ID: red and black background with the checking for charity logo on the bottom
STRIVE has been selected to be the beneficiary of this year's Checking for Charity, an annual hockey event hosted by the South Portland Fire Department.
This year's event is taking place Sunday, March 29 at Troubh Ice Arena in Portland. During the event there will be 2 games- a Red Riot Challenge (South Portland High School Alumni game) and the Firefighter Classic, as well as a South Portland Middle School Skills Exhibition. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and online auction. You can also see more at https://www.cfcmaine.org/.
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!
ID: blue background with the image on a hockey player. The STRIVE logos and Checking for Charity logos are along the bottom and information about the Open Skate is in the center.
Leading up to Checking for Charity, the STRIVE community is invited to an open skate hosted by the South Portland Fire Department. The open skate will take place on Monday, March 2 from 2:50pm-3:50pm at Troubh Ice Arena (225 Park Ave, Portland). The event is free of charge, with free skate rentals!
ID: firefighters and STRIVE participants posing in front of a fire truck
AT STRIVE, our partnerships mean so much to us, and we’re grateful for every chance to get to work alongside people who are making a difference in the community. We're looking forward to this exciting event, and hope to see you out on the ice!
PROGRAMS
STRIVE U
STRIVE U Residents Work Hard and Have Fun in the Community
At STRIVE U, our residents are busy completing goals, working their jobs, and keeping up with their classes at SMCC. Even with full schedules, they continue to make time to be out in the community and try new things together.
This month, several residents visited Portland Community Squash to learn and play the game of squash. For many, it was their first time on the court. They practiced the basics, learned how fast-paced the sport can be, and had a great workout while building teamwork and confidence.
We also had a special experience at Merrill Auditorium. One resident, who has a strong interest in all things transportation, attended The Portland Symphony Orchestra presents "All Aboard the Orchestra". The performance featured transportation themed music, which made the night especially meaningful. It was a great opportunity for him to enjoy live orchestral music while connecting it to something he already loves.
Another outing included a visit to Novel Cafe, where residents warmed up with drinks and enjoyed a relaxing time together. It was a simple but meaningful chance to build social skills, engage in the community, and connect with peers.
These activities show how our residents balance hard work with fun and exploration. They are growing their independence at home, in the classroom, and on the job, while also taking time to experience the community around them.
ID: two STRIVE U residents holding squash racquets and balls
ID: two STRIVE U residents holding squash racquets and balls
ID: resident sitting in an auditorium
ID: resident sitting on a window ledge near board games
ID: two residents in front of a bookshelf
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 have been engaged in a variety of activities this month. All-day students continue to learn how to budget and meal plan for their lunches at TOPS. They have been working on their efficiency and independency with this task and have greatly improved since the beginning of the year!
Students have been working on creating their own individual slideshows and presentations based on their interests. They have worked hard on including details, pictures, and important information, as well as learning valuable presentation skills, such as making good eye contact with their audience, using a clear and appropriate volume when presenting, and answering questions that their peers may ask. This month, students continue to work on cooking at TOPS. Students learned how to make fried eggs, scrambled eggs, deviled eggs and breakfast pizza with eggs. While learning how to cook, students are also trying new foods and practicing more efficient cleaning and dishwashing strategies.
Additionally, students continue to explore the community through scavenger hunts, such as one to Books-A-Million, and metro trips, making their way to new locations, such as Monument Square in Portland. Lastly, this month students learned more about hygiene, watching videos and presentations, learning about various hygiene products through hands-on workshops, and participated in self-guided online studies. Also, students enjoyed another visit from Robben from MAMM, Maine Academy of Modern Music. Students learned to identify musical instruments, practiced various rhythms and beats, and played some new instruments, including harmonica and bongo drums. Many students enjoyed this music lesson, as they participated in some occasional dancing to the music.
ID: student meal planning
ID: student making eggs on a griddle
ID: students learning about hygiene
ID: TOPS student giving a presentation
ID: TOPS students at Monument Square
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 with April STRIVE WorldWIDE course schedule with days, times, and topics in the center and the SWW logo over an image of the globe
April term will be here before you know it! Join us online for five weeks, starting April 6, 2026. Learn more about STRIVE WorldWIDE on our website (PSL Services/STRIVE| STRIVE WorldWIDE)and use the resources below!
Interested in STRIVE WorldWIDE? Hear what our students have to say!
ID: STRIVE WorldWIDE student on the right, quote and website information on the left
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.
February at Bayside has been all about fresh air, winter adventures, and finding joy in the little moments!
❄️ Winter Fun at Pineland Farms
When the temperature crept above zero, we bundled up and headed to Pineland Farms for some much‑needed outdoor time. Sledding was the big hit — lots of laughs, fast runs, and rosy cheeks all around. It was the perfect way to shake off cabin fever and enjoy Maine’s winter beauty.
🏈 Superbowl Spirits (and Snacks!)
Even though the Superbowl didn’t go our way this year, our group didn’t let that dampen the fun. Instead, we rallied team spirit in the tastiest way possible — with a cozy spread of homemade chili and nachos. Good food + good company = a win every time.
🛫 Exploring the Portland Jetport
Our community adventure this month took us to the Portland airport, where we discovered some fascinating displays featuring local wildlife. It was a fun opportunity to learn about the animals that call Maine home — and to watch the excitement of travelers coming and going. The participants also had an opportunity to discussed about some of the different jobs people have at the Portland Jet Port, and how each of those jobs are very important in making sure people get to the places they are wanting to travel to.
ID: participant standing with a sled in the snow
ID: participants making nachos
ID: participant standing in front of a life-sized moose
ID: participants and staff standing around a kitchen island making nachos
For more information on Bayside, please contact Community Support Program Director Veerle Pottie at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
ACTIVE: February has been a busy and exciting month for ACTIVE! We’ve kept our bodies in motion with different sports and activites, inlcuding ice skating, basketball, and yoga. Aktion Club hosted a successful Valentine's Day bake sale, and we were happy to give back to our community by volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. Along the way, we also enjoyed spending time out and about, exploring some of our favorite spots in the community. Even during these chilly winter months, we’re finding plenty of ways to stay connected and have fun together.
WAVES:
The cold weather hasn’t slowed us down one bit this February! WAVES has enjoyed getting out into the community by perusing books at our local libraries, visiting some furry friends at the Animal Refuge League, and hitting up our other favorite spots around town. To stay active, we’ve filled our days with dance sessions, bowling outings, and swimming at the community center. As much fun as we’re having, we’re also looking forward to the warmer days and new adventures that spring will bring.
ID: ACTIVE participants doing yoga
ID: participants at the Aktion Club Valentine's Day bake sale
ID: two WAVES participants at the Animal Refugee League, smiling at the camera
For more information on ACTIVE or WAVES, please contact Community Support Program Director Veerle Pottie at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
STRIVE Studios has had an art-filled February! Our photography groups have embraced the winter season by staging creative indoor photoshoots, setting up still life arrangements with found objects and using digital cameras and editing software to bring their final images to life. In the ceramics studio, artists have been hard at work on the pottery wheels, practicing shaping bowls, planters, and other vessels. With pieces now heading into the kiln and the glazing process up next, we’re excited to see these projects come together and reveal their finished forms.
ID: participants' ceramic work
ID: participant taking a photo of their art
ID: participant artwork
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.
Our next series, Intro to Drawing, begins March 10 and runs through April 28. In this 8-week series, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of drawing through an exploration of various materials and techniques. The cost for this 8-week series is $60. Spots are first come first served, so register today!
ID: black and white abstract patterns around the outside with program information in the center.
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 new Wednesday Night Educational Series on civil rights will run through the end of March! In this series, students are learning what civil rights are, why disability isn't a bad word, how to advocate for themselves, and about employment supports available to them. This series is being taught by STRIVE staff and guest teachers from Disability Rights Maine. Learn more hereand stay tuned for our information on our upcoming series.
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 was a blast! We went bowling at Westport, got creative with Valentine's Day crafts and friendship bracelets, decorated cookies, made slime, and went sledding at Payson Park. We also put together community care kits, enjoyed one of our favorite movies, played board games together, and wrapped up with a trip to see the chocolate moose!
Our school vacation camps are always packed with creative projects, local adventures, hands-on activities, and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends. Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming April break camp.
ID: campers wearing silly glasses and posing together
ID: camper smiling in their winter gear, sitting in a sled
ID: camper smiling as they sled down the hill at Payson Park
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
Tweens is set for another month of hands‑on activities and fresh ideas in March! The University of New England’s Occupational Therapy students will continue leading each Friday session, bringing new projects, group challenges, and interactive experiences to the program. 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 back to the program and can’t wait for another fun month of Tweens!
ID: white background with various shades of green clovers around the edges, Tweens information in the center over a light green 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.
February brought plenty of excitement to STRIVE Night, especially with our Valentine’s Day dance! It was a great evening filled with music, friends, stunning looks, and tons of festive fun.
As we head into March, Friday nights will continue to offer a welcoming place to relax and connect. This month, we’ll be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a special carnival! Whether you want to participate or cheer on your friends, it’s a great opportunity for everyone to connect.
Here's to another month of community, good times, and Friday night traditions. Hope to see you there!
ID: white background with various shades of green clovers, hearts, and top hats around the edges, STRIVE Night information in the center over a light green 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.
February’s STRIVE 25 gathering was a wonderful way to stay connected, and we’re excited to carry that energy into March. Our next STRIVE 25 event will be held on Thursday, March 5, and we hope you can join us for an evening of delicious food, great conversations, and fun activities. This month, we’ll also be hosting a talent show, giving participants a chance to share their skills and cheer on their friends!
We’re incredibly grateful for this community and love welcoming both returning members and first‑time participants. Mark your calendars—we can’t wait to spend another evening with you!
ID: March program information in the center over on a light green, vertically oriented rectangle. The light green rectangle is over a background with light green and dark green watercolor-like clovers
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, March 3 from 3:00–4:30 p.m. We can't wait to see you there!
ID: light background with a coffee cup illustration at the bottom left. The PSL / STRIVE logo is in the top left and program info is in the center. Floral design on the top right corner.
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: STRIVE Rocks attendees on a dance floor with the 2024 logo in the background
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.
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!
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 fireworks in the top corners. The STRIVE Rocks logo is in the bottom center and theme hour information is in the center.
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.
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 February Donors!
Samantha Leavitt
Fred and Pat Fowler - In Memory of Vincent Paul Ott
Barry Dunlap - In Honor of Caleb Dunlap
Glenn and Doris Meehan - In Honor of Graduates of Westbrook High School
Harry and Anne Pringle
Allan McHale
Anne Button - In Honor of Bennett Agnew
Fred Bopp
Shari Chaney
Roberta O'Brion
... 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 Erica. She is smiling at the camera
Meet Erica! Erica works in many of our programs, including Home Supports, Community Supports, and Wednesday Night Education!
"What I love about PSL Services/STRIVE is participating in an environment that nurtures autonomy and motivates a "can-do" attitude. Witnessing participants make gains in their self-esteem and/or express self-empowerment is amongst my favorite moments. Plus, we have lots of fun!"
Thank you for everything you do, Erica!
Member Spotlight
Meet Scotty! Scotty participates in STRIVE Night and several of our Wednesday Night Educational Series, and he has been a STRIVE Rocks attendee in the past.
When asked what he likes most about STRIVE, Scotty shared that everyone there is really respectful and welcoming and kind. Another thing Scotty likes about STRIVE is that there is a lot of opportunities to meet new people and make new connections!
We're so glad you're part of the STRIVE community, Scotty!
ID: photo of Scotty standing in the woods, smiling
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy birthday to our STRIVE Members with birthdays in March!
ID: Colorful happy birthday candles on a chocolate cake
Eddie Wickwire
Carley Chapman
Austin Pietras
Methos Barna
Kaley Young
Calvin Mahoney
Nicholas Smith
Jayden Nichols
Bridget Kusturin
Charles (Whit) Jackson
Jack Parker
Crystal Miller
Marie Christie
Dylan Perreault
Scott Pottle
Kristen Grant
Amanda Groder
Sean Caulfield
Alex Wilson
Dylan Raymond
Jordan Netzer
Mary-Elizabeth Jean
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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