ID: participants dancing with the STRIVE Rocks 2024 logo in the background
This year’s STRIVE Rocks is extra special because we're going back to where it all began - Sullivan Gym at USM!
STRIVE Rocks 2025 will take place from 8pm Friday, May 16th-8am, Saturday, May 17th at Sullivan Gym (USM Portland Campus - 66 Falmouth St, Portland 04103). We'll have everything you loved about past in-person events -- bands, theme hours, games & activities, prizes, and of course...dancing!
We're kicking off this year's STRIVE Rocks with the band Wavelength who will join us from 8-9pm! We will also be joined by:
local band, TRANS AM
Caricature Artist
Airbrush & Glitter Tattoo Artist
Tarot Card Reader
Two DJs
Slugger
Miss Maine USA
... And More! Stay tuned for more announcements over the next few months!
Whether you are returning or a new recruit, we are glad to have you as we gear up to make a difference in the lives of over 1,400 young adults with intellectual disabilities from across our communities. It's not too early to get in on the fun! All you'll need to do is fundraise a minimum of $75 to participate! We also have other incentives if you’d like to continue your fundraising! • Raise $100 or more and you'll get a STRIVE Rocks T-Shirt! • Raise $250 and you'll get a STRIVE Rocks T-Shirt and STRIVE lunch box
• Raise $500 and you'll get a STRIVE Rocks T-Shirt, lunch box, and long sleeve shirt
• Raise $1,000 (or more) and you'll get all the above plus a 1/4 zip and access to the VIP lounge at STRIVE Rocks!
We're excited to share this year's theme hours with you as well! Remember, the more spirit you show, the more opportunity you have to win the coveted Spirit Sash each hour! What hour are you most excited for?!
ID: neon blue background with the STRIVE Rocks logo in the bottom center
Have more questions about STRIVE Rocks, or ideas of other ways you would like to be involved? Are you or a business you know interested in giving back to the community? We're looking for event sponsors and volunteers and we have a number of opportunities. Contact STRIVE Program Director, Alex Woodhouse, at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org or 207.774.6278!
PROGRAMS
STRIVE U
This month, residents have been sharpening their cooking skills during meal prep goals, SMCC classes, and on-campus events! From hands-on cooking to interactive demonstrations, everyone had a chance to try something new in the kitchen. Whether perfecting a homemade pizza, or shepherd's pie or learning a new dish, it's been a flavorful journey!
With the warmer weather rolling in, our residents couldn't wait to fire up the grill! The campus grill is buzzing with excitement as residents prepare to embrace the outdoors. From juicy burgers to fresh veggies, spring is officially here, and so is the grilling season. It’s the perfect time for our community to gather, enjoy delicious food, and soak up some sun!
Looking forward to more delicious memories and fun times as we transition into the new season!
ID: STRIVE U residents and staff grilling burgers and broccoli outside
ID: STRIVE U resident and SMCC professor with a mixing bowl
ID: STRIVE U resident and SMCC cooking
STRIVE U is a comprehensive two-year residential, post-secondary educational opportunity for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To learn more about the program, schedule a tour, or get an application, please contact admissions@pslstrive.org or call (207) 774.6278.
The month of March has flown by at TOPS. We have been very busy celebrating International Pancake day at our local IHop. Everyone enjoyed eating pancakes, trying a variety of syrups, learning how to act at a restaurant, as well as learning how much to tip our server. Also, we continue to learn new cooking skills and trying new types of food. This month we made breakfast burritos and a tortilla quiche. We also celebrated Pi day by making an apple pie and a blueberry apple crisp.
At TOPS we continue to practice skills, such as riding the metro. One of the places we like to go is Deering Oakes Park to see the ducks. Also, we spent some beautiful days outside, exploring places like Bug Light. We continue to volunteer at a variety of places, but one of our favorites is Maine State Society for Protected Animals (MSSPA) where we wash feed buckets for the horses and sometimes, we even get to say, "hello". We have also explored a new leisure activity of bowling this month that has been a huge hit with students. Additionally, we have taken two groups of students to STRIVE Studios to try their hands at throwing pottery on the wheel with Liam! That has been an incredible experience, and we can't wait to get back and glaze our pieces. What a fun month it has been at TOPS as we usher in the warmer spring weather!
ID: two students putting breakfast burritos together
ID: student standing in front of Bug Light lighthou
ID: students and staff sitting at a table at IHOP
ID: student and staff working at a pottery wheel
TOPS (Transition Outcomes Program for Students) provides transition programming for high school students from area school districts who are typically 18 years and older. For more information, please contact Ryanne Desjardins at rdesjardins@pslstrive.org or by phone at 207-879-0847.
ID: flyer with upcoming STRIVE WorldWIDE course information. STRIVE logo is in the top left and STRIVE WorldWIDE logo is in the top center
STRIVE WorldWIDE is STRIVE's online program that teaching independent living skills. For more information about STRIVE WorldWIDE, contact Courtney Veinotte at cveinotte@pslstrive.org or call 207-712-0048.
This month at Bayside has been full of excitement. The clocks have been adjusted, the spring equinox has passed, and the snowbanks quickly melted in the rain. As we explore the town, we’re spotting signs of spring, with the river roaring from runoff and melting snow. It’s a joy to experience the shift toward warmer, longer days.
We’ve also been experimenting with new recipes, starting with a delicious meatloaf we made together. We teamed up again for St. Patrick’s Day, preparing Shepherd’s Pie and lime green Jello to complete the meal.
We also ventured to Pineland Farms for Maple Week to learn how syrup is made and enjoy some tasty samples.
ID: staff and participants standing in front of a homemade Shepherds Pie
ID: Bayside participants in a barn learning about maply syrup
ID: STRIVE Bayside participants and staff reading a recipe and baking
For more information on Bayside, please contact Community Support Program Director, Veerle Pottie, at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
ACTIVE: Spring has arrived, and we’re thrilled to spend more time outside with the ACTIVE Community Support Program! On warmer days, our groups have been making the most of our beautiful local parks. Recently, a group enjoyed some fresh air while exploring the scenic Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park. Spending time outdoors is a great way to support both mental and physical well-being, and we’re excited for more adventures in nature!
WAVES: "This month, the WAVES group had the opportunity to visit the Westbrook Performing Arts Center for the Portland School of Ballet’s Building Ballets program. This year’s performance featured Don Quixote, allowing us to follow Kitri and Basilio’s journey as their story unfolded on stage. Building Ballets offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the art of ballet, exploring everything from the impact of lighting and backdrops to the expressive power of pantomime!"
ID: Participants and staff sitting in a theater and smiling at the camera
ID: three participants standing outside in front of a building at Portland Headlight
For more information on ACTIVE or WAVES, please contact Community Support Program Director, Veerle Pottie, at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
This month marked the launch of STRIVE Studio’s latest program, Tuesday Studio Series! This new program offers a creative space for artists ages 15-24 to explore various art forms, including painting, ceramics, drawing, and digital art, over the course of 8 week sessions. Our first topic, Painting in Acrylic, has our artists working on various projects— so far, we have experimented with still life and portraiture! Our Tuesday nights have been fun and productive, and we are excited to see what else we can create in the coming weeks!
ID: Participants painting while sitting at a table covered in art supplies.
ID: participants smiling while sitting at a table and painting
For more information on STRIVE Studios, please contact Community Support Program Director, Veerle Pottie, at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
More information about our next Tuesday Studio Series is coming soon!
The Tuesday Studio Series is held Tuesdays in person at our STRIVE Studio location for participants 15-24 years old. Series length, cost and topics vary month to month. For more information or to join class, contact Liam at lrademacher@pslstrive.org.
Our April and May Wednesday Night Ed Series will focus on an overview and introduction to Independent Living Skills! In this two-month series, students will cover topics like kitchen and food safety, community and home safety, emergency preparedness, household management, money management and more! This series will run for the entirety of April and May and is $50 to sign up.
ID: teal background with blue abstract shapes and stars in the left-hand corners. On the bottom is an image of cleaning supplies and sponges and on the top right is a person cooking.
The Wednesday Night Educational Series is held every Wednesday in person for participants 15-24 years old. Series are between 4 and 8 weeks and topics vary from month to month! The price per series is $30-$50, depending on the series' length. For more information or to join class, contact Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org.
We will be offering an April Camp STRIVE again this year! Registration is open and it is first come first served! Check out the schedule below and then click here for more information and to register!
ID: Grey background with green text boxes, bumble bees and fairy lights at the top. Trees on either side and grass and daisies on the bottom. Small wood campfire on bottom left.
Camp STRIVE is a day-camp experience for campers between the ages of 11-24. Camp STRIVE is held every school vacation (Winter, February, and April) as well as for the full summer. For more information about Camp STRIVE, contact Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org.
Tweens
Tweens had a fantastic March! We welcomed additional students from UNE’s Occupational Therapy department who guided our tweens through storytelling and storyboard creation, as well as a leprechaun adventure activity in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. We concluded March with a paper airplane-making contest, focusing on distance, style, and acrobatic skills.
ID: One tween standing holding a notepad, tweens and staff sitting around a table
ID: tweens drawing and coloring paper with paint and pencils
April is shaping up to be another fantastic month for Tweens! We are excited to welcome more UNE OT students who will continue to lead fun and engaging activities—we love having them join us!
ID: cream colored background with leaves and flowers throughout. There is also a bee on the top left.
Tweens is a safe and fun environment to build new friendships and learn new skills for folks 11-14 years old. We run every Friday from 3:30-5:30pm. We have a scheduled activity each week, with free time built in to maximize socialization. For more information about STRIVE Tweens, contact Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org.
STRIVE Night had a fantastic March! We enjoyed a lively Karaoke session, and the competitive spirit soared during our Air Hockey Tournament—congratulations to our winners! We donned green attire to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and conducted elections for our STRIVE Night Advisory Board. A big well done to everyone who stepped forward to run for election. Votes have been collected and counted, and we will announce the results of our newly elected board soon.
ID: STRIVE Night participants and staff sitting on a couch
ID: two participants shoulder to shoulder with
medals around their neck
STRIVE Night is currently planning several themed events for April, with the assistance of our newly elected advisory board. Details for Karaoke, an Easter celebration, and Trivia Nights will be announced soon.
ID: yellow background with green grass along the bottom. There are also flowers, butterflies, lady bugs and a bee on the bottom.
Friday Night at STRIVE, fondly referred to as "STRIVE Night," is a relaxed but fun evening of socialization for 15-24 year olds. New members are always welcome, and your first night is free! STRIVE Night is Friday from 6-9pm, with at least one special "theme" night happening each month. For more information, contact Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org.
STRIVE 25 is rolling out the red carpet for our semiannual talent show during our next social event on Thursday, April 3rd!
Save the date for our upcoming social event on Thursday, May 1st!
ID: background of a red stage curtain with two spotlights in the top corners. There are stars and sparkles throughout.
STRIVE 25 is a social event for folks 25 and older. It currently runs in-person on the first Thursday of every month from 6-8pm For more information on STRIVE 25, contact Ash at abahi@pslstrive.org!
Join us for our next STRIVE Senior Social - Tuesday, April 1st!
ID: brown background with two hands holding coffee cups in the center
STRIVE's Senior Social is a social event for individuals 55 and up. It takes place in-person on the first Tuesday of every month from 3-4:30pm. For more information on STRIVE Senior Social, contact Abby at abohlen@pslstrive.org!
We told you all about STRIVE Rocks above, but there are so many other ways to be part of this exciting event that don't involve staying up all night!Take a look at some of our needs below. Don't forget- STRIVE Rocks will take place from 8pm, Friday, May 16th until 8am, Saturday, May 17th!
ID: STRIVE Rocks flyer with information about ways to be involved in the event. The STRIVE Rocks logo is in the top corner and there are colorful blocks with opportunity information in them.
Volunteer for a STRIVE Rocks shift! Email Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org to learn more about what is available!
Become a sponsor! See our available sponsorship opportunities HERE!
Share your talents! We're looking for event entertainment- bands, magicians, trivia hosts, special guests, interactive entertainment, and more!
Donate a prize! Our top fundraisers receive special prizes at the end of the event!
Provide food! One favorite of STRIVE Rocks is that there's great food and snacks all night long! Are you a restaurant owner or have a friend who owns a business? We're looking for food that we can provide to our participants throughout the night.
Get others involved! STRIVE Rocks is a community event and we'd love to get as many people involved as possible-especially students! Do you have connections to a high school club, group, or team? We'd love to talk to them!
Help us reach our goal! It's not too early to make a financial contribution! Donate to STRIVE Rocks 2025 HERE!
Have other ways you'd like to be involved? We'd love to hear them!
STRIVE for 5
It's not too early to register for the STRIVE for 5: Foden Road 5K! This year's event will take place Sunday, July 13th at 8:30am. The race will be here in the South Portland Foden Road neighborhood, but there's a virtual race option as well! Our registration fee is $25 on or before 04/13, so register now! Participants 12 and under are free with a registered adult. For more information, or to register today, visit our event website HERE!
ID: STRIVE for 5 Foden Road 5K logo
3 Points for STRIVE
Cheer on your favorite basketball team while supporting STRIVE at the same time! The Maine Celtics and Hammond Lumber Company are teaming up again for 3-Points for STRIVE! For every 3-Pointer made at home, Hammond Lumber will donate $50 to STRIVE. Make your own pledge today! Thank you to Hammond Lumber and the Maine Celtics for supporting STRIVE again this winter!
ID: Photo of a basketball hoop and basketball. There's also the logos for STRIVE, Maine Celtics, and Hammond Lumber Company.
STRIVE Shout Outs
Thank you to our March Donors!
Harry and Ann Pringle
Janet and Joh Gagne - In Memory of Nancy Romano
Richard and Marie Chenevert - In Memory of Nancy Romano
Barry Dunlap - In Honor of Caleb Dunlap
Courtney Sinclair
Lois and Michael Dennison
David and Sharon Michaud
Cynthia and Scott Zwicker - In Honor of Sarah Zwicker
Judith Cramer
Robert Doughty Sr. - In Honor of Niels Doughty
Erica Schwarz
Michael Urbanski
Thomas Hood
Watson Family Revocable Trust - In Memory of Bills Hughes
Gertrude Chayer
Gary and Susan Starbuck - In Honor of Noel Thompson
Jeanne Fernald - In Memory of Lindsey Allard
Karen Johnston
Thomas Barry
David Dyer
Anne Button - In Honor of Bennett Agnew
Martha Ann Savard - In Memory of Robert and Barbara West
Peggy Gilman
Charles Bassett
David Ferland
John and Julie Opperman
Shari Chaney
Roberta O'Brion
Janet and Bond Farrington - In Honor or JJ Sarapas
Josh and Cindy Parenteau
David Gacetta
ID: STRIVE participant smiling and holding a colorful sign that says "thank you". Games in the STRIVE Teen Center are behind him.
Thank you for your generous support of STRIVE!
With your support, we are able to continue our work each and every day.
Staff Spotlight
ID: photo of Laura. Laura is wearing a plaid shir and overalls and is standing next to trays of dirt.
Meet Laura, the STRIVE U Team Lead! Laura is " really excited to be part of STRIVE U's fundraising team for this Year's STRIVE ROCKS event; our team's name is STRIVE U's Groove Society. I am really looking forward to seeing all of our community members dancing and grooving!" Laura is also "excited to get my hands and toes in the dirt and get my seeds sowed for my Summer vegetable garden. My favorite early season vegetables are Sugar Snap Peas and baby spinach (yum!)" Thanks, Laura, we're grateful to have you!
Member Spotlight
Meet Lucas! Lucas is a graduate of our STRIVE U program and now receives home support services and attends our monthly STRIVE 25 socials! Lucas also regularly volunteers at both our Wednesday Night Education Series and at STRIVE Night! Lucas favorite part of coming to STRIVE is "getting to dance on the dance floor." Thanks, Lucas!
ID: photo of Lucas. He is wearing a teal shirt and smiling at the camera.
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy birthday to our STRIVE Members with a birthday in April!
ID: Colorful happy birthday candles on a chocolate cake
Thomas Bourdeaux
Andrew Bryant
Bridget Parker
Joshua Shaughnessy
Bridget Lally
Eli Babich
Noah Babich
Trevor Morin
Hannah Taylor
Audrey Guillemette
Mason Dickenson
Ayla Brewster
Kerrigan Baither
Brendan Young
Elaine Ouellette
General Announcements
Join Our Team!
We're Hiring!
ID: Hand with marker writing We Are HiringI
Are you, or someone you know in the market for a new job?
We're hiring for a number of positions!
We have full time, part time, and per diem opportunities available- including weekdays, evenings, and weekends!
We are also offering a $1,500 sign on bonus (after 60 days of successful employment and completed training) plus an additional $250 bonus for those that are already DSP, MHRT, or CRMA certified!
ID: Image of business partners discussing at a meeting table
Did you know we host a free monthly networking group for our local community? The STRIVE Business to Business Networking Group is just one way we work to be a mutually beneficial partner, with the hope of expanding our partnerships with local businesses.
We are looking to grow! The group meets virtually on the last Wednesday the month at 12pm . Contact Pete or Whitney to find out more about joining us this month!
Hope to see you at an upcoming meeting!
ID: blue flyer with information about the STRIVE Business to Business Networking Group and the next 2 upcoming meetings.
Shop STRIVE!
We have an online store to purchase all your STRIVE swag needs! Take a look at all the shop has to offer! There are so many items to choose from AND you can customize any item by choosing the color and STRIVE logo that you want. Happy shopping!
ID: white background with two rows of swag. Top row from left to right is a gray backpack with the STRIVE WorldWIDE logo, a black mug with the STRIVECast logo, a white t-shirt with the STRIVE logo, and a blue baseball hat with a STRIVE U logo. Bottom row from left to right is a blue tote bag with a PSL Services/STRIVE logo, a gray sweatshirt with a STRIVE U logo, and a white travel mug with a STRIVE logo.
Listen to the STRIVECast
ID: STRIVECast flyer with images of our two hosts and sound and video engineer.
The STRIVECast is a podcast brought to you by the team at PSL Services/STRIVE in South Portland, Maine — bringing you engaging, hilarious, and thoughtful conversation through one interview week by week. Co-Hosted by two young men with Down Syndrome, the STRIVECast aims to change the voices we typically hear on the radio and through podcasts, as well as to provide meaningful dialogues with all sorts of public figures in our world. We are very proud to be both hosted, produced AND edited by people with disabilities! Like what you hear? Shoot us an email at strivecast@pslstrive.org!
Have questions or comments about any of our programs and events?
Email info@pslstrive.org to update your address or speak to a STRIVE staff member!
New members: You will be asked to complete an updated information form upon your arrival to Tweens, STRIVE Night or STRIVE 25. Want to get a head start? Visit https://pslstrive.org/strive-membership-form to submit your membership form today!
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