A huge thank you to everyone who joined in to support STRIVE's annual auction this year! Whether you donated, attended our in-person event, placed a bid online, or volunteered your time, you played a key role in making this one of our most successful auctions yet!
With your help, we were able to raise over $107,000 for STRIVE programs—thank you!!!
Every dollar we raised goes straight into our programs, supporting over 1,400 tweens, teens, and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your support really makes a world of difference! Thank you!
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PROGRAMS
STRIVE U
On Tuesday, November 18, our Homecoming Dinner brought together students, alumni, and staff for an evening filled with connection and community pride. It was a reminder of what makes STRIVE U special. The energy in the room said it all. Students sharing accomplishments. Alumni reflecting on their journeys. Students and alumni celebrating growth and independence!
We are now accepting applications for June! If you or someone you know is exploring post-secondary options that support independent living, vocational skills, and a strong community, this is a great time to reach out. You can request an application packet or ask questions by emailing admissions@pslstrive.org. We are happy to walk families through each step of the process and help determine if STRIVE U is the right fit.
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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.
Students at TOPS continue to learn many valuable skills, including how to pay at a self-checkout counter and with a cashier, putting away and sorting food items at Preble Street, making their own lunches at TOPS everyday, trying new leisure activities, volunteering and food prep skills at Common Space, and learning where to find items and research their prices at a variety of stores during scavenger hunt activities.
This November, Bicycle Coalition of Maine provided a bike demonstration and safety education lesson for TOPS students at the local Safe Residential Care parking lot. Students were encouraged to try the e-bikes without the electric assist at first. Some students worked on sitting on the seat and balancing on the bike by pushing off with one foot at a time. While other students, who have more experience with biking, hopped on and started pedaling around a course set up in the parking lot. Students learned how to pass other cyclists on the course, signaling how to turn in a direction or if they were coming to a stop. Some students also tried the electric assist and cruised quickly around the parking lot. Overall, students enjoyed the crisp fall day, challenging themselves, and gaining more experience with a mode of transportation that could be very accessible for them in this urban environment.
New at TOPS this year, students are learning about saving money through a new Bonus program directly tied to their weekly performance at their job sites at TOPS. This has already improved students' work ethic and ability to apply their supervisor's feedback to improving their job skills on an everyday basis. This new program helps students to learn how to accept and apply supervisor feedback at their future jobs, as well as gives them an opportunity to learn about a savings account, as they must save part of their bonus. Students are learning many valubale skills about money, as they will save some of their bonus and spend some at local stores, partcipating in experiential money math problems.
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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 207.879.0847.
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STRIVE WorldWIDE courses make great holiday gifts! Register now for courses starting in January and February 2026! Email Courtney at Cveinotte@pslstrive.org to register!
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And don’t forget the STRIVE WorldWIDE Social on December 16—you’re invited! Email Sara at Sbrown@pslstrive.org for the link.
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STRIVE WorldWIDE is STRIVE's online program that teaches independent living skills. For more information about STRIVE WorldWIDE, contact Courtney Veinotte at cveinotte@pslstrive.org or 207.712.0048.
This month has flown by! We’ve been busy welcoming our new team members—Mariana, Abbi, and Jacob. We’re so excited to have you join the Bayside family!
November is a time for giving thanks, and everyone had the chance to share what they’re grateful for. As a member of the Bayside team, I’m thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such caring and dedicated people.
Our participants have been amazing in helping new staff get acquainted with the area—showing them local spots like the bank, grocery store, library, and other businesses in town. They even visited L.L. Bean’s bike shop to learn about the associates’ roles and what their jobs are like. A stop at Famous Footwear revealed that they do much more than just sell shoes!
To wrap up the month, Bayside participants and staff came together to learn how to make gluten-free apple pie and brownies. These delicious treats were shared at our traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Foden—a wonderful way to celebrate the season of gratitude!
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For more information on Bayside, please contact Community Support Program Director Veerle Pottie at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
This month, our ACTIVE groups have been preparing for the lowering temperatures. Participants have been taking advantage of the chilly weather with community outings, as well as prepping and cooking cozy fall meals. We even got a sneak peek at this year’s holiday tree at Monument Square in Portland! It’s been a wonderful month, and we look forward to continuing the fun throughout the winter.
WAVES:
November marked the return of our visits from Sydney, the South Portland park ranger. Her presentations cover a variety of topics related to nature and the outdoors, and this month we learned about the many benefits of spending time outside. Not only can being in nature improve our mood and support mental well-being, but it can also give our immune systems a boost. Thank you, Sydney—we're already looking forward to the next presentation!
ID: participants standing outside in front of a large tree on a truck
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For more information on ACTIVE or WAVES, please contact Community Support Program Director Veerle Pottie at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
November at STRIVE Studios has been filled with one medium in particular—painting! From acrylics to watercolor, our participants have been exploring a wide range of techniques to bring their ideas to life. This month’s projects have included painted canvases, mixed-media sculptures, and colorful artwork and décor created for the STRIVE Auction. Painting also offers meaningful benefits for our artists. Therapeutically, it supports emotional expression, reduces stress, and builds confidence, while technically it strengthens fine-motor skills and hand–eye coordination and introduces concepts like color, texture, and composition.
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For more information on STRIVE Studios, please contact Community Support Program Director Veerle Pottie at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
STRIVE’s Tuesday Studio Series offers a variety of artistic classes designed to explore different mediums and foster creativity. These classes are for artists ages 15–24 with intellectual and developmental disabilities and are held every Tuesday evening from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Stay up to date with future course offerings by visiting our website!
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 a class, contact Liam at lrademacher@pslstrive.org.
Our December Wednesday Night Educational Series is a continuation of our series on internet safety and AI. Students are learning how to stay safe online and use AI responsibly. This six-week series is taught by STRIVE staff and guest speakers from the community. Learn more here!
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The Wednesday Night Educational Series is held every Wednesday in person for participants 15–24 years old. Series are between 4–8 weeks long, 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 a class, contact Liv at opardi@pslstrive.org.
Interested in camp over winter break? Let us know! Email Liv Pardi at opardi@pslstrive.org to express your interest and stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.
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Camp STRIVE is a day camp 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 Liv at opardi@pslstrive.org.
Tweens
We’re gearing up for a wonderfully wintery December! Tweens will dive into the Winter Whimsy this month as we mix a little magic, a little creativity, and a whole lot of fun! Each Friday brings a new hands-on adventure—whether we’re making hearts grow, whipping up tasty treats, or crafting cozy creations.
December 5: “Winter Wonder Lab” Grow the Grinch’s heart or make your own snow globe!
December 12: “Treat Yo’ Elf” Creations Gingerbread cookie decorating and sweet seasonal cheer
December 19: “Crafting Through the Snow” Stocking decorating and festive crafts to make the season bright
December 26: No Tweens
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Tweens is a safe and fun environment to build new friendships and learn new skills for folks 11–14 years old. Tweens programming runs every Friday from 3:30–5:30 p.m. We have a scheduled activity each week, with free time built in to maximize socialization. For more information aboutTweens, contact Liv at opardi@pslstrive.org.
November was a heartwarming month of STRIVE Nights! From sharing what we’re thankful for to enjoying fun-filled activities with friends, the season of gratitude brought plenty of laughter and connection. Our groups came together to create, celebrate, and kick off the cozy months ahead—and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to welcome winter.
Now, as December arrives, we’re ready to wrap up the year with a month full of cheer, creativity, and community. Expect twinkling lights, joyful gatherings, and festive fun for everyone. Whether you're crafting something bright, joining in a seasonal game, or simply spending time with friends, there’s something to make every Friday feel magical. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!
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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 6:00–9:00 p.m., with at least one special "theme" night happening each month. For more information, contact Liv at opardi@pslstrive.org.
November brought plenty of smiles and seasonal cheer as we came together to celebrate friendship and gratitude at our annual Thanksgiving party—and we loved seeing everyone join in the fun! Here at STRIVE, we are grateful for each and every one of you—you all make these evenings so special!
Now, as December arrives, we’re ready to celebrate the season with warmth, laughter, and festive fun! Join us on Thursday, December 4 for a delicious meal, joyful games, and plenty of opportunities to connect and create holiday memories together. We can’t wait to kick off the month with you!
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STRIVE 25 is a social event for folks 25 and older. It currently runs in-person on the first Thursday of every month from 6:00–8:00 p.m. For more information on STRIVE 25, contact Liv at opardi@pslstrive.org!
Join us for the next STRIVE Senior Social on Tuesday, December 2 from 3:00–4:30 p.m.—we can't wait to see you there!
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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 3:00–4:30 p.m. For more information on STRIVE Senior Social, contact Abby at abohlen@pslstrive.org.
December 2nd is Giving Tuesday, the worldwide celebration of generosity! Join us in supporting STRIVE with countless opportunities to make a difference. Discover some easy and impactful ways to contribute below!
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Donate to STRIVE's Annual Campaign!
Make your gift electronically by visiting www.pslstrive.org/donate or by mailing your donation to STRIVE at 28 Foden Road, South Portland, ME 04106. Don't forget- your gift is tax deductible! Our Tax ID is 01-0473116.
Volunteer in one of our many programs or on one of our committees!
We're always looking for volunteers to help in our social programs and more! We also have opportunities to serve on our event committees, on our agency Steering Committee or for business members looking to join our STRIVE Business to Business Networking Group! Interested in learning more? Reach out to STRIVE Program Director, Alex, at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org!
Check out our Amazon Wishlist!
Our programs have put together a list of wants and needs! Take a look at our list HERE!
Purchase STRIVE Gear!
Take a look at our STRIVE shop HERE! You can even customize your items with different STRIVE logos and more!
Use STRIVE Clynk Bags!
Collect your bottles using the STRIVE Clynk tag!
Share The Love
Now through January 2nd!
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STRIVE has been selected as one of the beneficiaries of Patriot Subaru's Share the Love event again! From now until January 2nd, for each new sold or leased vehicle, Subaru will donate $250 to a local charity (STRIVE is one of them!) and Patriot Subaru will donate an additional $75. Find out more HERE! Thank you to Patriot Subaru for all you to for STRIVE and the rest of our communities!
3 Points for STRIVE
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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 by visiting our website! Thank you to Hammond Lumber and the Maine Celtics for supporting STRIVE again this winter!
STRIVE Shout Outs
Thank you to our November Donors!
Alex Agnew and Lisa Markushewsk - In Honor of Charlie Mercer
Saco Biddeford Savings Charitable Foundation
Barry Dunlap - In Honor of Caleb Dunlap
Janet B Francis - In Honor of Sally Alexander
Marie Barna
Jennifer and John Pulvino
Layla M Lord
Natalie West and Robert Sellin
Carol Mutchler - In Memory of Joyce Provencher
John and Kathleen Parker
Shari Chaney
Elizabeth Allaben - In Honor of Lucas Houk
Brianna Thornton
Taylor Russell
Maggie Groves
... and everyone who donated in support of STRIVE's Annual Auction
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Thank you for your generous support of STRIVE!
With your support, we are able to continue our work each and every day.
Staff Spotlight
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Meet Katie! Katie is a Direct Support Professional in our Community Supports program! Katie says "my favorite part about STRIVE is the incredible participants. I enjoy our adventures in the community. Getting to see them always brightens my day." Thanks, Katie, we're grateful to have you on the team!
Member Spotlight
Meet Joseph! Joseph is a participant in our ACTIVE program. He enjoys cooking and artistic activities, as well as getting out into the community o volunteer with the ACTIVE group and meet new people! His favorite part of coming to STRIVE? "The people!"
Thanks, Joseph, we're thankful you're a part of our community!
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Happy Birthday to you!
Happy birthday to our STRIVE Members with birthdays in December!
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Ashley Bowers
Brandon Pierce
Henry Meehan
River Cummings
Katherine-Anne Martin
Cameron Day
Jacob Uhde
Rob Mendillo
Brandon Woods
Michael Gregoire
Diana LaMontagne
Owen Rose
Haylee Horne
Hannah Schuleman
General Announcements
Join Our Team!
We're Hiring!
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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 ($500 paid after 30 days and new hire is billable, and $1000 paid after 6 months of employment and all initial training is completed) plus an additional $250 bonus for those that are already DSP, MHRT, or CRMA certified!
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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 noon. Contact Pete or Whitney to find out more about joining us this month!
Hope to see you at an upcoming meeting!
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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 (left to right) shows 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 (left to right) shows 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
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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 in 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!
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 membership 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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