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
As we celebrate Archway’s 55
th
anniversary this year, we are proud of how we have grown and encourage you to take another look at all we have to offer. Over the years, we have found that people really get to know Archway through the programs they experience personally. Some view Archway as a private special education school, while others know us through our popular before and after school care program, Just Kids. Archway Programs offers a comprehensive continuum of care that meets individuals and families where they are at in life to provide the best care. With services throughout the state of New Jersey, Archway Programs offers innovative programming and services, delivered by a team of talented professionals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.
Archway was born in 1965 and started out in a private home as a summer camp for handicapped children, and has grown into a diverse, nonprofit, human services organization serving individuals of all ages. Archway’s 440 staff members serve nearly 1,800 individuals throughout southern and central New Jersey each year! None of that would be possible without YOUR support. We could not further our mission without our Archway family. Our “Archway Family” consists of everyone who has been a part of our journey throughout our existence – clients and families served throughout the community, our staff, our leadership team, our visionary board, our affiliates, our supporters and friends. It’s defined by our commitment and by compassion for others. These are the individuals who not only emulate our mission, but who give unselfishly of their time and talents to those we serve, day-to-day, year-to-year. We support each other and show up for one another despite any challenges we may face along the way. Your help makes it possible for us to bring the next generation of care to our community.
I encourage you to learn more about Archway Programs and schedule a private tour at one of our locations. Please call Kim DePalma at 856.757.575, ext. 206 to schedule a tour.
I would like to personally thank all of our friends who generously donated gifts and donations to clients throughout all of our programs this holiday season. A special thanks to all of our friends and family who have given back including Archway staff, Honda of Turnersville, JoAnn Pritts, Toni Felicetti, and the support from our local business community.
I hope you enjoy reading and I encourage you to share with others in order for Archway to continue to help individuals throughout our community.
Sincerely,
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Celebrating Every Milestone
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You can always count on Archway Programs to help you every step of the way, to overcome any challenges you face and to celebrate all of the milestones you reach. We would like to share with you a message from one of our Archway moms about her Archway experience.
"
Being able to participate in school events is such a milestone for my daughter. She went from not talking to speaking, becoming more motivated, showing ways to communicate. Now she knows how to communicate with her expressions too. I picked Archway’s Lower School because I live in Atco and I knew it was the place for my daughter based on Archway’s outstanding reputation. If I had to describe what Archway is all about in two words it would be compassion and family.
"
-
Archway mom, Ellen Giovetsis
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Thank you Ellen for the kind words. We love getting to spend time with Valentina and are so incredibly proud of her!
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Share Your Archway Experience
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This year, we will be reflecting back on 55 years of memories, programs and events throughout our community. Join us as we celebrate
#55YearsStrong
.
Share with us how Archway Programs has impacted your life by emailing us at
communications@archwayprograms.org
and we may share your memory on our website, social media pages, blog posts and future newsletters!
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Archway All Stars
Congratulations to all of our employees celebrating their work anniversaries this month! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to help Archway further its mission.
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Employee Spotlight On: Brittany Byrd
Just Kids Program
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Our Employee Spotlight goes to Ms. Brittany Byrd, Program Coordinator of Curriculum of Just Kids. Ms. Byrd has been part of the Archway family for 17 years and has held several different capacities throughout this time.
She started out as an Assistant Trainee and has worked her way to her current position,
Program Coordinator of Curriculum
. She is a perfect example of an employee who is a dedicated team player and someone you can count on. Her co-workers have described her as a burst of positive energy that is always ready to pitch in help.
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Congratulations Brittany! We are proud that you are part of the Archway family. Thank you for everything that you do for Just Kids!
#ArchwayProud #ArchwayFamily
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Program Spotlight On:
Administrative Staff
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Our Program Spotlight goes to our Administrative Staff. All of our programs run so smoothly however not everyone knows all of the behind-the-scenes work that makes this possible. Each one of you plays a role to ensure that our programs operate successfully. Without this group of hardworking employees, this would not be possible. Thank you to all of the employees who help further Archway's mission each day.
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#ArchwayProud #ArchwayFamily
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Archway Students Shine at Holiday Show
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Last month Archway employees, executives and board members joined school staff as they gathered together to support Archway’s Lower School students’ at their annual holiday show. Artwork was displayed throughout the gymnasium and students participated in musical performances inspired by holiday hits. A special shout out to Ms. Chayla, Art Teacher and Mr. Gabe, Music Therapist and Lower School staff for all of the hard work that went into making this another successful event!
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Visit our Facebook page to see more footage from the event
(click
here
).
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Archway Students Help the Homeless
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Each year right before Christmas, St. John’s Episcopal Church (located in Blackwood) brings cooked food to St. Paul's Episcopal Church located in the city of Camden for a dinner for the homeless. Congregation and local community members from St. John's donate food for the dinner. When students from the Archway School at Cooper’s Poynt found out about the event, they wanted to be a part of it and figure out how they would be able to give back having so little themselves. The idea first came to fruition when teachers were discussing kindness with their students and how important it is to give back to those in need, especially during the holiday season. The kids brainstormed ideas of what they could do to help their local community. This is when the idea sparked to help the homeless. Archway Paraprofessional Dave Martinez is a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church and has volunteered at the annual dinner for the homeless in past years, and knew that this would be a good fit.
Typically, volunteers donate food for the dinner, however the kids wanted to put together bags for the homeless full of items they may need. Archway teachers all chipped in and purchased items to fill the Gallon sized bags which included breakfast bars, chips, granola bars, mints, travel-sized toiletries, a winter hat and gloves, warm socks, as well as a pen and paper. Martinez coordinated getting the bags to the dinner so they could be handed out.
Archway students are pictured below proudly holding the bags for the homeless.
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“The pen and paper is something that the kids all felt strongly about. They thought it might be helpful to be able to jot down useful information. They also thought the pen and paper could be used to write down feelings and/or express themselves, which I thought was very thoughtful of the students,” said Dave Martinez, Paraprofessional at the Archway School at Cooper’s Poynt.
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To learn more about the Archway School at Cooper's Poynt, please click
here
.
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Toni the Blonde Does It Again
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For the last 29 consecutive years, our dear friend Toni Felicetti, AKA ‘Toni the Blonde’, has organized an annual holiday fundraiser for children in need. We would like to recognize for donating her time and effort to support our Upper School students. What started off as a small dinner party with friends at her home in South Philadelphia has grown into a large fundraiser in Cherry Hill. This year, over 200 guests attended the fundraiser. Each guest who attends brings a Christmas gift and makes a donation in exchange for a night of fun, knowing they are helping kids in need in their local community.
“I never had a Christmas growing up, so it means the world to me that I’m in a place now where I can give back and help kids who are in a similar situation. To me, that’s what the holiday season is really about,” said Toni.
We are humbled by the support Toni has shown Archway Programs throughout the years. Thank you Toni and everyone who attended this year’s fundraiser! We would also like to give a special shout out to Ron Ravitz of Marlton ShopRite for donating the cake and professional photographer Joey DelPalazzo for taking pictures this year.
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Honda of Turnersville Shares the Love
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For the seventh consecutive year, Honda of Turnersville hosted a holiday party for our partial care youth programs, HOPE and DISCOVER. This year, we welcomed youth from Legacy Treatment Services’ residential program to join in on the fun. Staff and their families from Honda of Turnersville volunteered to host this event, which gives children the opportunity to take a break from the daily challenges they face and just be kids. In addition to coordinating vendors, caterers, balloons, photo booth, games, and music, generous volunteers from Honda of Turnersville made sure each child received presents this year. The Phillie Phanatic stopped by to wish the kids happy holidays and Santa visited as well thanks to the Whitman Square Fire Company and the Washington Township Fire Department. A big thanks to Min Chin and his team at Honda of Turnersville for their generous donations and for making this another memorable event for our kids!
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Visit our Facebook page to see more footage from the event
(click
here
).
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Another Successful Santa Workshop
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Thank you to everyone who donated items to the Lower School Santa Workshop this year! Because of you, Archway students were able to shop for Christmas gifts for their families. A special shout out to Ms. Paula Gormley who does an outstanding job organizing this event each year.
Interested in donating for this event next year?
Donations are made early October leading up to the event. If you would like us to add your email address to our list for next year, please email us at
communications@archwayprograms.org
.
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Deptford Township Bus Drivers Give Back
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Robin Holmes, Upper School Paraprofessional, rides the bus before and after school. The bus staff she rides with, Deptford Bus #60, both made donations to our Upper School during the holiday season. After hearing Robin talk about the holiday dinner baskets that staff puts together for students and their families, they decided to get involved themselves.
Thank you to Pam Cox and Sonia McCloskey for your generosity this holiday season. Collectively they donated turkeys, cases of canned goods and fourteen Walmart gift cards for our older students. Pictured above is Archway’s Upper School Principal Mark Letiziano, Sonia McCloskey, Robin Holmes and Pam Cox. A big thank you to Robin for always thinking about our students!
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Archway Schools: Making Spirits Bright
Staff and students from our Archway Schools participated in a number of activities and events this holiday season. Archway Upper School had a holiday luncheon and breakfast with Santa. The look on their faces said it all!
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Our younger elementary classrooms celebrated “Grinch Day” in Whoville style as students and teachers alike dressed like characters from the Dr. Seuss classic ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’. The celebration included various activities and crafts related to the book and movie, as it coincided with the 53rd anniversary of the television broadcast of the timeless story and spread the festive sentiment of the story…”Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” Teachers set-up Grinch stations which included Grinch ornaments, Grinch slime, Grinch book and Grinch hot chocolate, Merry Grinchmas cards, Wrap a Grinch, Color a Grinch, How to Make the Grinch Grin writing, and more!
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Staff and students from our Lower School enjoyed the annual FOP Holiday Party in Cherry Hill. Thank you to the Cherry Hill Police Department and students from Cherry Hill High School East and West for coming together to host another successful FOP holiday party for children with special needs throughout the South Jersey community! Our students had a blast dancing, visiting with Santa and all of the special guests!
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Pictured left is Santa and Mrs. Claus at the annual Lower School Christmas event with Lower School staff in front of Reindeer Stables. Thank you to all of our staff for transforming the gym to create a magical atmosphere for our students!
Did you know that each year, Mrs. Claus sends us a video of Santa getting ready for his visit to the Lower School? Did you also know that Santa can play the piano AND hold a tune? To see for yoursellf, watch this year's video by clicking
here
or on the 'Watch Now' button below.
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The Archway School at Cooper’s Poynt enjoyed a field trip to our Lower School and attended the annual holiday show. Thank you to all of our staff and students for making the trip from Camden to support our Lower School students!
To see more pictures from the Archway Schools' holiday events, visit our Facebook page
(or click
here
).
For more information about the Archway Schools, please click
here
.
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DD Services: Annual Holiday Party
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Archway's DD Services came together for a night full of dancing, delicious food, great company and Santa! Thank you to everyone who joined us this year at the Mansion on Main Street. Thank you to all of our Board members, Administrative staff, clients and their families for joining us. A special shout out to Archway Upper School Teacher Mr. Mike Peters for doing an excellent job DJ-ing the event!
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Click
here
to view more footage from this year's DD Services' holiday party.
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DD Services: Respite & Positive Encounters
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Guess who came to town?! That’s right, good 'ole Saint Nick came to the Lower School on a Saturday just to deliver a few gifts to clients in both Saturday Respite and Positive Encounters programs. All seemed to enjoy their gifts, as well as a stocking full of goodies. Santa even took the time to make peppermint cotton candy with everyone before he had to head off to his next stop. We also enjoyed a Christmas luncheon with tasty treats such as, hoagies, fried chicken, pizza, cookies, cheese and crackers. Thank you to all the parents and care providers who support us all year long! We are so grateful for your support.
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DD Services: Residential Community Homes
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There isn’t enough room to list all of the fun memories we’ve made this past month! Many parties were attended to celebrate the holidays, some of our residents attended five different holiday celebrations, and they also had breakfast with Santa and saw Frosty the Snowman live at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman. All of our residents attended the annual holiday party and our Medford Community Home hosted their annual holiday get-together. Some residents also spent time with their families over the holidays. Everyone’s excited to see what the New Year brings; some are looking forward to spring already!
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DD Services: Supportive Living
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Partial Care Adult Program: Holiday Fun
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Clients from our ACT Program participated in a lot of fun and festive activities this past month. Adults created adorable gingerbread garlands to make everything look more festive at program, decorated the ACT Christmas tree with some of their own homemade ornaments, and they participated in a friendly gingerbread house competition. A special thank you to everyone who donated during the holidays so that our ACT clients had presents to open at this year’s holiday party! As you can see by their facial expressions, they were over the moon happy and extremely grateful.
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We would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new clients, welcome to the ACT Program! We are happy that you are part of the
#ArchwayFamily
!
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To see more pictures from the holiday festivities, please visit our Facebook page
(click
here
).
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PCY Programs: 10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
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Both
HOPE
and
DISCOVER
partial care programs are utilizing their bulletin boards to help inspire youth. For the months of December and January, Ms. Elise helped create the bulletin board, “10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues.” The board encourages positive activities to participate in to beat the “winter blues.” Sometimes people become sluggish this time of the year due to the weather and time change, but these topics remind us to get out there and do something we love.
Some of the topics include: exercise, eating right, hanging out, get social support, write it out and more.
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No matter what interests you, it is important to get out there and do the activities you like.
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Just Kids celebrated and learned about many holidays this past month. Students at Just Kids’ Tatem Elementary designed and created a personalized "ugly sweater" to help their Principal, Mr. Kulak, celebrate. Children also learned how to play the dreidel game and a lesson about Hanukkah thanks to Joanne Doades, Hannah’s grandmother. Thank you Ms. Doades for spending time with us at Just Kids!
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To see the latest Just Kids news, be sure to follow our Facebook page
(click
here
).
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Step by Step Receives Anonymous Donation
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An anonymous donor is making wishes come true for families who need a little extra help this holiday season. This person donated $300 in gift cards to help families served in Archway’s Step by Step (Early Intervention) Program to help them pay for gifts, food or anything else they might need. The donor is someone in the community, who just wants to help families in need. The money is not the focus, but the will and the desire to help others out however you are able to is. Though you wish to remain anonymous, please know that your gesture meant so much to us and your kind deed is proof that there are compassionate people out there. Thank you for reminding us the true meaning of why we celebrate during this time of year.
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Our social enterprise,
Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts
,
had a very eventful holiday season! We had special visitors from the Grinch and Santa and also held our first ever workshop event in December. The workshop was a success and this was a SOLD OUT event! Attendees each got to make their own fresh Balsam Fir Wreaths to take home. Some of our lovely guests from the workshop are pictured here
(right).
Thank you to everyone who attended and made this such a fun event!
Archway students participating in the
Career Education Program
, did an incredible job at their off-campus worksites supporting Blue Violet staff with all of the holiday centerpieces and arrangements during this busy time of the year. Pictured below
(left)
is one of our Archway students, Michael, doing an excellent job helping staff prepare for Valentine's Day.
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We would like to give a special shoutout to
Dawn Liedtka, Waterford Township Clerk
(pictured above - right)
, for choosing Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts for the
Waterford Township
Reorganization Meeting held earlier this month. We appreciate your continued support and everything you do for our community!
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Valentine's Day Specials
Don’t forget to shop at the Blue Violet for all of your Valentine’s Day gifts and floral arrangements! Blue Violet will soon be announcing Valentine’s Day specials that you don’t want to miss! Featuring gourmet gift baskets, delicious treats, a variety of balloons, teddy bears, and more!
EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS!
Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts will be extending their hours on Thursday (2/13) and Friday (2/14) and will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Orders can be placed by phone at 856.336.2548, online at
www.bluevioletflowers.org
and of course in-store! Blue Violet is located in the Town Square Plaza at 302 White Horse Pike Suite B7 in Atco, NJ.
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Be sure and follow
@BlueVioletFlowersNJ
on
Facebook
and
Instagram
for all of the latest news and happenings!
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Welcome to the Archway Family!
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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, Before & After School Care
Nicholas Irvin Battee, Childcare Supervisor
Meaghan Flemming Buck, Childcare Assistant
The Archway Schools
Brielle Allura Pinder-Callahan, Paraprofessional
Kristen Brianna Caro, Paraprofessional
Stephanie My Han Dang, Paraprofessional
Frances Fischer, Paraprofessional
Taylor Leigh Manering, Paraprofessional
Aveona Moore, Paraprofessional
Barbara Niewinski, Paraprofessional
Anamarie Abrielle Pietrafesa, Paraprofessional
Marie Rios, Paraprofessional
Christine Marie Robles, Paraprofessional
Emily Vallette, Paraprofessional
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Positive Encounters
Markeda Blackwell, Direct Support Professional
Residential Community HomesPositive Encounters
Ravenne Lois Durham, Direct Support Professional
Lisa Marie Nickerson, Direct Support Professional
Lisa Washington, Direct Support Professional
Lakeya Wright, Direct Support Professional
Step by Step, Early Intervention
Stacie Leigh Walsh, Special Educator
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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,
apply now
!
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Join us for a good time and win amazing bags and dozens of other prizes on Friday, March 13th for Archway's 2020
Designer Bag Bingo Fundraiser
! Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and bingo starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $25/person and admission includes 1 set of bingo sheets for 10 games plus 1 door prize ticket. Don't wait because space is limited and will sell out! Click
here
to purchase your ticket(s) online.
All proceeds raised at the Designer Bag Bingo Fundraiser will go towards improving the lives of the individuals served at
Archway Programs
.
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We Want to Hear From You!
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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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