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 .
Dear Archway Friends and Family,

It feels like this year has really flown by! It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. This time of the year and always, let us remember to count our blessings and give others hope. It's always incredible to me to see Archway staff come together around this time of the year, offering to donate items or goods to make sure our clients and their families have a Thanksgiving meal and what they need to stay warm this holiday season. Thank you to all of our friends and Archway supporters who have made generous donations to help make this possible. You are all making a big impact in the lives of so many people.

Archway Programs is preparing to make a big splash in 2020, as it marks our organization's 55 Year Anniversary. Stay tuned. We will be celebrating throughout the year and showing you why this is so important for our staff, our clients, and our community. We look forward to continued growth and are always looking for ways to expand programs and services offered to families throughout New Jersey. I am beyond grateful for the continued support and dedication that our staff, affiliates and local community has shown Archway throughout the years. None of this would be possible without you.

The Archway Employee Crisis Program (AECP ) fund has grown! To date, the AECP fund has reached $22,047.00. Thank you to all of the employees who contributed and who work hard each day in keeping Archway's mission alive and thriving in the community. The AECP is one of many benefits that we offer to our employees. To see what other benefits we offer to employees and their families, click here .

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,
George Richards
CEO/CFO
“The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become..” – Robert Holden

Archway Programs' main campus headquarters in Atco, New Jersey.
9th Annual Cancer Awareness Walk
Last month Archway held its 9th Annual Cancer Awareness Walk and thanks to you, it was another success! We would like to give a special shout out to our staff, clients, families and local community, including the Waterford Township Police Department , for supporting Archway Programs.
Click here to see more pictures. To learn more about the event, please cl ick here .
Positive Mindset Phrases for Kids
Submitted by the Step by Step Program (Early Intervention)
Words of encouragement focuses on children's process and the actions they take to reach a desired outcome.
Communicating words of encouragement helps them develop a positive mindset. When we use words of encouragement to motivate children, they learn to value effort and hard work. Click here or on the graphic to view '100 Positive Mindset Phrases for Kids.'
Employee Spotlight On: Aracelis Ortiz
Archway's Lower School
This month our Employee Spotlight goes to Ms. Aracelis Ortiz, Art Teacher at Archway's Lower School (pictured left) . Ms. Chayla has been part of the Archway family for over 19 years. She is a perfect example of an employee who is professional, creative and always a team player. Her co-workers have described her as very motivated, positive, helpful, the biggest cheerleader, very talented, and incredibly creative.

Ms. Chayla is someone who positively influences everyone in the room the instant she walks into it. She is someone who goes above and beyond for her students each and every day. When we asked Ms. Chayla what she loved most about her job, she simply said, "Oh that's easy - the kids."
She is always looking for new and creative ways to make learning fun for each of her students. For example, here's a video of Ms. Chayla during a really fun art/speech therapy activity where the students learned shapes and colors through an interactive puppet show.

 Congratulations Ms. Chayla! We are proud that you are part of the Archway family. Thank you for everything that you do for our students!

#ArchwayProud #ArchwayFamily
Archway Inspirations

Just Kids Lends A Helping Hand
Children in our Just Kids Program learned that no matter how big or small, every person can make a BIG difference in the lives of others! Every year, each of our Just Kids’ sites chooses at least one community service activity. Children reached out to those in need throughout their communities and all over the world this past school-year. Community involvement is part of the curriculum in the Just Kids program at each of the 21 locations. Children not only actively participate in community service projects, but they also decide as a group what the focus will be each year. Being able to give back and help others, students see themselves as part of the world around them, and see that they can individually and collectively
make a big difference – even as children.
Some of the Just Kids' community service projects for the 2018-2019 school year include:

  • Center Square – Cleaned up the outside of their school 
  • Zane North – Prepared sandwiches for the Cathedral Kitchen in Camden, NJ
  • Just Kids Atco – Invited officers from the Waterford Township Police Department to a breakfast to thank them for their service in the community
Around Archway...
A Spook-tacular Halloween at the Archway Schools

Halloween at the Archway Schools was filled with trick or treating, haunted houses, festive parties, music and dancing! Archway staff and students had a blast celebrating. Thank you to our staff for your hard work on making it so much fun for our students.
To see more footage from Halloween festivities, visit Archway's Facebook page .
Archway 'Scarecrows on the Avenue'
How A-maize-ing are these scarecrows? Our Just Kids Program and our social enterprise business, Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts , both participated in this year’s Scarecrows on the Avenue community event hosted by the Waterford Civic And Events Association (WTCEA). Each of the scarecrows represented a group, organization and/or business in the Atco community.

It’s a no-brainer that children at Waterford Just Kids had a blast participating in WTCEA’s Scarecrows on the Ave! This gave children in our Just Kids Program an opportunity to play a role in celebrating their local Atco community. The scarecrows were displayed on Atco Avenue in front of the American Legion. Thank you to all the parents at Waterford Just Kids that donated items to make our Just Kids scarecrows!
Just Kids Waterford 'Scarecrow on the Ave.'
Blue Violet Flowers & Gifts 'Scarecrow on the Ave.'
Bully Prevention Month at Our Schools

Every October, staff and students from our schools participate in a 'Week of Respect' which in support of Bully Prevention month. This is a perfect opportunity to reinforce the expected behaviors that foster a safe, kind and respectful learning environment. Throughout the week, students and staff at our schools as well as Administrative staff joined together to participate in a spirit week by following special themed days such as, wearing red to STOP bullying, wearing yellow to show that Archway follows the Golden Rule - treating others the way you want to be treated, etc. A huge thank you to our special guest, U.S. Olympic Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Mr. Cam Awesome , who gave a presentation focused on the effects of bullying and making positive choices in your life.
Archway's Administrative staff participated all week as well. Pictured above is Renee Ash, QA Manager, wearing red to support bully prevention.
Pictured above is Mr. Cam Awesome with one of our students.
Human Services: Residential Community Homes
One of our Community Home residents, Michael, had a fabulous time attending the Miss Monmouth County Beauty Pageant in Ocean Grove last month (pictured left). He was assisted by staff at the event and at a dinner following the pageant.

Residents from our Community Homes Program enjoyed fall festivals and Halloween festivities last month. One of our South Jersey Community Homes hosted a Halloween Party and invited residents from our other homes. Pictured below is TaShawna dressed up as a Bunny and Julia dressed as a hot dog. Everyone had a lot of fun!
Human Services: Positive Encounters & Saturday Respite

In October, Positive Encounters ' clients attended a car show, went shopping, ventured out to the movies and participated in fun fall activities. One of the fall crafts that clients really enjoyed was the Halloween-themed Gingerbread houses.
 Clients from our Saturday Respite Program enjoyed a small Halloween party and decorated pumpkin cookies. Some clients assisted with making spaghetti, soup, grilled cheese, and pizzas made from biscuits. Clients loved creating their own pirate ships during craft time, too.
The Archway School at Cooper's Poynt Hosts Open House
Cooper’s Poynt Principal John Petsch and Executive Director Susan Lafferty hosted an Open House at our Camden campus on October 10th. Case Managers, Child Study Teams, Education Administrators and Directors from all of the local Camden County public school districts attended the event to see Archway’s highly supportive and integrated APSSD program. Attendees met Archway staff, observed the classrooms, and learn more about what services and resources are offered to students.
 
If you were not able to attend our open house on October 10 th , but are interested in scheduling a tour or learning more, please contact John Petsch by phone at 856.905.2068 or via email at John.Petsch@archwayprograms.org .
HOPE & DISCOVER: Positive Pumpkin Patch
Our Partial Care Youth Programs, HOPE and DISCOVER , have been busy getting in the fall spirit! Ms. Dawn and five youth, created Archway’s Positive Pumpkin Patch bulletin board (pictured below).  The bulletin board was created to inspire youth within both programs to have a positive attitude and self-image, be mindful of their self-talk, use re-framing and utilize uplifting coping skills.   Some of the words that the youth picked out for the pumpkins include: creative, strong, brave, beautiful and responsible. The youth were asked why having a positive mindset is important and one youth stated, "It is good to show positivity because one little thing can make a big difference in someone else’s life."  Another stated, "It helps you think to calm down so you can make better choices."
ACT Program Holds Open House

Thank you to everyone who joined us on November 5 th at the ACT Program Open House at our Washington Township location! Attendees met ACT staff, learned more about our Adult Counseling and Therapy Program, toured the facility, enjoyed dinner and attended a complimentary CEU Workshop approved for social workers. A special shout out to Sarah Beibel from Senior Helpers for doing an outstanding job presenting the CEU Workshop, ‘Positive and Effective Strategies for Dementia Care and Memory Loss.’ If you weren't able to attend event and are interested in learning more, please contact Ashlee Battle via phone at 856.582.3900 or via email at Ashlee.Battle@archwayprograms.org .

Our social enterprise, Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts , brightened a lot of peoples day in the Atco community by “petaling” it forward last month. Staff, students and volunteers spread kindness by giving people in the community two bouquets - one to keep for themselves, and another to give to a complete stranger. Here's a video of one of our adult clients handing out a bouquet as she explains the campaign.
All Hands On Deck
Collaborating with Our Affiliates

 Last week some of Archway's leadership team spent an afternoon at Woods Services collaborating with other Woods' affiliates. Tabor, Legacy Treatment Services and Woods Community at Brian’s House joined Archway Programs at Woods' main campus. The group discussed identifying data collection nee ds to populate an overall dashboard, demonstrating impact and outcomes for the 22,000 people served collectively throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Administrative Staff Takes on the Escape Room Challenge

Some of our Administrative staff recently participated in the Pharaoh’s Revenge Escape Room Challenge . Valiant efforts were made, but no dice! Everyone enjoyed getting together outside of the office for this new, fun and engaging team-building experience.

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!
Erica Montgomery, Cashier
Chelsea Oliver, Cashier

Shameeru Johnson-Furlow, Counselor
Haniya Aliyah Marshall, Human Services Tech.
Laina Marie Sacerdote, Counselor

Alexander Michael Beschler, Childcare Assistant
Deanna Conigliaro, Childcare Assistant
Destiny Gonzalez, Childcare Assistant
Quinn Griffin, Childcare Assistant
Cindy Jane Lamontagne, Childcare Supervisor
Gabriella Ester Lugo, Childcare Assistant
Thomas MacLaughlin, Childcare Assistant
Linda Marshall, Childcare Assistant
Deborah Ann Pepe, Childcare Assistant
Margaret Mary Rispo-Berman, Childcare Assistant
Benjamin Rubin, Childcare Assistant
Annmarie Smyth-Glisson, Childcare Assistant
Linda Brige Caccamo, Direct Support Professional
Kyra Robinson, Direct Support Professional

Tryna Susan Valadez, Direct Support Professional
 
Siani Deans, Paraprofessional (Lower)
Michael Hazlett, Paraprofessional (Lower)
Naim Jackson, Paraprofessional (Lower)
Lauri Danielle Jenkins, Paraprofessional (Lower)
Richele Renee Johnson, Paraprofessional (Lower)
Sheri Lynn Johnson, Paraprofessional (Lower)
Malorie Adele Kruszewski, Paraprofessional (Lower)
Jay Romer, Paraprofessional (Lower)
Trent Rozycki, Paraprofessional (Upper)
Lisa Ann Sagiroglu, Paraprofessional (Upper)
James Weido, Paraprofessional (Lower)
Are you looking for a rewarding career?
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!

SAVE THE DATE

Stop by Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts on Monday, December 2nd for a Holiday
Open House! Select Holiday Décor Sale, Live Music, Festive Holiday Arrangements
and r efreshments. Santa visits will be from 3-5 p.m.
WHEN?

Monday, December 2nd
9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.*
*Santa visits from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

WHERE?

Blue Violet Flowers & Gifts
Suite B-7, 302 White Horse Pike
Atco, NJ 08004
For additional event details, please click here . If you have any questions, please call 856.336.2548.
Support Archway This Giving Tuesday
Support Archway Programs this Giving Tuesday on December 3rd, 2019. Visit Archway's Facebook page for more information (or c lick here ).
Visit Blue Violet's Facebook page ( @BlueVioletFlowersNJ ) to learn more or click here !
Archway's Designer Bag Bingo Fundraiser
Friday, March 13th, 2020

Join us for a Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser on Friday, March 13th 2020 at Archway's Upper School campus located in Evesham, NJ.

STAY TUNED!
Event details will soon be added to Archway's Facebook page ( c l ick here )!
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 .

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!