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Dear Archway Friends and Family, 

April was a busy and exciting month all across Archway Programs. We celebrated our annual Hands Around the Lake benefit for Autism awareness, Employee Recognition Breakfast to honor our dedicated employees, and the grand opening of the first Archway DDD day program, AADP (Advanced Abilities Day Program).  

Our annual Hands Around the Lake activities and turnout were great, and although a scheduling conflict prevented me from attending, I was continuously updated throughout the day. While not as good as being there, I enjoyed looking at all the photos on Facebook and our website. Thank you to all the participants, the Waterford Fire Department, Waterford Township and Evesham Township Police Departments, Archway staff, event organizers, and our maintenance department. Once again, all of you helped to make the event an enjoyable success.  

The Archway Employee Recognition Breakfast, hosted by the Upper School, recognized employees that have dedicated five, ten, fifteen, and up to as many as thirty-five years of service to our programs. I was honored to present employees with their milestone awards and personally thank them for their dedication and service. I also had the honor of presenting Francis Gervasio, Archway Accountant, with the Employee of the Year, and John Petsch, Lower School Principal, with the Leader of the Year award. Thank you both for your exceptional service. 

I also want to take a moment to thank all Archway staff members and the Archway Board of Trustees and remind you that I appreciate all of you for your dedication and hard work, regardless of your length of service. You are all a part of what makes Archway Programs successful. We couldn't do any of it without all of you. 

Last, but not least, I am excited about the April 29th grand opening of the AADP (Advanced Abilities Day Program). The program has been in the works for a long time and will offer welcome relief and support to many of the families in our area. Grand opening day was a great celebration, and that's just the beginning. I was fortunate to meet numerous potential participants and their families excited by the program's services. 

I look forward to watching the AADP grow as it fulfills the needs of so many families.   

Thank you once again for your continuing efforts and support. Your hard work and dedication to our students and clients do not go unnoticed. 

Sincerely, 

George Richards 

CEO/CFO 

Annual Hands Around the Lake Brings Everyone Together for a Great Cause

Archway Programs held its Annual Hands Around the Lake Walk for Autism on the morning of April 20th. Music set the pace as family, friends, and neighbors walked around the beautiful Archway Campus to promote awareness and raise funds for those on the autism spectrum. Bright ribbons and decorations marked the way for participants as they walked along the route surrounding the lake. The staff treated walkers to soft pretzels and bottled water at tables set up alongside a bake sale table, its proceeds benefiting students on the spectrum. Visit our website to Read More.

Archway Employee Recognition Breakfast 

Archway Programs held its Employee Awards Breakfast on April 21st at the Upper School Career Center. George Richards, CEO/CFO, presented employees with awards honoring their years of dedication to Archway Programs. Francis Gervasio, Archway Accountant, was awarded Employee of the Year, and John Petsch, Lower School Principal, was presented with the Leader of the Year Award. Tim Titus, Board Member; Shawn Gibson, COO; Min Chin, Board Member; Tom Grant, Board Member; George Richards, CEO/CFO; and Jeffrey Day, Chairman of the Board, were also in attendance.  

Pictured left to right: Tim Titus, Board Member; Shawn Gibson, COO; Min Chin, Board Member; Tom Grant, Board Member; George Richards, CEO/CFO; Jeffrey Dey, Chairman of the Board.

2023 Archway Programs Honored Employees 

35 Years of Service 

• Sandra Graeber—Speech Therapist, Upper School 

30 Years of Service 

• Kathleen Rapp – ACT Registered Nurse 

25 Years of Service 

• Flora Gause—Assistant Community Home Manger, Piney Hollow 
• Jeanne Johnson—Payroll Specialist, General Admin 
• Ronald Reid—Paraprofessional, Upper School 
• Nancy Lebano—Speech Therapist, Upper School 
• Lisa Kaufman—Social Worker, Upper School 
• Debra Morganti—Paraprofessional, Upper School 
• Marianne Blackburn—Paraprofessional, Upper School 
• Julie Taylor—Assistant Manager, Supportive Living 

20 Years of Service 

• Kelly Rivera—Childcare Supervisor, Just Kids 
• Arviette Isley—Paraprofessional, Lower School 
• Lenora Mitchell—Childcare Assistant, Just Kids 
• Amy Sherman—Teacher, Lower School 

15 Years of Service 

• Steven Conaghy—BC Behavior Analyst, Lower School 
• Tiffany Walker—Paraprofessional, Upper School 

10 Years of Service 

• Salvatore Olaya—Universal Paraprofessional, Upper School 
• Dennis Davis—Paraprofessional, Cooper’s Poynt 
• Charles Callaway—Paraprofessional, Lower School 
• Diane Kirby—HR Administrative Assistant, General Administration 
• Denise Milazzo—Executive Director of Human Resources, General Administration 
• Caralene Martin—Direct Support Professional, Piney Hollow Group Home 

5 Years of Service 

• Marissa Guidos—Day Program Assistant Supervisor, Advanced Abilities Day Program 
• Bridget Rooney—Teacher, Cooper’s Poynt 
• Sierra Caprice—Paraprofessional, Upper School 
• Dana Howell—Child Development Specialist, Step by Step 
• Kallie Latona—Paraprofessional, Lower School 
• Mary Jane Papa—Assistant Childcare Supervisor, Just Kids 
• Jessica Bonastia—Teacher, Lower School 
• Rosa Weller—Childcare Supervisor, Just Kids 
• Johnna Tratta—Teacher, Lower School 
• April Lane—Paraprofessional, Lower School 
• Amanda McEneaney—Teacher, Upper School 
• Miriam Caputi—Teacher, Upper School 
• Shawn Gibson—Chief Operating Officer, Gerneral Administration 
• Amy Worrell—Paraprofessional, Lower School 
• Kimberly Baitzel—Social Worker, Upper School 
• Maribel Willson—Speech Therapist, Step by Step 
• Brittany Borgese—Behavior Specialist, Step by Step 
• Frinee Hemence—Administrative Assistant, Step by Step 
• Jennifer Edwards-Sapio—Special Educator, Step by Step 
• William Hendon—Van Driver, Transportation 
• Dylan Gousha—Paraprofessional, Upper School 
• Gabriel Garcia—Paraprofessional, Upper School 

Congratulations, and thank you to the Archway employees that were recognized and awarded for their continued service. 

To view the photo gallery from the event, please visit our website.

Staff Members Enjoy Treats in Honor of School Paraprofessional Appreciation Day 

In honor of Paraprofessional Appreciation Day on April 15th, Dr. Moore, Director of Special Education, treated Upper School and Lower School staff to cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels, and fruit salad. Mr. John, Lower School Principal, also added Philly Soft Pretzels to the morning appreciation menu. 

The schools enjoyed the special treats and appreciated the thoughtfulness of the gesture. 

Archway Celebrates Administrative Professionals Day with a Delicious Luncheon

In honor of Administrative Professionals Day, Archway Programs treated its administrative staff to a delicious luncheon and dessert to thank them for their dedication and support across all Archway programs and services. "We appreciate all you do" was written on the conference room and dining area whiteboards to remind everyone how much they are appreciated. We couldn't do it without all of you! Thank you!   

Advanced Abilities Day Program Opens its Doors!

Cloudy skies and misty rain did not dampen the spirits or quell the excitement of the long-awaited grand opening of the Advanced Abilities Day Program (AADP). Located in Sewell, NJ, the new program will offer services to adults with developmental or physical disabilities transitioning from a school environment or those needing daily socialization, life skill development, job training, or one of the many services and activities offered.

View the photo gallery and read the full story: AADP Opens Its Doors.

Upper School Celebrates Their Own March Madness

Thursday, April 6th, Upper School students celebrated a special March Madness event. Students gathered in the Career Center to battle it out on the PlayStation NBA 2K22 court. Everyone had a great time; it was the perfect end to the week and the start of spring break!   

Platinum Card Students Rewarded with Game Time in the Game Truck

April 24th, Upper School students with Platinum Cards were treated to video game time in the Game Truck. The truck is outfitted with the latest games, couches where everyone gets a front seat, and special lighting to enhance gameplay. They all enjoyed the special treat and good-natured competition with their classmates.  

Upper School Meets Wizard of Oz

Stepping into the Upper School on April 28th, you could follow the bright yellow brick road into an alternate school with lions, witches, The Great Oz, and a Dorothy or two. We might not be in Kansas with Dorothy and Toto, but students and staff went all out to take us there and celebrate the anniversary of the iconic film, The Wizard of Oz. Decorated for their visit to Oz, they celebrated with Oz-themed activities, costumes, and a special movie showing with plenty of popcorn.  

Miss Pam won the best Staff Costume with her fabulous take on the Wicked Witch of the West. One look at her in costume, and we are sure you will agree! Charles T. was awarded the prize for the best student costume, and Room 19 won for best classroom door with its creative Twister motif.  

Dorothy was spotted looking for Toto, clicking her ruby red heels wishing for home, and skipping down the hall with a cowardly lion that looked eerily like Mr. Mark! The pair was likely on their way to visit the Wizard himself.  

The school and activities were fabulous! Everyone did an exceptional job with the decorations, costumes, and activities!  

Upper School Elementary Students Hunt for Eggs

On April 15th, sunshine and a spring chill greeted Upper School students as they embarked on a mission to locate missing Easter eggs filled with goodies. A special guest, The Easter Bunny himself, took time out of his busy schedule to help the students discover the hidden eggs and pose for photos. Everyone enjoyed the egg hunt and the delicious cookies and juice that followed. 

Lower School Celebrates Spring with a Bunny Hop Dance

Thursday, April 6th, music filled the halls of the Lower School while colorful spring decorations covered the hallways and the walls of the all-purpose room. Students and staff celebrated the Easter holiday with a Bunny Hop Dance, complete with music and dancing. Mr. Lucas treated everyone to fantastic music selections to keep everyone moving, and there were special activities, games, coloring, and goodies for everyone. It was an excellent start to the holiday weekend and spring break!  

Students Explore a Human Heart and Visit Space

Lower School students and Upper School Gold Card students enjoyed an exciting and informative field trip to The Franklin Institute. They were delighted with the “Disney100” exhibit and fascinated by the displays and information in the “Space” exhibit. The "Tech Studio" and "Electricity" exhibits were among the students’ favorites, and of course, students won't forget the memorable "Giant Heart Exhibit" or crawling through "Your Brain." It was a wonderful and enjoyable day of fun, exploration, and hands-on learning.  

Students Enjoy a Spring/Holiday Inspired Project

Lower School students in Miss Kayla’s class dyed and decorated Easter eggs to celebrate the upcoming holiday.  Once they finished decorating the eggs, they gathered them in a makeshift nest before taking them home.  Great job, everyone! They look wonderful! 

Medford Ladies Get a Spring Makeover!

During April, the lovely ladies from our Medford location enjoyed spending the afternoon being pampered at the salon. They all had their hair trimmed and styled for a fresh spring makeover! You look beautiful as always, ladies!  

Voorhees Ladies Visit the Camden Adventure Aquarium

The ladies from our Voorhees Group Home took to the road for an all-out adventure. The ladies visited the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ, and they had a blast! They loved all the exciting exhibits and especially enjoyed petting the fish and posing with the hippos! What a fantastic adventure for two wonderful ladies! 

Voorhees Group Home Painting Party

The ladies in our Voorhees group home grabbed their brushes, canvases, and paint and enjoyed a little creative time with a painting party! They each had a fabulous time creating their exceptional work of art, and they are happy to share their masterpieces with all of you. Great job, Ladies! We love them! 

Students and Staff from Cooper's Poynt Enjoy a Walking Tour of Philly

Cooper’s Poynt students and staff enjoyed the beautiful weather today for a walking tour of Philadelphia and a visit to The National Constitution Center. The students and staff enjoyed visiting the Liberty Bell and learning about the U.S. Constitution and notable historical figures through interactive displays and exhibits in the museum. The trip provided a wonderful hands-on history lesson for the students. 

ACT Celebrates National Lima Bean Appreciation Day

April 20th was National Lima Bean Appreciation Day. ACT celebrated by learning how to make Butter Beans and Smoked Turkey Necks in the Instant Pot. Did you know that lima beans and butter beans are the same beans? The green lima beans most of us are used to seeing are picked early, whereas butter beans are allowed to stay on the plant longer and are just more mature lima beans. While the beans were cooking, Chef Typh treated the cooking group to Mini Caprese Salad Sandwiches (fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze). 

Saturday Drop-in Activities and Events!

The Archway Saturday Drop-in Respite Care participants have been busy sharing their April and May Saturdays together. During the last few weeks, they enjoyed arts and crafts projects, cooking and sharing meals, and having fun outdoors on our beautiful Archway Campus.

Work Study Activities

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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!

Allies' Keeping in Touch Newsletter is Availble Now!

If you have news or information you would like to see in the next issue of The Bridge, please contact Kelly by phone: 856.767.5757 ext. 242 or by email: kelly.jones@archwayprograms.org.