ID: Camp STRIVE campers and Camp Mataponi campers standing in a lake with their arms around each other
Summer in Maine is one of our favorite times here at STRIVE! During June, July, and August, Camp STRIVE runs for eleven weeks. We love welcoming new, and returning, campers into our STRIVE space as much as we love adventuring out and exploring the greater Southern Maine community with them!
This summer we were so excited to restart a partnership with Camp Mataponi! Camp Mataponi is a residential girls camp in Naples, Maine. Throughout the month of July, Camp STRIVE made weekly visits to Camp Mataponi. Our campers partnered with their older campers and were able to form genuine connections and friendships. All together, we participated in typical summer camp activities like arts & crafts, singing camp songs, and swimming in Sebago Lake! We’re so grateful for community partners like Camp Mataponi and for the relationships we've built this summer and the friendships that have flourished!
ID: Camp STRIVE camper and Camp Mataponi camper painting cicrular tree pieces
ID: Camp STRIVE camper and two Camp Mataponi campers painting at a table
ID: Camp STRIVE camper and Camp Mataponi camper fishing off a dock
ID: Camp STRIVE campers and Camp Mataponi campers paiting rocks at a table
ID: Camp STRIVE camper smiling and sitting at a table with Camp Mataponi campers
STRIVE U
Students have been busy this summer exploring all that the Portland area has to offer! The students have enjoyed going to the beach, exploring city splash pads, checking out local farmers markets, and taste testing at new bakeries. STRIVE U Students look forward to enjoying another month before classes start back up at SMCC!
ID: STRIVE U students sitting outside at picnic tables with umbrellas. Some students are smiling at the camera and giving a thumbs up.
ID: STRIVE U student at the beach smiing with a fishing rod.
ID: 2 STRIVE U students standing in a small pond. There are rocks around the pond and trees in the background. They are smiling at the camera.
STRIVE U is a comprehensive two-year residential, post-secondary educational opportunity for students 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.
TOPS kicked off their summer Extended School Year program this month! The new students are learning the routine, getting to know each other and exploring South Portland. In TOPS, our students can expect to learn about community safety with direct practice as pedestrians walking in our area, riding safely in cars and navigating around various stores and trails. With those increased safety skills comes many new experiences and exposure to activities and situations. This allows students to watch, ask questions and learn about activities, participating when they are comfortable. Our returning students are proving to be amazing role models as they support new students to try to things!
ID: TOPS student smelling colorful flowers
ID: 3 TOPS students standing outside. there is a fence and water behind them.
ID: 4 TOPS students standing outside at PSL Services STRIVE's Central Office. There is a bush and brick/blue building with a PSL Services STRIVE sign behind them.
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.
We are pleased to announce our new scholarship program for Maine residents!
We encourage and welcome all to apply. Please click the scholarship application form below to explore our new options and get signed up for August courses today.
ID: Colorful schedule of SWW courses through the end of the year. The top of the schedule has the SWW logo as well as 3 cartoon images of a certificate, a handheld video games, and a person with a breifcase and heart.
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.
Participants have been enjoying the beautiful July weather by taking walks into the city, exploring new businesses, and visiting the driving range. On those extra hot days, we’ve been able to beat the heat by riding the bus, doing art activities at Strive Studios and exploring media at the library. We are also looking forward to joining staff and participants from Strive U on a cruise along Casco Bay at the end of the month. We’re excited to get out on the ocean and hope to see some Maine wildlife!
ID: Bayside participants standing in front of a body of water. He is smiling and holding up a peace sign. There is a golf club in his other hand.
ID: Bayside participant sitting in a red chair. He is smiling and wearing sunglasses.
During the past month at Bayside we congratulated Nathan on graduating and we also said goodbye to Jack. Both participants will continue their involvement at STRIVE ACTIVE and we wish them the best of luck!
ID: Group of STRIVE Bayside participants and staff grouped together and smiling.
For more information on Bayside, please contact Community Support Program Director, Veerle Pottie, at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
ACTIVE: This month we went to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray Maine! There, we saw deer, bears, lynxes, beavers, moose, coyotes, and more! We learned all about the parks' efforts to rehabilitate Maine wildlife, and their essential role in protecting endangered species. During our day we had a nice picnic lunch and soaked up the sunshine! Thank you to the Maine Wildlife Park for having us and for all of the amazing work that you do for local wildlife!
WAVES: This month, WAVES took an extended day to Freeport! We started our day by enjoying some delicious ice cream downtown and with a visit to the LL Bean flagship store! After, we went to Wolfes Neck State Park to play some games and enjoy a picnic lunch. We ended our day at Wolfes Neck Farm where we hung out with some goats and learned all about the important role that they play at Wolfes Neck.
ID: WAVES participant petting a goat.
ID: Two ACTIVE participants with a wooden moose.
For more information on ACTIVE or WAVES, please contact Community Support Program Director, Veerle Pottie, at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
Strive Studios had a great last few weeks! We’ve been busy getting participants on our wheels and the photography group finally pulled off their Shrek themed photoshoot. Our first art show here at the studio had a big turnout. Thank you to all who came by to support STRIVE Studios! In other news Liam R is taking over the STRIVE Studios Coordinator position, congratulations Liam!
ID: 3 STRIVE Studios participants posing for their Shrek photoshoot. They are outside in the woods. There are trees around them. One participant is holding cardboard sword, another is dressed as Shrek, and ons is wearing rabbit ears.
ID: STRIVE Studios art work hanging on a wall in the gallery space.
For more information on STRIVE Studios, please contact Community Support Program Director, Veerle Pottie, at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
In August and September, Wednesday Night Ed will offer a two-month series focusing on healthy relationships. In this series, students will learn all about different kinds of relationships, boundaries and consent, the human body, available resources and more! We will have guests from Planned Parenthood helping us teach this month with a new curriculum! Please use our online registration form to sign up.
*As a reminder, mature material will be discussed in this series.*
ID: white background with yellow, blue, and pink polka dots. On the bottom left are the backs of two people with their arms around each other and on the bottom right are three people wearing yellow and putting their arms around each other.
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-$40, depending on the series' length. For more information or for your link to join class, contact Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org.
July has been another great month here at Camp STRIVE! We spent time at Crescent and Willard beach during Beach week, experimented with making slime and dancing rain during S.T.E.A.M week, played pickleball and capture the flag during STRIVE Olympics, and continued to enjoy all the beautiful parks, playgrounds, and trails Maine has to offer!
ID: two campers sitting on a stripped towel on the beach
ID: eight campers standing in front of a large globe
ID: two campers standing on a trail in front of a wooden trail map
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 Woodhouse at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org.
Tweens
July Tweens was a blast at STRIVE! We celebrated summer with a beach bash, made our own popsicles, and did some fourth of July themed activities to kick off the month!
ID: Tween wearing a grass skirt, leis, and lei headband standing in front of a beach back drop
ID: Tween wearing a grass skirt, leis, and lei headband standing in front of a beach back drop
August is shaping up to be another great month in Tweens! Check out the flyer below for some fun activities!
ID: orange, pink, and purple background with a setting sun. There are clouds, three dark purple palm trees, and three white birds.
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.
July STRIVE Nights are going to be hard to top! Members participated in a trivia night and bingo night, sang their hearts out during karaoke, and celebrated the summer season with a beach bash! Thanks to all the members and volunteers who joined us for the beach bash - it was our most attended STRIVE Night in a while! We do a special themed STRIVE Night once a month - join us in August for the STRIVE Olympics!
ID: participant wearing a grass skirt, lei, and lei headband.
ID: two participants smiling with trivia sheets in front of them
ID: participants and volunteer posing for the camera
STRIVE Night has another fun month coming up in August! Stay tuned for more information about our August activities - planned by our advisory board!
ID: blue background with images of leaves, speakers, disco ball, and people dancing around the outside.
Friday Nights 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.
We're excited for another fun STRIVE 25 social this month! Join us on August 1st for a beach bash themed night! Wear your best beach attire and enjoy an evening of good company, good food, and good bingo!
Save the date for our next meeting as well - Thursday, September 5th!
ID: purple, blue, orange, and pink background with a setting sun in the middle. There are outlines on palm trees along the bottom and two dark purple palm trees in the bottom right corner. There are two park purple leaves in each top corner.
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 Whitney at wwildes@pslstrive.org or Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org!
Join us for another STRIVE Senior Social, Tuesday, August 6th from 3-4:30pm!
ID: green background with the PSL Services STRIVE logo in the top left. There is an image of an ice cream cone with five scoops of ice cream and three Uno cards next to the cone.
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!
Save the date for upcoming STRIVE fundraisers and events!
STRIVE Turns 25!
ID: the original STRIVE logo is joined by a large 25 with confetti and star balloons.
We hope you join us for a number of upcoming events
to celebrate 25 years of STRIVE!
ID: Flyer in shades of pink and purple with information about boat cruise. The logos for Casablanca Cruises and STRIVE are also included.
Thursday, August 15th, 6-9pm: Sunset Cruise on Casablanca Cruises
Hit the high seas with STRIVE as we enjoy a sunset cruise around Casco Bay! Light refreshments and cash bar included. We will also have live music from the band SugarBox! Tickets are $35 per person and $20 for STRIVE participants and staff. Reach out to Whitney to purchase your tickets today!
Friday, September 20th, 6-9pm: Super STRIVE Night at STRIVE
Celebrating where it all began, we’ll be having “super” STRIVE night full of dancing, music, food trucks and more! This special STRIVE Night will be open to all ages. More info to come as we get closer to the event!
We also plan to present our annual awards and induct new members into our Volunteer Hall of Fame at this fall’s auction.
If you are interested in any of the events mentioned here, or have questions, reach out to STRIVE Program Director, Whitney, at wwildes@pslstrive.org. We hope to celebrate with you! 😊
Kevin on the Roof 2024
Kevin on the Roof is just a month away! Kevin will head to the roof of Patriot Subaru Tuesday, September 3rd and won't come down until he raises $80,000 for STRIVE! He will need YOUR help! Visit our KOTR website- www.helpkevinhelpstrive.org- for all you need to know! More information, including raffle prizes and prize packs, will be announced soon!
ID: Photo of Patriot Subaru from a distance. You can see Kevin waving from the roof. The sky is pink from the sunset.
Also join in on the fun by participating in our Kevin on the Roof theme days! You never know- you could win a prize for coming to Patriot Subaru in the best outfit or with the best prop! We'll also be having a few special BBQ events on Tuesday (09/03) from 5-7pm and Saturday (09/07) from 12-1pm and 5-7pm!
ID: Calendar for Kevin on the Roof theme days. The calendar is made up of colorful boxes (one for each day). There are also the Patriot Subaru and STRIVE logos in the upper corners.
STRIVE's Annual Auction
Save the date for STRIVE's Annual Auction! This year's event will be in a hybrid event again! We will have a live, in-person event on Thursday, November 14th at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland! Our live event will feature bidding on live items, our fund-a-need, participant speeches, games and activities, and more! Online bidding on our silent auction items will be open from Thursday, November 14th-21st.
It's not too early to get involved! Are you or your business interested in sponsoring the auction, or do you have something to donate? Reach out to STRIVE Program Director, Whitney Wildes, at wwildes@pslstrive.org for more information!
STRIVE Shout Outs
Thank you to our July Donors!
Drummond Woodsum
Barry Dunlap- In Honor of Caleb Dunlap
The Oliver Family
United Way of Kennebec Valley
Roberta O'Brion
Robert Barna- In Honor of Methos Barna
Shari Chaney
Yard South, a PK Realty Management community
Cynthia and David Barnard
...and to everyone who has generously supported our Beach to Beacon Runners!
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: black and white photo of Paul. He is standing next to a post.
Meet Paul! Paul is one of our summer camp counselors here at Camp STRIVE! His favorite things "has been meeting all the fantastic people here." Thanks, Paul, we're grateful to have you on the team!
Member Spotlight
Meet Nicholas! Nicholas is a TOPS student and also attends our Wednesday Night Education Series and STRIVE Night socials! Nicholas' favorite thing about STRIVE is "seeing friends and having fun" Thanks, Nicholas!
ID: photo of Nicholas, he is looking at the camera and smiling with his mouth closed.
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy birthday to our STRIVE Members with a birthday in August!
ID: Colorful happy birthday candles on a chocolate cake
Lucas Bonica
Cole Igneri
Chloe Britton
Alannah Barrasso
Noah Sullivan
James Raymond
Anthony Mains
Darren Robinson
Alli Brooking
Bre Parentaeu
Chloe Fisher
Andrew Giannotti
Autumn Foster
Jeanelle Davies
Olivia McDermott
Tiffany Farides
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 $1,750 sign on bonus (after 30 days of successful employment) 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!
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://www.pslstrive.org/membershipform to submit your membership form today!
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