Message From the CEO
Dear Archway Family,
Things are slowing starting to get back to normal at Archway. Getting back to normal means getting used to a new way of doing things, and these new changes can be difficult and even frustrating at times. I would like to thank everyone for being patient with us as we introduce new information and rules regarding the added safety measures and health precautions we are taking throughout our various programs and services. We are taking these extra precautions because your health and safety is our number one priority. A reminder that any program updates and/or changes will be communicated with families on our website at www.ArchwayPrograms.org/COVID19.
Thanks to our dedicated school staff, we had another successful Extended School Year summer program and are happy to report that there were no exposures or cases of COVID-19. This year's ESY consisted of a hybrid program that ran from July 6th through August 19th. Archway served a total of 192 students this summer at its ESY Program, with 63 students in-school and 129 students who were remote. The Archway Schools instituted a staggered hybrid schedule for the 2020-21 school year. Classrooms have been split into two groups, which allows each child to have two in-school days every week. Our schools will continue to operate on this schedule until further notice.
Our Step by Step Program continues to provide early intervention services to families via telehealth. As of early September, early intervention services can resume in-home. The reopening dates for our Just Kids program vary, as the schedules for the numerous sites are determined by each serving school district. I am confident that our staff will give parents peace of mind knowing that their child is not only safe but having fun at our Just Kids Before and Afterschool Care Program.
Our partial care youth programs, HOPE/DISCOVER, reopened on July 20th with a total of 23 youth currently being served at our Washington Township facility. We do not yet have a reopening date for the ACT Program, however our staff continues to do an incredible job supporting our adult clients via telehealth in addition to completing frequent wellness check-ins. Residents served throughout our community homes have enjoyed the warm weather and are staying busy thanks to our DSPs who have been doing a wonderful job coming up with new activities during the past several months.
Despite how busy we all are trying to juggle the ever-changing schedules combined with the day-to-day stressors, I encourage everyone to check-in on your co-workers, neighbors, friends and family members. Let’s all remember to show compassion towards one another, especially now, when it’s needed the most. The world might be in a different place, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to lift each other up. The work we do at Archway is a constant reminder of this and I am proud to be part of the Archway Family, working alongside so many talented, dedicated and compassionate individuals. I strongly believe that Archway has and will continue to become stronger and more resilient throughout this time.
Sincerely,
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Archway Welcomes Students Back for the 2020-21 School Year |
Based on guidelines from the DOE, NJ DOH and CDC, the Archway Schools re-opened for the 2020-21 school year on September 8th. The schools will follow a staggered hybrid schedule split into two groups. Group A attends on Mondays and Wednesdays and Group B attends on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays are 100% remote learning. The school day consists of a five-hour day and each child is provided two in-person days and three remote instruction days. Families were given the option to opt for all remote if they weren't comfortable sending their child back to school. Classroom size have been adjusted accordingly to ensure adequate social distancing with no more than ten people to one classroom. The same group will remain together all day in the same space as much as possible, including during meals and breaks.
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Archway Introduces New Safety Trainings to Employees |
Employees from the Archway Schools and the Just Kids Program completed a series of trainings at staff orientation late August/early September. Some of the new trainings that have been introduced are specific to COVID-19 and focus on additional health and safety measures that have been put into place. The trainings support Archway's re-opening plan which is specific to each program and service provided. An extensive list of safety protocols have also been put into place. Other programs completed their staff trainings in the earlier summer months and employees who have been working remotely, completed the new trainings online. |
Archway DSPs Continue to Shine |
Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) have been quite remarkable throughout this year. Their ability to balance and manage their personal lives and working lives without compromising those who depend on them has been nothing less than outstanding. With many of our staff without childcare or schools to rely on, as well as several staff with their own compromised health conditions, and those who risk the chance of taking this infection to their loved ones who are in a vulnerable position, their commitment and dedication has been commendable to say the least. Thank you to our DSPs for not only the work you do but for the integrity in which you do it with! |
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Employee Spotlight On: Eddie Tate
Administrative Team
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Our Employee Spotlight goes to Eddie Tate, Business Development Manager of Archway’s Administrative Team. Eddie has been part of the Archway family for since January 2019. His primary focus is Archway’s adult partial care program (ACT) and overall growth strategies. Eddie is most passionate about sharing Archway’s rich history of care delivery with the local and regional business community, and ultimately seeing the program reach an even higher level of success. He is pictured on the left with ACT clients during a wellness visit.
Having a sister, Brittany, with downs syndrome, he learned early in her life how important proper and heartfelt care was. He is proud to represent Archway Programs’ in its pursuits of delivering that standard of care to the masses. In his current role as Business Development Manager, Eddie is continually chasing and interpreting various types of data, whether historically based or real time. Data plays a critical role in Eddie’s success because our industry is changing at the speed of light, and the more nimble we are in identifying trends and other market-based demands, the more likely we are to actually be key figure in the future of this business.
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What’s your favorite Archway memory?
“I was still a relatively new employee at last year’s annual fun day held at the Upper School. I was particularly excited to see all the activities held that day, as well as how the kids responded. Since photography is one of my hobbies, I was also excited to secure some actions photographs of the kids at play. That day, through the lens of my camera, what I saw melted my heart. Pure and absolute joy from all involved! To me, it was a very, very special day, and it brought me closer to the work that we all do.”
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Congratulations Eddie! We are proud to call you part of the Archway family.
#ArchwayProud
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Archway Students Learn the Importance of Face Masks |
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Getting used to wearing face masks (and keeping them on) can be challenging for all children. This is exacerbated when working with children with special needs. To teach our students the importance of wearing masks, our teachers got creative. Ms. Chayla, Art Teacher of the Archway Lower School, had some help from a puppet named Carlos who is known for making guest appearances at the Archway Schools. This time, Carlos assisted our teachers in explaining why it’s important that we all wear masks and how it keeps not only them but also their families and friends safe. Archway Lower School Teacher Ms. Lee sewed white masks for the kids to decorate themselves which also helped because they were excited to wear their own creations. Thanks to our teachers’ dedication and creative collaboration, several of our students are now mask-compliant. |
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Carissa's Creations Displayed at Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts |
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Stop by Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts to see Carissa's Creations. Carissa is a local gifted artist and we have just received some of her sought after, original pieces. They’re one-of-a-kind and sell quickly! Thank you Carissa for sharing your work with our local community.
Blue Violet is conveniently located right off the White Horse Pike in Atco (302 White Horse Pike Suite B-7, Atco, NJ). Store hours are Monday through Friday 9AM to 4PM, Saturday 9AM to 1PM, closed Sundays. Delivery and curbside pick-up is available for any orders placed by phone at 856.336.2548 or online.
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Stay Connected with Blue Violet! For the latest news, specials, pictures of our work, customer reviews and more, make sure to follow @BlueVioletFlowersNJ on Facebook and Instagram!
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Thank you Toni the Blonde for Hosting a Birthday Book Drive! |
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One of our longtime supporters and friend, Toni the Blonde, wanted to do something to bring a little light and love into such a challenging time for those in need. She held a drive-through birthday book fundraiser and donated nearly 100 books to Archway students, clients and residents served throughout Archway’s various programs. A huge thank you to Toni for your generosity! Our students, residents and clients served throughout our programs are enjoying their new books! |
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Compassion Champion: Mr. John Petsch
We recently had a "Compassion Champion" sighting with John Petsch, Principal of the Archway School at Cooper’s Poynt. John has been part of the Archway family since 2001 and is always going out of his way to support the students and families served at Archway. John did everything in his power to help get Cooper’s Poynt students enrolled in Archway’s ESY program this summer. His persistence and hard work paid off! John was able to help secure transportation for Cooper's Poynt students after missing almost 3 weeks of ESY due to transportation issues caused by their own district. Thank you John for going above and beyond to ensure our students could participate in this year's ESY Program!
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Partial care staff and youth from the HOPE/DISCOVER programs partnered with one another and participated in team building exercises. This created larger than life social distancing and Corona-Safe Zones posters and markers. |
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Partial Care Welcomes New APN |
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Tarah Wright, APN! Tarah’s background includes inpatient psychiatric nursing with children, family practice and outpatient psychiatric services to adults. Our partial care staff is excited that Tarah is part of the team! |
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Just Kids Program Re-Opens for the 2020-21 School Year
Camp Just Kids may have been closed this summer; however staff from Just Kids stayed busy preparing for the 2020-2021 school year. Brenda Saunders sent out packets to welcome staff back and prepare for professional development which took place the first week of September. Since the Just Kids Program adheres to the public school districts’ schedules, the reopening dates for each out our sites vary. Children at Just Kids Waterford did a science experiment and saw firsthand just how pesky germs can be (pictured below). They discussed how important it is to take the time to really wash their hands clean.
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Helpful Story-Based Interventions for Parents |
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Our Step by Step Program continues to work with the state and service coordination units to secure platforms for families to ensure that early intervention services are not interrupted. With the use of telehealth, our therapists are able to provide eligibility evaluations, assessments and weekly sessions dictated by Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP). Our early intervention staff often times use story-based interventions to help children learn about a social behavior that's expected in specific settings. With a new school-year right around the corner, hand washing is very important to keep families safe and health. We've included a helpful story-based intervention for parents to use as they prepare for the new school year (click on the graphic to the left). Social narratives can be created for just about any situation and are great tools to help children learn or develop new skills and manage difficult behaviors.
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Coloring is also important for children as it helps develop focus and hand to eye coordination, stimulates creativity, improves fine motor coordination, encourages self-expression, develop hand strength, offers practice for pencil grip which contributes to better handwriting, plus its fun! To download a free printable coloring page for how to use hand sanitizer, click on the graphic on the right. If you suspect that an infant or toddler may be experiencing developmental delays, please contact EIS at 888.653.4463. |
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DD Services: Residential Community Homes
Residents are still at home as day programs and job sites remain closed however our residents and DSPs are safe and we have not had any cases of COVID-19 throughout our six residential community homes. Our residents are always happy to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and partake in various activities including hopscotch, outdoor scavenger hunts, gardening, arts and crafts, cooking, movie nights, bingo games, and engaging with family and friends thanks to technology. As of August 8th, we welcomed in-person visitors for the first time since March. It was great to witness family members finally see their loved ones after almost six months of quarantine!
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Archway is Hiring Across All Programs! |
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We are currently looking for people who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. Archway offers flexible schedules, an excellent work culture that values a healthy work/life balance, a large affiliate network, with unlimited opportunities for growth throughout southern and central NJ. Don't miss this opportunity! Please visit our Careers page for more information and apply today!
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Welcome to the Archway Family!
We are proud to welcome new employees to the Archway Family as our organization expands, allowing us to help more families throughout the community. Please help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of the Archway Family!
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Administrative Staff
Karen Emmons, Admin. Assistant
James Ruble, Help Desk Support
Just Kids Program
Kaylea Campbell, Childcare Assistant
Brittany Henderson, Childcare Assistant
Amber Jones, Childcare Assistant
Yvonne Lipscomb, Childcare Assistant
Partial Care Youth Programs
Susan Fletcher, Technician
Natalie Slaughter, Counselor
Kaylee Wurster, Technician
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Residential Community Homes
Laura Wilburn, Direct Support Professional
Step by Step Early Intervention
Lara Gonzalez, Speech Therapist
The Archway Schools
Lisa Darby, Teacher
Robert Jones, Paraprofessional
Antwan Santos, Paraprofessional
Amber Savio, Teacher
Kathryn Swope, Teacher
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Around the Woods World News |
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People with intellectual disabilities need to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccine |
Tine Hansen-Turton, CEO of Woods Services (our parent affiliate), wrote a recent expert opinion piece for the Philadelphia Inquirer. She emphasizes that individuals with disabilities and the essential employees who serve them need such access to safe and tested vaccines. This will protect these individuals, their families, and the community at large, and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emotional trauma, and loss of life.
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Allies, Inc. Day Programs – A Virtual Success! |
When the pandemic temporarily closed Allies, Inc. Day Programs, their program staff leapt into action to ensure learning and activities could continue – virtually! Every Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Allies holds three live streams via Zoom for individuals served in northern, central, and southern New Jersey. Many of the individuals served throughout the state log in daily to enjoy lessons in cooking, music, dance, fitness, math, science, art, crafts, history and more. Seeing the joy on individuals’ faces as they participate in activities and connect with each other is truly contagious; and inspires them to keep going.
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5th Annual Taste of Tabor: A Delicious Good Deed – Virtual Experience
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Tabor Children’s Services is excited to announce that the Taste of Tabor: A Delicious Good Deed annual event will take place at 6:00 p.m. each Monday night in October. In the pre-COVID world, local chefs and food artisans (Chef Mentors) partner with Tabor Youth (Mentees) to teach them Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management and prepare delectable delights to feed 250 guests.
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This year, Tabor will be celebrating with virtual restaurant tours that allow Tabor youth and Chef Mentors to cook meals together that will make your mouth water. |
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Woods Honors Heatherwood Residence |
During the height of the pandemic, when numbers of positive coronavirus cases in the Philadelphia and Bucks County region were skyrocketing, the staff of the Heatherwood residence at Woods made an incredible decision that required immense personal sacrifice. For three months, 15 staff plus a nurse and two med-techs, moved into the residence to live with 27 women who are among the most medically-frail in the population of 580 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities Woods serves. Every two weeks, there was an opportunity to leave and for new staff replacements to enter for two weeks. Before beginning a two-week stint, staff had to test negative for COVID-19. Some staff remained for four consecutive weeks.
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Save the Date for The Legacy Foundation Golf Classic on 10/6! |
The Legacy Foundation is hosting a Golf Classic on Tuesday, October 6th at the beautiful Union League National Golf Club to support individuals served at Legacy Treatment Services. Start the day with a fresh lunch and golf will begin at noon with a scramble format on the gorgeous 27-hole course. Beverage stations will be conveniently located through the course in addition to fun activities and contests. After playing golf, unwind outdoors during a cocktail hour and dinner, continue to view and virtually bid on Live and Silent Auction items, and finish your day by 7 p.m.
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The Social Innovations Lab for Woods and its affiliate employees began on July 16th. The Social Innovations Lab experiences are designed to cultivate, test and execute creative ideas and strengthen entrepreneurship and innovative thinking. A total of 11 teams will be presenting their final pitches virtually on September 29th. The teams include:
- Data Dimensions (Archway Programs)
- DSP Certification (Allies/Brian’s House)
- Coherence (Woods)
- Physical Movement for I/DD Adults (Woods)
- Wheel Chair Accessible Tree House and Hiking Trail (Woods)
- Equity in Aquatics (Woods)
- Animal Assisted Therapy Program (Woods)
- Beechwood OT Fall Prevention (Beechwood OT/Woods)
- Inclusion (Woods)
- Sex Education for Individuals with I/DD (Woods)
- Tabor Young Adult Pilot Program (Tabor)
Good luck to all of the teams participating in this year's lab!
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We Want to Hear From You! |
If you have an idea for content you would like to see in The Bridge, and/or have any questions about our e-newsletter, please email our Communications Department at communications@archwayprograms.org.
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We always have a lot of fun and exciting things happening at Archway Programs! Make sure to stay connected and follow @ArchwayPrograms on social media for all of the latest news and events! |
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