A Message From the CEO/CFO
George Richards
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Dear Archway Friends and Family,
As the final chapter of 2023 closed, I considered how grateful I am to have all of you on my team and for all the good we have accomplished during our shared journey. This year has been one of growth spurring from challenges met and overcome. Our continued growth is a testament to our community's dedication, the individuals we support, their families, our staff, our board members, and our affiliates who share this journey with us.
This past year, we served a broader community of people with our expanding and new programs. The Advanced Abilities Day Program, which promises and delivers quality care for adults with developmental and physical disabilities, is the latest program offered through Archway Programs.
In addition, we celebrated Creative Achievements Academy (CAA) as the newest school to join the Archway Family. CAA allows us to expand our reach into a new community and provide much-needed services to the students and their families.
The Just Kids program opened us up to a whole new community of families with the addition of the Evesham School District. The expansion allows us to offer quality before and after-school care to over 400 families.
We witnessed the exciting grand reopening of From the Ground Up, the on-campus flower shop and home of horticulture classes.
The Archway Bridge of Hope Cancer Walk proved successful in its 13th year. While in attendance, I was pleased to see many new faces this year as Creative Achievements Academy joined us for the first time as the latest members of the Archway Family.
Following the walk, John Petsch, Lower School Principal, along with staff and students, met with Virtua Cancer Center members to present them with a monetary donation and Care Kits staff and students created for their patients in treatment. The experience offered students a hands-on approach to being a positive part of their community.
Upper School joined forces with a local business, Chosen by Stephanie Foster after she donated to numerous Upper School families during the holidays. We look forward to continuing our alliance with Stephanie and hope to partner with her and her company again soon.
This year's many achievements would not have been possible without all of you and your dedication to those we serve. I am forever grateful to all of you and look forward to the great work we can accomplish together in 2024.
Sincerely,
George Richards
CEO/CFO
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Upper School
Activities and News
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Stephanie Foster, owner of Chosen by Stephaine, poses with the centerpiece and gift presented to her by Upper School staff for her generous donations to families in need this holiday season. | The Upper School Partners With Local Business, Chosen by Stephanie |
The Upper School Principal, Mr. Mark Letiziano, and staff members welcomed a special guest to the Upper School during the December holiday season. Stephanie Foster, owner of Chosen by Stephanie, a clothing store in Pitman, NJ, stopped by the school to meet with Mr. Mark and a few staff members.
Through a chance meeting with Upper School Nurse Shannon Pryor, Stephanie learned of families in need within the school. Stephanie generously offered to fill the wish lists of three families most in need. She donated bags of holiday gifts, clothing, and self-care products, ensuring those families have what they need and more this holiday season.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Stephanie! You're why this holiday season will be memorable for these families, and we're genuinely grateful for your incredible generosity. You are an inspiration, and we are thankful to you.
If you want to visit Chosen by Stephanie or learn more about her business, please visit her website https://chosenbystephanie.com/.
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Upper School students who worked toward and earned their Blue Cards were treated to Movie Day. They gathered in the all-purpose room and enjoyed a showing of Mr. Magnificent while snacking on soft pretzels and juice. Great job, Blue Card holders! We are Archway Proud of you! | |
Upper School Celebrates National Pajama Day | |
It was a cozy scene in the Upper School classrooms and hallways as students and staff made their way to class, looking like they were ready for bedtime. But, in celebration of Pajama Day, they were prepared to learn and teach as they cozied up to their desks clad in flannel, plush, and slippers; they just did so while wearing their jammies. | |
Upper School Enjoys an Extra Special Story Time Guest on Pajama Day | |
As a special treat during Pajama Day, younger students welcomed a guest to their classrooms. Diana Schoppe, the author of "Lucky Leo's Colorful Adventures," stopped by to read her story to the students. They were mesmerized and thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Leo's adventures. After the story, Ms. Shoppe engaged with the children as they worked on an activity highlighting the book's theme. Thank you, Ms. Shoppe, for sharing your wonderful story with us!
If you want to read the exciting story to your children, visit https://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Colorful-Adventures-Diana-Schoppe/dp/B0C5QBPCPF and pick up a copy. We are sure you and your children will enjoy the story.
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Upper School Students and Staff Enjoy their Annual Thanksgiving Lunch | |
Before the Thanksgiving break, students and the staff from the Upper School sat together as a family to share their Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. Everyone enjoyed delicious hot turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pickled beets, and biscuits. Dessert was equally delicious, with a selection of pumpkin pie, apple pie, and ice cream cups. While enjoying their delicious luncheon, students and staff discussed the many things to be thankful for as they prepared to head home for the holiday break. | |
Lamar S. Wins the 2023 Dreidel Tournament Ahead of Multiple Contenders | |
Students and staff from Archway Upper School celebrated Hanukkah's arrival by participating in the 2023 Dreidel Tournament. The students in each classroom played against one another, with the winner advancing to a competition at the quad level. Quad-level winners moved on to the final games, pitting the quad winners against one another. In the end, the last player standing was Lamar S. (shown on left). Congratulations to Lamar and all our players. You all played a great game! | |
Upper School Students and Staff Get Their Grinch On | |
Upper School students and staff recognized the holidays by celebrating Grinch Day. In honor of our favorite green grump, The Grinch, everyone wore green or their Grinchiest apparel. We caught up with a few admirers of the furry green guy and captured them on camera. We heard the Grinch himself stomping through the halls and peering around corners, but we missed him, this time… | |
Staff and Students Break Out the Baubles, Beads, and Ugly Sweaters in Celebration of National Ugly Sweater Day | Upper School students and staff pulled out the ugliest and most garish sweaters they could find for the Annual Ugly Sweater Contest. An impressive collection of baubles, beads, blinking lights, and Christmas balls were among the decorations woven in or pinned on sweaters. Still, two students, David from Room 14 and Shane from Room 23 wore their Ugly Sweaters with pride after winning the coveted title of Ugliest Ugly Sweater. Two staff members, Miss Trinkle from Room 19 and Miss Brown from Room 20, shared in the glory as the winners in the staff division of the contest. | |
Students Enjoy Breakfast With the Big Guy on Campus–Santa | |
Santa and Mrs. Claus took time out of their busy holiday schedules to pop in and have breakfast with students at the Upper School. Students enjoyed plates heaped with sausage and steaming hot pancakes topped with melted butter and drizzled with syrup. Fresh fruit offered a sweet side to the delicious breakfast, and cereal as an alternative. But the highlight of the breakfast was two special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrived just in time to share in the delightful breakfast. Santa settled in and welcomed each child while presenting them with brightly wrapped gifts. Once everyone had their gifts, a quick countdown led to a mass unwrapping fueled by laughter and joy! Everyone left happy with gifts and full bellies! | |
A Delicious Start to the Holiday Break | |
On December 21st, the final day before the winter break, Upper School students and staff shared a delicious holiday luncheon with their Archway family. Counselors and staff members served ham sweetened with pineapple chunks, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, fruit salad, warm rolls, and more. Mr. Claus brought his jolly old self to the party, joining in the delicious fun while taking photos with the students and staff. It was a memorable afternoon for students and staff and a wonderful start to the holiday break. | |
Lower School
Activities and News
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Pictured left to right: Ann Desjardins-Feldman, MSW, LSW; Deb Friedman, Director of Oncology Support Services; Natalie Conboy, Lead Clinical Social Worker Oncology; Monica Donley, Special Education Coordinator; Nick, Lower School Student; Kenyatta, Lower School Student; Kelly Willis, Lower School Paraprofessional; and John Petsch, Lower School Principal. | Lower School Students Learn a Lesson in Caring |
On October 25th, 2023, staff, students, program participants, friends, and family from across Archway were gathered on the Archway Campus for the 13th Annual Archway Bridge of Hope Cancer Walk. The walk is an annual show of support and fundraiser to assist friends, family, and neighbors diagnosed with cancer.
Last year, in 2022, Archway students and staff donated proceeds from the walk to the Virtua Cancer Center. Students also provided Care Kits designed to help ease discomfort and provide a distraction for patients undergoing treatment.
Once again this year, soon after the walk, students rose to the occasion and got to work on this year's Care Kits. They chose a new design for the front of the bags: a lotus flower, a symbol of strength, resilience, and rebirth. The students packed each bag with a card of encouragement, a journal, a multi-colored ink pen, a puzzle book, a tube of lotion, lip balm, and hard candies.
| | Lower School students are holding Care Kits after assembling them to donate to the Virtua Cancer Center. |
The culmination of the walk and the student's work was realized on a chilly day in mid-November as the students, accompanied by Lower School staff, were bused to the Virtua Cancer Center in Berlin. The students and staff were there to present their donations to the center staff. Ann Desjardins-Feldman, MSW, LSW, greeted the group at the entrance and led them upstairs to a conference room.
As the Lower School staff stood by to lend their assistance, the students, both of whom are non-verbal, used electronic talkers to communicate with center staff as they presented their Care Kits. John Petch, Lower School Principal, was among the staff members in attendance and presented Virtua staff with a check for $1000.00 from the 2023 Bridge of Hope Cancer Walk proceeds.
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Shortly after everyone departed to return to school, Ann was kind enough to share photos of herself preparing to distribute the Care Kits so the children could see how much their work was appreciated.
Visit the Bridge of Hope Album to see photos from the event. 13th Annual Bridge of Hope Cancer Walk Facebook Album
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Lower School Celebrates Sesame Street's Letter of the Day | |
Students and the Lower School staff paid homage to Sesame Street by celebrating Sesame Street Day on November 10th. Each classroom was assigned a letter, and the students and staff dressed for their letter or wore their favorite Sesame Street characters. What a great way to incorporate learning and fun into the day. It just so happens that the special day fell on a Friday, so keeping with the theme, the Letter of the Day was “F” for Friday, and a Happy Friday at that! | |
Students Punk the Lower School Staff | |
Lower School celebrated Punk the Staff 2023 on November 17th. Students pranked the staff and doled out funny punishments for each staff member. Everyone roared with laughter as teacher Kayla MacDonald walked barefoot through a mud pool, leaving muddy footprints in her wake! Mr. Tyreek was a show stealer as he rode a tricycle wearing a rainbow wig, a big red nose, and a clown costume. A group of students surrounded Miss Victoria and covered her head to toe in sticky Silly String. Administrative Assistant Miss Caitlin received a messy pie in the face from an overly eager student. Miss Amanda donned a turkey suit and entertained everyone with her performance of the Chicken Dance. Everyone laughed their way right into the start of the weekend, including the prank victims. What a great end to a Happy Friday! | |
Students and Staff Enjoy the Annual Lower School
Thanksgiving Feast
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Wearing a festive turkey hat and apron, Miss Shayla greeted students and staff at the door to the all-purpose room in the Lower School. November 21st was their Annual Thanksgiving Feast, and everyone was eager to join together for a delicious meal. The tables were draped in colorful tablecloths and set with holiday plates and cups, and each table displayed a Thanksgiving centerpiece created by the students during Art Class with Miss Shayla. The menu included hot turkey with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, rolls, string beans, and pickled beets. Ice cream, apple, and pumpkin pies provided a delicious, sweet end to the feast. Everyone enjoyed the delicious meal and spending time with their Archway Family. | |
Students Enjoy the Wonders of Life Under the Sea | |
Students and staff from the Lower School enjoyed the wonders of life under the sea during a visit to the Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Students loved the coral Christmas tree and especially enjoyed popping up inside the underwater world of fish for a fish-eyed view of the world. It was a wonderful learning experience disguised as fun! Shhh...we won't tell. | |
Lower School Students Go on a Shopping Spree | |
The Lower School Holiday Shop was open for business on December 5th and 6th. Students visited the shop and filled their shopping baskets with gifts to share with family and friends. Staff prepared the gift-giving purchases by wrapping, bagging, and labeling the gifts for the students. The students enjoyed the shopping experience and look forward to sharing their gifts this holiday. | |
All The Stars Shone Bright During a Stellar Holiday Concert Performance | |
On December 14th and 15th, Lower School students entertained parents, guardians, guests, and staff during the Annual Holiday Concert. This year's theme was A Very Merry Motown Christmas, with students performing well-loved holiday favorites by greats such as Smokey Robinson, The Ronettes, Stevie Wonder, and Chuck Berry. They entertained a packed house, and everyone in attendance enjoyed both performances.
Thank you to the staff, therapists, and specialists for the excellent work and dedication to the students. You all helped them to shine and create beautiful memories for everyone in the audience. Thank you to Miss Shayla for the artwork, set design, and help with the soundtrack for the show.
Thank you to the maintenance department for putting everything in place and the kitchen staff for the delicious refreshments.
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Lower School Students Enjoy the FOP Holiday Party | |
The Cherry Hill Fraternal Order of Police held its Annual Christmas Party on December 18th for the first time since COVID. They had the holiday bash at the Cherry Hill DoubleTree Hotel, and Cherry Hill High School students volunteered their time to decorate and entertain the guests. Lower School students were thrilled to be invited, and they enjoyed the music and moving around the dance floor with The Grinch and other holiday characters. They ate hot dogs and ice cream and visited with Santa, who presented each student with an adorable plush character. Everyone had a great time, and we would like to thank the Cherry Hill FOP for their generosity and thoughtfulness. We appreciate all of you and all you do for our community. | |
Santa Visits Lower School Students | |
December 21st was an exciting day, as students from the Lower School enjoyed a special guest on the first day of winter. School therapists and staff members transformed the all-purpose room into a Winter Wonderland filled with music and activities in preparation for the extra-special guest, Santa. That's right! Santa, the big guy himself, made room in his busy schedule to visit students before heading back to the North Pole to get his team ready for his annual trip around the world. Did you know Santa speaks many languages, including sign language, and understands electronic talkers? No matter how our students communicated, Santa understood every word. | |
Students and Staff Break Out the Glitter and Glue for the Ugly Sweater Showdown | |
Before leaving for winter break, Lower School students and staff pulled out all the creativity stops along with their craft bins for the Annual Ugly Sweater Showdown. Classrooms worked diligently on their Ugly Sweaters in preparation for the competition. Following the presentation of Ugliness (not ugly at all), each class decorated one lucky member of each classroom with all the finest holiday decor' they could find. We aren't sure if a winner was chosen, but we are sure everyone had a fabulous time! So, that makes them all winners! | |
Cooper's Poynt
Activities and News
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Everyone Wins When it's a Delicious Pie Eating Contest | Students and staff from Cooper's Poynt celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with a pie-eating contest. The winning student was Dominic S., while Mr. Kevin and Mr. Dave shared the winner's circle with a close tie. It looks like everyone is a winner; after all, they enjoyed a delicious pie, win or lose! | Students and staff from Cooper's Poynt enjoyed a holiday-themed game during art class with Miss Shayla. The object of the game was to collect as many bows as possible in the bowl using only a turner. Seems easy, you say. Well, they needed to scoop up the bows while blindfolded! Everyone enjoyed playing the game and did a great job, but Dah'Zya was in the lead and was a clear winner with 18 bows. Genesis and Sam trailed slightly, tying with 15 bows each. |
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Cooper's Poynt Students Open Their Holiday Gifts | |
Before the holiday break, Cooper's Poynt classrooms were filled with joy, laughter, and the familiar sound of tearing paper as students enjoyed opening their Christmas gifts. They were all thrilled with the gadgets, games, sports equipment, soft plushies, and gift cards Santa left under their tree. | |
Students Get Creative With Edible Paints | |
As part of memorable holiday-themed activities throughout December, students from Cooper's Poynt blended a fondness for sweets with creativity on Wednesday. Each student received a sugar cookie canvas and edible paints so they could create their edible holiday masterpieces. Of course, the students enjoyed their finished works of art in more ways than one! Yum! | |
Horticulture/Flower Shop
Activities and News
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From the Ground Up Rises Again | |
From the Ground Up, Archway's on-campus flower shop and location of horticulture classes held its Grand Reopening ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 6th. In February, a small fire quickly spread, damaging the interior of the building and its contents. Miss Terri and Miss Lisa were front and center today as George Richards, CEO/CFO; Sue Lafferty, Executive Director of Education; Upper and Lower School students; and many other friends and colleagues looked on. Miss Lisa did the honors of cutting the ribbon to reopen the shop officially and proceeded with a holiday floral lesson and craft for students. We are all excited to see the shop restored and back in business. We can't wait to share their wonderful work and creations with everyone! | |
Residential Group Homes
Activities and News
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DD Services Holiday Party | |
Archway DD Services hosted its Annual Holiday Party at Lucien's in Berlin on Thursday, December 7th. The atmosphere was festive as consumers from Archway group homes across New Jersey gathered to celebrate the holiday season. Archway Direct Support Managers and Professionals, as well as staff members from Archway Administration, were among the guests in attendance.
Friends and family accompanied some of the consumers and program participants, while others enjoyed the company of their housemates and caregivers. All were greeted by the sound of music and the aroma of a delicious buffet dinner as they arrived at the party. The guests were dressed to impress and ready to show their moves on the dance floor before and after enjoying a fabulous meal.
As the evening progressed, anticipation grew for the special guest of honor to appear. Heads turned as a hearty Ho-Ho-Ho erupted from atop a staircase in the ballroom. It was the jolly old elf himself! Santa had arrived ready to deliver gifts to the group home and program guests. Santa's Helpers took special care to ensure that everyone received what they wanted, and the joy spread across their faces confirmed that Santa got it just right.
Check out the photos from the 2023 Holiday Party on Facebook.
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Advanced Abilities Day Program
Activities and News
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AADP Visits the New Jersey State Museum | |
As one of their initiatives to foster community engagement and an inclusive mindset, the AADP (Advanced Abilities Day Program) participants visited the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton during one of their many community outings. The group looked at models of native animals and actual fossils from in and around New Jersey. They viewed select pieces of artwork and learned about the cultural history of New Jersey. Everyone enjoyed the visit, but they especially liked the fossils on display. It was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon, and a return visit is likely. | |
AADP Participants Enjoy a Double Celebration | |
Not to let a special occasion or opportunity to gather as friends pass them by, participants in the Archway AADP (Advanced Abilities Day Program) worked together to prepare the food for their Thanksgiving Feast. Not only did they share a fantastic meal together, but the group also celebrated Assistant Supervisor Marissa’s birthday on the same day! It was a double celebration, and the group should be proud of their cooking and food preparation skills. They did an excellent job. |
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AADP Participants Make Holiday Ornaments | |
Archway's Advanced Abilities Day Program participants made holiday ornaments during Creative Crafts with Brianne. She led the groups while they used glue and glitter on their ornaments before choosing the perfect fonts for their names. Together, they used a Cricut to cut out their names to personalize their ornaments. They were excited to take their treasures home and show them off. Great job, everyone. They look beautiful! | |
AADP Participants Enjoyed Some Holiday Shopping and Running into This Guy | |
In mid-December, during one of the most exciting times of the holiday shopping season, the Archway Advanced Abilities Day Program participants went to the Deptford Mall to do some holiday shopping and visit the arcade. They had a wonderful time going from store to store and enjoying all the holiday decorations. Some participants even took a few minutes to consult with the big guy, Santa, before his upcoming travels. Everyone had a wonderful time enjoying the afternoon and spending time together while experiencing their local community. | |
AADP Celebrates Holiday Spirit Week | |
During the week leading up to the Christmas holiday, Archway Advanced Abilities Day Program (AADP) participants celebrated Holiday Spirit Week. The week began with everyone wearing their Grinch apparel for Grinch Day. They also had a lot of fun decorating their gingerbread houses using candies, frosting, and a few heaping spoons full of creativity to decorate the outside. We have a lot of creative Grinches in our day program!
The group continued to enjoy the holiday spirit week with Holiday Pajama Day. The individuals and staff dressed in comfy holiday pajamas and baked delicious cookies. Of course, later, they all enjoyed the yummy treats!
They finished Spirit Week with a holiday celebration luncheon. In addition to the delicious spread of food, the group enjoyed a game of holiday bingo and festive holiday music. But the afternoon's highlight was a surprise visit from a special guest, Santa! The group gleefully posed for photos with Santa, and a few enjoyed a spin around the dance floor with him! It was a wonderful week of celebrations, and everyone had a great time with their program friends!
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AADP Participants Give Back to the Community | |
Through a recent partnership with the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter (SJRAS) in Vineland, participants from the Archway Advanced Abilities Day Program (AADP) will volunteer their time to help shelter employees with regular daily tasks. The partnership allows participants to join the community while gaining experience in a positive working environment. We are so proud of our participants for the volunteer work they have already completed and thankful to SJRAS for providing such an exciting opportunity for them. | |
ACT Program
Activities and News
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ACT Hosts a Holiday Luncheon for Participants | Archway's Adult Counseling and Therapy (ACT) program participants gathered on Tuesday, December 19th, to enjoy a festive Christmas Luncheon. Staff served ham, pasta, mashed sweet potatoes, and white potatoes paired with fresh sliced carrots, green beans, and hot-from-the-oven biscuits. Everyone enjoyed the delicious food and spending time together with their program family during the holiday season. | |
ACT Holiday Gift Exchange | |
Archway Adult Counseling and Therapy Program (ACT) participants celebrated their Annual Christmas Gift Exchange on December 22nd. The group socialized as they listened to holiday music, chatted, and enjoyed snacks while Santa delivered gifts to everyone. Smiles were in abundance as the participants opened gifts initially placed on their holiday wish lists. Each year, in what has become an ACT tradition, the wish lists are filled thanks to the generosity of Archway employees and our community members. Thank you all for making it a magical holiday season for so many! | |
Archway Respite Care
Activities and News
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Saturday Respite Celebrates the Holiday with a Christmas Party | |
On December 19th, the Saturday Respite Program participants enjoyed a festive holiday party. The group decorated ugly Christmas sweater prints and enjoyed a festive lunch with special goodies. They were surprised with stockings stuffed with goodies and gifts, and they were thrilled when two special guests stopped by to shoot hoops with them. The Grinch and Santa put aside their differences to spend time with the group. It was a wonderful celebration, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Of course, the group is already looking forward to the new year when they can get together again! | |
Blue Violet Flowers & Gifts
Activities and News
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Students Receive On the Job Training in the Floral Business | |
Archway students in the Work Study Program receive on-the-job training at Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts. They learn proper care of plants and gain an understanding of the tasks involved in running a flower shop, including arranging flowers and potting plants. Of course, the latter is a favorite activity of the students!
During busy times in the shop, students provide much-needed help with daily tasks that are a part of running a florist shop. Although they keep busy, they also have time to work on their creativity. With the help of staff, they make small gifts that are occasionally sold in the shop. The program provides students with experience and pride in a job well done while preparing for potential employment beyond school.
For more information or to support the shop and our Work Study Program, visit https://bluevioletflowers.org/. Our florists are busy working on a spectacular collection of bouquets and arrangements for Valentine's Day 2024!
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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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Just Kids
Kayla Michel, Childcare Assistant
Alecia Harding, Childcare Assistant
Shane El, Childcare Assistant
Louis Martinez, Childcare Assistant
Patricia Tapp, Childcare Assistant
Emily Carpineto, Childcare Assistant
Filomena Epifanio, Childcare Assistant
Alexa Callahan, Childcare Assistant
Jackson Saldan, Childcare Assistant
Agatha Chua, Childcare Assistant
Katherine Akmentins, Childcare Assistant
Keira Blank, Childcare Assistant
Francis Filia, Childcare Assistant
Sophia Rush, Childcare Supervisor
Tyler Carlino Filippone, Childcare Supervisor
Timothy Karnuk Morison, Childcare Supervisor
Kevin Dimatteo, Childcare Supervisor
Catherine Swanson, Childcare Supervisor
Angela Arnett, Assistant Childcare Supervisor
Anthony Farley, Assistant Childcare Supervisor
Sydney Barney, Childcare Assistant
Asha Lad, Childcare Assistant
Mikayla Colborn, Childcare Assistant
Smita Kalaria, Childcare Assistant
Connie Folmer, Childcare Assistant
Donna Tracey Fraioli, Childcare Assistant
Margaret Gleason, Childcare Supervisor
Roseann Tracey, Childcare Assistant
Luke Radonsky, Childcare Assistant
Ryan Pino, Childcare Assistant
Julia Mauro, Childcare Assistant
Deanna Allen, Childcare Assistant
Cole Morison, Childcare Supervisor
Kaylee Monts, Childcare Assistant
Maris Worthy, Childcare Assistant
Sean Herbert, Childcare Assistant
Mason Franchetti, Childcare Assistant
Ella Dinisio, Childcare Assistant
Caleb Chung, Childcare Assistant
Aryana Phillips, Childcare Assistant
Katelin Harkins, Childcare Assistant
Peyton Henry, Childcare Assistant
Isabella Dimatteo, Childcare Assistant
Ellenie Tague, Childcare Assistant
Alycia Pino, Childcare Assistant
Savannah Thalacker, Childcare Assistant
Sophia Brasch, Childcare Assistant
Victoria Phipps, Childcare Assistant
Alexander Peacock, Childcare Assistant
Anthony Peplowski, Childcare Assistant
Makayla Davis, Childcare Assistant
Italia Davies, Childcare Assistant
Ava Nevin, Childcare Assistant
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Ariana Rapp, Childcare Assistant
Christopher Arment, Childcare Assistant
Kelsey Robb, Childcare Assistant
Noah Helm, Childcare Assistant
Abigail Peyre Ferry, Childcare Assistant
Ryleigh Lender, Childcare Assistant
Liam Diferdinando, Childcare Assistant
Gina Lafferty, Childcare Assistant
Matthew Arment, Childcare Assistant
Joan Mclorie, Childcare Assistant
Jack Folmer, Childcare Assistant
Cole Esher, Assistant Childcare Supervisor
Sarah Patchel, Childcare Assistant
Mia Mulholland, Childcare Assistant
Thelma Gonzalez, Childcare Assistant
Auburn Group Home
Vernita Blocker, Direct Support Professional
Lafayette Group Home
Arraiyana Starling-Murray, Direct Support Professional
Lutea Group Home
Ramatu Mansaray, Direct Support Professional
Abdul Barrie, Assistant Community Home Manager
Brandon Mcallister, Direct Support Professional
Piney Hollow Group Home
Ashley Mccullers, Direct Support Professional
Step by Step
Terraann Madden, Director of Early Intervention
HS
Heather Cunningham, Coordinator of Community Supports
Creative Achievements Academy
Andrew Katapodis, Paraprofessional
Jazmin Padilla, Paraprofessional
Lower School
Danielle Goggins, Paraprofessional
Upper School
Desiree Canino, Paraprofessional
Jonathan Matchett, Paraprofessional
Julie Nitowski, Paraprofessional
Nicholas Pira, Paraprofessional
Darius Carroway, Paraprofessional
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Around Archway
Friends and Affiliates
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Allies Spreads Holiday Cheer Throughout New Jersey | |
December was a busy month for Allies staff and community members! To mark the holidays and spread some holiday cheer, staff put on two amazing events. First, Allies’ main office hosted two visits from the big man himself, Santa Claus! Folks who attended had their photos taken with Santa and received several small gifts. Second, Allies’ annual Share The Joy gift drive collected gifts for more than 350 people throughout New Jersey.
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Woods’ Chair Barry Sharer Named to City & State Pennsylvania Impact List | |
City & State Pennsylvania, a news organization that covers government, politics, and public policy throughout Pennsylvania, recognized Barry Sharer, a long-term member of the Woods Services Board of Trustees, and the current chair, for this year’s Impact 100 List. The list honors people who are working to make communities across the commonwealth more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous.
Barry has been a member of the Woods Services Board for the past 10 years and Chair for the past three. During his time on the Board, he has actively helped Woods transform from being a human services agency to a premier health management organization that successfully addresses the social determinants of health for people with intellectual disability, autism, and complex needs.
Barry is passionate about affordable and attainable housing. A year ago, Woods pursued constructing an attainable housing apartment building in which people with disabilities and challenges could live alongside people whose income qualified them to live there. Barry provided knowledgeable and passionate testimony to the local zoning board about the critical need in Bucks County for such housing, and how an organization such as Woods could financially support the construction. Although Woods opted to not move forward with the process, Barry’s testimony likely would have won Woods the variances requested due to his expertise in this area.
Barry recognizes that Woods’ staff members are its most important asset, and he has supported the organization’s efforts to implement innovative benefits that include defined career pathways that support career advancement and educational opportunities to earn associate’s, bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from top universities while attending classes at Woods or virtually. He has led the Board to endorse and champion these initiatives.
Barry also advocates for healthcare equity for all individuals in the disability community. As such, he will help Woods pioneer a health-equity model that goes well beyond its borders and reaches the masses, ensuring that everyone has access to the same highest quality care and supports that ensure their health and wellbeing.
Barry has provided the transformational leadership the Woods Board needed to fulfill its role during a time of rapid change and growth for the organization. His support has enabled Woods to expand to have revenues of nearly $400 million while leading the way to advocate for a better quality of life for all people with disabilities and challenges.
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Share Your Story
The Bridge is Archway Programs' monthly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! To subscribe and see this publication's latest and previous editions, please visit https://archwayprograms.org/newsletter/.
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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.
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