We're excited to share more details about STRIVE Rocks 2026 💃🎉🤘
STRIVE Rocks 2026 will kick off at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8 and keep the energy going straight through to 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9 at Sullivan Gym on USM’s Portland Campus (66 Falmouth Street, Portland, Maine). The night will bring back all the favorites from past in‑person events—live bands, themed hours, games, activities, prizes, and plenty of dancing! And this year, we’re adding brand‑new entertainment and surprises throughout the night, so keep an eye out for updates.
Whether you’re a returning participant or joining us for the first time, we’re excited to have you as we come together to support more than 1,400 tweens, teens, and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across our communities.
ID: group of dancers at STRIVE Rocks in front of the STRIVE Rocks logo
It's not too early to get in on the fun—all you 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, $500, or $1,000 (or more), to become a STRIVE Rocks All Star/MVP/VIP and get even more special STRIVE gear!
ID: three STRIVE Rockers posing with fun props in front of a disco backdrop
On behalf of the entire STRIVE Rocks Committee, we’re absolutely thrilled for STRIVE Rocks 2026 and hope you’re just as excited! Together, we’re ready to make this the best STRIVE Rocks yet 🎉
Have more questions about STRIVE Rocks or ideas on 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 207.774.6278to learn more.
We’re excited to share some updates as we kick off the new year!
Welcoming Our Newest Student
January brought a wonderful milestone as we welcomed a new student to STRIVE U for a mid-year start. We’re thrilled to have her join our community and begin her journey with us!
Applications Are In!
January 30th marked the deadline for STRIVE U applications, and we’re grateful to everyone who applied. Our team is now gearing up for an exciting February as we meet and interview candidates for the Class of 2028. We can’t wait to get to know this impressive group of applicants!
Thinking About Applying Next Year? It’s Not Too Early!
If you or someone you know is considering STRIVE U for a future year, now is a perfect time to start planning. Campus tours are available, and they’re one of the best ways to get a feel for the STRIVE U experience. We encourage prospective students and families to contact us to schedule a tourand learn more about our program.
ID: photo of new STRIVE U student, standing in front of a white door
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 new year at TOPS has brought new opportunities and exciting new experiences to students. We continue to volunteer at sites like the Ronald McDonald Charity House. At our volunteer sites, students are working on their job skills, how to use a checklist, where to find cleaning supplies, as well as how to use cleaning equipment.
Students continue to participate in scavenger hunts, learning how to locate items, how to read and interpret the prices of those items, and how to ask staff for assistance when needed. This month we went to a local store called Guitar Center, which has been an interest among students. At Guitar Center, a student requested that a staff play an electric guitar so that we could hear what it sounds like. Students were very excited to hear this and enjoyed dancing to the music. We also purchased some fun musical instruments while there so that we could participate in our new music classes at TOPS. Additionally, Maine Academy of Modern Music (MAMM) visited TOPS to teach us about music. Since then, we created some more music classes for TOPS students, an interest that they have identified in their weekly Padlet reflections.
Students also enjoyed another excellent opportunity—learning how to use a chomp saw (a jig saw with no sharp edges) that to cut cardboard! This Makers Session Workshop provided students with opportunities for creative problem-solving, fine motor skill development, and a space to learn and collaborate in an environment that allows students to feel safe to make mistakes while making art.
TOPS students continue learning about cooking and following recipes. This month students made brown rice and black bean burritos with cheese and salsa. These cooking sessions are wonderful opportunities for students to learn how to follow a recipe, how to work together as a team, and how to clean up after themselves. Beyond that, this provides students with more opportunities to try new, healthy foods that they might not try on their own.
Lastly, students are learning how to sew at TOPS! Students have started with hand stitching and will soon have opportunities to learn how to embroider, mend clothes, and sew patches on their clothing.
Every week we ask students what new activities or new concepts they would like to learn about at TOPS, and we try to design our classes around these topics, as well as teaching other classes that are pertinent to their development as independent adults.
ID: student working with cardboard
ID: student playing bongos
ID: student sitting at table and sewing
ID: two students cooking
ID: student vacuuming
ID: three students standing in Guitar Center
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 Anne Ryan at aryan@pslstrive.org or 207.879.0847.
ID: image of various people on computer screens with the STRIVE WorldWIDE logo in the top left and the zoom logo in the bottom right.
STRIVE WorldWIDE is a first-of-its-kind online educational program designed to teach independent living skills to people with intellectual disabilities and autism. While we teach with neurodiversity in mind, we remain open and accessible to anyone who wishes to enhance these skills!
Ready to continue your STRIVE WorldWIDE journey? Take a look at our February term courses below, starting on February 23, 2026! Below are two helpful links and additional information about Maine scholarships to get you started.
ID: February STRIVE WorldWIDE course schedule with days, times, and topics
ID: flyer with information about scholarships. The STRIVE WorldWIDE logo is in the top left and there is a QR code to scan in the bottom right-hand corner
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.
January has been an exciting month filled with learning, teamwork, and new accomplishments! Our participants have taken on several hands-on life skills projects, and we’re so proud of their enthusiasm and progress.
🏠 Mastering Home Cleaning and Winter Safety
Participants have been working hard on keeping a tidy home by using personalized cleaning charts designed to help remember those easy-to-miss tasks. With Maine’s snowy weather, they’ve also stepped up to help keep walkways clear—taking turns shoveling and spreading sand. It’s teamwork, responsibility, and winter preparedness all rolled into one!
🚦 Safety Signs Scavenger Hunt
Learning safety signs turned into a fun and friendly competition this month! From railroad crossings to exit signs at Hannaford’s, participants explored the community to spot as many safety signs as possible. They’re gaining confidence in knowing the difference between safety signs and informational signs—an important life skill!
💵 Budgeting and Ben’s Deli Menu Math
Money management skills were front and center as participants practiced budgeting using a mock menu from Ben’s Deli. They worked through addition, subtraction, and multiplication to build meals within a set budget. These math skills also helped them plan their lunch menus for the week—practical, empowering, and delicious!
We’re thrilled with the progress everyone has made this month and can’t wait for all the learning, laughter, and growth February will bring 💙
ID: participant standing in a store holding a stuffed deer
ID: participant standing inside and wearing sunglasses
For more information on Bayside, please contact Community Support Program Director Veerle Pottie at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
Happy New Year! As winter settles in, ACTIVE has been finding meaningful ways to stay connected with our community while keeping cozy. We kicked off the season with a visit to the Southworth Planetarium, where we enjoyed Seasons of Light, a captivating show exploring the astronomy and history behind the holiday season. Our volunteers have also been busy giving back at the Ronald McDonald House Charities, lending a hand in many ways—including baking sweet treats for the families staying there. As we look ahead, we’re excited and inspired by all that 2026 has in store!
WAVES
WAVES is excited to welcome the new year! This January, we’ve been staying warm and engaged with visits to the library, the South Portland Community Center, STRIVE Studios, and other favorite community spots. Our volunteers have also been hard at work at Ruth’s Reusable Recyclables, helping organize and prepare their supplies for continued use. With so much positive momentum, 2026 is already off to a great start!
ID: two participants standing in a hardware store
ID: a plate of six, frosted cinnamon buns sitting on a counter
For more information on ACTIVE or WAVES, please contact Community Support Program Director Veerle Pottie at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
It may only be January, but STRIVE Studios is already buzzing with creativity! From ceramic seals to a larger-than-life papier-mâché burger, artists have been diving into a wide range of exciting projects. We also had the opportunity to collaborate with Tara from the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, where we explored patterns and color and brought those ideas to life in our own work. Our Mixed Media class in the Tuesday Studio Series has also been hard at work creating collages, assemblages, and sculptures. We can’t wait to carry this creative momentum throughout the year!
ID: participant glazing ceramic work
ID: participant holding the early stages of a papier-mache burger
ID: five sets of coloring prints laying on a table
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 STRIVE Studios Coordinator Liam Rademacher at lrademacher@pslstrive.org.
Our current Wednesday Night Educational Series on healthy relationships is continuing to run through the end of February! In this series, students are learning all about different kinds of relationships, boundaries, consent, the human body, resources available to them, and more. This series is being taught by STRIVE staff and guest teachers from Planned Parenthood. Learn more hereand stay tuned for our information on our upcoming series with Disability Rights Maine!
ID: pink background with program information at the center, bottom, and middle right sides. A drawing of a boy playing guitar for a girl is the in the bottom left.
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.
Camp STRIVE’s February break camp is right around the corner, and we can’t wait for a fun and active week together! Our school vacation camps are always packed with creative projects, local adventures, hands-on activities, and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends, and February will be no exception!
Throughout the week, campers can look forward to arts and crafts, seasonal outdoor fun (weather permitting!), group games, community outings, and lots of exciting surprises. Whether we’re exploring around town or enjoying activities in the program space, there’s always something fun to do at Camp STRIVE.
Spots fill quickly, so be sure to register online now to reserve your place. We’re excited for another great vacation week and hope to see you there!
ID: Camp STRIVE February schedule information is in four dark pink rectangles in the center (one for each day of camp), text above and below on a light pink background
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
February Tweens will be full of energy, creativity, and fun—this month’s sessions will be led by University of New England’s Occupational Therapy students! Each Friday will bring something new as our student leaders plan a variety of engaging activities, games, and projects for the group.
We’ll be sharing weekly updates on what’s coming up, so stay tuned and check our websiteto see each week’s theme and activities. We’re excited to welcome the UNE students to the program and can’t wait for another great month of Tweens!
ID: white background with various shades of red and pink hearts around the edges, Tweens information in the center over a light pink text box
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.
January was a fantastic start to the new year at STRIVE Night. One particularly special highlight was the Winter Wonderland Ball, a night full of magical moments, fun photos, laughter, and some of the greatest moves our dance floor has seen yet!
We’re keeping that momentum going into February! This month, Friday nights will continue to be a great place to unwind, spend time with friends, and take part in fun activities designed to bring our community together. From games and creative projects to seasonal celebrations and social time, there’s always something to look forward to. Whether you're a regular attendee or joining us for the first time, STRIVE Night is the perfect way to kick off the weekend.
We’re excited for another month of connection, laughter, and Friday night fun—hope to see you there!
ID: white background with various shades of vibrant pink hearts around the edges, STRIVE Night information in the center over a light pink text box
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.
January’s STRIVE 25 gathering was a wonderful way to begin the year, and we’re looking forward to keeping that spirit going into February. Our next STRIVE 25 event will take place onThursday, February 5, and we hope you’ll join us for an evening of delicious food, great company, and Valentines-themed activities. We’ll also be holding our annual STRIVE 25 advisory board elections! If you’re interested or have questions, please contact Liv at opardi@pslstrive.org.
We’re truly so grateful for this community and always look forward to welcoming familiar faces and new participants alike. So, mark your calendars—we can’t wait to spend another warm and welcoming evening with you!
ID: February program information in the center over on a light link, vertically oriented rectangle. The light pink rectangle is over a background with light pink and purple watercolor-like hearts
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, February 3 from 3:00–4:30 p.m. We can't wait to see you there!
ID: light background with a coffee cup with a face, legs and arms in the center. The PSL / STRIVE logo is in the top left and program info is 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 3:00–4:30 p.m. For more information on STRIVE Senior Social, contact Abby at abohlen@pslstrive.org.
ID: Checking for Charity logo. There are two black hockey sticks crossed in the back and South Portland Fire Fighters logo in the center.
We're excited to share that STRIVE is the beneficiary for the South Portland Professional Fire Fighters Local 1476 Checking for Charity event this year!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 29 at the Troubh Ice Arena and check out the Checking for Charitywebsitefor more details.
We're so grateful to partner with the South Portland Professional Fire Fighters and can't wait to share this exciting event with our community! More information coming soon.
3 Points for STRIVE
ID: basketball swishing through a net in the top left. In the center are logos for STRIVE, Maine Celtics, and Hammond Lumber
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. Thank you to Hammond Lumber and the Maine Celtics for supporting STRIVE again this winter!
Make your own pledge today by visiting our website!
STRIVE for 5: Foden Road 5K
It's not too early to start thinking about summer races, and registration is now open for the STRIVE for 5 Foden Road 5k! This year's event will take place Sunday, July 12 at 8:30 a.m. The race will be held at the South Portland Foden Road location, but there's a virtual race option as well!
The registration fee is $25 on or before April 12, so sign up today! For more information and registration, visit our event website visit our event website now!
ID: STRIVE for 5 logo. The are four people running and the PSL / STRIVE motto over the outline of the state of Maine.
STRIVE Shout Outs
Thank you to our January Donors!
Samantha Leavitt
Barry Dunlap - In Honor of Caleb Dunlap
Anne Button - In Honor of Bennett Agnew
Roberta O'Brion
Matt Thayer
Shari Chaney
France Keil - In Honor of Melissa Cusano
... and thank you to everyone who has donated in support of our STRIVE Rocks attendees!
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: selfie of Cat. She is in front of a lake, smiling at the camera
Meet Cat! Cat works in our Community Supports program and in our Tuesday Studio Series and Wednesday Night Education classes. Cat's favorite thing about STRIVE is "spending time with such wonderful people and get to help make them happy." Thanks, Cat, we're grateful to have you on the team!
Member Spotlight
Meet Ralph! Ralph attends our Community Supports WAVES program! Ralph's favorite thing about STRIVE is "everything!" Thanks, Ralph!
ID: photo of Ralph standing under superhero themed STRIVE letters
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy birthday to our STRIVE Members with birthdays in February!
ID: Colorful happy birthday candles on a chocolate cake
Kevin Banks
Justin Browne
Nick Hubel
Zachary Krohn
Jessica Luciano
Nick Cusano
Arianna Bulger
Caleb Hanmer
Chris Allegri
Zachary O'Brion
Brandon Pierce
Harrison Snyder
Emma Campbell
Abe Gilmore
Jon Keeley
Jason Gilikin
Lydia Lapado
Isla Meyers
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 ($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!
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 noon. Contact Alex 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
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
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 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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