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 https://archwayprograms.org/newsletter/.
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A Message From the CEO
Dear Archway Family,
Welcome to 2021! I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season and that no matter what or how you celebrated; you were able to enjoy it. While many found a renewed sense of purpose and experienced more quality time with close family due to the pandemic, it’s a disservice not to acknowledge the hardships so many have experienced and are experiencing such as: temporary program closures, remote learning, furloughs, working from home, home-schooling, losing love ones, businesses closing and canceling monumental celebrations just to name a few; along with protest surrounding social justice issues. If 2020 has taught us anything it’s that the world needs compassion right now; we all need to re-evaluate how we do things and cherish the people, places, memories, and special moments that make life itself so special.
Archway is still experiencing many challenges due to temporary program closures. To date, the ACT Partial Care Program is still not conducting in-person sessions however our partial care staff continues to strive to bring a personal touch to the consumers and maintain a positive therapeutic connection. Our Partial Care Youth Programs HOPE/DISCOVER are open, however they are not yet operating at full capacity. Our Just Kids Program is currently operating in 19 locations, only providing childcare services on the days students are receiving in-person instruction. After being fully remote, our Archway Schools are back to a hybrid model. Our school staff is very happy that they are able to see our students again for in-person instruction. Our Step by Step Program continues to provide early intervention services for families virtually in addition to in-person visits. Residents throughout our Community Homes are looking forward to warmer weather so they can get back outside again.
I’d like to personally recognize all of our staff for being very flexible in accommodating the needs of those we serve throughout each program, and for your hard work implementing additional health, safety and sanitation protocols to ensure everyone's safety.
Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank everyone who supported Archway this past year. Our mission would not be possible without you and you are a part of our story. Thank you to each of you for making it possible for our organization to further our mission helping children, teens, adults and families throughout New Jersey. To each individual Archway serves, thank you – you inspire us each and every day. Our Archway family will continue to grow stronger to meet the needs of our communities, and celebrate another year embracing differences and improving lives.
Sincerely,
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New Year, New Possibilities
Thank you to our Archway Upper School for reminding us that 2021 is a rainbow of possibilities! Whatever you might be struggling with, you got this! Not all positive change feels positive in the beginning. Learning how to navigate through life differently, when you have spent so much time doing it another way is not easy.
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The pictured bulletin board was created by Michelle Weber, Art Teacher from the Archway Upper School. |
Thank You for Your Support
Despite the many challenges of 2020, we are overwhelmed by the support many of you have shown us throughout this past year. Whether it was a monetary donation, holiday gift donations for our clients and/or students, Giving Tuesday campaign, Facebook birthday fundraiser, or spreading the word about Archway Programs, we are thankful for YOU. Archway’s mission would not be possible without your support. It’s never too late to support the essential work Archway does throughout the community. To learn more, click here. Here’s to brighter days ahead and another 55 years strong!
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In order to keep our community safe, our annual events through the spring will be postponed. Should that change you will be the first to know. The Archway team is hard at work to ensure a successful 2021, and we look forward to connecting with you in 2021. To stay connected, we will continue to distribute our e-newsletter, update our website with any new program updates, and post on social media in addition to our blog. Our e-newsletter is typically distributed bi-monthly, however due to many programs being temporarily closed right now; we have decided to skip the March 2021 edition. The next edition that will be distributed will be in May 2021. To view current and previous editions of the Bridge, please click here. |
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Archway Family Mourns the Loss of Four Employees
In Remembrance of Bobbie Cross, Kristine Henle-Blank,
Joshua Thompson Quartey and Janisha White.
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In Loving Memory of Bobbie Cross |
It is with extreme sadness that we share the passing of Bobbie Cross which occurred on December 28th, 2020. Miss Bobbie fought a hard battle with COVID-19 complicated by rheumatoid arthritis. She was the face of Just Kids in Pennsville for the last 22 years as Supervisor. Over this time, she gave all she had to meeting the needs of the children in her care. Just Kids could not have asked for a more dedicated, caring, and loyal team member. Miss Bobbie loved to play games, play outside, and was genuinely interested in her students. She had personal relationships with many people, reaching out with a funny text or a photo to make others smile. She always helped out when needed in another district, went out of her way to support her assistants, and was relied upon to be used as an example in staff training (even though she hated the attention)! Her program received the highest parent satisfaction for many years. She hated this recognition too! |
Families throughout Pennsville valued the care and dedication she expressed not only through Just Kids but through all her interactions in the community. She was always humble in her giving and generosity toward others. She loved hearing her name, "Miss Bobbie" being shouted out in greeting wherever she was. Bobbie continued to go to many school and community events just to see her Just Kids students perform. Just Kids and the Pennsville School communities will sorely miss Bobbie. Just Kids and Archway Programs send our deepest condolences to Bobbie’s grieving husband, David, and son, Brandon. |
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In Loving Memory of Kristine Henle-Blank |
Our dear friend and colleague Kristine Henle-Blank passed away on November 28th, 2020. Kristine (‘Kris’) helped start Archway’s social enterprise business, Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts, which employed students and adults with disabilities. This was something that Kris was very passionate about in her time at Archway. Prior to working at Blue Violet, Kris worked at the Archway Schools in the Career Education Program with special needs students. Kris was the type of person who was a friend to all who met her. She inspired people in many ways, especially the students she worked with from the Archway Schools. Kris never missed a moment to share her love in many ways and always had a funny story to tell. She loved life and the work she did, and was always thinking of new ways to help those throughout her community. She was a very talented floral designer and always made sure she added a special touch to every arrangement making it extra special and lovely. Your Archway family will miss you, Kris. You have impacted our lives and our community and you will be greatly missed.
Kristine is survived by her husband Christopher Blank, daughters Andrea and Emily, and sons Charles and Henry. She is also survived by her mother Kathleen Schmidt; sister Karen Czubas; and her beloved dog Gizmo. Kris enjoyed Hallmark Christmas movies and above all was an awesome wife and devoted mother.
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In Loving Memory of Joshua Thompson-Quartey |
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On April 2, 2020, we lost Joshua Thompson-Quartey. Joshua was the Community Home Manager of Archway’s Freehold home. Joshua was there from the very beginning, as he helped open the Freehold Community home, and he was instrumental in ensuring everyone truly felt “at home”. His loss has left a gaping hole in our hearts as he was a leader, mentor and friend to all of our staff and residents. It has been difficult for Archway’s Freehold community but staff has stuck together like a family and continues to help each other get through this difficult time. Joshua will always be in our hearts. Joshua is survived by his wife Rose and a loving family. Joshua will be missed greatly, but he will be our guardian angel, smiling that warm smile upon us from above. |
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In Loving Memory of Janisha White |
Janisha was employed at Archway Programs as a Direct Support Professional at our Residential Community Home in Medford. She worked from April 2020 until she passed away in August 2020. Although she was only part of the Archway family for a short time, she made a great positive impact on our residents. According to the Manager of the Community Home Janisha worked in, “she was a genuinely kind and caring human being. She had a huge positive impact on our residents, and they still ask about her. We need more people like Janisha in this world."
Janisha’s family and friends describe her as being selfless, always going out of her way to help others. Thank you Janisha for making a difference in the lives of so many, Archway will miss you.
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Archway’s Quarantine Christmas |
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Every December right before school break officially begins, Archway parents, staff, clients throughout various programs, Archway Board Members, and former Archway students, attend the annual holiday show at the Archway Lower School. The Archway School Holiday Show had to be postponed until further notice due to COVID-19. Lucas Waldburger, Lower School Music Therapist, wrote a song for our students. Thanks to Lucas and our school staff, Archway was able to produce a music video to try and spread some holiday cheer to our students during this difficult time. To listen to and watch Archway’s Quarantine Christmas click here or on the image above. |
Santa Visits Archway Residents
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Residents throughout Archway’s Community Homes haven’t been able to attend day program, community outings or events due to COVID-19. Our residents were ecstatic to get a special visit from Santa himself, who visited each of our community homes throughout New Jersey, while practicing safe social distancing! Thank you to everyone who made this holiday a little brighter for our residents. To watch the video, click here or on the image to the left |
There Was A Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow Read by Archway Related Services
Speech and OT from the Archway Lower School virtually read one of our students' favorite stories, "There Was A Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow!" Special thanks to our Related Services team for recording this story for others to enjoy. Great job, Ms. Lori and Ms. Brooke! Click here to listen to the story and watch the video clip. |
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Santa Sends Special Message to Archway Students
For the past 4 years, Santa has visited our students at the Archway Schools and wrote a special song for them prior to his arrival. This year, Santa sent over a surprise personalized message for our Archway students, to spread some cheer and provide hope in a difficult time. Despite the many challenges and changes we have all had to face in 2020, this song promises to bring a smile, and maybe even a tear. Click here or on the image to the left to listen.
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Toni the Blonde Hosts Annual Holiday Fundraiser
For the past thirty years, a dear friend and longtime Archway supporter has been making an impact in our students' lives. We would like to recognize and thank you Toni Felicetti (also known as ‘Toni the Blonde’) for donating her time and money to support Archway students at her Annual Holiday Fundraiser. What started off as a small event at her home in South Philadelphia has now grown to a large fundraiser in Cherry Hill. Although this year presented some unique challenges, Toni still hosted the fundraiser outdoors while practicing safe social distancing. Each guest who attended the event brought a Christmas gift and a donation in exchange for a night of fun, knowing that they are helping those in need in their local community. THANK YOU Toni! We are beyond humbled by the support that you have shown Archway Programs throughout the years!
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Step by Step Program Resumes Home Visits
Archway's Step by Step Early Intervention Program was remote up until January 23rd, 2021 due to the increase of COVID-19 cases around the holidays. Our early intervention staff is very happy to be back in the field is looking forward to seeing more our families this year!
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Archway Schools Return to Hybrid Model
After being fully remote after the holidays, the Archway Schools are happy to have jumped right back into the hybrid school schedule that they have been practicing since September. Our New Year’s resolution is to keep following health and safety protocol and hopefully be able to bring students back to a more “normal” school schedule in the coming months. All of our students and staff are happy to be back and interacting with one another! |
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Another New Year’s resolution for our schools is to remember to light up our community with love and kindness. Here's a list of ideas inspired by the staff and students from the Archway Upper School:
- Compliment others
- Help the elderly
- Donate food to the local food pantry
- Be respectful and honest
- Help my parents
- Call my grandparents to check in on them
- Donate unused clothes to those in need
Let’s all remember to keep a warm heart and spread the joy around us!
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Just Kids Continues Serving Parents throughout New Jersey
Our Just Kids Program has been operating in 19 locations this school year, offering morning and afternoon care on the days a student is receiving in-person instruction. In many locations, this now includes care each afternoon from 12:30 to 6:00 p.m. as many schools are only offering in-person instruction for the morning until lunch time. The Just Kids staff has been very flexible in accommodating these needs and implementing all the health, safety and sanitation protocols to ensure everyone's safety. Just Kids is focused on creating an engaging and positive relationship building environment for the students during these unsure times. |
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Honda of Turnersville Generously Donates to Partial Care Youth
We would like to give a very special shout-out to Mr. Min Chin and his team at Honda of Turnersville for their generous donation that made it possible to purchase Christmas gifts for Archway’s youth served in the HOPE and DISCOVER partial care programs. Thank you ALL for making the holidays a little brighter this year!
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ACT Program Expresses Gratitude for
Holiday Donations
This holiday season Archway’s Partial Care staff in the Adult Counseling and Therapy (ACT) Program, with the help of other program staff and many volunteers who purchased gifts. Warm smiles and much gratitude was displayed as the Christmas gifts, stockings stuffed with holiday goodies and greeting cards were delivered to our ACT consumers in an effort to bring some cheer and encouragement for the season. |
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Archway Residents Enjoy the Holiday Season |
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Our residents still are not back to work or day programming, however some families have been able to visit and some clients have gotten to go on home visits as well which everyone is happy about. Around the holidays, our residents and staff delivered beautiful Blue Violet floral arrangements to local police departments to show their appreciation for keeping us all safe (pictured right). Preparing for the holidays was a nice distraction for everyone involved, from decorating our community homes to drive-by gift giving and Santa visits, as staff continues to keep things as “normal” as possible. |
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Very slowly, our residents have been getting back out into the community, but with cases of COVID-19 on the rise, we’ve slowed to a snail’s pace. All of our homes have remained COVID-19 free and we would like to keep it that way! Many of our residents have had birthdays that we don’t let pass by without a celebration, COVID-19 style! Here’s to 2021 being a better year and hopefully going back to a life similar to the one we once knew! |
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Don't Forget to Place Your Valentine's Day Orders with Blue Violet Flowers & Gifts!
Don’t forget to shop at the Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts 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, gorgeous floral arrangements, delicious treats, a variety of balloons, teddy bears, and more! Show that special person how much you love “Social Distancing” with them! Stop in the shop, call 856.336.2548, or order online at www.bluevioletflowers.org. Curbside pick-up and local delivery is available. Blue Violet is located in the Town Square Plaza at 302 White Horse Pike, Suite B-7 in Atco, NJ. Store hours are Monday through Friday 9AM to 4PM, Saturday 9AM to 1PM, closed Sundays. Blue Violet has extended their store hours for Valentine's Day! The week leading up to Valentine's Day (beginning 2/8), the store will be open from 9AM to 6PM and open on Sunday, February 14th from 10AM to 2PM.
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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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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!
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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 Program
Nikiya Rickard, Childcare Assistant
Residential Community Homes
Lexus Archer, Assistant Home Manager
Geraldine Sims,Direct Support Professional
Kendra Smith, Direct Support Professional
Saschae Stout, Direct Support Professional
Jay Weiner, Direct Support Professional
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Step by Step Early Intervention
Valerie Leonard, Occupational Therapist
Caitlin Beach, Occupational Therapist
Blue Violet Flowers & Gifts
Katelynn Chambers, Store Manager
Sara Chapline, Cashier
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Around the Woods World News |
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Allies, Inc. Makes Christmas Wishes Come True for Those at Home This Holiday Season
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the individuals that Allies, Inc. serves were not able to travel and visit their family for Christmas. But thanks to generosity from the community, family members, and Allies staff, those who celebrated the holiday at home this year still had a joyful time. To find out how everyone got into the Christmas spirit, read more.
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Legacy Holiday Gift and Adopt a Family Drives Provide Numerous Gifts to Children & Youth |
Children and youth from Legacy Treatment Services and Community Treatment Solutions benefited from the incredible generosity of many local businesses and donors during the holiday season by receiving numerous gifts, clothing and gift cards. Whether choosing to “Adopt A Family” among clients in need through Legacy’s Generations Family Success Center or contributing gifts to youth who reside with us receiving treatment and therapy in our Adolescent Residential Services Programs, area donors stepped up their efforts to bring smiles to many at the end of a difficult year. Legacy is extremely grateful to those who helped make the holidays brighter for our kids. |
Taste of Tabor: A Deliciously Good Deed ~ Cookbook Edition |
Taste of Tabor: A Deliciously Good Deed ~ Cookbook Edition is filled with 100 recipes submitted with love by the dedicated Board Members, Employees, Clients, Supportive Community Partners and Members that make up the Tabor Family. Since 1907, Tabor has known the power if food to be the equalizer that brings everyone together. In this three-ring binder, you will not only receive delicious recipes but best practice cooking tips and tricks. Regardless of your skill level, the step-by-step instructions will have you cooking like a pro. To order your book, visit www.Taborservicesinc.org, contact us at Development@Tabor.org or call 215.842.4800, ext. 414.
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A Re-imagined Woods Winter Wonderland |
🎵 On this different, yet festive and memorable, holiday season, our team at Woods gave residents and staff… 🎵
One spectacular tree lighting…🎵
A tree lighting on Dec. 1 kicked off the festivities for the 2020 edition of Woods’ Winter Wonderland. Santa and his elves flipped a switch, lighting trees instantly, bringing a colorful glow to the campus and highlighting greenery on the new barnyard and horse corral. Most importantly, smiles were brought to the faces of our residents who witnessed the magical moment.
Seven kinds of plushies… 🎵
Following the tree-lighting ceremony, Santa and his elves made rounds to all residences on campus and delivered one of seven kinds of plush animals to each resident. The plush animals are courtesy of a gift campaign held by PetSmart in Newtown, Pa., allowing community members to purchase and donate one of the plushies, including hedgehogs and llamas, to the residences.
Several motorcyclists... 🎵
It’s not the holidays at Woods without an annual visit from Brian’s Harley-Davidson and the Northeast Riders Motorcycle Club. This year’s safely distanced toy delivery included Santa on a chopper, new toys and games, personal care products, craft activities, clothing, and more.
Two of Santa’s reindeer… 🎵
It’s safe to say that this holiday season has been full of surprises for the Woods community – including one from Santa’s little helpers. Comet and her son Curley, two reindeer from Spruce Run Farm in Bloomsburg, Pa., stopped by for a day and provided excitement to residents who observed in awe and learned plenty about the animals.
1,800 turkeys… 🎵
We couldn’t let the holiday season come and go without showing appreciation to our staff for their continued dedication to our residents. In addition to our annual gift, we distributed 1,800 turkeys to our staff over two days, each weighing about 12-15 pounds. It is our hope that the turkeys will be enjoyed by the staff and their families and will bring a sense of connection in these times of isolation.
1,000-plus Secret Santa gifts…🎵
In this unprecedented time of need, the local and Woods communities have delivered in a major way to our residents this holiday season. Because of these Secret Santa’s' generosity, over 1,100 holiday gifts will be delivered this year, checking off items from each resident’s wish list.
…And continued support from the Woods family! 🎵
While the Woods Winter Wonderland has been re-imagined this year, familiar aspects like the tree lighting and visit from Santa brought joy to our residents. With the help of our residents’ families and the Bucks County neighbors, the 2020 holiday season at Woods will be one to remember for all of the right reasons. Though we may not know what it will look like this time next year, one thing’s for sure: Santa will be coming to town once more.
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Sharing COVID-19 Updates with Our Families |
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A reminder that any COVID-19 related program updates can be found on our website at www.archwayprograms.org/covid19. This page will be updated frequently and will include our organization wide Re-Opening Plan, in addition to helpful resources for families served throughout Archway.
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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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