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Dear Archway Friends and Family, 

I hope everyone had a pleasant and fun-filled summer season. As the days become shorter and the air hints at the coming chill, we are preparing for the beauty of autumn across the Archway Campus. Soon, the leaves of the surrounding trees will transform. Bold bronze, orange, and golden colors will emerge; their autumnal palette reflecting off the lake will create a beautiful and serene backdrop for an already lovely campus. 

The changing season ushers in a host of exciting activities across our many programs, most notably, a new school year. September 8th welcomed returning staff and students along with the promise of a year filled with possibilities and opportunities. I want to offer my appreciation and thanks to all returning staff for their continued dedication to our students and co-workers, and I wish you all the best for the upcoming school year. I look forward to joining you and the students during the many exciting events planned throughout the school year. 

During September, we celebrated the many contributions of our Direct Support Professionals who are responsible for providing assistance and care to the residents of our community homes. Our DSPs are the cornerstone of our Human Services programs, and they are how Archway has been able to respectfully and successfully assist our residents for over thirty years. I appreciate them, their contributions, and their dedication to such an integral program. Thank you again for everything you do to care for and improve the lives of those we serve.  

With employee recognition at the forefront, I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout-out to Human Resources on the launch of the new Cheers for Peers program. The online platform encourages everyone to “Cheer” for the positive values and work ethic each employee brings to the table daily. It provides birthday and anniversary reminders and opportunities to say thanks for a job well done. We hope everyone takes a few minutes out of their day to check in and see what their co-workers have to say. You never know, the “Cheers” might be for you! 

I would also like to mention how pleased I am with the enhanced employee recruitment efforts. The increased advertising, competitive compensation, and the addition of an experienced recruiter, Christine Chiumento, have produced an influx of qualified candidates. I am confident we will be fully staffed soon, and the improvements will also help with employee retention. 

I wish everyone the best for the new season, and I look forward to working with all of you as we continue to offer quality care, services, and education to our community.  

Sincerely, 

George Richards 

CEO/CFO 

Careers Center Building Gets a New Sign

Thank you to Maintenance Supervisor Mike Smalley and the Archway Maintenance Department for updating and installing the new Archway Careers Center sign! 

Previously, 250 Jackson Road was the home of Human Services until September of last year, when the building was reassigned to house the Lower School Career Center. The center officially opened for business in October of 2021; its primary goal is to teach career skills, foster critical thinking, and encourage decision-making. For more about the Career Center, visit The Career Center is Open for Business on the Archway Programs’ website. 

The sign was a welcome addition to the building, and we appreciate the fantastic maintenance team that helped to make it happen! 

Archway Says Thank You on National I.T. Professionals Day 

On September 20^th we celebrated I.T. Professionals Day with a shout-out to our phenomenal Archway I.T. Team on National I.T. Professionals Day! Thank you, Karen Todd, I.T. Director; James Ruble, I.T.; and Zach Morganti, Help Desk Support, for all the password resets, file restorations, technical support, and all the hats you wear to keep us all connected and running smoothly.   

Upper School Celebrates its First Spirit Week of The

New School Year! 

Starting September 11th, the Upper School celebrated its first Spirit Week of the new school year. Monday, students and staff wore creative combinations of prints, plaids, polka dots, and outrageous color combinations for Mix and Match Day. 

Tuesday focused on all things Red, White, and Blue, followed by Rock Your Crocs Day on Wednesday. The office staff got in on the fun, with Miss Pam and Miss Jenn showing off their own unique "Crocs" made of the finest paper and ink. Students sporting their Crocs schooled the staff in proper Croc etiquette. If you wrap the heel strap around the back of your ankle, you're in "sport mode" and ready for action! You learn something new every day! 

For Rainbow Day on Thursday, classrooms were assigned a color from the rainbow, and students and staff were encouraged to show their classroom colors or wear their own depiction of the rainbow.  

Finally, wrapping up their first full week of school, they celebrated the final day of Spirit Week with Freaky Friday. Everyone showed off their best tie-dyed shirts, pants, and hats! Friday was also a day of recognition. The students and staff of Room 14, Mary Szczur, and Room 22, Kevin Odonnell, were honored for their excellent show of unwavering school spirit by participating in every Spirit Week event. Congratulations to everyone from both classrooms!  

Great job to everyone that participated this week! We are Archway Proud of all of you, and we are super excited about the new school year ahead! 

Upper School Fall Fun Day and Scarecrow Contest

Wednesday, September 28th, beautiful clear skies, and crisp fall air offered the perfect backdrop for the Upper School Fall Fun Day! Staff and students joined together at the Bocce Ball field to enjoy music from D.J. Mr. Sal while playing Pumpkin Bowling, Corn Hole, Parachute, Ladder Ball, Tug of War, and Jenga! If you were brave enough, you could have your face painted or get a colorful creepy, or pretty tattoo! 

Everyone enjoyed delicious fall treats, including candy corn and apple cider donuts. While enjoying their goodies, they sipped tasty apple cider while taking in the creative design submissions for the Scarecrow Contest held in Mr. Bee's Garden. The scarecrows on display were nothing short of spectacular and highlighted the creativity and hard work that went into each one. 

Although they were all wonderful, the judges chose the scarecrow from Ms. Mary's class in room 14 for its "cool" looking eyes and Ms. Amanda's class in room 26 for its scarecrow face featuring Mr. Gabe Garcia, Upper School Music Therapist. Both classrooms won a pizza party for their creepy creativity and teamwork. Everyone did a fantastic job, and we are Archway Proud of all of them! 

Lower School Students Get Creative on National Play Doh Day

On Friday, September 16^th, in honor of National Play-Doh Day, Lower School students enjoyed working with the iconic, colorful "Doh" by creating their own unique masterpieces. They creatively used colorful pipe cleaners, buttons, beads, googly eyes, and plenty of imagination to create exciting and unique sculptures. Staff captured plenty of pictures so we could share their creations with you. What a great way to wish everyone a Happy Friday! 

September Bulletin Board

A colorful bulletin board offered a cheerful Welcome Back message to returning students this September in our Cooper’s Poynt location. Students and teachers returned to the classroom on September 8th following their summer break. Best of luck in the new school year!

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week

September 11th-17th was Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. Archway Programs honored our DSPs by reminding them through words and actions that they are appreciated.  

Archway Direct Support Professionals plan outings and special events to enrich the consumers' lives in their care. Our DSPs go above and beyond for the ladies and gentlemen in our community homes, and we appreciate every moment they dedicate to their careers and the care of our consumers. 

A Direct Support Professional's job is not just about doctor's appointments, meal prep, and medication; it's about the small moments that make up the fabric of daily life. It's engaging with someone, listening and reassuring, or being a shoulder to lean on. Archway Direct Support Professionals are there for all the moments.  

On Wednesday, September 14th, during recognition week, Archway Programs recognized their Direct Support Professionals with a pretzel party tray for each location from the Philly Pretzel Factory. Later in the week, Archway provided dinner to the DSPs in our community home locations. 

They were small gestures during this special week of recognition, but they came with a huge debt of gratitude for their work and dedication to our consumers throughout the year. 

Thank you to all our DSPs for their commitment and care. We are grateful to all of you for the unique qualities you bring to your work. Thank you all for the fantastic job you do and for enriching the lives of everyone in your care! 

ACT Program Participants Enjoy a Dose of Chicken Therapy 

Clients in the Archway ACT (Adult Counseling and Therapy) Program experienced a unique form of therapy, chicken therapy. Gwenn from “Therapy Hens on the Go” visited the group with seven chickens, the smallest of which was named “Lucy.” All the clients had a chance to hold and pet her during the visit. The group enjoyed their feathered guest and agreed that petting her soft feathers was like petting a cat. Thank you, Gwenn, for a unique and memorable experience!     

Save 50% on all Fall Decorations in Our Store!

Blue Violet is here for your special fall floral design needs and decorations! Stop by today for a lovely bouquet of fall blooms, a dish garden, or a lush leafy plant, and Save 50% on our entire collection of fall decorations!

It’s Time to Order Your Favorite ArchWear!  

Are you looking to update or add to your current ArchWear collection? We are accepting orders now for your favorite ArchWear shirts. The shirts are available in short-sleeved and long-sleeved versions with the Archway logo displayed in white on the front left chest. 

New this year, Holiday ArchWear!  

Show off your holiday spirit with Holiday ArchWear shirts! Holiday designs include Kwanzaa Candles, a Hanukkah Dreidel, and a Santa Hat sharing the stage with our traditional Archway logo. The shirts are available in various sizes in the Archway navy, long-sleeved variation.  

Please complete the order form linked below and include it with exact cash or a check made payable to Archway Programs, and send it to Sal Olaya, Upper School, via interoffice mail. All orders must be submitted no later than 10/14/2022 to ensure holiday delivery.

New Cheers From Peers Recognition Program!

Archway Programs is excited to announce a new program designed to allow coworkers to cheer on their peers! You can recognize employee birthdays and work anniversaries with virtual cards or cheer them on for a job well done! All cheers or cards can be made public or kept private. 

If you haven't visited the platform yet, check your email for the link and login information. 

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!

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.